Recent content by Richard Thompson

Agreed. Checking the smoke color first can save a lot of time chasing the wrong issue. I'd also check for any active fault codes, since they can sometimes point you straight to the problem.

Hi, what's the loudest machine you've ever operated or worked around? Was it a massive dozer, rock crusher, excavator, or something completely unexpected? Even with hearing protection, some machines seem loud enough to shake your whole body! Which machine wins the title for the most noise in...

been there, grease the adjuster to slack the track, use the bucket to gently walk it back on the idler, then re-tension and double-check alignment before moving.

If it's got a quick couplre, keep the bucket flat, relieve pressure, unlock the coupler, and double-check it's fully seated when you hook the new one-never hurts to give it a quick shake test before digging.

I'd say go BIM if you're handling complex builds with multiple trades-otherwise CAD still works fine for simpler projects.

Appreciate all the feedback, guys! Sounds like bad grounds and corroded wiring are the repeat offenders here-definitely going to start there. Might even add a regular brake check to my monthly maintenance list just to stay ahead of it. Thanks again

that actually clears it up a lot.. I always thought it was just shop slang or a local nickname. Makes sense that the military roots played a part. Funny how some terms stick around long after the original reference fades

agree with everyone

I’ve been curious about this too... especially whether short-term vs long-term leases change what you can write off

Hey folks, I’m looking to upgrade my service truck and want to hear what tool storage systems you all swear by. What brands or setups have held up best for keeping tools secure and organized on busy jobs? Any must-have features or custom add-ons you’d recommend?

OSHA refreshers really shine a light on how easily things can go sideways the fact is, over 60% of construction fatalities come from just four hazards: falls, struck-by objects, electrocution, and caught-in/between incidents. Most of these “crazy stories” we laugh about are actually textbook...

Great question, I’ve actually been curious about this too! I’ve seen a couple guys running small solar setups, but I’m wondering how they hold up after long days and heavy dumps. Do they really keep the battery topped off reliably, or do you still end up charging manually now and then? Would...

Definitely been down that road, and transmissions can be tricky! I always start with fluid checks too, but yeah, those little signs like delayed shifts or strange noises can say a lot. Never tried thermal imaging myself, but that sounds like a smart move for spotting early trouble before it...

I get the hype around electric gear, it's quiet, low maintenance, and great for urban or indoor work, but I still think we’ve got a ways to go before it’s ready for full-time, heavy-duty use. On big outdoor sites, especially remote ones, diesel still wins for sheer uptime and fueling...

Totally feeling this too, our team’s had to adjust bids more often and we’ve started locking in prices as early as possible. It’s definitely made planning a bit more unpredictable, but getting ahead of it helps keep things from stalling out.