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For a John Deere 245G LC excavator, hitting around 1800 RPM at full throttle is pretty normal. These newer machines usually top out around 1800-1900 RPM, not as high as the older ones. Before you stress about it, I'd check a few simple things: Power Mode: Make sure you're in P (Power) mode...

If you're choosing between a heavy equipment operator and a construction estimator, it really comes down to your long-term goals. Heavy Equipment Operator: Best for those who enjoy hands-on work, being outdoors, and earning quickly. High demand, solid pay, but physically demanding with slower...

I've been checking out listings on IronPlanet and trying to figure out the best machines to start with for a small construction business. From what I see, a lot of people suggest starting with: Mini excavator Skid steer Backhoe loader But I'm not sure what actually makes the most sense in...

Thank you for the response!

I've got a Caterpillar 315L excavator that sat for years before I got it. I went through it pretty hard, rebuilt cylinders, got it running decently, then had tracking issues. Ended up rebuilding the swivel joint, and that actually fixed the tracking problem. The machine now tracks strongly and...

IronPlanet makes it pretty easy for sellers. From what I've seen, they basically handle most of the heavy lifting for you.

If your current wedges are still intact, I’d honestly bring one to a local machine shop and have them duplicate it. Probably the fastest and least frustrating route.

Hey everyone, I'm looking into using SmartEquip to help manage our parts ordering, and I'm curious about how it's working for others. For those of you running a mixed fleet (Cat, Deere, Kobelco, etc.), how frequently is your team actually using it? Does it really save time on the shop floor, or...

Hey everyone, I just replaced the CPU controller on my 2006 Kobelco SK135SRLC-1E. I've finished the minor adjustments, but I'm stuck on the "A-adjustment" for the stepping motor and fuel pump. Does anyone have the step-by-step instructions or the button sequence on the monitor to get this...

Honestly, the biggest reliability tip is just consistent daily checks and preventive maintenance, like fluid levels, grease points, tire condition, and catching small issues before they turn into major repairs.

Best way to tell how current a machine is usually comes down to model number, cab design, and year, not just the series label 👍

On the CAT 305E, you can usually switch the control pattern right through the monitor, and no need to swap hoses if the electronic pattern change is enabled.

Hey everyone, I’m working on a Volvo EC460 excavator that seems to have a hydraulic leak coming from between sections of the main control valve block. From what I can see, it looks like the fix might involve removing a lot of hydraulic lines, pulling the valve body out of the machine, and...

Hey guys, I’ve been looking into different heavy equipment transport options lately and keep coming across Veritread. I’m planning to move either an excavator or a mid-size dozer for an upcoming job, and I’m trying to understand how reliable these heavy haul services really are. For those...

Yeah, I’ve been there. If it’s not something you’ll use regularly, renting usually makes more sense at first, no maintenance, storage, or tying up cash. But if you start needing it on multiple jobs or keeping it longer than planned, those rental bills add up fast. What helped me decide was...

Having a steering issue on a CAT D5C where it won’t steer left and only steers right with heavy brake application could point to low pressure from the steering valve circuit, internal leakage, or worn clutch components. Before pulling the steering valves apart, it’s worth checking charge...

Start with a real gauge reading before chasing parts. Saved us a lot of guesswork.

Seen this before, and it turned out to be weak charge pump pressure and some internal leakage in the shuttle clutch pack. Everything looked fine externally, but pressure dropped under load. Might be worth doing a full pressure + flow test.

Sounds like you're losing pressure at low RPM. It could be internal leakage, worn piston seals, or even pump wear. I'd also check the pressure relief valve and suction side for restrictions.

Hey everyone, I'm about to work on a steering issue and I may need to remove the priority valve from the steering system, but I want to make sure I'm doing it the right way before I start pulling things apart. From what I understand, the priority valve is there to make sure the steering always...