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Are you buying used more often because of price hikes?

I’d be more interested in hearing from people who’ve actually towed with it long-term, especially how the transmission holds up with the tune.

I haven’t used them recently, but I’d be curious to hear how they’re handling rates and turnaround times these days. I hope anyone here has a recent experience.

Poor maintenance records are a dealbreaker.

I’ve had similar experiences where I slow down in bad weather and check the straps again during the haul, especially after hitting rough or windy stretches.

I’d avoid trying to bypass the transmission without checking the manual first

start by checking the joystick switch/sensor and hydraulic pressure when it hits full travel, Have you found a simple fix?

Also, check how smoothly it operates under load, a quick test drive can reveal issues you might not spot just by looking at it.

I had a skid steer get stuck in what looked like solid ground after a rainy week, and what I thought would be a quick pull turned into a couple hours of digging and repositioning, which definitely made me think twice about checking the ground first.

What are your go-to methods for preventing heavy equipment from getting damaged during transportation? Do you focus more on proper tie-downs and blocking, or are there other things you always check before the machine leaves the jobsite? I’d be interested to hear what loading and hauling...

A weak fuel pump could definitely cause that, but try to check the fuel filter and lines for a restriction before replacing the pump.

Accurate

Honestly, there isn’t really a magic hour number where a machine suddenly becomes “too old.” 😄 A well-maintained 10,000-hour machine can be a better buy than a neglected 5,000-hour one. I’d look at service records, undercarriage/tires, hydraulics, major component history, and how hard the...

Great tip! Checking those restrictions ahead of time can save a lot of headaches and unexpected delays on the road.

My dad has always preferred Altec for utility work. He says parts are easier to find and the trucks have been reliable over the years. As long as the boom is well maintained, they tend to stay dependable for a long time

I think operator comfort has played a part too. The newer compact track loaders have better visibility, smoother controls, and more comfortable cabs than older models. When a machine is easier to run all day and can switch between multiple attachments quickly, it's no surprise more contractors...

Hi everyone, When buying heavy equipment, do you prefer letting the dealer handle shipping or finding your own carrier to save money? I'd love to hear which option has worked best for you and any lessons learned along the way.

Which probe are you looking for exactly?

Hydraulic failures are bad, but major engine issues have caused the longest delays. I've had machines sit for weeks waiting on parts or diagnostics, and when your primary excavator is down, the whole jobsite schedule can start slipping pretty quickly.

I think trade skills will always be the foundation, but learning things like BIM, drones, and equipment telematics definitely gives contractors an edge. Even understanding project management software can make a big difference on today's jobsites.