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  1. Jake johnson

    Are Temporary Construction Jobs Worth It for Long-Term Careers?

    Hey everyone, I’ve been thinking about taking on some temporary construction gigs but wondering how they stack up for long-term career growth. Are temp roles a good way to get your foot in the door or just short-term hustle with no future? Have any of you built solid careers starting from...
  2. Jake johnson

    Smart Construction Methods for Tight Urban Spaces?

    We’ve used prefab panels and tight delivery windows too, with huge help in cramped spaces. Also, rotating crews during off-peak hours keeps things smooth.
  3. Jake johnson

    Stihl 009 - What Was Their Strategy?

    Always thought the 009 was kind of a sleeper, it built like a tank and surprisingly capable for what it is. Stihl definitely overbuilt it for backyard use!
  4. Jake johnson

    Leasing vs. buying heavy equipment. Which makes more sense in 2025?

    Leasing’s been working for me lately it helps manage cash flow and keep newer machines in rotation, but I’m keeping an eye on used buys too if the right deal pops up.
  5. Jake johnson

    Off-Highway Trucks vs. On-Road Dump Trucks: What's the Real Difference?

    Hey everyone, I’ve been comparing off-highway trucks and on-road dump trucks, and I’m curious about what are the real differences in performance, cost, and ideal use cases? Are off-highway trucks really that much better for construction or mining jobs, or does it just come down to size and...
  6. Jake johnson

    Is a Skip Loader Worth It for Small Construction Sites?

    Definitely worth it if you’re doing a lot of light grading or material moving. Skip loaders are compact but super capable for tight sites, and way more efficient than doing it all by hand or with bigger, clunkier gear.
  7. Jake johnson

    What are the pros and cons of metal stud framing vs. wood?

    Totally, metal studs shine for commercial jobs thanks to their durability and resistance to rot and pests, but wood still wins in cost, ease of cutting, and thermal performance for most residential builds.
  8. Jake johnson

    Pricing a stump grinding job and collaborating with tree companies.

    You’re on the right track. Charging by the inch is clean and easy to explain, and most tree companies I’ve worked with either refer directly or fold your cost into their quote, just depends on the relationship.
  9. Jake johnson

    Log Splitter Losing Power

    Hi, cold temps can definitely thicken the oil and mess with performance. Besides switching to winter-grade hydraulic fluid, have you tried keeping the log splitter in a warmer area before use? It might help prevent that jerky movement and reduce the aeration issues.
  10. Jake johnson

    What Heavy-Duty Degreaser Do You Use?

    Another great option is using a mixture of baking soda and water for a more natural, eco-friendly cleaner. It’s gentle on equipment, but still effective for breaking down grease and grime!
  11. Jake johnson

    Preventative Maintenance Schedules: How to Create an Effective Plan for Construction Equipment?

    I’ve found that setting up a regular checklist for daily, weekly, and monthly checks helps a ton with things like grease points, fluid levels, and tire pressures are easy to overlook but can make a big difference. Also, Fleetio’s been a lifesaver for keeping track of everything automatically!
  12. Jake johnson

    Troubleshooting transmission issues in construction equipment?

    For sure, fluid health is the first thing I check too. A slipping trans or delayed engagement can also be signs of worn clutch packs or faulty pressure sensors. If it’s electronic, don’t sleep on running diagnostics—those codes can point you right to the issue before you even pop the panel open.
  13. Jake johnson

    How are cranes built?

    Watched a tower crane takedown once, and it was just as impressive as the setup! They had to carefully dismantle it piece by piece using a smaller mobile crane for its super precise work. Definitely not something you’d want to rush! @Mr. Bruce Elliot, you’re right, disassembly seems just as...
  14. Jake johnson

    How Much Do Forklifts Cost?

    Just picked up my first forklift, a used propane model for around $12K. Was debating between electric and propane, but since I’ll be using it both indoors and outdoors, propane felt like the better option. So far, it’s been a solid buy! @Rodney Martin, are you leaning toward new or used?
  15. Jake johnson

    Best Dump Trailers for Heavy Loads: Which Ones Hold Up?

    Been running a B-Wise gooseneck for a while now, and it’s been a beast with strong hydraulics, great load capacity, and holds up well even with constant heavy use. Sure-Trac is another solid choice. If you're hauling heavy loads regularly, I’d definitely go gooseneck for better weight...
  16. Jake johnson

    What are rubber scrapers used for?

    Been using rubber scrapers for years in heavy equipment maintenance, it's definitely a lifesaver for clearing off caked-on debris without scratching surfaces. In my experience, the polyurethane-coated ones last way longer, especially in mining or construction where standard rubber wears out...
  17. Jake johnson

    How to evaluate used excavators?

    Good question! Besides hours and maintenance records, check for leaks, excessive pin/bushing wear, and how smoothly the hydraulics operate. Also, watch for signs of welding or patchwork on the boom and undercarriage wear, those can hint at heavy past use. Are you looking at a specific brand or...
  18. Jake johnson

    Best methods for tightening straps and chains on a log trailer?

    I’m with you on the crisscross pattern it keeps everything locked in tight. I usually go with ratchet binders for better control, but lever binders are quicker if you’re in a rush. And yeah, frozen straps are the worst! Never tried a torch, but I’d be worried about weakening the webbing. Anyone...
  19. Jake johnson

    How Much Do Excavators Cost?

    Yeah, prices vary a ton! If you're just doing light work, a used mini excavator might be the way to go, but if you need something heavy-duty, be ready to spend big. Auctions and rental yard sales can be great for deals too. What size are you thinking?
  20. Jake johnson

    Who Manufactured Bobcat’s First Excavators?

    Good question! If I remember right, Bobcat’s early excavators were actually built through a partnership with a company called X-Change (or maybe another brand). They didn’t start making them fully in-house until later. Curious to see if anyone has more details on the first models!
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