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Totally agree with what everyone’s saying that training, communication, and tech all matter, but what really ties it all together is a strong safety culture. I've seen sites with all the right tools still have close calls because folks were rushing or skipping protocols. At the end of the day...

Hey @bnvr, those numbers actually look decent. Iron at 13.61 PPM is typical for normal wear, and the low silicon (4.43 PPM) suggests the air filtration is doing its job. No glycol, water, or excessive fuel is a good sign, those would be big red flags for contamination or internal issues. Lead...

Hey Daniel, I’ve also had success with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. They have a strong reputation for attracting serious buyers, especially for larger equipment. It’s a bit more formal, but their auction model really helps get competitive prices. Definitely worth considering!

Hey Hugh, I usually go with the 100-hour rule for regular use, but I’ve found it’s also a good idea to check oil levels and filters every few months, even if you’re not hitting that mark. It can make a big difference in performance, especially during heavy use!

Hey Mike, I do a similar thing with regular inspections of the hoses and gaskets, especially after hauling different materials. I’ve found that making sure the tank is fully rinsed out after each use helps prevent cross-contamination, especially if you’re hauling different types of liquids...

Hey DirtMover, Great questions! Dump trucks definitely come in a wide range of sizes depending on the job. For standard dump trucks, you're looking at around 10-15 tons of capacity, mid-size can handle 20-30 tons, and heavy-duty trucks like those for mining can go well over 100 tons! As for...

I’ve worked with Altec and Terex too, and they’ve been solid for most of the work we do. Stability and reach height are definitely critical, but smooth, responsive controls make a huge difference in getting precise work done, especially in tight spots. I’m with you on diesel for power, but I’ve...

If you’re talking about tongue scrapers for cleaning buildup on heavy equipment, they definitely help, especially for keeping things running smoothly and preventing wear. Kind of like how a tongue scraper for your mouth gets rid of gunk—same concept, just way less gross! If you’re dealing with a...

Haha, I’ve heard that one too! While an excavator isn’t going to just spin itself loose and roll away, excessive counterclockwise rotations could technically cause some wear on the swing bearing over time. But manufacturers design them to handle it, so unless something is seriously wrong (like...

Excavators have been around in some form since the 1800s, but the first real hydraulic excavator showed up in the 1950s. Before that, people just used steam shovels—which were basically giant metal dinosaurs scooping up dirt. Crazy how far we’ve come! Are you looking into excavator history for...

With all the talk about AI, automation, and green tech, I’m curious how these advancements are affecting the construction world in 2025. Are companies adopting these technologies quickly, or is the industry more hesitant? How do you think these changes will shape future projects?

It depends on the job for me. If I'm dealing with soft ground, the tracks are a no-brainer. Otherwise, I'll lean toward a skid steer when I need to maneuver in tighter spaces or keep costs down.

Yeah, prices are crazy right now! Used can be a solid option if you find one with a good maintenance history. Auctions or private sellers might save you some cash but definitely inspect it thoroughly before buying.

@Butch232 IHI excavators were originally manufactured by IHI Corporation, a Japanese company known for its construction and industrial equipment. However, their construction machinery division, including the excavators, was acquired by KATO Works. So now, KATO is the company behind IHI-branded...