Every compact track has a rubber track, which is included for a particular use. You can only get the best out of this track if you choose the proper tread. Depending on the type of job, you may need minimal ground disturbance or simple traction. So, how do you know when to choose either?

We have put this detailed track selection guide to make the right choice always.

Why is maintenance important?

There are different angles to equipment maintenance. In the case of compact track loaders, maintenance includes keeping your tracks in excellent condition. The individual components of your machines are likely to last longer if you ensure adequate overall care. Running your equipment efficiently, ensuring it is clean, and sticking to the guidelines in the Operations and Maintenance Manual (OMM) can help you get more years out of your tracks. Most manufacturers include the OMM in the pouch behind the machine’s seat, where you find important details on servicing and maintaining your equipment.

Experts recommend starting your workday with machine walk-arounds. Most compact track loaders usually have a unique service chart that guides your scheduled service intervals and maintenance points. Cleaning and greasing the undercarriage of your compact track loader are essential aspects of maintenance. Doing it daily helps to maximise component life. You should also inspect the machine for any damage or wear and tear. The track extension is another part to pay attention to—your OMM will provide specific instructions on how to proceed.

How frequent should maintenance be?

As mentioned earlier, proper maintenance will help you get the longest possible lifespan out of your compact track loader or steer loader. The maintenance steps differ across manufacturers, and sticking to these steps is vital to keep your machine performing optimally. In most cases, the frequency of maintenance depends on a few factors, including the operator, form of application, soil conditions, condition of the undercarriage parts, and climate. That is why we recommend paying close attention to the track tension—it is key to maximising the lifespan of the track’s undercarriage components.

Assess the track tension while the machine is on a levelled surface and supported such that the whole track is just two inches above the surface. If the tracks are too tight, it can lead to premature failure of the tracks, loss of power, and bearing failures. Similarly, too loose tracks put the machine at risk of derailing and damage from drive lugs misfeeding on the drive sprocket.

Remember that your OMM is your most reliable source of guidance on track adjustment and maintenance. It contains information specific to your machine model instead of generic instructions you find online.

How do you know when the tracks are due for replacement?

On average, a set of well-maintained rubber tracks are expected to deliver between 1,200 and 1,500 hours of use. However, the exact number may vary due to a few factors. Experts have classified the impacts on track life into four groups: application, operating techniques, underfoot conditions, and maintenance practices.
The track life of any compact track loader depends on the application because various job sites require different performance levels from the components.

Therefore, the extent of wear and tear differs with the type of materials.

Another determining factor is how the operators handle the machine. Moving constantly at high speed will most likely wear the machine faster. Quick turns and counter-rotations also cause more wear than simple and gentle turns. The wear rate is higher when spinning tracks, for instance, when pushing into a pile.
Regarding the underfoot conditions, the wear rate differs across the surface types the tracker is working on. For example, snow, rock, dirt, and grass all task the tracker differently. This is another reason maintenance is essential. Regular inspection and cleaning of your undercarriage and ensuring proper track tension will extend the lifespan of your rubber tracks.

Now to answer the question of when a replacement is due, the best time to replace your tracks is when the tread is no longer delivering at the level you expect. A drop in performance is an indication that you need new tracks. This may manifest in different ways, including poor traction, the inability of the track to hold tension, and more.

What are the available track options?

Are you shopping for new tracks for your machine? One advantage is that you have a few excellent options to choose from. You must examine them and find the best fit for your model and the intended applications.
Let’s start with these two considerations;

• Block vs Bar Tread
• General Duty vs Heavy Duty

Block vs Bar Tread

The block tread is known for its good quality and durability. It is excellent for a wide range of use, except for snow removal, where it does a below-par job. The bar tread, on the other hand, is the ideal all-season track. It comes in handy if you expect to use your track on different terrains, including snow. Its ground disturbance level is low and leaves behind a good finish always. With the bar tread, your operator will also get a smoother ride on asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces.

General Duty vs Heavy Duty

You may also have to choose between general-duty and heavy-duty tracks. What separates both are the pricing, expected service life, and hours of operation. The general-duty rubber tracks are more suitable for users who want to lower their costs of ownership and operations. Heavy-duty tracks come in wide or narrow track widths and block or bar tread patterns. Your choice between the wide or narrow track widths will depend on what you use the machine for.

For example, the wider track option is more suitable if your application requires a low ground pressure with improved floatation. Conversely, if your application requires the narrowest overall machine width, the narrow track operation will be ideal. Once you have decided what to go for, check in with your local dealer to confirm the availability of the CAT parts.

Alternatively, you can reach out to your manufacturer directly to confirm the availability of new tracks for your compact track loader. For instance, owners of CAT compact track loaders can check with their local CAT dealers to discuss their specific CAT parts needs depending on their applications and receive expert guidance on available options.

In Conclusion

Like other parts of your machine, adequate maintenance is the only way to get the best output and longest possible lifespan out of your compact track loader’s rubber track. In addition to the maintenance tips provided in this article, we recommend consulting your operations and maintenance manual for instructions specific to your track loader’s make and model.

Finally, your rubber tracks cannot serve forever, even with the best maintenance culture. When ready for a change, ensure you choose the correct replacement that suits your intended applications.

To date, Cat® has an incredible reputation for providing some of the very best equipment on the planet. This equipment has the reputation for being known as a workhorse. The facts about Cat are backed by longevity and unsurpassed performance. Caterpillar has been manufacturing and delivering its heavy-duty machines to construction sites as well as for long-term road work. Let’s look at some of the best benefits you will get from Cat equipment.

8 Good Reasons You Need Cat Equipment For Your Projects

Some of the best reasons you need Cat for your projects go far beyond their performance and dependability.

1 – Sturdy Construction

Caterpillar makes only the best parts to guarantee they will stand up to the harshest conditions. They use only the highest-quality materials to last for many hours under grueling labor.  What sets Caterpillar machines apart from their competition, their reputation for delivering exceptional quality and long-lasting durability for the most punishing construction jobs.

When properly cared for, you can expect thousands of working hours from your Cat equipment. Keeping up with regular maintenance and using preventive measures will allow your machinery to work for many years to come.

2 – Exceptional Market Value

Most heavy equipment will lose value over time due to wear and tear as well as continual usage. You can expect a significant decrease in value when you decide you want to sell it. However, Caterpillar machinery holds up to its value beyond other products on the market.

The market value for used Cat products seems to remain stable so if you purchased used equipment, the value should still remain steady. When followed by proper maintenance and care, your new or used Cat machine will be well worth it and last for a long time vs other brands. The Caterpillar brand will ensure you get what you paid for!

3 – The Latest Technology

Construction sites know technology has become a very important part of safety and for completing projects in a timely manner. There are so many resources that are now available to increase productivity and safety in construction and agricultural projects.

Caterpillar Includes Some Of The Latest Technology:

• Cat Command – Operators can now control the equipment from outside the machine. This incredible software can actually prevent injury when working in difficult conditions.
• Cat Detect – Workers can use this technology to stay on top of obstacles in their surroundings. You can keep an eye out for other workers and prevent harmful contact with the machine.
• Cat Payload – Operators and managers will know exactly what material will be loaded and when it will be loaded. They will know when it will be sent off and where it is heading. This program guarantees you will use your loaders and haulers to their fullest potential.

There is no end in sight, technology will keep improving and will  never stop moving forward. Safety and productivity will continually improve. Cat Technology is certainly enhancing the field of construction.

4 – From Years Of Experience

Caterpillar was founded over 100 years ago. The company immediately set the standard for tractors and construction equipment. Since then, company leaders have learned so much more about what works and what does not. Caterpillar has grown along with its customers and has gone out of its way to develop new products for hard workers who need to push the limits.

With their years in operation, they have been driven to innovation, needed changes, improved technology, and always looking to learn more every day. Caterpillar has partnerships with many industries and companies worldwide. They are constantly developing and refining their knowledge how construction equipment should work. The brand’s commitment is designing and building the world’s very best equipment which is evident in each one of its products.

5 – Reliable Rental Machines

Caterpillar dealers are great places for rental and used equipment. If you do not need equipment every day, you might want to rent machinery to finish your project without worrying about buying a new machine and going beyond your means. With many rental options, you can get high-quality equipment when you need it and then just return it when you don’t need it anymore or when your project is finished

Rental Options You Should Consider:

• Possibly you want to test out equipment on your job site.
• You only need a machine for a very short period of time.
• You do not want to store equipment for a long period of time or permanently.

Get Quality Replacement Parts

When you buy a Caterpillar machine, finding a replacement part could not be easier. Aftermarket parts suppliers stock their replacement parts so you can easily find and order these parts when you need them or Instead of depending on a supplier, you can go directly to the source for your Cat parts.

You do not have to waste time hunting down the right parts. There are many great benefits to using the aftermarket cat parts option including:

• Convenience You can place an order quickly for the parts you need and enjoy a user-friendly platform. You can store your information, view your past orders, and get order information all on the same website.
• Knowledge When you go to a aftermarket Cat parts supplier you will find so much more than just parts. You will find people with great information to help you learn about your equipment and all the parts that go with it.
• Support If you need help or have questions about the part you need, there will be someone you can contact at your local used Cat parts dealer for more information.

Large Selection Of Inventory

If you need a specific tool you can find it through one of the Caterpillar stores. They have models for everything from large construction jobs to landscaping or agriculture. Caterpillar is the industry leader and will be available to help you get the job done the right way.

Personalised Service

One of the best reasons to shop for your Cat heavy equipment is having access to the worldwide dealer network. If you have an aftermarket Cat parts dealer in your corner, you can easily get the help you need to find the perfect machinery for your purchase.

Even with reliable Cat equipment, heavy-duty machinery requires upkeep to ensure everything is operating correctly. You will find a team of experts at your local dealer to help you take care of your machine from the time you buy it. Whenever your equipment requires replacement parts or annual maintenance, you can count on the team at your local Cat dealer to give you the very best care.

Rock trucks are important pieces of equipment on construction sites. But are they suitable for all construction projects? Rock trucks are different because they can work on even the most challenging terrains. So, whether you are mining or running a quarry project or general construction works, they come in handy.

 

A rock truck or articulated dump truck (ADT) or articulating hauler or dump hauler refers to a machine used for construction projects involving uneven terrains. What distinguishes the rock truck is the chassis, the front cab, and the back dump – the two separate parts responsible for the sheer power of the trucks.

Components of a Rock Truck

The front cab is where you have the controls, and the back helps in hauling materials, transporting debris, and dumping. There is also rear and front suspension that helps to stabilize the load, ensuring smoother rides.

The front axels deliver the load stabilization by controlling the extent of sideways movement. It is a safety feature considering it prevents roll-over. It also prevents losing the load – a must-have feature for trucks running on different terrains. This true off-road dumping truck has an in-built stabilization and all-wheel drive.

Popular makers of rock trucks include John Deere, Terex, and Caterpillar.

Which Rock Truck Is Right For Your Project?

Rock trucks are specialized, but they fit into more construction projects than you think. You can have them on your projects when dealing with extreme or uneven terrains. They are also helpful on worksites involving height constraints, tight turns, steep slopes, or slippery floors. You can move large amounts of materials over long distances using a rock truck.

You want to avoid running a rock truck on residential roads due to their size. Instead, use them for massive projects where you need to move materials within site.

Below is a list of five various projects you can use a rock truck for;

1. Mining Projects

Mining projects almost always come with moving tons of dirt and mined materials from the mine to create a clear path. This is where rock trucks shine – they can move debris away from inside the mine.

The tight-space, uneven, rocky nature of mining site terrains can be difficult to deal with. However, thanks to its heavy-duty and compact design, the large debris and rocks can be easily moved using a rock truck.

The trucks are also easy to maneuver, making them a good fit for tight corners and the limited spaces on a mine.

2. General Construction Projects

Rock trucks have found important applications on industrial and residential job sites. In most cases, they can be combined with an excavator to transport materials, move debris, or dig foundations.

A rock truck rental can make the work easier and faster in large commercial projects or land clearing projects. It assists the excavator in breaking large amounts of load and debris into the truck. The need for fewer loads boosts productivity and saves time.

3. Quarry Projects

Quarries and rock trucks are inseparable. Sharp corners and tight spaces are regular features of quarry projects, similar to mining projects. You need a rock truck to maneuver the unexpected drops, rocky terrain, uneven ground, and steep inclines. This is due to its all-wheel-drive and two-part design.

Having a heavy-duty cab in the rock truck means it can move raw materials from and across quarries and to other locations. You can also use it to clean and move materials

4. Handling of Bulk Materials

You can get a small dump truck to move larger loads efficiently. However, if you will be dealing with bulk materials, it is best to get an articulated dump truck.

Most construction activities are not easy. For instance, you have to break down the debris into various sizes, dimensions, and weights. Only a bigger dump truck can do these effectively.

With the bigger sizes of articulated dump trucks, they can do more work than the regular dump truck, including moving 25-50 tons of weight without any issues.

5. Combination with Water Tanks

There are two parts of the rock truck – the dump part and the front cab. You can replace the dump part with a water tank. The combination comes in handy for spraying water into the air on-site to ease dust dispersal.

If you are doing construction projects in deserts in hot summer or on a dusty site after a long time without rain, having an artificial shower is very important. The spray down helps trap dust particles and limit how much dust other construction equipment is kicking up.

Effective spraying is another way to loosen up dry grounds. In addition, you are protecting construction workers from the adverse effects of construction site dusts with regular spraying.

Projects Where A Rock Truck Shines

We have established how handy a rock truck can be, especially on heavy-duty construction sites. It runs seamlessly on rough terrains, transports bulk materials across the site, and maneuvers in tight spaces to boost productivity.

While you can have your rock truck on many projects, they are best suited for sites where you want to move materials around or with limited spaces, for instance, a quarry or mine.

Do you need a grader for your next project? Well, you can’t be entirely sure till you know a grader’s function and the best type for your project. Your project determines the most suitable grader for you, be it residential projects or road constructions.

Because a grading machine grades, the name “grader” suggests what the machine does. A grader levels the ground to a specified quality for asphalt or concrete laying. Other functions of the grader include snow and debris removal and earthmoving depending on the location and requirements of a project.

Generally, you can find graders in construction sites, including road construction, building developments, and infrastructure projects. This machine works the ground, providing an even level for building. However, grounds that are not adequately compacted or graded before construction works risk the project’s structural integrity. Hence, it would be best to have an experienced grader operator available to ensure your projects’ survival.

What Are Graders Used For?

While construction projects are unique, it is common to see a wide range of machinery on site. However, the exact equipment set depends on what the project is all about. In most cases, if you are using heavy construction machinery like excavators and bulldozers on your construction site, you will most likely use a grader.

Graders have a long-bladed attachment for flattening surfaces, grading land, scarifying layers, and compacting roads to give the ground an easy gradient or a finer finishing. They are designed for use on various projects, including building and maintaining roads, spreading, fine grading, and snow removal. Furthermore, people also hire graders for earthmoving and clearing bushland and debris.

Do Graders Have Different Types?

Graders are earthmoving machines characterized by a long structure. They also have large blades between the main part of the machine and their front wheel axles. Hence, a grader operator has a larger span of movement and control, allowing the completion of a wider scope of work.

The classification of motor graders depends on their frame arrangement. The two categories of graders include rigid frame and articulated frame. Most graders manufactured in recent times are articulated frame graders because they are suitable for small construction spaces with less room for movement and turning around.

Furthermore, small motor graders are ideal for maintaining roads, landscaping jobs, and completing construction work in a tight space. On the other hand, large motor graders are suitable for large-scale projects like motorway and highway construction.

Types Of Grader Blades

Because you can change grader blades, the different sizes and types available make them suitable for several jobs. Usually, graders’ blades are attached to a ring underneath the grader’s frame. This ring swivels vertically, allowing adjustments to the blade’s angle and allowing the grader to work sideways for projects like creating ditches and banks.

Grader hire suppliers categorize graders according to blade width. A grader’s blade width categories include less than 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 16ft, and 24 ft.

When choosing a grader blade for your project, you must first consider the surface or environment where your grader will work. For example, hard-packed surfaces require scarifier blades, while low-impact and highly abrasive projects require dual-carbide blades. Furthermore, thicker blades are less susceptible to breakage than thinner blades. Nevertheless, thicker blades do not have much penetrating power, unlike thinner edges.

Several conditions and materials determine the durability of a graders’ blade. Therefore, checking ground conditions before choosing a blade is essential. It is also best to discuss with a grader hire supplier for an informed decision on the right blade for your project.

What Are The Grader Blade Styles

There are five grader blade styles, and the best one for your project depends on the blade application and project environment. The best blade style for a job should penetrate the ground, remain intact during use, and not wear excessively.

Common grader blade styles include flat edges, scarifier edges, curved edges, serrated edges, and corrugated edges. Flat edges are suitable for ditching and general gravel maintenance. On the other hand, Scarifier edges are ideal for heavily compacted environments containing heavy rocks or paved with asphalt.

Curved-edge blades are ideal for jobs where the material is carried and redistributed along with a top layer for a smoother and flat finished road surface. Serrated-edged blades are suitable for increasing ground penetration to move surface materials. On the other hand, corrugated edges are proper when mixing materials to improve a road.

Where Can You Hire A Grader?

You can find reputable grade suppliers around you via the internet. Depending on the specifics of your project, you should look through the fleet available at your supplier’s. In most cases, you can find a unit that effectively completes a wide range of detailed earthwork, including pad work and chamber, regardless of the size of the construction project.

Overall, you should hire only a fully-functional grader for your project. We recommend you inspect a unit properly to ensure every part is functioning as expected.

Nowadays, construction involves several machines. While some are prominent, others are not. One of the types of equipment that belong to the latter group is the road roller. Road rollers are relatively unpopular than other construction machines. This is because they only come on board when it is time to prepare or finish foundations. That said, their importance cannot be underestimated – the success of most road construction and residential construction projects depend on road rollers.

In this post, we will discuss all there is to know about road rollers.

What is a Construction Roller?

Also called the steam roller, compaction roller, or road roller, the construction roller is a heavy wheel that helps to compact and level out a surface, for instance, asphalt, dirt, soil, terrain, or other kinds of base or foundation material. You will hardly find a steam-powered roller nowadays, but they used to exist.

Road rollers exist in different forms. We have the double-drum rollers and the single drum rollers, as well as vibrating and Padfoot rollers.

Compaction is crucial to foundations and constructions – here is why.

The compaction road roller helps to create a more stable and solid foundation for your construction projects. The process involves compacting the asphalt or soil particles tightly, to ensure they do not sink, crumble, or shift. The stability this process confers on the foundation extends to the building. In the case of road construction, it improves the road’s quality, durability, and stability across seasons.

What is the role of Rollers in Agriculture?

The first application of rollers was in Agriculture. The first traditional rollers found essential applications in farming, where they were used to break large masses of soil and dirt after clearing the land. Horses propel the solid circular roller. The massive weights of the roller even out the surface of the farmland.

Thanks to technological advancement, horses have been replaced by tractors and other machines. When the land is flat and smooth, it is easier to control weed and harvest when the fall comes.

The Dilemma of Rollers

You will expect something as useful as this to be easy to use. But the rollers do not exactly follow this logic. The best rollers are the heaviest ones. The heavier they are, the more compaction they deliver. Before now, the heavy rollers were underused because horses cannot push them around effectively.

Then steam engines came around, and weight became less of a problem. Rollers found more applications outside agriculture. They were used in road constructions. So, once there were more powerful vehicles to drive the rollers, they became heavier.

Currently, there are rollers as heavy as 1-20 tons. For comparison, 3 and a half elephants weigh 20 tons.

Single and Double Drum Construction Road Rollers – any difference?

What differentiates a single drum from a double drum construction is the number of rollers. As the name implies, there is one drum in single drum roller and two drums in double drum rollers. The presence or absence of an extra drum determines the type of jobs and terrain each drum can handle.

Single Drum Construction Rollers

The single large roller drum in this type of rollers are on the front, while the wheels are at the back. The wheels here are puncture-resistant, ensuring proper grip on smooth terrain. Excellent mobility and traction come from the wheel at the back. The single drum also makes them faster and smaller than the double drum models. Therefore, they are suited for construction involving tight spaces or small areas.

The single drum rollers come in handy for ground levelling and other prep work during construction. They are also used in residential and highway road paving and foundation construction.

Double Drum Construction Rollers

The double drum roller is a combination of two rollers and an operator cab. Traditional wheels are absent here. Thanks to the double drum setup, the roller can smoothen the surface in front and behind. Therefore, it is good for finishing projects. The double drum rollers offer increased compaction, thanks to the second drum.

The only downside of the double drum rollers is traction. The absence of rubber-tracked tires means there is almost no traction. So, they are not suitable for specialised work. Instead, they are better deployed in even or slightly gradual slopes.

That said, they are very powerful and deliver 2x the capacity of the single drum. This makes it ideal for laying asphalt for highways and other heavy-duty jobs.

Padfoot or Sheepsfoot Rollers

You would ordinarily think all drum rollers are smooth, but that is not entirely true. In Padfoot and Sheepsfoot rollers, different parts project out of the roller. This helps to create a zigzag pattern of compression points. This extra space offers additional force to push down and compact the surface – more than the smooth drum rollers can do. These rollers also keep the soil in place when under pressure, ensuring that the material is uniformly pushed down.

Typical applications of Padfoot rollers include a higher-level fortification and compacting fine-grain soil.

Vibration Compaction Rollers

As mentioned earlier, we see more technological advancements in the construction industry by the day. One of such advances is the vibrating rollers. While traditional rollers rely on their weight and force to push the particles of the terrain together, vibration rollers do more by shaking the particles together. This shaking makes the particles fit closer and more compact.

With this technology, the vibration roller delivers a more reliable and durable foundation.

Road Rollers are more important than we currently find them.

Yes, rollers are not as popular as other pieces of construction equipment, but the truth is they are quite important. It is almost impossible to have a stable and strong foundation without using rollers. Considering how crucial the right foundation is to a successful project, it is safe to say that rollers are indispensable to the construction industry. You will definitely find excellent applications for single and double drum roller machines, as well as smooth and Padfoot drum rollers in your future projects.

The original makers of rock trucks thought it would be suitable for moving large amounts of heavy materials, especially on a job site or off it. Perhaps, this is why they also call it an articulated dump truck, dump hauler, or articulated hauler. They move conveniently on rough terrains – another reason they are considered excellent transport machines.

What is a Rock Truck?

Also known as the articulated dump truck (ADT), there are two main parts of a rock truck. There is the trailer or back hauler part and the front tractor part, both joined by hydraulic cylinders. The connection means the back part can move horizontally relative to the front part, giving the trailer the ability to reach and dump materials in tight areas.

Articulated dump trucks are mostly used on ongoing construction sites or unsmooth surfaces. However, it is suitable for moving transport materials on city roads. They are available in different payloads, usually between 2.5 and 4.5 tons.

How best to use an articulated dump truck?

The three main uses of articulated dumps are hauling, moving, and dumping materials like debris, soil, rocks, and other construction materials. However, it also comes handy as a water hauler in some cases by replacing the dump with a water tank. So, if you want to move water into a construction site to reduce dust during dry days or summertime, your rock truck will deliver.

What is the ideal articulated dump truck payload?

There is no ideal payload – what determines the payload is the load weight to be hauled or moved. That being said, there are different categories of rock trucks, depending on their hauling ability and payload capacity. The sizes are usually relative to the maximum payload capacity.

Who are the current top manufacturers of rock and articulated dump trucks?

The big names in the articulated dump manufacturing business include Terex, Caterpillar, and Volvo.

Caterpillar

The amalgamation of C. L. Best Tractor Company and Holt Manufacturing Company in 1925 gave birth to Caterpillar, although Benjamin Holt has conceptualized the brand name before then.

Having invented the continual tracked system, Holt went ahead to name it ““caterpillar”” due to its crawling movement. He transitioned the name into his merger with C. L. Best, and ““Caterpillar – CAT”” was adopted as its name.

Caterpillar, over the years, has built a sterling reputation in the heavy equipment and machinery business. It boasts 110 manufacturing facilities across the world. CAT has 24 different vehicle types to its name.

The CAT rock truck collection has two key entries – the three-axle articulated dump truck and the articulated truck with a bare chassis. The articulated dump trucks are available in seven different models, with payload capacity ranging from 26.5 to 45.2 tons.

Terex

Terex Corporation comprises four companies under it – Demag, Powerscreen, Genie, and Terex. This global corporation is mainly invested in heavy equipment and lifts, including the rock truck manufactured under Terex’s brand name.

The first Terex truck was an off-road dump truck invented in 1934. While this differs slightly from the articulated dump truck, the invention was the driving force behind Terex’s establishment. General Motors rebranded their earth-moving division of manufacturing in 1968 as Terex.

Terex is derived from two Latin words – rex (king) and terra (earth). The pioneer articulated dump truck by Terex came alive in 1982, from Motherwell, Scotland. Volvo acquired the Terex Trucks and Terex Corporation’ sCorporation’s product line in 2014.

Currently, Terex has seven different articulated dump truck models to its name.

Volvo

In 1832, Johan Theofron Munktell of Eskilstuna, Sweden, came up with an establishment that later evolved into Volvo Construction Equipment. The city also housed its first engineering workshop, and about 21 years later (1853), Johan came up with the first locomotive from Sweden.

During this period, Carl Gherard and Jean Bolinder also returned to Sweden after studying engineering technology for years in England. These two brothers created an engineering company that later merged with Johan’ sJohan’s engineering workshop, 100 years later. The merger led to the creation of AB Bolinder-Munktell.

In 1950, Volvo acquired AB Bolinder-Munktell and advanced the business of manufacturing construction equipment. Volvo also owns several other manufacturing businesses and equipment corporations.

There are currently seven various articulated dump trucks from Volvo, with payload capacity ranging from 27.6 to 60.6 tons.

Top Rock Truck Models

There are several rock truck models out there. Decluttering can be quite stressful, but you can work with our list of recommendations below;

CAT 740 GC

The CAT 740 GC is a considerable improvement to the older models of CAT ADTs. With a 40-ton payload capacity, better controls, fuel-saving ECO mode, and hoist-assist system, there are several reasons to consider this upgrade. It also comes with the newest automatic retarder-control system that maximizes efficiency like never before. The CAT C15 ACERT 425-horsepower engine powers the CAT 740 GC. You can never go wrong with the CAT 740 GC.

Terrex Trucks TA300

The impressive traction, coupled with an independent front suspension, makes the TA300 one of the most productive ADTs you can get out there. It is built to withstand the most challenging applications while delivering a high level of performance. It is suitable for a wide range of infrastructural development and commercial construction projects.

The fuel-efficient 370-horsepower engine in the TA300 compliments the 31-ton max payload perfectly to deliver a strong and reliable performance.

Volvo A45G ADT

The lighter and smaller frame of the Volvo ADT makes it more mobile than the traditional 45-ton Volvo ADT truck. A 469-horsepower Volvo D16 engine powers it – another reason for the lower cost per ton compared to the older models.

The Volvo A45G is designed for use on steep slopes, thanks to the newly-added Hill Assist. There is also a Dump Support System that helps project the truck’s side inclination percentage to the operator. This ensures safer and more productive use of the truck for dumping.

You can expect a long-life and comprehensive performance from this fuel-efficient Volvo ADT.

What safety and hazard protocols should you observe for ADTs and Rock Trucks?

Operating rock trucks and ADTs come with a few hazards. Hence, operators need to undergo adequate training before using the trucks. The first step is to assess the worksite and ensure the load is in place before moving the materials.

Let’s take a look at some of these hazards:

Backover incidents involving other workers or equipment

The visibility in dump trucks is lower, considering their large size and heavyweight. This also means there are more blind spots than usual. So, it is important to check all blind spots and reverse them with the aid of spotters. Do not take corners while speeding and indicate reverse motion with visual and audio signals.

Falls and slips resulting from climbing out and into the truck

The safest method of climbing into and out of a truck is the three-point contact. This method requires placing three limbs on the equipment when climbing the ladders. The three limbs could be two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot. You may need to be extra careful during harsh weather conditions – ice, snow, or mud – to avoid slipping. Do not operate a seatbelt without fastening your seatbelt.

Dumping on an uneven terrain

Both the center of gravity and weight distribution are affected when you dump on uneven ground. In some cases, the articulated dump truck may tip over. To prevent this, know how much weight the dump box contains and work with it during operations.

Articulated Dump Truck – Going Down The Memory Lane

When Ernest Doe, a farmer in Essex, England combined two Fordson tractors in the 1950s, he had no idea he was laying the foundation for the first-ever truck. Doe detached the tractors’ front axles and connected them – the front end to the back end. The connection of this double powered tractor was perfected with a hydraulic turntable. This is why the tractor was called the Doe Dual Drive – Doe Triple D – tractor.

This concept was repeated in 1957 when a Northfield-company designed a hauler capable of making a 180-degree swing with the aid of hydraulic cylinders. However, this innovative design had a shortcoming – it lacks a four-wheel-drive required to make it an actual dump truck.

Volvo fixed this shortcoming by introducing a four-wheel-drive articulated hauler om the DR 631. After its conceptualization in 1966, Volvo pushed the DR 631 into the market in 1968, and that was the start of an influx of various versions of articulated dump from different manufacturers.

A Norwegian company, Moxy, prototyped a 22-ton articulated dump truck in 1970. It came on the heels of the 17-ton D15. Although more ADT models came from the company, they were released under different company names.

The ownership of Moxy exchanged hands, with Komatsu and Doosan taking over at different times. Doosan is a popular name in the truck manufacturing business, with over 40 years of impressive participation. Moxy left the scene in 2011, with an impressive record of pumping out several models of these trucks into the market.

The strength, size, and weight capacity of articulated dump trucks have improved over time. We had the 30-ton market for several years until the 40-ton trucks are recently coming up.

Articulated Dump Truck vs. Rock Truck vs. Rigid Dump Truck – Any Difference?

There is no difference between an articulated dump truck and a rock truck – they are essentially the same machine type. There are two distinct parts of an ADT – the rear dumping body and the truck cab, with an articulation point joining both units. The rigid dump truck, on the other hand, has a fixed connection. The dump body is the only body, making it a single piece of equipment.

How do you get a rock truck?

Rock Trucks are expensive. However, they are usually available for rent for different durations – a day, week, or month – depending on your schedule.

What do you use an articulated dump truck for?

Articulated Dump Trucks (ADT) are made to transport materials over uneven terrains. These heavy-duty and large equipment are ideal for on-site use, although they are usable on public roads.

 

 

 

We tend to overlook the need for regular and effective equipment maintenance. However, the fact remains that it can make or mar the bottom line of any project, business, or organization. Yes, maintenance takes time and money. But considering how huge investment construction equipment is, we should not wait until something is wrong before we initiate the maintenance phase. In fact, construction equipment is best enjoyed when kept in optimal shape at all times.

 

Why should you maintain your equipment?

There are several benefits of regular preventative equipment maintenance. It does not only extend the equipment life but also keep repair costs at the barest minimum. Without preventative maintenance, even more money, time, and efforts go into resulting major repairs.

Below are some of the top reasons you should embrace preventative maintenance for your equipment:

Ensure the efficient running of equipment

When you get a piece of equipment newly, efficiency is always very high. This means that it works flawlessly, which is great for business. However, with time, you will need to put in efforts to maintain this optimal efficiency. This effort is called maintenance.

And why is it important? Equipment working at very high efficiency will improve your bottom line by getting things done faster. So, a decline in efficiency will ultimately adversely affect your bottom line.

Prevent the aggravation of small problems

It is common to ignore smaller or probable problems in equipment because they do not stop us from getting results. However, as harmless as this may appear, it leads to even more significant problems in the future.

To avoid this, we must immediately attend to even the slightest worrisome signs in a piece of equipment. This will ensure that such simple problems do not aggravate into serious issues.

To fix bigger problems costs more

As tempting as workarounds could be, they are disasters waiting to happen. When you postpone the inspection and repairs of problematic equipment, the problems continue to aggravate. It gets to a point where the functionality is halted, and you are forced to spend even more to fix these now complex problems.

Such complex repairs could involve the replacement of more and/or larger expensive parts. Apart from this, the downtime is longer, and this affects operations in different ways. Also, employees scheduled to work with the affected equipment would be left stranded, while you will be forced to pay them for their time.

Once it gets to this stage, you will be forced to fix the equipment as soon as possible. Your desperation means you will spend more on expedited shipping of parts and service fees for technicians. This is not cost-effective. Instead, small problems should be tackled as soon as they come up.

To get the best out of your warranty coverage

You will want to do more as per routine equipment maintenance when you buy a new or lightly used piece of equipment. This is because, most times, your coverage depends on consistent and detailed service records of the equipment.

So, it is only logical to maintain routine maintenance and keep the correct details of the same. This usually comes handy during the need for repairs, serving as evidence that your equipment is regularly maintained. Equipment manufacturers are always particular about this record because it helps them to ascertain that you followed the routine maintenance directives. Regular routine maintenance will reduce the chances of a costly repair, which is always their responsibility.

To keep your resale value high

The changing construction equipment market means there will always be newer and better equipment to upgrade to with time. In such cases, you can trade your old equipment for a newer or sell it at the best price possible. Either way, a comprehensive record of maintenance of heavy equipment will increase the chances of getting the best buck on a sale.

Such records conveniently answer the questions of reliability, proper maintenance, and record of damages that could have an effect on performance. These are what potential buyers look out for when buying a piece of used equipment. With all these boxes ticked, you can quote a very good selling price and be confident of getting a buyer.

To prevent injuries and fatalities

According to the United States Bureau of Labor, the construction industry is one of the biggest sources of job injuries in the country. Contact with objects and equipment is responsible for over 16% of the fatal construction accidents recorded annually. Regularly servicing your equipment will ensure that it works perfectly. Thus, there are lower chances of workplace injuries or deaths caused by equipment malfunctioning.

Yes, safety training can help your employees stay safe, but they do not prevent equipment failure. Cases of unplanned equipment malfunctions are bound to happen, and the best you can do is to minimize them by ensuring regular maintenance. Maintenance is a cost-effective option here, considering that workplace deaths and injuries are more tragic and expensive. Similarly, the bottom line and the company’s morale drop.

Lastly, regular equipment maintenance shows that you value the safety of your team at all times.

 

How can you extend your equipment life?

Now that we have agreed on the need for regular equipment maintenance let us move forward by discussing the right way to maximize the life of the equipment. Despite the differences in models and design, there are a couple of universal tips you can apply to extend the life of your construction equipment. Let us take a look at some of them;

Regular monitoring of equipment technology

The evolution of equipment technology means it is now easier than ever to detect inconsistencies or unusual situations. Even the smallest problems can be picked up by various sensors in the equipment. However, you can only get the best out of this when there is proper monitoring. You can ensure adequate monitoring by assigning staff to keep track of the changes and adequately capture data on equipment and performance

Alongside the in-built technology, you can add a couple of external tools. These include vibration monitoring, audio gauges, thermal imaging, and other tests and techniques that turn in useful and real-time information used in determining the condition of the equipment.

Train your technicians and operators

Human touch remains indispensable to the proper functioning of equipment. Even the most efficient technologies must be monitored and tested to get results. This is why it is important to assign a trained operator to these responsibilities. Such trained personnel can assess the problem and make fixes or notify people that can.

A trained technician or operator will report issues as soon as they occur, thus preventing them from developing into more significant problems. They also help to avoid repairs by ensuring zero misuses or overuse. Training can be in-person or exposure to the best practices, backed by an operation manual that explains how to use the equipment correctly.

If the equipment operator is untrained, chances are they will unknowingly cause expensive repairs. So, it is best to bring on well-trained technicians with clear duties and responsibilities at all times.

Ensure accountability

It does not end with training technicians and operators. You should adopt a staff structure that puts someone directly in charge of equipment maintenance. While there is no universal guide to doing this, work out something that suits your company’s size and shape. With this responsibility assigned, it is easier to track the positive effects of proactive maintenance and the dangers of not having one.

Also, the assigned staff must be properly educated and empowered, considering how crucial the role is to preventative maintenance. If it is their only job, they will most likely put their all into it.

Create and follow a maintenance schedule

Even with the difference in specifics, it is vital to create a maintenance schedule and adhere strictly to the same. This will address the regular assessment of the equipment’s condition while making necessary minor fixes like the replacement of simple parts like bolts, seals, and belts.

If you are unsure of where to start, check out the Maintenance Recommendations by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OER). This will guide you on how and when to schedule your maintenance schedule. As insignificant as this may appear, overlooking it will lead to even costlier repairs in the long run.

For example, if the bolts, seals, and belts are not replaced as and when due, it will eventually affect the larger system, thus leading to more expenses on bigger parts.

Organize and execute regular inspections

While you may want to confuse maintenance schedules with inspections, it is essential to state that they are different. Inspections are carried out by trained operators. It involves looking out for processes and reactions that indicate that the equipment is working perfectly. This may include signs of wear and tear, a drop in the levels of lubricants, and others.

Considering the nature of operations of construction equipment, i.e., the constant vibration, fiction, and high temperatures, it is only reasonable to experience wear and tear over time. This, with time, leads to systematic deterioration. The best way to avoid this is to integrate an operator’s visual inspection into the equipment use requirements.

From loose bolts to cracked seat belts and warped belts, these simple issues can be identified via a visual inspection and corrected before they deteriorate into more serious issues. Feel free to check your OEM maintenance plan for special directives on extensive inspections (if any).

Proper Lubrication

Depending on the specifics of your equipment and the manufacturer’s recommendation, there are different ways to go about the lubrication of your equipment. There are certain places where you cannot lubricate in some equipment, whereas you can lubricate these same parts in others. Likewise, there are some checks and balances you can do on your own in the course of scheduled maintenance, while you will require the expertise of an expert technician for others.

Whichever way, start by understanding your equipment and its lubrication requirements. Note that failure to get things properly lubricated increases friction, and ultimately the chances of wear and tear. You do not want to reduce your equipment life.

Test Lubricants

In addition to reducing friction and wear and tear, lubrication goes a long way in discovering problem areas. Once you know the parts of your equipment that can be accessed and lubricated, it becomes easier to identify issues.

Watch out for leaky oil seals, accumulation of grease or oils on pistons, and other signs. Lubricants can also help to identify equipment parts that are worn down. You can detect the presence of contaminants by analyzing the particles used in the oil.

When it comes to oil tests, you can either choose to DIY if you are an oil expert or bring in a knowledgeable technician to handle it. Either way, it can come under your scheduled maintenance or as a one-off check, especially in situations where you notice anomalies.

Using non-OEM Parts

Genuine OEM parts can be very expensive.  As tempting as buying original parts from other companies such as Cat parts UK can be, it comes with some risks.

• The first risk is the uncertainty in the material composition – you are not sure if the non-OEM replacement part is made from the same material as the original.
• Another risk is the compatibility of the non-OEM replacement part with other parts of the equipment, most importantly sensors and techniques.
• Also, how soon would the non-OEM replacement parts arrive, and would they void your warranty or not?
• Lastly, would they be as durable and of the same quality as the original?

These, among other questions, are what you should try to honestly answer when deciding between non-OEM replacement parts and genuine OEM parts.

Lastly, it is important to understand that for the manufacturers to have gone out of their way to create the same part of your equipment as a replacement; they are pivotal to extending your equipment life.

Caterpillar heavy equipment is the go-to machinery for all types and sizes of jobs, irrespective of the industry. They are widely used in landscaping, materials handling, and paving industries. Other top sectors using the Cat heavy equipment and Caterpillar parts include the mining, agriculture, and heavy construction industries.

Interestingly, almost all the biggest construction projects in the world involved the use of Caterpillar machines and Caterpillar parts, from the Olympic games to the installation of electric lines and power generation, as well as dams, canals, aqueducts, and waterways. Cat heavy equipment has also found immense use in the Olympic Games, massive excavation, air and rail travel, underground and undersea cables, and oil and natural gas pipelines.

Moving forward, let us take a quick look at some of the projects and sites where Cat Machines and Caterpillar parts were indispensable in construction and reconstruction.

Hoover Dam

Talking about massive excavation, about 3.7 million cubic yards of rock was removed from the core of the earth using Cat machines, thus giving way to the 1,244 ft long and 726 ft high dam.

Operation Deep Freeze I-III

These projects started n the 1950s in Antarctica, and to date, researchers and engineers rely on Cat equipment for sustenance.

Complex Roadways

Several new roadways were built using Cat equipment and Caterpillar parts, notably the 1,600 miles of Alaskan Highway, the Andes Mountains highways in Venezuela, the Pan-American highway connecting South and North America, and some sections of the Autobahn, among others.

Hydro-Electric Scheme

The Australian Hydro Electric project lasted for 25 years, and the biggest tasks were completed using Caterpillar equipment. These include the construction of pipelines, tunnels, and aqueducts of over 140 miles, seven power stations, and 16 dams.

Olympic Games

Arguably the biggest sporting event worldwide, the Olympic Games successes between the 19th and 20th century were due to the contributions of Caterpillar. These include the 1956 edition in Australia, 1960 in California, and 1966-1968 in France. The 1971-1972 editions in Germany, Spanish edition in 1992, 1994 edition in Norway, and the 2002 outing in Utah were all made possible with Caterpillar equipment. The same trend continued for the 2001-2004 editions in Greece, as well as 2004-2008 editions in China.

World War I

The French and English agricultural sectors demanded Cat Machines for its operations between 1914 and 1918. However, the governments deployed them towards the hauling of weapons and equipment during the war.

World War II

Between 1941-1945, Caterpillar produced over 50,000 track-type tractors. It was able to achieve this by keeping their factories running throughout the week and doubling its human resources.

Golden Gate Bridge

Popularly referred to as one of the engineering miracles of the world, the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed with the help of Caterpillar machines.

Big Dig

Popularly considered as the most ambitious American public project, Boston’s massive project has been on since 1993 and to date. Caterpillar machines, used cat parts and tractors have been pivotal to several parts of the project, including the excavation of about 16 million cubic yards of dirt, delivering 3.8 million cubic yards of concrete on-site, bridge construction and expansion, massive underwater tunnel reconfiguration, the relocation of over 25 miles of utility infrastructure, and the creation of 300 acres of new parkland.

Interstate Highway System

Highways of about 42,800 miles have been constructed using different types of Cat equipment. This translated to a more efficient interstate highway system that ensures swift and easy drive-throughs across every nook and cranny of the United States.

Inga-Shaba

The 1,100-mile, extra-high-voltage transmission system was completed with the aid of the best Cat machines available. The Inga-Shaba transmission system project was in Zaire, Africa.

Chunnel

When Europe needed a 32-mile underwater rail tunnel that will link France and England, the best heavy equipment that could handle such a massive project were Caterpillar’s. The creation of this tunnel ensured that traveling between these locations was much faster compared to using a ferry.

World Trade Center

The original construction of the World Trade Center in the 1960s and 1970s was made possible by Cat machines. Likewise, they contributed to the rebuilt after the 2011 terrorist attack on the massive complex.

Apollo 11

In 1969, NASA needed to maintain constant communication between its worldwide tracking stations and Houston. This was needed to ensure the safe landing of Apollo 11 on the moon. Cat engines came through, and in addition to ensuring a safe landing, the engines made it possible for everyone to listen in to Neil Armstrong’s popular words from the moon.

Pikes Peak

The first tractor that climbed and reached the summit of the famous mountain, Pikes, was made by Caterpillar. The 14,109-feet high mountain was conquered in 1919 courtesy of the special Caterpillar tractor designed to operate at that altitude.

Pipelines

Pipelines are quite significant – they transport oil and natural gas. Several Cat Machines have contributed to the building of thousands of miles of pipelines, including the 989-mile line that travels through the Great Lakes, the 2,250-mile Trans-Canada line, the 280-mile through the Alpine Mountains, and the 2,600-mile connecting New York and Houston, among others.