Snow Blower vs Snow Plow

Snowblower or skid steer snow plows...what should you use? It is a question often asked by skid steer loader owners before every winter season. The answer depends on the kind of work the operator wants to do, and what his customers want him to do with the snow. Can the snow be piled up or does it need to be spread around? Will the skid steer snow blower suit their needs, or will the snow plow?

Anyone who grew up in in the northern part of the US remembers the giant mountains of snow in the grocery store and mall parking lots when they were kids. Sometimes these mountains seemed almost as tall as the store itself. A lot of kids climbed the giant snow piles, playing king of the mountain, and heaving snow balls at each other. Some of these piles were so big, they would last well into May.

Two problems, from an adult's point of view, is that 1) these piles take up valuable parking spaces, which if a retail store already has limited space, it can be made even worse if the piles are larger than normal; and, 2) if the snow melts, the water can refreeze creating dangerously icy conditions for people walking in the area. This is especially a problem in smaller parking lots , like at an office building or school. Even today, regular plow operators do not have much choice. They need a place to pile the snow.

Skid loader owners do have a choice. They can attach a traditional snow plow to their skid steer loader, or they can use a skid steer snow blower. A skid steer snow blower is a much larger version of the walk-behind type. A skid steer snow blower can blow the snow into grassy areas, far from the parking lot. This keeps most of the snow off the parking lot, which saves parking spaces. It also means the water drains away from melting snow, and keeps it off the lots, so it will not freeze over.

Snow removal can be a good source of income for skid steer loader owners. The powerful skid loader and skid steer snow blower or snow plow is a better tool for the job than a pickup truck and plow. But should you buy a skid steer snow blower or plow?

Despite the piles, the snow plow is still a useful skid steer loader attachment. If it were not a useful snow removal tool, it would not be so widely used. A snow plow can push a tremendous amount of snow off a surface in a short amount of time. It is good for snow removal on streets and in neighborhoods.

But the skid steer snow blower can go where no snow plow can. Nearly every neighborhood, street, and parking lot bears the marks of winter, a series of plow cars — deep cuts in the asphalt or lawn, caused by the sharp edge of the plow blade. To be fair, snow plow pros have a difficult job, avoiding curbs, lawns, and other obstacles when they are all covered up with the white stuff, but a skid steer snow blower can avoid most of that.

A skid steer snowblower can be driven right up onto sidewalks and pathways. It can be driven into tight spaces and driveways without damaging the underlying surface. And, thanks to the adjustable snow chute, the snow is removed, blown, and evenly distributed where you aim the skid steer snow blower chute. This means you can blow snow farther away from the parking lot and avoid making the space-wasting piles.

Skid steer snow plows are great high-volume snow removers. But when it comes to precise removal, a high quality skid steer snow blower is ideal. Still, there is something nostalgic about the snow piles.

Skid Steer Snow Removal Attachments: Right Conditions, Right Size, Right Application

With winter right around the corner, it is time to dust off your skid steer snow attachments and take inventory to confirm you have the necessary equipment to meet the season’s demands. From blades and sweepers to pushes, snow blowers and buckets, understanding the uses and benefits of each is crucial to have a productive and efficient snow removal team. Weather conditions, application requirements and size are all important factors in deciding what snow removal attachments you need to move more snow faster.

“Depending on your location and the snow conditions there, you will need a particular attachment to address the difficulties each type of snow poses,” said Dave Aldrich, dealer development and service manager.

“Snow accumulation with a lot of moisture is much heavier in weight while light, dry snow can be swept away. Deep snow needs to be removed or piled in order to create the necessary path clearance. Uneven terrain, confined spaces, barriers and highly traveled areas create other obstacles that can be overcome with a versatile inventory.”

Light, Dry Snow Fall

Snow blades come in widths of 60 in. to 12 ft. (152 cm to 3.6 m) with 8-ft. (2.4 m) blades being the most common on skid steers. They are ideal for light, dry snow on roadways, in residential areas or business parking lots.

A snow blade can move snow up to 6 in. (15 cm) deep straight forward or to the side using a 30-degree angle to the left or right based on where you want the snow placed.

When angled, the snow rolls from the forward most edge of the curved blade and is placed by the rear most edge. Because of the curved blade, pushing snow straight forward will end up with snow expelled from either edge. In areas where ground conditions can’t be seen, blades with trip edges provide a safer removal attachment. The trip edge keeps the entire blade from tripping over man-hole covers or uneven terrain.

Sweepers are most commonly used for depths up to 3 in. (7.6 cm) and while they work best on dry snow, variable speeds allow for snow with moderate moisture to be swept away as well. Polywire brushes pick up compacted snow and penetrate into concrete grooves and pavement to more effectively remove all snow and restore traction. Wet snow is harder to sweep but running at a higher speed with an angle or open broom will help these conditions.

Sweepers are appropriate in areas where snow has been primarily removed but the conditions call for a cleaner surface, or on heavily traveled roadways/sidewalks where the snow has been compacted.

Heavy, Dry Snow Fall

For snow depths over 2 ft. (.6 m), snow blowers create the best solution to relocate the material so the path can be cleared. The typical in-cab electrically controlled adjustable chute rotates left and right and the deflector controls the height of the discharge allowing you to position the material exactly where you need it to go. They also can blow snow into trucks that can haul away the material. If using a snow blower on material high in moisture it is important to check the shoot often for clogging. If not cleaned properly before storage, the snow and ice in or on the unit can freeze and cause damage.

Heavy, Wet Snow Fall

While buckets come in all sizes and can be used on any amount of snow accumulation or moisture, dedicated snow buckets are the required attachment for piling thick, wet snow. The moisture that can plug a snow blower is easily picked up and carried in a bucket. The design of a bucket provides the strength to pick up heavy material that other snow attachments can’t handle.

One caution when using a bucket is the importance of weight relationship between the bucket and your skid steer. For instance if you put a two-yard bucket on a 1,500-lb. (680 kg) skid steer and overload it with snow, you may tip over your skid steer.

Versatility in Depth and Moisture

High-tech blades operate in a variety of positions providing added versatility to penetrate drifts and roll material off to the side. V-shaped blades can push material, work as a traditional blade or pull material away from a barrier. Their design is effective for sidewalks, driveways and parking lots or pulling material away from barriers like curbing, fencing or building exteriors. The common in-cab advanced hydraulic controls attach into the wire harness on your skid steer and are used to position the blade as needed for a wide range of conditions and applications.

Snow pushes are effective in applications where material needs to be pushed or piled and come in sizes ranging from 10 to 12 ft. (3 to 3.6 m) wide and 30 to 48 in. (76 to 122 cm) high. The box construction gathers the material inside as you move forward making it ideal for greater depths of snow while also having the structure to take on heavy, wet material. Because it has no moving parts, it is a cost effective snow removal tool.

Options on some snow pushes provide another method for removing snow from buildings, fences and confined areas.

“Buckets, blades and snow blowers create a strong foundation of equipment that can handle a variety of conditions and applications,” said Aldrich. “Depending on your geographical location, you may need to expand your inventory to include other attachments, such as sweepers, pushes and high-tech blades, based on the regional weather conditions. If you are unsure about the issues your snow removal team may face this season, contact your local dealer and they will help you get the proper type of attachment for your snow conditions, applications and skid steer size.”

Choose the Right Tread to Give Your Skid Steer the Right Traction

Acquiring new equipment, like a compact tool carrier, can be filled with choices. When deciding on a new piece of equipment, be sure to consider the amount of initial investment, the variety of applications the machine will be required to complete and the typical working conditions in which the machine will be operating.

One question contractors frequently encounter is whether to purchase a compact tool carrier equipped with tracks or tires. Since there are advantages and disadvantages that come with either option, it is helpful to be aware of some important factors.

Tracked loaders can come at a higher upfront cost due to the more advanced suspension system and additional parts found in track systems. The higher upfront cost is offset by greater versatility — tracked loaders are able to work in a wider range of ground and weather conditions — extending their productivity. However, in today’s economy, many choose to invest in wheeled units due to the lower acquisition costs — although wheeled and tracked loaders can perform a similar array of tasks.

Another question to ask during the decision process is: What type of work or applications will the machine be required to complete? In general, compact tool carriers are meant to handle landscaping, construction, tree care, fencing and demolition. Tracked loaders are more suited to landscaping applications because the machine’s weight is dispersed across the entire surface area of the track, resulting in lower ground pressure per square inch. Reduced ground pressure means less damage to existing landscape or turf, which will save cleanup time and money. Toro Dingo tracked models, for example, can be equipped with either narrow or wide track systems, which serve to further reduce ground pressure to 3.4 psi. This increased surface area also translates to higher levels of ground contact, giving tracked loaders more traction for applications involving digging and trenching.

On the other hand, wheeled loaders are capable of higher ground speeds. Some wheeled models feature a two-speed transmission, resulting in a decrease in cycle times. This makes wheeled loaders well suited for irrigation, fencing, general utility and lift-and-carry applications. The big difference between tracks and tires is terrain. Ground conditions play a sizeable role in this decision. Tracks are much more versatile — they excel in soft, sloppy and muddy conditions and are especially effective in the snowy and rainy conditions of winter and spring. This can be attributed, once again, to the higher surface area, which provides a tracked loader with more traction and flotation in adverse working conditions.

Due to the more advanced suspension systems tracked compact tool carriers also provide better stability and a more comfortable ride on slopes and uneven terrain. The smoother ride can actually help to improve operator comfort and increase overall productivity as well. Wheeled compact tool carriers can be better suited for use in the summer and fall, when the ground is firmer and drier. They are also a good choice when working on ground conditions like asphalt, gravel and concrete. During the summer working months, however, both tracked and wheeled units are effective, so contractors should determine which type to use based on application, rather than ground conditions.

There are many elements to consider when purchasing a new piece of equipment. Deciding between tracks and tires can greatly impact productivity — positively or negatively — depending on the machine’s intended uses. Contractors need to know ahead of time how much they are willing to spend, what they will need the machine to do and in what conditions the machine will be working before making a final decision.

Choose the Right Tread to Give Your Skid Steer the Right Traction

Acquiring new equipment, like a skid steer loader, can be filled with choices. When deciding on a new piece of equipment, be sure to consider the amount of initial investment, the variety of applications the machine will be required to complete and the typical working conditions in which the machine will be operating.

One question contractors frequently encounter is whether to purchase a skid steer loader equipped with tracks or tires. Since there are advantages and disadvantages that come with either option, it is helpful to be aware of some important factors.

Tracked loaders can come at a higher upfront cost due to the more advanced suspension system and additional parts found in track systems. The higher upfront cost is offset by greater versatility — tracked loaders are able to work in a wider range of ground and weather conditions — extending their productivity. However, in today’s economy, many choose to invest in wheeled units due to the lower acquisition costs — although wheeled and tracked loaders can perform a similar array of tasks.

Another question to ask during the decision process is: What type of work or applications will the machine be required to complete? In general, compact tool carriers are meant to handle landscaping, construction, tree care, fencing and demolition. Tracked loaders are more suited to landscaping applications because the machine’s weight is dispersed across the entire surface area of the track, resulting in lower ground pressure per square inch. Reduced ground pressure means less damage to existing landscape or turf, which will save cleanup time and money. Toro Dingo tracked models, for example, can be equipped with either narrow or wide track systems, which serve to further reduce ground pressure to 3.4 psi. This increased surface area also translates to higher levels of ground contact, giving tracked loaders more traction for applications involving digging and trenching.

On the other hand, wheeled loaders are capable of higher ground speeds. Some wheeled models feature a two-speed transmission, resulting in a decrease in cycle times. This makes wheeled loaders well suited for irrigation, fencing, general utility and lift-and-carry applications. The big difference between tracks and tires is terrain. Ground conditions play a sizeable role in this decision. Tracks are much more versatile — they excel in soft, sloppy and muddy conditions and are especially effective in the snowy and rainy conditions of winter and spring. This can be attributed, once again, to the higher surface area, which provides a tracked loader with more traction and flotation in adverse working conditions.

Due to the more advanced suspension systems tracked compact tool carriers also provide better stability and a more comfortable ride on slopes and uneven terrain. The smoother ride can actually help to improve operator comfort and increase overall productivity as well. Wheeled compact tool carriers can be better suited for use in the summer and fall, when the ground is firmer and drier. They are also a good choice when working on ground conditions like asphalt, gravel and concrete. During the summer working months, however, both tracked and wheeled units are effective, so contractors should determine which type to use based on application, rather than ground conditions.

There are many elements to consider when purchasing a new piece of equipment. Deciding between tracks and tires can greatly impact productivity — positively or negatively — depending on the machine’s intended uses. Contractors need to know ahead of time how much they are willing to spend, what they will need the machine to do and in what conditions the machine will be working before making a final decision.

Realize the Return on Investment When Purchasing a Skid Steer

Compact tool carriers are usually 36 in. wide at their smallest and are the perfect tools for contractors and landscapers who work in tight spaces and need to fit through backyard gates and small openings. Compact tool carriers are simple to operate, compact in size, feature turf-friendly tracks or wheels and take multiple attachments to tackle a variety of jobsite tasks. Combine this with the convenience of a walk-behind or ride-along platform, and you have a versatile and nimble machine.

When trying to decide whether to add a compact tool carrier to your fleet, consider renting or leasing a piece of equipment for six months to see if you really need it. If you use it every day, buy it. Don’t over-buy or under-buy. Make sure you know what you need and know what the machine is going to do. Demo it based on your needs. If you do hillside work, test it on a hillside. Make sure you have sufficient horsepower.
Also consider long-term maintenance costs. While tires are less expensive, the tracked undercarriage of compact tool carriers on tracks offer several advantages. The tracks distribute the loader’s weight, reducing ground pressure to just 5.2 psi for Bobcat’s MT52 mini track loader and 4.1 psi for the MT55.

The weight distribution minimizes damage to lawns and other surfaces, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming worksite repairs after a job is completed. Compact tool carriers on tracks can provide improved traction in loose or soft conditions and (of course) no flat tires, but the initial cost of a dedicated undercarriage and long-term maintenance will be more expensive.

When you operate a machine all day, it’s more comfortable to sit down. At the same time, consider how often you or your operators get off the machine to complete other tasks. If you frequently need to exit the machine, it’s quicker to step off the compact tool carrier platform than to climb out of a skid steer loader cab.
Other factors to consider when researching whether to rent or buy a compact tool carrier include things like visibility. Skid steers and compact track loaders are notorious for mediocre visibility, but compact tool carriers have excellent all-around visibility. There’s no cab, allowing for unparalleled visibility around the machine. Essentially, if you rent a compact tool carrier a couple of days per week, you could own the machine for much less per month and use it year-round for various tasks.

If you need to get started with a used compact tool carrier, make sure there is someone to back it up. Best bet: Buy from a reputable dealer. They are going to stand behind it. If you buy a used machine from an individual, you are buying someone else’s maintenance practices. The unit may look good, but did the owner really take care of it?

Bonus information: If a compact tool carrier is rented from a dealership, the dealer may allow the renter to apply the rental payments toward the purchase price.

Strategic Shifts Can Lead to New Successes in a Sluggish Construction Market

Over the past two years, many companies have had to change to remain competitive. Often the change was geographic or in type of work — for example, from private to federal projects. Fast adaptation to changing conditions is a trait of companies that sustain profitability. Equipment-based contractors often have a difficult time going from a strategic plan to actually implementing change in the field. Their nature is to focus on projects, often letting initiatives that could improve the company fall by the wayside.

The leadership team must have an understanding of the market, their competition and how the company will perform in the eyes of the customer. This situational awareness gives a solid foundation for success. Even with a thorough knowledge of this foundation in place, change is likely to fail without translation of intent into action. Companies that are able to translate the strategy shifts in the field with minimal profit loss have several factors in common. At a tactical level, companies successful with adapting to strategic change typically have three things in common:

1. Extensive project planning
2. Strong learning culture
3. And comprehensive lessons-learned practices

 

Effective Planning

As firms shift markets or change projects, many standard operating procedures are challenged. New markets and new products may require a different set of dig permits from the past. The customer may have some unique requirements, or there may be a need to cover means and methods in greater depth with field teams, as new technology or work environments are actualized. The most effective time to discover these needs is before the job starts. Successful contractors focus their efforts on developing a thorough, pre-job planning process. This maximizes the information for the field, while minimizing disruption from current operations. It allows effective allocation of resources and equipment effectively across projects for optimal company profitability. There are six key ways to enhance pre-job planning, including:

1. Involve the field staff (foremen/superintendents) in the estimating process.
2. Conduct a short hand-off meeting, covering critical areas and allowing the field staff time to get familiar with the project.
3. Conduct a project team presentation about the approach to the project.
4. Hold a means-and-methods meeting with vendors and subject matter experts.
5. Distribute previous-project job files and lessons learned that may apply to the new project.
6. Perform several on-site visits with the project team to discuss site specifics before mobilization.

Not every project will require all of these, but the right mix and timing will reduce expensive mistakes. With comprehensive pre-job planning, the pursuit of new types of projects can pay greater dividends and prevent delays or mistakes. An inconsistently executed hand-off meeting just doesn’t cut it anymore.

A Culture of Learning

While tools, systems and strategies are critical to the success of any organization, effective contractors know people cannot be separated from this equation. Developing a learning organization means allowing employees to take risks. Many companies have 40-year-veteran equipment operators sending “been there, done that” undertones and denying the value of continuous learning. However, truly experienced leaders understand the importance of continually seeking the next new improvement. Senior leaders can set an example by asking “how can we” type of questions, allowing junior associates the opportunity to propose and try new methods. Bringing in external experts (distributors, vendors, equipment manufacturers or subcontractors) also demonstrates that there is always more to learn. Most importantly, managers and leaders need to welcome the admissions of mistakes, requests for new ideas and suggestions for better methods.

 

Lessons Learned

For years, the Army has been conducting after action reviews (AARs) for every mission or training event. Typically, the format is a well-facilitated review of the plan, what happened, what changed and why. Done well, these “lessons learned meetings” focus on applying improvements in the future. A raised awareness and an opportunity to review what went right and wrong is healthy for organizations, applying those concepts to the next project takes this off-loading process to the next level.

It’s common for contractors to conduct a postmortem instead of a lessons-learned meeting. In some cases, the project team huddles and spends about an hour listening to a senior manager deliver an out-briefing. Shields and defenses are up (especially during this era of reductions) as the field leaders have not seen, or had time to review, a reconciliation of the project information (final costs, incidents, subcontractor scores and items with variance).

Formatted properly, lessons-learned meetings offer a chance for all project team members to discuss openly how the project performed, what actions they could have taken differently and their successes in facing challenges. To set a tone for attendees to share mistakes, successes and lessons learned, each member needs time to review the project reconciliation before the meeting. Providing this information to all participants prior to the meeting is crucial in setting the tone of the discussion.

The ability to take these lessons-learned insights and share them with the rest of the company allows for improvements across all projects. Notes and details of lessons-learned meetings should be saved in a common area for easy reference. Project teams starting the next project should then use the notes as they begin their pre-job planning. Uses of online libraries offer easy accessibility and are searchable to save time. Yet, well-organized file drawers can serve the same purpose for building the organization’s knowledge database.

Although adaptability often starts with a shared understanding of where the company is headed, success often depends on a structure that is founded on planning and learning. Pre-job planning and lessons-learned meetings reinforce the importance of learning and improving. Failure to incorporate these tools into every-day operations can result in obstacles that undermine even the best strategic plan. Great contractors are able to adapt operationally to provide a climate that encourages change. This makes shifting into new markets both profitable and successful.

Improve Your Snow Removal Business with the Latest Job-Tracking Technologies

Most snow and ice contractors love learning about the latest equipment and practices within the industry, and every year they enthusiastically look forward to another winter. Of course, when you enjoy what you do for a living, it’s easy to get excited about new things that help you do the job better and make more money. What isn’t so easy is to get excited about is the accounting, billing and other paperwork that comes with the job.

Fortunately, there is new technology on the market that actually makes it cool to do your documentation, billing and overall business evaluation. The technology is available in products that electronically record important job data, which virtually eliminates the need to write anything down on paper. Recently, this trend has been taking off as contractors of all sizes are using it to literally start taking care of business.

The Need to Track

Although job-tracking technology is a relatively new concept to contractors, municipalities have actually been going high-tech for years. Besides the typical plows and spreaders, government fleets often equip themselves with GPS and a variety of instruments to measure the ground temperature, air temperature and other data to automatically adjust the salt flow according to conditions. This is done not only to reduce the amount of skill required to drive a municipal winter maintenance vehicle, but also to ensure streets and highways are kept as safe as possible for motorists.

On the other hand, most contractors don’t require such extensive technology when servicing their residential
or commercial lots, and the most advanced they typically get is to record jobsite data in a notebook. This usually involves writing down the date and time of each service, but some go as far as to note the air temperature and the estimated amount of material spread for each application.

However, the demand for contractors to track their jobs more accurately has grown. Clients continue to ask for more detailed information, and the nagging issue of slip-and-fall claims requires improved documentation as well. Thankfully, manufacturers have responded to this need by developing job-tracking solutions specifically for contractors. Rather than having all the bells and whistles of municipal gear, the new products instead track the information needed most for the private sector.

How It Works

At minimum, the job-tracking devices on the market record the date and time of each plowing or spreading application. This information is saved to pre-set job numbers, which are specifically set up for the various accounts handled by a contractor. This feature allows all data to be sorted according to client or lot. To use one of these devices, the driver first mounts the unit in the cab. Then he selects the appropriate pre-set job number when he arrives at a lot. To start and stop recording data, he appropriately pushes a start/stop button on the unit.

Besides simply tracking the date and time of each service, some devices have enhanced capabilities, such as calculating the amount of material spread. Until recently, contractors had no accurate method to determine this and, sadly, the most scientific technique was to eyeball the material levels in the hopper before and after an application.

In order to quantify the amount of material being spread, the job-tracking device must be designed to integrate with a spreader. For example, SnowEx’s Salt-Traxx digital job tracker works by plugging into the controller of a V-Maxx spreader, and the device constantly monitors the speed setting of the auger feed system. Once the operator has calibrated the system for a specific type of material, the unit can determine exactly how much of that material was spread on a lot according to the rotational speed of the auger and the time elapsed.

Oftentimes, job-tracking devices will also have the capability to save the data to a removable USB memory stick. This allows the contractor to easily upload all his information to a computer at the end of the day. From there, he can view the statistics in a spreadsheet, organized by date and job number. He’ll see the number of stops made on each job, the amount of time spent servicing the lots and, in some cases, exactly how much material was spread.

A Wealth of Information

The benefits of electronically tracking this data are many. For starters, contractors can save time going from one lot to another. They no longer need to pause to write down each instance a job is started or stopped. With an electronic device, they can simply press a button on the fly.

Next, job-tracking devices give contractors a better way to bill, since they now know the exact time spent servicing each account during the billing period. Not to mention, when clients ask for proof of service, the computer print-outs will appear much more professional than a coffee-stained notebook page filled with chicken scratches of vague information. The same information can also be used as evidence to reduce a contractor’s liability in the case of a slip-and-fall claim. By documenting that a lot was serviced in a timely manner, a contractor can prove he was not responsible for the incident. He can further reduce liability exposure if he uses a job tracker to document that a sufficient amount of deicing material was spread on a lot.

Furthermore, electronic job-tracking devices can help with overall business management. For example, if a contractor employs a couple of drivers, he can monitor the amount of time spent and material used on each route. This allows the contractor to correct issues if any of his drivers spend too much time or waste too much material on their jobs.

Additionally, by knowing exactly how much material is being spread on his lots, a contractor can more accurately estimate his salt purchases. This allows him to take better advantage of discounted salt prices at the beginning of the season. Finally, this type of technology also benefits contractors in an indirect way — by helping them sign new accounts. With job-tracking devices contractors have a new list of selling points when speaking with prospects. They can boast about the ability to provide detailed invoices and enhanced liability protection, and they may even be able to pass down the cost savings achieved by running their businesses more efficiently. Imagine the edge that a contractor can gain over competitors who don’t offer the same.

 

One Size Fits All

To the delight of many small contractors and one-man operations, it’s not just the biggest players in the industry who can benefit from the latest job-tracking technology. In fact, many of the products on the market are affordable for nearly any budget. However, the information gathered from the products may be used in different ways.

For example, large contractors are most likely to use electronic job trackers to help save money by ensuring their employees are working efficiently. By equipping an entire fleet with these products, contractors can measure the performance of each driver and keep a close eye on material usage. On the other hand, this benefit does not apply to one-man operations who understand their own performances first-hand. And other small contractors may not see as much of a need either, as they may already have a good grasp on the few employees and trucks they have.

However, small contractors who are experts in plowing snow and spreading material, but don’t know much about running a business, may benefit most greatly from a billing standpoint. While many large organizations may already have a software program in place for billing clients, most small contractors lack such a sophisticated system, so they see the biggest advantage in having detailed job information at their fingertips.
No matter the size of a contractor’s operation, he is likely to benefit from keeping track of his jobs electronically. And whether the goal is to improve billing, reduce liability exposure or simply save money, a job-tracking device can deliver by accurately recording important jobsite data on the fly. It’s not just a new type of product … it’s a whole other reason to get excited about winter.

Focus on Relationships to Gain Competitive Edge

In tough economic times, it’s not only equipment that is being expected to perform just one task — to do everything it is capable of doing — but landscaping contractors themselves are looking for ways to set themselves apart from the competition.

For James River Grounds Management Inc. (JRGM) in Virginia, the company is always focused on delivering good value to customers, by meeting expectations and producing quality landscapes. But what really sets JRGM apart, says vice president James Batterson, is its relationships — with clients, with employees, with their community and with their equipment distributors.

Client Relationships

“We thrive on the philosophy of relationship-based sales, strong customer service focus, quality driven products and employee accountability,” says Batterson. “Much of our business is from repeat customers or referrals. Word-of-mouth has been the most effective marketing for our company.”

Batterson continues, “We do everything we can to meet customer expectations on each and every project. We empower our employees to be proactive — to take initiative and the necessary action to anticipate and meet spoken and unspoken expectations. We are goal-oriented, purposeful in our interactions and focused on our priorities.”

According to Batterson, JRGM is the largest privately held provider of landscape management services in the central Virginia region. JRGM’s portfolio of work includes all types of commercial property sites including Class A office, industrial, retail, health care and large residential communities. The company was recently recognized as the 43rd largest landscape company in the nation, 10th in the Southeast Region and one of 25 companies poised to grow.

“Commercial landscaping and maintenance is our core business, although we do offer a full package of landscape-related services,” says Batterson. “This means greater flexibility and cohesiveness at a more cost-effective price than if our customers were dealing with individual contractors. We operate out of multiple branches to be within 30 to 45 minutes of our clients. It cuts down on our crews’ travel time, and it keeps us close to respond to our customers’ specific landscaping needs.”

JRGM serves customers from eight locations in Glen Allen, Richmond, Chesterfield, Charlottesville, Tidewater, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg, Va.

Employee Relationships

Batterson knows that in a competitive landscaping market, retaining good employees is key to best serving their customers. “We are team focused at JRGM,” says Batterson. “We appreciate what each member brings to the team, and we all work to ensure that everybody knows what a win is and how each person contributes to the team’s success.”

With a staff of more than 400 employees, workers at all levels are required to continue their education annually. JRGM’s landscape professionals hold a wide range of certifications and degrees including: Certified Landscape Professionals, Degreed Landscape Designers, Certified Arborists, Certified Irrigation Auditors, Virginia Certified Nurserymen, Certified Pesticide Applicators and Registered Technicians. In addition to being committed to continuous improvement for its team members, JRGM also is committed to raising the level of professionalism in the landscape industry.

Batterson says JRGM maintains an Equal Employment Opportunity policy and is heavily involved in, and an advocate for, a government-sponsored guest worker program. The company’s leadership also encourages employees to play active roles in industry advocacy, most notably involvement in the Professional Landcare Network (see our “Landscape Academy” feature on page 20 to learn more about that association).

Distributor Relationships

A successful landscaping company is also built on a solid partnership with its equipment distributors. “In a competitive market, the key to succeeding is to retain jobs,” says Batterson. “This means developing strong relationships and building loyalty with our equipment vendors to make sure we have the right equipment in our fleet, at the right time, to do our jobs most efficiently and effectively.”

To offer a wide variety of year-round services — from landscape design and installation to maintenance and snow removal — one relationship Batterson heavily relies on is with Tim Mathews at Mechanicsville Rental Center, a Terex compact equipment distributor, in Mechanicsville, Va.

Batterson has purchased several Terex wheel loaders from Mechanicsville to handle everyday tasks. “Because of the size and scope of JRGM, James needs equipment that offers him versatility to handle everyday tasks, but also allows his crews to work in niche applications,” says Mathews. “James is a very savvy customer — he does his research before he purchases, and he looks to us to provide him with high-end, quality equipment that incorporates the latest technology. Terex loaders have all of the features and benefits that we knew James would like.”

A wheel loader is an ideal choice for landscaping applications when an operator needs a higher payload and larger bucket capacity than a compact loader offers. Higher horsepower means more dynamic force for pushing and production. And the loader’s operating capacity, including tipping load and lift capacities, is important because the wheel loader needs to be able to handle the materials to be moved. The weight of the material and how quickly it needs to be moved will also influence the size of the bucket — the bigger the bucket, the bigger the loader.

Features offered on compact wheel loaders like an articulating center point, oscillating rear axles and rear-mounted engines also give these wheel loaders an advantage on jobsites over other types of loaders. The wider and longer wheelbase offers outstanding stability in all ground conditions, as well as a smooth ride for the operator over rough terrain. And, a wheel loader’s hydrostatic drive system provides infinitely variable speed control, giving these machines the ability to easily adapt to a wide variety of tasks. These features offer operators a combination of speed and maneuverability, particularly in space-restrictive and sensitive-turf environments.

“Wheel loaders are a good fit for the production work James’ crews need to accomplish every day — from moving mulch in the summer to pushing snow in the winter,” says Mathews. “Productivity is very important to James. We recommended these wheel loaders because they are faster to operate and can move more materials quickly.”

Equipped with a light-material bucket, Batterson’s crews use their Terex wheel loaders to move and load more than 100 yards of mulch per day around their facility, as well as on customer jobsites, including snow removal during the off-season. Batterson’s crews often switch out to pallet fork attachments, enabling them to use their wheel loaders in forklift operations. It’s these wheel loaders’ ability to work with a variety of different attachments that really allow them to excel in landscaping applications. Terex wheel loaders, for example, come equipped with a universal skid steer loader quick-attach system, letting them marry up with skid steer and compact track loader attachments, including sweepers, forks, rotary drums, snow blades, fork grapples, tree movers, augers, lift hooks and a variety of buckets.

Batterson also notes that he picked the wheel loader models that had a compact size and light footprint. “We can haul these loaders behind a pick-up truck without requiring special permits,” says Batterson. “And, they do not leave marks or tracks when working on finished surfaces like asphalt.

“Choosing a loader for production work isn’t as simple as choosing the loader with the most horsepower,” finishes Batterson. “We need machines with versatility to handle many different jobs. Mechanicsville works with us, understanding our business and our project work, to best determine what equipment best fits our needs.”

Time to Load Up Your Skid Steer with an Arsenal of Snow Removal Attachments

With winter right around the corner, it is time to dust off your skid steer snow attachments and take inventory to confirm you have the necessary equipment to meet the season’s demands. From blades and sweepers to pushes, snow blowers and buckets, understanding the uses and benefits of each is crucial to have a productive and efficient snow removal team. Weather conditions, application requirements and size are all important factors in deciding what snow removal attachments you need to move more snow faster.

“Depending on your location and the snow conditions there, you will need a particular attachment to address the difficulties each type of snow poses,” says Dave Aldrich, dealer development and service manager for FFC Attachments, a Paladin Construction Group company. “Snow accumulation with a lot of moisture is much heavier in weight while light, dry snow can be swept away. Deep snow needs to be removed or piled in order to create the necessary path clearance. Uneven terrain, confined spaces, barriers and highly traveled areas create other obstacles that can be overcome with a versatile inventory.”

Light, Dry Snow Fall

Snow blades come in widths of 60 in. to 12 ft with 8-ft blades being the most common on skid steers. They are ideal for light, dry snow on roadways, in residential areas or business parking lots. A snow blade can move snow up to 6 in. deep, straight forward or to the side using a 30-degree angle to the left or right based on where you want the snow placed. When angled, the snow rolls from the forward most edge of the curved blade and is placed by the rear most edge. Because of the curved blade, pushing snow straight forward will end up with snow expelled from either edge. In areas where ground conditions can’t be seen, blades with trip edges provide a safer removal attachment. The trip edge keeps the entire blade from tripping over manhole covers or uneven terrain.

Sweepers are most commonly used for depths up to 3 in. and while they work best on dry snow, variable speeds allow for snow with moderate moisture to be swept away as well. Polywire brushes pick up compacted snow and penetrate into concrete grooves and pavement to more effectively remove all snow and restore traction. Wet snow is harder to sweep, but running at a higher speed with an angle or open broom will help these conditions. Sweepers are appropriate in areas where snow has been primarily removed but the conditions call for a cleaner surface, or on heavily traveled roadways/sidewalks where the snow has been compacted.

Heavy, Dry Snow Fall

For snow depths larger than 2 ft, snow blowers create the best solution to relocate the material so the path can be cleared. The typical in-cab electrically controlled adjustable chute rotates left and right and the deflector controls the height of the discharge allowing you to position the material exactly where you need it to go. They can also blow snow into trucks that can haul away the material. If using a snow blower on material high in moisture, it is important to check the shoot often for clogging. If not cleaned properly before storage, the snow and ice in or on the unit can freeze and cause damage.

Heavy, Wet Snow Fall

While buckets come in all sizes and can be used on any amount of snow accumulation or moisture, dedicated snow buckets are the required attachment for piling thick, wet snow. The moisture that can plug a snow blower is easily picked up and carried in a bucket. The design of a bucket provides the strength to pick up heavy material that other snow attachments can’t handle. One caution when using a bucket is the importance of weight relationship between the bucket and your skid steer. For instance, if you put a 2-yd bucket on a 1,500-lb skid steer and overload it with snow, you may tip over your skid steer.

Versatility in Depth and Moisture

High-tech blades operate in a variety of positions, providing added versatility to penetrate drifts and roll material off to the side. V-shaped blades can push material, work as a traditional blade or pull material away from a barrier. Their design is effective for sidewalks, driveways and parking lots or pulling material away from barriers like curbing, fencing or building exteriors. The common in-cab advanced hydraulic controls attach into the wire harness on your skid steer and are used to position the blade as needed for a wide range of conditions and applications.

Snow pushes are effective in applications where material needs to be pushed or piled and come in sizes ranging from 10 to 12 ft wide and 30 to 48 in. high. The box construction gathers the material inside as you move forward, making it ideal for greater depths of snow while also having the structure to take on heavy, wet material. Because it has no moving parts, it is one of the most cost-effective snow removal tools available. Options on some snow pushes provide another method for removing snow from buildings, fences and confined areas.

“Buckets, blades and snow blowers create a strong foundation of equipment that can handle a variety of conditions and applications,” reminds Aldrich. “Depending on your geographical location, you may need to expand your inventory to include other attachments, such as sweepers, pushes and high-tech blades, based on the regional weather conditions. If you are unsure about the issues your snow removal team may face this season, contact your local dealer and they will help you get the proper type of attachment for your snow conditions, applications and skid steer size.”

Conquer Acres of Projects with the Right Size and Style of Skid Loader

When making any large investment, it is important to carefully assess your needs before making the purchase. Prior to buying a skid loader and attachments, it’s important to talk with your dealer about what tasks you hope to accomplish. The biggest mistake a contractor can make is purchasing a machine that is not a perfect fit for the work they do every day. When talking with a dealer about skid steers and attachments, here are a few critical topics you want to be sure you discuss:

1. Lift capacity — What materials do you typically lift? How much do they weigh?
2. Rubber Tire or Track — Which would best meet your needs a machine with tires or tracks?
3. Protection packages — How well protected are the hydraulic lines?
4. Price — What’s your price range? Are there any special purchase incentives?

 
Once you have determined what skid steer will best fit your needs, you need to consider attachments. There are a wide variety of attachments on the market designed to help tackle virtually any task you can imagine — carts, sprayers, snow blades and snow blowers that are loader mounted among others. According to John Deere, a leader in the skid steer industry, the loader is the most popular attachment with an industry take rate of more than 85 percent on small skid steer (20 to 50 hp). So why do most contractors want a loader? Because there are many ways it can be used, and with such a wide variety of attachments and buckets available, the loader is an extremely versatile piece of equipment. It also gives you the opportunity to take on jobs you otherwise could not, enabling you to diversify and grow your business.

Additionally, some loaders are easy to remove and re-attach. There are some jobs that will not require a loader, so with very little effort and no tools required, you can have the option to perform other jobs where a loader could be in the way, or is unnecessary.

1. 4-in-1 bucket — High versatility, allows for more functionality.
2. Pallet forks — Good for moving move heavy pallets of mulch and sod.
3. Grapple bucket — Ideal for moving stumps, heavy logs, roots, rough and heavy material.

Purchasing a skid steer is a big step, but with the help of a loader, you’ll provide extra versatility for you and your crew. And that means getting more done, which is always worthwhile.

Keep Up with Planer Attachments, Schedule Regular Checkups for Picks

The value and popularity of skid steer planer attachments is becoming increasingly more evident because of the variety of jobs they can assist with. In addition to small milling jobs in which large milling machines can’t efficiently be used, planers are an effective tool for asphalt and concrete pothole and frost heave repair, curb cutting, pavement texturing for improved skid resistance and the removal of traffic lane stripes and roadway around manholes.

Manufacturers design them to require minimal maintenance. Unfortunately, this has led to many operators completely ignoring most maintenance functions with their cold planer. And, as with almost any attachment, this neglect leads to reduced efficiency and increased wear that creates the need for unnecessary repairs during its life.

“By listening to the noise a cold planer makes and looking at the hydraulic hoses that connect it to the host machine, a perception can be made that they are complicated to maintain,” says Bob Bethards, global account manager for Paladin Construction Group. “This is not the case at all. Cold planers are one of the easiest machines to maintain, yet many operators still choose to ignore the basic attention they need.”

Production Starts and Ends with the Picks

The most critical maintenance function on a planer is the proper analysis and replacement of its picks, also known as teeth. The picks fit into holders welded at different angles on the cold planer’s drum. While the drum is designed to promote even wear, typically the outside picks wear first as they cut through the asphalt or concrete, and eventually, this wear starts to affect the cold planer’s overall performance. Check the picks before each use to ensure they aren’t broken or severely worn or “bald” looking.

“Pick wear and replacement time depends on the type of material being cut and the pick quality,” states Bethards. “Typically, picks last between 50 to 150 hours for asphalt applications and 10 to 30 hours for concrete applications. One way to achieve maximum life out of your picks is to rotate the outer and inner picks when they start to show wear. This does not affect the overall performance of the cold planer. It will wear the picks evenly so the operator achieves the ideal cut. This philosophy is the same if you replace a select number of worn picks. It is not necessary to replace the entire drum of picks at once.”
If the picks are not replaced at the appropriate time, both the short- and long-term performance of the cold planer will be affected. As the tips wear beyond a certain point, they can rust to the holder, causing it to severely wear and change the shape of the cutting angle. To fix the holders properly, it requires several hours of precise heating and welding to ensure it is positioned and will cut correctly.

Other General Tips About Proper Pick Wear and Replacement:

 

1. Adding a water kit to your cold planer reduces dust and can increase pick life by up to 30 percent.
2. Replace missing picks immediately or it will cause the surrounding picks to wear at a much faster rate.
3. Picks should rotate freely in their holders or they will wear faster.
4. Choose picks that are designed for your application; while there are hundreds of different pick types available, the two most common are “universal” picks that excel in more than 90 percent of applications and concrete picks designed specifically for concrete.

For pick removal, most manufacturers provide a fork tool that slides into a groove on each pick. When in the groove, operators tap the end of this tool with a hammer which pops the pick out. For operators that consistently change out picks, an air compressor, air hammer and punch tool will remove them faster. To insert new picks, flip the fork tool over and follow the same simple procedure. Note: Picks become very hot during operation, so wait until they cool before replacing. Also, don’t hammer on the carbide point of the picks because it can break and cause injury.

 

Leave No Part Unchecked

While pick replacement is critical, it’s not the only maintenance check that should be performed on cold planers. Here are some other simple things to be aware of. The time periods noted below are specifically related to Paladin Construction Group’s Bradco and FFC cold planers and many other common brands. Be sure to read your manual for specific maintenance time periods for your unit.

Daily Maintenance Tips:

 

1. Ensure all nuts, bolts and other fasteners are in place, properly tightened and performing their specified function.
2. Check all hoses for wear and/or damage and ensure there are no leaks.
3. Inspect all quick-disconnect areas for damage.
4. Clean debris from all valves and hoses to avoid hydraulic system contamination.
5. Ensure that the case drain coupler is completely engaged and the hose is not kinked or crushed; a restricted case drain flow can blow the shaft seal on the motor.
6. Ensure the skid steer hydraulic system is at an adequate level of hydraulic oil.
7. Keep as much outside debris out of the drum as possible.

 

Every 40 Hours or Periodic Maintenance Tips:

 

1. Grease all moving parts, including wheel bearings, hydraulic cylinder pivot points, side shift wear areas like flat bars or side shift rods and the depth plates (also known as skids); always wipe off excess grease from fittings because it will collect dirt and increase wear.
2. Check the planetary for leaks and call your dealer immediately if a fix is necessary.

 

Annual Maintenance Tips:

 

1. Perform the initial oil change after 50 hours of operation and once per year or every 1,000 hours after that.

“Lastly, one of the most important things to remember is don’t rush your cold planer,” says Bethards. “The unit will do the work, but you have to match the speed to the cut depth and application. Think of it in terms of inches and feet, not miles per hour. Don’t push it too fast or you will add significant wear to your picks, the rest of the attachment and the skid steer.”

As always, read your cold planer manufacturer’s operation manual thoroughly before using. The operation manual also commonly includes troubleshooting tips in case problems occur.

Choosing the Right Trencher Attachment for Your Skid Steer or Track Loader

When trenching holes through tough terra firma, it’s important to find a balanced trenching tool for your application. When it comes to landscaping, farming, light construction and even homeowner repairs and installations, the proper trencher can be a powerful tool. Because of the expense, it’s important to analyze your needs and expectations by determining a few important factors.

One of the most important things to consider is the trencher’s depth and width for the application. Most trenchers are designed for a number of applications, so be sure to determine all of your application needs before you rent or buy your trencher. This will help in determining the model trencher that is the right one for you. If you need help, any dealer, rental store or manufacturer will be able to help you.

If your jobsite is in small tight areas, maybe you’re best to rent or buy a trencher for a small skid steer or compact tool carrier. Even a small skid steer can trench depths up 36 in. and widths up to 10 in. wide. If your areas of application are larger, you can select trenchers for larger skid or track loaders with digging depths ranging from 24 to 60 in. and widths ranging from 6 to 12 in.

Because trencher attachments operate on flow and pressure (not horsepower), it’s important that you know your  host machine’s capabilities. Typical flow and pressure requirements for compact tool carriers and small skid steers range from 8 to 20 gpm with hydraulic pressures ranging from 1,750 to 3,000 psi. Typical flow and pressure requirements for mid-size to large skid steer or track loaders range from 10 to 40 gpm with hydraulic pressures ranging from 2,000 to 4,200 psi.

Most trencher manufacturers offer a variety of digging chains. Because soil conditions vary from location to location, matching the digging chain with the soil conditions can make all the difference in a successful trenching operation. Most manufacturers offer digging chains for usage in almost all soil conditions and in almost all weather conditions. Some of the most popular digging chains are: the standard chain, recommended for loose or damp soils; double anti-back flex chain, recommended for harder or drier soils; full rock and frost chain, recommended for frost or rocky soils; half rock and frost chain, recommended for harder or mixed rocky soils; and a terminator or bullet chain, recommended for very hard and dry soils.

Most trencher manufacturers offer many features and benefits. Some feature direct motor drives and others feature chain reduction drives.  Direct drives often offer more chain speed, but lose out in long-term durability and the all-important area of torque. Heavy duty chain reduction drives (similar to those that propel skid steer loaders) offer a dependable and economical method of maximizing digging power at an affordable cost. Most also offer other features like trench cleaners. Trench cleaners are designed to improve trench cleanout and are used when installing water pipe or PVC tubing. While most trenchers come standard with a manual side shift, some offer an optional hydraulic side shift. Side shifts allow the operator to trench closer to buildings or walls.

Operating a compact trencher can be fairly complicated, but it can be made much easier if you follow a few suggested guidelines. Engage your trencher with the boom lying flat against the ground. As the chain is rotating (teeth moving forward into the ground), begin inserting the nose of the boom into the ground while slowly raising the trencher a few inches off the ground. Point the nose gradually into the trench.

Once the trencher boom is in the ground and your angle or trench is established, lower the trencher until the skid shoe on the trencher main frame is slightly above ground level. Be certain that the optional trench cleaner is operating freely. During the trenching operation its best to trench at a 45- to 60-degree angle for best performance. Gently creep the loader control backwards. Too much back movement will cause the trencher to stall. Overall speed of the backward movement will depend on the trench’s depth, width, soil conditions and the size of the tool carrier.

Coverage Every Contractor Should Explore

As construction contractors, the potential for damage and financial risk is high and having strong insurance coverage is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, the current economy is driving many contractors to cut back on coverage in order to conserve budget. While some of these cutbacks make sense on the front end, much of the coverage eliminated is crucial to protecting a contractor from substantial risk.

Insurance is complicated and it can be overwhelming. Most contractors rely heavily on the recommendations of their broker or agent because it can be difficult to understand what they are purchasing or the level of protection that coverage will provide in the event of a claim. Contractors need to know what insurance coverage is necessary to operate and what additional coverage is wise to purchase.

 

General Liability

General Liability is one coverage contractors carry universally because it is required for most public works contracts and it protects against the highest amount of risk to the contractor. Many contractors do not know the specifics to consider when purchasing General Liability and what exclusions to avoid. Outside of required coverage limits that can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with a broker, there are many variables that impact the protection a policy provides.

A basic element for construction contractors to be aware of is the difference between Occurrence General Liability and Claim-Made General Liability. Many small contractors have historically purchased Claim-Made General Liability because it is relatively inexpensive. When dealing with strict budgets, this option may appear to be a solid way to save money and maintain coverage, especially in tighter insurance markets. The problem with Claim-Made General Liability is that claims must be made within the year the damage originated and this can be challenging (if not impossible) with large, ongoing projects. The contractor who chooses a Claim-Made policy can be exposed to liability for any project with continuous triggers or the potential to have claims crop up outside of the Claim-Made annual time period.

Occurrence General Liability, on the other hand, provides coverage for the entirety of a project. This allows a contractor to place a claim related to the insured project at any point before, during or after the work is completed. For example, if a contractor is completing work on a sewer, paves over it and then five years later a pedestrian falls in that area, Occurrence General Liability will provide coverage for this claim. While Occurrence General Liability may be more expensive up front, it will provide far more extensive coverage, insuring against sizeable risks attached to a project.

A major component to review when procuring General Liability is what type of additional insured endorsement is being provided. There are two forms of additional insured coverage: Onsite coverage (commonly referred to as ongoing operations) and Products and Completed Operations. Many insurance carriers do not want to offer Broad Form Completed Operations coverage as this broad form policy has broad implications. The problem with a limited additional insured endorsement is that most public works contracts have Type One Indemnity, and one doesn’t want their insurance company passing on an obligation that the contractor is committed to uphold.

There are other absolutes a contractor must look for such as full subsidence coverage (in other words no subsidence exclusions), no action-over liability exclusions and no prior works exclusions. The final thing a contractor should consider when shopping for General Liability is the retention level.

Excess/Umbrella Liability

Closely related to General Liability is Excess or Umbrella Liability. Excess Liability supplies higher limits ranging on average from $10 million to $100 million in coverage and should be purchased in conjunction with General Liability coverage. Higher Excess Liability limits may also be attained, depending on the risk associated with a project. When buying Excess/Umbrella coverage, seek out the same attributes found in a strong General Liability policy.  

Equipment and Auto Coverage

In addition to General Liability, other coverage generally carried by all contractors are Inland Marine Equipment and Automobile policies. When purchasing an auto policy for a contracting company, the buyer should consider the financial benefits of carrying physical damage or liability. If the company’s vehicles are paid off and are older or have a lower value, liability only can be a smart choice. Paying high premiums for a vehicle with low value is often times a waste of money because vehicles are depreciating assets. If the automobile(s) covered by the policy are either still being paid for or retain a high value, physical damage is important because it will compensate for the loss of a vehicle that might be difficult or expensive to replace.
When buying an automobile policy, double check to ensure the proper symbols are included in the policy. Many contractors have extensive fleets with lists of equipment and it is possible to miss a specialized piece of equipment or automobile. By providing a Symbol 1 auto policy, a contractor does not have to worry about scheduled automobiles with the exception of physical damage.

An Inland Marine Policy, or Equipment Floater, is required to cover this equipment due to its specialty purpose. While General Liability, Excess Liability and coverage for equipment make up the minimum coverage needed to protect the business, there are several options that contractors would be wise to consider carrying in their portfolio.

Cover Your Bases on the Jobsite

When it comes to the jobsite, Builders Risk and Pollution Liability are both important options that will guard against accidents and incidents that can easily occur in the building process.

Builders Risk is not required in all contracts, but Public Code 7105 generally requires earthquake and flood. Unfortunately, most brokers and many contractors are not aware of this code. Public Code 7105 holds public works contractors responsible for 5 percent earthquake and flood coverage. Builders Risk is the coverage that will ensure a contractor is prepared for this situation. Traditionally, earthquake and flood are not included in Builders Risk, but they are possible to obtain. A contractor purchasing this coverage should insist on finding Builders Risk that includes earthquake and flood due to the likelihood it might impact the contracts they have secured. Builders Risk also covers the contractor for things such as fire, theft and vandalism.

In addition to Builders Risk with 7105 earthquake and flood coverage, contractors should request a policy that includes Ingress-Egress coverage extensions. Ingress-Egress will provide financial coverage for a contract that is delayed due to the site being inaccessible for something such as forest fires. In the situation of a forest fire, equipment may not be harmed but work cannot be completed for six months and money is lost. Ingress-Egress will protect a contractor trying to recover losses for a delayed project in many cases. It is generally excluded from policies so ensure that your broker specifically requests this stipulation when shopping for Builders Risk insurance.

Pollution on the jobsite is another risk that construction contractors face. In the course of a job, contractors often use and transport different pollutants on and off site and the possibility of a spill, leak or explosion is strong. When it comes to these accidents, public agencies do not care what the causation is or who is at fault. The onsite contractor will be held responsible and required to immediately fix the situation. Whether the pollution comes from an employee tripping with a bucket, hitting an unmarked pipeline or backfilling a hole that had pollutants in it prior to the current job, the contractor will need to have coverage to pay for the damages. For this reason, Pollution Liability is a key coverage contractors should carry.

Be Prepared for Litigation

A major concern for commercial contractors should be protecting their company and assets in the case of a lawsuit. Another policy to consider is Employment Practices Liability and it provides coverage for allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination or wage-and-hour lawsuits. Currently, with the economy in a slump, many attorneys are pursuing wage-and-hour lawsuits due to the growing trend of overtime not being paid to employees willing to perform unpaid work to keep their jobs. Wage-and-hour lawsuits (like any lawsuit whether it is legitimate or not) can cost a sizeable amount. Even an upstanding contractor can easily be accused of wage-and-hour violations in the current climate, and those who are not prepared for the possibility leave themselves open to considerable risk.

Directors and Officers Liability is another coverage to contemplate purchasing, as it will protect the decision-makers of a company. Officers of a company can be sued by anyone for basically any infraction or questionable decision. For instance, during the 9/11 disaster, a port authority officer of New Jersey instructed people to re-enter one of the buildings, which then collapsed on those people. The port authority officer was sued for this decision. In a situation like this one, without Directors and Officers Liability, officers of the company are left unprotected from lawsuits pertaining to decisions made for the company.  

As a whole, construction contractors face substantial operating risks due to the nature of their work. These risks can be controlled and planned for by understanding the insurance coverage available and what items are most important.

Skid Steers Provide a Wealth of Attachment Options

When utility contractors need to install electrical, plumbing, phone, cable or fiber optic lines for residential and commercial properties, more of them are turning to compact loaders and excavators, which provide several attachments for completing the job. Over the years, utility contractors have become more productive by using compact equipment such as compact utility loader (CUL), skid steer and compact track loaders, as well as compact excavators, says Justin Odegaard, Bobcat Co. Attachment Product Representative.

With compact loaders and excavators, contractors do more than one task because of the number of attachments they can utilize. Odegaard says this compact equipment is also ideal for utility contractors because it enables them to cost-effectively extend their utility installation offerings. Instead of buying several dedicated pieces of equipment, contractors can spend thousands less by renting attachments for their loaders and excavators.

Why Tracks?

The size of a compact loader or excavator is an obvious benefit of the machine. For utility contractors working in established areas where they must access tight spaces, compact equipment allows them to go where larger machines can’t. But Odegaard says loaders and excavators with track undercarriages provide additional benefits, including improved traction, increased productivity, better flotation and reduced ground disturbance.

Since most contractors work on soft surfaces when performing utility installation, tracks are a definite plus. Because tracks distribute the machine’s weight over a greater area, they reduce ground pressure, minimizing ground disturbance. For contractors installing service lines on established lawns, this means less worries about performing repair work after the job’s done, Odegaard says. A CUL or compact track loader also allows landscapers to work in ground conditions that might prove difficult for wheeled loaders. Track loaders’ improved traction and flotation enable contractors to work more effectively in wet and muddy ground conditions.

Compact track loaders and CULs are offered by a number of manufacturers. Bobcat Co., for example, manufactures two CUL models, six compact track loader models and 11 excavator models, all of which have track undercarriages. The machines also can be paired with a number of attachments, including several that can be used for utility installation. Of the more than 80 types of attachments Bobcat manufactures, Odegaard says the trencher, vibratory plow, boring unit, auger, combination bucket, digger, backhoe, angle broom, pallet forks and hydraulic breaker are among the most popular with utility contractors.

Trencher

The trencher attachment is likely the most recognizable utility installation attachment. For years, utility contractors have turned to the trencher attachment because of its strength, ease of use and versatility. Another reason the trencher is commonly seen on utility installation jobs is because it’s usually readily available for rent at most dealerships or rental stores, and it’s relatively inexpensive when compared to other attachments.

Odegaard says there are also several advantages to using a trencher attachment. While the trencher works well in all soil conditions, he says it also has the power and strength to dig through extremely rocky soil. Contractors can equip their trencher attachment with several different teeth and chain configurations in order to correctly match it to the soil conditions in which they’ll be digging. The Bobcat trencher attachment has dig depths from 2 to 5 ft and allows utility installation specialists to trench close to buildings, fences and other objects with the removal of its auger.

Because the trencher cuts through the ground and displaces a strip of soil, Odegaard says it’s better used in non-established areas where there isn’t any sod or seed and where ground disturbance isn’t a worry.

Vibratory Plow

Industry watchers are seeing more utility contractors using vibratory plows mainly because of increased awareness about the attachment’s primary benefit — minimal ground disturbance to lawns, Odegaard says. This efficient Bobcat attachment places utility lines up to a maximum depth of 18 in. below ground level by slicing a thin blade into the ground and placing the line directly into the trench with a single pass. The vibratory plow saves time because unlike the trencher where contractors must dig the trench first before installing the line, the vibratory plow. can do both at the same time.

“Less ground disturbance is huge because you don’t have to go back, put the pipe in or level out the ground you dug up,” Odegaard says. “You’re installing as you go.”

Boring Unit

Another popular attachment for installing utility lines is the boring unit. When contractors are faced with placing utility lines in areas where they’re unable to trench or plow, many of them turn to the boring unit. This attachment enables them to place service lines under sidewalks, driveways and other structures.

So how does this unique attachment work? Well, Odegaard says a screw-type boring bit is driven through the ground as the machine is driven forward. As this happens, the ground is compacted outward to create a tunnel under the obstacle. Once the boring bit reaches the other side, a reaming bit is then installed and the utility line is connected to the swivel on the reaming bit. The machine is then backed up, and the rotating reamer bit further compacts the soil as it pulls the utility line through the enlarged tunnel.
Attachments from Start to Finish

Besides the trencher, vibratory plow and boring unit, contractors can utilize several other attachments with their compact loaders or excavators to help complete utility installation jobs from start to finish. For example, Odegaard says a combination bucket can be used to carry or move dirt and rocks and to backfill trenches.
Once a utility installation job is complete, contractors want to leave the site looking just as good or better than when they arrived. Attaching an angle broom to a loader enables utility installation specialists to sweep dirt, rock and other debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. Other accessory-type attachments they might use during a project are pallet forks for hauling materials, a hydraulic breaker for breaking through rock in extremely difficult soil conditions or a stump grinder for cutting and removing tree roots that are in the way of utility lines.

There’s no question that utility contractors have several choices when it comes to attachments for their compact loaders and excavators. As with any application, Odegaard says contractors should make sure they match the right tool to the job by considering possible challenges and whether they’ll be working in mostly new construction or established areas.

“A utility contractor will also want to consider what type of soil conditions are found in the region they’ll be working in before choosing their installation method,” Odegaard says.

Prices for Construction Services Finally Rise as Contractors can Finally Charge More

The amount contractors pay for construction materials and charge for completed projects both increased in July, as firms were finally able to charge more for work, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said, however, that it was too early to tell whether contractors will continue to be able to raise prices in the face of declining public sector investments in construction.

“Contractors will have a hard time increasing, or even holding the line on bid levels if the federal government continues to cut investments in infrastructure and construction,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “That being said, anyone looking for a good deal for new construction should act now in case prices continue to increase.”

The index for new construction – what contractors charge for construction projects – increased between 1.0 and 1.3 percent in July and from 2.3 to 3.1 percent for the year, depending on building type. With the exception of school construction, the monthly increases are at their highest rate of growth in two years, and the annual increases for all types of new construction are all at two-year highs.

Sandherr noted that the producer price index for all construction materials increased by 0.3 percent in July and 8.9 percent over the past 12 months. Contractors got some relief, however, from rising diesel prices in July, as prices declined by 1.8 percent for the month, yet diesel prices are still 49.9 percent higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, prices for copper ores experienced the highest rate of increase in July, 7.0 percent, and are up 33.9 percent for the year.

Prices rose sharply in July for a number of other key materials, including copper and brass mill shapes (5.6 percent for July, 33.6 percent for the year); prepared asphalt and tar roofing and siding products (2.4 percent for the month, 4.8 percent for the year) and plastic resins and materials (2.1 percent for the month, 14.2 percent for the year).

Citing the fact that construction programs have already accounted for more than 50 percent of federal budget cuts for fiscal year 2012, association officials said declining public sector investments would make it hard for contractors to continue raising prices. “Deferring needed investments in the nation’s aging infrastructure will make it even harder for contractors to cope with rising materials prices and undermine the kind of private sector economic activity the industry is counting on to help it recover,” said Sandherr.