Implementing Document Workflow Processes

Every business has some sort of document workflow process in use. Whether that process is limited to a single individual or multiple people, documents usually flow through a series of steps as part of the daily business process. Document workflows may include invoices, orders, e-mail, snail mail or any other document processed every single day in every single business. Once the realization of how often document workflow occurs each day, one begins to consider ways to improve and streamline the document workflow process to maximize time and cost savings.

Where to Begin

Workflow is the step-by-step procedure taken to complete a job. Construction businesses need to consider the possibilities of automated workflow using document management when real problems occur. This usually manifests as some point of “pain” in the physical process of dealing with paper. Some points of contention when dealing with paper may include:

1. Loss of documentation
2. Unable to quickly locate information for customer service responses
3. Meeting compliance requirements for audit or security
4. Rising costs of additional staff to process paper based workflows
5. Efficiency in managing the paper based workflow for tracking and status purposes
6. Movement of paper between a remote office and a corporate office

Once the decision is made to improve workflow, the question becomes, “Where do I begin?” The first thing to do is choose one document process to work with. Oftentimes, the biggest mistake a company makes is trying to improve all processes at one time. This seldom works and many times ends up as a failed attempt to automate any process. Some examples of construction processes that can become extremely efficient using EDMS are the delivery of documentation from the construction site to the main office and approval of project management documents such as invoices and change orders.

After selecting the process to improve, the process can be broken down into actual physical steps. Take the business process and physically follow it from beginning to end. Spend time with each person involved along the way and find out what action items occur at each step, what the exceptions for each decision are and where the document goes once it leaves that step. The end result of this will be a clear understanding of what takes place for the entire process under review.

As the review is taking place, imagine the process residing in an electronic workflow. Think about how the physical process will work electronically or if it will even work electronically. For example, one step of the process may involve an outside entity applying a signature to the piece of paper. How will this work if the document is electronic? Make note of any potential pitfalls of applying electronic technology to the workflow process. Build a list of process requirements and use it when selecting a vendor/product for implementation.

Choosing the Best Technology

With the workflow process understood and requirements gathered, it’s time for product selection. Start by making a product feature list and specifying whether the feature listed is required or optional. Share this list with various vendors so they can respond to your needs. Base the list on the information gathered as the workflow process is analyzed and the workers interviewed. Ensure that the selection guidelines include gathering of the following information from the vendors as you request information:

1. What are the system hardware requirements? This ensures that the correct computing infrastructure is in place to run the software efficiently. Without proper hardware, the software may not run at optimum performance, thereby negating any time savings anticipated from implementation of an electronic process.
2. What are the requirements for any specialty hardware such as signature pads, scanners or web servers?
3. What is the cost for software maintenance and technical support?
4. What is the availability of technical support?
5. What are the reference accounts for similar size companies?
6. How is the data backed up?  
7. What training programs are offered?  
8. What is the availability of professional services for integration and custom processes?
9. Is the software proprietary or is it built on an open architecture?
10. Can the system be installed on premises or hosted in an SaaS environment?
11. Is a software development kit or application programming interface (API) available to allow for integration to existing software products?

Vendor or product selection should not be based solely on cost. The product should meet the critical functional requirements and have the flexibility to grow with your business. Ease of use and speed of deployment are also key factors to look for when selecting a product. Avoid products that require excessive customization and programming services to make the basic functions of the workflow process work. This step alone can cause major delays and cost overruns. The majority of items on your requirements list should be available “out of the box.” Customer service and support are also extremely important elements of the total solution. The product selected may perform well but without service and support, undo frustration may arise when the need for help is warranted.

Quantifying the Results

There are many benefits of automating your document workflow processes. One example is the “missing document.” This is a frequent issue with paper-based, and even with electronic documents, that are not stored in a controlled repository. A document is handed to or e-mailed as an attachment to a person for review and approval. That e-mail or document is subsequently lost or accidentally deleted. There are many problems that can arise. Who will know that the document is missing? Will the person who sent it know to follow up and request the approval? If so, will that person be able to re-create the lost document? And what if this document was a customer order or an important equipment requisition? Studies show the average cost to re-create a lost document is $250. These “missing document” episodes happen every day in most businesses and they inherently take a tremendous toll on a business, both financially and in damaged customer service and competitiveness.

Conclusion

Is your construction business using outdated and inefficient workflow methods given today’s availability of affordable and easy-to-use software technology? Taking your business to the next level is easier than you may think. Pick a single workflow process, analyze this process at each step and create a diagram to document the process. This approach will put you on a solid path toward continuous improvement of your business workflows that make your organization more efficient, competitive and profitable.

What Is Tier 4 Final?

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) T4f regulations significantly reduce the particulate emissions of diesel engines. This typically requires major engine changes and exhaust after-treatment devices, dramatically increasing costs. All engine manufacturers must supply T4f-compliant engines as of Jan. 1, 2013. There will be some carryover associated with the normal delivery lead time that will stretch into early 2013, which means that some Tier 4 Interim (T4i) engines exceeding 25 hp will still be available for sale after the deadline. The EPA is extending a flex plan to manufacturers that will allow for the sale of a certain percentage of these machines for a limited time after Jan. 1, 2013. That percentage will be identified later in 2012. T4f regulations do not apply to previously purchased equipment, and these regulations only apply to the United States and Canada.

How Will Engine-Driven Welder/Generators with More Than 25 hp Change?

The greatest change will come in terms of price. T4f diesel engine-driven welder/generators greater than 25 hp could increase in price by as much as 50 percent due to engine and installation cost increases. Machines may also get physically larger due to exhaust after-treatment devices added to the engine. These devices get larger as horsepower increases. The new after-treatment devices also give off additional heat, which requires proper machine design to manage airflow while still being optimized for installation on trucks.

What Are Manufacturers Doing to Address T4f?

While the regulations affect engines with 25 to 75 hp, some manufacturers have gone to great lengths to improve machines with engines under 25 hp, providing the performance and output many contractors need at a much lower price point than the new T4f designs will allow. These improvements include maximizing power output and improving fuel efficiency. Similar changes are being implemented on machines greater than 25 hp to help offset the impact of increased prices when they hit the market, but it begs the question: Do you need to buy a fleet of 500 amp machines (greater than 25 hp) when a fleet of 300 to 400 amp machines (less than 25 hp) may handle a great majority of your applications?

Can I Change Processes or Use a Machine with Lower Horsepower? 

When you examine most welding applications, you will find that contractors have been buying machines with more horsepower and amperage than they need because greater output was available at a reasonable price. If the difference in a 350 amp machine (less than 25 hp) and a 500 amp machine (more than 25 hp) was only $2,000 to $3,000, many contractors would pay that premium just to have that extra power when needed. In examining construction welding applications, most welders rarely exceed 350 amps, and the majority of welding applications are performed at 250 amps or less.

If you occasionally have the need to run high amperages, whether to run much larger electrodes or to perform carbon arc gouging, you may be able to buy one or two 500-amp machines for those less common applications while buying 350-amp machines for the rest of your fleet. This strategy could potentially save you thousands of dollars in equipment purchase costs, while also adding machines that are smaller, more fuel-efficient and offer a lower total cost of ownership. (To calculate your welding amperage needs, visit www.MillerWelds.com/resources/calculators).

Another way to get more out of a smaller machine is to change processes. The majority of construction welding applications today rely on the Stick (SMAW) welding process. Contractors buy 400- to 500-amp machines to handle large diameter Stick electrodes, but they might be able to achieve the same results by switching to the Flux Cored (FCAW) welding process while transitioning to a machine with less than 25 hp at 350 amps. This requires the added equipment cost of a wire feeder, but that cost is more than accounted for in the lower price of the engine-drive compared to a T4f machine.

The Flux Cored process provides higher deposition rates (more metal faster) at amperage that is easily attained with machines less than 25 hp. It also produces less waste as you use all of the wire, compared to Stick welding where you regularly discard stubs and spend time switching electrodes in and out. Bottom line: You’ll deposit more metal faster, with less waste, and with a machine not affected by the cost increases associated with T4f engine compliance over 25 hp.

Dual operator systems are also an effective option to help lower costs. While some machines fall under the T4f restrictions, they allow two operators to work off of one system (and in some cases, three or more welders with the addition of an inverter running off the machine’s generator power). This can reduce fuel use by more than 50 percent compared to two single-operator units with comparable engine power, and lower total cost of ownership to counteract the price increases caused by T4f.

T4f: An Opportunity to Assess Welding Processes

While some will be discouraged by the inevitable price increases that come along with T4f greater than 25 hp, this is a great opportunity to examine your welding processes and determine if you may be able to get by with equipment that falls below 25 hp not affected by EPA T4f regulations. Manufacturers will also be working hard to improve efficiencies (fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance, added performance and productivity) to offset the cost increases.

Know Your Jobsite

The first step toward safe operation of skid steer loaders is to know your jobsite. Because of their unique combination of small size, speed and exceptional maneuverability, a site inspection is critically important before you strap yourself into your loader. Consider:

1. Where will you be traveling as part of your jobsite tasks?
2. What are the ground conditions like? Smooth and hard? Muddy and rutted?
3. What obstacles will you encounter on a typical work cycle? Curbs, berms, ditches, culverts, narrow aisles, rough ground and other machines are all potential obstacles that you should consider as part of your site analysis.
4. What tools and attachments will you be using on this job? How large and heavy are they, and how will they affect the handling characteristics of your skid steer loader?

 
Keep in mind that jobsite conditions can easily change throughout the day, so you must be vigilant for potential hazards whenever you’re operating your skid steer. If you get lazy and don’t pay attention to unpredictable people and equipment even for a few seconds, someone could get hurt or killed. One other thing to keep in mind: Skid steer loaders can work in extremely tight, confined and narrow spaces. As an operator of one of these machines, you may underestimate its clearance requirements, potentially causing property damage. In addition, skid steers can easily be overlooked by operators of larger machines, potentially leading to close calls and even collisions with them.

Visibility Issues

Because the operator of a skid steer loader is so accessible, other workers on the jobsite and pedestrians may approach the machine to talk to you. Because these diminutive loaders have nearly non-existent rear and side visibility, you may not be aware that people are approaching on foot. If you swing in their direction before they come into view, they could be severely injured or killed. When operating a skid steer loader, swivel your head around to scout the area before you execute a turn, so you can avoid any people or obstructions. Many experienced operators jokingly tell new recruits that having a swivel head like a bobble-headed doll will land you a skid steer job anywhere, anytime. Shoulder checking can be a real pain in the neck, but a necessary and unavoidable part of performing your job safely.

Finally, a raised bucket can impair your forward vision. When traveling, keep the bucket below eye level, so you can clearly see where you’re going and avoid any obstructions that may be in your path. This will also keep the machine’s center of gravity low, for improved stability on rough ground.

Safe Entry and Exit

If you’re accustomed to operating larger equipment, the skid steer looks innocent enough, especially when it comes to boarding one. But doing so safely is harder than it looks, because (for most units) you must enter the cab from the front of the machine by stepping over the back lip of the bucket, while holding onto the grab handles that protrude from the front of its roll-over protective structure (ROPS). You must then let go of the handles, spin around, grab onto them again and lower yourself into the operator’s seat. For maximum safety, you must maintain three-point contact throughout the mounting process.

Never use a control lever as a contact point when boarding a skid steer. Grabbing hold of a control lever could release stored hydraulic energy, activating the lift arms and causing serious injury or death. Following this procedure is especially important if conditions are rainy, muddy or snowy. Slipping and falling into the bucket and slamming a knee, or worse yet, your shin, on that hard, cold metal could be excruciatingly painful. Exercise great care when exiting a skid steer, because you must follow the same procedure, except in reverse. This can also be challenging during inclement weather conditions.

Points of Peril: Entanglement, Pinch and Crush Points

Moving parts on any machine present potential hazards. They may entangle, pinch or crush anything, including you, or any part of you or a coworker who is unfortunate enough to get in the way. Where are the pinch points on a skid steer loader? The most dangerous point occurs when the skid steer’s lift arms and bucket are in the raised position. If someone is in that area and the lift arms activate, bringing the bucket down, that person’s arm or head could be pinched or crushed. If a person is directly under a skid steer loader bucket that falls, it will most likely result in a fatality. To prevent pinch or crush point accidents, always lower the skid steer loader lift arms to ground the bucket, then engage the hydraulic lock before dismounting the machine.

As an operator, you will rarely work outside of the skid steer with the bucket raised; however, a mechanic may do so when servicing the machine. If your skid steer’s hydraulic system stalls or fails when the bucket is raised, you should engage the safety strut or boom lock to ensure the safety of yourself and others who may be in the immediate area. Then exit the machine and report the problem to your supervisor. Never enter or exit the operator’s cab under a raised, unsupported lift arm.

Keeping the Loader Under Control

Modern skid steer loaders employ joystick controls, which means they respond instantly and precisely to the slightest operator input. In the hands of an inexperienced operator, they may lurch forward or buck like a bronco, amplifying your arm and hand movements and putting the loader operator and others on the jobsite at risk. In most cases, if you remove your hands from the joysticks, they will return to their center positions and the machine will come to a stop.

Also, the uneven front-to-back weight distribution that enables this type of machine to turn so quickly also makes them notoriously unstable. You can easily tip one over, pop a wheelie or bounce wildly if you travel too fast on rough ground. If you travel with the bucket in the air and full of material and hit a patch of rough terrain, the material could spill over the back of the bucket, right into your lap.

For best results, keep the bucket low and reduce ground speed when traveling with a full bucket on uneven ground. Always be aware of the machine’s center of gravity, which is based in part on the size and weight of the tool that’s attached to your skid steer’s front. The higher the implement, the higher the center of gravity and the easier the machine will overturn.

In addition, different attachments may alter the machine’s center or gravity, depending upon their size and weight, and will affect how your machine will respond as you move around the jobsite and encounter different types of ground conditions. Developing a gut feel for your skid steer loader’s center of gravity, with and without a load or an attachment, is critical to safe operation.

The applications for the auger bucket are many. Some customers use the auger bucket on a feed lot to mix and feed livestock. Others have used the bucket to mix their own concrete by combining sand, aggregate and cement or by simply using bags of mixture. This gives you complete control of the slump, and you never have to worry about the quality of the concrete in the truck traveling from the plant to your jobsite. Several people have mixed their grass seed and fertilizer and dumped it into a spreader. You can use it for sandbagging to prevent flooding. Use it to line landscape beds, driveways or mailboxes with decorative rock or fill the bucket with corn and refill deer feeders which are normally 6 to 8 ft tall. Asphalt companies have used the auger bucket to patch roads, bridges, parking lots and lots more. The auger bucket can also be used to reach difficult areas for footings, slabs, sidewalks, fence posts, sign posts, deck posts and piers.

Auger buckets make great rental tools. A rental business would need to make sure the bucket is cleaned thoroughly between rentals to ensure longer auger and bucket life. Most concrete trucks cannot get to many locations due to the size and weight of the trucks, so the auger bucket can save time and money and eliminate the need for a pump truck. They are also mostly maintenance free. There is usually only one grease zerk used to lubricate the motor seal.  The zerk is typically located in the motor mounting plate. Grease the motor seal after every 40 hours of use. Thoroughly clean the auger bucket after each use and apply a water based, non-corrosive releasing agent. On site, dump 5 gal of water in the bucket and run it in reverse to get most of the material out of the bucket. This will allow the bucket to be transported back to the shop where it can be hosed out completely. Just remember: Do not allow concrete to dry or water to freeze in the bucket.

If you take care of it, an auger bucket can be a great addition to your skid steer’s attachment arsenal. Most auger buckets have a half-yard capacity. A half yard of concrete weighs around 2,000 lbs and can be emptied in about 50 seconds. The bucket capacity can be increased to 3/4 yd as long as your skid steer can handle the extra weight. The bucket also has the ability to self load from loose piles. This unique implement does a lot of work. If you’re in the concrete business, you should definitely check one out.

Pick the Perfect Grapple

1. What is your application? Will your grapple be used for removing brush, trees, small logs, manure, asphalt, concrete, scrap, recycling or other materials?

2. What’s the width of the grapple? This is determined usually be the size of the base machine or the application itself.

3. Should the bottom be open or solid? An open bottom allows for smaller unwanted material to fall through between the tines. Solid bottoms will capture material for complete removal.

4. What’s the weight of the grapple? Does the grapple fit the machine’s load limit? How much useful load is available for the application?

Maintaining Your Perfect Purchase

1. Lubricate the grapple. Please refer to the manufacturer’s operation manual for the proper maintenance schedule. Use a good water-resistant grease.

2. Walk around the grapple and check for any hydraulic cylinder or hose leaks. Such leaks can cause serious injury if not immediately repaired. Always relieve the hydraulic pressure before performing any maintenance. It takes very little time to do the repair safely, but it can save you downtime and expenses.

3. Check to be sure your grapple is properly attached to the power source and all locking pins are secured and locked into place.  

4. If any safety labeling is worn, missing or damaged, please contact your dealer or the manufacturer directly for replacement decals.

Operation of the grapple can be accomplished by reading the manual and getting training from an experienced user. Clearly understand the safety labeling and realize why it is there. Are there any special rules or regulations at the worksite? Avoid side hills or sloping ground that may cause the machine to become unstable. Know the location of any underground utilities. Use of a grapple involves a lot of moving, backing up and turning. Keep other people far away from the grapple when in operation. Know the weight and characteristics of the material you are handling. Wear the proper work and safety equipment. Do not operate the grapple if you are not well rested or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Understand the power source, the application, safety and maintenance. Properly used, your grapple will last you a very long time.

Of course the earliest skid steers could not even power those first attachments. They essentially had pin-on attachment systems with no auxiliary hydraulic technologies, and attachments were powered by the push and pull of the loader itself. It took a few decades to harness the high technologies of hydraulics. A whole new industry of skid steer engineers, attachment makers and hydraulic OEM experts emerged over the last three decades with the proliferation of skid steers using fluid power systems.

“The first widely available skid steer auxiliary hydraulics were used for powering cylinder-operated attachments such as grapple forks and hay buckets,” remembers Curtis Goettel, marketing manager at Case Construction Equipment (which has been building skid steers since 1969). “Powered attachments became common in the 1980s. By the mid-‘90s, nearly all skid steer manufacturers offered optional auxiliary hydraulics, but it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that auxiliary hydraulics became standard on skid steers.”

Over 50 years, the skid steer and its subsequent cousin the compact track loader have become some of the most recognized pieces of equipment on the construction site, landscape project, farm yard and rental lot. That has a lot to with its utilitarian nature. The rise of hydraulics has made skid steers and compact loaders kings of attachments. Whether it’s a massive cold planer to strip asphalt, a serious stump grinder to remove old trees or a large wood chipper to dispose of the debris, there are as many attachments as applications on the skid steer market.

“Over time, versatility has become a hallmark of the skid loader,” says Sean Bifani, product manager for skid loaders and compact track loaders at Mustang Mfg. (which makes 10 skid steers and two track loaders today). “Hydraulic systems have evolved to include standard- and high-flow auxiliary hydraulic configurations, mechanical and hydraulically-powered quick-attach options and pressure-relieving coupler systems. As technology has improved, skid loader hydraulic systems have become more efficient and more advanced. Though still operating on many of the same principles, pumps and valves are now being designed to operate at higher pressures for maximum efficiency. Equally important, they are requiring less horsepower in smaller physical packages.”

How Does It Work?

The steely heart of a skid steer is a diesel engine. That diesel power plant pumps energy to all of the machine’s many wheels, tracks, loader arms, attachments and other functions. In the belly of the beast, this diesel engine transmits  its energy to a set of hydraulic pumps bolted directly to the output of the engine. A total of up to four hydraulic pumps hooked up to the engine power the loader arms, hydraulic drive motors, auxiliary hydraulic circuits and the unit’s attachments.  

Most skid steers on the market utilize two hydraulic pumps to achieve the optimum balance between driving and lift arm and attachment functions. These are generally referred to as the main pump and the auxiliary pump. The main pump provides power to hydraulic drive motors, which in turn provides power to the axles and wheels. The auxiliary pump provides direct oil flow to the lift arm and hydraulic attachment operation.
“The powertrain in a skid steer is a diesel engine, and the drivetrain comprises hydrostatic pumps and motors,” explains Mike Fitzgerald, loader product specialist with Bobcat Co., which introduced the first model of skid steer (the M-60 Self-Propelled Loader) in 1959. “In the drive system, it is common to use two drive pumps and two drive motors — one of each, for each side. For attachment operation and lift arm functioning, there is typically one hydraulic pump. Although some machines can utilize two or three, depending on the ultimate hydraulic needs of the attachments or machine.”

In most types of pumps, the flow rate is determined by the pump’s speed (which is equal to the speed of the engine) and its displacement (the volume of the cylinders in the pump). The faster a given pump spins, the higher the flow rate. The pressure is determined by the tasks the operator is performing, the attachment he or she is using and the flow system of the skid steer or track loader.

“In simple terms, an attachment that uses hydraulic power requires a fluid medium that is charged by a hydraulic pump,” says Bifani. “The pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid using power from the engine. The fluid is directed toward an attachment through a control valve. Energy that is created in the system is used to the fullest extent of the capabilities of the attachment, with remaining fluid returning to the hydraulic tank. As a generalization, flow and pressure are equally important. Flow creates speed, while pressure creates work.”

Walk onto a dealer lot today and you’ll see that hydraulic systems come in two configurations — standard flow and high flow. Standard-flow auxiliary hydraulics generally range from 10 gallons per minute (gpm) on smaller skid steers to 32 gpm on larger models. High-flow auxiliary hydraulics typically range from 31 to 41 gpm, providing more flow to get work done with bigger, more complex implements. Customers pay approximately $1,600 to $1,800 extra to equip a skid steer with high-flow hydraulics, but customers are demanding it more and more. Flow rates overall are a growing trend.  

“Standard flow rates — gpm of oil flow — have increased over time as have hydraulic pressures,” says Perry Girard, marketing manager of parts and service at Case Construction Equipment. “An attachment’s requirement is measured in hydraulic horsepower. This is a number that is a result of both pressure and flow. Increasing one or the other or both will deliver more power for the attachments. The hydraulic pressures in early machines were 1,500 to 2,000 psi systems. Now 3,000 psi is common across the industry, and enhanced high-flow systems can reach 4,000 psi. Flow rates have also gone from 15 gpm to as much as 40 plus gpm on high-flow machines.”

Evolving Options in Hydraulic Power and Efficiency

Skid steers and track loaders continue to find high sales numbers and new markets. Depending on the year, sales for new skid steers can range dramatically — from 20,000 to 70,000 units in North America alone. New compact track loader sales can range from 5,000 to 20,000 units. Both rely heavily on the homebuilding markets, but that’s changing. Because of the diversity of hard working, high-flow attachments, skid steers and track loaders are migrating into lot clearing, road construction, design/build landscaping, disaster relief work and loads of other industries.  

Easy-to-use attachments are a big part of the category’s growing popularity. Quick-attach systems have been standard on skid steers for decades now, but most manufacturers also offer quick-coupler systems with hydraulic pressure release technologies. If you’ve ever changed an attachment, you know trapped line pressure can make hydraulic attachment changes time-consuming and frustrating. Simplify the process with a coupler that has a hydraulic pressure release, allowing the user to swiftly switch from bucket to broom easily. As you push the coupler, hydraulic oil releases through a return line back into the machine. The system provides easy, clean attachment changes.

If it’s a non-hydraulic attachment, you can even swap attachments without leaving your seat. Optional power mounting systems allow the locking wedges (which secure the attachment) to hinge and unhinge from the cab seat. Push a button and an operator can lock and unlock the levers, dropping the attachment and securing the next one. For hydraulic attachments, operators still must shut off the loader and exit the cab to complete the changeover of hydraulic lines.

Operating attachments has become as easy as taking them on and off. Big, demanding and complex implements like tree spades, cold planers and grading machines can now be operated with the help of a digital interface, which can control the speed and flow of the attachment or the speed of the actual skid steer or track loader. Matching travel speed or attachment speed with the job requirements allows you to maximize attachment performance, decrease the chances of stalling the machine, reduce fuel consumption and reach top productivity.

“Advances in hydraulic technology provide an enhanced operator interface with the skid loader and attached implements,” says Bifani. “This facilitates better productivity and often more professional results. This is achieved by more precisely managing hydraulic flow and power to the attachment and the carrier drive motors. On modern designs when equipped, different settings can be managed by the operator, or functions can often be monitored and controlled through programming. While many operators embrace this level of control, many others prefer more simplistic and traditional systems.”

New school operators usually use joysticks with fingertip hydraulic controls, making attachment operation more precise and comfortable, even allowing attachment adjustments as you drive. Detent features allow continuous attachment flow without having to hold the switch. Flow goes both ways too, so lock the flow in the opposite direction for sweepers, soil conditioners, tillers and other attachments that operate in both directions. Variable and max flow options provide full control of cylinder adjustments, so you can slowly adjust grapples and combination buckets with the variable, featherable flow, and then engage the maximum flow rate to shake dirt from your trencher teeth.

“The compact equipment industry is continually looking at how contractors utilize their skid steers and track loaders,” explains Fitzgerald. “Today, Bobcat provides communication between specific attachments and the machine to help operators understand — like our new laser grader system available on M-Series loaders and our deluxe instrumentation panel. These aren’t really auto-pilot features, but we’re moving in that direction.”
Today, companies like Bobcat offer more than 80 attachments for its compact loader lines, many of which are unique to the company. Augers, backhoes, blades, brooms, breakers, cement mixers, log splitters, mowing decks, planers, silt fence installers, snow blowers, stump grinders, tree shears, trenchers, vibrator rollers, wheel saws and wood chippers are only a handful of the attachments available to skid steer and track loader owners and operators today. Finding the most unique and hard-working attachments is another story altogether, but to match your skid steer or track loader to the size and flow of your new attachments, make sure you check with your dealer and operator’s manual.

“You need to match the attachment to the overall machine size, as well as the flow and pressure capabilities to the machine’s hydraulic system,” says Fitzgerald. “For example: It doesn’t matter what type of attachment you’re using, if you put on a low-flow attachment and turn on the high-flow, something will go wrong. Understand how your loader’s hydraulic system works, and you’ll understand how to get the most out of your attachments.”

Since their inception in a small town in Minnesota, skid steers have grown in stature — as compact, efficient and valuable machines for worksites of all shapes and sizes. From construction sites and landscape projects to farms and rental lots, contractors have seen an increased need for smaller, more affordable and more versatile machines to conquer their ever-evolving jobs. Simply put, skid steers and their tracked counterparts compact track loaders are the bedrock of the North American tool carrier category (compact loaders that take attachments).  

These machines have a lower price point, but that no longer reflects a lack of power and sophistication. Skid steers and compact track loaders can now handle tasks that were once reserved for larger equipment. Horsepower, operator usability and comfort have been priority upgrades for manufacturers over the past several years. Both skid steers and track loaders boast more creature comforts and automation features. In the cab, pressurized cabins, adjustable seats and ergonomic controls make operators feel like they are in the driver’s seat of their own car. Routine tasks such as boom settings and wheel speeds can be automated with electro-hydraulic (EH) joysticks. Other timesavers include quick-catch mechanisms that allow the operator to change attachments without leaving the comfort of the cab.

Skid steers and compact track loaders can now be equipped to run for longer hours and feature agility enhancements such as track and bucket speed settings. Speeds can be set to match the performance of an attachment, like a trencher or cold planer, with the push of your fingertips thanks to EH controls. Like skid steers, compact track loaders (CTLs) also have settings that can be customized for the individual operator based on his or her skill level and the task at hand.

In addition to comfort and ease of use inside the cab, the exterior of the CTL is also built to take on the dirty work. With their track loader design, CTLs can roam the jobsite year-round. The low ground pressure track design enables the units to work on softer surfaces and more diverse terrain without damaging the machine.

These added values have not gone unnoticed. Since 2009, sales of skid steers and compact track loaders have increased 50 percent and 80 percent, respectively. More manufacturers in the industry are diversifying models and product offerings, allowing customers to purchase the machine that is right for their needs and price point. Construction sales make up the majority of the increase, while landscape, agriculture and rental businesses are a close second. Traditionally the Midwest, the birthplace of the machine design, has seen the most sales volume. During positive economic waves, coastal regions such as New York, California, Texas and Florida have pulled ahead in sales due to new construction and growth. This growth waivers with the state of the economy however, and ultimately the Midwest reigns in sales.

Looking ahead, sales are projected to increase both in the United States and abroad. Econometric data suggests skid steer sales will be up more than 30 percent in the next year. While skid steers have been most popular on a global scale, with four to five skid steers sold for every one compact track loader, that difference is projected to narrow. With increased efficiency in design and versatility, compact track loader sales are projected to increase by 50 percent in the next year. 

Sweeper attachments are some of the most versatile attachments available, and keeping them running smoothly requires daily inspection and proper maintenance. These attachments require a certain kind of finesse. Too much brush contact or an overly aggressive operator can greatly diminish brush life, but proper adjustment and operation will keep your attachment running smoother, longer.

Performing daily inspections and maintenance before each use is the best way to keep your sweeper attachment running at its maximum efficiency. Most sweeper manufacturers includes a maintenance schedule work sheet with each of its attachments to help its customers perform proper maintainance. Taking precautions before each use to determine whether your sweeper attachment requires maintenance.

Brush Pattern

The optimum brush pattern adjustment for a sweeper attachment is 2 to 4 in. for the brush to pick up debris with a “flicking” motion. If pressure is too light, the debris won’t be lifted. Too heavy, and the brush acts like a mop, leading to excessive wear  as a large portion of it is dragged across the surface.

To check your sweeper attachment’s brush pattern:

1. Move the sweeper to a flat, dusty surface.
2. Set the prime mover’s parking brake and leave the engine running.
3. Start the sweeper at a slow speed. Lower it so the boom arms bottom out. Run the sweeper in a stationary position for 10 seconds.
4. Raise the sweeper and back away. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the prime mover. The pattern left in the dust should be 2- to 4-in. wide, running the length of the brush.
To adjust your sweeper attachment’s brush pattern:
1. If the pattern is too wide, reduce the brush pressure or brush-to-surface load. Several of Sweepster’s pickup sweepers feature a “T” handle quick pin that allows for tool free adjustment.
2. If the pattern is too narrow, increase brush pressure or brush-to-surface load.
3. Repeat the steps for checking your sweeper attachment’s brush pattern until it is 2- to 4-in. wide.

Fittings/Hoses

Make sure all hydraulic hardware and hydraulic fittings are tight, and that all clamps, guards and shields are installed correctly. Check for damage and replace parts if any of the following conditions are present:

1. The end fittings are damaged or leaking.
2. The outer covering is chafed or cut.
3. The reinforcing wire layer is exposed.
4. The outer cover is ballooning locally.
5. The hose is kinked or crushed.
6. The hose has been pulled or stretched.

Carefully inspect fittings and hoses as escaping hydraulic fluid can have enough pressure to penetrate the skin, causing serious personal injury. Do not bend or strike high-pressure lines. Do not install bent lines, bent tubes, kinked hoses or damaged lines, tubes or hoses. It is important to repair damaged or loose lines, tubes and hoses to prevent leaks.

Hydraulic Oil

Insufficient prime mover oil flow can result in sluggish broom operation. A low level of oil or dirty oil and/or filter can cause excessive oil temperatures. Check your prime mover’s oil levels and cleanliness before each use. All hydraulic fluid should be filtered before use in a sweeper attachment to obtain the ISO cleanliness standard of 17-14 or better, as required by the prime mover.

Hardware

Check all hardware to assure it is tight. Make certain that all locking pins, latches and connection devices are properly installed and secured. Remove and replace any damaged, fatigued or excessively worn parts. Keep safety decals clean and in place, and replace them if they become worn and hard to read.

Store It Right

Inspections and maintenance are futile if the sweeper attachment isn’t stored properly. Place it on blocks or storage stands to avoid putting excess weight on the brush, which will deform bristles and minimize sweeping effectiveness. Do not store polypropylene brushes in direct sunlight. This can cause the material to deteriorate prematurely. Take these precautions before placing your sweeper attachment in storage:

1. Clean the unit thoroughly, removing all mud, dirt and grease.
2. Inspect for visible signs of wear, breakage or damage. Order any parts required and make the necessary repairs before storing.
3. Tighten loose nuts, bolts and hydraulic connections.
4. Coat exposed portions of the cylinder rods with grease.
5. Lubricate grease fittings.
6. Seal hydraulic system from contaminants and secure all hydraulic hoses off the ground to help prevent damage.
7. Store unit in a dry and protected place.

These three in combination — inspection, maintenance and proper storage — are your best defense in the fight against failing attachments. 

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.