Wagner_Spring15

Spring 2015

The Wagner Review

WAGNER EQUIPMENT CO.

Anticipate equipment needs

Job requirements can differ by a number

of factors including, but not limited to, project

type, location, application and industry. It’s

important to outline tasks and identify which

machine type, size and configuration is needed

before starting any work. Each industry generally

has a standard set of equipment that’s required,

but sometimes, the same machine can be

used across a variety of job tasks for improved

productivity. Here are some examples:

• Landscaping machines, like compact track

loaders or multi terrain loaders, can also

be used for snow and ice management.

Purchasing a set of snow tracks can greatly

improve performance because track-tread

patterns meant for soil do not work as well in

snow. Additionally, a skid steer loader could

probably remove a tree stump, but replacing

the bucket with a stump grinder makes quick

work of the job, does less damage to the site

and minimizes wear and tear on the machine.

• In agriculture, some job tasks require moving

heavier materials like manure. In this case,

select a bucket with less capacity to maintain

the proper balance of breakout force, bucket

loading time and job site travel speed.

• In construction, it’s more efficient to

incorporate a quick coupler onto a loader arm

than to use forks on the front of a bucket. By

removing the bucket, and installing a set of

forks, construction operators can safely lift

a heavier load, improve jobsite visibility and

increase machine stability at higher ground

speeds.

• It’s common for operators to break concrete

using the bucket on an excavator or backhoe

loader. Adding a hydraulic hammer is much

more productive and does less damage to the

machine.

Establish effective operator techniques

Sometimes machine operators will find

themselves under pressure to finish a job quickly.

It’s important to resist the urge to rush, because

hurried work can lead to machine damage, dual

efforts to fix mistakes and poor record keeping.

Up-to-date and accurate records allow machine

owners and operators to track progress, which

can be used to make adjustments for increased

productivity. Additionally, the following loading

practices can improve operator efficiency.

• Pay attention to the distance between the

machine and the material when loading.

Traveling longer distances than needed

increases completion time and can

accelerate wear on tracks and tires.

• Be aware of loading limits. Overloading the

machine could have a negative impact on

maintenance intervals, lead to downtime or

increase equipment wear.

Get creative with your equipment

Work tools improve machine versatility

so operators can complete more jobs with fewer

machines. Using machines and attachments for

multiple purposes or in unique applications can

help optimize the equipment even further. For

example, a mulcher can be used to clear shooting

lanes in a deer hunting reserve, which opens

the paths for hunters and increases equipment

productivity. Here are some other examples:

•

Augers

are used for drilling, but they can

also be used to screw specialty bits into

concrete or asphalt for manholes and valve

access. They can drill anchors for a stronger

foundation, such as soil stabilization in

hill sides. Augers have even been used to

power stirring devices for manure and slurry

retention ponds.

•

Hammers

can be equipped with plates,

instead of pointed tools, for compacting.

Stick-mounted hammers can be used

overhead for removing rock faces or for

scaling ceilings in caverns and tunnels.

•

Cold planers

are used to profile or texture

asphalt and concrete roadways, but they

can also remove large numbers of stumps in

special applications such as Christmas tree

farms. In dairy applications, a cold planer

mounted to a skid steer loader can texture

concrete to keep the cows from slipping and

falling in the milk parlors.

Analyzing application practices can make

a big difference in improving jobsite efficiency

across the board. The goal is to apply equipment

in unique ways that will allow machine owners

and operators to get more out of their fleet,

reduce wear and tear and increase overall

productivity.

Operator Tips for Higher Productivity

roductivity is something that can always be improved upon, so it makes sense that machine owners

and operators continue to look for ways to get more from their equipment. Being more mindful of how

jobsite responsibilities are completed can help operators work more effectively. We’ve identified three

areas in which application practices can be evaluated to improve jobsite strategy, extend equipment

lifecycles and increase efficiency.