Heavy Equipment| Looking for Heavy Equipment ?

What is classed as Heavy Equipment ? Well generally speaking equipment that normally falls into this category are the following types of equipment, forklifts, bulldozer, cranes, excavators, backhoe loaders,motor graders dump trucks etc. Also things like articulated trucks, wheel and track tractors and  scrapers are included under the heading of Heavy Equipment. 

If you look at magazines from manufacturers such as Case, Komatsu, or Caterpillar, you will see the sort of equipment we are talking about.

Due to the rapid expansion of China and India the demand for heavy equipment to assist in their construction projects has grown rapidly over the past 5 years. however due to current economic conditions that growth has now fallen dramatically.

Depending on the size of the construction project many companys will rent the machinery they need instead of buying. Also some of the larger manufacturers offer the opportunity to lease their heavy equipment.

Over the past few years heavy equipment has got bigger stronger and faster, for example Caterpillar talks about, more powerful engines with a faster rise in torque which allows machines to respond faster to increased power demands.  Even though this new generation is far more powerful, it has a reduced impact on the environment as well.

A lot of the more recent machines have electronic control systems that will optimize both engine and transmission performance, as well as fuel consumption and hydraulic system performance.

For example some wheel loaders feature electronically controlled powershift transmissions.  Each and every transmission offers autoshift capabilities that ease the pressure on the operator, and an electronic clutch pressure control that smooth shifts the gears for longer life. 

Manufacturers are making their heavy equipment with better comfort, reduced noise and vibration which benefits the operators.  The new control systems will require low operator effort while also improving the control of the machine for both the experienced as well as the in-experienced operator.

Nearly all new machinery offers electronic monitoring systems that will provide constant information on the health of the machine for the operator.  These types of systems provide information to technicians, including service modes that will help them to diagnose conditions quickly.

The more modern machines make routine maintenance easier. For example some wheel loaders, have regular service points that offer easy to access from ground level, with site gauges making it easier to check the fluid of the radiator, hydraulic oil, and transmission - without having to use dipsticks. These electronics features make the life of an operator easier than ever

Technology is always improving and generally that means the capability of Heavy Equipment is always improving. It is getting easier to operate, amd the safety features are much improved.