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How Do I Choose the Best New Heavy Equipment?

Amy Rodriguez
Amy Rodriguez

Choosing the best new heavy equipment, such as a backhoe or loader, depends on the needed lifting capacity, lifting height, overall dimensions, and tire or track choice. Each construction project requires different jobs to be performed; for example, some projects move dirt from one area to another, whereas other jobs require moving debris into a tall dump truck for transport. New heavy equipment can be extremely expensive, requiring consideration of numerous factors before a purchase.

Each machine has a different lifting capacity. In general, smaller machines lift less weight than larger equipment choices. You should try to determine the maximum weight the machine will endure for the most cost effective purchase. A practical decision will usually involve choosing a machine with a slightly higher lifting capacity than needed. As a result, the machine will be more versatile for multiple projects in the future.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

Machines that need to dump debris into another vehicle, such as a construction dump truck, require a specific lifting height to reach above the truck's outer rim. As the main purchasing agent, you should measure the tallest truck that will work with the new heavy equipment. The resulting new heavy equipment purchase should lift its load somewhat higher than the tallest measured height to ensure job site productivity.

Many construction companies house their new heavy equipment in warehouses to prevent theft. The newly purchased machine should be able to fit through the main doorway. You should make sure to measure the doorway and match it to the new machine's dimensions. Oversize machines that are truly necessary for a project may require an alternative storage area. Proper measurement and planning will prevent any unexpected size issues that can slow down a construction job.

New heavy equipment, depending on the model, commonly has a choice of tires or continuous tracks. Tires offer versatility on dirt or concrete; but, tires are prone to holes from sharp objects, causing flat tires. Large construction grade tires are extremely expensive to replace. Alternatively, the continuous track design is available, which is most often seen on military tanks; this choice allows the machine's weight to be distributed equally across the ground. As a result, continuous tracks on new heavy equipment are less inclined to sink in muddy dirt, preventing project interruptions.

Purchasing new heavy equipment may be less expensive when the new model year is about to be released. Similar to new car purchases, many heavy equipment dealers want to sell the old inventory before the new models reach the sales floor. You should try to purchase the equipment near the end of the calendar year for the best pricing.

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