Category Archives: Best Practices

Replacing your worn-out rubber tracks on time will increase safety on your job site and decrease project downtime. Still, it can be rather challenging to determine when they need replacing, so we put together a brief guide to help you out. Exterior Track Damage If cracks, missing lugs, and exposed cords appear around the rubber… Read More

Have you been putting off scheduled fluid analysis? While this is understandable due to the costs and effort required, it’s crucial to prioritize this when maintaining your heavy equipment. We put together four reasons you should schedule your fluid analysis today. 4 Reasons to Perform Regular Fluid Analysis: 1.   It Provides a Detailed Breakdown of… Read More

Construction equipment is undoubtedly heavy-duty. Due to harsh conditions and the demanding use construction machinery withstands, equipment is designed with strong materials so you can use them without worrying about damage. However, you can still encounter problems with your equipment. No construction machinery is indestructible – they can get damaged regardless of whether you invest… Read More

One of the reasons a bulldozer is so valuable is simply because the blade can be replaced. Depending on the type of dozer blade, it can form ditches, push snow, and do other types of heavy-duty construction work. It’s important to understand no dozer blades are created equal. You must also recognize that blades of… Read More

Maintaining the equipment used on a construction job site presents various challenges. From constant carbon dust to heavy grime and dirt, even the toughest crews struggle to protect their machines against the elements. This is why air filters play a critical role on a construction job site; particularly, Donaldson filters. Why are they the best?… Read More

If someone asked you for the one machine typically used to move material on a job site, what comes to mind? For many contractors, it’s the wheel loader. This versatile and powerful machine is a powerhouse on many worksites. Depending on the attachment, wheel loaders can perform tasks such as scooping, lifting, dumping, or scraping…. Read More

It is a construction company’s responsibility to acquire equipment to accomplish a certain job or project. Regardless of whether the job is a renovation or building a new structure from the ground up, the quality and reliability of the equipment used could make or break the success of a project. Often, contractors will purchase new… Read More

When thinking about adding a new piece of construction equipment to your fleet, you are likely wondering if this is an affordable purchase or if it’s something you’re better off renting. Your bottom line will be affected by making big-ticket purchases such as heavy construction equipment, so it is crucial to consider this decision carefully…. Read More

If you’ve read our article on warning signs, you probably have an idea of when equipment maintenance is needed. With the winter season and harsh weather conditions right around the corner, it’s crucial that contractors and business owners take care of their heavy equipment in preparation. Whether your business has to tackle work in the… Read More

Maintaining heavy construction equipment may seem laborious and daunting for most people. However, it’s a necessity you shouldn’t ignore, especially if you want to make sure everything works optimally and your operators are safe while using them. Below are some tips for establishing and managing a heavy equipment maintenance program. Tips designed to extend the… Read More

With your construction business growing, it’s clear the opportunities coming your way mean you must be well-equipped to handle more clients. Whether you specialize in small-scale renovations or larger projects, the need to have the right tools will grow more prominent as you scale your operations over time. At this point, you’ve most likely made… Read More

Investing in heavy construction equipment can come at a hefty price tag. Contractors planning to grow their business share the same question about buying used equipment: what do you need to consider to ensure you get the best deal? Budding construction or landscaping businesses can benefit from paying a lower upfront cost while expanding their… Read More

With construction equipment getting smarter due to technological improvements, rental companies are doing more with less. For example, work that was previously done on paper can now be easily managed with software, offering many advantages to the rental company and its clients. This makes the rental process much easier while also cutting down on costs,… Read More

Loose pipes and water leaks are easy fixes, with screws, gauge tapes, and hammers just waiting inside the toolbox. In instances that you do not have the proper tool, a quick trip to the nearest hardware store will surely fix most issues. But to get a job done requiring heavy equipment, you may not always… Read More

As a construction company, some of your most essential assets take the form of the machines used to complete your construction projects. Everything from your paving equipment to your heavy construction equipment helps you complete different tasks quicker and easier, but if there is one thing all these pieces of equipment share in common, it… Read More

Deciding whether to buy or rent heavy equipment like compact (mini) excavators for construction can be a challenge. There are benefits to both approaches, but there are also other factors to consider, like equipment utilization and your project’s context. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re deciding between renting or buying compact… Read More

A wheel loader’s bucket is a pretty straightforward attachment. Unfortunately, this means that it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Although often overlooked, the bucket is the most critical component of a wheel loader. The bucket is responsible for digging up heavy masses of ground, logs, and other industry-specific materials, significantly affecting machine uptime, productivity,… Read More

In order to run efficiently and remain durable and powerful machines, large construction equipment needs routine maintenance. In fact, without maintenance, heavy equipment may break down, delaying the construction project and leaving you with nothing a massive headache. Tires are a critical component of any piece of large equipment. Tire maintenance and management programs are… Read More

A mini excavator is a piece of compact utility equipment that has many uses in the construction industry. Mini excavators can weigh up to 20,000 lbs. which would border on what’s considered compact. These are popular vehicles because they are incredibly versatile. This leads us to the question, when should you use a mini excavator?… Read More

Asphalt Compaction Tips Annual Inspection Remember to have your asphalt compactor serviced annually by a trained, certified technician to maximize productivity.   Asphalt Compaction Considerations A number of factors affect the final result in any asphalt compaction job. Keep the following factors in mind during any job: Mix Temperature – In general, the higher the… Read More

Asphalt Paving Operator Safety Avoid injuries and accidents with these helpful operator tips   Pre-operation All equipment and materials should be inspected prior to each shift to ensure proper operation and asphalt distribution When working on a roadway, check all warning and detour signs to prevent unsafe vehicle traffic near your operators Plan flagger positions… Read More

Avoid Repairs with Operator Training Operator error is the most common cause of equipment repairs. Proper operator training is essential to avoid damage caused by negligence and oversight.   Conduct daily walkaround inspections It is essential that operators perform daily walkaround inspections for any equipment that is used on a jobsite. A careful inspection will… Read More

Cold Weather Operation Protect your machine If you can’t keep your machine inside when it’s not in use, at least keep a weather resistant tarp over the engine. With snow comes condensation, which can cause problems for the entire engine. Manage productivity Cold weather makes the earth harder, and frost can penetrate roadways and aggregates… Read More

Compact Track Loader and Skid Steer Operation The versatility of skid steer and compact track loaders makes them a staple on almost any jobsite. Follow our best practices to make sure you are getting the most out of your equipment by completing work efficiently and safely.   Always wear your seatbelt Rollover accidents are a… Read More

Coolant Tips Coolant is important in your equipment’s cooling systems to prevent freezing, corrosion, cavitation, and rust. A periodic coolant analysis can provide important information about the health of your machine.   What’s in coolant? Nearly all heavy-duty antifreeze is about 95% ethylene glycol and 5% water and additives. About 1% of all antifreeze sold… Read More

Tractor Cutting Edge Equipment   Operating Tips for Tractor Cutting Edges: Avoid back dragging Back dragging reduces cutting edge life by causing it to break before it wears down. Minimize excessive down pressure Buckets last longer if the operator minimizes the amount of pressure applied when the bucket is engaged with the ground. Avoid using… Read More

Dealing with Changing Tire Pressure during the Winter Underinflated tires are a drain on your business. Low tire pressure increases fuel usage and wear. Follow these best practices to get optimal performance from your equipment.   Check tire pressure regularly You can’t check tire pressure with a visual inspection. Many tires will look properly inflated… Read More

Excavator Safety Earthmoving projects pose a variety of dangers to excavator operators and anyone else on the jobsite. Follow our tips below to ensure a safe project.   Preliminary Checkpoints Check fuel levels It sounds simple, but make sure the machine has enough fuel before putting it to work. Your excavator should be able to… Read More

Filter Tips Here are the basics of filters About Filters Changing filters regularly is essential for your equipment to perform its best. Recommended intervals for filter changes vary between 250 and 500 hours. It can be tempting to select a bargain filter brand, but an inferior filter can make a big difference in the long… Read More

Fleet Management Strategies Properly managing equipment is crucial to maintain your return on investment. A general guideline to follow is replacing equipment once maintenance costs exceed 30% of the machine’s resale value. Below are strategies to help keep your fleet productive for as long as possible.   Proactive maintenance Enroll equipment into preventive maintenance contracts… Read More

Fluid Analysis Analyzing system fluids reveals actual internal conditions Contaminant levels predict component failures accurately Oil analysis records prove your equipment has been maintained and help increase resale value Any make, any model Groff Tractor offers fluid analysis kits to monitor the internal health of your equipment. Performing fluid analysis at regular intervals ensures that… Read More

Fuel Saving Tips When using heavy machinery, certain practices can help reduce overall fuel consumption and costs. The following tips may help you save hundreds of dollars each year.   Inspect air filters regularly Inspect your air filters every 50 hours to ensure maximum operating performance. If the pleats of your filter are clogged with… Read More

Heavy Equipment Theft Several proactive actions can be put into practice to discourage heavy equipment theft. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) estimates annual losses from heavy equipment theft are as high as $1 billion. Costs associated with theft include equipment replacement, short-term rentals, lost time dealing with law enforcement and adjusters, labor costs due… Read More

How Drones Are Changing the Construction Industry Drones, officially known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are changing our society in unprecedented ways, including the construction industry. Though relatively new technology, drones have already become integral tools for contractors, site managers, and others in our field. Here are six ways drones have already altered the construction… Read More

Hydraulic Hose Choose the right hose When choosing a hydraulic hose you should pay close attention to the following characteristics: Working Pressure – Choose a hose that is suitable for the working pressure of the machine Wire or Sheathing – Install wire or sheathing when fabricated if the hose will be used in an area… Read More

Loader Backhoe Operation Loader backhoe use can be difficult for both new operators and the most experienced ones. Follow our best practices for safe operation.   Preliminary Checkpoints Prework checklist Walk around the machine and verify that all attachments are securely mounted and that all external functions, such as the loading bucket or excavator arm,… Read More

Lowering Owning and Operating Costs The construction industry continues to grow as the economy improves; more jobs are out to bid – yet contractors still find themselves in a competitive environment where it’s important to find every edge possible. One area where contractors can get more competitive is in lowering the owning and operating costs… Read More

Lubricant Tips Choosing the right lubricant for your machines is critical to maximizing the life of their components and minimizing downtime. For optimal machine operation, adhere to specifications in the owner’s manual. We have put together lubricant tips to enhance your equipment’s operation.   Hydraulic Oil/Fluid Why is it important? Hydraulic oil’s primary purpose is… Read More

Machine Winterization Tips Follow these best practices to make sure your machine is ready for winter.   Check chain tanks, final drives, swing gear baths, and gear boxes for water Check the label to make sure you’re using coolant that complies with ASTM standard D-621, with a freeze point low enough for your climate. If… Read More

Maintaining Your Compact Excavator Spring is here, and for most of us, that means that the jobs are piling up for the busy season. We all know that time is money, and equipment downtime on a jobsite can ruin profits, so I thought I’d share some basic maintenance tips to help you keep your compact… Read More

Best Practices for OAT Coolant   Never Mix OAT with Regular Coolant Mixing coolants can cause a loss of stability in the corrosion inhibitor, cavitation erosion, and gelling damage. This type of damage is not covered by your warranty, and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. Adding as little as 10% of regular coolant in… Read More

Operator Safety Tips Follow these guidelines to help reduce injuries due to operator error. Contact the Groff Tractor location nearest you for all your safety equipment needs.   Check pins and bushings Pins and bushings can loosen over time, causing a safety hazard. Establish a maintenance routine which includes checking, tightening, and replacing pins and… Read More

Preseason Preparation Follow these best practices to make sure your machine is operating at its best before the busy season. A little prevention goes a long way in reducing costly downtime.   Make sure machines are properly greased Lubricate your machine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. By keeping your machine properly lubricated, you reduce premature… Read More

Best Practices for Personal Protective Equipment While employers are required to enact controls and measures to guarantee a safe work site, the fact is that accidents happen, and that’s where personal protective equipment (PPE) comes in. They are essential tools to stop an incident from becoming an injury. They are also the employers’ responsibility. While… Read More

Quick Coupler Safety Tips Quick couplers are used on most jobsites. Using quick couplers safely and responsibly can reduce risk of injury and damage on the job. Follow the below tips to make sure you are taking proper precautions when using quick couplers for your attachments.   Take Precautions Train your operators To prevent accidents… Read More

Radiator Care Never open or inspect the radiator while the engine is running or the system is hot Personal injury can result from hot, pressurized coolant. Always shut off the engine and allow the radiator to cool before examining the system or beginning any work. Keep coolant fresh It’s estimated that 40 – 60% of… Read More

Remanufactured Parts Tips   Why Purchase Remanufactured Parts? Cost Less Remanufactured parts cost less than new parts, often as much as 25 – 45% less. Same Specifications as New When parts are remanufactured, they are completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, re-engineered, and rebuilt with new components to meet OEM specifications. All parts are tested to ensure… Read More

How to Get Ready for Spring Construction Prepare your crew for the spring construction season with these helpful tips.   Wear the right gear April showers bring more than just flowers when it comes to construction jobsites. They also create wet surfaces that operators can slip or fall on. A way of preventing the hazards… Read More

Stay Cool when Working in the Summer Heat Serious health complications are always a concern when working outdoors in high temperatures and humidity. Help your employees stay productive and healthy with these tips. Learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and stress. Symptoms often include confusion, dizziness, fatigue, and cramping. Any workers showing these… Read More

Staying Warm in Cold Temperatures During the winter months, it’s important to stay warm when working outdoors in cold temperatures to retain body heat and avoid hypothermia and frostbite. The following best practices will help you and your team while operating in the winter.   Prepare your equipment Air Filters Check and, if necessary, replace… Read More

Skid Steer Maintenance Skid steers are some of the most widely used, reliable, and cost-effective machines on the market. Though they are constructed to be durable, you can further enhance a skid steer’s lifespan, expand productivity, boost uptime, and save yourself from potentially costly repairs by adhering to a routine maintenance schedule. Prevention—The first step… Read More

Summer Cooling System Tips An engine’s cooling system protects it from overheating and keeps it operating at optimal temperatures. If the cooling system is not maintained properly, it must work harder to prevent the engine from overheating. As a result, your machine will not operate as efficiently, and internal components could be damaged. It is… Read More

Terramac Tips Ten Tips to Get the Most out of Your Terramac® Crawler Carrier   Learn your indicators—The lights on your dashboard aren’t just decorations. They alert you about important operation, system, and engine conditions. Review the manual prior to operation to learn what each indicator light means. Keep your machine clean—Use compressed air to… Read More

Tier 4 Engine Technologies Understanding How They Work, plus Maintenance Tips   CEGR – Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation In CASE C Series Excavators and N Series Loader Backhoes             Diesel Particulate Filter Tips Performance The DPF works most efficiently at full throttle, as the engine is burning cleaner while the… Read More

Time Management Tips A project’s success often comes down to how well you use your time. Meet your mark and build your reputation by following these time management best practices.   Set Goals This sounds obvious, but setting long term, short term, and daily goals puts the entire project in perspective, giving it structure while… Read More

Track Tension Tips Improper tension Loose tracks can detrack. Over-tightening can cause power loss and excessive roller and idler wear, and it could tear the tracks. Refer to your operator’s manual for track inspection and tensioning procedures. How to adjust Track tension is controlled by a track adjuster located behind the front idler. Tension adjustments… Read More

Winterization Inspection Winter Storage Avoid permanent damage by identifying potential problems now Winter Operation Avoid 2 a.m. breakdowns with service before the snow falls Winterization Includes: Change engine oil and fuel filters Lube chassis Load test battery and test alternator Check and adjust drive chains Pressure check cooling system and test freeze protection Check door,… Read More

Winter Storage Top off the fuel tank if possible If you have a diesel engine, leave it completely full during winter months to eliminate the possibility of condensation forming in the fuel tank and spreading. Condensation can clog the fuel filter, which can clog fuel lines, carburetors, and injectors. Run the engine after cleaning Run… Read More