The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Heavy Equipment

Maintaining your Takeuchi equipment is essential to its operation and longevity. As your trusted Takeuchi dealer, Columbus Equipment stresses the significance of routine checks and services. These practices keep your machines running smoothly, avoiding the downtime that can derail your projects and profitability.

Saving Costs with Preventive Care

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds especially true in heavy equipment maintenance. Regular servicing of your Takeuchi equipment can prevent costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. From oil changes to filter replacements, these small acts of care can lead to significant savings, reducing the total cost of ownership and keeping your projects on budget.

Extending Takeuchi Equipment Lifespan

Your Takeuchi wheel loaders are designed to last, but their longevity greatly depends on the maintenance they receive. Preventative maintenance extends the machine’s lifespan, offering a better return on your investment.

Boosting Performance and Efficiency

Well-maintained Takeuchi equipment doesn’t just last longer, it works harder. Regular maintenance ensures that your machines operate at peak performance, enhancing job site productivity and efficiency. Whether you’re lifting, digging, or moving, your Takeuchi machinery will deliver optimal results, project after project, when serviced regularly.

Preventative Maintenance on Heavy Equipment Enhances Job Site Safety

Safety is non-negotiable in the construction and excavation industry. A key component of ensuring a safe working environment is the regular maintenance of your equipment. By preventing mechanical failures, you’re not just protecting your investment – you’re safeguarding your team. Trusting a certified Takeuchi dealer like Columbus Equipment keeps your equipment in top condition, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing job site safety.

Environmental Advantages of Regular Maintenance

Maintaining your equipment is not only good for your business but also for the environment. Regular service helps minimize emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce the overall environmental footprint of your projects.

Compliance with Takeuchi’s Maintenance Guidelines

Following Takeuchi’s maintenance guidelines ensures that your equipment receives the care it needs to operate efficiently and safely. Columbus Equipment is perfectly positioned to guide you through these compliancies, offering expert maintenance services tailored to your specific needs. We’re here to ensure your equipment meets and exceeds the industry standards for maintenance and care.

Financial Benefits of Partnering with Columbus Equipment

Choosing Columbus Equipment for your maintenance needs comes with unparalleled financial benefits. Our personalized maintenance plans are designed to fit your budget and schedule, providing you with expert insights and support that keep your Takeuchi equipment in prime condition. With us, you’re not just investing in maintenance, you’re investing in your equipment’s future.

A Little TLC Goes a Long Way

Maintaining your Takeuchi heavy equipment is crucial to the success and safety of your construction and excavation projects. Regular care saves costs, extends equipment lifespan, boosts performance, and enhances job site safety. At Columbus Equipment, we’re dedicated to providing you with the expert maintenance services your equipment deserves.

Columbus Equipment: Your Trusted Takeuchi Dealer

Ready to optimize your Takeuchi heavy equipment’s performance and extend its lifespan? Contact Columbus Equipment today to discuss personalized maintenance plans, expert insights, and unparalleled support. Let us help you keep your Takeuchi equipment running smoothly for years to come!

To help you avoid time consuming issues related to muddy working conditions, follow our tips for not getting stuck in the first place and for getting unstuck as quickly as possible.

Don’t become trapped in the mud

Removing your equipment from the mud is a difficult task that wastes your time and money. Here are some best practices for not getting stuck in the first place:

• Prior to beginning each shift, carefully check the jobsite to get an idea of the terrain you will be operating on. Clearly mark sections of the work area with excessive mud or soft, sticky soil.
• If you’re working on soft terrain, we recommend using wide tracked compact track loaders and excavators to minimize ground pressure and disturbance. Wider tracks enhance flotation and traction, making them the best choice for driving through muddy areas.
• Always remove mud or debris from your machine’s tracks, tires, and undercarriages between projects and at the end of each workday to help improve traction in wet conditions.

How to get out of mud if you’re already stuck

Despite your best efforts, sometimes you will become stuck in muddy conditions. If this happens to you, follow these tips:

• Always have strong straps, ropes, chains, or cables with you on every jobsite. They will be very useful if your equipment is stuck, and you have to pull it out.
• If your machine is stuck, remove anything you can to make it lighter. This way, you will be able to pull it out more easily.
• Place planks behind the machine’s wheels to help with traction when you’re removing it from muddy conditions.
• To avoid damage to your equipment, attach your straps to a tow hook or the frame itself. This method will give you the best chance of getting your equipment out of mud without breaking any components.
• Always take caution when pulling machines out of mud. Chains can snap during towing, and the tow hooks will fly through the air, creating a dangerous hazard. To ensure they fall towards the ground instead of flying up, insert them with their tips up. Plus, always maintain a safe distance away from towing chains or straps in case one breaks.

Removing your heavy equipment from muddy conditions can be a difficult and dangerous task. Follow these tips and best practices to avoid getting stuck in the first place. If you do, though, review our tips for removing equipment effectively.

If you have any questions about removing equipment from mud, or equipment maintenance in general, contact our team.

The tires on your wheel loaders are critical component for the machine’s performance on the job. They are responsible for how stable your machine is and for delivering the traction required to operate effectively and transport material where it needs to go. Following a few maintenance tips for your wheel loader tires will lengthen their lifespan and ensure your equipment performs at its best.

Regularly Check Pressure

It’s important to always maintain the proper pressure in all your wheel loader tires. If it’s too low, then your machine won’t move efficiently, and if the pressure is too high, then you increase the chances of a flat tire. Both under and over inflation can lead to abnormal, uneven, or accelerated wear and tear. We suggest that you keep a functioning tire gauge on hand and inspect tire pressure once a day to ensure it’s within the range outlined by the manufacturer.

Inspect Wheel Loader Tires Prior to Working

Before beginning each shift, it’s important to visually check the tires on your wheel loaders to look for any visible signs of damage or abnormal wear. If you do notice uneven wear, then you should rotate the tires as soon as possible in order to extend their lifespan. You should also check for bubbles, cracks, bumps, and anything that might be stuck in the rubber.

Routinely Clean Your Tires

It’s important to hose down your wheel loader tires regularly. Removing dirt, mud, and other debris makes it easier to visually inspect them and see if there is any damage or anything out of the ordinary.

Look Out for Debris

Wheel loaders work on sites that are full of objects and obstructions that can puncture or damage your tires. It’s critical that operators drive with caution and avoid areas with excessive litter or other debris. A flat tire on the jobsite will grind your operation to a halt and lead to costly downtime.

Store Equipment the Right Way

Too much exposure to sunlight can cause wheel loader tires to expand and crack. It’s important to store tires in a cool, dry place and to keep your wheel loaders out of the sunlight when they are not in use for extended periods of time.

Train Your Operators

Operators should minimize tire spinning and sharp turning, avoid dangerous obstacles, and try to take the shortest route possible when transporting material from one point to another. Spinning, abrasion, hard turns, and excessive distances will increase wear on your wheel loader tires. We also suggest not driving too fast, as slower speeds allow more time to see and avoid obstacles.

If you have any questions about wheel loader tires or wheel loaders in general, contact our team at Columbus Equipment today!

Construction sites are often in very close proximity to power lines. The problem is that working near power lines can create dangers for your workers and your equipment. One lapse of concentration or momentary negligence can lead to electrocution and potentially fatal consequences. To help you protect your crew, we’ve put together some top construction safety tips and best practices for working near power lines.

Complete a Risk Assessment before the Job Begins 

Construction sites are often in very close proximity to power lines. The problem is that working near power lines can create dangers for your workers and your equipment. One lapse of concentration or momentary negligence can lead to electrocution and potentially fatal consequences. To help you protect your crew, we’ve put together some top construction safety tips and best practices for working near power lines.

Always Operate at a Safe Distance

The most important of all the construction safety tips for working near power lines is to keep adequate distance between your workers and equipment, and the source of electricity. Appropriate minimum distances will vary based on voltage and local regulations, so be sure to check with the site foreman and your local laws.

Ensure Proper Worker Training

Everyone on your construction site needs to complete comprehensive training for power line safety. This training should entail recognizing power line hazards, knowing electrical risks, and implementing appropriate safety measures and equipment. They should also emphasize the importance of always being vigilant and aware on the jobsite.

Set Up Warning Signs and Barricades

We recommend clearly identifying, marking, and barricading all electrical hazards in your work area when working near power lines. Your warning signs need to be highly visible and positioned at sufficient distances from the hazard, so it’s easy for your crew to stay clear of them.

Use Insulated Tools and Equipment

Every time you have people working near power lines, one of the key construction safety tips is to use insulated tools, gloves, and equipment that minimize the risk of electrical contact. Gloves, ladders, and other tools that are designed to resist the flow of electricity can help prevent or reduce the effect of electrocution in case of accidental contact. We recommend regularly inspecting these tools, equipment, and gear to maintain their effectiveness and ensure construction site safety.

Utilize Spotters and Communications Techniques

When working near power lines, it’s important to establish clear communication protocols and employ spotters when needed. Your spotters will guide equipment operators and workers, helping them keep a safe distance from any power lines or other electrical hazards. Teach your crew effective communication methods, including two way radios or hand signals, so they can stay in contact and maintain construction site safety.

Watch Changing Weather Conditions

Always monitor the weather conditions when working near power lines, as storms and high winds can result in sagging or falling wires. It is crucial to have a process in place for stopping work and finding shelter when severe weather conditions occur.

Routinely Check Power Lines and Your Equipment

Always monitor the weather conditions when working near power lines, as storms and high winds can result in sagging or falling wires. It is crucial to have a process in place for stopping work and finding shelter when severe weather conditions occur.

Working near powerlines requires adhering to these construction safety tips. If you have any questions, please contact our team at Columbus Equipment today!

Controlled Demolition: Tips and Best Practices 

We put together a list of tips and best practices for building demolition that covers everything from personal protective equipment to waste management. This list will help you execute your project with precision and safety. 

Wear the Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The first step for handling building demolition safely and effectively is to make sure your crew wears the necessary protection. At the very least, they should be using hats, safety glasses, gloves, high visibility vests, and steel toed boots. It’s also important to use respiratory protection devices if you are working around dust, fumes, or other hazardous materials.

Use the Proper Demolition Equipment 

Demolition excavators, hydraulic breakers, loaders, and other types of equipment and attachments are crucial components of successfully completing building demolition projects. You should only use hydraulic breakers, shears, and pulverizers that are designed to work with your demolition excavators or other carriers. All operators need to be well trained and should inspect their machines prior to starting work to check for visible signs of damage or abnormal wear. It’s also critical to determine the maximum height of the site you are demolishing and type of material you’re working with. That way, you’ll know if the job requires higher reaching demolition excavators or more robust hydraulic breakers. 

Create a Detailed Safety Plan

Before starting your building demolition job, it is very important develop a comprehensive safety plan. This plan needs to have a thorough assessment of potential hazards, identification of safety protocols, and a clear outline of responsibilities and roles for every team member. Take into account things like hazardous materials, structural instability, nearby utilities, and any other risks associated with the particular site.

Complete a Site Assessment 

Finishing a full site assessment prior to starting work is vital to recognize and avoid potential safety hazards. Inspect the structure thoroughly, assessing its stability, the presence of asbestos or other harmful materials, and any additional structural or environmental concerns. Knowing these risks will help you utilize the correct safety measures and equipment needed for building demolition. 

Turn Off All Utilities 

It’s crucial that you shut down all electricity, sewer, gas, water, and other utility lines. Plus, it’s important to notify all the applicable utility companies before starting any demolition work. 

Begin at the Top and Work Down

When demolishing exterior walls and floors, the best strategy is to start at the top of the building and work your way down to the ground level. It’s also critical that you don’t remove any load bearing walls or beams until the floors above it are completely removed. 

Prepare your Demolition Equipment for the Job

Taking down buildings and structures often requires large demolition equipment. It’s important that only trained operators are operating those machines, and that all demolition equipment is routinely checked for issues and properly maintained, in order to reduce the chances of an accident on the job. Follow all safety guidelines provided by manufacturers in your owner’s manual, and take advantage of all safety features such as seat belts, rollover protection, and safety guards.

Contain and Control Dust and Debris

Demolition projects create a lot of dust and debris that can cause serious health issues in workers and surrounding areas. Utilize effective strategies to control and minimize dust, such as wetting down surfaces, implementing dust suppression equipment, and enclosing the work area with appropriate barriers. 

Handle Waste with Care

Building demolition can produce a lot of waste material. It’s very important to develop a waste management plan to ensure safe handling and disposal of debris, hazardous materials, and recyclable items. Always follow local regulations and guidelines with regards to waste disposal, recycling, and proper handling of hazardous substances.

Prioritizing Safety in Building Demolition Projects

A building demolition project is a complex and potentially hazardous job. These nine essential building demolition tips are not only important for the project itself, but also for the safety of your team and the surrounding environment. 

If you have any questions about building demolition or using demolition equipment, then please contact our team at Columbus Equipment today!

Preparing Your Fleet for Winter

Inspect and Maintain

Begin by conducting a comprehensive inspection of your heavy equipment fleet. Identify any signs of wear and tear and promptly address any issues. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and lubrication, is crucial to ensure optimal performance during the winter months.

Cold-Weather Fluids

Equip your heavy equipment with cold-weather fluids designed to withstand lower temperatures. This includes using winter-grade hydraulic oil, coolant, and fuel. These specialized fluids maintain proper viscosity in colder conditions, preventing machinery from seizing up and ensuring smooth operation in freezing temperatures.

Battery Care

Cold weather can be tough on batteries. Test and replace any weak batteries to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Consider installing battery blankets or heaters to maintain optimal operating temperatures. A charged and well-maintained battery is essential for reliable engine starts in cold weather.

Inspect Tires

Traction is crucial for effective snow removal. Inspect and replace tires with adequate tread depth for better grip on slippery surfaces. Consider using snow chains for additional traction, especially in severe winter conditions. Well-maintained tires significantly contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of snow removal operations.

Winter Attachments

Equip your heavy machinery with winter-specific attachments. For wheel loaders, consider adding snow blades or buckets designed for efficient snow removal. These attachments are crafted to enhance the machine’s performance in snow and ice, making your fleet more versatile during winter operations.

Top-Performing Snow Removal Machines for Rent

WA270-8 Komatsu Wheel Loader

Known for its powerful engine and impressive lifting capacity, the WA270-8 is a reliable workhorse for snow removal. Equipped with advanced technology, it provides precise control and efficiency in challenging winter conditions. The spacious cab ensures operator comfort during extended snow removal sessions, enhancing productivity.

WA320-8 Komatsu Wheel Loader

Renowned for its durability and reliability, the WA320-8 is an excellent choice for demanding snow removal tasks. The machine’s fuel efficiency and reduced emissions make it an environmentally friendly option. Featuring a high-lift design, it excels at loading and transporting snow, streamlining your winter operations.

Choosing the Best Snow Removal Equipment

Selecting the right snow removal equipment is crucial for efficient winter operations. The WA270-8 and WA320-8 Komatsu Wheel Loaders stand out as top-performing machines available for rent. Their robust features, advanced technology, and operator-friendly designs make them ideal choices for tackling snow removal challenges with ease.

Benefits of Renting Winter-Ready Equipment

Renting winter-ready equipment offers various advantages for businesses:

Cost-Effective

Renting allows you to access the latest snow removal equipment without the upfront costs of purchasing.

Flexibility

Renting offers flexibility to scale your fleet based on seasonal demands, ensuring you have the right equipment when needed.

Maintenance Included

Rental agreements often include maintenance, saving you time and resources during the winter season.

Ready To Enhance Your Winter Snow Removal Operations?

Explore our range of efficient snow removal equipment, including the WA270-8 and WA320-8 Komatsu Wheel Loaders, and discover how Columbus Equipment Company can elevate your performance. Contact us today to get a quote or schedule a consultation with our experts. Equip your fleet with the best-in-class snow removal machines and ensure a seamless winter season for your business!

Equipment Inspection Checklist for Cold Weather 

We made it easy for you by creating a heavy equipment inspection checklist when operating your machine in the winter months.

Use the Right Fuel

We recommend only using high quality winter diesel fuel in order to prevent gelling in low temperatures. If gelling occurs, it can clog fuel lines and filters, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. You should also add fuel conditioner that matches the type of fuel you are using (e.g., low sulfur). Only use fuel conditioner that is approved by the manufacturer. 

Inspect Your Starting Devices

A key part of our heavy equipment maintenance checklist for cold weather is to make sure block heaters and cold weather starting devices are working properly before temperatures start to drop. Failure to do so could result in your engine not starting when you need it. 

Warm Up the Engine Before Working

Make sure to let your machines warm up properly before you start using them. Failure to do so will harm your equipment’s performance and may lead to costly component damage. 

Always Have a Spare Fuel Filter on Hand

We recommend keeping an extra fuel filter in the equipment cab in case you need it. When replacing fuel filters, be sure to follow installation instructions in your operator’s manual.

Watch Out for Ice Buildup

Always check for any ice or snow buildup in the exhaust or intake areas, and be sure to remove any that you find before beginning each shift. You should also clear ice or snow build up from throttle and brake area.

Idle to Improve Steering Response

Machines with hydraulic steering may become very slow at low temperatures, even when the correct oils are used. Once the equipment is started, let the machine idle until the engine reaches operating temperature.

Be Careful in Slippery Conditions

Always mount and dismount your machine using three points of contact. Slipping on snow and ice is a common cause of injury during the winter months. Wear your seatbelt when operating equipment and stay alert.

Don’t Forget About Your Stored Equipment 

Equipment inspection and maintenance in cold weather conditions is important for the longevity and performance of your heavy equipment. Consider the following to minimize cold-related damage:

• Start equipment once a month, only when temperature is above freezing
• Avoid starting a machine in extreme cold weather, as it can damage the components 
• Operate hydraulics for a brief time once the equipment is warmed up
• Do not try to break crawler type machines from a badly frozen situation, as it could result in damage

Preventing Expensive Damage: Heavy Equipment Maintenance

As the winter season approaches, it’s important to stay on top of heavy equipment maintenance. Not prioritizing this could result in expensive damage. Our equipment inspection checklist lays out the steps you should take to make sure that your equipment is ready for the cold so that you can extend it’s longevity.

If you have any questions about our heavy equipment checklist for cold weather, contact our team at Columbus Equipment today!

”With the Komatsu iMC equipment, we can offer more value to our clients. The equipment allows us to add value because it is faster, more productive and more efficient,” said Scott Thompson, owner of Thompson Excavation and Thompson Concrete based in Carroll, Ohio. Thompson Excavation recently purchased a Komatsu PC210LCi excavator, as well as D51i and D61i dozers to add to their fleet. The company’s PC210i excavator was the first of its kind to be used in the United States.

Komatsu’s iMC equipment is the first to fully integrate machine control into the system, greatly enhancing automation versus a regular machine with an aftermarket GPS unit. Using integrated Topcon technology, the entire project can be modeled in 3-D so the excavator or dozer knows the grade and slope of the project, the location of corners and edges of building pads, and the depth to dig. There is no overcutting and no need to place thousands of stakes at the jobsite before work begins.

The result is a big savings in time and money, according to Nate Worthington, operations manager for Thompson Excavation. “As far as the excavator goes, it increases production by 30 to 40 percent for utility work,” he said. On a recent storm sewer project in New Albany, for instance, an operator using the PC210i was able to lay 300 to 350 linear feet of pipe a day, compared with the 200 feet a day the company had estimated when bidding on the project.

The iMC dozers are able to fine-grade pads or roadways in 30 to 40 percent less time than with a conventional machine and no GPS, he added. ”Anything you have to cut to a certain elevation, the production efficiency is amazing.”

Site supervisor Wesley Worthington used one of the intelligent dozers at the Preserve at Winchester Crossing, an Ardent Communities townhome condominium development in Groveport. ”It generally takes me a couple of days to cut the road in and to do parking spots, but the total time with this was less than a day,” he said.

Overall, that project, which included grading streets, twelve building pads and several garage floors, took two weeks, about half of the time originally allotted, said Woody Mohler, survey manager for Thompson Excavation.

“As long as the job has a CAD file and you can create a model for that, these machines can do any job—road work, building pads, residential or commercial buildings. There are no limitations,” Nate Worthington said. ”The work is more efficient with the program making it easier to cut grade on-grade the first time.” Work gets done in fewer passes and no time is wasted on checking the grade.

”When you are digging foundations, once you have the model established, you don’t need to have an extra worker checking grade or giving line,” Worthington said. ”Both the excavator and the dozer give you line and grade for everything you do, so you don’t need a surveyor. There used to be thousands of stakes on a jobsite, now the only stakes we use are at control points. If you lose a stake, the machine can give you the elevation and you can reset the stake. You don’t have to call the surveyor.”

“The advantages of the iMC system were obvious from the first project we used the iMC equipment on,” Mohler said. The project was for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, rebuilding an embankment on the dam at Dow Lake in Strouds Run State Park near Athens. The embankment involved a variety of compound slopes and grades. “As far as survey work on my end, I went to the job site half a dozen times, compared with 50 to 60 times to set and reset stakes. On the front end of that, it takes a little more time to generate the 3-D modeling, but it is well worth it versus going out and setting stakes over and over.”

The D61i was moving more than 2,000 yards of dirt a day on the project, building in the slope as it built the embankment, creating the contours and elevations required without a surveyor or grade stick on site. ”In my opinion, using the iMC dozer cut the cost of two people off the labor force that whole time,” Nate Worthington said.

The Komatsus have also proven beneficial in terms of meeting EPA regulations requiring sediment ponds at developments the company works on. ”Before, we had to stake around the pond and make sure it was built to plan specifications. Now, once we build the model, the dozer or track hoe can look at the screen and build it all. We don’t have to check grade or stakes; the machine won’t go where it shouldn’t. One or two passes is all it takes,” Worthington said.

Operators like the machinery because it takes the worry out of being precise on the job. They don’t have to check grade every as often, and that means once any operator knows how to use the system, he can do as well as an experienced operator, Worthington said. ”You can use a less experienced guy and not have the inefficiencies you might otherwise experience. You can’t put a dollar figure on it, but the fact a less-experienced operator can see his productivity almost double by virtue of this technology is an obvious benefit.”

Scott Thompson started the excavation company in 1999 to complement his concrete business. While the companies work together on some projects, the excavation side has grown into its own business, doing projects such as site development for large residential builders. Thompson Concrete is one of the largest concrete companies in Central Ohio, and Thompson would like to become one of the excavation leaders in the region as well.

”One of the keys to the success of our business is empowering the talented people who work here with the best equipment the industry has to offer. We are excited about this technology. It gives us an advantage that helps us deliver significant value to our customers,” Thompson said.

Columbus Equipment Company president Josh Stivison and sales representative Rich Durstapproached Thompson about the iMC machinery before Komatsu formally introduced it. After seeing a presentation on the D61i at ConExpo, Thompson and his Operations Manager Nate Worthington were interested enough to be the first company in the U.S. to try the dozer and ultimately buy it.

Thompson admits he is not usually an early adopter of technology because he wants to be sure the technology is proven before he invests. However, he was confident in the iMC equipment because GPS is established technology and because he had the assurance that Komatsu and Columbus Equipment would stand behind the entire system, no matter what.

That said, the Komatsu iMC dozers and excavator have both exceeded expectations, according to Nate Worthington, who flatly declared, ”We will never buy another trackhoe that is not an intelligent machine. An intelligent machine can be used for so many different things. We are planning on purchasing only iMC machines in the future.”

“The terrain in the Louisville area is always a significant challenge,” Draper explained. “There’s a good deal of steep, hilly terrain in this region. When operating on steep hills, losing traction or getting into an area you can’t get out of is always a concern.”

Bob Ray’s fleet includes a Morbark 4600XL Tracked Wood Hog, a Morbark 50/48 Drum Chipper and a Komatsu XT445L-3 feller buncher. Bob Ray Company also rents equipment as needed. A recent project saw the company add a Morbark 40/36 NCL track drum chipper, a Valmet 430 FXL feller buncher, a Komatsu PC290LC-10 excavator equipped with a Rotobecfixed grapple/saw package, and two CMI mulchers—a C400L and a C450C. Before delivery, Columbus Equipment makes any necessary modifications to the equipment for the steep slopes to ensure they maintain oil pressure, won’t run out of fuel and will otherwise perform well, said Ron Duperow, Environmental Division sales representative.

When Draper prices out these larger projects, he sends a list of required equipment to several suppliers. “Columbus Equipment is typically the only one that gives us a customized, turnkey package for all the equipment needed. A lot of other places are only able to provide one piece.”

Draper understands the hills slow production, but has been impressed at how well the equipment works in tough conditions. “The CMI 400 and 450 handle the slopes extremely well. They stay on the kind of production we anticipate and in some areas even exceed it,” he said. “Looking at how well the CMI mulchers have performed on the most difficult areas, I am certain these machines will greatly exceed expectations for production on flatter terrain or rolling hills.”

“The Komatsu PC290 constantly amazes our operators with its stability on the slopes,” Draper said. The Rotobec grapple/saw is perfectly matched with the excavator, is well-balanced “and does a tremendous job in supporting the track chipper.”

The Morbark chipper is “like a mountain goat—it just keeps climbing.” On steep slopes, we slow the Morbark’s feed system to prevent clogging the chute when it has to blow the chips up the hill. “When we don’t have to fight gravity, the production on that machine goes up as well,” Draper said. Even in difficult terrain, the Bob Ray crews clear six to ten acres a week.

The Komatsu XT445L-3 feller buncher has a terrain-leveling undercarriage, and it too exceeds expectations. “It has a Quadco 2900 intermittent saw with 360º rotation, and our operators are amazed at what it can do to safely cut trees, and get them to the ground,” he said.

As part of the rental package, Columbus Equipment also sends field technician Aaron Dunham out to service the equipment regularly. “Aaron really knows the equipment we have out here. When he sees a problem, he knows how to diagnose it and get it up and running as quickly as we can hope for. I have been extremely pleased by his work ethic and his knowledge,” Draper said.

Louisville-based Bob Ray Company began as a tree service company and has expanded to include a company that recycles tree products into mulch and topsoil as well as the land-clearing division. Land clearing projects range from small residential lots to major pipeline and utility work.

Outfitted with specialized, state-of-the-art equipment, the Bob Ray Company is able to safely and efficiently maintain and improve infrastructure sometimes completed over half a century ago.

“I needed a crane for a project, but I couldn’t find anyone locally to provide one, so I bought one,” Baker said. He purchased his first crane, a 26-year-old Bucyrus-Erie truck crane, in 1994. Soon, other companies around Zanesville were asking him to provide crane services, and his welding business became a welding and crane service company. “I just kept buying newer and bigger cranes as the years went on.”

In March 2015, Baker’s Welding & Crane Service took delivery of a Link-Belt ATC-3210210-ton all-terrain crane, the first of this new Link-Belt design to be delivered in Ohio. Baker purchased the ATC-3210 to replace a 1996 model Grove 5120, and ”There is no comparison between the two,” he said. The Link-Belt can be set up more easily and quickly than competitive models. The ATC-3210 also makes good time on the highway. The Link-Belt is far superior in convenience and ease of use both on and off the road, he added. Baker is using the 210-ton crane for work including setting modular houses, cell towers, box culverts and bridge beams.

“I really like Link-Belt machines,” Baker commented. ”Link-Belts are more user-friendly for the operators.” For instance, he noted, operators must stop competitive machines in a certain position when they want to get out, whereas they can stop the Link-Belt in any position and still safely exit the cab and reach the ground.

Baker has 18 cranes, ranging in size from a 3.5-ton carry deck up to the new 3210. The fleet includes a 1999 Link-Belt 8640 truck crane and a 2007 Link-Belt 8675 truck crane. ”Link-Belts are dependable machines. We don’t have issues with them,” he noted.

”Link-Belt and Columbus Equipment are a good fit,” Baker said. ”Dealer support is important for someone as small as we are, and the service we get from Columbus Equipment is unbelievable. We have no mechanics so we depend on them, and they have always been here for us. They are outstanding every day. They have always done a super job with parts, service and sales.“

Baker has been a Columbus Equipment customer for about 15 years, and he purchased several Grove cranes through the company when it sold that brand. He is slowly but happily transitioning his fleet to Link-Belt, which he prefers over other brands. Lead Operator Jason Tom is also a believer and big fan of Link-Belt’s Pulse operating system, which keeps him ahead of the curve in terms of optimal, precise and, most importantly, safe operation.

When Baker decided to update his large all-terrain crane, his first inclination was to buy used. However, after looking at the used market, ”It was a no-brainer to get a new one. People wanted 75 percent of the [new] price for a machine with 20,000 hours,” Baker said.

“Jeff put a lot of consideration into the purchase,” said Bob Weber, head of Columbus Equipment’s Lifting Division. “The ATC-3210 can be permitted and moved easily in Ohio because of its weight and weight distribution, and the ease of movement and teardown were important factors.”

”The largest crane the company previously owned was a 120-ton, so this was a big step in the growth of the company. We are glad to know he has had the 210-ton crane out on numerous jobs and it appears to be a very healthy fit for his business,” Weber added.

Baker started his welding business in 1984 after working in welding shops for about five years. Currently, his business is split about evenly between welding and crane work. His welders work on projects such as structural steel for hotels and do job shop work, and the crane operators perform contract work for a variety of customers, including many building contractors.

Baker’s Welding & Crane Service employs 13 people, and Baker is quick to give them credit for the company’s success. ”I have a bunch of great employees who work with me, not for me,” he said. ”We had a rough three years [during the recession], like everyone in the country, but now the outlook is good and we have a fair amount of work.”

Buying the new Link-Belt was an investment in the future. ”You have to keep growing to stay in the race,” he said, and the 3210 will allow the company to do that. Baker’s son, Levi, has worked alongside him for years and has always aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps and Baker knows the new Link-Belt will serve the family-owned business for a long time to come.

Baker is quick to point out his obvious appreciation to the company’s customer base—some of whom he has worked with for 30 years—in making all this possible. Being committed to those you serve and investing wisely are tried-and-tested business strategies, just like finding a need and filling it. With a highly-productive Link-Belt crane and dependable support from Columbus Equipment, Baker’s investment in the ATC-3210 looks promising for years to come.