In regions where heavy construction equipment is stored for extended periods during cold weather, a proper winterization process is essential. For those of you who work in cold climate regions like this, these tips can help ensure your asphalt and/or soil compactors are winterized and stored properly so they’re ready to go when the spring thaw arrives. TIPS FOR WINTERIZING AND STORING ASPHALT COMPACTORS First, if you anticipate needing to start your compactor in very cold temperatures, consider adding anti-gel to the fuel. If it gets really cold out, diesel can thicken or solidify into a gel ..read more

If you’re looking to put money back to your bottom line this year, your business could save thousands of dollars on new and used equipment purchases. Take advantage of available government tax incentives aimed to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves. There are similar tax advantage opportunities in Canada as well. Let’s start with the U.S. Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code, which offers eligible businesses a great opportunity to maximize purchasing power. Most of the new and used (must be new to you) equipment your business will purchase or finance will qualify for the ..read more

Property management companies who oversee the streets and common grounds of residential developments, condominiums and apartment complexes are challenged with maintaining beautiful and functional grounds while keeping their costs low. And adding to those challenges, more and more people work from home these days — which means daily projects can interfere in their workdays. One promising solution is using (or subcontracting companies who use) electric heavy equipment like compact electric excavators, wheel loaders and skid steers. These machines offer property managers multiple benefits over c ..read more

When the summer days get hot, construction crews face heightened risks. Without proper precautions, the intense conditions can lead to everything from tiredness and lapses in judgment to severe health issues like heat stroke — a potentially fatal condition if not addressed quickly. Here are some tips to help keep everyone on your jobsites safer during the hot, dry summer months. Understand heat-related symptoms. According to the CDC, workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat ..read more

Hydraulics are the powerhouse behind an excavator, turning simple lever movements into powerful boom and bucket movements. Our new electro-hydraulic innovation, known as Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT), means Volvo excavator hydraulics are becoming even more intuitive, offering operators smoother control and more efficient work on construction and general excavation jobs. This innovation isn't just about stronger machines, but smarter ones that handle tasks quicker and with greater precision. IMVT marks a departure from the traditional mechanically coupled hydraulic systems and i ..read more

If you’ve recently thought about using a piece of electric heavy machinery for your business — or even for personal use — but you’re hesitant to pull the trigger on a purchase, remember, there are other options to consider. And one of them is a lease. Over the years we’ve sold many electric machines to customers who either wanted to be an early adopter to get a jump start on electric equipment technology, or they knew exactly how they’d use their new machines and how they would benefit their business or operation long term. But we’ve also worked with a lot of customers and prospects who are i ..read more

Volvo just launched a new series of excavators, and among the numerous updates are several designed specifically for you operators. This includes taking our beloved cab and making it even better. The newest models have been revamped to be more spacious and ergonomic so you can stay productive and make the long days fly by. The goal of these updates is to significantly improve your whole experience, helping operator and machine work as one. And while there are many new features you’ll love, I wanted to call out several of my favorites I think are sure to be talked about on your jobsites: Keyl ..read more

Volvo excavators were recently redesigned inside and out — it’s the biggest update to our excavator line in two decades. The newest Volvo excavator models have been upgraded to be more productive and efficient to help you get outstanding results. The new range also looks great and is purpose-built to address the evolving challenges of the construction industry. Below are four updates I think owners and fleet managers will appreciate most: Better fuel efficiency: It’s hard to believe, but our already fuel-efficient excavators are now even better about reducing the amount of fuel they use. Thi ..read more

This week (May 6-10) is Construction Safety Week, so we thought we’d take a quick look at a few of the current and emerging safety technologies helping workers around the world get their jobs done and get home safely at the end of the day. As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible for machine productivity, our approach to safety must also evolve. That's where cutting-edge technologies come into play, transforming the construction site into a safer, smarter workplace. Here are just a few of the innovations setting new standards for jobsite safety. Wearables: Your Personal Safety ..read more

In the construction and mining industries, profit margins can be razor thin — efficiency and precision are oftentimes the difference between a great month and one you’d rather forget. This is where machine control systems can be a difference maker. Even though they’re becoming much more common on jobsites, there are still misconceptions about what these systems do — and their full potential remains untapped in many applications. What is machine control and how does it benefit construction and mining operations? Let’s take a look. What Machine Control Is — And What It Isn't At its core, machin ..read more