Richard Ries

3 days ago | constructionequipment.com | Richard Ries

The skid steer market has been caught up in a bigger-is-better frenzy for some time. In the midst of the move to 100+ horsepower machines, is there still a place for the smallest models? Absolutely. Skid steer loaders of up 2,200 pounds rated operating capacity (ROC) at 50% tipping load offer distinct advantages over other compact equipment. They’re more capable than mini loaders—racked or wheeled, stand-on, or pedestrian.

2 weeks ago | compactequip.com | Richard Ries

“The drop hammer is, in my opinion, very much underappreciated.” So says Travis Kidder, product manager, Bobcat attachments. It’s hard to argue the point. Drop hammers are simple to own and operate and are a cost-effective way to break up concrete slabs. Aside from greasing, they require minimal maintenance and if they sit in a corner of the shop for months between uses, they emerge ready to go to work. “Almost no maintenance,” says Kidder, but here’s the little bit required.

1 month ago | compactequip.com | Richard Ries

It takes money to develop technology, and those R&D costs are better applied to large equipment that costs more. Eventually the R&D investment is amortized and the cost of adding the feature drops significantly. It’s still not zero dollars because there are hardware and other costs, but it is significantly less. One major benefit of this approach is that new technology often arrives with quirks and glitches that need to be addressed.

1 month ago | compactequip.com | Keith Gribbins |Richard Ries

Residual value can be overlooked when calculating life-cycle owning and operating costs for compact excavators, but taking steps to maximize residual value is a good way to boost your company’s overall profit. Residual value is what your machine is worth when you’re done with it, and it’s an easy concept to keep in mind. It doesn’t matter whether you bought your machine new or used. It doesn’t matter how you dispose of it when you’re done with it.

2 months ago | compactequip.com | Richard Ries

Bobcat Co. just dropped news that it’s growing its mini track loader lineup. The MT120 will soon be Bobcat’s most powerful model to date. That power comes from a 1.2 liter diesel engine rated at 24.5 hp that does not require a diesel particulate filter. The MT120 has 11.8 gpm of flow for excellent breakout forces and a rated operating capacity of 1,200 lbs. Lift height is 88 in. and reach is 22 in. Pilot controls provide smooth operation while fast travel speeds further enhance productivity.