To select the right product and options, consider the following factors:

• targeted productivity
• material type and density
• existing equipment
• current and future site conditions
• climate/weather conditions
• potential future applications

Also ask yourself whether an option can lead to a more productive workforce, suggests Rostberg. "Ask if it allows operators to work longer in comfort, or if the option can speed up work," he says. "Answering these questions can help a contractor find the options and features that best fit his or her business and operator needs."

"If you can finish a job faster and be more productive, you can easily equate that in man hours," adds Hughes. "If you can get a job done two to three hours faster because you aren't losing material out of the bucket, or your operator is comfortable so instead of taking breaks he's able to work all day, options can pay for themselves relatively quickly."

Operator safety should also be factored into the equation. "A cab will protect them from the elements and from debris," Verdon points out. "Excellent visibility, a horn, rear-view mirror and backup alarm will help prevent accidents on the jobsite. This will also help protect some of the machine's key components, such as tires.

"Those options will help contractors protect their employees and assets," he adds, "ultimately, making operators safer and helping [contractors] to reduce operating costs."