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To provide further protection, some manufacturers, such as New Holland, offer valve stem guards to protect from damage. And special tire guards can be added to the machine to minimize punctures.

Guards are also available to protect other areas of the machine, including the engine, door, etc. Gehl offers a bumper/counterweight option that not only provides for more lift capacity, but also acts as a shield to protect the rear of the machine from damage.

Most manufacturers offer the option of demolition-style doors and reinforced top and rear windows to protect the operator from debris during demolition work. A three-point seat belt for the operator provides additional safety. Many equipment dealers can provide customized equipment protection packages based on the application, so discuss any special features you may need with your local dealer.

Clean and inspect your machines often
Machines that routinely work in a demolition environment will require more care to keep them in top operating condition. "A demolition environment is hard on the machine because of the nature of the work being done, the cycle time of the machine and the application conditions on the machine," says Kelly Moore, Gehl Co.

Daily maintenance tasks - such as checking fluids and filters - are similar to those you should perform for any piece of construction equipment, and they can be done quickly before starting the machine. In addition, look for any damage to hydraulic cylinders, lines, etc. Because of the severe service environment, check for possible structural cracks and wear to the machine to reduce the risk of premature failures.