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Safety — Design of hand controls, operator platform and braking system are very important. "Keeping the operator's hands on the control bar and their feet always on the platform is critical to maintaining safe control of a machine that can operate on uneven terrain," Wenzel says. "Location of brake and dump levers and pedals should not require an operator to step off the platform. Control of vehicle speed and direction should not require hands to be removed from the control bar."

Stability is also paramount to safe operation. Buggies should comply with the ASME B56.8-1993/B56.8a-1994 Standard for Lateral and Longitudinal Stability, Parking and Service Braking. Design elements such as frame thickness, braking system/type and balance address the stability issue.

Simplicity of design as well as easy access will facilitate proper maintenance and service of the machine. "Look for easily removable covers and an open architecture as features which address this issue," says Wenzel.

Responsiveness of controls is another feature to consider, according to Derrick Lowe, sales manager with Crown Construction Equipment. "When selecting a buggy, make sure it has responsive drive and dump controls that are simple for the operator to use," he says, noting that it's also vital that a buggy have "a balanced frame, industrial-grade hydraulic components and appropriate bucket dump height (at least six in. of clearance to avoid hitting forms when backing up)."

Metal vs. plastic

Plastic hoppers are more common than steel because the ability to form and mold plastic to difficult shapes allows an economical solution to creating hopper geometry that will benefit the operator. "Extended pour lips, angular dumping slope, curved and formed splash protection are molded features that facilitate material transport and placement," says Wenzel at Stone. "Additional aesthetic considerations can be achieved in plastic such as dent/rust prevention as well as curb appeal."