The 2017 Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast indicated that two-thirds of contractors typically own their equipment for six years or longer, so when it’s time to add something new to your fleet, it’s not a decision you take lightly.
While a new piece of equipment can be a way to reinvest in your business, you should take your time and do some research before making a large purchase. Researching a piece of new equipment is an important first step to help you decide exactly what you’ll want to rent or buy. Contractor’s research manufacturers, models, engine type and size, maintenance costs and much more before making a purchasing decision.
What’s more is that most of you are researching this equipment on the go. According to a national research study conducted by Eric Mower + Associates Group B2B, 50 percent of contractors use a smartphone, 49 percent use a laptop with mobile web access and 21 percent use an iPad or other tablet for their jobs, suggesting more business purchase research and decisions are being conducted online from the jobsite rather than behind a desk
Of those with a smartphone, more than half (53 percent) use it in the purchase decision-making process to do things like research brands and products, compare prices and scan product codes.
The survey found that 91 percent of contractors use websites to assist in purchase decision-making. That’s where we come in.
To help facilitate those mobile buying decisions, we’re launching more and more spec guides for our readers. Last year, the Excavator Spec Guide was launched, followed by the Skid Steer Spec Guide in July - both of which are sponsored by Wacker Neuson. In October, Asphalt Contractor Magazine launched the Tandem Roller Spec Guide, with over 170 roller models from over 10 different manufacturers. And this month, we’re launching the Asphalt Paver Spec Guide.
While we run these specs in print so you can easily compare models in one place (check out page 14 for the Asphalt Paver Spec Guide), our website ForConstructionPros.com/SpecGuide is becoming the one-stop shop resource for all your heavy equipment needs.
There, you’ll find the industry’s first fully interactive version of these spec guides where contractors can search, sort, filter and download equipment specs to help them make the right buying decision for their crew and needs.
If you’re in the market for a wheeled paver, the simple sort feature for the online Asphalt Paver Spec Guide will let a contractor immediately filter out rubber track and steel track models. You can then see what manufacturers offer the engine, hopper size and paving widths you need.
We hope these resources are helpful to you and if there’s something specific you’re looking for, let me know at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect equipment that can help make you and your crew more productive.
