Kim Berndtson

Kim Berndtson is former associate editor of Equipment Today.

Compaction Equipment

Use Proper Maintenance and Operation to Maximize Vibratory Roller Life

Vibratory asphalt compactors can lead a long, healthy life in your fleet as along as proper preventive maintenance and operating practices are followed. But if repair costs start to pile up, new models deliver a variety of features that can help you get optimal roller productivity for even your toughest road building projects.

Following recommended maintenance procedures and operating practices will help you get maximum service life from the vibratory rollers in your fleet.

Understand Tire Ratings to Match Off Road Tires to the Application

Tire ratings can be an effective tool for determining the appropriate off road tire size and type to use on your graders, scrapers, trucks and other construction equipment.

Tires are classified based on the forces and conditions they're designed to handle. In the case of an articulated dump truck, the tire must be capable of flexing in different directions as the vehicle turns and oscillates. Image provided by Michelin.

Tighter Packaging of Excavator Components Doesn't Mean Added Maintenance

Maintenance of reduced or zero tailswing excavators a bit more challenging.

Liebherr's new R924 compact swing excavator has been designed so that all components requiring routine maintenance are accessible from a single door.

Track Versus Tire Pavers - Should You Pave on Tracks or Tires

Factors to consider when choosing between tracked and tired asphalt pavers

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Oils, Lubricants & Greases

Select the Right Fluids for Cold Weather Operation

Don?t let slow fluids hurt performance.

Make sure the fuel and fluids used in your equipment can provide the protection required throughout the colder months.

Lubricating Equipment

Are Skids, Trailers or Trucks Best for Field Lube Service?

Customize on-site lubrication equipment to maintain the best cleanliness and component life for your kind of work

When mounting a lube skid on a mechanics truck, take into account the weight of the truck body, crane, air compressor and other tools and parts to be carried to avoid exceeding the vehicle's legal capacity limit.

Back to Basics Trencher Selection

Ask the right questions to generate a short list of options.

Tracks are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide added flotation and traction in challenging underfoot conditions.

Underground Equipment

Should You Buy New or Used?

New horizontal directional drills offer distinct advantages, yet used still has its place.

A used directional drill can be a cost-effective option for startup contractors, or those performing periodic bores. However, you need to carefully evaluate the rig's condition to avoid any hidden costs and unexpected downtime.

Fine-Tune Your Breaker Selection

Evaluate the features, then size to the task at hand.

Dust suppression technology can prevent dust and debris from working its way into bushings and tool areas, prolonging the life of these components.

Portable Lighting

Can You See Me Now

Keep highway workers safe by keeping them visible.

A variety of different types and styles of safety apparel are available to optimize worker visibility without sacrificing comfort.

Compaction Equipment

How to Know When to Use a Static vs. Dynamic Compaction Attachment

Which attachment option can achieve the best results?

Compaction wheel attachments use the carrier's applied static weight to quickly achieve compaction density.

Mini Excavators

Right Size Compact Excavators

Applications and operating conditions play a primary role in sizing compacts.

When spec'ing a compact excavator, be sure to consider how much hydraulic flow and pressure are required to power any high-flow attachments you may use.

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