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"digital marketing",
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"title": "The Himac Herald",
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"description": "<p>Whether you're into earthmoving or agriculture, Himac publish regular handy hints and machinery information in '<strong>The Himac Herald</strong>'.</p>",
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"author": "Simon Blackburn",
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"content": "<p class="mt-0">If you’re looking for a short answer, some say a skid steer should last, on average, around 5,000 hours. But unfortunately, when discussing skid steers, it’s never really a short answer!</p>
<p>There are a few factors that may impact how long a skid steer lasts…</p>
<ul>
<li>The type of work you are using the skid steer for, including the difficulty of the work</li>
<li>The operator of the machine</li>
<li>How often you’re using the skid steer</li>
<li>What you’re doing to maintain the skid steer</li>
<li>Whether you purchased it new or used, you may not know what it was getting up to before you purchased it!</li>
</ul>
<p>When we spoke about purchasing skid steers second hand, we mentioned that a skid steer that is ‘young’ but has a high number of hours on it isn’t always the best option. The same is true here. If you can avoid pushing it to the limit in the first few years of life, you’ll be able to extend the life of your skid steer.</p>
<p>Regarding maintenance, this one should be relatively obvious. The better you take care of it, the longer it’s going to take care of you!</p>
<h4>So… how can I extend the life of my Skid Steer?</h4>
<p>The first and potentially most important factor in improving your skid steers life is maintenance. Commit to a schedule of services, complete daily checks to ensure there’s no wear and tear damaging the machine and adjust elements to the season and job. This includes checking wheels and tracks, fluid levels, cooling systems, and oils.</p>
<p>Another element is operation. Ensure the operator of your skid steer, whether that be yourself or an employee, is trained and knows what to do in every situation. This includes how to take care of the machine in winter, how to warm up and cool down the machine properly, and what attachment is appropriate for the job and skid steer, amongst so much more! A well-trained and experienced operator will be able to maintain the machine at an optimal working condition so that no further damage is caused.</p>
<p>Don’t over-think it. Do your best to take care of your skid steer, don’t completely thrash it, and you’ll get the most out of it! </p>
<h5 class="hr-2">Sources</h5>
<p><a href="https://stingerattachments.com/tips-for-purchasing-a-skid-steer/#:~:text=Some%20experts%20say%20the%20average,using%20the%20skid%20steer%20for" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://stingerattachments.com/tips-for-purchasing-a-skid-steer/#:~:text=Some%20experts%20say%20the%20average,using%20the%20skid%20steer%20for</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.felix.net/project-news/7-steps-to-maintain-your-skid-steer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.felix.net/project-news/7-steps-to-maintain-your-skid-steer</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.aceventura-ind.com/10-ways-to-extend-the-life-of-your-skid-steer-tires/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.aceventura-ind.com/10-ways-to-extend-the-life-of-your-skid-steer-tires/</a></p>",
"created_at": "2022-10-24 14:46:11 +0800",
"excerpt": "If you’re looking for a short answer, some say a skid steer should last around 5,000 hours. But unfortunately, when discussing skid steers, it’s never really a short answer!",
"excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>If you’re looking for a short answer, some say a skid steer should last around 5,000 hours. But unfortunately, when discussing skid steers, it’s never really a short answer!</span>",
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"published_at": "2022-06-22 15:30:00 +0800",
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"content": "<p>Staying productive as the owner of a small business often proves harder than many of us expect. No matter how passionate or dedicated you are, maintaining a steady stream of work with nobody looking over your shoulder likely won't come naturally to you. Productivity isn't an innate talent; it's a skill.</p>
<p>If you're willing to implement a few simple tips and tricks throughout your workday, you'll be able to develop your productivity levels and begin reaching milestones that you may have previously thought were unattainable. Taking the steps to work harder and smarter is easy - and the payoff is personal and fiscal.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">1) Eliminate distractions</h4>
<p>This goes without saying, but actually taking the steps to remove distractions from your workplace is a separate ballgame. Even though you aren't in an office, distractions can come from anywhere and can range from mildly aggravating or distracting to side projects that suck up entire days or weeks.</p>
<p>It's easy to get distracted by your mobile - you can tell yourself you're opening it up to work, and twenty minutes later you're stuck wondering how you ended up browsing the web. Consider utilising applications to keep you on track and away from distracting content if you tend to get hypnotised by your screen. Apps like <a href="https://www.forestapp.cc/">Forest</a> and <a href="http://www.getsiempo.com/">Siempo</a> help temporarily block apps and limit screen time. The latest versions of iOS and Android also offer their own in-built screen time functionality.</p>
<h4>2) Delegate, delegate, delegate</h4>
<p>Most small business owners don't work entirely on their own. If you've got staff or even a few helping hands around, don't be afraid to delegate tasks and responsibilities as you see fit. Removing some of your own workload and transferring it to <a href="/blogs/the-himac-herald/shape-attitude-and-behaviour-of-your-employees">competent team members</a> will free up your mind to focus on the things that really matter. If possible, you should only be working on projects that add value to your life or business.</p>
<h4>3) Test out the 80/20 approach</h4>
<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2016/03/07/80-20-rule/">The 80/20 rule, also referred to as the Pareto Principle</a>, suggests that 80% of your activity results in 20% of your productivity. What does this mean for business, though?</p>
<p>Take a look at your day and the way you spend time. It's more than likely you'll realise that you spend a significant portion of your time on only a small part of your business. Funnel your energy into the 80% of actions that take up 20% of your time. Plan to eliminate low-payoff activities (especially if they're high-effort) and focus on using your time to capitalise on what you're excellent at.</p>
<h4>4) Track productivity</h4>
<p>Have lists, charts, graphs - whatever it takes to make it clear that you've got goals that need reaching. Track your productivity and activity levels carefully. You may be able to pinpoint weak areas or poor habits that you fall into that keep you from achieving success.</p>
<p>And don't be afraid of rewards, either! If you meet or exceed productivity goals, you deserve to give yourself a pat on the back. Whether it's taking a moment to give yourself some recognition or picking up something from the shops to make dinner tonight great, you shouldn't be ashamed of rewarding yourself for being productive.</p>
<h4>5) Stay healthy</h4>
<p>Your business won't be healthy and sustainable if you, yourself, are struggling to make it through the day. Make sure you're well-hydrated, getting enough sleep, and have plenty of healthy snacks on hand to keep you fuelled throughout the workday. Don't hesitate to schedule breaks and exercise into your days to keep your blood flowing and your mind in tip-top shape.</p>
<p>Running a small business isn't easy, but the payoff and rewards that come with doing so successfully are immeasurable. There are a number of steps that you can take to make your job easier and boost productivity - and, as you've seen here, most are easy to implement! Try out a few of these methods at a time to determine which ones work best for you; you may be surprised by the results.</p>",
"created_at": "2021-05-17 12:38:30 +0800",
"excerpt": "If you're willing to implement a few simple tips and tricks throughout your workday, you'll be able to develop your productivity levels where the payoff is personal and fiscal.",
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"content": "<p>The attitude of your workers set the tone of your company. Enabling your employees to have positive attitudes and positive behaviours is what gives your business the best chance to succeed.</p>
<p>In this post, we'll look at steps you can take as the owner of a small business to shape the attitude and behaviour of your employees.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">1) Lead by example</h4>
<p>Think of your ideal employee. How would they act? How would they dress? How do they interact with customers? How do they go about their daily performance on the job?</p>
<p>Make a list of all the qualities you'd envision in this perfect employee, then strive every day to personify each and every one of those qualities.</p>
<p>As the owner of a small business, you have to serve as an example for all the employees. This applies across the board - work ethic, performance, and appearance. It's on you to lead by example.</p>
<h4>2) Make your expectations clear</h4>
<p>Your employees can't behave the way you want them to do if you don't tell them what you want. From day one on the job, communicate to them very clearly what you expect from the job. Write it down and post it somewhere visible if you have to. Ask them for feedback on whether or not they think they can manage your expectations.</p>
<p>Having the conversation is important because it allows you to clearly explain the values you believe in for your business. You explain what type of behaviours you'd like them to exhibit so there can be no doubt later on.</p>
<h4>3) Accountability</h4>
<p>It's important to hold yourself and your employees accountable for their decisions and performance. When your employees are held accountable for their actions, they're more likely to exhibit positive behaviour.</p>
<p>This doesn't have to be overbearing or strict. You don't have to punish someone who has a less than stellar customer review. But it's important that everyone maintains a level of accountability for what they do. There are <a href="https://www.paramountplus.com.au/training/employee-accountability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">resources available online</a> that can help train your employees on how to display accountability in their roles.</p>
<h4>4) Foster a culture of inclusivity and safety</h4>
<p><a href="https://www.catalyst.org/system/files/the_secret_to_inclusion_in_australian_workplaces.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to one study</a>, employees who felt safe felt a greater sense of inclusion with their employer and business. Listen to the concerns of your employees and ask for their feedback on your business's actions, direction, and policies. You may lead the way, but let them help inform the path your company takes.</p>
<p>Employees who feel heard and recognised are going to hold their employer and business in higher regard, having a more positive attitude about their workplace.</p>
<h4>5) Empower them to make decisions</h4>
<p>As the leader, many decisions will fall to you. However, don't micromanage your employees. Empower them to make decisions and trust them to make the good decisions you hired them to make.</p>
<p>Making every single decision for each one of your employees breeds a culture of distrust and insecurity. Giving them the freedom to make decisions will help them develop into stronger leaders. An organisation with strong leadership at multiple levels will eventually grow stronger as a whole.</p>
<h4>6) Reward success</h4>
<p>When your team makes a sale or gets a great review, sing it from the rooftops. Reward them somehow. If you can't afford a bonus, some type of certificate of appreciation still goes a long way. An "employee of the month" program may seem tired and cliche, but team members with some kind of recognition appreciate it and that translates to harder work and better outcomes.</p>
<h4>7) Help them learn from failure</h4>
<p>When something goes wrong, allow them to learn from their mistake. Ask what they would have done differently. Tell them what you would have done differently. Use your position as a leader to educate them.</p>
<p>Using a mistake as a learning opportunity rather than a chance to criticise is how you build better employee habits. The next time your employees are faced with a similar circumstance, they're much more likely to turn in a superior performance.</p>",
"created_at": "2021-05-17 11:12:24 +0800",
"excerpt": "Shaping your employees' behaviour takes leadership as well as trust. Here's how to manage your employees so they feel valued and you get the performance you want.",
"excerpt_or_content": "Shaping your employees' behaviour takes leadership as well as trust. Here's how to manage your employees so they feel valued and you get the performance you want.",
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