{ "type": "standard", "id": "65200914588", "all_tags": "agricultureaustraliabreakout forcecapacityconstructionconstruction equipmentdigital marketingearthmoving equipmentearthworksEducationefficiencyexcavatorfarmingfarming equipmentgradingheavy equipmenthydraulicsinspectionlandscapinglandscaping businesslicensemaintenancemaking moneymanagementmanual labourmanufacturingmarketingmental healthMiningoperationplanningproductivitypurchasing equipmentrated operatingregistrationrunning costssafetyskid steerskid steer bucketssmall businesstelehandlerstime managementtipstractorwheel loaderswinter", "articles_count": "44", "next_article": "", "previous_article": "", "tags": [ "agriculture", "australia", "breakout force", "capacity", "construction", "construction equipment", "digital marketing", "earthmoving equipment", "earthworks", "Education", "efficiency", "excavator", "farming", "farming equipment", "grading", "heavy equipment", "hydraulics", "inspection", "landscaping", "landscaping business", "license", "maintenance", "making money", "management", "manual labour", "manufacturing", "marketing", "mental health", "Mining", "operation", "planning", "productivity", "purchasing equipment", "rated operating", "registration", "running costs", "safety", "skid steer", "skid steer buckets", "small business", "telehandlers", "time management", "tips", "tractor", "wheel loaders", "winter" ], "title": "The Himac Herald", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald", "description": "<p>Whether you're into earthmoving or agriculture, Himac publish regular handy hints and machinery information in '<strong>The Himac Herald</strong>'.</p>", "imageDesktop": { "alt": "", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/files/page-blog-large_2fd303ca-3362-4247-833b-d35fff0028ce_1x1.jpg?v=1640146112" }, "imageMobile": { "alt": "", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/files/page-blog-small_0d2a10e9-4199-4399-920d-4920e63a7acf_1x1.jpg?v=1640146349" }, "tag_enrichment": [], "articles": [ { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/6-tips-for-purchasing-equipment-skid-steers-tractor-loaders-and-attachments/comments", "content": "<p>Purchasing new equipment for your farm or business can seem daunting, and for good reason. Purchasing heavy equipment is a large investment and a big step for your business. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. You want <a href="/pages/why-himac" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">equipment that is dependable and durable</a>.</p> <p>Make sure to research your options thoroughly before pulling the trigger. Let's take a look at 6 tips to follow when purchasing heavy equipment and attachments.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">1) Test drive</h4> <p>You would never buy a car without taking it around the block for a drive beforehand. The same is true when purchasing equipment for your business or farm. Test drive several different brands to get a feel for which models drive, operate, and handle the best for your needs. Most potential buyers find that they prefer certain brands over others in terms of how they handle. If you are choosing to buy used, this will help you determine if there are any engine or transmission issues.</p> <h4>2) Inspect! Inspect! Inspect!</h4> <p>Always <a href="https://www.constructionsales.com.au/editorial/details/17-tips-for-buying-a-used-excavator-115301/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">thoroughly inspect</a> a piece of equipment you are considering purchasing. Not only are you looking for potential defects, but you are also looking to make sure the equipment is designed in a way that is easy for you to work on and service. You'll also want to make sure it meets all <a href="https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/wa/australian-standard-as-2294-earth-moving-machinery-protective-structures/17490" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety regulations</a>, especially rollover protection. The last thing you want to happen is to impulsively buy a piece of equipment, only to learn that it is difficult to work on and service. Make sure you are satisfied with the design in the first place.</p> <h4>3) Size matters</h4> <p>You may be inclined to buy the largest piece of equipment available so that you can complete the job faster. While it is true that a larger piece of equipment will get the job done faster, it's not always advisable. You must take into consideration the size of the job sites you are working. Make sure the piece of equipment can maneuver safely on the job sites. Equipment and attachments that are too large for the workspace can be a safety hazard and only make the job more difficult.</p> <h4>4) Run a background check on used equipment</h4> <p>It is common and perfectly acceptable to buy used equipment such as skid steers, tractors, loaders, <a href="/pages/tractor-loader-attachments" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">attachments</a>, and more. In addition to test-driving and inspecting the piece of equipment, you should also learn about its history. Every piece of equipment has a VIN or serial number. You can use this number to:</p> <ul> <li>Verify ownership</li> <li>Verify it hasn't been reported stolen</li> <li>Totaled</li> <li>Otherwise damaged</li> </ul> <p>If you are purchasing equipment through a dealer, he or she should be able to provide you with its history.</p> <h4>5) Does it have a warranty?</h4> <p>Of course, you can still purchase equipment that does not come with a warranty, but it's important to check before purchasing. You will need to decide how important a warranty is and whether a potential piece of equipment that is not under warranty is worth the risk.</p> <h4>6) Say "No" to discontinued models</h4> <p>Be wary of lines of equipment that have been discontinued. This may seem like a desirable option because they are often priced at a discount. It's not that anything is wrong with models or brands which are discontinued, but rather the inconvenience of repair and servicing. As time passes, it will become increasingly difficult to find parts for these discontinued pieces of equipment.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Choose quality, choose Himac</h4> <p>You work hard day in and day out and you need equipment that works just as hard. Himac prides itself in manufacturing the highest quality attachments for your skid steers, tractors, loaders, and much more. <a href="/pages/contact-us">Contact Himac today</a> for all your attachment needs!</p>", "created_at": "2021-05-17 12:32:08 +0800", "excerpt": "If you're purchasing equipment for your farm or business, you want to be sure of your decision. Here are six tips to help you make an informed choice.", "excerpt_or_content": "If you're purchasing equipment for your farm or business, you want to be sure of your decision. Here are six tips to help you make an informed choice.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/6-tips-for-purchasing-equipment-skid-steers-tractor-loaders-and-attachments", "id": "556441239734", "image": { "alt": "6 Tips for Purchasing Equipment: Skid Steers, Tractor Loaders and Attachments", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-6-tips-for-purchasing-equipment-skid-steers-tractor-loaders-and-attachments_1x1.jpg?v=1623291030" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2019-02-26 13:00:00 +0800", "tags": [ "earthmoving equipment", "purchasing equipment", "small business", "tips" ], "title": "6 Tips for Purchasing Equipment: Skid Steers, Tractor Loaders and Attachments", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/6-tips-for-purchasing-equipment-skid-steers-tractor-loaders-and-attachments", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/7-ways-to-shape-the-attitude-and-behaviour-of-your-employees/comments", "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.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/7-ways-to-shape-the-attitude-and-behaviour-of-your-employees", "id": "556440977590", "image": { "alt": "7 Ways to Shape the Attitude and Behaviour of Your Employees", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-7-ways-to-shape-the-attitude-and-behaviour-of-your-employees_55ab3612-a629-4506-bfe3-3aa6473b422e_1x1.jpg?v=1623291398" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2019-01-29 11:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "management", "small business" ], "title": "7 Ways to Shape the Attitude and Behaviour of Your Employees", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/7-ways-to-shape-the-attitude-and-behaviour-of-your-employees", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/5-tips-to-help-your-earthmoving-business-stand-out-in-a-sea-of-contractors/comments", "content": "<p>Owning an earthmoving business isn't always easy. In addition to having to deal with poor weather conditions, staffing problems, inconsistent workloads, and trying to find places to put the dirt your clients want removed, you also have to figure out how to help your earthmoving business stand out in a sea of contractors.</p> <p>Here are some suggestions about how to convince potential clients that you're the best earthmoving business in the area.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">1) Do outstanding work</h4> <p>No amount of advertising dollars or promotional gimmicks will ever take the place of a job well done, which is why that needs to be the first place you direct your attention. If you and your crew show up on time, get the job done on time, and finish the project within the projected budget, your customers will do more than simply notice; they'll recommend your earthmoving services to everyone.</p> <p>While word of mouth referrals are the best way to get your earthmoving business to stand out in a sea of contractors, you should also ask them to write some referrals that you post on your website. If they're willing to act as a reference, you need to take full advantage of it. Their good word will likely cause a potential client who is trying to decide between your business and another earthmover to choose you.</p> <h4>2) Attend trade shows</h4> <p>Attending trade shows, especially during your business's slow periods, can be an excellent way to drum up some extra business. Rather than attending trade shows for earthmovers, focus your efforts on attending trade shows that are geared towards industries that typically require earthmoving services, such as construction trade shows. In your booth, post some testimonials from happy customers, and have a video showing the type of work you're doing. If possible, ask the event organisers if you could lead a discussion on a topic that connects your earthmoving business to the trade show subject.</p> <p>If there's enough room at the trade show or convention, you should consider bringing along one of the skid steers, track loaders, and/or excavators you use for your business. The large pieces of equipment do a great job drawing crowds to your booth.</p> <h4>3) Offer rewards for referrals</h4> <p>Word-of-mouth referrals are the best advertising possible. It's completely organic, completely trustworthy, and also very hard to trigger. While you can't demand that each of your customers recommends you to their associates, you can offer rewards or discounts for referrals, which encourages word-of-mouth referrals. Remind your clients that in addition to telling their friends what a great job you did, they can also brag about your earthmoving business on their favourite social media platforms.</p> <h4>4) Build a website for your Earthmoving business</h4> <p>These days, all businesses, including your earthmoving business, must have a good-looking, highly ranked website. It doesn't matter if you just started your earthmoving business six months ago, or you're in charge of a seventy-year-old family-started earthmoving business, if potential customers can't find you online, they won't know you exist. The money you spend on a professionally designed and maintained website is well worth every penny.</p> <p>Things that need to be included on your website include:</p> <ul> <li>A good "about" page</li> <li>An online contact form your visitors can fill out</li> <li>Your earthmoving business's phone number</li> <li>A list of your earthmoving services</li> <li>Some good photos</li> <li>Testimonials</li> <li>Lots of pictures</li> </ul> <p>Once you have your website up and running, you need to create a few social media accounts. The social media accounts will put you in contact with both new and old customers, which drives traffic to your earthmoving business's website, which results in more business. Social media sites that have been useful for promoting your business and connecting with clients include Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.</p> <h4>5) Volunteer your Earthmoving business</h4> <p>One of the best ways to help your earthmoving business stand out from the sea of contractors is volunteering your business around the community. Whenever there's a minor project within the community that needs to be handled such as clearing some dirt out of the way for new playground equipment, offering to do the work pro bono is a great way to cement your earthmoving business as community oriented, which inspires paying clients to choose your business for their own earthmoving needs.</p> <p>If you can't find a community project to help out with, consider sponsoring a local event or club. It still gives people the impression you're community oriented and it helps generate some name recognition.</p> <p><a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Himac Attachments</a> provides earthmoving businesses with the heavy pieces of equipment they need to make short work out of big jobs. <a href="/pages/contact-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Contact us today</a> to learn about pieces of earthmoving attachments for your skid steer, track loader, and excavator that you'd like to incorporate into your business.</p> <h5 class="hr-2"><strong>Sources</strong></h5> <p><a href="https://www.forconstructionpros.com/blogs/construction-toolbox/blog/10777637/five-creative-ways-to-market-your-construction-company">forconstructionpros.com</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.heavyvehiclefinance.com.au/2017/01/promote-earthmoving-business/">heavyvehiclefinance.com.au</a></p>", "created_at": "2021-05-17 11:15:40 +0800", "excerpt": "Owning an earthmoving business isn't always easy. In addition to having to deal with weather conditions, staffing and workloads, you also need your earthmoving business to stand out.", "excerpt_or_content": "Owning an earthmoving business isn't always easy. In addition to having to deal with weather conditions, staffing and workloads, you also need your earthmoving business to stand out.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/5-tips-to-help-your-earthmoving-business-stand-out-in-a-sea-of-contractors", "id": "556441010358", "image": { "alt": "5 Tips to Help Your Earthmoving Business Stand Out in a Sea of Contractors", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-5-tips-to-help-your-earthmoving-business-stand-out-in-a-sea-of-contractors_1x1.jpg?v=1623289419" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2019-01-07 11:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "marketing", "small business" ], "title": "5 Tips to Help Your Earthmoving Business Stand Out in a Sea of Contractors", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/5-tips-to-help-your-earthmoving-business-stand-out-in-a-sea-of-contractors", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/6-tips-for-maintaining-earthmoving-equipment-year-round/comments", "content": "<p>Properly maintaining your earthmoving equipment can save you some significant money and help prevent you from facing hair-thinning maintenance issues. We know that earthmoving equipment is seriously expensive, so it's important that you follow some of these basic maintenance tips.</p> <p>Of course, money isn't the only reason that you should be conducting routine maintenance on your equipment; worker injury rates <a href="https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/138512/construction-statistical-update-2009-14.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">are rising</a>, so ensuring that your equipment is clean and safe is critical. So, let's go over some tips that will help you keep your crucial earthmoving equipment maintained year-round.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">1) Regularly lubricate your machinery</h4> <p>Without lubrication, earthmoving machinery will sustain long-term damages caused by friction. Since heavy machinery consists of many different moving parts that are constantly impacted by friction, regular lubrication will help maintain the equipment and prevent significant wear-and-tear. Some lubricants have the added benefit of protecting your machinery against dust and debris. It's critical that you consult your manufacturer to discover the recommended lubricant for your machine, as each machine is a unique beast with unique needs.</p> <p>Not only should you be using the correct lubricant, but you should also be using the correct amount of lubricant. Insufficient lubrication won't correctly ensure that your moving parts aren't damaging your machine, while over lubricating your machine can cause accumulation issues, energy loss, and seal issues.</p> <h4>2) Follow a maintenance schedule</h4> <p>One of the best ways to keep your earthmoving equipment in tip-top shape is regularly scheduled maintenance. This means adhering to a strict preventative maintenance (PM) schedule. A proper PM schedule goes well beyond regular lubrication and should include:</p> <ul> <li>Condition monitoring</li> <li>Regular machine inspections</li> <li>Machinery repairs and maintenance</li> <li>Inspections of specific parts (brakes, gaskets, tracks, belts, oil levels, tires and wheels, cooling and exhaust systems, steering components, safety features, etc.)</li> <li>Thorough checking of electric elements</li> <li>Cab and engine inspections</li> <li>Fuel checks</li> <li>Body inspections</li> <li>and inspections of any other parts (moving or not) that make up your specific machine.</li> </ul> <p>While it may seem boring and routine, the primary purpose of PMs is to reduce or eliminate gradual failures, which can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of damages.</p> <p>For an example of a manufacturer recommended PM list, check out <a href="http://www.komatsu.com.au/Service/Documents/Service%20Capabilities%20Brochure_2015_FINAL_LR.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Komatsu's servicing brochure</a>.</p> <h4>3) Fully understand your equipment</h4> <p>Having sufficient product knowledge can safeguard you against unexpected issues. For some, this means reading the equipment manual to isolate specifics that may help you in an emergency — or even gradually as part of your PM. Typically, these manuals will give you insights into specific maintenance strategies, best-practices, and give you critical equipment insights.</p> <p>Of course, this necessity for equipment knowledge goes beyond owners and operators. All employees should be well versed in your heavy machinery. This means that new employees should be thoroughly trained, and established employees should be routinely trained to keep them aligned with new practices or simply as a reminder.</p> <p>This is important for machine maintenance as well as employee safety, which is the single most important element of the workplace.</p> <h4>4) Keep detailed records</h4> <p>Maintaining a detailed record of equipment maintenance is crucial. These chronological records should be well organised and detailed enough to give you insights into your equipment needs and any possible future issues you may face. Not only does record keeping ensure that you understand the current status of all of your equipment, but it also safeguards you against any potential regulatory issues.</p> <p>When you have the ability to check potential problems as well as maintenance and repair records, you can stay one step ahead of any incoming equipment failures.</p> <h4>5) Notice wear and tear</h4> <p>While regular PMs are a critical part of your maintenance strategy, simply identifying wear and tear can go a long way towards preventing significant damages.</p> <p>So, telling your employees to alert you to any potential new damages on-site can give you some insights into minor problems before they become major ones.</p> <p>If an employee notices that a piece of equipment has a belt that's starting look misshapen, that information can help you jump on the issue rapidly.</p> <h4>6) Keep your equipment clean</h4> <p>Make sure that your earthmoving equipment is squeaky clean! Don't let dirt and debris build up or it could cause damages down the line. Not only does routine cleaning help prevent build-up, but it can also alert you to significant issues.</p> <p>Since earthmoving equipment is uniquely sealed to prevent dirt or dust from touching sensitive parts of the machine, a routine clean could expose a seal crack or break that's letting particles into your machines sensitives. You need to fix these, fast!</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Conclusion</h4> <p>By following a routinely scheduled PM, regularly lubricating moving parts, keeping your earthmoving machines clean, reading the manual, paying attention to wear and tear, and keeping your employees up to date and well trained, you can ensure that your earthmoving equipment is being properly maintained.</p> <p>Ultimately, this should lead to lower repair costs, more efficient machinery, and a better workplace environment.</p> <p>If you're looking for attachments that can match the power and functionality of your earthmoving beasts, <a href="/pages/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">contact us</a>.</p>", "created_at": "2021-05-17 12:19:37 +0800", "excerpt": "Your earthmoving equipment is valuable and falling behind on maintenance could lead to costly repairs down the line - here are 6 ways to stay on top of your equipment maintenance.", "excerpt_or_content": "Your earthmoving equipment is valuable and falling behind on maintenance could lead to costly repairs down the line - here are 6 ways to stay on top of your equipment maintenance.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/6-tips-for-maintaining-earthmoving-equipment-year-round", "id": "556441141430", "image": { "alt": "6 Tips for Maintaining Earthmoving Equipment Year-Round", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-6-tips-for-maintaining-earthmoving-equipment-year-round_4a7d4fa7-d3d2-4cc6-868a-86d47e5e5ed1_1x1.jpg?v=1623288531" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2018-12-17 12:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "earthmoving equipment", "maintenance" ], "title": "6 Tips for Maintaining Earthmoving Equipment Year-Round", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/6-tips-for-maintaining-earthmoving-equipment-year-round", "user": "UserDrop" } ] }