8 great reads during quarantine

While tradies are still slogging away, continuing to build the country (thank you for all your hard work!), a lot of us are forced to stay home and self-isolate as the COVID-19 pandemic continues its firm grip on the world.

With seemingly no end date set for this quarantine period, we are suddenly finding plenty of time on our hands. Instead of keeping glued to Netflix all night and day, (not that there is anything wrong with that) why not take this opportunity to do some research on your next machine purchase or gain some insight into the wonderful world of modern construction?

We’ve cherry picked some of our most popular and interesting articles on constructionsales.com.au that we think will make for a great afternoon or bedtime reading. Happy reading!

1.      Major Dirtbox: the ultimate playground for big kids

If you think playgrounds for adults don’t exist, think again. I don’t mean a footy field or an outdoor gym, but a proper oversized sandbox with real life tonka trucks and diggers to play in.

Located just 40km north of the theme park capital of Australia - the Gold Coast, Major Dirtbox is a heaven for earthmoving machinery fans, where they get the opportunity to hop into an excavator to dig some holes or jump in a dozer to push some dirt. No experience necessary.

Don’t believe such a place exist? Watch the video to find out for yourself!

2.      How To: Gain accreditation to operate earthmoving machinery

However, if you’re serious about a career in the earthmoving industry as a machine operator or would like to start a landscaping or pool construction business, then you have to earn your stripes first.

The good news is, it really isn’t that hard and I strongly believe that if I could do it, anyone can. In this feature, I detail my experiences on learning the ropes with operating the more common earthmoving equipment such as excavators, wheel loaders, skid steers, dozers and more.

In addition to it being a truly eye-opening experience, I had so much fun I wish the course wouldn’t end.

3.      MultiOne 8.4S mini loader review

This is a personal favourite only because this loader is such a unique, versatile unit that can almost be anything you want it to be. I even dubbed it the Thermomix of a work site or a farm mainly because it can effectively replace several machines on a site due to its ability to be equipped with over 100 attachments. It can dig, load, mow, slash, handle pallets, and much more.

The unit is made in Italy which guarantees a quality build and durability. While not the cheapest machine of its kind on the market, the fact that it can replace several machines in the fleet, hence saving both cost and space, is exactly the ROI you need.

4.      10 things you didn’t know you could do with a skid steer loader

The handy and nimble little skid steer loader isn’t just that - a loader. Its ability to be used with a plethora of attachments make it an incredibly versatile machine that can carry out a lot of the tasks that larger machinery can.

For example, when equipped with a paver attachment, a skid steer can carry out road widening and repair tasks. When fixed with a snow blade, it can quickly clear snow from pavements. It can also be used to mix cement or even support an elevated working platform to allow workers to work at height. Who would’ve thought?

5.      Menzi Muck M5 spider excavator: Machine spotlight

This is certainly not your average excavator. It’s one that’s designed to climb hills and traverse terrain that other machines can only dream of.

Born in Switzerland, the Menzi Muck excavator is all arms and legs and is a sight to behold. But in addition to looking impressive albeit a bit daunting due to its resemblance to a spider, what it is capable of doing is even more mind boggling. It has been used around the world as well as in Australia to carry out tricky tasks such as shrub and tree clearing on steep slopes. We look at the history of the Menzi Muck and how exactly the machine works.

6.      9 construction apps you need to download

We all unknowingly have one of the most powerful tech tools right in our own pockets – our mobile phones. In addition to being a communication device, it is also a computer, calculator, alarm clock, music player, TV, calendar, and much more. This is all thanks to the plethora of apps available for us to download and use.

We looked at 10 top apps that are incredibly useful if you’re working in the construction industry - ranging from a machinery inspection tool to a paving calculator app.

7.      Mecalac 6MCR skid excavator review

Mecalac is the brand that you’ve never heard of but should be paying closer attention to. The French brand is perhaps most well known for its “rubber ducky” wheeled excavator design with articulated chassis that was born over 30 years ago, and has evolved ever since.

Its 6MCR is effectively three machines in one – an excavator, a skid steer and a telehandler. How? The body can effectively rotate 360 degrees and has working speeds of up to 10km/h, making light work of loading and unloading.

It can also lift and lower pallets as required. While it has an impressive upwards reach of 6m, it can also lower pallets below the machine which gives it an edge over conventional telescopic handlers.

8.      17 tips for buying a used excavator

Now, before you rush off to buy your next excavator, may we suggest you take a good read through these useful tips we have compiled before you make any decision, especially if you’re in the market for a used rig.

For example, checking the service history of a used excavator is very important to gauge how well it has been cared which is an indication of how well it will serve you in the future. Cost is obviously also a very important consideration but know that cheap is definitely not best.