This will be an interesting thread moving forward......

[Welder Dave]

Imagine something like a dragline without an auto lube system. For certain machines they are the bomb but for other machines kind of a novel idea. Would be great for skid steer bucket pins but a little over the top for a smaller machine like a skid steer. Kind of like putting 200mph tires on a VW bug. Sometimes you just have to manually do it. The cordless grease guns would be a great benefit as long as the owner didn't figure they were too expensive. Now that I have a grader, I need to look into one. Interesting in the owners manual for the grader is says all fittings should only require a couple shots if they are regularly greased on schedule.

 

[AzIron]

Auto lubes are great on about anything they are put on they have come a long ways since the late 90s but for what it costs unless it's a bunch of moving parts or hard access they are kinda expensive they really work great on big iron because those pins require more grease and you need a ladder to access certain things

On a skid steer having room to mount an auto lube would be a challenge

Everything I own gets greased begging of shift by the operator I put grease guns in every machine pickup and trailer we tried electric grease guns they are nice but with employees around the batteries seemed to never get changed and it was an easy excuse to not grease so I went back to hand guns those waste less grease anyway

 

[56wrench]

I’ve had Groeneveld auto-greasing systems on 2 highway trucks that were on them before I got them(likely since new) and they worked good but I was told not to let them run out of grease because they can be difficult to bleed the air out of. These were two previous Trimac Transportation trucks and at that time they had specced all their trucks with that system. It worked well for them instead of having to depend on drivers to crawl under and grease. We know how well that works unless you’re the owner.

 

[treemuncher]

I have one machine that came with an autolube system. At nearly 50-75 grease points (no, I did not bother to count) on the Menzi Muck, it's a real time saver and makes sure all points get hit. I hit the "grease" button on occasion to increase the frequency of lubing. I prefer grease running from a joint rather than a dry bushing. I certainly do like this system although it is rather complex with the number of splitter blocks required to hit all of the fittings.

Since having to make some repairs to this system, I found https://www.autolubeparts.com/Default.asp
that carries a wide variety of fittings and hoses required for these systems. Rather than going full autolube, I have added distribution blocks so that I can grease up to 12 or more points from a single location and decrease my lube time when servicing equipment. I don't have to access difficult or cramped spaces to lube anymore, either. Fewer grease fittings to go bad, less coupler wear and it saves me lots of time. I always grease from 120lb keg with an air powered lube system in my service truck so it's fast and efficient. No time lost to bleeding air, changing cartridges or forever replacing fittings and couplers. The blocks don't cover all of the fittings so I'm still inspecting the machine during every refuel when I grease the standard fittings.

Working alone, time efficiency is everything to me. Depending on which machine, I likely save 5-10 minutes per grease cycle and lose less grease to waste.

For a cheap electric switch lube system, Ebay sells 12v wired grease guns that accept tubes or refills from a port. Mount this on a machine, plumbed to a distribution block system and you can grease every time you hit the button. Distribution blocks have the option of plunger counters that are visible and can flip a momentary switch to turn on a light so that you can count the number of cycles that the block has gone through during a greasing session.

 

[muddog1975]

So I call HNC and tell him I have found a big problem. I ask him about checking the radiator core.........he replies that NFG did that ...so he evidently thinks I am stupid and doesn't recall telling me he had checked it also.
I asked where they got the idea that changing the EGR cooler may be the problem. He replied that the dealer (whoever he is talking to there trying to troubleshoot this over the phone) had told him these exact words........."Whenever we get an overheating problem on a machine, we always start with the CHEAPEST things first". OMG.....are you kidding me? YOUR A DEALER AND YOU ARE PARTS CHANGING!!!!
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This is why this industry of ours has suffered. You have bodies/drones that just do what they are told.......with no troubleshooting skills at all. There are so many things that cause overheating problems, yet a dealer field tech (supposedly one of their best) doesn't have the thought process to try and figure out what the actual problem might be? Does he really give a **** about the customer that feeds his family? People, this is just going to get worse...........so hang on to your wallets!.

Yep, an old man told me years ago K.I.S.S.... Keep It Simple Stupid!!!! He was so right. I just found this thread... what a gold mine you found, can't wait to read on. Thanks for sharing

 

[cuttin edge]

Cool

 

[Vetech63]

Alright fellas............looks like we are starting up again! LOL
I got a call today from a guy named Victor from this construction company. First off, I had no clue who this was...........so I asked. He is the new dirt general superintendent for the dirt side of this company. He informed me that there have been a lot of firings in the last 7-10 days which included the former super, TNH, and believe it or not, HNC. Probably others also but I don't have all the skinny on the situation yet. He informed me that he would be calling me a lot from now on.

In other words, they are now without anyone to take care of any equipment. I haven't received a panic call from any management people as of yet, but it could be coming real soon.

So, just for funzees, if I were to offer my expertise full time, including equipment management, PM, shop, and field repair for a 40 hour work week.........what pay rate do you think would be a fair offer for 35 years of experience in the business? I have a figure in my head but I want to see what you guys think. Keep in mind there is NO ONE to hire in this area that comes even close.

Let the games begin!

PS ......I don't make lateral moves.

 

[673moto]

Idk for rate... but they should provide a limo to drive you around at the very least

 

[Nige]

This merits a bowl of popcorn at the very least.............

 

[ianjoub]

I would say $100k with incentives and/or bonuses.

 

[Vetech63]

I would say $100k with incentives and/or bonuses.

Not even close my friend. I make almost double that now.

 

[Tarhe Driver]

Here are some ideas that might help. Keep in mind that I’m a lurker and have never been paid to pull a wrench.

So you should amortize your truck, special tools and equipment over what, five years? In other words, at the end of five years, you theoretically would have saved in the bank enough to buy everything truck, special tools and other equipment new. Maybe 7 or 8 years. Let me know and I can give you some factors to apply toward the cost if all that stuff.

Taxes and insurance on your truck. $X dollars a mile for driving your truck (fuel, tires, expendables, but not amortization).

Three weeks paid vacation.

1.75 x for anything over 40, except If called out on Sunday morning before 8AM. Four hour mlnimum if called out at any time, and 5 times (called golden time in the movie industry) if called out on Sunday or a scheduled vacation day until the work for that day is over.

Full health insurance with a very low deductible for you and your dependants. Per diem if away from home for the night.

I have no idea of what your hourly rate shoud be as an employee where you just show up for work as an hourly employee with hand tools.

Term Life insurance, payable to your designee, but assignable to you if employment ceases.

Cell phone.

What have I missed?

Neill

 

[hosspuller]

"A" list actors, top athletics, CEO's make big bucks because they earn for the company their salary plus. Can you produce double your expected salary ? (reduced / eliminated rentals, downtime, repair parts, etc)
If so, ask for $200 K plus as a subcontractor that manages their equipment. Then you can keep your existing good & faithful customers. Maybe hire an associate to service the routine for the G&F customers. Follow the model doctors use. Physician's assistants handle the routine and such under the direct supervision of the doctor. As the helpers work for you, you hire & fire. Then there's no HNC dragging your efforts.
\
This thread could be an eye opener for Victor if you point out the date it started.

 

[Truck Shop]

First-how many pieces of equipment do they have-total.

 

[Vetech63]

First-how many pieces of equipment do they have-total.

Between asphalt and dirt equipment over 150

 

[Truck Shop]

Sorry-but 150K-better stay where your at.

 

[Vetech63]

I'm heading to their yard in the morning to see what equipment is there. Be ready for pics!

 

[hosspuller]

As Truck-shop said in few words. You have built up security in your present position don't jeopardize your future. Grow your present business. Employees are a pain the in the butt. But, your skills are better used elsewhere than cleaning radiators or replacing track pads. Remember, one doesn't pay for 35 years of experience. One pays for the results 35 years of experience produces.

Using the Doctor analogy again ... Diagnose and prescribe the solution to the problem. Let someone else execute. You might even find & teach your replacement in the process.

 

[Mike L]

What makes you think you can keep up with 150 pieces of equipment in a 40 hr week? It would probably be more like 80-90 and losing ground steadily. I’m thinking that if you show up with your own service truck full of tools and 35 years of experience you’d need 250k with full benefits to make it worthwhile

 

[DMiller]

Four additional techs to lead by the hand to get things done and you will still not keep up, may stroke out trying to if not careful. Six Figure Income WITH Perks is a Start but better start with a 2. They will not go there trust me they are looking for a bargain HNC Replacement and do not realize why HNC and TNH did not really work out.