MaCotMFF aka 'Mac'
I am a "newbie operator" (a designation sure to strike terror in the hearts of General Contractors everywhere). Fortunately for me--and my Boss--the work we do is land/brush/tree management, with an emphasis on state or federal property and specializing in agricultural management and adjustments in identified habitat areas. So by the time I actually climb into a machine, turn the key, and place my hands on the controls, I am far, far away from potential lawsuit-inducing learning experiences such as parked vehicles, newly erected building frames, and client-owned chihuahuas.
We are a very small company. Our primary machines are 246A/262A Cat skid steers, equipped with 20" shear tool attachments, or grapple buckets. We operate in South Texas and are based just north of San Antonio. I signed up to HEF in the course of an employee-driven clandestine underground movement to sort of quietly ease our company toward the digital age. Not all the way into the digital age, with our own Sysco router, T3 line, Unix server, smartphone-sync, and cloud-based storage backup, like a fully modernized year-2011 business. But I think we may be able to approach, say, the mid-nineties. For instance, the Bossman now accepts text messages from employees as a valid method of information exchange, and understands that a "PDF" is basically a slightly scrambled acronym that stands for "Paperwork" and two choice swear words.
I have had nothing but fun in this business so far, and look forward to learning as much as I can both in the field and in the HEF forums. And while I myself will most likely have little to contribute to HEF aside from, perhaps, some comic relief; I am looking forward to the prospect of acting as the interface between HEF and my boss, who
does have contribution potential in the forums. He is one of the immensely knowledgeable and experienced "I forgot more than you'll ever know" mechanics, and takes pleasure in the successful identification and solution of various mechanical/electrical/hydraulic issues. From what I have seen, he would fit right in here.