• Trial Run – For those who have no experience in making purchases using this method, the first thing to do is learn how this process works by attending several heavy equipment auctions as a spectator. By doing this, the way this system functions can be experienced and the different methods that each bidding house implements can be experienced without feeling the pressure felt when actually making a purchase.

• Secure Financing – Unless the plan is to pay cash, securing financing necessary to complete a sale must be ensured before entering the bidding process. Some auction companies may have connections with certain financial institutions to make such a process more convenient for customers; however, it would still be wise to do personal research on finding a lender that offers a much lower interest rate.

• Set a Budget – When participating in an auction, it is easy to get caught up in a bidding war and forget that the original purpose for going to such a function was to purchase an item for a bargain price. To prevent such a thing from happening, a limit should always be set as to the maximum bidding amount before the event begins. No matter how great an item may be, it is important to learn to step back once that set limit has been reached.

• Determine Specifications – When shopping for a heavy-duty vehicle at an auction, knowing what specifications to look for is important. After all, it would be very unwise to pay thousands of dollars for a bucket truck that does not have the right boom length to get the job done. Therefore, it is imperative to have all the necessary data available for the jobs that will be performed, such as the capacity, boom length, etc., before bidding.

• Hire a Mechanic – When investing in an expensive piece of equipment, it should be ensured that the vehicle is in good working condition. Most auction companies give bidders an opportunity to inspect each unit to be sold before the event begins. A mechanic can provide recommendations based on these inspections as to which pieces of equipment are worth bidding on and which ones to avoid. This is extremely important as vehicles purchased through an auction are generally sold “as is, where is.”

• Value the Vehicle – To make sure of getting the best vehicle for the money spent, it is important to know the value of a vehicle based on its current condition. A Kelly Blue Book can provide a reference to thousands of items, including heavy commercial equipment. In order to get a good deal, the final bid on the equipment must be less than what is in indicated in the book.

• Find Good Auction Company – The last but maybe the most important thing to be done is to find a reputable auction company. This is particularly important because not all of every one of these businesses is as conscientious to clients as another. Some have dummy bidders in the crowd to raise the bids, while others may falsely advertise items for sale; find one with an excellent reputation. Before actually bidding on any items at one of these sales venues, it would be wise to attend a sale as mentioned above just as a spectator to observe the operation of a particular vendor.

Before participating in any heavy equipment auctions, it is important to recognize the fact that not every purchase will end up in favor of the buyer. Proper preparation is always the key to increasing the odds of ending up with the best deal possible. Hopefully this article has provided some helpful pre-auction tips as to how to prepare for such events prior to the start of such a unique sales event!

Additionally, purchasing equipment at an auction requires well-rounded knowledge about the rules and rights as well as the obligations of a registered participant.

Following are some of the basic strategies for heavy equipment auctions:

• Observation – Try to attend any area commercial truck auctions to get a good grasp of what really happens at such sales locations. Observe not only how bids are placed, but the overall flow of the entire process as well.

• Financing – A buyer should establish good financing ahead of time so that the maximum amount that can be spent will be known. Payment of at least 10% of the successful bid amount is generally required to be paid on the day of the auction. This amount should be immediately available since most vendors do not want to wait for that deposit.

• Research – Conduct research on local prices of any desired trucks and establish a limit on the amount to be paid. It is easy to be persuaded with the intensity of a live auction; however, it is also important to be in control of one’s emotions, outbid all other competitors and have the winning bid without paying too much money for the equipment.

• Dummy Bidding – Know how to identify dummy bidding. When attending an auction, make sure that opposing offers are against people who are actually there to purchase equipment and not fraudulent participants.

• Late Bidding – Choose to become a late bidder. This means that as a participant, the amount to bid should be placed in the latter stages of the auction. When using this strategy, it is essential to look for an opportunity when the majority of the people who have been participating have dropped out and it is then possible to bid during the last few minutes, just prior to the falling of the hammer. This can be a successful strategy.

• Bidding Methods – Become familiar with bidding methods that are used by the caller, such as under-quoting. For an item with an estimated price of $290,000 or above; a budget of $300,000 may not be enough to win the auction. Consider an increment of between ten and twenty percent higher than the bidding price.

• English Strategy – This is a simple method of placing a small amount on an item that is just enough to outbid the competitors until the market value is reached and then stop. The biggest advantage of this game plan is to gain information by observing participants that drop out and the amount at which these competitors stop bidding.

For bidders who participate in a variety of heavy equipment auctions to buy diggers trucks or other equipment, certain strategies must be taken into consideration. It is essential that a bidder know the maximum value of any vehicle that is being sold to prevent falling into something called the winner’s curse, which usually happens when the declared winner pays more than the market price for an item. Once the market value is reached, participants should only bid cautiously. Understand the possible strategies that can be used at heavy equipment auctions as discussed above and leverage that advantage to placing the winning bid!

While this provides ample benefits to the user, it is imperative to consider safety while operating the machine because of the greater risks of severe injuries and fatal accidents. Therefore, it is imperative to determine the causes of such occurrences and then conform to established safely guidelines in order to eliminate such harmful events.

Accident Causes

There are several causes of accidents related to the operation of aerial lifts. Some reports indicate that the cause is due to failure to maintain the device in good working condition which can then lead to boom collapse and tip-over. Other says failure to deploy hydraulic outriggers before starting the job contributes to accidents. The last comment is that operating the equipment without adequate training is a large factor. Cherry picker accidents are still an ongoing concern which results in litigation and insurance issues. The tip-over, which is a common cause of such accidents, can result from: not following the right operating procedure; not paying attention to any obstacles in the path of the task; incorrect use of hydraulic outriggers; not following manufacturer’s instructions, and driving without training.

Safety Guidelines Using Aerial Lift Platform

To maintain safety and efficiency, the following guidelines should be followed by operators when using the device in various applications.

• Training – Operators and drivers must be well-trained on the right usage of the machine.

• Follow Instructions – Encourage workers controlling the bucket to conform to manufacturer’s recommended instructions.

• Inspections – Professional mechanics should conduct periodic inspection at least bi-annually. And drivers should conduct pre- and post-inspections of the vehicle depending on the allowed time.

• Use Safety Devices – This should not be an option but rather a requirement.

• Avoid Overhead Hazards - No workers should be allowed at any point between overhead hazards and the bucket.

• Safe Clearance – Maintain safe clearance and a minimum allowable distance of at least 3 feet away from overhead power lines.

• Fall Protection – All workers must wear fall protection devices while located in the bucket.

• Work Safely – Workers should be prohibited from sitting, standing, or climbing on the bucket edge.

• Truck Movement - Trucks should not be moved while the bucket is raised.

• Capacity – Be conscious on the loading capacity of the vehicle.

• Level Surface Usage – The equipment should be parked on a level surface.

• Use Outriggers – Hydraulic outriggers should be engaged prior to the start of work.

• Power Lines – Always consider power lines as “active”.

The importance of personal safety equipment at the job site should not be neglected. These safety devices protect workers and improve the business productivity level. Although fall protection is not a total guard to avoid injuries, at least any potential injuries can be minimized. Controlling the risk can happen by ensuring that the working environment is free from hazards. In addition, drivers must be trained to identify, control, and prevent such accidents from happening. Of the many methods available to avoid expensive injury claims, one of the best tips is to read these safety guidelines after purchasing such a vehicle from a cherry picker sale and put them into practice!

Marshall Oil Pipe Leak

In 2010 near the Marshall, Michigan pump station, a 30-inch oil pipe began leaking. This pipeline delivers petroleum products to Griffith, Indiana from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. The leak was estimated at approximately 843,444 gallons (20,082 barrels). Part of it actually leaked into nearby Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River; it amounted to approximately 337,386 gallons (8,033 barrels) of crude oil being emptied into those bodies of water.

The spill was prevented from reaching Morrow Lake by setting up containment booms on the river just above a hydroelectric dam. In addition, a number of vacuum trucks were deployed to suction the spilled petroleum out of the water. Although it was raining heavily most of that time and the flow in the creek was actually rushing quite hard, there were enough vacuum trucks to get the job done. It took approximately four months with a number of major contractors and sub-contractors working non-stop to suction the oil from the water and transport the mixture to nearby clean-up facilities that cleared and cleaned the water in order to once again flow in the affected creek and river.

First Responder Rescue

During the first few hours when the chief executive of one of the contracting companies saw the expansive amount of work to be done, equipment and workers were called in from six different areas across the country. The first oil spill responders were dozens of 3,000-gallon and 6,000-gallon vacuum trucks and loaders.

After pumping the waste from the creek and river, the vacuum trucks discharged the liquid that was collected into bulk tankers. These tankers do not have vacuum apparatus and usually have a capacity of 7,000 gallons. The mixture inside the bulk tankers was then transported to a tank farm, and from there was shipped to a treatment facility. The work was done continuously 24/7 on 12-hour shifts.

Preventing More Challenges

This catastrophic leak was closely tracked and monitored. For instance, during the cleanup process, the amount of water in the mixture was increasing beyond the acceptable percentage allowed at the treatment facility. So, the contractor was able to see the need for dewatering the mixture. By installing a length of clear tubing in the vacuum hose, as soon as the crew began to notice that oil was coming through, the valve was closed.

Vacuum trucks actually prevented more challenges by suctioning the water and skimming the petroleum waste. The skimmed substance was then consolidated into different tanks and transported to a treatment facility. Later, in order to improve efficiency and lessen the burden of the overworked equipment, the contractors built a header system. When pumping the water from a carbon treatment unit, the header system utilizes hundreds of feet of hose, clear tubes and valves.

This pipeline leak incidence is a perfect example of the usefulness of vacuum trucks from a vacuum truck for sale location. As the pipeline lost thousands of gallons of petroleum, its potential effects on the environment could have been unimaginable. Thanks to the first responders, the spread of contamination to soil and bodies of water was prevented. The emergency actions were quick and with the right equipment readily available, the tasks were timely accomplished. Vacuum trucks were indeed vital as first responders to the oil spill catastrophe!

Since the primary function of this pavement technology is to filter pollutants, it is imperative to continually clean the surface of the roads and suction up debris in order for this material to maintain its optimum level of functionality. This process is best done through the use of vacuum truck technology found at a vac truck for sale business.

Pervious Surfaces

Pervious surfaces are known to contain eco-friendly paving materials that have the capacity to manage runoff, control certain pollutants, reduce urban heat-island effects, improve plant health, and reduce soil erosion. These are only a few of the benefits this permeable pavement can provide. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends the use of this new technology for Best Management Practices (BMP) across the United States to efficiently manage water runoff without restricting the use of available space. This is thought to replenish watershed systems.

Pervious surfaces are made using coarse aggregate, cement, water, and sand. These elements are mixed to form an interconnected system of voids to produce high permeability; this mixture allows approximately 3 to 8 gallons of water per square foot to pass through per minute. Pervious concrete has been used in several different applications; however, its primary use is for pavement materials. This permeable surface is low maintenance, attractive, and a cost-effective solution for managing water runoff that flows into treatment plants.

Surface Maintenance

It is imperative that permeable pavement receive maintenance more often than regular pavement to prevent the interconnected voids from getting blocked up with debris, grit, and dirt. This can be done by using vacuum trucks to suction up all the sediment to avoid clogging which maintains maximum functionality. It is essential to carry out a frequent, regular maintenance program because the accumulation of sediment over time can make the surface impermeable to water. Sweeping or vacuuming the surface at least bi-yearly can enhance its performance and longevity.

In addition, the use of a street vacuum sweeper is an important aspect in the removal of pollutants. This innovative and sophisticated technology, found at a vac truck for sale, has improved and made more efficient performance in terms of sucking up fine debris particles. This method assists in capturing pollutants before they can be washed out by rainwater and flow into treatment facilities. While porous pavement is a highly efficient method in managing storm water runoff, regular maintenance through vacuum truck sweeping should be performed.

Many municipalities are installing new surfaces such as pervious pavement to control water runoff during rainy seasons. This kind of sophisticated breakthrough provides many benefits, not only to the environment but also to the health and general welfare of the populace. Knowing the functions of a vacuum truck sweeper suggests that an ongoing maintenance program be used to effectively enhance and improve pervious pavement performance. With such a purpose in mind, the technology of this machine has the potential to be very beneficial to these new surfaces!

Driving Qualifications

Since the digger derrick is more complex to maneuver than the normal hydraulic boom truck, drivers need to have adequate training and attend the proper educational programs before being allowed to operate this vehicle, as it is far too dangerous to be driven by anyone lacking formal training. For this reason, OSHA and ANSI have created a compliant training program regarding safe operating procedures. This discipline encourages each driver to read, comprehend, and abide by the written guidelines found in the manual for procedures and tasks associated with any foreseen and unforeseen hazards. Having been prepared for the use of this vehicle, the skilled behavior of a driver will help prevent the occurrence of any severe work-related accidents.

The following things may be included on the practical evaluation once the training program has been completed: safety guidelines, OSHA regulations, unit inspection, correct driving on the highways, handling materials, and load capacity. Students will also have to apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom and during “hands-on” training and take a physical road evaluation as well. Those who pass both examinations will receive their certification.

Drivers License

Driving a digger derrick requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if the Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) is 26,001 pounds or more’ however, it is legal to operate the vehicle without a CDL if the truck’s GVWR is less than 26,000 pounds. As stated above, in order to obtain a license, the driver must undergo a written and practical exam. A licensing program starts by theoretical instruction in a classroom setting which is directed towards passing the practical evaluation to obtain a CDL permit. This permit allows a student to operate the equipment during their training class.

Once the student has acquired enough training to handle the machine safely and comfortably, a Class ‘A’ CDL will be issued.

Rules and Regulations

Since there are many cases where accidents have occurred while operating digger trucks, OSHA has published new guidelines for handling derricks. The new rules contain the requirement that all operators must obtain certification to drive these vehicles. In short, drivers must not only be trained but must also be certified. Employers are required to send employees to a third party training facility for certification. Conforming to OSHA’s safety standards will enable both the employer and employee to remain safe during the job performance.

Driving mobile machines with auger drills requires certain qualifications. This is not a simple machine that can be run with no experience at all; operating these vehicles requires months of training. It requires a Class ‘A’ commercial driver’s license and conformance with all state and federal rules and regulations. All of these things must be complied with to ensure that safety is given the highest priority. It all becomes a part of what is needed to operate a digger truck from a diggers sale!

Standard or Normal Auction

This type of auction gives consumers the opportunity to find a place where heavy equipment can be purchased at a lower price than the normal cost of the vehicle. This type of bidding process provides a negotiable pricing mechanism for both the seller and the buyer. This is also the simplest type of bidding process, where buyers establish a price, bids are received and the highest bidder gets the item.

Reverse Type

With this version, the customer provides their specifications to the seller which helps the auction company lead them to an item that is most suitable for those needs. Often times, the customers may have some special needs that are unknown to the vendor. The closed reverse type indicates a direct negotiation with the customer, through the vendor, whereas with the open type, the customer publicly announces a need and that can be supplied by any seller. This type is good for higher-priced equipment.

Singular Price

The type of bidding process is designed for sellers who have a set price they want for the item and potential buyers can indicate a willingness to pay that price. Typically, the first offer for that price is who actually gets to purchase the item. A seller can add “or best offer” which would indicate some willingness to accept less than the stated price. This type of a bidding process is good for lower-priced equipment.

Reserve Type

This is a type or portion of the bidding process where a potential buyer can submit an early bid prior to the start of the ‘regular’ bidding process. This price will not change during the bidding process and if it is the highest bid at the end, it would be the one allowed to purchase the item. This is advantageous to both the buyer and the seller because the buyer ‘locks in’ a price and the seller can wait to see if a higher price is bid and if not, at least know that the ‘reserve’ bid will be available for selection.

Multiple or Dutch Type

This style is actually more typical than the name seems to imply. It basically starts with sellers accepting multiple bids until an acceptable price is given, with usually a minimally acceptable price being the lowest offer. The seller can lower that minimum if they so desire. This version is convenient for dealers who want to get rid of some vehicles quickly and yet at a fairly decent price.

Finally, by knowing these different types of bidding opportunities at heavy equipment auctions, consumers can ensure that the vehicle that is needed can be found at a great price without the complications of regular dealer purchasing. How beneficial is this? So enjoy hunting for that great piece of heavy equipment!

Standard or Normal Auction

This type of auction gives consumers the opportunity to find a place where heavy equipment can be purchased at a lower price than the normal cost of the vehicle. This type of bidding process provides a negotiable pricing mechanism for both the seller and the buyer. This is also the simplest type of bidding process, where buyers establish a price, bids are received and the highest bidder gets the item.

Reverse Type

With this version, the customer provides their specifications to the seller which helps the auction company lead them to an item that is most suitable for those needs. Often times, the customers may have some special needs that are unknown to the vendor. The closed reverse type indicates a direct negotiation with the customer, through the vendor, whereas with the open type, the customer publicly announces a need and that can be supplied by any seller. This type is good for higher-priced equipment.

Singular Price

The type of bidding process is designed for sellers who have a set price they want for the item and potential buyers can indicate a willingness to pay that price. Typically, the first offer for that price is who actually gets to purchase the item. A seller can add “or best offer” which would indicate some willingness to accept less than the stated price. This type of a bidding process is good for lower-priced equipment.

Reserve Type

This is a type or portion of the bidding process where a potential buyer can submit an early bid prior to the start of the ‘regular’ bidding process. This price will not change during the bidding process and if it is the highest bid at the end, it would be the one allowed to purchase the item. This is advantageous to both the buyer and the seller because the buyer ‘locks in’ a price and the seller can wait to see if a higher price is bid and if not, at least know that the ‘reserve’ bid will be available for selection.

Multiple or Dutch Type

This style is actually more typical than the name seems to imply. It basically starts with sellers accepting multiple bids until an acceptable price is given, with usually a minimally acceptable price being the lowest offer. The seller can lower that minimum if they so desire. This version is convenient for dealers who want to get rid of some vehicles quickly and yet at a fairly decent price.

Finally, by knowing these different types of bidding opportunities at heavy equipment auctions, consumers can ensure that the vehicle that is needed can be found at a great price without the complications of regular dealer purchasing. How beneficial is this? So enjoy hunting for that great piece of heavy equipment!