Matt McLean
The Potential of Machine Control in Heavy Construction Equipment
In the construction and mining industries, profit margins can be razor thin — efficiency and precision are oftentimes the difference between a great month and one you’d rather forget. This is where machine control ...
How to use Grade Control for Excavators — Volvo Dig Assist: Part 1
We've made Dig Assist Start — the basic package in our Dig Assist portfolio of apps — standard on new Volvo models ranging from EC220E to EC550E. We believe it’s a powerful tool for both new and experienced ...
How to use Grade Control for Excavators — Volvo Dig Assist: Part 3
We’ve recently made some updates to our Dig Assist machine control system that improve performance, accuracy and safety for excavator operators of all skill levels. With Dig Assist, your operators can speed up their ...
How to use Grade Control for Excavators — Volvo Dig Assist: Part 2
In Part 1 of our Dig Assist series, I covered the three basics of Dig Assist Start — Level, Slope and Quick Measure. These features are easy to set up and use for improved operator ...
Excavator Design: 5 Things to Check for When Judging Durability
We can talk about lift capacity, digging reach and smooth controls all day, but if your excavator isn’t running, then you’re not working. Heavy equipment durability is critical to maximize uptime. Excavator design factors ...
4 Reasons Road Contractors Should Consider a Wheeled Excavator
If you’re a road contractor involved in any phase of road construction, then an excavator is probably a staple of your fleet. In this competitive segment, it's more critical than ever to have equipment ...
Using Technology to Curb the Skilled Labor Shortage
Finding reliable, skilled labor in today’s job market can feel a bit like looking for a black cat in a coal mine. A 2018 survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlighted concerns among ...
Excavator Design: 9 Serviceability Features to Consider Before Buying
When you’re buying an excavator, it’s easy to focus on the equipment’s power, capabilities and price — but those aren’t the only things to keep in mind. You’ll also want to evaluate the excavator’s ...
4 Key Advantages of Wheeled Excavators versus Truck-mounted Excavators
As more county and city road departments look for cost-effective equipment, a common question I’m hearing is, “How do wheeled excavators compare to truck-mounted excavators?” There are pros to each product. However, wheeled excavators ...
Winterizing: How to Prepare Your Excavator During the Winter
Winterizing your excavator isn’t just about readying a machine for colder temperatures. You will also want your operators to know how to react when snow falls and ice covers the ground. In fact, planning ...
Top 4 Excavator Applications for a Steelwrist Tiltrotator
One thing I’m really excited to see finally catching on in the U.S. is the use of tiltrotators on excavators. I often hear from my customers that once they’ve tried it and gotten the ...
Excavator Operator Tips for Trenching and Loading
Trenching and loading with an excavator is so common that it’s not unusual for operators to form habits in how they set up their worksites and use their machines. But no matter an operator’s ...