Tom Jackson (TLC)Tom Jackson is the executive editor of Equipment World magazine and has been writing about construction and related fields for 26 years. A 1979 graduate from the University of Alabama, Jackson is also a U.S. Army veteran and a father of two.BusinessWacker Neuson Showcases Skid Steers, CTLs Designed for U.S. MarketIn Europe compact wheel loaders do much of the heavy lifting, but in the United States contractors prefer the more versatile skid steer loader or compact track loader.March 6, 2014Landscaping equipmentStep 4: O&O BackhoesJanuary 7, 2014Landscaping equipmentStep 2: O&O BackhoesThe residual price is what you can get for the machine when you’re ready to trade it in or sell it for something new. A lot of contractors keep their older machines, but that’s like keeping a stock or other investment long after it quit growing or producing dividends. Next, lets look at operating […]January 7, 2014Landscaping equipmentStep 3: O&O BackhoesClearly, paying your operator is your top expense when it comes to running this machine. Some contractors may not think wages should be included in an O&O calculation, but that’s how it’s done in most heavy equipment fleets. This is especially helpful in determining how much to charge per hour of time a backhoe spends […]January 7, 2014Landscaping equipmentStep 1: O&O BackhoesWe based these calculations on a John Deere 310, model year 2008, with a purchase price of $75,000. That’s the bare-bones model. Deere told us the price could go $10,000 higher with enclosed cab and auxiliary hydraulics (which is something you may want to seriously consider when you look at the labor costs.) Now let’s […]January 7, 2014Landscaping equipmentStep 5: O&O Backhoes1. Your operator is your biggest expense. Consider paying extra for enclosed cabs to help retain quality employees and keep them productive. 2. Match the machine capabilities to the job. You don’t want an underpowered machine-that’s another waste of labor time. 3. Quick attach work tool systems also boost operator productivity. 4. Older machines = […]January 7, 2014BusinessHow To Calculate Backhoe Owning & Operating CostsWhat’s it really cost to run a backhoe? Probably a lot more than you think. Here’s an example of how to accurately figure these costs.January 7, 2014BusinessHow To Calculate Compact Excavator Owning & Operating CostsPeople who work with big equipment have a saying: “You can be going broke in this business and not know it for six months.”November 29, 2013BusinessThird Lesson: O&O Compact ExcavatorsNovember 29, 2013BusinessSecond Lesson: O&O Compact ExcavatorsNovember 29, 2013Previous PagePage 5 of 9Next PageTop StoriesAttachmentsFAE intros SCL/SSL Stump Cutter for 75- to 120-horsepower skid steersIt tackles stumps and roots up to 16 inches in diameter and 20 inches deep.EquipmentYarbo's modular yard robot makes yard maintenance autonomousTechnologyComplete monitoring and security solutionProductsNew boots for heavy-duty outdoor workEquipmentRam rolls out 5 new off-road 1500 and 2500 pickups