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Knoxville

865-982-6452

Tri-Cities

423-975-9111

Operating Hours

Parts & Service

M-F 7am - 5pm

Sales & Rentals

M-F 8am - 5pm

Contact Us

865-982-6452

Sales: Blake Wilson

Parts/Service: Terry Nichols

Don't neglect your hydraulic system when conducting routine maintenance on your equipment.
Equipment Maintenance
October 9, 2024

Preventing Hydraulic Systems Failure

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Contractors Machinery

Regular hydraulic system maintenance is something that gets overlooked far too often on heavy machinery. When hoses fail, they can cause serious damage to equipment, unexpected downtime and expensive repairs. Hydraulic systems deliver the power and movement your machines need to maneuver, lift and dig. Failures can be dangerous and costly. So, let’s address ways to keep your machinery’s hydraulic systems operating their best.

Daily Inspections

The best way to prevent failures of hydraulic systems is routine inspections to catch problems before they happen. Make looking for visible signs of damage and wear part of your daily duties before each shift to ensure all components are in good operating condition. If excessive wear or any issues are noted, get them addressed immediately before they completely break and cause more costly problems like full system failures and project shutdowns.

Routing, Heat and Protection

Preventing hydraulic hose failure begins with how the hoses are set up on the machinery. Friction is a common issue that causes accelerated wear and premature failure. In order to avoid abrasion, route hydraulic hoses away from pivot points or other areas that could cause excessive rubbing. Also, avoid running hoses near or through high temperature areas whenever possible. Heat can break down hose material, causing it to lose its flexibility and weaken its structure. It’s also important to cover or install a protective shield around hoses so they’re less likely to experience tears, cutting or other damage from harsh construction site conditions, including proximity to excessive heat sources.

Proper Fluid for Hydraulic Systems

The fluids that run through hydraulic hoses must be compatible with the hose specifications noted by the manufacturer. Improper fluids can deteriorate the inner hose material causing swelling, leaks, filter clogs and even disintegration which won’t be outwardly visible. It can also lead to much larger issues like system contamination and complete hose failure.

Recommended Preventative Maintenance

Hydraulic systems slowly break down over time, even with the proper fluids within, as small particles are released and contaminate the fluid the system compresses to create the power for movement. Changing your filters at manufacturer-recommended intervals noted in your owner’s manual is critical for the longevity of a hydraulic system and trouble-free equipment operation. Overlooking this service schedule will lead to accelerated hose wear, cuts, tears, abrasions and expensive heavy equipment services. You can pay me now, or you can pay me (more) later.

Few things can grind a job site to a halt like hydraulic hose failure. Avoid costly shutdowns and repair costs by keeping your heavy equipment’s hydraulic system maintenance on schedule with daily inspections and on-time filter and fluid changes. For more about hydraulic system maintenance and repair for your machinery, consult with the experts at Contractor’s Machinery.

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Maintaining tracks on excavators and other heavy machinery is vital for containing costs and ensuring the longevity of construction equipment
Equipment Maintenance Heavy Equipment
September 1, 2024

Even Heavy Equipment Tracks Require Maintenance

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Emily Bieger

Maintaining tracks on excavators and other heavy machinery is vital for containing costs and ensuring the longevity of construction equipment. Since new tracks can be expensive, and complex installation procedures can add to that expense, extending the life of a machine’s tracks through proper maintenance is smart business. While every tracked machine will eventually need new tracks, proper care and attention can significantly extend their lifespan. Unfortunately, many operators are lax in this aspect of equipment care.

Here are five essential tips to help maximize the life of your current tracks and keep your tracked machinery operating efficiently and smoothly.

1. Choose the Right Tracks for the Job

Selecting the right track width for the conditions you’ll be working in is crucial. Narrow tracks are better for hard-packed soil or rocky terrain, while wider tracks are optimal for soft or muddy ground. Picking the proper track width ensures safety, even weight distribution and will help prevent your machine from sinking into the ground.

2. Smart Driving Practices

Although this may sound obvious, it’s important to utilize proper driving skills to prolong the life of your tracks. Avoid driving over sharp or damaging materials, curbs, or chemicals. Steer clear of steep inclines or declines and minimize time spent on harsh surfaces like asphalt or concrete. And always drive with the machine facing forward to reduce wear and prevent unnecessary track stress. Pay attention to how the machine drives and operates, listening for unusual friction or grinding noises and anything out of the ordinary will help catch issues before they can incur expensive damage.

3. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Muddy tracks need to be kept clean for maximum. longevity.

Keeping your tracks clean helps avoid premature wear. Use a track spade or power washer to remove dirt and debris after each use. Accumulated dirt can affect fuel efficiency as well as cause damage, especially in the winter when frozen dirt/soil can impact rollers and bolts more easily. Be sure to regularly inspect the undercarriage for damage, misalignment, oil leaks, or erosion to the machine.

4. Proper Track Tension and Storage

Check and adjust track tension routinely to prevent damage and performance issues. Loose tracks can slip off and delay completion of your work. Inversely, overly tight tracks may strain mechanicals of machinery. When storing tracks, keep them in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Periodically run the machine to avoid warping that may come from a machine staying idle for too long.

5. Thoughtful New Track Installation

When it’s time to install new tracks, proper installation is critical to avoid damage and ensure long-lasting tracks for equipment. Consider having a professional handle this process. If you chose to do it yourself, be sure to follow all safety protocols and wear the appropriate gear. Make sure both tracks are replaced at the same time to maintain balanced usage wear and prolong an expensive piece of equipment’s lifespan.

Following proper care protocols and maintenance schedules will make sure you get the full usefulness, value, and longevity out of your equipment’s tracks. For more details, consult the expert technicians at Contractor’s Machinery. We’re here to help!

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Summer heat can harm your expensive machinery just like it can harm you!
Equipment Maintenance
August 1, 2024

Maintaining Your Machinery in the Summer Heat

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Contractors Machinery

Schedule machine use outside of peak sunlight hours

When possible, try to avoid using heavy machinery during peak heat hours. In most places, the summer heat typically peaks between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Operating equipment during these hours significantly increases the chances of your radiator or engine overheating. Instead, schedule heavy machinery use for early morning or later in the day. This tactic also helps protect your machine operators from the extreme heat.

Store your equipment in a shaded area

Try not to leave your equipment in the sun. This simple and logical trick will protect your machine from direct sunlight when it’s not in use. Find shade under trees, a tent, a tarp, or any other cool, dry place. Additionally, consider parking your equipment in the shade, even during short breaks. Any time you can keep your heavy equipment out of the sun it will help reduce heat-related issues.

Inspect your heavy equipment regularly

Daily inspection is important for the life of the equipment. Hot temperatures can cause overheating issues, so it is crucial to check things like coolant and antifreeze levels. These fluids are essential for keeping your machinery cool. It is also wise to regularly check your radiator, hoses, and fans for any leaks or cracks. A small problem with a key component left unfixed can lead to larger issues, so inspect often and don’t skip scheduled maintenance.

Properly clean your equipment

Keeping your equipment clean is not only an important part of general maintenance but is also crucial for maintaining performance during the summer heat. Mud and other debris can accumulate on key components of machinery throughout the day. Ensure that all cooling components are clear of dust and debris daily to prevent overheating and allow for proper airflow.

Prepare your heavy machinery in advance

Don’t wait for the heat to come, prepare ahead! Creating a list of general maintenance that needs to be completed is a great way to get ahead of the heat. Check fluids, grease your machines, and check key components such as the radiator. All of the steps go a long way in keeping your fleet and your business running at full capacity.

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Buying new or used equipment. Today's blog breaks it down.
Equipment Maintenance
January 17, 2024

New or Used?

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Contractors Machinery

Some easy ways to answer a hard equipment question.

When you need to increase your fleet, you may have a better option than buying new. Purchasing used machinery isn’t only a great idea for the small business owner who doesn’t have the capital to purchase new; there are advantages for every business owner that are worth considering. If you are weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a used equipment purchase, just be sure you can check all the necessary boxes and have genuine savings in the end.

CONDITION – Since there will always be some unknowns when buying used construction equipment, it’s critical that you ask as many questions as possible. (a) Can the owner verify the operational hours on the equipment? (b) How about a complete service history? (c) Will there be any type of warranty on your used equipment? The answers to these questions (or lack of answers) may quickly determine your decision. If you’re still leaning toward used, have a third party do a thorough inspection.

PRICE – Determine that the purchase price really is lower than buying new. Just like with a car, equipment dealers have some “wiggle room”. This increases if you’re buying multiple machines, so make sure you really know the rock-bottom costs you are comparing. Another factor in determining price is interest rates. They must be factored in when you are comparing prices of new and used alike.

AVAILABILITY – Factories typically have a substantial production lead time. Once you place an order for a new machine it may be months before your equipment hits the job site. In fact, you may need to rent equipment temporarily until yours arrives. In an industry where time equals money, this is a necessary consideration. If you buy used, it’s possible to have your new skid steer lifting, excavator digging, and dozer moving within a few days.

VALUE – New heavy-duty equipment depreciates the second it leads the dealership. This will hit hardest when it’s time to sell. Used equipment doesn’t carry the same depreciation, so the buying and selling price point should be much less substantial.

TECHNOLOGY – There are substantial technological advancements being made each year in the heavy equipment industry. If these are critical to your work, get creative and take the financial plunge…new will be your best decision in the long run.

When all things are considered, you may conclude that it’s best for your business to buy new. But don’t rule out used until all things truly are considered! You just may have a better pre-owned option. Call your CMI-Case dealer today to find out more.

Knoxville | 865.982.6452
Tri-Cites | 423.975.9111

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Monitor and maintain your equipment's undercarriage
Equipment Maintenance
October 1, 2023

State-of-the-Art Undercarriage Care

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Contractors Machinery

The careful monitoring and maintenance of the undercarriage of a large machine can easily make up 60% of the long-term cost of that machine. CASE takes those numbers very seriously, investing extensively in the undercarriage of its machines through its new undercarriage wear measuring program, All Makes Undercarriage Program.    

Using TrackCare technology, the All Makes Undercarriage Program is the collaborative effort of CASE and CNH Industrial brands. This new program allows CASE customers to partner with dealers on a whole new level, working with each other to bring unparalleled undercarriage care to their equipment, offering literally every replacement part an owner may need. 

There are several factors that contribute to the wear and tear of your machine’s undercarriage:  

Application – The type of job you are doing with your equipment has tremendous impact on the stress and strain on your machine’s parts. Considering the tasks of carrying and grading, trenching, dozing, pushing, ripping, loading…the more torque the job requires, the more stress it puts on the undercarriage.

Terrain – Your equipment is typically being used to change the terrain. Hills, slopes, crowns, depressions…all put resistance force on the undercarriage and put exceptional strain on the undercarriage components.

Underfoot – Abrasive rocks, sand, and harsh debris all deteriorate the parts of the undercarriage.

Operation – If all the above factors were not considered, the simple operation of large equipment means the undercarriage and all other parts of that machine experience daily wear and tear. We’re asking these machines to do a lot, and they work hard to do it. 

With the TrackCare system, the large equipment owner can combat each of these factors and get longer life from his equipment. He can customize track groups and chains, then order as many as are needed in specific sizes.  All Makes Undercarriage Program owners can get replacement part options for non-CASE machines as well. 

 When owning CASE equipment there are no surprises in terms of cost. Use the Total Cost Ownership calculator to strategize just what CASE can do to improve your business today! 

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Keep your engine lubricated with the best OEM lubricant available.
Equipment Maintenance
July 1, 2023

The Essential Lubricant Every Engine Needs

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Emily Bieger

Each summer we ask our equipment to do the IMPOSSIBLE: Run as long and hard as it can under extreme heat conditions and increased dust and debris. This is essential to keeping on schedule, and the only way machines can do the impossible is to keep them adequately lubricated! It’s critical that we have the very best OEM lubricant available to keep them running effectively and complete the job on time!

When the schedule is tight (and really? When is it NOT?!) you cannot afford for equipment to be slowed or potentially break down altogether. With a combination of brilliant engineers and painstaking production, CASE has manufactured its top-of-the-line lubricants to ensure your labor goes uninterrupted when your equipment is needed the most critically:

KEEP IT COOL

Keeping equipment cool in the brutal summer heat is no small task in this critical business season. To keep your machines cool, even when being pushed to their limits, CASE offers Extended-Life Coolant. Using an OAT technology (Organic Additive Technology), this product enables machines to run effectively for 4 years (up to 4,000 hours) without using other additives. It protects equipment from common corrosion, extending not only your work- day but the life of your machines. This coolant is designed intentionally so that it is the only coolant you need for all your equipment!

KEEP IT CORROSION-FREE

Damaging residue on equipment can quickly bring a job to a halt. If you’re looking for a product to eliminate corrosion, CASE has developed one to ensure that every component on those machines runs smoothly, eliminating the destructive general “crud” that typically accumulates on axles, transmissions, and hydraulic systems. Hy-Tran Premium is the industry-leader you need to keep your machines clean! It offers heat protection, 1% water tolerance, and increased oxidation stability, ensuring maximum power and performance all season long.

KEEP IT FULL

Just like every good “work horse,” you’ve got to keep each one of your machines well-fed and properly cared-for! These engines deserve only the best to perform at their optimal level, and CASE’s No. 1 Engine Oil is proven best. With its Low-SAPS additive technology and extended drain intervals, your machines are equipped to perform longer and hotter in even the most merciless heat of summer.

Drink more water and slick up with the sunscreen…  Summer heat brings some unique challenges to us and to our equipment! In addition to our own need. For increased hydration and protection from the elements, let’s be sure to safeguard our equipment from the high temps and dirty elements of summer by using only the best CASE products. In return, our machines will provide us with extended workdays and ultimately a solid increase to our bottom line!

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CASE SiteWatch Technology
Equipment Maintenance
February 27, 2023

CASE and the Integration of Technology

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Contractors Machinery

Technology is transforming virtually every industry, and CASE is taking full advantage of the latest technological advances to keep its equipment a step above competitors!

A large equipment company can only be as successful as the health performance of its machines. Having accurate operation data on every machine in the fleet is vital to CASE’s success. Utilizing SiteWatch telematics it is possible to track every aspect of performance, ensuring optimum execution of all equipment and efficient maintenance management of all fleets.  Because it complies with AEMP (Association of Equipment Management Professionals) 2.0 telematics standards, SiteWatch is compatible to literally any size fleets.

Through SiteWatch telematics, the large equipment user no longer has to search for and report critical data; rather, it is electronically available at his/her fingertips, thus eliminating any potential human error. In the office, out on the field, or anywhere there is internet connection. SiteWatch keeps track of the entire fleet on a single interface, revealing any performance and safety concerns, as well as maximizing the efficiency of every component of each machine on the fleet.

Site Control is another game-changer in the progression of CASE equipment, applying this very simple concept: “Move dirt once.” SiteControl has significantly equipped the user to do just that in the exquisitely precise process of grading. This 3D Grade Control program helps to lower costs and increase profitability of each company that utilizes CASE equipment.  The precision with which SiteControl allows machines to work means an increase in efficiency and a decrease of wear and tear on earth-moving equipment. With SiteControl technology, fleet managers can decrease costs in addition to minimizing chances of theft and damage to the equipment.

Utilizing the very latest in this world of technology, CASE provides everything you need for dozers, graders, excavators, and more! Contact CMI-Case today to see how SiteWatch and SiteControl can transform the bottom line for your company!

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Planned maintenance extends the life of your equipment
Equipment Maintenance
June 23, 2022

Planned Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Equipment

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Contractors Machinery

“Time simply seems to go faster as I get older!” You’ve said it a million times! We notice it when our kids are growing up, when it’s time for our yearly physical….and when it’s time to maintain our heavy equipment! It’s essential to have a Planned Maintenance Agreement (PMA) if you don’t want your equipment to fail you when you need it most.

Investing in a PMA is more important today than ever before:

SAFETY

Your equipment is increasingly high-tech. Truthfully, even you may not understand all the essential components to keeping it healthy. Despite OSHA regulations, it is common for operators to overlook the little things Regular routine maintenance prevents any number of problems, as these “little things” are key items on the checklist:

  • Accuracy of gauges
  • Battery
  • Tires or tracks
  • Levels of all fluids

PREVENTION OF BREAKDOWNS

Breakdowns mean downtime. And nothing affects the bottom line like downtime. If you take excellent care of your heavy equipment, it will live past the hours logged and the miles on the odometer. Regular planned maintenance is the key to understanding the proper age of your equipment and keeping it running strong to the end.

OVERALL COST IS REDUCED

As you know, with any vehicle, your equipment loses value the minute you start it up for the very first run. The way you make a good return on that investment is by getting as many years out of it as possible. With routine maintenance, fuel economy improves, keeping your equipment running longer and more efficiently.

RESALE VALUE INCREASES

When it is time to flip that equipment or simply retire the work for good, a PMA is a proven way to get more money for your vehicle. Having documentation that you have taken impeccable care of its maintenance will prove to the next buyer that he will have fewer safety, breakdown, and cost headaches as well.

CASE offers an outstanding Planned Maintenance Agreement to keep your equipment running as vigorously as it needs for you to get the job done!  Click here to learn more.

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865-982-6452		 Tri-Cities
423-975-9111
Parts & Service
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M-F 8am-5pm
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blake@cmicase.com
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eric@cmicase.com