Mr. Contractor, Tear Down This Wall

We’ve all heard the saying that looks can be deceiving. All too often many of us are quick to judge based solely on appearance. Take compact utility loaders for example. Their small frame, narrow width and uncanny maneuverability might lead one to the conclusion that these machines are simply just overgrown toys, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Small in size but long on guts, these multipurpose machines are virtual workhorses. While several types of labor-saving equipment have entered the construction scene over the years, none has gained notoriety as quickly as the compact utility loader (CUL). With a seemingly endless variety of attachments available, CULs are among the most versatile types of equipment available today.

“Don’t let their smaller size fool you,” says Jon Kuyers, compact segment manager with Vermeer. “Compact utility loaders have replaced hand labor as an efficient way to complete many different types of projects. Their biggest plus is probably versatility, but they are also easy to operate and fit in confined spaces. These are just a few of many features that have made compact utility loaders so popular.”

Often referred to as a “mini skid steer,” compact utility loaders share some design similarities and perform many of the same functions, but their innate strengths and features are quite different than the common skid steer. CULs are designed to use a variety of hydraulically powered attachments in confined spaces. Nearly half the width of an average skid steer, CULs can maneuver through standard gates and on sensitive areas to complete work that previously required manual labor. And with ground pressures as low as 3 psi, CULs can travel across turf and lawns with little adverse effect. This has been especially useful for landscapers and construction contractors.

Tear It Down, Clean It Up

Among the many chores contractors rely on CULs to help them complete are demolition jobs. When outfitted with a hydraulic breaker and scrap grapple bucket, these machines are more than willing to break things apart and then help clean up the mess. Mike Denny, along with his father, Don, own Artistic Concrete Surfaces, based in Olathe, Kan. The company, which uses a compact utility loader to break up old concrete surfaces, specializes in creating custom decorative concrete designs for a wide variety of both interior and exterior projects.

“We use a compact utility loader with a breaker attachment to tear out existing patios and haul away the debris,” Denny says. “The machine has been a lifesaver in eliminating a lot of manual labor and is great for the type of work we do because it can fit in tight spaces. We do a lot of patios and outdoor living spaces where most of the really backbreaking work is now done with the [compact utility] loader. It saves us a lot of time.”

Artistic Concrete Surfaces works closely with their clients in creating a custom sculpture that is designed to match individual personal tastes and décor preferences. Applications are available in numerous colors and

textures, and every project is thoughtfully designed to fuse natural materials with the artistic and design capabilities of the seven “cement artists” on staff. ACS offers a wide range of project capabilities for residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Residential projects include patios, pool surrounds, drive and walk ways, interior floors and countertops, outdoor kitchens and living areas. ACS has also completed several types of projects for commercial and industrial clients ranging from parking structures and shopping malls to nightclubs and airplane terminals.

Depending on the project, ACS uses a variety of application techniques such as staining, stamping, texturing and molding. The concrete staining and stamping process makes plain concrete look like natural stone or tile at a fraction of the cost.

“Decorative concrete is versatile and its uses are almost endless,” Denny says. “Whether the application is a parking lot, tennis court, restaurant or driveway, what we do adds elegance and value to any home or business. And the finished product will hold up to the heaviest use with only minimal, regular maintenance.”

Denny purchased a Vermeer S600TX with rubber tracks in large part because of the machine’s ability to access a jobsite with minimal impact on turf and plantings.

“Most of the outdoor projects we design are in yards or driveways surrounded by established landscaping,” Denny says. “Being able to access these areas without tearing up lawns or damaging plantings is important. It’s a huge competitive advantage for us since most of our competitors don’t own a compact loader.”

Maintenance Considerations

While CULs are ideal for a variety of smaller commercial and residential ground-engaging types of demolition projects, Kuyers is quick to point out that strict adherence to maintenance is especially critical when doing this type of work.

“There’s no question that demolition work is more abusive to the machine than most other functions,” Kuyers says. “Contractors should be faithful in maintaining their equipment. Wear and tear resulting from the shock load of continuous vibration will likely wear things out faster than if the machine was doing work that wasn’t nearly as abusive. Taking good care and timely repair of the unit will help extend its life.”

While compact utility loaders can function as eager and aggressive demolition experts, their owners should also be aware of the limits — and not expect to push them beyond. Contractors should follow a commonsense approach as to the scope and magnitude of a demolition project before jumping in, rather than discovering later that a specific job was beyond the capabilities of a specific CUL model.

“Make sure to understand how the machine operates and don’t use it in a way that wasn’t intended,” Kuyers says. “Follow the instructions that are included with the machine’s operating manuals and talk with your dealer about how you intend to use the machine. People can get themselves in a world of hurt if they don’t.” Remember also to comply with all local ordinances, regulations and construction permitting requirements.

SelectingChoosing the right compact utility loader for your fleet requires careful evaluation. There are several factors contractors should consider before making a final purchase decision. Among these include ease of operation, attachments, the type of projects the unit will be used for and after-sale support.

“I did a lot of research and drove a lot of loaders before settling on a model,” Denny says. “I considered a lot of different things like the machine’s power, responsiveness, maneuverability and how well it is built. I also knew it would be a good fit for how we would be using it.”

While performance, versatility and quality of construction are certainly key, contractors should also consider service and after-the-sale support when making a purchase decision. A reputable manufacturer who supports a strong dealer network, access to parts and well-trained, knowledgeable personnel who provide proper safety and operation training are just as important as model selection.

“Determine the types of projects you are going to tackle and base your purchase decision on how a specific model can fulfill those needs,” Kuyers says. “Consider things like its dimensions, flow rates, lifting capacity and any other special features with the ability to run the kind of tools and attachments you want. Also keep in mind any services you may want to expand or offer in the future. Resale value should also be a factor.”

Economics

The decision to purchase, rent or lease is also an important consideration in the overall equation. Most often, contractors should determine the frequency of use; in other words, how often is demolition work performed and the logistics involved in completing it. Kuyers cites the demolition of a patio as an example.

“Let’s say the project is tearing out a patio,” Kuyers says. “This may involve renting an air compressor, hose and jackhammer, and then the energy to physically operate the equipment and discard the debris. Arms get fatigued, it’s loud and there are all the logistics of getting all these components on-site, versus a compact utility loader where the machine and loader arms do all the work for you. It is probably less expensive than renting all the separate components necessary to complete a job — not even factoring in the physical toll of the labor involved. Remember that the machine doesn’t get tired, but people do.”

Randy Happel is a feature writer for Two Rivers Marketing, based in Des Moines, Iowa.