Today, fuel filters do indeed look different as filter makers address concerns created by advanced fuel injection engines, changing emissions regulations, new technological capabilities available for filter manufacturing, and a host of other issues.

Although the basic elements of fuel filtration have not changed greatly, improvements in monitoring, internal media, and improved drains contribute to the fuel-filtration system’s overall ability to enhance engine performance.

Tighter emissions standards that demand lower-sulfur fuel have become a major issue affecting fuel filtration on heavy equipment. Lower sulfur content reduces lubricating properties in fuel just as heavy equipment engines are benefiting from refined fuel injection systems that increase performance.

“Compared to 1931, equipment today uses half as much steel and delivers 10 times the horsepower,” says Greg, filter and fluids technology manager with Caterpillar. “That is why filtration and fluids are so important to what we do.”

“Reduced lubricity in low-sulfur fuel can cause injector wear, which can lead to over fueling,” he says. “When there was a pump in line, you could set it to compensate for over fueling. But you can’t do that with new fuel injectors, and over fueling can eventually flood the machine.” Or worse. Skeels says fuel injectors can cost $400 to $600 apiece, not including tune-up and adjustment of electronic systems.

Fleet guard has an innovative filter to address this issue. The FS 20000 Slow Release Lubricity-Enhancing Fuel Filtration System allows a lubricating fuel additive to be dissolved into the fuel as it passes through the filter. The FS 20000 is intended for use in Tier 2-compliant engines using Jet A, kerosene, winter fuel blends, or low-sulfur diesel below 50 ppm sulfur.

Particulate and water captureParticle size is another issue as the industry adjusts to GM’s discontinuation of its AC Fine Test Dust, according to Nigel Atkins, market development manager with Pall’s Strategic Business Development Group. While AC Fine Test Dust was available, particulate matter was measured in a relatively consistent manner, and fuel-filter manufacturers were able to rate their systems down to 1 micron or smaller using automatic particle counters.

When GM exited the test dust business, NIST instituted a new testing analysis method to classify a replacement dust and issued a new particle size distribution. This effectively meant that the same laboratory particle counters were now only able to resolve particles of approximately 4 micrometers, Atkins says. “Suddenly the same filter had a different micron rating on it.”

While standards organizations address micron ratings, Atkins recommends paying close attention to claims of filter manufacturers and specifications from engine manufacturers. OEMs often use different issues of the same standard to retain compatibility with their existing test data, according to Atkins.

“This can make direct comparison between filter data sheets very difficult,” he says.

With today’s engines using injection pressures that can exceed 30,000 psi, Atkins says, “The systems require sophisticated pumps and injectors that are more sensitive to particles and water. The net effect is that water is more emulsified in the fuel.”

Pall has developed a reverse-flow, depth media fuel-filtration system that uses the media to coalesce and separate emulsified water on a level that can be measured on a parts per million basis, according to Atkins. He says the system is used in Iveco equipment utilizing the “Cursor” engine developed in Europe.

Atkins says the filtration system is utilized on OEM equipment in North America where these Iveco engines are also used. Pall is currently talking with other U.S. engine makers to have them specify the system, which is based on technology successfully used in jet fuel handling and refineries. “We want to design for optimized-systems OEMs and do not plan on pursuing a generic after-market approach,” he says.

Other filter makers have introduced new media to increase water capture. This is due, in part, to OEMs specifying fuel filters with increased water separation. Fleetguard, for example, has a new StrataPore synthetic filter media created through a melt-blown process that generates layers of polymeric fiber that can be adjusted for removal of specific particle sizes. It can remove more than 95 percent of both free water and emulsified water, according to Burnettte.

Donaldson also has developed new synthetic fuel media. Introduced last year, the advanced filtration system includes three layers of melt-blown media and a layer of silicon-treated cellulose. The synthetic media contributes to 95 percent emulsified water separation based on SAE 1488 testing procedures, according to Donaldson.

In addition to refining the media inside fuel filters, manufacturers are using new materials and techniques to make it easier to maintain the filters. Donaldson has introduced a patented Twist & Drain device to make it easier to drain water. The self-venting device requires only a half twist to open and provides an audible and tactile click when the drain is fully open. Donaldson also has an electronic sensor that can be placed in its P55 1003 filter. When the water reaches the sensor, a light in the cab indicates the device should be drained.

Engineered Products plans to introduce an electronic sensor for fuel filters this year. Filter Minders, a series of in-line visual indicators, measures how much restriction the filter is experiencing. The devices include clear plastic chambers and debris indicators to show how much useful life remains in the filter. “Filters tend to plug rapidly at the end of their life,” says Ron Kelderman of Engineered Products. “They will run for long periods of time with no restriction and then at three-fourths of their useful life, they will clog up rapidly.”

Fleetguard has also introduced an in-line fuel filter monitor. The Fuel Pro 180 line provides a similar visual indication of debris capture. “We will sell less filters because people will not be changing them unnecessarily,” says Fleetguard’s Burnette. “They will see when the debris has built up and will know exactly when to change it.”

Clear plastic collection bowls are becoming more common on filtration systems. Parker Hannifin’s Racor Division has a clear collection bowl as part of its 777R Series fuel filtration/water separator system that removes contaminants from fuel in two stages. In the first stage, fuel moves through a centrifuge that sends large solids and water droplets, which are heavier than fuel, to an outer surface. The water can drop to the bottom of the clear collection bowl, where an optional in-bowl water detection probe can activate a dashboard warning light. In the second stage, proprietary Aquabloc II cartridge elements repel water and remove fine contaminants from fuel.

The 777R includes a fuel primer port, an internal thermostat, and other optional features, such as a vacuum gauge kit and fuel heater, for even greater control and monitoring of fuel.

Easier draining technology, refined media, and improved monitoring have brought fuel filters into the future Steve Burnette was envisioning. Although fuel-filtration systems must continue to perform their basic function of helping deliver clean fuel, today’s filters also help fleet managers more closely monitor their performance and efficiency.

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The agriculture ministry recently purchased three long-reach excavators, valued at $137M, from Ainlim to boost its drainage and irrigation (D&I) work.

According to a Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) press release, Associated Limited Industries (AINLIM) Chief Executive Officer, Lakhnarine Shivraj, handed over the KOBELCO machines to Minister Robert Persaud at the company’s Ruimveldt location on Tuesday.

Government purchased the machines to enhance its fleet in order to conduct D&I works at several crucial areas such as the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), the Boerasirie Water Conser-vancy and on the East Bank Demerara, GINA said. The supply contract for the excavators was signed last October with a scheduled delivery deadline of February. However, the supplier had promised to deliver the machines by December.

According to GINA, over the last 15 months, government has invested significantly in the procurement of more equipment to shift its dependency from contracting its D&I projects. This is to ensure improved quality of work, enhanced ability to respond promptly to crucial areas and to do more work with limited resources. It is also part of the programme to help Guyana adapt to the impact of climate change through continuous improvement of the system, Persaud said.

GINA said government’s investment in more equipment is part of its wider focus on the long-term improvement of the D&I system. Currently there are 15 pieces of equipment operating within the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary-Agricultural Development Scheme while an additional 21 are owned and operated by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority. The excavators are deployed countrywide in areas such as the Pomeroon and Corentyne where they are being used to empolder farmlands, construct embankments and dig drains among other works.

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Buying a backhoe loader involves more than just choosing a model: you’ll have to evaluate several backhoe dealers to find one you can work with for the long term. Like any piece of heavy-duty construction equipment, your backhoe loader will wear and eventually break, making your relationship with the dealer important for preventative maintenance and repairs.

Major pieces of construction equipment like backhoe loaders don’t come cheap: they’re built for reliability and toughness. Before you develop a case of sticker shock, consider that you’ll be using your new backhoe loader for 10 years or more, and the upfront cost won’t seem quite as high.

Typical prices for a base-model 14′ digging depth backhoe, the industry standard, with an average 80 or 90 horsepower (hp), range from $55,000 to $75,000. 15′ to 16′ models go for $75,000 to $90,000, and those over 16′ can average around $110,000. Compact backhoes in the popular 9′ to 10′ range are most often in the $25,000 to $35,000 range.

Options like four-wheel drive, automatic transmission, and sideshift can quickly raise your total costs — but if those options are important to your planned use of the machine, they’ll pay for themselves in improved efficiency. Also count on paying an extra $1,000 to $2,000 for each specialized attachment you purchase like a 4 in 1 bucket or crusher.

Dealers often offer subsidized financing from the equipment manufacturers, helping you get a good deal on purchase financing. Leasing is a good option when interest rates are high, but while interest rates are relatively low, you’re better off purchasing outright.

Backhoe loaders can also be rented by the day, week, or month. Daily rates range from $150 to $500; weekly rentals are typically $600 to $1,500; and monthly rentals average around $2,000 to $3,000.

Buying used backhoe loaders
Due to these steep prices, you may want to investigate used backhoe loaders. Take into account your schedule flexibility when deciding whether or not to buy used. If you lose the use of the backhoe for a week due to repairs, will that throw off your schedule completely, or can you take it in stride? You should also ensure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer, as you’re more likely to need their help for repairs.

Prices drop considerably once the machines have a few thousand hours of use on them. For example, used backhoe loaders with 14′ backhoes and 2,000 hours of use can be found for around $30,000. Choose a machine with even more hours and you can drive the price down even further.

However, you’ll need to be careful about maintenance costs. A few dings and some peeling paint might not matter to you, but a failing transmission certainly will. Make sure you take the loader for a test drive and do some loading and digging with it to gauge its performance.

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Buying a backhoe loader involves more than just choosing a model: you’ll have to evaluate several backhoe dealers to find one you can work with for the long term. Like any piece of heavy-duty construction equipment, your backhoe loader will wear and eventually break, making your relationship with the dealer important for preventative maintenance and repairs.

Ask potential dealers about their service policies. Find out how they’ll handle breakdowns: do they offer on-site service? If your loader needs to go into the shop for more extensive work, will they pick it up and return it, or do you need to transport it yourself? Can they provide a loaner vehicle while yours is being repaired? Check on their parts inventory, too. You won’t want to wait for parts to be delivered.

Because of the inevitable service needs, you’ll want to choose a backhoe dealer that is reasonably close to you. Don’t feel like you have to choose the absolute closest dealer, but try to find one no further than 100 or 150 miles, keeping a round trip to around half a day.

Some dealers only carry one line of backhoe loaders, while others carry several manufacturers’ models. Working with a dealer who carries multiple lines gives the advantage of being able to choose the right brand for your needs, while dealers dedicated to one brand may have more in-depth expertise with those models. Either option is fine, as long as you take the time to compare several brands.

Don’t underestimate personal reactions, as well. Choose a dealer you feel is honest with you and who is easy to work with: those impressions are often accurate. Saving a thousand dollars on your initial purchase is insignificant compared to the ongoing costs you’ll incur over the years. Focus on the dealer relationship instead of the price tag.

Talking to other businesses in your area can be a great source of insight into a backhoe dealer’s strengths and weaknesses. You should also ask the dealer for customer references, preferably from clients in industries similar to yours.

When checking references, you can ask questions like:

• How long have you been a customer of theirs? How many loaders have you purchased?
• Did you get the right backhoe loader for your application?
• Has the dealer done a good job with maintenance and repairs?
• Would you buy from this dealer again?
• What could the dealer improve about their operation?

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While the digging scoop and the loader bucket are by far the most common tools used on backhoe loaders, there’s been a trend in recent years towards using additional attachments to increase the machines’ flexibility. For example, switching from a bucket to forks lets you easily transport pallets without the expense and hassle of bringing forklifts to the job site.

If you want to be able to use multiple attachments, look for a backhoe that includes a quick coupler, or integrated tool carrier (ITC). These are industry-standard connections for various types of construction equipment, and include hookups to the loader’s hydraulic system for powered attachments.

There are many different types of attachments that can be used on a backhoe loader. The front of a backhoe loader can be outfitted with forks, grapples (hooks or claws), snow blowers, and powered brooms. The back can use hammers, thumbs (or crushers), and grinders. Either end can be fitted with multi-purpose buckets of varying widths for lifting, carrying, and dumping different types of materials. “4-in-1 buckets,” which have a hinged bottom that can be opened and closed hydraulically, are also a popular choice.

Don’t feel compelled to purchase all the attachments you might need immediately. Start with the essentials; you can always add more as the need develops. You can even rent attachments that you’ll only use occasionally. In some cases, tool carrier-equipped backhoes can even use skid steer attachments.

Additional features
Backhoes have two stabilizer legs located right behind the rear wheels. These legs support most of the weight when digging, reducing stress on the wheels and providing a steady digging platform. The stabilizer on the backhoe loader you choose should have both grouser shoes that provide a firm grip on dirt, and rubber-padded shoes for use on asphalt.

Many contractors prefer four-wheel drive backhoes, which are best for traction on muddy or loose ground. Since many backhoe loaders spend most of their working lives on muddy, loose ground, the extra cost of four-wheel drive can be a good investment. Four-wheel drive is harder on the transmission, so try to use it only when necessary.

On crowded job sites, four-wheel steering offers greatly improved maneuverability: turning the front and rear wheels in opposite directions greatly reduces turning radius. In the tightest spots, “crab steering” lets you turn the front and rear wheels in the same direction, allowing the loader to scoot sideways. Four-wheel steering is a fairly uncommon feature but rapidly gaining popularity. A 4 x 4 x 4 backhoe has four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and four equal-sized wheels.

Older backhoe loaders use mechanical hand and foot levers to control their various functions. Newer backhoes feature much easier-to-use “pilot controls:” dual joysticks that provide full control with less stress on the operator.

Cabs are becoming more like automobile interiors as manufacturers start paying more attention to ergonomics: they’re larger, provide better sight lines, and can include extras like suspension seats, climate control, and 12-volt outlets for cell phones or other accessories. These aren’t just frills — keeping the operator comfortable increases productivity.

Operator cabs also need to be designed with safety in mind: OSHA requires all backhoe loaders to have ROPS (roll over protective structures). The regulations detail exactly how much protection the ROPS should provide in a rollover. Fully enclosed cabs are called EROPS (enclosed roll over protective structures).

When digging long trenches or working next to obstacles, sideshift can be a huge time saver. Sideshift allows the operator to slide the digging arm all the way to one side of the vehicle and operate it in that position. From there, the machine can dig a trench parallel to the direction the tires are facing. This makes it much easier to dig along a foundation or wall with less risk of damage. It also eliminates the need for constant repositioning of the backhoe — it can simply inch forward as necessary.

Many new backhoes offer automatic transmissions. These are particularly worthwhile if you’ll be doing a lot of driving around large work sites or to and from jobs. However, they are more expensive, so if you’ll be transporting the loader mainly with a trailer, you may want to go for a less expensive manual transmission.

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Part of backhoe loaders’ popularity is based on the fact that they fall in the middle of a range of digging and loading equipment, bringing more power than compact machines without the expense of full-sized excavators. You should consider whether a backhoe loader is the right choice for the bulk of your digging and earthmoving needs.

For smaller jobs and increased flexibility, the combination of a skid steer loader with a standard bucket and a mini excavator can sometimes work faster than a backhoe loader. It can be cheaper to buy the two smaller machines than one backhoe loader, but you’ll need an operator for each one and you’ll have more transportation and maintenance hassles. These mini machines are most valuable in very crowded conditions, and recent trends have many contractors replacing at least one backhoe with a mini excavator.

For high-end digging power, full sized excavators are the best choice. These massive tracked machines are only worthwhile if your application calls for ongoing digging: building foundations, for example. However, their size makes them less useful on cramped construction sites.

Backhoe loaders fill a very important middle ground, where having an excavator and loading bucket on one relatively compact machine is essential. They’re also much better at moving around large job sites or between sites — you can drive a backhoe on the road if need be, while excavators and skid steers have to be moved on trailers.

Choosing a backhoe loader
The first consideration when choosing a backhoe loader is how deep you’ll need it to dig. Full-sized backhoes can usually reach down 14 to 16 feet; compact backhoes can typically dig around eight to 10 feet deep. For full size machines, 14′ depths are by far the most common. Compact backhoe loaders are great if most of your work is less than 10′ deep — they’re less expensive, easier to maneuver, and easier to transport than full-sized backhoes.

On the other end, reach can be important: if you need to load dump trucks of a certain size, make sure the loader has an appropriate lift height to do the job. Lift capacity is similarly important: you’ll need to know how much weight your machine can handle. Keep in mind that capacity varies for the two tools — loaders typically have much greater capacities than backhoes.

One spec that you shouldn’t put too much emphasis on is horsepower. Engine horsepower doesn’t directly impact the capabilities of the attachments: digging and lifting are powered by the backhoe’s hydraulic systems, not the engine. You should be aware of horsepower ratings when comparing different models, but don’t let them drive your decision.

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The backhoe loader is one of the most common pieces of heavy equipment on any size job site. The fact that it features two useful tools in one machine makes the backhoe loader a must-have for all kinds of construction and repair projects.

The standard backhoe consists of a diesel-powered, four-wheeled vehicle with the operator’s cab in the middle and a tool on each end. On the front, it has a loader: a wide bucket on dual arms that is used to either pick up loose piles of material or to push dirt back into a hole when a job is finished. The rear end has a backhoe — a hydraulic-powered digging scoop on a three-jointed arm, designed to dig through hard earth. The operator needs only to turn around in his seat to switch from digging a hole to filling it back up.

Digging and refilling holes and trenches is commonly required for all kinds of construction, utility work, and landscaping. The ability to exchange the backhoe or loader bucket for a different attachment gives you even more flexibility: crushers, retractable-bottom buckets, grinders, and other tools can handle a variety of other tasks. The combination of power, relatively small size, two common tools, and flexibility makes backhoe loaders extremely useful for contractors and construction firms of many types.

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When buying heavy equipment – excavators, backhoe loaders, motor graders, and even compact equipment like skid steer loaders or mini excavators– it’s easy to get buried in an avalanche of specs. Engine HP, hydraulic HP, dump heights, ground clearance, dig or dump depths – they can get to be overwhelming. It’s important to keep in mind that the performance of your heavy equipment depends quite a bit on the operator.

Heavy equipment controls and ergonomics
One of the most important considerations when buying heavy equipment is visibility. It’s a safety concern, as well as important to efficient operation: the operator can’t avoid what he can’t see. During your test drive, pay attention to any areas of low visibility – particularly when using scoops or digging arms.

The control system is another central point to evaluate. Most new heavy equipment uses twin joystick controls, one that controls the overall movement of the vehicle and one that operates the hydraulics for the arm, scoop, or blade. These electronic or electrohydraulic controls require much less force to operate than mechanical controls of old – but if they’re too sensitive, smooth operation can be a real challenge.

That’s why heavy equipment manufacturers have introduced adjustable controls. These allow each operator to adjust the sensitivity and control pattern to match their own preferences. As part of the test drive, try different settings to gauge how effective the adjustments are.

Visibility and controls are two components of the overall ergonomics of the operator cab. Ergonomics refers to everything that goes into ease of operation and comfort for the operator. Even small extras like adjustable seats and good lumbar support can make your operators more efficient in the long run.

Operator comfort is also greatly increased with enclosed cabs. Standard on some vehicles and an option on others, enclosed cabs let your operators concentrate on getting the job done – not the weather. For working in the chilly Northeastern winter or the sweltering Southern summer, an enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning is a huge boost to efficiency and operator efficiency.

One last tip on judging these operator-focused features: make sure you have an operator on hand to do the evaluation! While the CFO or equipment manager makes the purchasing decision, they’re not the ones who’ll actually be in the machine. Have one of your equipment operators come along to do the test drive – and get the real feedback from them afterwards.

Specs do count
Lastly, don’t think for a minute that those performance specs are completely irrelevant. If the excavator doesn’t dig deep enough, or if the wheel loader doesn’t reach high enough to fill your dump trucks, they’re simply not going to get the job done. Making sure the vehicle meets the basics specs required to handle your applications is always part of the heavy equipment buying process.

Chances are, you already know the importance of putting together a list of performance requirements before you purchase construction equipment. Don’t forget the external dimensions, too. If your equipment needs to fit on a trailer or in a garage, the overall width and height are important considerations. Gross weight of heavy equipment can also be a concern on trailers or small bridges.

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Interested in saving money on a backhoe or skid steer loader? Sometimes, buying used construction equipment is a smart way to go. Other times, you’d be better off not buying anything at all. Here are a few ways you can make sure you get a good deal on used construction equipment.

Try used construction equipment yourself
We shouldn’t have to say it, but some buyers still make this mistake: don’t buy a piece of used equipment without trying it yourself. Don’t let your interest in a good deal get the better of your common sense. Even if the seller seems trustworthy, even if it’s a brand or model that has a stellar reliability record, even if you take a look at the vehicle and it looks good, there is no substitute for a thorough test drive.

A five minute jaunt around the parking lot isn’t going to cut it, either. Dig, dump, lift, scrape, push – whatever the equipment is supposed to do, put it through its paces.

Look carefully…
Go over the used equipment you’re investigating slowly and carefully. New paint jobs are relatively cheap and can cover up a lot of problems. Look for evidence of rust patching or cover-up – poke suspect areas with a tool to be sure. Check underneath the vehicle for evidence of leaks. Inspect hoses and valves before and after the test drive, so you easily spot fresh leaks.

… but use all your senses
When you’re testing out used construction equipment, don’t go by your eyes alone. Listen to the engine and the hydraulics as you’re testing it out – is the machine straining more than it should? After it’s been running for a while, are there any smells of burning oil or electrical problems? Do the controls feel as responsive as they should?

If possible, buy from established dealers
You’re much more likely to have problems if you buy used construction equipment from individuals or from businesses that don’t focus on construction. Construction equipment dealers have several advantages when it comes to used equipment:

• They have a reputation in the industry, whether selling new or used
• They know that if you’re buying used vehicles now, you’re likely to need new equipment in the future
• They’re better able to inspect and repair any potential problems with the equipment
• They can provide limited warranties – 30 or 60 days – to insure you against any unforeseen problems.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to find a used piece of construction equipment that can still get the job done. Ready to get started? Machinery Junction can connect you to the best suppliers of used construction equipment in your area – free!

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