Construction & Landscape Equipment Specialists

what's happening

Construction Expo 2024
The Burris Equipment team is headed to one of Chicagoland's largest rental focused equipment events. Stop by our booth to learn about everything we offer!
Welcome Toro!
Burris Equipment is Proud to say we are welcoming the full line of Toro Siteworks to the Family of Products that we Represent.
Welcome Avant!
Burris Equipment is Proud to say we are welcoming the full line of Avant to the Family of Products that we Represent.
Wacker Neuson New-Year Deals!
Take advantage of new low-rate financing Wacker Neuson is offering aggressive retail finance programs and cash back offers on popular in- stock compact equipment models.

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At Burris Equipment Company, we only offer the highest quality products and services to our customers. We offer a wide range of expertise that is sure to meet all of your equipment needs.
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recent news

8
Mar
Tips for Loading Dump Trucks

Tips for Loading Dump Trucks How to Effectively Load Dump Trucks with Your Wheel Loaders   How productive you are when loading dump trucks depends heavily on the skill of your wheel loader operator and the actual capabilities of your machines. It is important to optimize the movement of your wheel loaders, so they are not traveling more than necessary or spilling material, both of which waste time and money. To enhance efficiencies and make each cycle more efficient, we've put together several key tips for your wheel loader operator.   Implement the correct loading pattern   The loading pattern that your wheel loader operator uses plays a large role in how productive and efficient your loading operation will be. We recommend using what’s called the Y or V pattern for loading your dump trucks with wheel loaders. This method involves positioning the dump trucks with their rear just off the edge of the pile. The wheel loader operator begins the cycle at a 45 degree angle relative to the dirt pile and the truck. Moving forward, curving to the right, the operator fills the bucket, then reverses back to the starting position at a 45 degree angle, before moving forward and curving left to dump into the truck. This path resembles a Y or V shape and optimizes the loading cycle.   It is key to have your dump trucks maintain a consistent position, so your Y or V pattern is not too big or too small. You need enough space to maneuver the wheel loader effectively, but not so much space that it is traveling more distance than necessary, wasting fuel and time.   Select wheel loaders with advanced features   Beyond the loading patterns, choosing machines with the appropriate features significantly impacts the productiveness of your wheel loader operator. ·         Boom kickout sets a predetermined height for the boom when lifting, perfect for when your wheel loader operator is consistently loading a truck at the same height for an extended period of time. ·         Return to dig ensures the bucket starts each cycle from a predetermined point when lowering, so the bucket starts at the same position for each cycle. ·         Auto leveling smoothly transitions the wheel loader bucket from a dump or dig position to a carrying position, reducing operator guesswork and minimizing time consuming errors. Match the bucket to your wheel loaders and dump trucks   Before beginning a substantial loading project, it is critical to determine the right bucket size for your wheel loader. Consider the dump truck capacity, the number of loads to move daily, and consult your wheel loader operator manual for maximum capacities and tipping loads. Select a bucket that allows you to fill trucks in as few cycles as possible without exceeding the machine's limits.   If you have any questions about wheel loader operator tips, filling dump trucks, or wheel loaders in general, contact our team today.

12
Dec
Fleet Management Strategies

Fleet Management Strategies     Heavy Equipment Fleet Management Strategies   The larger your grow your fleet, the more critical effective construction equipment management becomes. Properly servicing and maintaining your machines is crucial to ensuring a continued return on investment. A general rule of thumb is to replace equipment once its maintenance costs exceed 30% of the machine’s resale value. To help you keep your investment working productively for as long as possible, we’ve put together some important heavy equipment fleet management strategies that you can follow.   Stay ahead of downtime   We recommend enrolling your entire heavy equipment fleet into preventive maintenance contracts. It is essential to complete routine service at the intervals suggested by the manufacturer to optimize performance of your equipment and to document maintenance for warranty assurance. Proactive maintenance is a key part of construction equipment management, because it helps stabilize operational costs and lowers expenses by identifying small issues before they turn into big problems.   Always follow the 80-20 rule   It’s important to remember that about 80% of all maintenance costs are spent on 20% of machine problems. If you can recognize common or repeat issues and take preventive action to fix them, then you can eliminate the things that eat up your operating budget and are the main culprits behind costly downtime.   Implement equipment monitoring tools   Understanding how your machines are performing is a key part of construction equipment management. There are now innovative, advanced tools that accurately monitor equipment, collect data, and convert raw data into actionable information. Software is available to help fleet managers determine a machine's resale value, calculate ownership and operating costs, and estimate repairs, parts and labor expenses. If you need help understanding these tools, just ask!   Conduct routine fluid analysis   Regularly completing fluid analysis and comparing contaminant levels to normal wear rates helps identify potential issues with components before a major breakdown occurs. Analyzing fluids is one of the most important heavy equipment fleet management strategies we can share with you, because it gives you a picture of how your machine is working internally and will help you avoid unnecessary downtime and costly repairs.   Keep comprehensive records   Maintaining tight records of all the machines in your fleet will help you predict equipment productivity and operational costs, including working hours, fuel consumption, maintenance expenses, and more. Consistent, reliable information allows you to make the best decision possible when determining whether to replace or repair a machine. Keep a file for every piece of heavy equipment in your fleet and document all service and repairs.   Pay attention to equipment age   Generally speaking, the average total cost of owning and operating machines follows a parabolic slope. That means that total cost decreases during the early years of owning the equipment, as capital costs are spread over a longer period of time. However, operating costs increase during the same period, eventually causing an increase in average total cost. The point at which the sum of ownership costs and operating costs is at its minimum is the best age for operating your machines efficiently. One of the most crucial heavy equipment fleet management strategies is to stabilize the average age of all your machines near this point to minimize the total cost of ownership.   Should you rebuild or replace a machine?   Construction equipment management often involves deciding between rebuilding and replacing a machine. You can use this simple formula to calculate and compare the costs of each choice:   Cost to rebuild (new equipment price x .5)/equipment life (estimated hours x .75) = cost per hour   For example, a new piece of equipment that is $140,000 with an estimated life of 10,000 hours would cost $14 per hour to operate. To compare, calculate the cost to rebuild.   ($140,000)(.5)/(10.000)(.75) = $9.33 per hour   If the cost to rebuild is $70,000 for an estimated equipment life of 7,500 hours, at $9.33 per hour, it is more cost effective to rebuild than to replace.   If you have any questions about heavy equipment fleet management strategies, contact our team today!

21
Jul
Hydraulic System Maintenance

Hydraulic System Maintenance   Tips for Maintaining Your Hydraulic Equipment     Equipment hydraulic systems provide the power needed to perform heavy lifting, digging, and maneuvering tasks. To ensure the longevity and reliable performance of construction equipment, regular hydraulic maintenance is crucial. Below are the best practices for maintaining hydraulic systems in construction equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.   Regular inspection and cleaning   The most important part of hydraulic equipment maintenance is regularly checking the system for any leaks, damaged hoses, or worn out seals. You should also pay close attention to connections, fittings, and hydraulic fluid reservoirs. Inspect the filters and screens to ensure they are clean and free from debris that can hinder proper flow. Regularly remove dirt, dust, and other particles that may accumulate on the equipment, as they can adversely affect the system's performance.   Monitor fluid levels and quality   Fluid is the lifeblood of the system and a key part of hydraulic maintenance. Check fluid levels frequently, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Low levels can lead to cavitation and inadequate lubrication, causing premature wear and reduced performance, while contaminated or degraded fluid can impair the hydraulic system's efficiency and cause component failures. Regularly test the fluid for contamination, moisture, and degradation, and replace it if necessary.   Maintain proper fluid temperatures   Hydraulic systems generate heat during operation, and excessive temperatures can lead to fluid breakdown and component failure. A key part of hydraulic equipment maintenance is regularly monitoring the system's operating temperature to ensure it stays within the recommended range. If the temperature exceeds the acceptable limit, consider using coolers or heat exchangers to regulate it. Adequate ventilation and airflow around the hydraulic components can also help dissipate heat effectively.   Lubrication and seal maintenance   Proper lubrication is essential to minimize friction and wear within the hydraulic equipment. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for lubricating moving parts, such as cylinders, pistons, and bearings. Lubricate seals and O-rings to prevent leakage and to help maintain their integrity. Confirm that the lubricants are compatible with the hydraulic fluid and the system's components before applying them. Using the wrong lubricant can lead to seal swelling, reduced performance, and potential system damage.   Regular filter replacement   Filters play a critical role in hydraulic maintenance by capturing contaminants and preventing them from circulating in the system. Over time, filters become clogged and lose their effectiveness, compromising the system's performance. Replace filters at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer or based on usage conditions.   Maintain system pressure and optimize settings   Proper pressure settings are essential for operation of your hydraulic equipment. Regularly monitor and adjust pressure levels according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Excessive pressure can cause damage to system components, while inadequate pressure can result in poor performance. Regularly inspect and calibrate pressure relief valves to ensure accurate and consistent pressure control.   If you have any questions hydraulic equipment or maintenance, then just reach out to our team today!

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