A blind spot can be the most dangerous place on a job site. While you’ve rely on mirrors, rearview cameras and a sharp eye, a single blind spot is all it takes to turn a routine task into a costly disaster.
What if you could see everything, all at once, from a bird’s-eye view? Enter the around view monitor (AVM) camera system — the revolutionary technology that is eliminating blind spots and changing the way you work.
The AVM system is a prime example of how construction equipment is evolving. The days of one-size-fits-all machinery are over.
Today, manufacturers offer a variety of options and upgrades for modern heavy equipment — including dozers, excavators and wheel loaders — so you can select the best features for the type of work you do in the construction industry. Considering the total cost and long-term benefits of these options is crucial when buying heavy equipment for construction projects.
Top Construction Equipment Options to Consider
Optional equipment for various types of construction equipment can increase productivity and digging precision while enhancing operator comfort and satisfaction.
By investing in one or more options for your earthmoving machines, your company may gain a competitive edge and help you overcome ongoing challenges like job site safety and the need for precise excavating and grading. When evaluating the pros and cons of each option, remember to factor in potential savings on maintenance and increased efficiency for different types of construction machines.
Here are five of the often overlooked and impactful options available for today’s heavy equipment.
AVM Camera Systems to Enhance Operator Visibility
Around view monitor (AVM) camera systems can dramatically increase your viewing of the area surrounding your machine, providing up to 360 degrees of visibility depending on the machine.
Available for excavators and wheel loaders working in the construction industry, an AVM camera system gives you and your operators greater confidence when positioning a machine in tight work areas.
For excavators, five unique visual perspectives can be seen from the separate AVM screen:
- Top view
- Rear view
- Top+right view
- Rear+corner view
- 3D view
Additionally, ultrasonic detection sensors are available for select models to further enhance job site safety for operators and other workers. You can set an audio alarm and be alerted when obstacles are close to the excavator or wheel loader. This is a crucial safety component of modern construction equipment.
Onboard Weighing Systems for Construction Equipment
Loading your wheel loader is about more than just moving material — it’s about making every scoop count.
An onboard scale gives you the power to weigh material on the go so you can hit your exact target every time. This precision helps you avoid costly underloading or overloading, improving your overall productivity. This can have a significant impact on the cost of ownership for a piece of equipment.
The onboard weighing system uses sensors to collect data, which is then displayed on an in-cab touch screen. With real-time weight information right at your fingertips, you can:
- Ensure that trucks are loaded to their legal capacity, reducing trips and saving fuel.
- Prevent fines and potential safety hazards from overloading.
- Provide accurate reports and invoicing for your clients.
Grade Control That Boost Accuracy, Productivity
Many pieces of heavy equipment, such as dozers and excavators, now come standard with 2D grade control systems.
For projects demanding a higher level of precision on complex terrain, you can upgrade to a 3D grading system for dozers and excavators. This is an important consideration when reviewing a construction equipment list, and can be well worth the increased purchase price.
Utilizing GPS and a digital model of the project, a 3D system provides unparalleled accuracy, eliminates the need for traditional staking and integrates seamlessly with design files. This technology is a must-have for road construction equipment. For many contractors, this feature moves a piece of equipment from standard to top tier.
Read more: “Master the Grade: What to Know About 2D & 3D Grading Systems.”
Guarding for Harsh Construction Environments
When working in harsh environments like demolition and recycling, you need your equipment to be as tough as your job. Don’t let damage from debris and flying objects lead to unexpected downtime.
Protect your equipment investment and maximize your uptime with additional machine guarding. This isn’t just about adding metal — it’s about ensuring that your wheel loader’s most critical components, like hoses, cylinders and undercarriages, are shielded from damage.
Examples of machine guarding available for DEVELON wheel loaders include:
- Arm cylinder covers
- Articulation guard
- Front frame cover
- Rear fender
- Rim covers
- Windshield guards
Talk to your dealer about the right package or individual accessories to fit your specific needs. It’s a simple way to get peace of mind and keep your machine running strong.
Quick Couplers for Fast Attachment Changes
Maximize your machine’s versatility with a quick coupler.
Quick couplers allow you to switch attachments faster and more safely than ever before. Available for excavators and wheel loaders, this simple upgrade saves valuable time on the job site. This is just one of the many important construction equipment names to know.
When you and your operators can change non-hydraulic attachments without leaving the machine’s cab, it means:
- Less downtime between tasks.
- Increased safety by keeping operators in the cab and away from pinch points.
- Greater productivity as you move seamlessly from one task to the next.
Customizing DEVELON Construction Equipment
A North American customization plant in Brunswick, Georgia, is designed to get you the DEVELON equipment you need, faster.
The state-of-the-art facility is 50% larger than the previous customization plant, offering enhanced production capabilities and an expanded indoor warehouse. This allows for a wide range of final assembly and configuration options to ensure that you receive DEVELON equipment that is specifically customized to your needs.
Talk to a Dealer Before Buying Equipment
Every job site has its own unique challenges, and a standard machine doesn’t always cut it. Sometimes you need a machine with options and upgrades to improve efficiency and safety.
Your local equipment dealer is your best resource for navigating these options. They can help you understand how adding popular options can benefit your operation. Contact a local DEVELON dealer to learn more about the availability of these and other options for your earthmoving machines.
Available for excavators and wheel loaders working in the construction industry, an AVM camera system gives you and your operators greater confidence when positioning a machine in tight work areas."
By Thomas Lee, Product Strategy Manager
Thomas Lee is a product strategy manager at DEVELON. He has more than 15 years of experience working in the heavy equipment industry and leads the product management team for all heavy products.
