SELECTION / SCOPE / HANDOVER
Before choosing the equipment
Describe the haul distance, material and unloading area. Ask the contractor to evaluate the complete cycle and the working relationship between trucks and loading equipment.
What belongs in the quote
Include route preparation, maintenance and material placement in the scope. Agree how quantities and waiting time are tracked and who controls traffic coordination.
Think about the surrounding work
Describe the material, travel route and destination before comparing support machines. A balanced site plan accounts for loading, travel, dumping, return journeys and the work waiting at each end. Ask who coordinates access, surface protection, traffic separation and changes when ground or weather conditions differ from the estimate.
Three questions for your contractor
- How was the haul cycle assessed?
- Who maintains the haul route?
- How are quantities and delays recorded?
Bring a useful project brief
Bring site photographs, access measurements, available drawings and a description of the finished result. Identify what is known about the ground and existing services, and distinguish confirmed information from assumptions. Ask for written inclusions, exclusions, change procedures and handover records before comparing totals.
Further reading
John Deere — construction equipment fleet guide ↗
Manufacturer reference for background, not a dealer relationship or recommendation of a particular model.
Keep the machine working
Repair and maintenance questions · Parts and attachment compatibility · Buying used equipment