When it comes to getting a demolition job done fast, a standard sledgehammer doesn’t always do the trick. Instead, you need to bring in some heavier machinery like a jackhammer or a paving breaker. These powerful tools can blast through any surface, saving you from hours of tough manual labor.
This jackhammer guide will teach you what you need to know about paving breakers and jackhammers.
What is a paving breaker?
Let’s start with the basics before we get too deep into anything else: What is a paving breaker? You can think of a paving breaker as a more heavy-duty version of a jackhammer. As its name suggests, its main job is to break up concrete. They operate perpendicular to the ground and can be powered hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically.
Paving breakers weigh anywhere from 30 to 90 pounds, depending on their job. Paving breakers weighing 30 to 50 pounds are typically used to remove concrete before pavement repair. These tools are just heavy enough to break up a few inches of concrete without damaging the entire paving surface. Paving breakers 60 pounds or more are ideal for medium-to-heavy projects that require total demolition of a concrete surface.
How to choose a jackhammer or paving breaker
Don’t just grab the first tool you see on the shelf if you’re renting one of these tools for a project. Here are a few things to consider:
Job type: First things first: What are you trying to do with your jackhammer or paving breaker? If you’re trying to tear up a thick concrete foundation, you may need to go with a paving breaker. If you’re fixing a pothole outside, a jackhammer could be perfect.
Tool weight: We touched on this above, but the more a tool weighs, the heavier the job it can take on. Essentially, that 30-pound jackhammer can do about one-third of the work of a 90-pound paving breaker. Just be sure your tool isn’t too heavy for you to use.
Brand: It’s always a good idea to go with a name brand instead of a company you’ve never heard of. Models made by DEWALT, Bosch, Makita or Xtreme Power are sure to last for years without failing you. Plus, some models even carry a warranty as a testament to the product’s quality.
Why rent instead of buy?
Unless you think you’ll use it frequently, there’s no reason to buy a jackhammer or paving breaker. Instead, rent one from Ram Rent-All, Inc. Here are a few reasons to consider rental:
Get the latest gear: When you rent your power tools, you can trust that you’re always getting the latest and greatest models. At Ram Rent-All, Inc., we only carry top-of-the-line tools made by the best manufacturers.
Save money: A new jackhammer or paving breaker will set you back hundreds of dollars. Instead of paying a ton of money for a tool you’ll only use a few times, just rent one. Our rental prices are affordable on any budget.
Now that you’ve read through our jackhammer guide, rent yours from Ram Rent-All, Inc. Contact us today to learn about our inventory or to get a quote for your tool rental.
No matter what type of business you run, if you use a forklift in your day-to-day operations, you need to be aware of forklift best practices to protect your own safety and that of others nearby. When used incorrectly, a forklift can be one of the most significant hazards in a workplace.
Here’s a checklist of forklift safety tips to ensure employee safety and prevent hazards.
Wear the right clothing
First and foremost, forklift operators need to be dressed for the job. Always wear appropriate safety equipment when operating a forklift. This includes safety shoes, hard hats and a high-visibility jacket or vest. Tuck away loose-fitting clothing to make sure it doesn’t get caught in the forklift’s moving parts.
Inspect equipment daily
No discussion of forklift best practices is complete without a discussion of safety checks. Before every use, check the forklift with the shift supervisor, and be sure to log any problems you notice. If you spot any necessary repairs, don’t operate the forklift; instead, reach out to your local heavy equipment maintenance company to schedule repair. Daily inspections should include:
Testing operating controls like the steering wheel, brakes, lights and horn
Checking for damage to the mast and overhead guard
Checking hydraulic, brake, engine, fuel and coolant fluid levels
Checking for water, oil or radiator leaks
Ensuring forks are in good condition
Checking tires for adequate pressure
Always maintain full visibility
Operate a forklift as you would a car by maintaining full visibility whenever it’s in operation. When you’re moving a load, keep forks low to the ground to provide adequate forward visibility. In cases where the load restricts your front visibility, operate the forklift in reverse. You should always be looking in the direction of travel when the forklift is in motion, and use rearview mirrors to boost visibility.
Never overload the forklift
You should never carry a load that exceeds your forklift’s weight capacity. Carrying loads that are too heavy can easily cause the machine to tip. Double-check load capacities—they’re typically listed on the machine itself and in the owner’s manual.
Always wear a seat belt
No matter how far you’re hauling a load with a forklift, you should always wear a seat belt during operation. Overturned forklifts are an all-too-common cause of forklift accidents. Wearing a seat belt can keep operators from being crushed by the forklift’s overhead guard or roll cage.
Follow proper shutdown protocols
When you’re done using the forklift, park it safely by setting the parking brake, lowering the forks and setting all controls to neutral. Taking the time to park the machine safely reduces the risk of unintended movements. If you’re parking the forklift on a slope or incline, use wheel blocks to keep the machine secure.
Following the forklift safety tips listed above will protect you and employees in your facility from significant hazards. Remember that forklift safety starts with renting a forklift from a trusted supplier. For more information on forklift safety and maintenance, reach out to Ram Rent-All, Inc. today.
Professional contractors in a wide range of industries, from agriculture to construction and plumbing to landscaping, can benefit from equipment rental rather than buying. Whether you’re a contractor working solo or you’re a bigger company looking to expand your business, there are many advantages of renting over buying.
Read on to get to know why flexible access to heavy equipment and machinery can keep your business lean while letting you win new projects.
Avoid significant up-front investments
It’s no secret that equipment is expensive, especially large machines like excavators, tracked dozers, telehandlers and more. Paying out for a new or used machine ties your money up until you sell it. Rather than tying up your capital by outright buying the machinery you need for your jobs, free up your funds, and rent equipment instead.
Avoid maintenance costs
Like cars and other machinery, heavy equipment is prone to breakdowns without routine maintenance. Some companies have entire maintenance teams devoted to keeping up equipment by checking fluids and hydraulics, changing parts and even upgrading technology. While you can accurately gauge rental fees, you can’t do the same with maintenance—it’s too unpredictable. Save yourself money and hassle by renting equipment and leaving the maintenance concerns to someone else.
Simplify storage and logistics
Heavy equipment shouldn’t be exposed to the elements, which means you need a long-term storage solution for it. No matter where you live, space is expensive—equipment rental helps you avoid that expense.
In addition, rental saves you from potential logistics headaches. Renting equipment is easy since you can have even heavy machinery delivered to your worksite and picked up when you’re done. You won’t have to worry about transporting unwieldy machinery from site to site, saving you time and money in both the short and long terms.
Maintain borrowing power
As mentioned above, renting equipment means you won’t have your money tied up in significant expenses. Banks won’t look at equipment rental as a liability on your balance sheet, helping your business maintain strong borrowing power. With extra borrowing power, you can take advantage of favorable interest rates whenever they’re available, allowing you to expand your business when the time is right.
Open up new business opportunities
Want to take on a new project, but don’t have the right equipment to tackle the job efficiently? Equipment rental gives you easy access to specialty equipment you might only use for one-off projects. For example, maybe you’re bidding on a project that involves digging or grading or precision dirt work that can only be completed with the right machine. Your local equipment rental company has options that cater to almost any need, allowing you to take on new projects that can grow your business.
When it comes to equipment like heavy machinery, contractors from a wide range of industries can enjoy the advantages of renting over buying. Get the equipment you need—on your terms—from Ram Rent-All, Inc. We make it easy for you to get the job done, whether you’re sprucing up your landscaping, breaking ground on a project or anything else.
Using an airless paint sprayer isn’t the most difficult thing. That said, it’s important to take a few moments to read the manual and remind yourself about safety procedures before you begin. You’ll also want to prep the surfaces that you’ll be spraying and add a protective layer to anything that won’t be sprayed.
Let’s look at our leading tips and tricks for painting using a sprayer.
Get some practice
You want to make sure that your technique is sound before beginning the job. By getting comfortable with using a paint sprayer, you’ll avoid costly mistakes. No one wants to redo a project if they don’t have to.
Start by practicing with spraying water. Choose an area with a large, flat surface to work on, such as a garage door. Use water, and follow all procedures as outlined in the sprayer’s manual. Once you’ve primed the unit and gun with water, then use the gun’s trigger safety, and add the spray tip and guard.
You want to make sure that you have a good spray pattern that provides an even, consistent coating. You can adjust the sprayer’s pressure settings as needed.
Keep the distance consistent
If, in learning how to use a paint sprayer, you want to achieve a proper spraying technique, one of the first things you should do is keep your distance consistent. Begin by getting comfortable with the gun and keeping the recommended amount of distance away from the surface you’re spraying.
Hold the gun about 1 foot away from the surface. Move your arm while the gun is kept pointed straight at the surface. Don’t fan the gun because spraying at an angle may result in an uneven finish. Flex your wrist a bit at the beginning and end of every stroke so that you keep the proper gun position.
Overlap each pass
To make sure that you’re using an even amount of paint on the surface you’re spraying, you want to overlap each pass by about half. Aim the spray gun so that the tip is pointed at the edge of the spray pass you’ve just completed.
If you’re spraying on a broad, open surface (such as a bare wall or ceiling), you’ll want to spray the outer edges first, then work on the middle. For corners (such as the place where two walls meet), aim the spray gun directly into the corner, and spray each of the adjacent walls in a single pass.
Stay in a confined area
Only work in areas you can reach easily in the proper spray gun position. You don’t want to angle the tip at the end of each stroke in order to spray more.
Are you looking for the best in high-quality heavy equipment rental? Then you’ve come to the right place. At Ram Rent-All, Inc., we offer equipment that will help you get the job done. We do it all from paint sprayers to paving breakers, mixers, jackhammers and more. Give us a call today to learn how we can help provide equipment to meet your needs.
Using the right technique with a concrete saw is critical no matter if you’re cutting concrete slabs, blocks or floors. How to use a concrete saw is a fundamental skill in a range of fields. Combining that know-how with the right tools will ensure that the job is done correctly—and safely.
Here are our leading concrete saw use tips to help you on any job.
Tools for the job
Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure you have all the following on hand:
Drop cloths
Chalk line
Wet/dry vacuum
Diamond masonry blade
Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) extension cord if needed
Broom and dustpan
Mason chisel
Pry bar
Prepare the workspace
Once you have the gear you need, then it’s time to look at where you’ll be working. If there are any furniture, rugs or other items that could get in the way, move those elsewhere. If you’re cutting a concrete slab in a basement, you’ll want to drape protective plastic in the doorways to keep the debris contained. Switch off and cover the HVAC system to avoid spreading dust throughout the home.
For those working outdoors, dust is less of a concern; still, you’ll want to cover any items that could suffer damage. Trim back trees or bushes that might be in the way to keep the workspace clear.
Protect yourself
A concrete saw can expose you to dangerous airborne particles and flying debris, so you’ll want to put on protective gear to shield your face, eyes and ears before you get started. You’ll also want to dress in the right clothes for the job. Make sure you have all the following:
Ear protection
Face shield
Steel-toed boots
Work gloves
Knee pads
Dust mask
Long-sleeve shirt
Pants
Shin protectors
Find the right time and the best saw
You don’t want to be cutting wet or fully-cured concrete if it’s possible to avoid it. Instead, cut concrete when it’s hard and half-cured to avoid fracturing. This will also mean you’ll have a smoother cut with less dust.
Your saw should also be fit for the job. Whether you use a wet or dry saw depends on your preference. Handheld saws are best for concrete cutting, while wet saws generate a mess of slurry but do result in less dust.
For a larger job, you may want to consider a walk-behind saw, which will make straight, deep cuts. Other possibilities include cut-off saws, air concrete saws, street saws and air walk-behind saws. These each offer different benefits and drawbacks. Speak with an expert before beginning work to find the best saw and the right blade for a particular job.
If you’re searching for a high-quality equipment rental service, then look no further. Ram Rent-All, Inc. has been serving clients for more than three decades. We’ve endured the test of time because we put our customers first. Whether you need tractors, tools or other equipment, you can skip the costly hassle of purchasing equipment that you might only use once. Give us a call right now, and get your free quote.
