Rock & Dirt Blog Construction Equipment News & Information

Necessity is the mother of invention. An old proverb, but completely accurate as it relates to backhoes and how they’ve evolved over time.  The original 1957 backhoe loader was born from a need for a solution that was integrated from the factory and warranted by a single OEM, as contractors were retrofitting farm tractors with […]

The spotlight will shine brightly on Mack Trucks’ famous Bulldog at World of Concrete 2015, Feb. 3-6 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each of the five trucks featured in Mack booth C-5203 proudly wears a gold Bulldog, indicating a fully integrated Mack® Pedigree™ powertrain. Mack truck models featured in the booth will be: Mack […]

Construction equipment buyers and sellers from around the world will converge in the Orlando, Florida area for the annual "Florida Auctions." This event is a great opportunity for the construction industry associates to network and for end-users to locate heavy equipment, work trucks & trailers, and attachments for sale for the upcoming construction season. The […]

Komatsu America Corp introduces its next generation XT-3 Series Track Feller-Bunchers & Harvesters which provide significant improvements in operator comfort, ease of operation, productivity and reliability. Komatsu’s purpose-built XT-3 Series machines carry a lineage of superior maneuverability, multi-function capability and high-production in demanding forest environments. Models include the XT430-3 (non-leveling), XT430L-3, XT445L-3 and the larger […]

Each job, machine and application is different – but there are a few universal things you can do with each piece of equipment to make its operation more practical and cost effective. Here’s a look at 11 things that can have a direct effect on your bottom line.   1. Control idle times Whether through CASE Sitewatch™ […]

As online video content continues its surge in popularity, John Deere is utilizing the platform to highlight the advantage of data analysis for machine optimization using John Deere WorkSight™ technologies. "John Deere WorkSight is a tool that owners and operators are only just beginning to see its full potential," said Liz Quinn, product marketing manager, John Deere WorkSight, John Deere Construction […]

Each February, Rock & Dirt distributes 1000's of copies of Rock & Dirt at the Florida Auctions in the Orlando area. This year, we will be distributing copies at the Alex Lyon, Yoder & Frey, and IronPlanet/CAT Auction Services auctions during February 2015. Each Rock & Dirt is distributed in a plastic “Rock & Dirt” […]

How do recent increases in EU and U.S. diesel fuel quality standards affect heavy machinery? New machines must use very high quality diesel, but many places in the world have much lower quality fuels. This means that many countries will not be able to operate Tier 4 Final / Stage IV equipment. Equipment expert Michael […]

Peterbilt Motors Company announced it will be unveiling a major new product configuration ideal for concrete contractors and other weight-conscious applications during the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, Feb. 2-6. “Peterbilt’s Model 567 has been in production for just over a year and it’s already far surpassing our high expectations for it,” said […]

Once again, ICON Industries has made high-capacity earthmoving, along with the company’s best industrial features, available to the agricultural market — this time in an even larger size. “Like the AG-11, which was introduced approximately three years ago, the new AG-13 is ideal for the producer whose needs exceed that of box scraper or carryall, […]

It’s often said that quality beats quantity. Over the years, utility contractors have started to realize the truth behind that statement due to the benefits of having one machine with increased versatility on the jobsite instead of multiple machines. In order to achieve that versatility, more and more attachments are being made available to the […]

Cat® M Series Medium Wheel Loaders just got more efficient with Cat Production Measurement, a Cat Connect Payload technology that improves loading and hauling productivity in applications where customers require precision weighing and accurate loads. This on-the-go payload system weighs loads as the bucket is being loaded—with no interruption in the loading cycle. Advanced weighing […]