The basic place to start is with the cab of the machine. Working in the Crested Butte, Gunnison, Telluride and Ouray areas means extremely cold weather and most of you are prepared by having enclosed cabs. Are the windows and windshields in operating order? What about windshield wipers and heaters? Our parts department is trained to source the glass you need, including Caterpillar, Terex, JLG and Genie glass. We do offer 3^rd party windshield wipers that are designed to stand up to the wear and tear of dirty and hard-working job sites. When calling in it is best to have the equipment make, model and serial number on hand to streamline the ordering process.

Another simple maintenance project is replacing any damaged or worn hydraulic hoses. With our stock of Parker hydraulic fittings and hoses it is easy to bring in the hose you need replaced and we build the hose to match your current one. You want to replace any hose that is sun damaged, worn or frayed because as the months get colder the hydraulic oil becomes more viscous and takes longer to warm up in the machine. The thicker the oil the more strain is put on the hydraulic hoses and system.

If you don’t feel comfortable taking the hoses off the equipment to replace them, we can do it for you. Bigger projects like booms hoses are better to do in house, just because of the length and tight spaces that you must work in, we are specifically equipped for that type of task. Black Dog Equipment also offers on-site hose building. Our outside equipment service truck is equipped with a multitude of fittings and hose options to get you back on the project fast!

Batteries and cold weather don’t really go well together with heavy equipment and that is another area to look at as the weather starts to get colder. During cold weather service, checking the batteries for a good charge and making sure water and acid levels are full is a great beginning step. Starting equipment causes a large pull of power from the batteries through the starting components. So having the appropriate amount of power is recommended. Fun fact, at 32 Degrees Fahrenheit a battery is only operating at 20 percent of its normal operating compacity. That level drops to 50 percent of normal operating capacity at -22 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not unheard of in western Colorado. In short servicing and replacing batteries regularly is very important for peak operation of equipment during the winter months.

Safety is the top priority of all jobsites and having the proper lights on the equipment is necessary. During winter months there are a lot of hours of work that can be done in the dark, and being well prepared will keep you working. Damaged lights on equipment is a safety red flag and all equipment is different. Our parts team is specifically trained in ordering those safety flashers, reverse lights, brake lights and headlights on all equipment. We can source the parts for most JLG, Genie, Caterpillar, Toro and more types of equipment! Please remember to have the machine make, model and serial number ready when you call.

The post If you’re cold they’re cold… Be prepared for the winter weather! appeared first on Black Dog Equipment.

The clocks have changed and the days are shorter – which means winter is almost here – but don’t let the changing seasons keep you from getting your jobs done right.

The list of home and business projects are endless, but there are certain jobs that almost always take place in the winter. Renting equipment from a professional rental company ensures that the equipment is always clean and in proper running condition. If you own your own equipment, the upkeep alone can cost you precious time and money, which some project deadlines don’t allow much room for.

Black Dog Equipment offers many equipment rental options but here are some that can aid you in your winter projects:

Log Splitter

Keep warm this winter season with logs you split yourself, but with the ease of a log splitter! Our 30-ton log splitter rental is a piece of equipment used for splitting firewood from logs that have been pre-cut in sections. The machine we rent out can cut a max log size of 25” x 16” using 3500lbs psi. You can request the 2” ball/hitch if needed. This log splitter cycles in 14 seconds and includes an automatic return.

Lifts

You got the inside of your house all cozy warm, now it’s time to light up the outside with some festive holiday lights! Don’t pull a Clark Griswold and staple your shirt to the house with your staple gun, causing yourself to lose your ladder (movie reference), instead, rent a man lift or a scissor lift to hang those lights with ease.

What goes up must always come down, when you’re ready to take down your lights the man lift or scissor lift is perfect for that too!

We offer lifts that vertical reach from 19′ to 60′. Currently, our maximum horizontal reach is 50’8” with our Genie S-60 man lift. For your convenience, Black Dog Equipment also offers a tow-able man lift, the Haulotte 4527A. This can be hauled with a normal half-ton pickup truck.

Construction

Although winter isn’t the most ideal time of the year to start new construction, sometimes that’s just how it happens. If you need a hand with your heavy lifting, we have the equipment to help! Our telehandlers can lift up to 10,000lbs! Need an attachment for that? We offer multiple attachments for all-terrain forklifts/telehandlers including a truss boom and a man basket attachment.

If your new construction requires some digging, we can help with that too. There is no need to break your back with the repetitive motion of a hand-held shovel, especially when you can sit in comfort in one of our backhoes or mini excavators. All in the name of convenience we can also cater to your bucket size needs.

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Did you know Silica dust exists primarily as quartz and is the second most common mineral in the earth’s crust and can be very dangerous? Silica dust is very common and can be a hazardous mineral compound found in numerous industries, the construction industry is one of them. Any occupation that involves the handling or use of rock, brick, or sand, or participates in drilling, quarrying, or tunneling carries the risk of silica exposure. When silica particles are inhaled, they become embedded in the lungs. The lung tissues react by forming scarring around the trapped particles. This scarring will make the lungs stiff, reducing the function of the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Inhaling silica dust can lead to fatal lung cancers and diseases, most notably silicosis- an incurable disabling lung disease.

Identifying Hazards

There’s a good chance you could be using products or materials that contain silica and not even know it. You should be aware of the possibility of silicosis and silica hazards if your workplace is dusty, or the materials you work with produce dust.

Activities that may involve silica exposure

Manufacturing: Metal casting, working with glass products and ceramics, asphalt paving material, cutting stone, and painting.

Construction: Chipping, hammering or drilling rock, abrasive blasting, crushing, loading, hauling and dumping rock, cement work- sawing, hammering, drilling, grinding, chipping or demolition of masonry or concrete.

Prevention & Protection

• Install dust-collection systems on machines that generate dust
• Don’t blow dust around with compressed air or sweep it, instead remove dust and debris with a wet vacuum or hose
• Use dust masks or respirators
• Wash your hands after using materials that contain silica
• Change clothes before leaving work to avoid carrying silica dust home

Symptoms of Silicosis

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• A persistent cough
• Bluish skin
• Fever
• Rapid breathing
• Weight loss/loss of appetite
• Dark spots on fingernail beds

As mentioned before, silicosis cannot be cured, but the progress of it can be stopped! In the early stages of silicosis, it can go undetected for years. Even x-rays may not show anything until after 15 years of exposure. If you believe you’re being exposed to silica dust, or have been in the past, visit a doctor who knows about lung diseases.

Now that you know more, if your job may be exposing you to silica dust make sure to take precautions and do all you can to prevent inhaling it. Here at Black Dog Equipment, we not only care about you having the equipment you need, we care about your safety.

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It can be frustrating to sort through the municipal codes and regulations. So, we’ve saved you the trouble! Below are a few scenarios that determine whether or not you need a permit. Remember, permits should be part of the planning phase, so you can begin working as soon as they are approved. Once you’re ready to break ground, our rental equipment selection will provide you the tools needed to get the job done.

Barns vs. Shed

Both Montrose and Ouray counties categorize barns and sheds differently. Furthermore, the regulations can depend on where you reside. For example, if you plan to build a standard-sized barn on your property, you have to file through the county or city. However, if you plan to just have a loafing shed, or a single-story storage shed, then no permit is required. There is one caveat–your shed has to be under 120 sq ft in Montrose, and 200 sq ft in Ouray, for it to be exempted.

If you have larger dreams of building a second home for your mother-in-law, or to become a rental property owner, there are some restrictions to consider. In Montrose, you can build a second home that connects to your septic, as long as you have a minimum of three acres. Or, if you have many acres, you can build one home, and one septic system, for each additional three acres. Either way, if you are building anything above 120 sq ft, you need a permit.

On the Fence?

A new fence can provide aesthetic qualities and utilitarian function to your home. Safety for children and pets are the most common reason to build a fence. However, many people also desire privacy, especially if you live in a residential neighborhood. Depending on your zip code, and the height of your fence, you may or may not need a permit.

If you’re a resident within city limits, you will need a permit for any fencing project. Most commonly, city dwellers cannot exceed 4′ in height when located within the required front yard setback and 6′ elsewhere. For most people, you won’t need anything taller than a 4′ or 6′ fence. Just in case, did you know that you can have an 8′ backyard fence as long as it doesn’t impede visibility for vehicles?

Outside of the city limits, it’s a different ball game. For any fence under 6′, you do not need a permit. This rings true for Ouray as well. If you’re planning a 6′ or taller fence, then you’ll have to complete a permit application. In fact, in Ouray county, any fence above 6′ is considered a structure. This can interfere with the county’s Visual Impact Corridors, which keeps structures from ruining the beautiful scenery in the area. Be sure to conduct due diligence before building that 6′ – 12′ fence.

Remember, on the Western Slope we have to dig holes below the frost line. The amount of feet you have to dig differs from town-to-town, and it can vary between 2-4 feet. Save yourself the trouble of manually digging your post holes and rent our pneumatic post driver.

Landscaping

Ready to spruce up your yard? For most cosmetic upgrades, you won’t need to worry about obtaining a permit. But who wants to go small these days? Here are two instances in which you’ll need a permit:

A pond. If you’ve been wanting to add a water feature on your property, you’ll have to secure a permit– no matter the size or depth of your watering hole. Since a pond exposes groundwater, you will need a well permit from the State of Colorado. In addition, you will need to obtain water storage rights. If you’ve gone through the proper channels, then what are you waiting for? We have the perfect backhoe to get the job done.

We’re pretty sure that the Western Slope is not only named for being located west of the Rocky Mountains, we think that it’s because of all the many slopes people have in their yards. If you have a sloped yard, then retaining walls are the best way to control downhill erosion. Depending on the size of a retaining wall you wish to build, you’ll need to acquire a permit. According to both Montrose and Ouray, any retaining wall above 4′ requires a permit. Once you’ve secured your permit, we’ve got all the tools you need to get started.

Permit, Schmermit?

Since waiting for a permit to be issued can take between 2 to 4 weeks, we understand that doing things the right way can take a little longer. Cutting corners, however, can leave you in between a rock and a hard place. Remodeling without a permit can actually decrease the value of your home. For instance, if you go ahead an build that barn sans permit, the insurance company will not cover any damages. Moreover, if you ever plan to sell your property with your new upgrades, the buyers will undoubtedly want to see the appropriate paperwork. If you can’t produce the permits, then you may lose out on costs. Finally, it’s never good to be on the wrong side of the law. Give your local offices a call if you have any permit doubts.

The post Do I Need a Permit for That? appeared first on Black Dog Equipment.

Skid Steer/Loader

This small, but mighty, machine gets an A+ in maneuverability, which means it’s perfect for small spaces. From hauling bales of hay, removing snow, or preparing gardens, this piece of equipment is more affordable than the larger track loaders. Ask us about the types of attachments we offer. Renting the right attachment may improve the speed and efficiency of your task. Whatever project you’ve imagined, the skid steer is a workhorse that will tackle any farm or construction job.

Mini Excavator

Now we’re talking farm equipment. With the 360 degree swing capacity, a mini excavator can make your life easier by moving earth and piling materials in a safe, and effective, manner. Planting a small orchard on your property? A mini excavator can easily trench a line for planting multiple trees, maximizing your chances of pollination. We know that some properties may have slopes and uneven spaces. This machine will come in handy for leveling that ideal spot for your future greenhouse or loafing shed.

Front-End Loader

Sometimes farming can be backbreaking work, but that doesn’t mean you have to literally break your back. Keep your eyes peeled for a front-end loader attachment for either your tractor or skid steer. Better yet, rent a backhoe for your major projects. Use a front-end loader for all of your lifting needs, especially for lifting materials to out of reach heights. Farming in the high desert is not without its challenges, and we can attest that many rocks live underneath the top soil. Give us a call to see what’s available to expedite your backyard build.

Dump Trailer

Let’s face it: dumping has to happen. Whether you are bringing in supplements to amend your soil, mulch to protect your plants, or any other reason you can fathom for using a trailer, a dump trailer saves you both time and energy. While a dump trailer requires more money up front, it may actually save you money in the long run. If money is tight, or you lack the storage capacity for a trailer, consider renting one for your larger tasks. Why spend a day unloading materials when it can be unloaded in one drop of a trailer? If farming is your business, you have better things to do.

A Farming Fad?

Hundreds of families across Colorado are headed back to our agricultural heritage, determined to get their hands back into the earth. These are just a few multi-functional tools that can get your Hobby Farm up and running. Hobby Farming is here to stay, and will likely expand into larger cooperative options for local communities. Let us help you with your farming needs, whether it be rentals, sales, or maintenance. Be sure check out our equipment rental, and equipment sales information.

No project is too large, or small, it’s just a matter of having the right equipment.

The post Big Ideas, Small Spaces: A Glance Into Hobby Farms appeared first on Black Dog Equipment.

“Ruff!” I’m Baxter and I put the ‘Dog’ in Black Dog Equipment. While wandering around the lot, I noticed two very similar machines with one major difference. One had tires, like on the cars I chase, and the other had tracks. “So what’s the difference?” I asked myself. I decided to follow my people around the store to find out.

Skid Steer or Compact Track

What I’ve heard from my owners is that one is called a skid steer loader and the other is a compact track loader. When my owners use these I like chasing them around. The skid steers operate on concrete or asphalt, where they move quickly and easily. I really enjoy playing in the snow and mud but the skid steer has a hard time keeping up; this is where the compact track loader comes in. Its tracks grip onto soft surfaces and allow the chase to continue. From what I can gather, both do the job well. You just need to know what surfaces you’ll be driving on so you can choose the right one to use.

Why rent a Skid Steer

Using the information I could collect around the lot, I found promising qualities with the skid steer loader. The durability of tires means that it has no problem operating on surfaces that cars normally drive on. It is able to lift around 2000 lbs and its standard bucket can hold up to 0.6 cubic yards of material. I’m thinking it can haul a lot of bones! It is a go-to machine for various types of tasks including landscaping, construction, and even ice/snow removal. From what I understand, this machine doesn’t just move dirt. Using different attachments, it can also dig holes and lift things called pallets.

When renting the skid steer from us, a customer would get a smooth bucket attachment as the standard rental cost. Customers do have the option to rent a number of other attachments. Burying bones just got a whole lot easier!

Benefits of a Compact Track Loader

The compact track loader operates in a very similar fashion to the skid steer but is able to move through different terrains. The standard rental comes with a smooth bucket included but customers are able to rent many of the same attachments for the compact track loader that are available with the skid steer. I can collect a lot of bones with this loader as well! The compact track loader can lift almost 3,000 lbs and it can also hold up to 0.6 cubic yards of material! This loader is much more efficient when it comes to moving in terrain like mud and snow. While uneven terrain, slopes, and muddy or snowy ground conditions can be very challenging and tough on skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders are designed and built to handle these types of conditions. Put it this way, I was riding with my owner in one of these and jumped out into the mud, I was up to my belly in mud but the track loader stayed afloat. Although it is possible to use it on harder surfaces, the operator must be careful as its tracks are more susceptible to damage compared to the skid steer. Like getting a thorn in my paw, but much worse!

I’ve smelled contractors, landscapers, and snow removers, and many other types of people coming and renting these machines to help complete their tasks. Maybe you’d like to come visit us at Black Dog Equipment and rent either a skid steer loader or a compact track loader. Oh, and I wouldn’t mind if you gave me a tummy rub while you are here!

The post Baxter’s Blog: Tracks or Tires? appeared first on Black Dog Equipment.

Chainsaw

This is the first piece of equipment you will need, unless you are wanting to take a lifetime to use a handsaw to cut branches off your tree. Chainsaws may look pretty simple, but you will need to read the owner’s manual to make sure you understand it. The manual will help you understand all the controls and safety features. We’re here to tell you… ALWAYS follow the safety recommendations, your goal is to cut off a tree limb, not one of your own. A chainsaw will help you begin the process of getting the tree trimmed or taken completely out. How are you going to reach those tall branches, unless you’re the Jolly Green Giant, you’re going to need a towable man lift. Read the next explanation for information about this piece of equipment…

Towable Man Lift

Like we said, if you’re not the Jolly Green Giant, you’re probably going to need this. This piece of equipment will vertically reach 45 feet, we don’t know anyone that tall! If you’re needing to get high up to cut those upper branches down, this is the piece of equipment for you. We know it’s called a towable “man” lift, but women can use it too! So whether you’re a man or woman, getting high enough to reach those branches will be possible with the towable man lift. How are you going to get those branches broken down? Unless you have a pet beaver, you’re probably going to need a wood chipper…

Wood Chipper

This is a quick way to turn your branches into small pieces that are easy to haul. This is another piece of equipment you need to carefully read and follow the safety instructions for, because again you are trying to grind apart tree limbs, not your own! At this point in the project you’ll have all your tree branches cut, and if you are taking the entire tree out you’ll need your tree trunk cut down (as much as possible), and then you’ll need a stump grinder, because no amount of human strength is going to pull that thing out of the ground…

Stump Grinder

If you try to remove your tree stump with other methods you’ll probably end up with a hole the size of a Buick, so just stick to the stump grinder. This thing will do some serious damage to that annoying stump, and you’ll have it out of there in no time. So now that your tree(s) has been cut down and ground up, you’ll need a dump trailer to remove it all, unless you’d rather load it all up in trash bags and hall it to the dump yourself…

Dump Trailer

A dump trailer is well… just that, a trailer you use to haul stuff to the dump. Unfortunately, the trailer doesn’t load itself, so you’ll have to do that part. We recommend wearing some thick work gloves to protect your hands during this stage. After that’s all done the only thing left to do is dump it!

There you have it folks, all the tools you need to do tree care, all in one place! We’d be happy to answer any questions, so feel free to contact us. Rent all these equipment pieces from the one and only Black Dog Equipment.

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