Conduct daily walkaround inspections

It is essential that operators perform daily walkaround inspections for any equipment that is used on a jobsite. A careful inspection will allow small issues to be addressed before they become larger, more expensive and potentially dangerous problems. If any issues are noticed, operators should report them immediately and should not use the machine.

Examinations should include:

• Looking for any fluids on the ground around a parked machine
• Fluid and battery levels
• Tire condition and inflation level
• Horns and lights
• Safety gear, including seat belt and backup alarms

Look and Listen for Equipment Irregularities

It's important for operators to be alert for potential equipment malfunctions on the jobsite. Things to look for include intermittent electrical failures, inappropriate noises, cracks or other signs of impending breakage, and any damage to a machine.

Know what situations increase the risk of tipping or overturning

Fast swings of a load put machines at risk. Be sure operators are moving loads carefully and adhering to prudent speed limits. Never exceed the working range or lifting capacity of a piece of equipment and keep the machine as level as possible when operating.

Test drive before purchasing

Renting is an easy, obligation-free way to try out a piece of construction equipment that you aren't certain about buying. It's also a great method of determining whether or not a machine meets your size, power, productivity, and fuel-efficiency needs.

Rent on your schedule

Pittman Tractor's flexible rentals offer daily, weekly, and monthly rental rates, making it easy to only pay for construction equipment rentals when you need them. Return the machine when you don't need it, pick it back up again when you do. For added convenience, we offer jobsite delivery and pickup via our fleet of delivery trucks and trailers.

Perfect for specialized and short term projects

If you need a specialized piece of construction machinery for a short-term or one-time job, renting is very likely your best option. Instead of having to buy a new piece of equipment that may do more or less than you need it to, renting allows you to operate the specific type and size of equipment that best fits the job.

» Check Out Our Rental Fleet

Tips and Best Practices

General safety instructions

• Always conduct a complete safety check and daily walkaround to identify potential hazards.
• Only trained and experienced drivers should operate rollers and other road construction equipment.
• Find out where fire extinguishers, first aid supplies and alarm telephones are located before beginning work.
• Drive slowly in sharp bends and avoid driving across slopes. Always drive straight up or straight down the slope.
• No crew members should ever position themselves between the paver and a hauling truck backing into the hopper.
• Ensure there are no obstacles or obstructions in the direction of travel of paving and compaction equipment, either on the ground or overhead.
• Always use the machine's ROPS (roll over protective structure) when operating on uneven or unsafe ground.
• Use steps and handholds to climb safely into trucks and equipment.
• Inform the operator before climbing into a truck bed.
• Do not climb onto truck running boards, unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Do not distract equipment operators with excessive talking.
• Keep other vehicles that aren't in use parked out of the way of traffic.
• Use hearing protection if the noise level exceeds 80 dB(A).
• Avoid operating rollers near edges and ditches, as the ground conditions and bearing strength may not support the roller.
• Always drink plenty of water when working on a road or paving job during the summer, as heat exhaustion can set in suddenly.

What to wear

• Always wear long sleeve shirts and full length pants to protect arms and legs. Clothing should not be loose fitting, however, as loose clothing can get caught in moving parts.
• Ensure your crew uses safety vests and colored jackets so they are easily visible while working on the road.
• Hard hats should be worn at all times in order to prevent falling or flying objects that could result in serious or life threatening head injuries.
• ANSI approved safety glasses should be worn at all times to avoid eye injuries. Approved glasses are marked on the frame, lens or both.
• Wear steel toe work boots that extend above the ankle and have non-skid holes.
• Use gloves to protect hands while climbing in and out of equipment.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to reduce emissions by treating exhaust gases after they have left the engine.

DEF makeup and purpose

DEF is a non-hazardous solution made up of purified water and urea. It is not a fuel additive. Colorless and similar to baking soda in its alkalinity (pH), DEF breaks down nitrogen oxides in the exhaust stream in order to meet emissions control standards. This technology is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and is used in select models of Tier 4 equipment to meet applicable standards.

Tips for use and storage

• Store DEF at a temperature between 32°F and 86°F.
• Keep DEF out of direct sunlight.
• DEF should only be stored in a plastic or stainless steel container, as it can cause rust to form in raw steel containers.
• Use only a DEF nozzle. DEF tanks are sized to allow only a DEF fill nozzle to be inserted, ensuring that the proper fluid is pumped into the tank.
• Keep a supply of DEF available, because equipment will cease to operate once the DEF tank is dry. DEF tanks will hold between 15 and 50 gallons, depending on the size and horsepower of your equipment.

Fluid level indicators

• A DEF gauge shows the fluid level and indicates when it is time to refill.
• A series of warnings will alert the operator when the DEF fluid level is at less than 10% of capacity.
• Engine power is reduced if the DEF tank contains less than 5% of its capacity, although you will typically have enough power to travel a short distance and add more fluid to the tank.
• The DEF tank needs to be filled once for every 3 to 4 times that you refuel with diesel fuel. This frequency will vary with operating conditions.

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