Choose the right the first Time … In landfill

The “New Economy”

With the recent economic downturn, even Waste has seen a hit. Granted, people are still throwing away garbage but they are not the “consumers” they were just two short years ago. And, with the housing market in the tank, there is a “New Economy” coming to all industries, even Waste.

What does the New Economy mean to the landfill? Now, and in the future, it is even more important to choose the right machine. Big or small. Versatile or single purpose.

Over the years and working with different landfills, we have seen companies choose the right machines and save substantial dollars over the life of the landfill.  Savings range from optimum machine utilization to lowered maintenance/service costs.  Savings can add up to millions. 

So, what are your Buying questions?

What should landfill machine buyers be considering, you may ask?  Here are some of the things we ask customers…

Weather/Climate.  What is your annual rainfall?  How long is your rain season? Hot or cold climate?

1. 
   
   Waste Type.  What type of waste are you receiving?  MSW? C&D? Industrial? Combination of all?


2. 
   
   Application.  What is your jobsite like?  Are you working uphill, downhill or on the flat?


3. 
   
   Correct Configuration.  For dozers understand your track requirements, for compactors look at wheels and tips, and for both look at types of optional guarding and waste specific cooling systems. What type of blade will you need? Are you pushing trash or dirt?  Are you pushing a short distance or a long distance?


4. 
   
   Ease of Operation.  Do you want a high tech or simple machine?  What are the capabilities of your operator?


5. 
   
   Tons (tonnes) Received.  80% of daily trash comes in 30% of the workday, so don’t just look at tons per day.  When is the higher percentage of your trash coming in?  How is your trash transported to the landfill? Is it in 5-7 ton loads, 15-ton loads or semi trailer transfer loads?


6. 
   
   Multiple Tasks.  What is your annual budget?  Can you afford job specific machines or do you need a more versatile machine?  For example, can you afford a motor grader to maintain your haul roads or do you need a machine that can do production and site maintenance?


7. 
   
   Cover.  What are you going to use for cover?  What are your underfoot conditions like?  What are your haul roads like; can you use highway trucks? 


8. 
   
   Priorities.  Understand that there may be trade offs as you make your machine selection.  For example, a machine bought for its versatility may not be as productive as you want it to be.

Sometimes when asking these questions, customers give us strange looks.  Then, when we explain why, customers understand we are making sure we put the right equipment in their landfill.  So just out of curiosity, do you look at all these factors in your machine buying decision?  Are there other questions you ask to make sure you spec the right machine? 

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