Aquality crew needs an ace — just like every winning team needs a hard-nosed, go-to guy who can do everything faster and better than the rest. He can lift more, quicker, getting the job done with no bones about a long day of hard work.

Landscape contractors need such strongmen out in the field, spearheading their crews, multi-tasking onsite and getting projects finished on time. Sometimes this ace can be a versatile and powerful piece of equipment, engineered to dig, lift or carry longer and harder than any employee of the month. more

Nothing alleviates the heat of summer like enjoying the cool confines of a water feature. A water garden, or pond, can be an enviable feature for a home’s exterior — it can provide a soothing environment for the homeowner and can add significantly to a home’s value. But building a pond can be an arduous task, even for a pro. It can take days or may even stretch over several weeks.

Pond construction is physically grueling. The conventional back-breaking method of building a small water garden is usually with a shovel, mattock and wheelbarrow. So pond builders are always looking for tools and tricks of the trade that will help them build better ponds faster and easier. And today, some pond builders may have found a new alternative — compact utility loaders. more

Gone are the days of the wrecking ball. Today, demolition is a precise method of reconstruction, dismantling structures in a manner that not only allows crews to control where the debris falls, but also leaves portions of the structure intact for renovation. Controlled demolition involves using the next generation of machinery, including compact excavators, to break up, sort through and haul away debris.

“The size, the swing, the reach and the versatility of compact excavators are perfect for demolition duty,” says Bill Parker, Terex Construction product manager. “And despite their smaller size, compact excavators really do have the power to take on all types of demolition work.” more

Cheaper alternatives are always a temptation, but oftentimes those low-cost carriers equate to a second-rate value. Low-price substitutes can leave you with a feeling of emptiness — whether it’s with machinery, replacement parts, health benefits or cell phone coverage.

The same can be true when shopping for a new insurance broker, but the empty feeling radiates directly from your pocketbook. Today’s best brokers do far more than place policies or bonds, they provide strategic business solutions — much like an attorney or a CPA — that can help protect your business and build your bottom line. more