Construction Blog

Fitting a Traffic Arrow Board to Your Full-Size Pickup

Traffic Arrow Boards are an important part of construction site safety, particularly in the case of road and highway construction. Arrow boards come in a variety of styles and sizes to meet the needs of any job. From towable towers to mountable truck units, each can be very useful in the field. If you're considering a truck-mounted unit, you may have some questions about how the board will integrate with your current set up. 

Basically, there are four ways you might mount a board to your current vehicle: Tailgate Mount, Bed Rail Rack, Bed Floor Rack, and Bulk Head Rack. I've posted images of each style below for you to review.

 
  As you can see, each of these mounting options can accommodate a variety of situations. Generally a full-size pickup with a regular, enclosed bed would use either a bed rail rack or bed floor rack system to mount the arrow board properly. Utility, sewer, dump, and other heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles will generally require a tailgate style mount or a bulk head mount. Each of these mounting styles can be purchased in a manual tilt or power tilt option. The power tilt arrow board allows you to control the board's tilt from the cab of your truck. Some applications find this feature very necessary, and others that are price conscious or have a tailgate mounted unit don't find it to be a necessity at all. It generally will come down to preference. However, I would recommend a power tilt unit almost 100% of the time. Keep in mind, any time it's unsafe for an operator to get out of their vehicle to deploy a board roadside, a power tilt becomes very handy. Don't skimp on price early only to regret your decision on the road with cars flying by at 75 mph! 

Because mounting an arrow board can be confusing and would be difficult to do on your own, Trafcon Industries has created several standard kits for full-size pickups. This includes both bed mounting options. The mounting kits included with either bed option, rail or floor, are capable of fitting any full-size pickup. So whether you have a Ford F-250 or a Chevrolet Silverado 2500, you'll be set with the Trafcon units.  If you have any questions about specific models, capabilities, or installation, please leave a comment below.
 

The Importance of Safety Equipment in Construction

Many of us underestimate the importance of safety in our everyday lives because we become complacent in our daily tasks. Whether it be driving, using the lawn mower, or trimming bushes, it's easy to let safety slip your mind. In construction, however, professionals do not have this liberty because the daily tasks they participate in can be far more dangerous. Complacency in the work place could result in serious injury.  That is why it is so vital for construction professionals to operate machinery and equipment in the safest possible manner, as well as use the necessary safety equipment to protect themselves.

Safety equipment can range from hard hats and gloves, to eye protection and first aid kits. No matter the type of construction your job requires, do not overlook your safety equipment needs. The most common types of safety equipment needed on construction sites, or at home, are work gloves and and eye protection or safety glasses. Because these items are so common, many variations exist and you are sure to find the pair of either that best suits your needs. From clear safety glasses and safety sunglasses to safety over-glasses and prescription safety glasses, the options are limitless. Clear safety glasses tend to be the most common style available. These glasses generally don't provide any side or peripheral protection, thus are typically considered to be 'head-on' protection. Don't let style or fit be an excuse for not purchasing safety glasses, there are too many options for those to be legitimate reasons! 

Work gloves tend to be even more important on a wider array of jobs. Protect your hands from abrasive materials, cuts, and blisters. Keeping your hands in top condition will be crucial to the success of your project. There are work gloves designed for just about any application. From knit gloves with rubber dots for increased grip in cold weather, to rubber-coated abrasive resistant gloves for moving abrasive building materials.  Choose the style and size of glove that best suits your needs.

Eye and hand protection tend to be the most common and important protection on light to medium-duty construction sites. However, heavy construction, particularly commercial and industrial building applications often require the use of hard hats and other safety equipment like harnesses and steel-toe boots. Please share your specific experiences and comments regarding safety equipment below. We will be posting more detailed articles about OSHA regulation and safety requirements for various types of construction soon.

 

Choosing Between a Steel and Aluminum Concrete Bucket

You're in charge of researching and purchasing equipment for your company.  The next job requires the use of a 2 cubic yard concrete bucket to place the aggregate high off the ground on a commercial construction project.  There are many buckets to choose from, different shapes and sizes, and also different materials. The most common material used in constructing concrete buckets is steel, however, many manufacturers are moving to aluminum as well.  Which one is better? How do you choose between the two?

Generally, steel's advantages are limited to cost (they tend to be a little cheaper in comparable sizes) and durability (there's less of a need to be careful during transportation and pouring).  However, Aluminum Concrete Buckets offer far more advantages.  

Aluminum buckets will help your organization save time and money.  Because of the weight difference in aluminum and steel, aluminum buckets allow you to pour more concrete per crane cycle.  A lightweight aluminum bucket cuts dead weight and allows you to lift more concrete payload.  Aluminum buckets from M&B Mag are designed by engineers and concrete pouring experts to provide stability and structural strength that exceeds industry standards. The large diameter and round discharge on M&B Mag's Aluminum Buckets prevents segregation and provides fast, smooth concrete placement. A low loading height on aluminum buckets can make them even more versatile.  

Considering the minimal cost increase and the increased life and payload of aluminum concrete buckets over steel, the decision should be easy.  If you're not convinced, here are a few more 'contractor approved features' that M&B Mag prides itself on providing customers:

  

 

• Durable, thick, cast aluminum discharge cone
• Superior, concrete-tight, clamshell gate
• Uncomplicated and easily maintained steel gate opening gears, gate, return springs and handle
• Wire rope sling is standard, allowing unobstructed concrete loading in any position
• Balanced, precise control, spring-returned handle allows efficient one man operation
• Load-supporting bottom ring provides increased stability and superior gate protection

If you have any questions or personal experiences with concrete placing, in particular concrete buckets, please do not hesitate to leave your comments.