That’s really rough to put it mildly. When work is slow the desire for efficiency decreases, and spreading work out longer is more desirable. I’ve noticed a huge drop in contract climbing requests, which I attribute to those factors. Diversify, find new markets, or sell. All potentially challenging choices.
Agreed. I see so many interesting uses for the Kboom based on how they're used overseas but don't know how the same operations are done in the states. How do they commercial glass in the US? The Knucklebooms with suction devices do it overseas. I just don't know how to break into those markets.
Under bid by others or just no calls?
Stow that grapple.
I don't bid. I'm a sub and go out by the hour. No calls
Can't break in to that market. There's over 12 multi unit stick crane companies around here. We're heavy industry all over. These guys probably think I deliver shingles and sheetrock. Plus you can get a 33t stick for $100 less an hour than what I charge. I'm racking my brain trying to figure out how to break into something outside tree work. Even setting commercial glass panels like they do in the UK. I searched the net today and cant even figure out who the players are in the commercial glass market. I'm set up for doing everything a stick cant. I just cant find the people who need that.
I was thinking the same thing. My little Hoeflon C10 is absolutely perfect for that, and the attachment is on the shelf at the dealer. It would mean talking to contractors and glaziers alike. I’m lucky that tree work in my area is still bangin like a drum.
If you had gotten out in front of the micro brewery trend that unit would be perfect for setting vats.
I'd have to up my insurance and get a blanket Workmans comp policy. I did that the first couple years and quickly grew very tired of dealing with the headaches. I just gave all my work to my favorite contractor. I used to get lots of calls. I rarely get any now. I feel like I'd rather have somebody else have the job and just bring me in.
We do a mix of our own work and sub-contract with our C10. It’s probably less than 10% sub work, and even at that it’s a LOT to juggle. Whenever we are scheduling a week containing both I get that feeling that one path or the other would feel less stressful, but it always seems to work out in the end. Having my wife to work the admin side with me is invaluable and couldn’t imagine doing it all on my own. Office management can be important even for a small operation when other companies’ work and related timelines are in the mix. Add weather and it’s enough to want to pull your hair out!
A sign of the times. LOL
Had to make the edit. Guess we’re not so woke?
We knew what you meant.
I think blaming the use out of towners to do work as a contributor as “a less stable society” is a bit of a stretch.
I'm surprised at that. Maybe we need to get you up to Jersey for a few jobs.
I'm surprised too. I'm always open to that but I think Rick is struggling also. I wouldn't wanna take any opportunities from him!! If the opportunity ever comes up I'd love to chat. Thanks Mark
I'm happy things are running smoothly for you. You've earned that for sure!!
