As the year comes to a close, we take a look at some of the most popular stories on www.digdifferent.com. If you missed any of these, now is your chance to catch up.
10. Excavator Operator Reflects on Suez Canal Job
Back in late March, Abdullah Abdul-Gawad was called on to help dislodge the Ever Given container ship that had become stuck in the Suez Canal, putting a halt to traffic flow on a key shipping route for days. In this article, he discussed the experience.
9. Historic Infrastructure Bill Will Put Contractors to Work
Something that will shape 2022 and subsequent years occurred in November, when President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law that means plenty of opportunities for contractors in the underground utilities sector.
8. 3 Questions to Ask When an Employee Makes a Mistake
No employee, no human is infallible. The best companies understand this and do their best to hire and train right so that mistakes are few and far between. Still, things can sometimes go wrong. This article focused on how business owners can avoid that initial reaction of frustration and instead develop ways to set up employees for success.
7. Contractor Finds Marketing Success Through Instagram
There was a time when Chad Porter, owner of West Coast Hydro Services in suburban Vancouver, British Columbia, used to make fun of Instagram. But now he’s dead serious about its capabilities as a marketing tool. This article looked at how Porter has used it to grow his business.
6. Doing a Cost Comparison Between Pipe Lining and Traditional Excavation
Is pipe lining truly worth it? In this article, industry veteran John Heisler, of Pipe Lining Supply, broke down some numbers using a fictional scenario to show exactly how lining stands up to the standard dig-and-replace method.
5. Comparing Wheeled Skid Steers vs. Compact Track Loaders
Wheeled skid steers’ popularity peaked in the mid-2000s. Since then, compact track loaders have taken the lead. But both machines have their advantages depending on what you value most. This article examined the areas where each machine excels.
4. A Flexible PVC Pipe Lining System Conforms to Any Host Pipe Shape
A pipe lining system that conforms to any host pipe shape — square, round, ovate and anything in between — might sound highly implausible. But it’s reality for Ontario’s Clearwater Structures, which explained the system that it uses in this article.
3. How to Handle a Good Employee Quitting
You want to retain good employees, not see them leave. But if it does happen to you, this article provided some advice on how to best respond.
2. Know Your Diesel Exhaust Fluid Best Practices
In an effort to meet EPA standards, diesel exhaust fluid is commonly used on the latest equipment to reduce nitrogen oxides in emissions. This article covered a few things that are important to know about how to use and store it.
1. Buyer Beware: A Used Construction Equipment Checklist
Equipment is expensive, which is why going the used route can be attractive. Still, you ultimately need the equipment to be reliable for you on the job site, otherwise there’s no point to trying to save a little money. The most-read article of 2021 offered some tips about purchasing used equipment.
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