Dragline heavy equipment and machinery basics define the methods of purchasing draglines. A dragline is a machine that works like a crane but has a bucket that digs into the ground to excavate areas. Draglines are most commonly used in construction and surface mining operations. If your company is shopping for a dragline, learn the dragline heavy equipment and machinery basics to help narrow your search for equipment and save time.

When purchasing a dragline, first choose whether you need a construction or mining dragline machine. Construction draglines are generally used for road and port construction. Mining draglines are used in surface mining for materials such as coal and tar sand. Once you select a type of machine, choose between new and refurbished. Refurbished equipment is used equipment that has been overhauled and returned to like-new condition. Some refurbished draglines are available with a warranty.

1. Save money with a refurbished dragline.

2. Buy new construction dragline equipment.

3. Locate dragline mining equipment.

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Buy refurbished dragline heavy machinery

Used and refurbished dragline machinery costs up to 50% less than new versions of the same equipment. Refurbished versions are returned to factory working standards before they are resold. Ask the seller if a warranty is available with the machine before purchasing the equipment.

I recommend: Gerhart Machinery sells refurbished dragline heavy equipment. Visit Gene's Equipment Finder Service for used dragline equipment. Harold Howell Construction buys and sells used dragline construction equipment.

Buy construction dragline equipment

Construction draglines are designed to work for construction crews building and remodeling buildings, building roads and excavating ports. These draglines are smaller in size than the mining draglines so they can be more mobile at a worksite.

I recommend: Search the Crane Network for an American dragline. Find dragline heavy equipment and machinery for construction at Point2 Technologies. Bigge Crane and Rigging sells a wide variety of dragline machines used for construction.

Buy dragline mining equipment

Dragline mining equipment excavates surface areas or reduces overburden on coal mines. Mining draglines are larger than construction draglines and some weigh up to 1,3000 metric tons. These machines are designed to be used in one area for the life of the machine.

I recommend: Locate a Bucyrus dragline for your mining company at Bucyrus International. A.C.E. carries a wide rage of mining equipment including draglines. Proserv Crane sells and repairs cranes, hoists and draglines.

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• •  Draglines are among the largest of land running machinery and require an experienced driver to operate the controls. Simulators are available to train employees, however at least one experienced operator is preferred.

The right piece of dragline equipment can really make a difference in the efficiency of a mining or construction operation. And efficiency is the cornerstone to your business' success and to generating future business.

Searching for the right dragline heavy equipment and machinery can be challenging as there is so much to choose from and equipment specifications are important. Knowing where and how to look for the right equipment for your business is the key. When searching for dragline heavy equipment, make sure to do the following:

1. Make a list of available dragline heavy equipment and machinery that fits your project.

2. Find manufacturers that specialize in draglines for sale or rent.

3. Buy the dragline that's right for your job.

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Find dragline heavy machinery manufacturers

Leading American dragline makers provide catalogs of equipment for sale. The information will include dragline sizes, bucket capacities and weight they can lift. Study these features to find the dragline to fit your job.

I recommend: Bucyrus International has an impressive inventory of new and used draglines. View the pictures and accompanying details to discover the size, bucket capability and suspended load weight of each dragline. The Manitowoc Company owns several crane and dragline companies. Check each company to find a dragline for sale. Select models of interest and gather detailed information.

Find dragline mining equipment for rent in dealers' online catalogs

Many heavy equipment dealers provide online catalogs of dragline equipment for rent. The entries identify the piece of equipment, current location, condition and other details of interest to buyers. Often the dragline offerings are categorized by make or purpose.

I recommend: Check Rock & Dirt for a variety of dragline models for rent. Review the offerings of draglines, noting the availability date under each image, and read the product information at the bottom of the page pertaining to availability. Fill in the "Equipment for Rent" form to access other information. Essex Crane Rental specializes in dragline rentals. Each display gives information on the maker, type, weight specifications as well as the lift and duty cycle. There are more rentals under "Additional Cranes."

Purchase your dragline equipment

The dragline marketplace is very competitive and pricing is negotiable to a certain point. Once you find pieces of equipment to buy, request quotes from the dealers for comparison.

I recommend: BoomTruck.com has of hundreds of new and used draglines for sale. Find the year, make, model, price, location and a brief description of machinery that interests you. Although Machinery Trader specializes in Komatsu equipment, they also have several brands of draglines for sale or rent. Review the information about various makes and models.

Tips & Tactics

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• •  If you plan to purchase used dragline equipment from online sellers, be sure to discuss product certification, buyer protection, warranties or guarantees in case the product is not in the condition promised or doesn't perform as expected.

Dragline heavy equipment and machinery education and training are important for the safety of the operator, the safety of those around the construction site, and for ensuring that one completes the job properly. Dragline offers several different types of heavy equipment. The operation and maintenance of one piece may differ from the others. Those in the field recommend that the operator have an intensive education of the piece. Knowing information about other pieces of heavy equipment is a plus for obtaining and keeping a construction or contractor job.

American Dragline manufacturers and distributors should also have Dragline heavy equipment and machinery education and training. Customers prefer buying from dealers who are knowledgeable and have information to share. When considering the ways to become more informed about the operation and details of Dragline heavy equipment, consider the following:

1. What types of formal education will help increase your knowledge of Dragline heavy equipment?

2. How can one gain up-to-date information or seek a refresher on information about Dragline heavy machinery?

3. How can one learn information about specific pieces of Dragline equipment such as a Dragline excavator?

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Complete a training program on operating heavy equipment such as Dragline equipment

Training programs are lengthier than seminars and offer more detailed information. Most heavy equipment courses describe the operation and maintenance of a variety of heavy equipment pieces. One finds these programs at technology centers and other educational institutions. Completing select courses or a full program is the most effective way to gain Dragline heavy equipment education and training.

I recommend: Dragline World offers training for heavy equipment operators. While Dragline World focuses on several aspects, Dragline mining equipment is the main theme. Track Operator Training offers training programs for the operation of heavy equipment.

Consider attending heavy equipment seminars for up-to-date Dragline equipment training

Seminars are a great way to stay up-to-date and refreshed on heavy equipment operation. Seminars are typically one to three days long and offer information on specific aspects. Many companies send employees to seminars for additional training. Seminar presenters describe new equipment features or ideas in the heavy equipment operation industry.

I recommend: Certified Slings offers seminars on heavy equipment. The website offers suggestions on which members of the construction team should attend the seminars. Equipment World Magazine has several different types of seminars and events. Check out the monthly calendar for location and events.

Research articles to learn details about specific pieces of Dragline equipment

Search resources for information about particular models that offer specific details for a certain piece of equipment. Excavator operators can search and read about Dragline excavators while those operating Dragline buckets need readings on bucket operation. Avoid searching through unneeded information on other equipment pieces.

I recommend: One Mine offers a paper reporting details about the condition monitoring of Dragline equipment. WIPO gives details on some innovations in the dragline bucket.

Tips & Tactics

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• •  Consider training in servicing heavy equipment. Large pieces of Dragline equipment are expensive to repair and purchase. Knowing how to care for the heavy is important for proper operation and to extend its life.

Dragline equipment and machinery is mainly used in the civil engineering and strip mining industries. Dragline equipment consists of excavation buckets, booms, crawler cranes, jibs and backhoes. Some types of cranes can be equipped to operate like a dragline excavator but are mainly used for lifting and lowering the dirt or coal dug up by the dragline bucket. Dragline equipment is also commonly known as earthmoving machinery. Get an overview of the earthmoving industry by viewing the following key terms.

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Dragline excavators

Dragline excavators are heavy machinery used in strip mining, civil engineering and surface mining. Smaller scale excavators are used for port and road construction. Simply put, they dig very deep holes in the ground for a specific use and purpose.

I recommend: Excavation equipment describes a dragline excavator and how to operate one.

Dragline bucket

The dragline bucket is the apparatus or attachment on the end of the dragline excavator that scoops up and digs out material such as dirt, coal or sand. The bucket is controlled by numerous electric powered ropes and chains.

I recommend: MiningWeekly.com highlights the release of VR Steel's R4-million dragline bucket. The bucket's design, performance and maintenance are discussed. Mining-technology.com gives you a visual of a dragline bucket, dragline rigging and other dragline equipment.

Mobile hydraulic crane

Mobile cranes have a large variety of uses in construction. A crane is a lifting device used to move, lower and lift materials. A hydraulic crane can be converted to an earthmover by adding a dragline and a scoop.

I recommend: BNET describes mobile hydraulic cranes and their uses. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority gives a visual of a mobile hydraulic crane in use.

Backhoe loader

A backhoe loader is used for small or medium sized hole digging or excavation projects. A backhoe loader consists of a bucket, front shovel, tractor and a backhoe at its tail end.

I recommend: Excavation Equipment World gives an overview of a backhoe loader and its uses.

Lattice-boom crawler cranes

Lattice-boom crawler cranes were developed in 1999. These new cranes were an improvement over past cranes and possessed hydraulic powered swing systems, propel and hoist drums. The operator's cabin was also updated with comfort in mind.

I recommend: ArabianBusiness.com discusses lattice-boom crawler cranes and their affinity for lifting extremely heavy loads.

Dragline oiler

A dragline oiler is responsible for cleaning and properly oiling the dragline as well as inspecting and making certain the dragline is in good condition. The dragline oiler must also document all problems found on the dragline on a daily basis.

I recommend: Global InfoMine gives a full job description and qualifications necessary for the position of a dragline oiler.