Parking your heavy equipment using the correct technique is essential for keeping your machines in good condition and protecting your employees. Factors like ground condition, temperature, and engine heat all impact how to park your Cat® equipment.

By understanding and implementing proper parking techniques, you can ensure your work site is safe and productive.

There are many reasons to be deliberate about the way you park your Cat heavy equipment, including:

• Safety. Using best practices to park your equipment minimizes the risk of related injuries or accidents for an overall safer environment.
  
• Equipment condition. The right parking methods keep your machine and its attachments in proper working order so you can start each job quickly and efficiently.
• Cost savings. Keeping your machine in good condition through proper parking techniques maximizes your return on investment and reduces the risk of costly repairs and schedule delays.

The right parking technique involves more than just shutting down the machine. By following these recommendations for how to park your heavy equipment, you can keep your machines in better condition for longer and safeguard the work site:

1. Choose the right spot. Parking on level ground keeps you and your machine safe and makes it easier to get the equipment running. When parking outdoors, avoid hills and bumps that could tilt the machine while it's parked.
   
2. Approach your parking spot carefully. It's crucial to reduce your engine speed as you approach your parking location to gain better control of your equipment. Slowing down also prevents an abrupt stop that could damage the machine or cause injury.
3. Lower the attachments. If your machine has attachments, place them in the right position for parking. You should lower the blades, buckets, and other raised features when parking your equipment.
4. Let the equipment cool down. Once you've gotten to the right spot and lowered your attachments, shut the machine down properly. Start by disengaging the control system and allowing the engine to idle for approximately five minutes to prevent overheating. Next, move the controls slightly to relieve excess pressure and then turn off the machine.
5. Exit the machine using three points of contact. Use two hands and at least one foot to support your body when you dismount from the cab.

If you are looking for used heavy equipment, search our listings for high-quality, reliable solutions and contact your local Cat dealer to find out more about the machine you're interested in. You can also sign up for email alerts so that you are notified as soon as equipment becomes available.