equipment & product highlights

equipment & product highlights http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/sitevizcms/RSSFeed.cfm?nodeid=39663&audienceID=1 en-us Copyright 2026 Five Star Publishing All Rights Reserved. heidi@fivestarpublishing.com (Five Star Publishing) support@globalreach.com (Global Reach Internet Productions) Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:51:20 -0500 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:51:20 -0500 60 Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench Blades Cut Through Challenging Soils and Maintenance Costs http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16969/little_beavers_kwiktrench_blades__cut_through_challenging_soils_and_maintenance_costs Mon, 29 Feb 2016 19:28:07 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16969/little_beavers_kwiktrench_blades__cut_through_challenging_soils_and_maintenance_costs Little Beaver’s Super Blade Plus and Super Xtra Rock Teeth feature bolt-on teeth that give the Kwik-Trench an edge over other earth saws for cutting through different soil types, minimizing costs and maximizing uptime. The Kwik-Trench, the fastest mini-trencher on the market, is powerful enough to cut through 4-inch tree roots, and with its interchangeable teeth system it also cuts down on maintenance time and teeth replacement costs. Kwik-Trench teeth are not welded directly to the cutter wheel as they are on other earth saws. The welded system makes it costly and time consuming to replace teeth because the entire cutting wheel must be replaced when a single tooth is damaged. By comparison, Super Blade Plus and Rock Teeth bolt on to the Kwik Trench’s cutter wheel with four bolts, which make replacing worn or damaged teeth inexpensive and easy. <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2016/1_whats_new/LittleBeaver_SuperXtraRockTeethEart_27A90C117E7F5.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 206px; margin: 2px 8px; float: right;" />In addition to maintenance savings, the Super Blade Plus and Super Xtra Rock Teeth complement each other so landscape professionals can tailor Little Beaver Kwik-Trench earth saws to changing soil conditions. With the 1/2-inch, carbide-steel Super Blade Plus, a Kwik-Trench cuts through soft soils, such as loam and sand, at as fast as 30 feet per minute in ideal soil conditions. The Super Xtra Rock Teeth are made from 3/4-inch carbide steel and are ideally suited for dense clays and rocky soils. With Super Xtra Rock Teeth, a Kwik-Trench can cut as fast as 20 feet per minute depending on the soil type and cutting depth. Both the Super Blade Plus and Super Xtra Rock Teeth give Little Beaver’s earth saws speed and safety advantages over chain-based trenching equipment. With the Kwik-Trench, operators easily push the earth saw forward through soils, whereas chain-based alternatives require operators to slowly walk backward. That not only takes longer, but is also dangerous because the operator can trip over branches, roots and shrubs. The Super Blade Plus and Super Xtra Rock Teeth fit Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench KT200B and KT2400B earth saws, which have pre-drilled cutter wheels so operators can change out the teeth within an hour. The cutting wheel on the KT200B model handles either 12 Super Blade Plus or four Super Xtra Rock Teeth, and the larger KT2400B uses either 16 Super Blade Plus or eight Super Xtra Rock Teeth. The KT200B digs 3-inch wide trenches as deep as 8 inches, while the KT2400B digs 4-inch wide trenches at a maximum depth of 12 inches. Both the KT200B and KT2400B models are ideal for installation and landscape applications, such as sprinkler systems, edging, silt fencing and root pruning. Five Star Publishing North America's First Brokk 800P Hits One-Year Anniversary http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16951/north_americas_first_brokk_800p_hits_oneyear_anniversary Tue, 23 Feb 2016 23:19:15 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16951/north_americas_first_brokk_800p_hits_oneyear_anniversary Brokk Inc.’s first Brokk 800P demolition machine in North America completed its inaugural year of operation at one of TimkenSteel’s Ohio steel plants. The Brokk 800P is a sister product to the Brokk 800S and made specifically for the metal process industry. It is the manufacturer’s most powerful demolition machine on the market. Built with a heat-protected three-part arm with continuous 360-degree rotation, the Brokk 800P effectively performs hot ladle and converter cleaning or whole refractory renovations in metal processing industries. TimkenSteel purchased the 11-ton unit in December 2014 to dig ladles at its Faircrest Steel Plant in Canton, Ohio. TimkenSteel produces high quality alloy steel bars and tubes used in automotive, industrial and energy applications. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10" style="width: 300px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2016/2_features/Brokk800P_02_16_39F1D8FF9F686.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 225px;" /> Brokk Inc.’s first Brokk 800P demolition machine in North America completed its inaugural year of operation at one of TimkenSteel’s Ohio steel plants. Built with a heat-protected three-part arm with continuous 360-degree rotation, the Brokk 800P effectively performs hot ladle and converter cleaning or whole refractory renovations in metal processing industries.   </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> “Adding the Brokk 800P to our tool belt gives us considerable flexibility,” said Thomas Sellari, TimkenSteel’s manager of steel making at Faircrest. “Its remote-controlled operation reduces risk of injury from hazards such as high temperatures and falling debris. Plus, it has a tracked wheel system, allowing us to easily move and position the machine to efficiently remove the refractory.” Sellari was interested in Brokk after seeing its machines at AISTech 2014, the Iron & Steel Technology Conference and Exposition. His factory needed new equipment to effectively remove refractory brick in its ladles. After the conference, he scheduled a demonstration of the Brokk 400 and 800P at his facility in August 2014. “We were interested in purchasing the Brokk 400 before the demonstration,” Sellari said. “However, during the demonstration we saw firsthand the benefits of the larger unit. Its size and extended reach is crucial in cleaning the ladles effectively.” TimkenSteel purchased the Brokk 800P in December 2014. To work with its hot ladles and furnace, the company paired it with a heat-protected Atlas Copco SB302 hydraulic breaker, which generates 450 foot-pounds of force at the tip of the solid-body hammer. TimkenSteel uses the machine to clean out its 175-ton ladles, which hold liquid steel. During full production, the ladles require relining approximately every 50 heats. Beyond its work with ladle clean-outs, TimkenSteel uses the Brokk 800P to clean ladle covers and lids, as needed, and to remove refractory lining from its electric arc furnace. “Forty years after revealing our first demolition machine, we continue to improve the efficiency and safety of steel mills with our remote-controlled machines,” said Peter Bigwood Brokk Inc.’s vice president of sales and marketing. “The grueling application increases the risk for injury and heat exhaustion. Fortunately, Brokk’s remote-controlled capabilities and unmatched power-to-size ratio nearly eliminate that risk, taking the strain off of the crew and keeping them out of harm’s way.” Like any Brokk demolition machine, the Brokk 800P uses a variety of attachments, including scabblers, buckets and breakers with extended bits, to effortlessly tackle challenging applications. It’s powered by a 98-horsepower diesel motor for use on remote locations where electricity is not readily accessible or it can be equipped with a 60-horsepower electric engine, which provides safe, emission-free operation in confined areas. The Brokk 800P’s three-arm system extends 31 feet and rotates 360 degrees to reach challenging angles with precision. Plus, the machine features Brokk’s signature compact design and high power-to-weight ratio for effective work in small, restricted spaces. Brokk also incorporated heat shielding on its arm system to help prevent high temperatures from damaging hydraulic lines and electrical systems. Visit <a href="http://www.brokk.com">www.brokk.com</a> for more information. Five Star Publishing One Year Safe at BWS http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16812/one_year_safe_at_bws Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:17:15 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16812/one_year_safe_at_bws If you follow BWS on social media or have ever visited the factory, you would already be aware of the policy held on safety.  All visitors sign in and are escorted through the facility by a staff member.  When entering the factory, they are made aware of the yellow lines marked for foot path and the noises they will hear from a forklift and why.  Next, outfitting the visitor with PPE; making the staff aware of a visitor in the factory. When hired at BWS, for any position, staff are first taken to the conference room and briefed on safety proceedings and policy.  The management has identified that making their staff aware of potential threats has aided in the reduction of industrial accidents.  As a team, the management of BWS has embraced this practice and jumped in with both feet.  Some of the measures taken to protect the staff are: cut proof work gloves, the implementation of a safety stop light, prescription safety eyewear program, safety boot program, zero tolerance program, tool box talks, safety orientation with new employees, improved MSDS sheet process flow and a safety incentive program. BWS has clearly made an investment in their most valuable asset, the people.  On January 17th, BWS marked one year of safe working with no lost time accidents.  This company is committed to protecting their staff and keeping them safe while performing daily tasks.  To reward the staff for a job well done, BWS will be purchasing everyone a new spring coat.  The next step of the safety program will be set into place now.  The management team is working to enhance the current program to provide a continuously safe environment for all employees. Five Star Publishing JCB 100C-1 Excavator to be Featured in Unique Dance Experience http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16816/jcb_100c1_excavator_to_be_featured_in_unique_dance_experience Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:49:52 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16816/jcb_100c1_excavator_to_be_featured_in_unique_dance_experience JCB North America and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) will be hosting two performances of “Exceptional Transport: duet for a dancer and an excavator,” a unique alternative dance experience featuring the award-winning JCB 100C-1 and a dancer from the acclaimed French dance company Beau Geste. There will be two 20-minute performances, the first of which will take place on Thursday, February 16, at 5 p.m. at Peachtree Christian Church, 1580 Peachtree St. NE in Atlanta, GA. The second performance will be hosted at the SCAD Museum of Art’s Alex Townsend Memorial Courtyard, 601 Turner Blvd. in Savannah, GA on February 18, at 7:15 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public, presented as part of deFINE ART 2016, an annual series of lectures, exhibitions, receptions and events. Introduced to the market in 2015, the 100C-1is the largest compact excavator model JCB has introduced to date. It features an H-design undercarriage, steel body panels, a spacious operator environment and a 74-hp JCB Diesel by Kohler engine that does not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards. Weighing in at 21,458 pounds, the 100C-1 can dig up to 15 feet deep, with a dump height of 18 feet, 7 inches and a reach at ground level of 24 feet, 5 inches.   While the heavy-duty 100C-1 typically tackles digging, trenching and demolition projects, the “Exceptional Transport: duet for a dance and an excavator” performance uses the machine in a completely new and unusual way. The 100C-1’s arm will complement that of the human arm, “that takes, pushes away or gently coaxes,” said choreographer Dominique Boivin. The bucket, which scrapes, drills, transports and dumps, is representative of “a human hand that carries, elevates and protects.”   “At JCB, we’re always looking for new opportunities to support education, including the arts in the local communities in which we operate,” states Jennifer Stiansen, Marketing Communications Manager for JCB North America. “By partnering with SCAD to offer these unique dance performances, we’re able to showcase the complexity and precision of our 100C-I excavator, while also allowing it to be viewed from an entirely new perspective.”   To learn more about these performances, please visit <a href="http://www.scad.edu/defineart2016">www.scad.edu/defineart2016</a>. To learn more about JCB’s full line of construction and agricultural equipment, visit <a href="http://www.JCBNA.com">www.JCBNA.com</a>. Five Star Publishing Medium Excavators Prove Versatile Workhorses http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16745/medium_excavators_prove_versatile_workhorses Thu, 28 Jan 2016 15:45:10 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16745/medium_excavators_prove_versatile_workhorses Medium excavators with operating weights of 60,000 to 80,000 pounds can take on varied big projects, yet are relatively easy to move site-to-site. “These machines [crawler excavators weighing 60,000 to 80,000 pounds] are used across a wide range of applications, across a number of industries, and can be found working most everywhere, from heavy infrastructure projects, to underground utilities, road construction, pipeline, commercial site prep, demolition—you name it,” says Brian Stellbrink, Caterpillar excavator market professional. “These machines strike a critical balance of being big enough to complete large scale work, yet are easy to transport from job to job.” <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2016/2_features/Medium_excavatorsLiebherr_924_copy_AA797BEC6EC69.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 204px; margin: 3px 8px; float: right;" />According to John Bauer, brand marketing manager, Case Construction Equipment, “these are strong earthmovers—not quite your mass-excavation-sized machine, but large enough to move lots of earth on large projects.” Among the largest buying segments in this size category, says Bauer, is the rental industry, given that contractors using these machines often are decentralized and find it easier to rent close to their work, rather than own machines and to pay to transport them three or four states away. Matt Hendry, product consultant, hydraulic excavators, at John Deere Construction & Forestry, takes note of the power that machines in this size category exhibit, relative to their modest footprint on the job site. “The 350-class [35 metric-ton] machine is a wonderfully sized excavator, because you can do a lot of really big work with it, yet it’s relatively easy to transport and you can use it on sites where it’s actually too much machine for the project—but it fits. It’s a very versatile machine." According to Volvo Construction Equipment’s Matthew McLean, excavator product manager, “this range  [60,000 to 80,000 pounds] represents the workhorse-size class of machines and speaks for a critical share of the overall excavator market.” Volvo, says McLean, sees machines at the lower end of this weight spectrum, the Volvo EC250E and EC300E, for instance, as crossover units—“meaning that they split the difference between tool carriers and production-digging machines,” he says. On the other hand, says McLean, the model EC350E, which in its lightest configuration (narrow tracks and light counterweight) has an operating weight just touching 80,000 pounds, would be, in his words, “an entry-level, production-class excavator.” Placing machines in neat, operating-weight categories is difficult, however, because variations in basic configuration can substantially affect working weights. For example, McLean cites the Volvo EC300EL, which in its lightest configuration weighs 64,720 pounds, but gains nearly 5,000 pounds when fitted with wide tracks, heavy counterweight and heavy-duty boom and arm. Kurt Moncini, product manager, large excavators at Komatsu America, notes that a configuration variation for some models in this size category is the long front—such as Komatsu’s Super Long Front PC290LC-10 and PC360LC-10 models, which have a reach at ground level of nearly 60 feet. The specialty nature of these machines, he says, makes them popular rental items. Long-front machines can reach out another 20 to 30 feet, compared with their conventional counterparts, and still remain on solid ground, says Moncini, usually having some reinforcement of the base machine and a heavier counterweight to take on applications that typically involve constructing and maintaining waterways and settlement ponds. Shane Reardon, Doosan excavator product specialist, adds dimension to the capabilities of the long-front excavator: “The Doosan DX300LC-5 with a super-long-front configuration, compared with its conventional counterpart, increases digging reach from 34 feet 6 inches to 57 feet; digging depth from 23 feet 11 inches to 45 feet 2 inches; and loading height from 23 feet 10 inches to 39 feet 3 inches.” Reardon does, however, add a caution, as do most manufacturers offering long-front machines: “Our super-long-front excavators should not be confused with special demolition-type long-fronts and booms.” (If a demolition front is allowed by the manufacturer for a particular machine, the package typically is available only from aftermarket suppliers and is designed to work with the specific machine’s mass.) John Deere’s Hendry, though, makes the point that a long-front machine need not be limited to special, relatively light-duty applications. He notes that he has seen some machine owners buy both a long front and a convention front for their machine, switching between the two as applications vary. A fixture in the contractor’s yard, he says, stores the long front when not in use. Weights and configurations aside, Case’s Bauer sums up the general state of the market for 60,000- to 80,000-pound machines and the general expectations of buyers in this market: “The market is healthy — more than doubled since 2010. When a contractor gets into equipment of this size, they’re clearly looking for production. As they compare machines at the lower end of this range to the higher end, there’s really no deal-breaking change in footprint, so many buyers will favor the heavier machines to get the added reach and lifting capabilities.” Says Doosan’s Reardon,  “the 35-metric-ton size class (33 to 40 tons) represents the largest market in North America and is the fastest growing segment in the crawler-excavator category, according to Association of Equipment Manufacturers data.” Eric Pang, hydraulic excavator platform manager for Sany, concurs. “Customers continually emphasize the need for production from machines of this size, followed perhaps by fuel efficiency and versatility.” Tail swing Although limited-tail-swing excavator models typically have been in the lower-metric-ton classes, these compact-radius machines seem now to be moving up in weight. Specifications for the Kobelco SK260SRLC-3, for example, show the 59,300-pound machine having a tail overhang (when the upper is at 90 degrees to the tracks) of 7.5 inches when fitted with 31.5-inch shoes. Caterpillar also recently introduced two new relatively heavy machines with limited tail swings, the nearly 60,000-pound 325F L and the 335 L CR at a bit more than 80,000 pounds. Equipped with 31.5-inch shoes, these models, according to Caterpillar specifications, have a tail overhang when working over the side of 5.5 and 7.5 inches, respectively. “Many contractors are looking for machines that can work on congested job sites, yet have enough lift capacity to handle large structures, large-diameter pipe, and trench boxes,” says Caterpillar’s Stellbrink. The Volvo ECR305, weighing up to 82,320 pounds, and the ECR235EL, weighing in at 60,180 pounds in its heaviest configuration, have a tail overhang of 3.5 inches and 8 inches, respectively, with 31.5-inch shoes. Emissions control Although excavator manufacturers employ various strategies to reach Tier 4-Final emissions compliance—depending on the design of the engine, its size, and desired performance characteristics—all are striving for unobtrusive operation, as Caterpillar’s Stillbrink sums up: “Our approach is simple: Do not let emissions [control] disrupt the job-site process. If the operation [of controls] is transparent to operators, they can focus on the job, while controls function in the background.” A number of manufacturers, however, do not use a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in their emissions-control strategy for machines in this size range, among them  Doosan, Case, Sany, and Hitachi. Mark Wall, product marketing manager, Hitachi Construction Equipment, makes the point that Hitachi’s Dash-6 models in this weight category use Tier 4-Final Isuzu engines with specifically tuned EGR (exhaust-gas recirculation) systems that minimize the use of diesel exhaust fluid for nitrogen oxide control. In addition, says Wall, a new piston design allows particulate matter to be burned effectively in-cylinder, eliminating the need for a DPF. Grade-control/telematics advances Grade-control systems for dozers and motor graders continue to offer advanced technology for more precisely (and automatically) controlling elevations and contours. Although innovative grade-control systems are available for hydraulic excavators, these systems, generally, have not yet reached the level of machine control that is possible with dozers and graders. (Only 25 percent of fleet managers say they use the technology, according to Construction Equipment research) But work is continuing in this regard. Komatsu, for example, recently developed an “intelligent Machine Control” (iMC) system for its PC210LCi-11 and, according to the company’s Moncini, the technology is being applied to larger machines. “Komatsu is attempting to give less-experienced operators 20 years of experience by letting the machine work for them,” says Moncini. The iMC system uses a sensor package that includes stroke-sensing hydraulic cylinders, an inertial-measurement-unit sensor and GNSS antennas. Three-dimensional design data in the control box checks bucket position, and if the bucket hits the target surface, it is semi-automatically limited to minimize over-excavation. If the operator turns off the system’s Auto mode, the machine can be operated with an indicate-only system. John Deere’s Hendry also sees the technology of automated grade control expanding for hydraulic excavators, but not without challenges. “Going forward, the hydraulic-excavator market will likely see the same kind of growth and system abilities that are in motor graders and dozers. At present, though, the challenge of sensing in-place utilities is an impediment to full grade control on hydraulic excavators.” Hendry also sees telematics as becoming more instrumental in increasing the overall efficiency of the excavator, especially the capability of telematics to facilitate remote diagnosis. “The ultimate goal,” he says, “is to allow the technician—the first time he touches the machine—to have the parts on the truck.” Cost of Ownership Size class, pounds     Avg. Price           Hourly Rate* 53,000-62,000            $279,000            $160 63,000-73,000            $306,000            $180 74,000-88,000            $346,000            $200 *Hourly rate represents the monthly ownership costs divided by 176, plus hourly operating cost? Source: <a href="http://equipmentwatch.com/">EquipmentWatch.com</a> <hr /> Source: <a href="http://www.constructionequipment.com/medium-excavators-prove-versatile-workhorses">Construction Equipment</a> Five Star Publishing Global Construction Equipment Market to Improve in 2016 http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16704/global_construction_equipment_market_to_improve_in_2016 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 19:08:32 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16704/global_construction_equipment_market_to_improve_in_2016 The expected improvement follows a weak performance in 2015, when global unit sales fell more than 10 per cent from the total of nearly 818,000 machines sold in 2014. In 2016, growth is expected in the European, North American and Indian equipment markets. Off-Highway Research also forecasts a stabilisation in China, where sales of construction equipment have fallen from a peak of 435,070 units in 2011 to a projected 131,345 machines in 2015 – a decline of 70 per cent in the space of four years. “There can be no doubt that 2015 was a tough year for the global equipment industry, due to slowing world economic growth and weak commodity prices,” said Off-Highway Research managing director David Phillips. “Unit sales fell to their lowest since the crisis years and the drop in the Chinese market was particularly brutal. However, there were improvements in several developed countries which helped offset some of these losses.” The gradual improvement in Europe which began in 2014 is expected to continue this year, with unit sales rising from a provisional 125,705 units in 2015 to 130,503 machines. Similarly, the buoyant North American market should rise a further four per cent to 186,025 machines. Continued steady improvements are expected in the Indian construction equipment market, with unit sales expected to rise to 46,414 machines, compared to 38,554 in 2015. Meanwhile in China, the market is expected to show an uptick of around four per cent, with sales stabilising at 137,820 units. In Japan, construction equipment sales are expected to fall from 79,998 units in 2015 to 73,825 machines in 2016. The key drivers of this are a tailing-off of reconstruction work following the 2011 earthquake and Tsunami and the winding down of the government’s economic stimulus programmes. Mr Phillips said, “Off-Highway Research’s forecast is for the start of a gradual return to health in the global construction equipment market in 2016. However, as has been the case since the crisis years of 2008 and 2009, business confidence remains fragile, and the uncertain geopolitical outlook around the world could have a negative impact on the sector.” Off-Highway Research will be present at the forthcoming Bauma exhibition in Munich from April 11 – 17, in hall B5, stand 227/B. The show will see it present updated forecasts for the global industry across its Chinese, European and Indian subscription services, its Chinese, Indian and International databases and the global Volume & Value service. Five Star Publishing How Contractors Optimize Competitiveness with More Streamlined Field Service http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16623/how_contractors_optimize_competitiveness_with_more_streamlined_field_service Mon, 11 Jan 2016 15:43:59 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16623/how_contractors_optimize_competitiveness_with_more_streamlined_field_service Custom lube skids and trailers are enabling more production uptime while lowering labor and operational costs To gain a competitive edge and save tens of thousands of dollars on some construction projects, proactive contractors who own, operate, and service their own fleets are reducing downtime, labor, and operational costs by using custom lube skids and trailers to efficiently service their equipment in the field. “With custom trailers, on a spread of six to eight pieces of equipment, we save about $500 per shift,” says Jeff Vivian, Operations and Maintenance Coordinator at Independence Excavating, a Midwest construction company offering site development, heavy industrial, concrete construction, aggregate crushing, demolition and environmental solutions.   “On a million dollar project, we save at least $30,000,” adds Vivian.  “That can be the edge we need to win a competitive bid, make a profit, or meet tight deadlines without extra workshifts or overtime.” Inefficient Refueling and Service Many contractors may not realize how much inefficient, traditional refueling and servicing of equipment in the field is eating into their profit margins.  Yet the downtime reduces productivity, and unproductive operation accelerates equipment wear. “We used to place a temporary fuel tank at smaller construction sites and have operators track their machines to it to refuel each evening,” says Vivian.  “But we lost at least a half hour of production waiting to refuel, burned more fuel, and put extra wear on our undercarriages.” The traditional field service model of hauling a variety of containers of grease, hydraulic fluid, oil and other lubricants that must be lifted in and out of trucks and then poured or pumped by hand is no longer adequate.  This is not only a slow and inefficient way to complete such work, adding to the costs, but also increases the risk of spills, injury to technicians, and even the potential to accidentally ignite the highly flammable products.  Faster Service, More Uptime A superior alternative now being utilized by contractors is to invest in properly designed lube skids mounted on trucks, or lube trailers.  These can be used to quickly, safely and ergonomically dispense lubricants, such as oil and grease, as well as efficiently recover used oil.  Some trailers can also safely dispense fuel. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="12" cellspacing="20" style="width: 400px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2016/2_features/ValleyIndLubeMatefueltrailers_WEB_B2EE2C05DC81D.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 267px; float: right; margin: 3px 0px;" /> Having a competitive edge as a contractor is of the utmost importance.  Higher production while lowering labor and operational costs is the ideal scenario for those contractors who own, operate and service their own fleets.   Proactive contractors are reducing downtown labor and operational costs by using custom lube skids and trailers to efficiently service their equipment in the field.  Properly designed lube skids mounted on trucks, and/or lube trailers, can be used to quickly, safely and ergonomically dispense lubricants, such as oil and grease.   This customizable alternative enables contractors to have everything they need at all times to meet their specific maintenance needs in the field. <hr />   </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Although standard skids and trailers exist in the market, some manufacturers offer custom options designed to satisfy every field requirement more efficiently at lower cost. To enhance safety, equipment uptime, and productivity, Independence Excavating has worked with Valley Industries (<a href="http://www.valley-industries.com/">www.valley-industries.com</a>), a provider of custom and standard lube skids, trailers, and trucks, to customize LubeMate trailers for many years.  The contractor uses the custom trailers to dispense mainly fuel, grease, and diesel exhaust fluid.  Operators also use oils and fluids kept in trailer storage to top off fluid levels of equipment in the field as needed. “Our production crew no longer waits to refuel their heavy equipment at night,” says Vivian.  “Instead, one man pulls a custom Valley trailer up to each machine, and refuels and services it as needed.  This eliminates at least half an hour of production downtime per machine each day.” According to Vivian, a number of features on the custom trailers have helped to improve Independence Excavating’s production efficiency. “Electric start air compressors on the trailers make them easy to start, trailer lights run off the compressor simplify night refueling, and a sight gauge allows the operator to see fuel level at a glance so he is not caught short,” says Vivian.  “Custom folding ‘gull wing’ doors also protect product in transit and storage, yet open completely onsite for easier product access.” Vivian says that a custom trailer was particularly helpful on a recent Pittsburgh strip district redevelopment project.  “We were redeveloping a huge downtown parking facility, and our equipment was stretched 6-7 city blocks through a parking lot that stayed open,” says Vivian.  “It would have been a nightmare to refuel our equipment without the custom trailer.  On a job like that, a trailer can pay for itself within three months.” Auto Truck Group, a leading work truck upfitter in North America that specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of truck equipment for a range of customers, trades, and industries, also finds significant value in custom skids. “With Valley’s custom LubeMate skids, contractors can select just what they need in terms of tank number and size for clean or waste oil, grease, anti-freeze, water, or washer fluid,” says Shawn Crawford, an Account Manager at Auto Truck Group.  “By choosing options for pump, reel, hose, meter, and dispenser as well as layout, cabinet, drip pan, and containment they can further optimize field service.” According to Crawford, for instance, a small new home contractor servicing a Bobcat mini-excavator may only need a 30-gal. clean oil tank, a 28-gal. waste oil tank, and one pump and one reel.  A mid-sized highway contractor using backhoes and rollers, however, might need four 60-gal. tanks for digitally metered, clean oil, four reels, and a 200-gal. waste oil tank. “The skids can be flexibly customized almost like putting together Legos,” says Crawford. According to Crawford, customizing design can enhance maintenance safety and efficiency, and lower equipment service cost. “With the custom skids and trailers, contractors can locate the tanks, spring retract reels, and equipment so workers can safely, efficiently dispense oil and fluids while standing on the ground,” says Crawford.  “This eliminates the slip-fall workers comp hazards related to climbing on or off a truck or moving heavy barrels to retrieve product.” One lube service area that can be prohibitively time consuming and labor intensive is recovering used oil, as the process cannot contaminate the job site and is monitored by the EPA. While typical used oil evacuation can be slow and messy, “no spill” quick couplers today however can attach directly to the heavy equipment’s engine for fast oil evacuation directly from the oil pan.  “Instead of draining or dumping used oil into a pan or bucket, the quick couplers are a neater option that avoids spill-related clean up issues,” says Crawford. For more efficient lube servicing of equipment in cold climates, where oil viscosity thickens, custom pumps and heaters can be helpful.  For instance, while a 3:1 pump may be fine in typical climates, a 5:1 pump may be necessary in colder regions, and a 10:1 pump may be needed for heavier oil, such as gear oil.  “In northern regions, where oils can run like molasses in winter, custom pumps and heaters are almost mandatory,” says Crawford. For contractors requiring custom lube or fuel service, fast response and delivery can be vital to meet construction project deadlines.  While typical manufacturers may take several months to deliver a custom lube skid or trailer because they are not geared up to do so, some that focus on such work can deliver it in less than a month. “When a contractor needed a custom skid for a technician in training, Valley got us the skid to mount on his truck within a month, so it was waiting for him when he finished training,” says Crawford.  “Contractors looking to work more profitably need such customization.” For more info, call 800-400-0124; Fax: 402-463-4584; visit <a href="http://www.valley-industries.com/">www.valley-industries.com</a>; or write to Valley Industries, LLC, 357 Road 3168, Hastings NE 68901. Five Star Publishing History in the Making: Continuous 29-hour concrete pour largest in Wisconsin’s history http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16462/history_in_the_making_continuous_29hour_concrete_pour_largest_in_wisconsins_history Mon, 14 Dec 2015 17:09:20 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16462/history_in_the_making_continuous_29hour_concrete_pour_largest_in_wisconsins_history It’s a project that brought together more than 250 construction workers, 50 ready-mix trucks, and four Putzmeister Truck-Mounted Boom Pumps to place 9,200 cubic yards of concrete over a 29-hour period. The foundation for the new Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons (Northwestern Mutual) in downtown Milwaukee was poured in Spring 2015, setting a record for the largest continuous concrete pour in Wisconsin’s history. Once complete, Northwestern Mutual’s new 1.1 million-square-foot, $450 million project will transform Milwaukee’s skyline, and preserve 1,100 downtown jobs while adding 1,900 new ones. The development consists of a 32-story office tower that will adjoin a two-block-long, three-story space known as The Commons, and will expand the company’s existing downtown Milwaukee campus. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10" style="width: 300px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/Putz_web_523BB069C6043.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 213px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px;" /> The project brought together more than 250 construction workers, 50 ready-mix trucks, and four Putzmeister Truck-Mounted Boom Pumps to place 9,200 cubic yards of concrete over a 29-hour period.   <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/Putz_web_2_12_15_71C0496BEDB78.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; margin-top: 1px; margin-bottom: 1px;" /> A 46-Meter and a 47Z-Meter were positioned at street level, while a 63Z-Meter and a 55-Meter were set up in a staging area adjacent to the hole. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Keeping it Local Working with the project’s general contractor, Gilbane|CG Schmidt, a joint venture between Gilbane Building Co. and locally based CG Schmidt Inc, Northwestern Mutual is partnering with multiple local small business enterprises and a Milwaukee-area workforce on the initial phase of the project to employ nearly 1,000 local construction workers. Gilbane|CG Schmidt relied on the pumping expertise of Gordy’s Concrete Pumping Service (Gordy’s) out of nearby Sussex, WI to place the concrete using pumps from Putzmeister America, Inc., which are manufactured at the company’s headquarters located approximately 30 miles away from downtown Milwaukee in Sturtevant, WI. Nuvo Construction Co. (Nuvo), out of Milwaukee, WI, is providing concrete for the massive project.  “We chose Gordy’s to place the concrete for this job because they always deliver the highest level of service and we knew they’d be a dependable partner for this challenging job,” said Mike Kies, concrete superintendent for CG Schmidt. Loads of Logistics The large mat pour at Northwestern Mutual’s site took months of planning and coordination between all parties involved. Nearby streets and sidewalks were closed from Thursday morning through Tuesday evening surrounding the weekend pour. To reach all four corners of the 38,500-square-foot foundation, Gordy’s set up four Putzmeister truck-mounted boom pumps. A 46-Meter and a 47Z-Meter were positioned at street level, while a 63Z-Meter and a 55-Meter were set up in a staging area adjacent to the hole. Gordy’s had two additional Putzmeister pumps nearby to serve as back-ups in case the crew encountered any mechanical issues, and Putzmeister provided a service truck with a service technician on site for the pour. “The four pumps were able to easily reach every corner of the job site,” said Mike Salmon, manager for Gordy’s. “While we were prepared for any break-downs with extra machines on hand, we were really pleased that we didn’t actually have to use them. It was also great to have a Putzmeister service technician right on site in case of any issues, but, fortunately, we had absolutely no problems with the pumps through the duration of the long pour.” The pour began at 7:00 p.m. on a Friday night and ended just after 12:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, with crews working continuously to complete the entire foundation for the project. In all, it required 920 concrete truck trips, with Nuvo dispatching material from three of its nearby plants. “Gordy’s and the Putzmeister equipment performed above and beyond what we expected, given 29 hours of straight pumping,” said Kies. “We were pleased that there were no issues with the equipment whatsoever.”   Harsh, Specialized Mix A unique challenge with a continuous pour of this size is ensuring the concrete cures as one monolithic piece to eliminate the risk for cold joints. Several aspects of the mix design helped address this issue: the concrete was poured at a temperature of 45-60°F, well below the temperature of standard concrete mixes; the concrete utilized a hydration stabilizing admixture; and the mix included a considerable amount of fly ash, which allowed for a slower, lower hydration temperature. Additionally, cooling tubes were installed during the pour at three different elevations. Cold water ran nonstop through the tubes for the duration of the pour and after the pour was completed. The combination of all of these special components resulted in a tough, 6,000-pound concrete mix. Pumping the tough mix required the machines to work at higher pressures—up to 4,060 psi—throughout the 29-hour pour. “The pumps performed flawlessly using a tough mix and high pressures over a long period of time,” said Salmon. “You really can’t ask for more out of your equipment. Our Putzmeister machines have been proven over the decades and are always reliable.” Going Up With the foundation for the new office building and commons now in place, the crews are getting to work building up to the 550 feet for the 32-story office tower. To pump concrete up to that great height for the decks and walls, Gordy’s will be using a powerful Putzmeister BSA 14000 Trailer-Mounted Concrete Pump. In total, Putzmeister equipment will pump approximately 50,000 cubic yards of concrete at Northwestern Mutual. Anticipated completion for the project is slated for 2017. Visit <a href="http://www.putzmeisteramerica.com">www.putzmeisteramerica.com</a> for more information. Five Star Publishing K-Tec 1233 ADT versus Excavator & Volvo A30 ADT (VIDEO) http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16244/ktec_1233_adt_versus_excavator__volvo_a30_adt_video Tue, 10 Nov 2015 16:35:12 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16244/ktec_1233_adt_versus_excavator__volvo_a30_adt_video   <div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;padding-top:30px;height:0;overflow:hidden;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0ysst1Qg7DA?rel=0" style="position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 100%;" width="640"></iframe></div>   Five Star Publishing JCB Honored With AEM’s ‘Pillar Of The Industry’ Award http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16228/jcb_honored_with_aems_pillar_of_the_industry_award Wed, 04 Nov 2015 19:01:52 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16228/jcb_honored_with_aems_pillar_of_the_industry_award The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) today honored JCB North America with its “Pillar of the Industry Award” as part of its annual I Make America initiative. To be eligible for this award, a member company must demonstrate its involvement in their local community to take action on state and national issues effecting manufacturing. “The manufacturing industry is truly the backbone of the North American economy,” stated Arjun Mirdha, President and CEO of JCB North America. “Manufacturing creates and sustains many jobs in the United States and Canada, employing thousands of workers who continually conceive and build state-of-the-art equipment. As a manufacturing company, we feel it’s both our duty and our privilege to support this hard-working industry, and we’re incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award from AEM.” JCB was recognized for its role in advocating pro-manufacturing solutions to elected leaders and for its participation in AEM’s “I Make America” grassroots program, a program which JCB kicked off for 2015 at its Savannah, GA based headquarters last January. “We were elated to be selected to kick off this year’s I Make America Campaign,”said John Patterson, Chairman of JCB Inc. “Our entire staff participated in support of manufacturing.  Every single employee within our organization can help make this campaign a success to keep manufacturing in America strong.” I Make America will celebrate its fifth anniversary this year. The program was launched to engage AEM member companies and their employees to become champions for the manufacturing industry. “AEM is proud to bestow its Pillar of the Industry Award to JCB to recognize its efforts to go above and beyond its daily business and become a champion for our entire industry,” said AEM President Dennis Slater. “Because of its commitment to pro-manufacturing solutions, JCB does stand as a ‘pillar’ that helps support the foundation of our entire manufacturing economy.” Five Star Publishing ModTruss Used For Berlin Wall Display Installation http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15952/modtruss_used_for_berlin_wall_display_installation Mon, 02 Nov 2015 17:25:33 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15952/modtruss_used_for_berlin_wall_display_installation A portion of the Berlin Wall is back on display in New York City thanks to a versatile solution by ModTruss, Inc. and facilitated by by Showman Fabricators  and implemented by Torsilieri INC of New York. The famous section of wall was previously removed from its spot in the Urban Plaza at 520 Madison Avenue to undergo a thorough restoration. <div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;padding-top:30px;height:0;overflow:hidden;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uytfCzeRRVo?rel=0" style="position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 100%;" width="640"></iframe></div> ModTruss modular trussing system was used to build a custom lift capable of hoisting the 33,000-lb. structure into its new spot in the lobby of the same address. The move to the lobby will allow the wall section to remain on display for the public but away from the spray of the waterfall that had been causing its rapid deterioration when it had been on display in the plaza. Because of the massive weight of the wall segments, a convenient and safe solution for moving and lifting the wall had been previously unavailable. Sections of ModTruss were pieced together to create the perfect lift for the specific task. Dean Torsileri of Torsileri, INC reflects on the restraints they had to overcome for this project, “There were tremendous amount of restrictions and that is why we built the structure the way we did. It was designed by circumstances and that is why we use and continue to use ModTruss based on its modularity.” ModTruss is a Wisconsin company that designs and manufactures its modular trusses and products in the USA. The versatility of ModTruss makes it the go-to choice for a wide range of customized temporary and permanent building solutions. Five Star Publishing Limited Edition Backhoe And Employee Holiday Mark JCB’s 70th Anniversary http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16116/limited_edition_backhoe_and_employee_holiday_mark_jcbs_70th_anniversary Fri, 23 Oct 2015 16:38:21 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16116/limited_edition_backhoe_and_employee_holiday_mark_jcbs_70th_anniversary JCB is marking its 70th anniversary today by giving employees around the world the day off. This special day is also marked by the introduction of a JCB limited edition backhoe loader. It is a version of today’s 3CX super backhoe model and a tribute to the product line that fueled JCB’s growth. A total of 70 of the special machines will be made which feature the vintage look last seen 40 years ago on the JCB 3CIII model.  On October 23rd, 1945, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE founded the company in a tiny garage in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, making trailers from wartime scrap. Today, the company has 22 factories, 11 in the UK with others in India, the USA, Brazil and China, employing more than 12,000 people.  <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10" style="width: 300px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <style type="text/css"> </style> <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/JCB_limitededitionbackhoe_F741A653E8F22.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 182px; margin: 2px 0px; float: right;" /> JCB has produced a "platinum" edition of its famous backhoe loader to mark its 70th anniversary. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said that JCB and its employees should be very proud of what has been achieved over the past 70 years – but the company’s focus is very much on the future. He said, “70 years is a long time, but the past is the past and while we are proud of it, our engineers are really only interested in the future and the products of tomorrow. You cannot rest on your laurels in business; you have to be thinking of tomorrow, the changing world markets and the products our customers need. That is what makes me and all our people tick.” Lord Bamford, who was born on the same day his father founded JCB, added, “My first memory of JCB really was my father. He was an engineering genius, there was no doubt about that and he was always dreaming of things, and dreaming of better ways of doing things. The backhoe loader my father invented was a godsend and started a mini revolution in construction machinery. Today the backhoe is one of more than 300 products we produce and sell globally. "A saying that my father had was that ‘customers make payday possible’ and that is still true today. They are crucial to what we do. We will continue to listen to our customers around the world as we develop new machines. The fact that we are a family business makes us different. Virtually none of our competitors are family-owned businesses. We are dedicated to the production of world-class products and take a long-term view.” Today, Lord Bamford took a close look at one of the first of the limited "platinum" edition backhoes which will go into production at JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester next month. They will come with red buckets, a full white cab and red wheels instead of the customary black and yellow finish – a look last seen on the 3CIII model in 1979. And, in a nod to the demands of the modern operator, the colorful machine will also be equipped with an in-cab coffee maker. The limited edition 3CX super backhoes –which have a top speed of 25 mph – will be fitted with 109 hp JCB Tier 4 Final EcoMAX engines manufactured at JCB’s plant in Derbyshire in the UK. Since JCB’s first was manufactured in 1953, the company has produced more than 600,000 backhoes and now sells them in 120 countries. JCB has also been the world’s leading manufacturer of backhoes for 15 years in succession with a range that spans 40 models from the compact 1CX through the mighty 5CX. Models offered vary by country. Lord Bamford added, “The backhoe loader was the building block for the success of JCB, and while we now produce many other types of machines for construction, agricultural and industrial applications, it remains one of our most important products. The JCB backhoe has not only helped put JCB on the map, but also Staffordshire and Britain. I’m delighted that we are producing these limited edition models to mark the company’s anniversary.” Five Star Publishing Plans4Less.com Promises Prompt Prints for $1 Each http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16089/plans4lesscom_promises_prompt_prints_for_1_each Tue, 20 Oct 2015 19:03:42 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16089/plans4lesscom_promises_prompt_prints_for_1_each Large format prints for $1? Brian Burke has found his niche. “Time is money, especially in the world of construction,” says Brian Burke, owner of <a href="http://plans4less.com/">Plans4Less.com</a> (<a href="http://www.plans4less.com/">www.Plans4Less.com</a>). “The faster architects, engineers,  contractors and real estate people can turn digital project specification documents into large format prints, the sooner their team can review and complete RFP’s and submit their bids.  Every day we’re helping our clients meet deadlines, enabling them to submit bids on time and win contracts. We save them time, money and anxiety – while helping their bottom line.” Burke, with 20 years of experience in the reprographics and printing business, pledges to provide clients with the lowest prices and fastest turnaround in the industry. “On pricing, we’ve turned back the clock to 1980,” smiles Burke, “but on technology, we’re firmly focused on tomorrow.” <a href="http://plans4less.com/">Plans4Less.com</a> accepts documents in industry standard .tif, .pdf and .dwf files. As an inducement, for a limited time anyone who places an order via email to  <a href="mailto:brian@plans4less.com">brian@plans4less.com</a>  will receive the first four prints in any standard large format size for free. Burke, who has already signed up print partners across the country, has talked to owners of firms who are either contemplating or already have invested in costly large-format printers. “No need to spend thousands on a printer when you have <a href="http://plans4less.com/">Plans4Less.com</a>. Think of us as part of your team, delivering the next day if orders arrive by 4 pm (ET).”Burke says <a href="http://plans4less.com/">Plans4less.com</a> provides quality black and white or color large format plans at one fixed rate of $1 per sheet -- no processing fee, monthly service charge, or minimum order requirements. Also, there are no same-day service or rush charges. Next-day ground delivery rates apply. <a href="http://plans4less.com/">Plans4Less.com</a> ships direct to the client’s office or construction jobsite. The fixed rate is for standard architectural and engineering sizes: 36 x 48”, 30 x 42” and 24 x 36.”  Big box stores are charging $ 3.00 - $4.00 per plan for the same service. We offer a savings of 300%. It’s a no-brainer. “Our clients are often under tremendous pressure to meet their deadlines,” says Burke. “They can count on us to deliver as promised. We’re as close as your smart phone, computer or tablet. When you get a new issue, an update, bulletin or revisions, simply forward it to us. You’ll have your plans the next day.” Large files can be easily uploaded to  <a href="http://www.plans4less.com/">www.Plans4Less.com</a>. Five Star Publishing JCB Launches Common Sense Skid Steer Video http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16023/jcb_launches_common_sense_skid_steer_video Mon, 12 Oct 2015 19:12:20 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/16023/jcb_launches_common_sense_skid_steer_video In an effort to communicate the practicality of its skid steer design, JCB released a video on its social media channels. JCB’s side-entry skid steer allows operators to safely enter the machine, just as they would any other piece of equipment, rather than climbing over a cumbersome attachment, as required by front entry models.   “We are constantly looking for unique ways to communicate JCB product attributes,” stated Thom Peebles, Vice President of Marketing for JCB North America. “This video serves as an entertaining way to highlight our safe, side-door entry, a feature made possible through JCB’s single power boom design.” <div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;padding-top:30px;height:0;overflow:hidden;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gD5qwKh87Gg?rel=0" style="position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 100%;" width="640"></iframe></div>   Five Star Publishing The Backhoe That Made JCB Famous Shrinks to Grow Sales http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15979/the_backhoe_that_made_jcb_famous_shrinks_to_grow_sales Mon, 05 Oct 2015 17:47:10 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15979/the_backhoe_that_made_jcb_famous_shrinks_to_grow_sales A compact version of the backhoe loader that made JCB famous around the world was launched at the company’s headquarters. The backhoe loader was invented by JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford in 1953. Since that time, more than 600,000 have been produced. But modern construction sites are becoming increasingly compact and congested, and customers are demanding smaller equipment. <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/JCBshrink_to_grow_sales_copy_5EA8DAF651F1D.jpeg" style="width: 275px; height: 183px; margin: 2px 7px; float: left;" />Following a multi-million dollar investment, JCB has pioneered the hi-tech 3CX Compact Backhoe Loader, which is 35% smaller than the standard model 3CX – yet retains all the power and speed of its bigger brother. The first of the new machines are rolling off the production lines at JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, UK. “It was the backhoe loader that built JCB into the company that it is today and made us famous around the world,” said JCB Chairman Lord Bamford. “As a company, you can never stand still—you need to innovate to grow.” “More and more of our customers have been telling us that they need a smaller backhoe loader to operate in congested towns and cities and on narrow streets,” said Bamford. “We have answered their call by engineering the 3CX compact from the ground up. As the company approaches its 70th anniversary next month, I’m confident that this innovative new machine will accommodate additional customers around the world.” The 3CX compact is just 6’3” wide and 9’ high and has a turning radius of just over 19 feet. It’s capable of traveling at 25mph. Five Star Publishing Bosch PB360C Power Box Jobsite Radio Brings Bluetooth, Digital Media Advances to Sound System Category http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15882/bosch_pb360c_power_box_jobsite_radio_brings_bluetooth_digital_media_advances_to_sound_system_category Thu, 01 Oct 2015 16:26:01 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15882/bosch_pb360c_power_box_jobsite_radio_brings_bluetooth_digital_media_advances_to_sound_system_category The portable entertainment system delivers high-performance, weather-resistant stereo and 360-degrees of sound in a durable design. Since its introduction in 2004, the Bosch Power Box™ has been an award-winning jobsite staple, smartly blending both entertainment and function in an unmistakeable design. This year Bosch has delivered even more capability with the introduction of the <a href="http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=pb360c">Bosch Power Box™ PB360C Jobsite Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo</a>, which leverages signature 360-degree speakers with Bluetooth® technology. <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/Bosch_PB360_residentialShot_4FD55227A904E.jpg" style="width: 320px; height: 254px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;" />Now crews on the jobsite are able to stream internet radio, stored music and more from their smart devices. With a connection range of up to 150 feet, the Bluetooth technology allows users to move freely around the construction zone without being tethered to a cable, and without fear of losing sound quality. It can all be controlled on the free Bosch PowerBox smartphone app. “The Bosch Power Box represents the industry’s best option for jobsite sound and entertainment,“ said Jim Stevens, product manager, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. “The Bluetooth compatibilty in the PB360C version allows for more entertainment options than ever before. Plus, with the signature four-way speakers and subwoofer that projects stereo sound in every direction, this is the most advanced radio we’ve produced to date.“ And while Bluetooth connectivity provides those with smart devices the freedom to move around, users without Bluetooth technology can still enjoy the crisp and powerful sounds. Entertainment via a personal electronic device plugged into the aux-in port plays a big role as well. The Power Box’s digital media bay offers a secure, weather-sealed storage area for electronic devices while delivering sound via an auxiliary input port. As with previous versions of the Power Box, the PB360C still features a powerful AM/FM radio with advanced digital tuning, that easily locates 20 FM and 10 AM preset stations. There are four preset equalization mixes  and the user can also customize the bass and treble as desired. The unit can run on either a 120V AC outlet or a Bosch 18V Li-ion battery. When powered from a 120 V AC outet, the Power Box can be used to charge Bosch cordless 18V Li-ion batteries. In addition, users can power other 120V AC devices by plugging them into one of the four-way power outlets on the unit. The Bosch PB360C also offers a USB port to plug in and charge electronic devices like smartphones, whether the PB360C is powered through an outlet or by a Bosch Li-ion battery. It all comes in the distinct and rugged aluminum and rubber roll-cage design that suspends the radio and its 360-degree speakers inside the cage. This weather-resistant (with an IP54 rating) and shock-resistant entertainment console can easily take on the toughest jobsite environments, all without missing a beat. To learn more about the Bosch Power Box™ PB360C Jobsite Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo or to find a local dealer, visit <a href="http://www.boschtools.com/">www.boschtools.com</a> or call 877-BOSCH-99. Five Star Publishing LGH Announces New Sweepstakes with TRACTEL http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15879/lgh_announces_new_sweepstakes_with_tractel Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:08:20 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15879/lgh_announces_new_sweepstakes_with_tractel Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) has announced a brand new sweepstakes with leading manufacturer of safety equipment, TRACTEL®, called “Get on Track with TRACTEL®.” <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/LGH_Announces_copy_A76624C5DC8F0.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 243px; margin: 2px 7px; float: left;" />The sweepstakes will begin on September 22, 2015 and will conclude on November 22, 2015. TRACTEL® is giving away a brand new TRACTEL® Tempo III, valued at $436. The Tempo III is a temporary horizontal lifeline that’s designed to be used by a maximum of three persons. It provides a simple and lightweight solution to temporary horizontal fall-arrest applications. It can be adjusted from 3 to 60 ft. and must be installed horizontally with a slope of less than 15 degrees. It’s light, compact, and easy to carry. During the sweepstakes, LGH will feature a new TRACTEL® product every two weeks via social media to help customers “Get on Track” with the quality equipment offered from TRACTEL®. Each product featured is a product currently offered for rental or sale through LGH. “This sweepstakes is a great opportunity to open up lines of communication with our manufacturers,” President of LGH, Tony Fiscelli said. “It shows our customer base what great relationships we have with them and we couldn’t be happier that we are working with TRACTEL® on this. Their products have been a great addition to our warehouses.” Participants can enter the sweepstakes by signing up at <a href="http://lgh-usa.hs-sites.com/tractel-sweepstakes">http://lgh-usa.hs-sites.com/tractel-sweepstakes</a>. Five Star Publishing Excavation Takeoff Software From Roctek Can Help You Bid More, Win More http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15770/excavation_takeoff_software_from_roctek_can_help_you_bid_more_win_more Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:35:08 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15770/excavation_takeoff_software_from_roctek_can_help_you_bid_more_win_more Site and road excavation takeoffs done by hand are time-consuming, complicated and usually don’t result with accurate enough quantities to consistently win bids–especially in today’s competitive economic environment. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10" style="width: 260px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <hr /> "I have been using your product for almost three weeks now and have landed 2 of the 3 jobs I’ve bid thus far….. My only complaint is I wish I had done it sooner." –Heath Hutchinson, Hutch N Son <hr /> "Roctek's professional analytic tools give me true confidence in my numbers.  The shading maps, cut & fill maps and "point and click elevation markers" clearly show what's going on at any point on the site.  WinEx GRADE is a BIG help to our business." –B Knight, L & B Developers <hr />   </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Roctek International, an excavation takeoff software company with 30 years of experience, offers WinEx Grade, WinEx Master and RoadEx to handle excavation quantity takeoffs with ease and precision. For small one-man shops to Fortune 100 companies the WinEx and RoadEx products allow estimators to quickly identify the existing site, proposed site, material adjustments, soil conditions and value engineering options. Once grades are entered, precise 3D site images, cut/fill maps, grid-staking maps and professional quantity reports can be immediately produced. Roctek’s streamlined and intuitive software reduces training time required to as little as an hour to start producing takeoff quantities.  Entering data is a breeze with built in Vector PDF and CAD import; no need to own a license of AutoCAD or spend countless hours training. Roctek’s LineTracker™ vectorizes flat PDFs to speed through contours easily when tracing is needed. For those using Machine Control, WinEx Master exports thru data point files and support of the LandXML format. Move from drawing to takeoff, takeoff to terrain model and model to Trimble, TopCon or Leica blade control in no time. For those that bid on DOT jobs, use RoadEx to quickly take off cross-sectional plans station by station and phase by phase. Features include the ability to set custom phases, enter strata information and report/edit any stations entered.  DOT's may provide the quantities, but Roctek customers double-check them easily, quickly and accurately before making the bids, avoiding costly estimate errors. Visit <a href="http://www.roctek.com">www.roctek.com</a> or call 800-826-7763 for a free demo. <a href="http://roctek.com/Default.aspx"><img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/Roctek_Cross_Section_Slice_copy_CD2375A0E30A4.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 402px;" /></a> <a href="http://roctek.com/Default.aspx"><img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/Roctek_Custom_CutFill_Maps_copy_26ECAB1C26E55.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 364px;" /></a> Five Star Publishing Sensera Systems MC-30 Awarded Top Contractor Product for 2015 http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15754/sensera_systems_mc30_awarded_top_contractor_product_for_2015 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 18:08:40 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15754/sensera_systems_mc30_awarded_top_contractor_product_for_2015 Breakthrough solar/wireless site camera recognized by construction industry. Sensera Systems — built to deliver world-class products and solutions for integrated remote sensing and imaging in construction, security, industrial automation, oil & gas, traffic, agriculture, law enforcement and public safety — has received a “Contractors Top 50 New Products for 2015” Award from Equipment Today and <a href="http://forconstructionpros.com/">ForConstructionPros.com</a> for its flagship MC-30 Solar/Wireless Site camera line. <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/Sensera_Systems_MC30_copy_3F70FFDDB67B7.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 341px; margin: 2px 5px; float: right;" />The MC-30 camera for construction site monitoring is a 100% wireless, solar powered camera that can be deployed in under 20 minutes. It offers a rich set of features for real-time viewing, and fully automated time-lapse. The MC-30 can be used with both WiFi and cellular connections and multiple cellular carriers are available. The camera works with Sensera Systems’ MultiSense WebApp+Cloud Service, a 100% web-based software interface for configuration, and monitoring of site cameras. The web interface allows users to view near-real-time site images from any smartphone, tablet, or PC with no other software or app required, and to share images with the built-in public page feature. The MC-30 is a fully-integrated, site monitoring solution that comes ready to mount, and is priced at less than half of competing solutions. “Sensera Systems has created construction cameras for the broad market. In the past cameras were used only on large skyscraper projects. Sensera Systems has brought costs way down, and made the cameras extremely simple to use, making them viable for projects of all types.” said Tim Walsh, President, Confluence Companies. “We now use them on all projects, and my site managers have no problem quickly installing them on each job without involving IT professionals, or electricians. The readers of Equipment Today <a href="http://forconstructionpros.com/">ForConstructionPros.com</a> have made an astute choice in selecting the MC-30 for this award and recognition.” “We like that the MC-30 does not require power or internet services at our job sites, and that it is portable and we can easily move from job to job.” said Josh Cykiert, Project Manager, VERSA Development. “The MC-30 web-based software works great and we love being able to share live construction images with our tenants.” “We are proud that the MC-30 has received this recognition from readers and end-users in the construction industry. They have recognized the uniqueness and innovation of the MC-30 and how it is bringing affordable site cameras to construction projects of all sizes.” said David Gaw, President, Sensera Systems. For more information on the MC-30 and other camera models, visit <a href="http://www.senserasystems.com/">www.senserasystems.com</a>, or call (800) 657-0437. Five Star Publishing IronPlanet Announces Fall Cat Auction Services Schedule http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15753/ironplanet_announces_fall_cat_auction_services_schedule Wed, 02 Sep 2015 17:24:04 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15753/ironplanet_announces_fall_cat_auction_services_schedule Five North American Unreserved Auctions in Fall 2015? Includes First Canadian Onsite Auction Expands Orlando, Florida 2016 Auction to Four Days. <a href="http://www.ironplanet.com/">IronPlanet</a>®, the online marketplace for buying and selling used heavy equipment and trucks, recently announced key dates for its fall slate of Cat Auction Services onsite auctions, which features five major regional events across the U.S. and Canada, and that its 2016 kick-off in Orlando, Florida, has expanded to four days. “Today we are announcing an exciting schedule of live unreserved auctions under our Cat Auction Services brand for this fall and into February 2016,” said Gregory J. Owens, IronPlanet Chairman and CEO. “We are thrilled with the early support that we are receiving from many Cat dealers as well as the significant interest in participation from our OEM, major account, and end-user sellers in these six sales that cover the U.S. and Canadian markets. Our Cat Auction Services auctions strongly complement IronPlanet’s weekly online auctions and will allow us to bring our over 1.4 million global buyer base to these regional auctions as well.”  In addition to further expanding IronPlanet’s footprint in the Canadian marketplace with an auction in Edmonton, IronPlanet will be holding Cat Auction Services events across the U.S., including in the Midwest (Des Moines), Northeast (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton), Southwest (Houston), and the West (Las Vegas). IronPlanet’s 2016 Orlando sale is now a four day sale hosted by Ring Power and features 12 supporting Cat dealers. “IronPlanet is building the strongest used heavy equipment marketplace in the industry. Our marketplace solutions and the services that we offer are unsurpassed in the industry and our internet platform allows us to bring our global buyer base to the broadest selection of equipment in the world. Our alliance with Cat dealers hosting or being featured sellers, allows us to bring the best in used equipment from Caterpillar and other manufacturers to our buyers at our physical and online auctions,” continued Owens.   IronPlanet’s Cat Auction Services Upcoming Event Schedule September 30, Wednesday – Des Moines, Iowa Host: Ziegler Cat Featured Sellers: Ring Power and Thomson Machinery <hr /> October 21, Wednesday – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Host: Finning <hr /> October 27, Tuesday – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA Host: Cleveland Brothers Featured Sellers: H.O Penn Machinery, Milton Cat, Ransome Cat, Walker Machinery, Whayne Supply  <hr /> November 10, Tuesday – Houston, Texas Host: Mustang Cat <hr /> December 11, Friday – Las Vegas, NV Host: Cashman Equipment <hr /> February 9 – 12, 2016, Tuesday through Friday – Kissimmee, Florida  Host: Ring Power Corporation <hr /> Watch for updates to the schedule and sellers at <a href="http://www.ironplanet.com/">www.ironplanet.com</a> and <a href="http://www.catauctions.com/">www.catauctions.com</a>. Five Star Publishing Atlas Copco Supports Water Project in Malawi http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15750/atlas_copco_supports_water_project_in_malawi Tue, 01 Sep 2015 19:12:16 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15750/atlas_copco_supports_water_project_in_malawi <a href="http://www.atlascopco.us/">Atlas Copco</a> will play a key role in bringing clean water to a rural area of Malawi through its employee-driven Water for All organization and the Peter Wallenberg Water for All Fund. Starting in October, Water for All will finance installing infrastructure and facilities that support clean water, sanitation and hygiene in about a dozen villages and communities in the southeastern Africa nation. About 28,000 residents will benefit from the project once it’s complete in October 2018. Water for All is working with the nonprofit ADRA on the project, which is financed through donations to the Peter Wallenberg Water for All Fund, where Atlas Copco is one of the major contributors. ?? “Atlas Copco is delighted that the many contributions made to the Peter Wallenberg Water for All Fund will be turned into true life-changing benefits for thousands of people in Malawi,” said Ronnie Leten, Atlas Copco’s president and CEO. ??Water for All chose the Malawi project since it had previous success in the area. The region is also where Peter Wallenberg Sr. was active while working for Atlas Copco in Africa. Wallenberg was Atlas Copco’s managing director for the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland — now Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi — starting in 1926, and he was chairman of Atlas Copco’s board of directors from 1974 to 1996. He worked at Atlas Copco for more than 61 years and passed away in January.  ?? Atlas Copco’s main community engagement initiative is Water for All. Run by employees, the organization provides people in need with long-term access to clean drinking water. Through donations, boosted by the Atlas Copco Group, the nonprofit organization provided clean drinking water to more than 1.5 million people.  ??Water for All programs sprung up in more than 40 countries with support projects all over the world. Atlas Copco employees founded it in Sweden 31 years ago, on Aug. 22, 1984.  To learn more about Water for All and the Peter Wallenberg Water for All Fund, please visit <a href="http://www.water4all.org/us/">http://www.water4all.org/us/</a>.  Five Star Publishing Novel Scissor-Like Bridge Structure For Use During Emergencies http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15749/novel_scissorlike_bridge_structure_for_use_during_emergencies Mon, 31 Aug 2015 19:09:21 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15749/novel_scissorlike_bridge_structure_for_use_during_emergencies A test of the Mobile bridge® Version 4.0 over a real river demonstrated its viability for practical use. during the test, the bridge was set up without any foundation work, and a vehicle could easily travel across it. This was achieved safely with very few people and without any problems. <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150722081121.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fmatter_energy%2Fconstruction+%28Construction+News+--+ScienceDaily%29">«read full article</a> Five Star Publishing How To Keep a Tire Blowout From Killing Your Drive http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15712/how_to_keep_a_tire_blowout_from_killing_your_drive Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:31:07 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15712/how_to_keep_a_tire_blowout_from_killing_your_drive Understanding of blowout forces and pathways leads to better ways of dealing with the dangers and pressures of a sudden micro-explosion in your front tire. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10" height="83" width="172"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(102, 153, 204);">product spotlight: Safe T Plus™</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Many motorists are not aware of how the force of a front tire blowout affects the vehicle’s mechanical and physical systems. If a driver has both hands on the steering wheel at the time of the blowout, it may be possible to reduce the impact. However, the driver usually has little chance of controlling the vehicle. As one driver of a heavy truck reported, he was taken by surprise when the front tire blowout occurred. He had both hands on the steering wheel with a firm grip. Suddenly, he found himself twisted out of his seat by the sudden rotation of the steering wheel. Looking down at the interior of the cab from his new position up near the roof of the cab, he realized the blowout shock load in the steering system could not be controlled using the steering wheel. Fortunately, he was unhurt. What Causes the Sudden Jerk of a Blowout? Typically, when a front tire blowout occurs, the vehicle immediately swerves to the side of the blowout. Consider how the wheel is about six inches, if not more, above the pavement, depending on the size and type of the tire. Unlike a slow leak, a blowout drops the wheel by six inches in a fraction of a second. Think about how the wheel continues rotating and how, at first, the rubber of the tire continues to rotate as well. Now the rotating wheel is on the pavement, and the bottom of the tire is flat under the wheel. Because the tire’s rubber cannot pass under the wheel, between the pressure of the vehicle’s weight and the opposing force of the pavement, the shock load buildup in the tie rod exponentially grows to 1,000 pounds of force. This force seeks the path of least resistance, which will lead to the steering column. To the driver, the sound of the blowout has not yet been registered by his consciousness, and he has yet to feel the surge of energy through the steering wheel. Since the tire’s rubber obstructs the forward direction of the vehicle, the inertia of the forward direction is channeled into the path of least resistance. When a front, right tire blows, the front wheels are forced to the right. The opposite process occurs when the blowout is on the left side of the vehicle. Instantly, the steering system is jammed to the full direction of the tire blowout. Consider the path of the shock load in traveling through all of the clearances within the steering system. The king pins and bushings at the wheels hold the wheels in the correct alignment, which allows for easy steering. However, those clearances also allow unexpected movement. Beginning at the king pin and wheel bushing, the shock load continues along the steering system and reaches a tie rod end, which is another clearance point. Furthermore, there may be drag links in the system, which means additional clearances exist for easy steering. Then, the shock load reaches the steering gear box. Internally, the gears of the gear box convert the straight movement of the tie rod into a circular motion, so the driver can choose the direction of the vehicle through the steering wheel. Normally, the steering gear box multiplies the driver’s strength. Therefore, more clearances exist in this location to further allow for easy steering. For example, think about a freight train. As the locomotive begins to move all of the boxcars, each boxcar emanates a loud noise when picked up and as hitch clearances are eliminated. When the last boxcar is picked up, the noises stop. The locomotive imparts inertia to each boxcar, as inertia must follow the path of least resistance by following the locomotive. Back at the front wheel, the shock load of the blowout collects the clearances traveling through each joint in the steering system. The shock load gains momentum and inertia, which culminates at the steering wheel. To the surprise of the driver, the vehicle is already swerving on the road in the direction of the blowout, and there is little the driver can do to prevent what is unfolding. <table align="right" border="1" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10" style="width: 300px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/SafeTPlus_copy_AF021FA8C461E.jpg" style="width: 280px; height: 162px;" /> Safe-T-Plus’ heavy-duty mechanical coils are an integral part of our “positive centering-point tracking” capabilities which are set specifically for each model to accommodate virtually every chassis type on the road today. To further protect the quality performance of Safe-T-Plus, several metallic plating processes is used on the internal and external components of the unit to prevent corrosion from various harsh climate conditions. Safe-T-Plus Steering Control is available in four models. They are quality crafted and engineered for virtually all motor coaches, RVs, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, commercial and fleet trucks on today’s roadways. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> What you shouldn’t do in a blowout: Introducing the Safe T Plus™ Steering Control Now, it becomes more likely a vehicle rollover will occur as the front wheels on the road stay jammed at the end of the turning radius. The driver is powerless unless… Common Myths of Tire Blowouts Recently, some have recommended pumping the brakes or increasing the speed (“stepping on the gas”) in an effort to gain some control. However, a more positive step can be taken to control the blowout, but it must be taken before the incident. Safe T Plus™ The Safe T Plus™ Steering Control is a revolutionary device to help prevent catastrophe when a front tire blowout occurs. This may include a blowout from the vehicle going off the road slightly, hitting a curb or road debris, or slamming into a pothole. Safe T Plus™ gives drivers the ability to steer in both directions when one of these events happens. During installation, the after-market, patented Safe T Plus™ requires minimal effort to install and does not require drilling. In most cases, the Safe T Plus™ can be installed in less than 60 minutes. The Safe T Plus™ may be mounted directly to the tie rod or to the frame of the vehicle. The exact location is usually determined on a per-case basis. Furthermore, the Safe T Plus™ Steering Control costs about the same as one tire for a large truck. The Safe T Plus™ Steering Control employs physical and mechanical engineering to reduce the shock load from a front tire blowout. If a blowout occurs, the shock forces reach the Safe T Plus™ Steering Control at the tie rod. This allows the forces to dissipate before reaching the steering gear box and affecting the driver. For RVs, the Safe T Plus™ has become the one of the leading safety features for installation after purchase. How Does Safe T Plus™ Function? When a blowout occurs, the Safe T Plus™ coil system will absorb approximately 1,000 pounds of force at the clearance of the tie rod. The shock load forces are then transferred into a safer pathway through the car, such as through the axle or the vehicle’s frame. The Safe T Plus™ stops shock loads at the tie rods, which prevents the forces from hitting the steering wheel components and affecting the driver. Additional Benefits of Safe T Plus™ Safe T Plus™ extends the life of tires and the steering components. While driving, Safe T Plus™ constantly redirects the tires to stay centered on the road. The front wheels are held to a “positive, center-point tracking” location and are returned to center each time the steering wheel is released while rolling, which also extends front tire life by up to 30 percent. Safe T Plus™ helps reduce tire scrub on pavement and shimmy while driving. Safe T Plus™ includes benefits that do not derive directly from preventing blowouts. For example, the minimal effort to maintain control of the vehicle reduces driver fatigue. Turning corners is also made safer and easier with the Safe T Plus™. After turning a corner, the centering feature helps return the wheels to a forward position. If the vehicle does run off the road slightly, the driver only needs to apply minimal pressure to help the vehicle climb back over the drop off. Visit <a href="http://www.etipinc.com">www.etipinc.com</a> or call 800-530-5064 to schedule your installation. Five Star Publishing How to Build a Steel Building at the End of the World http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15713/how_to_build_a_steel_building_at_the_end_of_the_world Wed, 26 Aug 2015 16:44:31 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15713/how_to_build_a_steel_building_at_the_end_of_the_world The most southern project for Allied Steel Buildings is only 2,993 miles from Antarctica. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="10" style="width: 200px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(102, 153, 204);">product spotlight: Allied Steel Buildings</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> On August 8th, 2014, Enrique López signed a contract with the Chilean branch of Allied Steel Buildings. He purchased two warehouses that would be located almost at the farthest most of South of the American continent known as the world’s end. Here, old sailing and steam vessels went around the Cape Horn for centuries, where both, the Pacific, and the Atlantic Ocean meet to create the roughest seas before reaching Antarctica. Enrique’s company, Transportes López, was created in 1998, and they specialize in cargo transport. For more than one year, their food supply business for the fish farming industry had been rising, and they needed to increase their warehouse space as quickly as possible. <img alt="" src="/documents/filelibrary/images_2015/2_equipment_spotlight/How_To_Build_a_Steel_626212624DD24.png" style="width: 499px; height: 282px;" /> The first of them was going to be installed in <a href="http://www.alliedsteelbuildings.com/chile/">Punta Arenas</a>, half a mile off the coast of the Strait of Magellan, while the second identical one, would be installed in Puerto Natales, a city located 153 miles lying northwest of Punta Arenas. The exact location is near Torres del Paine National Park, designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. Both buildings were fabricated by Allied in the USA and exported at the Port of Houston. The shipment took three weeks, and arrived on site the 4th of November, in the middle of the Chilean Summer. In the southernmost part of the South American continent, the warm season lasts from November 21 to March 16 with an average daily high temperature above 54°F and very strong winds. Among Chileans, Punta Arenas is known for its strong winds up to 80mph. During the summer, the winds are so strong that city officials put up ropes between buildings in the downtown area to assist pedestrians with managing the strong downdrafts created in the zone. The construction of the first <a href="http://www.alliedsteelbuildings.com/warehouse-buildings/">steel warehouse</a> located in Punta Arenas started the 10th of December and was completed by the 28th of the same month under extreme weather conditions. To be able to deal with the 75mph winds, Allied’s certified construction team started their daily journey at 4 a.m. They worked on the steel building erection until 8.30 a.m., before the wind started blowing. Around 8.30 a.m., they switched tasks and worked at ground level the rest of the day to avoid risks, ensure health and safety for the team, and guarantee an optimal construction output for the building. In only 18 days, the first 12,916 square foot steel warehouse was completed and ready to be used. Five Star Publishing Equipment Spotlight: Arctic Sectional Sno-Pusher http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15654/equipment_spotlight_arctic_sectional_snopusher Fri, 21 Aug 2015 16:37:02 +0000 Blog http://contractorsequipmentdirectory.com.siteviz.com/index.cfm/39663-1/15654/equipment_spotlight_arctic_sectional_snopusher Contractor-developed and contractor-owned, Sectional Sno- Pusher™ was the first of its kind on the market and continues to lead the industry in value, performance and innovation. From scraping up compact snow and ice on the first pass, to minimized repair costs and drop-and-go operation, Sectional Sno-Pusher™ is easily the best investment your operation will ever make. CD SERIES PUSHERS EQUIPMENT WEIGHT UP TO 5,000 POUNDS Compact Duty Pushers are compatible with small skid-steers, compact tractors and small wheel loaders and offer the perfect solution for clearing small parking lots, sidewalks and larger driveways. Designed by a veteran snow and ice removal contractor, the Sectional Sno-Pushers are unlike any snowplow you’ve ever used, combining the precision of a smaller pusher with the performance and capacity of a much larger unit. Whether you’re new to the snow removal game, extending your summer landscaping or construction business into snow removal or a well-established contractor, the CD series offer a great solution for those small, tough-to-get-into spaces. LD SERIES PUSHERS EQUIPMENT  WEIGHT LESS THAN 15,000 POUNDS Light Duty Pushers are compatible with several types of lighter-duty equipment including backhoes, skid-steers, compact loaders, and tractors. The LD line is the mid-range line offering enhanced performance and size   for those contractors looking to tackle some of the larger, more demanding snow removal jobs. The breadth of the LD line makes it the ideal match for a construction or landscape contractor looking for profitable ways to utilize inactive equipment during the winter months. HD SERIES PUSHERS EQUIPMENT WEIGHT MORE THAN 18,000 POUNDS Heavy Duty Pushers include a  host  of  innovative  features  designed for maximum productivity, and are compatible with a variety of large equipment including wheel loaders, backhoes, skid-steers, tractors and telehandlers. Sectional Sno-Pusher’s HD line is ideal for snow and ice management professionals that face the difficult challenges of today’s tight profit margins and skyrocketing expenses. These pushers, along with the CD and LD models, boost profits by reducing fuel cost, salt usage, after season repair work and labor. The Sectional Sno-Pushers will give your business the competitive advantage you need to succeed in this difficult environment. Time after time and lot after lot, no other plow clears like the Arctic Sectional Sno-Pusher. Our unique sectional design allows the plow to follow the contour of the surface grade, clearing down to pavement on the first pass. And the innovative features of the plow protect the lot, the equipment and your operator. See what sets Arctic’s Sectional Sno- Pusher™  apart. <div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;padding-top:30px;height:0;overflow:hidden;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dEMfgFqJ21c?rel=0" style="position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 100%;" width="640"></iframe></div> For more information about the Arctic Sectional Sno-Pusher, visit <a href="http://www.sectionalsnopusher.com">www.sectionalsnopusher.com</a>, or call 888-2-ICE-SNO. Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/arcticssp">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=35&v=dEMfgFqJ21c">YouTube</a>. Five Star Publishing