Rental - Power Rental - Spring 2016

POWER RENTAL Find the latest news at ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

Spring 2016

16

4 Reasons You Should Consider Engine Remanufacturing

A supplement to Rental magazine

4

New Generators for Your Inventory

12

IS YOUR BUSINESS

PREPARED FOR DISASTER?

Technology Trends

Generators move toward

GREATER ECONOMY & PERFORMANCE New Mobile New New NewMobile Mobile Mobile New Mobile Paralleling Box Paralleling Paralleling Paralleling Box Box Paralleling Box Box is Easy, Flexible is is Easy, Easy,Flexible Flexible Flexible isisEasy, Easy, Flexible

PowerRental16_01_cover_JAL.indd 1

4/15/16 7:59 AM

Serious power starts here At Wacker Neuson, we’ve leveraged more than 160 years of construction and industrial experience into the design of equipment that’s built to endure the most extreme environments, the most demanding applications, the highest requirements for safety and durability while providing a lower cost of ownership. And we back it all up with an experienced, certified service team that’s dedicated to keeping your heaters, generators, pumps and light towers running at peak performance so you can stay on schedule and on budget.

www.wackerneuson.com

Search: 10075166

PowerRental16_2-3_TOCColumn_JAL.indd 2

4/15/16 8:03 AM

POWER RENTAL SPRING 2016

FROM THE EDITOR B y J e n ny L e s c o h i e r, e d i t o r

Life After Tier 4

A supplement to Rental magazine

GENERATORS MOVE TOWARD GREATER ECONOMY & PERFORMANCE

8

Technology Trends Look for onboard load management systems, paralleling boxes and more.



NEW 4 PRODUCTS

12 IS YOUR RENTAL BUSINESS PREPARED FOR DISASTER?

Fleet Management Establish a network of support in your area and stay on top of service so you can respond when needed.

16 4 REASONS WHY RENTAL FLEET OWNERS SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ENGINE REMANUFACTURING

Profit Matters Engine remanufacturing can give your generator a second life and allow the unit to continue to provide income for your rental business for years into the future.

19 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR EMERGENCYPOWER GENERATOR RENTERS

Product design has moved past the need to meet Tier 4 Final requirements toward a greater emphasis on performance and economy

T

ier 4... that little phrase that makes so many people cringe. Whether you’re an equipment designer trying to reduce diesel exhaust emissions to mandated levels, or an equipment operator attempting to meet project requirements for clean-burning equipment, or in your case, a rental business owner trying to make a profit off of your equipment fleet, everyone has been and might still be frustrated by the changes brought forth by Tier 4 Final emissions regulations.

Fortunately, the hard part appears to be over... for now. According to Todd Howe with Doosan Portable Power, equipment owners have begun to adopt and accept Tier 4 equipment and they understand what’s needed to keep it running optimally. The real trick now, for rental businesses, is in figuring out how to get rates up enough to cover the increased cost of Tier 4 machines. While that might prove to be tricky, there are features being introduced on today’s machines that promote higher return on investment through improved performance and economy.

Things like onboard load management systems and paralleling capabilities are helping equipment owners get the most from their generator investment.

Take a look at page 4 to see some of the new generators available to the market right now. And for a deeper look into the technology that’s available on today’s machines and what we can expect going forward, see the article “Generators Move Toward Greater Economy & Performance” on page 8. No matter what, demand for power isn’t going anywhere but up, so be sure you choose your equipment wisely in order to maximize the potential for success. ■

For Your Customers Here’s what homeowners need to know when they’re learning to use a generator to power their homes through emergency outages.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

PowerRental16_2-3_TOCColumn_JAL.indd 3

POWER RENTAL

SPRING 2016

3

4/15/16 8:03 AM



NEW PRODUCTS Doosan G25, G50 and G70 Tier 4 Final Generators The G25, G50 and G70 Tier 4 Final–compliant mobile generators feature Doosan-built engines with a virtually maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalyst aftertreatment system.

• 25-, 51- and 76-kVA prime power ratings • Runtimes in excess of 24 hours at any load factor • G25 has a sound level of 63 dBA and the G50 and G70 have 65-dBA sound levels at 23 ft. at 100% load Search: 12152346

Kohler 55REOZT4 Diesel Mobile Generator Powered by a a KDI 3404 Tier 4 Final diesel engine, the 55REOZT4 mobile generator is built to withstand the elements and run long hours in prime and standby applications.

• 46- to 48-kW standby rating and 42- to 43-kW prime and continuous rating

Wacker Neuson G 625 Mobile Generator Available in skid or trailer mount, the G 625 is powered by a rugged Volvo Tier 2 engine housed in a heavy-duty soundattenuated enclosure.

• Produces 500-kW (625 kVA) prime power and 550-kW (688 kVA) standby power • Digital controller monitors and protects the generator and engine while providing continuous operating data via an LCD display Search: 12054420

• Decision-Maker 3500 digital controller provides intuitive displays and keypad functions Search: 12181989

WANT MORE PRODUCT INFO? USE THE EIGHT-DIGIT CODE

For more information on any of the products in this issue, simply type the unique eight-digit code into the search bar at the top of www.ForConstructionPros.com/Rental.

Atlas Copco Tier 4 Final QAS 275 Generator

Multiquip MQ POWER DCA25 and DCA45 Generators

The Tier 4 Final QAS 275 incorporates an MTU engine and aftertreatment system that meet Tier 4 Final emission standards without a diesel particulate filter.

Units are powered

by Isuzu four-cycle, direct injection, turbocharged, aircooled, Tier 4 Final diesel engines.

• Voltage selector switch can be used to adjust output to 480-, 208/240volt three-phase settings or 120/240volt single-phase (60 Hz) • Dual frequency, 50 or 60 Hz Search: 12045353

• Brushless alternator, automatic voltage regulator, spill containment design, user-friendly panel lit instrumentation and controls and automatic start/stop control • Operate continuously for over 24 hours at full load without interruption with extended fuel tanks Search: 11233200

This line of gaseous-fueled mobile generators ranges from 100 through 396 kW and can run directly on well gas in addition to natural gas and propane.

• Engine management systems automatically adjust to run on propane, natural gas or well gas • Paralleling capabilities and automatic change over ensure power output is maintained • Spark-ignited engine designed to handle impurities that come from running on raw natural gas Search: 11329990

Cummins DPF-Free Tier 4 Final Mobile Generators

The EF2000iS inverter generator features Economy Control, which regulates engine rpm to the actual electricity load for greater fuel economy and quieter operation.

The C150D2R and C200D2R Tier 4 Final-certified generator sets are rated at 150- and 200-kW standby power, respectively.

• 1.6-KVA rated output (2.0 KVA maximum)

• Permanent magnet generator (PMG)

• Standard parallel-use function enables use of two generators to accommodate a wider range of applications

• Rugged four-cycle industrial diesel engines with a DPF-free design

Yamaha EF2000iS Inverter Generator

• Four-stroke MZ80 OHV engine with recoiltype starter pull Search: 10079774

4

Magnum GaseousFueled Mobile Generators

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

PowerRental16_04-07_NewProducts_JAL.indd 4

• Paralleling, dual frequency and fourpoint voltage selections Search: 11364008

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:26 AM

SPRING CLEANUP

ARE YOU READY? Whether it’s spring cleanup or construction, Generac Mobile Products offers the tools and equipment your customers need, including Generac contractor-grade portable pressure washers and generators. Big or small, we have the equipment to get the job done. Call us or visit us online at GeneracMobileProducts.com

Generac Mobile Products LLC • 800-926-9768 • 920-361-4442 L I G H T T O W E R S | G E N E R AT O R S | P U M P S | H E AT E R S | P O R TA B L E S

Search: 10073092

PowerRental16_04-07_NewProducts_JAL.indd 5

4/15/16 8:26 AM



NEW PRODUCTS HiPower Systems Natural Gas Generators The 313-kW HRNG-400 and 410kW HRNG-510 are powered by GE Distributed Power’s Waukesha natural gas engines, which will be fully certified by the EPA for use in portable and stationary generator sets and other mobile equipment.

• Adapt to run fuel ranging from pipeline-quality gas to propane with minimal derate, plus can run off most well-head gases without the need for fuel conditioning or filtering Search: 12147536

Access Construction Equipment Gas-powered Generators These portable, gas-powered, three-phase generators offer optional two-wheel and four-wheel kits to make it easy for a single person to transport them around the jobsite.

• 12,000- or 18,000-watt, 480-volt models weigh 450 lbs. and come with a 23-hp Vanguard engine offering 6.5 hours of runtime under half load and 6 hours at max load

Honda GFCI-Enhanced Generators The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) technology added to three Honda generator models protects users from electrical shock.

• EB6500 Industrial Series produces 6,500 watts, 120/240V of backup power and includes Intelligent Automatic Voltage Regulation (iAVR) Power to produce up to 7,000 watts of power for up to 10 seconds • EM5000 Deluxe Series generates 5,000 watts, 120/240V of backup power and includes the iAVR Power feature and Digital Auto Voltage Regulation (DAVR) • EG4000 Economy Series supplies 4,000 watts, 120/240V of backup power technology Search: 12165236

Chicago Pneumatic CPG 25 and CPG 45 T4F The Chicago Pneumatic CPG 25 and CPG 45 T4F mobile prime power diesel generators are ideal for heavy-duty applications found on demanding construction sites.

• Environmentally sensitive, offering the flexibility to match the machine to a wide range of applications • Compact, sound-attenuated, corrosion-resistant enclosure, which offers a single lift point and 110 percent fluid containment Search: 12063334

• Advanced inverter technology runs the engine at a slower speed for low power use and automatically increases speed as more electrical power is required • EX OHC gasoline engines • Multi-Monitor integrates an AC voltmeter, frequency meter, hour meter, idle control and electric oillevel sensor Search: 12140763

6

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

PowerRental16_04-07_NewProducts_JAL.indd 6

• Decision-Maker 8000 digital controller offers intuitive system monitoring and diagnostics • Large, user-friendly display\ Search: 12182612

The MGG450 provides 450 kVA of power and fuel flexibility that automatically adjusts to spontaneous changes to its fuel sources (natural gas, wellhead gas or liquid propane).

• 360-kW prime power rating delivers 16.4 kW/L • Continuous-duty Generac 21.9L engine with an advanced fuel control system, 1,500-hour service interval and knock sensors on each cylinder

Search: 12146057

The RG3200iS Inverter Series generator is rated at 3,200 watts and the RG4300iS is rated at 4,300 watts.

This line of large natural gas generators in notes ranging from 425 to 1,300 kW is designed specifically for standby, prime or continuous power applications in the North American market.

Generac Magnum MGG450 Gaseous Generator

• Powder-coated steel frame and recessed control panel

Subaru RG3200iS and RG4300iS Inverter Generators

Kohler 425- to 1,300-kW Natural Gas Generators

Search: 12147078

Southwest Products QP 50 Generator The QP 50 generator offers a standby rating of 50 kVA/40 kW and a prime rating of 45 kVA/26 kW. • Features a lockable enclosure and oversized alternator for improved motor starting • Isuzu 4LE2X Tier 4 Final engine provides efficiency and clean-burning operation Search: 12140751

Powermate 12500-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start This 12,500-watt generator features a 22-hp Subaru Electric Start V-Twin OHV gas engine with low-oil shutdown.

• 8-gal. gas tank with fuel gauge runs up to 6 hours at 50% load • Control panel contains four 120-volt 20A GFCI protected outlets, one 120/240-volt 50A outlet, one 120-volt 30A twistlock outlet and circuit breaker protection Search: 12046256 www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:26 AM

EFFICIENT • QUIET • DEPENDABLE • PROFITABLE

Mobile Generators

MMD Equipment’s PowerPro™ Mobile Generators are engineered to handle the most rugged requirements for construction site or event power, with Delta Demand Excitation™ technology that responds immediately under variable loads. We have 25kVA to 150kVA models with Tier-3 and Tier-4 availability.

Pictured: PowerPro 65 / 40 / 150 / 25 • Quietech™ attenuated enclosure is designed with sound canceling vibration-absorbent material with sound levels as low as 57dBA.

• Low 0.5% voltage regulation rating that safely powers the most sensitive electronic equipment.

• Standard external fuel valve to easily extend run-time by connecting a fuel tank.

Inverter Generators

MMD PowerPro™ Inverter Generators provide efficient and quiet portable power. These compact and lightweight units are the perfect match for construction, commercial, industrial, and special event applications. We have 1000w to 6000w models available.

Pictured: PowerPro 2K / 2.6K / 6K • Select models feature wheels and handles, enhancing portability and mobility • T-Lock receptacles; GFCI receptacles for safe operation • Built-in hour meter to track usage • Enhanced throttle control for excellent fuel efficiency and sound reduction

MMD Equipment is one of the most respected names in the construction field. We provide high quality construction products focused on generators, air compressors, heaters, compactors, and light towers. We’re committed to being a market leader through innovation by providing customers the highest quality products available anywhere. As we enjoy our continued growth, we thrive on the leading edge of the heavy equipment manufacturing and distribution business. We have built a service and support infrastructure second to none, which is widely known for its keen attention to the needs of its customer base.

(800) 433-1382

PowerRental16_04-07_NewProducts_JAL.indd 7

|

www.mmdequipment.com

|

Email: sales@mmdequipment.com

Search: 10073936

4/15/16 8:26 AM

POWER RENTAL

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS B y J e n ny L e s c o h i e r, e d i t o r

Doosan created a load management system that addresses the issue from aftertreatment temperature rather than adding load banks.

Onboard load management

Onboard load management systems, paralleling boxes and more can be found in today’s power generation technology

Generators Move Toward

GREATER ECONOMY & PERFORMANCE

F

or the past several years, trends in generator design have predominantly centered on meeting tiered emissions regulations. Today, equipment owners are beginning to accept the latest changes resulting from Tier 4 Final and are looking for machines that are both economical to run and provide top-notch performance.

“The industry was really struggling with adoption — from an economic

8

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

RentalPower16_08-11_TechTrends_JAL.indd 8

point of view, but also from a performance point of view,” says Todd Howe, product marketing manager - generators, Doosan Portable Power. With Tier 4 acceptance growing, manufacturers are moving on to the next step. “We as manufacturers have been hard at work on performance issues, and getting the robustness and reliability back into the product from where it was challenged by the aftertreatment and increased diagnostics on Tier 4 machines.”

Currently, manufacturers are turning their focus to things such as onboard load management strategies that supply supplemental load on demand to keep the generator running optimally for ideal performance.

Some manufacturers are doing this by packaging load banks on their machines for when a load is lower than ideal. In those cases, load banks apply the necessary load to the generator and convert or dissipate the resultant power output of the source. The purpose is to accurately mimic the operational or “real” load that a power source will see in actual application. Unlike the “real” load, which is likely to be dispersed, unpredictable and random in value, a load bank provides a contained, organized and fully controllable load.

Doosan has gone in a different direction. “We’ve created a load management system that doesn’t address it from a load standpoint. Instead, it addresses it from aftertreatment temperature,” says Howe. “When that temperature is at the right level, the aftertreatment system works as intended and there are no plugged diesel particulate filters (DPFs) or any of the other issues that might affect aftertreatment.”

Plugged DPFs remain a concern.

According to Ben Froland, product manager - global power generation, Wacker Neuson, “Oversizing/underloading of generators continues to cause issues. In the past, it was wetstacking on Tier 3 emissions products. With Tier 4 Interim engines, it was plugging of the DPF. The end users still want larger units than their applications demand just in case they need more power. Plugged DPFs have customers leery of that technology without some way of mitigating the plugging risk or eliminating the DPF altogether. The onboard loading ensures that the engine is always at operating temperature and

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:30 AM

that the aftertreatment system is functioning properly.”

Wacker Neuson offers a Liquid Heat Generator (LHG). The engine-mounted device generates heat by “shearing” engine coolant between stationary and rotating chambers. As a result, the engine operating temperature, in-cylinder temperature and exhaust gas temperature are all raised to levels ensuring trouble-free operation. In addition — Todd to addressing low load conditions, the LHG enables a diesel generator to perform reliably in extremely cold environments. It operates seamlessly without operator input, and disengages via a clutch when load/ engine temperature is adequate, so the generator experiences no loss of available power output.

Doosan packages a heating element in the exhaust system. “When you turn the heater on, it’s like adding load to the generator, but we take the heat generated... and put it directly into the aftertreatm e n t ,” s a y s Howe. “Rather t han having to turn on a load bank and add maybe 50 kW of load to keep a unit healthy, we can turn on the heating unit, and with about 15 or 20 kW of load, keep aftertreatment temperatures where they need to be for good performance.

“The entire process takes place without the customer needing to do anything,” he adds. “There are no controls or

switches. It’s monitoring engine temperature and engine parameters. Whenever one of those things signals the need for the system, it turns on automatically and takes care of itself.”

Kohler gaseous and Tier 4 Final diesel mobile generators, provides the paralleling intelligence and network communications for remote monitoring. “Any Kohler mobile generator

“Anything that can be done to

enhance reliability, reduce downtime and increase durability and longevity of the products are the areas we’ll focus on.”

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

RentalPower16_08-11_TechTrends_JAL.indd 9

Howe, Doosan Portable Power Parallel performance Manufacturers are also focusing on the need for flexibility. To that end, Kohler Power Systems offers its Mobile Paralleling Box, which allows users to combine different size generators with different fuel types. The paralleling box is specifically designed for use with Kohler’s gaseous and diesel mobile generator line.

“This will bring a new level of customization to a wide variety of applications,” says Anne Feudner, product manager, Kohler Power Systems. “It allows users to mix and match different size generators to me et j ob requirements.

with the Decision-Maker 3500 digital controller will work with the Mobile Paralleling Box,” Feudner says.

The digital controller and Mobile Paralleling Box make it possible to parallel generators for such applications as using multiple smaller units to replace a larger one; providing redundancy to a primary generator in support of critical loads; meeting system capacity demands when one generator is inadequate; or managing generators to be sequenced on or off in a predetermined order based on system output.

The new system uses contactors to connect to the bus and eliminates the need to install or invest in motorized breakers on generators that may never be used in a parallel application. Each contactor is rated at 1,000 amps; different sized generators can parallel as long as each unit’s output is less than 1,000 amps.

“The advantage of the new paralleling system is that it removes the need to size circuit breakers to specific generator output,” Feudner says.

Kohler offers a Mobile Paralleling Box, which allows users to combine different size generators with different fuel types.

Looking at alternatives

Four of the new boxes can be used to parallel as many as eight generators.”

The Decision-Maker 3500 digital controller, which is standard on all of

Manufacturers agree that alternative power sources are gaining ground in the generator market. Over the last couple of years, natural gas-fueled generators have become more popular, predominantly in the oil and gas sector, though POWER RENTAL

SPRING 2016

9

4/15/16 8:30 AM

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

there are other applications benefiting from using gaseous fuel.

But the real potential, says Howe, is in energy storage. “As I look three to five years down the road, I think energy storage for generators will come into play — getting efficiency up on machines and storing the extra energy they’re producing.”

He notes that a generator rarely runs at its full capacity. “You have excess

POWER RENTAL

to the customer’s load, providing very clean, very good power quality. For applications that need precise voltage and frequency, that’s a very good opportunity to provide... power that’s as good or better than what we get from the utility grid.”

Power quality is important. A generator creates voltage and frequency based primarily on the speed of the engine.

In order for a generator to create 60-Hz

the ability to precisely feed that power out according to demand would give him exactly what he’s looking for,” says Howe. “It wouldn’t matter what the diesel engine is doing... because the power electronics would act like a filter.”

It comes down to cost

Alternative energy sources have been slow to gain traction with some users, but that could be changing.

“I think that’s going to become a lot more releGenerator manufacturers have renewed their focus on vant in the next couple of developing creative solutions to meet their customers’ needs. years,” Howe says. “The cost of energy is going to go up. The mindset and understanding of reducing the emissions and reducing your carbon footprint is going to be a lot more top of mind and they’re going to want to make better decisions based on how they can impact those things.”

When you look at the life-cycle cost of a generator, acquisition and maintenance costs are relatively small pieces of the pie, Howe asserts. “The biggest piece of the pie by far is fuel,” he says. capacity... and it’s very inefficient,” he electricity, it has to run at 1,800 rpm; “Anything that can be done to reduce states. This extra capacity could be any deviation in that speed will cause that or at least get more hours of use... stored in batteries for later use. “When frequency to go up or down. That can will be important.” the batteries are full, we could shut the impact the voltage output from the Customers also want extended diesel engine off and run the job off of machine. maintenance intervals. “End users are the stored energy in the batteries until Normally, the utility grid doesn’t saying they don’t want any downtime or those run down, and then restart the vary much, which is why we don’t see they want it to be as infrequent as posdiesel engine. We’d get the fuel efficienmany interruptions in power. But with sible,” says Howe. “If we get to a place cy [and] the overall efficiency of the a diesel engine, it’s easy to impact the where we can store up energy and run product to go way up, while getting the speed when a load is put on a generasome amount of the operating cycle emissions to go down. tor. You could see a momentary period with the diesel engine shut off, you “An additional layer to this is power when engine speed dips and then recovmight get 750 or 1,000 hours of operaquality. When we’re feeding energy into ers. In that dip period, the voltage and tion on one oil change, but you’re only battery storage, it’s converting power frequency drop, possibly resulting in a running the engine for 500 of those from alternating current (AC) to direct very brief loss of power. hours.” current (DC),” says Howe. “We can then “If a customer needs very preOf course, acceptance comes down use power electronics to pulse that out cise voltage and frequency output... to dollars and cents. While features such

10

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

RentalPower16_08-11_TechTrends_JAL.indd 10

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:30 AM

PREDICTABLE POWER

“Over the next several years, as [customers] become comfortable

20-kW to 1-MW generators.

Efficient, predictable and versatile power. Anywhere.

800-732-6762 | www.atlascopco.us

with the concept and execution of paralleling generators,

the next trend will be using the technology in innovative ways to reduce fuel costs.”

— Anne Feudner, Kohler Power Systems as liquid containment are common on mobile generators, more expensive technologies have not been a buying factor thus far. “Tier 4 Final engines, hybrid generators and solar options are all too costly at this time,” says Froland. “It really boils down to what the customer is willing to pay.”

The big picture As always, reliability is a top priority. “Anything that can be done to enhance reliability, reduce downtime and increase durability and longevity of the products are the areas we’ll focus on,” Howe says. “We try to make all that happen in a way that doesn’t have an impact on the operators. And it still has to be simple and intuitive... so we focus on keeping controls as simple as possible.”

Constant improvement is the main goal. “Over the next several years, as [customers] become comfortable with the concept and execution of paralleling generators, the next trend will be using the technology in innovative ways to reduce fuel costs,” says Feudner. “We’re going to see engine providers looking to improve Tier 4 Final systems to gain cost reductions and engine efficiencies. Also on the horizon is Tier 4 Final in larger generator packages and the dreaded possibility of Tier 5.”

Froland adds, “Two emissions changes in two years have really stifled innovation in our industry. With that out of the way, engineering and R&D can finally apply all of their horsepower toward creative solutions for our customers’ needs.

Cost-effective hybrid generators, stored energy motor starting and natural gas- and liquid propane-powered generators are just a few concepts that may become reality.” ■

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

RentalPower16_08-11_TechTrends_JAL.indd 11

Search: 10072084

4/15/16 8:30 AM

FLEET MANAGEMENT

POWER RENTAL

By Rod Dickens, contributing editor

IS YOUR RENTAL BUSINESS

PREPARED FOR D

Establish a network of support in your area and stay on top of service so you can respond appropriately and productively when disaster strikes

B

lizzards, tornadoes, and hurricanes all spell disaster as do myriad other events.

Try as you might, dealing with them can be overwhelming. Communication and travel are likely interrupted and when customers finally contact you, there’s only one thing on their mind, “can you help me get up and running.”

This help usually comes in the form of generators, small ones for homeowners who need to keep their lights on and freezers operating and larger ones for offices and retail operations where power demands are much greater. It’s the old saying, you don’t know how much you miss something until you don’t have it, and electricity has to

12

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

RentalPower16_12-15_FleetMngmnt_JAL.indd 12

be at the top of most missed and most wanted list.

There’s another old saying, equally axiomatic: “In an emergency, there’s never enough of everything to go around.” The immediate challenge then is how to meet demand for product and services.

Depending on the scope of the disaster, having multiple locations allows stores to shift supply to meet demand. Colorado-based Arapahoe Rental has four locations in the state in Loveland, Windsor, Johnstown and Littleton. An early spring blizzard this year didn’t tax the company generator supply but it put some pressure on its snow removal fleet.

“We’re fairly spread out so we can

meet a spike at one location by moving equipment from another store or two,” relates Operations Manager Jed Jaster.

“In high-demand situations, scheduling becomes extremely important,” as well.

“We try to find out how long a customer will need a piece of equipment, may it be a generator or something else so we can schedule with other customers.

Then it’s a matter of having an accurate call back list that allows us to get that equipment back out in quick order.”

Spheres of influence “I have a mantra, one that applies both to our company and to disaster planning,” relates Joe Atchison, rental manager for Loftin Equipment Company in Houston, TX. “Don’t try to be everything to everybody. Our company focuses on generators and connectors, including everything from cabling and switch gears to transformers.”

Loftin Equipment Company’s generator fleet includes 43 units that range

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:31 AM

R DISASTER? in size from 20kw to 1 meg. Its most popular is the 200kw generator that has a 60- to 70-percent utilization rate. Next are the 350 to 400kw units at 60-percent utilization rate, followed by our 100kw

generators that come in at 30 percent.

During a disaster not all of these units will be in-house nor will the company likely have the precise size that a customer would need. Again, Atchison

emphasizes that you can’t be everything to everybody.

“Companies need to develop what I call spheres of influence, to be able to reach out even to competitors if necessary to meet demand. The key is for everyone to work together to solve problems.

“Develop relationships ahead of time, to be able to not only supply units, but to service ones already in place, as well. Some of our customers, including major retail chains and manufacturers, need to get up and running in a hurry after a power outage. So, too, do grocery stores that are in a position to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars of food if power isn’t restored quickly. If another company in the area can help us and our customers out, that’s great, and they will return the favor if and when the time comes.”

Steve Ferlita, vice president of Ring Power Corp. headquartered in St. Augustine, FL, adds, “We ensure our customers have the correct number of generators by understanding their graphical territory within the path of the storm and who might need our services. We also leverage CAT’s dealer network of inventories from areas not directly impacted.”

Beyond supplying generators, he agrees with Atchison that service is a key component to taking care of customers during a disaster.

“Oftentimes, customer power applications are neither the same nor are they simple. For example, utility needs to be isolated before bringing the load on line to ensure the safety to everyone. During the operation of the rental generator, monitoring, fueling and servicing the engine are considerations.”

He continues, “Once the utility power is restored, reversing your actions safely for all involved is an underestimated requirement. There are

Develop relationships ahead of time, to be able to not only supply units, but to service ones already in place, as well.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

RentalPower16_12-15_FleetMngmnt_JAL.indd 13

POWER RENTAL

SPRING 2016

13

4/15/16 8:31 AM

FLEET MANAGEMENT

POWER RENTAL

DISASTER PLANNING

a myriad of other logistical challenges such as but not limited to coordinating labor, transportation, fuel, permits and supplies simultaneously, at a time when all resources are at peak demand.”

Diversity and training Tony Crandall, rental sales manager for Columbus, OH-based Buckeye Power Sales Company, points to two other areas where having efficient systems in place can show their worth in difficult situations.

“For our generator division, having a diverse fleet of units that range anywhere from 20kw to 1500kw is the first step toward preparedness. Then whenever units are returned, they’re immediately serviced and placed on the ready-to-rent line. In other words, they’re serviced, stationed and ready to go prior to needing them in an

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE MOST RUGGED REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY JOBSITE POWER

emergency. The same holds true for our cable, switch gear and other power-related equipment.”

He emphasizes that the last thing one wants to be doing in a crisis situation is servicing equipment at the last moment or trying to determine if something is even available to rent.

“Being trained on what to do during a disaster is especially important,” says Crandall.

“We have four branch locations and coordination among them is critical. For larger events such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012, someone was in charge of knowing not only how many generators in total were available but how to deploy them. At one time, we had three flat-bed trailers at each location loaded with 60kw to 200kw

CHECK LIST ✔✔ Keep a diverse supply of generators on hand to help meet the needs of a wide range of customers, potentially from homeowners and small businesses all the way to large businesses and manufacturers. ✔✔ Keep your generator fleet serviced and maintained so it can spring into action at a moment’s notice. ✔✔ Maintain good records. This will help ensure you will know what’s available in your store and where it goes once rented. ✔✔ Assign leadership roles and responsibilities. Employees need to know who to turn to for specific resources, deployment, and coordination with other branch locations or different rental companies. ✔✔ Work to establish “spheres of influence.”

Develop relationships with other companies, even competitors, to share resources in case of an emergency.

MMD Equipment’s PowerPro™ Mobile Generators are engineered to handle the most rugged requirements for temporary jobsite power, with Delta Demand Excitation™ technology that responds immediately under variable loads. Quietech™ sound reduction makes them quiet enough to provide power for that all-important special event. Our generators produce an industry low 0.5% voltage regulation to power the most sensitive electronic equipment safely. Easily extend run time by connecting an external fuel tank through our standard external fuel valve. Mobile, dependable and easy to operate, our generators are the right choice for all of your light-duty to heavy-duty power needs. Select models have Zero Load Technology that almost eliminates light loading issues on Tier-4 units without power loss, Hybrid Dual Fuel systems that operate on natural gas (retrofitting available), and the optional ability to Parallel for increased power output and power system reliability. We have 25kVA to 150kVA models with Tier-3 & Tier-4 availability.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO REDUCE FUEL COSTS BY 50-75%?

MMD Hybrid Dual Fuel Systems can Maximize your Rental Dollars Reducing costs on a strict budget is a critical part of any business. We must utilize all resources available, and our generators can help you do that. Our PowerPro Hybrid Dual Fuel Generator can utilize a byproduct resource on oil wells — natural gas. Our HDF unit is not only designed for oil well applications as it will take any natural gas source, for example a direct city gas line. Also, these hybrids give you the option to operate them as regular diesel units when natural

gas is not available. Using a hybrid gives you the benefit of utilizing natural gas when available without making a capital expenditure on natural gas only units.

Our case study utilized two MMD PowerPro Hybrid Dual Fuel Generators in parallel rollover operation, taking advantage of onsite natural gas supply to reduce overall diesel consumption.

As a result, using natural gas reduced the fuel consumption by up to 75%* on our units. Download our whitepaper for more information about how you can reduce your costs: mmdequipment.com/technology.html *Exact consumption may vary depending on operating factors.

For more information about company, visit

MMDequipment.com

Search: 10073936

14

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

RentalPower16_12-15_FleetMngmnt_JAL.indd 14

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:31 AM

generators heading to the East Coast.

It also helped to have close friends at other Kohler rental dealers from around the country to assist with both resources and logistics.”

For larger equipment, his store has contingencies in place with freight haulers. “Really big stuff,” he notes, “creates other hurdles, not the least of which is getting heavy trailer permitting. All this should be worked out prior to a disaster.”

Ferlita adds, “Have a plan to make sure everyone within your company clearly understands their responsibility and cascades the plan throughout your company. Complacency is the worst approach to any disaster situation.”

Two-way street Disaster planning is a two-way street. Customers, as well as their suppliers, have an obligation to have a

disaster plan in place. “Ring Power offers a free service where our rental professionals will conduct a site survey, which provides the customer with a plethora of information, including a customized planned approach to protect themselves against a power loss,” notes Ferlita.

“They should also have updated contact information for their suppliers, and even run mock drills to vet out any unforeseen shortcomings within their control. At a minimum, they need to have a contingency plan in place with a local provider they can rely on to get their company back on line safely to restore operations.”

Experience counts, too, says Atchison. “Although Loftin Equipment Company has been through many hurricanes, I’ve never been through one myself. I know from talking with those

who have that you have to learn from past events. I’ve been told that when Hurricane Ike went through here, the storm not only blew away buildings but also essentially blew away generator fleets. Stores rushed to help customers, sometimes at the expense of knowing precisely where the equipment was going. Remember, during a crisis situation employees have to be even more vigilant about tracking equipment.”

Disaster preparation involves several moving parts complicated by a potential communication breakdown during the event, a sense of urgency, and the absolute need to move ahead as safely and efficiently as possible to restore power. Remember, not only do you want your store to be well-postured to help customers survive, it needs to” live” to rent another day and be able to help customers in a time of need. ■

Portable

Generator Test Set Model 632 (15KW) | Model 627 (10KW) | Model 650 (30KW) Input voltage: 120/240V, 60Hz Single Phase

A self-contained test set for electrical load testing of AC generators. Ideal for setting engine speed and verifying engine and generator performance. Now you can be sure that your generators and alternators are providing the output they should, and the proper voltage frequency.

Generators up to 10-30KW can be loaded to full capacity. The generator test set combines two load banks in one. Larger generators can be tested using two test sets. This avoids purchasing a very large test set for only a small percentage of your generator inventory.

ORDER YOURS TODAY!

800-922-2969

|

sales@sotcher.com

|

www.sotcher.com

Search: 10074668 www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

RentalPower16_12-15_FleetMngmnt_JAL.indd 15

POWER RENTAL

SPRING 2016

15

4/15/16 8:31 AM

PROFIT MATTERS

POWER RENTAL

4 REASONS WHY

Rental Fleet Owners Should Take Advantage of Engine Remanufacturing

Engine remanufacturing can give your generator a second life and allow the unit to continue to provide income for your rental business for years into the future

W

hen a rental generator is nearing the end of its useful life, you mig ht b e lef t with the difficult choice of whether to replace your existing generator with a brand new, more expensive engine or seek an alternative option. Many equipment rental companies are now taking advantage of engine remanufacturing to repower their generator fleets.

“In the past year, we’ve been seeing significantly more interest from rental companies in engine remanufacturing,” said Andy Machin, vice president of Perkins Pacific, a Washington state-based engine distributor and remanufacturer.

16

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

RentalPower16_16-18_ProfitMatters_JAL.indd 16

“The lower cost of engine remanufacturing and the like-new performance of the product after integration is driving many rental company owners to consider remanufactured engines as an option. It’s been a common engine choice to extend the life of machinery for many equipment owners and operators for years, and rental companies are beginning to see the value.”

Engine remanufacturing can give your generator a second life and allow the generator to continue to produce income for your rental business for years into the future.

As a lower cost, more environmentally-friendly alternative that offers less downtime and increases the resale value of rental equipment, remanufacturing

offers a great number of advantages to rental fleet owners. Here are a few reasons why rental generator fleet owners should consider remanufacturing their engines:

REASON 1:

Lower Cost One of the biggest factors in choosing a remanufactured engine is cost.

Remanufactured engines cost up to 50 percent less than a new Tier 4 Final engine, not including associated engineering costs, and offers even greater savings over the purchase of a new piece of equipment. Maintenance on some new Tier 4 Final engines can be costly as well. In addition to being more complex to service, additional costs for after treatment cleaning and DEF fluid can add up quickly.

After integrating a reman engine, generators can typically see an

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:35 AM

additional 4-7 more years of service life for rental companies. When compared to the cost of a new engine integration, the value and quality offered is significant. Remanufactured engines can help rental fleet owners minimize total cost of ownership for their equipment and offers an economical alternative to Tier 4 Final or investment in new power generation equipment.

“We frequently hear from rental customers who are looking for ways to refurbish their generator fleets and add more years to the life of each unit they own,” said Kevin Knowles, generator sales at rental generator manufacturer Southwest Products. “With our predominantly Perkins-powered generator lineup, Perkins Pacific has been a resource for supplying and integrating remanufactured engines that has helped our rental customers get

many additional years of service from their generators.”

REASON 2:

Less Downtime Opting to replace your existing engine with a new one typically requires significant engineering time that can render rental equipment out of service for months. The integration and testing process also takes significantly longer with a new Tier 4 Final engine than with remanufactured engines.

“A completely new engine may include diesel exhaust fluid, fluid lines and mounting components, each of which must be configured during integration. Electrical components, ECU/ ECM and a high level of technical interfaces with electronics programming and

CUSTOMIZABLE OPTIONS FROM KOHLER POWER SYSTEMS

testing increases engineering time,” said Paul Hecker, an engineer at Southwest Products. “All of that additional engineering work can add up to about an additional 150 hours.”

For rental companies, equipment down time adds up to less income and less value from their equipment.

Remanufactured engines are essentially an updated, refreshed version of your generator’s existing engine, so they take much less time to integrate.

REASON 3:

Increase Resale Value Once a rental generator has neared the end of its life and its profitability has decreased, resale within the U.S.

Kohler Power Systems offers numerous products ideally suited to the rental market, including a full range of diesel and gaseous-fueled mobile generators. These units offer customizable options for most applications and feature unmatched quality, reliability and flexibility.

Built to withstand the elements and run long hours in prime and standby applications, Kohler’s mobile generators meet all EPA emissions standards and are compatible with the company’s new Mobile Paralleling Box, which allows users to combine different sized generators with different fuel types.

A powerful and durable lineup of portable generators and pumps is also available from Kohler. The portable generators range from 2 to 12.3 kW and

feature the company’s U-Spec™ accessory system, which allows for ultimate customization. A range of accessories, including wheels, legs, extension cord management system, handtrunk handle, and more can be easily added based on the end user’s specific requirements.

The company’s water pumps – from 2 to 4 inches – can also be customized and are designed to stand up to the toughest jobs.

Kohler offers a number of support services to give rental companies an edge on the competition, including a premium three-year limited warranty and custom-engineered specials to design equipment that fits every job perfectly. The company’s global service and support network – with more than 800 locations worldwide – provides comprehensive aftermarket support to guarantee satisfaction.

For more information about company, visit

kohlerpower.com KohlerPower_PR0416.indd 1

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

RentalPower16_16-18_ProfitMatters_JAL.indd 17

Search: 10073580

4/6/16 7:39 AM

POWER RENTAL

SPRING 2016

17

4/15/16 8:36 AM

PROFIT MATTERS

and to lesser regulated countries can be a significant source of revenue for fleet owners. Integrating a remanufactured engine can increase the resale value of a used generator by a substantial amount.

With a remanufactured engine, used generators are not limited to re-sale only within the U.S. There are two main factors currently making it difficult to sell Tier 4 Final-powered equipment in lesser regulated countries: serviceability and fuel availability. The lack of established service programs for the new technology makes supporting the product difficult.

This coupled with high product costs, have companies shying away from Tier 4 Final powered equipment. In addition, many lesser regulated countries don’t have high availability for ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel, which is required by

POWER RENTAL

Tier 4 Final engines to operate effectively. Without it, the diesel particulate filter can clog rapidly and cause significant operation issues.

REASON 4:

A More Sustainable Option With the growing demand for environmentally-friendly options, many rental fleet owners are now fielding questions about their own “green” practices and equipment. Remanufactured engines offer a way for rental companies to increase the sustainability practices for their business.

Purchasing a remanufactured engine keeps an old engine core and many usable components out of a

landfill, which can greatly reduce the impact on the environment. According to Perkins Pacific’s Andy Machin, approximately 73 percent of the old engine can be salvaged during the remanufacturing process saving millions of pounds of waste out of landfills.

New engine production requires all new materials, substantial amounts of energy for the production process and additional transportation costs.

By utilizing recycled components, a remanufactured engine typically uses about 80 percent less energy than new engine production, making it a much greener option. For rental fleet owners, reman offers the opportunity to expand their sustainability practices while saving money. ■

Here’s where experience matters Wacker Neuson industrial products and services On the toughest job sites, you need a partner you can trust.

A partner to deliver rugged, reliable equipment, designed for extreme weather and potentially volatile conditions, to focus on safety, and to be ready when you need service with the expertise and parts to get it right, right now. At Wacker Neuson we partner side by side with people who work in extreme environments. Our equipment is proven tough and reliable on construction sites, oil fields and heavy industrial applications around the world.

• Technical Training Academy ensures every technician is trained to factory standards • Sophisticated logistics systems to support fast parts availability • Manufacturing sites around the globe At Wacker Neuson, we’re committed to excellence at every step from design expertise and build quality to outstanding field support anywhere our equipment is used. www.wackerneuson.com

Search: 10075166

18

SPRING 2016

POWER RENTAL

RentalPower16_16-18_ProfitMatters_JAL.indd 18

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

4/15/16 8:36 AM

POWER RENTAL

FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS

S P I T Y SAEmFeErgTency-Power for s r e t n e R r o t Genera

“Improper use of a standby or portable generator can lead to injury or even death,” explains Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program. “It’s important to learn and follow all safety measures to help keep yourself and others safe.”

Decide what needs powered. What appliances, devices, and equipment are essential? Choose a generator size that can handle the full load of the estimated power needed. Keep in mind that it takes more power to turn an appliance on—its surge power—than it does when in continuous operation.

FOLLOW THESE SAFETY GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE BACKUP GENERATOR:

1

T horoughly read and follow all manufacturer instructions to properly ground the generator before turning it on.

2

Do not connect portable generators directly to a home’s electrical system. Doing so could re-energize overhead power lines and endanger the lives of utility linemen working to restore power.

5

Always operate portable generators in a well ventilated space to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and other harmful fumes. Never run a generator indoors.

6

Generators can pose an electrical risk when operated in wet conditions. Make sure the generator stays dry during its operation, and never touch electrical equipment with wet hands.

3

There should be nothing plugged into a portable generator before starting it to prevent a surge from damaging the appliance.

4

When running a portable generator, always use properly rated extension cords (length and load) when connecting appliances.

7

E xercise caution around portable generators, which have exposed engine parts that could burn or injure an individual.

Keep children and pets away from a running generator.

8

Use care when refueling portable generators to prevent potential fires and spills.

9

Properly shut down portable generators by turning off and unplugging all appliances and equipment being powered by the generator.

10

Remember to perform regular maintenance before and after each use. For portable generators, inspect oil and fuel filters, oil level, spark plugs and fuel quality.

Stand-by generators require less maintenance, but should still be inspected before and after power outages.

CUT OUT

& COPriYbute

For more information about choosing and safely operating a backup generator visit Sa f e E l e c t ric i t y.or g

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

RentalPower16_19-20_Safety_JAL.indd 19

st so you can di fo to in ul ef us is th s! your customer

POWER RENTAL

SPRING 2016

19

4/15/16 8:44 AM

ADD THE BRAINS

AND DOUBLE YOUR BRAWN.

MOBILE POWER SOLUTIONS EPA-CERTIFIED DIESEL GASEOUS CUSTOM ENGINEERING |

|

|

Maximize your rental fleet with our Mobile Paralleling Box. It lets you parallel multiple KOHLER generators to meet capacity or redundancy ®

demands. Parallel any units – even different sizes and fuel types – to maximize equipment use and double your power.

PUT YOUR POWER ON THE ROAD. VISIT KOHLERPOWER.COM Search: 10073580

RentalPower16_19-20_Safety_JAL.indd 20

4/15/16 8:44 AM