March 2014
A Guide To Vehicle Tracking With Fleet Management Software
The Skid Steer Loader Overview
NCP CONTENTS
V.P. OF SALES
Jim Barnhill 205-733-1343 jim@handfmedia.net
GROUP PUBLISHER Brandon Greenhill 205-733-4343 brandon@tipsmag.net
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Neil Gutowski 205-733-1344 neil@handfmedia.net
EDITOR/ DIGITAL DIRECTOR Danny Thompson danny@handfmedia.net
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jacklyn Hobson jacklyn@handfmedia.net
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Annie McGilvray annie@handfmedia.net
FACILITATOR/ LEAD COORDINATOR Steven Hobson steven@tipsmag.net
CEO
Christy Hobson
Feature STORY
8 10 12 18 20 24 24
2
A Guide To Vehicle Tracking With Fleet Management Software The Skid Steer Loader Overview 6 Tips To Purchasing Your Next SkidSteer Loader Work Truck Financing- 5 Things to Look For 5 Reasons Your Trailer Needs a Dump Insert Reel Innovation Improves Industrial Safety and Performance Brokk Debuted Its Largest, Most Powerful Demolition Robot At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014: The Brokk 800S
New Construction Products • March 2014
PRESIDENT Glen Hobson
Executive and Advertising Offices 951 1st Ave. W. Alabaster, AL 35007 phone: 205-624-3354 fax: 205-624-3354 www.newconstructionproducts.com glen@tipsmag.net New Construction Products™ is published twelve times a year on a monthly basis by H&F Media Group, Inc., 951 1st Ave. W. Alabaster, AL 35007 USA. New Construction Products™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. New Construction Products™ is distributed to to qualified owners and managers in the industrial industry. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to H&F Media Group, Inc., P.O. Box 1568 Pelham, Al 35124 PRINTED IN THE USA
A Guide To Vehicle Tracking With Fleet Management Software By Simon Daniels
4
New Construction Products • March 2014
Maintaining and organising fleet vehicles, field personnel or other assets is impossible without a reliable centralised system accessible at all levels of the business. Luckily these systems do exist and are referred to as fleet management software or vehicle tracking systems. There are a number of solutions available and these have been developed to handle all aspects of managing and maintaining a fleet as well as personnel and job dispatching. Each comes with a raft of features and capabilities making it difficult to choose a solution.
There are many companies providing vehicle tracking and fleet management software solutions. These fall into two types of system, online or locally installed software. Online systems are usually a web-based or “in the cloud�. They are accessed via a web interface or web browser where as a locally installed system is installed on a local computer. The pros and cons to these two systems are minimal and come down to I.T infrastructure already in use by the business. If a business
Feature STORY has an existing database to manage parts of the business then this data may need to be accessed by fleet management software and this may need a locally installed solution. What features or capabilities make fleet management software a good investment for a business? Centralised Data Storage Having all information in one place is a must for organisation of all aspects of a business. All good solutions enable the input and storage of vehicle information like service, M.O.T and road tax records. Driver records such as driving qualifications, medical requirements and endorsements can also be entered on to the system. Important vehicle and driver documents can be scanned and easily retrieved when required. Vehicle Service Reminders, Alerts and Management One really useful aspect of fleet management is the ability to set reminders or alerts for vehicle servicing, M.O.T or road tax due dates. Personnel can update the status of vehicle repairs and drivers can record any vehicle faults when completing daily checks. Vehicle Tracking with GPS An important feature when deciding on a fleet management solution is the ability to know where vehicles or personnel are located or where they have been. Vehicle tracking is usually achieved with the installation of a small device in the vehicle or in the case of personnel or assets a small device can be carried in a pocket or attached. Once setup it is possible to see vehicles, people and assets in real-time on maps. Knowing where all the business assets are allows the fleet manager or transport dispatcher to assign the right asset to the correct location. Job Assignment and Dispatch This is a very useful feature but not all fleet management systems feature it. The ability to assign jobs via the system is a really useful function. Mobile personnel, drivers or field engineers can update the job status, upload images and signatures enabling back office staff to immediately see and inform a customer of progress. These systems can be installed on existing devices such as smart iPhones, Android and Blackberry handsets. History Trails and Reports When all of a business’s data is stored in a centrally managed system it is easy to compile reports that can improve efficiency and even save money. Detailed reports on individual assets such as vehicles can show total running costs for that vehicle. Vehicle tracking information can show how much fuel has been used and help to suggest cheaper alternative routes. This combined data from personnel
6
can help a business to see where efficiencies can be achieved. To summarise, fleet management software and vehicle tracking solutions should enhance a business and if used correctly should improve the operating and efficiency of a business’s mobile resources. The savings that can be achieved may be out-weighed by the costs of the systems but that should also be balanced against the increased productivity and the ability to offer a better service to clients. There are many companies that produce fleet management and vehicle tracking solutions. Chevin Fleet, Concepts-Online, FleetCheck and Ctrack all have popular products that are packed with features. For more information on fleet management and vehicle tracking systems click here.
“Crash for Cash” scams, where one driver brakes sharply in front of another vehicle causing and accident and filing insurance claims for vehicle damage and personal injury cost insurance companies millions of dollars per year—costs eventually passed to the consumer, driving up costs for companies that rely on vehicles to carry out business. In car CCTV cameras and journey recorders can help a business to fight back and protect its assets, drivers and vehicles and lower the cost of vehicle insurance. Many companies are now fitting in car cameras to fleet vehicles to prevent fraud or complaints against them: •
Record video from a device mounted to the vehicle dashboard giving a drivers eye view of the road.
•
The system records high quality video which can be downloaded, reviewed and stored after a journey or accident.
•
The best have GPS and G-force sensors fitted to record location, speed and g-forces involved in any incident or collision. Using these sensors the device can usually be set to record continuously or be configured to record at the time of the incident such as sharp braking, sudden movements or collision.
•
The data can be stored if required but it may only relevant in the case of an incident or complaint. The data and video captured can be submitted in court to be used as evidence by insurances companies to prevent fraud.
•
In car CCTV cameras protect your drivers and assets from false claims and complaints and may lower the cost of insurance across the fleet.
With the expense of vehicle insurance growing more vehicles are likely to be fitted with in car CCTV Camera systems. Insurance companies may eventually recommend it for in exchange for cheaper premiums and with data such as vehicle speed recorded it may make better drivers of us all.
New Construction Products • March 2014
8
New Construction Products • March 2014
The Skid Steer Loader Overview By Robert Leib
A skid steer loader is a versatile machine, and a must have for anyone in landscaping, large-scale construction, farming, or logging. It has a rigid frame and lift arms you can attach various tools and skid steer loader attachments to. Loaders may be track-equipped or four-wheel drive. The drive system of the loader has no transmission. Instead, it uses pumps and hydraulic motors to power the wheels or tracks. Wheels can drive independently of each other, which makes them very maneuverable.
Feature STORY tracks. The rubber tracks are mainly used for landscaping. These are the least aggressive tracks, but they give a good amount of traction on wet terrain. The skid loader tracks are made of rubber or urethane so they won’t damage newly-laid sod, won’t scratch up brick pathways, and won’t scuff up the driveway. Landscapers love these tracks because they are not aggressive, but still provide good traction. These rubber skid loader tracks are able to turn the machine without causing any damage. Turning a skid steer loader can generate a lot of wear and tear on a lawn or driveway, so the rubber tracks are best used in smaller areas where the landscaping can’t be damaged.
The skid steer loader gets its name from the way its stationary wheels skid with the moving wheels. Since the left-side drive wheels or track run independently of the right-side, these loaders can turn with zero-radius. This makes them compact and useful in tight situations. They are also light enough to be towed behind a pickup truck. Unlike a front loader, which has arms and pivot points on the front of the machine, the arms on this machine run alongside the driver, and the pivot points sit behind the operator. These loaders have fully-enclosed cabs and other features which protect the operator. There are a variety of specialized skid steer loader attachments, which can replace the conventional loader bucket. These include backhoes, hydraulic breakers, pallet forks, angle brooms, sweepers, augers, mowers, snow blowers, stump grinders, tree spades, trenchers, dumping hoppers, rippers, tillers, rollers, snow blades, wheel saws, cement mixers, and wood chipper machines. Many of these are powered by the hydraulic system.
The Contractor’s Choice for Trench Boxes and Slide Rail
While new loaders may cost anything from $25,000 to $40,000, good used loaders are available for prices ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.
Site-Specific Engineering
Skid steer loaders are amazing tools and make a great addition to any landscaping or construction company, farm, or logging operation. They require minimal operator training. Their light weight and small size allows them to be towed by pickups, and the loader’s zero radius turning makes them useful in tight situations. The variety of attachments makes this implement valuable. Skid Loader Tracks come in three different styles for use on a Bobcat skid steer. The different tracks are used with tired, or wheeled, machines as opposed to the compact track loaders which have no wheels. The track is placed over the wheel to give the skid steer loader better traction and maneuvering capabilities. Which one you choose to use is dependent on the kind of terrain you are working and riding on. Rubber Skid Loader Tracks If you were going to do work on a yard or driveway but you didn’t want to tear either of them up and ruin them with skid marks, you would use the rubber
10
America’s Trench Box Builder
™
Efficiency Production, Inc.
Largest selection of trench shielding and shoring, and PREMIER Slide Rail System
Custom trench shields built to your specs Supported by Efficiency Production’s Special Operations Shoring Division; the nation’s most experienced team of Slide Rail experts and installers
Hydraulic Shores
Build-A-Box™
Aluminum Shield
Stone Mizer®
Steel Trench Box
Slide Rail System
Toll Free for FactoryDirect Sales & Rentals or your local dealer
800-552-8800
www.usatrenchboxbuilder.com
New Construction Products • March 2014
Feature STORY Moderately Aggressive Tracks Then there are the steel skid loader tracks. There are two different sets of steel skid loader tracks. First is the moderately aggressive track with high flotation, and less aggressive cleats. These steel tracks enable you to go across somebody’s yard without tearing it up too much. Now, if you turn or try to spin it will tear up the yard but if you just drive across the lawn it won’t cause any damage. However, if you are in really steep conditions like a ravine or really muddy conditions you won’t have as much traction to get in and out of that area. These tracks are used in areas where there is more acreage, where maneuvering isn’t as challenging because there is more space to work in. Very Aggressive Tracks Beyond the moderately aggressive track is the 2 bar style track which is very aggressive. These skid loader tracks will chew up a yard instantly and will absolutely destroy a driveway. However, you can go up and down steep, muddy areas and you won’t get stuck. These tracks are perfect for working on hills during all kinds of weather conditions. If you want to clear brush away to create a snowmobile path, these skid loader tracks are the ones that can help get the job done.
12
The machine can easily maneuver up and down the hills of the path and you don’t have to worry about getting stuck. These skid loader tracks can rip up anything that might be in the way. When you need to clear brush or logs from land these tracks can handle everything the earth dishes out. You won’t get stuck using these tracks. Regardless of the kind of work you have to do, be it delivering edging stone or removing a stump so you can landscape, there is a skid loader track for your job. If you don’t know what kind of track you need we can help you figure that out. Our professional staff know exactly what kind of track to use in any kind of conditions and terrain. You have more important things to worry about, Let us help you determine the kind of skid loader tracks that will work for your job. Robert Leib, an expert in Skid Steer Solutions, loaders, bobcat, and attachments for use in construction, farming, and to manage ranch land. Mr Leib manages a family owned business which is exclusively online at http://www.skidsteersolutions. com to keep prices down for the skid steer equipment buyer. You will find new and used equipment online, including attachments, tracks, tires. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4123117
New Construction Products • March 2014
14
New Construction Products • March 2014
6
Tips To Purchasing Your Next SkidSteer Loader
By Will Burke
Feature STORY
When you are in the market to purchase a skidsteer loader, you will find that your options are infinite. There are many manufacturers that build skidsteer loader, so you may ask yourself “Where do I begin” . Well here are some of the things to think about when purchasing a skidsteer. You first will need to decide whether your needs would be filled by a used unit or if you are at a point that a new unit would be best suitable for your needs, secondly you will need to determine the proper size machine for your application, depending on the type work you do, the largest or highest horsepower machine isn’t always the most efficient machine. You will also need to decide if you were going to set a budget to spend or if you are going to be financing this unit. If you intend to purchase a unit outright, you will need to set your budget realistically. Some of the aggravation may stem from not being able to find a machine in the size range that also fit in the price range you are looking to spend. When shopping for a used unit, you must really pay attention to the unit, sometimes folks will let the glitter blind them, a machine with the best aesthetic value may not always be the best mechanical value. You need to look past shiny paint and new tires, you should do a complete evaluation on the machine, key points to check are as listed below. 1. Check for wear on key hinge point of the machine. Check for abnormal play in pinned joints on the boom lift arm. Check the bucket hinge pins and all bucket and lift cylinder pinned joints, always be sure to check both ends of the hydraulic cylinder ends. 2. Check for cracks or broken welds on structural components of the machine. You will want to inspect the boom lift arm, axle tubes and housings, check around hydraulic cylinder pinned joints. Also pay attention to the bucket. If you see multiple post manufacture welds, this may be an indicator that the machine has been used in an abusive manner, such as ramming machine into large masses.
16
New Construction Products • March 2014
3. Check for excessive oil or fuel leaks. Look over engine compartment, if accessible check under the cab of the unit as well. Don’t count on finding a used machine that is perfectly dry, but you don’t want oil standing in the belly of the unit either. Also keep in mind that just because the a unit has an oil leak doesn’t mean the unit has problems, it can be as simple as a lose hose fitting, or a failed 4. Check the steering and drivability of the machine.
This could be one of the more important parts of the inspection, due to the nature of the problem these can be a more expensive fix and worse, it could be a safety issue as well. Drive the unit fully engaged forward, check that the machine tracks straight. You will also want to be sure that there isn’t a lot of slop in the chain case by driving the machine from reverse to forward and vice verse. When machine is in the neutral position be sure that the unit isn’t creeping (still moving), this can be very dangerous as it could run into something or if you are work with laborers it could cause injury.
#14656-64 Sherman Reilly UnderDawg
#14446-64 Hogg Davis 985
#13990-64 Standard 3-Reel Trailer
5. Check for engine wear. Keep in mind most Skidsteer loaders are powered by diesel engines, much different than conventional gasoline engine. Diesel engines are much louder GREEN ROOFS than gasoline engines, they have a EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS & BERMS noticeable clatter at lower rpm’s. TERRASEEDING® Diesels may also smoke a little grayLANDSCAPE MULCHING ish-black smoke when first started & LAWN INSTALLS or while warming up, this is normal PLAYGROUND especially in a used unit. Check SAFETY SURFACES for power loss under a light load, you may do this simply by driving For nearly two decades, erosion control and landscape contractors have the machine up a slight incline, counted on Express Blower machines to help them save time and labor, and to the rpm’s will drop some but they expand into markets previously unimaginable. shouldn’t drop more than 50 % of full throttle rpm’s just from driving Join the EB family of companies. Call us today. alone. Keep in mind that diesel engines make the most power at lower rpm’s under a load, just because the engine is losing rpm’s dose not necessarily mean your losing power
Strength of Experience
6. Lastly, check the overall condition of the machine. This step of the evaluation is important in the sense that you will want a machine that looks professional and you will base a portion of your decision off your findings from this step. If you do buy a machine in which the paint and decals show excessive wear, it may be a good idea to touch up heavily scratched areas with paint and replace decals. This is usually inexpensive and will give your machine a better aesthetic value, especially important if you are a contractor, You want customers to feel confident in the equipment your using to complete their projects Will Burke has been selling construction equipment for over 9 years and has specialized in compact equipment. For more info on skidsteers or to speak with Will, please visit http://www.buyhaydenequip. com.
18
800–285–7227 expressblower.com Express Blower™, Terraseeding®, and the Express Blower design logo are trademarks of Express Blower, Inc.
New Construction Products • March 2014
Scan to go to our Facebook page!
Work Truck Financing -
5 Things to Look For 20
New Construction Products • March 2014
By Chris Mark Fletcher
Feature STORY Construction Work requires a number of heavy vehicles which include the backhoes, bulldozers and many more. However, the most important equipment without which the workers find it really tough to accomplish their job is the work truck. These trucks feature strong and powerful engines to carry heavy consignments. So work truck financing plays an important role in the entire construction business periphery. The cost of these trucks is higher than the general trucks. Most of the construction companies or the individual contractors opt for purchasing the work trucks with finance from private financial organizations or banks. Individuals who wish to start the business of leasing or renting such trucks often buy an entire fleet which requires heavy finance. Though there are numerous companies that offer you finance with convenient terms for purchases, you should be careful while selecting one. Budget: Before you decide to buy these trucks, whether for your business use or for renting them, you must have a clear idea about the money which you should have in order to fulfill the requirements. Have a clear discussion with the financer about the maximum amount of money they can provide. If the amount is sufficient to start, go ahead and cut the deal with them.
have somehow signed up with a company that is charging you higher interest rate than the regular market standard on the loan amount, you have the option to get this deal refinanced from another lender who asks for lower rate of interest. This is in fact the most beneficial feature of such deals. Repayment Options: No one on earth would like to carry forward their debt for a long time especially when they are earning big in their business. Taking it for granted that you will be able to pay off the amount before time, find out whether the financer has some penalty charges on advance repayments or not. There are countless companies in the market striving to provide the best loan deals for the customers so that they can retain them. This is indeed beneficial for the customers as they are getting unbeatable rate of interest and genuine facilities. Chris Fletcher’s page features more about new and used work truck financing and other finance topics.
Terms And Conditions: Knowing the terms and conditions is the most important aspect of work truck financing. Find out if the organization funding the deal has restrictions on usage, renting or leasing of the trucks or not. Otherwise, once the amount is disbursed and you have signed the deal, it will be of no use to enquire about such conditions. Choice Of Sellers: Most of the finance companies approve your loan application on the basis of information on the type of seller from whom you will purchase the trucks. Generally there are four options like purchasing from private parties, directly from the manufacturers, auctions or dealers. You need to find out whether the lender has any restrictions regarding it or not. Refinance: Refinancing these trucks is another popular trend these days. Suppose you
22
New Construction Products • March 2014
5 24
New Construction Products • March 2014
5
Reasons Your Trailer Needs a Dump Insert
By Reena White
Dump inserts are a very useful accessory that one can add on their truck or trailer. While most people tend to stick with the regular pick up trunks for loading and unloading, dump inserts offer more benefits and make tasks easier. While the benefits of having one are many, here we will mention a few things which will definitely make you give this modification some serious thought. 1. Ease of Dumping Cargo If anyone has seen how a dump inserts works, this would be first benefit they would point out. Dump inserts make the task of unloading cargo or merchandise much easier and simpler. While it can be used for many things, people who have these inserts installed on their trucks are generally involved in construction. They use inserts to carry truckloads of construction material from one place and then dump it at the target destination. With the simple press of a button, the entire load can be unloaded in a matter of seconds 2. Size On a Truck Does Matter A great feature of dump inserts is that they come in a variety of sizes. Some can even go up to twelve feet in length depending on the size and length of your truck. This enables truck owners to carry more cargo and in turn saves them time in delivering merchandise from one spot to another. 3. Adds Value to your Truck Dump inserts are a useful modification to any truck. Adding
it increases its value and also makes the truck more marketable. This feature although readily available is rarely installed by truck owners unless they need it for work or other related activities. Buyers are very interested in purchasing a truck that already has a dump insert in working condition rather than having to go through the installation themselves. 4. Increases Your Job Prospects Some people call this a long shot but it’s really not. Having this modification installed on your truck does increase your job prospects in fields that highly require them. Companies are always on the lookout for people seeking work who also have the required tools for the job. These companies will be willing to pay you more money and grant extra incentives for using your vehicle for work. 5. Worthy Investment For the Truck Taking into account the numerous benefits it brings, this is certainly a worthwhile investment. It can be expensive depending on it’s size though the long term benefits are well worth it and it would stay paying for itself within no time. If you are seriously debating getting a dump insert, you should give the above reasons some consideration. They are not for everyone obviously and their usefulness greatly depends on what would you want out of it. Most people get them installed mainly because of work therefore having a study and reliable dump insert on their rig helps them immeasurably.
New Product NEWS
Reel Innovation Improves Industrial Safety and Performance Advances in hose, cord, and cable reel design make handling vital resources safer and more productive for operators By Del Williams
In industry, hoses, cords, and cables are used to direct vital fuel, fluid, air, water, and electric resources where needed. This occurs not only in manufacturing and maintenance facilities, but also in mobile field service applications. But while hoses, cables, and electric cords are a key part of operations and power tools, they can pose a considerable trip and fall hazard if not properly managed. “Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry
26
accidents,” states OSHA’s website. “They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. An OSHA Pocket Guide safety checklist warns operators to keep “floors and aisles…clear of clutter, electrical cords, hoses, spills and other hazards that could cause employees to slip, trip or fall.” To keep hose, cords, and cables safely up off the floor, conveniently stored where needed, reels have been developed.
New Construction Products • March 2014
Check out our other publications!
HF Media
www.tipsmag.net
www.theutilitysource.net
www.newconstructionproducts.com www.goneoutdoorsmag.com
The reels allow hose and the like to unwind from the reel as needed, and then retract after use. This prevents tangling and a potential trip hazard while minimizing required storage space. The reels are typically spring-driven, hand cranked or motor driven.
improve structural integrity by eliminating the possibility of bolts loosening and falling out. One way this is being accomplished by manufacturers such as Coxreels is by robotically CNC welding the reel’s entire steel frame as a single piece that will not loosen or require maintenance over time.
But typical reels can present hazards as well. For instance, when an operator lets go of the hose, cord or cable, some spring-driven reels recoil them so quickly that they can act like whips. In such cases, they can retract as fast as 25-feet per second. This can produce a whipping action of 5 to 15 feet of length that can lash people or machinery with up to 500 ft. lbs. of force. The danger is greater when the hose, cord or cable ends with an attached metal nozzle or tool that intensify the impact.
A related safety innovation is to enhance hand-cranked reel stability with a steel “A” frame. Typical reels require other parts of the reel such as the barrel, discs, or plumbing for support. But these elements of the reel can get out of alignment, particularly in high use work settings, jeopardizing safety and stability. Reels that use a steel “A” frame are safer and more stable because need no other support; they are their own support system.
Other reels may lack needed structural strength, stability, or alignment, and may prematurely wear the hose, cord or cable. This could jeopardize operator safety and production. Fortunately, ongoing reel innovation has improved industrial safety and performance. Advances in hose, cord, and cable reel design have, in fact, made handling vital resources safer and more productive for operators. Enhancing Industrial Safety and Performanc “Whether reels are mounted on ceilings, walls, or floors, they can help industrial users get the job done safer and more efficiently,” says Buddy James, Purchasing Manager in Fort Worth, Tex. for Stuart Hose and Pipe Company, a hose and pipe stocking distributor in the Southwest. “But it’s important to know what to look for.” For industrial users considering a spring-driven reel, James recommends using a reel with controlled retraction. Controlled retraction is a safety innovation that slows reel retraction to a safe rate, such as that on EZ-Coil equipped models by Coxreels, a Tempe, Ariz.-based manufacturer and innovator of industrialgrade hose, cord, and cable reels. Established in 1923, the company recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. Unlike springdriven reels which can retract hose, cord, or cable as fast as 25-feet per second, with whipping of 5 to 15 feet of length, and up to 500 ft. lbs. of force, EZ-Coil reels retract up to 80 percent slower. By retracting at a safer 5-feet per second, this eliminates the whipping hazard. It reduces whipping to 0 to 1 foot of length, with just 0 to 1 ft. lbs. of impact. “Reels with controlled retraction like EZ-Coil act like a safety net that reduces trip, fall, and whip hazard on busy production floors,” says James. “The reel retracts unneeded hose after use to prevent trip and fall risk. If an employee drops the hose, or if it gets pulled out of his hands, it will not fly across the workplace hitting people, machinery, and objects. It will retract back slowly just as if it were being walked back.”
To enhance safety and productivity, LDJ Manufacturing, a Pella, Iowa-based manufacturer of diesel fuel and service trailers, uses a variety of reels in production and on its service trailers. In production, reels are used for electrical cords and for air, oil, and lubricant hoses. “A simple trip or fall can turn into a tragedy,” says Loren Van Wyk, Founder and President of LDJ Manufacturing. “In production, we use reels to keep cords and hoses safely out of the way until they’re needed, then retract them as soon as the job is done. The reels help us stay safe.” Most of the reels used in production are wall mounted, so the production floor is clear for other uses. “Because the hoses and cords are out of the way until we need them, it’s safer and we’re able to put every square foot of our production floor to good use,” says Van Wyk. Van Wyk appreciates that the Coxreels reels he uses have CNC spun discs, with all steel rolled edges for added safety. “The reel edges are rolled, not stamped,” says Van Wyk. “They’re safer to touch and safer on hoses and cords than sharper stamped edges.” The company also uses reels for a variety of hoses, cords and cables on their Thunder Creek Equipment brand of fuel and service trailers. Reels are used with hoses for air, glycols, engine oils, hydraulic oils, electric cords, transmission fluid, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). On sophisticated service trailers, reels are even used with welder cables, jumper cables, and acetylene torch hoses. Because the service trailers are intended for demanding, offroad use, the company uses reels with a dual axle support system from Coxreels. Compared to single axle systems, the dual axle support system increases safety and stability during operation, reduces vibration, and strengthens the structural integrity of the reel. “Our customers appreciate how the reels improve their safety and productivity as much as we do,” concludes Van Wyk.
On hand-cranked reels, one safety innovation has been to
28
New Construction Products • March 2014
AjaxTools&Equipment Reconditioned Units
Sherman Reilly 35” II Bundle Conductor Blocks Lining Excellent Condition. $1100 each - Storage Racks $300 each Model #7222
Visit our website for full descriptions P.O. Box 518 • Orland, California (530) 865-4405 • (800) 532-2529 www.ajaxtoolsandequipment.com
New Product NEWS
Brokk Debuted Its Largest, Most Powerful Demolition Robot At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014: The Brokk 800S Brokk, Inc. presented its Brokk 800S demolition machine to
reach challenging angles with precision, and offers an impres-
the North American market for the first time during CONEX-
sive reach of 31.5 feet.
PO-CON/AGG 2014 in Las Vegas. The 800 machines are Brokk’s most powerful demolition robots and the most powerful on the
The Brokk 800 machines feature the same compact design and
market. The Brokk 800S is built for the most extreme tunneling,
power-to-size ratio as all Brokk units, for effective work in small-
mining and construction work, and the Brokk 800P is for hot la-
er, more restricted spaces. They are powered by 60-horsepower
dle, converter cleaning or whole refractory renovations in metal
electric motors for safe, emission-free operation in confined
processing industries.
areas or can be equipped with diesel engines. And, like all Brokk machines, their remote-controlled operation allows operators
The Brokk 800S features Brokk’s signature three-arm system,
to remain a safe distance from work so there is less risk of inju-
and offers a maximum reach of nearly 30 feet. When equipped
ry from hazards such as high heat and falling debris.
with the included Atlas Copco MB 1000 breaker, the Brokk 800 robots produce 1,500 foot-pounds of force at the tip of the
The Brokk 800S weighs 24,310 pounds excluding attachments,
tool, nearly twice the hitting power of the Brokk 400.
and the 800P weighs 24,838 pounds without attachments. Both are able to carry attachments up to 2,465 pounds, including
Brokk specially designed the 800P with added heat protec-
beam grapples, buckets, drilling equipment and shotcrete units.
tion for use in challenging process applications. It includes an
In all, Brokk offers eight models in a variety of sizes and capac-
extra-durable, heat-protected SB302 hydraulic breaker to work
ities. The smallest, the Brokk 60, weighs about 1,100 pounds.
with hot ladles, runners and furnaces, and the machine delivers
The company also can modify its machines with special equip-
450 foot-pounds of force at the tip of the solid-body hammer.
ment such as cameras, extended arms, side-angling devices and
The Brokk 800P’s three-arm system rotates 360 degrees to
cable drums to work within unique applications.
30
New Construction Products • March 2014
Ad INDEX
Company
Pg.
Website
3D Internet
BC
www.3dinternet.com
4D Excavator
12
www.4dexcavator.com
Ajax
29
www.ajaxtoolsandequipment.com
Al Asher
18
www.alasher.com
Carnie Cap
IFC
www.carniecap.com
Dur-A-Lift, Inc.
7
www.dur-a-lift.com
Efficiency Production
10
www.usatrenchboxbuilder.com
Evans Cooling
IBC
www.evanscooling.com
GME Shoring
13
www.gme-shields.com
Herculock
12
www.herculock.com
Hioki USA
17
www.hiokiusa.com
I-80 Equipment
19
www.i80equipment.com
IHI
11
www.ihices.com
LEDtronics
31
www.ledtronics.com
Minimizer
3
www.minimizer.com
Rockhound
22
www.rockhound.com
Steelman
16
www.steelman.com
Towmaster
31
www.towmaster.com
Utility Metals
23
www.utilitymetals.com
32
New Construction Products • March 2014