Cover: Randy Turner, Bestway Rent-All, Midland, Ont. Photo by Chris Skalkos.
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August 2008, Vol. 32. No. 6
ISSN 0383-7920
PROFILE
A model to follow
by Chris Skalkos
Rent-All is an independent family-operated equipment rental company located in Midland, Ont.
Wh en R a n d y Tu r ner acq uired ownership of Bestway Rent-All in Midland, Ont., he assumed more than just a rental company. The young rental operator also took over the legacy his father, Wayne Turner, had left him, and is using this as a model to carve out his own niche in the rental industry
Randy speaks fondly of his father, who started the company in 1980 in this small community with a population of about 17,000 people in picturesque cottage country north of Barrie. Turner was working for a large telephone company and when he was temporarily laid off he went to work for a small equipment shop where the idea of opening a rental shop was hatched.
“Dad had a choice of going back to work for the telephone company, but he chose to go into rentals,” says Randy. “A lot of people doubted him and asked why he would leave a great job with a full pension, but he wanted to control his own destiny.”
The company opened its doors at its first location offering light construction and lawn and garden equipment “Roto tillers were popular, he had one power tro wel and tw o q uick- cuts, n ot hin g large,” says Randy, adding the building
was only about 600 to 800 square feet While his father had the only dedicated rental store in Midland he was also the sole operator and ran the business by himself for 10 years
“I remember going to work for him on Saturdays from a young age. That was the only way I got to see him because he was working six days a week, 12 hours a day, and he did pick-ups and deliveries on Sundays, before and after work. At th a t poin t th e bu si n ess wa sn’ t b ig enough to hire people,” Randy recalls.
In 1986 the company moved to a larger building, and in 1988, hired its first employee. The business began to grow, servicing light construction contractors and homeowners and the company built an addition in 1995 to accommodate its expanding inventory, giving it 3,800 square feet including an outside storage compound.
Family friend and company employee Ron Edwards says the building boom after the 1990s recession helped the company, as a lot of people with disposable income were turning their cottages into year-round homes Edwards recalls how Randy’s father used his people skills and his dedication to service to secure a share of the cottage renovation market
Bestway
“He had a good relationship with the builders and he had a good reputation for servicing equipment Wayne bent ov e r b ack wa rd s to serv ic e his customers He was putting in 60 hours a week or more He knew that in the rental business the quality of equipment was important, whether he was renting to a contractor or a homeowner,” he says “Clean equipment that looks good makes a better impression on customers. He also turned over equipment earlier than he had to. He felt that spending money on new equipment kept customers coming back. He listened to customers and stocked his store with equipment that they wanted,” says Edwards.
“Price is always important but he was a small business person who was dealing with customers on a first-name basis and this is a tight-knit community. He was close to his customers, which gave him direct access to input so he could react faster to the market changes,” he explains The relationships he built also extended to the building box companies that have since set up rental outlets to se r vi ce th e s a me ma rket , send ing Bestway Rent-All customers for items that they do not carry.
After moving into their most recent building the company took advantage
of the extra room building a small showroom to display small consumable retail items. The extra storage space inside and out also allowed them to add table and chairs to its inventory as well as larger equipment. “We now had a place for skidsteers and rollers and a truck to move it all around,” says Randy. “Even after hiring another employee offering more services meant opening up a new market for more deliveries, which didn’t reduce Dad’s workload,” he adds
With Turner and Edwards running the business Randy came on board in 1996 after working at the store part time and some weekends. “I remember playing with the equipment as a kid, Dad brought home a new lawnmower when I was four years old and I tore it apart. I was always hands-on,” says Randy. He originally wanted to start working at his father ’s rental store right away, but his father had other plans. “He wanted me to go out and work in the real world for a few years to gain some experience and learn about work ethics. No free rides,” he says. So that is what he did to earn his spot in the family business.
With Randy now on board and three people in the work rotation, his father started taking time off. As the business kept growing and Randy became established, succession plans emerged to pass over the business assets to him.
“It was set up so that the business is passed down to me at Dad’s comfortable pace. Statistics show that a high percentage of second generation businesses fail Dad is determined not to let that happen,” he says, adding, “There are ways to do it in order to lessen the tax burden and the overall cost of transferring the business.” His father is now en j o yin g a s ta te of semi- reti rem ent while keeping tabs on the business.
Today Bestway Rent-All still services its traditional customer base of cottagehomeowners and light construction contractors as well as servicing the few factories in the area. It has maintained its reputation of renting quality construction and lawn and garden equipment, which has increased the scope of its inventory to include a Kubota loader, two Kub o ta m in i-ex cava tor s, two Thomas skidsteers, a three-foot Ditch Witch trencher, a 12-inch Vermeer chipper, one double drum roller, plate tampers, jackhammers, nailers and hardwood flooring equipment
Other than the usual disposable items sold with rented equipment the compan y o n ly se ll s reta il it ems wh en
customers ask for it
“Retail is not our focus Rona and Home Depot do sales and it’s not worth trying to compete with them. We focus on rentals and service. We know what we are good at so we stay with it,” he says. What the company is good at is customer service, a blueprint for the com pan y’s succe ss e stab lish ed by Randy’s father. “We don’t just rent tools we rent solutions to problems. That’s wh ere y ea r s o f expe rie nc e come in. Listening to customers is important You have to be creative to come up with a solution with the tools you have on hand. And you also need to educate customers without belittling them. Most of the time we are dealing with customers on a budget so they all have a limit to solving that problem. It can be a delicate situation,” he explains
The company’s reputation of running the business with honesty and integrity is also vital as Randy says he would rather lose a sale than take advantage of a customer. “That means we will turn away customers if we don’t have the right equipment or we know we can’t se rv ic e t h at cu st om e r p rof es s i o na ll y. You have to recognize your limitations. Most customers appreciate that you’re sending them down the right path so when they come back to us they know we are being honest. We may not get that rental today, but it doesn’t mean we won ’t get th e n ext o n e to morrow. Custo mer s app reci ate h on esty a nd integrity,” he says, adding that they have come to rely on the company’s expertise “There are new tools being introduced all the time that could be better for the job and that they may not be aware of. It’s up to us to educate ourselves and keep on top of new ways to help them.”
In such a knowledge-based industry Randy says it is even more important for small rental operators to forge strong
The company’s last move into a 3,800square-foot building allowed it to design a small showroom for consumable retail items.
R andy Tu rne r acquired the bu si ness from his father Wayne Turner in February. The company has been operating since 1980.
PROFILE
relationships with their equipment suppliers and he says he has come to rely on two primary companies, Rentquip and Rapid Nail to back up his equipment purchases.
“Equipment doesn’t make money when it’s broken. The ability to get timely service and spare parts quickly is key. You need reliable suppliers in this business and that’s why our buying decisions are not always based on price. We look at quality and how well the dealer backs up the warranty. And it’s also nice to
is
get personal visits,” he says “Because we have been in business for so long we are still getting a steady flow of sales reps from suppliers we deal with.”
In addition to the trials of running your own business Randy also had to overcome a personal challenge as he is a cancer survivor. For five years he battled leukemia, undergoing chemotherapy treatments before finally claiming victory over the disease.
company’s
as it
After overcoming a five-year fight with leu kem ia, Ra ndy s ays he looke d fo rwar d to re tur ning t o work to service the customers who supported him through his illness.
“These are things that pe op le som etim es fa ce ou tsi de of th eir work l iv e s tha t we h av e to overcome. I received a tremendous amount of support from our customers when I was sick. That’s something you only get in a small town,” he says, adding that it made him even more determined to come back to work
During his growth in the industry Randy has learned what his father had learned years before. “The rental industry is about people skills. I learned this by watching Dad Part of it comes naturally and the other part is learned But things have changed, you can’t do business on a handshake anymore,” he says, adding that the next generation of rental operators face new challenges. “Today you need to know more about the products in this industry and see where trends are going The
Equipment rental
the
focus
specializes in light construction equipment and lawn and garden equipment.
off shore pro ducts have c han ge d the industry. That side of rentals has died off. Now the focus is on specialty tools.”
While the learning curve has become more acute Randy says one of the pri-
mary ways small independent rental operators can keep updated is to attend industry trade shows. “You can learn about new products to get ideas and see the next generation of equipment. By
talking to suppliers you can get feedback on what’s new. It also gives you a chance to speak with other rental operators. They like to talk with others in the rental industry and tend to be honest about their opinions. What works in other markets could also work here,” he explains. However, he maintains that the primary method of learning about what your local market will demand is to immerse yourself in it, talk to your customers and listen.
“There is no way you can learn this industry from a book. Hands-on learning is involved. Growth is in the plan for this company, but I feel that the industry and my customers will tell me how to grow You can only get that by listening,” he says
Like his father Randy is following a similar path utilizing the same work ethics. “He felt his way through it as he went. He had nothing to model himself after and no set plan and he made it a success,” he says. Like his father, Randy will continue to be hands-on as he grows the family b usiness in the f uture a n d h e considers himself fortun ate th a t h e h a s someb ody to model h imself a f ter ■
Bruce Lockhart prepares for a day at work. Equipment maintenance is vital to the company’s operation.
Knowing your market will improve profits
by Steve James*
In every market the disposal of organic material is at an all-time high. From fire bans in western Canada to the Em er ald As h B orer, whe re th e only approved control method is chipping the wood into quarter-sized pieces, to l an dfil l co ncern s in Onta ri o, to the increase of unusable limbs in firewood cut ti ng acros s Q ueb ec and the Maritimes, the opportunity for rental companies to increase their bottom line is there. Understanding your market and investing in the correct piece of equipment will provide you with many years of profitability.
While many rental operators feel that it might be difficult to experience a return on their investment by renting out chippers, a quick explanation of the di ff erences will help ma ke a soli d long-term money-making investment. Knowing what is on the market is the f ir st step in becoming the “g o- to
person” in your service area for a yearround profit generator.
A “chipper” is a machine that is gener a ll y eng ine driven , ei the r by ga s, diesel or the Power Take-Off (PTO) of a compact tractor. Chippers come in all sizes from 1.5 inches up to 20 inches and are primarily used to turn wood into mulch. A “chipper/shredder” on the other hand is used for reducing green organic material into shreds to improve the speed of composting Chippers/ shredders also help reduce the volume of material to save time and energy wh e n t he end produ ct nee d s t o b e hauled to a landfill. Many machines can perform both jobs simultaneously, so knowing what is best for your rental operation will help you decide which units to offer.
With both styles of machine, maintenance is the key to a solid return on your investment. Chipper blades should be
Chipper blades should be checked and sharpened if needed after every rental and the anvil, also known as the strike plate, needs to be kept to the manufacturer ’s specifications for the blades to work efficiently.
A Winning Combination
CHIPPERS/SHREDDERS
Chipper/shredder machines are used for reducing green organic material into shreds to improve the speed of composting. They also help reduce the volume of shredded material destined for a landfill.
checked and sharpened if needed after every rental. As well, the anvil, also known as the strike plate, needs to be kept to the manufacturer’s specifications, which ensure that the blades work e ff i ci en t ly. P remi um b ran d s of ch ippers/shredders use flail knives rather than stock metal bars These knives are self-sharpening, but as they wear down they can be reversed to extend their life. Many machines also have options on discharge screens, which need to be cleaned from time to time. Stringy material can wrap around the shafts and decrease the performance of a machine. All bearings should be checked and greased on a regular basis.
So, now, with so many choices, what should you rent? If you have tree service cus tom ers th a t need to rem ove t he material from their worksite then you will need to have a machine that is capable of shooting the material into a trailer or the back of a pickup truck. Most machines have discharge chutes that will rotate 360 degrees, for example, Bear Cat has a unique machine with both a chipper bed and a chute that will rotate 360 degrees. This machine allows the operator to safely load from the cur b si de versus ha ving thei r back toward oncoming traffic.
W hen i nv est ing in the se la rge r machines, it is also recommended to use a machine that has a hydraulic feed feature. These machines will feed the material gradually and as the chipping disc slows down it will back off the feeding material until the disc reaches the optimum level of r.p.m. This type of “try again” feature will keep customers in
check by not allowing them to abuse the equipment. These machines are also easier on the blades. Over the last few years, chippers have evolved and the latest style to hit the market offers cantil ev er di sc s. T he di scs o n the se machines are supported on the backside with double bearings, leaving the front side of the disc without a shaft This prevents material from wrapping around the shaft, and results in less downtime. Wi th m at eri a l fee din g c lose r to the centre of the disc, the machines can be physically smaller and more economical to run.
If you are primarily renting to homeowners, you will want the versatility of a ch i ppe r/ shre dd e r. Th is type o f machine has a chute for inputting both tree limbs and branches, while the top hopper is perfect for leafy material and small branches up to three quarters of an inch in size. Rental duty units are available from three to five inches in size and can be towed or easily lifted into the back of a truck or van. The towable un i t s h a ve m ore hor sepo wer and a chute as standard equipment, providing the ability to direct the end product where it is wanted. Smaller units fit the bill when they are used on properties up to half an acre
Ch ip per s a nd chip per/ shredder machines can also be marketed as environmentally friendly in many ways. A study done in Washington state determined that the average household generates 1,900 pounds of yard waste per ye ar. I f t hat amoun t o f w ast e we re burned, it would release 35 pounds of emission particulates known as PM2.5, while a small chipper/shredder would only produce a .05 pound of PM2.5. This is a reduction of 700:1.
If you are already renting these types of machines, one of your primary concerns should be the safety of your customers who operate them. Wear shirts with tighter fitting sleeves, gloves that fit well and comfortable safety glasses. Kee p o the r people aw ay fro m t he machine while you are operating it. When putting a branch into a chipper, make sure that you feed the large end first. This will immediately tell you whether or not the piece of wood is going to fit If the operator starts with the small end first it could feed up to the maximum diameter and then jam the ma c hi n e. A bove all , c omm on sen se plays an important part in operating a chipper.
Recommending the correct machine
A “chipper” is a machine that is generally engine driven, either by gas, diesel or the PTO of a compact tractor. Chippers come in all sizes from 1.5 inches up to 20 inches and are primarily used to turn wood into mulch.
for your customer ’s job will allow you to become the market professional when it comes to chippers/shredders, which will ultimately increase your profits as a rental operator. ■
*Steve James is a product specialist with Echo Power Equipment Canada based in London, Ont.
COMING EVENTS
Sept 9: CRA Ontario Golf Tournament – Trehaven Golf & Country Club 519-421-6234, 705-435-3844
2009
Jan. 16-17: CRA British Columbia Regional Trade Show – Surrey, B.C. 800-486-9899, www.crarental.org
Feb. 3-6: World of Concrete –Las Vegas, Nev. www.worldofconcrete.com
March 2-5: ARA The Rental Show –Atlanta, Ga., www.therentalshow.com
March 14: CRA Prairie Regional Trade Show – Saskatoon, Sask. 800-486-9899, www.crarental.org
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
Quiet and user-friendly
The Ultra Prof shredder from Eliet, powered by a Honda engine is designed to perform in the rental industry. The priorities in its design include a machine that is safe for operators and its surro un din g env i ronm ent whi l e be ing extremely flexible.
One of the elements with the most substantial impact on the environment is the large polyester shielding panels that reduce the machine’s overall noise emission by at least 2.0dB(A)
The discharge system is well integrated esthetically into the design of the machine, which does not compromise the discharge mechanism. A short and f a st ro ta tin g discharge c onve yor removes the woodchips that leave the shredding chamber. The chippings are only projected out of the machine with a slight force for the safety of any possible passersby, also eliminating damage to vehicles and structures in the immediate area. The discharge belt conveyor takes the waste chippings up to a height of four feet for easy loading onto a wheelbarrow or a trailer. The discharge system is also very silent.
The Ultra Prof features a gasoline engine that delivers sensitive engine response and sharp acceleration. Two engine manufacturers, B&S Vanguard and Honda, will supply 22-horsepower or 24-horsepower engines for this shredder.
For safety reasons, the hopper has a
set length. In order to ensure the smooth flow of fine, leafy green waste, provisions have been made for it to fit a 13.5inch-wide belt conveyor at the bottom of the feeding hopper. This wide moving belt transports the smaller bulk material to the feed roller. Both systems are perfec tl y h a rmoniz e d w ith each ot her, al lo wi n g c onsi d er abl e qu ant ities o f hedge trimmings, leafy green waste, plants to be fed in and processed in a short period of time.
In order to exploit the extra engine power to the fullest, the feed opening on the Ultra Prof is large and the bottom of the feeding hopper is flat, making it easy to insert wood or bulk green waste.
A speed governor is standard with every Ultra Prof. This is a hydraulic valve that offers the option to set the maximum speed for feeding the material in manually for both the feed roller and the feed belt depending on the type of green waste. This allows the operator to get the highest performance from the shredder.
Ground drive is very user-friendly and straightforward, which is useful when moving through narrow passageways In addition, the front swivel castor wheels give great manoeuvrability and ensure accurate steering. The ball bearings of the swivel axles make sure that the weight of the shredder has no impact on the manoeuvrability of these castors as the oscillating front pendulum axle provides steady support on uneven surfaces for uniform ground contact and stability.
One of the characteristics of Eliet’s design is to maximize the machine’s potential while maintaining a compact size The challenge is to ensure the right balance between esthetics, techniques, ergonomics, comfort and safety.
C ontac t Eli et USA at : 412-367-5185, www.elietusa.com.
Non-clog processing
Vandermolen Corp., also known as VC Marketing, added the 25Qi to its lineup of WOOD-PRO AVPs (All Vegetation Processor). This newest member of the AVP family features a manual clutch for more reliable and lower maintenance operation.
The smaller 25Qi offers a more affordable size without compromising any of the all-around performance features of the original model 30Q AVP, including the ability to feed all debris through one
hopper, non-clog processing, and fast feeding and processing where speed is not reduced by a power feed system.
The 25Qi, powered by 16 -or 18-horsepo we r Van guard V-Twi n cyli n der engines, effectively mulches leaves, clippings, weeds and general yard waste whil e als o p ro c es sing fo ur-in ch unpruned b r a nch es a l l th ro ugh the same hopper. With the hopper facing to the rear, debris can be fed into it from eith er t he l eft o r r i ght s i de. Th e machine’s compact design and good balance make it easy to hand-push or pull around the work site.
The di sc ha rge ch ute swi vels 360 degrees and the deflector can be handpositioned for discharging into a pile or the back of a truck. To smooth out small highway potholes, the 25Qi is equipped with a 1,500-pound torsion bar axle that gives a steady ride
Contact Vandermolen Corp., VC Marketing at 973-992-8506, www.vandermolencorp.com.
Uniquip Canada has announced that
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
it is the exclusive distributor for Salsco, Inc. products to the Canadian rental market which include three of the company’s rental tough wood chipper models: the DOSAL616B (3.5-inch capacity and 10.0-horsepower Briggs & Stratton gas engine), the DOSAL413H (4.5-inch capacity, 13.0-horsepower Honda gas engine with electric start) and the flagsh ip DO SA L8 62 5K ( 6- inc h c apa city, 2 5.0-h ors epo wer Kohle r OHV gas engine).
Uni qu i p Ca n a da say s the se thre e models will be the company’s initial offerings to the Canadian market
St an d a rd feat ures on ea ch S a lsco machine include roadworthy tow kits for easy transportation, adjustable bed knives that are easy to sharpen and replace, and heavy-duty steel frames to withstand rugged use
Extra wide infeed hoppers increase productivity by reducing time wasted by pruning and trimming branches.
The 360 degrees Easy-Adjust Swivel exhaust and adjustable chip deflector allows the machine to discharge chips either into the tow vehicle or into the woods so extra tools are not required!
Salsco, Inc. specializes in manufacturing quality equipment for professional municipal, rental, golf course, commercial lawn care, tree care, construction an d a gric ultur al in d ustr ie s. Uni qu ip Canada says it will back up the Salsco line with after-sales parts and service. Contact Uniquip Canada at 888-332-4012, www.uniquip.ca.
Incredible performance, compact size
Expanding on its solid line of professi on al grad e power eq ui pment, USPraxis Inc. has introduced the new Praxis Wood Chipper in June, aptly
named The Wood Chipper. USPraxis designed the new chipper specifically with the rental, arbourist, and professional landscaper market in mind. It has all the functionality of the larger, more expensive six-inch chippers, but is half the price
The Wood Chipper is painted with a high quality powder coating for longlasting exterior durability, the exit shoot rotates 180 degree away from the operator, and the flywheel will not engage un l e ss t h e t o p c over i s c lose d. Additional features include the easy maintenance of a gravity feeder with a 24-horsepower Honda V-Twin engine, an integrated six gallon steel gas tank, 24 -i n ch fl yw hee l with two do ubl eedged eight-inch blades, a heavy-duty commercial centrifugal clutch, and a unique patent pending cutter block and chopper (mulching-detangler) system that will not jam.
Another unique feature that was also in tro du ce d on the co m pany ’s Log Machine, which was carried over to The Wood Chipper is the front set of wheels that allows easy mobility, adjusts to level on most terrain then tucks away for transport. A two-year warranty, 12inch DOT rated tires and a two-inch hitch are standard features on The Wood Chipper. The company says rental operat or s a nd t he ir cus tom ers will be amazed by the incredible performance of this compact size chipper. Contact US Praxis, Inc., at 815-899-9700, www.uspraxis.com.
Many models, many improvements
Bandit Industries, Inc. offers a diverse and unique line of hand-fed chippers with new options that appeal to both renters and rental services, including Auto Feed Plus, powerful feed systems, operator safety features, and custom equipment trailers for easy transport to and from the rental house. Bandit’s patented Auto Feed Plus system is avail-
able on all of its hand-fed chippers. This unique feed system control device not only starts and stops the feed, but also automatically reverses a unit’s feed system, unlike others offered in the past. When reversing the feed system, material is pulled out of the cut, preventing the wood from rubbing against the disc or the knives, quickening recovery time while eliminating the potential for burning and dulling knives Faster recovery tim e mea ns be tter pro duct ivity for renters, and improved knife-life means less preventive maintenance for rental services
In addition to features that maximize productivity, Bandit offers a number of features on their equipment to maximize operator safety. A wooden push paddle accompanies the hand-fed chippers, which helps push small pieces into the chippers, as well as hood lock-out system s th at rest ric t un auth or iz ed acce ss t o the ch ippe r dis cs. Oth er improvements to Bandit’s line of handfed c hipp ers inc lude larger chi pper openings and powerful feed systems, ena blin g th em to ha n dle extreme ly limbs material Over the past two years, Bandit has also added oversized axles and tires on all of their towable chippers for easier transport and a smoother ride Ideal models for rental companies include:
The Model 90 Brush Bandit Chipper is a rugged, compact nine-inch capacity chipper that meets the needs of most contractors while delivering years of dependable service. Built tough, with the same durability and same powerful du al fe ed wh ee l s ys t e m a s B an d it’ s 12-inch Model 150, the Model 90 has the po we r to pul l w hol e tree s i nto the chipper.
The Model 150 Brush Bandit Chipper is an economical and compact, basic 12inch chipper that features a 14 x 17 inch chipper opening and a 90 FPM chipping feed speed. The Model 150 is ideal for those who need to chip brush, limbs and th e o cca sion al wh ole t ree Rugge d
construction, a powerful feed system, and a large infeed opening are keys to this chipper ’s ability to process trees and brush with limited trimming.
The Model 1590 “Intimidator” Brush Bandit Chipper is a great all-around chipper. This rugged unit features an 18 x 20.5 inch infeed opening, great for bre akin g do wn l im bs and cro tc h ed materials The 1590 is a hydraulic-feed drum-style chipper that features a 37 foot drum that chips material against, across, and with the grain. The 1590 is available as towable or self-propelled and is a great ma chin e fo r fib rous materials
Contact Bandit Industries Inc., at 800-952-0178, www.banditchippers.com.
Exceptional chipping abilities
Heavy-Duty Woodchippers
Ready for rental is the Clipper 6 by Morbark, Inc., which is a strong, durable and reliable chipper. Compact in size, but stron g on t he j ob, this six - inch capacity drum-style unit is a perfect fit for the rental market, landscape companies, nurseries and homeowners.
This compact machine has a two-inch ball towing hitch and a tubular steel frame for easy transporting.
Offered standard with an auto-feed system, a 30 x 20 inch infeed chute and 10.5 x 7 inch throat opening, the Clipper 6 provides exceptional chipping abilities for a machine of this size. A hydraulic drum brake, which brings the drum from full r.p.m. to a complete stop in eight seconds, allows the Clipper 6 to pro vide m ax imu m producti on w hi le saving wear and tear on the machine.
The direct drive coupling system protects the hydraulic components and the mechanical top feed wheel comes with spri ng-a ssist ed do wn pre ssu re. I t is equipped with perforated drum slides for increased discharge flow and a fixed discharge system with an adjustable
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
chip deflector.
Heavyweight among brush chippers
The company also offers the Typhoon 20, a heavyweight among brush chippers. This 20-inch capacity unit offers arbourists, contractors, and lot clearers the big chipping capacity and horse-
power they need at a fraction of the capital cost of a whole tree chipper.
With the drum and feed wheel both 28.5 inches wide, there is virtually no dead space, and the six knife pockets allow three full cuts per revolution, greatly increasing chipping efficiency. The 250- or 325-horsepower options on the Typhoon 20 allow it to chip more material faster, and the increased airflow significantly reduces the chances of plugging to reduce the risk of down time on the job.
Equipped with a 4 x 8 inch centre beam and a 66.5 x 40.5 inch infeed chute, the chipper accepts a wider variety of material and can also be fed with auxiliary loading equipment The Typhoon
20 also has a redesigned pivot, which eliminates the yoke swing and increases down pressure efficiency. Contact Morbark, Inc., at 800-831-0042, www.morbark.com.
Chip N shred
Con X Equipm ent Can ada ha s anno unce d th at it offe rs t he Merr y Commercial SC262-18VEMC chippershredder for the rental market
The unit’s four-inch chipping capacity and the 48-inch free-swinging shredding hammers of the SC262-18VEMC ”Chip N Shred” make it the perfect tool for fall lawn and garden cleanup and debris reduction.
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
This chipper-shredder can get tough jobs done with its time-tested design and heavy gauge commercial construction combined with the powerful 18ho rsepo wer tw in cy linde r Brig gs & Stratton Vanguard engine and heavydu ty ro tor eng a g ement s yst em wit h load-free starting and overload protection. Even towing is not a problem with the SC262’s independent Flexride suspension system for reduced vibration, longer component life, and a smoother ride.
Contact Con X Equipment Canada Inc., at 514-336-2669, www.conxequipment.com.
Pulls in whole trees
The new Vermeer BC2100XL brush chipper delivers power with three engine options to tackle tough land clearing jobs. Two horizontal feed rollers, a belttensioned clutchless cutter drum, and the largest feed table in its class turn that power into exceptional productivity.
Three Tier 3 Cummins diesel engine options, 215 horsepower (160 kW), 250 horsepower (186 kW), or 275 horsepower (205 kW), are available and allow contractors the ability to choose a power le vel a ppropri a t e to s pec if ic jo bsite needs.
The BC2100XL chipper has the capacity to process limbs up to 21 inches in diameter and the infeed table design is the largest in its class. The large 72-inchwide table easily funnels material to the 22 x 28 inch drum opening to allow smooth material feeding. Vermeer offset the lower horizontal feed roller from the upper horizontal feed roller by 11 inches toward the end of the feed table. This allows material to be pulled to the upper feed roller for easier feeding and lessens the need for the operator to manually control the upper feed roller for large diameter material The feed rollers boast a theoretical combined pulling force of 10,000 pounds. The company says this gives operators a greater ability to pull in “whole trees” that have limbs and branches attached to the main trunk of the tree It also helps reduce the need for
repositioning the material while being fed.
Once the upper feed roller raises for four seconds during the feeding process, the SmartCrush system will automatically increase the down pressure on the mat eria l b ein g fed. Thi s al lows the upper feed roller to easily climb onto large m ater ial be fore th e i nc rea se d down pressure is applied for maximum pulling force
The BC2100XL chipper also features gear teet h r ings, whi ch resem ble a sprocket on each end of the upper and lower feed rollers These rings help grip material and also act as a vine ripper to help prevent material from wrapping around the ends of the feed rollers
A belt -ten sion ed clut chle ss d esign eliminates the need for an over-centre clutch that requires adjustment, rebuilding or replacing. This feature helps to decrease clutch failures
The Vermeer patented SmartFeed system monitors engine r.p.m. and automatically stops or reverses the rollers when feeding larger hardwood material. It al so se n ses fe ed ro ller jam s and resp o nd s by auto mat ical ly sh ifting mat eria l ba ck an d for th , re duc in g the need to manually manipulate the control bar.
Heavy-duty tandem torsion axles provi de re l i abl e off-road jobs i t e pe rformance as well as decreased ground pressure for softer conditions compared to single-axle designs
Contact Vermeer Canada at 905-793-9339, or 641-628-3141, www.vermeer.com
Spotlight On Excellence
Rentquip Canada Limited
When Jim Freeman of Rentquip Supply and Shawn Parks of P&M Sales shook hands in February, they did more than agree to merge two different companies with common goals, they also completed each other’s dream of serving the equipment rental industry from coast-to-coast across Canada.
Freeman and Parks have serviced the rental industry for a combined total of 58 years with Rentquip Supply servicing rental stores in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, and P&M Sales, servicing stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In 2008 the two companies officially joined to create Rentquip Canada Limited, a national distribution company with the sole purpose of exclusively servicing the rental industry with quality products backed by unprecedented customer service!
As independent regional leaders in their markets, Freeman and Parks have built their companies on a cornerstone of customer service while developing reputations of being specialists in their respective markets. Careful not to over-extend their product lines past their ability to back them up, they have decided to represent select equipment from chosen manufacturers with long-term goals that, in turn, make them the chosen supplier for the rental stores they serve.
“Rentquip has had a stable presence weathering everything from recessions to consolidations because we understand the demands that rental operators face in the rental industry and we have been able to continually meet them,” says Freeman crediting his father Fred who laid down the company’s foundation for success when he opened the company in 1975 “We have sales reps on the road visiting rental stores constantly who have built long-standing relationships with rental operators. We know that in order for them to be competitive we have to be more than just their supplier… we have to view ourselves as partners in their business.”
Parks, who has been in the distribution business since the 1980s, agrees adding that the hands-on personal service that P&M Sales provides has cemented the company’s reputation of being a go-to supplier for rental operators. “It all comes down to service and our goal is to service customers better than anybody else with products from our warehouse, whether it’s parts, accessories or in-house warranty service, and we do that by communicating directly with our customers,” he says.
Their accomplishments have not gone unnoticed as both companies have been recognized for their achievements with Rentquip receiving the Supplier of the Year Award from the Canadian Rental Association (CRA) in Ontario while P&M Sales was honoured in February of 2008 by being presented with the Canadian National Supplier of the Year Award at the annual American Rental Association (ARA) convention, in addition to receiving an award by the CRA in British Columbia.
By leveraging their expertise in their chosen fields of the equipment market the two companies complement each other’s product lines to offer a greater depth of brand name light construction equipment from well-known manufacturers. Increased buying power, shared inventories and longer hours of operation gained from the merger will mean more benefits for rental companies with broader equipment lines to choose from and faster delivery times from its warehouses located in Woodstock, Ontario and Richmond, British Columbia.
The company’s state-of-the art e-commerce website at www.rentquip.com contains a complete product catalogue offering, parts breakdowns and list prices.
While the leap from regional player to national service provider has propelled the company to new heights both Freeman and Parks remain grounded by their desire to maintain the hands-on style of management and direct personal service they have become known for. Together, with their shared emphasis on customer service, Rentquip Canada Limited has the experience and the resources that it requires to service the unique de-
mands of today’s modern rental store.
CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT FINISHING ALL FLOORS
Clarke® is a leading manufacturer of rental sanding and janitorial oor equipment, such as edgers, belt sanders, orbital sanders and more. Clarke focuses its product development on increasing productivity and reducing labor input on the user. By choosing Clarke’s professional grade sanding equipment, you can create a healthier, dust-free environment.
Say goodbye to messy dusty jobsites.
steel cable drum will not
and
Holds up to 50’ of 1/4” cable, 50’ of 5/16” cable, or 35’ of 3/8” cable. The Counter-Top Drain Cleaner You Can Count On For Top Profit &
WORKIN’ WARM WORKIN’ WARM ER! ER!
NOW BIGGER,BETTER,WARMER.
NOW AVAILABLE FROM
With Heatstar’s new line of direct-fired and indirect-fired heaters,you can now offer your rental customers an even larger selection of portable heating solutions. Heating output ranges from 35,000 BTU/HR up to 700,000 BTU/HR.Fuel options include propane,natural gas,kerosene,diesel,JP-8 and Jet A.All are CSA certified and backed with Heatstar’s famous customer service.
Whether it’s a small work space or a big construction project,Heatstar has the right heater to keep your customers workin’ warm.
For Complete Product Information Call Heatstar At 1-800-251-0001 Or Visit www.enerco.com
To Introduce This New Line To Your Customers Contact RENTQUIP Canada At 1-800-818-1199 (Western Canada) Or 1-866-360-6616 (Eastern Canada)
The head and tank of both the WV570 and the WV900 series come complete with a 10 year warranty and are made from structural foam which is rustproof and durable. Our powerful vacuum motor boasts 100” waterlift and 95 cfm of airflow ensuring excellent dry soil or water recovery. Each comes standard with our ball float wet shut-off assembly that rotates continuously, staying clean and ensuring water does not reach the motor.
NaceCare Solutions
1205 Britannia Road East Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L4W 1C7
The unique tip and pour system allows the tank to emptied even in the absence of a floor drain.
Telephone: (905) 795-0122
Toll Free: 1-800-387-3210
Toll Free Fax: 1-800-709-2896
E-Mail: info@nacecare.com
Website: www.nacecare.com
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
Real-time chipping
Rental shops will appreciate Split-Fire woodchippers for their straightforward, l ow-mai nt en an ce desig n. Wi th f ew heavy-duty parts, this machine is built to last and takes in branches up to three feet per second. The infeed speed is accomplished by increasing the angle on the chipper blades which also increases their lifespan. The 4000 series chipper is built using a 5/16 inch and a 3/8 inch plate around the chipper box for durability and safety. It is also sandblasted and powder coated for a longer lasting finish
These chippers are mainly used by arbourists, homeowners and landscapers for brush and branches up to four inches. The throat on these models is five by six inches wide, which will allow branches up to five inches in diameter to be put into the machine. Where small chippers have always been a sore spot for rental companies, these units are providing a pleasant return on investme nt for ren tal operators b y giving more than the expected production to the end user.
K ub ota Ca na da ha s int rod uce d an improved version of its rubber track carri e r, plus a comp letely new la rge r model At only 34.6 inches wide and able to carry 1500 lbs., the improved KC70, formerly the KC51, now features an EPA compliant 6 hp Kubota diesel engine, which will be a cleaner, quieter, a nd m o re d ura ble eng ine tha n t he former gas engine The engine’s new enclosure is open on the side for easy maintenance and has a fully opening and lockable top cover. The KC70 now has electric start, but it still retains the pull cord which can be used if necessary. The adjustable seat allows easy access
to all of the conveniently located controls. A safety bar provides protection when travelling in reve r se an d bogi e st y le tr a c k rol le rs provide a smooth and more stable ride. The hydraulic forward dump allows easy unloading of material, or spreading of loose material such as gravel.
At only 41.3 inches wide and able to carry 2640 lbs., the new KC120H boasts a 13 hp Kubota diesel engine which drives a three-range hydrostatic transmission that can reach speeds of just over 4 mph.
It can dump in three directions, forward and to both sides, and the dump
box holds almost 3/4 of a cubic yard heaped. The box can be used like a flat bed as the gates can be removed. The rear of the machine opens fully for easy access to the engine. For safety, it is equipped with a certified foldable ROPS bar.
These riding carriers can outwork wheelbarrows and carry heavy or wet material through narrow spaces and over soft ground. When paired with an excavator, the carrier allows certain jobs to be accomplished with only one person
While Canadian Rental Service e di to r s mak e ev er y ef fo rt to b e o bje c tiv e whe n repo rtin g on new p rodu cts, th ey ca nno t b e held respo nsib l e f o r cl aim s ma d e b y companies Readers are encouraged to contact the companies for more details.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Creating alliances to grow
by Mark Borkowski*
Strategic alliances allow access to resources a small to medium-sized rental company needs to expand
Many small rental companies do not directly control sufficient resources to make the necessary investments to grow their businesses, and so may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage relative to their larger rivals. In an effort to build strategies necessary to navigate a profitable course in the demanding rental industry, they may investigate the possibility of leveraging strategic alliances.
In her book, Alpha Dogs (Collins, 2005), author Donna Fenn states that “Every year, 10 percent of small businesses shut down for good; a quarter of all businesses never make it past their second year; 60 close after six years.” Yet, even as small and medium-sized enterprises face these odds, there has never been a better or more exciting time to open an independent rental operation, or a more critical time to begin transforming your established rental company into a leader of the pack
However, successful small business owners are realizing that if they are going to make it, they are going to need help, and one of the places they are finding help is through the formation of smallbusiness alliances. Small to mediumsized rental companies are faced with an increasingly challenging external environment due to the complexity of the rental industry: multiple product knowledge, changing distribution channels, the rapid development of software technology, fleet management practices and competition from larger multi-branch competitors. For rental companies with minimum resources, the challenge of building strategies to survive and prosper in this setting is difficult, but attainable with suitable investment decisions. One method is creating vibrant new alliances and partnerships with other similar rental operators, not only to compete with the bigger players in the rental world, but also to attract local customers which, countless consumer surveys indicate, are more receptive to smaller businesses. Alliances can take the form of entering into a sub-rental contract with another company or even simply engag-
ing in a referral swap to keep customers between them. A good example of this in the Canadian rental industry is the LouTec Group in Quebec where several independently operated rental stores have grouped themselves under one common banner to share marketing costs, increase their buying power and extend brand awareness much further than each store could individually
Another form is to join business associations whose members are principals from non-competing, diverse businesses with different skill sets who meet regularly, acting as a “board of directors” to help each other address issues and grow their businesses For the sole proprietors who do not have anyone to answer to, it provides a model to hold them accountable for achieving their business and personal objectives by ensuring they think strategically about growth, and set aside time each month to work “on” rather than only “in” the dayto-day activities of their businesses.
There are many reasons why ownermanagers avoid decisions on growth, including concern of engaging debt and loss of personal control to professional managers Other major barriers to growth are found inside the business, including lack of technical and managerial skill, inadequate organizational adaptability and ability to acquire or use technology
In some parts of western Canada, such as Alberta, growth may be inhibited by a labour shortage which is compounded by some of the specialized knowledge required in the rental industry. This perceived and real lack of resources for sustained growth reinforces the thought that substantial benefits may be acquired through the development of partnerships or alliances with other businesses, sometimes in the same industry, available to provide these skills.
A Coopers & Lybrand study – Small Business Reports, 1993 – of 400 high growth small firms found that those with strategic alliances experienced growth rates 20 per cent higher than firms without such alliances and about 11 per cent more sales turnover. Strategic alliances enable founding rental company owners and managers to gain competitive advantage through access to a partner ’ s resource that include markets, technologies, capital and people. It is important to keep in mind that family ownership
creates value only when the founder serves as the CEO of the family firm or as its chairman with a hired CEO. In this way, creating partnerships and alliances while maintaining a direct link to management control is the preferred choice. For most rental company owners, the task of identifying suitable partners or alliances can seem daunting. As these small businesses grow and the owners realize the importance of accepting new professional managers and expertise, this realization now extends to the acceptance of engaging skilled, experienced and knowledgeable mergers and acquisition intermediaries to facilitate the search and acquisition, and to ensure that the new arrangements are a win-win situation for all parties.
There are many challenges that can emerge to frustrate new strategic partnerships or acquisitions. One of the delicate tasks is to identify the appropriate partner, not such an easy chore as it may appear.
Choosing a partner for business is as complex as choosing a partner in marriage. The shocking statistics are that 70 per cent of all partnerships do not make it. Therefore, it is important for you to know as much as possible about each other at the outset. Just like in a marriage and life in general, there will always be situations and times you could not have predicted. Having a skilled adviser help you develop tools for communicating and dealing with the business, while tempering emotions and diversions of attention, is a wise and cost-effective insurance on your financial and emotional investment.
Ideally, strategic partners and alliances can provide extended markets, sales and distribution networks and financing capabilities without giving up ownership. A strategic alliance can allow access to the resources small to medium-sized rental companies need to grow and expand their businesses. ■
We are always evolving to improve our products, service and support to the rental industry. Uniquip has been a national distributor of quality contractor-tough equipment since 1975, giving us more than 30 years of experience in servicing the specific needs of the rental market.
We are recognized by our clients as their first choice for supplying equipment that support their special needs. Because of our focus in developing long term client relationships, Uniquip strives to only provide our customers with products of the best quality that caters to the high quality demands of our target market.
We know that quality products require quality after-sale service. Our continuing commitment to excellent technical support, and the creation of added-value services to our clients are keys to our success. In our pursuit to anticipate and supercede our clients’ needs, the Uniquip team is always looking to improve how we can best service our special market, with our service and product.
Diteq and DeWalt Now Available at Uniquip Canada Inc.!
In our efforts to bring the best product to you, Uniquip Canada welcomes DITEQ –Diamond Tools and Equipment and DeWalt power tools to our extensive product selection. DITEQ’s Tequik high speed saws, Shibuya core drills and Arix diamond blades deliver high performance and value to the rental operator. Rental-tough hand tools from DeWalt, such as hammer drills, sanders, laser levels and other contractor-use small tools, complement larger specialty tools in your rental fleet, increasing your ability to meet customer demands.
Headquartered in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, DITEQ has had a long history in developing diamond tools and equipment of the highest quality. With DITEQ products you will find exceptional performance along with competitive prices - a combination that puts dollars on your bottom line. Like Uniquip, DITEQ is committed to customer satisfaction. Together, we believe that the rental business is a people business and we will be there for your needs, from beginning to end.
DeWalt Tools need no further introduction. Long know for their quality manufacturing and performance design, DeWalt is your small tools specialist. By adding the DeWalt line of hammer drills, finishing tools, compressors and other specialty tools to our product lines, Uniquip is now able to be your one-stop supplier of light contractor rental equipment. From small projects to large-scale renovations, we have the equipment for your customers’ needs.
*Mark Borkowski is president of Mercantile Mergers & Acquisitions Corporation. Mercantile is a mid-market M&A brokerage firm. He can be contacted at 416-368-8466 ext. 232 or mark@mercantilema.com.
Please feel free to contact Uniquip Canada anytime at 1-888-332-4012 or fax to 1-866-567-0956 for more product information. Remember to ask your local sales representative for a detailed product presentation!
CANADIAN RENTAL ASSOCIATION
President’s message
“Bobcat Brad” Williams, CRA president
Hello everyone. Summer is now upon us, I trust your yard is empty and your bank account is full
Most Canadian rental stores will experience growth again this year More than ever, employee recruiting, training, and retention are at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
I encourage you to attend your local rental association’s next meeting Golf tournaments combined with meetings are being held across the country. Have some fun and enjoy hooking up with some of your rental peers. Share some ideas and strategies on how to deal with today’s rental environment.
Over the past few months more used equipment has become available for sale south of the border. I believe there will be more “good deals” to come as the U.S. economy continues to weaken. With a struggling economy come repossessions, unpaid loans and distressed sales of equipment Theft also rises as “opportunists” capitalize on less secured sites
The probability of stolen equipment, prerepossessions, conversions and units with liens coming out of the U.S. is very high. In Canada there is a federal database named CPIC, which stands for Canadian Police Information Centre. It has approximately 680,000 items listed in its database All Canadian law enforcement agencies report to this database so Canadian stolen equipment should show up, providing it was reported in the first place. The CPIC website to check on Canadian units is www.cpic-cipc.ca .
The American Rental Association (ARA) has an agreement with National Equipment Registry (NER) to give U.S.based rental stores an opportunity to list their equipment. This means that some of this equipment, such as contractor owned or privately owned equipment may not show up in this database My concern is that the “too good to be true” deals out of the U.S. might turn out to be stolen equipment or have a lien
Even some small manufacturers are becoming a concern. Money sent stateside before shipping is proving to be the wrong move for some dealers and purchasers
How do you protect yourself from being a victim?
The easiest way is to buy used equipment locally in Canada, check CPIC and
your bank. If you do buy used equipment in the U.S., do your research, find out who the original buyer was and follow this history through to the previous owners Ask for serial numbers and documents to support the history of the unit Work with your local equipment dealers They may have another option for you with no risk.
I encourage you to keep in touch with your Canadian Rental Association (CRA) director The association has a board meeting scheduled for September in Edmonton, Alta. I welcome your input The CRA board of directors and I appreciate and value your membership!
Le message du président
Par “Bobcat Brad” Williams, président de la CRA
Bonjour à tous! L’été est maintenant arrivé, j’espère pour vous que votre cour soit vide et que votre compte bancaire soit bien rempli. La plupart des centres de location connaîtront encore une bonne croissance en chiffres d’affaires cette année. Plus que jamais, le recrutement, la formation, et la rétention d’employés sont des soucis que tous partagent en ce moment.
Je vous encourage à participer à votre prochaine réunion locale à venir. Des tournois de golf alliant réunions sont organisés dans tout le pays. Amusez-vous et profitez des rencontres avec vos pairs en location. Partagez des idées et des stratégies sur la façon de traiter avec le marché de la location d’aujourd’hui Au cours des derniers mois, il a été question d’achat d’équipements usagés au sud de la frontière Je crois qu’il y aura encore de “bonnes affaires” qui surgiront à mesure que l’économie américaine continue à faiblir. Avec une économie difficile surgissent les reprises de possession, les hypothèques non payées et les difficultés à vendre son équipement. Les vols augmentent aussi puisque de plus en plus “d’opportunistes” profitent des sites non-sécurisés. La probabilité de vol de matériel, de reprise de possession, de transformation d’équipement et de pièces ou équipements hypothéqués qui sortent des États-Unis est très élevée. Au Canada, il existe une base de données
fédérale portant le nom de CIPC (Canadian Police Information Centre) à l’heure actuelle, on dénombre environ 680000 items énumérés dans la base de données du CIPC. Tous les organismes d’application de lois canadiennes se rapportent à cette base de données. Par conséquent les équipements ou matériels canadiens qui ont été déclarés volés devraient s’y afficher. Le site du CIPC pour vérifier les items canadiens est le www.cpic-cipc.ca L’ARA a conclu un accord avec NER (National Equipment Registry) pour donner l’opportunité aux centres de location américains d’afficher leurs équipements volés. Cela signifie que certains équipements (par exemple, équipements appartenant aux entrepreneurs privés) pourraient ne pas figurer dans cette base de données. Ma préoccupation est que des occasions “trop bonnes pour être vraies» qui viennent des États-Unis pourraient être à leur tour de l’équipement volé ou qui aurait été hypothéqué.
Même certains petits fabricants sont en train de devenir un sujet de préoccupation. Envoyer de l’argent vers les États avant l’expédition du matériel se révèle être la mauvaise démarche à suivre pour certains concessionnaires et acheteurs. Comment se protéger d’être soi-même victime?
Le plus facile consiste à acheter de l’équipement usagé provenant du Canada, de consulter le CIPC et votre banque. Si vous achetez de l’équipement usagé aux États-Unis, faites les recherches nécessaires. Informez-vous sur l’acheteur initial de cet équipement, et trouvez l’historique de cet équipement à travers les anciens propriétaires. Demandez au vendeur de vous faire parvenir le numéro de série et les documents qui appuient cette historique. Travaillez avec votre vendeur d’équipement local; vous trouverez sans doute qu’il aurait probablement une autre option pour vous qui soit meilleure et/ou sans risque.
Je vous encourage à demeurer en contact avec votre directeur de la CRA. Nous avons une réunion du conseil prévue en septembre à Edmonton, Alberta. Je vous remercie à l’avance pour toutes vos contributions. Le conseil administratif de la CRA et moi-même apprécions la valeur de votre adhésion! ■
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RENTAL RUMBLES
Solutions joins Constellation Software
Solutions by Computer announced in June that Constellation Software Inc. “. . has compl et ed , through i ts w hollyown ed s ubs id iary Trap eze S oftw are Inc., the purchase of certain assets of the company.”
A press release issued by the company says that “development, sales and service operations will continue under the
Solutions by Computer brand with the guidance of existing management in Springfield, Massachusetts. Solutions’ flagship rental applications software, Wi n do ws- ba se d En fini ty an d U N IXbased CounterPro, will continue to be th e fo cu s of ongo ing de velo pmen t, while system users will benefit from an enhanced customer service infrastructure.”
Solutions by Computer is a service provider of management software to the
rental industry with more than 2,200 installed locations and 9,000 licensed users.
With it s he adqu art ers in Toro nto , Canada, Constellation Software is an international provider of market leading software and services to a select number of industries, both in the public and private sectors
“We are pleased to join Constellation and to have its support in furthering our product development and customer service Constellation shares our commitment to market leadership and longevity within the rental software arena, to th e b en e fit of o u r cu stom ers, ” sa ys Jack Shea, president and founder of Solutions by Computer.
“Solutions is a proven leader in providing mission-critical business management software to the rental industry throughout North America,” says Mark Miller, chief operating officer of Constellation. “We are excited about entering a new vertical market and having the Solutions employees, customers and products join Constellation.”
* * *
SMS Rents opens in Stoney Creek
SMS Rents opened its newest full-service rental store located in Stoney Creek, Ont., in May
“We are excited about our newest 8,0 00- s quare-fo ot faci lity in St o ney Creek, situated in the industrial heartland of southern Ontario,” says Marcel Langlois, president of SMS Rents “It has everything we need to keep our customers ‘job-ready’, including plenty of yard space for our rental fleet, great service shop capabilities and a spacious showroom.”
The new store, centrally located at 146 Upper Centennial Parkway South in Sto ney Cree k, wil l se r ve t he entire Nia gara regi on , a ma rket area that
RENTAL RUMBLES
includes the fruit-growing areas of the Niagara escarpment and the steel industries of the Hamilton and Burlington area. Like all SMS Rents stores, the new Stoney Creek location will not only provide customers with a full line of rental equipment, but will also provide complete, expert sales and service for the Komatsu Utility line of compact equipment, including Komatsu mini-excavators, compact dozers and wheel loaders, skid steers and backhoe loaders
“ Gl enn G reer, well known i n the region, has accepted the position of manager of the SMS Rents Stoney Creek location,” says Langlois. “Glenn, like all of our managers, is an equipment expert who brings a wealth of experience in the rental equipment business to his new position. He looks forward to serving the rental, sales and service needs of our customers in the region.”
“The new SMS Rents Stoney Creek location is ideally situated. We expect our customers to be a complete crosssection of the neighborhood – from steel mills and light industrial, to homeowners and agricultural operations,” says Greer.
Big iron marketing awards
A London, Ont.-based communications agency that represents various companies in the equipment rental industry is celebrating a year of success in its quest
to prove that creativity is alive and well in industrial advertising.
president of Marketing Strategies & Solutions at the 2008 PICA Awards
In the course of a 12-month period, Marketing Strategies & Solutions has won a place on the podium for three separate marketing award ceremonies in international competition. The company accepted three awards in th e a nnua l Pu blic atio ns in Construction and Agriculture (PICA) “Measures of Success” program at the As so ci a tio n of Eq ui pm en t M a nufa ctu rer s M ark eti ng Co n fe ren ce in Portland, Ore It was also recognized with a “Silver” and “Bronze” for two direct mail programs, one each for Titan Trailers of Delhi, Ont., and McCloskey International of Peterborough, Ont., as well as winning a “Silver” in the Single Ad c at egory for Ch a mpi on Mo tor
Graders of Charlotte, N.C.
Earlier this year, a trade show exhibit that the agency designed for Winkle Industries of Alliance, Ohio, garnered a “Silver” in the annual Summit Creative Awards. The Direct Mail entry for Titan Trailers was also one of two programs to achieve “Finalist” awards for the firm in the SIA Marketing Effectiveness Awards last spring. The second award recognized a new product literature package created for Winkle Industries
Es t a bl i s h ed b y Ro b ert A d ela n d in 1997, Marketing Strategies & Solutions has found a successful niche in the marketing world as a specialist in integrated communication services for industrial manufacturers and other business-tobusiness clients, including companies servicing the rental market
Adeland notes that, while he does represent several companies that are firmly in the “big iron” category, he also represents a variety of clients in other sectors. “We tend to get very involved in our clients’ industries,” he explains. “We join their associations and attend their trade shows, so many of our referrals come within the same business circles.”
“It may not be the most glamorous cor ner o f th e a dver tisin g i n dustr y,” Adeland admits “But I come by my understanding and appreciation for this equipment honestly the biggest reward is in the results we produce as part of an overall program of integrated communications for our clients.”
* * *
What Started out as a small welding shop twenty-four years ago, is now an expanding international business with exports going to Europe and the United States. With a complete line of log splitters and wood chippers geared towards the rental industry, Split-Fire is the answer.
e Split-Fire log splitter provides the best possible return on investment. Durability, ease of use and low maintenance are key, which is reflected throughout the entire line. e log splitters are available as self contained units, a 3pt hitch or skid steer mount. All the log splitters split on both strokes and can be outfitted with an optional log lifter.
Split-Fire also offers a line of heavy duty 4” wood chippers. ese machines are great rental items as they are designed for continuous heavy duty use. Built with a low parts count, a heavy duty clutch and powder coated, these machines stand up in your rental fleet. Each machine comes with a diamond file and a one year warranty.
Robert Adeland,
RENTAL RUMBLES
Celebrating 70 years
Allmand Bros., a manufacturer of portable light towers, compact Tractor Loader Backhoes (TLB)s, jobsite heaters and arrowboards, celebrates its 70th year in business by launching two new light tower technologies in 2008.
From its humble beginnings in 1938 as a small manufacturer of arc welders, Allmand Bros hit its stride in 1954 when
Throughout the years, the company introduced a series of cutting-edge developments in this product category including spring-mounted bulb holders in 1957, the first parallel lamp fixtures in 1968, the Super High Output (SHO) lighting system in 1996, the first 1,250-watt lighting system in 2000 and the LSC100 in 2002, the first automatic lighting sequence and command control system.
Today, Allmand Bros. continues its leadership in lighting by introducing the new V Series vertical tower design and the new SHO-HD lighting system, which provides a brighter, more true-to-life light than any other technology on the market
“Ever since Les and Walter Allmand started this company, the Allmand Bros product philosophy has been to give customers more than they expect,” says Roger Allmand, CEO of Allmand Bros “Today, that philosophy still holds true with these two new lighting products It’s what drove our product development 70 years ago and what will continue to drive it for the next 70 years, and beyond ” * * *
Hole-in-One worth $10,000 at CRA golf tournament
The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) in Ontario is hosting its golf tournament on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Trehaven Golf and Country Club located on Highway 11 north of Barrie. Registration is $125 per golfer, which includes 18 holes of golf, power cart, driving range, breakfast buffet, lunch, steak dinner and prize draws. Top prizes will go to: Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and there will be two Hole-in-One cash prizes of $10,000 each.
Organizers have only 120 spots available so they encourage rental operators and suppliers to register immediately. Contact: Jim Freeman 519-421-6234, Paul Everitt 705-7838857 or James Morden 705-435-3844.
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Heater and laser training
Rentquip Canada will hold a Heater Training and Laser Level Training seminar at the company’s location in Woodstock, Ont , on Wednesday, Aug 6, from 3 p.m to 8 p.m.
Manufacturers representatives from Enerco Heaters and Spectra Precision Lasers will be on hand to train attendees on
RENTAL RUMBLES
their products and answer questions. Food and refreshments will be served. Jim Freeman and staff invite rental operators to visit the Woodstock branch of the newly formed “Rentquip Canada” to see what is new. To RSVP and for more information call 866-360-6616 or e-mail jim@rentquip.com
West coast service
Kwik-Covers has opened a west coast warehouse in Carson, Calif The company says obtaining products from KwikCovers will now be faster and more economical for rental companies in the west
Hy-Brid Lifts partners with Onsite Equipment
Hy-Brid Lifts, a division of Custom Equipment, Inc., has signed Onsite Equipment, located in Calgary, as a full-service, authorized Hy-Brid Lifts aerial platform distributor for the Alberta market. Onsite Equipment, with four stores, has rental, sales, and service responsibilities throughout Alberta.
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HERC expands general rental program
Hertz Equipment Rental Corp. (HERC) held its grand opening in May for its Toronto, Ont., general rental facility.
The Toronto facility, located in the downtown area has a 1,500-square-foot showroom and a 1,600-square-foot shop. The grand opening was part of the company’s general rental program expansion, which the company began in 2003 in support of its commitment to increase services and products for small, medium and large contractors as well as homeowners. The company added 23 general rental locations in 2007 as part of its planned expansion in that line of equipment rental and currently has more than 100 general rental locations throughout the Canada and the U.S.
The new HERC locations offer a broad range of products, including roto-tillers, floor sanders and pressure washers, trenchers, paint sprayers, ladders, pumps and scaffolding. They also offer a wide assortment of construction and industrial equipment from manufacturers such as Case, Genie, JLG, John Deere, Bobcat, Wacker and Stihl.
Network expands to Niagara
Stephenson’s Rental Services has extended its branch network into the Niagara region, in May with a new location in Niagara Falls, Ont.
T he company sa ys t he 8, 000-square-foot facility w ill enhance Stephenson’s ability to serve its broad customer base across southern Ontario. It now has a distribution network with 19 locations in southern Ontario.
RENTAL RUMBLES
Wacker adds Neuson to name Wacker Corp. has renamed itself Wacker Neuson Corp.
Wacker Neuson Corp., based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., is an affiliate company of Wacker Construction Equipment, AG, based in Munich, Germany. This move coincided with the parent company’s name change in June when it became Wacker Neuson SE.
“Under our new name of Wacker Neuson Corp., we will continue to support our customers’ processes with top-quality products and service they experienced under Wacker Corporation,” says Christopher Barnard, president and CEO of Wacker Neuson Corp. He adds that the merger further strengthens Wacker Neuson Corp.’s position as a reliable partner for high-quality construction equipment alongside its products in the light equipment segment. The company’s portfolio also includes compact equipment such as track excavators, compact wheel loaders and dumpers.
The m erge r bet we en the pa ren t co mpan y Wa cker Cons truct ion Eq ui pm en t A G an d Ne uso n Kr a me r Baumaschinen AG, in 2007, created a major global manufacturer of light and compact equipment with more than 30 affiliates and more than 180 sales and service stations across the globe. * * *
European rental show hits the mark
International Rental Exhibition (IRE) concluded its inaugural show in June
The first ever International Rental Exhibition (IRE),held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from June 3 to 5, attracted more than 1500 of the industry’s top professionals from all over the world for this inaugural show.
Running alongside the IRE was th e Europe an Ren tal A sso c iat io n ’s (ER A ) an n u al convention and the first ever European Rental Awards organize d by th e ER A a nd Inte rna tio nal Ren tal News magazine.
The ERA convention, which attracted more than 350 delegates, was also a great success. The subjects covered over the three days of the conference incl uded eq uipm ent t heft , transportation, financing, and sustainability.
Exhibitor James Anderson, sales and marketing manager, from JCB Light Equipment says the show was very successful “We sold a total of 390 machines at the show with 350 machines to one customer,” he says. “Besides the sales of a lot of products we have also made new contacts with big players in the rental market, it is not the amount of visitors that counts but the quality.”
Gerard Deprez, president of the ERA and managing director of Loxam, says this inaugural show had been welcomed by rental companies. “The first edition of this exhibition is truly a success, through the number of exhibitors on one hand, 130 is an amazing figure for a first edition. It was also a success through the range of equipment shown.” ■
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
GENERAL’S NEW METRO-ROOTER™ OFFERS ROOT CUTTING POWER AT A BARGAIN PRICE
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eneral Pipe Cleaners’ new economical Metro-Rooter™ is the Mini-Rooter™ of root cutting machines.
With a capacity of 75 feet of 5/8” Flexicore® wire rope center cable, the Metro-Rooter™ handles roots and other tough stoppages in 3” through 6” lines. Or switch to 100 ft. of 1/2” cable for smaller jobs.
Lighter and more compact than other root machines, its narrow profile facilitates handling in tight places, on stairs, and during loading onto trucks. The maneuverable Metro-Rooter™ features a fold-down handle, truck loading wheel, and tough, lightweight frame on 10” semi-pneumatic wheels for easy transport.
Heavy-duty wire tightly coiled around 49 strand aircraft-type wire rope, Flexicore® cable offers unequalled strength — and the right amount of flexibility. It’s so tough it carries a one-year warranty against defect or breakage.
POWER-VEE™ IS EASIER TO USE.
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eneral Pipe Cleaners’ improved Power-Vee™ automatic feed drain cleaner has a simplified feeding system that’s lighter and is easier to operate. The Power-Vee is like having a third hand in tight and awkward places. Just squeeze the lever and the cable feeds at a rate of up to 16 feet per minute.
The Power-Vee easily unclogs sink, shower, toilet, and laundry drains up to 3” and can quickly adjust to take any diameter cable from 1/4” to 3/8” without requiring the use of tools or additional parts.
The Power-Vee also features quick-change cable cartridges for fast cable changing or cleaning. The machine comes with a wide variety of cables, cutters, and accessories. Flexicore® cables are made of heavy gauge wire that is coiled tightly around 49-strand aircraft-type wire rope and heat treated. It has unequalled strength and the right amount of flexiblility. Flexicore® is so tough it carries a one-year warranty against defect or breakage.
GENERAL’S SPEEDROOTER 91™ OFFERS DURABILITY AND EASE-OF-USE
TThe Speedrooter 91™ from General Pipe Cleaners blends rugged reliability with optimal ease-of-use. Design enhancements make the Speedrooter 91™ exceptionally user-friendly. One person can easily load it onto a truck. The machine’s redesigned frame slides smoothly from the loading wheel to the handle to the stair climbers and finally to the wheels. The new adjustable height, swept-back handle also provides maximum maneuvering leverage.
With the raw driving and pulling power for long, tough jobs, General’s power cable feed drives 3/4”, 5/8”, and 1/2” cables. Drum changes are easy, too. Switching from 3/4” or 5/8” cables to a small drum with 100 feet of 1/2” cable takes less than a minute. Just loosen three knobs, swing the motor aside for more clearance, and lift off the drum.
No screwdriver is required for cable adjustments, either. To adjust 3/4” or 5/8” cables, simply turn the knob on top of the feed. The large drum also sports a see-through inner cage to quickly determine how much cable remains. The durable design features a braced frame at key stress points, a drum supported front and rear for longer bearing wear, and Flexicore® cable. Flexicore® cable offers superior kinking resistance and unequalled strength with the right amount of flexibility. It’s so tough that it carries a one year warranty against breakage.
For details contact General Pipe Cleaners, a division of General Wire Spring Co., 1101 Thompson Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, USA. Ph: 877-273-7246 or 412-771-6300. Fax: 412-771-2771. Web: www.drainbrain.com.
General Pipe Cleaners, a division of General Wire Spring Co., is a leading manufacturer of high quality drain cleaning equipment since 1930. General serves drain cleaning professionals and plumbing contractors — as well as facilities managers, the rental industry and the hardware/home center market.
