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Serving the Canadian rental industry for 46 years.
There’s optimism in the air at the start of 2023.
www.canadianrentalservice.com
Be aware of the risks posed by loud equipment and how to protect your customers.
Gimli, Man., relies on Stringer Rentals to have what it needs.
Your attitude determines your results, so might as well make it a good one.
Suddenly, automation is everywhere in lawncare equipment.
Oslo, Norway, shows us what our jobsites might soon look like.
HOPE
Here’s what to do before the spring rush. by
Looking forward to 2023
by Patrick Flannery
Our best-laid plans for the year ahead.
mean the title of this column in both senses.
II’m “looking forward” to 2023 here to give some sense of what’s ahead both for the industry and this channel. But I’m also looking forward to the year with perhaps some more optimism than I did the last couple.
The obvious difference from this time last year is the receding of COVID as a major factor impacting our businesses. Last January, we were all facing the disappointment of the Omicron surge that put Ontario, at least, back into partial lockdown following a fall where we had begun to hope that the whole thing was nearing its end. That proved to be the final straw for a lot of people who took to the streets in the various convoy protests, and we started the year with a depressing sense that there are deeper divisions in this country than we had suspected. Also, the ongoing supply chain issues from 2021 and the start of the Urkaine war were starting to produce the non-transitory kind of inflation.
I’m looking forward to 2023 in both senses of the phrase.
Things look a lot better now. Ukraine looks to be winning. Rental store owners and suppliers told me at the Rental Mart last September that, with a few exceptions, they had been able to get the equipment and parts they needed in the last half of the year without a problem. Prices, having gone up, will of course be slow to come back down, but the rate of increase has steadied and it seems likely that higher interest rates will stabilize inflation roughly where it is and hopefully reverse it in a controlled manner. The danger of a catastrophic COVID outbreak appears to be over and everyone is getting back
to in-person gatherings with a renewed appreciation for how important they are for our business relationships.
So it’s going to be a full slate of travel for me this year. By the time you read this, I’ll have already attended Landscape Ontario’s Congress in the second week of January and be just about to depart for the ARA Show in Orlando (where there will be not one but two Canadian attendee gatherings to choose from). I’ll barely have landed back from that before it will be time for the Canadian Concrete Expo in Toronto. The Canadian Rental Association has a lovely location for its early March Western Conference this year in Banff, Alta. Then it’s the big one: a week at ConExpo in Las Vegas. Finally, there’s Quebexpo in Drummondville, Que., though it’s an open question if I’ll have any energy left for that one.
Here at Canadian Rental Service you’ll be getting a little less paper from us in 2023 and a little more digital communication. We’re going down to seven print issues per year, but ramping up our newletter offerings with special mailings focused on key topic areas like landscaping, compaction, construction heat and aerial equipment. It’s an off-year for the Rental Mart, but we’re going to look at opportunities for online learning and conversation.
My resolution for 2023 is to slow down and take care. I felt COVID created a certain frantic aspect to everything that didn’t entirely fade once the worst of the pandemic passed. Scrambling to get too much done in too little time leads to mistakes. This year I want to be able to think before I decide and make a plan before I act. With any luck, that’s going to lead to a better product and service for you. Happy New Year! CRS
WARNER CARES
Warner Rentals in Kamloops, B.C., has had the respiratory department of a new wing at the Royal Inland Hospital named after it following a $500,000 donation. The gift was part of a larger fundraising drive by the hospital’s foundation that gathered $37 million from B.C. businesses. The donations went to state-of-the-art equipment for the expanded hospital, which serves as the trauma centre for a large area of northcentral B.C. Level 2 of the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower contains the Warner Rentals Respiratory Services Unit, which includes pulmonary function laboratories, acute care and a state-of-the-art bronchoscopy suite. This area also contains three recovery bays, one of which can be converted into a negative pressure room when needed. For respirologists and respiratory therapists, having all of the respiratory services in one place is optimal, as it greatly improves efficiency when treating patients.
“It’s nice having our department moved into the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower as it is a brand new space for all of our staff to enjoy. With us all being together, we can provide better continuity of care for our patients and feel more connected as a team,” said Samantha, one of the respiratory therapists working in the unit.
Warner owner, Ralph Warner, is on the cabinet of the hospital foundation and saw the need for the community to step up to help update the aging hospital. “At some point, everyone is going to go through the hospital,” Warner explained. “It’s important to have the latest and greatest care. We’ve had great success as a company and really grown and flourished and now it’s time to give back. We’ve always taken great pride in being good corporate citizens.”
The big donation is only the start of an ongoing commitment to community support by Warner. The company has also launched #warnercares, a program that lends equipment to worthy community causes across the B.C. interior. Each of Warner’s three stores will have a skid steer loader branded for a particular charity. Ten percent of all rentals of the loader will be donated to the charity. Warner says he expects to generate up to $250,000 in donations per year. “We are very proud of this program,” Warner said. “It was developed in consultation between the ownership group and staff to give back to the communities we are proud to be from and so very grateful to be in.”
CANADIANS TO RECEIVE HONOURS AT ARA SHOW
Doron Broadfoot, co-founder and president of The Rent-It Store in Saskatoon, Sask., will be inducted into the ARA Rental Hall of Fame. Each year, the American Rental Association honours individuals for outstanding service to the association and the rental industry. This year, two longtime rental industry leaders will become the newest inductees into the Rental Hall of Fame and will be honoured at The ARA Show 2023 in Orlando. The Rental Hall of Fame was created in 2000 to honour those individuals who have changed the trajectory of the equipment and event rental industry. Each year, nominations are accepted to recognize outstanding industry leaders who have made a substantial and lasting impact on the industry’s success and growth at the national and/or international level. Broadfoot has been a member of the rental industry for more than 50 years. It all started in 1972 when he started working for his father. In 1974, he invested in a business owned by Acklands-Grainger. When the company decided to close — leaving employees out of work — Broadfoot and his business partner, Doug Mitchell, decided to postpone their retirement and purchased the business in 2005. Throughout his career, Broadfoot always has encouraged both employees and business partners to get involved with ARA and the Canadian Rental Association. He is being recognized for his leadership and long-term dedication and service to ARA, CRA and the ARA Foundation. Broadfoot was CRA president from 1989-1990 and then served as the ARA Region 10 director from 2000-2003. He is a huge supporter of the ARA Foundation both as a volunteer and a donor. He served on the ARA Foundation board of trustees for two terms from 2009-2014 and sat as the chair of the board in 2011 and 2012. He established the Region 10 Doug Mitchell scholarship in honour of his late business partner in 2014. In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, he has received the ARA Foundation James Keenan Award five times and the 1976 Club Award 10 times. Also being recognized is Rob Potter of Cooper Equipment Rentals in Richmond, B.C., with the ARA Region 10 industry contributor award. Potter has always been extremely active in the CRA and ARA in B.C. as director, vicepresident and president of the CRA B.C. local between 2011 and 2018. He put considerable energy into the regional B.C. trade show every year.
From left to right, Nathan Mutcher, Ralph Warner and Brent Thompson.
Doron Broadfoot
Rob Potter
COOPER SUPPORTS WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WITH EDUCATION DOLLARS
Cooper Equipment Rentals has launched its Cooper Bursary for Women in Construction with six women receiving $1,000 towards their education and training. To align with Cooper’s commitment to attract, retain, train and sponsor women in the industry the company has partnered with the Canadian Association of Women in Construction to launch the Cooper Bursary for Women in
Construction. Six bursaries for $1,000 were made available to Canadian women looking to further their education or receive job skills training in the construction industry. Cooper congratulates its 2022 Cooper bursary recipients: Megan Dunn (B.C.), Lilly Snowe-Potash (Man.), Julie Beaton (Ont.), Angelika Delormier (Que.), Katie Malone (N.B.), Keri Crouse (N.S.).
ONTARIO MANDATING AND PROVIDING NALOXONE KITS
The Ontario government is launching a first-of-its-kind program to make free naloxone kits (and free training) available at workplaces where there is a risk of staff witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose. In 2021, 2,819 people died from opioid-related causes in Ontario – the highest number on record and up from 366 in 2003. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, restore breathing within two to five minutes, and allow time for medical help to arrive.
“Ontario, like the rest of Canada, is in the middle of an opioid epidemic made worse by a toxic supply of recreational street drugs,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “That’s why our government is the first in North America to require naloxone kits be accessible in at-risk workplaces by June 1, 2023, to raise awareness for those struggling with addiction, reduce stigma and save lives.”
Of the workers who died from opioid-related causes last year, 30 per cent were employed in construction – by far the most impacted industry. Bars and nightclubs have also seen increased opioid usage and accidental overdoses, often because of recreational drugs laced with deadly opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil.
“Our new Workplace Naloxone Program, as part of our Narcotic Transition Services, will save lives,” said Michael Tibollo, associate minister of mental health and addictions. “Everyone in Ontario deserves access to these kits and this innovative program will bring a new level of safety to our province’s workplaces.”
For up to two years, Ontario will provide free nasal spray naloxone kits to businesses at risk of opioid overdoses through the Workplace Naloxone Program and free training needed to equip staff with the tools to respond to an opioid overdose. Businesses can determine if they are eligible for the program and find additional information on accessing naloxone kits and training at ontario.ca/workplacenaloxone. Once the requirement is in effect, the ministry of labour says its inspectors will take an education-first approach to enforcement.
NEW CEO AT DOOSAN NORTH AMERICA
Chris Jeong was recently named the new CEO at Doosan Infracore North America. He succeeds Edward Song, who was promoted to global sales head of Hyundai Doosan Infracore in Korea.
Jeong most recently served as CEO for Doosan Infracore European Union. He joined Doosan in 2006 as a senior corporate strategy manager after completing his MBA at Carnegie Mellon University. He led strategic activities across various markets before he was promoted to vicepresident of sales and marketing for emerging markets. Jeong oversaw sales and marketing for Doosan employee teams in Asia, Oceania, Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Brazil and India.
Jeong’s first major assignment will be to oversee the Doosan exhibit at ConExpo in Las Vegas. “I’m excited about our Doosan exhibit planned for the outdoor Festival Grounds,” he said. “We will be demonstrating our latest developments on Concept-X and autonomous equipment with live demonstrations throughout the day.”
Julie Beaton Angelika Delormier Megan Dunn
Katie Malone Lilly Snowe-Potash
SHOW SEASON
THE ARA SHOW
8 arashow.org
The American Rental Association’s trade show, The ARA Show 2023, will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 12 to 15. The ARA Show is the largest equipment and event rental trade show and convention in the world. The event provides a unique opportunity for those in the rental industry to meet with their peers for targeted education, networking and a three-day trade show featuring more than 650 exhibitors. The ARA Show 2023 will feature not one but two special events for Canadian attendees. The Canadian Happy Hour will take place at Hilton Orlando David’s Club and Grill on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. It will include tailgating festivities for the SuperBowl with cocktails, bites, and invaluable conversations with fellow ARA members from Canada. This exclusive gathering is hosted by ARA Region 10 director, Angie Venekamp, and sponsored by ARA and Westland Insurance. An ARA Show badge is required to attend. The CRA will host its traditional Canadian Hospitality Night at Cuba Libre also on Sunday, Feb. 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. The ARA Show kicks off with exclusive education sessions on Sunday, Feb. 12. Four tracks of education allow attendees to choose an area of focus: Learn and Lead, Connect and Collaborate, Empower and Engage and Plan and Strategize.
CRA WESTERN CONFERENCE
8 crarental.org
The Canadian Rental Association Western Conference takes place March 2 and 3 at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alta. The opening 11 a.m. keynote speaker will be Spencer Beach, a third-generation flooring installer who endured a horrific flash fire that left him permanently and severely scarred. Now, he’s a trained safety expert; an award-winning volunteer in Alberta’s health community; an inspirational public speaker; and an occupational
safety advocate, not to mention author of a bestselling book, In Case of Fire. The 2:30 p.m. education session will feature Dan Crowley, president of Peer Executive Groups, presenting “How to Win with a Phenomenal People Strategy.” At 4 p.m. there will be cocktails and games on the exhibit floor with chances to win chips for the evening casino night. The dinner and casino night kicks off at 6:30. On day two, Crowley will open the day with “What’s Next? A rental company’s options and exit, succession and continuation planning.”
CONEXPO
8 conexpoconagg.com
ConExpo-Con/Agg, already recognized as the largest trade show in North America, has officially sold all available exhibit space, guaranteeing the 2023 edition of the show will be the biggest in history. The show, now nearly five percent bigger than the record set in 2020, will feature 1,800 exhibitors and 175 education sessions during its run from March 14 to 18. ConExpo is hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. AEM is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide.
CANADIAN CONCRETE EXPO
8 canadianconcreteexpo.com
The fifth annual Canadian Concrete Expo returns to the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., Feb. 16 to 17. CCE delivers a unique experience for attendees as it brings together the concrete, aggregates and construction industries all in one show. The show features over 300 exhibiting companies, welcomes over 7,000 attendees and includes sessions, demonstration and networking events. Headline events at the 2023 show include “In Conversation with GSP,” a discussion with former mixed martial arts great, Georges St-Pierre; a full-scale 3D concrete printing demonstration and a chance for young people to explore the concrete industry with Skills Ontario.
COMING EVENTS
Check canadianrentalservice.com for updated listings of industry Coming Events 2023
Feb. 12 - 15
The ARA Show Orlando, Fla. arashow.org
Feb. 12
CRA Hospitality Night Orlando, Fla. crarental.org
Feb. 12
Canadian Happy Hour at the ARA Show Orlando, Fla. arashow.org
Feb. 16 - 17
Canadian Concrete Expo Mississauga, Ont. canadianconcreteexpo.com
March 2 - 3
CRA Western Conference Banff, Alta. crarental.org
March 8
Women In Construction Online women-in-construction.ca
March 14 - 18
ConExpo/ConAgg Las Vegas, Nev. conexpoconagg.com
March 28 - 29 Quebexpo Drummondville, Que. crarental.org
EquipmentWatch is a trusted source for heavy equipment data and intelligence, producing leading database information products for the construction equipment industry. It is a world leader in heavy construction research and serves more than 15,000 professional, high-volume users of construction and lift-truck data. Find more heavy equipment intelligence at equipmentwatch.com.
Cross-Canada Rate Report
at
The Cross-Canada Rate Report is provided to Canadian Rental Service as a free service to the Canadian rental industry. Rate data shown are national averages generated by quarterly surveys of 505 Canadian rental companies. Rates shown are reported list rates and may not reflect the actual changes to any particular customer. For in-depth analysis, subscribe to CounterTalks at canadianrentalservice.com or through your favourite podcasting service.
Number of stores:
THE PROBLEM SOLVERS
Stringer’s small community relies on it for solutions.
Located in Gimli, Man., Stringer Rentals and Power Products caters to the needs of a very unique market. With a population of almost 2,500, the small town of Gimli can trace its heritage back to 1875, when the Canadian government granted land to Icelandic settlers. Back then, the community was known as New Iceland.
by JACK KAZMIERSKI
Situated on the west side of Lake Winnipeg, Gimli continues to attract visitors and is known today as a tourist hotspot. Only an hour’s drive north of Winnipeg, Gimli is home to cottagers in the summer, as well as ice fisherman in the winter. The area is bustling with construction projects, which means that there’s always a need for the type of equipment contractors and tradespeople typically rent.
Born and raised in Gimli, Adam Stringer is the founder and president of Stringer Rentals and Power Products. He understands his community, as well as the specific needs of the local population. He has managed to build a successful business catering to their needs.
A heavy-duty diesel mechanic by trade, Stringer is a serial entrepreneur. He and his
mother purchased a hardware store in Gimli in 2002. Five years later, Stringer started the rental business and, in the fall of 2022, he bought a lumber yard in nearby Winnipeg. Although Stringer Rentals caters to the needs of the local population, the store also attracts customers from surrounding communities. Stringer says customers come from as far away as 70 kilometers to rent from him.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Today, Stringer Rentals offers a broad range of products but that wasn’t always the case. Stringer recalls starting off with very limited stock. “We started small,” he says. “We just had basic power tools and some, what I would call, yard tools. But it didn’t take long before we
RIGHT: The gang at Stringer is “happy” to jump out of bed in the middle of the night to help a customer. Back row, left to right: Colt Irwin, Cory Lavoie, Adam Stringer, James Stringer. Front row, left to right: Ryan Lemoine, Alicia Gretchen, Brittany Turkewich, Ashley Wakaruk and Toban Gottfried.
branched out into things like skid steers, excavators and the like once we saw that there was a need for them.”
The business has grown at a steady pace over the past 16 years and Stringer Rentals now boasts an entire fleet of skid steers, mini-excavators and a frontend loader. The 2,800-square-foot facility has a full-time staff of between eight and nine, depending on the time of the year and the needs of the season.
In addition to traditional construction equipment, it also rents a range of products for tourists who come to Gimli to enjoy the beauty of Lake Winnipeg, whether it’s frozen or not.
“We branched out into what I’d call recreational rentals about two years ago,” Stringer explains. “We rent things like Sea-Doos in the summer, and we rent equipment for ice fishing in the winter, including trailers that sit on the ice.”
While construction equipment rentals account for 90 percent of Stringer’s business, he says he started to “dabble” in the recreational rental market in order to fill a need. “My mindset,” he says, “is that if there’s a need, and I think I can fill it, then I try to take it on.”
Stringer compliments the rental operation with sales of a wide range of power brands and even workwear. Adam is ready to address any needs in his market that make sense for his business plan.
Born and raised in Gimli, Stringer has his finger on the pulse of the community and he understands his customers. “I’ve been here my whole life,” he says, “so I know all the ins and outs and I’m very well networked with people. If there’s a need, I try to see if it’ll fit within my business plan and if I can do it. If
I can, then I go ahead and do it.”
CUSTOMER SERVICE
With customers travelling as far as 70 kilometers to rent from Stringer Rentals, the store isn’t facing what might be considered “fierce competition” from other
retailers. In theory, Stringer could rest on his laurels and not try too hard, but he and his team continue to operate with a customer-first philosophy. Going the extra mile, he says, is just the way he does business.
“Everyone talks about good service,” Stringer explains, “but I think we really do go above and beyond and I think that our big advantage is that we can react quickly to customer needs.”
He offers the example of someone who might need a piece of equipment in the middle of the night. Even though the store is closed and everyone is asleep, Stringer says he’s willing and happy to get out of bed and make sure that his customer gets what he needs.
“It’s all about being part of the community in a small town,” he explains. “If someone really needs a pump at 2 a.m., then they’ll text me and I will send someone to the store, or I will go there myself to help that person out. If it’s an emergency, why wouldn’t we be willing to help?”
Stringer and his team are also willing to arrive early and stay late if that’s what the customer needs. “We’re very flexible with our hours,” he says. “If a customer can’t get there on time, then we’ll make sure that we’re there to meet them at the yard so that they can get the equipment they need to get their job done. We’ll work late, if that’s what it takes.”
COMPETITION
The fact that Gimli is an hour away from Winnipeg, the closest major city, helps Stringer Rentals compete with the larger rental companies that don’t normally have facilities in smaller
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towns. “I’m not in the big city, like those guys,” Stringer says of his competition. “So I think that our location and our ability to react quickly to our clientele give us an advantage.”
If a contractor is working on a project in or around Gimli, and they suddenly need a piece of equipment, Stringer says he can have it ready for them very quickly. “If a construction company is working in Gimli and then need a skid steer, for example, they don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to get it delivered from Winnipeg. They also don’t have to wait half a day to get it, because we can get them the equipment within the hour.”
BEYOND RENTALS
An entrepreneur at heart, Stringer isn’t known as someone who shies away from opportunities. That’s one of the reasons why his store offers more than what one might expect to find in a typical rental facility. For instance, Stringer Rentals sells clothing.
“We’re a rental yard,” Stringer explains, “but we also sell clothing. I wouldn’t say it’s high fashion by any means. It’s workwear and there’s a need for it.”
The store’s expansion into workwear is another example of how eager Stringer is to fill a need when he sees it. “There wasn’t a lot of workwear available in Gimli,” he explains. “I saw the need and the opportunity, so we gradually got into that market and we grew that side of our business.”
In addition, Stringer Rentals sells a range of products made by a number of well-known brands. “We’re a dealer for Toro, Husqvarna, Echo, Stihl and others. So we’re not strictly offering just rentals,” Stringer says.
Moreover, any of the products purchased at Stringer Rentals can be fixed and maintained by Stringer’s team because he also runs a service centre. “We have a service department with two full-time technicians.”
PROBLEM SOLVERS
With a hardware store, a rental facility and a lumber yard under his belt, Stringer plans to continue growing his businesses by offering rentals at his recently-acquired Winnipeg Beach facility. “We won’t offer as much as we do in Gimli,” he explains, “but I definitely want to expand my business.”
Stringer plans to offer power tools and yard equipment rentals at his Winnipeg Beach store. “We won’t have any of the larger equipment,” he says. “If people want the larger equipment they will have to go to Gimli to get it, or we can make arrangements to get it to them.”
In the meantime, Stringer and his team will continue to offer the top-notch service Gimli residents and local contractors have come to expect from this small-town businessman. To Stringer, helping out whenever and wherever there’s a need is all part of life in a close-knit community like Gimli.
“I think we have a small-town mentality,” Stringer concludes. “For example, when you’re going to get your mail and somebody stops you to ask if you have this or that in your store because they need it. It’s definitely different from life in a big city and we’re used to catering to the needs of our community.”
Eager and happy to support local charities and organizations, Stringer says he’s always glad to donate his time and resources as he looks for ways to help out and make a difference. “I think that people have to come to know us as problem solvers,” he says. “That’s just who we are.” CRS
AT YOUR SERVICE Forecast: positivity Attitude
can be a self-fulfilling
prophecy.
by Russ Dantu
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Do you remember the story? Well, now it’s 2023 and the government is telling us, “We’re headed for a recession! We’re headed for a recession!” I don’t know about you but I’m fed up with recessions and COVID. I’ve had enough and I won’t take it anymore. I’m here to tell you that 2023 is going to be a great year.
I remember several years ago, when we were going through a recession, I was also part of a business networking group and we all had badges made saying, “I say NO to a recession!” We all worked hard to support each other in business by buying from each other and working hard to find each other potential business. We weren’t going to follow the government gloom and doom. A funny thing happened along the way: we tightened up our relationships with each other, we helped each other out to not only survive but thrive during the so-called recession. Many of us prospered quite nicely and found new business for each other.
Sometimes, we are afraid to reach out to others when we are going through a tough time. We don’t like to admit that our businesses are going through a tough period. We might think that others would view us as failures if they found out about our troubles. The truth is that I don’t know any business that hasn’t had its fair share of troubles over the years. Whether it was opening a business and struggling for the first five years while you built it up or losing key staff which meant some business left when those staff left or having to go through a recession or COVID. It happens. It’s business. It’s life. But (and that’s a big but) we are still here. We are resilient and keep on making it work, no matter what is thrown at us. It’s not fun at the time but it’s through these experiences that we grow stronger.
I am not going to listen to our government (and yes, I know that the analysts are a lot smarter than I am) about another recession. I am going to fight tooth and nail to have another strong year. I’m
going to support as many other small business owners that I can. I am determined to continue to succeed and I hope you are, too.
Here’s a few suggestions when you go through tough times.
Ask your suppliers to help you out with more favourable pricing (if they can) or shop around for more economical options.
Cut back on the amount you spend for specific items. If your usual team golf shirt is a $70 shirt, find a $35 shirt.
Help your customer base out by offering incentives or discounts. We all have to make money but sometimes we can still make money even if it’s smaller margins during difficult times.
Ask your customers to pay upfront when ordering product from you instead of giving them terms. This helps with any cash flow issues.
Ask them to pay by cash or e-transfer instead of credit cards to avoid the two- to three-percent charge that is added.
Reach out to your customer base (by phone) and ask them for referrals. As long as they are raving fans, they won’t mind doing this if they aren’t already.
Check in with previous customers who haven’t ordered in a few years. You just might find that there is someone new there that is looking to make a change because they aren’t happy with their current provider.
Stay positive. This is likely the hardest thing to do when you are going through a tough time but negativity breeds negativity and will quickly spread through your office. Maintaining a positive culture in your office is essential.
I sincerely hope that 2023 is your best year yet. I know from experience that the government isn’t always right. CRS
Russ Dantu is a 30-year veteran of the rental industry and has been delivering workshops, seminars and keynotes on customer service for over 15 years. Visit russdantu.com.
ZERO EMISSION CONSTRUCTION
Oslo, Norway, may show us our future.
Anyone following trends in construction equipment knows that reducing greenhouse gas emissions has probably been the single biggest concern for researchers and manufacturers for a couple decades now.
by JAMES HONG
RIGHT: Both battery and cable-charging options are needed to balance the draw on the local grid and on-site charging generators.
Given all the attention paid to the problem, it would be easy to form the impression that Canadian jobsites are now among the lowest emitting in the world. Well, not so much. For a look at the future of construction sites and where we can all expect to be at the end of the next couple decades, we go to the city of Oslo, Norway, and see what they are doing there.
You might be asking yourself, what does construction innovation in a small city with a population of about one million, 5,850 kilometers away, have to do with our industry in Canada? Great question. The answer, put quite simply, is that climate change affects us all and Oslo’s achievements lay out evidence that zero emission construction sites are possible, exist and are flourishing.
A few years ago the city of Oslo, headed
up by Heidi Sorensen, director of the climate agency in Oslo’s municipality, launched the very first zero-emission construction site. Construction sites are big emission sources and, by nature, high contributors to air and noise pollution. Prior to this pilot project, construction sites made up 20 percent of the total emissions in the city and there was no electric equipment operating there. Today, Oslo has more than 30 zero-emission construction sites. How did they do it?
The changes to the construction industry were made through procurement, awarding contractors who could provide fewer emission sources. Procurement also incentivised the production, purchasing and availability of more and more electric construction equipment. With lower CO2 emissions becoming
LEFT: From zero electric construction machinery being used in the city three years ago, Oslo has transitioned to an almost entirely emission-free fleet.
part of the deliverable for the contractors and equipment suppliers, supply and demand took over to provide the city with a new, cleaner, workforce.
The types of equipment being used to achieve zero emission are electric versions of all construction equipment including moving, loading, dozing and all other required machines from giant excavators to small forklifts.
There were and are challenges related to electric equipment, including energy supply and charging logistics when multiple, large machines operate at the same time. A person responsible for electrical safety in cooperation with the fire safety manager needs to be on site when large construction machinery is started up and operated. An example of the precautionary measures is that a separation of 20 metres is specified between electric excavators and demolition operations. Correct power sockets must be used and no machines may be used on the building site without appropriate planning. Clear marking of power sockets is important. Operators experienced some initial anxiety regarding charging. Once charging routines were in place, operators noted that both operating and charging were easy.
The operators also found out that less noise on a construction site can actually be a health and safety hazard. The electric equipment runs much more quietly, and therefore it’s harder for a worker to hear when a machine is close. This issue called for some additional training.
New Metro Line construction agency found that maintaining a battery bank as a buffer for battery-powered construction machinery was an important lesson learned. The tipping point for the electrification of construction sites will be reached when batteries can last a full working day without recharging or, alternatively, if one can operate several machines to do the same job. The company goes on to say that in the slightly longer term hydrogen may be an important solution for the electrification of large construction sites. For example, hydrogen-powered generators could be used to
charge battery-powered construction machinery, reducing power peaks in the supply grid. While this could eliminate the problem of discharged batteries, there are certain health and safety challenges involved in the use of hydrogen as an energy source – it’s highly flammable and must be stored under high pressures. Hydrogen fuel cells can also be used as direct power sources for electric equipment.
Marit Hepso, Oslo’s sustainability manager for the building and construction procurement department, gives some insight on the challenges with power charging and tapping the grid. Charging on-site equipment happens via charging station or directly off the city power supply depending on the capacity in the local grid. Oslo now has experience with about 50 emission-free construction sites and they have been different with regards to electricity supply. Some contractors have used battery and/or mobile superchargers, others connected directly to the grid. Electricity supply is a complex process and arranging temporary electricity supplies, especially for 400 volts, may lead to delays. A good process is to involve power grid operators in early planning and throughout the project. Charging problems and limitations of the supply grid may lead to increased charging times. Contractors need to consider the composition of the machine fleet by balancing cablecharged and battery electric machinery to prevent overwhelming the local grid. Other ways to reduce the load on the supply grid may be through the use of a battery container; the use of district heating to heat and dry structures; and arranging one’s own energy generation in a building project’s early phase.
Despite the enormous initial challenges to zero-emission construction involving governmental commitment, equipment acquisition and workforce education, not to mention looming doubts both locally and internationally, they got it done. Oslo’s experience might be a look into the future for Canadian construction sites and what rental stores will need to do to service them. CRS
TRUST. KNOWLEDGE.
KNOWLEDGE. LEADERSHIP.
Deere and the Wirtgen Group have built a worldwide reputation of getting the job done smarter, safer, and more sustainably. Join us at CONEXPO-CON/AGG to see our largest booth yet — featuring the latest innovations across your production systems. From dirt to rock to road, we’ll have it in Vegas.
WHAT WENT HONG
A preventable risk
Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious, but avoidable with proper precautions.
by James Hong
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospital visits every year in North America. The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs reports that more than 50 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning in Canada, including 11 on average in Ontario. Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority tells us carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisonings in Ontario. So major research and safety authorities are sounding the warning bell for CO accidents and the very defined, successful, cost effective and proven methods for prevention.
Operators of pressure washers, concrete cutting saws, power trowels, floor buffers, welders, pumps, compressors and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces have been poisoned by carbon monoxide, says the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. To make matters worse, many workers have operated equipment in the past without any negative effects, which creates a false sense of security. Employers and workers must both be engaged in prevention. As I always emphasize: training, training, training! Train workers to recognize the possible dangers and symptoms of CO poisoning. Project managers should hold orientations at start-up and throughout that specifically address potential hazardous work areas and what to do if symptoms occur and how to recognize symptoms in co-workers. As rental operators, you can help by reminding customers of the potential hazards. And, of course, you need to keep staff safe as they move and maintain equipment in the shop.
CO is produced when fossil fuels burn. If inhaled, it attaches to the part of the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body and blocks that process. Some results of CO poisoning are permanent brain damage; damage to the heart; fetal death or miscarriage; and death. The Public Health Agency of Canada lists signs and effects of carbon monoxide exposure.
Mild exposure can cause a light headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and flu-like symptoms without a fever. Medium exposure produces a throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion and a fast heart rate. Extreme exposure can cause convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage, and heart and lung failure followed by death.
The CCOHS lists preventive steps that employers should implement. Install an effective ventilation system that will remove carbon monoxide from work areas. Maintain water heaters, space heaters, cooking ranges, and other potential carbon monoxide-producing equipment in good working order.
As an alternative to gasoline-powered equipment, use equipment powered by electricity, batteries, or compressed air. Use personal and/or area carbon monoxide detectors that are reliable and set to alarm well below the exposure limit. Area alarms should give both visual and audible warnings immediately.
Don’t allow the use of gasoline-powered engines or tools in poorly ventilated areas. Test air quality regularly and prior to entry in areas where carbon monoxide may be present, including confined spaces. Ensure employees wear appropriate and approved respirators, such as full-facepiece pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus in areas with high carbon monoxide concentrations.
Educate workers who may be exposed to carbon monoxide. They must know the sources and symptoms, how to protect themselves, how to recognize symptoms in co-workers, and how to respond in case of an emergency.
Workers should remember to watch each other’s backs. For employers, it is vital to keep the workforce out of harms way, not only for them, but for the entire company. The total costs of unintentional poisoning in Canada in 2018 was $2.6 billion. As they say, if you think safety is expensive, try an accident. CRS
James Hong is an OHS consultant, writer and journalist.
by RICK FARRELL
KEEP IT DOWN
The effects of high noise and how to help your customers deal with it.
Construction sites can be noisy places and many of your customers will just try to ignore it. But the long-term health risks of exposure to high noise are real, and rental operators have a role to play when renting noisy machinery and providing noise-protection devices.
Before we get into that, just what are we talking about when we mention construction site noise?
Noise encompasses all the sounds harmful to workers and the environment. The U.S. Centre for Disease Control considers the average noise level people should be exposed to as less than 85 decibels over an exposure period of eight hours. Prolonged exposure to sounds higher than 85 dB leaves us with higher chances of developing hearing loss.
One of the professional activities where noise pollution can be dangerous is construction. It goes unnoticed because its effects are gradual. As a result, construction workers do not realize the problem until it is too late. Thus, knowing the impact of high noise can help them keep their ear health in check. In general, construction site equipment doesn’t comply with the set sound requirements. This translates to workers working above the exposure limit for 70 percent of the time. The result is over 20 million people around the world getting exposed to potentially
damaging noise annually. Despite these risks, you will find that most construction workers are oblivious of their work conditions. The reason is that most do not recognize the immediate effects of noise exposure, with 52 percent reporting not wearing hearing protection. Let’s explore in detail what damages the prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause and what preventative measures can be taken.
THE EFFECTS OF HIGH NOISE
From short-term to long-term hearing loss to stress and stigmatization, continuous exposure to high noise levels has a high impact on the workers’ lives.
1. Short-term hearing loss
Temporary hearing loss is when workers notice they cannot hear very well and have ringing in their ears. The tinnitus usually wears off after a short time once they get away from the noise source. However, the longer they are exposed to it, the longer it will take them to return to
Construction workers tend to try to tolerate jobsite noise rather than use PPE. But that approach can lead to damage over the long term.
RIGHT:
normal hearing. Short-term hearing loss is a challenge for construction workers as it will take several hours for their ears to recover. In addition, it may cause socially awkward moments when interacting with colleagues and family after work. Sometimes, they will find themselves asking people to speak louder or increasing the volume to access media devices at home.
2. Long-term hearing loss
Prolonged exposure to loud noise will result in noise-induced hearing loss. The NIHL condition is irreversible since a significant part of the sensitive structures of the inner ear get wholly damaged. It can emanate from a brief exposure to intense sounds such as explosions or extended loud sound exposure. The first indication of long-term hearing loss is that conversations with people tend to be unclear. Sufferers will have difficulty listening to people on the phone and making out conversations in crowded settings. Sometimes, workers adapt to hearing loss unknowingly by learning to read people’s lips. Once a person prefers loud sounds and asks people to raise their voices in conversations, they should get their ears checked out. Hearing tests usually test out the response to various commands as carried out by healthcare professionals.
3. Decreased coordination and concentration
Hearing is vital to our lives for carrying out day-to-day activities. Studies show that noise levels at 110 dB will significantly reduce performance, implying that noise negatively affects coordination and concentration levels. Also, once hearing gets compromised, workers have increased risk of accidents on and off work settings because of their reduced ability to perceive situations around them.
4. Increased stress levels
High noise levels increase the level of stress in your body. This condition occurs because high noise levels distort the balance of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. It brings the body out of its normal operating levels for these hormones, which is synonymous with stress. High stress levels are associated with heart, stomach and nervous system disorders. In addition, researchers have found that noise can cause hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease and even stroke from prolonged exposure.
5. Stigmatization
When workers begin to experience hearing loss, they often want to seclude themselves from colleagues as they feel alone and embarassed. Unfortunately,
this leads to low job performance and higher rates of absenteeism. The journey to learning sign language and using visual aids can often be challenging. Seclusion accompanies other adverse health effects such as dementia.
PREVENTION MEASURES
All these consequences described above are preventable. Let’s see how.
1. Equipment measures
It is possible to control the amount of noise in a construction environment. When buying equipment for your fleet, pay attention to the listed noise ratings. Some suppliers have made a special effort to reduce the noise and vibration their machines produce. Design features include sound mufflers, reduced moving parts and sound-absorbent materials. Well-maintained machines are less noisy and that’s where a rental provider can make a real difference. Keeping up on lubrication and replacing moving parts are effective ways to reduce the amount of noise equipment produces.
2. Employee measures All workers should have hearing
protection with them at all times. Do you have these on your counter for easy purchase when customers pick up their equipment?
Technology exists that allows people on a worksite to both protect their hearing and continue to communicate. A tour guide system will allow people to communicate easily even in noisy environments using headset that combines noise cancellation with a microphone networked to all the other local headsets.
Noise exposure is not suitable for workers’ health, whether long or short term. The effects take time to manifest, and they will mostly go unnoticed unless workers and employers are on the lookout for them. Once a worker experiences some of the effects outlined in the article, they should consult a medical professional. CRS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rick Farrell is president of Plant-Tours.com. He has provided communication, training and group hospitality consulting services to the construction industry for over 40 years.
Performance From Billy Goat
ROBOTIC LANDSCAPING
Breakthroughs in automated lawn care equipment could change the landscape.
Autonomous. Robotics. Battery. Electrified. These are the new buzz words being heard today in the landscaping, sports turf and even golf industries.
by MIKE JIGGENS
Manufacturers of traditional gasoline-powered mowing and landscaping equipment have almost universally tapped into the escalating technology behind robotic and battery-powered equipment, while customers have embraced the ability to operate tools and machinery that deliver similar or higher output and run time yet are significantly more environmentally friendlier and require less labour.
Exhibitors at October’s Equip Exposition (formerly GIE+EXPO) in Louisville, Ky. showcased their latest products for the landscaping industry, placing an emphasis on their electrified and autonomous offerings.
One company – Kress – which has been manufacturing electric tools in Europe since the mid-1960s, recently touched down in North America as part of the Positec Group. Kress’ mantra is “The death of gas.”
David Boyce, Kress’ director of field sales operations in Canada, noted the company’s batteries are at the heart of its ability to deliver everything a landscape professional needs at a job site.
“We’re getting clean, quiet power, longevity and run time, zero downtime, and they continue to remain consistent across their usage,” he said of Kress’ proprietary battery technology. “Our factories were able to create some innovative, revolutionary technology in collaboration with a Canadian university. Over the course of multiple years,
we’ve been able to develop something that is far more sustainable in terms of lithium-ion and the chemical composition makeup of that battery.”
Despite a shift in recent years toward battery-powered equipment, gasoline-powered products have continued to retain a strong presence in the industry. Proponents of gas-powered equipment argue that batteries are expensive and take too long to charge. Commercial users not eager to embrace battery technology also suggest that multiple batteries are required to power a single tool and that they don’t hold a charge long enough, which contributes to increased downtime.
Kress officials say their battery technology resolves these concerns.
“The Kress battery charges to 80 per cent capacity in only five minutes, provides 10 times more recharges than current lithium-ion batteries and produces the power and performance that meets or exceeds that of comparable combustion gas engines,” Positec Group CEO Don Gao stated in a news release.
The charging duration was demonstrated in real time at Equip Exposition. A stopwatch was used to clock the time it took to fully recharge a battery that was down to its last 14 per cent of charge. Kress’ eight-minute commercial Cybersystem battery platform features both 4Ah and 11Ah battery
packs with the ability to recharge each 60-volt battery pack to 100 per cent charge in only eight minutes or 80 per cent charge in five minutes.
Gao said each 60-volt Cyberpack battery can produce up to twice the power output of standard lithium-ion batteries, meeting or exceeding the same performance as comparable commercial gas-powered tools but with less noise and zero emissions.
The system is capable of multiple daily recharges and consists of two batteries (4Ah and 11Ah Cyberpacks) and a Cybertank.
Run time is no longer a concern because the battery is always ready to go, Boyce said.
Equip Exposition represented Kress’ first official introduction to the North American market.
“This has enabled us to open our doors, pull back the cur-
tain and allow the general public and the North American marketplace to come evaluate and assess who we are and what they think of Kress,” Boyce said.
The company is planning its Canadian launch at January’s Landscape Congress trade show and conference in Toronto.
ROBOTIC MOWING
Kress and several other companies that exhibited at Equip Exposition are also vested in robotic mowing. Kress introduced its RTKn (real-time kinematic to the power of network) robotic mower which can operate within a given area without the need for perimeter wiring.
Like the Kress robotic mower, Husqvarna’s Ceora doesn’t require perimeter wiring and can mow large areas in parallel lines as if it was human-driven.
Lauren Ulrey, vice-president and general manager of
Husqvarna’s robotic Ceora mower cuts a sports field with precision striping.
TECH TIPS
Husqvarna Group’s robotics, said autonomous mowers not only address such concerns as sustainability, emissions and noise, but the labour shortage the professional turfgrass maintenance industry is experiencing. One person can set the robotic mower in motion and simultaneously tend to other duties at a job site.
“It’s like a workplace multiplier,” she said.
Systematic robotic mowers are more efficient than autonomous mowers that cut in a random pattern, Ulrey said, adding it’s the direction into which commercial robotic mowers are currently heading. Sports fields and other larger properties are where systematic mowers excel. They can cut in straight lines or chosen patterns.
Randomized autonomous mowers that rely upon perimeter wiring are still ideal for residential lawns, she said, noting perimeter wiring may be recommended on properties where
a clear line of sight to satellites isn’t always realized. If a job site is in a heavily wooded area or if it’s surrounded by large buildings, wiring will ensure a consistent connecting signal.
Ulrey said Canada has “blown the doors off” robotic mowing and has been a significant growth area for Husqvarna.
Wisconsin-based RC Mowers introduced its Autonomous Mowing Robot at Equip Exposition, suggesting the machine enables one person to do the work of three. Unlike smaller robotic mowers, the Autonomous Mowing Robot operates like a zero-turn with the operator physically in the driver’s seat to establish a perimeter. Once that’s done, he identifies “keep-out” areas to prevent the mower from entering water and other sensitive landscape features.
From there, the operator can enable autonomy mode and allow the mower to cut unmanned while he engages in
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other work. Two or three mowers can simultaneously cut a large-acreage site within pre-set perimeters.
Attendees at Equip Exposition were told the Autonomous Mowing Robot doesn’t take breaks, passes all drug tests and is drama-free yet cuts with precision.
California-based Graze’s Beta autonomous mower offers versatility beyond that of simply mowing. Equipped with a 60-inch mowing deck that can cut in pre-set patterns, the unit can also be used to aerate, fertilize, pick up golf balls on driving ranges and put down de-icing agents in the winter.
Company CEO John Vlay described the machine as “the Swiss army knife” of landscaping and lawn care because of the various attachments it can utilize.
A front-end mowing deck, aerator or hopper can be fitted to the autonomous unit which will function without the need for perimeter wiring. Vlay said wiring is both expensive and can easily be broken.
Ultimate Uptime
Parts and service when you need them means ultimate uptime for your customers and more profit for you.
LANDSCAPING AND LAWNCARE
BALANCED FOR EASY MANOEUVRING
8 billygoat.com
Billy Goat’s SG1301HGT stump grinder is designed for simple, safe operation capable of efficiently removing a stump from 24 inches above grade to 16 inches below grade. The working end of the unit features a heavy duty, 35-pound, 3/8-inch-thick, 14-inch-diameter fly wheel with eight tungsten carbide Greenteeth at the end of a longer, angled-down cutter head that efficiently reaches below grade. Combined with a 48-inch adjustable handle for maximum stability and control, the unit has superior leverage and longer reach. For added safety, the SG1300H has a rear and two side chip curtains, a dual operator presence system on the upper and lower handlebar, and an emergency shutdown button. A handy foot-mount offers leverage for ease of starting up the unit. While in operation, a
locking drum brake keeps the unit in place while sweeping the cutter head back and forth across the stump. The machine is well balanced for simple transport to and from jobsites and manoeuvering around the stump. The unit easily loads via ramps to a trailer or pickup truck. Billy Goat’s text-to-video feature is offered from a label on the control panel and readily offers instruction for start-up and operation via video from a mobile device.
BUILT FOR BATTLE WITH BRUSH
8 loftness.com
Loftness has updated its Battle Ax S Series mulching head with new features for enhanced durability and serviceability. Designed for skid steers and compact track loaders with 28 to 62.9 gallons-per-minute hydraulic flow and 50 to 150 hydraulic horsepower, the S Series now includes a reversible secondary shear bar in the two-stage
cutting chamber to always allow a fresh cutting edge. After all four edges of the shear bar have been exhausted, the bolt-on design allows it to be easily replaced. Previously, the secondary shear bar was welded on the front bumper, and only the primary shear bar was replaceable. Next, the S Series is available with a replaceable wear liner, which helps protect the drum from excessive wear when working in abrasive conditions. It also has a bolt-in design for easy replacement. Other design enhancements, such as a new, recessed, belt cover with welded body reinforcements, have been included in the latest update to protect against damage and ensure long-lasting reliability. The S series comes with a two-year warranty. The head has gained popularity in the vegetation management industry for its unique rotor design, which features built-in depth gauges. These depth gauges function similarly to raker teeth on chain saws to prevent the attachment from engaging too much material at one time. This design is more ideal for managing the amount of material being fed into the attachment than ring-style rotors, which many operators find to be overly limiting. The
Battle Ax is also known for its ability to thoroughly process material into consistent, wellsized particles because of the Loftness-exclusive two-stage cutting chamber.
ONE PLATFORM FOR EVERYONE
8 baumalight.com
Baumalight Mini Skidsteers, manufactured in Wallenstein, Ont., are designed for versatility. Versatility not only means offering a carrier that can easily navigate in tight spaces, but also providing a wide selection of useful tools and attachments. Powered by either a Honda, Kubota or Yanmar engine, Baumalight Mini Skidsteers have a hydrostatic drive controlled by true joystick controls. They come standard with an interchangeable universal quick-attach plate. The optional self-leveling bucket reduces spills and provides extra control when loading and unloading material.
Baumalight uses a three-pump hydraulic operating system, one for hydraulic flow to run the machine’s auxiliary and boom, and two pumps for
the propulsion systems, one for each drive side. There is a dedicated oil cooler to better manage hydraulic heat generation and the lift cylinders are cushioned at the end of stroke. Designed for a variety of applications, Baumalight Mini Skidsteers are the ideal carrier for agriculture, snow removal, landscaping or construction. On a farm, whether it’s cleaning a stall, handling straw or hay, digging a fence post hole or moving manure, the Mini Skidsteer is a useful machine for any chore. Customers can keep their parking lots, driveways and sidewalks clear this winter. Compact and ideal for tight spaces, wheeled or tracked Mini Skidsteers are available with a variety of snow removal tools for both snow removal contractors or rural property owners. Landscape contractors never know what tool they’ll need to use to get the job done. The Baumalight Mini Skidsteer offers one carrier with many useful tools. Compact and powerful, the Mini Skidsteer is ideal for mowing long brush, digging post holes, grinding stumps, clearing trees, moving dirt and more.
HEAVY WORK IN COMPACT SPACES
8 mecalac.com
Mecalac offers the TA3SH Power Swivel site dumper for increased versatility and safety on jobsites. The site dumper is part of the TA3 range, which is designed for the small to medium jobsite, and is particularly useful in crowded or confined areas. Like all Power Swivel site dumpers, the TA3SH is
designed to deliver superior versatility and performance, especially on confined jobsites such as housing developments or landscaping projects. The TA3SH is 13 feet long and 6 feet, 1 inch wide. The Power Swivel technology features forward and swivel tipping mechanisms, allowing the load to rotate 90 degrees on either side before being tipped. This reduces the need to move equipment, enhancing productivity. The Mecalac range of Power Swivel site dumpers features payload options from 1 to 10 tons. The TA3SH’s payload capacity is 6,613 pounds, making it ideal for industries such as concrete, landscaping and urban construction. All Power Swivel site dumpers feature a heavy-duty locking device. This keeps the skip facing forward while on the move and is just one of many features that ensures Mecalac Power Swivel models provide the highest level of safety. Available state-of-the-art operator technologies, include start/ stop control and capture and hazard detection. Start/stop control improves on-site safety, minimizes fuel consumption and increases service intervals by automatically starting and stopping the engine in predetermined conditions. Capture is Mecalac’s telematics solution, allowing rental centres and site managers to monitor unit location, distance traveled and hours completed each day. Hazard detection uses microwave radar to provide obstacle detection, further increasing safety on jobsites. Each Power Swivel site dumper meets the latest emissions compliance standards and, to avoid DEF- and DPF-related costs, engines are rated at under 25 horsepower. All models are equipped with Tier IV engines.
NO GROUND WIRE REQUIRED
8 kress.com
The KR236 Mission Mega from Kress is instructed by the Kress RTKN network. It navigates the lawn with centimeter-level accuracy. No need for boundary wire nor fixed-reference antenna to be installed in the lawn. Operated by Mowing Action Plan technology, the mower works in parallel lines as an experienced landscaper would. It efficiently manicures lawns up to nine acres. It uses a large cutting capacity 35-centimeter blade system to cover large areas with less passes and a double-layer blade system for high-density and slightly overgrown grass. TeamWork technology allows operating more than one robot inside the same working area. the Mission Mega follows the shortest possible route to and from the charging station. An
auto-leveling blade system adapts to terrain unevenness. In-Hub encoded gearless drive motors deliver smooth delivery of torque and quiet operation. other features include an obstacle avoidance system; auto-leveling of the cutting disc; a regenerative brake system; theft protection; electronic cutting height adjustment; an in-hub drive motor with all-terrain wheels; and a washable underbody.
MANY ATTACHMENTS FOR MAXIMUM VERSATILITY
8 barretomfg.com
The 825TKL mini track loader from Barreto features an innovative cab-over design, allowing exceptional access to key components, cutting routine maintenance time and improving your bottom line. The articulating rollers on the track system tackle
LANDSCAPING SHOWCASE
uneven terrain and absorb impact, providing stability and comfort to the operator. The universal attachment plate on the TKL allows for the use of any industry-standard quick-change attachment, providing value by eliminating the unnecessary cost of brandspecific attachments. The TKL experience incorporates an electronic display panel that is clear and easy to understand. Featuring a unique high/medium/low speed selection, the operator can adjust the track drive speed of the TKL to the task at hand, benefiting both seasoned and novice operators. There are a variety of safety features on the TKL, including the operator presence switch that senses when the operator is no longer standing on the ride platform. The TKL is also equipped with innovative tip-over protection, utilizing the machine’s incline sensor to shut off the fuel supply and lock the TKL in the event of a rollover situation.
A four-digit safety code is required to restart the TKL, preventing potential engine damage and giving the owner the opportunity to inspect and secure the machine.
FASTER CLEANUP
and shredding capabilities in a compact footprint. The 40-gallon angled debris bag has an angled poly bottom to reduce wear and tear. Easy nozzle-height adjustment happens right from the operator’s handle. An optional hose kit is available for cleaning out flower beds and hard-to-reach areas. It seats securely in a speciallycontoured pocket that blocks air flow when not in use.
TOUGH TUB
8 toro.com
8 littlewonder.com
Clear litter and debris faster with the Little Wonder Pro Vac SI. This professional debris vacuum is powered by a Honda engine. It’s equipped with a five-blade serrated steel impellor with 5:1 reduction ratio for superior suction
Built on the same frame as the popular MB TX 2500 tracked Mud Buggy, the new Toro Swivel Mud Buggy features a redesigned tub that enables it to swivel 180 degrees, allowing users to dump materials anywhere between the 180-degree angle. For enhanced durability, the Swivel Mud Buggy also offers a thicker 3/8-inch polyethylene tub material. With the increased thickness of the tub, users can tackle more jobs with confidence and ease, regardless of the material being transported, including sand, rock, mulch or even cement. In addition to the swivel feature and the redesigned tub, the swivel switch travels with the right-hand control handle, allowing operators to safely and efficiently operate the machine while simultaneously swiveling
the tub. The Toro Swivel Mud Buggy can carry up to 2,500 pounds of material, and the 25-horsepower Kohler Confidant engine delivers exceptional power to handle even the most challenging material handling applications. Additionally, the Swivel Mud Buggy can reach transport speeds of up to six miles per hour in forward and three miles per hour in reverse to efficiently transport material around the jobsite.
MUST-HAVE TOPDRESSER
8bannermansportsturfmagic.com
The Bannerman B-MTD-2012
Mini Topper is designed to apply top dressing evenly on small- to medium-sized high wear turf grass areas or residential lawns. This walk-behind machine has a 24-inch spread width and 68 litre capacity. The front brush provides a quick adjustment for material spread depth. It’s a must-have item for spreading organic topdressing, peat moss and loam.
AD INDEX
SOLID GROUND CONTACT
8 easternfarmmachinery.com
The Messersi TC120 swivel dumper boasts a 1,200 kilogram capacity powered by a Kubota 18-horsepower three-cylinder diesel engine. It has a tracked undercarriage with hydrostatic transmission and a double-effect cylinder for the front lifting of the accessories. The rubber tracks are monoblock type with steel cords and heattreated embedded metals. Central pairs of rollers on an oscillating frame better absorb rough terrain. The patented track layout grants a longer ground surface bearing for high stability and good driving comfort in all loading conditions. The diesel engine is water cooled with an electric start. The hydrostatic transmission powers two axial piston pumps and fixeddisplacement orbit motors. Steering is possible throughout the rotation of the tracks.
Travel control is executed by two servo-assisted levers with an automatic return to neutral in case of emergency stops. The
loading body has a large angle of discharge and the round design gives the machine a pleasant look and allows for quick dumping of the loaded materials. The optional hydraulic double-effect power takeoff can be used for auxiliary equipment. An operator’s platform and engine bonnet are standard fittings.
EASY ON THE BACK 8 ryanturf.com
The ZTS stand-on aerator from Ryan is designed to be groundbreaking, not backbreaking. This stand-on zeroturn aerator has automatic chain tensioning on the main drive chains to ensure proper tension is maintained during operation. The aeration depth control device provides constant depth control up to five inches. A shock-absorbing platform and convenient thumb controls make operation easy. The ZTS can cover two-and-a-quarter acres per hour at ground speeds up to seven miles per hour. It’s available with an optional, electric, seed and fertilizer spreader kit and an LED light.
TAKES ON TOUGH GROUND 8 ironcraftusa.com
IronCraft has introduced its 3100 Series and 3200 Series box blades which feature adjustable shanks, making them ideal for ripping up dirt; grading and leveling land; or spreading topsoil, gravel, mulch or manure. IronCraft Box Blades are built to handle the toughest projects on farms, construction sites, outdoor arenas and landscape projects. The standard-duty 3100 Series box blades are made with 3/8inch steel A-frames in widths from 48 to 96 inches and are ideal for use with tractors from 15 to 45 horsepower with a Cat 1 hitch. The heavy-duty Series 3200 box blades are manufactured with ½-inch steel A-frames in widths of 72, 84 or 96 inches. They are ideal for tractors with 30 to 70 horsepower with either a Cat 1 or Cat 2 hitch. Both the 3100 series and 3200 series are quick-hitch compatible and have a six-inch cutting edge. IronCraft box blades are made in the U.S.A. with good lead-times.
HOPE IS NOT A PLAN
Things to do in the snow
by Adam Snook
A new year brings a chance for new perspectives.
It’s that time of year again. Time to review what went well, and what went wrong in 2022 and how you can use that to make 2023 your best year yet. It sounds cliche, but a new year really is an opportunity for a new beginning. Especially in the rental industry, when it coincides with our typically slow(er) periods. Winter should ideally give us time to think about the people we rely on to help run our business. Given the fact that your company is generally the single biggest investment you’ll ever have, you should be as picky as the market and money allows you to be. You likely didn’t marry the first person you met. Considering you’ll spend at least a third of your life (let’s be honest, more like half or more) at work you should enjoy the people around you. Especially since you pay them to be there. Are there better options out there for you and your company? It’s a turbulent time in some areas and with some companies right now. Experienced people will be let go through attrition after acquisitions and some companies are downsizing. Is there that squeaky wheel in your employee roster that you’ve only held on to because you needed a warm body during the busy season? Now is the time to find better and more competent people.
What about your home away from home?
I don’t mean the cabin, I mean where you spend eight to 12 hours, five to six days per week. Is your shop, showroom and/or office an inviting place to be? If you were a new potential customer or employee, would it be a place that you’d enjoy coming to? If your business is a retail-focused rental company, you really can’t overstate how important the appearance of your facility is. If it looks unmaintained and in disrepair the immediate thought to the customer is that your equipment will be the same, whether true or not. A fresh coat of paint and some updated signage aren’t expensive. The same goes for your rental fleet. Your utilization won’t tell you all you need to know here. Does it show pride of ownership? Given the shortages and long lead times for
new equipment, as well as the cost, no one is expecting you to compete with the Uniteds and Sunbelts of the world. However, people aren’t willing to rent unmaintained or rough-looking equipment either. It’s not just the time to make sure that everything works as it should, that’s a bare minimum expectation.
What about any new lines of equipment or services? Give some thought to any possible expansion opportunities. While you’re thinking about new opportunities, think of new ways to reach out to new customers and re-engage with existing ones. A website is not enough any more. Social media is hands-down your most costeffective way to reach new potential customers, whether it’s Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok. Start on it today. If you don’t feel comfortable with it, hire it out. Have you looked into radio advertising? It’s surprisingly cost-effective if you are in an area where you can target the demographics you’d like to engage with.
Take a look at your financing for the upcoming busy season. Whether its new equipment or growth capital for an acquisition, make sure you are ready for 2023. With interest rates at seven to eight percent, it definitely pays to shop around. Even look at your business banking relationship. Given the lack of competition that the big banks in Canada have, it can often feel like you have no choice. Now is the time to reach out to some regional banks or credit unions. Quite often they are far less cumbersome to deal with when it comes to financing. They understand the local markets better and you’ll generally get your answer a lot quicker as well.
2022 was a great year for a lot of us, and we should be grateful for that. That doesn’t mean that 2023 is guaranteed to follow suit. It may seem like you have a lot of time to prepare for the next busy season, but the reality is that April seems to come quicker every year. So what are you waiting for? CRS
Adam Snook is a co-owner of JustBins in Regina, Sask.
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