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Serving the Canadian rental industry for 45 years.
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4
EDITORIAL
We’re doing new things and looking at new rental store owners in this new year.
20 CAREFUL WITH THE NASTY STUFF
www.canadianrentalservice.com
6
INDUSTRY NEWS
Nor-Val sells to Sunbelt… CRA scholarships launched… Nasato promoted…
24
YOUR LANDSCAPING FANTASY FLEET
Safety expert James Hong tells us how to avoid tragedy when handling hazardous materials.
18 AT YOUR SERVICE
A top resort shows us it’s the little things that round out a great customer experience. By Russ Dantu
Canada’s top lawncare and landscaping suppliers offer suggestions on how to help your customers complete a beautiful landscaping project.
19
WHAT WENT HONG
Avoiding electrical hazards on the jobsite involves proper maintenance, tidiness and organization.
10
FRESH ENERGY
The owners of NLC Equipment are finding new angles into the rental business.
30 SNOOK’S LOOK
Will a rebound in residential homebuilding help our industry?
By Andrew Snook
New things in a new year
by Patrick
Flannery
In 2024, let’s take inspiration from the fresh perspectives of people new to the rental business.
Our cover story this issue features a couple guys in their 30s who are just getting into the rental industry. It’s pretty clear that their energy and particular skills sets are going to take them a long way. It sure was fun to talk to a couple entrepreneurs at the start of their journey in this crazy business who are filled with enthusiasm to try new things and go where others do not. In particular, I wonder if their comments that rental customers tend to pay without complaint will survive longer contact with the market. In any event I noticed a couple things going on with this company that were refreshing indicators of this generation’s different approach.
It seems like the newer people coming in today are coming at it more like a business.
They are keen on marketing and promoting their company, not content to rely solely on word-of-mouth to grow the business. They have swag! Not that other companies do not, but it tends to be something larger operations with larger marketing budgets do. But Victor Miceski, one of the owners, says the giveaways are driving business and awareness, which is key at this tender stage in the company’s development. They understand the need to put a polished image out there in order to be taken seriously by prospects. A couple decades ago, this magazine and the Canadian Rental Association had to embark on a real campaign just to encourage rental stores to have a showroom and take the greasy rags off the counter. It seems like the newer people coming in today are coming at it more like a business and trying to apply all the lessons from Business 101.
A second observation is their comfort with using Chinese equipment in their fleet and even becoming a dealer for Chinese suppliers. They haven’t let old prejudices blind them, and this has been profit-
able. Jon Politano, the other owner, says they have never had a single problem with any of the XCMG excavators they have bought to rent. But they still encounter customers who don’t want them because of where they come from. In response, Politano has been giving customers opportunities to try the XCMG equipment at a discount. Many end up preferring them to other brands, and Politano says their reliability has been flawless. Given the size of XCMG overseas (it’s far larger than any North American equipment manufacturer), this shouldn’t be as surprising as it initially was to me. They must be doing something right. But we’ve been conditioned to expect that Chinese products are lower quality because we’ve used China as a source of lowcost manufacturing for decades rather than taking advantage of the expertise that does exist there. Perhaps it takes a fresh perspective to see the opportunity in higher-quality Chinese manufacturing.
Maybe the new year is encouraging all of us to try new things. You’ll see a difference in our landscaping equipment showcase this time. I was poking around online looking for landscaping-related content and I came across the stunning photo you’ll see on page 24 of a beautifully landscaped backyard with a view right out of Yellowstone. My brain doesn’t generate too many new thoughts these days but this time inspiration hit me: why not put together a “Fantasy Fleet” with all the equipment needed to execute that project? So I emailed my landscaping suppliers list with the challenge: send me some products a rental store should carry to assist a customer with this project. The response was awesome and you can see the results inside. Plus it was a lot more fun than the standard old showcase. Maybe I’ll take a similar approach going forward.
Here’s to new things in this new year. CRS
INDUSTRY NEWS
NOR-VAL RENTALS ACQUIRED BY SUNBELT
Nor-Val Rentals, headquartered in Armstrong, B.C., announced in December that it has become part of Sunbelt Rentals.
“Nor-Val Rentals is excited to announce that we have joined the Sunbelt Rentals team,” the company posted on LinkedIn.
“The Nor-Val family would like to thank all of our customers, suppliers, friends and family for their business, loyalty and support over the last three decades.
We believe we have made a huge impact in this valley with our community support, and we know that will continue under the Sunbelt Rentals name. All of our stores will still have the amazing staff that you know and love, and the service will continue to be second-to-none. With an even larger equipment selection and eight branches in the Okanagan from Kamloops to Oliver, the options for customers are endless. Looking forward to a bright future.”
Nor-Val grew swiftly following its inception in 1994, acquiring a Volvo Rents location in 2010, opening new locations throughout the Okanagan Valley and adding Bobcat new equipment sales. The owner, Jim Clipperton, has been a prominent leader in the B.C. rental community.
Clipperton joined the CounterTalks podcast Episode 33 in 2021 to talk about Nor-Val’s rapid growth and success.
UNITED MAKES LIST OF TOP EMPLOYERS FOR WOMEN
United Rentals has announced it was selected to the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Women 2023. Forbes’ sixth annual list of America’s Best Employers for Women was created in partnership with market research firm Statista. The ranking derives primarily from surveys that asked participants to evaluate their employers on dimensions such as atmosphere and development, working conditions, salary and wage, diversity, parental leave and family support. The sample included about 40,000 women, and the survey included companies from all industry sectors.
“The Best Employers for Women award reflects our commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that mirrors our customers and communities,” said Craig Pintoff, executive vice-president and chief administrative officer at United Rentals. “Delivering on this commitment contributes directly to the success of our employees and company. It helps us better understand our customers and meet their needs in order to build a better future together.”
United Rentals says it supports its workforce with an empowering, inclusive, purpose-driven culture combined with best-in-class rewards and development opportunities.
“I’m proud of the direction we’re headed as a company and in the industry,” said Monica Rodriguez, director of inclusion and diversity at United Rentals. “We continue making strides for a more diverse and inclusive culture, and this recognition is a testament to that commitment.”
The Women United employee resource group at United Rentals advances inclusion through networking, education and promotion of career opportunities.
COMING EVENTS
2024
Feb. 12 – 15
Catersource + The Special Event Austin, Texas informaconnect.com
Feb. 14 – 15 Canadian Concrete Expo Mississauga, Ont. canadianconcreteexpo.com
Feb. 18 – 21
The ARA Show New Orleans, La. arashow.org
March 26 – 27 Quebexpo Drummondville, Que. crarental.org
March 27 – 28
Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show Moncton, N.B ahes.ca
April 11 – 12
National Heavy Equipment Show Mississauga, Ont. nhes.ca
April 14 – 18
Common Ground Alliance Conference & Expo Colorado Springs, Colo. commongroundalliance.com
Sept. 11 – 12
Rental Mart + Turf & Rec Show Calgary, Alta. canadianrentalmart.com
Nov. 26 - 29
Bauma China Shanghai, China bauma-china.com
NASATO TO LEAD CANADIAN SALES FOR WESTERN GLOBAL
Western Global, a manufacturer of fuel and fluid storage solutions, has announced three promotions to expand and bolster its North American sales network. The company promoted Dean Nasato, Jeremy Shepherd and Josh Pogozelski to head-of-sales positions. Nasato will lead sales activities in Canada, Shepherd in the western U.S. and Pogozelski in the eastern U.S. Nasato, Shepherd and Pogozelski are all experienced with Western Global and have proven leadership in the sales area. Nasato combines familiarity with the Canadian market with more than 36 years of experience in rental equipment sales and general construction equipment sales. Western Global hired Nasato in 2019 as regional sales manager of the rental and equipment division in Canada, making him the company’s first dedicated rental representative in Canada. Before that, he spent 32 years selling construction equipment to the rental channel.
“Western Global offers more than just a tank; we have people who are available to support and take care of customers in their respective regions. Having that expertise conveniently available to end users significantly heightens our customers’ experience,” said Ken Steury, Western Global director of regional sales. “It’s challenging for any one person to be an expert in every geographical area with differing codes and jurisdictions. Having local team members provides convenience to get on site quickly and give support and clarity when needed.”
These new positions will support Western Global’s growing sales network, which has been expanding to meet increased demand as operations seek more fuel efficiency. A heightened presence throughout North America allows product experts to provide support much more easily. If a local official or fire marshal visits a jobsite and has questions when reviewing for fuel storage compliance, for example, a Western Global representative in the area can quickly travel to the site to provide in-person assistance, and their familiarity with the area allows them to answer fuel storage questions. This also increases access to the sales team for in-person events such as tow-and-shows and general ongoing support. A regional Western Global representative can drive a tank to a prospective customer so they can experience the product and all its features in person, rather than the interaction being limited to a virtual demonstration. Furthermore, these promotions will be instrumental as Western Global enhances its logistics capabilities in the U.S. and Canada.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FROM CRA
The Canadian Rental Association has launched new scholarships that will recognise and empower professionals working to advance their careers within the sector. The association, which launched the three scholarships earlier in 2023, said they are designed to “support and uplift individuals making significant contributions to the Canadian event and equipment rental industry.”
The Technical Trades in Rental Scholarship, which has a maximum value of $1,000, is dedicated to individuals committed to enhancing their current qualifications and/or license, whether from a technical or driver standpoint. To apply, candidates need to have worked consistently within the sector for a minimum of three consecutive years. The High Performance Rental Person Scholarship, also valued at up to $1,000, is aimed at individuals pursuing certification or a degree relevant to a career in equipment or event rentals. Eligible candidates must have a minimum of three years’ experience working in a rental company and have held an organisational role within a committee, association, or nonprofit (including the Canadian Rental Association). Meanwhile, the CRA Insurance Scholarship is specifically available to employees, owners, or immediate family members of companies participating in the CRA Insurance Program. The CRA said applicants should showcase a commitment to supporting a scholarship fund benefiting training and education within the industry.
Colin Wilson, chair of the CRA Foundation, said, “The launch of these targeted scholarships is a testament to our commitment to fostering excellence and growth within the event and equipment rental industry. By recognising the dedication and contributions of industry professionals, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and success.”
CLELAND OUT FRONT AT MOTION
Motion Industries, a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts and a provider of industrial technology solutions, has named Chris Cleland to senior vicepresident of strategy and markets. Cleland’s career spans 25 years in consulting, strategy, marketing, branding, e-commerce, business development and transformation. In his previous role as principal consultant at Cummings Creative Group for the past 20 years, he led multiple successful initiatives across several industry verticals, driving growth and innovation for clients including over 12 years consulting with Motion on marketing and strategy projects. Prior to his time with CCG, Cleland gained valuable experience as president/owner of LithoSigns and as a sales manager with Citadel Broadcasting. In his new role, Cleland will lead the company’s strategy development for its business groups, plus the e-commerce and digital teams. He will report to James Howe, Motion’s executive vice-president and CCO/ CTO.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team,” said Howe. “His impressive track record in innovation and transformation makes him a perfect fit for guiding our company-wide strategic planning process and shaping our future growth and success. We look forward to an exciting journey ahead.”
Cleland graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), earning a Bachelor of Science in Business. With annual sales of over $8 billion, Motion is an industrial distributor of more than 19 million parts and supplies, including bearings; mechanical power transmission products; electrical and industrial automation components; hose, belting, and gaskets; hydraulic and pneumatic components; process pumps; industrial and safety products; seals and accessories; and material handling products and solutions.
CRA INTRODUCES 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Directors:
The Canadian Rental Association introduced its 2024 national board of directors at its Annual General Meeting in November 2023. Incoming president, Sheldon Fingler, shared the following list on LinkedIn.
Officers:
President - Sheldon Fingler, Infinite Event Services
President-Elect - Brett Armstrong, Double R Rentals
Secretary/Treasurer - Mike Maltby, Ingersoll Rent-All
CEO - Nathalie McGregor, CRA
Warren Carriere - Alberta Construction Rentals
Chris Lowe - Rowe Event and Show Services
Valerie Moreau - Location Moreau
Rakesh Singh - Little Electric
Dan Spencer - Cisolift Distribution
Asif Zaidi - Meadowvale Party Rentals
Fingler joined CounterTalks Episode 51 in October to discuss the CRA and it’s recent activities.
BODDEZ NETS ARA LEADERSHIP IMPACT AWARD
The American Rental Association has given Jim Boddez, president of Five Bo in St. Albert, Alta., it’s 2023 Leadership Impact Award for Region 10 (Canada). The award recognizes an individual in each region who’s leadership benefited their local association and its members.
“I’m very appreciative of the recognition,” Boddez commented. “I’m always looking to help an organization like the ARA that is focused on improving the rental industry in Canada. The ARA Region 10 is ‘rental people helping rental people’ and I’m happy to play a small part.”
Boddez joined CounterTalks Episode 27 in 2021 to discuss building Five Bo and the western rental market.
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
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 hundreds of Canadian rental companies. Rates shown are reported list rates and may not reflect the actual changes to any particular customer.
Number of rental companies:
Number of stores:
Number of rates collected in Q4 2023:
by Patrick Flannery
NEW ENERGY
These dynamic entrepreneurs come at the rental business from a different angle.
Alot of people get into the rental industry because their families were in it. Still others took a summer job at a rental yard in high school and found out they like the business.
A lot of people get into the rental industry because their families were in it. Still others took a summer job at a rental yard in high school and found out they like the business. Another common route is to come out of the construction or machinery supplier worlds. Victor Miceski, co-owner of NLC Equipment in Hamilton, Ont., got into the rental business because of a conversation with the guy putting his pool in.
Three years ago Miceski, then 36, had just sold his previous business (a medical courier company) and was doing what many people did during COVID – upgrading his backyard. The pool contractor came in to do the work with his fleet of excavators, dumpers and tampers and Miceski asked him if he owed the
machinery. He was surprised to find out it was all rented. He did some poking around to find out what the price of the equipment was new and, over the course of several conversations, learned what his contractor was paying to rent it. A quick back-of-the-envelope calculation and Miceski went back to his contractor with an offer: why don’t you rent the equipment from me? It was a win-win…Miceski was recouping part of the cost of the pool project and the contractor was renting the equipment at lower rates, increasing his margin. He liked the deal so much he committed to keeping the rentals for the rest of the year. Miceski went down to the Toro dealer and bought everything the contractor needed for the job. That went well and the contractor rented
The team has been encouraging customers to try XCMG excavators alongside other brands. Once they do, they are usually very happy with the quality of the XCMG machines.
RIGHT:
Miceski’s fleet for the following season. Word-of-mouth and community connections (Miceski grew up and has lived his whole life in Stoney Creek, Ont. His father worked at Dofasco.) led to more rental inquiries and buying more equipment. Then the warranties started to expire and Miceski was faced with having to service the machines himself. Uh oh.
Enter Jon Politano. Politano also grew up in Stoney Creek and Miceski’s uncle and his father were in business together as an electrical supplier. Politano himself is a master electrician who has been in the trade since he was 16. He learned automation and control systems
working at various Hamilton factories before going out on his own with JPI Electrical. The close connection to Miceski made it relatively easy to agree to his proposal that the two of them go into business together with Miceski focused on development and him handling service.
Fast-forwarding to today, NLC Equipment operates out of a 6,000-square-foot shop in Hamilton with another 4,800-square-foot warehouse nearby for storing fleet. Their main focus is the landscaping market: XCMG excavators up to five tons, minitrack loaders and power dumpers, wood chippers, plus just about anything else
the customer asks for. They’ve delivered as far as London, Ont. NLC also has a mechanic on hand and an electrical apprentice, Mike Ricottone.
But these two entrepreneurs are expanding how and what they rent in some very interesting ways. They have become a dealer for a Chinese track loader manufacturer and created the Spartan brand to compete with the likes of Dingo and Bobcat. Getting into this business was a matter of importing some of the base machines, trying them out with customers and going back to the manufacturer with feedback and suggestions. Politano’s input was critical here and by working together with their
NLC Equipment is importing, renting and selling their own brand of Spartan mini track loaders. The line had its debut at the Landscape Ontario show in January. From left, Victor Miceski, Jon Politano and Mike Ricottone.
PROFILE
OEM they have been able to offer a product they feel is competitive with anything on the market at a substantially lower price. He was able to make sure Spartans are not reliant on proprietary parts from China but could be repaired with offthe-shelf parts available locally. Spartan’s big debut was at the Landscape Ontario show in January where NLC splashed out for a sizeable booth to show off its newest offering.
NLC Equipment has an even more interesting niche, however, that stands a chance to generate some significant long-term growth for the company. It started when Politano got a call to service a tower crane generator. Arriving on site, he found that someone had completely stripped out the generator. “It was completely cleaned out,” Politano remembers. “Every wire was gone.” Since the existing unit was not salvageable, Politano set about finding another generator through his long-standing contacts in the industrial electrical world. His expertise allowed him to understand what the customer needed, configure the generator correctly and install it properly. They were thrilled. You can guess what happened next. “OK, can we have another one?”
“When it comes to tower cranes,” Politano explains, rentals can be tricky “The standard rental for a generator is an eight-hour workday. If you start going over eight hours you get into hourly charges and other kinds of overages so you can end up paying double for the month what you expected.”
How many new rental stores invest in branded swag for their customers? Miceski understands the long-term benefits of having his company image out there on jobsites.
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To address this, tower crane operators typically want to turn the crane’s generator off overnight. “But you can’t turn the tower crane off because they are so high in the air. It’s minus 20 down here but it’s minus 40 140 feet up in the wind. When you turn the panels off on a tower crane, everything freezes. Then when the drives start back up they create heat and condensation in the panel. Electronics don’t like moisture. So now you have to pay someone like me to climb 14 stories and that’s not a cheap service call.”
What Politano did was come up with a way to leave the generator running and only burning between 10 and 20 percent of the fuel it would normally use. A sort of “sleep mode.” He also came up with a way to avoid the wet stacking problem that usually plagues generators running with no load. That trick is a secret Politano is keeping to himself.
So NLC Equipment will soon have a line of 200 kilowatt tower crane generators to sell or rent that come with Politano and Ricottone’s expert service and special features that allow the customer to save thousands on fuel and rental costs. Given their proximity to Toronto, the tower crane capital of the world, this seems like a good niche to be in.
There’s innovation in the back and innovation up front at NLC. While Politano redesigns track loaders and builds top-secret tower crane generators, Miceski positions the company for growth with an energetic marketing strategy. Mickeski and Politano would agree their present location is not glamourous. They purposely moved to larger, more utilitarian confines after getting tired of paying more for a showroom location where the landlord didn’t like the noise and mess of a working rental store. But you’d never guess NLC wasn’t in a slick new building from looking at their public presentation. They have a sharp logo, prominently displayed on attractive pull-up banners at their trade show booth. The logo and colours appear everywhere on the equipment and company materials…and on the staff. That’s right, NLC Equipment has a line of merchandise clothing. Hats,
hoodies, t-shirts – Miceski says they are a great awareness booster.
“The guys love the gear,” Miceski explains. “A guy drops a scissor lift off for repair. If you give him a sweater the next time there’s three guys with him to drop off one machine. ‘Hey, you have any more?’ The next thing you know the whole job site is wearing our free advertising.”
Miceski is also using social media to drive business, saying Instagram appears to be the most effective. When
they boosted a post about their booth at Landscape Ontario, they immediately got three messages asking where they were and if they were available to meet. The company is doing some radio advertising as well.
Miceski’s marketing savvy comes from something he saw in his previous business doing medical deliveries. “When I bought my transportation company, the company had no branding, no nothing,” he remembers. “I was speaking to some of the bigger hospitals and they said,
Reliability Your Customers Demand
They have a job to do. Carry the compressors that get the job done.
PROFILE
‘Hey, you could get bigger contracts if you maybe clean up your act.’ So I took that in and bought some new vehicles and put our branding and number on everything. And I started getting cold calls. We had always been everywhere but no one knew they were our vans. So I upgraded and bought some new Transits and Freightliner straight trucks and branded them up all the exact same. It looked a lot more professional when I went to bid on contracts. I noticed there was a lot more positive feedback. Same with the driver, everyone got new shirts, jackets, hats. It just grew and grew – when I started we had 18 employees and by the time we sold we had 47.”
As newbies in the rental industry, Politano and Miceski are finding out what makes this business different from any other. Politano comments that, while all businesses are about service, this one is one where you can really make it pay. “I’ve always been dealing with customers,” he says, “but the customers in the rental business are appreciative. You show up with something they need so they can complete their job and get paid and they are happier. They are on time and you are taking care of them. It’s not always like that in the electrical business. Everybody wants the lights on but as soon as the lights come on and the bill comes in they are like, ‘Well, hold on, we didn’t really think it was going to be that much.’
But here it’s, ‘Here’s the equipment,’ and at the end of the day ‘Here’s the payment.’”
It’s a friendly buddy vibe at NLC, with Miceski and Politano connected by a lifetime in the Stoney Creek industrial community. Miceski’s uncle and Politano’s father are old friends.
Miceski says the nature of the rental industry gives smaller players with a passion for great service a chance to shine.
“Tradesmen have been using the same equipment probably their whole career,” he says. “He’s used a John Deere or Bobcat every day. If you are bringing him the same machine but your service is better, well, they know the prices. There’s a lot of people out there looking to use the big names but their service is lacking because of their size, because our corporation said rent from them because we have a contract. Jobs get held up. It happens all the time. And we’re just trying to get into those. Let us prove ourselves.”
With an energetic approach to marketing, a drive for growth and their eagerness to go into new markets with new approaches, NLC Equipment looks poised to enjoy great success in the southern Ontario rental industry.
3PH STUMP GRINDERS
Post-pandemic permanence
Lingering effects from the biggest disruption to the events business in memory.
by Michelle Nicol, CERP
When you read the title of this article, you may be asking yourself how we are still talking about the pandemic nearly four years later. Returning to work in January after being on maternity leave for 12 months, I had the expectation that certain aspects of events that were implemented during the pandemic would surely have ended by now. I was mistaken!
Locally and globally, the impact that the COVID pandemic had on the event industry created a ripple effect that is still being felt to this day. While we are permitted without regulations to have large gatherings and the majority of venues and events are no longer enforcing mask or vaccine mandates, there are still many annual events that have not returned due to low attendance, lack of funding and a heavy debt load from not being able to recoup costs. Many rental companies I have spoken to were able to use their crew, inventory, trucks and warehouse capabilities to service other industries to keep their lights on and doors open. Unfortunately, some companies were forced to shut their doors if they were not able to make ends meet, and some veteran industry professionals had to pivot their careers to more reliable and stable industries during the pandemic.
Administratively, clients have started to closely pay attention to and read the fine print. They are questioning policy pertaining to cancellations and refund of deposits more than ever. If you’re like me, this is something you have hoped would happen for years! Historically, clients would briefly look over contracts, often not paying attention to important details and ensuring accuracy. On the other hand, it is now important to event organizers to have a plan in place should their event not proceed as planned, and how a company will handle a request to cancel an event after it has been confirmed is part of that. If you have not
reviewed your terms and conditions yet, now is a great time to do so before the busy season hits. Equipment-wise, some items that perhaps your company bought to serve customers during the pandemic, or certain items you might have increased in your inventory, are still needed for events. If you have been to an event with a buffet within the last few years, you may have noticed staff serving the guests from behind the buffet rather than guests helping themselves with the communal tongs. Limiting touch points for guests and increasing garbage and recycling availability on site are a couple things that will likely remain at events going forward. Many caterers and their clients are opting to go with grazing stations full of single self-serve items and some are looking for a disposable alternative such as bamboo serving boats and mini bowls.
There still remains an increased need for sanitation whether it’s in the form of handwash stations or increased staff for cleaning and maintenance of the event. Guests like to have the peace of mind that they are in a safe area and are able to comfortably enjoy themselves. Even though most are no longer wearing masks on a regular basis, I feel the increased health, safety and hygiene we have all became accustomed to during the pandemic will be forever ingrained in our subconscious - and we’re better for it! Additional sanitary items to add on might be rubber gloves, boot covers and microphone covers, to name a few.
While the world is now gathering and we are so thankful for events to be back – better and bigger than ever – we acknowledge how far we have come and how the past four years have impacted our day-to-day work. Now it’s time to do what we can do to adapt and thrive! CRS
Michelle Nicol is an award-winning account manager and festival specialist with Higgins Event Rentals in Toronto.
MORE THAN DIAMOND PRODUCTS
Over the last decade, CM Equip has grown from humble beginnings to become a distribution powerhouse, offering an extensive array of North American and European brands.
Founded in a modest 350-square-foot office space in 1996, CM Equip began its journey to become the rental industry’s go-to distributor with just three product
lines. Through the unwavering support of customers and the rental industry, the company continues to grow and thrive, operating from two warehouses collectively spanning more than 35,000 square feet. Strategically located in Montreal and Toronto, with a strong presence that stretches from coast to coast, the company serves a network of 800 active rental branches.
PRIORITIZING EXPERTISE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Driving the company’s evolution is a commitment to providing customers with the best selection of products and inventory, with more than 6,000 products and over 3,000 parts dedicated to postsales services.
With decades of expertise working in the industry, the CM Equip team’s service is unmatched. CM Equip’s staff are adaptive and quick to act, helping customers source the right product and fulfilling orders on a timely basis. The team’s robust knowledge of the industry, backed by years of in-market experience, translates to an intimate understanding of the rental service’s fastpaced demands. Recognizing the need for quick turnaround, orders placed before 3 p.m. are shipped on the very same day.
QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE TRANSACTIONS
CM Equip’s user-friendly website provides clients with a seamless online experience and a wealth of resources. From determining costs and product availability to placing orders, sourcing parts and finding invoices, essential insights are just a click away. The CM Equip team are available by phone or email, and can set up your branch’s account in just a few minutes, giving you
access to features like an interactive breakdown available for all products.
CM Equip’s dynamic operation thrives on a firm commitment to the customer’s needs. Visit CM-Equip.com for more information, or reach out with requests or ideas by emailing marketing@cm-equip.com, or calling 1-877-405-2626.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Lessons from Jamaica
by Russ Dantu
We can learn a thing or two from looking at the practices at a top-end resort.
We recently enjoyed a tropical vacation to Negril, Jamaica. We stayed at the Couples Swept Away Resort for the third time. I’ve been doing at least one tropical vacation per year since 2001 and most of those have been at all-inclusive resorts. We’ve never stayed at the same resort twice, let alone three times, but this place is spectacular! Apart from the seven miles of white sand beach you can walk along and the spectacular turquoise-blue 86-degree water, this resort does a lot to separate itself from their competition.
It starts with the bar service. When you order liquor off of their form each day, they actually bring you a 26-ounce bottle, not the mini-bar ones.
Then there’s the food. With many all-inclusive places, after about seven days, you start getting tired of the food. Not at Couples Swept Away. Apart from their wonderful a la carte restaurants, their main buffet has something different every night. Rack of lamb, curry goat, jerk lobster and shrimp, ox stew, and a fresh pasta bar where the chef whips up something to your liking with many options for vegetarians and vegans alike.
The gym features the best fitness equipment I’ve ever seen at a resort. At least 20 machines, lots of free weights, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis, pickle ball, squash courts and a smoothie bar. They actually bring in guest instructors from around the world to teach. These instructors stay here for free as long as they teach two hours a day, so if you want a tennis lesson, spin class, yoga on the beach or circuit training, it’s all included.
They take the water activities to an all new level as well. The catamaran tour, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and diving are all part of the package. No extra fees. Of course, they have water bikes, kayaks, paddle boards and Hobie cats as well.
Once you are a return guest, they do a very special dinner for all who wish to attend. All the seafood and beef tenderloin you can eat. Their
management and team leaders all attend and are introduced and they thank you for coming back again. A nice touch!
Upstairs where their offices are and their money exchange booth, they have a wall of fame. It’s quite large and anyone who has stayed there 10 times or more, can have their picture added if they want. I am amazed at how many people have stayed 15, 20 and 25 times but the one couple has stayed there 56 times. You’re probably thinking the same thing I was – why didn’t these people just buy a place in Jamaica? Maybe they just like being pampered. There are so many things this resort does right that we can use in our own business practices. Here are three things that stood out to me while there. What would it mean to you to have a customer who has done business with you 56 times? This place is not cheap by any means so visiting them 56 times is incredible. Recognizing customers like that gives everyone the message that you value and reward repeat business.
Having been to over 20 all-inclusive resorts, this property really sets themselves apart from their competitors. Don’t be just another rental store. Stand out in at least one way and preferably several.
The nice extra touches reinforce the great offering. Sometimes it isn’t enough to just give great service, you need to remind people that they’ve received great service. The little extras draw their attention to that.
There is always room for improvement, even for this resort. I haven’t commented on the staff but I’ll leave that to next time. There were some fabulous staff and there were some very disgruntled staff which really affected the culture. 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.
by James Hong
Stop the spark
Preventing electrical accidents is a matter of good maintenance.
Electrical hazards pose one of the most serious threats on jobsites. Wet and damp jobsite conditions increase these risks exponentially. Let’s run through electrical hazards, specifically from generators and other jobsite equipment.
Electric shock can be fatal. It’s the result of contact with live wires, electrical components and electric arcs. There are several causes and many pre-emptive safety precautions that will greatly reduce the risks.
It’s not uncommon to be scrambling to find power outlets on a job. A lack of access to power outlets can lead to connecting too many devices to a generator or circuit which may cause an overload. Temporary distribution panels must be installed by qualified electricians and in compliance with the provincial laws and electrical codes. Overloads can result in overheating and possible fires. Additionally, inadequate grounding can increase the risk of electric shock. Doors and covers of electrical equipment should be kept closed while the equipment is energized.
Electrical cords are heavily relied on on most jobsites, but proper use and maintenance of them is often neglected. Damaged cords or improper use of the correct gauge poses electrical risks. Do not use light duty cords for heavy load applications. Any cord that is frayed or has an exposed sheath or unsheathed wire connections is a hazard for shock. Proper storage and use of electric cords will prevent tripping and damage to the cords by equipment rollovers and excessive sheath friction from pulling long runs on jobsite foundations. Proper coiling techniques protect the cord and its longevity for use. Open front plugs should be replaced with dead front plugs whenever possible. Arcs or flashes of electricity from generators and other equipment are hazards for burns and other injuries. Arcing is the action of electricity jumping from one connection to another. This flash of electricity reaches extreme temperatures up to 35,000 F, which can cause fires and shock.
Electrical fires are frequently caused by unmaintained or improperly used equipment.
Managing an electrical fire has different requirements than other types of fires. Electrical fires require a Class C fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires. Always aim at the base of the fire and never use water. Instead, use a fire blanket or non-conductive materials such as sand or a dry chemical extinguisher to smother electrical fires. Where necessary, isolate the fire, evacuate the area, de-energize the equipment and or call 911. All electrical hazard risks can be effectively managed with trained workers. Training in how to properly use jobsite equipment is essential and properly maintaining equipment with a maintenance schedule prevents unnecessary accidents. Proper PPE for the corresponding task required protects workers from injury by using insulated gloves, safety glasses and protective clothing. Equipment training and jobsite orientation should cover shutdown procedures for emergencies and malfunctions and be posted in clear view of the equipment location whenever possible. Always protect electrical equipment from rain, snow or other weather conditions. Always have an emergency response plan with clear procedures to follow. When it comes to electrical equipment and generators, allow only qualified persons to do repairs and manage load maximums to prevent overloading circuits and generators by properly calculating and distributing electrical loads. Circuit protection such as circuit breakers, fuses and residual current devices protect against overloads and short circuits. It’s important to routinely inspect equipment for potential hazards. Always ensure clear instructions are posted and distributed for accessing first aid with a first aid attendee trained in resuscitation training to respond to electrical accidents. And, last but not least, always know the proper safe job procedures for operating the equipment you use. Instructions and procedures can be found online and at the source of the equipment provider. Be safe. Be well. CRS
James Hong is an independent safety writer and journalist.
CAREFUL WITH THE NASTY STUFF
Know the rules for storing, transporting and handling hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials encompass a wide range of substances that due to their physical or chemical properties pose a risk to people, property or the environment. This includes chemicals and gases that are flammable, radioactive or otherwise toxic.
by James Hong
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals is a comprehensive set of international guidelines developed by the United Nations to protect against the danger of exposure to chemicals. The goal is to communicate the danger of chemical exposure in many different languages and social conditions, including to illiterates. It’s international classification and labelling system is the foundation of the GHS. This system of communication defines the classification of chemicals by types of hazard and hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. Identifying and understanding the health, physical, and environmental hazards posed by specific chemicals is possible by providing critical information for ensuring proper handling, storage and disposal practices.
WHMIS
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), on the other hand, is a Canadian system that was in place prior to the adoption of GHS. WHMIS incorporates the principles of GHS but adapts them to the specific requirements of Canadian workplace safety legislation. GHS serves as the foundation for the hazard classification and communication elements of WHMIS. Canada adopted GHS to harmonize its hazard communication
system with international standards, making it easier for Canadian businesses to trade and work with hazardous materials on a global scale. While GHS provides the global framework for classifying and labeling chemicals, WHMIS adds additional requirements and elements to meet Canadian regulatory needs. This includes specific labeling and safety data sheet requirements that align with Canadian laws.
WHMIS provides information on hazardous products, as defined and described in the federal Hazardous Products Act and Hazardous Products Regulations so workers can protect themselves. WHMIS provides a means to identify chemical hazards using labels, datasheets, placards, warning signs and colour codes which alert workers to hazards and safe handling instructions.
Labels work hand-in-hand with Material Safety Data Sheets, now known as Safety Data Sheets, which are standardized documents that contain occupational safety and health information as mandated by the International Hazard Communication Standard. Safety Data Sheets were developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. The development of SDS is traced back to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, giving OSHA the authority to develop and enforce workplace safety and
WHMIS Pictograms
health regulations. Safety Data Sheets have been developed and regulated in Canada under provincial occupational health and safety legislation. The transition from the older MSDS to SDS was done to bring Canada’s documentation into alignment with the GHS.
Safety Data Sheets are comprehensive and cover essential details such as chemical properties; potential health and environmental hazards; recommended protective measures; and safety precautions for proper storage, handling, and transportation of chemicals. SDS can be obtained from many searchable online databases by using the search terms MSDS or SDS search. Products can be found using product names, manufacturer names or product codes.
LABELS
WHMIS labels are an effective means of communicating the dangers of hazardous materials using pictographs, colours and codes. One type of label is for suppliers and another type of label is for the workplace. Supplier labels should list the product name; the first aid measure in case of exposure; hazard symbols; a supplier identifier; the risk phrases reference to the SDS; and any precautionary measures users should take. Workplace label require
ments include the
safe
TECH TIPS
handling procedures and a reference to the SDS.
There are also standardized warning signs with colour, number coding and system symbols for identifying piping systems, reaction vessels, tank cars and conveyor belts carrying a controlled product. Transporting hazardous materials, whether in small or large amounts between jobs or as part of the logistics industry, is a potentially dangerous and regulated responsibility.
TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are classified into different groups with the classification determining packaging, labelling, and transporting. There are nine hazard classes: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive materials, corrosive substances and miscella-
neous dangerous goods. Proper packaging prevents leaks, spills and reactions during transportation. The different types of packaging are drums, cylinders, or specialized containers. Clear and standardized labeling is critical information for transportation personnel, emergency responders and the public, alerting them to the potential hazards. Labels are regulated to include information on the material’s identity, hazard class and other pertinent information.
Each mode of transportation whether by road, rail, air or sea, has specific regulations and safety measures. Transportation companies and first responders must have plans in place for handling incidents involving hazardous materials such as spills, leaks, or fires. Drivers, handlers, and emergency responders, must take and graduate specific training to obtain certifications to ensure they understand the risks, necessary safety procedures and are educated
in understanding labeling information, data sheet access and posting and corresponding handling requirements. The specific certification regulations vary province to province, so consult your region’s transportation authorities. Security is also an important measure to protect against theft and unauthorized access because of the potential for hazardous materials to be used for malicious purposes.
Proper containment and spill response will mitigate the potentially huge destructive environmental consequences of accidents and spills during transportation. Chemical load GPS tracking, sensors and data analytics, plays a role in monitoring and enhancing the safety of hazardous materials transportation. International border agreements and regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods are considerations when transporting internationally. Safe work practices for
Mini Skid Steers made in Wallenstein, ON
handling and transporting hazardous materials covers several protocols to safely guide workers.
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Flammable liquids such as gasoline and other highly flammable liquids must not be carried in the passenger compartment of a vehicle and must be stored in approved containers with CSA or ULC labels.
Always check containers pre-trip for damage and properly secured caps and fittings. Transport flammable liquids in an upright position, braced and secured for protection against overturning. When transporting gasoline or other flammable liquids in a van, place the containers in the rear of the van with adequate ventilation. Remove the containers from the van immediately upon arrival at the destination. Provide a 5BC fire extinguisher in the driver’s compartment when gasoline or other flammable liquids are transported in a van. These are disposable extinguishers rated for B class liquid fuel fires and C class electrical fires. Gasoline engines should be shut off and allowed to cool before refuelling.
PROPANE
When transporting propane cylinders, keep them in an upright position unless they are designed for horizontal use. Store them in well-ventilated areas away from outdoor heat. Use only approved hoses and fittings to connect a cylinder to tools and equipment. When not in use, propane cylinders and hose-connected devices must not be left in trenches or other low-lying areas. Propane is heavier than air and can settle in dangerous concentrations at the bottom of trenches, manholes, vaults, basements, sumps and other below-grade areas. Use only soapy water to look for leaks in a propane cylinder or hose.
OXYGEN AND ACETYLENE
When transporting oxygen and acetylene cylinders, secure them in an upright position at all times during storage, use and transportation. Cylinders should be stored in a well-ventilated area or outside with overhead protec -
tion from the weather. Protective caps must be in place when the cylinders are not in use or when they are being moved. Cylinders must be hoisted in properly rigged racks or baskets to keep them secure and upright. Do not move cylinders without first closing the valves.
When using oxygen and acetylene, wear leather gauntlet gloves. Type BC fire extinguishers must be available whenever oxyacetylene cutting is being done. Cylinders must not be placed where they may become part of an electric circuit or be inadvertently struck by a welding rod. Workers using oxyacetylene must not carry butane lighters. Oxygen or acetylene torches must not be used to blow dust from work surfaces, clothing or skin. Keep acetylene cylinders away from heat sources. The surrounding temperature must be kept below 54 C. Cylinders must not be placed where materials or equipment can strike, fall on or knock them over. Supply hoses must be protected from traffic and empty cylinders must be
stored separately from full cylinders. Store acetylene cylinders separately from oxygen cylinders.
Do not use regulators, hoses or torches unless they are working properly. Use only a spark lighter to ignite torches. Never use matches or a cigarette lighter. A leaking gas cylinder must be shut off and removed to an outdoor location away from ignition sources and marked to be readily identifiable. The supplier should be notified about the defective cylinder.
And finally, as with all things safety related, the all-important task is to perform a risk assessment to evaluate the potential hazards associated with specific materials and routes. Transporting hazardous materials is a complex and highly regulated field requiring the highest commitment to safety, compliance and preparedness for the protection of people and the environment.
Be safe. Be well. CRS
James Hong is an independent writer, journalist and OHS consultant.
LANDSCAPING FANTASY FLEET
Canadian Rental Service asked top suppliers of lawncare and landscaping equipment across Canada to recommend products a rental store should carry to help a customer execute the project above. Using their recommendations, we’ve built a fantasy fleet for your rental store.
CLEARING THE BRUSH 8 diamondmowers.com
Before we can do anything, we’ll need to clear off the land. Designed to effectively handle the core vegetation management challenges any
landowner might encounter, Diamond’s brush cutters are tailored to tackle a broad range of applications. If the brush isn’t too heavy, the Brush Cutter Pro is ideal. It delivers the same premium cutting performance and versatility as Diamond’s Pro X, but in a lighter-weight model engineered specifically for medium-duty use and
applications. Available in a 72-inch cutting width, the Brush Cutter Pro has a continuous cut capacity of three inches, a flow range of 17 to 41 gallons per minute and is intended for five hours of weekly use. It’s compatible with all standard and highflow skid-steers. If the property is more overgrown, look to the Brush Cutter Pro X. The versatile, high-performance Brush Cutter Pro X excels at thoroughly processing and cutting material such as thick grass and brush up to 10 inches in diameter. Available in 60-, 72- and 84-inch cutting widths, this attachment has
a continuous cut capacity of four inches, a flow range of 16 to 46 gallons per minute and is intended for 10 or more hours of weekly use. Both models are equipped with four hydraulic motors that optimize blade speed for safe operation and perfectly cut vegetation; hardened steel blades that effectively slice through vegetation and are built to swing and break away when in contact with rocks; easily replaceable hex blade bolts that provide the tough blade retention; and multihex cutting discs that provide greater inertia in tougher conditions.
What should you have in your rental fleet to help a customer execute and maintain this project?
DRIVING THE PROJECT
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A good option to hook your lighter brush cutters, dozer blades, buckets and augers up to is the Baumalight tracked mini-skidsteer. Manufactured in Ontario and powered with a Kubota diesel engine, the Baumalight compact utility track loader is designed to easily navigate through tight spaces and deliver good productivity on the tools. The hydrostatic drive is set up with true joystick controls with hydraulic pilot lines just like large skidsteers have. The remote hydraulic pump system with a case drain delivers hydraulic flow that can be set to maximum engine capacity and the standard self-levelling bucket reduces spills and provides extra control when loading and unloading material. The Baumalight all-metal frame mini-track loader also features durable rubber tracks that can handle uneven or rough terrain and a ride-on platform for improved visibility while manoeuvring through confined areas. A three-pump hydraulic operating system is used, one for hydraulic flow to run the machine’s auxiliary and boom and two pumps for the propulsion systems, one for each drive motor. There is also a dedicated oil cooler to better manage hydraulic heat generation. The lift cylinders are cushioned at the end of stroke.
GROUND PREP
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Now to get the grounds ready for planting. The Kubota SRF27 series fixed-hitch power rake is an ideal product for turf care professionals and landscapers, or anyone who is looking to grade, level, shape, cultivate, renovate or pulverize different soil surfaces. Available in both rigid or float options thanks to the unit’s angle/float hitch, the SRF27 power rake allows the ground wheel and the rake itself to float with the contour of the ground, providing much desired flexibility for the operator. Complete with cast chain housing and a fixed hitch for surfaces with small rocks, the SRF27 is also equipped with a bi-directional roller with carbide tipped studs and variable speeds, allowing for a more complete finish and additional control. Often in demand, high-quality, durable power rakes like this one make great rental tools.
MAJOR DIRT REMOVAL
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Hey, we don’t know what this property looked like before it was finished. Maybe there were some major hills to flatten or holes to fill. Mecalac offers the MWR Series of wheeled excavators designed to go anywhere without tear-
ing up the ground with tracks. Consisting of three models — 7MWR, 9MWR and 11MWR — the series features a range of benefits to help meet the needs of landscapers. The MWR Series of wheeled excavators are purpose-built to allow for maximum manoeuverability in tight working areas, offering the flexibility and versatility of a skid steer or compact track loader in one machine and delivering higher speed and mobility than tracked excavators. Each of the three models in the
MWR series offers speed in a compact footprint. The smallest of the three, the 7MWR, offers variable speed between zero and 19 miles per hour. Two of the larger models, the 9MWR and 11MWR, provide contractors standard travel speeds between zero and 12 miles per hour with an option for enhanced speed up to 22 miles per hour on the 9MWR and up to 19 miles per hour on the 11MWR. The speed in combination with the versatility of these machines provide operations
1-877-405-2626 Votre partenaire de choix! Your partner of choice!
LANDSCAPING FANTASY FLEET SHOWCASE
with substantial benefits in productivity and efficiency by significantly reducing travel time on the jobsite. The MWR series machines have a centre-of-gravity that is 20 percent lower than competitive models while still maintaining a high ground clearance. The unique combination ensures exceptional stability even while operating off-road and on slopes and simultaneously reduces the risk of undercarriage damage from obstacles on the ground. With fourwheel steering, the MWR series machines are incredibly manoeuverable and feature a turn radius 2.5 times more compact than a traditional wheeled excavator. Although compact, the MWR series does not sacrifice on power. A 75-horsepower engine is standard on each model. Lifting capacity ratio is superior, with the smallest model able to lift three metric tons at 10 feet through 360 degrees. Using Mecalac’s patented hydraulic quick coupler, transitions between attachments such as buckets or forks can be made in under a minute from inside the cab. Equipped with a set of forks, the MWR machines can replace a telescopic handler or rough terrain forklift and another operator. The Mecalac patented boom system even allows for unloading pallets below grade. All MWR models in North America come standard with MyMecalac, the company’s fleet management technology. The onboard telematics system delivers everything from high-level summaries to specific machine details, including maintenance, inspection and damage notifications, to empower fleet managers to boost efficiency and machine uptime.
STUMP REMOVAL
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The brush is cut down, but the nasty stumps remain. Loftness has added a stump grinder attachment to its line of vegetation management equipment. Compatible with skid steers, compact track loaders and excavators, the Stump Ax is engineered for high productivity and superior control. Featuring a rigid mount, the Stump Ax offers a practical, reliable design capable of working faster than articulating stump grinder attachments by simply repositioning the power unit instead of swinging the cutting wheel. It has an angled hitch and forward-reaching boom to give the operator exceptional visibility and control on the job. The Stump Ax includes the Phantom Wheel with Tomahawk teeth from Leonardi, which are highly regarded by vegetation management professionals for their high strength and fast cutting performance. The Phantom Wheel also has cutouts to create a see-through effect for further improved visibility. A chain deflector provides excellent containment of the wood chips. A 200-cubic-centimetre hightorque radial piston motor on the Stump Ax is compatible with power units that have 30- to 60-gallon-per-minute hydraulic flow ratings. A reversible design allows the motor to be mounted either forward- or rear-facing.
BUILDING THE FENCE
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That’s a lot of fence and a lot of post holes to dig. Help your customer speed it up with Kubota’s EA20 Series of excavator augers. The perfect size for rental yards, EA20 augers are more than capable of tackling any demanding job contractors throw at it while keeping a tight form factor. Compatible with a variety of augers – from six- to 24-inches in length – along with 36-inch tree augers and six- to 18-inch rock augers, the EA20 Series provides contractors with the flexibility they need to reach hard to access areas with an excavator, boring holes for fences, footings and more. Kubota’s patented level indicator is a key feature of the EA20 Series, used to notify operators when the auger is vertical to drill straight holes (perfect for our sloping property). An optional cradle supports the auger while travelling, ensuring it doesn’t swing erratically during transport, while a hightorque resistance stemming from its two-inch hex output shaft gives operators peace of mind to get the job at hand done effectively, efficiently, and safely. Available with either a six-to-15 or 10-to-20 gallon-per-minute motor and up to 2,620 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 PSI, the EA20 Series augers are a great tool for weekend DIYers, professional contractors and everyone in between.
TREE PLANTING
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Who wants to wait for saplings to grow? Landscapers will appreciate planting bigger trees with a strong auger to make larger root holes. Premier augers are easily adapted for use with a wide variety of equipment. Skid steer loaders, mini-skid steer loaders, tractors, backhoes, excavators and mini-excavators – Premier can fit them all. Whatever equipment it’s used with, Premier earth auger drives let the operator dig hundreds of holes per day even in the toughest digging conditions without leaving the vehicle’s seat. These holes can be for fence posts, deer fence, signposts, postframe buildings, foundation footings, light and utility poles, orchards, vineyards, tree planting and many other applications. There are 28 models to choose from and an excellent warranty.
DEFINING THE GARDEN AND PATIO
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Cutting in that much garden edging with a shovel is a recipe for terminal back
pain. Plus it looks like we’ll need to install a gas line for the fireplace. Laski trenchers are available in manual or self-driven models. Trench depths range from 600 to 1,200 millimeters and 100- to 200-millimeter widths. Both wheeled and tracked models are available. Dependable engines from Kohler or Honda power these units.
BUILDING THE PATIO
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Hauling sand, bricks, stones and mortar will be a lot easier with the 825TKL mini-track loader from Barreto. The 825TKL features an innovative cab-over design, allowing exceptional access to key components, cutting routine maintenance time and improving the rental store’s bottom line. The articulating rollers on the track system tackle 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 quickchange attachment, providing value by eliminating the unnecessary cost of brand-specific 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, benefitting 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 opportunity to inspect and secure the machine.
PUTTING IN THE ROCKS
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Moving and tipping those rocks into place is going to take some extra oomph. Messersi’s line of tracked dumpers, available in gas, diesel or electric drive, are up to the job with load capacities from 500 to 5,000 kilograms. All machines offer hydrostatic drive and hydraulic dump. Self-loading, high lift and swivel dump options can be added to most models. Hoppers are available in steel or poly depending on the machines intended use (might want to go with the steel here). Sitdown ride-on models start at 1,500 kilograms. Eastern Farm Machinery offers 10 models with overall widths less than 32 inches with up to 1,200-kilogram capacity.
LIVING ON THE EDGE
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We’ve done all this work, let’s get some crisp edges on this bad boy for maximum appeal. The Kress Commercial 60V eight-inch Lawn Edger with the new Eight Minute CyberSystem battery platform features a longer life span, higher power output, faster charge time and zero downtime. Landscapers, lawn care professionals and landscape designers can finally replace their expensive and messy gas-powered equipment without sacrificing performance, power or runtime. Part of the initial Kress Commercial product launch, the 60V includes a
LANDSCAPING FANTASY FLEET SHOWCASE
built-in LED control panel and heads-up display. With a contoured blade guard combined with a rubber debris shield and gunning sight, operators can easily achieve straight cuts to maintain beautiful, highly-manicured outdoor spaces even in the roughest conditions. The Kress Commercial Lawn Edger delivers unmatched electric power up to the 30-cc gas-power range and has an IPX4 waterproof rating, ensuring use of the tool even on wet-weather days.
CLEANUP AND TOOL TRANSPORT
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We’ve got a big pile of brush and dirt to get rid of. Plus a load of hand tools, bags of cement and other stuff we don’t want to hand-bomb back and forth to the shed every night. The RTV X1130 – the
long-bed model of Kubota’s RTV-X series – is as versatile as it is capable, ready to tackle any surprises a day on the jobsite might throw at it. Its six-foot, three-way open ProKonvert modular cargo box, able to carry 26 cubic feet and up to 1,212 pounds of material, can be converted into a flatbed without any tools, furthering its carrying capacity and functionality. Able to unload material efficiently, courtesy of its heavy-duty hydraulic dump, the RTV X1130 is powered by Kubota’s proven three-cylinder, 24.8-horsepower diesel engine and VHT-X transmission, providing more than enough power to get the job done, while delivering a smooth, reliable ride for the driver, no matter the worksite or conditions. Bottom line, the RTV X1130 is a powerful tool on any jobsite, allowing operators to haul more material comfortably and safely, day in and day out. Multi-disc wet brakes, a high-rigidity steel frame, a height adjustable suspension and a bevy of customizable options round
out the features that cement the RTV X1130 as the kind of do-it-all vehicle operators look for, no matter the job at hand.
PUTTING IN THE LAWN
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The ground is cleared, raked and leveled – time to start planting. Get the perfect germination results with the Classen Pro HTS20 Hydro Drive overseeder. Featuring up to 10 different depth positions, more blades equals better germination. Plus, each heat-treated blade can be rotated 180 degrees for double the life. The HTS20 features tight 1.6-inch blade placement providing superior seed coverage. A single lever powers forward and reverse. It’s Honda-powered with a forward-reverse thumb control hydrostatic drive.
AERATION
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It’s a big lawn – we’ll need something more than the minimum to aerate it all. The Stinger Quad-Aer 30-inch stand on aerator features direct-drive hydraulics with no chains, belts or grease points to worry about. It has a hydrostatic direct tine drive and the time to raise or lower the tines is half a second. A wide stance allows this unit to operate safely on side hills (handy here) while aerating 30 inches, up to two acres per hour. Powered by a Kawasaki FS561 engine and weighing only 960 pounds, this unit has all the power required to pull up to fourinch cores. The optional centre-drop seedbox adds value and versatility to the unit.
NEAT AND TIDY
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Unkempt bushes and hedges will harsh your perfect landscaping buzz in a hurry. The Kress Commercial 25-inch Hedge Trimmer, supported by the Kress Commercial Eight Minute CyberSystem with a longer lifespan, higher power output, faster charge time and zero downtime, provides a truly commercial-grade battery solution for professional landscapers. With a 3,200 RPM cutting speed, the Kress Commercial Hedge Trimmer makes easy work of any hedge trimming job. An ergonomic design with a multi-position rear handle and low vibration ensures comfortable use in a variety of positions for longer periods of time. The Kress Commercial Hedge Trimmer also boasts an IPX4 waterproof rating for continued operation, even in the rain. Its 25-inch blade is designed with durable German steel, the standard for excellence and quality in cutting applications, laser-cut
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and ground with 1.5-inch tooth spacing. The trimmer provides gas-like power with all the benefits of battery-powered equipment, including quiet operation and zero emissions, making it an ideal tool for delivering beautiful outdoor spaces.
MOWING AND MAINTENANCE
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We need more time with a beverage looking at that gorgeous view and less time pushing a mower. The Kress RTKn Mission autonomous mowers, equipped with innovative positioning technology, mows like a person without a person. Kress’ real-time kinematic network (RTKn), combined with Mowing Action Plan (MAP) technology, allows for satellite-precise multizone management, meaning the Kress Mission and Mission Mega units can mow in systematic parallel or diagonal lines, following a flower bed, fire pit, property line or other beau-
tifully designed feature with human-like precision. The new line of Kress Mission RTKn robotic mowers is designed for homeowners, lawn care and design professionals alike who are seeking solutions to maintain large or highly-manicured properties with maximum efficiency and minimal hands-on effort. Using Kress’ proprietary RTKn network, Mission mowers require no boundary wire or on-site antenna installation. All it takes is one-time virtual mapping and the mower will automatically mow on a schedule set by the user. With five models to choose from and mowing ranges from three-quarters of an acre to nine acres, the entire line of Kress robotic mowers supports a regenerative brake system that converts kinetic energy into stored power for increased battery life and longer runtimes. Additionally, the mowers have an IPX5-rated washable underbody and an obstacle avoidance system unlike any robot mower on the market. Kress Mission autonomous mowers can mow multiple zones, crossing driveways and walkways with ease, and continually learn the most efficient routes for better, quicker cuts. All models
are equipped with advanced mobile functionality giving the robot mowers the ability to connect to cellular networks for adjustable cutting height, software upgrades, remote controllability, theft protection and weather-related working schedules.
MUST-HAVE TOPDRESSER
8 bannermansportsturfmagic.com You’ll want to keep this customer coming back to the store every spring for the equipment they need for annual lawn maintenance. 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.
SNOOK’S LOOK
The housing connection
by Andrew Snook
Will residential construction help boost the rental sector?
Almost every industry in Canada struggles with the same challenge: labour shortages. The government of Canada responded by stating that it would increase immigration levels significantly between 2023 to 2032 and welcome an estimated 4.45 million new immigrants into the country during that time frame.
While the country is certainly in need of an influx of labour (especially skilled labour), this generates another challenge for the federal government – one that could be a great opportunity for the construction sector and equipment rental companies. To bring in millions of new immigrants you need a place to house them, and reasonably priced housing is currently in very short supply in the country’s major urban centres, which is where most of these new immigrants would be headed in search of employment.
So, how does Canada make housing more affordable for people? According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), it’s the simple matter of increasing supply. A recent CMHC report stated that Canada would need to build 3.5 million more units (in addition to what is already scheduled to be built) to bring prices to affordable levels. It was estimated that about 60 per cent of the 3.5 million additional units would need to be built in Ontario and B.C. (Quebec and Alberta are also expected to need significant amounts of new housing).
The 3.5 million housing gap target isn’t even the worst-case scenario, according to the CMHC. In a report released this year, “Housing shortages in Canada: Updating how much housing we need by 2030,” it stated: “Our high-population-growth scenario examines what will happen to the housing supply gap if current immigration trends continue to 2030. In short, we find that the gap would increase from 3.5 million to 4 million housing units. This is because the higher population, and larger pool of income it brings, increase demand for housing. Our low-economic-growth scenario looks at what will happen if economic growth is weaker
than in our baseline scenario and current immigration policies end in 2025. In this case, we find that the housing supply gap falls to 3.1 million units.”
If you’re wondering how big a challenge this would be for Canada’s residential construction sector to overcome, take a look at the five-year housing statistics between 2018 to 2022 from Statistics Canada. Over that time, there were 1,172,455 units started for a five-year annual average of 234,491. To meet the low end of the 2030 affordability targets (3.1 million units) between 2023 to 2030, the industry would need to average 387,500 housing completions units per year (in addition to what is already being built). For the industry to hit the 4 million units target, that number jumps to 500,000 units per year – more than double the rate from 2022.
While these housing targets look a little like wishful thinking by the CMHC, the government of Canada is aware that this is a hot-button issue and have deployed multiple initiatives to fasttrack new residential construction. It is throwing money at the problem in the form of direct subsidies and GST forgiveness. Provinces are doing even more, each in their own ways.
Will these initiatives and others be enough to meet CHMC’s targets for housing units across Canada? Not likely. Even with financial incentives, the residential construction sector still needs to overcome increased costs of building supplies and labour, a shortage of labour and navigating its way through a sea of municipal, provincial and federal government red tape. Will making it easier for the construction sector to build new homes through these initiatives be beneficial to the residential construction and equipment rental sectors? Probably. More housing to build each year means more equipment will be needed. So even if the CMHC’s targets are pie in the sky, both sectors should still benefit in the end. CRS
Andrew Snook is the former editor of Rock to Road, Crane and Hoist and On Site.
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NEW Gen-Pack™ Battery Adapter. (Battery not included)
