Our thirty second year serving the rental industry in Canada.
Editor Chris Skalkos cskalkos@annexweb.com
Sales Manager
Ed Cosman ecosman@annexweb.com
Production Manager
Julie Turkheim
Production Co-ordinator
Colleen Brennan
Circulation Co-ordinator
Kim Widdis kwiddis@annexweb.com
Vice-President/Group Publisher
Diane Kleer (519) 429-5177, dkleer@annexweb.com
Cover: George and Diane Crawshaw. Top Line Rentals, Amherst, Nova Scotia. Photo by Chris Skalkos.
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June 2008, Vol. 32. No. 5. ISSN 0383-7920
PROFILE
Top of the line
by Chris Skalkos
are
Married for 34 years, rental operators George and Diane Crawshaw celebrate their wedding anniversary this month. But as they toast to this milestone, they will also be thinking about their next significant anniversary. Six months from now, the couple will also celebrate 23 years as business partners and owners of Top Line Rentals Inc. in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
George and Diane have much to be proud of. They place their marriage and raising two sons, who are now pursuing professional careers, as their greatest accomplishments. They are just as proud of their business, nurturing it from a home grown operation to a successful stand alone equipment sales and rental store guided by the philosophy of offering nothing but top of the line products. It takes a leap of faith to leave established careers to start a new business in a relatively unknown industry, but that is what the couple decided to do in January 1986 when George, who had been working as a structural steel draftsman for 18 years, wanted a change. He was supported by Diane who worked for various financial institutions and thought they could combine their expertise in an entrepreneurial venture.
and operators of
The idea of getting into the rental industry first came up when George needed to source some equipment for his previous employer and realized
Top Line Rentals is located in Amherst, Nova Scotia, approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Halifax and three kilometers from the New Brunswick border, with a population of 9500 people.
THE VOICE OF CANADA’S RENTAL INDUSTRY
George and Diane Crawshaw
the owners
Top Line Rentals in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
Amherst did not have a rental store.
“When I asked about renting, somebody mentioned that to get good equipment you had to drive a long way because the nearest rental store was in Sackville, New Brunswick.” And when George and Diane asked the people around their own community, they both heard the same thing. “People kept saying they can’t find good tools in Amherst.”
George went to a Canadian Rental Association (CRA) meeting in Truro, Nova Scotia, where he met some seasoned rental operators willing to share their knowledge about the rental industry. “I spoke to other rental people who suggested that I go to regular association meetings to learn more. I heard the rental industry was a good business although it could be a tough business,” he says.
They were both up for the challenge.
“We formed the idea at the kitchen table, cleaned out our two car garage and started a rental company,” says Diane. “There were so many things that were lined up. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we didn’t owe any money either,” she says. “We started with a company
pension plan and cashed in our savings, so we started at ground zero.”
George recalls they first sought professional advice stipulating that they did not want to take out a business loan. “We saw too many companies in this area start out with a big loan and six months later they were out of business. We sat down with a business advisor and told him we didn’t want to borrow any money. After he stopped laughing, he said that was the way you started a business in the 1960s. So we spoke to another financial advisor who said we can make it work if we are confident of our capabilities.”
With only $20,000 in start up money, they knew they had to make every dollar count for their initial equipment purchases, so they decided to buy nothing but reputable brand names. “This is how we came up with the company name. We didn’t want to use anything but top of the line products so we named it Top Line Rentals Inc.
“We visited a distributor in New Brunswick to see what they had in good quality tools that were durable enough for renting. I looked at the Milwaukee tools on the shelf and they said they don’t sell a lot of them because it’s a high end product line,” says George. He put his faith behind the Milwaukee Electric Tool product line and says he has never looked back.
“My first love was a Milwaukee,” he openly admits in front of his wife with a chuckle. “I can remember the serial number from the first tool I bought. I still have it, along with the other tools we originally rented. I didn’t want to buy tools that break down,” he says. The company became a Milwaukee sub-dealer, a dealer, a direct dealer and finally, a full distributor and service centre in 2004.
“It’s unusual to do sales, service and rentals but because we are such a long way from other service centres, we were allowed to do this. At the time, we were the only ones doing all three under one roof for Milwaukee. It has made our business grow,” says George.
However, convincing his market that renting was a viable concept was another matter. “In this area, people like to buy everything. That’s just the way things have been done,” says Diane, explaining how firmly entrenched the ownership mentality was.
“I remember opening day. We put ads in the paper but we didn’t have any customers on that first day. The first 12
months was scary,” she says, adding that they were working part-time jobs during evenings to supplement their income. Their very first customer turned out to be a bad debt for a $15 rental. Undaunted, they kept going.
George started to make sales calls to individual companies in industrial parks, at construction sites and in factories. “As it turns out, each one of them are customers now. That only took 21 years. It’s funny looking back at it now, but it wasn’t back then,” he says.
“Originally, we said we were only planning to test the market for a year to see if it would work in our area, but the thing is we were more committed than we thought we were,” says Diane.
Slowly they built up a clientele and even got into party rental products for a time. “We had the biggest mirror ball this side of Halifax,” says Diane. “I was doing about 50 weddings per summer,” she says, adding that it was time consuming and found that she was doing a lot of consulting at no charge.
When the company moved to its present location six years ago they decided to discontinue the party rentals although they still do a few select events for corporate customers. This has allowed them to focus on the rental operation and the growing retail sales associated with their Milwaukee line.
“Equipment rentals took off since we moved here and business has tripled over the last five years,” says George. “Our customers like this location because it is in town.” The 2500 square foot building sits on one acre of land with a 30 by 60 foot warehouse. The showroom, which takes up a majority of the first floor around the rental counter, is what George and Diane cherish the most.
“I have always wanted to have a real store. I believe if you want to sell or rent shiny new equipment, you need a nice
After working out of their home garage for 16 years, the Crawshaws moved into a 2500 square foot building that sits on one acre of land with a 40 by 60 foot warehouse to run their rental operation.
Diane Crawshaw utilizes her previous experience working with financial institutions to look after the company’s books and other administrative functions.
SUCCESS STORY
Reborn from the ashes
by Martine Frigon*
Firefighter paged to battle fire at his own rental company.
Gaétan Longpré and his wife Johanne Dicaire have been franchisees of a Joe Rent All since 1993. Located in Gatineau, Quebec, in the Buckingham sector, their rental company was completely destroyed by a fire in 2006. Ironically Longpré, who is a firefighter, was on call that night and he was paged to fight a fire at his own rental store!
Because he was so busy bringing the fire under control he was unable, at the time, to do anything regarding the business itself. However, Longpré and Dicaire did not give up on their rental operation. With the assistance of family and friends, and even their competitors, it was business as usual in less than 24 hours!
On August 10, Longpré was awakened at 2:17am as his pager beeped in response to a 911 call. Flames had been seen in a building located on Thibault Street in Buckingham. He got up in a hurry and prepared to rush to the fire hall. At the time, the thought never occurred to him that it might be his own business that was in danger because there were several other businesses also located in this particular industrial centre. But a surprise awaited him when he arrived at the scene of the fire. He immediately noticed that the fire was very close to the building that he shared with several other businesses. At the time, the fire was concentrated in the business next to his, a business which specialized in filling propane bottles! His immediate fear was the danger from exploding propane containers.
He had just enough time to rescue a few pieces of equipment and a computer from his building. The
computer was used by his wife, who was in charge of the bookkeeping and the administrative management of the business. Luckily, the data on this computer, which contained a list of their suppliers, customers and inventory, remained intact. Three fire engines and 20 firefighters from the Buckingham fire hall worked diligently. However, an hour after the call, they were still unable to contain the fire. Consequently, extra firefighters from Gatineau came to lend a hand. In the end, more than 60 firefighters were involved fighting this major blaze.
“Within three hours, 5000 propane bottles, each containing 20 pounds of propane, and seven 2000 gallon propane tanks exploded. As company officer, I was responsible for 20 men and I decided that it was too dangerous for us to try and enter my place of business. I didn’t want to take any risks with my crew,” Longpré says, adding that it was an odd experience as a firefighter to see
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SUCCESS STORY
A1997 photo of the Joe Rent All building, located in Gatineau, Quebec, before it was destroyed by a fire in 2006. The newly rebuilt rental store has a total surface area of 5600 square feet which is double that of the previous facility. Une photo prise en 1997 de l’édifice Joe Rent All, situé à Gatineau, Québec, avant la destruction par le feu en 2006. Le nouveau centre de location possède une surface totale de 5600 pieds carrés ce qui constitue le double de l’ancien centre.
his source of livelihood being destroyed. “I could not afford to be emotional because as an officer, I had a job to do. We had to secure the surrounding area because of the propane bottles and tanks,” he explains.
Later on, an investigation showed that the fire was the result of arson and had started in the business located next door to the rental store. Only 20 percent of all the equipment that belonged to the rental operation was saved, and this was mostly machinery that was already outside the building.
Family, friends and competitors join hands
Standing in front of this scene of devastation in the early morning, the husband and wife business partners did not become depressed. Instead, they decided to pool all their resources and start over. Longpré tried to recover as much as he could from the ruins and Dicaire transferred the business telephone lines to their cellular telephone. In less than 24 hours, the operation was relocated temporarily just 100 feet away on the same street. They were fortunate that this space was unoccupied and available for the time being, as this facilitated their customers’ routine of looking for the business in the same general area.
SUCCESS STORY
Arsène, Johanne’s dad, a retiree who was 76 years old at the time, and who had worked in industrial construction, committed himself to helping his daughter and son-in-law. “My father spent more than 15 hours a day helping us. It was the same thing for my mother and the other members of our families; they all came to help us,” she says, adding, she is extremely grateful to everybody who helped them. “Our customers were very understanding and even our competitors in the surrounding area provided us with the equipment we needed. We are so appreciative of all they did for us!” she says.
Be well insured to be reassured!
Through this period of bad luck, the couple quickly realized the meaning of carrying adequate insurance coverage. The morning after the fire, Dicaire contacted their insurance agent, Hubert Frenette from Michel Brosseau Insurances in Montreal, who arrived at the site with a claims adjuster.
Just three weeks before the fire, the insurance agent had met with her to suggest a revision to their insurance in case reconstruction might be necessary. Such a change in the insurance policy meant, of course, an increase in insurance premiums. “My initial reaction was I didn’t want to see my premiums increase,” she says, finally accepting the advice of the insurance agent.
“He told me that I had to be realistic and take into consideration the real costs in case of a disaster and not just think about what it would cost in premiums. He proved to be right, of course! Because he gave me good advice, we were able to rebuild and start over. I would say to anyone, when choosing an insurance policy, work with an agent who is straightforward and realistic.”
Back in business
Today, the rebuilt rental store has a total surface area of 5600 square feet which is double that of the previous business place. To make this possible, the Longpré-Dicaire couple bought their former neighbour’s location, the one in which the fire started, giving them more space to rebuild which cost $500,000. After nine months in their temporary location, their new building opened on March 1, 2007.
Since they had to rebuild everything, they decided to add a new division.
SUCCESS STORY / HISTOIRE À SUCCÈS
“Most of our clients are entrepreneurs, and we now have a division which specializes in the maintenance of hydraulic hoses and chain saws, and we have an inventory of parts and pieces valued at $30,000,” specifies Longpré.
“This is quite exclusive among our franchisees because the Longpré-Dicaire operation has more contractors than homeowners as customers,” says Jean-Claude Duc, the Joe Rent All co-ordinator.
Beside the hydraulic division, a 2250 square foot area is intended for small engine repairs and the maintenance of equipment on guarantee with manufacturers such as King Canada and MTD. Amezzanine of 1100 square feet has also been built and is used as storage space for additional goods. The rental location also has an area located outside the building where propane bottles are filled. According to Longpré, all of this amounts to approximately $1.0 million in inventory.
From a disaster that could have meant drastic changes for their future, unexpected assistance helped the couple to get through this ordeal. “I’ll always remember all the people who helped us, including our insurance agent who gave us well-informed and professional advice!” says Dicaire. ■
*Martine Frigon is a freelance writer based in Charny, Quebec.
Repartir à neuf
par Martine Frigon*
Un pompier doit combattre un incendie à son propre centre de location.
Gaétan Longpré et sa femme
Johanne Dicaire sont franchiseurs d’un centre Joe Rent All depuis 1993. Situé à Gatineau au Québec, dans le secteur de Buckingham, leur centre de location a été complètement détruit par un feu en 2006. Ironiquement, monsieur Longpré, un pompier, était ce soir-là sur appel et a dû se déplacer pour combattre l’incendie de son propre centre de location!
Tellement préoccupé par son désir de tenter de contrôler le feu, il lui a été impossible, à ce moment-là, de faire quoi que ce soit concernant son entreprise. Cependant, Gaétan Longpré et Johanne Dicaire n’ont pas baissé les bras, n’ont pas abandonné leur entreprise. Avec l’aide des membres de leurs familles et d’amis, et même de leurs concurrents, en moins de 24 heures, les affaires se poursuivaient comme à l’habitude!
Le 10 août, monsieur Longpré est réveillé à 2 h 17 du matin par son téléavertisseur qui répond à un appel du 911. Des flammes ont été aperçues dans un édifice situé sur la rue Thibault à
Buckingham. Il se lève et se prépare à se rendre à la caserne des pompiers. À ce moment-là, il ne songe même pas qu’il peut s’agir de son commerce qui pourrait être en danger parce que plusieurs autres entreprises sont situées dans ce secteur industriel. Une surprise l’attend pourtant lorsqu’il arrive sur la scène. Il remarque immédiatement que le feu est très près de l’édifice partagé avec plusieurs autres commerces. Les flammes sont alors concentrées à l’entreprise à côté de la sienne, une entreprise spécialisée en remplissage de bouteilles de propane! Sa crainte immédiate: le danger d’explosion des contenants de propane.
Il n’a qu’un peu de temps pour rescaper quelques pièces d’équipement et un ordinateur de son local. L’ordinateur, utilisé par sa conjointe, sert pour la comptabilité et la gestion administrative de l’entreprise. Heureusement, les données sur cet ordinateur comprenant la liste des fournisseurs, des clients ainsi que leur inventaire, sont demeurées intactes. Trois camions et vingt autres pompiers de Buckingham ont travaillé avec diligence. Cependant, une heure après réception de l’appel, ils demeurent toujours incapables de maîtriser le feu. En conséquence, des pompiers de Gatineau viennent leur prêter mains fortes. À la fin, plus de soixante pompiers combattent cet incendie majeur.
«En trois heures, 5000 bouteilles de propane contenant 20 livres chacune et sept réservoirs de 2000 gallons de propane explosent. En tant que chef, j’ai la responsabilité de vingt hommes et je décide sans hésiter qu’il est trop dangereux pour nous d’essayer de
Q The owners bought their former neighbour’s location, the one in which the fire started, to expand their operation during the rebuilding process. Nine months after the fire, their new building opened on March 1, 2007.
Les propriétaires ont acheté l’emplacement de leur ancien voisin, l’endroit où le feu a débuté, pour accroître leurs affaires durant le processus de reconstruction. Neuf mois après l’incendie le nouvel édifice ouvrait le 1er mars 2007.
pénétrer dans mon centre de location. Je ne voulais prendre aucun risque avec mon personnel,» ajoute monsieur Longpré, stipulant avoir vécu une expérience étrange, à titre de pompier en voyant les flammes détruire sa source de revenus. «Impossible pour moi d’être émotif, ma responsabilité me dicte d’accomplir un travail. Il nous faut sécuriser les lieux environnants à cause des bouteilles et des réservoirs de propane,» explique-t-il.
Plus tard, une enquête déduit que l’incendie résulte d’un acte criminel, et a débuté dans une entreprise située à côté de la sienne. Seulement vingt pour cent de tout l’équipement appartenant au centre de location a été rescapé, et ceci consiste surtout en machinerie déjà à l’extérieur de l’édifice.
Famille, amis et concurrents tendent les mains
Tôt le matin, debout devant cette scène de dévastation, mari et femme, partenaires de l’entreprise, ne se découragent pas. Au contraire, ils décident d’utiliser toutes leurs ressources et de recommencer. Monsieur Longpré tente de récupérer tout ce qu’il peut des ruines et sa femme fait transférer les lignes téléphoniques à leur appareil cellulaire. En moins de 24 heures, les affaires sont temporairement localisées quelque cent pieds plus loin sur la même rue. Ils profitent du fait que cet espace est inoccupé et disponible pour l’instant, ce qui permet à leurs clients de facilement retrouver le centre de location dans le même secteur.
Arsène, le père de Johanne, un retraité de 76 ans à l’époque, qui a travaillé en construction industrielle, s’engage à aider sa fille et son gendre. «Mon père a passé plus de 15 heures par jour à nous aider. Il en est de même pour ma mère et les autres membres de nos familles; ils sont tous venus nous aider,» dit-elle, ajoutant être très reconnaissante envers tous et chacun venus apporter leur aide. «Nos clients ont été très compréhensifs et même nos compétiteurs des environs nous ont fourni l’équipement requis. Nous sommes vraiment reconnaissants pour tout ce qu’ils ont fait pour nous en moins de 24 heures!» dit-elle.
Soyez bien assuré pour être réassuré!
Au cours de cette période de malchance, le couple réalise rapidement l’importance de posséder une couverture d’assurance adéquate. Le matin suivant l’incendie, monsieur Dicaire communique
avec son agent d’assurance Hubert Frenette de la compagnie d’assurance Michel Brosseau à Montréal. Monsieur Frenette se rend sur le site avec un ajusteur de réclamation.
Seulement trois semaines avant le désastre, l’agent d’assurance avait rencontré Johanne pour suggérer une révision de leur contrat au cas ou une reconstruction serait nécessaire. Un tel changement de contrat entraîne évidemment une augmentation des primes d’assurance. «Ma réaction initiale a été négative, je ne voulais pas voir mes primes augmenter,» dit-elle, «puis, finalement j’accepte de suivre les conseils de l’agent d’assurance. Il m’a suggéré d’être réaliste, de prendre en
considération les coûts réels en cas de désastre et de ne pas seulement penser au coût des primes. Évidemment, il avait raison! Ses bons conseils nous ont permis de reconstruire et de recommencer. Je dis à quiconque, lorsque vous choisissez une police d’assurance, travaillez avec un agent direct et réaliste.»
De retour en affaires
Aujourd’hui, le centre de location reconstruit a une surface totale de 5600 pieds carrés, ce qui constitue le double de la surface de la première entreprise. Pour rendre ceci possible, le couple achète le local de leur ancien voisin, celui où le feu a débuté, ce qui leur
De gauche à droite: Jean-Claude Duc, co-ordinateur pour Joe Rent All; Gaétan Longpré, Steve Dicaire, Johanne Dicaire et Arsène Dicaire avec leur chien Max.
PHOTO PAR MARTINE FRIGON
From left to right: Jean-Claude Duc, Joe Rent All co-ordinator; Gaétan Longpré, Steve Dicaire, Johanne Dicaire and Arsène Dicaire with their dog Max.
PHOTO BY MARTINE FRIGON
HISTOIRE À SUCCÈS
fournit plus d’espace pour reconstruire au coût de 500 000$. Après neuf mois dans leur emplacement temporaire, le nouvel édifice ouvre le 1er mars 2007.
Puisqu’ils ont dû tout reconstruire, ils décident d’ajouter une nouvelle division. «La plupart de nos clients sont entrepreneurs, et nous avons maintenant une division qui se spécialise dans l’entretien de boyaux hydrauliques et de scies à chaîne. Notre inventaire pièces et équipements a une valeur de 30 000$,» explique monsieur Longpré.
«Ceci est assez exclusif parmi nos franchises parce que l’entreprise Longpré-Dicaire possède plus d’entrepreneurs que de particuliers comme clients,» dit Jean-Claude Duc, le coordinateur de Joe Rent All.
En plus de la division hydraulique, une section de 2250 pieds carrés est réservée aux réparations de petits moteurs et à l’entretien d’équipements sous garantie avec les fabricants comme King Canada et MTD. Une mezzanine de 1100 pieds carrés a aussi été construite et est utilisée comme espace d’entreposage pour matériaux additionnels. Le centre de location possède également une section à l’extérieur de l’édifice où les bouteilles de propane sont remplies. Selon monsieur Longpré, tout ceci totalise un inventaire approximatif d’un million de dollars.
D’un désastre qui aurait pu entraîner des changements drastiques pour l’avenir, une assistance inattendue aide ce couple à passer au travers de cette
épreuve. «Je n’oublierai jamais tous les gens qui nous ont aidés, incluant notre agent d’assurance qui nous a fourni des conseils judicieux et professionnels!» dit monsieur Dicaire. ■
Kiss the cook
by Steve Milcik*
It all started when she called my name. It wasn’t a tender, whispered “Oh Steve” that would have set my mind racing, my heart fluttering and my pulse quickening with thoughts of romance and passion. No, it was a banshee wail, a shriek that let me know that my summer solstice was about to crash and burn.
When she speaks, I listen. When she screams, cats have kittens, wine glasses shatter and I drop what I’m doing and run. No, I’m not talking about Her Royal Highness, Mandy Maeren, though the above applies to her as well. This air horn command came from my wife, the lovely and delicate Sophie, a woman who could crush what was left of my manhood between her two well-manicured fingers without a moment’s hesitation.
When I heard my name yodeled, I had been currently perusing the latest Canadian Rental Service magazine in my favourite location, the bathroom. This is the ideal place since most of what editor Chris Skalkos writes can often cause extreme gastric distress. I arrived in front of Sophie within 30 seconds, pants around my ankles. It isn’t easy running up two flights of stairs hobbled by a pair of jeans, but I made good enough time that she didn’t immediately teach me a new meaning for the word ‘pain’. She’s a fair and understanding woman, my Sophie, though I did notice she made an entry in her ‘Big Book of Things to Give Steve Hell About Later’. That book is bigger than War and Peace. Sophie has been after me for about a year to replace our original four-burner barbecue. I don’t know why – it works just fine: put meat on, burn meat, take meat off, scrape off charred flesh, eat. I think body rust and years of caked-on cooking residue add a lot of character to the appliance, and flavour to the meat. Additionally, I feel that having a black baked enamel hood actually go gray in colour is the mark of a well-used, and well-loved, portable incineration device. Plus, it’s been a member of the family for almost as long as the dog and cat have been.
Well, no matter what they say to the contrary, a smart husband never gets in the way once a wife has made a decision. Everyone knows that dripping water can wear through stone, just like Sophie’s voice can... nope, better stop before I get clobbered. Again. Anyway, after listening to a lot of lectures about the merits of replacing the aged barbecue, I caved-in and started shopping for a new one. I felt dirty, as if I was doing something unkind and unjust behind an old friend’s back. But I know where my bread is buttered, so old friend or not, it had to go.
Barbecues have gone through an amazing evolution over the past few years. There’s one for every price point from about $150 for a flat-top four burner, up to literally thousands of dollars for stainless steel, 12 burner ‘professional grilling centres’ that pump out 10 gazillion BTUs. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small tabletop units to some that come with their own trailer. Since I don’t often try grilling the whole cow at once, I opted for a size that would actually fit on my balcony. I admired it in the showroom, looking at it from every angle, gleaming with newness and the promise of the perfectly charred steak. I actually began drooling slightly, which nobody really noticed since I do this a lot anyway. I flagged down a passing teen-aged employee for more information, and
smelling a fish nibbling at his hook, he launched into a detailed monologue about the model I was considering, throwing out terms and statistics that quickly made my eyes glaze over in confusion. Suddenly, something he said grabbed my attention. “Easy assembly in less than one hour!” Now THIS is something I can get behind! Suddenly, images of me standing in front of my brand-spanking new barbecue, clouds of dense smoke circling my head while heroically holding a spatula in one hand and a fire extinguisher in the other filled my mind. I literally threw my credit card at the stunned sales boy and ran out the door, giggling like a schoolgirl on her way to the prom. In the distance, black clouds were gathering and thunder rumbled menacingly, but I paid them no heed. This was my first mistake... well, my second, if you count the fact I decided to assemble the barbecue myself.
After arriving home, I muscled the large box into the house and on to the balcony. I opened the crate slowly, savoring the smell of packing tape and cardboard. Sitting on the very top was my new bible... a ‘User Guide to BBQ Assembly’. Later, I noticed the small print underneath the title: ‘Caution: Not For Idiots’. What happened afterwards cannot be discussed at this point, simply because I am still traumatized and my lawyer has suggested we do not discuss details until after we settle the lawsuit with the neighbours. Suffice to say that most of my burns have healed, my singed hair is slowly growing back and my old and trusted barbecue is still a member of our family for now. Who wants a burger? ■
*Steve Milcik writes from Montreal, Quebec, and when he isn’t turning a quarter-pounder into four ounces of coal, he sells rental software for Orion. You can send him your barbecue recipes at smilcik@orion-soft.com
Tolearnmorecall orvisitus at 1-800-263-0814 www.bomag.ca
INDUSTRY EVENT
Tours boost attendance
Opening doors for rental professionals.
The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) in Ontario has hit on a winning formula to boost attendance at its monthly association meetings.
The association changed the format of its meetings about two years ago, taking it out of hotel facilities in Toronto and into the buildings of rental stores and their suppliers for a guided tour. Attendance at meetings has been growing ever since, as the novelty of
inspecting an other rental company’s operation is too tempting to pass up. Manufacturer and supplier members have also stepped up to offer their facilities for meetings which have now become extremely popular as rental operators get an inside look at how their suppliers operate.
CRAOntario vice-president, James Morden says the association directors first tested the waters with its rental tour program, organizing one or two tours in addition to regular meetings. “We wanted to take the meetings on the road for members who couldn’t make it out to the central location in Toronto,” says Morden, adding that several companies volunteered their facilities. “This was the first year where all our meetings were hosted by companies who opened their doors to welcome members of the association.”
The tour kicked off in October at Vulcan Demolition Tools in Mississauga, followed by meetings and tours hosted by Barrie Rent All and Tiffany Party Rentals in Barrie in November, Home Hardware Stores Limited in St. Jacobs in January, and concluded in April at Echo Power Equipment Canada in London.
Bob Legault from Vulcan Demolition Tools says there were about 39 people in
Rob Langlois, operations manager for Tiffany Party Rentals in Barrie, guides a crowd of CRAmembers through the company’s facilities.
attendance including six employees when the company hosted a tour in the fall of 2007. “We left everything pretty well as it is all the time. We set up five tables in the warehouse area and set up a buffet and bar near the repair area so that guests were able to see our business as we run it,” he says.
Visitors walked through the 7000 square foot warehouse and office space where they could view the company’s full product lines supplied by The Vulcan Company and Texas Pneumatic in the US which supply the company’s breakers, rivet busters, chipping hammers, rock drills and other air tools. “We also purchase parts and other air tool products from many suppliers as needed. We have a repair area that is used to repair customer tools as well as trade-ins and used tools purchased for resale.”
The CRAboard had its meeting in the company’s sales area where Alex Clark, president of The Vulcan Company, gave a short presentation on new products and answered questions. Legault also gave a short presentation on lubricating air tools.
Legault says the company volunteered to hold the event at an earlier CRAmeeting hosted by ABCO Equipment Rentals. “As a supplier, we looked at this as an opportunity to give back to the rental houses that support us,” he says, adding that the rental market accounts for about 70 percent of sales.
For the rental operators who attended, it was an opportunity to learn about the company while the CRA benefitted by saving on facility rentals. “We have always tried to team up with our customers and provide them with
Agroup of rental professionals gather around some machinery on display at Echo Power Equipment Canada in London, Ontario, during a tour of the company’s warehouse.
Dinner tables and a podium in the warehouse at Vulcan Demolition Tools is a typical setup for the dinners that take place at the facilities of suppliers and manufacturers who host the meetings.
Jeff Bevers has been renting equipment for more than 27 years, so he knows what works. After his customers rent Little Beaver earth drills, they know too. “We have a wide variety of soil conditions from, hard clays to hard rocky ground,” says Bevers. “But because of the torque tube design, our customers feel safe and comfortable operating the equipment. I had purchased several tow-behind machines from another manufacturer, but after purchasing the Little Beaver tow-behind, my customers only ask for the red one.”
“Customer satisfaction is one of the reasons we have rented Little Beaver equipment for over 27 years.”
Jeff Bevers, Owner - Equipment Rentals, West Bend, WI
INDUSTRY EVENT
Andy Houghton, president and general manager for Barrie Rent All, points out some machinery in the company’s shop during a CRAtour in November 2007.
service and expertise that would otherwise cost them money and time. This meeting allowed us to show the industry how this works for us as we strive to be a supplier of air tools, parts and service,” says Legault. “Rental operators are smart people, they will get all they can out of their suppliers and team up with a few to make their jobs easier.”
Todd Cressman, product manager for Home Hardware Stores Limited, personally led one of the tour groups when the CRAheld a meeting and tour at its distribution centre in St. Jacobs in January. It took about one hour just to walk through the company’s massive 1.5 million square foot warehouse.
The CRAsaw a record number of people show up for the meeting and the 68 registrants who took the tour were awestruck by the massive scope of this facility which ships an average of 18,000 orders or two million pounds of product per day. Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada’s largest independent hardware, lumber and building materials and furniture retailer with more than 1000 stores across Canada, including 62 rental locations, with 22 located in Ontario. “Alot of people don’t know that Home Hardware is in the rental business,” says Cressman. “We have much in common with the independent rental companies because Home Hardware is 100 percent dealer owned.”
The CRA’s meeting schedule concluded at Echo Power Equipment Canada in London where warehouse manager Mike O’Connell took attendees for a guided tour of the company’s 61,000 square foot warehouse. Several of the rental operators recognized the well known products the company offers such as Bearcat, Little Wonder, Classen, BCS and its own Echo branded
products, but they also saw products from Pramac, Scag and Oregon Chain that were unknown to them.
Dave Campbell from St. Thomas Rent-All Sales and Service was one of the rental operators who took the tour. He says he spends a majority of his time behind the rental counter at the store and welcomed the opportunity to visit one of his suppliers to get a look behind the scenes. “We just bought a BCS unit from Echo and this gives me a chance to personally see what they have in stock and get different opinions from other rental operators about the machines and how they are using them to make money,” he says. The tour was followed by a hot buffet dinner and a presentation detailing the company’s technological advancements in small engine design.
Company president, Ed Zynomirski says the tour gave the company an opportunity to build brand awareness, but the driving motivation in offering the company’s facilities was to support the association. “It’s important for professionals in the rental industry to have a good understanding of the manufacturers that support the association. Something like this helps build relationships between rental dealers and their suppliers,” he says.
Morden says the key to the success of this format was the mutual benefits shared by rental operators and the manufacturer and supplier members of the association. “I think people who participated walked away with a better understanding of the companies they visited. I know I have personally picked up a few tips that I have implemented in my own business,” he says. “We will continue this program for next season.” ■
Todd Cressman (left), product manager for Home Hardware Stores Limited, gives CRAmembers a tour of the company’s main distribution centre in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
RENTAL RUMBLES
Ten thousand machines
Kubota Canada Limited (KCL), reached a milestone for unit sales in Canada selling its 10,000th construction machine since the company’s first excavator sale in 1981.
Kubota Canada started business in 1975 and is a division of Kubota Corporation. KCLnow has more than 150 dealerships in Canada and specializes in manufacturing compact excavators, wheel loaders, track carriers, tractors and rough-terrain vehicles.
Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, KCLalso has three warehouses and full support for parts, finance, engineering, distribution, service, sales and marketing in Canada. This milestone unit was sold by KCL’s Sudbury, Ontario, dealership, Tracks & Wheels.
The customer that bought the machine, Vale Inco, is a mining company in Sudbury and has had a long successful relationship with Tracks & Wheels. In recognition of this milestone, KCLpresented a cheque for $10,000 to Vale Inco which donated the money to the Miners for Cancer charity.
Since 1996, Miners for Cancer has raised and donated more than $250,000 to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.
Parent companies form alliance
Kioritz Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, parent company of ECHO Incorporated in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and Shindaiwa Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan, parent company of Shindaiwa Incorporated in Tualatin, Oregon, have announced plans to form a joint holding company which will own and operate the two business entities.
The two companies entered into a business and shareholder alliance in May 2007 to investigate mutual means
of addressing today’s competitive global environment through product and operational synergies.
***
Ontrac to become Nortrax
Ontrac Equipment Services will change its corporate name to Nortrax Canada (Nortrax). The name change will bring the company into brand
alignment with its US based sibling, Nortrax. Ontrac in Canada and Nortrax in the US, retailers of John Deere construction, forestry and mining equipment, are both 100 percent owned by Deere & Company.
The name change will enable increased market presence and greater competitive advantage in Canada through utilization of Nortrax marketing and advertising resources.
“Our Canadian leadership team has made this decision in order to better
leverage our product and service offerings to our customers,” says Jim Ficzere, vice-president and general manager. “While we have a distinct market in Canada, there are obvious synergistic opportunities that come with being part of a larger North American entity.”
The transition to the new name was expected to begin in April 2008 and will be phased in throughout the year and conclude by the end of 2008. No organizational changes are expected as a result of the new name.
Name change reflects growth
CM Diamond Blades has changed its name to CM Equip to better reflect the company’s growing product line. Well known in the rental industry as a supplier of diamond blades, the company now supplies light equipment, such as cutting saws, gas engines, generators, water pumps, pressure washers, vibratory plates, rammers and heavy equipment, such as excavators, scissorlifts and forklifts.
CM Excavators are equipped with Yanmar diesel engines, US Parker double-connecting gear pumps and Italian hydraulic main valves. CM scissorlifts have onboard diagnostic systems and many new futures. The CM forklift is equipped with a Nissan gas engine and LPG converter.
MQ president retires
Roger Euliss announced that he will retire as president of Multiquip at the end of 2008.
The new MQ organization will be headed by Mike Howlett who will become president of the MQ General Construction Equipment Group and will report to Tom Yasuda, chairman and chief executive officer.
APEX 2008
The sixth APEX aerial platform exhibition takes place in Maastricht, The Netherlands, on September 17 to 19, 2008. There are more than 100 exhibitors already confirmed, representing many of the world’s access equipment manufacturers. Many will launch new machines at the show, including first-time exhibitors from Japan and China.
APEX is supported by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and by Access International magazine. One of the attractions of APEX has always been the dozens of smaller manufacturers who show an enormous range of specialized access equipment, as well as rental companies and component suppliers.
Visit www.apexshow.com for a full exhibitors list.
Skidsteers go head-to-head
John Deere Construction & Forestry has launched www.skidsteersmackdown.com, the first part of an integrated campaign for skidsteer users that involves unique head-to-head contests between Deere and competitor machines. Skidsteersmackdown.com is a highly interactive web site that features the competitions captured on video, a discussion forum and buying information.
“This site is above and beyond PDFs and specs. It’s an entertaining experience for the user, but with real in-the-dirt comparisons you can watch,” says Sam Norwood, manager of John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. “No one has done anything like this before.”
AJohn Deere 325 skidsteer loader in action during filming for the new www.skidsteersmackdown.com web site where Deere and competitor machines go head-to-head in competitions caught on video.
Deere engineers transformed a dirt track in North Carolina into a skidsteer loader proving ground, complete with professional operators and compelling contests, all while cameras rolled and spectators watched. The site’s interactive components allow users to pick the Deere machines they would like to see compared to other units. The videos, showing tasks with measurable results, can then be rated, commented on, and shared with friends and colleagues.
“Viewers can also get dealer and buying information immediately through a link to the main John Deere web site,” Norwood says. “We’re having some fun, but we’re also providing skidsteer buyers with everything they need to know.” ■
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Canadian Rental Service 145 Thames Road West Exeter, Ontario N0M 1N0 (519) 235-2400, fax (519) 235-0798
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
Universal application
The completely redesigned 500lb soil compactor CR 3 from Weber MT features numerous enhancements, designed with the operator in mind, such as reduced lower hand/arm vibrations as well as reduced noise level through protection covers. Flexibility is provided through an adjustable handlebar to accommodate operators of different heights and a base plate with optional extension plates, 20in and 24in. Maintenance has been improved through an optimized air intake system with a cyclone filter and all maintenance
Compaction goes high-tech
COMPATROL is the ‘continuous compaction control system’ designed by Weber Maschinentechnik to ensure optimum compaction results. The company announced that it has now been improved with a machine and service management system called COMPATROL-MSM.
This innovative compaction control system continuously monitors the company’s CR 6, CR 7 and CR 8 soil compactors while in the field. Potentially critical failures can be detected before damage occurs. The machines feature a display with light emitting diodes (LED) which directly indicate if battery voltage, engine oil pressure, engine temperature, air filter restriction, vibrator frequency or engine speed are outside the tolerances.
Another important parameter for a long engine and soil compactor life is regular machine maintenance. The COMPATROL-MSM technology
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• CSA APPROVED
• CONTRACTOR SERIES FOR RENTAL FLEET
• DIRECT DRIVE OIL FREE & OIL LUBE OUTFITS
• 100% CAST IRON GAS ENGINE & BELT DRIVEN PORTABLE OUTFITS
• INDUSTRIAL CAST IRON SERIES FOR SERVICE SHOP REQUIREMENTS
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indicates the operating hours remaining until the next inspection which is signalled to the operator by a service indicator LED.
The old ignition key is a thing of the past. Modern soil compactors are started with an inductive starting chip and a start button. Asecond service-chip and a separate read-out box collects data on machine failures as well as operating hours and times. This precise data acquisition gathered by the compaction control system allows rental companies to bill customers more accurately for rental time. ■
points are easily accessible for simple servicing. The new CR 3 has 7650lb of compaction force and the company says it will join the line of soil compactors with the compaction control system COMPATROL. It is ideal for compaction work in trenches, backfills, block pavements or landscaping.
Specifications:
• Models: CR 3 Hd, CR 3 diesel.
• Options: electric start, COMPATROL CCD (late in 2008).
Distributed By:
• Operating weight: 448lb to 522lb, depending on the model.
• Centrifugal force: 7650lb (34kN).
• Frequency: 4780rpm (80Hz).
• Operating width: 20in, 24in or 28in with extension plates (500mm, 600mm or 700mm).
• Engine: Honda GX 270 (gasoline 9.0hp) or Hatz 1 B 20 (diesel 4.6hp).
• Working speed: up to 66ft per minute (20m per minute). ■ Contact Weber MT at: (800) 709-3237, www.webermt.com
Articulation with innovation
Multiquip has introduced the new Rammax Viper trench rollers with unique innovations including articulation and
CANADIAN
“YOUR RENTAL DISTRIBUTER ACROSS CANADA”
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
oscillation joint, a Straight Compaction Technology (SCT), a Z-shape frame designed, internal drum scrapers, an exclusive Rammax designed radiator and an easy access exciter system.
The articulation and oscillation joint design provides stability on uneven surfaces and better mobility in challenging areas. The Viper’s Straight Compaction Technology (SCT) allows the exciter system to supply equal amplitude to all four drums instead of two and its Z-shape frame design offset drums configuration ensures effective compaction on every square inch of ground that it rolls over.
Its internal drum scrapers eliminate material build-up inside the drums, allowing them to turn freely in tough conditions. To maximize efficiency, the Viper is equipped with dual infrared receiver eyes positioned to eliminate blind spots and ensure uninterrupted signals. To reduce downtime and cost of ownership, the easy access exciter system allows fast and efficient repair and maintenance.
Powered by a Lombardini engine the Viper delivers 2460 vibrations per minute and reaches centrifugal forces up to 15,543lb. ■
Doosan Infracore Portable Power has introduced the Ingersoll Rand BXR-60H and the BXR-200H as the
newest additions to the Ingersoll Rand product line of reversible vibratory plate compactors.
The Ingersoll Rand BXR series offers high compaction performance and smooth movement to maximize productivity in graded aggregates, sand and mixed soils. The reversing feature of these compactors allows the operator to easily change direction with a single lever. Reversing allows the operator to enter and exit a confined work area along a single path. Shock mounts are positioned near the engine to alleviate handle vibration.
At 158lb (72kg), the BXR-60H offers 3417lb (15.2 kiloNewtons) of centrifugal force. The unit is powered by a rugged and reliable Honda GX120 four stroke gasoline engine. With a plate size of 14in x 19in (350mm x 470mm), the BXR-60H is recommended for a maximum compaction depth of 13in (330mm).
The larger addition to the line is the BXR-200H weighing in at 518lb (235kg). Powered by a Honda GX240 four stroke gasoline engine, this compactor delivers 7053lb (31.4 kiloNewtons) of centrifugal force. The BXR-200H has the ability to compact at a depth up to 18in (460mm) and can cover 5231sq.ft per hour (486sq.m per hour) with its 18in x 29in (450mm x 740mm) durable plate. ■ Contact Doosan Infracore Portable Power at: www.doosanportablepower.com
Enhancements to roller series
Wacker’s RT trench roller series offers new features that further enhance reliability and serviceability. The new RT 56-SC-2 and RT 82-SC-2 are now equipped with an infrared remote control and Engine Control Module (ECM).
The new Smart Combi (SC) joystick control has been restyled to more easily operate the unit. With new electronics the control can handle up to 16 channels compared to the previous model which had three. This allows for multiple
THE RENTAL MARKET
rollers to operate on the same job without interference from another unit. Other new features on the SC control include an increased battery lifetime, the transmitter automatically shuts down after 10 minutes of non-use, a longer range and broader beam angle, sealed housing and wear-resistant contactless joysticks that are exchangeable without opening the housing. Asimpler user interface with only three LEDs and the receiving eyes and transmitter provides a constant signal.
Wacker’s infrared SC control uses line-of-sight control for added safety. Should the operator come within 3.0ft (1.0m) of the roller front or rear sensing eye with the control box, the unit will stop moving and vibrating.
Another new enhancement to the RT rollers is the re-engineered ECM. Anew circuit board uses the latest electrical
components and manufacturing methods to enhance performance during compaction applications. The new ECM will also store diagnostics for the unit’s lifetime, providing useful service history.
The popular RT series is designed for the compaction of sub bases for foundations, roads and parking lots. Sheepsfoot drums and vibration frequency have been selected for optimum compaction of cohesive soils. The drums protrude past the frame, making these units ideally suited for working in trenches and excavations, pipeline and backfill. ■
MBW’s GPR65, GPR68, GPR77, GPR78, GPR99 and GPR135 address the most common cause of downtime and repair in reversible plates, the forward and reverse shifting mechanisms. The 325lb 65H and the 330lb 68H feature a heavyduty mechanical shifting system. Endurance tested to over 400,000 changes of direction without system failure, these models change direction instantly at full travel speed.
Models 77H, 78H, 99H and 135D, weights ranging from 397lb up to 968lb, feature infinitely variable forward and reverse travel to approximately 80ft per minute. These models feature a hydraulic shifting design that addresses long time problems with hydraulic systems. The exciter case is vented to relieve heat related pressure and prevent shifting seal deformation and failure. The shifting seals can be replaced easily without having to
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
disassemble and enter the exciter case. All models excel in the compaction of granular soils and produce outputs that range from 6000 to 13,500 pounds of centrifugal force.
Available in Canada
MBW forward and reversing plates offer rental companies high utilization rates and a fast return on investment. These plates are manufactured in Slinger, Wisconsin, and distributed exclusively in Canada by Rentquip. Rentquip services all MBW parts and warranty work in Canada. ■
Contact Rentquip at: western Canada (800) 818-1199, Ontario and Atlantic Canada (866) 360-6616, Quebec (877) 664-1515, www.rentquip.com
Contact MBW at: (800) 678-5237, www.mbw.com
Maximum impact for greatest profitability
Available from MMD Equipment, the CompactionPro PC600 vibratory plate is designed for reliability and ease of performance. It is powered by a Honda GX120 easy-start four stroke engine that features a low oil shutdown.
The CompactionPro PC600 vibratory plate has a fold down handle that makes it compact, easy to transport and store.
The 153lb CompactionPro PC600 vibratory plate packs almost 1.5t of centrifugal force and yet its ergonomic design dampens vibration transference to operator. The abrasion and rust resistant alloy steel plate delivers a productivity speed of 6775sq.ft per hour and it is ideal for compacting soil up to 12in deep or for patching asphalt quick and efficiently. The CompactionPro PC600 vibratory plate allows for up-tothe-edge compaction next to buildings or curbs with its 14in x 20.5in plate.
The CompactionPro PC600 vibratory plate has a removable water tank with
an easy, standard one-handed disconnector that makes it simple to fill and empty. Its plastic tank has durable piping and nozzles to prevent rust and clogging of sprinkler holes. The unique low-profile water bolts eliminate common water bar damage and it has a roll cage for added protection. ■ Contact MMD Equipment at: (800) 433-1382, www.mmdequipment.com
Continuously displays degree of compaction
ACE stands for Ammann Compaction Expert and it is the intelligent compaction (IC) technology option available on many Ammann compaction products, including its soil compactors, asphalt rollers and walk behind compactors.
Intelligent compaction became popular in the 1970s primarily as a tool for determining the stiffness of soil during compaction. Ammann pioneered this technology for its products.
ACE is an electronic measuring and control system for vibrating rollers and vibrating plates that continuously displays the degree of compaction while the machine is in operation. It automatically adjusts the machine’s amplitude and frequency to suit the
FOR THE RENTAL MARKET
characteristics of the ground, simultaneously indicating optimal roller/plate speed.
In Ammann soil compaction units, ACE operates on the principle that the compaction energy is automatically reduced as the bearing capacity of the ground increases. In other words, areas
with lower bearing capacity are compacted with high effective amplitude, while very hard areas are compacted with a low effective amplitude. Quality control is maintained throughout the operation.
On Ammann asphalt rollers, the ACE system is installed in the front or rear drum unit of the vibrating roller, where flyweights twist against one another in the vibration unit of the drum. Each rolling pass provides comprehensive compaction monitoring, guaranteeing homogeneous ground bearing capacity. The vibration of the other drum is determined according to the setting for the ACE drum unit.
On the 6030 Ammann reversible plate compactors, the vibrations generated by the exciter shafts are detected by sensors
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on the base plate which transfer this data and the relative positions of the exciters to a site control system. This control system is mounted on the handle and controls all operations, ensuring that the machine continuously operates at maximum performance. ■ Contact Construction Equipment Solutions (CES) at: (905) 420-2243, www.ammann-america.com
While Canadian Rental Service editors make every effort to be objective when reporting on new products, they cannot be held responsible for claims made by companies. Readers are encouraged to contact the companies for more details.
The next issue of Canadian Rental Service will review new chippers and shredders from manufacturers. Watch for it in August, our 33rd year covering the Canadian rental industry!
AD INDEX
MBW Inc. offers a complete line of equipment for all your compaction and concrete finishing needs.
For over 40 years, MBW has been designing and manufacturing high quality, high performance and long lasting construction equipment.
MBW’s complete line includes compaction equipment such as rammers, vibratory plates, reversible plates and roller attachments and concrete finishing such as power trowels, wet screeds, mixers, vibrators and slipform pavers.
Whatever your needs, with MBW you are assured that your purchase or rental is backed by the industry’s performance leader.
