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Serving the Canadian rental industry for 45 years.
6
INDUSTRY NEWS
Manufacturers take their eye off the service ball at their peril.
The most powerful word in your business is “yes.”
By Michelle Nicol
www.canadianrentalservice.com
Building a wall between yourself and customers always backfires. By
Russ Dantu
Reports from the rental shows…Point of Rental buys Record306…Cooper and United go in new directions…
18
2024 TRUCK REVIEW
Mario Cywinski drives three 2024 models and gives us his expert breakdown.
10 OPPORTUNITY SEIZED
The 2008 recession gave the Ettorre brothers a chance to jump into the rental business.
26
SEEN AT CONCRETE EXPO
Here’s what went down at Canada’s favourite place to browse new concrete technology.
30
WENT HONG
Here’s what your drivers need to be thinking about to stay safe. by James Hong
SNOOK’S LOOK
Carbon reduction…threat or opportunity? By Andrew
Snook
Service sells
by Patrick Flannery
In my experience, “service first” is the only approach that works.
Arecent conversation with an equipment dealer who shall remain nameless brought back to me some hard lessons learned in my previous life as a CNC machine tool salesperson. My friend was describing his frustration with his OEM, which has been, in his view, pulling back from its support for its Canadian operations and making it harder for him to obtain the inventory, parts and service he needs. Now, I have yet to meet the independent dealer who is happy with everything his suppliers do, but for the purposes of this column we’ll assume everything he was saying is accurate. This particular case aside, it’s certainly not unheard of for a manufacturer to lose focus on the day-to-day needs of serving a market in favour of trimming costs or restructuring how things are done for greater efficiency. These moves frequently follow the promotion of a new executive eager to put their stamp on a few quarters of strong financials before moving on the next promotion. The better to pad the bonus, you see.
The fact is, customers are not entirely dumb, especially in B2B markets.
When you are new to sales, as I was in 1996, you get a narrative about the magical things a good salesperson can accomplish. Selling ice cubes to Inuit is just the beginning. Using your dogged determination; your rhinoceros-like thick skin; your 24/7 work hours; and your charm, wit and cunning, you can get overcome any obstacle to get rich. Only a lack of one or more of these qualities can possibly lie behind any failure. Just look at Tom over here who once set the regional sales record selling a machine with no power supply.
I guess that’s what you have to tell the youngsters. But the fact is, customers are not entirely dumb, especially in B2B sales. After grinding away
in the mode above for 10 years with three different companies, I figured a couple things out. (Yes, I am a slow learner.) First, the product is important. Your life with a good product is a lot better. This is because customers have the ability to discern a good product, even through multiple layers of bullshit. Especially after they’ve actually used it. And, of course, they talk to one another. Poison the well with shady sales of bad product and sooner or later you run out of suckers. As an old salesman once told me, the companies he represents can come and go, but the people he serves have to be there for him for the rest of his life. So latching on to a solid product to sell is critical.
But then there’s the fact that there are only so many great products to sell and there is often not a lot of difference between the various brands. Or each brands’ strengths in one area are offset by weaknesses in another. Now service enters the picture. My second big lesson learned was that people will put up with a lot if they get great service. Conversely, they will almost always be unhappy even with the best product on Earth if the service is poor. My epiphany on that point came after I was beaten on a few bids by a lower-quality product. How? Well, the company selling that product had a service truck in my territory that was loaded up with commonly needed parts and available to roll to a down machine at a moment’s notice. I was ordering parts from factories in the U.S. and waiting for them to be shipped across the border.
That won’t come as any great revelation to anyone in the rental industry. We’ve always understood that service is the key to everything. Just look at the name of this magazine. But it’s a point that equipment manufacturers can sometimes lose sight of. When they do, they do so at their peril.
CRS
INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY LEADERS RECOGNIZED AT CRA NATIONAL SHOW
The Canadian Rental Association recognized outstanding members at its National Show in Ottawa on Jan. 31. Rakesh Singh of Little Electric accepted the Newbie award for new members. Blake Menning of All Choice Rentals grabbed the Award of Excellence for rental stores. Pascal Leclerc took home the supplier Award of Excellence for Cisolift. And Mike Maltby of Ingersoll Rent-All was given the Award of Distinction for his many years of dedication to the association.
CRA CEO Nathalie McGregor was also recognized for 10 years at the helm of the organization.
The awards presentation followed a day of education and discussion sessions at the Westin hotel in downtown Ottawa. About 40 attendees took in presentations on building a good company culture and cybersecurity. A Women in Rental lunch brought together prominent ladies from the industry and the day concluded with a lively panel
CRA CEO Nathalie McGregor and CRA president Brett Armstrong of Double R Rentals present the Rental Store of the Year award to Blake Menning of All Choice Rentals.
discussing hot topics of the day. Equipment displays followed the next day at the next-door Shaw Centre.
BRINCHESKY INTRODUCED AS ARA REGION 10 DIRECTOR
Kelly Brincheski has been approved as the ARA’s Region Ten director. She will succeed Angie Venekamp, general manager of Rental Network in Squamish, B.C. Brincheski is general manager of Collective Event Rentals in Winnipeg, Man., and most recently served as chair of the ARA Foundation board of trustees and as a member of the ARA of Canada Task Force.
“It’s such an incredible honour to have received the vote of confidence from our Canadian members to take on this role. I pledge to do my best in being their conduit to ARA national. I’m passionate about our industry and through more than 10 years of volunteering I have made lifelong friends and connections. Those relationships were essential to me as I launched Collective Event Rentals. I can’t wait to get to know many more rental operators a whole lot better when my term as ARA Region Ten director begins,” Brincheski says.
Brincheski was introduced by Venekamp, at the ARA’s Canadian Hospitality Night at the ARA Show in New Orleans on Feb. 18. The event welcomed over 200 Canadian guests for a night of food and drink at a local bar and event space. Brinchesky will appear on the March episode of CounterTalks.
COMING EVENTS
2024
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
June 27
ARA Canada Golf Tournament Milton, Ont. ararental.org
Sept. 11 – 12
Rental Mart + Turf & Rec Show Calgary, Alta. canadianrentalmart.com
Nov. 26 - 29
Bauma China Shanghai, China bauma-china.com
2025
Jan. 29 – Feb. 1 ARA Show
Las Vegas, Nev. arashow.org Visit canadianrentalservice.com for updated Coming Events listings
G.C. DUKE PICKS UP ALTOZ
G.C. Duke, a Burlington, Ont.,based lawncare and landscaping equipment dealer, has announced it has become the national distributor for Altoz, a Minnesotabased manufacturer of zero-turn mowers and compact utility equipment. Altoz offers tracked zero-turn mowers in addition to the traditional wheeled style and a tracked utility loader with several available attachments.
“The Altoz Switch is a multi-use tool carrier for all seasons,” explains Mark Peart, Canadian rental store representative for G.C. Duke. “The Switch unit offers attachments such as snowblowers, rough area mowers, V-blades and power angle brooms. The ground-hugging track system also allows their commercial ZTR mowers to work on wet rough areas and steeper side hills than standard units. By being so versatile, these units give rental stores more options to offer their commercial customers.”
Altoz is headquartered in Greenbush, Minn., with 445,770-square-feet of manufacturing facilities in Greenbush and Red Lake Falls, Minn. The company employs over 295. Altoz is over 30 years old. It’s CEO is Dennis Brazier.
G.C. Duke was founded in 1948 by Clint and Bonnie Duke as Duke Lawn Equipment. It represents over 35 lines of lawncare and landscaping equipment, including golf carts, mowers, seeders, trenchers, spreaders, sod cutters and more.
COOPER ADDS ENVIRONMENT MONITORING TECHNOLOGY
Cooper Equipment Rentals has announced an exclusive partnership with Brickeye, a construction technology company focused on risk mitigation applications. This collaboration makes Cooper the sole rental provider of LumiNode and LumiSense systems for ambient monitoring applications across Canada. LumiNode and LumiSense products are advanced remote monitoring devices, tracking ambient temperature and humidity on construction job sites. These tools allow contractors to maintain optimal conditions for various applications, such as concrete curing. Real-time mobile alerts and analytics empower job site managers to make timely project efficiency and cost management decisions. LumiNode and LumiSense monitoring solutions will be available to rent through Cooper branches in every major market across Canada, ensuring a seamless and efficient rental process for contractors.
“We have engaged in extensive and meaningful discussions with our customers, and their input is invaluable. They consistently express the need for access to actionable data that can help them optimize costs and enhance productivity on the job site. We’re committed to delivering the best solutions for their needs while adding substantial value to their businesses. This partnership with Brickeye and their innovative approach is the next step in this journey,” says Brian Spilak, COO of Cooper Equipment Rentals.
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with a respected industry leader like Cooper Equipment Rentals,” remarks Brickeye chief commercial officer, Amir Azhari. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Brickeye, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and excellence in the construction industry. Together, we are poised to deliver unparalleled value, leveraging our respective strengths to drive efficiency, foster innovation and set new standards in helping our customers build safer, smarter, better.”
GRIEB TO LEAD GENERAL PIPE CLEANERS SALES
General Pipe Cleaners has announced the promotion of Angela Grieb to national sales manager. In her new role, Grieb will manage, train and support General Pipe Cleaners’ network of independent sales reps and interface with wholesalers, distributors, end-users and influencers. She will also provide customer support. Grieb joined General Pipe Cleaners in 2005 as the executive assistant. During her 19-year career at General Pipe Cleaners, she performed many roles, including sales support, marketing support, human relations and assistant national sales manager.
“Angela brings more than 30 years of manufacturing experience and knowledge to her new position,” said David Silverman, executive vicepresident of global sales for General Pipe Cleaners. “Her leadership will be a great asset and benefit to our company and customers.”
Grieb aims to increase customer loyalty through exceptional customer service and promote more women in the industry.
UNITED OFFERING ACCESS MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
United Rentals is offering an access management solution that seamlessly manages jobsite and equipment access through RFID badges. This single-badge, multi-use solution can increase jobsite visibility and control for safer, more efficient operations. This access management technology is compatible with a variety of third-party workforce management solutions that register workers and issue RFID badges for site entry. Once connected, workers are authenticated for entry at jobsite turnstiles and vehicle access-control points. United Rentals offers the solutions for rent as part of its one-stop site mobilization solution that includes fencing, restrooms, offices and temporary power. The same RFID badge can be used for equipment access management, where access control keypads are installed, creating a seamless end-to-end access management solution. This new solution augments United Rentals’ PIN code-based equipment access solutions, which are already available on thousands of rental units.
“Our Next-Generation access management solution connects workers and equipment to help our customers work more safely, productively and sustainably,” said Tony Leopold, senior vice-president of strategy and digital for United Rentals. “We are differentiating our offerings by connecting and managing data from the world’s largest fleet of over 360,000 telematicsenabled pieces of equipment.”
United Rentals’ cloud-based worksite management platform, Total Control, connects jobsite access with equipment access management through user profile data. Administrators can upload user information from workforce management systems and grant access to specific pieces of equipment or equipment category classes. Users can also view real-time and historical insights into equipment usage.
“Access management has become a key component of jobsite safety and productivity, especially as we see projects and teams growing larger and more complex,” said Mike Durand, executive vice-president and COO of United Rentals. “We’re committed to helping our customers work united through innovative solutions like access management.”
POINT OF RENTAL BUYS RECORD360
Record360, a rental inspection software provider, has been acquired by Point of Rental Software. The acquisition is designed to fuel Record360’s product development and growth, allowing the team to accelerate the pace of product innovation, increase its global footprint and excel in mobile digital documentation tools.
“Point of Rental aligns with our values of bringing innovative products to market while focusing on responsible long-term growth and customer service,” said Record360 CEO, Abby Chao. “Because our products are complementary, Record360 customers will benefit as we discover new features we can build into our product.”
Record360 will continue to operate as its own business entity, adding inspection software to Point of Rental’s valuable suite of independent solutions, which also include e-commerce, consumer portal, electronic signature collection and integrated payments.
“We see immense potential in the abilities of Record360 to transform the industry and we’re excited to combine our resources to realize that potential,” said Point of Rental CEO, Wayne Harris. “We’ll continue to prioritize Record360’s autonomy and increase integration points through the Open API so that any ERP system can fully integrate with Record360.”
by Treena Hein
OPPORTUNITY SEIZED
Brothers united by a love of business drive GTA Equipment Rentals.
IIt was just over 15 years ago in 2008 when Achille Ettorre got “the call” from his brother, Wess. “The economic downturn was in full swing and equipment prices had dropped substantially,” Achille explains. “The prices were especially low for equipment being brought in from the U.S. Wess called and said he thought it was time to make our move. I agreed and we purchased two skid steers on a credit card.”
This moment was the culmination of years of dreaming about owning their own rental business.
“We knew we could do it,” says Wess. “Of course, if it didn’t work, we could always sell the equipment. But business took off, and there was no looking back.”
Shortly after, with the skid steers on the way, Achille and Wess let their parents know they were going into business for themselves. “They were excited for us but also a little concerned,” Wess says with a smile. “They had immigrated from Italy and wanted us to get a good education and find secure, well-paying corporate jobs. And we had taken this guidance seriously. Both of us had graduated from Western University, and Achille had obtained an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. At that point, he had been in executive roles at several very wellknown companies.”
Wess had meanwhile been working for different rental companies in the Greater Toronto Area, learning as much as he could each day about industry operations in preparation for the day when he would start his own company with Achille.
Like so many who go on to own their own rental house, Wess had been exposed to the industry early and had found a passion for it.
He’d started working summers at a rental company firm at 16 and he’d even focussed some of his projects on the sector. There was no other pathway for him.
“I like the variety,” he says. “Rentals touch on everything – logistics, equipment, business growth, HR, marketing and so on. It keeps you on your toes.”
In starting their own rental business, the brothers would harness all of this education, experience and passion – but also carry on a proud family tradition of entrepreneurship as well.
Their grandparents in Italy had owned a butchery business and had always been an inspiration. Their grandfather had always stressed that there was liberation in owning your own company – to make your own decisions, to chart your course, to own your time.
They were about to find out about all that, because GTA Equipment Rentals had just been born.
EARLY YEARS
Success for GTA Equipment Rentals came fast and stayed steady. Those first two skid steers were rented out from Wess’ garage and were paid off very quickly. “We had a celebration,” says Achille. “We like to celebrate small wins.
Our parents were pleased and happy to see this success and hear our plans.”
Their strategy was actually not to grow too much too quickly, but rather build the business organically over time. Achille stayed in his corporate role for many years, contributing from a strategic perspective while Wess handled daily operations.
“We wanted to keep growth at a level we found comfortable,” Achille says. “Maybe we should have tried to grow faster, but we were happy with our sub -
stantial progress each year. We were busy enough managing it all, and we also wanted to keep a good work-life balance.”
As it grew, GTA Equipment Rentals moved four times, from a small building and yard, to a shared space with another rental company, to another location that didn’t work out, to their present location in Oakville, Ont. There are eight employees, several of them long-term. In terms of inventory, in the early days the Ettorres bought more skid steers, then excavators and wheel and track
units, later adding lifts, booms and other items to meet the needs of their growing customer base. They may add a second outlet in the future, as their growth rate continues upward.
Recent investments have included some newer lifts and excavators. Serving all three sub-sectors of the equipment rental industry has meant GTA needs to keep a versatile fleet capable of meeting most needs without being too specialized or over-engineered.
Here’s Achille and Wess with a piece of history – the first Bobcat they bought in 2008.
FACTORS IN SUCCESS
For a long time, GTA has served three main markets: DIY, infrastructure projects and the industrial sector. This flexibility has provided a consistent revenue stream, but also enables the company to be ready to handle a disruptive market event (such as a pandemic) with relative ease.
As mentioned, the brothers’ shared education and work history has also strongly supported their success, but their shared values have also played a critical role.
“We conduct the business with honesty and integrity,” says Achille. “We love our business and it’s part of our identity We are very proud of our reputation and the trust customers place in us. From the
The GTA staff didn’t want to be in the photos but they showed Wess and Achille where everything is on the counter so they could pose for this picture.
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early years onward, we evolve with our customers as they grow and expand their own business. Our investment in rental equipment aligns with our customers’ requirements for equipment solutions.
Wess adds that relationships are also very important, and not just those with their customers.
“We work with competitors anytime it’s needed,” he says. “We take the attitude that we’re here to help whoever needs help. And we are constantly focussed on improvement and innovation.”
DIGITAL ERA
One of those areas of improvement and innovation began about six months ago in September 2023. At that point, GTA Equipment Rentals embarked on a journey of digital transformation, aiming to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency. The brothers view this endeavor as essential to staying competitive, emphasizing continuous improvement and the freedom to adapt and learn.
Achille’s expertise in analytics has played a crucial role in this transition.
He has extensive experience and passion for this topic, and is currently an advisory board member for the Analytics AI Graduate Program at the Smith School of Business at Queens University.
“Some aspects haven’t been as easy as we thought they would be, but we’re getting towards the finish line,” he reports. “We’ve made significant investments in
reserve equipment and pay their bills at any hour, and much more.”
And while Wess and Achille are uncertain how many other independent rental businesses are undergoing digital transformation (at all, or to what extent), they believe that when GTA is transformed, their digitization will be quite close to that of the big chains. This investment
“We evolve with our customers as they grow and expand their businesses.” - Achille Ettorre
time and money and we’re quite pleased with our progress. At this point, we’re digitizing the equipment repair/maintenance workflows and also overhauling our online presence. Customers will be able to login, see their order history,
will keep the company on a level playing field and empower the Ettorres to better handle whatever the future holds.
FLEXIBILITY AND FUTURE
Of their three main three main markets,
GTA’s yard is on a busy strip in Oakville with a couple national rental chains nearby. The Ettorres say, if anything, the presence of their big competitors helps business. They frequently cooperate with re-rents and referrals.
Wess and Achille surmise that infrastructure may turn out to be strongest over the next few years. “But perhaps interest rates go down and people are doing renovations and installing pools in droves again,” says Achille. “If so, we’ll be ready for that too, while the industrial market will likely remain steady. We are confident that we will be able to handle whatever comes.”
Whatever the future looks like, through GTA Equipment Rentals, the Ettorres will continue to support their community through sports teams, local soccer clubs, Habitat for Humanity projects and other initiatives. And the Ettorres will also remain committed to a journey of growth. Their story is one of resilience, adaptability and a steadfast commitment
to their values and vision, one that they hope inspires fellow entrepreneurs, pays homage to their ancestry and serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of the rental industry. This journey, in the end, is one of two brothers and a shared dream.
Wess and Achille are pleased with their success, but also pleased that Achille’s three children are learning the business –and that Achille and Wess have been able to work side by side together in recent years after Achille decided to join Wess full time.
“I enjoyed my corporate career very much and I have still have strong ties and leadership roles with several initiatives, but one detraction was being away a lot,” Achille says. “While the rental business
doesn’t necessarily end at five every day, it’s been quite amazing to be home for dinner every night and spend so much more time with family during the critical years.” CRS
Lessons from Jamaica, part II
Stonewalling customers is no way to reward loyalty.
by Russ Dantu
We took a vacation to Negril, Jamaica, recently. Because it was our 15th anniversary, we upgraded our seats with Westjet to premium. It cost us well over $1,000 more than flying in the regular seats that we usually choose, but we wanted to make it extra special.
You can imagine our dismay when we received an email at 4:30 a.m. the day of our 9 a.m. flight saying the plane had been changed and we’d have to see an agent at Pearson Airport to arrange new seats. When we got there, we were told that it was a Flair aircraft that would now be taking us down and there are no premium seats on a Flair aircraft. We got regular seats like everyone else and there was no Westjet Connect available to stream something to watch on the four-hour flight.
We boarded the plane. No free drinks, no apologies…nothing. I guess you could say these are First World problems and we were lucky to going to Jamaica when so many people are struggling these days. I get it and we are very grateful indeed. We landed and had an amazing time, but around 8:30 a.m. on the day of our departure, we received another message from Westjet saying the plane had been changed and we’d have to see an agent at Montego Bay Airport to arrange new seats…on the same Flair airplane.
We had a fairly tight connection in Toronto for our next flight to Calgary so we pleaded our case to the Westjet agent to put the special tags on our bags so that they come off the plane first.
“No sir. This plane does not have premium seats, so no premium service is offered.”
We eventually asked to speak to a supervisor. She came over about 10 minutes after the agent told her what was happening. She was outright rude.
“The agent has told you this flight has no premium seats so you get nothing special. We have no special tags for regular flights. That’s final… move along.”
We stood and argued for another 20 minutes with her and she finally gave us the special tags and we made it to Toronto and caught our connection with about 30 minutes to spare.
A few days later, Westjet sent an email saying we deserved compensation since we lost out on the premium seats. This was exciting, as I was going to approach them since we have been loyal customers for many years. When I read further, my excitement turned into resentment. We paid over $1,000 more for premium seats and they said all we were entitled to was $564 back.
I replied to the email without accepting the offer, stating our case and showing them the email from our travel agent where she showed us regular fares and premium fares. It fell on deaf ears. Long story short, everything was online and there was no access offered to any responsible person for either myself or our travel agent.
This got me thinking about how we run our businesses. If you have long-time customers who have an issue, do you not owe it to them to seriously listen to them and try to work out a fair solution? If someone in your staff is not making them happy, should you not have an email address or phone number of a supervisor they can reach out to, if the person isn’t available? We’ve talked about this before: what is the cost of finding new customers as opposed to keeping old customers? It takes a lot of work. Bad publicity can hurt you and if enough people complain, then you will eventually be hurt.
Westjet isn’t the only airline that has customer complaints falling on deaf ears…they all do. Their way of dealing with issues is close to having this customer look elsewhere.
Take care of yourselves…and your customers! 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.
The power of yes
by Michelle Nicol, CERP
There is tremendous power in a “yes” mentality, for both professional and personal growth. If we are able to recognize the possibilities in a situation we might have otherwise overlooked, it has the potential to benefit our business in many ways. Some say that saying yes to opportunities is risky, but what if saying no is riskier? Many successful businesses and professionals said yes to a customer, an unconventional idea or a new experience…and that resulted in positive change and exciting new opportunities.
SAYING YES TO CUSTOMERS
The customer is always right – right? This has been a hot topic in every industry for ages. Saying yes to a customer does not mean that you are saying yes to losing money. It also does not mean that you are saying yes to doing something that puts your staff in an unsafe situation or bends your company policy, rules or regulations. An instant conversation dead end is “no.” When you say yes, you are leaning into the partnership and it shows that you are open to working with the other party and paying attention to their requests which, in turn, creates loyal customers. The higher the customer satisfaction, the more likely they are to offer return business and recommend your services to others.
SAYING YES TO EMPLOYEES
The first thing that typically comes to mind when talking about appreciating your employees are pizza days, raises and swag. While those things matter, they are usually not the highest valued items to an employee. It is no news that worklife balance is now one of the most important aspects of someone’s job, and being able to spend time with loved ones outside of work, which you would normally be spending commuting, is incredibly valuable. Saying yes to an employee’s mental health and suggestions they have that will help them feel more valuable will pay itself back in efficiency, loyalty, culture, morale and the drive to thrive at their job.
SAYING YES TO SPONSORSHIP
You may be thinking, ”Why would I offer sponsorship and how will that make me money?”
Being a sponsor for an event does not always make sense and some clients will not offer the return that makes sense for your business. If you have the opportunity to be involved from the beginning there might be an opportunity to be transparent with the client and tell them what you value most in return. Many events offer logo placement at the bottom of their e-blasts or on a secret hidden sponsor page on their website (that no one usually willingly navigates to). You will want to be open to the customer and tell them what they need to provide in order for you to receive a return on your sponsorship investment. Things like having the opportunity to take over their social media page for a day, e-blast their clients or have them personally introduce you to stakeholders, venues or caterers who they work with are things that can directly and positively benefit your business and offer a great chance of building relationships with new customers.
SAYING YES TO UNCOMFORTABLE OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities that rise up may be out of your comfort zone but can offer growth personally and professionally. These opportunities in our industry could be in the form of a speaking engagement, panel participation, moderating industry panels and more. Being part of an event in this capacity allows you to share your insights and knowledge with likeminded industry professionals, positioning you as the expert in your industry that you are. It also offers the opportunity to expand your personal and professional network which, in the end, will grow your business. If you have the courage to put yourself out there and build your personal credibility you will foster lasting relationships. CRS
Michelle Nicol is an award-winning account manager and festival specialist with Higgins Event Rentals in Toronto.
by James Hong
Drive safe Equipment drivers have a lot to think about.
Whether for delivery, moving material, or operating light and heavy machinery, safe driving practices start with driver training and vehicle maintenance. It is simply not possible to safely drive a faulty or compromised vehicle. A routine maintenance schedule should be part of every working vehicle’s ownership responsibilities. Driver training is as important, not only to ensure proper operation but also to train drivers to understand the requirements for driving related to construction work. Safe driving goes hand-in-hand with proper worksite access setup. Let’s have a look at both site access setup and safe driving practices. Driving on construction sites should be done with caution, following safety protocols and regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of workers and equipment. This not only protects workers it also protects equipment. Access roads must be clearly indicated, using signage for speed limits and direction with defined pedestrian paths that have barriers and cones. Where needed, the site manager should employ full time traffic control such as flaggers or traffic lights for managing vehicle flow as well as creating pedestrian paths and walkways separate and away from vehicle paths. Vehicle roads must be wide enough for specific vehicle sizes. They should be properly graded and stabilized for the vehicle loads. Congestion should be managed by designating both construction vehicle and worker vehicle parking. Road obstruction can be mitigated by storing material away from access and worksite roads. There should be sufficient lighting on roads and paths. Access roads are affected by vehicle use and weather, therefore it is important to prevent deterioration and hazards with routine road and path checks to determine maintenance requirements. If your drivers are arriving at sites where these conditions are not in place, they should evaluate the situation carefully before entering and not enter if they don’t feel safe.
Drivers should start the day by checking their vehicles for good working conditions and prop -
er suitable tires including a spare tire and jack. They need to make sure to carry proper identification and authorization for jobsite entry. They should wear appropriate personal protective equipment – a bare minimum of a hard hat and high-visibility vest will help protect them when exiting and entering the vehicle. For site vehicle coordination they should use two-way radios or other devices to stay informed of traffic activity and changes to access. They need to always be diligent in following posted speed limits and slow down in areas with construction activities while keeping a safe distance from workers, work activities, pedestrians and other vehicles. They must obey signs, signals and flaggers and be aware of construction vehicle limitations such as large blind spots. Drivers should keep their headlights on; studies have shown that keeping headlights on even in daylight increases visibility by a large margin. As is the case for all driving, they shouldn’t use their phones or engage in any distracting activities while operating the vehicle. They need to know where they are going, how to get there and how to safely manoeuver through the worksite. They should always yield right of way to equipment and workers and ensure their own load is securely in place using load management. When driving an oversized or slow-moving vehicle they need to use their hazard lights to alert other drivers and follow and stay within marked lanes. Remind them to drive appropriately for weather conditions and slow down to accommodate weather elements. They should follow road restrictions such as off-limit access and know the location of emergency exits and first-aid stations on the worksite.
Finally, drivers need to be prepared for sudden stops, maintaining safe braking distances from vehicles in front of them. They need to be aware of how their load will affect the space they need to stop.
Be safe. Be well. CRS
James Hong is an independent safety writer and journalist.
RIGHT SIZING YOUR TRUCK FLEET
Three different mid-size pickup trucks to consider for your fleet.
by Mario Cywinski
Commercial work pickup trucks are the lifeblood of many industries. While many opt to get a full-size pickup truck, either as a 1500 or heavy-duty (2500 and above), for many these trucks are either too big, too expensive, or not what they need. That is where mid-size pickups come in. While on the way out of favour a few years ago, they are now back with many new models on the market.
We reached out to various OEMs to drive what they have available. What we have are three midsize trucks that each come to the dance in a different set of clothes. The Ford Maverick is the smallest of the three trucks and the only one which is
a unibody. The Nissan Frontier is the most trucklike of the three and is a body-on-frame. The final truck is the GMC Canyon and it is the one which is a body-on-frame but drives like a unibody.
FORD MAVERICK
While most of the pickup truck attention and sales for Ford are the F-Series (F150 and Super Duty), Ford does offer two pickup trucks that are in the smaller range. First is the long-running mid-sized Ranger, and second is the smaller Maverick. Both trucks are fit for purpose, as many companies do not need a full-size pickup truck to do the needed job, and these two are more of a right size option.
Ford Maverick XLT with Tremor off-road package
Having recently driven the smaller Maverick XLT with Tremor off-road package, lets focus on that. The Maverick feels more like driving a SUV than a large pickup truck. This can be attributed to the fact it is a unibody, and not a body-on-frame (like larger trucks). For those who prefer a more refined drive, this truck delivers that.
For 2024 the biggest change is the standard engine now being the 2.0-litre EcoBoost mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.5L hybrid mated to a CVT being the optional engine and only available on front-wheel-drive models. Basically, Ford has flipped things with what is standard and what is optional.
The standard inline-four turbocharged engine offers 250 horsepower and 277 pound/feet of torque, while the inline-four hybrid engine offers 162 hp (191 hp combined with hybrid system), and 155 lb/ft of torque. The hybrid system offers 94 kilowatts of power from its electric motor. While the hybrid is only available in front-wheel-drive, the turbocharged engine comes standard with all-wheel drive.
As a result of the Maverick’s smaller size, the engine never felt like it was struggling. Having driven both versions of the vehicle at different points in time, both felt responsive and enough for the vehicle. The EcoBoost is obviously the more powerful option and does a better job while towing or with any payload, however, the hybrid is enough for most fleets.
Capability is one of the main aspects that are needed in a work truck, namely payload and towing. Looking at payload, both engine options offer 1,500 lbs of capacity (with the models featuring the Tremor off-road package offering 1,200 lbs). Towing capability is 2,000 lbs, with the 4K tow package on AWD EcoBoost models doubling that to 4,000 lbs.
The second most important aspect of a pickup truck is the cargo capacities. The Maverick has a cargo volume of 33.3 cubic feet, an exposed cargo width of 53.3 inches, a pickup body length (floor) of 54.4 inches and a lift-in height of 30.1 inches on Hybrid models, or 30.5 inches for EcoBoost and models with the Tremor package. Interior passenger volume is 100.3 cu/ft on the Hybrid, 98.3 cu/ft on the EcoBoost AWD or 101.5 cu/ft on models featuring the Tremor package.
Safety is also important and the Maverick comes with many of
Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 technologies: standard are auto high beams, pre-collision assist with automatic braking and rearview camera. Optional are adaptive cruise control with stop and go, steering assist, lane centering, reverse sensing system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping and hill descent control.
The Maverick with the Tremor package I drove was equipped with many safety features and it gave the driver an added sense of security. For those workers who spend a lot of time of the road, getting the added safety features is a must, as it gives both the company and driver more peace of mind.
The Maverick sees other smaller changes for 2024, with package, colour and elimination of some stand-alone options.
GMC CANYON
While Ford offers two mid-size/compact trucks that are of dif-
GMC Canyon with AT4X trim
TECH TIPS
ferent sizes, General Motors does things differently. They have two trucks that are on the same platform, but with different badges and trim structures. The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are both similar vehicles, with the GMC being looked at as the more “premium” work truck. Having driven the Canyon AT4X recently, let’s look at it.
Like it’s larger sibling, the Sierra, the
Canyon is a body-on-frame model. While many larger pickups that are body-onframe can have a rougher ride, the Canyon is a very smooth ride. It is one of the smoothest riding mid-size pickups available. As a result, for a minute I thought that it was a unibody, before double checking to see that in fact it is a body-on-frame.
The Canyon comes standard with a 2.7L turbocharged inline-four engine offering
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310 hp and 430 lb/ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine comes with active fuel management and stop/start.
Of the three trucks, the Canyon has the best payload capacity, however, this is only for certain trims levels, as the range goes from 1,010 to 1,590 lbs. In terms of towing capacity, the GMC once again comes out on top with certain trims being at 7,700 lbs (other trims come with 6,600 and 5,500 lbs of capacity).
As the Canyon was in AT4X trim, the highest available, this was also the nicest looking truck of the three. With the most refined interior and best fit and finish.
The Canyon comes with standard automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane keeping assist and warning, and buckle-to-start, while available features include blind spot steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, rear park assist and rear pedestrian alert.
One thing to keep in mind on the Canyon is that it has no physical headlight button or knob. The headlights are controlled with the centre infotainment screen. Maybe I am old, as I spent a good amount of time trying to find how to turn the lights on.
NISSAN FRONTIER
With the drop of the full-size Titan from the Nissan lineup, the mid-size Frontier is the only truck remaining in the company’s Canadian portfolio.
The vehicle that was tested was a Crew Cab Pro-4X with nearly $17,000 worth of Nismo accessories. Now most of these were for off-roading, however, some can be used by fleets. They included roof rack, high overlanding rack, bronze truck wheels, high performance front and rear suspension kit, forged upper control arms, A-pillar light mounts and four-inch round lights, cat-back exhaust and hood graphic.
Nissan offers a 3.8L V6 DOHC engine in the Frontier, outputting 310 hp and 281 lb/ft of torque mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It is the only one of the three with a six-cylinder engine instead of a turbocharged four. While the vehicle was slightly sluggish going up steep
hills, that could be attributed to the accessories that were part of the vehicle. Under all other operation, it provided enough power.
Fuel economy is listed at 12.8 to 13.1 L/100 km in the city, and 10.2 to 10.5 L/100 km on the highway, depending on the trim level. Obviously, these numbers will fluctuate depending on the payload, towing or how many Nismo accessories you have.
As the most truck-like of the three vehi-
cles that were driven, the Frontier also has the harshest ride. However that is not to say it is not comfortable, it just feels more like a larger truck. It also offers a much larger towing capacity of between 6,170 and 6,220 lbs, depending on the trim level.
The Frontier is also the only one of the three trucks to offer two bed lengths, with a cargo bed volume of 40.1 inches (standard bed) or 49.2 inches (long bed with a spray-in bedliner). How much payload can you put into the bed? Anywhere between
1,050 and 1,200 lbs, depending on the trim level.
Unlike, so other models on the market, the Frontier offers all its safety features as standard equipment. That includes lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert and automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, and a rear sonar system.
What the midsize truck segment shows is, unlike the larger 1500 level and above trucks, one size does not fit all. These trucks come not only in different sizes, payloads and designs, but, most importantly, they come differently fit for purpose. Everything from a pure truck template to a recreational SUV with a bed template. And of course, everything in between.
Which truck is right for you? CRS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mario Cywinski has worked in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada.
Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Pro-4X with Nismo accessory package
FEELING GREEN
A study by Trackunit casts light on evolving attitudes toward sustainability in construction.
by Trackunit
Construction has often been depicted as caring little for wider societal or environmental concerns. But if our Sustainability Report for 2024 is anything to go by, that’s no longer accurate and the industry is gearing up to accelerate the battle on emissions.
SURVEY RESPONSE
In all, almost 13,000 industry participants took part in this survey and while not all of those managed to plough their way through the 50-plus
questions, the fact that many either did or at least answered more than half is indicative of just how important sustainability now is to the industry.
At 73 percent, European respondents dominated the roster as expected with nearly three-quarters, but there was sufficient significant input from North America, Asia, Oceania and Africa to give the findings real global teeth. Collectively, it makes for as complete a platform for research, analysis and insight as can be expected. Contractors, dealers and equipment rental companies were also well represented while those managing public sector construction projects weighed in with approximately four percent of the total.
TOP-LINE RESULTS
Forty-nine percent of the survey respondents marked sustainability as “important” or “very important” to their business. That significantly outstrips the 33 percent who fell on the “not important” side of the equation and represents a strong consolidation of the industry’s position despite the severe macro crosswinds impacting business over the last two to three years.
Fifty-nine percent of both the contractor and equipment rental segments of construction posted that sustainability is “important” or “very important.” Dealers and equipment owners respectively scored 51 and 43 percent. Tellingly, the business-as-usual faction was squeezed to the margins with contractors, dealers and equipment rentals registering just 14, 17 and 17 percent respectively as considering sustainability as “not important at all.”
Of the 726 respondents from construction businesses with operating income in excess of $73.5 million per year, 440 ticked sustainability as “important” or “very important” to their business, about 60 percent of the total. That percent-
age gradually dwindles as cost concerns most likely impact businesses further down the pyramid to the point where companies earning less than $1 million per year mark it at a still respectable 38 percent “important” or “very important.”
There’s a startling 11-percentage-point difference between North American construction companies and their European counterparts with a respective 36 and 25 percent scoring sustainability as “very important.” That differential narrows to nine when those marking it as “important” are included for respective totals of 55 and 46 percent. It reflects a perhaps unexpected but very welcome urgency in North American attitudes to meeting the UN’s 2030 targets on emissions.
It’s evident that the industry is feeling a significant pull from clients on the sustainability agenda with contractors topping out at 59 percent regarding the degree customers see it as “important” or “very important.” Less than one-quarter of contractors considered sustainability to be “not important” or “not important at all” to clients.
THE BIG PICTURE
The global growth in electrical vehicles was projected to reach $561.3 billion U.S. in 2023 and near double to $906.7 billion U.S. by 2028 with 17.07 million vehicles on the road by 2028, according to [research firm] Statista. There are also powerful governmental drives already in place that are changing the landscape, like California’s greenwashing regulations that came into effect on Jan. 1. That has been underpinned by a societal wave that broadly favors action, despite the inevitable costs involved, that mitigates the worst effects of climate change.
That same sentiment is clearly something construction is tapping into if our survey is anything to go by. When we went to the industry, 49 percent said sustainability would be a key concern for them over the next five years, with 28 percent stating it to be “very important.” To put that in context, only 20 percent said it was “not important at all.”
While that represents a decrease from the same survey in 2021 when 33 percent considered it to be “very important,” the impacts of the COVID crisis, the
war in Ukraine and a cost of living crisis that swept through the globe for much of 2022 and 2023 have un- doubtedly weighed heavily on sentiment.
It’s evident that the industry is feeling a significant pull from clients on the sustainability agenda.
Reliability
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
But it has not gone unnoticed that there has been a mood
In the last 12 to 24 months. Virginiaheadquartered engineering and construction company Bechtel has, for example, firmly established the circular principle at the heart of its sustainability strategy and plans to cut its emissions by 25 percent in the next two years, with hard-andfast KPIs in place.
SETTING A BENCHMARK
While those targets may seem crazy, what Bechtel is doing alongside similar-thinking construction companies is setting a benchmark for the industry to follow. And that standard appears to be infectious, all-consuming and potentially pivotal in accelerating a battle against emissions that, if delivered, could see swathes of the sector fall into line with the UN’s 2030 targets with time to spare.
That culture already exists in much of Europe, led in particular by the Nordic economies. With local government legis-
lation providing the “stick” and the industry’s self-imposed desire to be better acting as the “carrot,” the catalyzing effects of that sentiment are already apparent.
We’ve seen that in the types of machinery being purchased, the transmission of ownership and responsibility to individual machine operators and the longterm battle against downtime that has coalesced into a powerful and magnetic industry-wide movement. With construction estimated to be responsible for about 37 percent of all global emissions, according to a UN report in 2021, a parallel transformation in the industry would be, to put it mildly, timely.
There seems little doubt that key stakeholders are at the very least trying to lead such a revolution. And when dominoes fall, they can fall quickly especially when all the building blocks are in place. It looks like they could be. CRS
Trackunit is a global supplier of telematics and emiisions-tracking technology.
CANADA’S FASTEST-GROWING TRADE SHOW
Concrete Expo’s 2024 edition continued a rapid upward trajectory.
CCE has more than tripled its floor space since its inception in 2018.
The sixth annual Canadian Concrete Expo was held Feb. 14-15 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont. CCE is Canada’s only national trade show serving the concrete, construction and aggregates industries. A new record was set as 6,709 industry representatives attended CCE 2024 with over 350 national and international exhibitors showcasing the latest technology, equipment, tool products and services.
“We continue to see national and international growth as visitors represented all provinces and territories in Canada, plus 14 countries around the globe.” says Stuart Galloway, CCE president.
CCE continues to appeal to more and more contractors, developers and specifiers each year
as Canada’s fastest growing trade show. Started in 2018 with a footprint of 80,000 square feet with the recent 2024 event at just under 300,000 square feet, CCE is quickly becoming a must attend industry event, providing excellent conference sessions, stage presentations, large equipment demonstrations, plus opportunities for networking and sourcing new suppliers.
“The future looks positive for Canada’s construction industry driven by large infrastructure projects, government incentives, commercial growth and a need for affordable housing,” says Galloway
Plans for the Canadian Concrete Expo are already in progress as the event returns to the International Centre, Feb. 12-13, 2025.
SEEN AT CONCRETE EXPO
Here’s a look
GOOD POWER-TOWEIGHT RATIO
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Designed to handle a wide range of applications, the K540i is a new 10-inch battery power cutter with an adjustable blade guard and cutting depth up to four inches. The
cutter boasts many features while maintaining the important factors of performance, value and operational safety. Operators get a capable power cutter that’s easy and efficient to use thanks to its strong power-to-weight ratio and low noise. It is a compact power cutter with a low cost of ownership. The K 540i also features X-Halt, an electronic brake system that engages should a kickback occur. To optimize performance, the K 540i power cutter is supplied with a specially designed Husqvarna diamond blade.
LOW-FLOW ALARM
8 milwaukeetool.ca
The M18 Fuel Packout dual-battery nine-gallon dust extractor provides sustained suction with dual automatic filter cleaning by maintaining air performance levels, resulting in enhanced productivity. Delivering versatile power for all-day productivity, the
extractor provides cordless convenience with corded capabilities, critical for multi-phase sites. It includes VacLink, an integrated wireless dust control technology that allows users the ability to activate the dust extractor from the remote or from the tool for increased efficiency on the jobsite. Further enhancing safety, the Packout features an integrated lowflow alarm that alerts the user when the airflow reaches a level at which dust extraction is no longer effective, ensuring usage remains optimal and airflow levels are maintained.
WORKS INDOORS
8 domax.ca
The E-Truck from Muck-Truck is a new innovation for those looking for a product with all the strengths and features of other Muck-Truck models but also the capability to work in mines, buildings or other
areas where both noise or fumes would have previously been a problem. Electricpowered wheelbarrows are gaining popularity with both residential and commercial users. The E-Truck is built in the U.K. by Muck-Truck. Designed from the ground up with premium components, these wheelbarrows are constructed to the highest standards without compromise.
E-Truck carrying capacity is 550 pounds and can handle a 30-degree slope. It has a variable speed of zero to 3.5 miles per hour. The battery supports up to eight hours operating capacity and the machine is easy to manoeuver and control.
COMPACT HYDRODEMOLITION
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Aquajet has introduced the Revojet 270 high-pressure pump. The Revojet is highly mobile and takes up less space
than other high-pressure pumps, excelling in smaller-scale hydrodemolition projects. It’s designed to pair with Aquajet’s most compact hydrodemolition robots – the Aqua Cutter 410 and the Ergo system – for applications such as small parking garage renovation and industrial cleaning. The Revo control system makes the Revojet stand out on both efficiency and environmental protection. The system provides a wide range of functions for users to control and monitor the Revojet in a safe, user-friendly package. Its features include closed-loop pressure control or RPM control and smart pressure regulating that quickly finds the set pressure from the idle or auto-stop state. The Revojet also has a mode that flushes the hoses without any nozzle mounted, along with an RPM hold delay for hand lancing that minimizes delay when the high-pressure trigger is activated. Operators can easily set parameters on the graphic colour display with instructions available in multiple languages. Users can see all important information
in real time or view a history of items such as the alarm list and trip meters for fuel consumption. The system also automatically tracks service schedules to minimize downtime. Aquajet put mobility at the forefront of the Revojet’s design. The trailer unit weighs 7,716 pounds, making it light enough to be towed with a pickup or large SUV. Additionally, a compact hydrodemolition robot, such as the Ergo, can be stowed in the same towing vehicle, providing simple transport between jobsites and quick setup without having to load the pump on a larger truck and trailer. A stationary Revojet unit is also available.
SUPERIOR DUST CAPTURE
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The iQMS362 16.5-inch dry-
SHOWCASE
cut masonry saw with integrated dust control from Bartell Global and iQ Power Tools is designed for superior speed, accuracy, versatility, portability, power management and dust collection. It’s suitable for any rental house that serves masonry and hardscape professionals. The saw is designed to dry-cut a wide variety of masonry materials with speed and precision. It is easy to transport and runs off standard 120V power, making it ideal for setup and use anywhere. The integrated dust control system allows for safe and compliant dry cutting, indoors or out, without the hassle and mess that comes with cutting wet. Dust is captured within the blade guard, rear dust guard and the downdraft louvered table via a high-powered integrated vacuum system. The three-stage cyclonic filtration system captures heavy debris, fine particles, and super-fine particles. This all allows for up to 99.5 percent dust capture from the cut. The onboard dust collection chamber holds 40 pounds of debris.
LIGHTING NICE TO HAVE
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The BullVibe by MBW is a unique vibratory bull float attachment designed for concrete finishing with quality and durability in mind. Powered by the M18 RedLithium battery system, the user can experience the freedom of cordless operation with the versatility to use any size M18 RedLithium battery. Customers can achieve precise results with the state-of-theart vibratory system, adjusting the output to match specific requirements and lock into position, ensuring a consistent
finish. LED lighting allows for confident use in dimly lit job sites. The sealed system prevents concrete accumulation, saving downtime. The rotating knuckle design allows users to navigate tight spaces and complex angles.
HIGH-SPEED CORING
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Diamond Products has unveiled its latest innovation in drilling technology with the introduction of the Hyper Core Bore bit line, designed to enhance efficiency and performance in coring applications. This line includes several products tailored to meet the diverse needs of the construction and drilling industry. At the forefront of this line is the Hyper Core Bore bit that caters to a broader range of general-purpose coring needs, especially in concrete. Its design prioritizes speed with-
out sacrificing quality, making it an excellent choice for projects requiring rapid coring in concrete materials. The wide-spaced serrated turbo style of the Hyper bit reduces surface-to-surface contact, enhancing speed and efficiency during drilling operations.
The Ultra White bit is distinguished by its M-16 segments that feature a unique bevel surface point. This design is engineered for fast coring, allowing users to achieve precise and clean cores with minimal effort. The bevel surface point not only improves penetration rates out of the box but also extends the bit’s lifespan and ensures consistent performance. For those seeking the pinnacle of coring speed, the Mach3 turbo bit is the go-to option within the Hyper Core Bore bit line. It is specifically crafted for the fastest core extraction, offering unparalleled speed and efficiency. The Mach3 turbo bit incorporates M-Segment technology with three surface points, which contributes to its exceptional performance and makes it a preferred choice for high-speed coring.
EASY TOWING
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The Crown C9C-GH8 is a nine-cubic-foot towable concrete mixer that comes standard with an eight horsepower Honda GX240 engine. An electric motor is optional on this model. Its steel drum is manufactured using high abrasion-resistant 10-gauge steel, giving it a longer life. It has an oversized dump wheel for easy handling and better control of the drum. Its drive pinions and gear rings are made with cast iron, providing better
durability and longer life. This mixer comes standard with a rubber torsion suspension system for the industry’s smoothest towing and handling. A two-inch ball or pintle tow hitch is included at no extra cost, as well as the towing safety chain. All Crown concrete mixers (seven, nine and 12 cubic feet) use the same frame, thus the drum capacity can be changed using the same frame; even changing from a steel to a poly drum.
PERFECT FOR HIGH-VOLUME
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The new MSP465 ride-on trowel from Allen Engineering was redesigned with the high-volume flatwork concrete contractor in mind. The MSP465 comes equipped with assisted steering, reducing operator fatigue. It comes with a powerful 57 horsepower Kubota liquid-cooled gasoline engine that keeps this machine running cooler and a 10-gallon fuel tank for longer run times. This rider produces excellent torque even at high rotor speeds, which makes it excellent for panning or finishing operations.
MADE FOR CONCRETE WORK
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Wacker Neuson has introduced a new mini track dumper with a focus on concrete applications. The DT12P features a 15-cubic-foot poly skip designed to haul liquid concrete. Two skip configurations will be available. The front tip skip is designed to get the dump height as low as possible to the ground and the 180-degree swivel skip allows for maximum flexibility.
JM-1450
ELECTRIC WATER JET
General Pipe Cleaners’ compact and powerful JM-1450 water jet uses high-pressure water to clear clogged drain lines. The 1,500 psi pump features Vibra-pulse® to help propel the hose down long runs and around tight bends. The telescoping handle and removable hose reel make maneuvering easier.
SNOOK’S LOOK
Growing through decarbonization
Pain at the pumps…profit on the projects?
by Andrew Snook
We are headed towards a low-emissions world. And while Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 (along with 120 other countries) seems unlikely, many companies are working hard and investing billions of dollars to become net-zero emissions producers.
On April 1, Canada’s carbon tax is set to jump from $65 a tonne to $80 a tonne in all provinces that do not have their own carbon pricing systems (B.C., Quebec and the Northwest Territories have their own programs in place). While many of you cringe and curse at the carbon taxes when you’re filling up at the pumps (and that’s certainly understandable), aggressive decarbonization could create new opportunities within the equipment rental sector. Let’s look at a few sectors where these opportunities appear to be growing.
A significant part of Canada’s GDP relies on the construction, heavy mining, forestry and aggregates sectors, which many of you already service. Lower emissions requirements sometimes mean companies investing in more energy-efficient light and heavy equipment earlier than previously expected. In the manufacturing and resource sectors, lower emissions targets also require the refurbishing of old infrastructure and the building of new infrastructure.
As just one example, Dow announced the green light for a massive $11.5-billion net-zero facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., which will become the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives facility. This project is expected to generate between 400 and 500 full-time jobs once completed, and somewhere between 6,000 to 8,000 jobs during the construction phase of the facility. If this project needs that many construction jobs, you can sure bet it’s going to need a heck of a lot of equipment.
Across the Atlantic, the EU Innovation Fund just recently approved the support of Germany’s
first decarbonized cement plant. The fund is putting forward 191 million Euros in support of Heidelberg Materials’ GeZero project. Canada’s cement producers are on similar paths to decarbonization. Holcim (Lafarge Canada), for example, has spent billions on new technologies and refurbishing its cement plants so they will produce lower emissions, and has plans for many more projects at its facilities moving forward.
And what about the decarbonization of the energy sector? Some provinces are planning out the construction of small modular reactors (I’m looking at you, Ontario), while others are investigating the potential for the technology. Long-term infrastructure projects like that will also give the construction sector a boost. The government of Ontario announced last year that it is working with Ontario Power Generation on the planning and licensing for three new SMRs at the site of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, which would come online between 2034 and 2036.
The government of Canada announced this past September that it would put more than $175 million into supporting 12 clean energy projects in Alberta, which include a variety of wind and solar projects, as well as the modernization of some of ATCO’s existing infrastructure, hardware and software systems.
These are just a few examples of the many projects underway and in the planning stages across Canada. So while you may have a few choice words for government officials as you pull into your local gas station and fill your tank, try and look on the bright side of a decarbonized Canada, which could not only help the planet, but also create new opportunities for your business. CRS
Andrew Snook is the former editor of Rock to Road, Crane and Hoist and On Site.
THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A BOOM LIFT
IT’S ALL OF THE PARTS THAT MAKE IT A BOOM LIFT.
With more than 47 million part numbers, TVH is a leading provider of quality parts and accessories for the material handling, industrial equipment and light construction industries.
Our commitment to service, knowledge and product availability makes TVH the One-Stop-Shop for our customers.
They’re fantastic rental tools – with proven return-on-investment!”
– Mike Kusick, Aero Rental, Iowa City, IA
We prefer General to other brands. Our customers are satisfied, and so are we!”
– Von Hunn, Garden True Value Hardware, Garden City, KS
They last and last and last: nothing seems to stop them.”
– Roland Higgins, Tweedy Lumber, Indianapolis, IN
General Pipe Cleaners’ full line of drain cleaning machines for the rental industry give you great return on investment. Much like our Easy Rooter, our complete line of rental machines handle tough jobs from kitchen sinks to main line root clogs. They are workhorses that will generate pro ts with little downtime for years to come. So the less downtime you have, the more money you can make!
To learn more, call the Drain Brains® at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/rental
