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Serving the Canadian rental industry for 36 years.
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Nickel for your thoughts?
The federal budget is not bad for rental operators.
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Code, read QR codes provide instant marketing in your showroom.
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Report from Quebexpo Quebec’s rental show rides a wave of buyer enthusiasm.
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The location guy Toronto’s one-stop shop for film crews.
Industry news
TrynEx turns 15, Cervus buys Peterbilt, Woodbridge picks up TrackGrip, Strongco to move into Fort McMurray
Financial roundup
Your handy guide to public companies’ 2011 results. Compaction showcase Compaction technology is your foundation for success.
20 Legalese Know who you are dealing with.
George’s Corner Climate change means change for our industry.
Nickel for your thoughts?
The federal budget will probably seem like old news by the time you read this, but the vagaries of publication schedules mean I was alr eady into production on this May issue before it was released. Let’s take a look and see if there was anything interesting there for rental operators. When is the last time someone proffered a penny as legal tender in your shop? I bet it has been a while. Next question: will you round your prices up or down? Go to www.canadianrentalservice.com and vote in our poll to let us know. I won’t miss the penny. In this era of electronic payment it is rare that I ever even need cash, never mind a tiny copper coin in a denomination too small to pay for anything on its own.
Probably the biggest news for rental operators is the renewal of the small business hiring credit that covers up to $1,000 of the additional Employment Insurance premiums you take on when your workforce gets larger. This might make it a little easier to decide to hold on to that hardworking part timer you brought on for the summer. Your total EI bill has to be less than $10,000 and you have to have a total, year-over-year increase in your EI premiums in order to qualify.
ON THE WEB:
CRA insurance program announces rebate
The Canadian Rental Association has announced the premium pool for its protected self-insurance program was in surplus for 2011, which triggers a rebate to policyholders. Ontario national director James Morden announced the $508,745 surplus on Facebook.
Takeuchi chooses Equipements Robert
Takeuchi-US is pleased to announce that Equipements Robert is now representing the full Takeuchi line of compact earthmoving equipment. Francois Robert’s family owned and operated a Ford/New Holland dealership for 50 years. Equipements Robert was founded by Francois Robert 10 years ago, selling forklifts and other used equipment.
by Patrick Flannery
Raising the retirement age to 67 could conceivably impact some rental operations with older employees. However, I would think that if you have a 65-year-old working in your shop now, chances are the person is a pretty good worker and you wouldn’t mind keeping them around a little longer. My father-in-law is 67 and he can work circles around me with a bad knee. Fun fact: when German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck brought in the first retirement age in 1890, the age was set at 70, but life expectancy was around 60. We would have to set the retirement age about 90 today to be equivalent. There seems little doubt that most people these days can keep working comfortably past 65 if they want to, and even less doubt that the federal pension system will not be able to afford the numbers of seniors we are expecting in the population without some reforms.
Some attempts were made in the budget to cut expenses and get the federal finances back on track toward balance, including more than 19,000 planned job cuts for government workers. These cuts were not enough to please deficit hawks, and too much for leftwing commentators, so they were probably just about right. One thing this government has managed to do so far is get the amount of economic stimulus and the amount of fiscal belt-tightening about right as economic conditions have changed over the course of the last recession. This is something governments in other countries have epically failed to do – just look at the messes in the U.S. and Europe. The resulting economic stability has been good for Canada and good for business in Canada. Whatever else you might think about this government, it has done at least that much for the rental industry. CRS
Next issue: We have been talking a lot about mobile technology lately, and the trend continues in June Tech Tips. We’ll take a look at what a company called C3 is doing to help connect consumers to companies and give its clients the feedback they need to improve their operations.
INDUSTRY NEWS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TrynEx International, the manufacturer of SnowEx, TurfEx and SweepEx product lines, celebrated its 15-year anniversary on March 2. Established in 1997, TrynEx was formed from a small lawn care and snow removal company. Using field experience to develop unique products, TrynEx began by manufacturing a limited line of spreaders and broom attachments. Through innovation, the company has grown dramatically to become an industry leader, offering a diverse line of professional-duty products aimed at boosting efficiency and reliability.
TrynEx is known for multiple breakthroughs during its 15 years in business. These include offering the first spreader with a roto-molded polyethylene hopper, developing the first pivot mount swing-away spreader and engineering the first auger feed system for spreaders. TrynEx continues to invest in the industry through research and development aimed at customer satisfaction.
“We’ve worked hard to become the company we are today,” said Chuck Truan, founder of TrynEx. “But the most exciting part of our anniversary is looking ahead to the innovations we have planned for the next 15 years.”
NORTH AMERICAN SUPPORT
LiuGong Construction Machinery has announced the addition of Wesley Brubaker to its growing service department staff. In his new position as a product support representative, Brubaker will help LiuGong dealers diagnosis and repair LiuGong products from his home office in Anniston, Ala.. He will also help train dealer mechanics and assist dealers with inquiries and the administration of warranty claims.
As LiuGong’s equipment population continues to grow across North America, key personnel such as Brubaker are necessary to ensure a consistently high level of customer satisfaction.
“Wes is a wonderful new member of LiuGong’s growing team,” states Fred Ridenour, general manager of business operations for LiuGong North America. “While LiuGong’s goal is ultimately to provide equipment with no downtime, the reality is that construction equipment is worked hard and in extremely harsh environments. Eventually something is going to require maintenance or repair. With Wes, we know that LiuGong and the LiuGong dealer network will be able to react swiftly to diagnose and repair the issue to get the customer back to work quickly.”
Brubaker is impressed by LiuGong’s commitment to its customers across North America. “LiuGong is very in tune with the needs of its customers. A strong emphasis is placed on providing top notch customer service and minimizing customer downtime. LiuGong really goes the extra mile for their customers. They subscribe to the same service philosophy that has been so important to my personal success over the course of my career. ”
Consistent with LiuGong’s hiring practices in North America, the company sought out a construction industry expert to fill this newly created position. Brubaker has more than 35 years of experience in the repair of heavy equipment. His tenure includes working for Case New Holland, C&C Small Engines, Tube City IMS, PRO Pave and Kobelco in a variety of training, diagnosis, repair and service capacities.
SOLID FOOTING FOR TRACKGRIP
Woodbridge Equipment Parts is now the Canadian distributor of TrackGrip, a steel ground gripping device that bolts directly onto the tracks of excavators, dozers and ASV-type machines. This facilitates the operation of construction equipment in conditions that would otherwise be considered non viable for single-vehicle operation.
The TrackGrip attachment can be installed on all machines with track widths ranging from 12 to 36 inches. The easyfit TrackGrip bars can be installed or removed on site within approximately 20 minutes by an operator. The MightyGrip and StandardGrip models are designed for machines six tons or more. The ASV Type model is designed for use with Terex, ASV and Caterpillar compact track loaders.
TrackGrip’s patented design, combined with high grade steel specifications and construction techniques, ensures trouble free operation in harsh terrains for large construction equipment.
TrackGrip is designed for farming, forestry sandstone, mud, clay, snow, ice and drain work and is guaranteed to stay on.
Woodbridge Equipment Parts is an aftermarket solutions provider offering quality and value priced products for construction, forestry, mining, earthmoving and landscaping equipment since 1986.
Equipment that pays off
INDUSTRY NEWS
CERVUS WITH A SMILE
Cervus Equipment has completed its purchase of four Peterbilt equipment dealerships and related businesses in Saskatchewan for about $33 million. The acquisition of Frontier Peterbilt Sales, Frontier Collision Centre and certain properties from Frontier Developments, included $14.4 million for land and buildings.
The deal involved a vendor take-back mortgage of $13.4 million and $19.6 million in cash. The assets include four Frontier Peterbilt dealerships/branches in Saskatoon, Regina, Estevan and Lloydminster, and a collision repair centre in Saskatoon. The business of FPSL, and FCCL will be integrated into Cervus’ construction and industrial equipment segment and will continue to operate under the Frontier Peterbilt Sales and Frontier Collision Centre trade names.
“The transportation equipment dealership business follows the same operating fundamentals as the agricultural, construction and industrial equipment dealerships business and, as such, complements our existing dealership network,’’ said Cervus president and CEO Peter Lacey. “This acquisition enables Cervus to diversify operationally and geographically and provides a strong platform for future growth.’’
Frontier Peterbilt sells new and used trucks as well as parts and service to customers throughout Saskatchewan. Cervus runs authorized agricultural, commercial, industrial and transportation equipment dealerships in Western Canada. It also holds a 60 per cent equity interest in New Zealand-based Agriturf, an authorized supplier of John Deere equipment, parts and service.
MIGHTY MACHINE
Master Promotions, producers of the Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show are reporting the show was a resounding success, with more exhibitors and more floor space than ever before. Over 13,700 buyers walked through the doors of the event. Visitors remarked at the gleaming displays of big iron and could only describe the sights as “awesome.”
“It was literally shoulder-to-shoulder throughout every square inch of the Moncton Coliseum complex including the parking lot,” explained show manager Mark Cusack. “This event was one of the largest that the Coliseum has ever hosted and we could not be more pleased.”
“Manufacturers have really raised the bar when it comes to quality and fuel efficient equipment. This was evident on the floor and the decision makers from many large agencies were on site making purchases or researching what their next heavy equipment purchase would be. Exhibitors were very pleased with the traffic and sales activity. This bodes well for our other events and shows that business is good in the Maritimes,” explains Cusack.
Many visitors made their way over from the Canadian Woodlands Forum. They were treated to a large and diverse display of forestry related equipment and services.
STRONG UP NORTH
Strongco Corporation has announced it has entered into a contract to purchase six acres of land in Fort McMurray, Alta., to build a new branch to further expand its presence in the northern part of the province. Construction is planned to begin on a 23,000-square-foot facility in August 2012, with completion expected in February 2013. Finalization of the land purchase is subject to normal due diligence. The new facility will carry the full line of products from Volvo Construction Equipment and complementary brands as well as Manitowoc, National and Grove crane products.
Exhibitors reported that sales were made and many solid leads were gathered. Many exhibitors have already rebooked for the 2014 edition.
“This is the second step of our strategy to strengthen Strongco’s presence in Alberta and to position the company to build market share in the oil and gas sector,” said Bob Dryburgh, president and CEO of Strongco. The first step was construction of a new branch in Edmonton, announced in 2011. Strongco will relocate its regional Volvo operations into that new facility this month and begin the upgrade of the existing Edmonton crane facility.
“The continuing strength of this market, combined with major capital commitments for further expansion of the energy sector, give us the confidence to put in place the infrastructure to support our planned growth in this region,” Dryburgh added.
The new Fort McMurray branch will involve a total capital cost of $16.5 million, most of which will be financed through a mortgage facility arranged with Strongco’s current bank.
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Visit Bobcat.com/grapple2 or scan the code to watch our head-to-head grapple challenge.
THE PRESIDENT’S TOUR
Visiting the trade shows across the country reminds me what a great association this is.
by ED DWYER, CRA PRESIDENT
The CRA has been around since 1965 and today I am proud to say that over 900 rental stores from across Canada are members. We also have over 200 supplier members. Trade shows are the thread that holds all this together and are one of our biggest benefits. Having got just got back from the last trade show of the season I can see why: it is the social aspect of these shows. I have been to five of the six trade shows held in the last two months and I thank all the rental people who attended and especially our suppliers, many of whom had booths at all the shows.
The first show I went to was the ARA show that was held in New Orleans from February 5 to 8. The show was a great success and for the second straight year there was double-digit growth in both the number of attendees and the number of rental businesses represented. Attendance for 2012 increased nearly 20 per cent over 2011, with the number of rental businesses up nearly 25 per cent. Those traveling to New Orleans came from all 50 states, nearly every Canadian province and more than 40 countries.
The B.C. local held its annual trade show on Jan. 13 and 14 at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Grounds in Surrey, B.C. This was the first show I attended as your new president. The B.C. show has grown from a table-top to a full size trade show in a short time. The local put on a great show and has set the bar high for the rest of our locals. You can only do this with dedicated people in your organization. The B.C. local had a big year overall. It was awarded the prestigious Membership Award from the ARA at the leadership conference in Chicago. Winn Rentals from Kelowna won the CRA President’s Image Award. Angie Venekamp was chosen as the Region 10 Rental Person of the Year by the ARA and Angie was also chosen as the CRA Rental Person of the Year by our CRA executive director. The B.C. Local took me out for dinner at a sushi restaurant where I ate Sushi for the first time. I am now hooked. My daughters thank them for this as they have been trying to get me to eat sushi for a long time. The things I do for the CRA.
Ed Dwyer owns and operates C & T Rentals in Winnipeg, Man. He is past president of the Manitoba Rental Association and also an active member of TAB (The Alternative Board).
The Atlantic Regional Trade Show was held on February 25 at the Ramada Crystal Palace in Moncton, N.B. This was the only trade show I could not get to, so Jeff Campbell, our vice-president, filled in for me. The local there is doing a great job building the show and I will be there next year. Jeff was informed by the local that the weather was always hot and sunny in February in Moncton, so he showed up at the dinner wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and sunglasses. He tells me that he did not pretend he was me; however, that is yet to be confirmed. [ Editor’s note: He didn’t actually pretend to be Ed, but he does a heck of an impression. ]
The Canadian Rental Mart ran on March 6 and 7. The numbers speak for themselves. The Show hosted 855 rental professionals, up 24 per cent from the tally of 689 the last time the show was held in 2010. Of those, 488 were rental operators representing 225 individual companies attending. They visited 104 exhibiting companies. Bryan Baeumler’s appearance and the ROOTY award presentation all drew enthusiastic crowds. More than 160 people show up for dinner to celebrate Ontario’s 50th anniversary.
The Prairie Regional Trade Show was held on March 17 at the Prairieland Exhibition Centre in the booming city of Saskatoon. Bobcat Brad and the local put on a great show. We all miss Doug Mitchell and in his memory there was a special toast made for him in the hospitality suite. Blair Holtsman who jumped in at the last moment to MC the event did a great job. He is a natural. There were 220 people at the dinner.
The Quebexpo Show was held on March 27 and 28 at the Centre des Congres de L’ Hotel des Seigneurs in St-Hyacinthe just outside Montreal. More than 170 people showed up for a wonderful breakfast. I made my first visit to a sugar shack and had a great time learning how maple sugar is made from maple trees. CRS
QUEBEXPO BUZZES
Full halls and open wallets made for a busy Quebec show.
Good weather and two full exhibition halls greeted buyers at the 28th annual regional trade show in Saint-Hyacinthe this March 23 and 24. “Quebexpo and the other shows we have done this year are all the best shows of the past 10 years,” enthuses Benoît Leroux, eastern Canada sales director for Rentquip Canada.
by CARROLL MCCORMICK
Rentquip, which won the CRA Supplier of the Year award for 2011, (and 2010 as well) has been attending Quebexpo for over 20 years. Commenting on the first full day of the show, Leroux says, “We are very pleased with the business so far,” before excusing himself to talk to two buyers about an MWB compactor. In one corner of the main hall, in company with other medium-sized equipment dealers such as Kubota, Plafolift, Wacker Neuson and Case is Carmix Canada Sales and Services, from Val Caron, Ont. This is the third show for owner Norm Maurice and he has already signed up for 2013. His goal is to crack the rental market with his mobile, self-loading ready mix truck and batching plants, for which he is the exclusive distributor for Canada and the United States. This could be his big year: “I spoke with one buyer who was very interested. It is very promising,” Maurice says.
It is also the third Quebexpo for Kaeser Compressors Canada, from Boisbriand, Que. It is one of four companies at the show with compressors in the 185 cubic feet per minute capacity category. “I had a couple of guys make a beeline for me. They were looking for big compressors and gathering information,” says Luc Gagnon, technical sales representative for Kaiser.
Kitty corner across the red carpet from a booth under a gleaming white party tent is National Event Supply, out of Mississauga, Ont. This is owner Dennis Heathcote’s second Quebexpo. “We sell coast to coast but Quebec is underrepresented in our clientele,” he explains.
He is pleased with the show and the response to a mail out of coupons to 100 Quebec companies. Anyone visiting his booth with one of the coupons receives a free cocktail table. “We have had 12 people turn in their coupons so far,” he reveals.
Wherever you look at Quebexpo you see leveling equipment, bolt cutters, conveyors, bright blue scaffolding and floor sanders. Notable exhibitors include Granite Industries, AE Sales and Eastcan Marketing. Heavy equipment from Faresin and Haulotte reach to the ceiling in the second hall. There are thousands of products and many vendors. Clusters of buyers and sellers are everywhere, heads together, doing deals. Maurice Filion, owner of Locaplus in Cowansville, Que., is here to replenish his supplies and look for new equipment and ideas.
He is in the market for a bigger wood chipper. “We like to keep up with the latest equipment. There’s been a big change in floor covering, for example. People are using a lot of ceramics. We have to rent the cutters for ceramic tiles. There are new demands for new equipment.”
System de Fixation Phoenix, from St-Laurent, Que., displays a wide variety of nailers, staplers and compressors. A fluorescent green Flexilla air hose – a new product this year - catches the eye. The company’s bread and butter, however, is fasteners. Owner Ron Kennedy mailed out a flyer of specials before the show and buyers are arriving at his booth, completed orders in hand. “For us it is a good buying show. I have been doing shows for a long time. It is the only one where you sell a lot of equipment.”
Location Equipment Supply operates in a cool niche.
Everyone wants a niche. If you can find a segment of the market where you are recognized as the go-to supplier, life and business get a lot easier. But getting to that position is the tricky part. In Paul Potvin’s case, it took an eclectic journey down a number of unusual paths.
by PATRICK FLANNERY
The Location Equipment Supply office is festooned with posters from the movie sets it has supplied. The Canadian Rental Association Ontario got a look at them at its April 18 meeting.
In his last years in high school, Potvin landed a job working at Max Ward’s (the former owner of WardAir) cottage in the Northwest Territories. It was a private, fly-in fishing lodge about 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Like many young men his age, Potvin thought going on the road in the entertainment business as a roadie would be a great job. The difference in his case was, he met a woman at Ward’s lodge who could actually help him get into that business. She had a friend who was a film location manager in Toronto, Potvin’s home town. When he returned from the North, he gave her a call and landed a job on the set of a show called Top Cops.
Potvin worked as a production assistant for two years, loving every minute of it. “Then I decided to go to school,” he remembers. “You went from making good money and working and having a lot of fun to going to school and being completely broke.” He quickly decided that his program (photography) was a dead end and that switching to film would not get him any closer to working in the film industry than he already was. So he had the difficult conversation with his father, quit school and went back to helping film crews with special effects, props and production for another two years. During this time, as he ran from place to place
all over the city collecting the gear the set needed, he could clearly see the need for a one-stop rental business offering everything film crews need to shoot on location.
Potvin’s parents owned a manufacturing business, so Potvin was comfortable with the idea of starting his own company. He was fortunate to have their guidance in the early days. “One of the guys I went to Ryerson with said, ‘Hey, let’s be business partners,’ and I still remember my mom saying, ‘If you can avoid it, do not take on a partner.’” She even offered to loan Potvin some money if it would help him avoid entering a partnership.
The first goal was to get established with a film set. Potvin targeted the Keanu Reeves feature Johnny Mnemonic, which was shooting in Toronto in 1994. He was living in an 800-square-foot loft in downtown Toronto, and basically turned his apartment into a warehouse for the business. He would essentially hang around the movie set and ask people if they needed anything. Then he would run and buy it, then bring it back to his apartment after they were done with it.
“I remember I was going to pick up some floor mats and they were covered with mud,” Potvin says. “So I went to the local Value Mart and rented one of those little Mr. Clean steam cleaner things and steam cleaned them in my apartment. It was a loft so I had all the exposed pipes so I hung them over the pipes to dry.” Potvin did not have a vehicle of his own at the time, so his girlfriend’s Toyota was sometimes pressed into service. “I was delivering some barricades and I accidently put the crossbar through the front window,” Potvin remembers.
Potvin was trying to hold down his regular job with the original production company at the time, but it soon became evident that it was not going to work out. Potvin would arrive at work and get a call from a client needing something delivered urgently. He would take lunch right then, having only just arrived, to make the delivery, then sneak back onto the set when he got back. The final straw broke over a spoon.
“I was what they call a props buyer so
I had to go out and buy all the props,” he explains. “In one of the scenes of this show called Due South there was a scene where this girl was eating ice cream and she was all sad. So I talked to the actress and asked her what kind of ice cream she likes and she said, ‘Haagen-Dasz’ but at that time you could not show the labels so we had to have the containers ‘Greeked.’ So Shelly is the prop master and she said, ‘Paul, bring the ice cream out,’ and here we go with the scene. Then she said, ‘Paul, bring the spoon, where is the spoon?’ and I didn’t have a spoon. So I went and grabbed a plastic spoon and now the actress was trying to eat Haagen-Dazs ice cream with a plastic spoon.” Apparently, eating hard, frozen ice cream with a bending plastic spoon did not set quite the mood of disconsolate comfort eating the director wanted, and a furious Shelly gave Potvin the option of quitting or getting fired. Thus launched on his own, Potvin bounced around to the cheapest
locations he could find, including a coach house connected to a frat house and a garage where you blew the fuses in the store next door if you plugged in too many things at once. In 1996 he moved into his first real store, a 1,700-squarefoot location near King and Dufferin. It only took him two years to grow out of that and move to a 6,300-square-foot location on Judson where he stayed for the next 12 years.
October 2011 marked a big move for Location Equipment Supply from the downtown core to a massive, 40,000-square-foot office and warehouse facility that used to be a shoe manufacturer in Etobicoke. Potvin explains that the Toronto film industry has been creeping west for some time into the abandoned manufacturing space in the west Toronto periphery. “We have William F. White [a supplier of cameras and lighting] literally right across the road,” Potvin ticks off his fingers. “Absolute, which was downtown, their
Productivity Partnership for a Lifetime.
This high performance series of compactors distinguishes themselves every day. Easy handling. Universal application. High maneuverability. Thanks to infinitely variable hydraulic forward and reverse action, this machine moves quickly on the job, even uphill.
Ideal for rental operators, the compact and foldable engine cover makes servicing easy and provides excellent protection, too. Although the AVP 5920, 4920 and 3920 stand head-and-shoulders above the competition, the price is reassuringly down-to-earth. For sales and service contact your local Ammann dealer.
Alberta – Williamson Equipment Ltd. tel: 780-450-0055
gwill@williamsonequipment.com
British Columbia – Parker Pacific tel: 800-665-9901 www.inland-group.com
Quebec – BOCK Inc. tel: 1-800-363-0115 www.bockinc.ca
Optimum vibration with total control and choice.
High jumps with high risk.
COVER STORY
building got taken over for the Pan Am Games and they have moved in down the road. Two years ago a company called Cinespace Studios bought an old glass factory, the old Owens Corning factory, on Kipling. They totally converted that into a film studio. Kipling Avenue Studios. Production Services is apparently moving out here. There is Deluxe, which is a film processor and distributor for movies.” Potvin has positioned LES in the centre of a new cluster of film services companies.
The building is actually quite a bit
such things as bell systems that ring if someone breaks an infrared beam; wobble lights that won’t tip over and smash if bumped into; custom badges and signs to identify personnel and filming locations and huge, eight-foot-diameter fans. He sticks strictly to supplies for location shooting: no cameras or lighting. He also stays away from booms and lift equipment because another company in town has carved out a niche of its own providing boom lifts with lighting attached to film crews. His business sticks closely to the kinds of things he used to have
Potvin has renovated his warehouse to work better for his operation, including this security cage that allows customers to enter the building after hours with a code and drop off items.
bigger than Potvin needs right now, but it is nice to have extra space rather than too little. “The thing about Etobicoke that I discovered over the years in looking is it is either 4,000 square feet, 40,000 square feet or 400,000 square feet,” Potvin observes. “We will grow into it. It is a perfect fit for us. It has everything we need. We have three loading docks; in the old shop we only had one. We have a big parking lot with lots of space. There are 13 separate offices and there are only two of us in the office.”
LEVERAGING KNOWLEDGE
In addition to finding the perfect location, Potvin has used his hard-won understanding of the challenges film crews face to obtain the perfect rental items for them. His inventory includes
to find as a production assistant and he knows enough to stay out of specialized fields that operate almost as separate trades within the film industry. For instance, he does not touch anything to do with “grip,” which is the industry name for anything that holds or moves a camera or microphone. He also doesn’t carry props, which are items that the actors actually interact with in a scene (“Set dressing” refers to items that are in the scene, but the actors don’t touch, but Potvin’s equipment is not usually in the film scene at all). He understands the rather subtle distinctions among all these areas of film shooting because he dealt with them daily for many years.
Potvin got involved in the Toronto film industry at the right time. In the ’90s, Toronto became a tremendously popular
COVER STORY
place for Hollywood crews to shoot for a number of reasons. The low Canadian dollar of the time meant costs were lower. And Toronto looks enough like a typical American city that non-locals usually cannot tell they are not looking at Chicago or Buffalo. Also, the government of Ontario aggressively markets Toronto as a location to Hollywood producers. “It is called the Ontario Media Development Corporation,” Potvin explains. “They promote filming in Ontario. They have a full-time office in L.A. and they are out there calling up big producers, saying, ‘Come on up here,’ or ‘I hear you are thinking about making a movie.’ Or maybe the producer calls up Toronto OMDC and says, ‘I’m thinking about making a movie. This is what I want. What have you got?’ So they will put together what is called a package. They will send someone like a tour guide out, and a location manager, and say, ‘Here are a couple of options for dumpy crack houses, and here is one for a big mansion and an office and
whatever.’” With government agencies falling all over themselves to make Toronto an attractive filming destination, Potvin has seen business continue to grow even as the dollar has strengthened. He does not even bother with advertising. The film industry is a small community and Potvin is well-enough known now that just about anyone filming in Toronto calls him first.
According to Potvin, the key to serving the film market is adaptability. There is no such thing as nine-to-five in the film world, so he and his employees have to be ready to ask, “How high?” when directors say, “Jump.” If the director decides he wants flying monkeys coming out of the chimney, everyone has to pull together to make that happen. “There is not a whole lot of notice in the film industry,” Potvin says. Potvin has customized his services to the extent that he is often meeting needs film crews may not even know they have. His staff can load up a cube van with everything a crew will need for
a shoot, complete with custom shelving for holding everything safely – a service Potvin says he usually throws in. He has guys in the back who can do woodwork to make custom boxes, stages, containers and frames. He has huge rolls of plastic that crews use to essentially shrink wrap the houses they shoot in so the foot traffic and equipment does not soil the carpets and walls. Someone who was not in the industry would never think to offer most of the items in Potvin’s inventory. His biggest and most common item? Orange traffic cones.
Despite his unusual and demanding market niche, Potvin is active in the Canadian Rental Association Ontario. He is second vice-president of the local now, and says he likes the discounts and just the chance to talk with others in the business. He also says the trade shows are good because he can often find construction equipment that can serve double-duty on a film set.
It looks like success is written in the stars for Location Equipment Supply. CRS
EVENTS
April 4
CRA B.C. meeting Richmond, B.C. www.crarental.org
April 13 - 14
Expo Grands Travaux Montreal, Que. www.masterpromotions.ca
When providing rentals, it is always important to know to whom you are renting. There exist many examples of situations where the company renting the goods did not realize with whom its was doing business.
Take for example, Smith Lawn Care. Is the company registered as a corporation? Or is it an individual conducting business under an unregistered name?
It is important to know with whom you are conducting business because, should a problem arise, you will need to know with whom you are dealing and against whom your actions should be taken. If the “company” is not incorporated you will have to deal with the individual person carrying on the business, whereas if it is an incorporated company you will deal with the company as its own entity. What if you thought you were dealing with a company but actually your contract was with a person who has gone bankrupt on several occasions?
One of the many reasons people carry on business as a corporation is so they will not be personally liable with respect to the transactions taken by the corporation, because the corporation is its own entity. This means the property of the corporation is its own property, and does not belong to its shareholders.
So how do you know if the company with whom you are dealing is incorporated?
corporations branch or contact a lawyer in your jurisdiction to assist you in determining whom exactly you are dealing with. Industry Canada provides a listing of provincial corporate registrars at www.ic.gc.ca. Once you are at the Industry Canada homepage, go to Business Tools and Resources > Corporations Canada > General Information. There are links to the provincial registrar web pages there, and many of them have search functions where you can see if a particular company is licensed in your province. These lists are only helpful in cases of incorporated businesses, of course. For private companies, you can check to see if their HST numbers are legitimate at www.cra-arc.ga.ca > Online services and other e-services > For business.
When doing business it is always good practice to identify exactly your clients. That way, you can assess your risks better and know how much credit to potentially afford them. Unless you know with whom you are dealing, you will be unable to properly assess the business risk you
Property of the corporation is its own property, and does not belong to its shareholders.
All companies who are incorporated will have the word Limited, Incorporated, Corporation or the abbreviation Ltd., Inc. or Corp. as part of their legal names. The corporation may carry on business or identify itself by a different name than its corporate name; however, it usually will set out its corporate name in legible characters on all contracts, invoices, negotiable instruments and any orders for goods or services. In order to be certain, conduct a search in your provincial
are undertaking in renting y our property and extending credit. CRS
Deryk Coward articled with D’Arcy & Deacon in 1996 and was called to the Manitoba bar in June of 1997. He is a partner with the firm, practising primarily in the area of general civil litigation, personal injury, insurance, debtor-creditor and labour and employment law. Coward is legal counsel for the Canadian Rental Association.
CODE, READ
Give your customers a reason to pull out a smartphone.
If you’re in retail or run a store, you might remember a detail or two about the 2002 Spielberg movie Minority Report, specifically the parts in which Tom Cruise’s character, John Anderton, is personally greeted by the holograms and floating ads in the stores and malls of the year 2054, thanks to retinal scanning technology.
by JIM CHLIBOYKO
Giving customers instant access to detailed information about the products you carry takes pressure off your sales force and makes it less likely customers will leave to shop around.
The holograms and ads he encounters make suggestions as to what he (or, rather, the man whose retinas he’s borrowed) might want to buy, and ask how his last purchases are holding up. Futuristic!
While that level of technology hasn’t quite yet been established in your friendly neighbourhood mall, the current tech involving chips and readers has been progressing quite nicely for the rest of us in the 2010s. And, even more reassuring, we’re the ones doing the scanning.
One of the more popular, new-fangled bits of technology these days is the quick response code. Examples of its use are everywhere. The Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda has decided to pair up QR codes with its own rental units, providing the renter with more information, and retailers like Future Shop and Wal-Mart have QR codes on display in front of their bigger-ticket items, like televisions. There are QR codes on ads in newspapers, on the fences of construction projects and stuck to the front doors of Tim Hortons establishments.
The ancestor of the QR code, the bar code, has been with us for a number of years, ever since the
American inventors Silver and Woodward experimented with ultraviolet ink in the late 1940s. Like many inventions, bar codes had a specific purpose initially – detailing the items in railroad cars (sort of like today’s RFID chips) until the technology was harnessed by supermarket chains, who noticed the potential of bar code technology back in the 1960s. According to industry legend, the first retail product that was scanned was a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum.
The technology does change over time, of course, but a couple of generations later, the idea remains the same: a device is used to read a symbol, and that symbol then gives the user some deeper, more detailed information. That’s the basic description. To that end, many firms have adopted this scan-and-read technology, whether it’s companies using RFID tags for inventory or marketing firms using QR codes on promotional material to, say, guide someone to one of their websites. It is something that has evolved quite a bit in the last three or four years.
“Early firms used to charge $1,000 per QR code, and then say ‘have a nice day,’” said Erik Goldhar, of the Toronto-based mobile marketing
information, while males tend to use it for product research.
Adopting QR codes can either be a DIY proposition, or you can hire a firm to guide you through an affordable campaign. If you are looking to do it yourself, there are a few websites, like Kaywa (qrcode. kaywa.com), with which you can generate your own codes, linking them to a URL, an online video or other important information. Remember, whatever is scanned
can be tracked, because a scanned code leads to a hit on the hit counter, which is another benefit to using the codes. And after you do your work, your QR code is saveable, printable and/or insertable.
Goldhar’s firm, meanwhile, tailors a campaign with its own proprietary QR codes.
Some people say QR codes are free,” says Goldhar. “When we started, they were $1,000 each. What we charge is
$150-200 a month for our QR code system.” Goldhar explains that his system can be thought of as a campaign or file management system. “With our proprietary QR code generator, clients create a QR code, they print it off, they put it into their printing materials, and it gives them full reporting and tracking abilities,” he explains.
Goldhar also makes a distinction between using either static or dynamic QR codes. With the former, a QR code is hooked permanently to a specific link, whereas a more dynamic system can change and never be obsolete. If a link is for information about a particular piece of equipment, and that equipment changes, you aren’t stuck with the earlier link, and can make necessary changes. Goldhar uses the example of contest information linked to a particular QR code. When that contest ends, you may want to link the information to a newer contest.
“It extends the shelf life of a QR code,” he said.
There are also other considerations.
“A mobile visitor to a mobile website is strapped for time. They are usually on a data plan,” says Goldhar. “We leave a lot of that fluffy stuff [elements that are usually on non-mobile websites] out. There could be some information, but mostly we want to be direct and to the point. And optimized.”
It is also important to always consider the customer before employing new technology. A key consideration is to make sure your links are optimized. Ultimately, mobile optimization is the key to a decent presentation on a mobile device. Goldhar says one of the examples he uses to differentiate between mobile websites and non-mobile websites is m.cnn.com and cnn.com.
“What is not a shiny new toy, whether big or small, is the importance of having a mobile web presence. One of the things that became quickly apparent early on is that although the QR codes have a wow factor, they are secondary to a mobile website. People scan these things for their smartphones, but the sites are sometimes not yet optimized for mobile. The user experience is, for lack of a better term, crap.”
“The value is not in the code, but in the mobile web experience.”
ASK FOR DETAILS.
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INDUSTRY SURGING BACK
The compiled 2011 results paint a hopeful picture.
Quarterly financial reports are like a tertiary marketing vehicle for public companies. Usually, some good number or good result from somewhere in the operation can be placed at the top and trumpeted in the headline to let the world know how wonderfully well the company is doing.
by PATRICK FLANNERY
Analysts are cautiously optimistic that the recent stronger numbers in the American construction sector represent the beginnings of a real recovery.
As sources of information about the company, however, they leave much to be desired. A three-month span is not a long time. It represents a small enough slice of the company’s overall business that relatively insignificant events have a magnified effect on the numbers. Wow! A 50 per cent increase! Of course, generating eye-catching figures like this is the whole point.
A better way to generate at least a broad overview of companies’ performances is to look at the year-end numbers they report along with their fourth-quarter results. A year is long enough that trends can be spotted and minor anomalies, good or bad, do not have as much effect on the overall results. So, below, we have compiled the fiscal year 2011 results for revenues, year-over-year change in revenues and net income/loss for a number of
major industry players.
This representation is simplistic, to be sure. It also compares apples to oranges in many places, because several companies have odd fiscal years. The intent is not to give a comprehensive picture of the companies’ performances, but to generate a general snapshot of how the sector is doing. Call it a Dow Jones Index of the rental industry.
Based on the numbers on this chart, it is too bad we cannot buy funds that track this index. Public rental companies and construction equipment manufacturers had a banner year in 2011. Double-digit increases were the rule rather than the exception. Of course, many of these numbers are coming from a low place following the American recession of the last three years. So the picture here is not necessarily one of health and strength, but rather of robust recovery. CRS
$2.6
$1.522
$3.7
time utilization for the full year 2011 was 69.1%, an increase of 3.5 percentage points and a full year record for the company.
the 2011 net loss includes $49 million of pre-tax charges from first-quarter refinancing activities and $11 million of pre-tax charges from the fourth quarter related to the company’s recently announced potential merger.
Gross margin increased by 42% to $80.6 million.
the company’s business continues to be driven by the resource sector with revenue generated from oilsands-related projects amounting to 30% of consolidated revenue.
the Equipment segment’s revenue increased 20% on stronger demand for almost all major product categories.
Global demand across all professional businesses remained strong, increasing the professional segment to nearly two-thirds of total sales.
results were better for both periods largely due to higher shipment volumes and improved price realization.
year-over-year revenue growth driven by on-highway markets in north America and Brazil, construction and power generation markets in China, as well as oil & gas and mining markets globally.
Excluding the special items described in the reconciliation below, net earnings from continuing operations in 2011 were $50.2 million.
strong growth in most of the industries we serve and a focus on executing our updated strategy provided the foundation of our recordbreaking financial results in 2011.
the Construction segment continues to be our most challenging operation. during the year, real progress was made but this business went through a substantial transition with tier iV engine implementations, which required substantial changes or updates depending on the individual product and market.
Most markets displayed a positive sales trend, with the exception of the Chinese market, which was relatively weak.
this increase was due to sales of general-purpose engines for o EM use to manufacturers of lawn mowers, construction machinery, pressure washers and other machinery as well as increased sales of generators accompanying the recovery in the economies of the region.
Honda Power Products – North America
Create
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
LIGHTER AND STRONGER
www.webermt.us
Weber MT has unveiled a new vibratory tamper, the SRV 650. The new SRV 650 is Weber MT’s most powerful vibratory tamper with an impressive Subaru ER12 engine specifically designed for rammer applications: the
first in the industry.
Subaru’s ER12 is a fourstroke engine, and offers outstanding starting behaviour as well as low exhaust emission. Its powerful, multistage air filtration system provides maximum reliability and operator safety. The ER12 has numerous unique features not found on competitors’ engines, including an oil shutoff feature that is triggered whenever the machine falls over or is idle for more than five minutes, and a membrane carburetor with a pump that forces air out of the fuel lines if the machine runs out of fuel.
Although the new SRV
650 is 13 pounds lighter than its predecessor, it grants an impressive 3,600 pounds of compaction force – it’s 30 per cent higher than the competitors’ engine power, and significantly more powerful than Weber MT’s previous model. The compact design of the SRV 650 allows for easy transportation and manoeuvrability in tight quarters. Additionally, it comes equipped with adjustable handles that help reduce hand and arm vibrations – allowing the operator to work for longer periods of time without discomfort.
Weber MT offers an
impressive line of vibratory tampers that are used by contractors every day to compact earth and backfill, perform road construction repairs, and handle landscaping projects. All of Weber MT’s compactors are subject to extensive test runs under realistic job site conditions before they are released to the public.
WORKS ABOVE ITS WEIGHT
www.sakaiamerica.com
The Sakai PF301 reversible plate compactor is a heavyduty, 800-pound, diesel compactor equipped with an 18-by-34-inch reversible
plate (with 24-inch extensions included) made from an abrasion-resistant alloy. This machine is optimal for compaction in confined and hard-to-enter areas. The plate is applicable to a variety of jobs including base material, foundations, trench work, landscape maintenance, utility and sidewalk repair. With its advanced isolation system reducing overall vibration to the operator and its 10,360 pounds of impact force, the PF301 delivers compaction results normally associated with 1,000-pound compactors.
SMOOTH, EVEN FINISHES
www.wackerneuson.com
Wacker Neuson’s ride-on vibratory soil and asphalt rollers, the RD 12-90, RD 12A-90 and RD 16-90, offer a variety of enhancements to improve performance
and operator comfort at an excellent value.
The RD 12 rollers offer a number of new features suggested by contractors. They start with the elimination of overhang on the back of the machine. This was achieved by a redesigned frame and operator’s platform and the use of a pressurized water system. This new design
provides excellent visibility for the operator and allows for the roller to get right to the edge of the asphalt for a complete and smooth finish.
The RD 12-90 features Wacker Neuson’s 20.5-horsepower WM 650 engine and the RD 12-90A comes with an 18-horsepower Honda engine. Both models weigh 2,490 pounds and have a 35.4-inch-wide drum width. These rollers offer 3,400 pounds of centrifugal force
in the front vibrating drum and the rear drum can be ballasted for additional weight if necessary. The RD 12 rollers offer hydrostatic drive with infinitely variable forward and reverse operation up to 5.4 miles per hour, and smooth accelerations and stops for an even asphalt finish. These rollers also feature dual drum drive and articulated steering for extremely accurate control. The RD 12 series is ideally suited for compaction of level sub layers and finish layers on road repairs, driveways, parking lots and any asphalt surface.
PURPOSE-BUILT FOR RAMMERS
www.subarupower.com
Subaru’s new ER12 rammer engine features a carefully balanced and engineered design, and is exclusively
intended for the demanding application of rammers. With specially designed components and overhead cam technology, this three-horsepower, fourstroke engine is lightweight, yet rugged and powerful. Weighing in at just over 20 pounds, the ER12 offers more power and up to 24 per cent more output than similar competitive engines, all while being lighter in weight and designed for optimized balance and performance. The ER12 rammer engine is backed by Subaru’s three-year limited warranty.
LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE
www.doosanportablepower.com
Doosan BXR Series reversible vibratory plate compactors are built to perform and to last. Engineered for the best compaction of granular soils, mixed soils and well-graded aggregates where turning around can be difficult or impossible with other plate compactors, the reversing mechanism changes the direction of the machine by repositioning the two eccentric shafts in relation to each other, allowing the
COMPACTION SHOWCASE
operator to enter and exit a confined work area along the same path. The dual
eccentric shaft technology along with heavy-duty, sealed exciter bearings provides maximum and higher centrifugal forces than forward plates. The open base plate design permits dirt and rocks to slide off the plate for easier cleanup. A protective engine cage with an integrated lifting bail provides engine protection and easy loading and placement into trenches. The BXR’s operating weights range from 158 to 716 pounds through four gas- or dieselpowered models.
WORKS WELL IN MIXED SOILS
www.mbw.com
The R442 Series rammer is ideally suited for the compaction of granular, mixed and cohesive soils in confined areas. A mainstay in contractor and municipal fleets, the R442 offers a highly productive percussion rammer at less than 150 pounds. The contoured fuel tank provides the largest
fuel capacity in its class and effectively baffles engine noise. Power is supplied by Honda engines. Model R442 delivers approximately 25 per cent more compaction force and is recommended for heavy clay soils. The rammer features a four-cycle engine, elevated bellows placement for trench applications, polyethylene slide bearings for minimal internal wear, and an 11-inch, high-density ductile cast iron tamping shoe. The R442 Series rammer design is subject to U.S. and international patents.
EFFICIENT SOIL STIFFNESS TESTING
www.bomag.com
The Bomag Economizer soil stiffness indicator is designed to remove the guesswork from reversible plate compaction. Designed to deliver higher operating efficiency for midsize and heavy reversible plate compactors, Bomag’s Economizer feature provides real-time soil stiffness results. The new technology saves time and money by helping operators avoid making an unnecessary number of passes to complete compaction projects. Whereas standard compactors rely on spot-checking with quality control devices to achieve proper material densities, the Economizer uses an acceleration sensor to measure the stiffness of the target material across the entire compacted area. The data gathered by the sensor is instantly displayed via a
COMPACTION SHOWCASE
simple series of ten yellow LED lights, allowing the operator to react quickly and effectively to changing soil conditions.
The number of illuminated lights on the LED display increases until the optimal level of compaction is achieved. The easy-to-read indicator also provides reliable warnings against overcompaction, soft spots and low working frequency. The display is located in direct view of the operator and can be seen clearly even in strong sunlight. Additionally, the display is well protected from potential jobsite damage while still providing quick access for easy maintenance.
The Economizer comes standard on Bomag’s 1,570-pound BPR100/80D reversible plate compactor, which delivers 22,481 pounds of centrifugal force. It is available as an option on the BPR70/70D, BPR55/65D and BP45/55D models.
VERSATILE COMBINATION PLATE
www.bellegroup.com
Belle’s PCX forward combination plate compactors are designed to be versatile and suitable for soil and asphalt applications. A specially engineered cast iron plate allows the PCX plate compactor to operate on soil, sub-base, sand, gravel and asphalt layers without causing cracks or unevenness in the asphalt compound. A choice
of different plate widths for different jobsite needs is available. The removable water tank is standard for the BGPCX450H and optional for the BGPCX400H. The ergonomic, 90-degree foldable handle bar provides maximum operator comfort. Maximum vibration frequency is 100 Hertz. Low Hand Arm Vibration adaptations and handle mountings are standard on all models. The patented cast iron plate features rounded edges to minimize edge creasing and optimize results on all kinds of materials. Belle PCX plates are manoeuvrable on both soil and asphalt, and are designed for general building, road works and maintenance in all types of compaction applications.
MANY CHOICES
www.amman-group.com
The Model APF 1033 is the lightest unit in this range and is ideally suited for compaction work in very confined spaces, such as laying of light paving stones and light to medium road repair work. An optional water sprinkler system with five-liter capacity is available. Garden and landscape contractors as well as homeowners are using the model APF 1033 in various applications. With a foldable handle and an operating weight of only 54 kilograms, this unit is easy to transport even in the trunk of a passenger car.
The Model APF 1240 is
COMPACTION SHOWCASE
a vibrating plate for universal application with an operating width of 40 centimetres. This handy and versatile unit is available with Honda and Subaru gas engines or alternatively with Yanmar diesel power. The unit has been designed to work in confined spaces on soil as well as on asphalt. The range of applications includes light to medium-sized patchwork and along obstacles such as curbs or retaining walls. A water sprinkler system with a 10-litre capacity water tank is available as an option). Handling and transportation are convenient with the foldable handle – the unit fits even in the trunk of a passenger car – or on site by using the optional transport wheels.
The APF 1240 with Honda gas engine can be equipped optionally with a straight handle. This allows turning of the machine in confined areas without bumping against the walls with the handle. Transport wheels cannot be fitted on this special version.
Model APF 1250 is specifically designed for work on bituminous material. It is equipped with a particularly
formed base plate to ensure the highest results on black top. Together with an optional water sprinkler system (water tank capacity: 10 litres) the APF 1250 is the number-one choice for asphalt contractors.
Model APF 1850 represents the ideal all-round compaction plate in this class of single directional plates. The unit is suitable for compaction work in soil, gravel and sand, on paving stones and on black top. A choice of two different engines is available: Honda gas engine or Hatz diesel engine. The guide handle is foldable and can be removed from the machine.
DESIGNED FOR RENTAL
www.terex.com
Arguably some of the toughest rollers in the world, the Terex range of Compact Tandem rollers are designed for the rigorous demands of the plant hire industry.
Meeting worldwide compaction standards for asphalt and granular layers, these machines not only provide rental toughness, but they are also operator friendly, high productivity rollers.
The CR60 is a powerful 6”, 38Hp commercial wood chipper with standard dual active rollers and an intelligent feed control system that improves productivity.
High compaction productivity is achieved via the powerful, well proven mass exciter system to deliver high dynamic force. Optimized balance between frequency and amplitude provides ultimate versatility in meeting all kinds of job site conditions. The hydrostatic power management provides excellent hill climbing ability and when combined with the superb articulation delivering a tight turning circle, these are highly manoeuvrable machines.
Twin drum vibration or rear drum vibration is easily selectable at the turn of a conveniently positioned lever. This makes small asphalt patching easier and reduces the risk of damage to the surrounding surfaces. Featuring a unique steering arm offer-
ing the best legroom available on the market, a high comfort seat, easy-to-read display and ergonomic controls, a Terex Compact Tandem roller is comfortable and simple to operate.
Rental tough means easy to maintain. To build a rentalproof machine, service access is fundamental. That is is why all of our rollers offer ease of access and centralized greasing points to perform simple daily maintenance. To help protect your investment, all of our tandem rollers have flush oil tube routing to the drums ensuring that the hoses are not damaged when compacting next to an obstacle. All tandem rollers are fitted with vandal- and theft-protection covers for the instrument panel as standard. The singlepiece engine cover is made of impact –resistant, highstrength composite material. It is mounted on heavy-duty hinges, and can be locked with high specification latches for added security.
Hydraulic and water tanks are securely locked away behind vandal-resistant covers, and all tanks are plastic to reduce contaminant ingress.
CR60 6-inch Wood Chipper
Allied pioneered the concept of the hydraulically-operated HoPac vibratory compactor/driver. Using an eccentric, rotating weight that creates vibration and impulse energy, the skidsteer mounted Skid-Pac uses the same technology to provide the needed forces for effective flatwork soil compaction.
Changing from bucket to Skid-Pac in minutes eliminates the need for a special purpose machine such as a walk-behind plate compactor or ride-on roller on the jobsite. Working where heavy rollers cannot, it reduces labour costs and allows the contractor to do more types of work.
Skid-Pacs are suitable for repairing street, driveway or sidewalk sub-bases prior to concrete paving; backfilling against curbs, gutters, highway pavement and concrete slabs; smoothing, leveling and compacting sub-soil to prepare for sodding or seeding; and compacting crushed rock at commercial, industrial and institutional construction jobs.
The advantages of the all-new Skid-Pacs include a nine-square-foot base plate that covers the outside width of the skid steer tires to eliminate
marks in the soil and offers large compaction area. They come with oil-splash lubrication that provides maintenance-free (no greasing) bearing lubrication. The worry-free plug-andgo installation means no extra valves are necessary, which saves on installation costs. A four-function valve controls flow, pressure, regeneration and oil flow direction. The beveled front and back edges of the base plate push the soil to assist in the leveling of sub-bases.
ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION
www.felco-ind.com
There are two standard construction industry methods of achieving compaction during
sewer line, water line, or sitework operations: vibratory plate compaction or roller wheel compaction. Felco has combined these proven compaction methods within its regular-duty buckets, creating all-in-one backfill and compaction attachments for excavators and large backhoe-loaders.
The Felco vibratory compaction plate bucket with flow-control valve combines the compaction performance of a vibratory plate unit with the versatility of a bucket. The bucket’s vibration forces air in the soil to the surface and decreases air pockets, making it ideal for compacting granular materials. The vibratory plate compaction bucket also allows an operator to place backfill in the exact amount needed to ensure uniform lifts, as well as providing a convenient method of compaction. CRS
Toques and climate change
by George Olah
Something is going on with our climate.
Is it de facto climate change as some argue? Or is it just a historical continuation of what has happened in the past and we are just re-adjusting to past climatic events? There are experts on all sides of this discussion. I don’t know who is really right or wrong. After all, how often is the weather person on television really correct in forecasting weather? However, I am inclined to believe the government climate specialists who say the world is warming up fast.
Heck, this past winter I didn’t even need to wear my Toronto Maple Leafs toque. Then again, maybe this was more due to shame. The winter of 2011/2012 was undeniably a warmer winter. The bottom line is that the weather we are experiencing today is not the weather we are traditionally used to in Canada, and it is wreaking havoc with business.
Nationally, climatologists are predicting future temperature increases with warmer winters and summers with evenings warming more than days. We are already realizing some of this across the country.
We are now officially into spring 2012 and as a propane marketer, based on my propane volumes, I can tell with certainty that this winter was warmer than last year and certainly the year before that. Customers didn’t need the heat they would habitually purchase. Technically speaking, energy providers of oil, natural gas, propane and electricity experienced fewer heating degree days. More energy degree days accumulating over the heating season results in greater demand for energy to heat our homes, businesses and construction projects. I even had one customer call me four days before last Christmas to tell me he was laying sod in a Toronto condo development. Many concrete contractors decreased demand for temporary heat on site because it was warmer. All of this adds up to loss of business.
With the summer approaching, climatologists are predicting higher than average temperatures so that we can expect, in technical terms, more cooling degree days, which will result in a greater demand for using cooling in our homes, businesses
and work sites.
Put all of these predictions and changes into our business strategic planning processes and I can tell you that many of us will have to change the way we are going to execute business in the very near future. I know some building contractors are already planning to make changes in the type of equipment they plan to buy or rent.
Construction heater rental and sales in at least the southern portions of Canada will be cut back because they are temperature-driven purchases. And no one wants to take the chance on warehousing items that won’t be used. There is no profit in that. Neither will the sales of natural gas, propane, oil and electricity continue to increase at previous rates if the winter of 2011/2012 is repeated. Infrastructure and increased investments in these energy sectors will be reduced, and economic activities traditionally associated with them will be greatly reduced, in turn impacting secondary construction and employment.
Conversely, new products such as portable air conditioning may proliferate to meet the new cooling demands of warmer springs, summers and even later autumns where higher temperatures and humidity will become an issue for comfortable daily living.
Manufacturers and marketers of both fuels and associated products will need to follow climate change more closely. Accordingly, equipment distributors will have to rethink what to order and when to meet new seasonal demands affected by climate change. Equipment manufacturers and marketers will have to re-examine and potentially re-allocate sales staff and product warehousing to different areas or regions to accommodate differing product demands.
I predict a paradigm shift in marketing energy and equipment using all fuels. It is foolish to disregard the socioeconomic impact of climate change. For those who doubt me, just think of our last winter and how it affected your business. I don’t believe this winter was an anomaly; it is a harbinger of things to come. Climate change will necessitate economic change. Hold on to your toques! CRS
SJIII 3219 SCISSOR LIFT
Variable speed front wheel hydraulic drive and 90° steering, allows our compacts to maneuver in the smallest spaces.
The SJIII 3219 offers an easy to service, low maintenance design in a compact and versatile package. Featuring a 3’ roll out extension deck, the SJIII 3219 offers a working height of 25’—25% gradeability, and boasts an industry leading 550 lb capacity.
Durable steel swing-out component trays provide unrestricted access for easy maintenance and service.
