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Serving the Canadian rental industry for 44 years.
6
4
EDITORIAL
We can’t prevent what’s coming but we can get ready for the future.
20 ROLLER SCREEDS FAQ
Roller screeds offer a way for small contractors and DIYers to execute big concrete projects.
10 CANADIAN RENTAL RATE REPORT by EquipmentWatch
6
INDUSTRY NEWS
Equipment rental designated essential...tough times for event rental...government assistance on tap...
11 AT YOUR SERVICE Now is the time for leadership. by Russ Dantu
12 WHAT I DID DURING THE PANDEMIC
In a time like nothing we have seen before, we gathered together to tell our stories.
24 CONCRETE SHOWCASE
Great new products to help your customers finish concrete.
30 THE EVENT
So much for the first half of 2020. by Tara Jacobs
www.canadianrentalservice.com
Will you be ready?
None of us have ever seen anything like this before. The COVID-19 pandemic has depressed economic activity and disrupted our businesses to an extent we never thought possible. Even with the remarkable measures introduced by governments to keep workers and companies afloat, we face an existential crisis that only the strong and prudent will survive. While the human cost in lives and livelihoods is horrific, this is a business magazine and my job here is to talk about the impact in our industry. By all accounts, it will be devastating, especially for the event sector.
On the equipment side, we’re actually relatively fortunate. No Canadian jurisdication has ordered construction activities to stop and equipment rental has been specifically designated an essential service by some provinces. So you’ve been able to keep the doors open, even if your homeowner business has not been coming into the showroom. Your deliveries to construction sites and small contractors have been able to proceed with care. The American Rental Association’s survey showed most equipment rental operators predicting “only” a 15 per cent hit to their revenues, though this seems optimistic to me. There’s just no doubt that the general suppression of business activity will cause a deep recession, though we can all hold out hope that it will be short.
On the event side, it’s hard to find words of hope. We’ve lost essentially all our business from the first half of the year. I don’t know too many stores that can afford close to zero revenue for
ON THE WEB:
Coronavirus Roundup
There’s not much any of us can do about this pandemic, but Canadian Rental Service is doing our best to get you the information you need to help you through. Visit our special Coronavirus Roundup page on canadianrentalservice.com for daily news updates relevant to the Canadian rental industry, as well as lists of resources and links to podcasts to help you. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for alerts whenever the page is updated. Stay safe, everyone.
by Patrick Flannery
weeks or months on end. All we can do is hope that people had enough socked away to keep eating, low enough levels of debt, and can get enough government assistance to stay solvent until business resumes. And that, at the end of this, we can get our workers and customers back.
For hope, we should look ahead to the end of social distancing and closure orders. I predict there will be a massive economic rebound, perhaps as unprecedented in its intensity as this shutdown has been. Most recessions happen because of some structural problem in the economy. Interest rates are misaligned with demand. Commodities prices do something crazy. Mass speculation on real estate crashes the global financial system. This recession isn’t like that. Things were chugging along pretty well prior to the outbreak, with perhaps a small correction coming in Canada but gangbusters in the U.S. Demand has been artificially suppressed by the virus, like a lid held on a boiling pot. When everyone gets back to work, they are all going to want to start their delayed projects and host their postponed weddings all at once. Those of us strong enough to weather the storm won’t have enough hands to answer the phones.
This is a danger in and of itself – one we should take the time (now that we have it) to be ready for. What is your plan for the recovery? You will need to either retain or be able to swiftly re-hire your laid-off workers. You will need to have the right items in your fleet, and possibly even more of them than usual as people all rush for the popular items at once. You might need to be able to quickly access additional credit to cover the costs of filling all those orders. And you need to make sure it’s your phone that is ringing when people in your market can’t get an answer at your competitor.
You know better than I how to prepare for most of this. But I do know a thing or two about marketing, and I can say from experience that the biggest mistake people make in recessions is to immediately eliminate the advertising budget. I get it –right now, every penny has to stay in the bank. But when the light at the end of the tunnel appears, be ready to hold your flag high so it’s you they are looking at when this industry breaks into the open. CRS
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EQUIPMENT RENTAL DEEMED ESSENTIAL DURING PANDEMIC
Equipment rental services were identified as essential services allowed to remain open during provincial business shutdown measures initiated in mid-March. B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador specifically named equipment rental on their essential services lists. All others indirectly exempted equipment rental with exemptions for businesses providing services for critical infrastructure and industry such as transportation, fuel supply, health care, forestry, mining, energy, manufacturing and utilities.
Though allowed to remain open, provinces encouraged all businesses to operate at minimal levels required to support critical operations and to maintain minimal staff on business premises. Provinces established limits on the number of people allowed to gather in one place ranging from two to 50. Businesses were required to enforce anti-viral safety measures at all times both for staff and customers including physical distancing of at least six feet between people; provision of hand washing facilities and hand sanitizer; frequent disinfecting of surfaces on equipment and in stores; and curbside pickup
PARTY AND EVENT RENTAL OPERATIONS DECIMATED BY PANDEMIC
Canada’s party and event rental industry has been brought to an almost complete standstill by provincial and federal pandemic-control measures. Gatherings above a small number of people for non-essential reasons have been prohibited across the country, effectively canceling every wedding, conference, celebration and meeting that needed event supplies through the first half of the year. Even funerals have been restricted to 10 people in most areas. Cash flow for many stores has dropped to zero in the space of a month. Even if there were some demand for party and event rentals, stores have been forced to cease operations by provincial shutdown orders of non-essential businesses.
The American Rental Association’s survey of its party and event rental members at the end of March found over 75 per cent of respondents reporting a drop of 75 per cent or more in revenue. Almost 60 per cent of respondents said they would not be able to remain in business more than three months under current conditions.
Even in these dire times, party and event rental stores are finding ways to help out, support their staff and stay alive until the pandemic lifts. Please see our special coverage in the cover story.
of equipment. Violation of these requirements exposed employers to risk under occupational health and safety laws in all provinces. Jobsites were shut down in several instances when safety officials found workers not observing the measures.
In a survey of members at the end of March, the American Rental Association found
36 per cent of equipment rental stores reporting losses of 15 per cent or less and about 35 per cent of stores reporting losses of under 60 per cent. Average layoffs were three staff and 62 per cent of stores said they had either applied for government relief loans or were going to do so soon. Please see our special coverage in this issue of how the equipment rental industry has been coping with these difficult circumstances.
POINT OF RENTAL OFFERS FREE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE APP
Point of Rental Software is making its electronic signature product, Rental eSign, available for free for 90 days for any rental business that needs it, regardless of what software they use. The setup fee is also being waived and no payment information is required, making it a risk-free option for rental owners looking to keep their staff and customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s hard enough for rental companies in this climate. We’ve seen some of the elaborate ways people are getting contracts signed while maintaining their distance, and while the level of innovation was amazing, we knew we could help make it easier,” said CEO Wayne Harris. “Since eSign works independently of other software products, it’s able to help the entire rental community, not just Point of Rental users.”
Rental eSign allows businesses to collect secure signatures via email or a tablet in-store, which makes it easy to practice proper social distancing and will provide benefits even when the current pandemic is over. It gives businesses the ability to:
• Make signature collection easier to capture via email
• Store signed documents online in a searchable database for easy filing
• Access signed documents anywhere with a login and an internet connection
Harris joined the Counter Talks podcast to talk about how to set up a contactless rental operation. Find the discussion online at canadianrentalservice.com > Podcasts.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
ECONOMIST PREDICTS HARSH RECESSION, EVEN STRONGER RECOVERY
Peter Hall, chief economist for Export Development Canada, presented his projections for how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the Canadian construction industry in a webinar hosted by the Canadian Construction Association on April 2. Hall’s shortterm outlook was dire, but the overall takeaway was a very optimistic prediction of a sharp, strong recovery once pandemic measures are lifted, possibly equally unprecedented in its intensity.
Hall showed the economic impact so far has come in two waves, with China suffering extreme slowing as it applied distancing measures, then again as those measures came into effect across the developed world. Hall noted that not all market sectors have been hit equally, but that the extreme nature of the recession will necessitate massive levels of government assistance across the board. The bailouts in 2008-2009 created a 22 per cent jump in special borrowing – Hall’s team estimates this crisis will require at least double that.
Hall couldn’t avoid some dramatic language when commenting on the
intensity of the impact so far, saying one’s “heart goes into spasms” when you look at some of the numbers. China is the “canary in the coalmine” that shows how the lockdown will affect our economy, and he pointed to numbers like a previously unheard-of 80 per cent drop in auto sales. Hall said he’d never seen anything like this, and could apply that comment to his entire presentation as there were similar impacts to industrial production, electricity generation, traffic density… even air pollution. Just about every economic metric has declined by levels and at a rate never before measured. Over 20 million people have filed for unemployment benefits in the U.S., with parallel impacts to employment in Canada.
Now for the good news. Hall pointed out that this recession is completely unlike other recessions in that it has nothing to do with structural aspects of the economy. It is a “policy recession.” The world economy was actually fairly healthy before the outbreak. Even in the small slowdown in growth at the end of last year, unemployment was low
ALLU INTRODUCES NEW DEALER IN ONTARIO
Allu Group has introduced ECA Canada Company, based in Toronto, as its newest dealer for the full line of Allu Transformer material processing attachments. ECA Canada Company not only provides sales and rental of Allu’s unique screener crusher buckets and soil stabilizing equipment for its customers in Ontario, but also complete aftermarket service and spare parts. The appointment of ECA Canada Company as its distributor for Ontario reinforces Allu’s commitment to providing the highest possible level of customer service by combining local expertise and support with the wide reach and innovative benefits of working with a truly global company. Founded in 1918, ECA (Equipment Corporation of America) has been a prominent distributor of construction machinery for specialized, civil, mining, and marine construction projects, initially along the East
with labour force participation and wages increasing. GDP growth was actually below potential, Hall feels, because investor confusion caused by Trump’s policy chaos was putting an artifical drag on activity. The American domestic economy was very strong. The UK looked to have finally achieved some resolution on Brexit and Canada had signed its new/old trade deal with the U.S. Hall’s forecast showed most indicators improving going into 2020. So world economies came into this from a relatively high place. Companies, Hall notes, came into this with a lot of orders on the books.
Hall and his team referred to data from previous pandemics and early information emerging from China and South Korea (where restrictions have started to lift) to show that economies bounce back very quickly from artificial recessions of this kind once the conditions creating them are removed. His projected growth curve, now sloping well below the previous trend line of GDP growth, spikes back up in a sharp V, rising quickly well above the old trend, then receding back closer to it. “It’s like being on a roller coaster,” Hall explained. “When you are on the downslope, it is scary and doesn’t feel like you will ever come up.”
Coast in the U.S., and – since the year 2000 – within the eastern Canadian provinces. From its earliest roots, ECA has promoted the rental of construction equipment as a means for its customers to cost-effectively complete construction projects. Along with top-quality equipment, ECA’s customers also benefit from the company’s ability to provide top-notch technical support.
According to Allu Group president, Edgar J. Chavez, “Allu is known worldwide for its legacy of providing the highestquality equipment, along with unparalleled aftermarket support. This tradition has now been made even stronger through our valuable partnership with ECA Canada Company, through its local network and industry expertise. We are happy to introduce them as a valuable addition to our comprehensive dealer network.”
“ECA Canada Company is excited to now offer Allu’s Transformer screener crusher alongside its Processor power mixer,” notes Ray Kemppainen, vice-president and branch manager for ECA Canada Company.
Much of the present pessimism is based on memories of the very slow recovery from the Great Recession of 2008, Hall said. This is different. The financial crisis did long-term damage to banks’ capital holdings, restricting their ability to lend and taking time to build back up. Since then, banking reforms have been put in place to prevent a similar situation and the nature of this crisis is unlikely to lead to that kind of damage. Because of government intervention, most people have either retained their jobs or will be able to swiftly return to their jobs when the crisis ends. Businesses want to operate and people want to work in the prevailing market conditions, they are simply prevented from doing so. While sales losses in sectors like tourism and travel are indeed losses that can never be recovered, people are sitting at home, unable to spend money even as most still have some income. Many businesses have found they can do more than they thought remotely, and some few will even be profitable. All this adds up, Hall said, to intense pent-up demand that will be released in a rush as soon as it is allowed to be. Hall did caution that construction activity tends to lag the rest of the economy and there may be a delayed
SCOTT TO LEAD WERNER
Werner International has announced Gary Scott has been named CEO of WernerCo, a fully integrated and international manufacturer and distributor of access products, fall protection equipment, secure storage systems and light duty construction equipment. Scott will work out of WernerCo’s headquarters in Itasca, Ill.
Martin Bertinchamp, chairman of the advisory board, comments, “Gary is the type of visionary leader to successfully guide WernerCo into the future. We are excited to have Gary join us to build on WernerCo’s marketleading brands and products.
return to strength in our sector. But the impact in the construction sector has been less than in some others because so far most activity has been allowed to continue.
Detailed forecasts are nearly useless at the moment, Hall cautioned, because circumstances are changing so fast economists cannot keep up. However the predictions for a strong, fast recovery are solid based on everything that has been seen in prior, similar situations and in the early data coming back from Asia. With those caveats, Hall’s group is predicting 4.7 per cent growth in the U.S. in 2021, 3.8 per cent in Canada and 8.8 per cent in China and India. Housing in the U.S., he said, looks to have a particularly strong recovery as the market is still undersupplied due to the lingering effects of 2008. Canada’s situation is not as good as good as we went into the pandemic with a real estate bubble caused by low interest rates, high valuations and oversupply. So Hall predicts a small correction in housing, but nothing serious.
Domestic manufacturing following the pandemic could actually benefit as companies learn their lesson about dependence on overseas supply chains and look to “reshore” or
“nearshore” production. This would create opportunities for construction and industrial suppliers. Hall also speculated about the pandemic recovery accelerating the trend toward automation as domestic manufacturers look for ways to meet a surge in demand without being able to hire hard-to-come-by workers. That could be a long-term benefit to North American manufacturers, Hall said, because machinery costs the same in Asia as it does here, eliminating the advantage overseas producers have had from cheap labour.
Another weirdly hopeful note in Hall’s presentation was the woeful state of Canadian infrastructure. Hall showed numbers ranking Canada 60th or lower in the world in such areas as railroad density and quality of the electrical supply. The country needs $100 billion in investment in infrastructure, and that’s likely where government stimulus dollars will be directed. Good news for the construction industry, for sure.
Hall closed by telling everyone to prepare for a period that will be rough and sharp, but not long. Then he advised everyone to fasten seatbelts for a fourth-quarter recovery as strong as the recession is devastating.
His strong international background, with many years in different regions, will also drive our global growth initiatives. Safety, innovation and quality remain the core pillars of our strategy.”
Prior to joining WernerCo, Scott was global president of the floor care division of TTI. Before joining TTI, he served as president of Chamberlain and Heathco, Americas at the Chamberlain Group. He also spent over 10 years at Newell Rubbermaid in various leadership roles across commercial and consumer products in both the U.S. and Europe. Scott, a trained engineer, started his career as R&D engineer at Stanley Black & Decker in the UK.
“WernerCo is an outstanding company focused on product innovation and growth, and I am excited to be joining WernerCo at a pivotal time in the company’s history,” stated Scott. “I very much look forward to working with our global teams on our strategic plans to drive continued success.”
Gary Scott
EquipmentWatch is a trusted source for heavy equipment data and intelligence, producing leading database information products for the construction equipment industry. It is a world leader in heavy construction research and serves more than 15,000 professional, high-volume users of construction and lift-truck data. Find more heavy equipment intelligence at equipmentwatch.com.
Cross-Canada Rate Report
The Cross-Canada Rate Report is provided to Canadian Rental Service as a free service to the Canadian rental industry. Rate data shown are national averages generated by quarterly surveys of 325 Canadian rental stores. For more analysis, subscribe to Counter Talks on your favourite podcasting service. See canadianrentalservice.com for details.
Number of rental companies:
Number of stores:
Number of rates collected for the 10 subtypes:
by Russ Dantu
AT YOUR SERVICE
A time for leadership
It’s times like these that we are all being put to the test. It’s times like these that we are being bombarded with questions about what is going to happen in our workplaces. It’s time like these where we need to show our true leadership.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am very scared about what is happening in the world. Being the owner of two businesses should mean that I have all my bases covered if something goes wrong with one of them, right? Well, in the professional speaking world, everything has come to a grinding halt. I was off to a strong start to the year but already have three cancellations that were for events that were supposed to happen in the next month…and I’m sure the next two or three months after that will be the same. I’m hopeful it won’t but am being realistic with what is forecasted right now.
My other business is selling branded promotional products and corporate apparel. It falls into the “discretionary spending” part of a business and when people have to look at places to cut, this is the first type of spending that stops.
Being in the rental industry, you likely are facing very similar circumstances. Your livelihood depends on people renting equipment from you. With events and projects being cancelled or postponed, the outlook looks bleak.
As a leader, this is a time where those who follow you need you to help them get through this. It’s also a time where you may have to make tough decisions to lay off staff. Everyone is hoping the precautions taken by the government will lower the impact and hopefully make this a shorter term pandemic than what is happening in other parts of the world.
Here’s a few thoughts on what you can do. Be truthful with your employees. Keep them in the loop as to what is happening in your specific business and industry. Hold regular weekly meetings to keep them updated. Clear, honest communication is key.
Remain positive and calm. This can be difficult. I remember when I was a part of a
merger 15 years ago. I was a branch manager and we had been bought out by a larger entity…one that I had previously worked for. I didn’t like what they stood for or how they treated their employees or customers and that was the reason I left. But I had to remain positive in front of my employees and assure them that this was a good thing for us all. With the coronavirus, it isn’t a good thing, but staying positive and not panicking in front of our employees helps keep the atmosphere and culture a little more positive. If we start preaching doom and gloom right away, then everyone panics.
Don’t make rash decisions. If you have to cut hours, then do so, but there is always lots to do in any business when times are slow. Look at this as an opportunity to fix equipment, thoroughly clean your shops and offices, clear out unused items, repaint while it is quiet, and work on new avenues of business you can go after once this all clears up. I know this type of work doesn’t create revenue but we often put aside many tasks that should be looked after and never do because we are so busy.
Keep your team employed as long as you can. They’ve been good to you for a year, five years, 10 years, or more. They deserve a certain amount of respect for the time they have spent with you helping you make money and build your business. Many of these employees may even be like family so treat them like family. If you have to lay them off, do it in a compassionate way. Help them fill out the necessary paperwork as quickly as possible so they do get some funds coming in from the government. Assure them that you will hire them back as soon as you are able. Give them a call every few weeks to see how they are doing.
It’s hard to be positive with what is happening in our world right now but please look at this as an opportunity to show your true leadership! CRS
Russ Dantu is a 30-year veteran of the rental industry and has been delivering workshops, seminars and keynotes on customer servicce for over 15 years. For more information, visit russdantu.com or email russ@russdantu.com
WHAT WE DID IN THE PANDEMIC
Canadian rental stores share their stories.
There has been no global event in two generations that has frozen much of the world the way the COVID-19 pandemic is right now.
by ANDREW SNOOK
The good news is, our equipment will be cleaner than it ever has been before. Stores are disinfecting equipment right where it is dropped off before even moving it.
The world’s leading health care professionals, politicians and economists are in a constant battle to learn any new useful information about the virus in an effort to keep people safe and to stop economies from grinding to a complete stop. As much as this pandemic affects everyone around the world, frontline workers providing essential services are at increased risk of infection. This includes many rental stores across the country. And the safety of a rental house’s employees is only one of the major challenges owners and operators face. They also need to find ways to generate revenue in markets that have shrunk at lightning speed, or in some cases disappeared altogether.
In an effort to put a finger on the pulse of the rental industry, Canadian Rental Service reached out to rental houses across Canada to learn more about the impact of COVID-19 in their markets and the struggles they’ve had to overcome. These are their stories:
YOU TOUCH IT, YOU BOUGHT IT
Bill Robinson, Xtend Rentals & Safety, Ladysmith, B.C. Having to reduce your workforce doesn’t necessarily mean you’re any less busy than usual. At Xtend Rentals & Safety on Vancouver Island, owner Bill Robinson and his staff have their hands full.
As part of his steps in trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at his locations in Ladysmith and Nanaimo, Robinson reduced staffing by about 50 per cent during the pandemic. However, his business is currently down by about 25 per cent, so the staff are still extremely busy. Due to additional precautions put in place for the protection of the customers and employees, things aren’t getting done as quickly as usual. Robinson says that the majority of his clients have been very understanding about any additional delays they’ve experienced in their service during this time.
“We’ve had a couple of people be a little snippy because we’re not as fast as we usually are, but deal with it,” he says.
Robinson says one of the biggest challenges his company needed to overcome when putting the new safety rules in place was making sure all employees and customers took those additional precautions seriously.
“The rules are in place for a reason and they’re heavily enforced,” he says. “For the first week, it was difficult.”
But thanks to some solid planning on Robinson’s part – he put his new safety rules into effect in late February – his customers and employees got adjusted to the new safety precautions before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“I’d say we were one the first businesses to adapt. Nobody was taking it that seriously,” he says. “We’ve got a whole new operational policy related to COVID19. We’ve got sanitization stations outside each building with free alcohol wipes and free nitrile gloves, if you choose to take them. You’re only allowed to come into the store about 10 feet to a yellow ribbon, and you can’t cross the yellow ribbon without a staff member’s permission. The staff member will allow you to step forward one person at a time. You’re not allowed to touch anything at either store unless you’re going to buy it. So far people are taking it quite seriously and it’s working quite well.”
On the operations side, employees are no longer allowed to share loaders or delivery trucks.
“We’re only allowing one person in each delivery truck,” Robinson says.
To help frontline workers in their battle against COVID-19, Xtend Rentals has been donating respiratory-related personal protective equipment (PPE) to local nurses and members of the B.C. Ambulance Service.
“I’ve got like eight big boxes of stuff in the store and I’m letting the ambulance workers come in and get it as they need it,” Robinson says. “We’re just going to let the ambulance workers keep taking it. They said, ‘When this is over, we’re going to bring all the ambulances to your store, park them in front of your store, and take
some good pictures and let people know what you did.’ I told them that it’s not necessary, but they said, ‘We insist.’”
DRIVE-THRU RENTALS
Colin White, A World of Rentals, Kingston, Ont. Amidst the pandemic, some employers have had to lay off their entire staff temporarily and attempt to keep things running on their own.
At A World of Rentals in Kingston, Ont., co-owners and brothers Colin and Chris Wilson have been running their tool rental business in shifts for a few weeks while getting their business ready for re-hiring staff in mid-April with new safety precautions put into place for curbside service.
“I’m looking into purchasing some type of e-signature-type service, but worst-case scenario, any existing customers are just going to phone in credit cards. We’ll do paperwork in advance and have equipment ready at our back door,” Colin says.
For any new customers, the vestibule has been closed off so people can’t come into the store. Colin bought a piece of plexiglass and converted it into a plexiglass window with a small counter where he and his staff can pass things like credit cards and drivers licenses back and forth to customers when they need to see them. The window is set up on a desk out in the yard.
“All equipment goes in and out the
Rental stores are taking the safety of their staff and customers very seriously. A World of Rentals made this special service window so staff could take customer identification without being exposed.
back door, so our employees aren’t interacting with each other,” Colin says. “In the back we’ve got a couple of wide lanes, so people don’t need to be near each other. We have several branch doors at our shop so we can separate people that way.”
All customers need to phone in their orders in advance with all their information, so all the paperwork is done in advance to reduce the chance of lineups. “That way they can just present their I.D. to us so we can proceed and go from there,” Colin says.
To offer additional protection to their employees, the company is not letting employees interact with the customers.
When unloading equipment coming back to the store, customers have the option of unloading it themselves and leaving it in the yard or having an employee unload it for them.
To sanitize the equipment being returned, employees have been using various cleaners including diluted bleach sprayers, Spray Nine and Lysol.
“If we go to pick up a piece of equipment, like an excavator or a lift, we’ve got Lysol wipes and the guys are wiping down all the controls before they even start to move it,” Colin says. “Like everyone, we’re adapting daily. Our policies are changing daily as we find a better way to do things.”
Colin adds that the biggest hurdle that the company has had to overcome – outside of the obvious financial challenges that have hit most companies – has been trying to keep everybody safe. He was travelling in the U.S. when the pandemic was declared, so Chris watched the store for two weeks on his own while his brother sat in isolation at home after
returning from his trip.
“Trying to control policies and how things are done from home is not an easy thing to do,” Colin says. “But then I’ve also got a wife who is a frontline worker – she’s a nurse – so she cannot get it. She can’t bring it home and I can’t bring it home.”
As much as keeping himself, his family, employees and customers safe is a top priority, keeping up with the constantly changing policies and recommendations has been a struggle.
“We’re definitely overwhelmed with information,” Colin says. “We’re dealing with the government changing the way they’re doing things daily. We’re having almost daily conversations with my banker on what financial aids are in place; constant conversations through Facebook and other things with the rental association – just overwhelmed with information in general.”
Colin was relieved to see the federal government’s assistance come into effect relatively quickly for his employees that
were laid off.
“It eased our minds that they could all get on unemployment right away,” he says. “As much as it’s important for us to save dollars, it’s also about how we keep food on the tables of the people who have been supporting us for all these years.”
TURNING TO TELEMATICS
Dave Carkner, Fluid Alert Inc., Sherwood Park, Alta. Up until the end of March, Dave Carkner had been involved in the rental industry in Alberta for about 20 years He started his equipment rental journey with Finning out of Edmonton in 2001 before starting up his own rental company, Patcher Energy Management, in 2007, which was based in Leduc, Alta. In 2018, he sold his company to Sunbelt Rentals and continued working with the company until the end of March of this year, when he decided to go back to his entrepreneurial roots full-time and run his tank level-monitoring company.
“It’s pretty much all I’ve done for the past couple of decades,” Carkner says.
COVER STORY
In addition to being immersed in Alberta’s rental industry for two decades, Carkner was active with the Canadian Rental Association for many years and is still active with the local provincial board. So, when he offered his input on how the rental industry has been fairing in Alberta during the pandemic, Canadian Rental Service was eager to listen.
“It depends on your sector, for sure. If you’re a general tool rental company, you’re seeing some of the smaller guys pack it in. Guys are getting a lot of stuff coming back,” Carkner says. “If you’re in the festival and events sector, most of those guys have shut down and laid off all their staff.”
In the events sector, Carkner doesn’t see the industry bringing back staff until they get a much better idea of when stayat-home policies and social distancing rules and recommendations are expected to loosen.
“A couple of months ago, events were going full steam,” he says, adding that he has a lot of friends that are locally involved in the sector that have had to quickly go from being a staff of upwards of 20 people down to a single owner. “That’s not uncommon. Edmonton is known as festival city. So, for the party and events side, it’s been devastating.”
One way some of the local event rental companies have been trying to weather the current economic storm has been by renting their tents out as temporary shelters and as medical tents to service frontline workers.
Fortunately, not all companies in the rental industry in Alberta have been impacted the same way as the events sector. Carkner says that equipment rental companies that service general construction are still at least partially active.
“They’re doing better than most, since rental companies have been deemed an essential service. There’s some action going on,” he says, adding that due to the past few years of economic hardship in the province, it still isn’t as busy as it once was.
One area within the equipment rental industry that has found increased interest during the pandemic has been telematics. “I know from conversations with guys here that a lot of people are looking for telematics now. Not that it
wasn’t emerging technology, the market was always going there, but now without having the face-to-face or the contact with the customers a lot of the rental companies are trying to push the telematics side sooner than later so they can at least get that automatic notification so they’ve got to respond. I think you’re going to see a lot of creativity come out of this.”
Within the oil and gas sector, where rentals have been the hardest hit for the past couple of years, Carkner says the impact from COVID-19 hasn’t been felt as hard as other sectors.
“If anything, they’re used to this level of activity,” he says. “There are a few pipelines that are scheduled, but for the most
help?’ and I say ‘Absolutely not,’” Wood says. “The reason is because I’m coming out of my slow season from December to March – it’s deathly – and this is when we [normally] ramp up. I had to lay everybody off two weeks ago. People that worked for me for six years. I’m also a college professor in Ottawa, and 80 per cent of my staff are my former students. So, I have this unique relationship with them where they’re my students and I become their boss. It’s a hard time to lay off these people that I’ve had in my life in different capacities.”
As tough as it is to make these types of business decisions, event companies have had no other options.
“My revenue evaporated within 72
part it’s normal day-to-day for them.”
GONE IN 72 HOURS
Mike Wood, Ottawa Special Events, Ottawa, Ont. For Mike Wood, to say his event rental company has been hit hard due to the pandemic would be a serious understatement. With all events ranging from concerts and festivals to weddings and other celebrations being postponed or cancelled altogether, his event company has had its busy season decimated.
Unfortunately, the 75-per-cent wage subsidy created by the federal government to help businesses has not been helpful for companies like Wood’s, which basically have no opportunity to generate revenue.
“Some people send me a note and say, ‘Does this 75 per cent wage subsidy
hours – and when I say ‘my revenue,’ I mean everybody’s revenue in this business,” Wood says. “Hotels, catering companies, festivals, concerts. It’s not just the event rental companies.”
Wood says that the government assistance offered to businesses simply doesn’t work for any companies that are looking at zero revenue and have large operating budgets they still need to manage. He says one of the most frustrating aspects of this scenario is how completely out of his hands it is.
“The challenge I face is that I did nothing to cause this. If I had done something that caused my business to do this, or I made bad decisions, bad investments, bad whatever, I could live with it. I could be like, ‘You know, that’s
You won’t see scenes like this in Ottawa this spring, and that’s trouble for Ottawa Special Events and stores like it across the country. The frustrating part is how out of anyone’s control this is.
life,’” he says. “We did nothing to do this, the government shut us down… so how does anyone expect business owners to hold on to their companies? As event rental companies, we use our reserves over wintertime to keep the ball rolling, and for like 10 years of Ottawa Special Events this is how it has gone. Make all this money in six or eight months, pay our bills, and over the wintertime we use the reserves, work the little amount of shows that we have. Come March, St. Patty’s Day is like Christmas in March for everybody and it’s the sign of the season starting again for everybody.”
And even if the quarantines like the one imposed by the City of Toronto for no public gatherings until June 30 (as of press time) is lifted, Wood doesn’t see the season being saved for the industry.
“The next problem is going to be that nobody is going to be comfortable going to mass gatherings,” he says. “The season is over, that’s my opinion. The whole event season for Canada is over. The recovery time is more than just the government saying, ‘Yes, we can get back together.’”
“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?”
Andre and Valerie Moreau, Location Moreau, New Richmond, Que. When André and Valerie Moreau first heard of the spread of COVID-19, they had a similar response to most people in this country. “Just like everybody, the first thing we asked ourselves is, ‘What the hell is going on?’” Andre says.
After getting over the initial shock, the co-owners of Location Moreau sat down and started reviewing their day-to-day operations.
“Once we realized this was real, we went into analytical mode. Where are the contamination possibilities around the shop for us and for our customers?” Andre says. “Our retail space has a middle aisle leading from the main door to the service desk. So, we blocked all the shopping aisles with yellow ‘’do not cross’’ tape. Our customers must remain distant in that centre space. We serve our customers and hand them the items they want, so they do not touch anything. It keeps the stock safe and contamination-free. The front store somewhat looks like a crime scene, but
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it keeps everybody safe.”
The company stopped general tool rentals for homeowners but kept those tools available for anyone considered an essential service, which included the construction sector (emergency repairs), infrastructure maintenance, sanitary services (portable toilet cleaning, drain cleaner rentals, sump pump rentals, etc.), and emergency repairs of private potable water systems (the company operates a potable water department and many people in their region have artesian wells).
“Once we made our new management rules effective, we published them on our Facebook page and website to warn the customers,” Valerie says. “Our doors are open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on weekdays, but we remain open by appointment only in the afternoon.”
So far, two employees have been laid off, but the company is currently constructing an online boutique to generate additional business. The boutique will sell the rental store’s most popular items in its retail departments: residential vacuum cleaners and potable water system parts.
“Prepaid orders will be prepared and ready to pick at the shop, so it will keep the customers in our facilities for a short time only,” Valerie says.
Being a company that prides itself on strong customer service, having to turn some customers away has been extremely difficult.
“The biggest challenge is saying ‘No’ to people,” Andre says. “As we understand that people want to take their spare time and complete projects they haven’t had time for for years, we questioned the safety, contamination and de-contamination protocols of our equipment.
The pandemic challenge can be met with determination and flexibility. Andre and Valerie Moreau have established firm rules, looked for different revenue streams and kept their risk to a minimum.
We did not feel safe to handle tools that could be potentially contaminated and we wish to minimize our risk, and the risk for the next customer with that same tool. On the other hand, we also do not let anyone down – emergency rental is still available for fixing a roof, managing seasonal flooding, drain cleaning, etc.”
Although Location Moreau is currently considered an essential service, navigating the pandemic is extremely challenging.
“We are classified as ‘essential’ and we’re just trying to hold it together the best we can,” Andre says, adding that it’s not like businesses can turn to any experts on running a company during a pandemic in Canada. “There’s not that many people that are experts on running a business during this specific kind of storm. It’s an adapt-yourself-or-die challenge.”
Despite the current environment, Andre and Valerie are confident they will be able to get through this challenging time.
“We describe ourselves as
low-risk entrepreneurs with a strict management method, equipment optimization and a solid core of reliable and devoted employees,” Valerie says. “We are pretty sure we will get through this without too much damage. But, unfortunately, not everyone will have the same fate.”
KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE
Blake Menning, All Choice Rentals, Drayton Valley, Alta.
While operating during a pandemic, reducing exposure is key for keeping all employees safe, which allows businesses to continue to operate. At All Choice Rentals, which has three locations across Alberta (Drayton Valley, Rocky Mountain House and Hinton), no-contact rentals have been aggressively promoted.
“One of the things we’ve offered is contactless, free delivery within all areas that we serve,” says Blake Menning, vice-president of All-Choice Rentals. “We just leave the rental equipment at the doorstep to limit any unnecessary contact, which is a benefit for our drivers as well as the people renting the equipment. We just take the payment over the phone and all the equipment arrives on site clean and sanitized.”
All Choice Rentals has also created contactless options for
customers’ rental contracts.
“We’ve given people the opportunity, if they want to come into our physical branch, to do a contactless rental contract, where we can either email them the rental contract and they can just respond to that email as an ‘I accept,’ so they don’t actually have to sign the rental contract itself,” Menning explains, adding that for people looking to come in and modify a rental contract, the company gives them a brand-new pen that they’re more than welcome to keep afterwards.
The company has also set up hand sanitizer stations at the entrances of all its locations and set up highly visible physical distancing lines on the floors, two meters from each service counter.
“We’ve removed any stools, literature or unnecessary items from all our counters, which we have been sanitizing and disinfecting every hour,” Menning says. “Doorknobs are sanitized every time they have been in contact with employees or customers. Debit and credit card machines are sanitized after every transaction.”
On the operational side of the business, employee hours have been staggered to limit the amount of people in the building at one time.
“Rather than having all my front counter staff start at a certain time, one comes in at seven, one comes in at eight, and another cones in at nine. And kind of the same thing with our mechanics, shipping and receiving, and drivers.
After all the work we go to to make our stores inviting and encourage people to come in, this is how we have to greet them now. Some stores have made the tough choice to ban customers from the showroom altogether.
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So, we limit the amount of people in the building, which should help with limiting the spread of the virus,” Menning says.
As equipment is being returned, it is undergoing a thorough, three-step sanitization process. “My shipping and receiving personnel are required to wear face glasses, face shields, aprons and disposable rubber gloves. What they do is they bring all pieces of equipment that went out on a rental into our wash bay and then they are sprayed with a chemical disinfectant and are left to sit for 30 minutes to an hour,” Menning explains. “From there, each piece of equipment is washed with hot soapy water and left to dry in our wash bay. Then, the final step is the equip -
ment is moved to its desired location and given a final coating of disinfectant once more.”
When drivers are delivering equipment to a jobsite, they are all required to wear additional PPE.
“We’re just trying to continue to offer high levels of customer service and really drive home that fact to our customers,” Menning says.
“We’ve been doing a big social media campaign on Facebook, LinkedIn and on Instagram on what our sanitization practices are, what are we doing to keep our buildings safe, offering different things like free in-town delivery.”
The company is also doing various promotions to offer additional savings to their customers right now, since
there is so much uncertainty with non-essential businesses being closed and most companies and people being especially cautious in regard to their spending.
“We’re offering a 25-percent discount on all our equipment rentals Monday to Friday, as well as for every piece of rental equipment that goes out each week, we’ve been donating one pound of food to the local food banks in the communities that we serve,” Menning says, adding that on weekends the company is offering twoday rentals at a one-day rental charge to counter its decision to close on Sundays to reduce its hours. Customers can currently come in and rent a piece of equipment on a Saturday and return it Monday morning for the oneday rental charge.
C
O M P A C T I O N & C O N C R E T E
Every company has a different policy and procedure on the COVID-19 crisis, so touching base with customers to understand their expectations has been a major challenge. “For us, when arriving on site, some customers have no-contact rules, they want certain paperwork in place, they want hazard assessments, they want to have some sort of assurances that our employees have no signs or symptoms or anything like that. We’re just trying to understand every business’ health and safety policies around the COVID19 crisis, because some are more extreme than others,” Menning says. “Another thing I would say is that there is so much misinformation about COVID-19. Are people actually getting their information from credible sources? Just to try and make sure you have all the facts to make an informed decision has been
challenging because there are lots of things you see on social media where you say, ‘This doesn’t look credible,’ but then other people see this and say, ‘Can this virus survive on the equipment for 10 days and are we quarantining our equipment?’ There’s a lot of uncertainty and there’s a lot of people who don’t know what’s going on, and as a result, there’s been a little bit of panic that has set in.”
To try and counter employee stress, the company has been putting out information from all the various governmental health agencies in the lunchrooms to make sure they have the proper information in hand. “It is something that everyone needs to take seriously. But also, if you do take the steps and precautions you can still run a business during this pandemic,” Menning says.
“JUST HOLD ON”
Kim Rixon, Muskoka Party Rentals, Bracebridge, Ont.
Kim Rixon, owner of Muskoka Party Rentals, has felt the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto’s cottage country.
“Basically, my business has been shut down,” she says. Even if the events sector
Kim Rixon is using the down time to reach out to her fellow rental store owners. She wonders if the changes from the pandemic will cause a long-term change in the event rental industry.
is allowed to operate in time to salvage part of the busy season, Rixon believes that the industry is going to struggle for the rest of the year.
“I think the event industry is going to change,” she says. “I don’t think you’re going to see 200- to 300-person parties as much. I think they’ll be smaller, more contained. I don’t think it’s going to be a quick fix.”
For Rixon, the uncertainty around when her company will be able to move forward is the most frustrating part of the pandemic.
“We’ve got people right now that want to cancel August events and we’re saying ‘Just hold on,’ because hopefully we can pull something out of this summer,” she says. “If we don’t get on top of this and kind of squash it, we’re going to lose the entire season and I think that’s going to be the downfall of a lot of small businesses.”
In the meantime, Muskoka Party Rentals is scrambling for revenue. It has been able to set up some of its tents in one of the local community centres as a screening area for a few weeks. But otherwise, work is extremely hard to come by. That’s not say that Rixon isn’t keeping busy. As the association chairperson and director for the Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Rental Association (CRA), she has been active calling members to let them know about the various sources available to find updates on COVID-19 related information.
“We figured it was a good time with a lot of us sitting at home with nothing to do,” she says. “We’re touching base with members to make sure they’re doing okay. I’ve only been able to contact a
handful of people so far. Everyone has the same fear, the same questions. Most of us are very positive that when we’re able to get back to business, it’s going to pick up and we’ll be able to help people like we normally do.”
Rixon says staying connected with other industry members and sharing information as much as possible is important for the health of the businesses as well as the people. “I think that part is going to be the most important part. Even though we’re physically distant we don’t need to be mentally and socially distant,” she says.
AGILITY REQUIRED
Tim Braswell, Western Global, Winnipeg, Man. Suppliers to the rental industry have had to be just as agile as the store owners themselves during the pandemic. Western Global, a global manufacturer and supplier in the fuel tank industry, and a leading provider of tanks and dispensing equipment, has put all sorts of policies into place to protect its employees around the globe, including at its Winnipeg location.
“First off, we allowed 80 per cent of our staff to work from home,” says Tim Braswell, marketing manager for Western Global. “The additional 20 per cent is representative of our operations staff and assembly. Those are the guys that are building the tanks, assembling the tanks, the fuel pump systems and everything. They’re allowed to work at an operations centre. They’re also practicing safe distancing – social distancing – in terms of how they’re spaced and how they reconfigured our operations section. They’re ensuring that we have everything used at a proper safe distance and also every member of that floor is wearing the CDC-recommended PPE.”
Another way the company has needed to be agile is in its marketing strategies. Worried about the safety of its employees, Western Global decided to pull out of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 – the largest construction trade show in North America – the week before it opened in March. Due to the last-minute cancellation they lost about $15,000 on their trade show booth (the week of the trade show, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO).
“Getting over that was very difficult. Then, we had two additional subsequent shows we had paid for that we’re trying to get a refund from,” Braswell says. “We had over 20 trade shows projected, but now we’re just doing a digital marketing front: pivoting the company from a full line of sales to directly to digital.”
In the U.S., which is now the new epicenter for the global pandemic, the company is assisting frontline workers in their battle against COVID-19. “We’re currently in contact with some of the FEMA and the [U.S.] Army core engineer personnel so we can donate one of our tanks to the TCF Center. The TCF Centre is Michigan’s largest convention centre and they refitted that to be a triage centre. I think that’s going to house anywhere from 2,500 to 3,000 beds. So, we wanted to donate one of our fuel tanks to help keep the power running for any external operations or internal operations they need for generators and HVAC systems,” Braswell says.
The company is also partnering with its fuel distribution suppliers to hold webinars targeted for state and federal emergency relief efforts, informing them that they do have varying solutions for emergency mobile fuel.
As far as the rental industry goes, Western Global recommends that rental stores and equipment stores be available for any potential urgent needs from local governments.
“Feel free to reach out to those agencies and local governments and position yourself as available to support those local efforts,” Braswell says.
KEEP PLUGGING AND STAY SAFE
No matter what sector of the rental industry you’re involved in, it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t going to disappear overnight. While it is ongoing, Canadian Rental Service will be right there with you delivering all the latest updates on the pandemic as well as tips for keeping employees and customers safe during this challenging time.
For ongoing COVID-19 updates, visit canadianrentalservice.com.
Take care and stay safe.
ROLLER SCREEDS FAQ
Popular concrete finishing technology that fits great in your fleet.
Concrete work is nothing new. Contractors have been perfecting the art of concrete pours for many years, combining new technology with their tried-and-true methods. By relying on their proven, manual methods and simultaneously implementing new products and technology, contractors are able to improve finished product quality, save time and reduce labour costs.
by SETH ULMER, Curb
Roller Manufacturing sales manager
Roller screeds offer an upright operating position that’s much easier on the operator than a handsand-knees alternative. Roller screeds are simple to operate and can be customized to fit just about any size pour, including shaped forms for curb and gutter work.
Roller screeds (also known as tube screeds or revolving tubes) are a perfect example of this blending theory. This equipment combines the time-tested process of using something flat to smooth out concrete with the addition of a spinning tube attached to a power source. Roller screeds have been around for several years, but are gaining popularity in the rental market because of their ease of use and achievable investment. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about roller screeds.
WHAT ARE ROLLER SCREEDS?
Simply put, a roller screed consists of a power
source and a single tube. The tube spins against the concrete as operators pull the unit across forms. Roller screeds are simple to operate and can be customized to fit just about any size pour, including shaped forms for curb and gutter work. The standard tube screed can complete pours of just a few feet to those 30 feet wide. Roller screeds can run on various power sources – hydraulic, electric, gas, and the newly introduced battery option. The components are easy to set up and tear down. Perhaps most notably, they offer an upright operating position that’s much easier on the operator than a hands-and-knees alternative.
Roller screeds are reliable, easy to maintain and don’t require much training. They’re available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, which makes them an attractive option for contractors and DIYers alike.
Unlike a vibrating screed, roller screeds offer an effective method for pervious paving and low slump concrete, as well as slope paving. The absence of a vibration source eliminates concrete slumping down the slope and ensures more aggregate stays near the top.
ARE ROLLER SCREEDS HARD TO USE?
Roller screeds are reliable, easy to main tain and don’t require much training. They’re available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, which makes them an attractive option for contrac tors and DIYers alike.
Even if an operator hasn’t used a roll er screed before, it’s highly likely that they can create a nearly perfect pour after running the screed. Some manu facturers offer variable speed control on their units, which makes them easier to use than a simple on/off switch. Since moisture and slump levels vary between truckloads, variable speed flexibility allows the spin speed to be adjusted on the fly to accommodate the changing material conditions.
Along with being easy to use, roller screeds reduce the skill that’s often required with concrete labour. Since the design is intuitive, contractors are able to accomplish a high-quality product with less-experienced crews. Because the roller screed rides on predefined rails or forms, it gives the supervisor or foreman on a crew the ability to
TECH TIPS
don’t generally have service issues. If anything, users might have an issue with the power sources – either an extension cord for an electric model, a bad battery or a problem with the hydraulic source. These issues are usually easy to troubleshoot and don’t require an onsite visit from an expert or rental centre employee.
HOW SHOULD ROLLER SCREEDS BE STORED?
If a rental centre chooses to carry the aluminum pipes in stock, they’re easy to store and can be kept outside. As long as they aren’t bent or damaged, roller screeds have an extremely long life. In the case of damaged pipe, replacement is inexpensive and doesn’t affect the power source itself. The power component of the units should be kept inside in a temperature- and moisture-controlled environment.
Roller screeds present an additional stream of revenue for rental centres. They’re inexpensive to add to a fleet, and often turn an ROI in only a few customer rentals. After living their rental life, roller screeds also hold their value to be sold as a used unit.
WHAT KIND OF CUSTOMERS WOULD BE INTERESTED IN ROLLER SCREEDS?
Customers who don’t pour concrete every day will be the most interested in roller screeds. The equipment is ideal for concrete patchwork, smaller pours or one-off projects. It isn’t meant to replace larger pieces of equipment.
Roller screeds are highly versatile, offering sizes and configurations for just about any sized project from patchwork and sidewalks to larger areas like parking lots and streets.
Roller screeds also offer a unique solution to projects that might have space or emission restrictions, such as indoors or difficult-to-access areas like basements. Battery-powered units, specifically, are a great option when contractors need to consider emissions. These units operate with no cords, hoses or fumes,
making them a highly mobile and precise piece of equipment. For rental centres looking to offer the most convenient option, units that offer ample power with one convenient, removable and rechargeable battery means less hassle for renters and employees.
No matter the power source, roller screeds make a great option for people looking to complete a unique pour. Heavier, industrial-focused contractors will find the hydraulic system the best fit, while smaller, municipal contractors might find the most efficient will be a gas, electric or battery-powered roller screed. Roller screeds offer an ideal solution for larger spaces like highways, bridges and ditch embankments, as well as bike trails, golf cart paths, garage pads and shed floors. Some manufacturers offer attachments to achieve more complicated pours, including a centre-pivot kit to tackle circular pours like grain bin pads.
CONCLUSION
Roller screeds meet the market’s demand to make concrete more achievable to workers of all skill levels. With equipment that is adjustable, convenient and easy to operate, contractors can take on more jobs and projects than they may have previously. By incorporating these user-friendly machines into their lineup, rental centres can offer new opportunities to both contractors and DIYers. CRS
About Curb Roller Manufacturing
Curb Roller Manufacturing has been a world leader in shaped concrete roller screeds for more than 10 years. With high-quality products for everyday concrete work, Curb Roller’s ergonomic machines not only make it easy to shape standard curb, gutter and sidewalks, but also flume, v-gutter, swale and other unique shapes. The company’s flagship product, the award-winning CM4000 Curb Roller, opened the door for additional products like the Hydra-Screed and the battery-powered Batt Screed and corded Eel Screed.
Roller screeds can run on various power sources – hydraulic, electric, gas, and the newly introduced battery option.
Your customers will appreciate these advanced solutions for preparing and finishing concrete surfaces.
CONCRETE SHOWCASE
CORDLESS ELECTRIC BREAKER
8 milwaukeetool.ca
Part of the new Milwaukee MX Fuel equipment system, the MX Fuel breaker is the industry’s first cordless breaker. Pulverizing up to two tons of concrete on a single charge, users experience the run-time required to break a 40-foot long trench, 12 inches wide and six inches deep. The MX Fuel breaker is lighter, weighing just 63.9 pounds. With easy manoeuverability and portability, this breaker transports quickly and safely to and from the jobsite. With an ergonomically enhanced grip and a 70 per cent lower vibration rate than corded breakers, the MX Fuel hits 30 per cent harder with 50 footpounds of impact energy, making it a safer option for prolonged use. Tripping
hazards on the worksite have been eliminated with no compressor hose or extension cord to contend with and without ever tripping electrical breakers. The MX Fuel’s RedLithium CP203 battery pack charges in 45 minutes with the XC406 batteries charging in 90 minutes.
FOR DEMANDING RENTAL APPLICATION S
8 minnich-mfg.com
Minnich Manufacturing has introduced a new 50-cubic centimeter, gas-powered, backpack concrete vibrator to the rental market. Driven by a powerful Honda 50 cc motor with an ergonomically designed, fully adjustable harness, the lightweight 20.5pound back pack concrete vibrator offers operators outstanding mobility, reliable performance, superior comfort and reduced fatigue during
concrete consolidation. The 50 cc unit joins the 35 cc model in the Minnich back pack vibrator lineup. The Honda GX50 generalpurpose engine expands the Minnich mini-fourstroke vibrator lineup with a model that offers high output and light weight for excellent performance and fuel efficiency in more demanding commercial and rental applications. Featuring a compact and lightweight design, the GX50 is the first Honda four-stroke model in the two-horsepower class that is 360-degrees inclinable during operation and storage. Minnich’s 50 cc backpack concrete vibrator is equipped with many new features, including a removable throttle assembly which enables operators to relocate the throttle for easy and comfortable operation. All core/casings and vibrator heads are interchangeable between all Minnich gaspowered and electric flexshaft units with a true universal quick disconnect system, giving contractors equipment flexibility. Additional benefits include easy starting, low noise, simple maintenance, superb
acceleration, and low fuel and oil consumption.
MORALE-BOOSTER 8 dragonscreed.com
Dragon Screed’s design allows customers to screed subgrade for a uniform thickness of concrete and screed concrete from the comfort of the machine. It is quickly customizable to meet the needs of almost any project. Born out of 40 years of experience pouring concrete, the Dragon design screeds base materials and concrete faster and with less labour than other methods. Dragon Screed can be used in the offset position to screed on either side of the machine and operated in forward or reverse and also in front of the machine. It is quickly and easily adjustable to pour from four to 32 feet wide and accomplish radius pours up to 70 feet in diameter. Dragon Screed drags, floats and vibrates the concrete with every pass. Dragon Screed uses a hydraulic pivot that allows
users to pour on a pitch if the machine is on an uneven surface. It features wide floats that drag smoothly behind the screed bar, each with a vibator attached. The vibration system is a multi-speed, remote-controlled system that lets the spotter quickly adjust the intensity of the vibration needed. From large parking lots to residential driveways to municipal roadways, Dragon Screed drastically reduces labour. When the machine does the dragging customers see a 50 per cent reduction in labour, not just in the number of workers required but also in physical effort. Users simply get the grade material or concrete reasonably close to grade and Dragon Screed does the rest. With vibration floats integrated into the screeding process, concrete finishers will be well-rested and able to dedicate their full attention and energy to those all-important finishing touches. Contractors experience a morale boost that leads to better employee retention, eliminating those troubles finding help on pour days.
QUICK-CHANGE TUBS
8 electricdumper.com
The E-750 electric wheelbarrow is a partner for concrete, demolition and hauling needs. Power Pusher’s E-750 electric wheelbarrow with slurry tub and concrete funnel cap attachments meets the unique application needs of the concrete industry. The poly slurry tub with its powder-coated steel rim holds a true 1/4 yard of liquid concrete or up to 12 cubic feet of dry material, minimizing material loss
during transport. The concrete funnel cap fits on the slurry tub and funnels the slurry into narrow spaces like post holes and other tight areas. It is durable and easy to clean. Customers can quickly change from the slurry tub to a galvanized steel tub that works well for demolition and hauling. Both the slurry tub and the galvanized steel tub have a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, improving safety and efficiency by eliminating the ergonomic challenges and delays associated with manual wheelbarrows. The E-750 can move at speeds reaching four miles per hour. Created to minimize stress and strain, the E-750 provides push-button powered dumping capability. Its silent motor with zero emissions is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and it fits through standard doors. Multiple standard and custom quick-change attachments are available.
POLISH RIGHT TO WALL 8 alleneng.com
Allen has introduced its new RP235 and RP245 polishing riders. The RP235 and RP245 were designed with the high-volume concrete
polisher in mind. These riding trowels come as designed to achieve high rotor speeds to achieve high torque while polishing. They also come equipped with special dolly jacks that ensure transportation indoors can be done with ease, as well as allowing for quick change of the polishing pads. These designs are built on Allen’s popular edging riding trowel frame to allow contractors to get extremely close to the wall while polishing.
SEVEN TIMES FASTER 8 brokk.com
Brokk offers the BCP planer attachment for controlled material removal on walls, floors and ceilings for cleaning, renovation and restoration applications. The three models in the BCP series are specially designed to work with Brokk remote-control demolition machines and offer up to seven times the speed of handheld options while providing greater precision and safety for grinding, brushing or removing concrete, glue, carpet, tile and other materials. Hood and vacuum connections are also available, enabling operation in contaminated environments such as asbestos and nuclear applications. The highefficiency BCP planer offers contractors a new option for quickly and precisely removing deteriorated or contaminated concrete, adhesives or other materials in a number of applications
including industrial cleaning, abatement, bridge repair and many more. With a maximum cutting depth of 1/4 inch per pass (1/2 inch combined) and automatic leveling in all directions, the BCP Planer provides highquality, even removal across a wide area, unlike handheld options which often provide uneven results. For hazardous material removal, this creates significant savings by removing only the contaminated material and reducing waste handling costs. The BCP planer offers 360-degree rotation, which allows contractors to work at any angle, including overhead, for maximum efficiency. A selection of cutting drums for different operations further increases versatility. And with drum replacement taking less than five minutes, contractors can quickly switch from removing concrete to removing plaster, glue and asbestos.
UNIFORM CURBS 8 curbroller.com
Curb Roller Manufacturing has introduced the Curb Roller CM4000: a singleoperator machine for shaping concrete for curb and gutter work. The CM4000 reduces the labour of shaping curb and gutter
pours, allowing crews to complete work up to twice as fast as manual methods or face forming. The Curb Roller CM4000 is most commonly used for curb and gutter projects ranging from 50 to 5,000 linear feet and can be used on jobs of all types and sizes, including patch and repair jobs. The system has also been widely accepted as an efficient method to tackle small v-gutter and flume projects. Customers can choose from more than 25 pre-designed drum profiles or fit the unit with a custom drum made to their project’s specifications. The CM4000 gives large and small contractors the ability to do a broader scope of work without having to invest in large, expensive equipment. Because the drums can be easily switched out, contractors can offer multiple curb styles after investing in the base machine. The singleoperator machine takes most of the back-breaking work out of curb and gutter work, all while producing a consistent, high-quality finished product. The equipment is intuitive to use, making it accessible for workers who might not have as much experience. The CM4000 has a patented guide ring that runs on the inside of forms, ensuring a uniform curb every time.
SELF-ACTING MOVEMENT
8 epiroc.com
Epiroc has added two new models for heavier carriers to its popular CB Concrete Buster range. The CB 5500 and CB 7500 are designed for carriers in the 50- to 85-ton weight class. Due
to their comparatively light weights, CB Concrete Busters are effective choices for use with highreach or long-front carriers. They are ideal for applications with highly abrasive material and low visibility of the product in operation. They are also suitable where noise is an issue and they can be used in residential areas where hydraulic breakers are not permitted. As construction and demolition contractors worldwide have discovered, CB Concrete Busters with their wide jaw openings and high cracking forces, are ideal for demolishing thick foundation walls and they make light work of cracking girders and heavy concrete at extreme heights. CB Concrete Busters are equipped with two powerful hydraulic cylinders which deliver virtually continuous closing force for maximum productivity. The hydraulic cylinders are fully protected by piston rod guards. An integrated speed valve gives faster working cycles. Offering impressive cracking forces of up to 190 tons depending on the model, CB Concrete Busters are equipped with two independently moving jaws that eliminate displacement force, thus lowering stress levels. Cutting blades are both
replaceable and reversible. A productive feature on all CB Concrete Busters is 360-degree endless hydraulic rotation, which allows precise handling and optimal positioning. If the cutter grips the material at an oblique angle a built-in pressure relief valve allows a “self-acting movement” that brings the cutter jaw into the ideal position. This valve effectively protects both the carrier and the cutter from potentially damaging reaction forces.
EARLY CUTTING
8 husqvarna.com
blades. The blade block enclosure minimizes noise and is equipped with a vacuum port for easy dust control. Husqvarna SoffCut is a unique patented system for ultra-early entry concrete sawing. This technology enables concrete to be cut within the first one or two hours after finishing and before final set. Husqvarna SoffCut provides the best solution for minimizing the risk of random cracking, and simplifies the working process compared to conventional sawing.
TELEMATICS PACKAGE 8 mecalac.com
The new Husqvarna SoffCut 150 E is an electric version of the gas-powered Husqvarna Soff-Cut 150, which has become popular among contractors due to its reliable performance, low weight, swift handling and excellent results. The new electric version delivers additional benefits such as easier transportation, less noise, low maintenance and no exhaust fumes, which allows for indoor sawing. Due to its smooth electric motor, which vibrates less than a gas engine, the new machine produces cleaner and more even contracting joints. Just like the bigger Soff-Cut machines, the 150 E model is equipped with Husqvarna’s patented antiravel skid plate and Soff-Cut XL diamond
Mecalac has introduced the TA3SH Power Swivel site dumper for increased versatility and safety on jobsites. The site dumper is part of the TA3 range, which is designed for the small to medium jobsite, and is particularly useful in crowded or confined areas. Like all Power Swivel site dumpers from Mecalac, the TA3SH is designed to deliver superior versatility and performance, especially on confined jobsites such as housing developments or landscaping projects. The TA3SH is 13 feet long and six feet, one inch wide. The Power Swivel technology features forward and swivel tipping mechanisms, allowing the load to rotate 90 degrees on either side before being tipped. This reduces the
need to move equipment, enhancing productivity. The Mecalac range of Power Swivel site dumpers features payload options from one to 10 tons. The TA3SH’s payload capacity is 6,613 pounds, making it ideal for industries such as concrete, landscaping and urban construction. All Power Swivel site dumpers feature a heavy-duty locking device. This keeps the skip facing forward while on the move and is just one of many features that ensures Mecalac Power Swivel models provide the highest level of safety. Available technologies include start/stop control, capture and hazard detection. Start/stop control improves on-site safety, minimizes fuel consumption and increases service intervals by automatically starting and stopping the engine in predetermined conditions. Capture is Mecalac’s innovative telematics solution, allowing rental centers and site managers to monitor unit location, distance traveled and hours completed each day. Hazard detection uses a microwave radar to provide flawless obstacle detection, further increasing safety on jobsites.
PERFECT BLADE ANGLES
8 toro.com
Toro power trowels feature contoured adjustable handles and a rotating stabilizing ring for precise handling that will deliver a smooth concrete finish. There are four models to choose from and each comes equipped with a Honda engine. The Toro Dyna-Clutch safety feature is incorporated into each unit and will stop the blade without shutting down the engine. The PT-36PP and PT-46PP feature Toro’s patented Pro-Pitch blade adjustment system that provides smooth, quick pitch changes to ensure blades are at the optimal angle for a perfect finish.
PLATE STEEL CONSTRUCTION
8 concretekangaroo.com
The Concrete Kangaroo helps contractors maximize profits by placing large or small amounts of concrete safely and effectively the first time. It frees up manpower by securely attaching to skid steers or other equipment, reducing concrete and labour costs. The Concrete Kangaroo is made to be extremely resilient and strong. The sidewalls and door are made from 3/16inch plate steel. It has a capacity of 3/4 cubic yard and weighs 500 pounds. To make cleaning easy, the entire dispenser is primed and painted in gloss black. To make any concreting job easy, the Concrete Kangaroo comes with a variety of extra features. The step-and-grab handle and hydraulic door opener make it exceptionally easy to move and operate. It’s designed to fit all skid steers with universal quick-attach systems and fits into the back of most pickup trucks.
AD INDEX
GREAT POWER-TOWEIGHT RATIO 8 ligchine.com
Ligchine has introduced the SpiderScreed Series – a compact, lightweight and manoeuverable drivein system designed for upper deck concrete and slab-on-grade screeding applications. The drive-in SpiderScreed machine was designed to be lightweight and powerful, featuring a 100-per cent TIGwelded tubular aluminum cage design that keeps overall weight down to approximately 1,280 pounds. Its patent-pending threewheel Versa-Drive system delievers independent zeroturn drive, up to 90-degree horizontal drive and lateral drive. It offers superior power-to-weight ratio (55 pounds per horsepower), allowing lower slumps and cooler running at all times. It also incorporates Ligchine’s patented machine-leveling system to ensure flatter floors and greater compaction than simple screed head-only leveling systems. CRS
To advertise in this section, contact Danielle Labrie.
Phone: 888-599-2228 ext 245, Fax: 519-429-3094
Email: dlabrie@annexbusinessmedia.com
THE EVENT Slamming the brakes
by Tara Jacobs
Last month, I talked about how going green can drive the event rental business. And it can. Maybe just not now. In a matter of days, “disposable versus reusable” became ridiculously irrelevant.
The impact of COVID-19 can be felt in every industry, but especially in the party and event rental space.
In the event industry, there’s never really a down time, but spring is especially busy. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to manage current business, fall bookings and prospecting for new growth.
As I sat on the planning side of the fence at the start of March, my team was feeling crunched too, adrenaline at its peak, as we put the pedal to the metal, ready to execute over 15 events in eight weeks.
And then, COVID-19 hit Canada. We took the pedal off the gas as social distancing replaced socializing. We thought our events could still cross the finish line, given they were smaller and regional.
Suddenly, the tires came to a screeching stop. I can still smell the burnt rubber, as I had to not only shift gears, but reverse all the work we’d done to launch another spring series of B2B events. Plan. Un-plan. Re-plan. It was at this point I started to see the ripple effect on the event industry as a whole.
For each event cancelled or postponed, there is an event rental operator who suddenly lost spring business. Some operators have laid off staff; others temporarily closed. While many events have postponed to the fall (and not outright cancelled), this doesn’t mean business as usual. Assuming you already have a full fall lineup, will you have the inventory and staff to take on this additional surge in business?
The situation is evolving so rapidly, I’m sure this narrative will be dated by the time you read it! Despite the uncertainty, the time will come again when events of all genres get back on track. Until then, our industry must pivot, as we always do, to cope until we see a comeback.
Here are five ways event rental owner/ operators can support customers and staff through COVID-19:
1. Consider unconventional customers. Do you have the infrastructure to offer delivery services to catering companies or other local businesses? Can you supply rental items to hospitals and pop-up medical screening centres? Leverage social media to market your business (even if your storefront is closed).
2. Time for training. Listen to podcasts. Sign up for an online safety course in First Aid, slinging and rigging, ladder safety, WHMIS –the list is endless. In an industry where there never seems to be enough time, take this time to sharpen your skills.
3. Software updates. If you were planning to implement a new POS, GPS or CAD system, now is the time. You’ll have the opportunity to set up your software and give it a test drive before the phones start ringing.
4. Thirsty Thursday anyone? Try a virtual meeting platform like Zoom to share faceto-face updates with your staff. Raise a toast (alcohol not mandatory but highly recommended), to staying home, staying safe, and staying sane!
5. Plan for the long term. Business will come back and when it does you’ll want to be top of mind for event planners. If you didn’t have a marketing strategy to reach new customers, consider print, digital and social options. If you had a plan, it might need to be tweaked to meet new industry needs on the other side of the pandemic. Customers will have new expectations, particularly around the cleaning and sterilization of your rentals. Develop a process and promote it to differentiate yourself from the competition and show your customers their health and safety matters. Time to wrap this up, wash my hands, and make another much-needed cup of coffee. Since I started writing this article (from my home office of course), I’ve been attacked with nerf guns, officiated a Hot Wheels race and took a much needed mental health break in the woods with my seven- and 11-year-old boys. I’m taking this time to enjoy these rare spring moments with my family because when events kick back into high gear, I’ll go from zero to 60 with no looking back. CRS
Toughness begins with our exclusive Flexicore® cables. Heavy gauge wire is wrapped tightly around a wire rope center to give you unequaled strength for the right amount of flexibility.
The Easy Rooter gets a lot of rentals with little maintenance. Just hose it down and it’s ready to go out again. Count on it to take on the toughest jobs with the least hassle to you or your customers.
From the rugged steel frame, to big 10" wheels, to the tough Flexicore cable, the Easy Rooter adds up to lower maintenance costs, higher profits and happier customers.
To learn more, call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/rental
