Heavy Equipment Guide July/August 2020, Volume 35, Number 7

HEAV Y EQUIPMENT GUIDE JULY/AUGUST 2020

TRUCK TECHNOLOGY TRENDS PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069270

AN IN-DEPTH REPORT ON VOCATIONAL TRUCKS 10

www.heavyequipmentguide.ca

HYBRID F-150 TO ELECTRIFY THE CONSTRUCTION JOBSITE 18 HOW TO PAIR THE RIGHT BLADE WITH YOUR CRAWLER DOZER 22 LIEBHERR CANADA LAUNCHES TELEHANDLER LINE 27

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

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Contents JULY/AUGUST 2020 | VOLUME 35, NUMBER 7

18

COVER STORY

22 FEATURES 10 In-depth report: vocational trucks 18 Hybrid F-150 to electrify the construction jobsite 20 Utility contractor digs savings of automatic excavator system 22 How to pair the right blade with your crawler dozer

27 25 Excavation contractors can reduce risk with in-house ground penetrating radar operation 26 Remote control, zoning part of efforts to increase crane safety 27 Liebherr Canada enters telehandler market 29 Connected machines drive productivity and performance

SECTIONS 8 10 18 20

Spotlight In-Depth Report Trucks & Transportation Earthmoving & Excavation

32 The top five types of live field data construction companies need to use daily 34 Bobcat sizes up with largest excavator ever 36 Full-size comfort in compact equipment is big draw for operators Cover photo: Volvo VHD with a mixer.

DEPARTMENTS 26 Cranes & Lift 29 Construction Business Management 34 Compact Equipment

6 Editor’s Letter 37 Advertiser Index 37 Highlights from the Web 38 Last Word JULY/AUGUST 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 5

VIEWPOINT Keeping up with the equipment industry online

I

f you’re anything like us at Heavy Equipment Guide, you’ve had a little bit of free time the last few months. That has sent most of us seeking out new things to fill our time with, and where else do we find those things but the internet?

Lockdowns have led to plenty of interest in exploring new interests, whether it’s learning to cook, finding new games to play, or watching driver’s-eye-view videos of British train routes.

(Guilty on all counts.) There’s plenty to explore, no matter what you’re interested in.

We have been spending more time focused on the internet as well. Heavy Equipment Guide’s team has been focused on improving and expanding our online offerings, as a way to provide our readers with even more useful information about the heavy equipment industry right at their fingertips.

If you haven’t visited our website, heavyequipmentguide.ca, recently I recommend dropping in to take a look. We’re steadily evolving the material that we present online, and it’s worth the time to stop by on a regular basis.

We have always worked hard to be on the leading edge of the news in the heavy construction sector with our online coverage. Whether it’s new product releases, project updates or other topics of interest to the industry, Heavy Equipment Guide has been providing online coverage daily for quite some time. Now, however, we’re bringing even more to our online presence.

Our editorial team is producing exclusive content for the web that allows us to expand on and supplement the industry coverage that our readers are used to receiving here in the print edition of Heavy Equipment Guide. We are taking advantage of our online presence to dig deeper and more rapidly into plenty of interesting and current topics.

For example, Digital Editor Slone Fox has produced a comprehensive roundup of excavators launched thus far in 2020 that has been released exclusively on our website. With CONEXPO earlier this year it’s no surprise that there are plenty of new models to review; we cover models from 2.5 to 100 tons released by 11 manufacturers.

If you’re more interested in historical coverage, check out a fascinating collection of concept machines from several major manufacturers, complete with videos. It’s quite a unique snapshot of the direction that companies like Volvo, Doosan and Hyundai thought the industry might be going, and the videos are great.

Breaking news coverage is also a big part of the site; when Ford launched the new F-150 with its PowerBoost hybrid option and built-in generator recently, I was excited to get the word out quickly and then expand further on the unique features of this hotly anticipated truck.

News, expanded features, videos and more – they’re all part of what we can offer digitally, as a way to expand on the coverage we have provided the construction industry across Canada for the last 35 years. Plus, we’re always looking for more to cover – so if you have a story that you think would be a good fit for Heavy Equipment Guide, please feel free to let us know.

When you can draw yourself away from that latest cooking show you’ve discovered, I invite you to drop by heavyequipmentguide.ca and catch up on the latest in the industry.

Lee Toop Editor

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE JULY/AUGUST 2020 VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 7 EDITOR Lee Toop ltoop@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 315 EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 330 DIGITAL EDITOR Slone Fox sfox@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 335 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sam Esmaili sam@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 110 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Gilmour dgilmour@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 105 MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Arnie Gess agess@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 115 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Anderson production@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 222 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Morena Zanotto morena@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 325 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Ken Singer ksinger@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 226 VICE PRESIDENT/CONTROLLER Melvin Date Chong mdatechong@baumpub.com FOUNDER Engelbert J. Baum Published by: Baum Publications Ltd. 124 - 2323 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC, Canada V5M 4V8 Tel: 604-291-9900 Toll Free: 1-888-286-3630 Fax: 604-291-1906 www.baumpub.com www.heavyequipmentguide.ca @HeavyEquipGuide FOR ALL CIRCULATION INQUIRES Phone: 1-855-329-1909 • Fax: 1-855-272-0972 e-mail: baumpublications@circlink.ca Subscription: To subscribe, renew your subscription, or change your address or other information, go to: http://mysubscription.ca/heg/ Heavy Equipment Guide serves the Canadian engineered construction industry including: road building and maintenance; highways, bridges, tunnels; grading and excavating; earthmoving; crushing; trucking and hauling; underground utilities; trenching; concrete paving; asphalt paving; demolition; aggregates production; fleet maintenance; and asset security and management. The magazine is distributed to key industry personnel involved in these sectors.

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Heavy Equipment Guide is published ten times a year in January, February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October and November/December.

Heavy Equipment Guide accepts no responsibility or liability for reported claims made by manufacturers and/or distributors for products or services; the views and opinions ­expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Baum Publications Ltd. Copyright 2020, Baum Publications Ltd. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publishers.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Printed in Canada, on recycled paper by Mitchell Press Ltd. ISSN 1485-6085 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069270 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Dept., 124-2323 Boundary Road, Vancouver, BC V5M 4V8 Email: baumpublications@circlink.ca Fax: 1-855-272-0972

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SPOTLIGHT //

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

Keep up to date on the latest equipment and product introductions. Visit HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter at HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca/newsletter-info DOOSAN INFRACORE NORTH AMERICA

LARGEST WHEEL LOADER IN DOOSAN RANGE TARGETS AGGREGATES AND MINING The Doosan DL580-5 wheel loader is designed for customers in mining and aggregates, as well as heavy construction. It can fill over-the-road 24-ton trucks in two passes, and features an enhanced front workgroup with a reinforced Z-bar, a larger profile arm and lift cylinder geometry that all work together to improve lifting capacity and performance.

A larger volume steering pump and cylinders help maintain steering efficiency with larger loaded weights; electric steering is standard. Heavier front and rear axles are also intended to help control those heavier weights, with six-disc outboard brakes on each hub. The machine is fitted with lower profile tires on a larger diameter and wider rim, to provide enhanced traction.

Three new aggregate buckets are available to pair with the DL580-5 which can maximize material moving rates. These 8, 9 and 10 cubic yard buckets are designed for use with the new machine with the intended purpose of moving large amounts of aggregate material while withstanding abrasive material. Trimble’s LOADRITE L3180 SmartScale is available as an option, to assist the operator for more accurate, precise and faster loading.

MECALAC

CRAWLER EXCAVATORS TRAVEL AT SKID-STEER SPEEDS

BOBCAT

MINI TRACK LOADER FEATURES REDESIGNED MAINTENANCE-FREE UNDERCARRIAGE Bobcat’s MT100 mini track loader is an ideal alternative to manual labour and wheelbarrows for digging, trenching, backfilling and moving material on small jobsites where larger equipment won’t fit.

Rated operating capacity is 1,000 pounds and removable counterweights are standard.

On the MT100’s new, more durable undercarriage the rollers are permanently sealed and constantly bathed in oil for permanent lubrication that requires no daily maintenance. The surfaces of rollers and idlers are heat treated to minimize wear and tear of typical use.

Two attachment interfaces are available, including the Bob-Tach system Bobcat Common Industry Interface design, and there are two track options available: standard narrow tracks keep the machine’s width to 36 inches and ground pressure to 5.25 psi; the wide track option decreases ground pressure to 3.97 psi and increases machine width to 41 inches.

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The updated Mecalac MCR Series of crawler skid-excavators includes three models, the 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR. These versatile excavators combine the speed of a skid steer with the compact footprint and 360-degree rotation of an excavator to offer a one-machine solution that can take on the tasks of a skid-steer loader, forklift and excavator on a confined jobsite.

The new MCR Series features a hydrostatic transmission and drive motors. A dedicated pump drives the motor, allowing for twice the speed of any traditional mini excavator on the market, according to Mecalac, with each model travelling up to 6.2 mph (10 km/h).

Mecalac’s three-part boom system allows operators to do more from a single position and, according to the company, provides impressive lifting capability that exceeds anything else on the market. The arm can also be tucked in, even when the bucket is full, for compact mobility and zero-turn radius. The Connect quick coupler allows operators to quickly transition between attachments, such as pallet forks or digging buckets, without leaving the cab.

CIRCLE WEAR MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

SHIMS FOR JOHN DEERE MOTOR GRADER CIRCLE According to Circle Wear Management Systems, installing shims behind wear pads on a motor grader circle increases stability when grading using GPS systems and provides more accurate finishes.

A set consists of 63 shims – three shims for each wear pad on the blade circle. (Nine upper pads, six lower pads and six inner pads). These are installed behind the wear pads to eliminate any movement in the circle due to wear of the pads. They can be placed in any order and can be installed quickly with minimal downtime and no need for a technician.

FOCUS ON CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEARABLES

Wearable safety lights help prevent struck-by fatalities of road crews

By Slone Fox, Digital Editor

F

or construction crews such as highway maintenance workers, power line installers, and heavy equipment operators, a lack of visibility is a key factor in workplace accidents. This is especially true for road crews who are often required to work at night when traffic is slower, or for operators who can’t effectively see obstacles in their blind spots.

Because of this, these groups experience the most struck-by fatalities out of any other industry, according to a report by the Center for Construction Research and Training.

While safety vests are a standard choice when it comes to being seen on a site, a vest depends on surrounding light sources to reflect back, rather than producing a constant source of light on its own. This presents a challenge in low-light conditions and puts workers at risk.

In order to combat this, wearable safety light manufacturer Archangel created the Guardian Angel, a magnet-mounted work light featuring 360-degree illumination with LEDs that are visible up to three miles away.

Initially developed to protect law enforcement and first responders in the field, the versatile lights are used both professionally and recreationally. With the ability to mount to equipment, hardhats, cones and individuals, the device illuminates

construction workers who are vulnerable to being caught in blind spots, hit by machinery, or sideswiped by cars while conducting roadwork.

“Construction is an exceptionally broad category, so when we first started pushing into construction, we thought of that fairly naively,” says Chadwick Keller, CEO and COO of Guardian Angel Devices. “If someone’s working in construction, they need to be seen, but we found that there are many different flavours of construction and many subgroups. There’s flaggers, there’s pavers, there’s ditch diggers, there’s utility workers, there’s infrastructure builders, there’s concrete workers. There’s all of these different groups and they all have different needs when it comes to being visible on jobsites. We have a whole series of accessories that we developed based on these customers’ feedback. We have accessories where you can mount it on windshields, on non-metallic surfaces, on cones, on hardhats, on people. Pretty much anything you can think of.” HEG

MOODBEAM ONE

MENTAL HEALTH MONITORING DEVICE

GUARDIAN ANGEL

WEARABLE WORK LIGHTS The Guardian Angel Elite Series wearable lights are magnet-mounted work lights featuring 360-degree illumination with LEDs that are visible up to three miles away. The series features improvements such as a two-hour charge time and battery life indicator, as well as choice of flash patterns and colour combinations depending on the desired application.

Construction workers who are vulnerable on the job, whether working around machinery or vehicle traffic, will find these lights beneficial. They can mount on equipment, hardhats, cones or individuals themselves to provide additional protection.

Studies have shown that mental health is a key concern in the construction sector.

According to the U.K. Office of National Statistics, between 2011 and 2015, more than 1,400 construction workers took their own lives.

With the aim to improve how sites are managed and to promote wellbeing in the construction sector, a wearable device called Moodbeam One enables construction workers to capture mood in real-time. The wearable wrist band allows workers to log how they feel by pressing yellow when they’re feeling good and blue when they aren’t.

Workers will be able to discreetly and anonymously give feedback through the push of a button. The data will be used to pinpoint overall difficulties and challenges on-site and will give insight into the triggers and patterns that shape workers’ daily moods. This initiative will create a dashboard for managers, who will be able to access their employee’s mental health data.

KENZEN

BLACKLINE SAFETY

BODY HEAT SENSOR SYSTEM

COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING

Kenzen’s real-time worker heat monitoring system includes a wearable device worn by workers on their arm which alerts both the worker and their supervisor when core body temperature is too high. Real-time alerts allow for immediate intervention and can reduce potential harm to workers from heat injuries.

Kenzen’s multi-level alerts are sent to workers via device vibration, iOS or Android app notification, and to supervisors via web dashboard alert signaling that the worker should take a break and allow their temperature to return to safe levels. Alerts are accompanied by actionable recommendations such as advising the worker to take a break, find shade, drink water, or remove any excess clothing and equipment to decrease body heat. A second “back to work” alert then indicates when the worker’s core body temperature has returned to a safe level.

Using a combination of its G7 safety wearables and Loner Mobile smartphone app, Blackline Safety aims to help safeguard employees and businesses through automated industrial contact tracing. Employee location data streams to the Blackline Safety Cloud and powers interactive contact tracing reports online to help identify specific interactions and combat the spread of COVID-19 through a company’s team.

Should an employee present symptoms or test positive for the COVID-19 virus, the technology will help retrace the individual’s steps and see where they may have had contact with other coworkers.

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IN-DEPTH REPORT: VOCATIONAL TRUCKS

TRUCK TECH TRENDS

By Lee Toop, Editor

T

hey’re big, rugged and handle the heavy-duty hauling needs for all sizes of construction projects. Vocational trucks deliver many of the products that are needed to build everything from roads to skyscrapers, and while they may differ from their long-haul counterparts these tough trucks are becoming just as technologically advanced. From more fuel efficient engines to active safety features, vocational trucks offer plenty of new features to enhance safety and owners’ bottom lines.

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Global concepts update vocational market

Owners of vocational trucks – mixers, dump trucks, crane trucks, and others – are generally looking for a tool that can handle heavy loads, often on challenging jobsites. However, the changing face of construction has added a number of new demands, and truck manufacturers are taking those to heart.

Daimler Trucks North America, which manufactures Freightliner and Western Star trucks, is taking advantage of its global resources to bring concepts from around the world, both in truck and automotive design, to the table, pointed out Samantha Parlier, DTNA vice president, vocational market segment development.

CHNOLOGY

“What we are able to do is take a look at how technology was developed for automotive use, then how we can adapt those to on-highway trucks and ultimately to vocational,” she said. “We can take a look at, say, Detroit Assurance, which has active brake intervention collision mitigation – we can look at how that performs on-highway, then we can tweak it to see how it will perform in a vocational space.”

Hino is also bringing global concepts to its line of vocational trucks, and going beyond the obvious points, according to Mark Lorentz, Hino Canada vice president of sales.

“It is easy to focus on only the obvious new electronic item that is in front of you. The reality is new technologies have much big-

ger impacts on fuel efficiency, chassis strength, drive comfort and other areas that are taken for granted,” he said. “Hino makes global investments in the advancement of truck design and operation that have resulted in higher fuel efficiency, lower emissions and superior driver operating environments, all while maintaining the highest quality standards and durability.”

Drivers are facing plenty of pressure as demands on them increase in vocational service, noted Andy Hanson, product marketing manager with Volvo Trucks North America. Reducing those demands by removing some of those tasks, providing enhanced awareness and greater efficiency, is one way technology is being used.

MACK GRANITE

IN-DEPTH REPORT: VOCATIONAL TRUCKS

INTERNATIONAL HV

“The VHD, VNX and VAH truck models can be upfitted with a rain sensor that activates the wipers based on the vehicle’s speed and rain accumulation on the windshield,” Hanson said. “This removes the need for a driver to reach for the control that sets the wipers, allowing their hands to remain on the wheel and their focus on obstacles beyond the windshield. Volvo Trucks’ VADA (Volvo Active Driver Assist) system enhances driver awareness through audible and visual warnings.”

For Mack, new technologies are helping drive higher levels of performance, safety, uptime and driver comfort, said Tim Wrinkle, construction product manager.

“Our advanced powertrains are engineered to deliver the most performance for a variety of vocational applications, while our cab designs and features provide all-day comfort for drivers. Our advanced telematics solutions also maximize uptime, helping keep trucks on the job where they belong,” he said.

Connectivity is constantly improving for all trucks, not just work trucks, noted Bruce Vasbinder, Director Severe Service Product Marketing with International’s parent company Navistar.

“The computing power of the truck and its connected ability as a vehicle is growing by leaps and bounds, almost monthly,” he said.

Key development steps

VOLVO VHD

NEW TECHNOLOGIES HAVE MUCH BIGGER IMPACTS ON FUEL EFFICIENCY, CHASSIS STRENGTH, DRIVE COMFORT AND OTHER AREAS. MARK LORENTZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, HINO CANADA 12

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The past few years have been busy for technology advances in the vocational truck market. Much of the past decade’s development efforts have gone into emissions reduction, pushed by U.S. and European regulations; with that dealt with for the moment, manufacturers have been able to focus on new areas, Parlier said.

“One of the keys with the vocational market is really understanding what the customer is trying to do at the end of the day. They are trying to operate a business, and that is where the truck is a tool,” she said. “They’re building something, they’re working on construction sites. Understanding the inputs to their business that make them profitable, then shaping the data and saying ‘here’s what you can access through data and technology, and how you can modify and change your business’ – that’s an interesting market.”

Safety has been a key driver of technology for Volvo, Hanson described.

“Whether it is the integration of cameras into a system such as Volvo Trucks’ infotainment system or collision avoidance systems such as Volvo Trucks’ VADA safety technology is being adopted by the larger and more advanced fleets,” he said. “These fleets recognize the value in these systems and are effectively implementing them to reduce overall operating costs.”

With end users asking for their trucks to constantly do more in their tasks, advancements in lubrication and fluids to cut down service intervals has

Tougher made smarter Introducing the new VHD

On the jobsite you need a truck that’s tough, safe, and smart. So, we built the new Volvo VHD to be the best-looking, most rugged vocational vehicle in the industry, packed with innovative ideas like Volvo Active Driver Assist and the revolutionary Volvo Dynamic Steering. Your toughest jobs just got easier.

Learn more at volvotrucks.ca/en-ca/trucks/vhd/

The New Volvo VHD

IN-DEPTH REPORT: VOCATIONAL TRUCKS

HINO DUO L SERIES been another area for manufacturers to consider; however, that comes with a need to keep drivers in mind as well.

“Longer operating hours make for an economic improvement, but unfortunately increase stress and fatigue on the driver,” Lorentz said. “Hino has always put an emphasis on driver comfort with roomy and quiet cab designs with excellent visibility. As new Hino models are being introduced, these interior designs are redesigned to make driver interaction and comfort even better.”

Vasbinder agreed that drivers are a big part of the current development focus for vocational trucks. Driver demographics are changing, and a lot of experienced operators are leaving, opening space for younger drivers that are less comfortable with manual transmissions and other older features.

Automatic and automated manual transmissions are becoming more commonplace because of that, he said.

“A lot of the changes out there are

making it easier for the drivers to drive in safety, so you’re getting into mirror collision indication, backup cameras, blind spot warnings – all that is starting to catch on,” he described.

Mack Trucks has focused its technology efforts toward improving performance and efficiency along with comfort, Wrinkle said. The company’s Command Steer helps reduce the effort drivers need to put into steering the truck, helping reduce strain and potential injury, while technology add-ons like Bendix Wingman Fusion with Enhance Features on the Mack Granite improve safety by reducing accident potential.

Technology pushing powertrain updates

Mack is also emphasizing its efforts in improvements to the powertrain of its trucks. Recent years have brought the new mDRIVE HD automated manual transmission, which offers customers what Wrinkle described as two

drivetrains in one.

“Low ratio creeper gears allow us to give customers two drivelines in one, enabling fantastic startability and gradability on the jobsite, as well as excellent on-highway performance and efficiency. It also provides low-speed gearing for applications that require it, such as mixer curb pouring or dump road work,” he said. “In addition we recently added Auto Neutral, Roll Start and split shaft PTO functionality.”

The company’s drive axles are also key to improving durability, Wrinkle noted; the Durapoid bevel and helical gears provide favourable gear tooth geometry to help eliminate stress and loading on the gear tooth end.

Ashley Murickan, product marketing manager with Volvo Trucks, said the AMT has also been a focus for his company with the I-Shift in 13- and 14-speed models featuring crawler gears.

“It is not only easy to train new drivers to drive in vocational applications,

ONE OF THE KEYS WITH THE VOCATIONAL MARKET IS REALLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE CUSTOMER IS TRYING TO DO AT THE END OF THE DAY. THEY ARE TRYING TO OPERATE A BUSINESS, AND THAT IS WHERE THE TRUCK IS A TOOL.

SAMANTHA PARLIER, VICE PRESIDENT, VOCATIONAL MARKET SEGMENT DEVELOPMENT, DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

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it also makes the life of experienced drivers more comfortable, with less distractions,” he said. “For those vocational applications that have a proportion of time on highway, the Volvo I-Shift with crawler gears provide the benefit of spec’ing with faster rear axle rations, thereby bringing fuel efficiency without compromising on startability.”

Lorentz said that Hino’s drivetrain focus has continued to be on improving efficiency that follows on from the emissions work that has been happening over the past decade.

“Improvements to engine electronics allowed tuning that was historically impossible to achieve. Integration of engine and transmission controls allows even further fine tuning providing a decrease in fuel usage while improving on-road performance and driveability,” he said. “Technology advances in metallurgy have developed lighter yet stronger materials resulting in some weight reduction to many components on the truck chassis.”

A specific part of the emissions reduction process has recently received an upgrade on Daimler models equipped with one of the company’s Detroit engines. The DD15 Gen5 engine has incorporated a process called ThermoCoasting which improves aftertreatment performance while managing overall engine temperatures.

“We effectively use the engine brake to increase the exhaust temperature, which makes the chemistry through the catalytic converter and SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system more efficient – we don’t have to do parked regeneration,” Parlier described. “On the highway side, it results in fuel economy benefits and on the vocational side it results in not having to park. That is an area where from a powertrain standpoint it’s a really significant change in technology that seems minor, but actually changes the customer experience, and especially the driver experience.”

Making connectivity click

Telematics and other connectivity features have been growing in use for on-highway operations for some time, but they are now making inroads on vocational trucks as well. There are many connected features on today’s trucks, though there’s still work to be done to meet the needs of buyers according to some manufacturers.

“There is a disconnect between what the original equipment manufacturer views as the benefits of telematics versus what the end user finds value in,” Lorentz said. “The good news is this perception gap is closing, and features such as over the air updates provide a big boost. Downtime is reduced for the operator while bottlenecks in the service network for the OEM can be avoided through a simple software update. Advancements like this will increase the value proposition for vocational truck owners.”

The usefulness of telematics in vocational fleets is quite different from that on long-haul trucks, Parlier noted, with maintenance and expense management often the biggest drivers. “Think of a situation where you have a fleet of dump trucks, for example, and one of their expenses is fuel. . . a customer could pull up the telematics data and see what percentage of time the truck is idling and not in PTO mode. They can say ‘if we put in an automatic shutdown that shuts down after two minutes of idling, what kind of financial benefit will we get from that?’”

Remote diagnostics are an excellent way to reduce potential costs for owners, rather than being blindsided by sudden repair needs, Vasbinder said.

“You get an onboard diagnostic fault, which then relays the telematics and tells someone, either the driver or the administrator back in the office, that this is a fault and we’ll fix it when you get here – here’s the parts list. Or, there are five to ten codes on a truck that you need to pull over right now,” he described. “That’s the biggest thing we’re looking at – protecting the vehicle, providing reliability and the ability to keep the truck running.”

International’s 360 demote diagnostic system is drawing interest from large fleet customers including utilities, thanks to its ability to provide a variety of services such as geofencing, vehicle tracking, and other monitoring and diagnostic benefits.

Automated monitoring such as Mack’s GuardDog Connect provide proactive solutions for owners, Wrinkle pointed out. GuardDog Connect monitors critical truck codes and provides alerts to customers when a potential issue could lead to downtime.

“If the system detects an issue, Mack’s 24/7 OneCall staff at the Mack Uptime Centre is automatically notified. Depending on the severity of the issue, OneCall agent will reach out to the customer’s designated contact with actionable information through Mack ASIST, an online communications and

FREIGHTLINER M2 106

KENWORTH T370 service management portal,” related Wrinkle. Should service be required to resolve the issue, service bay space and parts availability are confirmed at the closest dealer, all while the truck is still on the road.

Kenworth is also focused on remote diagnostics as key for its telematics offerings. The TruckTech+ system provides real-time engine health information that can help optimize truck uptime and productivity, while allowing fleets to track truck locations. Notification levels advise the driver as to the severity of the issue, and will advise to stop the truck immediately if necessary.

The system can send information to

a dealer prior to arriving for service so the technicians are ready to handle whatever problem might have arisen.

Volvo’s remote diagnostics offer enhanced proactive diagnostics, detailed analyses of fault codes and emergency notifications; these services have the ability to reduce diagnostic times by 70 percent and repair times by 22 percent, Murickan said. “With Remote Programming you’ll no longer have to take your vehicle out of service to perform key software and parameter updates. It offers the power of customization in vocational applications by over-the-air updates for many powertrain parameters.”

Focusing on the driver

When it comes to serving the driver and making their job easier, safer and more comfortable, manufacturers are adapting their approach from the on-highway sector to meet the needs of vocational customers more closely. According to Parlier, when telematics is adapted for vocational work by Freightliner and Western Star its focus tends to change – longhaul truckers face challenges from boredom and loss of attention, while vocational drivers must deal with the urban environment.

“It’s less likely that a truck driver is distracted or gets drowsy and causes

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IN-DEPTH REPORT: VOCATIONAL TRUCKS

WESTERN STAR 4900 SB an incident – more likely, because they’re operating in an urban area that someone else causes an incident for the truck. So we’re seeing telematics being moved into that space to help the customer,” she said. Knowing that the truck is where it’s supposed to be and that its activity is being recorded to give the owner proof that it was operating correctly is a key benefit.

Mack customers are able to take advantage of a range of safety features like the Bendix Wingman Fusion system to reduce accident potential on Granite trucks, among others. Most recently, the company has added the advanced Command Steer system, Wrinkle related.

“Combining an electric motor with the existing hydraulic steering system, Command Steer monitors terrain, driver inputs and environmental elements more than 2,000 times per second through sensors found throughout the truck. Based on that input, the system provides variable steering effort through its electric motor, which applies additional torque as needed to the steering,” Wrinkle said. “This reduces steering effort at slow speeds, while also helping filter out uneven terrain such as the holes, dips and ruts common to most jobsites.”

Ensuring drivers don’t get fatigued and that they don’t have to look away from the road are focuses for International, Vasbinder said. One change has been a move toward a new shifter on the column rather than the trad16

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

itional T-handle shifter or push-button shifters on the dash that often require the driver to look down to shift. The company has also moved gauges and switches into positions where the driver can see and use them much more easily, he added.

Collision avoidance is also a target for Kenworth, which has added WABCO’s OnGuard ACTIVE system as an option on its T880 and W990 models. An advanced driver assistance system, OnGuard ACTIVE helps drivers mitigate or avoid rear-end collisions and offers adaptive cruise control.

“Kenworth continues to introduce systems that can assist drivers to maintain safe distance, mitigate collisions and operate safely in rapidly changing and challenging road conditions. The offering of WABCO

OnGuardACTIVE gives customers an additional driver assistance system option for the Kenworth T880 and W990,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.

While technology add-ons are helpful, some manufacturers are focusing their driver-first efforts on the cab and ergonomic improvements. Hino has introduced a new automotive-inspired interior for the 21MY-L truck line, Lorentz said, that has been popular with drivers thanks to a comfortable seat, driver ergonomics and a quiet environment.

“Safety features such as lane departure warning and collision mitigation are being rolled out and becoming a desirable option for many fleets; these tech features make it easy to overlook the fact that every Hino truck has

exceptional sightlines and standard power, heated exterior mirrors, for example, making safety a key design feature,” he noted.

Volvo Trucks has also made the driver environment a focus, Hanson said, with a new steering wheel on the VHD model.

“The Position Perfect steering wheel improves the tilt and telescoping steering wheel by adding a second pivot point between the steering wheel and column,” Hanson said. “The Position Perfect wheel reduces driver fatigue by allowing the driver to adjust the steering wheel to a more optimal location.”

In addition, Volvo has added ventilated seats on the VHD, something that puts the vocational truck right alongside luxury cars for driver comfort. HEG

WITH REMOTE PROGRAMMING YOU’LL NO LONGER HAVE TO TAKE YOUR VEHICLE OUT OF SERVICE TO PERFORM KEY SOFTWARE AND PARAMETER UPDATES.

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

ASHLEY MURICKAN, PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER, VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

THE ALL-NEW & INTUITIVE

CASE B SERIES The all-new CASE B Series skid steers and compact track loaders feature an all-new 8-inch LCD operator screen with backup camera; completely updated and simplified operator controls; even greater cab comfort; and while the machine looks the same on the outside, we’ve re-engineered its critical inner workings to stand up to what you and your jobsites face every day.

Learn more at CaseCE.com/BSERIES

Š2020 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION

HYBRID F-15O TO ELECTRIFY THE CONSTRUCTION JOBSITE

Onboard generator adds power to redesigned light truck for 2021 model year

By Lee Toop, Editor

E

lectrification has been brought to the fore in the newly redesigned Ford F-150, with the availability of a hybrid option tied in to an integrated power generator. The newest version of the venerable light truck, to be available in fall 2020, is targeting towing, payload, torque and horsepower as well as offering productivity features, the company says.

The brand-new 3.5-litre PowerBoost full-hybrid V6 powertrain aims to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup, Ford states. PowerBoost adds instant electric torque to the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. Ford said it is targeting an EPA-estimated range of approximately 700 miles (1,126 km) on a single tank of gas, while delivering at least 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) of maximum towing.

The system ties in the EcoBoost engine to the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and adds a 34-kW (47 hp) electric motor integrated in the transmission as well as software calibrated specially for truck use, including drive modes like tow/haul mode to help customers better manage towing heavy trailers. Regenerative braking energy capture charges a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery packaged under the truck, saving interior and bed space for hauling capacity.

PowerBoost is one of six engine options that will be available on the new truck. Ford says the F-150 will have the 3.3-litre V6, twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, 5.0-litre V8, and the 3.0-litre Power Stroke V6 diesel. Each is partnered with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Full exterior redesign tops strongest F-150 ever

Looks-wise, the 2021 F-150 has a completely new look, with every body panel redesigned, according to Ford. Updated headlamp, a new power dome hood, wraparound bumpers and higher front fenders, among other things, combine to give the truck a more powerful stance both on and off road. Eleven grille options are available across the model lineup, along with multiple tailgate options.

Ford is supporting work with additions including 18

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

new cleats mounted to the sides of the tailgate, which act as tie-down locations for extra-long items in the bed. Clamp pockets built into the tailgate of every truck allow customers to hold down materials for precision work, and an available flat tailgate work surface provides integrated rulers, a mobile device holder, cupholder and pencil holder.

Onboard generator offers power for jobsites

The available Pro Power Onboard system provides 2 kW output on optional gas engines, while the PowerBoost-equipped F-150 features 2.4 kW standard and an optional 7.2 kW of output. The truck features in-cabin outlets as well as up to four cargo bed mounted 120-volt 20-amp outlets, with a 240-volt 30amp outlet on the 7.2-kW version.

Depending on the version, Pro Power Onboard

can power a range of tools on the jobsite. The 2 kW base system can power a circular saw, portable speakers and battery charger together, for example, while the 2.4 kW unit can power a masonry crew’s jackhammer and compact concrete mixer. The 7.2 kW version can power an entire mobile metal shop, including a plasma cutter, TiG welder, chop saw, air compressor, angle grinder and work light.

The 2021 F-150 features an entirely redesigned interior with the most connectivity options ever, Ford states, as well as the ability to include work spaces in the cab, lie-flat reclining seats and more.

An all-new 12-inch centre screen is standard in XLT high series and above that allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously. Owners can use the screen to manage their navigation, music or truck features or review the digit-

Pro Power Online is an onboard generator that can power many needs on jobsites.

al owner’s manual, as well as check the rearview camera. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on XL and XLT standard and mid-series trucks, with the 12-inch screen available.

An available new 12-inch digital gauge cluster features a large information-on-demand area, along with truck-specific graphics and animations that respond to the F-150’s selectable drive modes and can display off-roading data and turn-byturn navigation.

Interior designed for work

The optional Interior Work Surface provides a flat surface for a variety of tasks – signing documents, working on a laptop, or eating a meal. The surface is designed in conjunction with a new foldable console shifter that clears out of the way to allow the work surface to be folded out when the truck is in park.

Connectivity updates will include standard over-the-air updates to ensure trucks stay at the forefront of purposeful technology, Ford states.

They will support preventative maintenance, reduce repair trips, provide improved performance and ultimately result in more vehicle uptime. Bumper-to-bumper updates are capable of including all-new functions and additional features throughout the life of the truck.

Customers will be able to take advantage of Ford’s SYNC 4 system for more natural voice control; the FordPass mobile device app gives drivers a variety of functionality to start and unlock the truck or control various features.

Drivers get plenty of support from the new F-150, with a range of assist features available. Ford has included a pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, as well as a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist, auto high-beam headlamps and auto on/off headlamps.

Intersection Assist detects oncoming traffic when the driver is making a left turn, and if there’s risk of a collision the truck will apply brakes to mitigate or avoid the crash.

Available Active Park Assist 2.0 handles all steering, shifting, braking and accelerator controls during parallel or perpendicular parking.

A feature unique to the F-150 is Active Drive Assist, which is, essentially, hands-free driving on around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) of divided highways in Canada and the U.S.: the system will feature a driver-facing camera that monitors head position and driver eye gaze so that, on pre-mapped portions of highway, the driver can take their hands off the wheel as long as they’re paying attention to the road. The Active Drive Assist prep kit will include the necessary hardware for this feature, while software to enable functionality is scheduled to be available in the third quarter of 2021. HEG

LYTX

MAP-BASED SEARCH FEATURES LOCATE KEY VIDEO CLIPS QUICKLY Lytx has released two new map-based search features that allow users to quickly locate important video clips. Video Browse in Fleet Tracking and Map Search in Lytx Video Platform each enable fleets to more easily self-service to find and immediately retrieve video footage.

These fleet-management features make video more accessible and actionable for fleets, helping streamline workflows for greater efficiencies.

Video Browse, available within Lytx’s Fleet Tracking Service, brings together the power of video and the context of Fleet Tracking for a significant workflow enhancement. Map Search, available to all customers who use the Lytx Video Platform, allows clients to self-locate video using only an address or point of interest and general time frame, making it easier to respond to claims, verify service or pinpoint an incident, even if the vehicle is unknown.

The Map Search feature in Lytx Video Platform allows fleet operations and safety managers to easily search for video with only an approximate location of where and when an incident occurred as their starting point, even if the vehicle is unknown.

After entering a general location and time frame in their Lytx Account, users are shown all available vehicle data within a search radius during the given period. Users can then select a vehicle within their fleet and access video from its on-board DriveCam Event Recorder on the spot.

Video Browse in Fleet Tracking takes searching up a notch, enabling users to browse video from a specific vehicle’s driving history directly from the Fleet Tracking map, so they can quickly secure, trim and transfer the video they need.

The new Lytx feature introduces an improved workflow that uses geospatial information and icons for easy access to video. For example, a user can click an icon that indicates idling and immediately preview and browse video from that vehicle to determine the cause. This unmatched level of visibility and access allows users to better understand their fleet operations and as a result, improve their efficiency, performance and safety.

VMAC_HeavyEquipGuide_July2020_STKG30.pdf 1 6/12/2020 1:25:38 PM

KENWORTH

NEW FIXED GRILLE OPTION FOR VOCATIONAL TRUCK

The Kenworth T880S with set-forward front axle has added a new fixed grille option. A radiator-mounted grille is now available for the T880S equipped with the 114-inch BBC short hood.

The new option allows the hood to be opened in applications where equipment is mounted to the front of the T880S. “The fixed grille is an excellent option for truck operators who use the Kenworth T880S as snowplows, cranes, vacuum trucks or other applications that require equipment mounted in front of the hood,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.

The T880S is offered with a set-forward front axle ranging from 14,600 pounds to 22,800 pounds, and is standard with the PACCAR MX-13 engine with up to 510 hp and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. For weight-sensitive applications, the 10.8-litre PACCAR MX-11 engine is 400 pounds lighter than larger displacement engines, and provides up to 430 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 19

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

CANADIAN FIRST: UTILITY CONTRACTOR DIGS SAVINGS OF AUTOMATIC EXCAVATOR SYSTEM GNSS-based system cuts time, manpower and material needs

By Larry Trojak

O

n a jobsite in Abbotsford, British Columbia, about an hour from Vancouver, a bit of construction equipment history is being made. There, an excavator is trenching for utilities in support of a new industrial park.

While that is obviously not trailblazing, the fact that the machine doing the trenching has been equipped with a GNSS-based automatic excavator system, the first in a utility application in Canada, is.

The company heading up the project, Regehr Contracting, reports that using the new solution has already helped them realize significant savings in time, manpower and material, and sees a wealth of uses for it as they move forward.

Utility installation ideal for new system

Despite its current position at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, Regehr Construction’s roots are humble ones. When Kenton Regehr first started his company, he was focused on hourly work; digging house basements and performing miscellaneous agricultural projects.

Since then, the company has evolved into one with more than 50 people, four separate divisions, and a breadth of expertise in everything from demolition to mobile aggregate processing to stream restoration and more. One of those strengths is in utility installation, which is where the new solution was introduced according to James Cucheran, one of Regehr’s supervisors.

“Our civil/residential group handles this type of work,” he said. “The site, a two-acre parcel located on Great Northern Avenue in Abbotsford, will be the home to three different tilt-up structures – all part of a future industrial complex. We were installing roughly 300 metres of storm, sanitary and water services for the complex, a process that can be tricky for 20

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

accuracy at times and almost always involves two men in addition to the machine operator.”

The traditional approach to which Cucheran refers starts with a surveyor laying out the direction of travel for the utility by either spray painting a line on the ground or using a theodolite to make certain the excavation is maintaining the proper line.

Then, once excavation begins, a rod man must also be present in the trench to ensure a proper and accurate grade on which aggregate will be placed and the pipe will be set by another worker.

A visit from Cory Luck, territory manager for Brandt Positioning made them aware that an ability to trim that workforce – while at the same time improving efficiency and accuracies – could be possible with an X-53x Automatic Excavator system from Topcon Positioning Systems.

The Topcon X-53x automatic excavator system is easy to install and operate.

“Regehr was already a customer of ours for other GPS technology and they were looking at machine control for the excavation facet of their projects,” he said. “I showed them what the new solution could do for them and they just happened to have the Great Northern job coming up. The timing could not have been better.”

Digital model and automatics pair up

While machine control for excavators has been around for a while, the control they provide has typically been limited either to showing where the operator’s bucket is (an indicate-only system) or directly targeting grade via a digital model, onboard sensors and an in-cab display (3D GPS). The system that Regehr added to its John Deere 345 G takes that control to the next level, presenting the operator with

an option to let the machine do the excavation itself – once again based on a digital model.

“Our interest in the Automatic Excavator system was based on the promise of what we felt it could do for us,” said Cucheron. “The fact that it could reduce the size of our trenching crews was attractive, as was the accuracy it could deliver – both in direction and depth. When placed in ‘Auto’ mode, the system is designed to automatically excavate down to the grade that is loaded into the model – no more, no less. My operator can cut his subgrade and be consistently within 1 to 2 cm without anyone needing to check it with GPS or a laser behind him. So, between that and the streamlined layout function, we can now use that rod man and one surveyor elsewhere on site.”

Minimizing material overages was a benefit from the new solution that Regehr had not foreseen, but it has already proven to be the case. According to Cucheran, that, too, stems from the system’s ability to get material to grade quickly and accurately.

“Being able to set grade in aggregate for our pipe has been a huge difference,” he said. “In Auto mode, my operator can get a perfect grade every time, so the gravel savings is substantial. We’ve found that we can save about 10 tons of material on a 100-metre stretch. At today’s prices for aggregate, those savings can be substantial.”

Unique learning experience

The unique nature of the new solution is evident right from the calibration phase in which a robotic total station, working through a tablet- or PC-based app, tracks a prism located behind the machine’s antenna and measures the various positions of the machine. The process is designed to improve the unit’s accuracy.

The total station and the geometry app are both connected directly to the system’s controller. Each time the operator measures a point during calibration, it is stored directly into the machine, eliminating the need for retyping. Using the total station, accuracies to .05 centimetres can be gained in automatics. In addition, the calibration app for the valves also connects to the controller and brings a machine-learning capability to the calibration.

In that last scenario, the operator performs some movements with the machine – bucket out/bucket in for example – enabling the system to learn how to react to and calculate for different circumstances. After three or four calibrations, it will average that feedback data and know how to react to different conditions such as hard soil, soft soil, etc.

Despite all the complexities taking place inside the system, getting up to speed with the new solution was no problem at all, according to Regehr’s operator, Derek Molnar.

“Prior to getting the new system on this machine I had no real GPS ma-

chine experience – I’d only used a data collector,” he said. “But it was easy to learn and, despite being a little leery about the newness of it all, I got to love it very quickly. The fact that I don’t have to wait for anyone else is a huge plus for me. Most mornings I’m in the machine and working while the other guys are still getting tools. I’m probably 30 percent more productive with the new solution.”

Regehr’s move to the automated excavator system was made simpler through the addition of custom – and customizable – joysticks, which place complete functionality of the system literally at the operator’s fingertips.

“The joysticks make it much easier to operate because all the buttons for automatic operation are on top,” said Brandt’s Cory Luck. “They can get the bucket into a certain position and lock it and it will stay at that angle, or they can set it to follow the design, match grade, and so on. The bottom line is that, in automatic mode, the machine is doing the bulk of the ‘thinking’ for the operator and they’ve taken to that nicely.”

Since going all-in with the new system, Regehr has dedicated an in-house person to build their digital models, they are considering a second GNSS excavator system and they see the automatic system playing a key role in other projects as they move forward.

“Obviously, we know it excels in utility work like this,” said Cuchern. “But we can see it performing well in other areas such as bulk excavating, site preparation, fine grading for asphalt in front of the grader, curb prep – the possibilities are endless and Brandt has been great in helping us get up to speed.”

Larry Trojak is a technical writer.

Custom joysticks help Regehr operator Derek Molnar manage automatic operations.

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>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 21

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

HOW TO PAIR THE RIGHT BLADE WITH YOUR CRAWLER DOZER Material, type of job and machine are keys to proper blade selection

By Lee Toop, Editor

Manufacturers put a broad range of factors into the blades that they pair with their dozers – the right architecture, structure and size of the blade can make a big difference in performance and quality of work.

22

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

B

uying a track dozer requires buyers to think about a lot of different needs and wants in terms of what they want the machine to do and how it can benefit their company’s bottom line. One particular piece of that puzzle that often may not get as much consideration is perhaps the most important one: the blade.

There are a lot of different concepts that go into choosing the precise blade design that works for a particular task. Manufacturers put a broad range of factors into the blades that they pair with their dozers – the right architecture, structure and size of the blade can make a big difference in performance and quality of work performed.

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

Broad blade range available

According to Kurt Moncini, Komatsu senior product manager, there are a number of different blade designs available for crawler dozers.

The Power Angle Tilt (PAT) blade tilts and angles using hydraulic power. “This is the predominant blade type for mid-sized and small dozers, as it offers the greatest versatility,” Moncini said.

Manual Angle Power Tilt is an outside C-frame blade that can be manually angled but offers power tilt capability; this blade often finds use on pipeline right of way.

Straight blades with outside push arms are used on large mid-size dozers and up, Moncini said. “These will have blade tilt and on larger dozers will be available with dual tilt – they can pitch the blade forward for ag-

gressive cutting and back for more efficient blade carry,” he said. “Larger dozers will have a semi-U design for better load control.”

Sigma is a Komatsu exclusive blade, designed with an extended centre cutting edge and two pockets to the left and right sides; this blade offers good penetration and load carrying without having to step up to a full U blade.

Full U blades include large side wings that form a pocket in the blade for greater load carrying capacity.

Cushion blades are generally only found on large dozers; these are very specialized narrow blades used for push loading scrapers. “Rubber biscuits cushion the shock load when the dozer contacts a scraper at the beginning of the push. The blade is narrow to help prevent contact with scraper rear tires,” Moncini said.

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CASE Construction Equipment recently launched its next generation of CTLs and skid steers with the introduction of the B Series — five CTLs and eight skid steers spanning radial and vertical lift patterns, as well as numerous horsepower and size classes to provide contractors with the equipment choices best suited to their operation.

SIMPLE CONTROL AND OPERATION New CASE B Series loaders feature a completely redesigned operator interface, including new left- and righthand posts with simple ignition, pushbutton operation, easy throttle control and intuitive switches for all core machine functions.

An all-new eight-inch LCD multifunction display serves as the command center for the machine and includes the industry’s only backup camera visible in a split screen display with machine data.

The camera is operational in both forward and reverse and enhances the B Series’ industry-leading visibility with even greater jobsite perspective and awareness. It also provides operators with the most feature-rich operator experience ever found in a CASE CTL or skid steer, including new electro-hydraulic controls, “Creep Speed” function, an automotive-style information display with improved fault codes and troubleshooting, as well as Economy Mode and other engine protection settings.

INDUSTRY-LEADING VISIBILITY CASE CTLs and skid steers feature industry-leading 360-degree visibility — enhanced by the new backup camera as well as a cab-wide rearview mirror. The low entry threshold and large front window provide excellent visibility to the front of the machine and down to the attachment.

Large side windows and a large curved rear window allow for great sightlines to the sides and the rear of the machine. Rear visibility is further aided by low-profile rear hoods, and an extremely low-profile H-Link on vertical-lift models.

CASE features one of the widest skid steer and CTL cabs in the industry, providing additional space for improved operator comfort. Joysticks on electrohydraulic models have been designed with a narrower, more comfortable grip, and closer switch layout and a smaller head size for easier operation.

GETTING MORE DONE CASE has been producing skid steer loaders for more than 50 years, and new B Series CTLs and skid steers leverage that experience to provide extremely powerful breakout forces, a range of auxiliary hydraulic options that allow each machine to run hundreds of attachments, and extremely stable wheel and track bases that allow operators to work with confidence across any type of terrain. The full range of vertical- and radial-lift machines provide excellent options for every application from concentrated groundwork and grading to truck loading and material handling.

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EASY SERVICE Daily checks are made simple with all regular service points and checks easily grouped at the rear of the machine. Fleet managers can further expand the simplicity of maintaining B Series models with the addition of an optional CASE SiteWatch™ telematics subscription that provides insight into operational data, service intervals and total machine performance — and CASE dealers can be granted access to that data to further build proactive service and support plans around each machine.

For more information, please visit CaseCE.com/BSeries

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EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

Plenty of conditions go into design

At the top of a manufacturer’s list of considerations when designing a blade is the volume of material it can manage. Designers work with a volume that uses the dozer’s available weight and horsepower without generating excessive track slip. Blade width is also a concern; too wide and the blade might need to be removed for transportation. However, it must be wide enough for the material to roll off the edges, whether the blade is angled or straight, outside the edges of the tracks. The moldboard

is also profiled to keep material rolling smoothly, and the cutting edge angled for the most efficient blade penetration.

Weight is important. Nose-heavy dozers are a problem, and a heavy blade can drive that, Moncini noted.

The blade is also designed based on where the machine’s lift cylinder is located, as well as its angle, and keeps in mind the downforce available for the cutting edge.

Specific types of blade may have their own considerations; for example, a Power Angle Tilt blade

TK Corporate Phone: (800) 843-3324

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design takes into account the dozer’s main frame design when using an inside-mounted C-frame. Similarly, a straight blade will consider the clearance between the outside edge of the tracks and push arms, while the clearance with the inside edge of the tracks and the C frame is important on PAT blades.

Machine size makes a difference

PAT blades are popular across many small- and mid-size dozers, Moncini said. “These offer the greatest versatility, and they are good for

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general dozing or excellent finish grading ability,” Moncini said.

“The PAT has pretty much displaced the outside push arm straight blade in this dozer size class.”

PAT blades have also evolved to become very durable, which makes them a more common blade choice for mid-sized dozers.

Larger machines take more consideration when picking how best to approach the blade selection.

“It becomes a question of how severe the application is,” explained Moncini. “For general and rock type applications, the semi U is most popular. In high volume and downhill dozing, the full U blade provides greater performance because of its better load carrying capabilities.”

Maintenance checks add life

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Once the blade has been selected it’s important to keep maintenance in mind going forward, to ensure that blade has a long and productive life cycle.

Moncini recommends regular inspection of the blade cutting edge for wear, as well as steady monitoring of the blade moldboard to ensure any wear is caught and dealt with early.

Hard surfacing of dozer blades is a common practice, but Moncini suggested that it only be done in high abrasion situations, and that a quick test can help find the precise locations that need better protection.

“Paint the moldboard and push arms, use the dozer for a day or so and only apply hard surfacing to the blade areas where the paint has worn off,” he said. “This saves time and expense.”

Top blade selection tips

Moncini offered six key tips to consider when selecting a new dozer blade.

Versatility required: PAT blades offer the greatest ability to manage a variety of job conditions.

Downhill or uphill dozing direction: This impacts the need for a rear

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attachment for uphill reverse travel, and may lean toward a semi U or full U blade on larger dozers.

Type of material: When the material being pushed commonly includes rock, or there are extreme conditions involved, consider semi U blades on big dozers.

Transportation widths: Keep in mind your local regulations for transport widths; this may push buyers toward narrower blades so they can avoid having to remove the blade for every move.

Blade weight and machine balance: if you select a heavy blade on a

nose-heavy tractor, you may need to look at a rear attachment to help balance the machine.

Specialty blades: If you are using rakes, clearing blades or similar attachments, these often favour a pusharm or C-frame design. HEG 24

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>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

EXCAVATION CONTRACTORS CAN REDUCE RISK WITH IN-HOUSE GROUND PENETRATING RADAR OPERATION

By Ray Cummins

E

xcavation crews in the field face a variety of complex challenges before they dig. These are magnified when considering other major factors like project timelines, budget constraints, and the quality of existing utility maps and other subsurface data for specific jobsites.

They also have to work in a diverse range of landscapes and soil conditions.

Preventing damage to underground utilities and locating other underground obstacles should remain a consistent goal for excavation contractors. The best way to accomplish this is by collecting data on the subsurface field conditions of each jobsite before breaking ground.

To best mitigate damage risks and collect necessary data simultaneously, many excavation contractors are deploying advanced ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems. When implementing the technology in-house, GPR creates an instant, data-driven deliverable that can be put to immediate use in the field.

Here are just some of the ways that excavation contractors can benefit from deploying GPR on their next project.

The second opinion after the one-call

A one-call must be placed at least five business days prior to digging; information on regulations and the one-call service for each province can be found at digsafecanada.ca. (Excavation contractors in the U.S. should visit call811.com/Before-You-Dig for information on state regulations and 811 call services.) The one-call is a necessary and valuable initial survey of the dig site. However, once the locators have finished their assignments, the colour-coded flags and paint marks only tell part of the story. Here are some important factors to keep in mind: First, one-call locators are only obligated to locate public utilities within the boundaries of the dig site. They are not responsible for private facilities or non-utility objects beneath the surface.

This offers a partial view of the conditions below but does not guarantee absolute risk mitigation.

Second, the one-call service providers suit their

equipment arsenal to find the specific utilities they are assigned to locate. Common tools like electromagnetic locators, for example, are designed to identify metallic and conductive objects. Instead of providing a complete view of the subsurface field conditions, these tools are intended to find key touchpoints.

Advanced GPR systems are designed to image the entire subsurface with greater depth and clarity than traditional counterparts. Using the system controller, the operator can view prevailing field conditions in real-time, confirm one-call findings, and expand upon them by also surveying for private facilities, boulders, tanks, changes in soil structure, and other targets of interest that may otherwise go unnoticed.

GPR data not only confirms and expands upon one-call findings, but it also provides the contractors with the confidence to start a project with peace of mind and the ability to modify project strategies should any obstacles arise. The crew in the field can also begin working with greater efficiency and assurance knowing measures have been taken to mitigate common damage risks prior to breaking ground.

and airless tires, so that the system can endure long stretches of use.

If you are operating in lossy soil, consider using a triple-frequency system as well. These systems will collect data across low-, middle- and high-centre frequency ranges simultaneously. This not only compensates for unforgiving soil, but it allows the operator to cross-compare multiple datasets for an even clearer understanding of prevailing subsurface conditions.

Overcoming unforgiving soil

Creating a deliverable for the future

North America’s diverse landscape creates a variety of environmental and operational challenges for locators. Someone working in the plains will have a different set of parameters from someone locating at a seaside beach resort. For contractors that operate across multiple locations and situations, soil conditions can change on a day-to-day basis depending on the jobsite.

The composition of the soil and surface terrain conditions can impede some locating equipment from creating usable data. Rough terrain and lossy soil will negatively affect signal penetration, especially for higher-frequency signals.

Conversely, dry, sandy soil will allow signals to travel at greater depths with far less resistance and signal loss. Someone using an EM locator over wet clay will find the signal dissipating quickly, if it even registers at all.

When selecting a GPR system for in-house field use, it’s important to consider a system that has both the hardware and antenna capabilities to traverse multiple terrains without breaking down or losing signal. Look for a unit with a tough construction

GPR’s greatest advantage to crews in the field is its ability to generate instant deliverables that can be immediately implemented. A high-end GPR system should also enable the user to store, share, and post-process the data directly from the controller console.

These deliverables create a common point of reference for future installation and maintenance projects at the same site. Though GPR already proves a time-effective damage prevention solution, that time is reduced even further with existing data in hand. This enables the crew in the field to begin followup assignments with much shorter preparation requirements.

When considering a GPR system, be sure to look for post-processing features like 3D imaging, GPS integration, and mapping software that can enable the user to create dynamic visual models of the raw data.

This will translate key information into easily understandable models that decision-makers can use for future reference or to strategize in the present.

Ray Cummins is a field application specialist for US Radar, Inc. JULY/AUGUST 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 25

CRANES & LIFT

REMOTE CONTROL, ZONING PART OF EFFORTS TO INCREASE CRANE SAFETY

by Lee Toop, Editor

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s technology advances steadily in the construction industry, it is bringing new opportunities for improving safety to a range of equipment found on jobsites. That includes cranes, which are steadily moving ahead with improvements that make work safer and easier for operators and the crew working around them.

Remote control, zoning systems and camera systems to improve visibility are several approaches being used to add safety for operators of tower cranes especially, explained Ryan Burton, managing director with Abbotsford, B.C.-based Bigfoot Crane Company and chair of BC Crane Safety. Each of these systems helps improve the safety of these large cranes, a challenge at the best of times.

Ground-level operation with remotes

Bigfoot rents a variety of tower cranes into the busy Lower Mainland construction market, and on most jobs the company renting the machine provides their own operator. In many cases, those operators are working the crane from the ground with remote controls.

“Remote controls have been around for quite a while – you don’t have to be in the operator’s cab, but instead can be right on the ground or on the floor you’re setting the loads on,” Burton described. “You don't need a signal person, and you can land the loads just right.”

Radio remote controls have become more advanced over time, Burton noted, and today’s remotes have a full display available for tracking key crane data. “You can see exactly the capacity of the crane at the exact radius. They have temperature readouts to see if it’s too cold to run the crane. They have wind readouts on them so you always know what your wind readings are – basically, it's everything you need to run

With more cranes on today’s jobsites, technology advances are playing a part in protecting workers and equipment. the crane right at your fingertips anywhere on the jobsite.”

Ground operation of a tower crane improves safety in a number of ways, Burton described.

“When you’re in a tower crane cab, you rely on the rigger who’s on a radio – you’re trying to decipher what that rigger is saying all the time, but there's lots of noise, pounding, banging and jackhammering all coming through the speaker,” he said. “It’s really difficult to hear what they’re saying. When the operator’s on the ground, he can see exactly what he’s picking up and what he’s dropping down.”

Electronics protect multiple cranes

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Another growing area of technology involves tracking the way in which cranes can operate on increasingly busy jobsites. Electronic zoning systems are used to essentially geofence cranes and keep them from moving into areas that could be dangerous.

“These systems are installed on the tower cranes, and these limit the crane from going into dangerous areas. So, if you have power lines on the jobsite, you can work the crane anywhere, but if you go into the area where the power lines are it will limit the swing, the trolley and the hoist so you can not come into contact with those wires,” Burton said. “Those have come on really strong in the last two years.”

Bigfoot has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of high-voltage power line contacts using these systems, which also tie into anti-collision systems that protect against conflict between multiple cranes, Burton described.

“This allows the cranes to actually talk to one another – each crane knows where the other one is at any given time, and it knows if there’s a possible collision. It will slow the crane down

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or stop the operator from going into a dangerous area,” he said.

Burton said that of the roughly 100 jobs Bigfoot’s cranes do in a year, it used to experience four or five collisions between machines. That doesn’t sound like much, but when it involves two crane jibs or load lines being caught up with one another it can be very hazardous.

“You have stuff falling from the sky at that point. You don’t want that,” Burton said.

Connectivity and cameras add to safety

Growing connectivity on jobsites has led to another innovation that Bigfoot has adopted, allowing everyone on a jobsite to check wind speeds for safe operations. Anemometers are attached to the cranes magnetically wherever they’re needed, and connect by Bluetooth to mobile devices.

“Everyone, the safety officer, the site superintendent and everyone else know if people are working in dangerous situations as far as wind speeds. A lot of times there’s a lot of equipment working on a site, and it’s all got to be managed in certain wind speeds,” Burton described.

Cameras are being installed more frequently on tower cranes to allow for greater visibility when operators are in the cab.

“There are cameras that go on the crane hook blocks – these really help the operators in the cab,” Burton said. “People that are working in the blind have been helped a lot by those.

These and other advances in technology around crane operation are an ideal way to improve working conditions on busy jobsites, Burton affirmed. “It helps us out a lot. The safer that we can make operators and people on these sites with technology, the better, and the better the condition our equipment comes home in.” HEG

LIEBHERR CANADA ENTERS TELEHANDLER MARKET WITH BIGGEST MODEL, FULL LINE TO FOLLOW

By Kaitlyn Till, Editor in Chief

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iebherr Canada is entering the telehandler market in 2020, seeing opportunity in areas of building construction and waste management, among other applications. The biggest model in the lineup will be available this summer followed by a full product line covering the mid-to-large-capacity needs of Canadian customers.

“These machines were designed in Europe, manufactured in Telfs, Austria, and we see them playing in the medium to heavier lifting [range] with the ability to run in a number of applications,” said Mark Medeiros, divisional manager for Liebherr Canada. Liebherr has been manufacturing telehandlers since 2005.

Liebherr Canada’s focus will be selling the telehandler line to end markets, rather than the rental market, initially targeting building construction sites and waste management customers. On the material handling side for waste management, a telehandler is an ideal tool for feeding a shredder, Medeiros noted, and Liebherr Canada sees opportunity in this space.

Liebherr Canada is also pursuing the agriculture market; in Europe, telehandlers are commonly used for field and soil management, hay management, and carrying feed.

These machines are also ideal for large-scale industry applications where handling and moving material is needed, lumber yards, and landscaping. They are even capable of performing fine grade control

with a bucket for some applications, Medeiros said. Ports and treatment plants, where a smaller universal machine is required, are also ideal applications for this line.

The first machine, the T60-9s will be introduced later this summer, followed by the T46-7s, T36-7s and T33-10s with more models to come at a later date. The first two digits in the nomenclature are the metric ton designation for maximum lift and the final digit is the length or height in metres that the machine can lift.

The T60-9, for example, is the largest model for the North American market. It lifts six metric tons to a height of nine metres. It is powered by a 156-hp Deutz engine and, according to Medeiros, it is one of the most popular telehandlers that Liebherr sells overseas.

“We’re definitely excited about introducing a host of models and, of course, the line is continuing to grow.

Our colleagues in Austria are working on additional models, and we will further tailor our products for the Canadian market,” Medeiros said.

The display also has the ability to signal to the operator if the machine is overloaded.

It has the ability to monitor, much like a crane, Medeiros noted, and the software does not allow the machine to enter into a dangerous situation with a lift.

Liebherr’s LiDAT vehicle fleet management system, which helps with optimizing efficiency by monitoring the machine’s position and status, comes on these machines.

The machine, boom, and additional hydraulics for a range of attachments are controlled via multifunction joystick. Typical attachments for use with these telehandlers include large buckets and forks, as well as a Liebherr-supplied lattice boom for lifting, turning the machine into a mini crane.

These machines also have the ability to tow on the jobsite. HEG

The full Liebherr Canada telehandler lineup will include • T35-6s: 3.5 mt max lift, 6m reach • T32-7s: 3.2 mt max lift, 7m reach • T36-7s: 3.6 mt max lift, 7m reach • T41-7s: 4.1mt max lift, 7m reach • T33-10s: 3.3 mt max lift, 10m reach • T46-7s: 4.6 mt max lift, 7m reach • T55-7s: 5.5 mt max lift, 7m reach • T60-9s: 6.0 mt max lift, 9m reach

Loaded with premium features

This lineup offers comfort in the cab that’s inherent to a lot of Liebherr machines, with a lot of visibility and machine info feedback, Medeiros said.

The windshield extends through the ROPS over the cab so that the operator can look up through the protection grating.

These telehandlers have a large colour display for providing information and monitoring machine parameters including telescopic boom functions.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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CRANES & LIFT

MANITOWOC

COMPACT, MANEUVERABLE CRANE OFFERS COMPETITIVE LOAD CHART WITH EASY TRANSPORTATION AND QUICK ASSEMBLY Manitowoc has unveiled its latest crawler crane: the Manitowoc MLC150-1. It is the latest in a line of crawler cranes that have been very successful in North America, especially for their competitive load charts and jobsite maneuverability.

The new crawler crane continues the momentum of its popular predecessor, the MLC100-1, increasing the capacity to 165 USt (150 t) and adding a host of several new features. It was designed to meet the needs of customers that desire a compact, maneuverable crawler crane with a strong load chart and easy transport.

“A big component of The Manitowoc Way is listening to exactly what our customers need and want in their cranes,” said Brennan Seeliger, product manager at Manitowoc Cranes.

“We have had great feedback on the MLC1001, so we based the new MLC150-1 on that model, but boosted the capacity for the 165 USt (150 t) class.”

The MLC150-1 features a 165 USt (150 t) base capacity and a maximum boom length of 256 feet (78 m). A fixed jib of 80 feet (24 m) with a 29.5 USt (27 t) capacity is available for the crane, and a 170-foot (52 m) luffing jib

with a capacity of 50.2 USt (46 t) is another strong option for the jobsite.

This new crane features quicker assembly than previous models, too.

The boom butt mounted sheave enables self-assembly without the boom top, it features a button style rope termination, and a gantry-raised counterweight reduces components.

The boom cap, jib butt and struts ship as a single package for fewer connections. It’s also easier to transport. An increased hook height enables self-assembly with various trailer heights, and the crane is designed to be transported with minimal permitted loads.

Operators will particularly enjoy using Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), which can be found across Manitowoc’s crane ranges and provides commonality in operation and maintenance. Additionally, the left side console rotates for improved egress inside the cab.

“Users will really like the upgrades to the cab in the MLC150-1,” Seeliger said. “While this crane has great capacity and reach for the 150 USt class, improved transport and erection efficiencies are always something users like to see.”

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>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

TADANO

VERSATILE AND WELL-BALANCED RT CRANE With an upgraded maximum lift capacity of 80 USt (73 tonnes) and a long boom of 154.2 feet (47 metres), the GR-800XL-4 is a versatile and well-balanced rough-terrain crane. Equipped with the new generation AML-E2 crane control system, the GR-800XL-4 has a gross vehicle weight of 99,800 pounds (45,268.5 kilograms) for easy transportability and a newly improved cab design for more efficient operation.

The cab design and fittings have been remodelled, greatly improving work efficiency, operability and visibility. The new large, multi-function colour touch panel display is 10.4 inches in size and contains crane work information and operation settings. Additionally, the pressure-sensitive touch panel display allows operation while wearing gloves.

The cab instrument panel shape, height, and angle of the glass face have also been modified, improving visibility from the driver’s seat. The GR800XL-4 features the new 20-degree cab tilt function, which helps to reduce operator fatigue when operating the crane for long periods of time.

The cabin access has also been improved: an operator can go straight to the cabin with three-angle hand pull step.

A winch drum monitoring camera that checks the winding state of the wire rope when the crane is in operation has been equipped as standard.

Cameras have also been installed on the right-front and rear of the crane ensuring visibility while driving.

“Clearance Sonar” has also been installed, which detects obstacles right behind the crane. A buzzer and a flashing icon on the display notify the operator if an obstacle is detected.

The new GR-800XL-4 has a sixspeed transmission powered by a Cummins EU Stage V/Tier 4 B 6.7 with 280 hp (209 kw).

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

CONNECTED MACHINES DRIVE PRODUCTIVITY AND PERFORMANCE

Telematics provide real-time visibility into machine health and construction operations

By Peter Gibbons

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onstruction companies using technology to drive performance are winning more bids and completing projects with greater insights, collaboration and efficiency. Telematics technology has also made huge inroads in the last decade, providing advancements in connectivity that allow companies to stay connected, train operators, manage projects and keep them moving forward, often remotely, safely and successfully.

Telematics, once reserved for larger equipment and primarily used to locate machines and alert operators of fault codes, now play a key role in monitoring and managing an entire fleet’s movements and health, increasing efficiencies and keeping costs down.

Yet, for a large part of Canada’s construction sector, we’re just beginning to see the potential for telematics to revolutionize the way construction companies work – from back-office integration to onsite execution. This is a big opportunity but also a big challenge. Companies need to trust the technology will help them manage their businesses more effectively and allow operators to do their job better, safer and faster.

Connectivity the starting point

At the most basic level, telematics provide real-time intel into what is happening on the jobsite from machine hours and location to what equipment is operating. This all helps to effectively manage the fleet, but it’s really just the beginning.

Connected machines pay off right from the start at the design phase of

a project. Design files can be downloaded to the machine instantly via the cloud from anywhere, versus manually downloading files into the machine before work can begin. Not only does this save time, it also enables accurate planning, data capture and monitoring of the work.

Drones, now a standard means of site surveying, provide the ability to share data in real-time, accurately tracking the amount of material moved and providing oversight on the project

progress and operator performance.

The data analytics captured help manage projects from planning through completion, from reduced maintenance and downtime through health monitoring to overall improved effectiveness and increased productivity at each stage of the project.

Access to technology is also becoming less of a barrier for companies of any size. Manufacturers are focused on making machines smarter with new models coming loaded with telematics

technology straight from the factory.

Telematics integrated into the machine can simplify operations to ensure more operators are using the technology rather than avoiding it.

Imagine an operator going from a 10,000-hour piece of equipment to a state-of-the-art 20-tonne excavator or track-type tractor with touchscreen monitors and semi-autonomous functions, which help get to grade with the push of a button. This change can be overwhelming. But increasing operator acceptance by making adoption as easy as possible is key to gaining the full benefits of the machine.

Dealers aid in telematics integration

Starting with connected machines, you can integrate telematics into all aspects of the business, using data-driven analytics as the foundation for planning and management of every aspect of your operations. Accuracy of your month-end billing and reporting is dependent on data pulled from the machines. Maintenance and scheduled parts and services are tied to analytics from the data and can be timed to prevent downtime, operators can be trained with the push of a button and site managers can identify productivity problems before they become costly mistakes. The right technology partner can help you integrate telematics into your operations to meet your specific business needs.

Telematics can also be a training tool, using the data as a benchmark for performance. This isn’t limited to onsite training. Operators can train remotely with the support of their technology dealer who can log into the machine and go through every function and feature with the operator over JULY/AUGUST 2020

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CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

the phone. Collaboration is crucial – monthly check-ins, constant data analysis and 24/7 equipment monitoring, which can be shared with operators, site managers and back office staff provides both confidence and peace of mind.

Onboard equipment telematics can help identify issues and solve problems remotely. When an operator has an issue with their machine, they can connect via telematics to their technology support team who can immediately assist via remote troubleshooting.

The dealer can log into the machine and initiate a session, accessing live machine diagnostic information to remotely identify the problem. If a repair is needed, the dealer can then dispatch a technician with the correct parts and tools for the job, saving both time and money.

Telematics can also enable equipment updates without the machine ever leaving the jobsite. Operators receive a notice from their dealer that a software upgrade is available on their machine.

Similar to a smartphone, the updates can be loaded instantly, removing any bugs or issues from equipment and reducing the time to do the updates by 50 percent.

Small equipment, big reward

Competition is greater and margins are increasingly tight – meaning unnecessary reworks, unscheduled repairs and maintenance or errors in site surveying can result in a huge loss in productivity and revenue. This can be even more intensified for small to mid-size contractors who are constantly working with limited time, money and resources.

Telematics provides a big opportunity for smaller contractors to adopt technology that goes beyond equipment tracking. Helping to alleviate pressure by providing

This is a big opportunity but also a big challenge.

Companies need to trust the technology will help them manage their businesses more effectively and allow operators to do their job better, safer and faster.

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real-time information into the daily operation, performance and efficiency of each piece of equipment, further reducing costs and finishing projects ahead of schedule.

Smaller machines offer better affordability and are now more readily accessible, giving operators access to technology once reserved for larger machines such as payload, 2D grade control and E-fence. Advancements in payload technologies now allow operators of smaller equipment to see how much they are lifting in every bucket load and when they have reached optimum haul capacity. Site managers can also easily track tonnage output – allowing for improved accuracy in billing and lower costs.

With E-fence, operators create invisible electronic boundaries over, under and around equipment, preventing machine breaches of these boundaries, protecting workers and property. And new factory-integrated grading technology helps operators improve accuracy by automating blade movements, reducing manual operator inputs and increasing productivity by as much as 50 percent.

Valuable operational insights

In a growing competitive industry like construction, staying ahead of the curve is critical and adapting technology and encouraging innovation is the best way to get there. Recognizing telematics as part of a bigger strategy for future growth is also important.

However, demanding schedules can make it difficult for companies to find the time to devote to integrating technology that may have an immediate effect on their business. The key is to start small. Identify a technology champion within the business and task them with exploring and identifying new opportunities. Test it with a single project before rolling it out company

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

wide. Ensure there is a plan to understand what success looks like and find the right partner to work with you on how to integrate the technology across your business.

Telematics is continuing to evolve and change the way construction companies operate. When used to its full potential it can have a big impact on the bottom line. The next level of adoption is about greater productivity, operator training, predictive maintenance and real-time, accurate data to help meet the operational and financial needs of both construction companies and their customers. Finding out how it can best serve your operation is a step in the right direction in ensuring the success of your business into the future.

Innovation leads to success for engineering firm

Engineering firm Integrated Sustainability was looking to lead their own construction on an industrial freshwater reservoir project for a major oil and gas company in Alberta. Finning was tasked with providing options for a pilot project. What started as a straight rental evolved into a full turnkey solution.

The project involved 19 pieces of equipment from dozers and excavators, to graders fully loaded with 3D grade control and VisionLink technology, as well as a project-dedicated technician to maintain the equipment and on-site fuelling by 4Refuel to maximize uptime.

Gary Smolik, manager of construction for Integrated Sustainability was tasked with overseeing the pilot project.

“I went to Finning because I like Caterpillar, and I know the product, service, and capability they can provide,” says Smolik. “But when we found out what the technology offer was and

what it had the capacity to do, combined with having our maintenance and cost concerns addressed, it was a winning combination.”

Proof is in the results, and in this case, they speak volumes. “The 3D grade control gave us the capability to go to the final grade right out of the gate, allowing us to execute in a reduced time frame and accelerate our earthworks, completing the work in days versus weeks,” says Smolik. “The software also allowed us to see data in the moment, cycle times, and payload and make real-time decisions with no loss in production. It allowed me to provide updates with actual, current production numbers; we were able to measure actual costs, so we knew we were on budget.”

Integrated Sustainability used the online reporting data and remote fleet monitoring extensively which gave them another big advantage, as they could remotely manage the project.

Not having to be on site also allowed them to work on multiple projects simultaneously; Finning took care of the on-site technical needs for maximum equipment performance.

According to Stuart Torr, president, Integrated Sustainability, “Because we were working on a lump sum price and using real-time data, every day we were looking for ways to improve and reduce costs. We were confident in the project, based on our previous experience, and we knew we could do it cheaper than market prices. We set ourselves some pretty bold goals and achieved them.”

Technology was a huge enabler for this project, but the key was the collaborative effort that showed how much potential there is when you open the door to new possibilities.

Peter Gibbons is regional technology manager with Finning.

COLLABORATION GIVES CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION

By Lee Toop, Editor

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Video conferencing systems like Zoom are now capable of integrating into Procore’s platform to improve overall communications. added, combining the strengths of several tools to provide immediate reaction to potential cost problems.

The moment labour hours are submitted, they are instantly applied to the budget as a cost.

Procore BIM, a 3D viewer introduced in 2019, is now available as a web-based viewer, meaning users can take advantage of 3D models in the field without lengthy downloads or other limiting factors.

The new Action Plans tool allows

E RID

users to take action on plans from one controlled location – inspections, forms, specifications, drawings and other documents can be accessed through one collaborative tool.

A Correspondence tool allows users to manage communications across their project in one system, reducing concerns with miscommunication and contractual disputes. All history is easily accessible through Procore, and correspondence can be converted or linked to other key documents. HEG

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with the new normal, or will we go to something in the middle?”

A series of new additions to Procore’s software platform will help serve the industry as it expands its use of technology moving forward, an opportunity that should be grasped by firms of all sizes, according to Procore president and COO Steve Zahm.

“This is an opportunity to transform the way construction gets done,” Zahm said. “Seventy-eight percent of owners expect to see increased use of collaboration technology. . . let’s focus on digital transformation and getting projects started.”

The company has added a number of features during the course of the COVID-19 crisis, including integration of video connectivity into its platform that allowed users to connect a number of different video conferencing tools into the existing software.

“Video integration was adopted by more companies more rapidly than anything in our history,” he said.

Procore announced several new additions to its platform that will help improve collaboration and communication among construction teams.

Custom and Configurable Fields across the platform will give users the opportunity to customize their users’ Procore experience. They can turn fields on or off, mark them required, optional or hidden with Configurable Fields, or add new fields to help collect key data points with Custom Fields.

A new search function works across all Procore tools from one spot without the user leaving the homepage, reducing the time needed to find important information.

Real-time labour costing has been

G DU AS • ST DI & O ESE DO L • R C EL ON ECT TR RI OL C EQ UI PM EN T

he construction industry has an opportunity to pivot toward improved communication and collaboration using technology as it moves into recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, according to speakers at the Next Steps Summit, a virtual event hosted recently by Procore.

At the same time, construction professionals said the current coronavirus situation has brought a number of other potential changes to the industry, along with questions about which ones will likely become more permanent going forward.

Nick Bockstael, with Winnipeg-based Bockstael Construction, said that while central Canada has been less impacted by the virus response, the company’s backlog has started to suffer and the impact of government infrastructure funding will likely drive changes moving forward.

Bockstael also said that the use of technology has helped in a number of ways, from communication to increased safety.

“Working from home, we’ve found a lot of benefits in terms of virtual meetings – we’ve been able to reach a lot more people through those, something we’ll maintain going forward,” he said.

Bockstael Construction implemented Procore across its platform in 2019, and the pandemic has accelerated that implementation. One benefit is increased worker safety, simply from a reduced need for direct regular contact. “If you’re still using paper spreadsheets and orders across your business, that’s hard to do safely.”

Jose Luis Blanco Alvarez, a partner with management consulting firm McKinsey & Co., said the construction industry is currently trying to figure out how much of the current normal will remain going forward.

“The operating model is starting to be rethought – maybe businesses don’t need as much physical footprint, maybe we can work more remotely,” While many companies feel that it’s important to bring teams together to build a corporate culture, we may be able to build and sustain that culture in a physically distanced environment.

“We have had this experience where we were able to translate quickly from a physical environment to remote – there are some benefits to that, as it’s more agile and less bureaucratic and we can get things done faster,” Alvarez said. “Going forward, will we go back to our old selves, or stick

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CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

THE TOP FIVE TYPES OF LIVE FIELD DATA CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES NEED TO USE DAILY

WorkMax all-in-one software solution collects live field data for actionable insights Man-hours

By Mike Merrill

I

f you’ve ever wondered what type of data you should be collecting, look no further than the Dodge Smart Market Report. It lists the top five types of field data to collect from jobsites to best manage project performance: man-hours, safety, productivity, asset management and project progress. In the past, companies would rely on paper forms and spreadsheets to get hold of this information, but resource management solutions have made the whole process a seamless one.

These days, the question isn’t whether or not construction firms should collect data – it’s whether companies are effectively leveraging the live field data they collect.

Using WorkMax Complete Suite, a cloud-based resource management platform with individual solutions to track labour, field reporting, and equipment tracking all in the same app, businesses can easily collect and share the data for actionable insights. WorkMax integrates with all of the top construction accounting and ERP systems to keep projects on budget and on time. Here are the best ways to utilize the live field data to have the greatest impact on profitability with WorkMax Complete Suite:

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Man-hours, the total number of hours it takes to accomplish a task, are a key project performance indicator.

Man-hour data can be easily collected in real-time throughout the day taking less than five seconds per instance, giving construction companies immediate insights into their team’s manhours per task and per project. This is a stark difference to the reality that almost half of contractors commonly have a 9- to 14-day lag between time entry and analysis.

Real-time man-hours can provide businesses with accurate timekeeping that is regularly updated in the ERP with actual labour hours per task.

The project budget is updated in real-time, so there is no data lag between collecting data from the field and assigning those man-hours to the right task on a project for analysis in the ERP. WorkMax TIME is part of the WorkMax Complete Suite that makes it possible to compare man-hours against the total budgeted man-hours for each cost code in real-time to provide an accurate total number of hours spent per project. Regular updates give management the ability to pivot the workforce quickly when a project’s man-hours are over or under budget. The sooner contractors know where their manhours stand compared to the budget, the sooner they can take course corrections if a project is exceeding budgeted

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

hours. Live field data also reveals who the most efficient workers are based on total man-hours. From those most productive members of the team, management can develop best practices for the entire company to follow.

Safety

WorkMax Complete Suite consists of individual solutions for TIME, FORMS, and ASSETS to simplify how contractors collect and share live field data to manage employees, equipment and processes for expeditious field safety reporting. Safety information can be collected on easyto-use forms at clock in/out and during task transitions. Each safety instance can also be associated with a piece of equipment used before being shared in real-time across the organization.

Safety forms collected with live field data gives supervisors and management immediate insight into any safety issues or trends that are happening throughout the company.

Using embedded photos with markup, safety issues can clearly be communicated and can also be automatically shared across the company. WorkMax FORMS was built with this in mind; each jobsite safety manager can make sure any risks they encounter

Heavy-Duty Cranes

aren’t repeated on their jobsite. By collecting safety data from individual employees, over time, construction managers can help teams avoid unnecessary injuries and avoid any compliance fines.

Asset Tracking

If a piece of equipment isn’t available to a team when it’s needed, the work doesn’t get done. Live field data can track the location and use of equipment on a project or across an entire company. Employees don’t have to make countless attempts with phone calls, text messages and emails to locate a piece of equipment. WorkMax ASSETS uses live field data to give supervisors the ability to better coordinate the flow of work so the tasks that need to be completed will match the availability of equipment.

Live field tracking allows for equipment to be transferred between employees without any intervention of an equipment manager or returning equipment to the yard with mobile-to-mobile transfers. This ensures supervisors and employees always know where assets are and when they’ll be available so they can schedule their time and resources accordingly. An accurate asset inventory with live field data also makes sure the asset life is extended by not overutilizing one piece of equipment while others remain unused.

Using WorkMax FORMS and ASSET together will uncover trends in equipment usage. Supervisors will be able to pinpoint when the maintenance of equipment is needed. This data also shows how equipment has historically been utilized, so managers can avoid the risks of unnecessary delays due to maintenance downtime.

Productivity

When it comes to productivity, the insights live field data provides can be used in different ways throughout the company to improve the bottom line. For example, data can show current and historical demands for labour from different tasks and projects.

By utilizing the robust integration between WorkMax TIME and the accounting or ERP system, contractors can mirror the project cost structure,

increasing quantities completed report accuracy. The integration of labour tracking, quantity tracking and task tracking can be done seamlessly in one system when workers record their hours. As workers switch from one task to another or clock out they are asked simple questions about the quantity used and the task completion percentage of the job code they are clocking out of. The unit of measure for both can be customized for each task to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples between the field data collected and budgeted quantities. Real-time tracking of a project’s quantity percent complete in the ERP allows contractors to compare spending to the actual work completed.

Real productivity is tracked by comparing the quantities completed per task compared to the budgeted quantities coming from the integrated ERP system. Understanding any variation between the budgeted labour hours per task with quantities completed and the current productivity rates will help management adjust and pivot resources that cause costly delays that will cut into the project’s profits.

DEMAND a High-Tech

SOLUTION

Project Progress

The overall progress of any given project can be tracked in real-time through live data submitted by workers and shift supervisors throughout their workdays using WorkMax TIME. Employees are prompted to select a task and that task data can then be compared against the job costs on the projected budget so companies get a bird’s eye view of where things truly stand.

By using WorkMax, a company can run real-time earned value calculations (EVs). Accurate real-time labour costs and live task completion tracking gives contractors the right data to run EV calculations on projects on a regular basis to know if they’ve spent more or less time or budget based on how much work is done. This alerts management of any red flags on any projects and identifies positive or negative trends immediately so they may take the appropriate action swiftly.

With today’s competitive construction landscape, it’s not enough to collect data – companies need to collect the data that matters most, actionable data. Live field data for man-hours, safety, productivity, asset management and project progress can be immediately leveraged. This live field data enables companies to make sense of their situation, understand key patterns and get a window into the future so they may take action and set themselves apart from the competition. As these five areas of live field data increases, so too will the profit margins when you collect and share live field data all in one app with the WorkMax Complete Suite.

Mike Merrill is co-founder and chief operating officer of WorkMax.

THE VENTURO LOGIC CONTROLS (VLC™) MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

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State-of-the-art radio remote controller puts complete crane control in the palm of the operator’s hand with real-time load and status details.

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Eliminate lag time between the controller and the crane to improve responsiveness and provide reliable load and status updates.

Learn more about taking control of your crane at www.venturo.com

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

BOBCAT SIZES UP WITH LARGEST EXCAVATOR EVER

The 19-ton E165 is designed to meet customer requests for a larger Bobcat

By Kaitlyn Till, Editor in Chief

W

hen you think of a Bobcat, a 19-ton machine is not going to come to mind, but that is exactly where the company has gone with its latest excavator introduction, the E165. This is the second Bobcat excavator introduced in the past year that challenges the perception of the company as a manufacturer of truly compact equipment. The introduction of the 16-ton E145 in September 2019 and now the E165 move the company into all-new territory – the largest Bobcat machine prior to the introduction of the E145 was the 8.6ton E85.

Jason Boerger, marketing manager for Bobcat Company, says that this addition to the traditional compact Bobcat line addresses an opportunity the company was seeing in industry data with the company’s market research suggesting that there are many compact equipment customers in need of a 10- to 19-ton machine. This research was reinforced by the requests of Bobcat customers needing a larger machine but wanting to stick with the same brand and the same dealer and service relationships.

“We’ve been growing with our 34

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

customers,” Boerger said. “In the last six months we’ve had a lot of product expansion, a lot of products come to market, and even some that are still yet to come to market. . . we’re following our customers where they’re going with the work.”

Following their customers includes getting plenty of input on the features they need. “We do extensive voice of customer research,” added Boerger.

“We get the product in their hands, they can tell us, even down to individual components on the machine: A versus B, which did you like better?”

According to Boerger, the key features that Bobcat customers appreciate in its excavators include the automotive-style features in the cab, including lots of space, heat and air conditioning, the heated seat option, and standard rear and side-view cameras on some models, including the E165.

Bobcat’s biggest excavator delivers the right amount of power

The 131-hp E165 is designed for heavy digging and lifting applications with high lifting capacity, more slew torque, advanced hydraulics and powerful pumps.

“We’re looking at this machine for the commercial construction, residential construction, utilities and infrastructure applications. . . there are

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

some key performance features that stand out,” noted Boerger.

“The controllability or versatility of the power that you have at your fingertips with our machines is something that I like to point out to our customers. And that comes in the form of our four power modes.”

Those four power modes on the E165 are: Power+ mode for top work group speed or sustained peak performance; Power mode for tough digging, quick loading, heavy lifting and fast travel; Standard power mode for balanced performance and reduced fuel use in routine digging, lifting and grading; and Economy mode for optimizing fuel use when power demand is low or during precise digging and fine grading.

Boerger added that the E165 also has four selectable work modes for managing RPM and increased fuel efficiency: digging, lifting, breaker and shear.

The E165 has a range of additional features to boost productivity. Smart Power Control matches load to engine rpm, hydraulic pump torque and engine response, for an improvement in efficiency in any of the excavator’s four power modes while in digging work mode. Variable Speed Control automatically reduces engine rpm during low workload requirements, such as the slew portion of the dig cycle, for

an improvement in fuel efficiency of up to 5 percent. Pump Torque Control prevents engine overload by matching the hydraulic demand with available engine horsepower. Auto Idle idles the engine automatically when machine movement stops for several seconds and auto Shift improves machine responsiveness and controllability by shifting to low range automatically when the load is high and back to high range when the load diminishes.

The X-frame undercarriage on the E165 has sloped surfaces to reduce material buildup and time spent cleaning out the undercarriage; this design also increases ground clearance and maneuverability in softer ground conditions. HEG

BOBCAT E165 Rated horsepower (gross): 131 hp Operating weight: 38,376 pounds Arm digging force: 18,077 foot-pounds Bucket digging force: 25,794 foot-pounds Max reach at ground level: 28.8 feet Dig depth: 20 feet Maximum dump height: 21.3 feet Width: 8.5 feet Tail swing type: conventional

MECALAC

SWING LOADER BUCKET PIVOTS 90 DEGREES TO EITHER SIDE The Mecalac AS1600 swing loader is the latest addition to Mecalac’s swing loader lineup. These machines have the unique ability to pivot the fully loaded wheel loader bucket 90 degrees to either side without reducing machine stability.

According to Mecalac, a rigid frame and 4-wheel steering provide productivity and stability while driving, operating and unloading in virtually any condition or terrain. The AS1600 needs half the space of conventional loaders for tasks such as loading trucks or discharging materials into trenches with a standard 2.1-cubic-yard (1.6-cubic-metre) bucket.

Steering options include 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab and operators can simultaneously drive, pivot and maneuver, increasing productivity and safety and making common tasks, such as backfilling a trench, easier and more efficient.

Bucket capacities range from 2.1 to 3.3 cubic yards (1.6 to 2.5 cubic metres).

JOHN DEERE

COLD PLANING AND TRENCHING ATTACHMENTS

WE KEEP

CANADA

John Deere’s new CP18E, CP24E and CP30E cold planers help operators who work on street repairs, levelling uneven pavement, texturing pavement and cleaning around larger milling machines.

The CP18E, CP24E and CP30E cold planer attachments are equipped with a heavy-duty planetary drive system that delivers high-torque speed.

The planetary drive system is a wheel drive, which allows the operator to remove the side plate when the attachment works next to a curb, making it ideal for use in tight spaces. Through complete in-cab controls, operators can easily maneuver the cold planer depth, tilt and side shift to increase overall productivity. With rear spoil clearance that reaches up to 9 inches (229 mm), operators can minimize material that is pushed back into the cut.

Deere’s new TC36 and TC48 trenchers are ideal for lighter-duty tasks and equipment rental and can be configured to match most soil conditions or trench requirements.

The TC36 and TC48 trenchers come equipped with a spring-loaded trencher boom that reduces system shock. The frame provides easy ingress and egress during use. The crumber boom pulls loose soil into the trenchers, leaving a clean bottom, and an auger removes spoils from trenches, increasing productivity on the job.

ON TRACK

Call: 800-365-7260 Visit: morookacarriers.com

JULY/AUGUST 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 35

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

FULL-SIZE COMFORT IN COMPACT EQUIPMENT IS BIG DRAW FOR OPERATORS

Designers bring large machine cab features to smaller equipment

By Lee Toop, Editor

T

here’s no arguing the popularity of compact equipment these days; everyone from landscapers to municipalities can make good use of machines like mini excavators, skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders to improve their operations. As their popularity and usage grows, operators are spending more time in the seat, and asking for more creature comforts on these smaller units.

Manufacturers are moving to meet those requests, working to bring similar features from larger machines in their lines to the smaller counterparts. Caterpillar, for example, has been focusing on improving their micro and mini excavator cabs by focusing on customer needs and wants, from heating and air conditioning to more technology features.

Product application specialist Greg Worley said that buyers of small excavators – and many other types of equipment – are looking for an automotive experience from their work equipment “Customers have come to expect a higher level of fit and finish in the cabs of their construction equipment,” Worley said. “They want them to mimic their cars and pickup trucks when it comes to the creature comforts. Automotive influences have taken place.”

Automotive designers have put great effort into developing car interiors that are spacious, comfortable, quiet and efficient; those factors have been put into play for large machines in recent years, and that trend is now making its way 36

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

down into the smaller end of the range.

“They need to be quiet and comfortable,” Worley described. “The Cat Next Gen sealed and pressurized cab allows for greater cooling and heating. A sealed and pressurized cab also keeps the dust out, which is important when you consider these machines are the office for many people.”

Operator comfort has been a key part of the Next Generation line of mini excavators. The most recent in the line, the 306 CR, is in the 6-ton size class but has a cab that mirrors larger machines in its functionality.

The sealed cab brings operating noise levels down to 72 dB(A), adding comfort to the operator’s day, and features an HVAC system that ensures the operator can find the right comfort level no matter how hot or cold the day is outside.

Cab size and roominess has been given consideration in the design process. D3 series skid-steer and compact track loaders have a wider opening cab door to give operators easier access, and the joystick pods have been changed up to provide additional space between them and improve comfort.

Big machine technology finding a home in smaller units

From a technology perspective, designers are also looking at what has worked in bigger machines and bringing it down to the smaller machines.

Colour monitors are one upgrade that mini excavators are being equipped with more often, Worley noted.

“Development of intuitive monitors has changed the way the operator interacts with the machine.

Operator settings and pattern

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

changers are in the monitor, along with HVAC and radio controls, and can be accessed at a touch of a button,” he pointed out. On the 306 CR the LCD monitor gives the operator the opportunity to review operating details like fuel levels, coolant temperature and hours operated, along with performance and machine adjustments, maintenance and machine monitoring.

Connectivity is also becoming more important to operators, who want to stay in touch while they work. Bluetooth-enabled machines provide the opportunity to connect their phones wirelessly, stream their own music through the onboard sound system, and make hands-free calls as needed.

Controls are becoming more sophisticated in smaller machines as well; for Cat, that means providing an

intuitive pattern changer that allows operators to select the control pattern that best suits them with minimal challenge. Next Generation mini and micro excavators allow the operator to change the controls from lever and foot-pedal steering to Cat’s Stick Steer system with the push of a button.

Operators gain improved control with less effort.

All in all, Worley said, cab design has moved to take into account a need for operators to be comfortable – which leads to contractors keeping good operators in their machines longer.

“Owners and operators want the creature comforts to help them be more productive,” he said. “Owners also want their operators to be valued, in order to retain them and to attract new people to the world of construction.” HEG

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New excavators for 2020: a roundup of all the major releases so far

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Dealer Inquiries Welcome

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>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 37

LAST WORD ARHCA MEMBERS RESPOND TO COVID PRESSURES WITH DETERMINATION, INGENUITY AND FLEXIBILITY RON GLEN, CEO, ALBERTA ROADBUILDERS AND HEAVY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION (ARHCA)

A

s Canada’s largest heavy civil construction association, the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association’s (ARHCA) members construct, maintain, and rehabilitate roads, bridges, sewers, water systems, and other infrastructure for residential commercial, oilfield, energy and forestry projects. Now, it’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic made roadbuilding and construction work a little more difficult. In fact, as soon as COVID-19 hit our province, government and contractors knew immediately that Public Health Orders would impact businesses everywhere. Everyone needed to act to keep workers safe and projects going.

As a responsive association, the ARHCA worked quickly to help our members. Most notably, we acted on three things: Working for Albertans Though it was only a few months ago, the beginning of the pandemic in Alberta was a chaotic time. No one knew how bad it would get, but both the public and government recognized the critical importance of transportation, and of highway maintenance contractors to the province’s supply chain in

securing the necessities of life for all Albertans. As essential businesses, our crews had to work to procure enough PPE, but also to develop stringent protocols and guidelines for its use. The ARHCA supported this work, communicating with government, and sharing messaging.

Working with each other With a membership as diverse as ours, it is important for the ARHCA to recognize – in everything we do – that we need to provide value to all members, big and small. Providing COVID-related support is no exception. Through our Safety Committee, the ARHCA pooled the best health and safety practices from committee representatives and shared them with both members and government. With the massive amount of information available, it was important to ensure our members had high-level, construction-related health and safety guidelines.

Working with government After securing the government’s commitment to keep highway maintenance and road construction open, the ARHCA turned to advocacy for economic stimulus spend-

ing on infrastructure and risk mitigation in contracts. At the outset, the ARHCA made several suggestions to reduce risk in these unprecedented circumstances so that contractors have more certainty as to what they can expect, should changes in government policy to fight COVID-19 cause delays and additional costs.

As a result of our advocacy efforts, and the Alberta Government’s added $410 million investment in roads this year, the ARHCA is proud to announce that the Alberta Government has agreed to strike the Fairness Advisory Panel so contractors can work directly with government to seek relief for unforeseen COVID-related disruptions in both time and costs. Alberta Transportation Minister Ric McIver appointed two ARHCA nominees to the six-member panel.

Contractors can enjoy less anxiety in bidding projects knowing that there is recognition by government that these unprecedented times require new thinking. This is a major achievement. Government is now recognizing that risk must be shared and appropriately allocated to have a well-functioning and competitive market to deliver value to taxpayers.

The ARHCA is the largest heavy construction association in Canada. We represent contractors who work on the construction and rehabilitation of highways, municipal roads, bridges, sewer and water projects, as well as the suppliers (such as equipment dealers, finance companies, aggregate suppliers, law firms, etc.), and consulting engineers who work with them. ARHCA member companies can also be found constructing streets, curbs and gutters, sewer and water systems, and other infrastructure for residential, commercial, oilfield, oil sands and forestry projects.

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

>> JULY/AUGUST 2020

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www.gomaco.com x info@gomaco.com “Dedicated to Concrete – Dedicated to You”. GOMACO offers the full range of concrete slipform pavers, curb and gutter machines, placer/ spreaders, texture/cure machines and bridge/canal finishing equipment. GOMACO equipment features our exclusive and proprietary G+® control system, created in-house by our software engineers from the wants and needs of contractors paving in the field. We’ll show you the new Navigator controller with a 10-inch touchscreen that allows ground personnel to simply control and view all attachments from one location. We are also introducing our new high-production system for the C-450 cylinder finisher for bridge decks and flat slabs. At the heart of GOMACO equipment is our passion for concrete and our commitment to our customers. We look forward to visiting with you about your upcoming paving projects and your concrete paving equipment needs.

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