AED HOLDS ANNUAL SUMMIT, CONDEX IN ORLANDO, FLA.

The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) held its Summit Jan. 17-19 at Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Like all other businesses, equipment dealers as a group have faced some real challenges over the past couple of years, between Covid-19 restrictions and the overwhelming challenges presented by supply chain disruptions. However, the construction industry has long been noted for its tremendous resilience, and in spite of all the obstacles that it has faced, the recently signed infrastructure bill created a lot of optimism at this year’s event.

AED provided an ideal forum for equipment distributors to network with each other as well as with their respective equipment suppliers, including CONDEX, an equipment trade show that provides an opportunity for manufacturers that are looking for equipment distributors to display their products.

AED provided educational seminars covering a broad range of topics relevant to equipment distribution, including used equipment marketing, equipment rental, human resource issues, technology, as well as management and leadership skills, just to name a few.

On Monday, Jan. 17, the AED Foundation held its annual fundraising gala, which included the 15th annual live auction that was sponsored by the AED Foundation and Ritchie Bros.

The highlight of this year’s event was Thursday evening’s dinner and conversation with former Vice President Mike Pence, who delighted members with stories of his lifelong commitment to public service, including his years in the Trump administration.  CEG (All photographs in this article are Copyright 2021 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.)

Mike Chenet (L) of GT Mid Atlantic discusses his hydraulic hammer needs with Greg Henry of Soosan. (L-R): A large showing of FAE USA staffers were on hand to promote their attachments and machines, including Bradley Wiseman, Chad Florian, Dan Crow, Giorgio Carera, Lee Smith, Mike Samples, James Steindl, Ryan Smith and Chris Koch.

Manning the Felling Trailers exhibit were Pat Jennissen (L) and Nathan Uphus.

Former Vice President Mike Pence (L) sat down for a chat with AED President and CEO Brian McGuire.

Amidst the backdrop of the AED Summit & CONDEX, a major conference and trade show highlighted that the greater Orlando area was open for business, Congressman Darren Soto (D-Fla.) joined AED senior leadership to discuss the bipartisan infrastructure law’s positive impact on the federal, state and local levels and the broader equipment industry. (L-R) are AED President and CEO Brian McGuire, Congressman Darren Soto and incoming AED Chairman Ken Taylor of Ohio CAT.

Patrick Storey of Doosan Infracore scans the AED crowd looking for a small handful of key dealers to fill a couple of open territories in North America.

Discussing the products available from Seppi M USA (L-R) are David Kopp, FMI Equipment, Spokane, Wash.; Seppi M’s Ben Carlson and Dan Phillips; and Donald Wiseman, WTD Equipment, Portland, Ore.

Diamond Z and Screen Machine, under the same corporate umbrella, are a couple of the oldest and most respected names in wood and material processing equipment in the industry. (L-R): John Lamprinakos, Diamond Z; Jeff Williams, Screen Machine; and Billy Stump II, Screen Machine.

Jason O. Harris, a motivational speaker and retired Lt. Colonel and Special Ops Pilot of the U.S. Air Force, speaks on “Empowering No Fail Trust.” Eric Dupee (L) and Dale Mickle of Remu are looking for distributors to represent their line of crushing and screening buckets.

Seen for the first time in the United States, the Huddig 1260 tractor loader backhoe, manufactured in Sweden, is the world’s largest machine in its category.

STOPS FUEL GELLING

NEW: The Universal Filter Preheater is designed for diesel fuel filter housings, for lube oil and hydraulic filters too (specify hyd. size). It wraps around the filter housing and reduces or eliminates the possibility of cold weather fuel gelling stopping the engine. It is easily removable and transferable and is wired for your choice of: direct current or alternating current or a convertible model combining dc and ac. A standard 12V or 24V Universal Fuel Filter Preheater is priced at $138.

BULK FUEL STORAGE FILTER HEATER The newest Diesel Fuel Filter Preheater fits 3.5" to 4" diameter by 7" to 10" tall filters. Stops diesel gelling in the filter so that fueling equipment can proceed even in the coldest temperatures. 120v with thermostat. $225.

The ‘peel & stick’ Universal Preheater attaches to the bottom or the side of the oil pan and converts the housing into a heat transfer element. It warms the oil without burning it making cold starts easy. It can be used on gearboxes, transmissions, transfer cases, water tanks and even bulk oil tanks. The Preheater plugs into any 120 or 240 volt outlet and consists of a thin silicone fiberglass pad containing a metal grid. To install it, you clean an area on the bottom or side of the oil pan and press the pad onto it, then use silicone to seal the edges of the pad and place a flexible ceramic insulation pad over it. It is available in several models depending on the lube capacity. A 50 watt unit sells for $44 and a 350 watt unit sells for $133.

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