Rental August/September 2020

SNEAK PREVIEW LIFT EQUIPMENT The new ANSI standards for MEWPs are finally here. What does that mean for you?

August/September 2020

RENTERS’ REVIEW 2020 COUNTING DOWN THE TOP 5 REVIEWS

SPECIAL SECTION

HOW LIGHT TOWERS ARE CHANGING THE GAME Find the latest news at www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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8/13/20 9:54 AM

FROM THE DRAIN LINE TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Flexicore Cables ®

The soul of General drain cleaners is our time tested tough Flexicore® cable. We wrap heavy gauge wire around 49-strand aircraft-type wire rope to get the right balance of strength and flexibility, so you get fewer returns with kinked or broken cables.

Flexicore construction is low maintenance, kink-resistant, and durable. It comes back intact—and that strength goes straight to your bottom line.

To learn more, call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/rental

M A D E I N U SA

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VOLUME 42 ISSUE 6

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

16

A countdown of the top five Renters’ Review articles from the last seven years.

COVER: RENTERS’ REVIEW 2020: THE RENTERS’ REVIEW RECAP

30

CONSTRUCTION ZONE SAFETY Shedding Some Light on I-84

Waters Construction Company tested a Chicago Pneumatic CPLT V5+ light tower for a bridge repair project—and the results were blinding.

04 Everybody’s Business When business is anything but usual, it’s time to flip the switch

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of ked

06 Market Watch

visit

CONSTRUCTION ZONE SAFETY

IN EVERY 22 RENTAL PERSPECTIVES ISSUE

and adapt.

, s

34

How UV-C LED Light Can Help your Rental Customers

Remembering the Past, Building the Future

A light designed to decontaminate, it’s being used on tools, equipment, PPE, and more.

Rental spoke with Past-President of Genie Matt Fearon to see how rental has played a part in their legacy.

38

A New Era of Scissor Safety Everyone has a role to play in abiding by the finalized ANSI A92 standards for scissor lifts.

42

12 New Products 44 Industry Update

LIFT EQUIPMENT

FLEET MANAGEMENT 38

How to Read Tire Damage

Recognizing key types of wear and damage on tires can be helpful with avoiding costs or hazards in the future.

50 Eye on Rental Dick Detmer talks hiring fresh, talented team members – and strengthening the basics.

30 22 www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

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EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS // B y

Alexis Brumm

abrumm@ACBusinessMedia.com

FLIPPING the Switch

™

PRODUCT NEWS INSIGHT ■

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL Published by AC Business Media 201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544

When the world begins to change and business is anything but usual, it all comes down to adaptability.

I

am a gym rat. Maybe not the and the overall project success. But most professional or endearing yet, once again, we found ourselves term available, but let’s go with it having to adapt to the current busifor the sake of going with it. ness climate. So this year, we did a I work out six days a week and countdown of the top five most popfollow a daily routine that centers ular reviews from the last few years around my overall health (page 16). Not only did it (donuts are the excepgive us the opportunity tion). Though it may to look back and celesound cliché to some, brate our past, but it also the time in the gym is allowed us to do somemy therapy. And that – thing somewhat new and amongst everything else exciting.

– changed five months Another definition I REALIZED ago when COVID-19 of adaptability is someTHAT I HAD hit. thing that is, “able to After sitting and be modified for a new TO ADAPT wallowing for a day, I use or purpose.” A perTO MY “NEW realized that I had to fect example of this is adapt to my “new norLind Equipment (page NORMAL.” mal.” Working out is a 34), who created a light non-negotiable tower that uses for me, so I had UV-C LED light no choice but to to decontaminate make it work. And tools, equipment, I did. rooms, PPE, and When we’re more. An asset suddenly faced that was virtually with unexpectunused outside of ed conditions or healthcare before unique challenges, the pandemic, the it’s imperative that we become adaptlight could be a game-changer for able. As a business owner, it could be rental businesses in this new world. the difference between closing your And lastly, in our interview with doors and finding new avenues of past Genie president, Matt Fearon, on growth. Being open to finding diverse page 22, he makes a comment, saying, solutions to problems, and how you “I think you’ll see the industry adapt. face and overcome those trials and Always have, always will... It’s not all tribulations, is everything. bad news. It’s not going to snap back Rental isn’t exempt from that. right away, but the rental industry is After switching our focuses around creative and they’ll adapt.” last month, this was supposed to be I think that’s a lesson that we can our big Renters’ Review issue, where all try to learn and implement into we secret-shop a rental house and test our daily lives. Even the gym rats. out the equipment, the rental process, Stay strong, stay smart, stay safe.

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■

www.ACBusinessMedia.com

Publication Staff Publisher

Eric Servais eservais@ACBusinessMedia.com

Editor

Alexis Brumm abrumm@ACbusinessMedia.com

Columnist

Dick Detmer

Senior Production Manager

Cindy Rusch

Art Director

Willard Kill

Audience Development Manager Angela Franks

Advertising Sales (800) 538-5544 Kris Flitcroft

kflitcroft@ACBusinessMedia.com

Sean Dunphy

sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com

Nikki Lawson

nlawson@ACBusinessMedia.com

Megan Perleberg

mperleberg@ACBusinessMedia.com

Erica Finger

efinger@ACBusinessMedia.com

Denise Singsime

dsingsime@ACBusinessMedia.com

www.ForConstructionPros.com Editor

Larry Stewart lstewart@ACBusinessMedia.com

Managing Editor

Kimberly Htegeman khegeman@ACBusinessMedia.com

Change of Address & Subscriptions — PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • circ.rpn@omeda.com List Rental — Jeff Moriarty, SVP, Business & Media Solutions Infogroup, Phone: (518) 339-4511, Email: jeff.moriarty@infogroup.com Reprints — Erica Finger, efinger@ACBusinessMedia.com

AC Business Media Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Digital Officer Chief Revenue Officer VP Audience Development Director of Digital Operations & IT Director of Digital Strategy Group Content Director

Barry Lovette JoAnn Breuchel Kris Heineman Amy Schwandt Ronda Hughes Nick Raether Joel Franke Jon Minnick

Published and copyrighted 2020 by AC Business Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. to rental centers, equipment distributors, and other businesses with rental departments. To subscribe please visit www.ForConstructionPros.com. Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualified subscribers.

One year subscriptions for nonqualified individuals: U.S. $35.00; Canada and Mexico $60.00; and $85.00 all other countries (payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank). Single issues available (prepaid only) $10.00 each.

Rental (ISSN 2375-9925, Print | ISSN 2471-7657, online | USPS 686-370) is published eight times per year: January/February, March, April, May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Rental, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Printed in the USA. Vol. 42, Issue 4, Month 2020

Th co the sk all wo ex all www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

8/4/20 3:59 PM

GET ON TRACK!

WITH THE BARRETO 30SG STUMP GRINDER

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The 30SG’s 1,670 lb. frame keeps the unit stable and in proper contact with the stump, and the low center of gravity helps stabilize the unit on uneven terrain. The track system features a true skid-steer type drive that provides excellent maneuverability, allowing the operator to easily transport the unit to and from the work site. The hydraulic direct drive eliminates the need for expensive drive belts, and the open and accessible body style allows for easy service and maintenance.

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MARKET WATCH

AVERAGE RENTAL REVENUE DROPS 9.4% IN Q2, SAYS BAIRD/RER SURVEY Equipment rental activity has been significantly impacted by COVID-19-related disruptions during the second quarter and, to a lesser degree, oil-and-gas headwinds, according to the Baird/RER second quarter 2020 rental equipment industry survey.

Based on qualitative commentary, revenue declines were sharpest in April, with some gradual improvement in May and June, according to respondents. Expectations for 2020 point toward lower yearover-year revenue, flattish rental rates, and a decline in yearover-year fleet spending in response to industry challenges.

Activity dropped about 20% in April because of the impacts from the pandemic and the sharp drop in oil prices.

According to respondents, average rental revenue declined 9.4% in the second quarter, compared to a 0.9% increase in the first quarter, with the initial COVID impact hitting in midMarch. Prior to the first quarter, average quarterly growth was 7.7% during the nine-year history of the survey.

Average rental rates decreased 1% year-over-year in the second quarter, compared to flat rates in the first quarter and an average growth rate of 1.4% in 2019. Increased fleet sizes and slower demand are intensifying competitive pressures while suppressing rental rate growth, especially for smaller rental companies.

Based on the qualitative commentary, Baird analysts estimate that revenue declined about 20% in April, 13% in May, and 6% in June. Fifty-five percent of respondents expect revenue and utilization to return to pre-COVID levels in 2020, with about 32% expecting it in the third quarter. Most of the remaining respondents expect a return to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, with most predicting that to occur in the first half of the year.

For more on the survey, go to www.ForConstructionPros.com/21139258.

NEW DATA SHOWS HOW MANY CONTRACTORS AND JOBS THE PPP LOANS SAVED Lendio recently released some statistics on the Paycheck Protection Program loans the U.S. small-business-loan marketplace for 300 lenders has helped facilitate.

Construction ranked first among industries in which Lendio PPP loans were issued, with an aggregate value of more than $181 million.

The construction industry also ranked fourth in jobs saved due to PPP loans facilitated by Lendio, with over 15,000 jobs saved.

In just 3 months, 100,000 business owners have accessed $8 billion in PPP loans through Lendio. 98% of these applicants are first-time Lendio customers.

Coincidentally, the U.S. Small Business Administration released detailed loan-level data on the 4.9 million PPP loans that have been made.

RollCall.com reports the SBA data indicate the industry receiving the largest volume in loans was health care and social assistance, accounting for nearly $67.4 billion. That was followed by professional, scientific and technical services, at $66.4 billion; construction, at $64.6 billion; and manufacturing, at $54 billion.

Indeed the PPP supported construction dramatically, with an Associated General Contractors survey indicating that 80% of members were approved for the loans.

President Trump signed legislation on July 4 extending the PPP application deadline to August 8, as $130 billion in funds remain to be dispersed through the program.

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros. com/21138300.

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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T w

Rent. Rinse. Repeat.

c a r i i

O t t T t t a

e V O t

t a S c

It’s that SIMPLE. Toughness and durability deliver the reliability you need for every rental.

JohnDeere.com/rentalsales

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MARKET WATCH

MARCUM SURVEY MEASURES CHANGE IN CONTRACTOR PRIORITIES FROM PANDEMIC

→

Marcum’s inaugural National Construction Survey asked construction contractors to share their highest priorities for the next year. Strategic planning, finding solutions for skilled labor, and organizational planning top the list.

Responses to the survey were coming in just as the coronavirus pandemic broke in the U.S., and the industry accountants and advisors were able to segment the tabulations to show pre-pandemic and post-pandemic results that indicate some interesting ways the crisis is affecting contractors’ outlooks.

Notable differences in pre- and postpandemic business priorities were found in organizational planning and strategic planning. There was more than a 10% increase in the number of post-pandemic respondents who chose these categories as top priorities.

As one survey respondent summarized, “The impact of COVID-19, the stimulus package, and the election will have a major impact on the future of small business.”

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros. com/21139742.

Survey on State of Mobile Compressed Air Industry Aids Fleet Management Choices VMAC set out to help vehicle owners, operators, mechanics, and fleet managers with its “State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry” survey report. It is intended to help businesses compare themselves against their peers in five key categories: fleets, truck classes, commercial vans, general equipment, and mobile compressed air.

Key findings include: • A significant portion of respondents (87%) chose an air compressor as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment on their service vehicles. Generators, cranes, and welders were each selected

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by roughly a third of respondents at 32%, 31%, and 27%, respectively.

• A notable 67% indicated they prefer rotary screw air compressors over reciprocating compressors for their service vehicles.

Because the survey took place prior to the pandemic, the report does not reflect any changes the COVID-19 pandemic may have

caused within the industry.

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros. com/21139655.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

8/4/20 3:38 PM

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8/4/20 3:38 PM

VALUE TESTIMONIALS Advertisement

New Oztec BP-45 Backpack and ® RubberHead with Optional Extension Piece Oztec is proud to introduce the newest edition to its industry leading backpack vibrators. The New BP-45 adds a powerful 2HP option, capable of running vibrator heads up to 2” in diameter, in a lightweight configuration. This backpack maintains Oztec’s JobProven Rugged design. Built to withstand the demands of concrete construction sites with a sturdy steel frame, dependable Honda engines, fully adjustable padding system and the highest quality components, all designed for easy maintenance and long life.

concrete were poured in heavily congested rebar without a single head getting entangled in the rebar.

Oztec RubberHeads®, ranging in size from 1-1/8” to 2-3/4”, not only protect epoxy coated rebar and delicate form faces, but also produce better consolidated concrete and are job proven to be more efficient and effective than any other vibrator head on the market!

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New RubberHeads® with Optional Extension Piece In December of 2019 Oztec Industries, Inc. reintroduced its 1-1/8” & 1-1/2” RubberHeads®.

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new

PRODUCTS ○ Bobcat MT100 Mini Track Loader The 3,390-lb. MT100 is powered by a 24.8-hp Tier 4 diesel engine and has a rated operating capacity of 1,000 lbs.

• Standard removable counterweights • More durable undercarriage includes permanently sealed rollers in an oil bath and optimized roller spacing for improved ride quality • Standard narrow tracks offer a ground pressure of 5.25 psi or optional wide tracks rated at 3.97 psi • Integrated ride-on platform with ergonomic ISO joystick controls • Bob-Tach attachment mounting system www.forconstructionpros.com/21138125

○ AUSA DR601AHG Reversible Dumper The DR601AHG reversible dumper features a 13,200-lb. payload and a reversible design that enables the seat to rotate 180° with all components instantly adjusted to suit the driver’s new position. The driver can also get on and off both sides of the dumper. The unit comes with a 74.3-hp Deutz Stage V engine with ECO Mode function and a hydrostatic transmission. The Hill Holder start-assist and safety system engages the brake when the foot is taken off the accelerator at zero speed. The optional Smart Stop plug-in system automatically shuts down the engine when it is not in use and the optimal time and safety requirements are met. www.forconstructionpros.com/21139739

○ Takeuchi TL8R2 Compact Track Loader The redesigned TL8R2 offers a tipping load of 6,041 lbs. with an operating weight of 9,182 lbs. Its 74.3-hp turbocharged, Tier 4 Final-compliant engine features a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) to minimize emissions for clean and efficient operation. Creep Mode is standard on models with highflow auxiliary hydraulics and enables operators to precisely match forward speed to a particular attachment without having to constantly meter the travel lever. The automotive-styled operator station includes a 5.7-in. multi-informational color display with rear view camera and sealed rocker switch bank, as well as standard low-effort pilot controls and proportional auxiliary switches. An optional pressurized cab is available. www.forconstructionpros.com/21136222

○ ASV’s ELITE lubricant ASV’s ELITE lubricants are high-performance, heavy-duty engine oil, hydraulic oil, and grease products for use in ASV equipment.

• ASV ELITE 5W-40 Heavy Duty Full Synthetic Engine Oil • ASV ELITE 10W-30 Heavy Duty Engine Oil • ASV ELITE Zinc Free 46 Multi-Viscosity Hydraulic Oil • ASV ELITE Green Grease NLGI 2 • Hold up to high and low ambient temperatures all year long in challenging conditions • Available in grease tubes, gallon jugs, pails, and drums www.forconstructionpros.com/21138294

○ Honda Power Equipment Launches CO-MINDER Carbon Monoxide Detector for Generators Honda Power Equipment is equipping all models in its portable generator lineup with CO-MINDER, an advanced carbon monoxide (CO) detection system designed to help protect users from injury or death from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The system: • Continuously measures carbon monoxide levels in the air near the generator • Automatically shuts down the unit before detected CO reaches a dangerous level Honda Power Equipment is first in the industry to commit to installing CO detection systems on its full line of generator models.

The technology will be rolled out on existing generator models throughout 2020, starting in July with four models: • EU1000i and EU3000iS Super Quiet Series inverter generators for work, home, and recreational applications • Economy Series EG4000 open-frame unit for home backup and workplace power • EB10000 Industrial Series generator, the company’s flagship model By the end of this year, all Honda portable generator models will feature the CO-MINDER carbon monoxide detection system. www.forconstructionpros.com/21139764

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○ General Equipment Company AF501 AIRSCRUB-R The 31-lb. AF501 portable HEPA air filter delivers air scrubbing/negative pressure air movement capabilities as well as air filtration in industrial and construction-related job applications in non-hazardous locations.

• Two-stage design includes a 30% pre-filter and a 99.97% efficient HEPA secondary filter capable of capturing allergens and other particles as small as 0.3 microns • Variable-speed motor allows for adjustable air flow rates up to 500 cfm • 9.5-in.-diameter inlet enables maximum air flow and allows easy attachment of standard ventilation ducts • Standard 1/4-hp, 115-VAC electric motor, aluminum hub/blades and UV-resistant, high-density polyethylene housing www.forconstructionpros.com/21138235

○ Hilti North America EXO-01 Wearable Exoskeleton The new EXO-O1 wearable exoskeleton from Hilti North America will help commercial contractors, tradesman, and management alike tackle repetitive-stress health and safety as well as labor-shortage challenges. Wearable human augmentation devices such as exoskeletons will reduce strain and fatigue for both experienced and novice users, making the most of the available workforce at a time when the industry is struggling to fill open construction positions.

The EXO-O1 is Hilti’s first foray into exoskeletons for the construction industry. There will be more human augmentation developments to come from the brand. The exoskeleton development is initially focused on shoulder-height and above applications because this type of motion is so physically intensive and fatiguing.

To create the EXO-O1, Hilti Group partnered with Ottobock, provider of prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons that help people increase and retain their physical independence. Hilti is currently in real-world jobsite testing and will be bringing the exoskeleton to the market later this year. www.forconstructionpros.com/21139944

○ JLG Remote Analyzer Reader

○ Paladin FD60 HighFlow Forestry Disk Mulcher

The remote analyzer reader (RAR) allows service departments to remotely assess a machine’s setup and personalities to diagnose qualitative operational issues, check the on/off status of its connected technologies or review its last 25 fault codes.

• Information available in a single sheet summary format through the ClearSky portal for most of the company’s boom, scissor, and telehandler models equipped with a CAN device • Technician can log into the ClearSky portal and enter the machine serial number to retrieve the summary report • Enables technicians to ensure they arrive with the necessary materials to complete the work www.forconstructionpros.com/21138174

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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The Paladin FD60 high-flow forestry disk mulcher accomplishes felling, mulching, and stump-grinding in a quick, one-step process.

•

Wide-angle intake and efficient drive system that rapidly recovers speed, reducing jamming risk and increasing productivity • MulchPower gauge indicates when maximum rotational energy is stored in the disk to hit trees with full-strength capacity • Reinforced debris shovel gets under trees and logs, keeping edge teeth out of the dirt • 100% QUADCO teeth and balanced 100% solid machined QUADCO disk • Zero-maintenance bearing housing www.forconstructionpros.com/21138225

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8/5/20 11:02 AM

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SPECIAL REPORT

By Alexis Brumm, Editor

The Renters’ Review

RECAP A countdown of the top five Renters’ Review articles from the last seven years.

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M

y predecessor, Jenny Leschohier, started Renters’ Review (RR) 10 years ago. Commonly featured in the June/July issue, RR revolves around members of the Rental staff—as well as family and friends—renting equipment for personal projects and reporting back on their experiences.

The goal, and what Leschohier was able to do in every article, was get a real-life picture of the rental process.

That meant the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Well, the ugly appeared in 2020 disguised as the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all know by now, that meant businesses closed, projects stopped, quarantines started, and rental opportunities shuttered. For a new editor like myself, this was a perfect storm of a disaster when it came time to start thinking about my very first RR. I first asked my fiancé, who is the handyman of all handymen. No luck there; he already had any equipment he might need (he could fill three garages just with his tools alone).

Then I turned to his father, the original handyman who taught mine the tips of the trade. I was in luck; he was looking to do a trenching project in his yard. Score! We spoke a few times about what he was hoping to rent and when. I started planning the article and all the subsequent components I could finagle out of it.

But alas, COVID reared its ugly head.

The project was put on hold, and me, I was without a story.

And that’s when it hit me: a countdown. An opportunity to look at the past, celebrate my predecessor and her hard work, and acknowledge RR’s ever-hungry hunt for

customer-focused, easy-to-use rental business practices, which are now more critical than ever.

So, with no further ado, here are the top five Renters’ Review articles from the last seven years.

grinder to remove some stumps from her patio landscaping. After a few more challenges and a few more turn-downs from rental businesses, the rented stump grinder found residency helping her neighbor grind down a tree stump in his yard – and Leschohier’s stump couldn’t be removed. The moral of the story?

Sometimes you need to say no to your customer. All rental business“The hardware/rental stores, where the homeowner is a significant chunk of their customer base, were more than happy to rent a big piece of equipment to me with few questions asked.

While I appreciate their willingness to help and their apparent faith in my abilities, when all was said and done, it was an unsatisfying rental because I didn’t complete my job.”

#5 Renters’ Review 2013: Can You Handle the Homeowner?

In 2013, Leschohier came up with the idea of renting a concrete grinder to remove worn-out sealant used

es, particularly those with a large homeowner customer base, must ask questions to qualify the rental.

The Review continues with Rental Publisher Eric Servais’ experience renting a chainsaw from a national rental chain. His takeaway from the experience is one he’s had before and talks about often with rental businesses and manufacturers: The contractor market is being well-catered to at the expense of the DIY renter.

An opportunity to look at the past, celebrate my predecessor and her hard work, and acknowledge RR’s ever-hungry hunt for customer-focused, easy-to-use rental business practices, which are now more critical than ever.

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on her patio. Her excitement turned to discouragement as she was told by numerous rental houses that renting a concrete grinder was not in her best interest. Switching gears, she instead decided to rent a compact stump

“While friendly service and quality equipment are certainly integral components to a successful rental, it’s also your responsibility to ensure DIY renters are comfortable walking into your business and leave competent in their ability to operate the equipment.”

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

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SPECIAL REPORT

#4 Renters’ Review 2016: A

Servais’ review found him renting a pressure washer from a regional chain to give his deck a deep clean and his house siding a fresh scrub.

A solid rental experience led to a weekend filled with 18-hours spent behind the washer. And a sparkling house and dramatically different fence led to Servais’ takeaway: where his business went and why.

their hunting grounds. The remote location led Leschohier and her rental-partner-in-crime to a smaller rental house, where she had no problems getting the machine delivered.

Getting it started, however, was a different story.

After some trial and error, they got the machine going, until a failed gas cap and leaking gas had them call the project early. The lesson of this story was no matter who the customer is, be sure to go over every element of the equipment’s operation. At the end of the day, if you can’t get all your work done, you can’t call it a successful rental.

Tale of Two Rentals

In 2016’s RR, Past Rental Editor Leschohier helped a friend who wanted to build a playset in their backyard and needed a post hole digger to get started. What started out as a nice rental experience turned sour when the machine was literally held together with duct tape and gasoline leaked from a taped-together gas cap. The trouble continued when Leschohier discovered numerous tree roots during operation, but in the end, they got the holes dug close to a 4-ft. depth.

Moral of the story? A lesson about the customer’s perception. The post hole digger worked fine, but any confidence in the machine was compromised due to the duct tape when it leaked gas in Leschohier’s car. Maintenance is everything, and equipment should be in tip-top shape.

“Whether it’s a first-time customer or a loyal one, keep in mind today’s consumers aren’t afraid to go public with their reviews of your equipment and service. And a few bad reviews can definitely put a dent in your bottom line.”

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#3 Renters’ Review 2015: Battle of the Brush Cutter In this RR, Leschohier found herself running out of ideas for projects. So, she turned to her neighbors, offering to pay for the rental if they let her do part of the work. One neighbor, it turned out, had the perfect job: getting a brush cutter to clear trails on

“Every interaction I had with this company was positive. They were courteous, cooperative and accommodating. The equipment, however, was difficult for me to use and the operating instructions provided were not detailed.”

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SPECIAL REPORT beers. However, the returning process was odd. Leschohier noticed she never received a receipt (though her credit card was charged), never signed a rental contract, and the machine wasn’t picked up two days after the company said it would be.

That lackadaisical attitude tainted the overall review that was otherwise stellar.

And our number one Renters’ Review of the last seven years is:

was time for the next step. Dumping the patch material was its own undertaking, and asphalt calculations may not be as easy as they seem, according to Leschohier.

What’s the moral of the story?

Cold patch asphalt doesn’t behave like you expect it to. And secondly, that rental stores need to match the DIY market levels of services, advice, and instruction that are often found at local hardware stores.

#1 Renters’ Review 2018: Beware the ‘YouTube Effect’ – A Cautionary Tale

#2 Renters’ Review 2019:

A+ Rental Marred by Lack of Accountability

In our most recent Renter’s Review, Leschohier decided to jump into renting a walk-behind trencher for her coworker’s son, who wanted to install 50 ft. of gas and electric lines from his house to his garage. The rental went smoothly, the project was a success with only a couple small hiccups, and the day ended with a burger and “Still, no matter how successful you are, never underestimate the importance of professional business practices and the impression they leave with customers, not to mention the vital role they could play in your bottom line (if, say, a piece of equipment goes missing for a significant period of time).”

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In our top viewed Renter’s Review, Leschohier investigated repairing her old and uneven asphalt driveway, specifically an 8- by 4-ft. area.

In her research, she stumbled upon YouTube videos about using cold patch asphalt.

Seems easy enough, she thought. So, she set out to rent a plate compactor. She stumbled upon a fast-talking man, who, after booking a rental, she found out was renting equipment out of a self-storage facility. Next, she headed to her local hardware store, where she learned that her “simple” project wasn’t so simple after all.

It was there that she learned about the ‘YouTube’ effect, which is when people see something in a video or online, and they think it looks easy, so they get a false sense of their abilities. Uh oh.

After a coincidental meeting, the project scope changed and Leschohier decided to cut up the old asphalt before laying down the cold patch.

Though her small stature didn’t allow her to do much of the cutting, the old asphalt removal was successful, and it

“This is no surprise, of course, since it’s been a perennial message from our Renters’ Review features all along: Rental companies need to help customers realize their capabilities but understand their limitations.”

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8/5/20 11:10 AM

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RENTAL

PERSPECTIVES

By Alexis Brumm

Remembering the Past, Building the Early material lifts from Genie

FUTURE

Photo Credit: Genie

Rental spoke with Past-President of Genie Matt Fearon to see how rental has played a part in their legacy.

A

lot can happen in 50 years. Just ask Genie, a supplement brand of Terex, who started 50 years ago as just an idea by an electrician named Bud Bushnell in a small, local garage. Years of innovation, hard work, and customer-focused dedication has elevated the company to a global team that specializes in providing products and solutions for safely working at height.

In a white paper called, “Lessons Learned in 50 Years,” Genie speaks to their ever-present mission of solving access challenges, like developing the industry’s first articulated boom, and pushing innovation through taking risks and avenues like rental return on invested capital (rROIC).

Genie mentioned in the paper that their goal is designing products that provide good value, which is deeply rooted in, “having a deep understanding of how rental companies do business and the foundation

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of our approach to developing our next equipment innovations.”

But innovation just for innovation’s sake isn’t their intent, as they hope to solve business challenges in the process.

Rental Editor Alexis Brumm spoke with Matt Fearon, who at the time of the interview was Genie’s president, but has since decided to leave the company effective Aug. 1, to get an inside scoop on how the company’s mission of innovation benefits rental businesses and what the rental industry might expect in the next 50 years. The following answers has been edited for space.

To start off, I read the “Lessons Learned in 50 Years” white paper, and the very first thing that was mentioned was the Genie hoists of the 1960s and how that really paved the way for the aerial lifting industry. I want to know what you think is the next great innovation that could change the industry today?

First of all, I’m glad you read that article; it made me reread it. If you look at the Genie hoist, it was just a really simple idea.

It was done in a local garage, but it marked the beginnings of Genie. If you look at the concepts that are there, there’s the concept of innovation. There is the concept of continuous improvement. And there’s

a concept of listening to customers in order to decide what you develop. So, if you’re talking about what is the next generation of innovation, I think it’s going to come down to those same simple concepts.

What we do is, we make products and devices that make working at height safer and more productive. If you look at some of the trends that are out there, you know there’s definitely an environmental focus that continues to grow. That’s driving adoption, and it could be in the form of electrification, an E drive, and hybrid. You can see Genie is very active in that. [But] I don’t think there’s going to be some big step, big change. What I think you’re going to see is continuous improvement with these technologies, and you’re going to see greater and greater adoption.

The other one that’s really taking off, and it’ll be interesting to look where it is in five years, is telematics and data innovation. The idea there is to add value by maximizing uptime, eliminating unnecessary travel, whether it’s trucking machines on and off jobsites or overall fleet management. These people have big fleets now, these rental companies. So, what they’re trying to do is maximize rental revenue. And that’s where I think telematics will really shine is once they figure out how to use the data,

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8/4/20 3:52 PM

WE RISE

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TOPIC RENTAL HERE

A Genie at Disney ESPN Photo Credit: Genie

PERSPECTIVE FEATURE how to manage the data, they’ll figure out how to drive it to the bottom line.

The rental market is constantly changing, as is the rest of the world.

How can innovation change the rental industry? You talked about the environmental focus, that continuous improvement. How does that directly tie into rental that you see?

Well, I think the answer to that is it’s going to come from looking at ways that we can work safer and more efficiently. Every company, every industry, they’re doing business differently, and they’re starting to adopt new technologies at a faster pace. They’ll start to apply that to working safer at height.

You can see that if you look at the construction process and construction industry, and you measure it from a productivity standpoint, it has a long way to go and they know it.

Everybody knows it. And if you look at just the number of materials that are idle, the number of machines that are idle, I think what you’ll see is that they’re using the technology to figure out how to make that move much more like a production process might be, and, especially as labor shortages continue to be an issue, you’ll see that that productivity will have great payback.

The green movement, with the need for environmentally friendly solutions, is going to continue to grow. And you think a lot about emissions, but there’s also noise. If you listen to the diesel engines, the noise that they put out, and if you have an aerial lift operating, a generator operating, an excavator operating, and you take the readings on the noise, there’s a lot. Especially if you’re going in any kind of enclosed building. And I think that what you’ll see is people will realize, hey, the technology’s right there.

There’s a lot of reasons to go for it.

So, lots of opportunities and I, again, come back to it’s going to be

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incremental improvements because the technologies are there, and they’re being used successfully already.

In the white paper, you mention that you design products to provide a good rental return on invested capital (rROIC) for customers.

What kind of things are you doing to achieve this? What makes Genie stand out in this regard?

This goes back to the simple concepts. It all comes down to listening to the customers. It’s all about understanding how rental companies operate their business, how they maximize their returns, what role do we play in maximizing the time utilization, or how to minimize the downtime warranty data? What are we doing with the warranty data? What are we doing with the telematics input that we’re getting from the machines?

When we’re collecting data, we’re getting rich data on how to help the rental companies make more money.

That’s the trick for us, and one of the big things that we focus on is getting the engineering and product management teams to really dig in and understand that. It always ends up coming back to the customers. They’ll tell us what’s good and what’s bad, and they’re not shy about it, they’re willing to share with us, so it’s a rich source of getting the information you need to really stand out. That rental rROIC is one that you’ll hear all different parts of our organization talk about, so taking the time to talk with the customers and understand what they’re doing, and then translating that into value, is the role that we play.

Some recent examples, first, we took the lead on these higher capacity XC booms in the industry, and we did it with data. We went out, looked at jobsites, and we could see that they were putting more than 500 lbs., which was standard capacity on most booms, and we wanted to verify it, so we used our telematics. We look and

sure enough, these things are being used on a daily basis with more than the 500 lbs. So, we looked at the standard change that was coming and we said, “Hey, when that comes out, we have to weigh the load anyways, let’s use those inputs to drive productivity across the rental fleets.” So we knew the jobsites needed more capacity, and we provided.

The other one is our FE technology, or our hybrid. We know it’s a machine that enables lower total cost of ownership. The thing about the FE product is, we were looking down the road, eight, nine years from now, to when they need to dispose of that machine. It’s a great hybrid machine, has all the capability of running it on straight DC or flip the engine on, but when you go to get rid of that, it has a 24 hp rest-of-world engine. That’s a big deal to a rental company. So, we’re looking at the entire value of that machine from the day they buy it, how much time utilization do they get out of it, how much maintenance does it take during the life of the machine, and how much money can they get for it when they go to sell it. It’s an important recipe for success in our opinion.

From what you’re seeing and the research you’ve done to understand the rental companies, where do you see the industry in the next five years? What is the next big challenge that you think Genie is going to try and solve?

Well, I think the rental industry, like all industries, is going to be moving rapidly to technology adoption, and it will be driven by

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TOPIC RENTAL HERE

PERSPECTIVE FEATURE anything that will improve safety, talked to them about, “How’s it anything that will improve productivimpacting your business? What are ity on the jobsites. Our job as a you doing?” We’ll go on for 45 minmanufacturer is to demonstrate to the utes about what are you doing, how rental companies how to apply these do you see it, what’s going up, what’s new technologies, so that they can see going down? So, I think there’s an that productivity, and it translates openness to how this is playing out into the profitability for them, or and people are still getting their heads clear safety advantages on the jobsite. around it.

So for us, we’ve got to take those You know, if you look at the renttechnologies and translate how it al industry, the thing that I would say impacts their business. Because we that should be encouraging is they believe that the technologies are truly are supporting essential services. there, we’re putting a lot of technolAt the core of what rental compaogies in these machines, and to be nies do is they provide equipment honest, I don’t think people are tapthat’s needed to support healthcare, ping into all the technology that we it’s needed to support infrastructure, have available today, so that’s back on construction, whether they’re making us. But I think it’s excitface masks, thermometers, ing because the appetite oil, or whatever. Industrial, is changing for the use of they need the type of equiptechnology, and I think ment that rental companies that you’re going to conhave. Power; they’re big tinue to see this next into power. generation just expect The global economy is more. They’re going to suffering right now. As we expect speed. They’re go forward, all economies going to expect to be are going to be looking able to find out informafor, what do we have to Matt Fearon, past president of Genie tion quickly and act on do to spark the economy Photo Credit: Genie it quickly. It puts a lot of back? It’s going to be infrapressure on the OEMs, but structure. I see it as, yeah, it’s good! It’s good for us; it will help we’ve taken a big reset as an indusus do our part to drive the productivtry, but it’s going to come back, and ity in the industry. we are right in the middle of what Obviously COVID-19 is a big it’s going to take to bring us back. I topic and a huge societal change. think I would put that in the encourWhen it comes to rental, how do you aging side. see COVID changing the landscape of What I see them doing is being the industry? What do you think very pragmatic about what industries rental owners and managers can do to are going to grow. Some examples of help their businesses? Is there anything that would be warehousing. We’re all that the manufacturers are keeping an shopping online, and you’ve never eye on in regard to this that can help seen so many delivery trucks. You business owners moving forward? need warehouses to store all this I think, all of us, the entire stuff because no one’s walking in society, is trying to figure out what stores anymore. That’s an opportuthis means right now. What I will say nity. I talked about the proliferation is that the dialogue we’re having with of access to data. Data centers, they our customers is as deep and rich as consume a lot of equipment, and I’ve ever seen in my 25 years. When I they’ll have a focus on that. And I

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mentioned infrastructure. Those are kind of the bright spots. I don’t think anybody is banking on entertainment businesses being a big part, [like] sporting events, big concerts, and things like that. I think everybody realizes, “Hey, for at least the next 18 months, that’s not going to be a big source of revenue,” so they’re taking a very pragmatic approach to what is going to come up as we come out of this virus. And there will be things that drive the economy, and that will drive rental, and that will drive machines coming back.

They need to help figure out how to respect social distancing, and they’re figuring that out.

They’re figuring out how to do curbside deliveries, how to do nighttime service, how to do online ordering. I don’t think you’re going to see as many people walk in to rent a piece of equipment; it’s all going to be done remotely and that’s good.

Technology’s there. It’s going to be more efficient. So, I think you’ll see the industry adapt. Always have, always will.

If you go back to 2009 when we had the global economic crisis, large construction companies, instead of owning equipment, got to, “Wow, maybe I should just rent this,” because in an economic slump like this, all of a sudden, you have a piece of equipment that isn’t fully utilized.

Rentals the answer to that. So, it’s not all bad news. It’s not going to snap back right away, but the rental industry is creative and they’ll adapt.

You can find Genie’s white paper, “Lessons Learned in 50 Years” at www.genielift.com/en/aerialpros/ lessons-learned-50-years.

To read the full interview, visit https://forconstructionpros. com/21136284.

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8/4/20 3:52 PM

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e all know that your return on investment is greatly influenced by the price you pay for your fleet of equipment, but how closely do you consider other factors in your ROI? A quality and easy to operate machine will reduce your downtime from wear & tear, operator errors, and other causes of equipment downtime. Down time is inevitable though, so partnering with a manufacturer with top-quality service is crucial to keeping your fleet functioning and available for rent.

When evaluating equipment options, look beyond the sticker price and financing offer. Ask yourself, “Is this manufacturer just selling me a machine, or are they going to be a partner going forward?” How accessible are their service experts? Do you have a dedicated contact who is available to take your call when you need an answer? Are their parts affordable and available? All of this service after your check clears is where you can really add long-term value to your fleet.

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CONSTRUCTION ZONE

SAFETY

SHEDDING SOME LIGHT ON

(DOT), the existing bridges continue to deteriorate and, since 2004, the DOT has spent nearly $60 million on repairs.

The project hopes to end the deterioration.

Waters is tackling the structural steel repairs, concrete repairs, bridge deck, joint repairs, and drainage improvements of two bridge structures.

Once concrete repairs to the deck surface are made, the contractor will run an asphalt mill and overlay on the bridge deck before putting the final plug joint material in over the piers. It is challenging work, especially at night.

I-84 O

ver the last five years, Waters Construction Company, a heavy civil contractor based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has made the shift from working during the daylight hours to turning its attention to overnight jobs.

Specializing in bridge repair, the nature of their work has dictated this direction. Shutting down an entire bridge during the daylight hours takes a great deal of coordination for a city and often causes congestion and safety problems. Overnight work minimizes disruptions for local communities and businesses, while less traffic makes it safer for workers to go about their jobs.

“Whether or not we work at night primarily depends on the character of the work available, but it has ramped up over the last four to five years,” says Mike Archer, project superintendent at Waters Construction. “There is a lot of rehabilitation work with small time windows to perform the work, and it is all at night.”

Waters was awarded the I-84 rehabilitation project in Hartford, Connecticut, at a cost of over $8 million. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation

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Testing 1-2-3 Waters has a close relationship with Able Tool & Equipment in South Windsor, Connecticut, who is their preferred supplier for small tools and equipment.

The contractor relies on portable light towers to illuminate the nighttime jobsite, and until recently, they had never used an LED tower. With an increasing presence in the market, Able Tool wanted the Waters crew to test one out on I-84.

Equipped with eight 15-yearold and four brand new metal halide light towers in its lineup, Waters’ initial plan was using three of the units on the I-84 project. That is, until Able Tool called Archer.

“Able Tool just brought in their first LED — a Chicago

Pneumatic CPLT V5+ tower —and wanted our team to try it out for a while to see what kind of benefits it provides over their metal halide offering at the store,” says Archer. “All it would cost us is the fuel, so it was a no-brainer to at least experiment with it.”

In three months, they put over 200 hours on the CPLT V5+ and will have the machine for the remainder of the project.

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The hydraulic chain motor is attached directly to the head shaft, and the outboard bearing is designed to protect the auger shaft from bending due to impacting rocks and debris. The control panel is simple and understandable, and the safety clutch engages and disengages the wheel and chain drive.

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CONSTRUCTION ZONE

SAFETY

hours longer on a single tank than the V4.

“It is an honest 25 to 30% savings in fuel compared to what we are used to using with our metal halides.

That is a lot of uptime, and in all the hours we have run the machine, we have only refueled once,” says Archer.

“We also have not had to perform any maintenance on the CP unit. It has been nice to just flip the switch and let it run.”

Maintenance

Archer and his team have not had to perform any maintenance in large part because LED elements last longer, and the machine can be turned on and off similarly to the lights in a house.

On the other side, conventional metal halide bulbs require time to turn on, in addition to a cool down period before shutting them off.

Incorrect starting or stopping can cause the ballast and the ballast’s can to burn out or fail.

Lighting

Lighting is improved with LEDs for multiple reasons. For one, LED lights travel farther than traditional light towers. Compare the CP V5+ lighting that covers up to 5,900 sq. yds. to the 4,700 sq. yds. covered by the V4.

“Everything has a better illumination and better glow to it with the LED,” says Archer. “It is crisper and more consistent with true daylight.

The tower has done a great job of lighting up I-84 for our guys.”

Plus, LEDs last much longer. With an expected lifespan of 30,000 hours, the LEDs on the V5+ have staying power. Their traditional counterparts run hotter, leading to more frequent burnouts.

Lightbulbs are not overly costly to replenish, but over time, all the replacements add up and can equate to lost time on a jobsite.

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Trending Up Metal halides have their place on the jobsite for companies specializing in shorter-duration projects or those who are dabbling in the occasional night work. But, for larger projects, LEDs ultimately can save time and money.

Contractors all over the U.S., like Waters, are ramping up nightly construction efforts. For Waters, the question they are asking as a company is whether they should start phasing out their older metal halides and start investing in LEDs. “LEDs hold many advantages over the traditional light tower, especially if we have a long duration project requiring long usage,” says Archer.

“For that type of work, say 30 to 40 hours weekly, an LED would easily pay for itself.”

After testing the CP light tower, LEDs are currently under consideration for the contractor. While they have increased night projects, the durations of jobs have been inconsistent. Archer says some years they have night crews out for seven months or so, while other years are much less. They would like to see the work be steadier before making a decision.

For now, Archer and his crew will reap the benefits of using a test model to finish up I-84 for nothing more than a tank of gas.

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CONSTRUCTION ZONE

SAFETY

HOW UV-C LED LIGHT

Can Help your Rental Customers UV-C LED light is a chemical-free, low-touch technique used to decontaminate anything the UV light can reach. Now, in the world of COVID-19, it is being used to decontaminate tools, equipment, spaces, rooms, PPE, and more.

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his global pandemic has, without a doubt, changed the way the world does business.

While some companies are struggling, others will thrive by utilizing innovative solutions.

A UV-C LED lighting solution can help bring back your rental customers, as it is a widely accepted and easy to use method for killing viruses and bacteria. Additionally, UV-C LED lights can make your rental facility money by renting it out to customers that need a virus-killing solution for their jobs and events.

As the economy reopens, customers are cautious about sharing with others. For the rental equipment market specifically, that thought process is problematic to the bottom line. Customers and the general public need to know about your safe and carefully laid out disinfecting tactics before they make the decision to come to your facility to rent.

UV-C LED light is a chemicalfree, low-touch technique used to decontaminate anything the UV light can reach. Hospital rooms have been using this for decades to sterilize rooms between patients. Now, in the world of COVID-19, it is being used to decontaminate tools, equipment, spaces, rooms, areas, PPE, and more.

UV-C LED light is a saving grace for business owners and consumers alike. However, it was a virtually unused method outside of healthcare before the pandemic, so education is important to understand how to use it properly.

What is UV-C? UV-C light is a type of ultraviolet light on the electromagnetic

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spectrum.

Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye, but we are exposed to low levels of UV light from the sun’s rays every day on earth. There are three types of UV light: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-A and UV-B enter Earth’s atmosphere and are the cause of suntans and sunburns. UV-C light is much stronger. It uses short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation that is blocked from entering the planet through the ozone layer—but it can be recreated on Earth. It is the type of wavelength that allows UV-C light to effectively enter and penetrate the RNA cells of microorganisms, damaging the nucleic acids within. This renders bacteria and viruses inactive and unable to survive.

It is important to remember that UV-C can also be very harmful to humans. The same wavelength that can enter the RNA of microbes can enter the DNA of humans. It is of the utmost importance to take special safety precautions when handling UV-C light.

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hen Kyle Thuenemann with Cyclone Diamond Products in Dallas first discovered Vacuworx at World of Concrete, it didn’t take long for him to realize that the vacuum lifting attachments fit a lot of their customers’ applications.

Cyclone Diamond is dedicated to manufacturing and delivering professional grade diamond coring and cutting products. Carrying the Vacuworx line has allowed them bring new technology to their contractors that works handin-hand to remove concrete that is cut with their diamond blades.

The Vacuworx system has opened doors for Cyclone to new projects by illustrating the amount of time and money a contractor can save using vacuum lifting versus conventional methods.

For Theunemann, customer satisfaction is key. “We

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CONSTRUCTION ZONE

SAFETY

LED vs Bulbs The question of which technology is better, LED or bulb-based lighting, is necessary to talk about. The effectiveness of LED light significantly outweighs bulb-based light on the UV spectrum.

One of the main reasons LED is the better technology is that UV-C bulbs can be a serious hazard. They contain Mercury, so when the glass breaks, it releases toxins. As highlighted above, UV light is invisible, so the blue glow that is associated with UV-C light is the ionized Mercury.

LEDs, on the other hand, do not have Mercury within them, which makes them the safer, toxin-free technology1 .

UV-C LED light also has a higher power with a smaller carbon footprint compared to bulb-based technology (similar to visible LED light versus bulb-based light). LEDs can be switched on and off instantly with no wait time required; they use only a fraction of the wattage compared to bulbs and LEDs have a stronger, more direct light output. Most importantly, UV-C LED technology has a longer lifetime value than bulb-based technology2.

UV-C in the Rental Industry Utilizing UV-C decontaminating practices is vital in bringing back customers. Since rental equipment and construction tools are so easily shared amongst colleagues and strangers, it is vital to ensure they are decontaminated thoroughly. In a study conducted by Haddad et all.

(2017), they assessed

the effectiveness of adding UV-C light to manual cleaning techniques.

They discovered that adding UV-C light to the routine cleaning methods effectively eliminated 70% more microorganisms than just manual cleaning alone.

One common practice for UV-C decontamination is utilizing an old sea container and fitting it with UV-C LED lights that are mounted to the walls within. Once there are a few equipment tools ready, place them in the middle of the container and blast them with UV-C LED lights.

Another common method is to place the UV-C lights throughout the rental showroom and, with a timer placed on the lights, decontaminate the equipment at the end of the day once everyone has left the facility. This method is commonly used for large spaces and areas.

There are many U.S. and Canadian UV-C lighting manufacturers that provide their customers with UV-C lighting layout assistance. They help users evaluate their space and timing needs, then explain how to properly buy and set up UV-C lights to best decontaminate their space.

The manufacturers use science to back up their claims for UV-C dose/ decontamination times.

Be warned, there are many types of UV-C products out there today, but it is imperative that the UV-C light you choose has scientific studies and data driven resources to verify their claims. UV-C can be a dangerous and even ineffective tool if it is not understood or used properly.

UV-C as a Rental Tool Rental equipment facilities can use UV-C light for decontamination

internally, but it can also be utilized externally as rental equipment for consumers. Plenty of people would like to have better decontamination methods, especially as customers continue to reopen shops and host larger events. The same decontamination methods that apply to your shop can apply to your customers. There are various tools that you can use to ensure you are protected and not liable for any accidents caused by UV-C equipment, similar to other tools that are rented out.

One way is to add clauses in your rental contracts that has the customer accept any risks with UV-C lighting.

Your facility can create UV-C education web pages and handouts that explain how to use the light and all the warnings associated with it. Also, simply educating staff on the UV-C decontamination methods to better inform customers of what the light is is a great way to pass along the proper information.

UV-C LED light is an amazing asset that will only continue to grow in demand and availability. Being on the starting line of a product that will inevitability be part of the new world is an investment that is hard to pass up. UV-C LED light will bring back your rental customers by regaining their trust with its proven and safe decontaminating methods, and it can be an essential asset to your rental fleet.

1 Lawal, O., Cosman, J. and Pagan, J., 2020. UV-C LED Devices and Systems: Current and Future State. IUVA News, [online] 20(1), pp.22-28. Available at: [Accessed 24 June 2020].

2 Bettles, T., Schujman, S., Smart, J., Liu, W. and Schowalter, L., 2007. UV Light Emitting Diodes – Their Applications and Benefits. IUVA Newsletter, [online] pp.11-15.

Available at: [Accessed 24 June 2020].

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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RIGHT-SIZED OPTIONS FOR EVERY JOBSITE

Working at Height

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LIFT

EQUIPMENT

By Mitch Fedie

A NEW

of the game with testing and implementation. Since everybody has to meet the same requirements, users may notice similar new functionality across different brands; however, each manufacturer will naturally have a different way of meeting design compliance.

For example, models for indoor or outdoor use must be clearly marked. Some indoor scissor lifts on the market, however, include a function that will limit the platform height in the event a user wants to bring it outdoors. Other OEMs prefer to stick strictly to separate indoor and outdoor work height offerings.

Chains can no longer be Everyone has a role to play used as doors, with self-closin abiding by the finalized ing, self-catching entry gates ANSI A92 standards for becoming the new standard.

Rail guards and toe guards scissor lifts. must now be higher as well, e have arrived. The new which is forcing more scisANSI standards for sor lifts to have fold-down features to mobile elevating work fit through doorways. platforms (MEWPs) have gone into Automatic Shutdown effect, scissor lift technology has been The biggest changes that equipment or is being tweaked to adapt, and operators will experience relate to everybody is ready to play by the new load and machine tilting restrictions set of rules – or, at least, they’ll need that will completely stop the machine to be ready soon and going forward. from functioning. Most OEMs have With the new guidelines in place, introduced load sensing systems that the industry is taking another solid use a hydraulic pressure transducer. step toward improving performance Based on the machine’s rated weight and overall safety. The standards have capacity and corresponding pressure also added the necessary structure to range, a scissor lift will cease all funcbetter identify where responsibility tions if the weight limit is exceeded. lies with regard to equipment design, Therefore, users must be cognisafe use, and training requirements. zant not only of their original load Manufacturers Take the Lead – including personnel and tools on It all begins with the OEMs, some Some indoor scissor lifts on the market of whom have already been producinclude a function that will limit the ing ANSI A92-compliant machines platform height in the event a user wants for over a year, putting them ahead

ERA of S cis s or S afet y

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the platform – but also any materials that might be added during the course of a project.

To help avoid tipping over, scissor lift tilt ratings have been established.

For Pettibone machines, those limits are set at 3° for front and back incline or decline, and 1.5° for left to right tilting. If those tilt levels are exceeded, the machine will automatically cut out. This means that even something like driving over a board while positioning the unit could potentially trigger the tilt sensor and stop the machine. And for jobsites with abundant slopes and curves, it means that selecting a rough terrain model, rather than a slab scissor lift, is practically a must.

Training More Important Than Ever The ANSI A92 standards also make it imperative that OEMs, dealers, and rental owners educate customers about why these safety measures exist and how their experience with using scissor lifts is about to change. Along those lines, proper staff training will become more critical.

All operators will have to go through a certified training course for MEWPs, but there is also a new familiarization aspect where supervisors or other personnel on the

to bring it outdoors.

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hen renting drain cleaning equipment nearly every day, you need tough, reliable machines.”

So says Von Hunn, owner of Garden True Value Hardware, Garden City, KS – serving residential and commercial rental customers in southwest Kansas.

Since drain cleaning forms a “significant” slice of his business, Hunn chose General Pipe Cleaners’ range of drain cleaning equipment – with Easy Rooter® as his flagship machines.

“Easy” Choice

Surveys consistently confirm General as the rental industry’s most preferred drain cleaning brand. Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the company has forged matchless reputation for outstanding cable machines, water jets, and sewer cameras.

Easy to transport, use, and maintain, rugged Easy Rooter brings heavy-duty performance, superior reliability, and excellent safety features to a wide range of rental requirements.

Built tough for maximum turns and minimum down time, Easy Rooter features a rugged steel frame for motor protection, 10” heavy-duty wheels for enhanced maneuverability, and a folding handle for easy loading into cars.

Rental facilities enjoy superior performance, longer life, and excellent efficiency under demanding rental conditions.

Hunn calls Easy Rooter “easy to demonstrate and safe to use.”

Bottom Line

Most importantly, Hunn says, Easy Rooter – like all his General equipment – works.

“I can’t remember ever having a problem with it – and it’s used for all sorts of drain cleaning jobs!”

Hunn calls it “excellent” for unclogging severe stoppages from 3” through 10” lines. The large steel cage carries 100 ft. of 3/4” or 5/8” Flexicore® cable.

“Flexicore is another reason why General is so crucial to the success of our drain cleaning rental business,” Hunn says.

Constructed of heavy gauge wire tightly coiled around 49-strand aircraft-type wire rope and heat-treated, Flexicore cables offer unequalled strength with optimal flexibility – and the industry’s best warranty against defect or breakage.

“We prefer General to other brands,” Hunn concludes.

“Our customers are satisfied, and so are we!”

For more information about General Pipe Cleaners, visit www.drainbrain.com/rental, or call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200.

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LIFT

EQUIPMENT

By Mitch Fedie

ground will need to be available in case of emergency; more specifically, this person must be familiar with the emergency lowering lever so they can get the platform down in case of a malfunction.

Regulations are now stricter for assessing work and travel areas for potential hazards like potholes or slopes. Basically, anything that could cause the machine to tip or not function correctly should be moved or otherwise addressed before starting work. Vertical surroundings should also be considered, and operators should be sure to look upward for obstacles while elevating the work platform.

Users may also need to anticipate certain conditions, such as wind impacts.

Don’t Forget Maintenance Under ANSI A92, scissor lifts must be inspected annually by the owner.

Users will also want to do daily prestart inspections to ensure there is no damage, no missing parts, and no leaks, along with making sure all functions appear to be in working order.

Compartment doors should be closed, and manuals should always be in the machine as well.

When maintenance is needed, make sure wheels are chocked to prevent it from rolling. And always keep hands out of the scissor area unless specifically inspecting hydraulic lines or wiring. Be sure to also utilize the safety prop when maintaining or inspecting an elevated unit.

Make sure batteries are in good working condition and topped off with

LIFT YOUR BOTTOM LINE

distilled water. When it comes time for replacement, use OEM-approved batteries, keeping in mind that they may also be a component of the machine’s counterweight, which contributes to overall balance and stability.

The good news for operators is that most OEMs have done a great job of meeting these standards with adjustments that are pretty intuitive. Still, those in the market looking to rent or purchase equipment should give the new standards ample consideration on the front end. The days of simply asking, “How high does it go?” are over, but through some basic examination of both machine specs and intended jobsite environment, operators shouldn’t have any trouble selecting and safely using the scissor lifts of the future.

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FLEET

MANAGEMENT

By Hrishikesh Damodar

How to Read

TIRE DAMAGE Recognizing key types of wear and damage on tires can be extremely helpful with avoiding costs or hazards in the future.

ike a doctor checking a patient for symptoms, a rental fleet manager can tell a lot about a machine’s health by the state of its tires. Recognizing key types of wear and damage can be extremely helpful with avoiding costs or hazards in the future and determining the best tire for a replacement.

example is Alliance Tire Group. When they build a skid steer tire for concrete or asphalt like the Galaxy Hulk, they emphasize the abrasion-resistance ingredients. When they know a tire is going to be used primarily on dirt and rock like the Galaxy Beefy Baby III, they’ll increase the proportion of cutand-chip-resistant ingredients. It is a constant juggling act.

If you observe that your tires are wearing too quickly across the tread bars, consider investing next time in a tire made specifically for abrasive surfaces—a big block tread made with a wear-resistant compound. If wear isn’t the problem, but chunks, cuts, and chips are, ask your tire dealer about a tire designed for rocky terrain.

Abrasion and Wear

Underinflation Damage

Some damage is unavoidable, including regular tire wear. What we call “rubber” on a tire is actually “compound,” or a blend of a dozen or more ingredients—natural and synthetic rubber are just two of them. Other constituents of compound include silica and carbon black for wear resistance, a wide range of polymers and elastomers for flexibility, polybutadiene to reduce heat buildup, sulfur to crosslink the compound’s molecules, zinc oxide to help cure the compound in the heated mold, and others.

Compound engineers make minute adjustments in the recipe for different parts of each tire, trading a little extra abrasion resistance here for a little more traction there. An

Underinflated tires are prone to damage from excessive flexing that causes uneven tread wear, injures their structure, or allows heat to build up in the tire. Heat degrades the compound and affects the bonds that keep the tire’s fabric, metal, and rubber components together.

Excessive wear on the outside edges of the tread area is a telltale sign of underinflation. This is particularly common on bias-ply tires, whose centerlines tend to bow inward when underinflated. That leaves the outer edges of the tread area in contact with the road while the center is pulled up and away. Proper inflation will push that centerline into contact with the road, so the entire tread is

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Radial cracking in the upper sidewall due to under-inflation.

providing support and traction—and wearing evenly.

Especially on high-horsepower machinery like excavators or backhoes, underinflated tires are prone to radial or diagonal cracking in the upper sidewall area. These cracks, which follow the curve of the tire up by the shoulder of the tread or appear diagonally along the top of the sidewall, are caused when the tire deflects excessively as the engine applies torque to the tire. If you see this type of damage, call your tire dealer immediately to find out if the tire needs replacement.

Sidewall separations, a perpendicular bubble running between the shoulder and the bead, can be caused on underinflated tires by impact (for instance, in a pothole) or pinching between the rim and curb. It is a dangerous condition and indicates that the plies of the carcass have been seriously damaged.

Cracks running perpendicular from the shoulders of the tread toward the bead can sometimes appear between lugs in underinflated tractor-type tires (like the Alliance 580) that get a lot of road miles. Those can be caused by overheating of the tires, which causes the sidewall compound to crack as deep bar lugs wiggle on the road.

Torn-out valve stems can occur in tube-type tires due to excessive slip.

Underinflating a tire can leave the bead with too loose a grip on the rim.

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If the rim turns far enough without the tire coming along, it can tug the valve out of the inner tube.

One of the most dramatic types of damage caused by underinflation is a zipper rupture—the catastrophic failure of a damaged steel sidewall. That’s the explosion you see on YouTube to warn you about the dangers of inflating tires. If you believe that a tire has been run at 80% or less of its proper inflation pressure, pull that tire out of service immediately and contact your dealer. That tire should be tested in a tire cage by a professional and assessed for damage.

Overinflation Damage Underinflation can be extremely hazardous, but so can overinflation.

Slow damage from overinflation is evident in excessive wear along the centerline of the tread, particularly in bias-ply tires. An overinflated bias tire will crown a bit, lifting the edges of the tread off of the ground and forcing the center of the tread to do the work of the whole tire.

Overinflated tires are more prone to impact breaks. A properly inflated tire that rolls over a rock, root, or other hard object is designed to bend around it and absorb the force of the contact. If the tire is stiff from overinflation, its ability to deform is reduced. Impact breaks appear as a blown-out section in the tread, or a bulge or blowout in the sidewall.

In a deep-lug tire run on hard surfaces, overinflation can lead to cracks on the tread face at the base of the lugs— the result of lugs continually jamming into an inflexible undertread. This is not necessarily damage that must sideline a tire if it is caught early enough. Be sure to adjust your tire pressure and check with your tire dealer.

Other Damage Oil and other chemicals can react with tire compounds, creating blisters and an unhealthy sheen that can indicate serious damage. Be sure to inspect tires for signs that they have been exposed to corrosive chemicals.

UV light from the sun and ozone—for instance, produced by electric motors and welders—can cause superficial cracking or crazing on tires. This is typically not a big problem in rental fleets, particularly because of the high use and relatively short service life of the machinery, but it is good to know what you’re looking at if you see it.

Wild wire is a manufacturing defect in which a stray wire breaks from the bead bundle that holds the tire to the rim. Over time, the wire pokes its way through the compound. Contact your tire dealer so you can work with the manufacturer on a warranty claim.

A few moments of inspection and a couple of minutes adjusting tire inflation can help keep a rental fleet running safely, reliably, and profitably.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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PARTS MORE With a selection of more than 42 million part numbers, TVH is the One-Stop Shop for all your parts and accessories needs.

www.tvh.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

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INDUSTRY UPDATE COVID-19 UPDATE

RITCHIE BROS. BATTLES COVID-19 WITH $187,500 IN DONATIONS TO FOOD BANKS

→

With the massive economic impact of COVID-19, the need for full food banks is more important than ever and Ritchie Bros. has stepped up to help.

Ritchie Bros. has made $187,500 in donations to 52 different food banks around the world, including organizations in United States, Canada, Australia, India, Japan, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and the U.K. Bobcat

“Right now, there are tens of millions of men and women out of work, worried about how they are going to continue putting food on the table for themselves and their families—we are just trying to do our small part to help,” said Ann Fandozzi, CEO, Ritchie Bros. “We hope our donations will inspire our employees and customers to give back to their community—with their time and/or their money. Please join us in supporting food banks around the world.”

One of the company’s larger donations was a $25,000 grant made to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank in British Columbia, Canada, where Ritchie Bros.’ head office and several hundred of its employees call home.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ritchie Bros. for gifting $25,000 to the Greater Vancouver Foodbank during the current COVID-19 crisis, meaning those in need can continue accessing healthy food,” said Elizabeth Charing, philanthropy officer for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. “ Read more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21139551.

SINOBOOM NORTH AMERICA APPOINTS THREE INDUSTRY VETERANS Sinoboom North America has appointed Paul Waller as NA director of sales, and Brad Harrington and Carmine Gibilisco as U.S. regional sales managers.

Paul Waller

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Reporting to CEO Kolin Kirschenmann, Waller will be responsible for overseeing North American business development, plus the regional sales development of the central U.S. Bringing 12 years of sales and marketing leadership experience from leading MEWP manufacturers Genie and Skyjack, Waller will spearhead all marketing efforts and help to

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expand the Sinoboom client base in North America.

Harrington will be responsible for driving western U.S. market excellence. Prior to joining Sinoboom NA, Harrington served in several positions within the equipment rental and sales industry, most recently at Skyjack as national account manager.

Gibilisco’s experience includes more than 20 years of U.S. construction machinery sales with proven growth and results, most recently with Haulotte before joining Sinoboom NA. In Gibilisco’s new role, he will be dedicated to spearheading growth in the eastern U.S. market.

Read more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21139416.

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8/4/20 3:43 PM

VALUE TESTIMONIALS

SUPPORTING AERIAL RENTAL COMPANIES Chances are if you work with aerial lifts, you’ve heard the term reconditioned. Precision Components - an Iowa LLC supports aerial rental companies with quality aftermarket replacement parts.

S electing where and how to purchase aftermarket parts can be a challenge for equipment owners, and the option of buying factory original, new aftermarket, or rebuilt parts only adds to the complexity of

the decision-making process. Like all machine purchases, factors affecting parts acquisitions include availability, cost, warranty, equipment age, and owner preference.

The hunt typically begins with finding a reputable and reliable supplier, which may be the original equipment manufacturer, an equipment dealer, or a third-party vendor. Precision Components offer OEM manufactured or sourced aerial lift replacement parts for JLG, Skyjack, Genie and Snorkel machines, always having an assortment of the most commonly used aftermarket parts in the aerial lift industry in stock.

Having more than 120 years of aerial equipment engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance experience, Precision Components is committed to helping our partners reduce their growing repair and maintenance expenses. A newly expanded state-of-the-art facility boasts the latest in manufacturing technologies.

With a wide variety of replacement parts to choose from, Precision Components strives to help rental companies meet the needs of their clients and the industry.

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

SUNBELT RENTALS ADJUSTS OPERATIONS, CURBSIDE PICKUP

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Sunbelt Rentals continues to adjust and adapt its operations to protect customers and team members during COVID-19, with some new solutions, such as curbside pickup, becoming a permanent offering.

The company has implemented several new guidelines, solutions, and best practices, including: Curbside pickup: Ideal for small tools and equipment, and towables, customers can take advantage of this contactless option upon placing a reservation online or by phone.

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Sanitization and equipment cleaning: Sunbelt Rentals has put in place stringent guidelines — as directed by the CDC — for sanitizing, cleaning, and handling rental equipment in order to keep customers safe.

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Social distancing: For customers who do enter branches, Sunbelt Rentals asks that they adhere to social distancing guidelines, including wearing a face covering. In addition, the company has added signage requesting

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customers do not enter if they have had prolonged, direct exposure to the virus.

Internal operations: Sunbelt Rentals has undertaken several efforts to keep employees safe and apprised of the

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constantly evolving situation. This includes the creation of an internal task force that serves as a central hub for communications, procedure and process changes, and overall COVID-19 response; regular company calls with

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leadership teams; and the creation of an online resource center.

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Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21139291.

• Alert Management Systems Named Colorado Top 100 Woman-Owned Business Alert Management Systems has once again been ranked in Colorado’s Top 100 Woman-Owned Companies in 2020. The ranking is compiled and published annually by Colorado Biz Magazine.

Alert Management Systems is 100% woman-owned by Co-President/COO Mary Crosslin and Co-President/CEO Kara Longmire. They became the principal owners of Alert in 2016, after several years as senior managers at the company.

“We are proud to once again be included with such good company in the state of Colorado,” said Longmire. “It’s important to us to continue elevating the discussion of women entrepreneurs.”

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Haulotte Launches ETI LITE Online Library The Haulotte Group has started affixing QR codes on its machines to facilitate access to documentation. All technical resources are now available and downloadable on the ETI LITE landing page, reducing the number of documents delivered with a new machine.

Located near the lower control panel and on the instruction manuals, the QR codes give a direct access to ETI LITE, a library that stores all the necessary information to be familiar with, use properly, maintain, and repair Haulotte equipment.

This new interface is available in nine languages, and automatically detects the mobile device’s language.

Crosslin added, “Not only are we 100% woman-owned, but we have a decades-long tradition of having women in various leadership positions in our business. Our organization is a tech company making an enormous impact in the rental industry, and we want to ensure that Alert Rental is synonymous with excellent service, creative collaboration, and ingenuity.”

Haulotte machines can be sorted by using machine models shortcuts, the full equipment list, or serial number. In a few clicks, this free online service provides related documentation for all Haulotte models including the operator’s manual, a familiarization video and leaflet, and spare parts and maintenance manuals.

Read more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21158915.

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21138184.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

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ALL THINGS CONSTRUCTION, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF. • Digital issues • Spec guides • Construction news • Industry directories • Video network • Featured articles • And more!

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8/4/20 3:43 PM

SKYJACK UNVEILS WE RISE CAMPAIGN FOR RENTAL INDUSTRY Skyjack has unveiled a global campaign that builds upon the company’s core values and the steps the rental industry has taken to become stronger and more connected with communities and employees during COVID-19 and its aftermath.

“Skyjack has a longstanding reputation for being easy to do business with. In the past few months, we have seen how COVID-19 and other social issues have changed the way our customers and we see the world. These have been serious and worrying times,” Ken McDougall, president at Skyjack said. “However, out of adversity comes strength. We aim to support the rental industry during the good times and the bad, and we have been heartened by the positive attitude of the rental industry. As we say at Skyjack: ‘Tough times don’t last, but tough teams do.’ This is true of Skyjack, but importantly, it is clearly evidenced in the rental industry as a whole.”

Skyjack aims to recognize that positivity by highlighting the steps people are taking to get back to growth. Through their WE RISE campaign, Skyjack plans to encourage rental companies around the world to share their stories: • Community donations and help • Customer care and protection, and community do • Staff care and protection

• New approaches and practices for the “new normal” • And many more.

In return for sharing their stories, any submissions will be entered into a drawing for a FREE SJ3219 or its cash equivalent to be donated to a charity of the winner’s choice. The winner will be revealed at the ARA tradeshow in February 2021. In addition to the main drawing, each entry will receive a Skyjack thank you gift.

Stories can be submitted to: skyjack.com/we-rise.

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21139958.

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EYE ON RENTAL // B y

Dick Detmer

The HIRING Fundamentals A spotlight on the hiring of fresh, talented team members – and strengthening the basics.

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his year could be pivotal in setting the stage for your company’s prosperity for 2021 and many more years to come. In my opinion, the climate of our industry is very positive for a variety of reasons, but I feel that rental companies should still be a bit cautious. I think that there will continue to be ups and downs as the economic rollercoaster ride is far from over, so it would be wise to focus on the major strengthening of the “basics” (I’m concerned that businesses, industries like factories, and individuals may be slow to ramp up investing in projects even with the promised massive government spending programs).

One “basic” is the hiring of fresh, talented team members going forward. As a result of the pandemic, our county’s supply of available workers is not as scarce as it has been. Not only is the current unemployment rate higher than usual, but also many of the employed in various types of business are searching for alternative professions. What a tremendous opportunity to fortify your company for the future by taking some initial steps to strengthen the team.

Some rental business owners feel that their businesses could grow significantly if they could find more

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“good, quality people.” I feel that it would be wise to shake off the vivid memories of not getting applications for your “help wanted” efforts and develop the mindset that now is the time to raise the bar and seek the finest candidates — not just settle for “good” people.

Here are a few important “do’s and don’ts” to consider.

Try to make your company a more desirable place to work.

For example, some workers crave a position in which they can perform duties that are not as boring or monotonous as the jobs they currently hold. Some applicants want higher level job responsibilities.

When higher level duties are not delegated, it is unlikely that employees with tremendous potential will see their positions at rental companies as anything more than temporary gigs.

Is it any wonder that some people with excellent potential move on?

Consider your non-compensation offering as well as the financial compensation. Remember that you are competing with other types of businesses for qualified workers, so it is often wise to get a different perspective on how to increase your company’s attraction. Of course, be certain that your compensation offerings are where they need to be too.

It’s wise to try a fresh approach to entice applicants to apply to and work for your company. If rental companies become more committed to getting a higher level applicant to groom into excellent rental professionals, quality employees from other occupations can certainly benefit from what you are offering — a fast-paced, satisfying career in a professional and growth-oriented equipment rental company. One of the keys is the presentation of the opportunity.

Consider getting help with your “help wanted” advertising. Also, be certain to use the most effective interviewing techniques. It’s all about improving your odds of success.

Yes, every position in a rental company is critical to the success of the company, but concentrate even more effort on hiring those who could definitely “move the needle” of your company’s income.

Remember, there are plenty of sharp, hardworking people out there, who are either displaced through no fault of their own or who are dissatisfied with their current jobs.

The rental business can offer some of these folks a wonderful career opportunity.

Stay tuned. In the next issue, we’ll talk retaining and training employees.

Dick Detmer is a nationally recognized consultant, lecturer, and writer with 40+ years of experience in the equipment rental industry. In 2018, he celebrated the 30th anniversary of his business, Detmer Consulting Inc., and his column in Rental. Dick can be contacted at dick@detmerconsulting.com, (309) 781-3451, or by visiting his website www.detmerconsulting.com.

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