Equipment Today February 2017

SPECIAL REPORT: What's Down the Road for Transportation in 2017?

Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment

®

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS Barriere Construction shares tips to go mobile

PROFIT MATTERS How one contractor slashed time & waste with lean processes

FEBRUARY 2017

SELECT LIFTS TOI RISE ABOVE SITEI CHALLENGESI

COMPACT

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT HELPS TRAIN & RETAIN OPERATORS

: N O I T U CA

ForConstructionPros.com #1 Website ET0217_01_coverFINAL_BC.indd 1

2/2/17 8:35 AM

Trim Size: 5.8125 X 14.5

Trim Size: 10.625

Bleed Size 5.9375 X 14.75

Bleed Size: 10.625

TAKE YOUR P $5,000 RENTAL GIVEAWAY

What if you could add a machine to your job and cut costs at the same time? With the Ca you can do both. Enter to win $5,000 in rental credit—then work with your Cat® dealer to tools and technologies that will boost your productivity and your bottom line.

For eligible models and full terms & conditions, visit www.cat.com/en_US/campaigns/awareness/heavy-rental/heavy-rent-terms-conditions.html. © 2017 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow”, the “Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

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Enter now at catallday.com/takeyourpick2. Five winners will be announced March 7-11 during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017, plus 10 more winners in April.

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Trim Size: 5.8125 X 14.5

10.625 X 14.5

Bleed Size 5.9375 X 14.75

10.625 X 14.75

PICK

AY

With the Cat Take Your Pick Sweepstakes, ® dealer to choose the equipment, work

March 7-11

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The Ford F-650/F-750 present upfitters with a clean cab-to-axle design.

There are no components to move, no rivets or bolts along the top of the frame rails to get in the way, helping to make upfitting easy and fast. It’s more proof that Ford means business.

Vehicle shown with optional features and aftermarket equipment. *Ford Licensed Accessory.

Indicate ?? on inquiry card

DID YOU KNOW? You can order the F-650/F-750 with available integrated Ford Telematics™ powered by TelogisŽ* to get historical and real-time status of vehicle health, location, driver activity and more. Experience how Ford Telematics can help you save time and money for fleets of all sizes.

THE F-650/F-750 /// FORD.COM

ForConstructionPros.com/12051942

Contents

FEBRUARY 2017 | ForConstructionPros.com

COVER STORY

Compacts Strive to

TO HELP TRAIN & RETAIN OPERATORS Cab and operator station designs center on keeping operators happy & productive. Page 14

PRODUCTS 19 Skid-steer Loaders

Find the latest models of these versatile multi-taskers.

24 Road Building Equipment A selection of pavers and other equipment for road building applications.

46 Trucks & Transportation 54 Lift Equipment

An assortment of choices to lift personnel, tools and materials to heights.

61 Oils & Lubricants

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES SPECIAL REPORT: STATE OF THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY 2017 HOW TO IMPLEMENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY INTO YOUR ASPHALT BUSINESS pg 32 Barriere Construction offers tips on getting started.

P ROFITABLE STEPS INTO LEAN CONSTRUCTION pg 38

PLAN FOR DRIVER SHORTAGE CRISIS AHEAD pg 40

26 Road Building

An expanding transportation industry coupled with a decreasing driver base is creating the perfect storm.

36 Earthmoving Review 44 Trucks & Transportation 58 Oils & Lubricants

HOW TO SELECT LIFTS FOR CHALLENGING SITES pg 50

Engine Oil Selection Tips

63 Jobsite Solutions

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32

Walbridge adds value and slashes waste and time on residence hall project.

10 Equipment Introductions

Build Up the Benefits to Attract and Retain Workers

pg 20

Industry experts predict what 2017 may hold for the road building sector.

8 Breaking Ground

68 Running the Business

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

50

When spaces are tight and obstacles/ obstructions plentiful, choosing the right boom or scissor lift can make the job easier.

5D Macro BIM Saves Time, Money in Pre-construction and Early Design 5D BIM allows users to create models that demonstrate how changes to materials, layouts, square footage and other design elements affects the appearance of a facility and the cost and schedule of construction.

ForConstructionPros.com/12286825

Evaluate Your Safety Plan for the New Year

The beginning of the year is a great time to assess your safety plan and protocols and encourage a proactive safety culture among employees.

ForConstructionPros.com/12291611

Precast Materials Aid Tight Schedule on New Bridge Construction

Oldcastle Precast-Idaho Falls supplied multiple precast bridge elements to Bonneville County Road Department.

ForConstructionPros.com/12289595

Designing a Hiring Program that Works

Cadillac Asphalt’s Future Paving Professionals Program shows promise in Michigan.

ForConstructionPros.com/12286640

ForConstructionPros.com

1/30/17 12:43 PM

SEE US AT

March 7-11 Las Vegas GOLD LOT G4476

RUN STRONG.

Packed with the features that operators demand, Doosan® wheel loaders bring strength to every job.

See machines, features and specs:

DoosanEquipment.com/WheelLoader 1.877.745.7814

Doosan ® and the Doosan logo are registered trademarks of Doosan Corp. in the United States and various other countries around the world. ©2017 Doosan Construction Equipment. All rights reserved. | 178

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★ ★

S

FIFTY YEARS AGO WE PUT OUR NAME ON THE MAP BY DOING THE JOBS THAT AREN’T. We built our company by delivering the trucks that performed in the most remote,

most hostile places on the planet. Trucks you can count on not just to get the job done,

but get you back in one piece. And it’s how we still build them today. Here’s to fifty years of legendary awesomeness, and the start of fifty more. | westernstar.com/50

Western Star - A Daimler Group Brand WS/MC-A-566 Specifications are subject to change without notice. Western Star Truck Sales, Inc. is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004.

Copyright © 2017 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Western Star Truck Sales, Inc. is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

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ForConstructionPros.com/10076365

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B R E AKI N G G R O U N D By Becky Schultz

Where

Becky Schultz / bschultz@acbusinessmedia.com

Comes to Life EVERY THREE YEARS, THE excitement builds as another CONEXPO-CON/AGG (conexpoconagg.com) approaches. North America’s largest trade show will encompass 2.5 million sq. ft. of exhibit space, feature 2,500+ exhibitors and likely host well over 100,000 attendees from March 7 to 11 in Las Vegas.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is an international stage for all the latest and greatest equipment, technology and materials solutions for the construction industry.

This year’s theme, “Imagine What’s Next”, centers around innovation. It seems especially fitting given the leaps the industry has taken in recent years. Construction equipment is quickly shifting from a

Experience the Progress.

We Welcome You to Experience Our Company The Liebherr Group is proud to present an extensive selection of its most innovative Earthmoving, Material Handling and Construction Equipment at Conexpo Con/Agg2017.

Mobile and Crawler Cranes Tower Cranes Hydraulic Excavators Material Handlers

Crawler Tractors and Loaders Wheel Loaders Deep Foundation machines Mixing technology

Visit us at:

2017 Conexpo Con/Agg Show

period of commonality in machines and systems typical of a mature market, to an evolutionary phase encompassing sophisticated engine, electronic, computing and other technologies that are revolutionizing design, widening distinctions between products and redefining how construction projects are completed.

Numerous construction equipment suppliers have already hinted at significant product launches at this year’s show.

Innovations in both design and function, stemming in large part from the advanced electronics and systems integration required to meet emissions regulations, continue to emerge on the market. Manufacturers exhibiting at CONEXPO-CON/AGG will showcase critical advancements that will further set their products apart and add value for end users. What makes this even more exciting is the realization that they are just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible.

In addition to production models of equipment, we’re also likely to see other forms of technologies in the Tech Experience pavilion, which is being introduced at the show. The 75,000-sq.-ft. pavilion is dedicated solely to showcasing new construction innovations and emerging technologies that will drive change and improvement across the industry.

As at MINExpo last fall, expect to get an inside look into the world of autonomous equipment and the possibilities it offers to improve safety, efficiency and productivity, particularly in repetitive, production-oriented tasks on construction sites and in aggregate operations. Watch for further introductions of hybrid and other advanced power system technology intended to boost fuel efficiency, enhance performance and address sustainability requirements on projects. Anticipate learning about further developments in cloud-based fleet management systems, drones, augmented and virtual reality, etc., as well as how such tools can apply to current and future management of equipment and processes on sites.

Also likely to be found in both the Tech Experience and on the show floor are concept vehicles and equipment representing what’s possible in the future.

Here’s hoping for a glimpse inside the imaginations of the brightest minds in construction equipment design as they share their vision of what may lie ahead.

We look forward to sharing these experiences with you at CONEXPOCON/AGG 2017, or you can experience them online via our daily coverage at ForConstructionPros.com/conexpo. ET

March 07–11, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Outdoor Stand: Gold Lot, G4637 Components Stand: South Hall 4, S84230 www.liebherr-conexpo.com

ForConstructionPros.com/10073670 www.liebherr.com

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IT CAN BUILD

ANYTHING

EVEN THE

BOTTOM LINE The UltraShift PLUS VCS. Built for your job. Your spec. And your competitive edge. When your sights are set on the jobsite. And you choose a transmission that isn’t just as good as your best driver. It’s better. With a Creep Mode that’s so precise, you’re curbing at less than one foot per second. And Hill Start Aid that gives you real launch control. When Gear Selection Logic is so smart it knows when to skip gears to max out fuel efficiency and driver focus is where it should be – on the job. All backed by the solutions, support and expertise of the Roadranger® network.

Drive your choice. Drive On. Find your Eaton® edge at ultrashiftplus.com

©2017 Eaton. All rights reserved.

ForConstructionPros.com/10072838

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EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

These pages feature some of the latest equipment available. You’ll find a solid sampling of both new machines and models that have been recently revamped by the manufacturers. For more information, simply visit ForConstructionPros.com and include the eight-digit code shown.

Generac

MLT6SMD LED Light Tower John Deere

244K-II Compact Wheel Loader The 244K-II is powered by a 70-hp, Tier 4 Final engine. Its oscillating rear axle and elastic articulation at the pivot smooth the ride for greater material retention and reduced operator fatigue. Stereo steering delivers a smooth turning radius for faster cycle times and better material retention over rough terrain. The unit provides a full turn tipping load of 8,183 lbs. and 10,792 lbs. of breakout force.

Features include manual low-speed differential lock, standard returnto-dig and high-speed travel (17 mph). Options include higher flow hydraulics and a push button-activated skid-steer-style coupler.

ForConstructionPros.com/12290890

The 6-kW MLT6SMD uses a Tier 4 ECOSpeed engine that operates in multiple speeds, allowing a runtime of up to 215 hours on a single tank. The temperature management system ensures the engine maintains proper operation regardless of load, and can reliably perform in ambient temperature extremes from -20° F to 120° F. Four 240-watt, instant-on LED lights supply 88,000 total lumen output. The mast extends up to 23 ft. and the ground-adjustable light fixtures can be rotated 359° for total illumination.

The standard Power Zone controller includes automatic start and stop selections and dusk-to-dawn photo sensor operation. Features include a flip hood, convenience outlets offering 5 kW of clean power export and telemetry options for remote monitoring and recovery assistance.

ForConstructionPros.com/12280142

Komatsu

PC650LC-11 Hydraulic Excavator The PC650LC-11 has an operating weight from 140,456 to 145,284 lbs. and comes with a 436-hp Komatsu SAA6D140E-7 Tier 4 Final diesel engine. Open-center, load-sensing hydraulics offer three working modes to match performance in various applications. Standard features include a heated air suspension seat with adjustable armrests, 7-in. monitor panel, rearview camera and hydraulically driven, reversible fan.

The unit comes with KOMTRAX technology. An Operator Identification System provides up to 100 ID codes to track and report on key machine operating information for various applications, operators or jobs. An Auto Idle Shutdown function helps reduce idle time as well as operating costs.

ForConstructionPros.com/12290294

Takeuchi

TB216H Hybrid Dualpowered Excavator

Wacker Neuson

Medium-frame Loaders

The 4,277-lb. TB216H features both an electric motor and diesel engine with its own pump group to power the hydraulics. Power can be provided by the 14.9-hp Yanmar Tier 4 Final engine or 14.2hp electric motor. For emissions-free operation, the unit plugs into a 400- to 480-volt three-phase power source. The diesel engine will automatically shut off and the machine will run off electric power once the key has been cycled. The ignition, throttle, joysticks and travel functions are the same regardless of the power mode selected.

Capabilities include a 4,250-lb. maximum bucket breakout force, 1,843-lb. maximum arm crowd force, 7-ft. 10-in. maximum dig depth and 13-ft. 5-in. maximum reach. The undercarriage retracts from 51.2 to 38.6 in. Bolt-on extensions enable blade width to match undercarriage width.

Designed from the ground up, the SW16 and SW17 radial lift and SW20 and SW21 vertical lift skid steers fall in the 1,600- to 2,100lb. rated operating capacity (ROC) range, and the ST28 radial lift and ST31 vertical lift compact track loaders have an ROC of 2,800 and 3,100 lbs. (50% tipping load). Bucket breakout force is 5,300 lbf.

Vertical lift models provide a 124-in. hinge pin height. Power is supplied by a 55-hp Kohler 1903 threecylinder (SW16 and SW20) or 74.3-hp Kohler 2504 four-cylinder diesel engine that requires no DPF or regen. Hydraulic horsepower of 38.6 hp is standard; optional high-flow (57.2 hp) enables the units to power high-performance attachments. The units feature an extra-large, pressurized cab with ergonomic controls and a one-piece pod-style design that allows the entire cab to tip forward for complete access to components.

ForConstructionPros.com/12287700

ForConstructionPros.com/12286818

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SEE VIDEOS:

ForConstructionPros.com/12289906 & 12294365

ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:05 AM

VISIT US AT CONEXPO-CON/AGG BOOTH C20753 | MARCH 7-11, 2017

Productivity and efficiency go hand in hand, and Takeuchi’s all-new TL10V2 vertical lift track loader delivers both. A fully redesigned operator’s station gives you a comfortable spot to get the job done — as does the outstanding operating capacity and load and carrying capabilities. Add in the unmatched responsiveness and quiet track design, and you’ve got the ideal combination of power and performance.

Learn more at takeuchi-us.com.

Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM)* is a remote monitoring system that keeps track of location, hours, alerts and more to help you prevent costly repair calls, better manage your fleet and lower your overall operating costs. *Available on most models.

FIND OUT WHAT OTHERS KNOW. VISIT TAKEUCHI-US.COM TO FIND THE DEALER NEAREST YOU. ForConstructionPros,com/10074812

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EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

iQ Power

Dry-Cut Power Cutters The iQPC912v and the iQPC912sk Paver Skate dry-cut power cutters include integrated dust control, allowing the capture of up to 90% of the dust at the source. The powerful vacuum sucks dust through the retractable blade guard. Using the QUICK-SPIN filtration system, the dust is captured in the cartridge filter and self-contained in the lower chamber for easy disposal. This dust containment has a capacity of up to 5 lbs. The 31-lb. iQPC912v provides a detachable paver skate accessory kit and the 34-lb. iQPC912sk has the retractable cutting skate attached for optimal precise cuts. Both feature a 93cc, 6-hp, two-stroke, gas-powered motor, and come equipped with a 12-in. premium diamond blade.

ForConstructionPros.com/12293033

BOMAG

RS 500 Recycler/ Stabilizer Volvo

PL4809E Rotating Pipelayer Powered by a 372-hp Volvo D13J Tier 4 Final engine, the PL4809E has a rated capacity of 110,231 lbs. and a maximum tipping capacity of 242,000 lbs. Its design offers the stability and smooth hydraulics to work across rugged terrain and on slopes of up to 35°.

The 360° swing capacity allows the superstructure to be safely rotated to lift and place large, heavy pipes anywhere around the machine.

The Load Management System allows operators to manage and monitor loads and receive visible and audible alerts when the limit is reached. Side and rear view cameras increase visibility and reduce blind spots around the machine. The unit converts into a standard excavator in as little as 4.5 hours by switching the pipelayer boom for an excavator alternative included in the optional digging kit.

ForConstructionPros.com/12290918

The 55,556-lb. RS 500 is powered by a 510-hp Mercedes Benz OM 471 LA engine and features an offsetting rotor design with side-shifting capability that allows it to stabilize soil on slopes and recycle asphalt material right up to the road edge. The unit has an 88.5in. rotor width, 197-in. maximum cutting depth and a recycling speed of up to 164 fpm. FLEXMIX technology incorporates three infinitely variable gradation bars that can be adjusted to achieve the target material size setting with uniform results. A standard quick-change BRS05 tooth holder reduces the time required for cutting tooth replacement. The centrally located, ROPS/FOPS cab offers comfortable, climate-controlled operation and all-around visibility.

ForConstructionPros.com/12293017

Allen Kubota

GL14000 LowboyPro The GL14000 14-kVA single-phase generator is powered by Kubota’s D902 Tier 4-certified diesel engine and offers switchable frequencies between 50 and 60 Hz. Its triple-sealed alternator is optimized to generate more magnetic force with fewer turns. The built-in muffler reduces exhaust noise and the large-capacity radiator reduces fan-related noise, enabling noise levels as low as 65 dB during operation. The unit is fully enclosed and compact, and houses the receptacle and terminal in one package. It comes with overcurrent and engine shutoff protective devices. All maintenance locations can be accessed from a single, large access panel on the side.

HP205 Riding Trowel The 10-ft. HP205 ride-on power trowel utilizes twin 37-hp Kohler EFI gasoline engines along with torque converter clutches that produce optimal low speed torque for float panning (117.6-in. panning path width), as well as high rotor speed for burnishing concrete. Two 6-gal. fuel tanks provide extended and equal run time for each engine.

Two 57.6-in.-diameter, six-blade non-overlapping rotors offer rotor speeds from 45 to 180 rpm. The mechanical drive unit also has power steering controls. Other features include an electric-powered spray system for retardant application, cruise control, a raised operator platform, six LED lights and a singlepoint lifting hook under the seat.

ForConstructionPros.com/12293021

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE: ForConstructionPros.com/12293030

ForConstructionPros.com/12293106

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ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:06 AM

Built to OUTLAST OUTWORK OUTDO

What do you expect from a loader? How about a performance beast without the maintenance burden?

Wacker Neuson’s new line of medium frame skid steer and compact track loaders feature an industry leading hinge pin height, exceptional hydraulic power and engine torque, and a superior capacity fuel tank to help you get more done in less time. Even better, you’ll see a lower total cost of ownership with easy service access and a DPF-free, regen-free Tier 4 Final engine with an unmatched 4-year/4,000 hour warranty. Add to that an intuitively-designed, high visibility cab and you have a loader that is built to last as long, work as hard, and do as much as you do.

Contact your Wacker Neuson dealer today.

Booth #G3435 Gold Lot

www.wackerneuson.com ForConstructionPros.com/10075166

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COM PACT E Q UI P M E N T By Becky Schultz

Compacts Strive to Help Train & Retain Operators The one-piece enclosed cab design on all Cat D series models delivers a clean, quiet working environment that minimizes fatigue and facilitates use of radios and other features.

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ForConstructionPros.com

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COMPACT EQU IPMENT

Cabs and operator stations are being designed to ensure operators are both happy and productive.

G

rowth in construction activity has resulted in an all too familiar challenge for construction firms. As with past economic expansions, contractors are facing a dearth of qualified workers to fill vacancies during peak periods. The challenge is exacerbated when the vacancies involve equipment operators, given the more advanced skill set required.

This dilemma has provided impetus for change from the largest to the smallest equipment size classes. Substantial emphasis is being placed on delivering an “office” environment that ensures both new and current operators can be productive in machines

quickly, safely and for extended periods.

“For equipment operators, the cab of the machine is their office, so it is important to have features that will keep them comfortable and focused on the job,” says Edward Brenton, brand marketing manager, Case Construction Equipment.

“When you’re in the cab of an excavator for 10 hours a day, comfort and ergonomics are critical for productivity.”

“Providing the operator with comfortable equipment he or she enjoys running increases the likelihood of a long-term relationship with a company,” says Kevin Coleman, SSL/MTL/ CTL product expert, Caterpillar.

“An operator’s ‘office’ should be somewhere he wants to be. It should have a comfortable ‘chair’ (seat), a ‘view’ (great visibility) and an ergonomic ‘desk’ layout (operator’s compartment).

“For compact equipment, such as the skid steer/rubber track loader products, completing jobs quickly and safely is vital,” he adds. “Identifying equipment that can provide these features can provide gains in operator retention, as well as productivity and safety gains.”

BIGGER, BETTER CABS Compact equipment cabs are being designed to appeal to today’s workforce. “Cabs are getting larger, and more emphasis is being placed on ergonomics,” says Brent Coffey, product manager - loaders, Wacker Neuson.

“If the operator is comfortable, regardless of their size, they are going to be more productive for a longer period of time.”

“Case machines have a nice, wide cab with ample foot room. For most compact equipment, that’s the way that things are going,” says Brenton.

“Manufacturers are trying to get the widest, roomiest cab possible, while still maintaining the lowest profile machine from a height perspective, and also trying to stay within the confines of an appropriately sized footprint.”

Yet, cab sizing calls for a careful balance. “Keeping the overall

cab height down while maintaining a large volume inside the cab is really important,” says Brenton, who notes the machine must still be able to fit inside buildings and other structures.

“You can’t sacrifice overhead height... but you don’t want to feel like you’re losing headroom.”

“The reason people buy compact equipment, in theory, is because it can get into areas that bigger equipment can’t, so you have some limitations there,” says Gregg Zupancic, product marketing manager, John Deere.

“With that said, customers definitely view a more comfortable cab as the one that has a good amount of size.

“The sky is not the limit on cab size in the compact world,” he states, “but they have gotten bigger — including for John Deere — over the last five years.”

Wacker Neuson placed specific emphasis on the cab design in its new medium-frame skidsteer and compact track loaders.

According to Coffey, “The totally redesigned cab is what you would typically find on larger machines. It’s nice and wide and provides improved visibility to the sides.” This includes a large glass window on the rear of the machine and a low sloped rear hood for enhanced visibility while backing.

The cab is also designed for easy entry and exit. “The frameless door is the widest in this size class,” Coffey asserts. “The placement of grab handles also makes it easy to get in and out of the machine.”

“Ease of entry and egress are paramount when designing compact machines,” Brenton adds.

Tom Connor, excavator product specialist at Bobcat, agrees, noting, “Over the years, and particularly lately, we’ve seen an emphasis to get door systems on cabbed machines as wide and as tall as possible... There is also an emphasis on lowering the threshold over what was traditionally accepted on a track loader, skid steer or compact excavator.”

Another key area of focus is visibility around the machine.

“Visibility to the attachment

ForConstructionPros.com

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TOP: For equipment operators, the cab of the machine is their office, so it’s important that it have features that will keep the operator comfortable and focused on the job. BOTTOM: The totally redesigned cab on Wacker Neuson’s new mid-frame size loaders is similar in size to those typically found on larger machines. The object is to enable operators to be more comfortable regardless of their size. is certainly important,” says Connor. “But so is visibility around [the machine] as a new operator comes into a situation so he can really see what’s around him. That’s an enormous comfort level.”

“Machines [need to] have really good visibility so the operator doesn’t have to contort to look around the work area,” says Zupancic. “Visibility is a really big thing that [John Deere] focuses on in our designs.”

The objective is to maximize “working visibility,” Coleman explains. He defines this as the ability to easily see the critical areas for everyday work, such as the bucket cutting edge, sides of the bucket, front/rear/sides of the tires or tracks, rear machine corners and the area behind the

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COM PACT E Q UI P M E N T

machine. “If a machine can provide the operator with excellent sightlines to these areas, through design or equipment such as a rear view camera, [the operator] can be safer on the jobsite and more comfortable, which leads to higher productivity,” he says.

Noise and vibration levels inside the cab are being addressed, as well. “Through technology, materials, etc., we’ve done a better job of insulating and keeping the engine and pump sound out of the operator’s station,” says Connor, “and to diminish the rattles and fatiguing noise and vibration.”

larger machines into compact designs. Zupancic believes this is driven in part by changes in equipment buying trends.

“All equipment in the industry has gone up in price over the last five to 10 years due to emissions regulations,” he states.

“There is a migration of some customers who may have typically bought bigger equipment down into the compact world... because they can no longer afford the bigger equipment.”

With this migration, operators who previously might have spent their entire career in a dozer or large excavator are now

automotive-style climate control in its two largest compact excavators. The system allows the operator to set a temperature and the heat or fan speed increases automatically as needed.

For some, such comfort features are now seen not as luxuries but necessities, and even bargaining chips, to attract and retain operators. Connor cites climate control as an example.

Once a “luxury item,” he says, “I literally hear the opposite now: ‘I would never buy a machine without cab heat and air conditioning because I can’t get anyone to work for me unless I promise them that.’” He notes that some operators will jump ship for the same wage provided

“I WOULD NEVER BUY A MACHINE WITHOUT CAB HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING BECAUSE I CAN’T GET ANYONE TO WORK FOR ME UNLESS I PROMISE THEM THAT.’” Comfort features such as adjustable heated air ride seats, ergonomic controls, updated HVAC systems, etc. are no longer being viewed as luxuries. Rather, they are increasingly being seen as necessities to attract and retain operators. Image provided by Bobcat.

“All of the Cat D series models deliver an enclosed cab design that is one complete unit.

This means the operator’s environment is sealed as a unit,” says Coleman. “The one-piece enclosed cab design delivers a clean, quiet working environment that customers can enjoy for the life of the machine.

Because the cab is so quiet, customers can also take advantage of an optional Bluetooth radio/ microphone to place or receive phone calls or stream music.”

Such capabilities are necessities in the minds of today’s operators. “Some of these features [like Bluetooth radio] may seem inconsequential, but if an operator is sitting in a machine all day long, these types of features can have a real impact on their comfort and productivity throughout the day,” Brenton comments.

CREATURE COMFORTS A number of comfort features have transitioned down from

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spending eight to 10 hours a day in a compact machine. Yet, expectations for comfort remain.

“In order to get a guy who may have driven a $250,000 excavator to run a skid steer, and also to do it productively, you have to have the same sort of comfort level,” say Zupancic.

“The features and luxuries that were in bigger equipment, they’re now asking for in compact equipment.”

He expects the trend to more “creature features” to continue.

“A lot of things that you see in automotive today will migrate to compact equipment in the future, and for the same reasons,” he predicts. “People spend a good percentage of their time every day in their automobiles.

It makes sense that technologies that you see in the future in compact equipment would be similar.”

Such technology is already making its way into some products. Bobcat currently offers

the added comforts are part of the package.

Compact equipment suppliers are working diligently to adjust to changing operator demands. “Manufacturers are incorporating features like fully adjustable heated air ride seats, adjustable armrests, ergonomic controls, updated HVAC systems and other comfort features into their cabs,” says Brenton.

“Visibility comes into play here also. Larger windows, heated rear view mirrors, as well as rear view cameras and other features that enhance an operator’s visibility on a jobsite are being incorporated into today’s compact machines.”

Cat D Series skid steers and rubber track loaders include an optional highly adjustable, highback, heated, air-ride seat with independently adjustable, seatmounted joystick controls that move with the operator. The joysticks allow precise and easy control, even when traversing

rough terrain, and can be adjusted independently of the seat to provide a range of comfortable operating positions for operators of any size, says Coleman.

The arm bars also adjust with the joysticks to provide optimal ergonomic arm support.

While a number of manufacturers still offer mechanical hand/foot control options, newer operators tend to favor hydraulic pilot or electric-over-hydraulic controls. Such low-effort joystick controls provide maximum control and minimum fatigue, says Coleman, especially when operating for long periods of time.

“Today’s workforce — specifically the younger generation coming into the industry — is much more apt to respond to smaller hand movements and low-effort controls,” says Brenton. “This really contributes to electric-over-hydraulic control configurations.”

There are other benefits, as well. In previous generation machines, Connor explains, as mechanical cables and levers would wear, it would result in diminished responsiveness of the controls over time (hysteresis).

“With the elimination of those mechanical connections and the transition to pilot and electrohydraulic controls, we don’t see that hysteresis anymore,” he states.

“When you move the lever a 1/4 in., you get the same reaction from the blade, boom or lift arm in a 50-hour machine as you do on a 3,000-hour machine.”

This not only makes it easier to switch between machines, it is especially crucial when performing delicate work. “You don’t have to guess what it’s going to feel like or [how it will] react in sensitive areas or tight quarters,” says Connor. “This is very appealing to operators.”

ENHANCED CONTROLLABILITY AND CUSTOMIZATION When it comes to the controls, manufacturers are taking steps to both diminish the learning curve for new hires, and adapt machines to varying operator preferences and skill sets.

Some manufacturers start by offering substantial commonality across product lines.

“Commonizing cab layouts is something we always strive to do,” says Coffey. “The goal is to make the acclimation process to operate a machine as short as possible.

“A good example... is to commonize controls, displays and

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COM PACT E Q UI P M E N T

John Deere offers speed settings to adjust boom and bucket speed, as well as to adjust the aggressiveness of drive functions. This enables less experienced operators to customize the machine to their skill set or comfort level. the machine performance can be more closely matched to the skill set of the operator.”

COST VS. BENEFITS

joysticks across multiple compact lines such as skid steers, wheel loaders and telehandlers,” he continues. “The objective being that any operator in a Wacker Neuson machine with a skid-steer plate on it can be easily cross trained in minimal time to effectively operate the machine.”

Commonality makes it easier for operators to move from machine to machine and between machine types. “We try to make it so an operator is comfortable operating a Bobcat skid steer, track loader or excavator,” says Connor. “By comfortable, I mean reading gauges, knowing where the throttle knob is, how to activate auxiliaries, where the auxiliary control is.

“It depends on the packaging but there’s also an enormous commonality when you start looking at the joysticks,” he says.

“That helps the operator because he doesn’t have to sit there for 15 minutes and experiment to see which button does what.”

John Deere includes threeway switchable controls that enable operators to switch between hand/foot or electrohydraulic controls at the push of a button. “We’ve spent a lot of time developing and introducing a control system that can be modified to match the entry type of operator’s skills or comfort level,” says Zupancic. “We also believe in matching operators’ comfort and skill sets to what they’re able to be productive with — all in one machine.”

Wacker Neuson has taken a similar approach with its medium-frame loaders. “[With the] selectable controls, now the machine can be effectively operated by nearly anyone on the

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jobsite,” says Coffey. “This means that one machine can accommodate nearly anyone.”

Adaptability to the operator extends to the electronics on the machine. “With the advancements of Tier 4 Final, there is much more computer and monitoring capabilities on board the machine,” Coffey notes. “What was once a fixed cluster of mechanical gauges are now digital displays. These displays allow for customization by various users and can help the operator monitor specific features depending on the job they are performing.”

For example, selectable work modes allow operators to get more performance out of the engine and more efficiency out of the machine, says Brenton. “These types of features are geared toward making the machine more adaptable to a specific application, and making it less cumbersome to customize for the operator,” he states.

Many manufacturers also now offer the ability to set, and remember, specific parameters to meet the comfort or skill level requirements of individual operators.

John Deere offers three speed settings (Precision, Utility and Productivity) that adjust boom and bucket speed to the operator or application. Take Precision mode — while intended to aid in precision work, it can also enable a new operator to run a machine without worrying about getting out of control, Zupancic notes.

Similar settings are available to adjust the aggressiveness of drive

functions as the machine propels forward or backward. A creep mode reduces the risk of over running hydraulic attachments such as trenchers or planers.

Caterpillar’s Advanced Display includes operator control features that allow the operator to customize up to 12 different machine performance, language or display parameters for up to 50 individual operator codes.

“These advanced operator control features provide the ability to adjust a number of machine settings, such as the implement response as well as the drive system response. This means an operator can adjust a machine to

Admittedly, there are costs associated with the more advanced features and options described. However, there are ways to justify the investment.

Start by calculating the costs should you have to replace an experienced operator. “You have the lost time of recruiting, interviewing and selecting [a new operator], and then you have to train them,” Connor notes. This takes other peoples’ time and attention and cuts into jobsite productivity.

Training can also extend beyond learning how to run a piece of equipment. “In some cases, it takes [a new operator] half the summer to understand how the [business] entity functions — to not have to be told every step of the process if there isn’t a supervisor around,” Connor points out. “For a lot of people, the biggest advantage of sustaining an employee long term is simply efficiency and productivity.”

Next, factor in the potential productivity gains you could achieve from a more fullfeatured machine. “If an operator environment is equipped with all the latest advanced features... [operators] are going to be happy and productive, and they will contribute to the bottom line,” says Brenton. “For new, less experienced operators, these features will help lower the learning curve and get them up to speed more quickly.”

Given the tight construction job market, the ROI can add up.

“Employee retention has a serious impact on businesses of all types and sizes,” says Brenton.

“You want to make sure your employees... are provided with the latest and greatest equipment to get their job done.” ET

FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF SUSTAINING AN EMPLOYEE LONG TERM IS SIMPLY EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY. match his operation style, experience level or even a specific job task,” says Coleman. “The ability to tailor the machine performance to an operator’s specific experience level allows operators of varying skill levels to be comfortable with the machine and be more productive.”

The capability to adjust to skill level also means less risk of an operator who is inexperienced or unfamiliar with a machine causing damage to the equipment or jobsite. “If you can mesh the machine to operate closely to how the operator is familiar, there’s going to be less collateral damage,” says Zupancic. “So you’re protecting your return on investment when

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SKID-STEER LOADERS >> Products

John Deere Large Frame G Series Loaders

Kubota SSV65/SSV75 Skid-steer Loaders The 64-gross-hp SSV65 boasts a 1,950lb. rated operating capacity (ROC) and 4,839-lb. bucket breakout force, and the 74-gross-hp SSV75 has a 2,690-lb. ROC and 5,884-lb. bucket breakout force.

• Vertical lift configuration can dump into a dump truck with 10-ft. sides • Kubota Tier 4-certified four-cylinder diesel engine • Include a spacious, dust-resistant pressurized cabin with an optimized climate control system; slide-up, frontentry door and hand-foot controls • Standard two-speed travel • Optional high-flow hydraulics and multifunction lever

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Volvo Expanded C-Series Loader Line The radial lift MC60C and MC70C and the vertical lift MC85C, MC95C and MCT85C skid-steer and compact track loaders deliver enhanced dump height, reach and lift capacity and greater allaround visibility.

• Rated operating capacities from 1,350 to 1,900 lbs.

• Gross engine power from 48 to 59 hp • Reinforced single loader arm design • Large top window in cab for improved visibility during truck loading • Wide-opening side cab door • Redesigned operator’s environment with ergonomically placed controls and gauges

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Case SV340 Skid Steer The SV340 vertical lift skid steer has a rated operating capacity of 3,400 lbs. and bucket breakout force of 9,531 lbs.

• Available with 24.2-gpm standard auxiliary hydraulics or optional high flow at 38.7 gpm and 3,450 psi or enhanced high flow at 35 gpm and 4,000 psi • 90-hp FPT engine with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and no need for a diesel particulate filter • EZ-EH (electrohydraulic) controls provide nine adjustable speed and control sensitivity settings that can be adjusted on the fly • Push-button Ride Control • Wide cab features low-entry threshold for easy access and greater visibility down to the bucket/attachment

The large-frame 330G and 332G skid steers and 331G and 333G compact track loaders have a refined vertical-lift loader boom design that has a height to hinge pin of 11 ft. and extends an additional 6 in. from the machine.

• Rated operating capacities of 3,000 to 3,700 lbs. and bucket breakout forces ranging from 6,000 to 7,750 lbs.

• Operating weights from 8,770 to 12,100 lbs. and power ratings from 91.2 to 100 gross hp • Increased auxiliary hydraulic flow and power allow use of a range of attachments • Cab includes an easy-access entryway, tightly sealed swing-out door, ample foot-and legroom and enhanced visibility

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Caterpillar D2 Series Loaders

Bobcat M2-Series Loaders

The 98-gross-hp 272D2 skid-steer, 297D2 multi-terrain and 299D2 compact track loaders, along with their 110-gross-hp XHP counterparts, meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards.

• 272D2, 297D2 and 299D2 deliver rated operating capacities of 3,400, 4,700 and 4,600 lbs. (50% of tipping capacity) • 272D2 XHP, 297D2 XHP and 299D2 XHP rated at 3,650, 4,800 and 4,725 lbs.

• In-cab heads-up Advanced Display • Full-color, 5-in. LCD monitor enables on-screen adjustment of implement response, hydrostatic drive response, creep control speed, ride control activation speed and more • Engine compartment sealing system provides enhanced airflow debris control

The M2-Series encompasses 24 models of 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800 frame size skid-steer, compact track and all-wheel steer loaders, all featuring Bobcat diesel engines with a non-DPF design.

• S850 skid steers come standard with 100hp engines • 600 and 700 frame size models include a low-effort hydrostatic pump that reduces drive lever effort by as much as 25% • Enhanced automatic ride control option • Auto mode enables ride control function to be automatically activated by detecting increased hydraulic lift arm pressure when carrying material • Cab improvements include new front and rear cab isolators, door seals and side screen dampers

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WHEN YOUR WORK IS MORE THAN WHAT YOU DO Takeuchi TS80 Series Skid-steer Loaders The large-frame TS80 series skid steers feature 74-hp Deutz Tier 4 Final engines that supply 192 ft.-lbs. of torque at 1,800 rpm and have a simple, maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalyst.

• 7,950-lb. radial lift TS80R2 features a 2,825-lb. rated operating capacity (ROC), 5,845-lb. bucket breakout force, 7,080-lb. lift arm force and 10-ft. 5-in. maximum hinge pin height • 8,965-lb. vertical lift TS80V2 has a 3,500lb. ROC, 5,920-lb. bucket breakout force, 6,200-lb. lift arm force and 10-ft. 10-in. maximum hinge pin height • Functional, well-equipped operator’s station includes a lower threshold for easier entry and exit

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S P E CI AL R EP O R T By Lisa Cleaver & Rod Dickens

State of the Transportation Industry 2017 Industry experts predict what 2017 may hold for the road building sector.

H

ere we are in early 2017.

The FAST Act has been in place for just over a year now, plus we have a new Presidential administration in place. What are the potential effects on the road building industry? What will 2017 have in store, and what challenges will the industry have to overcome?

We’ve asked a group of industry experts to give us a glimpse into what the road building sector might expect in the months ahead.

Q: WHAT IMPACT HAS THE FAST ACT HAD ON THE ROAD BUILDING INDUSTRY SO FAR, AND WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR 2017?

Dr. Alison Premo Black, senior vice president & chief economist, Deputy Director Contractors Division, American Road & Transportation Builders (ARTBA): The five-year funding levels of the FAST Act and some of the reforms are a positive market development for the road building industry. The funding levels in the bill for the federal fiscal year 2016, which ran from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016, did provide a modest increase in federal investment. However, this is likely to be felt in the market in 2017, as states obligated much of their federal dollars during the last few months of the fiscal year.

As those projects are put out to bid and work gets underway, this investment will help support the market in 2017.

Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) Board of Directors: It takes some amount of time for funds to be disbursed and the effect of that spending to work its way through the system, so in some respects, the jury is still out. According to Tracy Taylor, partner with Williams and Jensen, the FAST Act has three actions associated that will affect

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preservation, maintenance and construction activities.

The FAST Act increased federal funding for highway infrastructure by 5.1% in 2016 and will increase it 2.1% to 2.4% in fiscal years 2017-2020.

The additional funding coupled with the increased certainty and predictability that a long-term funding bill brings to agencies should result in increased agency investment in their road assets, for example, more highway spending. Additionally, agencies need certainty and predictability in order to fully implement broader asset management plans in which pavement preservation plays a critical role — a longterm funding bill provides that.

The FAST Act reauthorized the Accelerated Implementation and Deployment of Pavement Technologies Program. This program provides $12 million annually, divided equally between asphalt and concrete.

their options and be prepared to act on the potential opportunities.

Assisting the agencies as they develop their management plan in accordance with the requirements of the MAP-21 legislation will also be an opportunity to partner and further develop these important relationships.

“THE FAST ACT HAS STIMULATED A LOT OF RESURFACING WORK AS STATES DIG OUT FROM THE BACKLOG OF NEEDED HIGHWAY AND ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS THAT HAVE BUILT UP AFTER YEARS OF SHORTTERM EXTENSIONS FOR THE FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS.” — Mike Acott, NAPA The FAST Act made permanent the Every Day Counts program, which instructs the FHWA to develop market-ready innovations and best practices.

The FHWA is currently focusing on pavement preservation, having recently added the discipline to the Every Day Counts Initiative structure. The benefits of this program are more subtle but will be long term and widespread. Contractors will want to be positioned to explore

Mike Acott, president, National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA): In most markets around the country, the FAST Act has stimulated a lot of resurfacing work as states dig out from the backlog of needed highway and road improvement projects that have built up after years of short-term extensions for the federal transportation programs. The FAST Act provided a needed boost in spending in the core highway program that

typically funds ready-to-go projects, many of which have high asphalt intensities.

We had assumed a 6% growth in asphalt paving tonnages in 2016 compared to 2015 due in part to the FAST Act. That number appears to have been conservative in some cases as we are hearing from producers that tonnage is up noticeably in many markets...

A big focus for FHWA next year will be pavement preservation, which was included among the Every Day Counts EDC-4 initiatives. The agency will be looking to fast track the implementation and use of technologies and practices that can improve pavement performance and extend pavement life, and that includes Thinlay asphalt overlays.

Anirban Basu, chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group Inc., an economic and policy consulting firm in Baltimore, MD: Despite the passage of the FAST Act and its various advantages over the prior status quo, Census Bureau data indicates highway and street-related construction spending was 8.3% lower in September 2016 than in September 2015. Other public infrastructure-related categories also experienced declines, including public safety, conservation/ development and water supply.

This is consistent with the notion that the public sector

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S PECIAL REPORT

continues to face unusual financial constraints, including in the form of managing rising Medicaid expenses and shoring up underfunded pensions. The national debt is approaching $20 trillion and Medicare and Social Security are both heading for insolvency within the next two decades.

The American Society of Civil Engineers recently gave the nation’s roads a grade of “D”, a mark that is unlikely to improve meaningfully over the near term.

While the FAST Act authorizes more than $300 billion in infrastructure spending, not all of that spending is on roads.

Moreover, money is fungible, which means that some jurisdictions are likely using federal funds to help finance infrastructure, and then shifting a certain fraction of local monies that would have been spent on infrastructure to other categories, whether public safety, education or other services. The result is that total infrastructure spending is not expanding as anticipated.

Q: WHAT WERE THE FUNDING CHALLENGES STATES FACED IN 2016? HOW HAVE SOME STATES ADDRESSED THESE CHALLENGES? Sage Policy Group: With $305 billion in federal funding authorized over five years, the financial uncertainty that surrounded a growing number

of projects in various stages of development was mitigated, empowering individual state transportation leaders to move forward with projects that had been temporarily mothballed.

Theoretically, this should have produced the unleashing of a significant volume of state and local government infrastructure spending.

For example, in June 2016, the Illinois DOT announced a six-year infrastructure repair plan to renovate 501 bridges and more than 2,500 miles of roadway in the state. Illinois has also been among the nation’s slowest growing states. Project leaders intend to use $134 million annually in FAST Act funds to support these projects. That said, these monies represent a relatively small fraction of the total project cost estimated at $11.2 billion.

This perhaps represents the fundamental issue with the FAST Act. While its passage demonstrated a rare ability for Republicans and Democrats to work together to pass a key piece of legislation, it didn’t really raise the bar on federal investment in infrastructure. In fact, the rate of spending increases is roughly equivalent to inflation, implying that the FAST Act falls far short of meaningfully helping America address its large and growing infrastructure gaps.

ARTBA: Each state market is unique, and many that have passed transportation funding increases in recent years are benefiting from the additional resources. Some examples of these measures include raising the state gas tax, bond authorizations, dedicating surplus funds to transportation investment or raising other highway user fee revenues.

The ARTBA Transportation Investment Advocacy Center (TIAC) tracked over 90 bills to increase state transportation funding in 38 states during the 2016 legislative session. New Jersey lawmakers recently passed a gas tax increase, following 16 other states that have done so since 2013.

I believe there is a recognition among state and local governments that while the stability of the FAST Act is beneficial, the investment levels are not enough to drive significant real growth in the market. This means that it is up to them to provide additional resources to meet their infrastructure demands.

NAPA: States know they have to increase their investments in highways, roads and bridges.

This is especially true now that states know what their federal contribution to their respective highway construction programs will be through 2020. New Jersey is just the latest example of a state that has raised its gas tax to fund its highway construction program. More states will be dealing with this issue in the 2017 legislative session.

Q: WHAT IMPACT MIGHT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND ITS PROPOSED $1 TRILLION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PLAN HAVE ON THE INDUSTRY? Jeannine Cataldi, IHS: The implications of the election results for our U.S. construction spending forecast are positive in that infrastructure improvements have broad bipartisan support.

The magnitude of the impact is less clear at this time.

We expect our forecasts will evolve over the next several quarters. Once the Trump [administration’s] policy proposals are detailed more clearly, and the budgets are formulated, the economic drivers will be in place to more clearly view the impact on construction spending forecasts.

Sage Policy Group: The new president’s plan to spend on infrastructure may meet with

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a surprising level of approval.

There has been a developing consensus in both parties around the need for more infrastructure spending to bolster worker productivity, enhance economic efficiency and raise incomes.

Congress is convinced that stalemate and a lack of accomplishment do not inure to the benefit of popularity and re-election chances. Therefore, there will be many congressional leaders, including Paul Ryan, who will strive for greater bipartisanship than has been in evidence over the past decade. However, increases in infrastructure spending are likely to be accompanied by higher taxes on the wealthy, whether in the form of income or capital gains tax increases.

NAPA: Ultimately, no matter who is in the White House, America needs to invest more in its infrastructure, and that means we have to find a way to pay for that investment, and the power of the purse still lies with Congress. Congress must work in a bipartisan way to raise the revenue necessary to increase investments in America’s roads, highways and bridges.

“THERE HAS BEEN A DEVELOPING CONSENSUS IN BOTH [POLITICAL] PARTIES AROUND THE NEED FOR MORE INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING TO BOLSTER WORKER PRODUCTIVITY, ENHANCE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND RAISE INCOMES.” — Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group Presidential leadership will help underscore the need, but the real work must be done on Capitol Hill where the leadership of both political parties must come together and do the right thing for the country and the roads and bridges that make up its economic backbone.

NAPA will focus all of its legislative efforts on helping Congress to bridge the revenue gap and pushing for the enactment of an infrastructure bill during the first 100 days of the next Congress.

AEMA: There have been a few successful attempts to

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S P E CI AL R EP O R T

increase revenue through passage of state gasoline tax legislation. While this effort is always met with concern from lawmakers, there has not been the predicted revolt from the electorate. Assuming these successes continue, and assuming the case for a proposed increase is well made, we may see this topic trend upward in 2017.

Along with a new administration comes the prospect of changes to the many and varied regulations that affect the contractors’ ability to produce efficiently.

Monitoring the direction and degree of any changes in this regard will be high on the list of contractors, as well as other members of the community. One specific example... is in the CDL regulations that affect truck drivers responsible for moving the materials used in highway work. In many parts of the country, there is a significant shortage of drivers that are eligible to obtain a license under existing regulations.

This shortage creates a bottleneck in the operational process, ultimately resulting in less efficiency and increased costs.

Q: OVERALL, WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR ROAD BUILDING ACTIVITY IN 2017?

Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): The FAST Act provided a little more federal money to states, as well as flexibility in using it. But continuing improvements in fuel economy and a slump in heavy truck sales and mileage mean there has been little or no growth in federal and state highway tax receipts.

Highway construction spending in the first nine months of 2016 was

Image source: Rick Zettler, Z-Comm

actually slightly below the total for January through September 2015, and I don’t expect much of a pickup in 2017. The best prospects for increases are in states that have raised their own gas taxes or other funding sources, or have approved toll projects, including public/private partnerships.

“INCREASED INVESTMENT FROM STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WILL BE THE MAIN DRIVER OF ANY REAL GROWTH IN 2017 AND THE NEXT FEW YEARS.” — Dr. Alison Premo Black, ARTBA ARTBA: Although the December 2015 passage of the FAST Act law provided stability for public highway investment, the increases in the program funding levels are modest, just above anticipated project costs and inflation.

Many state DOTs did not obligate their federal funds in time for many projects to get started during the 2016 construction season. Nearly half of the FAST Act funds for FY 2016 (46%) were obligated in the last quarter of the federal fiscal year, between July and September 2016. Twenty percent of the federal funds available to the states weren’t obligated until September 2016...

Increased investment from state and local governments will be the main driver

of any real growth in 2017 and the next few years. As was the case in 2016, the market will vary significantly from state to state. With some programs growing and others facing challenges, overall activity at the national level will be fairly flat...

The ARTBA forecast [also] looks at private highway, bridge, parking lot and driveway work that is part of residential and commercial construction. Based on historical data, ARTBA estimates the private market will increase in 2017, and will continue to grow over the next five years as overall construction activity increases in those sectors.

NAPA: I would watch for further implementation of the FAST Act, and especially the two new programs that fund

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highway projects that move freight. These are bigger, more complicated projects that will start to see construction in 2017.

There was tremendous demand from states and cities for the new $800 million FASTLANE grants program to eliminate bottlenecks and improve freight movement. In addition, the states have to spend a portion of their allocated dollars on highway projects that move freight, so I expect we will see more freight-type projects in 2017.

AEMA: With some significant exceptions, like 1,000-year flooding events and a major hurricane, the weather in 2016 was exceptionally friendly. This allowed many projects to be completed or to at least gain ground related to scheduling.

Clearing the backlog may have set a high bar, but 2017 should be a productive year with opportunities slightly above those realized in 2016.

With renewed enthusiasm for dealing with required infrastructure improvements comes the prospect of a stable marketplace with increased funding. Although we all recognize the need for significant spending to address the state of our nation’s declining bridges, it is a fact that the monies required to do so often come at the expense of spending on roadways. Achieving a balance in this regard is critical.

Q: WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING THE ROAD BUILDING SECTOR IN THE YEARS AHEAD? ARTBA: Despite the passage of the FAST Act, Congress did not finish the job. They used a one-time transfer of funds to pay for the bill, meaning that the gap between the revenues coming into the Highway Trust Fund and federal surface transportation spending levels will be even greater in FY 2020, when the FAST Act expires.

Absent Congressional action to solve this issue, the industry will once again face the prospect of continuing resolutions and short-term extension for the federal program. This is important because despite all of the recent increases in state and local funding, federal investment still accounts for about half of all state department of transportation spending on highway and bridge construction, right-of-way and planning and design work.

AEMA: Even with the additional funding afforded by passage of the FAST Act, the Highway Trust Fund is facing a very serious shortfall. The sooner this issue is addressed, the better for the prospect of economic prosperity. As we continue to “kick the can down the road,” the cost of raising the relative health of our network to a given level costs more and more...

How the funding shortfall is dealt with will be a significant impact into 2017 and beyond. ET

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ROAD BUILDING >> Products Midland Machinery SPF-8 Road Widener

LeeBoy 8616B Conveyor Paver

The SPF-8 Road Widener is a foldable machine that transforms to 98.5 in. for transport without permits.

• Capable of spreading material from 1 to 8 ft. from a 3-cu.-yd. fold-up hopper by way of a movable, variable-speed, 500-tph conveyor • Quickly transforms from right- to left-hand discharge of material depending on job requirements • 74-hp John Deere engine provides the power to push a fully loaded 18-wheeler

The 20,000-lb. 8616B asphalt paver is designed with material conveyors for productivity in street and highway projects and in large commercial paving applications.

• 99-hp Kubota Tier 4 Interim diesel engine • 8- to 15-ft. Legend 816HD electric screed • 9-ton receiving hopper capacity • 12-in. AISI 4140 steel alloy cast augers with under auger cut-off gates • Features include Dual Lever Plus-1 joystick controls, high deck/low deck configuration and vandalism package

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Guntert & Zimmerman S400 Slipform Paver

Bomag Cedarapids CR652RX Remix Paver

Carlson CP75 Commercial Class Paver

The S400 entry-level single/dual-lane paver is powered by a 173-hp FPT Tier 4 Interim engine with Eco-Mode that does not require a diesel particulate filter.

• Standard telescopic range of 6.5 to 17.5 ft., or up to 24.5 ft. with optional extensions • Multipurpose tractor frame with universal bolting pattern enables easy mounting of barrier molds, offset kit hangers and attachments • AccuSteer and SmartLeg features move track and swing leg on the fly, and semiautomatically reconfigure the paver into 90°, counter-rotate and transport modes • VariWidth System and TeleEnd substantially reduce paving kit and tractor width change time

The CP75 commercial class paver features a 74-hp Cummins Tier 4 Interim engine delivering more power, improved fuel economy and high torque.

• Electrically heated EZC813 screed with an 8- to 13-ft. standard paving width or optional 8- to 15-ft. EZC815 screed • Screed-mounted controls provide an intuitive platform that keeps the controls relative to the operator • One-piece forward tilting hood and forward access panel over the hopper for easy maintenance and serviceability • Built with heavy-duty replaceable floor plates, hardened steel auger flights and a rebuildable platform

ForConstructionPros.com/12168070

ForConstructionPros.com/12087872

The Cedarapids CR652RX uses a 260hp Cummins Tier 4 Final turbocharged diesel engine to power the Remix Anti-Segregation System augers, paver functions and electric screed, as well as lights for night paving.

• 16.7-ton standard receiving hopper capacity can be expanded to 27 tons with available hopper insert • Fastach 10 or Stretch 20 diesel or electric screeds for mainline paving widths of up to 30 ft. at depths up to 12 in.

• Frame Raise System raises and lowers the rear of the paver for fine-tuning the head of material at the spreading augers • Three-Point Suspension “floats” over subbase irregularities

ForConstructionPros.com/10250906

Terex Bid-Well 3600 Paver The Bid-Well 3600 with enhanced paving carriage design can complete standardduty slab-on-grade paving jobs as well as bridge decks, and offers standard paving widths from 8 to 86 ft.

• 21-hp Kohler ECH650 fuel-injected gas engines • Paving carriage includes segmented upper and lower sections and a heavy-duty design for dual drag-pan configurations • Available with universal power crown adjuster, swing leg design for zero clearance paving, pivot leg configuration for a true vertical operating position and integrated LED lighting system • Rota-Vibe system with 11.5-in.-long roller generates up to 5,000 vpm to consolidate the top 2.5 in. of the slab

ForConstructionPros.com/12038493 CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS topconpositioning.com/MAX

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Tanguay Machinery J100B Mini-Paver & Road Widener The J100B is suitable for trenches, sidewalks, road widening and other specialized paving projects.

• Standard paving width from 16 to 48 in., with optional 60-in. attachment • 50-hp power unit • Comfortable operator seat with electronic controls for auger feed and traction • Paving speed and blade positioning controlled with a single joystick

ForConstructionPros.com/12273576

See us at CONEXPO 2017, Booth #12702 topconpositioning.com/CONEXPO

ForConstructionPros.com/10074943

24 EQU IPM ENT T OD AY | February 2017 ET0217_24-25_RoadBuildProd_BC.indd 24

ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:26 AM

ROAD BUILDING >> Products

Roadtec RP-170e Paver GOMACO Commander III Xtreme The three-track Commander III Xtreme (Commander IIIx) features the Extreme Package with rotary-sensored slew drives for steering, sensored leg positioning, independent travel circuits to each track, radius software, three-sensor radius system and repeatable mold offset.

• Provides the ability to slipform a 24-in. radius • Extreme radius software bundle for the G+ control system allows radius size to be programmed into the controller • G+ manages all aspects of traveling around the radius, including track angles and variable track speeds • Extreme turn capability combined with intelligent All-Track Steering and AllTrack Positioning

The 174-hp RP-170e rubber-tire 8-ft. highway class paver features a 6-ft. 4-in. wheelbase designed to offer greater maneuverability without sacrificing traction or pushing power.

• 10-ft. 5-in. hopper width with an 11.5ton capacity • Tight turning radius of 30 in.

• Anti-segregation design with 16-in.diameter augers that can be hydraulically raised, lowered or tilted • Dual operator stations hydraulically swing out beyond the sides of the machine • Comfort Drive operator system with fingertip controls and tilt steering wheel • Accommodates numerous screed options

ForConstructionPros.com/12287505

Volvo P7110B and P7170B Tier 4 Final Pavers

Vogele Super 2000-3i Tracked Paver The tracked Super 2000-3i highway-class paver features a basic width of 10 ft. and a maximum paving width of 28 ft., with a top placement rate of 1,540 tph.

• 250-hp Cummins QSB6.7-C250 sixcylinder, Tier 4 Final-compliant engine includes a 100-gal. fuel tank • Fuel-saving ECO mode provides a full 234 hp and generates less noise running at just 1,700 rpm • High-traction crawler tracks efficiently convert drive power into forward motion • ErgoPlus 3 operating system can be shifted easily between the right and left sides of the operator’s stand • Can be combined with the VF 600, VR 600 and AB 600 TV extending screeds

ForConstructionPros.com/12186908

ForConstructionPros.com/12279819

The tracked P7110B and wheeled P7170B offer 360° visibility, improved fuel efficiency with 12+ hours of continuous runtime and options to enhance productivity and mat quality.

• Volvo D8J, 8-liter, Tier 4 Final engine uses continuous passive regeneration and boasts a 5+% fuel efficiency improvement • Press of a button extends the two-stage, 42-in. hydraulic tunnels, allowing head of material control without bolt-on extensions • Include a range of screed options and a four-sensor material flow system • Choice of two control consoles for operation from the left or right sides • Side air vents and a slightly higher seat improve operator comfort

ForConstructionPros.com/12185798

Caterpillar AP500F/AP555F Asphalt Pavers The wheeled AP500F and AP555F with Mobil-Trac undercarriage feature advanced, easy to use control technology and quick-heating electric screeds.

• 144-metric-hp C4.4 ACERT Tier 4 Final engine with Eco-Mode setting and automatic engine speed control • AP500F available with six-wheel drive as well as a front-wheel assist or four-wheel-drive option • SE50 V (vibratory-only) screed offers a 21.3-ft. maximum paving range and the SE50 VT (vibration and tamper bar) screed provides a 26.3-ft. width • Integrated generator brings the screed to proper temperature in about 15 minutes • Touchscreen, high-visibility color displays with user-friendly options for accessing available control system technology

ForConstructionPros.com/12185721

NICE TRY

NAILED IT

Power Curber 5700-C The 5700-C includes the Smart Amp control system, which offers the simplicity of an analog system with the features of a digital system.

• Paves curb/sidewalk up to 7 ft. wide in the offset position or 10 ft. in the center pour position and barrier/parapet up to 5 ft. tall (8 ft. with optional MAX Package) • Hydraulic adjustable offset • Standard single-lane or optional dual-side pouring capability • 130-hp Cummins QSB4.5-130C turbocharged diesel engine • Three hydraulically powered crawler tracks with planetary gear reduction

ForConstructionPros.com/10084459

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ET0217_24-25_RoadBuildProd_BC.indd 25

February 2017 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 25

1/31/17 7:26 AM

R OAD B U I LD I N G By Lisa Cleaver

Full-Depth HMA Project Uses Cutting Edge Innovations The Iowa DOT and L.L. Pelling utilize infrared temperature monitoring, GPS roller mapping and E-ticketing on the Highway 100 extension.

Roller mapping was used on this project to track stationto-station pass counts and mat temperature readings for each roller in the train.

H

ighway 100 is a state highway located primarily in Cedar Rapids and Marion, IA. A project to extend the route included HMA perpetual paving of a four-mile stretch of mainline, as well as construction of HMA and PCC shoulders and longitudinal grooving of dual bridge decks. The contractor was LL Pelling, headquartered in North Liberty, IA. The full-depth perpetual asphalt was 12.5-in.-thick HMA on 15.5-in. rock subbase. This was a new section of highway, so field modifications were made to provide a strong and drainable support for the pavement.

“This project was designed to meet the predicted traffic volume,” says Greg Mulder, P.E., director of Iowa DOT’s (IDOT) Office of Construction and Materials. “Parts of the design included drainage, subgrade, subbase and pavement thickness.”

In order to help improve fatigue cracking resistance in the lower lift, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) was not allowed, says Roger Boulet, District 6 materials engineer, IDOT. “The target for lab voids was decreased to allow an increase in binder content in

26 EQUIPM ENT T ODAY | February 2017 ET0217_26-31_RoadBuildHMA_BC.indd 26

the lowest base lift,” he explains.

“The RAP percentages were submitted by the contractor and approved by the IDOT for the mix designs for the upper lifts.”

innovations. “This was a typical HMA paving project,” says Mulder. “From the continuous improvement viewpoint, however, different instrumentations were used to evaluate the potential improvement on quality, simplifying the work and providing better safety for workers.”

Infrared temperature monitoring was piloted on the project to run a correlation on the temperature and roller coverage monitored vs. the measured in-place densities of the compacted mixture, with the hope

With this new capability, Earthwave’s Materials Delivery Solution software records each truck’s load-out ticket electronically in real time, providing inspectors remote access to easy to use mapping and reporting features that allow them to focus more on quality inspection checks instead of collecting paper tickets throughout the shift.

A total of 120,000 tons of HMA was placed. “This was a unique opportunity for us,” says Joel Gryp, general manager, LL Pelling. “We were able to construct a full-depth pavement in a rural, four-lane highway setting.

IDOT predominately designs new and reconstruction pavements with PCC.”

NEW TECHNOLOGIES EQUAL CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS IDOT used the Highway 100 project to pilot several

of studying the information for a possible thermal segregation specification. “The intention is to be able to someday use technology to assist in quality assurance for the required compactive effort needed to build a quality product,” says Mulder.

Roller mapping was also used to track station-to-station pass counts and mat temperature readings for each roller in the train. “This tool will provide the information needed to compare the mapping results to actual

field cores,” says Gryp. “Ideally, it should allow the contractor to fine-tune the pass counts for optimum field densities.”

E-CONSTRUCTION ENHANCEMENTS E-ticketing is not entirely new to IDOT. The first E-ticketing pilot project was on Highway 69 near Ames, IA, in 2015. (Learn more at ForConstructionPros. com/12164619.) The pilot was successful in that it provided verification of materials being loaded from a certified plant and delivered to its intended destination.

On the Highway 100 pilot, the DOT wanted further verification of tonnage and mix type to automate contractor pay and a method for on-site inspectors to record waste and notes for auditing purposes, says Mike Schulz, business development manager with Earthwave Technologies Inc. “On the Highway 100 project, Earthwave integrated with LL Pelling’s Astec WM2000 Load-Out System out of Plant 17 in Cedar Rapids,” Schulz explains. “With this new capability, Earthwave’s Materials Delivery Solution software records each truck’s load-out ticket electronically in real time, providing inspectors remote access to easy to use mapping and reporting features that allow them to focus more on quality inspection checks instead of collecting paper tickets throughout the shift.”

Each truck has a GPS unit installed which is then tracked through a series of geozones set up at the plant site and the

ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:29 AM

Now Your New GOMACO Commander IIIx Can Pour a 24 Inch Radius

Commander IIIx

GP3 Slipform Paver

3300

C-450 Bridge Deck

Central Hall -- C30380 March 7-11, 2017

The new three-track Commander III Xtreme is unlike any other Commander ever built by GOMACO, and now has the ability to slipform a 24 inch radius! The new Xtreme Package for multi-application pavers includes rotary-sensored slew drives for steering, sensored leg positioning, independent travel circuits to each track, radius software, GOMACO’s three-sensor radius system, and repeatable mold offset. The Commander IIIx will be a part of GOMACO’s largest display of construction equipment ever taken to CONEXPO-CON/AGG. We invite you to stop by the GOMACO booth and witness the Commander IIIx and GOMACO’s complete line of concrete paving equipment.

CONCRETE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS ❘ AIRPORT RUNWAYS ❘ CURB AND GUTTER ❘ SIDEWALKS RECREATIONAL TRAILS ❘ SAFETY BARRIER ❘ BRIDGE PARAPET ❘ BRIDGE DECKS ❘ IRRIGATION CANALS GOMACO CORPORATION IN IDA GROVE, IOWA, USA ❘ 712-364-3347 ForConstructionPros.com/10073152

ET0217_26-31_RoadBuildHMA_BC.indd 27

info@gomaco.com ❘ www.gomaco.com 1/31/17 7:29 AM

R OAD B U I LD I N G

MATERIALS TRACKING SOLUTION Using Earthwave’s Materials Delivery Solution (earthwavetech.com), cycle times are tracked and analyzed by the contractor for opportunities to improve the trucking costs per ton and move materials more efficiently.

There are GPS devices installed in all trucks and pavers/mills that update in real time. Moving geozones set up around the paver capture the time the trucks unload their material.

Each time a truck is loaded at the plant, Fleetwatcher electronically records the ticket number, date, plant source, weighmaster, truck number, trucking company, project name, contractor name, tonnage, material type, phase codes and any voided tickets.

jobsite. Tracking of each load consists of the following: ˜˜ the time spent entering and exiting the plant;

˜˜ the precise time the truck was

loaded with tonnage, material type and other pertinent data specific to the project

˜˜ travel time, distance and

route from the plant to the paver and back;

˜˜ amount of wait time spent (if

any) on the jobsite and precise time the truck entered a customized georadius of the paver indicating material delivery.

“Travel and idle times are recorded in real time for every aspect of the trucks’ daily routine,” says Gryp.

BENEFITS OF E-TICKETING Gryp says there are many benefits to using the E-ticketing process, including the ability to: ˜˜ measure and report exact HMA quantities, delivered paperless;

˜˜ free up the DOT inspector

to perform quality control and inspect the job instead of time-consuming paper shuffling (HMA tickets);

˜˜ allow the paving superin-

tendent to see where every truck is located with realtime tracking and actual load weights;

˜˜ create an electronic trail every minute, which is available on the software dashboard.

“The Earthwave software is a great tool to help in trucking efficiencies as a whole and not just this project,” says Gryp.

“With multiple projects happening within a 20-mile radius, we’ve found it not only to be a cost-effective way to manage our own fleet, but it’s helped in decreasing the need to hire trucks outside of the company.”

Probably the biggest benefit of using E-ticketing is safety. “With E-ticketing, the DOT is assured the certified product is being delivered and used in the project,

without having to have an IDOT inspector verify each individual delivery truck,” says Mulder.

“The safety aspect comes from not having to have an inspector maneuver through truck traffic to collect paper tickets from each truck. This ticket taking can now take place remotely from a safe distance through the cloudbased information in the delivery system using an app on a mobile device.”

The E-ticketing process also helps save money. “Inspectors can record waste and notes for individual tickets in the field using smartphone and tablet applications and easily tabulate tonnage and mix type totals for contractor pay, cutting out days of processing time when calculated manually,” says Schulz.

“When factoring implications for lost or misplaced tickets, the efficiency gains extended to both the contractor and DOT are even greater.”

Gryp notes that IDOT had the Highway 100 project budgeted at $18 million and the bid came in at $15 million. ET

The Highway 100 project was a 12.5-in.thick full-depth perpetual HMA on 15.5-in. rock subbase.

Infrared temperature monitoring was piloted on the project to run a correlation on the temperature and roller coverage monitored vs. the measured in-place densities of the compacted mixture, with the hope of studying the information for a possible thermal segregation specification.

28 EQUIPM ENT T OD AY | February 2017 ET0217_26-31_RoadBuildHMA_BC.indd 28

ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:29 AM

“I believe in doing what you say. We’re always looking for a competitive edge, and Hitachi equipment is a big part of that for us.

They’re productive, fuel-efficient and durable.”

Ken Baty Owner, Coyote Ridge Construction LLC Loveland, CO Serviced by 4 Rivers Equipment

From the moment you first experience the efficiency, reliability and durability of a Hitachi excavator, you too will become Hitachi To The Core.

These machines can help take productivity to the next level and boost your bottom line. And help owners like Ken keep his word golden.

Come experience Hitachi To The Core at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

BOOTH #N12525 | NORTH HALL | MARCH 7-11, 2017 | LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA

HitachiConstruction.com/ConExpo2017 ForConstructionPros.com/10073288

ET0217_26-31_RoadBuildHMA_BC.indd 29

1/31/17 7:29 AM

“ The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects the wind to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

William Arthur Ward

©2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

ET0217_26-31_RoadBuildHMA_BC.indd 30

1/31/17 7:30 AM

In the last decade, technology has developed at a dizzying speed.

This has been to the benefit—and sometimes detriment—of society. It’s hard to keep pace, and the construction industry is not immune. Still, in the right hands, technology can be a good thing.

Technology can help predict your maintenance requirements, identify idle time and measure fuel usage to help you be more efficient. In the hands of a brand you trust, technology assists in future product innovation—innovation that’s grounded in solving your pain points and continually evolving to serve our ever-changing industry.

This March, the forefront of technology will be on display at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. It’s the chance to see what’s new, what’s next and what may be no more than an engineer’s pipe dream. CASE will be there demonstrating our strong conviction in real-world principles—innovation and ideas born out of necessity.

It’s an approach we call PRACTICAL INNOVATION because our machines are designed with reality in mind, providing intuitive solutions that drive productivity and efficiency in your job site. With the construction industry still in recovery mode, practical innovation is more essential than ever.

Please join us at CONEXPO-CON/AGG as we present intuitive technology for today’s real world. Because while “what’s next” is cool, “what’s now” is crucial.

Scott Harris Vice President of CASE Construction Equipment North America

Go to CaseCE.com/ConExpo to learn more and plan your show.

ForConstructionPros.com/10072356

ET0217_26-31_RoadBuildHMA_BC.indd 31

1/31/17 7:30 AM

T E CHN OLOG Y T R E N D S By Lisa Cleaver

How to Implement Mobile Technology into Your Asphalt Business F Barriere Construction offers tips on getting started.

ounded in 1949, Barriere Construction is a fourth generation, family-owned industrial, highway and civil construction, asphalt and concrete paving company.

Headquartered near New Orleans and with facilities in St. Charles Parish, Washington Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish, Barriere is also a leading asphalt producer in Louisiana. In all, it employs 500+ people, so it’s no wonder that information needs on day-today activity are a high priority.

“We strive every day to ensure our employees have the best information possible so they can make the decisions that will insure the safety of our projects, as well as maintain high quality and profitability,” says Brian Cooney, recently retired EVP - finance and administration.

“Having the ability to provide our field managers with timely, accurate and consistent data gives them the information they need to make the best informed decisions on every project every day. The data is also critical for the safety and performance of our asphalt plants, equipment fleet and other areas.”

MOBILE TECH HELPS DELIVER INFORMATION FASTER Barriere has always focused on using information to make accurate decisions. Mobile technology has merely sped up and improved accuracy of the collection and feedback of the data.

“With the improvements in mobile technology and

SOFTWARE PROGRAMS Due to the complexity and quickly evolving nature of information technology, Barriere has added resources to manage its diverse portfolio of software programs. Here are a few examples of what it uses to gather information:

»» B 2W for estimating and data capture at the jobsite including payroll, equipment, trucking, production, dispatch/scheduling, maintenance inspections (repair, preventive maintenance, scheduling) and more »» Vision Link for Caterpillar telematics »» Trimble Zonar for equipment location, hours, speed, idle time and on-road vehicle DOT compliance

32 EQUIPM ENT T ODAY | February 2017 ET0217_32-35_TechTrends_CB.indd 32

integration with software, we see the next generation of mobile technology giving us the opportunity to eliminate all paper forms and manual checklists that will help us to maintain compliance with our programs,” says Cooney.

Starting as far back as 1990, Barriere collected daily information from the field that could be readily turned in, entered and generate useful reports that matched the plan to the estimate. This information continues to assist in the planning of all of the project resources.

“Plant, trucking and equipment information has been a priority throughout Barriere’s history, and we have used many sources of information — from [associations] and trade media — to be on the cutting edge,” says Cooney. “In addition, we have always focused on partnering with software companies that understand construction, specifically unit-based construction, asphalt manufacturing, materials, trucking and equipment.

“These business partners also understood that they had to integrate with our total platform, be it estimating, safety, equipment tracking, maintenance, costing, asphalt manufacturing, etc.,” he adds.

WHERE TO START Barriere did not have a dedicated team to implement mobile technology into its processes, but it does have a part-time

»» FleetWatcher/EarthWave technologies for trucking, GPS cycle time management, real-time field information/mapping and equipment telematics/GPS including paver/MTV speed, distance, hours and location »» E-Safety for claim management »» Bird Dog for employee recruitment and application management

A Barriere Construction employee utilizes B2W Inform to complete an inspection/work request. programmer who has been with the company for over 25 years.

“This person is a great asset to our company,” says Cooney.

“He has helped set our technical vision, which is crucial.”

In recent years, Barriere has added resources for information technology (IT) and now has an active field technology committee, chaired by Heath Wahden, CFO. The company has focused on field, trucking and plant information that will improve its safety and quality and increase throughput both at the plant and on the jobsite.

Before beginning any kind of mobile technology program, Cooney suggests ensuring your information system has good infrastructure as its backbone.

“Your primary consideration at the beginning is making sure your estimating, manufacturing and operational system can

readily share information,” he says. “This is critical to the success of any mobile program.”

In addition, highly skilled IT resources that can coordinate the flow of the information is a must. “If you’re going to make information a priority, setting an expectation of zero downtime for your system is critical,” says Cooney.

Actual devices used to collect and report information at Barriere include smartphones, iPads, laptops and GPS devices. And the types of data being collected follow the construction cycle and run the gamut from estimating, scheduling/ dispatch, safety, payroll, equipment telematics and more.

(See “Types of Data Barriere Collects” on page 34 for the full list.)

Today, all foremen, survey/GPS staff, field engineers,

ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:34 AM

You may not be in the right machine.

When you buy equipment from CASE, our relationship doesn’t stop at the transaction. We start by helping you spec the right equipment for your work, but we’re also on hand after the purchase for advice on daily checks, operator environment configuration and help with planned maintenance reminders. When SiteWatch™ is on your machine, we can also anticipate your parts needs.

Think of us as your professional partner – a

HANDS-ON PROBLEM SOLVER

helping you manage your equipment. No extra charge!

Need a way to better assess your equipment performance from the office or the field? We’ve got a tool for that. Don’t have a fleet manager who knows your excavator is due for planned maintenance? That’s okay, we can help. We focus on equipment support, which allows you to focus on what matters most: your business.

In a world enamored with technology, we still value relationships.

Many of us will be at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, so stop by and say hello.

Jim Hills Owner, Hills Machinery Chairman, Dealer Advisory Board CASE Construction Equipment

Go to CaseCE.com/ConExpo to learn more and plan your show.

©2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

ForConstructionPros.com/10072356

ET0217_32-35_TechTrends_CB.indd 33

1/31/17 7:34 AM

T E CHN OLOG Y T R E N D S

TYPES OF DATA

BARRIERE COLLECTS

BCC Construction & Technology Cycle

»» Customer information Contract »» Employee applications Procurement, Completion including pre-hire Planning & •How will the data be information, web-based used, and by whom?

Pre-Bid employment information •How will you »» Pre-estimate information communicate the Competitor (take-off related) Analysis results of the ana»» Estimate details lyzed data? »» Survey and equipment •What are the Recruiting, Contract modeling benefits?

Lower Hiring, Training »» Scheduling/dispatch Performance costs?

Improved Benefits, Bid »» S afety — tool box talks, throughput? Will Evaluations the information jobsite audits/ generated be useinspections, safety alerts Safety & ful to your overall »» Payroll — hours and type Risk Analysis vision? of work •Do you have a »» Equipment use, trucking, technology leader? production •Who will implement Planning & »» Project-specific inforthe programs and conduct Scheduling mation — all information the training?

Contract detailed to the project, cost •What is the ROI? How Award code and cost type will you measure it? »» Equipment telematics — It’s also imperative to find location, hours, fuel burn; software and technology partners who share your vision and are paver/MTV speed, stops, quality control/assurall compliance and focused on the information gendistance; maintenance ance, superintendents, plant information needed to make erated, not just its collection. needs/reporting/inspections managers, logistics/trucking improvements.”

“Make sure your partners »» Trucking location map and equipment staff and projunderstand your business and — truck cycle times, truck ect managers use mobile devices SOUND ADVICE will help you achieve all of your location with plant ticket to share and supply information There may be many quesgoals,” says Cooney. “We have info, trailer location and on all the moving pieces that tions in your head if you’re very strong partners focused on payment information make up Barriere’s day-to-day getting ready to introduce or continuously improving their »» Ancillary information — operations. expand your company’s use of product. We also have a shared elimination of paper “We are also testing collecmobile technology. Cooney has vision for working together to tion of project data — safety, some simple questions for you generate not only ease of use equipment inspections, toolto get started. but actionable information for box talks — by operators and •Is there a budget? Is there our asphalt and heavy equipother field employees,” says support for this type of proment teams.”

Cooney. “Information is stragram from owners and top Barriere’s goal and focus tegic. The use, collection and management? right now is integration and access should be available to •What is your vision? Create coordination of planning those same individuals supplya five-year picture of where you and scheduling of all of its ing the information, as well as want to be. asphalt resources with seamless

information flowing to each crew tied to their paving plan.

“We have the ability, tools and business analytics to share data and information across all ‘silos’ — from estimating, daily collection of project information, plant data, field and trucking information along with equipment telematics — and only a few data points need to be analyzed,” Cooney says.

“Partnering with providers that share our vision and back it up with technology has the potential for greater rewards.”

Barriere’s future goals include integrating all components of the construction cycle in real time.

“We see reporting on a realtime basis as the next step — be it location and load information of asphalt delivery trucks, plan vs. actual information, open work orders on equipment by project on a map, or alerts requested by field management,” says Cooney. “Paper will be eliminated; all forms and information collected will be online.

Data collected will be validated, and compliance measured and graded on a real-time basis. We will be able to plan, and determine the success of those plans, more effectively.”

Cooney says the integration of mobile technology is definitely worth the effort, but he notes it’s not a one-step procedure.

“It’s not easy,” he says. “Plan on a journey — a long, continuous journey.” ET

A Barriere employee uses an iPad and B2W’s Track program to complete his daily time sheet.

34 EQU IPM ENT T OD AY | February 2017 ET0217_32-35_TechTrends_CB.indd 34

ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:34 AM

“1 was 18 when 1 first climbed into a Case.

The rest is history.”

CASE is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2017. I’ve been in the industry for 40 years and with CASE for 17 of them, which makes this my 10th CONEXPO-CON/AGG. I’m proud to be part of a rich heritage of PEOPLE WITH PASSION for practical equipment and programs that support our communities.

At this show—in addition to sharing our heritage—we’ll introduce two brand new product lines and a must-see concept machine designed for today’s real-world challenges.

CASE is also bringing together a select group of industry specialists and product experts for a free speaker series that will take place in our booth throughout the week. I’ll also be there to present our 175-year evolution of practical innovation and how we serve our industry and communities through programs like Dire States and Labor of Love.

I invite you to stop by, say hello and see why “what’s next” is cool, but “what’s now” is crucial.

Bruce Reader Regional Product Support Manager CASE Construction Equipment

Go to CaseCE.com/ConExpo to learn more and plan your show. ©2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

ForConstructionPros.com/10072356

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E AR T HM OV I N G R E V I E W

Contractor Sees I

15% to 30%

BETTER PRODUCTION with Grade Control Kuersten Construction nets large returns on finished grading projects.

Kuersten Construction is shaving up to 30% off the time spent on grading work, and saving an average of $10,000 per project by eliminating the need for staking and grade checkers.

n 1999, John Kuersten and his wife purchased a small concrete business in Rifle, CO, on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Since then, they have built Kuersten Construction into a successful civil contracting business that moves more than 1 million cu. yds. of dirt annually and employs more than 70 people at projects across Colorado and Wyoming.

Twenty percent of the company’s work comes from general contracting projects and 80% from heavy civil work.

Kuersten also operates DCP Civil (Dirt, Concrete and Pipe), a civil construction company headquartered in Berthoud, 45 miles north of Denver. DCP Civil focuses on civil and earthmoving projects, gas and oil field construction, industrial plant locations, commercial development, road and bridge projects, large-scale irrigation and mining and reclamation projects.

In 2012, the company began looking for a competitive advantage and strategies to win larger civil projects.

“At the height of the downturn, we were competing for larger civil projects and the competition kept getting cheaper and tougher. We knew we needed to find an edge,” says Kuersten. “We started by demonstrating Trimble grade control on one of our oil and gas compressor station jobs, and once we saw the benefits, it was clear that technology could make us more competitive.”

Kuersten purchased the Trimble GCS900 grade control system for several of its machines. The team now uses machine control for most medium- and large-scale grading projects. Kuersten says the technology nets the largest returns on finished grading work and projects with frequent grade breaks, since with manual grading, operators often dig through a finished surface without realizing it.

ACCURATE QUANTITY REPORTS In 2015, Kuersten was hired

by Piceance Energy to build two reservoirs for the Harrison Creek Water Impoundment project in northwestern Colorado’s Piceance Basin. The lined reservoirs store fresh water for future oil and gas drilling. The 50-acre site included extensive grade variations, slopes and swales and required moving almost 400,000 cu. yds. of dirt.

The Kuersten team worked with local Trimble dealer SITECH Rocky Mountain to equip several pieces of heavy equipment on the project, including scrapers, excavators, dozers and articulated dump trucks. Kuersten used two Caterpillar D6 dozers and two 336F excavators as primary grading machines, each equipped with GCS900 grade control

“We started by demonstrating Trimble grade control on one of our oil and gas compressor station jobs, and once we saw the benefits, it was clear that technology could make us more competitive.”

— John Kuersten units ranging from integrated GPS to systems rented from SITECH. The team deployed Trimble’s SPS985 GNSS modular receiver as a base station for GPS correction services.

The team also mounted an SPS985 GNSS modular receiver as a rover on a utility terrain vehicle, which was used to measure quantities at the Harrison Creek site. The rover and UTV collected volume data to create a baseline, which was then shared with the client’s surveyor to make sure everyone was in agreement on baseline volumes.

As the earthworks progressed, the team used the rover data and Business Center-HCE to

Kuersten used two Caterpillar D6 dozers and two 336F excavators, each equipped with Trimble GSC900 grade control units, as primary grading machines on the 400,000-cu.-yd. Harrison Creek Water Impoundment project.

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EARTHMOVING REVIEW

create quantity reports, which they included with their pay application. This quantity documentation eliminated mistakes in measuring or recording the volume of dirt moved, which helped the company get paid quicker and with less pushback.

“We’re loving the ability to create accurate quantity reports, and our clients appreciate it, too,” says Kuersten. “So far, it’s been a huge benefit. In fact, on this particular project, we had their surveyor come out and walk the job, and he couldn’t find anything more than 3/100th of a foot off design. The client’s surveyor told the owner, ‘Don’t waste your money, you don’t even need to pay a surveyor for this one.’ Customers appreciate that level of service from us.”

Kuersten figures he’s saved roughly $10,000 per project, on average, by eliminating the need for staking and grade checkers.

technology with productivity gains and ROI. In addition to tackling another water treatment facility project for Black Hills Energy, the company is bidding modeling, sub grade and blue-top prep work for one of Denver’s largest paving companies.

“We know how to be successful with machine control technology on these grading

projects, so we’re chasing as many of those as we can,” said Kuersten. “We’re also continually looking for ways to use the technology to increase the scope of work we can do, including this new subdivision project. We think demand for this type of work will continue to grow, and we know we are more competitive using technology.” ET

“We know how to be successful with machine control technology on these grading projects, so we’re chasing as many of those as we can.”

— John Kuersten

EXPERIENCE NASCAR

AT CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE

EASIER, FASTER GRADING On the Harrison Creek Water project, Kuersten excavated 400,000 cu. yds. of dirt and met design targets without pounding a single stake — all in less than three months.

“Conventional staking and grading would have taken at least 30% longer,” says Kuersten.

“With steep slopes on the reservoir project, our operators ran the mass excavators and scrapers consistently within a foot or less of grade and we eliminated the surveyor entirely, so it keeps the job flowing smoother.

We were then able to use a couple of dozers to get to finished grade without stakes or over excavation.”

Piceance Energy was extremely satisfied with the excavation and grading work provided by the Kuersten team. “These Harrison reservoirs are 8,500 ft. above sea level, so completing work in the fall was critical so the liners could be installed before winter,” says Kuersten. “The grade control technology cut 30% or more time off the schedule for us, which is a huge time savings compared to traditional methods of staking and cutting.

The owner has had nothing but good things to say, including how smooth the job went and how good it looks.”

Kuersten says he is continually looking to balance the cost of investing in construction

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P R OFI T M AT T E R S By Larry Stewart

Profitable Steps

into Lean Construction

Walbridge adds project value and slashes waste and time by building university residence hall bathrooms off site.

P

recast concrete components and prefabrication have proven keys to general contractor Walbridge’s efforts to use lean construction to counter declining U.S. labor productivity and boost job profit.

Walbridge’s experience on two recent projects — shared at the 2016 AGC IT Forum — demonstrates that smart use of precast concrete structural components can make projects faster, more efficient and more profitable, as can standardizing and prefabricating repeated processes, such as building bathrooms for a university residence hall assembly line style.

Lean construction disciplines contractors to focus on activities that add clientrecognized value, reduce

wasted time and materials and improve quality in repetitive work. “Value changes shape, form or function. If what you’re doing advances project shape, form or function, that’s the value-add that the customer is willing to pay for.

The customer doesn’t care about waste,” says Remo Mastroianni, engineering manager with Walbridge. “We have control over the waste, and it makes up 90% of our process. Our profit opportunity is in the waste.

“Building Information Modeling (BIM) and simulation can take so much waste out of the process up front,” he adds. “If we do it right the first time with technology, we’ve got a hell of a better chance of doing work without having to take things out and redo them at the end.”

BIM technology also provides contractors the tools to assemble building modules in a controlled off-site environment with accuracy that makes assembling prefabbed modules on site efficient. The improved quality, speed and timing that Walbridge has gained in prefabbing easily overcame the cost of moving modules into position on site.

BATHROOM INSTALL COMBINES MODULAR AND BIM A benchmark Walbridge building involving the use of prefabrication

included gutting a University of Michigan residence hall constructed in the 1920s. To satisfy the university’s need to put the residence hall back in service within one school year, Walbridge built 120 modular bathrooms off site.

“When these units were being constructed, the building was still being demo’d,” says Mike Haller Jr., superintendent of the Walbridge prefab shop. “They were still taking down walls, and prefabricated bathrooms were ready to be brought into the building.

“We used new stairwells to get units into position in the building,” he continues.

“BIM modeling helped us figure out if routings would work. Units were literally clearing beams by less than an inch. Some had to be shortened half an inch just to get units into position.”

The project settled some arguments against modularized construction. “We proved that by being able to limit the number of people on site, we were justifying the cost to haul [prefabbed bathrooms to the site],” says Haller. “And it made the timing for the schedule — something that you can’t put a dollar amount to.

“We saw increased production from working in a temperature-controlled building,” he adds. “The local tradesmen that built these bathrooms didn’t have to deal with working in a building with no roof on it, and we didn’t have materials getting damaged by weather.”

Walbridge set up a prefabrication facility near the residence hall site to complete the 730 bathrooms. In order to ship 106 and complete one floor of the Munger Residence Hall each month, the company built more than three per day over successive 30-day periods. Walbridge assembled modular pipe racks off site and lifted them into place with mechanical systems already installed, saving three-quarters of a day on each of 96 installations.

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PROFIT MAT TERS

Walbridge convinced the University of Michigan to allow it to assemble walls and floor for the $131 million Munger Graduate Residence Hall from more than 1,000 precast panels. Sixty were delivered each day, and panels were picked off the trailer and set directly in place on the building.

Designing the residence hall with modular bathrooms made lifting the modular components into place much easier than in Walbridge’s experience using prefabricated bathrooms remodeling a 90-year-old dorm.

Prefabbing bathrooms on a warehouse floor also advanced safety. “A lot of the work that guys normally do from ladders, or carrying materials up stairs, was done on the ground,” says Haller. “We eliminated having to hoist materials up another floor, and worry about fall protection and tie-off points.”

ADD IN PRECAST PANELS TO THE PROCESS The project’s success brought the University of Michigan back to Walbridge to construct a new residence hall. “They were very impressed with what we had shown in the previous project,” Haller comments, “and they wanted us to expand on that.

“We came up with precast panels. Even though it was the customer’s bread and butter to build steel structures with cast-inplace decks, we did the entire building structure in precast,” he explains. “We also did modular bathrooms and modular pipe racks.”

The $131 million Munger Graduate Residence Hall required more than 1,000 precast panels. Sixty were delivered each day.

“The precast was brought in from Grand Rapids, about two hours away, and none of the panels were ever laid down, because of the restrictive size of the site,” says Haller. “We staged the trucks off site. They were brought in and each piece of precast was picked right off the trailer and set in place on the building.”

Assembly discipline cut more than a month from the schedule compared to building with steel. “The tricky part was the modular bathrooms,” says Haller. “Thirty-four craft workers created 730 of them at a nearby facility.

We needed to be able to ship 106 for one floor every month. So over 30 calendar days, we were producing just over three complete bathrooms per day.

“The modular bathrooms were fully tiled, floors in place, accessories, shower curtains — everything that you could think of was in place and

completed before it left the prefab site,” Haller points out. “The only thing that was left to do was to set the toilet once it was on site.

“We set up using Henry Ford’s idea of the moving assembly line,” he notes.

“Workers never moved from station to station to station, or room to room to room. The rooms moved to them.”

Bathroom ceilings and walls were bench-built in sub-assembly areas, with all of the mechanical components in place.

“Craft workers were not getting up on ladders or scaffolding, having to worry about handing material up to one another,” says Haller. “At the end of the assembly line, all the walls would be brought to the last station. The bathroom was assembled with the ceiling hoisted up on top of the unit and all the electrical

and mechanical components inside of it.

We reduced our solder joints by 86%.

There were only five solder joints that had to be done while up on a ladder.”

SUBSTANTIAL TIME SAVINGS The new residence hall included 96 apartments designed with individual suites (sleeping rooms with private bathrooms) around a main hallway. Plumbing, fire protection, HVAC and all other mechanical systems were installed in modular pipe racks. After a pipe rack was lifted into place in the hallway, each mechanical craft could quickly come in and connect their components to the building infrastructure.

“So in each hallway — all 96 of them — we saved three-quarters of a day doing it this way,” says Haller. “With

modularization, we saved about 15% of the time compared to stick building in place with traditional methods. We could have built 106 more bathrooms, enough for an additional floor, with the material we saved just by having the suppliers cut the drywall and studs before they shipped them to us.”

When Walbridge showed the U.S. Green Building Council how much was saved in the process, it helped elevate the project from LEED Silver to LEED Gold.

“The client is very impressed,” Haller reports. “They’re talking about building more this way just because of the amount of time it saved them. They saw how much money it saved them.

“We actually modularized our prefab facility,” says Haller. “We can take it anywhere.” ET

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T R U CKS & T R A N S P O R TAT I O N By Curt Bennink

Plan for the

DRIVER SHORTAGE Crisis Ahead

An expanding transportation industry coupled with a decreasing driver base is creating the perfect storm.

S

o how exactly will a prolonged driver shortage in the line-haul trucking business impact your construction operations? At first glance, it may seem the two industries are unrelated. But the reality is that construction contractors also heavily rely on trucks to move materials, and they will be directly competing for the available driver talent.

The shortage of truck drivers increased by over 10,000 in 2016 to hit 48,000, according to the American Trucking Association (ATA). To make matters worse, the ATA estimates this shortage is on track to quadruple to 175,000 by 2024. Part of the future shortfall is due to the current age of drivers.

The average age today is 49, and new drivers coming into the industry are not keeping pace with those approaching retirement. Trucking employs a greater percentage of people over age 65 (6.1%) vs. 20 to 24 year olds (4.9%).

As the economy continues to grow and there is a greater demand to move goods, this situation will worsen exponentially.

The ATA estimates that 68.9%

of freight in the U.S. is currently moved via freeways.

In the face of this reality, attracting and holding onto truck drivers needs to be a key priority. Many line-haul fleets have already started increasing wages, but that has not yet resulted in the necessary influx of new employees. In fact, the industry faces an incredible 80+% turnover rate, with most drivers quitting in their first year.

The bright side for contractors is the turnover rate for

SPEC FOR THE OPERATOR “Anything the owner can do to spec a truck that will attract and retain drivers should be considered,” says Mike Guarino, on-highway and municipal segment manager, Western Star.

“This might mean embracing new technologies, or looking at features that make the driver’s job easier, more comfortable and more productive.”

Many of the available options make economic sense. “Driver replacement can run up to $5,000 or more,” says Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.

In the future, you may have a greater reliance on novice drivers.

“Driveability and maneuverability is key for many novice drivers, as well as features that help protect the piece of equipment that new trucks represent,” says Swihart.

One of the biggest hurdles to attracting a pool of new drivers is the ability to operate a manual transmission. Automatic and automated manual transmissions (AMTs) expand the potential driver pool and save on maintenance costs, such as clutch replacement. For experienced drivers, automatic transmissions

“In the face of this reality, attracting and holding onto truck drivers needs to be a key priority.”

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regional delivery drivers is much lower. Being able to return home every evening and spend more time at home appears to be a major competitive advantage.

But given the competitive hiring environment, you need to look at all the options to keep current drivers happy and possibly extend their careers, and to make it easier to assimilate less experienced drivers.

and AMTs can reduce driver fatigue and possibly help extend their career behind the wheel.

“We are definitely seeing more demand on AMTs and automatics year to year, both in vocational and on-highway applications,” says Swihart. “Resale is getting stronger because these transmissions are becoming more popular, as well. Less damage and less clutch replacement are huge benefits, and drivers utilizing an AMT really see that it is like they become an experienced operator right away.”

Manual transmissions require experience. “Along with worrying about shifting and missing shifts while operating and maneuvering in tight spaces, it is really all about the learning curve required to become competent at driving manual transmissions,” says Swihart. “It is also important to factor in fuel economy, even in more off-highway environments where AMTs or automatics keep the truck in low rpm situations and help get the best fuel economy possible. That’s something that even experienced drivers could learn from.”

“For an experienced driver, driving a manual transmission becomes almost second nature,” says Guarino. “When an

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TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

experienced driver drives an AMT for the first time, he or she realizes how much extra physical and mental effort driving a manual transmission really consumes. In addition to physically depressing the clutch pedal and moving the gear shifter with a manual transmission, the driver needs to be cognizant of what gear the transmission is in, and mentally prepare in advance for an upshift or downshift. There is a lot of ‘thinking’ involved in the operation of a manual transmission that contributes to mental fatigue. With an AMT, all of that goes away, allowing the driver to focus on other important needs.”

AMTs typically fall in a price range between manual and torque converter-equipped automatic transmissions. “We are definitely seeing a growth in AMTs,” says Chad Conley, director of engineering for severe service, Navistar. “AMTs provide a price point into the market that may be more beneficial than an automatic.” AMTs also help close the productivity gap between novice and experienced operators. “Automated manuals for many owners provide a quick, neat answer to help make the gap between experienced drivers and novice drivers smaller.”

But there is an upcharge vs. a manual transmission. AMTs can cost up to $3,000 to $5,000 more than a similar manual option.

For medium-duty severe service applications, Navistar still sees the torque converter automatic transmission as the most popular option. “But in our heavier duty vehicles, customers start looking for options,” says Conley. “AMTs are a good choice for them right now because they provide many of the same options that they have today in a manual transmission.”

When they first came out, there wasn’t a high demand for AMTs in the resale market.

“You can see in used truck prices where, as people get more

comfortable with the automated manuals, the residual value of units with AMTs are starting to creep up,” Conley notes.

SAFETY GAINS TRACTION Safety options are quickly gaining prominence as owners look to attract and retain drivers.

“Safety is always a priority to our customers and their drivers, and having the right features that appeal to and address their concerns is important,” says Guarino. “Drivers face a lot of different challenges on the road and on the jobsite. Features such

a major investment. “To help protect the investment, features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and advanced collision mitigation systems are becoming more popular even in construction applications where safety is paramount,” says Swihart.

“Kenworth offers a wide variety of ESC and collision mitigation systems, including Bendix and Meritor systems, as well as electronic interlocks that may help to avoid accidents from happening, such as the driver lifting dump beds while driving down the road.”

Dump trucks are supplementing traditional dial gauges with data-rich digital displays. The Kenworth T880 is one example. Centered above the tachometer and speedometer is a 5-in., high-resolution, color display — the Kenworth Driver Performance Center. Digital gauges provide general information like time and temperature but also real-time information about the truck’s operation, including oil and transmission temperatures, a sweet-spot visualization of RPM and fuel economy, engine torque, PTO status and pop-up diagnostic alerts.

One of the biggest hurdles to attracting a pool of new drivers is the ability to operate a manual transmission. Automatic and automated manual transmissions expand the potential driver pool and save on maintenance costs, such as clutch replacement. And for experienced operators, the automatic and automated manual transmissions can reduce driver fatigue and possibly help extend their driving careers. as the WABCO On-Guard and On-Lane Collision Mitigation Systems we offer with the 5700XE, as well as other safety features that are available in all Western Star trucks, can help mitigate accidents and help keep the driver, and drivers with whom they share the road, safe.”

Drivers and trucks represent

Navistar offers collision mitigation systems as standard equipment on its latest generation trucks. Over the past several years, there has been an effort to improve the safety designed into the vehicles. “Now our push is how we avoid that collision,” says Conley.

The Bendix system is

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standard equipment and customers have the option of the WABCO system. These systems are rapidly building momentum.

“Right now in the mediumduty vocational segment, the collision mitigation interest is probably higher than anything I have seen in my career and I have been around a while,” says Conley. “The interest has grown so quick and is so widespread because the fleets are really seeing the benefits of preventing an accident vs. the safety during an accident. Although both are important, preventing it is where

we want to be.”

Conley claims the working conditions are not much of a factor in the reliability of the collision mitigation systems. “Those systems work in all environments,” he states. “We do make sure that the radar in the bumper is recessed so it doesn’t take an impact. But the radar in the

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systems is very robust. With the radar system, the dust and dirt don’t really affect it.

Obviously, if you get an inch layer of mud on there you are going to have problems. For the most part, they are well designed to handle the environment off the road.”

Modern multiplex wiring systems also allow safety interlocks to be programmed, which makes it safer for both the truck and operator on the jobsite. The Diamond Logic multiplex wiring system has been central to International-branded trucks for many years.

“We continue to offer variations of technology around Diamond Logic to ensure that we can provide features and benefits for the customer,” says Conley. “When you look at the novice driver specifically, we have interlocks. Especially as we unite the truck chassis with the body, we have interlocks for simple

Standard comfort features on Western Star trucks include larger door openings with steel handles to make it safer to get in and out optimally placed mirrors and oversized windshields for maximum visibility; more space between the seat and steering wheel for comfort; and comfortable seats with ample legroom. things like making sure wheel chocks as stowed before the driver can move the truck.

If the tailgate on a box van is not shut, we have a lockout.”

Diamond Logic is customizable. “We are literally coming out with new things almost every day as we receive requests for something that we have not done,” says Conley.

Chronic back problems affect a large portion of professional truck drivers. Air ride seats, air suspension systems and better cab suspension designs can help minimize this issue. Some of the high-end options previously available to the line-haul market, such as the BOSE Ride Seat Suspension System, are slowly trickling into vocational applications in an effort to increase driver health and comfort.

“We have body builders that have specific needs to meet some of the features of their product.”

CONSIDER DRIVER COMFORT WHEN SPEC’ING

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The conversation on driver comfort has gained importance in many purchase decisions.

“When we have spec reviews when we are working over an order, we are starting to see that the comfort features are discussed as much as the features needed to handle the functionality the truck is going to perform,” says Conley. “As we talk to the fleet about their spec and the functionality of the truck for the application, now we have geared ourselves to talk about the driver. We want to make sure we help anywhere we can.”

To attract drivers, you may want to place driver comfort near the top of your priority list. “Trucks have come a long way in comfort,” Conley comments. “If you go back years ago, many trucks had spring suspensions with static seats.” It was accepted that trucks provided a rough ride. “There is a different view on that now. People want trucks that have more comfort.

They want it to drive more like an automobile.”

Chronic back problems affect a large portion of professional truck drivers. Air ride seats, air suspension systems and better cab suspension designs can help minimize this issue.

“I cannot think of a situation now where the fleet has not gone to an air ride seat and air ride suspension,” says Conley. “Navistar is heavily in the vocational air ride suspensions for the rear axles. The focus has become retaining experienced drivers in the fleet and lengthening their careers.”

Some of the high-end options previously available to the line-haul market, such as the BOSE Ride Seat Suspension System, are slowly trickling into vocational applications in an effort to increase driver health and comfort.

Conley says they now receive more questions around visibility and maneuverability, as well. If you couple enhanced visibility and ergonomics with collision mitigation systems, the trucks become less intimidating for potential drivers. “Now you are taking this big truck and allowing the novice operator to still feel safe and comfortable operating it,” he points out.

Some comfort features, such as visibility, operator ergonomics and ease of entry/ egress are built as standard into the truck.

This requires you to understand the differences available between the various makes and models. “All of our trucks are standard with features such as larger door openings with steel handles to make it safe to get in and out of the truck; optimally placed mirrors and oversized windshields for optimum visibility; more space between the seat and the steering wheel for comfort; and comfortable seats with ample legroom,” Guarino notes.

Even the dash layout and controls deserve careful attention. “The Kenworth T880 platform is the newest cab and interior to put gauges and switches ‘where drivers expect them to be,’” Swihart indicates. “This means that the switches and gauges most commonly used are closest and in the most direct line of sight for the driver, which helps to keep eyes on the road and avoid accidents.”

Entry/egress is also a consideration that can place a lot of strain on drivers, since they may be in and out of the truck several times a day. “As the diversity of your drivers continues to increase, we want to make sure that getting in and out is not just safe, but not straining on the driver,” says Guarino.

“Consider how high the driver has to lift his leg, and the position of the grab handles.”

While many of the features listed may be hard to quantify, that does not diminish their role in attracting and retaining drivers. The driver shortage should be shifting the conversation you have with your local truck supplier since the competition for drivers is only expected to intensify. ET

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T R U CKS & T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

FORD PULLS WRAPS OFF

More Intelligent 2018 F-150 F-150 pickups feature new engines and intelligent technology.

T

hree years after the introduction of the highstrength, military grade, aluminum alloy bodied Ford F-150, the 2018 F-150 arrives with new front and rear styling, advanced technologies — including available Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection — and improved engines.

The new engines include a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbo diesel and enhanced V6 and V8 gas engines. The new standard 3.3-liter V6 engine has directinjection for increased efficiency, and is expected to offer the same 282 hp and 253 lbs.-ft. of torque as the previous model’s standard 3.5-liter V6.

A second-generation 2.7liter EcoBoost engine features advanced dual port and direct injection technology, reduced internal friction and improved robustness for improved levels of output, efficiency, quality and durability. Like the 3.5liter EcoBoost, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost will be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission for 2018.

The 5.0-liter V8 also sees improvements in 2018, as the naturally aspirated engine features significant upgrades for increased power and torque. It is also paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission for the first time.

In addition, the 2018 F-150

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adds an available all-new 3.0liter Power Stroke diesel engine, designed, engineered and tested in-house and paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

It’s the first diesel engine offered for the F-150.

In addition to the 10-speed automatic, the Ford F-150 is now the first full-size pickup truck to add automatic start/stop as standard equipment across all models and engines.

modem for a Wi-Fi hot spot lets customers connect up to 10 mobile devices at one time, virtually anywhere.

˜˜ B&O PLAY available audio

system takes advantage of high-end speakers, sound and tuning to deliver a richer, more engaging listening experience.

EVEN SMARTER The Ford F-150 advances the lightduty pickup truck segment once again with segment-first technologies that improve productivity, efficiency and driver confidence, while keeping occupants connected to the world around them. Such technologies include: ˜˜ Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality allows drivers to set a cruising speed. They then use radar and camera technology to monitor traffic ahead to maintain a set distance between vehicles — even following a vehicle down to a complete stop.

˜˜ Available Pre-Collision Assist

with Pedestrian Detection helps the driver avoid or mitigate collisions with vehicles and pedestrians.

˜˜ Available embedded 4G LTE

These technologies join existing segment-exclusive driver assist and convenience features that include: ˜˜ Available SYNC and SYNC 3 with FordPass enables compatibility of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus mobility services

˜˜ Available 360° camera tech-

nology helps improve driver confidence when parking and can help reduce stress when connecting a trailer — allowing customers to see more so they can focus on specific tasks such as lining up a hitch

˜˜ Available lane-keeping system is designed to help reduce unintentional drifting of the

vehicle outside the intended lane.

˜˜ Available Blind Spot

Information System (BLIS) with trailer tow technology is optimized for the F-150 to include the length of a trailer up to 33 ft. BLIS uses radar sensors in the tail lamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver.

From XL to the top-of-theline Limited, all Ford F-150 models receive new grilles, headlamps and bumpers that create a visually wider and more planted stance and maximum differentiation between the series.

On the Sport Package-equipped Lariat F-150, the signature twin bars are painted body color. The F-150 also features six all-new wheel designs ranging from 17 to 22 in.

A new sculpted tailgate with deeper accent form and stamped “F-150” are flanked by new tail lamp designs. For further style differentiation, a tailgate applique adds a horizontal element to King Ranch, Platinum and Limited versions.

The new 2018 F-150 goes on sale this fall. It will be built at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, MI, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, MO. ET

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At KOBELCO, we’ll always be one step ahead. That’s why we’ve added new machines to our lineup, found new ways to get even more power and efficiency out of existing machines, expanded our dealer network and started building machines right here in the U.S.A. Visit us at CONEXPO and see what sets us apart – like our latest Generation 10 machines, along with a hybrid, demolition, long reach and other specialty excavators. Plus, our new KOBELCO app is ready for you to compare us directly with the competitors – without the need to walk the halls.

VISIT US AT CONEXPO NORTH HALL BOOTH N 10002

KobelcoConExpo.com

ForConstructionPros.com/10076018

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION >> Products Chevrolet 2017 Silverado HD Alaskan

Ram Heavy Duty Pickups The available 6.7L diesel engine offered in the 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups delivers 383 hp and 900 lbs.-ft. of torque.

• 16-bolt rear-axle ring gear with the 11.8in. axle boosts the 3500’s towing capacity to 31,210 lbs.

• Standard 5.7L HEMI V8 delivers 383 hp at 5,600 rpm and 400 lbs.-ft. of torque • Available 6.4L HEMI V8 generates 410 hp at 5,600 rpm and 429 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, enabling a payload of 7,390 lbs.

• 2500 can tow 17,980 lbs. and comes with a standard 5.7L HEMI V8 with 383 hp at 5,600 rpm and 400 lbs.-ft. of torque, a 6.4L HEMI with 429 lbs.-ft. of torque or a 6.7L Cummins diesel

ForConstructionPros.com/12085864

GMC Canyon Pickup The Canyon offers a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine with a maximum trailering rating of 7,700 lbs.

• Standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at up to 27 mpg on the highway • Available 3.6-liter V6 offers up to 1,590 lbs. of payload and up to a 7,000-lb. maximum trailering rating • Eaton six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission • Offered in 6-ft. 2-in. extended cab or 5-ft. 2-in./6-ft. 2-in. crew cab in Base, SLE and SLT trim levels • Phone integration technology connects a smartphone with applications such as navigation, hands-free text messaging, entertainment and news via the IntelliLink system display screen

ForConstructionPros.com/12154920

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The Alaskan Edition offered on 2017 Silverado HD Work Truck and LT models includes an available snowplow prep package with leveling kit to ensure an even stance for the truck when the plow is attached.

• 18-in. wheels with max-traction DuraTrac tires, smoked amber roof marker lights, a sprayon bedliner and distinctive graphics • Includes a power feed for auxiliary lights, 220-amp alternator, underbody shield, heavy-duty front springs and more • Rubberized floor covering makes it easier to remove snow and ice

ForConstructionPros.com/12287279

Kenworth T880 Set-forward Axle Model The set-forward front axle configuration of the T880 vocational truck is available with a 114-in. BBC and 28-in. bumper setting to meet Federal Bridge Formula specs.

• Also offered with 29.5- and 31.5-in. bumper settings • Can be spec’d with the mixer tapered (114-in. BBC), dump tapered (115.5-in.

BBC) or straight box bumpers (117.5-in.

BBC) in various finishes and materials • Set-forward front axles range from 14,600- to 22,800-lb. ratings • Single, tandem or tridem drive axles and a variety of factory-installed lift axles available

American Eagle Heavy-duty Aluminum Drawers This line of heavy-duty aluminum drawer systems offers weight savings up to 41% compared to its steel counterpart.

• Feature 500-lb.-capacity rated slides that will hold up to daily use and will support heavy tools and other parts and equipment • Individual locking drawers include a single-handed T-Handle, powder-coated drawer fronts and non-slip liner • Drawers come with dividers, a telescoping top shelf, 2 1/2-in. riser built in and concealed latching hardware • Engineered and custom-made to fit the user’s work truck specifications

ForConstructionPros.com/12258939

ForConstructionPros.com/12183020

International HX Series Vocational Trucks

Freightliner Medium- and Severe-duty Truck Options

The HX Series Class 8 premium vocational trucks include four models with either a set-back or set-forward, short or long hood configuration and powered by Cummins ISX15 or Navistar N13 engines.

• Huck-bolted frame and crossmembers provide optimal clamping force to minimize vibration and maximize structural integrity • 40° wheel cut on both right and left turns allows for improved maneuverability • Feature a dedicated lightweight aluminum cab, DriverFirst Cab Air Suspension with 52-in. springs and available 12.5” x 0.5” single frame rail that delivers 3.5 million RBM • Slope hoods and dual steering gears allow for optimal maneuverability and visibility

ForConstructionPros.com/12033838

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ForConstructionPros.com/11004983

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Several options contribute to the durability and performance of Freightliner medium duty (M2) and severe duty (SD) truck models.

• Hood Mounted Mirrors for the 108SD and 114SD in heated or non-heated versions and with a tripod-style base • Rock guard for the 108SD and 114SD • Remote start/stop for the M2 106, M2 112, 108SD and 114SD with manual transmissions • Watson & Chalin lift axle suspensions for use with single tires available on all SD models • Hendrickson AeroClad 12-in. Logger Style Bumper for the 122SD consists of lightweight chrome with cutouts for a center tow, driving lights and fog lights

ForConstructionPros.com

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION >> Products

Talbert 55CC Lowbed Trailer

Mack Granite for Concrete Mixer Applications The lighter weight Granite model for concrete mixer applications includes the 2017 Mack MP7 11L engine and the mDRIVE HD 14-speed automated manual transmission with creeper gears.

• MP7 delivers 425 hp and 1,560 lbs.-ft. of torque, yet is about 51 lbs. lighter • Integrated mDRIVE HD 14-speed transmission allows seamless communication with components to keep the truck in the right gear • Standard ClearTech One single-package exhaust aftertreatment frees up frame rail space and reduces weight by about 17 lbs.

• BodyLink III bodybuilder connector simplifies body installation and facilitates communication to the truck ECU

Towmaster Deck-over Air-tilt Trailers These deck-over air-tilt trailers offer easy loading by tilting the bed using air from the tow vehicle’s system.

• Angled beavertail and ramps for low loading angle • Ramps can be manual or air-operated • Dual-point, single-lever twin-latch system to secure deck to frame • 34-in. deck height (empty) and 8-ft. 6-in. deck width • Dual air bag design

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ForConstructionPros.com/12263201

XL 80 Power Tail Trailer The XL 80 Power Tail trailer features a hydraulic fold-under flip tail ramp for quick loading and unloading of hard to load equipment.

• Comes in 48- or 53-ft. lengths and ratings of 80,000 lbs. overall and 50,000 lbs. concentrated in 10 ft.

• 10° load angle and hydraulic fold-under flip tail ramp allow for quick loading and unloading of equipment • 25,000-lb. tail lifting capacity for loads centered on the main platform • 18,000-lb. hydraulic winch with twofunction wireless remote and air kick-out • Includes raised Apitong and 1/4-in. selfcleaning star traction decking, D-ring stake pockets, chain slots and work light

The 55CC close-coupled lowbed trailer features an 8-in. loaded deck height and 6-in. ground clearance for easy navigation of oversized loads under bridges and through tunnels.

• 26-ft. deck can haul 55 tons in 13 ft.

• Rear deck and bridge section feature a wide bucket well arrangement • Four-cylinder removable hydraulic gooseneck • Includes connections for a closecoupled, pin-on fourth axle

ForConstructionPros.com/12247923

Rock Line Airtow Drop-deck Enclosed Trailers The Airtow drop-deck trailers feature an enclosure made with galvanized Z-bars, heavyduty siding and cam-lock doors.

• Extra wide 3/16-in. steel deck remains level as it raises and lowers hydraulically in less than 15 seconds • Fully automatic self-adjusting air suspension with Air-float swingarm axles that pivot on extralarge tapered roller bearings and ride on Firestone air bags • Suspension system adjusts to match weight being carried and compensates for side to side weight differences

ForConstructionPros.com/12239296

Felling 8-ft. Air Ramps These air ramp options now include an 8-ft. air ramp to accommodate the load angle necessary to load low clearance equipment with a gentler more gradual incline.

• 13° and 11° load angle • Option of air ride suspension when air is dropped • Offered on deck-over low profile tags and semi trailers • Two Firestone air bags and two cushion cylinders • Requires 120 psi • Ramps available with wood inlaid and self-cleaning 5” x 3” angle iron

ForConstructionPros.com/12264555

ForConstructionPros.com/12247950

Crysteel Paradox and Raptor Series Dump Bodies The Paradox and Raptor series of Class 8 dump bodies are made from hi-tensile steels and come in standard and heavyduty models.

• Paradox and heavier duty Paradox RoxBox feature a square body style, while the Raptor and heavier duty RipRaptor are elliptical • Available in body sizes from 14 ft. to 21 ft. 6 in. and capacities from 13 to 26.9 yds.

Minimizer Trailer Slick Plate The Trailer Slick Plate is a selflubricating polymer plate that attaches to a trailer’s upper coupler, allowing for easier maintenance, no need for grease and fewer issues with coupling tractors and trailers.

• Reduces wear and tear on the truck’s fifth wheel, as well as the trailer’s upper coupler • Provides easier trailer handling for drivers and increases steer tire life

ForConstructionPros.com/12293591

ForConstructionPros.com/12209093 ForConstructionPros.com/12115151

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T R U CKS & T R A N S P O R TAT I O N Products East Mfg. Hendrickson MAXX22T Brake Package Option

BKT SR45 Plus Radial Tire for Haul Trucks

The Hendrickson MAXX22T Trailer Air Disc Brake with lightweight Dura-Light Hub is now the preferred air disc brake package option on all East trailers.

• Averages 20 lbs. per axle lighter than MAXX22T with ductile iron hub • Compact, lightweight monoblock caliper uses the WABCO single piston with a sealed and protected guide system • Includes the HXL5 Hendrickson Extended-Life wheel-end system • Corrosion-resistant lightweight cast rotor • Bolt-on dust shield design • Easy change-out of disc brake pads

The SR45 plus is designed for rigid body haul trucks to deliver optimal traction on soft and muddy terrain.

• All-steel casing and belts provide a significant level of protection against shock, fatigue and rock penetration • Greater shock absorption • Robust square shoulder design pushes loose stones aside to protect the sidewall from cuts and damage • Wide grooves and open tread shoulder for greater selfcleaning capability • Available in cut-resistant, heat-resistant and standard specifications

ForConstructionPros.com/12293570

ForConstructionPros.com/12293031

SEARCH u SORT u FILTER u DOWNLOAD! Screen shot of Spec Guide home page (The screen shot may already have the first paragraph and spec criteria list. If so, don’t repeat it.)

SEARCH ‒ SORT ‒ FILTER ‒ DOWNLOAD! From Equipment Today Industry’s first interactive Excavator Spec Guide Equipment Today has launched the industry’s first online, interactive Excavator Spec Guide, custom-built for construction professionals.

The Excavator Spec Guide is sponsored by: LOGOS HERE Search for excavators based on multiple criteria, including: • Horsepower • Operating weight • Standard bucket size • Breakout force • Maximum dig depth • Maximum reach If you need an excavator, this is the tool to help you make the RIGHT CHOICE. SPONSORED BY: ForConstructionPros.com/Spec Guide

INDUSTRY’S FIRST u Interactive Excavator Spec Guide

Peterbilt Bendix Wingman Fusion Option Peterbilt Models 579 and 567 are available with the Bendix Wingman Fusion advanced driver assistance safety system.

• Uses input from radar, video, multiple sensors and the braking system to create a detailed in-cab picture of the external operating environment • Stationary Vehicle Braking detects large, stationary, metallic objects in the same lane and brakes automatically if needed • Lane Departure alerts when an unintended lane change is detected • Enhanced Collision Mitigation provides faster analysis and reaction to conditions • Includes Exceeding Posted Speed Limit Alert and Action, Following Distance Alert and the ability to prioritize alerts

ForConstructionPros.com/12293612

Equipment Today has launched the industry’s first online, interactive Excavator Spec Guide, custom-built for construction professionals.

Search for excavators based on multiple criteria, including: Horsepower | Operating weight | Standard bucket size Breakout force | Maximum dig depth | Maximum reach

If you need an excavator, this is the tool to help you make the RIGHT CHOICE.

ForConstructionPros.com/SpecGuide/Excavator 48 EQUIPM ENT T ODAY | February 2017 ET0217_46-49_TruckProd_BC.indd 48

Volvo A45G Articulated Hauler The 45-ton-capacity A45G incorporates increased payload capacities, onboard weighing, dynamic drive and other standard features to improve productivity and safety while reducing cost per ton.

• 469-hp Volvo D16 16-liter, Tier 4 Final engine with Economizer feature • Dynamic Drive automatically detects when to choose a higher starting gear or when to shift up earlier • Dynamic Volvo Engine Brake system dynamically adjusts torque and shift points against the current load, inclination and rolling resistance • Standard fully automatic on-board weighing with three load indicator lights • Hill Assist automatically activates on steep slopes • Dump Support System allows operator to set allowable parameters for safe dumping

ForConstructionPros.com/12293919

ForConstructionPros.com

1/31/17 7:51 AM

DESIGNED FOR EVERY DIMENSION

CONEXPO 2017 Booth G3946 & Tech Pavilion

REDEFINING THE ACCESS INDUSTRY The worksite of the future calls for smarter machines, safer working conditions, advanced training and greater availability of parts. But it doesn’t stop there. We’re creating connected technology you’ve never seen before that will propel the access industry into the future.

Experience the possibilities at CONEXPO 2017.

Preview the event at www.jlg.com/en/every-dimension ForConstructionPros.com/10073474

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L I F T E QU I P M E N T By Kim Berndtson

How to Select Lifts for CHALLENGING Sites When spaces are tight and obstacles/obstructions plentiful, choosing the right boom or scissor lift can make the job easier.

E

ach job has its own unique set of challenges. For those requiring the use of an aerial lift, job tasks can be made even more difficult when working in tight spaces and around obstacles and/or obstructions if the correct lift is not selected.

These constraints often abound in indoor applications, which can be riddled with doorways to pass through and narrow aisleways and objects to maneuver around. In some situations, there may even be stairs to climb and elevators to ride. Outdoor applications can be equally challenging, with narrow lot lines, overhead electrical hazards and even traffic and pedestrians.

Fortunately, today’s market offers a variety of machines to address many different workplace needs, says Tony Groat, North American manager, International Powered Access Federation.

For example, the up-and-over clearance provided by an articulating boom lift aids in clearing various obstacles, says Corey Connolly, product manager, Skyjack. “For jobsites that may restrict floor loads, most scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts would be ideally suited since they combine low floor loading pressure with tight, compact dimensions,” he says.

Adam Hailey, Genie director of product management, Terex AWP, agrees, offering that scissor lifts can be cost-effective workhorses for compact or high-capacity, vertical-only access. “But there are many jobs where these high-productivity machines just cannot get to,” he says. “Whether you are going up and over or under machinery

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or structures that require the use of an articulated boom, or getting in tight to a work area that requires a narrow chassis, or reaching over large gaps that mandate the capabilities of a telescopic boom, there is an ideal aerial for nearly any job.”

To ensure you have the right lift for a particular application, Groat recommends first conducting a risk assessment that clearly identifies the task, including its location and timing. “Be sure to consider constraints of the work site, ground conditions, site access and proximity to the public or other workers,” he says. “Identify any risks associated with the task specific to the MEWP (mobile elevating work platform), such as the location where the work is to be carried out, the nature of the MEWP or the personnel, materials and equipment to be carried.”

Groat also stresses the importance of selecting a machine that fulfills all job criteria. “There are numerous manufacturers, models and options that may offer more effective and safe operations depending on the situation

and availability of choices,” he says. “But regardless of availability, never select a machine that does not meet all of the objectives identified through the risk assessment.”

EVALUATE INDOOR APPLICATIONS When evaluating aerial lifts for indoor use, consider access to the work site first, advises Paul Kreutzwiser, global category director for aerial work platforms, JLG Industries, Inc. “Measure the dimensions of doorways and aisles,” he advises.

“Check for overhead obstructions that have to be negotiated under.”

Groat agrees, adding that many times the actual jobsite is not the most limiting factor to machine selection. “Gaining access [to the jobsite] is a significant issue,” he says. For example, a task may require a machine that can reach to lofty heights, but consider its stowed dimensions to ensure it can fit through doorways and turn corners on its way to the work area. “Often, it’s ‘how do I get to a jobsite’ vs. ‘how do I work when I get there.’”

Connolly notes that Skyjack’s newest electric model, the SJ30 ARJE, is well suited for various indoor applications. “Its narrow frame and low stowed height allow it to pass through a 48-in. double door, and also navigate through tight aisleways,” he says.

“Its compact dimensions and rotating jib also make navigating a tight turning radius much easier.”

The next consideration is to evaluate working heights, says Kreutzwiser. “How high do you need to reach?” he asks.

Also assess load limitations and flooring surfaces the machine will be driving over.

“Make sure the surface can support the weight of the machine without causing damage,” says Groat. “Some of these machines are very heavy.”

For example, while self-propelled machines may not require outriggers, they tend to weigh a lot, Groat points out. And a narrow machine that can reach high needs weight to support that ability. As such, they can crack tiles and, more catastrophically, cause a floor to collapse. “While you may be able to physically get

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For outdoor applications, it’s important to consider the ground conditions the lift may encounter, keeping in mind that conditions may change as the project progresses. to charging capabilities,” he continues.

Groat warns that some slab machines have zero wind speed ratings and should never be used outdoors exposed to wind loads.

If the machine will need to navigate over various types of rough terrain, a scissor or boom lift designed specifically for handling these types of ground conditions will be needed, says Connolly.

It’s important to remember that even though a machine may be designed to handle rough terrain, it isn’t necessarily designed to work in challenging conditions. “A lot of people don’t make that connection,” Groat says. “A machine may have extra features that allow it to be driven

into a space, be careful to not cause damage along the way, or tip over,” he cautions.

If sensitive floors need to be crossed, a compact crawler with low ground bearing pressure might be an option, says Kreutzwiser. “These machines are typically more expensive than other types of aerials,” he acknowledges, “but they also do things other aerials cannot do — for instance, travel over very sensitive floors, through narrow doorways and aisles (depending on the model) and up ramps and over stairways. They can also level themselves on uneven surfaces.”

Fuel sources must also be addressed when working indoors.

Battery power is typically the optimal power source for confined space work, says Groat.

“However, the jobsite may or may not have power available to charge electric machines,” says Hailey. “Therefore, you may need an LPG or hybrid power source.”

“If liquid propane is permitted, that opens up the possibility of bringing in machines with dual fuel power,” adds Kreutzwiser.

Compact crawlers offer low ground bearing pressure that makes them suited for use on soft terrain and sensitive floors. Retractable outriggers also permit passage through narrow doorways or gates.

OUTDOOR JOBSITE CONSIDERATIONS Many of the same factors that influence machine selection indoors also apply to exterior jobsites, with the added consideration of more diverse ground conditions.

If the machine is going to be operated only on a flat, slab-type surface, you may look to a lift similar to those used for indoor applications, says Connolly. “If a smaller, electric boom, scissor or mast unit is being considered, the contractor will need to factor in any restrictions that may be caused by wind limitations on the machine, or any limitations

over rough terrain to get to the work place; but when it is in an elevated position, it needs to be on a hard, level surface.”

Also, consider that ground conditions will likely change over the course of a job. “The beginning of a job may be on untouched ground, but then you go in and dig and trench, adding conduit, pipes, etc.,” says Groat. “It isn’t the same compact ground it once was when you started the work.”

There are a few considerations that can make a difference in machine selection during the early stages of jobsite

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development. “When selecting a machine for outdoor applications, two approaches will help you narrow down the features that will determine the machine best suited for the job,” says Hailey. The first approach is related to the ground. He advises that you ask: ˜˜ Has the jobsite been improved, or is there significant variation in terrain that will require a rough-terrain machine?

˜˜ Is there sufficient space

to directly approach the work site, or will a larger machine be required to avoid obstacles?

“Asking these questions will help determine the driving and positioning capabilities of the machine,” he says, “coupled with the second approach — working in the air — to hone in on a solution.”

Once the machine is positioned, Hailey suggests asking how the platform will reach the working area. “Direct access vertically could provide a range of cost-effective scissors,” he indicates. “They are compact, maneuverable and highly productive. However, once you throw obstacles into the mix, the capabilities of either articulated or telescopic booms may be required. The versatile platform positioning power of articulated booms means they can weave their way into many hard to reach areas, while telescopic booms are notably strong in higher capacity or further reaching applications.”

Connolly agrees, adding that if a job requires that a machine only needs to go straight up, a rough-terrain scissor lift or telescopic boom lift may be sufficient. “But if it needs to reach up and over an obstacle, a contractor will likely look for an articulated boom,” he says.

“When considering jobsite obstacles outside, the contractor will not only need to consider obstacles that impact driving, but also lifting/raising the machine.”

Compact crawler booms can work well in tight spaces as well outside as inside. “Operating outside, if on grass or other soft terrain, the low ground bearing pressure of the crawler tracks minimizes damage to the ground surface,” Kreutzwiser points out.

“Some models have tracks that can be extended for better stability when traveling, then retracted for a narrower profile to permit

IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT EVEN THOUGH A MACHINE MAY BE DESIGNED TO HANDLE ROUGH TERRAIN, IT ISN’T NECESSARILY DESIGNED TO WORK IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS.

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L I F T E QU I P M E N T Scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts combine low floor loading pressure with tight, compact dimensions, making them well suited for jobsites that restrict floor loads. traveling through narrow passageways or gates.”

Many boom lifts are also available with smaller two- or one-person platforms so the platform can be positioned into tighter openings or into a narrow space between structures, Kreutzwiser continues. Many AWP models — including JLG’s Jib Plus models — are also equipped with a jib that pivots vertically and horizontally, which enables the platform to be positioned up and over, up and under and even out and behind structures.

ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY AND SAFETY Features, options and technologies have been added to aerial lifts that maintain lift capacity while offering greater flexibility and safety for working in tight spaces and around obstacles.

Several potential hazards, including crushing and fall hazards, can be addressed partially with equipment design, notes Groat, as well as identified and mitigated through risk assessments and training. “The potential of hitting an overhead object creates a crushing hazard,” he states. “Secondary guarding is now generally available on most new boomtype lifts and is optional equipment for existing equipment. Scissor lifts are starting to offer secondary guarding options, as well. Ultrasonic sensors that can identify obstacles to prevent incidents are also new.”

Articulated booms, extension decks and other features can prevent overreaching and falling hazards, and the use of exterior fall protection anchorages can help to ensure safety when exiting

an elevated work platform.

Contractors can find different lifting and extending mechanisms, such as rotating and extending jibs, on certain Skyjack models, notes Connolly. Multiple steering modes and chassis types/ axle extensions for operating and transporting in confined spaces are also available.

Kreutzwiser offers that various controls can provide the ability to slowly and smoothly operate all functions, with the awareness of nearby structures, when positioning a platform in or around tight spaces. “JLG boom controls may be easily operated whether using the proportional joysticks for drive, boom lift or turntable swing, or by using the variable speed dial to control the speed of the toggle switch functions like telescope, jib, etc.,” he says.

Platform load weighing, or load sensing, is also making its way to North American markets. The technology has been available throughout Europe, Australia and parts of Asia for over a decade.

“It is being employed in markets around the world, but will soon be seen for the first time here in 2017/2018,” Hailey says. “While the concept is not new, some of the solutions to the

standards requirements will be. By utilizing accurate and robust load weighing systems with full integration into the operation of the machine, we will be able to get more capacity and a larger range of motion without impeding the work our end users are trying to do. These systems can be seamlessly integrated into the operation of the machine and will only actively alert the operator when an operating parameter is exceeded, minimizing nuisance and the potential to inhibit productivity.”

PRECAUTIONS TO PROMOTE SAFETY There are certain precautions contractors should take to further minimize challenges and/or reduce the risks of operating in tight conditions and around obstacles, both indoors and outdoors.

“The first step to executing safe and

productive work is to plan!” says Hailey.

“Make sure there is familiarity and understanding of the work that needs to be done, who is going to do it and what materials and equipment are involved.”

Before any job starts, the operator should understand the work area conditions, be trained and familiarized with the equipment and be aware of any risks.

“Even as aerials become more and more sophisticated, the onus is on the operator to properly assess the working area and avoid unnecessary risks,” Hailey emphasizes.

“Familiarize yourself with the specific machine you are operating, and identify not only how the machine operates, but also know its capabilities and limitations,” Connolly adds.

“Operators should take full advantage of operator training that is provided by the manufacturer’s training center, the rental house or whomever provided the aerial work platform,” Kreutzwiser advises. “In addition, before operating in tight quarters or congested jobsite conditions, any operator must practice operating the controls on the machine he/she will be using until he/she is confident and competent with the product.”

Aerial work platforms are the safest means to access temporary work at height, Groat asserts, providing a risk assessment is performed, the correct machine is selected for the task, the machine is operated by a trained and familiarized operator and the work is supervised and monitored for compliance to the standards and requirements of the manufacturer.

“I would be remiss if I did not state that any operation must be under the supervision of a qualified person and operation of the aerial work platform performed by personnel trained and familiarized according to the requirements of the ANSI A92 standards,” he states. He notes that new ANSI A92 standards will be published in early 2017 that will require supervisor training and clear requirements for operator training. ET

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LIFT EQUIPMENT >> Products Gehl DL12-55 Telescopic Handler

Custom Equipment Hy-Brid HB-1430 The Hy-Brid HB-1430 lowlevel scissor lift features low wheel loads, allowing the user to maneuver the lift over delicate floors and onto green concrete sooner.

• Dual front wheels help distribute the machine’s weight • Working heights up to 20 ft.

• 25-in. wide by 60-in. long platform with 30-in. slide-out extensions • Accommodates two people and holds up to 670 lbs.

• Self-contained hydraulic system with two connection points • Electrical drive and steering system powered by two 12-volt deep-cycle batteries with onboard battery charger

Haulotte HT85 Boom Lift The HT85 features a working height of 85 ft. and maximum outreach of nearly 78 ft. 2 in. and offers a 500/770-lb. dual load capacity as an option.

• Features an oscillating axle, hydraulic differential wheel lock, high ground clearance and gradeability up to 45% • ACTIV’Shield Bar 2.0 secondary guarding system shields users from crushing risk • ACTIV’Lighting System-Safe Load illuminates controls and the area around the boom • STOP Emission System automatically stops and restarts the engine to reduce use by up to 20% • ACTIV’Screen onboard diagnostic system and universal telematics connector

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Bloom LS80K Lift-Safe Planetary Winch The LS80K Lift-Safe planetary winch features a Duet-Safe double-action braking system that combines a hydraulic brake with a braking valve.

• Automatically hold loads when hydraulic pressure is released and controls speeds during lowering operations • 65,000-lb. lifting capacity • Modular, customizable design • All-steel construction of the gear support, end housing and winch drum • 5 1/8-in.-diameter heat-treated alloy steel drum shaft

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The DL12-55 can lift 12,000 lbs. to above 20 ft., and 5,500 lbs. to its maximum height of 55 ft. 5 in.

• Top-mounted boom-extension cylinder offers better retraction force with a horizontal boom • Maximum forward reach of 40 ft. 9 in. with a maximum capacity of 2,000 lbs.

• 115-hp John Deere 4045 Tier 4 Interim diesel engine and Dana four-speed powershift transmission • Standard auxiliary hydraulics • Standard outriggers

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Wacker Neuson TH522 Ground-engaging Telehandler

Stellar 3315 and 4421 Telescopic Cranes The Models 3315 and 4421 telescopic cranes offer maximum lifting capacities of 3,200 and 4,000 lbs.

• Feature -8° to +80° boom articulation, a quick-release snatch block stow hook and internal cylinder extension system • Electric, on/off or proportional versions come standard with the CDT (Crane Dynamics Technology) system • Colored LED lights and pulsating vibrations transmitted through the handheld remote handle alert operator when approaching maximum capacity • Available Boost Mode allows operation at 118% of normal operating capacity for a short period at maximum capacity • Able to function in safety mode when a safety feature is damaged or malfunctions

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The TH522 can operate like a wheel loader to dig and carry, a skid steer capable of using a multitude of attachments and a telehandler with a 16-ft. 7-in. lift height and 4,100-lb. operating capacity.

• Vertical Loading System (VLS) offers a choice between bucket mode and fork mode • 60-hp Perkins Tier 4 Final turbocharged engine • Standard top travel speed of 19 mph and auxiliary hydraulic flow of 18 gpm • Standard universal attachment plate and faster quick-connect hydraulic connection block • Spacious cab system with automotivestyle HVAC system, wheel loader-style joystick, differential lock and third-circuit auxiliary hydraulic controls

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LIFT EQUIPMENT >> Products

JLG 1500AJP Articulated Boom Lift The 1500AJP has an up-and-over height of 60 ft., a working outreach of 77 ft. and a platform capacity of 595 lbs. unrestricted and nearly 1,000 lbs. restricted, available throughout most of its roughly 96,788-cu.-yd. working envelope.

• Quick Stick feature enables the lift to move from the ground to maximum platform height in 2 minutes 15 seconds and return to the ground at the same speed • Standard 7.9-ft. jib raises and lowers 135° and pivots horizontally 125° • Features include 40% gradeability, 360° continuous turntable rotation, four-wheel drive and hydraulically powered pivoting axles

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Applied Machinery Sales Merlo Panoramic Telehandlers The Panoramic system provides 360° panoramic visibility, enhancing safety, performance, comfort and more in this telehandler range.

• Models range from compacts to highperformance units suitable for on-site work and replacing traditional lifting methods • 8,300- to 26,500-lb. maximum load capacities • 28-ft. 2-in. to 59-ft. 5-in. maximum lift heights with maximum reach from 15 ft.

1 in. to 43 ft. 3 in.

• Available features include boom side shift, frame leveling, a load-sensing hydraulic pump and four-wheel drive with three steering modes

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Bobcat V519 VersaHANDLER Telescopic Tool Carrier The 11,001-lb. V519 VersaHANDLER features a two-stage boom with a reach of more than 10 ft., a lift height of 19 ft. and the ability to lift up to 5,500 lbs.

• 74-hp Bobcat no-DPF D34 Tier 4compliant diesel engine • Speed management feature allows operators to easily adjust desired travel speed as needed for attachment use • Includes a full-function joystick, selectable auxiliary hydraulic flow feature, two-speed hydrostatic drive system, automatic parking brake and available Bob-Tach attachment mounting system • Front-wheel, all-wheel and crab steering modes

JCB 540-140 Hi Viz Loadall Telehandler

Skyjack TH Series Telehandlers

The 540-140 Hi Viz has a high-visibility, low boom pivot design and offers a nearly 8,500-lb. maximum lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 44.2 ft. on wheels or 45.2 ft. with stabilizers.

• Visibility further enhanced via a 13% reduction in the boom section and a more compact rear chassis section that reduces overhang by 13 in.

• Choice of a 74-hp JCB EcoMAX Tier 4 diesel engine with no diesel particulate filter (DPF) or diesel exhaust fluid or 108- or 125-hp versions with one-can SCR solution and no DPF • Ergonomic single lever control option • Compact chassis dimensions with a wideopening, gas-assisted engine canopy for easy ground-level maintenance

The TH series telehandlers offer simpler rear axle stabilization, hydraulics systems, outriggers, controls, engine servicing, electronics and option packages.

• 74-hp Deutz TCD 2.9L Tier 4 Final engines • 107-hp Deutz engine optional on the SJ1044 TH and SJ1056 TH and standard on the SJ1256 TH • Maximum lift heights from 43 ft. 4 in. to 56 ft. 3 in. and lift capacities of 6,000 to 12,000 lbs.

• Standard external extension cylinder and top-mounted extension chain, Dana powershift transmission and axles, modular cab, simple control panel design, multi-function engine display and auxiliary hydraulics

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Reachmaster Bibi 26-BL Compact Scissor Lift The 4,400-lb. Bibi 26-BL compact scissor lift is mounted on a track-based chassis, enabling it to drive on sloped and soft surfaces.

• 25-ft. 11-in. working height and 550-lb. basket capacity • Comes with a 220V electric motor and a Honda GX930 gasoline engine • Bi-leveling chassis enables up to 25° gradeability and adjustable tracks can accommodate a 21° side slope • Features include proportional controls, single door/gate access, electrohydraulic brakes and adjustable tracks

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L I F T E QU I P M E N T Products Genie SX-135XC Telescopic Boom Lift

Liebherr LRT 1090-2.1 and LRT 1100-2.1 Rough-terrain Cranes

The self-propelled SX-135XC lifts operators to its 135-ft. full platform height in 2 1/2 minutes and is drive enabled at full height.

• Offers a 141-ft. working height, 90 ft. of outreach and 660-lb. unrestricted/1,000-lb. restricted lift capacity • 18- to 30-ft. telescoping Jib-Extend jib offers up and over capabilities plus 125° of jib articulation • 74-hp Deutz TD2.9 L4 Tier 4 diesel engine and four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steer capabilities • Mini XChassis axle design extends and retracts the axles to and from the stowed position with a more compact footprint

The LRT rough-terrain cranes feature Cummins 6.7-liter, emissions-compliant diesel engines that supply 264 bhp and a maximum torque of 730 lbs.-ft.

• 100-ton LRT 1090-2.1 features a 154-ft. telescopic boom with two-stage hydraulic cylinder and a rope extension mechanism • 110-ton LRT 1100-2.1 has a 164-ft. fivepart telescopic boom with “Telematik” telescoping system • Six-speed Dana powershift transmission and large 29.5 R25 tires ensure off-road capability and speeds up to 15 mph • All-wheel and crab steering • Lifting capacities over the radius range can be achieved with just two telescoping modes

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Caterpillar TH3510D Telehandler The compact TH3510D telehandler has a rated load capacity of 7,716 lbs. and a maximum lift height of 32 ft.

• Three-section hydraulic boom with a low pivot pin mounting for maximum allaround visibility • 100-hp Cat C3.4B Tier 4 Final engine • Four-speed powershift transmission drives both axles for permanent four-wheel drive • All hydraulic functions controlled by a single lever joystick with F-N-R, allowing simultaneous drive and boom functions • Standard Cat Integrated Tool carrier (IT) quick coupler or optional hydraulically operated coupler

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OI L S & L U BR I C A N T S By Curt Bennink

Engine Oil Selection Tips Oils evolve to keep up with engine technology.

D

emands on heavy-duty diesel engine oils have changed alongside engine technology and fuel formulations. “As engine technology and fuel technology have evolved, the environment in the crankcase has changed,” says Stede Granger, Shell Lubricants.

Twenty-five years ago, fuel sulfur levels hovered around 5,000 ppm. The sulfur would find its way past piston rings and down into the crankcase where it formed sulfuric acid. Additives in the oil were used to neutralize that acid. Depletion of additives was the determining factor for oil changes.

“Those were the days that we really looked at TBN,” says

explains. This resulted in a lot of fuel soot being formed in the crankcase. “That fuel soot would accumulate in the oil and it would have to be drained.”

Then modern emissions equipment was introduced.

The crankcase environment improved. “We got rid of the sulfuric acid,” notes Granger.

“The new engines run at very low soot levels.”

The newest threat is now oil oxidation. “As the oil is exposed to higher temperatures, the oxygen that is in the crankcase can react, and in extreme cases it forms oxidation products that are somewhat acidic,” says Granger. “They also cause the oil to thicken up significantly.”

VISCOSITY IS KING Engine oil needs to form a protective film, which prevents metal to metal contact. “An old

The CK-4 oil specifically addresses demands of the new Tier 4 engines, which burn cleaner and create much less soot, but require an oil with better oxidation resistance, especially if you plan to increase oil drain intervals.

Granger, “and you were probably draining your oil on TBN counts.”

Then, sulfur levels dropped dramatically as it was regulated out of the fuel to the current 15 ppm. This created the next challenge — soot control.

“Manufacturers started changing the ways diesel engines were set up and calibrated,” Granger

58 EQU IPM ENT T OD AY | February 2017 ET0217_58-60_OilLubes_CB.indd 58

axiom in the lubricants business is to use the lightest viscosity oil that will adequately protect the equipment,” says Tony Negri, heavy-duty product director at Phillips 66. “It is important to note that there are multiple measures of viscosity, but the two most common are ‘kinematic’ and ‘absolute’.”

Kinematic viscosity is

expressed as centistokes (cSt) and is a measure of resistance to gravitational flow. It is a primary component of how SAE oil grades are defined (15W-40, 10W-30, 5W-40, 5W-30, etc.).

Absolute viscosity is expressed as centipoise (cP). It is a measure of frictional drag within the lubricant as measured in the High Temperature/High Shear test, which is designed to emulate the area between the crankshaft and connecting rod journal bearings in a warmed up engine.

“Lower either or both of these values, and one should expect modest fuel economy improvements,” says Negri. “Fuel economy, though, is a complicated picture. An oil’s impact on fuel economy could range from 0.5% to 4% depending upon viscosity. However, fuel economy gains from oil selection can easily be minimized or eliminated if the vehicle experiences increased idle time or consistent driving patterns that impact efficiency, such as heavy traffic congestion, frequent jackrabbit starts and hard stops.”

Measuring fuel efficiency gains in off-road fleets is difficult. “While most longhaul trucks have the luxury of running under steady state conditions on rural sections of interstate highways, off-road equipment rarely operates that way and it can be very difficult to tease out the impact of oil on fuel economy,” says Negri.

“There tends to be much more idling, widely varying loads, temperature, terrains and other factors that can obscure a pure pursuit of fuel savings.

“Beyond fuel economy, lowering viscosity from 15W-40 to 10W-30 can often bring additional benefits such as reduced warm-up times and less wear at startup due to better oil flow and pumpability regardless of the season,” he adds.

But decreasing viscosity isn’t

In cold weather climates, you may see a benefit from switching to a 5W-40 vs. a traditional 15W-40. The extra cost could be offset by improved cold weather startability. a simple solution. “Normally, the trade-off for going to a lower viscosity engine oil was concern around wear protection and engine durability,” says Len Badal, global brand manager at Chevron. “However, a number of off-road OEMs actually factory fill with SAE 10W-30 and we have customers who have successfully used 10W-30 and witnessed lower wear metals via used oil analysis — showing that lighter viscosity heavyduty engine oil can still provide appropriate protection and long engine life durability.”

For off-road diesel equipment, 15W-40 has been the predominant oil and likely will be into the foreseeable future.

Off-road fleets tend to run in much more varied applications and there is often a wide spread in the age of the equipment.

“If it is older equipment and it has a lot of hours on it — maybe the bearings have larger clearances than they did when they were new because of the wear — you are probably best staying with the 15W-40,” says Granger. “You have to look at the equipment as a whole. Very few manufacturers, if any, have an issue with 15W-40. That viscosity grade has been on the market for a long time.”

Work in cold weather climates can also influence the best choice. “An ideal product if they don’t want to change oil when the temperatures warm up is a 5W-40,” says Granger. “It has the startup ability of an SAE 5W-type oil and yet the operating protection of an SAE 40 oil.

That is a fully synthetic product.

It adds a little expense, but it could make a difference between

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OI L S & L U BR I C A N T S The FA-4 category oils serve a niche that is most concerned with fuel economy. These oils are not currently recommended for off-road use, so you should plan on using CK-4 or the previous CJ-4 oils. Be sure to consult manufacturer recommendations. diesel equipment starting up or not starting during cold winter temperatures.”

For multi-grade oils such as 10W-30 or 15W-40, the W signifies Winter. “You should not be apprehensive about that number on the left of the W,” says Granger. “It defines how that oil performs at low temperature. For instance, a 5W-40 flows quicker through the engine in cold temperatures because of the 5W. At operating temperature when you need the protection, it performs the same as any SAE 40 oil.”

Consider the recommendations of a major off-highway manufacturer. “This equipment manufacturer recommends low viscosity engine oil SAE 5W-40 for temperatures ranging from -22° F to 120° F and SAE 15W40 from +15° F to 122° F,” says Mark Betner, heavy duty product line manager, CITGO Petroleum Corp. “The significance of these recommendations is that the 5W-40 engine oil compares with the high temperature range of the 15W-40 oil but has a

significant advantage at low temperature.”

NEW CATEGORIES EMERGE For the first time in many years, the American Petroleum Institute (API) introduced a split diesel engine oil classification to address the diverging needs of engines stemming from new on-highway regulations.

“The difference between onhighway and off-highway diesels is that on-highway diesels must comply with the EPA Phase II GHG (greenhouse gases) and fuel efficiency standards beginning in 2017,” says Betner.

“These standards require diesel engine manufacturers to certify their 2017 engines to meet the new fuel efficiency standards.”

The CK-4 and FA-4 oil classifications replace the previous CJ-4 classification. They offer several enhancements, including increased resistance to oxidation and shear stability. In addition, the FA-4 is a niche classification that features a

lower absolute viscosity for increased fuel economy.

“Going from CJ-4 to CK-4, and the lower viscosity FA-4, the biggest significant increase in performance is the oil’s oxidation resistance,” says Granger. “If we can get oxidation resistance, we should be able to extend the oil drains [on some of the newest engines].”

“With the new API CK-4 category launch, there is a high possibility that operators may be able to extend oil drain intervals further due to improved oil oxidation and wear performance of the new quality engine oils,” agrees Badal. “However, operators always need to check OEM recommendations and be sure

to conduct used oil analysis when extending oil drain intervals.”

Engines that previously used CJ-4 can utilize CK-4.

“Being completely back-serviceable, the new API CK-4 oils are low SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) formulations designed to protect the diesel particulate filters and other emissions components on Tier 4 and older Tier 3 engines just like the previous CJ-4 oils,” says Shawn Ewing, product technical services, Phillips 66.

CK-4 and FA-4 oils are actually quite similar. “Even though we have a split category, the actual performance requirements are the same,” says Granger.

“Both oils have to pass the same engine tests, so it results in very similar chemistries.”

Filling with the incorrect product will not result in immediate engine failure. But the FA-4 oils do have a significantly lower viscosity and are not currently recommended for off-road use by OEMs.

CONVENTIONAL VS. SYNTHETIC

THE SINGLE OIL SOLUTION Depending on the mix of equipment, fleet operations may be able to utilize a single engine oil solution across the entire fleet. “[Even] if the mixed fleet is made up of different manufacturers of diesel engines, including on and off road, one diesel engine oil will generally work for all diesel engines,” says Len Badal, Chevron.

Consider equipment age. “For off-road fleets that may Older equipment in the fleet is a key have a mix of Tier 4 and older (Tier 2 and Tier 3) diesel consideration if you want to pursue a single engines, the fleets really need to look at their operating envioil sourcing strategy. Older or worn engines ronment, age of equipment and operating parameters — such probably mean using a 15W-40 oil viscosity. as load on equipment and amount of start/stop or on/off operations — to best select the right product for them,” says Badal.

“Either API CJ-4 or the new API CK-4 diesel engine oils will cover both older and Tier 4 engines,” Mark Betner, CITGO, points out. “API CK-4 oils are designed to provide improved overall performance in Tier 4 engines as well as older engines.”

“With the new category of engine oils, API CK-4 engine oils provide excellent backwards compatibility along with improved oxidation and wear performance that can allow off-highway customers the potential for extended oil drain or improved engine durability to help improve equipment reliability,” says Badal.

However, don’t use FA-4 in off-road equipment. “For the new category of diesel engine oils, all off-road OEMs will NOT approve the use of API FA-4 engine oils in any of their engines (old or new generation),” says Badal. “So for those off-road customers that operate both on-road trucks and off-road equipment, this is not an appropriate category to select.”

If you service both gasoline- and diesel-powered equipment, a single oil solution probably will not work. “With gasoline and diesel engine trends evolving at different rates and with increasingly different viscosity recommendations, it will be difficult to select a one-size-fits-all solution for mixed fleets with both,” says Tony Negri, Phillips 66. “If a fleet is using 15W-40 or even 10W-30 for the majority of its equipment, that may not be the best option for pickups, SUVs and sedans that may also be supporting the operation and which likely require something closer to 5W-30. We recommend selecting the best product for the diesel engine and the best option for the gasoline engines. Viscosity is paramount.”

Badal adds, “Viscosity grade recommendations for automotive gasoline engines have trended significantly away from the popular diesel SAE 15W-40 and 10W-30 viscosity grades. Newer automotive gasoline engines require the use of SAE 5W-30, 5W-20 or 0W-20 passenger car motor oil (PCMO) grades, dependent on manufacturer recommendations.”

In addition, diesel engine oil formulations are generally considered incompatible with automotive gasoline engine catalytic converters.

60 EQUIPM ENT T OD AY | February 2017 ET0217_58-60_OilLubes_CB.indd 60

“Conventional means the engine oil uses only standard mineral-type base oils, whereas synthetic blend oil uses combinations of both synthetic and mineral oil,” says Betner. “Full synthetic oils use all synthetic base oils. Since synthetic oil can provide some performance advantages, such as resistance to oil oxidation and improved oil flow in cold temperature, this generally supports the basic premise that adding or substituting some or all synthetic to the engine will improve performance of the engine oil.

“However, there are many factors that should be considered and that is where the debate begins,” he continues.

“The quality of the additive is a critical factor that impacts performance. The equipment owner should ask the engine oil provider for information to support the performance claims of the different engine oil options and the advantages of each when making a selection.”

According to Badal, synthetic blends or fully synthetic formulations generally: •offer improved cold weather performance and startup; •are required in formulating lower viscosity heavy-duty engine oil grades such as 10W30, 5W-40, 5W-30 and 0W-40;

•hold potential for higher temperature performance (typically applies only to allsynthetic heavy-duty engine oil formulations).

“There is no doubt synthetic oils make a better product,” says Granger. “We believe the increase in performance is of value to the end-user customer.

However, it depends on his or her application and how they are using the equipment.”

One consideration is that today’s engines typically run hotter, which creates more of an oxidation concern. “We are going into a new environment where we might get even more benefit from synthetic oils because of their inherently better oxidation resistance,” says Granger. “In the old days when you were generating a lot of soot, it almost didn’t make sense using a synthetic because you had to drain it to get the soot out. Now these engines are calibrated and the emissions technologies have come a long way.”

Synthetic oils tend to offer improved cold temperature properties. “If starting in colder temperatures is important, then the synthetic or semi-synthetic products offer benefits to the customer that are worth the difference in price,” Granger states.

There is no one right answer.

“The most important factor here is to understand what goals you want to achieve with your maintenance program, then select the products that will provide the best value (performance vs. price),” advises Ewing. “Conventional oils provide ‘meets spec’ attributes at a comfortable price point, but may not allow for extended drain intervals or be the best fit for severe-duty applications. Carrying with them a premium price, full synthetic formulations offer very predictable performance attributes and perform best at very high and very low temperatures as well as severe-duty service.

“Synthetic blend formulations offer an attractive compromise between the two as they are often a good fit for severe-duty service and extended drain intervals while being competitively priced,” Ewing points out, adding, “None of the categories are by definition good or bad. It’s just a matter of selecting the product features that best fit your needs.” ET

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OILS & LUBRICANTS >> Products

Fumoto DEF Ball Valves These DEF ball valves are made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion and contamination which can occur when using other metals.

• Utilize same proven design as the engine oil drain valve • Red-colored indicator becomes exposed to warn when the DEF and valve are frozen, preventing damage to the valve or tank • Offer convenience and a mess-free experience

TRP Lubricants Heavy Duty Oils TRP Engine Oil, Synthetic Transmission Oil and Synthetic Gear Oil are formulated to guard against wear and corrosion in demanding applications.

• TRP Engine Oil (SAE 15W-40 and SAE 10W-30) combats sludge, varnish and ash deposits, protects against oxidation, corrosion and rust and provides diesel particulate filter protection • TRP Synthetic Transmission Oil (SAE 50 Synthetic) provides a high viscosity index and low pour point for easy shifting in low temperatures, protects against gear wear and copper corrosion and provides thermal and oxidation stability • TRP Synthetic Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 Synthetic) for rear axles and differentials in on-road and off-road vehicles

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Shell ROTELLA T4 Triple Protection 15W-40 Shell ROTELLA T4 Triple Protection 15W-40 heavy-duty engine oil has been developed to meet the new API CK-4 service category for diesel engine oil.

• Delivers an average 50% more wear protection than required • Defends against deposits and helps keep engines cleaner over the entire oil drain interval • Helps control vehicle emissions by reducing the rate of lubricant-related DPF blockage

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Des-Case Oil Sight Glass The oil sight glass is a clear cylinder that can be installed in drain ports to allow constant fluid monitoring of clarity, color, sediment and water contamination.

• Install in drain ports of pumps, gearboxes, bearing housings and other components • White bottom makes detection easier and more reliable • Dual-mount versatility for use in horizontal and vertical applications • Polyamide casing provides crystal-clear view of oil • Compatible with all gear and mineral oils, most synthetic oils and diesel

AMSOIL Deluxe Grease Gun Kit The Deluxe Grease Gun Kit comes with a 3,500-psi grease gun that offers flexible hose and rigid pipe grease distribution options.

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ForConstructionPros.com

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J OBS ITE S OL U TIONS

Tunnel Calls for UNIQUE TECHNIQUES & TOOLS JCM Northlink LLC turned to a variety of solutions to complete the first segment of the $1.9 billion Northgate Link Extension project.

Workers use a Brokk 400D with a TEI 350 rock drill to drill through a tunnel wall. Crews used the attachment to drill holes for steel spiles, well points and freeze pipes.

T

he $1.9 billion Northgate Link Extension project will connect Seattle’s Northgate, Roosevelt and University District neighborhoods to existing routes, including downtown Seattle and SeaTac airport. Once completed, over four miles of track, mostly underground, will be added to the Sound Transit Link Light Rail system, joining 36 miles of new and under construction light rail lines running north, east and south from the city.

JCM Northlink LLC was contracted to handle the tunnel segment. JCM is a joint venture formed in 2013 between Jay Dee Contractors, Livonia, MI; Frank Coluccio Construction, Seattle; and Michels Corporation, Brownsville, WI. Its project leaders knew the schedule would be demanding. They had to work around the clock six days a week to meet deadlines. The extension runs through highly populated areas, meaning they had to follow strict city noise restrictions.

Plus, supervisors needed to manage the scheduling of nearly 250 employees.

“We had eight different operations and four different subcontractors trying to work in one tunnel,” says Chris Wood, JCM site project superintendent. “It’s important that we

keep work linear.

That’s the biggest challenge — keeping a path in and out so you can pour concrete, keep electricians and carpenters going, and accomplish everything else.”

The tunnels are set to run directly below the University of Washington, which has ongoing sensitive science projects. The train and tracks JCM used for past projects to transport crews and supplies through tunnels are loud and produce significant vibrations, which would have disrupted the experiments.

As a solution, JCM brought in seven, 52-ft.-long Metalliance rubber-tired vehicles that are just 6 ft. wide and can handle 45 tons. Crews could use them as an alternative for transportation in and out of the tunnel.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS REQUIRED Crews started the tunneling portion by digging two 100-ft.deep vertical shafts and a tunnel portal to initially be used as access points for tunnel boring machines (TBMs), service work, material removal and supplies.

The shafts will be converted to light rail stations when the project is complete.

JCM then used Hitachi Zosen (Hitz) and Robbins TBMs to simultaneously dig two parallel 21-ft.-diameter tunnels. The machines stretch about 400 ft. long and advance an average of 30 to 50 ft. a day. Crews also dug 23 cross passages between the tunnels.

Cross passages are typically constructed using pneumatic

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tools and mini-excavators.

But about five years ago, JCM began using Brokk remote-controlled demolition machines as an approach on another section of the light rail expansion. The switch limits worker exposure to harsh environments and reduces fatigue and potential injuries from using handheld tools all day. The machines also allow workers to operate from a safe distance.

JCM owned a Brokk 260 from an earlier project, but decided to invest in two larger Brokk 400D models and rent another to maximize productivity. This sped up the excavation portion to less than three weeks, shaving off more than a week of work compared to handheld tools.

JCM worked on multiple cross passages at a time. Crews typically started the passages by pairing the 400D with a TEI 350 rock drill attachment drilling 4-in.-diameter holes for well points and 20-ft. steel spiles.

These were installed about every foot to create a canopy to secure the ground and protect workers from falling debris.

JCM also used the Brokk 260 and an Atlas Copco SB 302 hydraulic breaker to break through the tunnel wall. The 400D was then brought back to complete the passage, often alternating between an Atlas Copco SB 552 breaker to break through the ground and a Simex road header to mill the walls.

Each passage took seven to nine weeks to complete, including waterproofing, installing rebar, pouring the invert and headwalls and finalizing 90 to 110 yds. of fiber-reinforced concrete.

A FREEZE ON GROUNDWATER Seattle’s weather gave JCM more groundwater than expected, causing complications. The TBMs had earth pressure balance systems that pushed water away, but the water volumes that needed to be pumped at some of the passages was far greater than the municipal system could handle.

Project leaders knew freezing the soil could prevent structural issues and ensure safety during excavation. They originally planned to freeze five of the cross passages but expanded that to 10 after encountering the excess water. Crews used the 400D to drill holes for freeze pipe installed within the haunches of the passages. They then pumped the pipes with a brine solution, chilling the soil to 10° F and making it an easy target for a hydraulic breaker.

“The freezing technique is invaluable to keeping work going quickly and safely,” Wood says.

“The frozen sand ends up being like concrete until it thaws. This makes it really easy to chip away at without worrying about stability issues.”

THE FINAL BREAKTHROUGH After three years of tunneling with the TBMs, JCM completed the final breakthrough on September 1, 2016. Once the cross passages are completed, likely by March 2017, the crews will have removed about 725,000 cu. yds. of material.

JCM will continue follow-up work until February 2018. The next contractors will continue work on the stations, rail and electrical components in preparation for project completion in 2021. ET

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ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER.................................. PAGE ADVERTISER.................................. PAGE ADVERTISER.................................. PAGE AEMP................................................................... 62 Antraquip.............................................................. 52 BKT USA Inc....................................................... 47 Bloom Manufacturing Inc..................................... 55 Canycom USA Inc................................................ 54 Case Construction...............................30-31, 33, 35 Caterpillar Inc.................................. Barndoor Cover ClearSpan Fabric Structures.................................. 65 Conexpo-Con/Agg................................................ 67 Curry Supply Co................................................... 65 Donaldson Company............................................ 61 Doosan Construction Equipment........................... 5 Doosan Portable Power......................................... 43 Eager Beaver Trailers............................................. 64 Eaton...................................................................... 9 Evonik................................................................... 42

Ford Trucks......................................................2 & 3 Fumoto................................................................. 65 Generac................................................................. 55 Gomaco................................................................ 27 Hercules Sealing Products..................................... 66 Hitachi Construction Machinery.......................... 29 Hyundai Construction Equipment....................... 69 Insite SiteWork..................................................... 66 JLG....................................................................... 49 Kawasaki KCM..................................................... 19 Kobelco................................................................. 45 Kubota Tractor Corporation.................................. 17 Liebherr USA Co.................................................... 8 Mack Trucks......................................................... 70 Minimizer............................................................. 25 Montabert............................................................. 46

No Spill Systems................................................... 65 Schweiss Doors..................................................... 65 Sneller Machine.................................................... 65 Takeuchi............................................................... 11 The Gorman Rupp Co.......................................... 57 Topcon Positioning Systems.................................. 24 Trelleborg.............................................................. 22 Uline..................................................................... 54 Vacuworx.............................................................. 39 Wacker Neuson..................................................... 13 Western Star.......................................................6&7 Wirtgen Group..................................................... 23 Zoro...................................................................... 53 This index is provided as a service. The publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions.

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R U N N I N G T H E BUS I N E S S By Garry Bartecki ® Published by AC Business Media Inc.

BUILD UP THE BENEFITS to Attract and Retain Workers

Garry Bartecki is the managing member of GB Financial Services LLP and a consultant to the Associated Equipment Distributors. He can be reached at (708) 347-9109 or gbartecki@comcast.net.

Building a competitive comp package and offering some perks can help you retain and attract skilled employees.

201 N. Main Street Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538 (800) 538-5544 www.ACBusinessMedia.com

AC Business Media Inc. Chairman ANIL NARANG President and CEO CARL WISTREICH Executive Vice President KRIS FLITCROFT CFO JOANN BREUCHEL VP Marketing DEBBIE GEORGE VP Content GREG UDELHOFEN

Publication Staff

I

f I had to guess, many contractors were in the same boat in 2016 — they did not have adequate staffing to efficiently get jobs finished and billed. Sound familiar? If you thought it was bad before, wait until the season starts and all of your competitors looking for additional help begin to view your employees as low-hanging fruit. Come to think of it, you’re probably searching for additional folks, as well.

With the failure of many workers to return post-recession, baby boomers retiring and a potential loss of help resulting from federal efforts to control immigration, the construction industry finds itself just like many other US industries in need of talented, productive employees. Consequently, construction companies must take advantage of what other industries are doing to find, retain and improve their personnel situation.

The most pressing employee issue to address is how to keep the employees you have. If you have good people, or people who can develop into positions where you need them, you need to do whatever it takes to avoid turnover. To accomplish this goal, you should have a formal policy in place with steps to follow on an annual basis to ensure your staff stays put and feels they are in a good place with a competitive comp package. Do you have such a policy in place?

In case you’re wondering, a single employee turnover can cost the company between $7,000 to $25,000, depending on the level of staff or management that has left the company. This does not take into account any disruption on the jobsite caused by the departure.

How to attract the best workers

Shorter work day for efficient employees • Four-day work week (when you can)

Good health insurance program • Clothing allowances • Food and beverages

Assign a senior employee to coach the new employee • Skill-based training • Include new employees in planning processes

Company story • Detailed list of comp program and benefits • Startup program for new employees

ATTRACT THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST Not only should you have a retention program for current staff, you should also have a program to attract candidates interviewing for positions you have available. Have a story to tell about your company, its history, the types of jobs you have worked on, success stories and problems that came up and how you handled them. This approach demonstrates that management cares about the company and how it operates, and has the skills to handle any and all obstacles that come up in the ordinary course of business.

68 EQUIPM ENT T OD AY | February 2017 ET0217_68-70_RuntheBiz_BC.indd 68

What else can you do to pick off the cream of the crop? I advise you to: ˜˜ Have a defined “startup” program for new employees and make sure that the program is completed for each new hire. ˜˜ Provide skills training based on your pre-employment analysis of the candidate. ˜˜ Assign a senior employee to coach the new employee about company standards. ˜˜ Bring the new employees into the planning process to learn how you plan and execute on a job. ˜˜ Provide a detailed list of their comp program and benefits.

Such a program can pay for itself in no time because your “hit ratio” will improve. Some other simple things that are being done in other industries include: ˜˜ Having food and beverages on hand (as appropriate). ˜˜ Supplying a very good health insurance program with a minimum employee contribution. ˜˜ Providing industry standard allowances for work clothes, etc. ˜˜ Allowing a shorter work day for employees who work at a very efficient pace. ˜˜ Considering a four-day work week (when you can).

In short, be flexible and do what you can to keep your workers happy as long as doing so doesn’t add cost to your projects. There are people out there doing these things and they have a long list of applicants waiting for a job opening.

Another avenue to consider is recently retired workers who may be looking for some permanent part-time or seasonal work. Such arrangements are usually far more flexible compared to hiring a fulltime person. Ask around; you never know who may be available.

Those of you with union contracts may have restraints on what you can do. But if you’re doing more than required by the contract to enhance your ability to keep employees, I can’t imagine the union objecting.

GET BY WITH LESS On the other hand, a company can become more efficient using the latest technology available — to the extent that fewer workers are required to do the same amount of work. This is happening in just about every industry in the U.S. Make sure you keep up with what is happening in your industry by joining and attending association meetings, going to CONEXPO-CON/AGG and other equipment shows and talking to your peers to find out what they are doing. Performance Groups, where 15 to 20 company CEOs gather to talk shop and compare numbers, are probably the best way for you to find methods to more effectively run your business.

There should be an increase in work in 2017. If so, you should do some planning to see how many staff additions or changes would be required to get the jobs you are interested in. That way, if a talented person shows up on your doorstep, you will be prepared to discuss a future with your company. ET

Publisher SEAN DUNPHY, sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com Editor BECKY SCHULTZ, bschultz@ACBusinessMedia.com Senior Field Editor CURT BENNINK, cbennink@ACBusinessMedia.com Contributing Writers GARRY BARTECKI, KIM BERNDTSON, LISA CLEAVER, JESSICA STOIKES Art Director KAYLA BROWN Ad Production Manager PATTI BROWN Audience Development Director WENDY CHADY Audience Development Manager ANGELA KELTY

Advertising Sales (800) 538-5544 SEAN DUNPHY; JILL DRAEGER; AMY SCHWANDT; ERIC SERVAIS; DENISE SINGSIME; ERICA FINGER National Automotive Manager TOM LUTZKE (630) 484-8040

ForConstructionPros.com Digital Sales Manager MONIQUE TERRAZAS Digital Operations Manager NICK RAETHER Editor LARRY STEWART Managing Editor KIMBERLY HEGEMAN

Change of Address & Subscriptions PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 • Fax: (800) 543-5055 circ.EquipmentToday@omeda.com

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Reprints For reprints and licensing please contact Erica Finger • Phone: (920) 542-1230 efinger@acbusinessmedia.com

Published and copyrighted 2017 by AC Business Media Inc. Equipment Today makes every effort to report manufacturers’ product news accurately, but is not responsible for validity of news claims.

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.

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Complete the reader service card, use your company letterhead giving all the information requested, or subscribe online at www.ForConstructionPros.com.

Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscribers.

One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: U.S. $50; Canada/Mexico $70; all other countries $100 (payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank).

Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International).

For change of address or subscription information call (847) 559-7598 or fax (800) 543-5055. Equipment Today (USPS 369-290, ISSN 0891-141X) is published monthly by AC Business Media Inc., 201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional entry offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Equipment Today, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 600653605. Printed in the USA. Canada Post PM40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Equipment Today, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.

Vol. 53 No. 2 February 2017.

To access previous Running the Business columns, as well as additional business management information, visit www.ForConstructionPros.com.

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With up to two low-ratio creeper gears and multi-speed reverse, mDRIVE™ HD in 12-, 13- or 14-speeds makes Mack® trucks the most versatile tools on the jobsite. Throw in 24/7 support, and it’s easy to see why the Granite® is yet again the number-one selling heavy-duty conventional straight truck in the U.S.* Get ready to get more done.

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