Equipment Today December 2020

Technology Trends: Gamers Help Rosendin Advance VR & AR Applications Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment

®

DECEMBER 2020

COMPACT EQUIPMENT Choose a mulching option to match jobsite demands

WORK TRUCKS Explore all your truck acquisition strategies

2020 BACKHOE-LOADER SPEC GUIDE

DOZENS OF MODELS & FEATURES TO KEEP COSTS DOWN & PRODUCTIVITY UP #1 Market Leaders

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B O B C A T. C O M / R - S E R I E S L O A D E R

CO ST

The only thing better than your last Bobcat ® loader is the next Bobcat loader. Because, like you, we never stop improving. R-Series loaders revolutionize performance, quality, comfort and more.

Bobcat is a Doosan company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power and water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century.

Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2020 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1419

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Contents COVER STORY

DECEMBER 2020 | www.ForConstructionPros.com

2020 Backhoe-loader

Dozens of models & features to keep costs down & productivity up.

Spec Guide

PRODUCTS 14 Compact Equipment 18 Grading/Site Prep 25 Fleet Management 32 Trucks & Transportation 39 Technology Trends

DEPARTMENTS 4 Breaking Ground 6 Equipment Introductions 16 Grading/Site Prep 20 Jobsite Solutions 23 Fleet Management 30 Trucks & Transportation 34 Technology Trends 40 Profit Matters 45 Safety & Compliance 46 Business Management 50 Running the Business

2021 Planning Will Not Be Business as Usual

Page 8

FEATURES CHOOSE THE MULCHING OPTION TO MATCH JOBSITE DEMANDS pg 10 Dedicated mulchers and land clearing attachments come in many configurations.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES Virtual Reality Brings Innovation, Efficiency to Construction

10

EXPLORE TRUCK ACQUISITION STRATEGIES pg 26 Looking toward 2021, many unknowns may influence truck purchase decisions.

GAMERS HELP ROSENDIN ADVANCE VR AND AR APPLICATIONS pg 37 The next generation of tech savvy workers provides a fresh perspective on how 3D technology can be applied to the job. This younger generation lives in the virtual world.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SUICIDE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 42 pg 42

As the leading occupation for death by suicide, it’s time to take psychological safety in the industry seriously.

The ability to train, measure and certify people through virtual reality is proving incredibly valuable. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21197268

The Key to Faster Construction Payment: Better Communication

The three biggest factors to get paid faster boil down to communicating expectations, status and timelines. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21200310

Six Sustainable Building Materials to Look for in 2021

Be on the lookout for these six sustainable building materials in 2021 and beyond. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21201301

Does 3D Scanning Live Up to the Hype for the Construction Industry?

Construction stakeholders are realizing the value that 3D scanning technology provides. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21200783

ing

ntries.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

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

Will 2021 Be Infrastructure’s Year?

A

Becky Schultz / bschultz@acbusinessmedia.com

s I was writing this, the U.S. had just closed out one of the most contentious presidential elections in modern history, with challenges to its outcome still pending. But though the results at the highest level were being contested, one outcome that was crystal clear was voters’ support for

infrastructure investment.

According to an analysis by the American Road & Transportation Association’s (ARTBA) Transportation Investment Advocacy Center, voters in 18 states approved a record 94% of state and local ballot initiatives that will provide an added $14 billion in one-time

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and recurring revenue for transportation improvements throughout the country. Of 322 initiatives, 303 were passed, the highest approval rate in the 20 years ARTBA has been tracking initiatives; another 13 measures were still pending. As Alison Black, ARTBA senior vice president and chief economist, noted, “More than ever before, these results prove that improving transportation infrastructure is something American voters strongly support.”

But while voters have once again come through loud and clear on the need for more transportation funding, the message seems to repeatedly fall on deaf ears in Washington. Look at the past four years. Despite clear support from voters in both the last presidential and mid-term elections, and the oft-professed bipartisan support among legislators, no progress was made to move added infrastructure investment forward — even as a means to bring back American jobs during a pandemicinduced recession. Congress failed even to take up FAST Act reauthorization, and few were surprised that it was punted to next fall for the next Congress to tackle.

Under the circumstances, it can be hard to muster optimism for the New Year. Yet, the transportation industry sees reason to be hopeful for 2021. The precarious state of the U.S. economy, the again pending FAST Act reauthorization and the dire need for a permanent fix for the Highway Trust Fund, coupled with the tremendous opportunities infrastructure investment presents to propel economic growth, mean legislators will be under intense pressure to get the job done in order to move the country and its transportation and other critical systems forward.

Fortunately, the past four years have not proven entirely fruitless. Proposed funding legislation already put forward should serve as a framework for future proposals rather than requiring the next Congress to start from scratch, so a proposal could come up fairly quickly in the New Year. And given the very clear mandate from voters in this election cycle, and the change in makeup of the next Congress, it is possible some form of compromise could materialize in the coming months.

Of course, as we’ve seen, there is no guarantee of success, no matter the will of certain legislators or of the people. Thus, it’s more important than ever to stoke the fire under the incoming administration and Congress, demanding they cease the partisan bickering and finally close the deal on badly needed federal infrastructure funding legislation. ET

And Strategic Media Partners:

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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 on these products, simply visit www.ForConstructionPros.com and include the eight-digit code shown.

Manitou MLT 420 Compact

Telescopic Loader

The compact MLT 420 AG telescopic loader can navigate in confined spaces and offers the advantages of a loader, telehandler and industrial forklift combined. It measures just 58 in. wide and 79 in. high, yet has a maximum lift capacity of 4,400 lbs. and a maximum lift height of 14 ft. 4 in. The full-size operator’s cab offers full 360° visibility. The unit has a two-speed hydrostatic transmission with directional and gear change on the JSM (joystick, switch and move). The JSM allows the operator to control all hydraulic functions with one hand. A standard auto reversing fan enables work in dusty environments.

A wide selection of attachments are available and can be easily switched out using the Easy Connect System.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21174853

Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter The Cutmaster 40 manual plasma cutting system is designed for mobile fabrication, light construction, HVAC, metal/building/roofing, mechanical contracting, maintenance/repair and more. It weighs 22 lbs., has the flexibility to use 115V-230V primary power and delivers a rated output of 40 amps at 40% duty cycle or better. On 230V primary, it delivers a recommended cut and pierce capacity on 1/2-in. steel and can sever steel up to 1 in. On 115V primary, it delivers a recommended cut and pierce on 3/8-in. steel. A rugged, weatherproof, three-handle case provides protection, especially during transport. The unit comes with the SL60 1Torch with 16-ft. torch lead.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21201659

Topcon GT Series

Robotic Total Stations

The GT-1200 and GT-600 are part of a full workflow solution including a new field computer, full-version update to the company’s field and office software and GNSS receivers. The total stations perform at a 10-Hz positioning update rate that, when combined with the field computer and software enhancements, makes layout easier and guidance more fluid within an intuitive map view. Advanced UltraTrac prism tracking combines optical sensing with an ultrasonic motor control algorithm to maintain optimal prism lock. An optional upgrade with Hybrid Positioning technology enables instant location updates via GNSS receivers so positioning data points can be captured even with loss of line of sight.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21198006

LiuGong 909ECR

Mid-sized Excavator

Powered by a 62-hp Yanmar Tier 4 Final engine, the 19,180-lb.

909ECR limited tailswing midi-excavator provides a maximum digging depth of 14 ft. 11 in. and a lifting capacity at ground level of over 11,500 lbs. Boom slew allows digging parallel to the blade, with the swing post and cylinder staying within the tracks while working in an offset position. An improved cab design offers better line of sight and comes with rear cameras, proportional joystick controls, an air suspension seat and enhanced monitor. Features include two-speed travel with auto downshift, a dozer blade with float, dual auxiliary hydraulic circuits with pressure and flow controlled at the in-cab monitor and steel tracks with rubber street pads.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21194901

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Mi-T-M Combination Units These air compressor/generator and air compressor/generator/welder combination equipment models are equipped with recently released 14-hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engines featuring three-in-one controls and TransportGuard shutoff oil and fuel protection, integrated cyclonic air filtration and advanced cold weather starting. Available in portable, stationary and base-mount styles, the units produce 16.4 cfm at 90 psi and feature a 4,000- or 5,000-watt generator. The welder combination units include a 170A arc welder. All models are suited for heavy-duty jobs and industrial equipment repairs in the construction, mining, logging and oil and gas industries.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21200563 www.ForConstructionPros.com

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EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

Toro Swivel Mud Buggy

EarthCam StreamCam 5G Through collaboration with Sierra Wireless, Verizon and AT&T, the StreamCam 5G makes it possible to send an almost unlimited amount of visual data from the jobsite. It enables new live-streaming, drone and security analytic applications as well as high-quality time-lapse documentation. It also offers 4K streaming, 10-megapixel photography and a low cost of operation. Its built-in Edge Video Recorder enables 120-day continuous recording. Downloading a full day of security recordings takes less than 5 minutes. The heavy-duty housing and maintenance-free wiper allow use in demanding environments. Remote diagnostics, battery and data backup optimize performance. Solar power upgrades are also available.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21200809

The Swivel Mud Buggy features a redesigned tub that enables it to swivel 180°, allowing users to dump materials anywhere between the 180° angle. The thicker 3/8-in. polyethylene tub with auto-return dump feature can transport material such as sand, rock, mulch or even cement. The swivel switch travels with the right-hand control handle, allowing safe, efficient machine operation while simultaneously swiveling the tub. The unit weighs roughly 1,575 lbs., is powered by a 25-hp Kohler Confidant engine and can carry up to 2,500 lbs.

(16 cu. ft.) of material. It includes rugged endless Kevlar-reinforced tracks and can reach transport speeds of up to 6 mph in forward and 3 mph in reverse.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21201663

Trimble R12i

GNSS Receiver

The R12i GNSS receiver incorporates Inertial Measurement Unit-based tilt compensation using TIP technology, which enables points to be measured or staked out while the survey rod is tilted, even in challenging environments. TIP technology allows users to accurately mark and measure points in areas such as building corners or in hazardous situations like the edge of an open excavation. The receiver operates calibration-free out of the box and is resistant to magnetic interference. Real-time automatic Inertial Navigation System (INS) integrity monitoring allows users to detect and correct for IMU biases introduced by use over time, temperature or physical shocks.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21201666

Vermeer PD5R and PD5 Pile Drivers Takeuchi TB370 Compact

Hydraulic Excavator

The 14,793-lb. TB370 provides a 13-ft. 4.8-in. dig depth, 21-ft.

11.3-in. maximum reach and bucket breakout force of 14,613 lbs.

Its load-sensing hydraulic system provides over 31 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow. The unit is powered by a 56.8-hp Kubota V2607CR-TE5B turbocharged, Tier 4 Final diesel engine with 157 ft.-lbs. of torque. A completely redesigned, spacious, automotive-styled operator cab includes an intuitive job dial and switch panel and an 8-in. touchscreen multi-function color monitor with integrated air conditioning and radio functions. First, second and third auxiliary circuits allow use of a wide range of attachments.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21195442

The 10,330-lb. PD5R and 10,380-lb. PD5 have a 15-ft. mast that can remain fully assembled when transporting and is aided by a 90° rotating platform to help ease setup and teardown. The PD5 features machine-integrated controls located on the side of the machine.

The PD5R has a full-function wireless remote control that can engage the hammer, accurately align the pile to complete verticality using the auto plumb feature and position the machine. Both models can use an optional laser receiver or a compatible third-party GPS system. They are powered by a 49-hp Cat Tier 4 Final diesel engine, have a forward travel speed of 2.4 mph and feature a mast pull-down that is rigidly attached to the mast chain.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21201677

www.ForConstructionPros.com www.ForConstructionPros.com

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Backhoe-loaders are multi-taskers that combine the capabilities of two machines into one attachment-friendly piece of equipment. Here’s a look at models available in North America from leading suppliers, plus some of the features designed to enhance serviceability and/or reduce owning and operating costs. To learn more about a particular brand or model, use the URL shown. Also be sure to visit the interactive version of this spec guide at www.ForConstructionPros.com/specguide/backhoe-loader to sort and compare models and specs based on your specific requirements.

VF-VENIERI

VF Venieri (Ranko Equipment) has the only articulated multifunctional BHL available. It is more than a backhoe-loader, it is two machines in one. It combines an articulated front loader with Z-bar kinematics and a power excavator on the back with the carry-on system (four wheels equal size drive). All models are powered by a hydrostatic transmission that enables a 25-mph platform that can do a wide variety of tasks by utilizing various attachments on the front and rear.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21015993 Model VF 1.33B VF 8.23F VF 10.33C VF 10.23D

CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

Net HP 52 106 106 106

Operating Weight (lbs.)

8,800 18,700 20,700 21,900

Backhoe Dig Depth (ft. in.)

9'-10' 7" 15' 1"-17' 8" 15' 8"-17' 8" 16' 4"-19' 8"

Backhoe Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,730 10,050 12,120 13,450

Loader Bucket Cap. (cu. yds.) .5 1.4 1.7 1.7

Loader Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,600 15,200 20,060 23,800

CASE N Series backhoes feature ProControl, a swing dampening system that eliminates rebound on the backhoe, providing faster cycle times, less wear on components, greater operator precision and less fatigue. Engine ECO Mode encompasses a number of features that include ECO settings in both loader and backhoe functions to provide up to 10% fuel savings with minimal loss in productivity, as well as auto engine idle and auto shutdown.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10072356 Model 580 Super N 580 Super N WT 580N 580N EP 590 Super N

Net HP 97 110 90 74 110

Operating Weight (lbs.)

17,269 20,077 16,589 15,795 20,532

Backhoe Dig Depth (ft. in.)

14' 4" 14' 5" 14' 8" 14' 11" 15' 5"

Backhoe Breakout Force (lbs.)

14,452 15,070 11,517 11,517 15,853

Loader Bucket Cap. (cu. yds.) .85-1.29 1.00-1.50 .85-1.29 .85-1.29 1.00-1.50

Loader Breakout Force (lbs.)

10,947 10,873 10,622 9,607 12,776

CATERPILLAR MECALAC

Mecalac backhoe-loaders are specially designed to provide immediate ROI without sacrificing performance or quality. Pairing a powerful Deutz four-cylinder, Tier 4 Final, electronic fuel injection diesel engine and robust hydraulic system, the TLB840R excels at digging, reaching, lifting and loading tasks. The curved boom design and up to 13-ft. 5-in. loading height provide optimal clearance to reach up and over obstacles, as well as the ability to load closer into trucks for greater productivity.

www.forconstructionpros.com/12313048 Model TLB840R TLB890 TLB990

Net HP 74 100 100

Operating Weight (lbs.)

16,138 19,345 19,323

Backhoe Dig Depth (ft. in.)

17' 10" 18' 8" 18' 6"

Backhoe Breakout Force (lbs.)

12,139 15,242 15,242

Loader Bucket Cap. (cu. yds.)

1.32 1.56 --

Loader Breakout Force (lbs.)

9,442 12,454 12,454

Caterpillar backhoe-loaders include, but are not limited to, a new CAT C3.6 engine that offers approximately 10% fuel efficiency improvement on the 415 to 430 models. All models are equipped with a load-sensing piston pump, reducing fuel burn and stress on the hydraulic system. Tool-free access to clean flip-out cooling packages reduces clean-out to minutes. All E Sticks are easily field adjustable using simple hand tools, allowing the operator to tighten non-metallic wear pads in less than 30 minutes to maintain stick wear without having to take the machine back to the shop or contact a service technician.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10075307 Model 415 416 420 420 XE 430 440 450

Net HP 70 86 92 92 107 104 131

Operating Weight (lbs.)

16,279 16,532 17,271 17,271 18,051 21,544 24,039

Backhoe Dig Depth (ft. in.)

14' 14' 14' 14' 15' 2" 15' 6" 17'

Backhoe Breakout Force (lbs.)

12,207 12,207 11,216 11,216 11,216 13,560 13,560

Loader Bucket Cap. (cu. yds.)

1.0 1.0 1.25 1.3 1.25 2.0 2.0

Loader Breakout Force (lbs.)

12,207 12,207 11,216 11,216 11,216 13,560 13,560

Specs based on standard boom configuration

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KUBOTA

The Kubota L47 and M62 incorporate the HST Plus transmission, which automatically controls the hydrostatic pump and drive motor to provide optimal control. The transmission also boosts efficiency through features like the standard Stall Guard Plus and Backhoe Crawling Mode. The IntelliPanel provides vital machine information and relays key messages to the operator, including machine working status, engine conditions, fuel and oil warning signals, plus an array of maintenance indicators to help keep the machine in peak working condition.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073594

Model B26TLB L47TLB M62TLB

Net HP 24.3 47.1 63

Operating Weight (lbs.)

4,001 7,205 8,925

Backhoe Dig Backhoe Breakout Depth (ft. in.)

Force (lbs.)

8' 3.5" 4,210 10' 5,825 14' 2.4" 6,572

Loader Bucket Cap. (cu. yds.) .34 .57 .87

Loader Breakout Force (lbs.)

2,343 4,531 5,992

NEW HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION

The C Series backhoe-loaders from New Holland feature a tilting engine hood for optimal ground-level access to the engine and service points. The one-piece hood remains attached while some competitors have panels that can be lost or break. Daily maintenance checks are accessible from the ground and grouped together for time and cost reduction. A dedicated battery compartment on the right of the machine gives easy access to the battery and a master battery cut-off switch.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10072472

Model B95C B110C

Net HP 95 108

Operating Weight (lbs.)

17,506 18,525

Backhoe Dig Backhoe Breakout Depth (ft. in.)

Force (lbs.)

14' 6" 12,933 15' 6" 12,969

Loader Bucket Cap. (cu. yds.)

1.1 1.3

Loader Breakout Force (lbs.)

14,253 12,253

JCB

All daily under-the-hood checks on JCB backhoe-loaders are performed automatically by the Auto Check management system. Other JCB Automate features improve usability and fuel efficiency, such as Auto Preheat, Auto Idle, Auto Throttle and Auto drive. The one-piece hood offers easy access to each side of the engine. The Tier 4 Final engine does not require a DPF, improving serviceability. The company offers a range of 74-hp machines that require no diesel exhaust fluid for lower operating costs.

www.forconstructionpros.com/1007346

Model 1CXT 3CX Compact 3CX 3CX-14 3CX-14 Super 3CX-15 Super 4CX-14 Super 4CX-15 Super

Gross Operating HP Weight (lbs.)

49 9,572 74 13,514 74 17,196 74 17,704 91/109 18,614 109 19,090 109 19,172 109 19,648

Backhoe Dig Backhoe Breakout Loader Bucket Loader Breakout Depth (ft. in.)

Force (lbs.)

Cap. (cu. yds.)

Force (lbs.)

10' 1" 5,291 .47 5,180 14' 2" 7,363 .92 8,285 18' 6" 13,730 1.30 13,600 18' 6" 13,730 1.40 13,603 18' 6" 13,730 1.60 13,603 20' 1" 13,730 1.60 13,603 18' 6" 13,730 1.60 13,728 20' 1" 13,730 2.00 13,728

JOHN DEERE

New for the 310SL, Pressure Compensated, Load Sensing (PCLS) hydraulics provide increased productivity and smooth multi-function control at any engine speed. PCLS also allows for trenching operation to be conducted at a lower engine rpm, reducing fuel consumption. Auto idle automatically slows engine speed when the backhoe pilot controls are released, with the preset engine speed resuming when levers are reactivated. Auto shutdown turns off the engine after an operator-selected period of inactivity.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073480

Model 310L EP 310L 310SL 310SL HL 315SL 410L 710L

Net HP 69 100 103 113 103 116 148

Operating Weight (lbs.)

13,822 14,669 15,872 16,571 17,554 17,786 25,588

Backhoe Dig Backhoe Breakout Depth (ft. in.)

Force (lbs.)

13' 8" 10,844 14' 1" 10,844 14' 3" 12,356/13,634* 15' 1" 15,723/17,349* 13' 5" 12,361 15' 11" 15,723/17,350* 17' 3" 17,622/18,959*

Loader Bucket Cap. (cu. yds.)

1.00-1.25 1.00-1.25 1.12-1.31 1.12-1.31 1.00-1.31 1.31-1.50 1.31-1.87

Loader Breakout Force (lbs.)

9,564 9,512 10,541 10,598 10,608 10,361 16,539

*Lift mode

www.ForConstructionPros.com

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COM PACT E Q UI P M E N T | By Curt Bennink

A CTL with a mulching attachment allows for maximum maneuverability, especially in applications where the work area can be more restrictive. Examples would include working in areas where certain invasive plant species need to be removed while leaving behind other plants/trees, or clearing right-of-way areas near highways or railroads.

Choose the Best

LAND CLEARING OPTION ©d1sk & ©oasis15 – stock.adobe.com

Dedicated mulchers and land clearing attachments come in many configurations.

Caterpillar

CTLs offer an advantage in terms of versatility and travel speed vs. a dedicated mulching machine.

T

here are several choices when selecting a land clearing option. You can choose between skid steers or compact track loaders (CTLs) with attachments, forestry specific loaders with attachments or dedicated mulching machines.

Mulchers are hydraulic-intensive attachments. This makes it important to match the capabilities of the loader and the attachment. “Understand the specs of your loader, understand

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the specs of your attachment and make sure to choose the two that mate together best in the end,” says Buck Storlie, product manager, ASV. Choosing between a skid steer or CTL, a forestry-specific model or a dedicated mulching machine really comes down to utilization and jobsite requirements. One of the advantages of a compact track loader is size.

“They are smaller, lighter, easier to transport,” notes Storlie. The

universal nature of skid steers and compact track loaders allows multiple attachments to increase utilization.

CTLs offer an advantage in terms of versatility and travel speed. “The true advantage is the design versatility, which is enabled by the wide variety of attachments that can be quickly paired with the compact track loader to allow it to effectively undertake and complete any number of tasks,” says Kevin Coleman, product specialist, Caterpillar. “The CTL platform brings with it the ability to perform many different tasks in a land clearing application due to its quick-coupler interface that allows for quick tool changes.

“As an example, a mulching head can be attached to cut and mulch vegetation, trees, saplings and undergrowth from overgrown agricultural or forested terrain. A grapple rake could then be attached to help sort debris, stumps and large logs into piles,” he points out. “If the material has been mulched into a fine byproduct, a power rake can be attached to mix it into the soil while loosening and leveling the ground, leaving a graded surface prepped for seedlings, if needed.”

Travel speed is also an advantage with the CTL. “The standard two-speed travel allows for quick and easy movement into the brush or the area being

worked and, conversely, it allows for faster travel out of the work area to move to the next job,” says Coleman.

UPFIT SKID STEERS AND CTLS FOR SAFETY Skid steers and CTLs will need to be upfitted for land clearing applications. “If you jump in a standard CTL and go out there, you don’t have the level of protection necessary to make sure that operators are safe day in and day out,” says Storlie.

The most important safety item is thrown object protection for the operator. “You must have 1/2-in. polycarbonate minimum,” says Matt Warfel, division sales manager, Fecon.

“It’s a safety requirement.”

Bobcat Company offers a forestry application kit that can be paired with CTLs. “Designed to protect operators and business owners’ investment in the toughest conditions, the forestry application kit must be installed on a compact track loader to operate forestry attachments,” says Britta Kopp, marketing manager, attachments, Bobcat Company. “The exclusive forestry door protects operators from flying debris and objects. Other benefits include an ISO 3449 Level II Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) and debris guards for muffler, lights and hydraulic components.”

www.ForConstructionPros.com

11/25/20 8:50 AM

COMPACT EQU IPMENT

Bobcat’s forestry application kit includes: ˜ Fire extinguisher mounted in the cab for quick access in an emergency ˜ Forestry door made of 3/4in. laminated polycarbonate installed — some forestry attachments will not operate without the door installed; emergency exit allows removal of the front door, if necessary ˜ Front and rear light guards ensure branches and debris won’t break lights ˜ Hydraulic quick-coupler guard, along with no exposed fittings on the hoses, helps protect couplers, hoses and wire harness from falling trees and branches ˜ Level II FOPS protects operator and cab from falling trees and objects

˜ Muffler guard protects the

tailpipe from damage and reduces material buildup in the engine compartment (except on Tier 4 Forestry Application Kits) ˜ Polycarbonate top, rear and side windows (1/4- or 1/2in. polycarbonate) protects the operator and maximizes visibility Forestry specific models address most safety concerns right from the factory. “With our forestry specific models, you have Level II falling object protection, poly doors and an operator protective structure meeting all the forestry standards. The forestry specific models are becoming more popular for us,” says Storlie.

The ASV RT-120 Forestry is basically a CTL that has been factory upfitted with proper

cooling and protection to be woods or forestry ready. “Those upfits, if you were to buy after the fact, you’re probably looking at roughly $15,000 worth of additional accessories. The advantage in that product is having those features up front, knowing that you have them.

You are ready to do work whether it is in the woods or standard CTL work.”

Generally, the more hydraulic horsepower available, the more productive you can be. This has made high-horsepower models such as the 120-hp RT-120 Forestry popular for this application. But there is a growing demand for mid-size models.

“We’ve added another model to our forestry lineup, the RT-75 HD,” says Storlie. “That’s a little bit smaller loader, 75 hp, a little bit less flow. But we are

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seeing that transition where guys are looking for that mid-size machine.”

To address the need for smaller horsepower mulchers, Fecon has recently added a standard-flow mulching attachment, the RK5015. It is designed to shred vegetation to 4-in. diameter, yet requires just 17 to 27 gpm of hydraulic flow.

ASV has worked with Loftness to provide a mulching attachment that is optimized with the performance of the loader. “We work together with them specifically on all the pressure settings, the pulleys, the belts, to dial it in,” says Storlie.

“They have mulchers that can meet the needs of several manufacturers. But when we partnered up with them, they came in and worked with our engineers to get everything set to the durability levels we needed for high horsepower and high flow. I think we really have it dialed in well for our tractor.”

Caterpillar also offers its Cat 299D3 XE Land Management CTL with matched drum-style mulching attachments. “The 299D3 XE Land Management machine comes with factory equipment that make it better suited for these challenging applications,” notes Coleman.

Additional sealing components, and other special parts help to restrict debris and other materials from entering the engine compartment and lower frame. Added guarding components help to protect the front and rear LED worklights, work tool coupler area, work tool electrical harness connections and auxiliary hydraulic quick-disconnect fittings from impact and debris that are often hazards in land clearing applications.

There are some unique considerations due to the remote areas where these machines tend to operate and the amount of debris generated.

“One consideration is the 58-gal. fuel tank that delivers up to 12 hours of run time. Because these machines are often operating in areas where the fuel source is located at a distance from the work area, a long run time means staying on task longer, potentially completing the job without wasting time traveling to/from their truck for refueling,” says Coleman.

A Fire Suppression System option is also available to provide additional peace of mind for customers working in these debris-intensive applications.

CONSIDER UNIQUE JOBSITE REQUIREMENTS There is no substitute for the productivity of a dedicated mulching machine on a large jobsite, whether it requires selective thinning or to be completely cleared. “Dedicated mulchers tend to be for bigger jobs — maybe you are not doing thinning, you are doing complete clearing,” says Storlie. “You need horsepower and size.”

The speed of the job can directly impact the need for a dedicated mulching machine.

“If you have a 5-acre job, but you need it done in one day, you are going to bring out a

LEFT: For its RT-120 Forestry model, ASV concentrated on the cooling package. It is designed for 100% load, 100% of the time up to 118˚ F ambient temperatures.

BELOW: There is a growing demand for mid-size forestry models so ASV added the 75-hp RT-75 HD.

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COM PACT E Q UI P M E N T

If you had to take an 8- or 10-in. tree with a drum mulcher, I wouldn’t think twice about it.

I know nothing is going to happen to the mulcher.

—Matt Warfel

purpose-built machine,” notes Warfel. “A skid steer will probably take two or three days to do that.”

Contractors who do a lot of mulching may have a place for both skid steers or CTLs and dedicated machines. “We have a contractor in Illinois, he runs up to 12 skid steers and two purpose-built machines,” says Warfel. “He says you cannot replace the skid steers with the purpose-built machine. He’s grown his business to the point where there are places for both machines.

“He will send the purposebuilt machine to a bigger, rougher terrain job where the skid steers might not be able to get up and down the slopes and through the rock,” he explains.

“The smaller jobs that might go through somebody’s backyard to get to the right-of-way where it’s a little intimidating sending the bigger machine — homeowners get a little more upset about it — he will send the skid steers out there.”

Coleman adds, “Certainly, the size of the project and the desired results have an effect on the best machine for the job.

The CTL solution allows for maximum maneuverability, especially in applications where the work area can be more restrictive. Examples would include working in areas where clearing of certain invasive plant species while leaving behind other plants/trees is required, or clearing right-of-way areas near highways or railroads. The CTL solution also provides flexibility with regards to transport vs. a larger and heavier dedicated machine that may have different transportation requirements.”

SIZE THE MACHINE FOR THE TASK There is no way around basic physics. “The higher the horsepower you have, the more productive you’re going to be,” says Warfel.

But the correct machine choice really depends on the intended use. If it is for occasional use, a standard-flow attachment on a lower horsepower machine may be the most appropriate. In this instance, the lower hydraulic horsepower equates to a lower production rate, but you can compensate by using less expensive machinery.

“You can basically pay a third less for the unit because you are

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Drum mulchers are well suited for taking down larger diameter trees. not going to use it every day," says Warfel. "If you want more productivity because you’re trying to make money doing this, you should migrate toward the high-flow attachments.”

Matching the machine to the vegetation is an important consideration. For instance, Fecon engineers have designed a mulcher specifically for stringy vegetation that is common in areas with long growing seasons.

The RK7618, or Blackhawk, is designed specifically for knife tools which finely chip standing vegetation as well as material already on the ground.

A common problem is that contractors often want to buy the least expensive machine they possibly can. “They buy a machine that’s too small for the work they are trying to do,” says Warfel. “You are overworking the machine, so you are going to beat your machine apart. You are also going to run into overheat issues, because if you are

overworking that machine you are going to stall it more frequently. When you stall it, you are building up your hydraulic temperatures.” Customers often purchase a small skid steer and think they are going to grind 12and 14-in. trees all day. “It’s not going to happen.”

Part of the problem can be attributed to advertising. Many companies advertise that you can take a deck head and grind an 8- or 10-in.-diameter tree. “Can you do it? You can do it,” says Warfel. “I wouldn’t do it all day long or you are going to beat your machine apart. I don’t care who builds it.”

“The drum-style mulchers are a lot heavier built,” he adds.

With a high-flow skid steer, these mulchers can often handle 4- to 6-in.-diameter trees. “If you had to take an 8- or 10-in. tree with a drum mulcher, I wouldn’t think twice about it. I know nothing is going to happen to the mulcher.”

CHOOSE THE BEST CUTTING CONFIGURATION Land clearing attachments come in different configurations. “The first one being rotary blade-style attachments,” says Storlie. “Picture a large rotary disc with blades on it. That is your baseline, least expensive way to just knock material to the ground.”

From there, you jump up to a disc mulcher. “That would be a large disc with typically carbide teeth on it," Storlie says. "It does a little bit better job of mulching. It still knocks [the material] down pretty well, but the teeth help it to mulch the material.”

Then there are the drum mulchers. “Typically, they have the highest acquisition cost, but give you the best finish, the best overall capabilities,” says Storlie.

“Drum mulchers are generally viewed as being safer than the disc or deck styles,” says Warfel.

“The disc or deck style heads generally throw material a lot

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Fecon

COMPACT EQU IPMENT

TOP: Drum mulchers are generally viewed as being safer than disc or deck styles. The disc or deck style heads generally throw material a lot further. They also don’t leave as fine a finished product.

ABOVE: There really isn’t a substitute for the size and hydraulic horsepower of a dedicated machine on large land clearing projects. ©oasis15 – stock.adobe.com

further. They also don’t leave you as fine a finished product. You usually use those in more open areas where you might not necessarily care what the finished product looks like. Guys usually refer to it as a 'blow and go' operation. You are usually left with larger material laying on the ground. The drum mulcher will grind it up finer, mix it in with the dirt. You could be left with almost like a park setting when you are done with a drum mulcher. A deck or disc style is faster, but it also doesn’t leave you as nice a product.”

Bobcat’s forestry cutter attachment is equipped with a horizontal drum cutter designed for clearing trees and brush, cutting firebreaks, cleaning lots and maintaining properties. “The attachment can punch into largediameter trees and bring the uppermost limbs quickly to the ground,” says Kopp. "The forestry cutter’s tube-style drum and spiral tooth pattern allow one tooth to engage at a time, so operation

is smooth and less horsepower is required to do the job.”

She adds, “The compact size of the forestry cutter allows for any type of removal job, whether clearing every tree in an area or selectively thinning stands.

Operators can simply lower the forestry cutter onto the tree and its fast cutting teeth rip it to shreds, turning it into a bed of mulch that slows growth and provides organic material.”

There are many factors that influence the best attachment decision. “When I’m choosing, I’d be thinking about the size of the job first,” says Storlie. “The size of the material comes into play. Next is what kind of finish do I need to leave behind?

If I just have to knock it to the ground and it can be ugly when I leave, a blade-style will do that just fine. If I have to leave a nice finish, then I have to get into a mulcher where the debris is sized smaller. We can go all of the way to dirt if we want to with a drum mulcher.”

Be realistic about your planned utilization. “You have to factor in the cost of the attachments,” says Storlie. “The acquisition cost of the attachment and the running cost of the attachment on a drum mulcher could be up to three times what a blade-style disc would be.”

COOLING IS A PRIORITY Hydraulic-intensive attachments tend to generate a lot of heat. “Cooling is a must for the high-performance, high-power hydro-mechanical attachments that these machines power,” says Coleman.

The 299D3 XE Land Management machine’s cooling system features a hydraulically driven reversing fan that can be manually activated or set to automatically activate to clear debris from the airflow intake screens. It can also be equipped with a roof-mounted auxiliary hydraulic cooler for additional hydraulic cooling capacity when operating in high ambient temperatures.

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Hydraulic coolers are a popular option on mulching machines, but this option tends to be more regional in nature.

“The further south you go, the more apt guys are to put that option on,” says Warfel. “If you are in northern Minnesota or Canada, we don’t sell a lot of coolers up there.” The lower ambient temperatures in these regions provide a larger margin of safety.

ASV has designed its RT-120 Forestry mulcher to stay cool in demanding applications in the warmest climates. “The big additions we make to that machine are the cooling package — a standard reversing fan and an extreme cooling package,” says Storlie. This application puts a lot of heat into the hydraulic system. “It’s a very high demand application. Think about our biggest CTL — it’s pushing 45 gpm to the attachment.

When you are running a forestry mulcher, that attachment is engaged 100%. It’s under load most of that time.”

Storlie adds, “Then you have the chaff and debris factors. The mulching attachments are certainly known to throw a lot of debris in the air, a lot of dust, a lot of chaff that tends to plug coolers. You’re building heat due to the high demand and the high debris can plug and dirty the cooling package, which is why we include our standard reversing fan and build our machines for 100% load, 100% of the time up to 118˚ F ambient temperatures.”

The amount of chaff and debris generated mandates closer attention to maintenance. CTLs pack the engine and components into a very tight space. “It does not take much to start having overheat problems or fires in a CTL just because they are cramming a lot of stuff in that engine compartment,” says Warfel. You need to be religious about keeping it clean.

“When you get into the more purpose-built machines, they have a lot more open engine compartments,” he notes. “You still have to keep them clean, but there is a little more forgiveness because you have bigger coolers.”

Dedicated mulching machines also tend to have trash-style coolers with wider fin spacing. Skid steers and CTLs tend to have tight fin spacing. This can create issues when someone tries to pressure wash the machine in the field. “One of the worst things they can do is pressure wash out those coolers,” says Warfel. “Then they go back to work and the dirt and dust gets sucked into that water in the coolers. It almost turns into concrete inside there. It’s very difficult to blast that out of the coolers. Now you have lost all your cooling potential in the machine.”

Some dedicated forestry CTLs include wide fin spacing for this reason. For the RT-120 Forestry, ASV concentrated on the cooling package. “What we really focused on in that model is oversizing the cooling package,” says Storlie. “It actually designs in some cushion for handling that chaff because it is not likely that you’re going to be able to maintain full load 100% of the time. But if you have some cushion in there, you get some chaff in there and the machine is still able to perform at its best.” ET

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COMPACT EQUIPMENT Products New Holland C245 Compact Track Loader The C245 features a 90-hp FPT Tier 4 Final engine, a 4,500-lb. rated operating capacity, 9,200-lb. breakout force and auxiliary hydraulic flow up to 39.9 gpm.

• Vertical-lift Super Boom design reaches up to 131 in. for high-sided trucks and hoppers • Low-profile undercarriage design uses steel-embedded tracks that roll on rubber instead of steel to provide a smoother, quieter ride and longer-lasting tracks • Optional sealed cab with full-view windshield, heater/defroster kit and optional air conditioning

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JCB Teleskid

Wacker Neuson 100-hp Loaders The 100-hp models include the SW32 skid steer and the ST40 radial lift and ST50 vertical lift compact track loaders.

• Rated operating capacities of 3,200 (SW32), 3,500 (ST40) and 5,000 lbs. (ST50) • Hinge pin heights of 134.8 in. (SW32) and 136.6 in. (ST50) • Kohler KDI 3404 turbo diesel engine with maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalyst and selective catalytic reduction system • Cab fully tips forward with loader arms down • Control options include mechanical hand-foot (SW models), electrichydraulic (EH) hand-foot and selectable EH (ISO and H-pattern)

Available in tracked and wheeled versions, the Teleskid can perform the work of a telescopic handler, masted forklift, compact loader and skid steer, all in one easily serviced machine.

• Telescopic boom combines vertical and radial lift capability • Provides a forward reach of 8 ft., a lift height of 13 ft. and can dig below the chassis to a depth of 3 ft.

• Bucket-positioning leveling system allows the bucket level to be set and maintained throughout the boom’s range of movement • 74-hp JCB Ecomax Tier 4 Final engine provides high torque at low rpm • JCB myCHOICE software allows control responsiveness and joystick sensitivity to be tailored to match operator preferences

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HERE FOR ANY JOB. ANYTIME. Starting with the highest quality of equipment, KATO is built to handle the toughest excavation projects. KATO’s line of mini and full-size excavators, ranging from just 2,400 to over 54,000 lbs., meets the needs of any job-site. In addition, KATO’s US-based distributor, Compact Excavator Sales, is a family-owned business that puts customers first.

Knowledgeable product experts are standing by to assist with any service or maintenance issues that arise, and our streamlined parts distribution minimizes your downtime. Call today to find out how KATO’s superior service can help you achieve your goals.

Case B Series Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders The next-generation B Series includes five compact track loaders and eight skid steers in radial and vertical lift patterns, as well as numerous horsepower and size classes.

• Maintenance-free Tier 4 Final engines • Offer enhanced visibility, an updated operator interface and controls, simple startup and operation and powerful breakout force and auxiliary hydraulics • Completely redesigned operator interface includes left- and right-hand posts with simple ignition, pushbutton operation, easy throttle control and intuitive switches for all core functions • 8-in. LCD multi-function display includes a backup camera view in a split screen with machine data

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LiuGong 388B Compact Track Loader The 388B boasts an operating weight of 11,442 lbs., a 3,300-lb. rated operating capacity at 35% tipping load and a 6,744-lbf. bucket breakout force.

• .78-cu.-yd. bucket capacity • 94-hp (gross) Perkins 854F Tier 4 Final diesel engine • Standard third-valve auxiliary hydraulics with an electrical connection located in the hook-up array • Delivers 25.5-gpm standard hydraulic flow or 35.9 gpm on the high-flow option • Industry-standard quick-coupler design enables use of an array of attachments

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To learn more about these and other available compact track loader and skid-steer loader models, visit the New Equipment Directory at ForConstructionPros.com.

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COMPACT EQUIPMENT Products John Deere 333G with Integrated SmartGrade The SmartGrade 333G compact track loader helps to automatically complete grading tasks faster with fewer passes and less rework.

• Grade control system fully integrated into machine’s structures and software, eliminating masts and cables • DozerMode enables the EH joystick control system to function like a crawler dozer with the push of a button • Machine-equipped six-way dozer blade attachment can both cut a grade and spread materials and enables accurate and automatic cutting or finishing of light materials in tight spaces • Blade reduces the amount of operator input and does not require tools to change between other attachments

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ASV MAX-Series Loaders The MAX-Series includes the RT-65, VT-70 High Output, RT-75 and RT-75 Heavy-Duty MAX-Series Posi-Track loaders featuring a next-generation cab with 360° visibility, a more spacious operator area, fully suspended adjustable seat, 7-in. touchscreen display and more.

• Dual throttle option allows operation at a set rpm with joystick controls and increased rpm with the foot throttle without needing to adjust the dial • Roof escape hatch allows operators to get out quickly in emergency situations • Include optimized hydraulic performance and cooling capability, plus the Posi-Track rubber track system • Optional highly pressurized, all-weather cab with updated HVAC system and floor to ceiling glass areas

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Caterpillar D3 Series Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders The D3 Series includes 16 skid-steer loader, compact track loader (CTL) and multi terrain loader models with rated operating capacities (50% tipping load) from 2,185 to 6,200 lbs. and power ratings from 67.1 to 110 gross hp.

• Wider opening cab door for easy entry and exit and increased distance (3 in.) between joystick pods for extra space inside the cab • CTLs feature standard two-speed travel and changes to the undercarriage frame and torsion axles that reduce machine pitching and rocking • Smart Technology automatically recognizes and converts machine controls to align with Smart Attachment needs • Advanced control features include Return-to-Dig and Work Tool Positioner

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Kato CL35 Compact Track Loader The CL35-4F compact track loader has a 7,771-lb. transport weight and comes with an all-new color scheme and updated performance.

• 63-hp Kubota V2403 engine • 6,475-lb. breakout force • 7-ft. 8-in. dump height and 38° dump angle • 4.6-psi minimum ground pressure • 7-ft. turn radius • 6.2-mph maximum travel speed

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Takeuchi TL8R2 Compact Track Loader The redesigned TL8R2 offers a tipping load of 6,041 lbs. with an operating weight of 9,182 lbs.

• 74.3-hp turbocharged, Tier 4 Finalcompliant engine • Creep Mode standard on models with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics and enables forward speed to be precisely matched to a particular attachment without having to constantly meter the travel lever • Automotive-styled operator station includes a 5.7-in. multi-informational color display with rear view camera and sealed rocker switch bank, standard low-effort pilot controls and proportional auxiliary switches • Optional pressurized cab available

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Gehl RT135 Compact Track Loader The 6,510-lb. RT135 has an overall width of just 57 in. and height of 76 in., yet can lift up to 110 in. and 1,350 lbs. at 35% operating capacity.

• 46.6-hp Yanmar engine uses automatic regeneration and zero fuel additives • Cab-forward design incorporates a Level II FOPS, robust operator station, pilot joystick controls and all-around visibility • IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system • All-Tach universal attachment system standard or optional Power-A-Tach system • Optional backup camera and self-leveling hydraulic lift

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Kubota SVL65-2 Compact Track Loader The 68-hp SVL65-2 features an Advanced Multifunction Valve (AMV Valve) that provides smooth operation when using simultaneous functions, such as auxiliary, boom and bucket circuits.

• Boasts a rated operating capacity of 2,100 lbs. at 35% or 3,000 lbs. at 50%, a reach of 34.9 in. and a hinge pin height of 118.5 in.

• Includes a slide-up overhead front door and easy on/off self-leveling function • Multi-function levers provide fingertip control of all major vehicle and attachment operations • Easy-open sliding front door

www.forconstructionpros.com/21046374

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Bobcat R-Series T62 and S62 Loaders The R-Series T62 compact track loader and S62 skid-steer loader are radius lift path models that feature 68-hp redesigned Bobcat 2.4-liter, Tier 4 no-DPF diesel engines and 2,150- (T62) and 2,100-lb.

(S62) rated operating capacities.

• Inline engine design and a durable directdrive system ensure high performance • Redesigned cooling system with a larger, higher-capacity radiator and heavy-duty steel louvers on the tailgate • Stronger cast steel lift arm sections and powerful hydraulics improve lifting capabilities • One-piece sealed and pressurized cab • Cast steel Bob-Tach attachment mounting system

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G R AD I N G /S I T E P R E P

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xcavatormounted mulcher attachments are gaining in popularity and are rapidly overtaking a larger portion of total mulcher attachment sales. Whether they are clearing brush for new construction, maintaining right of ways for pipelines or utilities or clearing fence rows, these attachments are now heavily relied upon for a myriad of reasons. However, all of these applications have one thing in common — they often result in a severe-duty environment. Properly maintaining a mulching attachment keeps it performing at its best and avoids downtime.

Unlike a skid-steer-mounted mulcher, which typically works out in front of the machine, an excavator-mounted mulcher is often reaching up into a tree, over a creek bank or up a steep slope where a skid steer can’t access. Proper preventive maintenance gives operators the confidence to know that the mulcher is in proper working order even when they can’t always see it.

Planning preventive maintenance for the attachment can eliminate significant potential downtime and allow you to better budget your maintenance costs. Developing a budget for maintenance involves consideration and evaluation of the following components weighed against your operating conditions.

DRIVE COMPONENTS Like skid-steer-mounted

HOW TO MAINTAIN EXCAVATORMOUNTED MOBILE MULCHERS Planning preventive maintenance can eliminate potential downtime and help you budget maintenance costs. mulchers, excavator-mounted mulchers transmit power from the hydraulic motor to the rotor through polychain belts, which should be inspected weekly prior to operation. There is a belt inspection cover that allows for easily checking the condition and tension of the belt. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for proper belt tension. Although polychain belts can last much longer, in most cases, budgeting for changing them at 1,000-hour intervals will help ensure uptime and should leave you with a usable spare belt for an unexpected emergency.

Sheaves and bearings are also components that enable the belt to transfer energy from the motor to the rotor. Generally, the sheaves themselves last many thousands of hours, but should always be inspected for damage or wear to ensure their service life. Bearings will need much more frequent replacement. The service life of bearings is heavily dependent on many factors, including type and rating of the bearing, frequency and type of

16 EQU IPM ENT T OD AY | December 2020 ET1220_16-17_Prep_CB.indd 16

©Marinko – stock.adobe.com

grease, exposure to water, dirt, sand or debris or even the position of the mulcher during use.

If the operator is swinging through brush or reduces a tree that’s laying on the ground, then the bearings are being used in a position for which they were designed and should last for 1,000 hours or more if properly maintained. However, when the mulcher is used to reach up into a tree to fell it or for trimming branches from the side of the tree, the bearings are not in a position for which they were initially designed. This is called side loading and it can significantly shorten bearing life.

In general, for preventive maintenance purposes, manufacturers suggest budgeting 1,000 hours for mulcher bearings.

However, if you are side loading the bearings often, you should cut that in half and plan on a 500-hour scheduled replacement. Actual experiences will also vary by size and weight of

the mulching attachment.

Each bearing should also be lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Too much grease is as bad as not enough. Fecon recommends greasing the main rotor bearings with four pumps of grease every four hours of operation.

HYDRAULICS The hydraulic motor in a mulching attachment is the “heart” that pumps the lifeblood of your system (hydraulic fluid) to keep the mulcher producing results. One of the most common and most costly failures experienced during mulcher operation can be a shaft seal failure or even a ruptured hydraulic motor case.

During their daily inspection, operators should always look at the hydraulic motor and the area it is housed in. Make certain there are no leaks in the attached hoses and fittings and that the area remains clean and free of debris. Also inspect hoses and fittings from the mulcher back to the carrier to ensure tight,

leak-free connections. A loose case drain line connection can restrict hydraulic flow.

CUTTER TEETH The cutter teeth are where the work happens, so this area is typically the most high maintenance on the implement. With the power off, operators should rotate the cutter head and inspect each knife or tool looking for worn, damaged, broken or missing cutters. Worn blades can be sharpened, while broken, damaged or missing teeth should be replaced. Replace any bolts or nuts at this time, as well.

If the manufacturer supplies a gauge for sharpening their tools, use this to keep the correct angle on the knife edge. For example, Fecon supplies a gauge for sharpening the Viking Axe and Sword tools to ensure maximum service life.

Excessively worn teeth will not engage the material to be shredded. As teeth become smaller (and less effective), the material being shredded comes into contact with the rotor more frequently. This leads to undue wear on the rotor.

Missing teeth are also problematic, as they create an off-balance situation and impart vibration throughout the mill.

If balance issues are a problem, mobile balancers are available to help determine the severity of the problem and identify where adjustments are needed.

Re-balancing a rotor will have a dramatic impact on its operation.

Making daily maintenance

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GRADING/S ITE PREP

Fecon

The cutter teeth are where the work happens, so this area is typically the most high maintenance on the implement.

UPPER LEFT: During the daily inspection, always look at the hydraulic motor area for leaks in the attached hoses and fittings and to ensure the area remains clean and free of debris.

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UPPER RIGHT: A belt inspection cover allows for easily checking the condition and tension of the belt.

LOWER LEFT: Properly maintaining an excavator-mounted mulching attachment ensures it can perform at its best and avoids downtime.

SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

OVER 3,000 JANITORIAL ITEMS IN STOCK

LOWER RIGHT: Excessively worn teeth will not engage the material to be shredded.

checks a part of your pre-startup routine can save hours of time, not to mention repair costs. An operator can accomplish the tasks described in just minutes. Once a week, a more in-depth schedule may be required, but it will still be less than an hour. Most operators will find that spending a few minutes each day ensuring that there are no problems will far outweigh the hours spent in fixing neglected ones. ET

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COMPLETE CATALOG

Information for this article provided by Fecon.

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GRADING/SITE PREP Products Caterpillar D9 Dozer

CASE DL550B Compact Dozer Loader The roughly 18,000-lb., 114-hp DL550B leverages the footprint of a compact track loader with the chassis-integrated C-frame and blade of a dozer.

• Provides a vertical lift geometry and a rated operating capacity of 5,500 lbs. (at 50% tipping load) • True dozer-style undercarriage available in steel or rubber track configurations • Features a six-way blade and a C-frame that attaches directly into the chassis and primary coupler of the machine for stability and a smooth operating plane

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Loftness L Series Battle Ax The L Series Battle Ax horizontal drum mulcher is designed for standard-flow skid steers with 16- to 30-gpm hydraulic flow ratings.

• 51- or 61-in. cutting widths • Rotor design with built-in depth gauges prevents attachment from engaging too much material at one time • Two-stage cutting chamber helps produce smaller particle sizes • Primary shear bar adjustable for customizing particle size • Features Reversible Quadco blades mounted in a staggered/spiral tooth pattern

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Mauldin M415XT Maintainer The M415XT comes standard with a 130-hp Cummins 3.8L Tier 4 engine and is propelled using two hydraulically powered solid axles for better traction in all scenarios.

• Intuitive design helps increase operator productivity while enhancing operator comfort • Interactive 7-in. color digital display shows all necessary engine gauges and allows setting changes on the machine controls • Standard front-loading bucket and boom will clear 10-ft. dump truck boards and has a 3/4yd. capacity with a 1-ton lifting capacity • Bucket auto-level feature means the bucket will always maintain its level at any boom height

The 110,225-lb. D9 features a torque converter with stator clutch that reduces fuel consumption by as much as 5% and maintenance and repair costs by as much as 4%.

• Tier 4 Final version generates 452 net hp at 1,750 rpm • Cab features intuitive, easy to access controls, a cloth air suspension seat, large high-definition touchscreen displays and electronic architecture that is scalable to technology needs • Suspended undercarriage reduces shock load transfer by as much as 50% to the undercarriage for a smoother, more comfortable ride • Available Automated Blade Assist, AutoCarry and Automatic Ripper Control

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John Deere 700L and 750L Dozers The 135-hp 700L and 175-hp 750L include a John Deere six-cylinder, 6.8-liter engine and offer wider blade options, including a 161-in. option.

• Available factory-installed slope control automatically maintains blade angle without external laser or GPS reference • Slope control machines also SmartGrade-ready for easy upgrade to a full 3D mastless system • Spacious operator station with ergonomically designed EH controls, 7-in. color monitor, 14% larger door openings, better visibility to the blade and 50% noise reduction (700L) • Include optimized hydraulic hose and electrical harness routings plus 4,000-hour hydraulic and hydrostatic oil change intervals

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Liebherr PR 736 Generation 8 Hydrostatic Drive Dozer

Level Best Precision Grader Blade

Fecon Standard-flow Mulcher Head

The GB-108 Precision Grader Blade is a 108-in.-wide rugged blade that adjusts in four directions and works with all makes of 2D and 3D guidance systems.

• Works with GPS and robotic total station (RTS) systems, as well as manually • Fits all popular makes of compact track loaders • Enables high-precision grading of subsurfaces to within 0.1 in. of spec • Suitable for new construction, parking lots and wherever precision grading is an advantage

This standard-flow mulcher head is suited for use with most standard skidsteer loaders, Avant-type wheel loaders and other carriers that can provide 17 to 27 gpm of hydraulic flow.

• Features 22 knife- or carbide-type cutting tools and has a 50-in. cutting width • Operates at from 2,400 to 3,600 rpm and can shred brush and small trees up to 4 in. in diameter • Adaptable with varying mounting plates to fit several types of carriers • Weighs just 1,300 lbs. with mounting plate and push bar

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The 56,218-lb. PR 736 G8 hydrostatic drive dozer is powered by a 217-bhp Liebherr Tier 4 Final diesel engine with Eco mode.

• Straight, semi-U and six-way blade options available in capacities from 5.36 to 7.27 cu. yds.

• Electronically pilot-controlled work hydraulics allow for swift, precise work cycles • Liebherr OAS – Operator Assistance Systems offers a “Free Grade” level for active blade stabilization during fine grading, “Definition Grade” level for automatic blade positioning when creating 2D grades and “3D Grade” option to model complex terrain shapes • Roof-mounted GPS/GNSS antennas standard along with onboard Active Sensor Control to stabilize all blade axis

Komatsu GD655-7 Motor Grader The GD655-7 provides an ergonomic, spacious cab with low-effort equipment and steering levers, transmission controls and articulation stop-at-center feature.

• 218-hp Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 Tier 4 Final engine • Dual-mode powershift transmission (eight forward/four reverse) with on-thego full-power shifting, inching capability and automatic shifting in higher ranges • Two-mode, three-stage Variable Horsepower Control (VHPC) allows selection of the appropriate mode to match operating parameters • Full locking differential • Includes a 7-in. full-color, high-resolution monitor with Ecology Guidance and separate full-color rear view monitoring system

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J OB S I T E S O LUT I O N S Over the course of six days, the group moved a massive amount of dirt to shape a unique and customized motocross practice course.

Machine Control and Motocross Find Common Ground Three contractors came together to demonstrate the use of machine control technology on a Florida motocross track.

All photos courtesy of Trimble

T

Three contractors teamed up to construct a practice track for professional motocross riders using modern machine control technology.

he stunts and jumps achieved by professional dirt bike riders have awed and inspired many a fan.

But beneath every backflip, whip, superman, “Hart” attack or tsunami, there’s the track — a complex circuit of step ups and downs, tabletops and ramps that help riders achieve these gravity-defying feats.

One creative genius behind

track designs is former motocross racer Jason Baker, owner of DreamTraxx, a company that specializes in the design and construction of professional motocross and supercross tracks.

Founded in 2003, DreamTraxx is one of the leading motorsports track building companies with a client list that includes legendary motocross champion Ryan Villopoto.

Recently, Baker and a few construction colleagues took up the challenge to demonstrate the power and possibilities of GNSS-enabled equipment at his Moto Sandbox training facility in Groveland, FL. The group included the Dirt Ninja, aka contractor Tom Gardocki; Ryan Goodfellow, owner of Utahbased Rock Structures Utility and Excavating; and Britton Lawson, director of construction technologies at specialty contractor Veit & Company, Inc.; along with SITECH North Central Florida and Trimble representatives.

The goal was two-fold — first, to construct a practice track with modern machine control technology for professional riders Villopoto, Tyler Bereman, Todd Potter, Lorenzo Locurcio and Alex Martin; and second, to provide a practical and realistic demonstration of the benefits of technology to reshape the future of motocross and supercross track construction.

DESIGN APPEAL The project, known as “Dirtkhana 2”, is a follow-up to the first Dirtkhana event that

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occurred in 2019 in the small town of Berthoud, CO. For the first event, Dirt Ninja Tom Gardocki worked with the company to build a practice track for professional freestyle motocross rider James Carter using the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform for Excavators, Siteworks Positioning System and SiteVision. The track was constructed in a space about the size of a football field and included two super-elevated curves and straightaways.

Dirtkhana 2 steps up the challenge in both scope and scale. “From a track perspective, Dirtkhana 2 is a very different project compared to Dirtkhana 1,” says Gardocki. “For the first track, we went from a flat surface to a mini track. This project required the modification of two existing full-size tracks with many more features.”

The Moto Sandbox training facility covers about 45 acres and includes a large motocross track, sand track and two supercross tracks on approximately 30 of those acres. With a total circuit area of about 100,000 cu. yds. of dirt, the tracks replicate different features that riders might

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J OBS ITE S OL U TIONS

see at a professional event.

The team used a few lanes of the existing motocross practice track and a few lanes on the supercross practice track to build one large circuit with many features. Beyond the ramps and runups, the work would require some custom earthwork to facilitate the transition from one track to another. Over the course of six days, the group moved a massive amount of dirt to shape a unique and customized motocross practice course that even included a launch pad from a machine blade.

TRACK DISTINCTIONS Building a motocross or an indoor equivalent supercross track is quite different from sitework or earthwork required in more conventional construction, whether for buildings or infrastructure. “On most earthwork jobs, we’re dealing with flat areas, not ramps, tabletops and step downs,” says Goodfellow.

The process also differs in design and build practices. Baker explains, “Motocross track building is very specialized, and no two jumps are alike — that’s the artistic side of track building.”

While motocross track design requires some precision, such as matching trajectories from takeoffs to landings, the construction process is somewhat loose to accommodate the vision of the track designer. “For a typical construction project, we would use a 2D or 3D model developed by an engineer,” says Lawson. “Track design is much more freeform; it’s more of an art.”

The first step was to fly the site with a drone and then use Trimble Stratus to develop a topographic survey. Lawson used the survey data to begin creating the 3D model in Trimble Business Center, which could then be exported to Siteworks to perform survey work.

“Those aerial images gave us a much better starting point instead of going out to site with rover and topo,” says Lawson. “It was very easy to overlay line work over the topo to get an idea of the work that needed to be done. Then we used Siteworks to do takeoffs, locate corridor alignments for transitions and define the general location of features.”

The model was loaded into the excavator and dozer machine control systems, which were each equipped with the Earthworks Grade Control Platform, a next-generation machine control system that incorporates dual GNSS receivers for 3D accuracy, stability and performance of the blade and bucket. From there, Britton, Goodfellow, Gardocki and even Baker jumped in the cabs and got to work.

“I didn’t have the experience the other guys had with machine control, and even so, I was running my dozer with the full GPS automation in minutes,” says Baker.

When asked about specific features, Baker says he was

over and over. That was mind blowing,” he adds.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS The value of the technology-enabled system became quickly evident in the details of the jumps.

During construction, the team worked with Todd Potter on the backflip jump, one of the critical components of every motocross track. These jumps require some combination of ramp angle, ramp length and bike speed. For

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really impressed that once the base station was set up, he was able to go anywhere on the track in his dozer, set the blade down and get an elevation.

“There was no guessing about drainage and we could replicate jump pitches perfectly

Shifts side to side

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J OB S I T E S O LUT I O N S

The motocross project required the modification of two existing full-size tracks with many features.

instance, Josh Sheehan became the first person to land a triple backflip on a motocross bike in 2015. At a speed of 60 mph, he launched from a 37-ft. takeoff ramp built at an 81° angle. At the peak, he and his bike reached a height of 80 ft.

For the Moto Sandbox jump, Baker recalls, “Todd told me the angle he wanted and we built it precisely to that spec. The 3D system took the guesswork out of the entire process.”

To make the transition between the motocross and the supercross tracks a little more

It’s amazing to see what construction equipment operators can do when they’re in their element with the right technology…

—Jason Baker

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interesting, the team also parked a dozer with the blade positioned at an angle to form a launch pad for the riders.

“As a former rider, I have a good feel for what I want to build and I use a lot of intuition for track design,” says Baker.

“That can make communicating to equipment operators a challenge. With the 3D system, I can tell any operator, even one with no experience in building tracks, where to build a 30° angle on a jump and the automated system does it perfectly.”

BUILT FOR SPEED Integral to the Dirtkhana 2 demonstration was to develop some productivity metrics comparing 3D machine control with conventional track building practices.

For example, the most challenging aspect of a stadium track construction is the small window available to build and tear down the track within a given footprint. Tracks are usually built over the course of several days before a Friday/Saturday event and teardown is begun on

Saturday night after the races.

The faster crews can build the track, the better for the riders to get on the course to practice.

Goodfellow notes that professional tracks are largely eyeballed.

For indoor tracks, he points out crews will typically cover the grass with plastic and then lay a 6-in. road base. Then they will set stakes for the jumps and lay out the lanes while a loader and dump trucks follow behind to build the jumps, followed by a dozer shaping, grading and finetuning the surface.

“With a machine control system, the setup of the track would certainly be faster and more precise without using stakes, stringlines or big offsets,” he says. “Also, with the 3D system, we can maintain the required footprint within required tight tolerances.”

Motocross tracks typically have considerably more earthwork movement than supercross. “In this case, the ability to be anywhere on the site and get an elevation or cut a 2-ft. drain without pounding stakes is a benefit,” Baker

comments. “I can stay in the cab. This automated process could easily save me two days in layout and final cut. Instead of six to seven days, I could do it in five days.”

Baker believes machine control really shines for track maintenance, adding, “Once the track is built, we can walk the track with a rover to create a surface model. With that loaded in a dozer, I can send anyone out there with the dozer to auto grade features as needed. If I need a pad with a 1% slope, I am able to do it all from inside the machine.”

The professional riders were equally excited about the Dirtkhana 2 demonstration, enjoying the results and the integration of equipment as obstacles and launch pads over the course of the week.

“It’s amazing to see what construction equipment operators can do when they’re in their element with the right technology,” says Baker. “Dirtkhana 2 was an awesome experience and opened my eyes to what I can do with the machinery.” ET

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11/25/20 9:11 AM

FL EET MANAGEMENT

Choose and Use CTL Tracks WISELY These selection, maintenance and operating tips can help extend track life.

All photos courtesy of Caterpillar

Beyond providing more tractive effort, rubber track undercarriages contribute to high flotation, low ground pressure, machine stability and a smooth ride.

compact track loader product specialist for Caterpillar, “but there are a number of factors that can affect track life.”

THE RIGHT CHOICE

Underfoot conditions affect track wear. Contractors will see longer wear life when working on soft, loamy soil and non-abrasive surfaces.

O

ffering a wide range of attachments and working in varied underfoot conditions, compact track loaders (CTLs) are a staple piece of equipment for many contractors. The rubber track undercarriages provide more than tractive effort. Their unique design also contributes to high flotation, low ground pressure, machine stability and a smooth ride. For these and other reasons, CTLs are at home on general construction projects, landscape work, agricultural tasks and roadwork, among many other applications.

However, one of the more challenging choices you may

have is equipping the CTL with the right track for the application needs. From block and bar tread to general and premium track designs, manufacturers offer multiple track options to suit applications. So, taking the time to work with the local dealer to help find the right fit for the applications most encountered is a must.

In addition, the higher initial investment for a set of tracks vs. tires makes it imperative that you follow proper operating and maintenance practices. “On average, customers can expect a lifespan of 1,200 to 1,500 hours from rubber tracks when [they are] properly operated and maintained,” says Kevin Coleman,

Whether for a new machine purchase or a set of replacement tracks for an existing machine, it’s important to investigate the available options to find the best rubber track fit for the machine and working applications. One initial choice offered by many manufacturers is general vs. premium duty designs. “Expected service life, relative low/high CTL operation and pricing are the main differences between these two options,” says Coleman.

For machines that have relatively low hour accumulation and work in applications like snow removal, material handling and auger work, general duty tracks allow contractors to lower owning and operating costs.

Service life for this design will excel with underfoot conditions such as snow, turf and concrete.

Premium duty tracks, as the name implies, are designed for high-hour operation machines and will, on average, deliver a longer service life than general duty tracks. Premium duty tracks

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are often offered in either narrow or wide track widths and give the option of bar or block tread patterns.

When choosing between narrow or wide track width, consider the applications most encountered by the CTL. “Is low ground pressure with better flotation required? If so, the wider track option is the best choice,” says Coleman. If the application demands the narrowest overall machine width, then the narrow track option is the best fit.

There are subtle differences that you should consider when deciding between a block or bar pattern for the track. The block design delivers optimal track durability and works well in a wide range of applications.

However, this pattern may not be the best option for applications such as snow removal.

For a good all-around, all-season track, the bar pattern does very well in snow, delivers low ground disturbance and leaves behind a good finish, which is especially beneficial for new construction and landscaping applications. As a bonus, the bar track gives the operator a better ride on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt.

Daily cleaning and greasing of the undercarriage along with inspecting the track for damage and checking for proper tensioning will help to maximize component life.

MAINTENANCE IS KEY As with any machine, following daily and preventive maintenance guidelines is critical in extending its service life.

Keeping tracks in good operating condition is a key factor in equipment maintenance for CTLs. “The better contractors care for their machines, the longer individual components will last,” says Coleman. “When the machine is operated efficiently, kept clean and maintained per the Operations & Maintenance Manual (OMM) recommendations, track life will be maximized.”

It is good practice to incorporate a machine walk-around at the start of the workday.

“On Cat CTLs, there is a service chart inside the rear door that illustrates the scheduled service intervals and maintenance points,” says Coleman.

Cleaning and greasing the undercarriage daily will maximize component life. Daily inspection

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FL E E T M A N A G E M E N T Manufacturers offer multiple track options to suit applications, from block and bar tread to general and premium track designs.

of the track for any signs of damage and checking the track tension are also recommended to help extend its service life.

Intervals for track maintenance vary depending on the application, the operator, soil conditions, climate and condition of the undercarriage components. Therefore, keeping an eye on track tension daily is extremely important. It will help to improve the service life

On average, customers can expect a lifespan of 1,200 to 1,500 hours from rubber tracks when [they are] properly operated and maintained.

—Kevin Coleman

of the track and undercarriage components.

Tracks that are too tight can cause premature track failure, power loss and bearing failures.

Tracks that are too loose increase the possibility of track derailing and damage due to drive lugs misfeeding on the drive sprocket.

FACTORS IMPACTING TRACK LIFE While contractors can expect on average a 1,200- to 1,500hour lifespan from rubber tracks when properly maintained, several factors can affect track life.

“Beyond maintenance practices, application, operating techniques and underfoot conditions can significantly impact track life,” offers Coleman.

The amount of torque and horsepower required by an application has a direct effect on undercarriage component wear.

Working any piece of equipment to its maximum potential will cause higher wear to certain components. In general, tough applications like excavation and dozing maximize the torque and horsepower being transferred through the sprocket to the tracks and cause increased wear. Easier and less demanding jobs, such as trenching and finish grading, require less torque and horsepower and cause minimal wear.

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Operating technique can greatly affect undercarriage wear and cost of operation. Aggressive operation may help get the job done faster, but it can also increase the rate of wear and overall operating costs. As an example, making a quick change in travel direction by counterrotating can ingest material into the undercarriage and may cause unnecessary, accelerated wear on the tracks and undercarriage components.

“When practical, three-point turns are a good way of turning.

Turning without counter-rotating may take more time but can extend the service life of undercarriage components and reduce operating costs,” says Coleman.

“Another operating technique to avoid is excessive spinning of the tracks while digging or pushing into a pile, which also contributes to accelerated track wear.”

While Cat CTLs are rated for work on slopes up to 3:1, working across slopes can cause faster wear on undercarriage components.

Unnecessary side loading wear can be reduced by operating up and down the slope, rather than across, whenever possible. “Avoid making direct 90° turns when operating on a slope,” advises Coleman.

“Sharp turns on slopes can cause unnecessary wear on track guides, can shove material between the

track and roller wheels and can lead to track derailment and subsequent damage.”

In terms of underfoot conditions, track wear over time is going to be different for contractors who work primarily on grass compared to dirt, rock or snow. Rocky, jagged material or construction debris can cause accelerated wear on the track and other components of the undercarriage. Because of a CTL’s flotation, traction and versatility, they can work on any material, including scrap or demolition debris, but these harsh underfoot conditions can cause significant track wear. Typically, contractors will see longer wear life when working on soft, loamy soil and non-abrasive surfaces like turf

and finished landscaping.

Regardless of how well it’s maintained or its type, there will come a time when a CTL’s track will need to be replaced.

Coleman offers some parting advice to help you determine when it’s time to do so.

“What it comes down to is tracks will need to be replaced when they no longer provide good traction on the job or if the track has been damaged to the point that it no longer holds tension,” he says. “There are many sources to purchase tracks from but not all offer the same quality products. So, purchasing from a reputable source like your equipment dealer is a good way to make sure you’re getting a good, quality track.” ET

FIND MORE ONLINE Best Practices to Ensure Maximum Undercarriage Life www.ForConstructionPros.com/21159692 It’s Gotta Be the Shoes www.ForConstructionPros.com/20977431 Tips to Extend the Life of Compact Track Loaders’ Rubber Tracks www.ForConstructionPros.com/20859383 Get a Tighter Grip on Compact Track Loader Undercarriage Options www.ForConstructionPros.com/12067948

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11/25/20 9:12 AM

FLEET MANAGEMENT Products

Trident Solid Tires This range of tires for construction and underground mining equipment includes the SmarTire solid tire performance monitoring system.

• Skid-steer loader and telehandler range includes unique patterns that reduce vibration and increase tire life • Damage-resistant aerial lift range fits tire and wheel assemblies for boom lifts and rough-terrain scissor lifts • Mining equipment offering features a special cut-resistant mining compound and extra-deep tread • SmarTire continuously monitors tire temperature and usage, sends information in real time to the display interface and alerts when temps exceed critical levels

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Miller Remote Solutions for Engine Drives Remote Start/Stop on Bobcat welder/ generators and the Remote Output Panel Kit for Miller engine drives are designed to help operators save time and money while reducing exposure to potential jobsite hazards.

• Remote Start/Stop via a durable fob that uses two-way communication between the remote and welder/generator so operators know when commands have been received • eChoke technology provides quick, hands-free cold starting • Remote Output Panel Kit provides access to auxiliary power and weld output panels at point of use, is compatible with Bobcat, Trailblazer and Big Blue welder/ generators and is backwards compatible

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Reverso Diesel Fuel Water Stripper The portable Diesel Fuel Water Stripper (DWS) utilizes the Separ LKF Industrial filter to provide staged filtration of fuel, removing free water and particulates before fuel gets to the engine fuel filters.

• Housed in a bucket for easy transport or storage • Insert intake and return “wands” into fuel or storage tank and connect to 12V power to remove free water from tanks in minutes • Premium-grade, high-speed pump and robust construction enable use in the field or in the shop • LKF Industrial filter easily installs between the engine and fuel tank and can be easily serviced • Optional heater and water sensor

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American Eagle LubeMate Aluminum Lube Skids

Hot Shot’s Secret 10W-30 Green Diamond Fleet Diesel Engine Oil The 10W-30 blend of Green Diamond Fleet Full Synthetic Group III/Group IV engine oil is formulated for dieselpowered vehicles that experience extreme temperatures, heavy loads, stop and go operations or high airborne particulates.

• Manufactured from Group III and Group IV base oils and infused with FR3 Nano Technology and a fully formulated CK-4 additive package • Effectively cleans, lubricates and maintains engines and turbos • Provides improved cold starting and reduced soot, noise and vibration • Enhanced oxidation and thermal stability to prevent deposits and premature oil breakdown and increased film strength for reduced shearing and friction

Six aluminum LubeMate lube skid models are available including the V90, V120 and V160 Mobile and Permanent models.

• 30% lighter than their steel counterparts • Manufactured with 3/16th aluminum featuring enhanced corrosion resistance • Three mobile standards include the V-110 (55-gal. new oil, 55-gal. salvage oil), V-120 (two 40-gal. new oil, 49-gal. salvage oil) and V-160 (two 40-gal. new oil, 80-gal. salvage oil) • Come with 5:1 oil pumps, a 1-in. diaphragm pump with four-way valve, 1/2” x 50’ new oil reels and 1” x 25’ oil reel with quick coupler

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Femco Non-Drip System The Non-Drip system is a series of drain plugs and clickers specifically created to rapidly drain and refill oil from vehicles or machines without leaving any residue.

• Allows use of a single draining system for both draining and refilling • Robust brass construction suitable for changing oils and fluids at high temperatures • Single plug available in numerous sizes and designed to be used with the non-drip clicker • Decreased distance between the valve opening of the plug and nozzle opening of the clicker helps ensure no residue is left behind

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Alliance Galaxy Mighty Trac ND All-season Skid-steer Tire The Galaxy Mighty Trac ND all-season, non-directional skid-steer tire is a versatile L-4 tire for use on loose soils, snow and pavement.

• Siped block tread design and 52:48 rubber-to-void ratio combine enhanced traction on dirt and snow with wear resistance on the road • Open, non-aligned lug pattern on the shoulders provides extra grip in soft conditions and self-cleaning • Heavy, stepped centerline blocks ensure smooth roading and minimize wear • Special cut-, chip- and abrasion-resistant compound and reinforced sidewall with a rim protector extend tire life

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AVOID COMMON HYDRAULIC FLUID MISTAKES Hydraulics play many critical roles in construction equipment. Hydraulic systems depend on proper lubrication to perform their tasks reliably, but not all hydraulic fluids are alike.

When a hydraulic oil does not perform as intended, a loss of fluid pressure and volumetric flow leads to decreased productivity. Field test results found that the use of a premium hydraulic oil contributed to improved efficiency gains as high as 7.5% Juan-Enrique | iStock and productivity as much as 10.4% compared to a conventional fluid.

Electrical energy savings were also measured and showed efficiency increases as high as 4.2%.

Clearly, the type of oil selected can have a significant impact on overall equipment reliability resulting in better machine performance.

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros. com/21159759.

December 2020 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

25 11/25/20 9:13 AM

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

All photos and charts courtesy of Ritchie Bros.

The biggest mistake buyers make is not doing their research. Make sure you know and understand the specs for your job and buy the truck that best meets your needs. Some key specs to pay attention to are overall weight, front and rear axle ratings, length/height/weight of the bed, style of gate, style of hinge release, style of hoist system, engine/transmission and horsepower.

Explore Truck ACQUISITION STRATEGIES Looking toward 2021, many unknowns may influence truck purchase decisions.

D

Don’t hesitate to ask the seller for any supporting maintenance records or other supporting documentation, as well as any applicable state or DOT inspections. Pay special attention to frames, crossmembers, springs, suspension components, torque rods and front axle kingpins for worn-out bushings. Outside of the obvious crack or suspicious welding marks, make sure you don’t see any suspicious cracks or rust marks on the frame, springs or crossmembers.

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emand for vocational trucks in the construction segment have held up well in certain regions during the early stages of the pandemic.

“Surprisingly, sales and demand for dump trucks have stayed pretty consistent,” says Ken Puetz, vocational used truck sales manager, Truck Country, the largest Freightliner dealer group in the U.S., serving customers in 25 locations in Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin. “Although I can’t be sure, I can assume this is due to the fact that many of the industries that utilize dump trucks were deemed essential, which kept them working as normal throughout the early stages of the pandemic and even now.”

However, the continuing pandemic and its overall impact on the economy are still creating an environment that makes it almost impossible to predict future business conditions

with any level of certainty. In this rapidly evolving business climate, you may consider running your trucks longer. There are many variables to consider including maintenance costs, downtime, fuel economy and even driver safety.

Fleet Advantage, a provider of truck fleet business analytics, recently released a benchmark survey that illustrates the impact older trucks have on safety, repair costs and fuel economy.

According to the survey, 55% of fleets said escalating maintenance and repair costs and 47.3% of fleets said improved fuel economy were factors for upgrading to newer trucks. Other factors included driver retention and improved corporate image.

“There remains a distinct correlation between aging trucks resulting in higher service and repair costs, as well as reduced fuel economy,” says John Flynn, CEO of Fleet Advantage. “This

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All photos and charts courtesy of Ritchie Bros.

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

survey tells us that many fleets see these as critical areas in not only operating their fleets, but also the impact they have on an organization’s bottom line.”

SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES MINIMIZE RISK Another consideration is that safety technologies in the latest generation trucks are proving very effective at minimizing risk exposure. According to the benchmark survey, 71% of transportation fleets have implemented blind spot mirrors as advanced safety features, while 66% have implemented front and rear disc brakes. The survey showed that 11% of transportation fleets estimate they have saved more than $1 million in crash avoidance by upgrading to newer trucks with advanced safety features.

In addition to their over-the road counterparts, these advanced safety technologies are being incorporated into the latest generation of vocational trucks. For instance, the recently revamped Volvo VHD includes Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) and the next generation of Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA). The VDS system delivers a safer, more comfortable driver experience by adding torque to reduce steering strain at lows speeds and removing vibrations caused by rough terrain.

“VDS reduces the force in the steering wheel up to 85%,” says Andy Hanson, vocational product marketing manager. “It also reduces steering wheel inputs from rough surfaces. Both of these elements help reduce driver fatigue. VDS is only available on VHD axle back versions.”

VDS also makes adjustments to improve stability at road speeds when encountering crosswinds, highway crowning, soft shoulders or emergency situations like tire failure. The system features a powerful electric motor mounted above the hydraulic steering gear to provide additional torque when necessary. It receives input 2,000 times per second from sensors throughout the truck monitoring yaw rate, steering angle, wheel speed and the driver’s own actions.

The next-generation VADA provides integrated radar/camera capabilities, automatic emergency braking, highway departure warnings and adaptive cruise

control. It reduces front and rear end collisions by up to 82%.

VADA combines camera and radar sensors to detect metallic objects and vehicles that are stationary or vehicles braking in front of a truck. If a metallic object of size is detected, audible and visual warnings are made to alert the driver, including red warning light flashes reflected on the windshield. Warnings are displayed up to 3.0 seconds before an imminent impact with the stationary object. If the system recognizes the stationary object as a vehicle and the driver does not take action, VADA will automatically alert the driver and engage the brakes to help the driver mitigate the potential collision.

Western Star’s new 49X also brings a suite of safety features to the vocational market. The 49X is equipped with the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems, which includes an advanced collision mitigation system.

The Detroit Assurance system on the 49X offers Side Guard Assist (SGA), Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5), tailgate warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to 0 mph, lane departure warning, video capture, intelligent high-beam and automatic wipers/headlamps.

With optional SGA, radar technology detects moving objects and pedestrians on the passenger side of the 49X that may otherwise fall in the operator’s blind spot, and alerts them with both auditory and visual warnings for safety on the jobsite or on the way there.

ABA5 detects distance and speed to moving and stationary objects in the driving path of the 49X and determines if warning or automated braking is necessary. The system works down to 5 mph, making it optimal for busy jobsites and in congested urban areas. It also recognizes moving pedestrians who are crossing in the truck’s path, alerting and applying the brakes if the operator does not react.

In addition to the safety advantages, purchasing a new truck allows you to optimize the truck specs to match your application with the most desired components and features. And while you can purchase a warranty for a used truck, the warranty on a new truck is likely

to be more comprehensive. Then there are the latest telematics services included with new truck purchases that include remote diagnostics and over-the-air updates for reduced downtime.

THE USED TRUCK ALTERNATIVE Even though they probably won’t incorporate the latest safety or operator productivity features, used trucks still offer an attractive option if the deal is right and the truck is right. A work truck can take a lot of abuse before it is resold, so you will need to perform a close inspection to ensure durability and reliability demands are met.

Used vocational construction trucks are currently in high demand. “Honestly, right now the market is really hot,” says Truck Country’s Puetz. “My biggest tip is not to wait. That used dump truck you are interested in likely has five other

customers interested in it.”

Be careful about matching a used truck to your actual needs. “I’ve seen many people underestimate the type of truck they actually need,” says Puetz.

“Many want a non-CDL truck, but based on what they are hauling, they need a heavier-duty truck with increased GVWR that requires a CDL. Make sure to get the right truck for your job.”

It also helps to work with

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a knowledgeable used truck source. “In our organization, we make sure to do a full 86-point inspection on all trucks. In addition, if we come across a truck with a badly worn dump, we replace the dump body on those trucks,” says Puetz. “My suggestion is to make sure you are working with a reputable, top quality company.”

Used dump trucks require attention to details. “For end users, which make up the majority of our buyers, the most important thing to research is the specifications of the truck to ensure it can meet their job requirements,” says Doug Olive, senior vice president, pricing and appraisals, Ritchie Bros.

“Ritchie Bros. has been selling dump trucks for more than 60 years,” says Olive. “The biggest mistake buyers make is not doing their research. Make sure you know and understand the

specs for your job and buy the truck that best meets your needs.

Some key specs to pay attention to are overall weight, front and rear axle ratings, length/height/ weight of the bed, style of gate, style of hinge release, style of hoist system, engine/transmission and horsepower. Also, with dump trucks, the engine hours are probably more important than mileage due to all of the idle time.”

The more you know about a truck and its history, the better purchasing decision you can make. Research the mileage to ensure it is correct. Do a little research on how the truck was initially built, then give it a complete physical that includes oil analysis on the engine, transmission and differential. Don’t forget to include an engine coolant sample.

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

During the pandemic, research has proven more challenging. “At Ritchie Bros., we try to make the inspection and research phase for our buyers as easy and efficient as possible,” says Olive. “While we are currently conducting our auction 100% online, we still offer in-person inspection at our auction sites with all necessary COVID safety protocols in place.

We also offer IronClad Assurance for items that cannot be inspected in person. In addition, we provide necessary maintenance and

ownership records for items. By being open and honest, we build buyer confidence, which delivers results for sellers.”

The more you know about a truck and its history, the better purchasing decision you can make.

Research the mileage to make sure it is correct. Do a little research on how the truck was initially built, then give it a complete physical that includes oil analysis on the engine, transmission and differential. Do not forget to include an engine coolant sample.

Today’s electronic control units offer a wealth of data to potential buyers; you have the data there if you ask for it. If you read the printouts on the electronic engines, you can pretty much tell what is going on. You can find out how many times it has had “check engine” codes or any kinds of fault codes indicating something needs to be checked.

Make sure any fault codes were addressed.

Ask the seller for any supporting maintenance records or

other supporting documentation, as well as any applicable state or DOT inspections. Pay special attention to frames, crossmembers, springs, suspension components, torque rods and front axle kingpins for worn-out bushings. Outside of the obvious crack or suspicious welding marks, make sure you don’t see any suspicious cracks or rust marks on the frame, springs or crossmembers. It could indicate that something is wrong, or is in the process of going wrong.

Quad-axle dump trucks sold in the U.S. Jan 2017 – Sep 2020; all years of manufacture

Tandem-axle dump trucks sold in the U.S. Jan 2017 – Sep 2020; all years of manufacture

Tri-axle dump trucks sold in the U.S. Jan 2017 – Sep 2020; all years of manufacture

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Finding what you need on the used market may take more effort. For example, dump truck configurations are regional, so availability will depend on local market conditions.

ONLINE AUCTIONS ALLOW ACCESS TO LARGE INVENTORY Online auctions such as Ritchie Bros., eBay and Purple Wave Auctions offer a vast selection of used vocational trucks.

Purple Wave Auctions ranks among the largest no-reserve Internet auction firms in the country. “We sell equipment all across the nation,” says Mike Braun, assistant sales manager.

In the era of social distancing, the company maintains a traditional auction experience through the Internet. In addition, Purple Wave does not require equipment to be moved from the seller’s location, which saves the seller time and money.

“We have not seen the overall demand for [used] dump trucks increase as a result of COVID,” says Braun. “But we are seeing the overall increase in demand for used equipment across the board. In fact, as an auction company, we are seeing more dealerships become interested in used equipment due to the fact that we believe new equipment from the manufacturer has slowed.”

The online auction house is not a newcomer to the market. “We have been selling used dump trucks for more than 10 years,” says Braun. “The most common mistakes that customers make are not doing enough inspection to make sure they are getting what is expected.”

This includes horsepower, weight, transmission, etc.

“Know your local regulations and verify that the truck you are looking at meets your needs,” Braun advises. “Look closely at the pictures, contact the seller, do your due diligence.

There is a difference between hauling heavy rock, sand, dirt or other material. This can be determined from inspection, discussion with the seller and knowing your equipment.”

Ritchie Bros. is perhaps one of the best-known auction services. “Since mid-March, Ritchie Bros. has been conducting its auctions 100% online and has experienced record-high bidder registrations and strong buyer demand,” says Olive. “For dump

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TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A USED DUMP TRUCK Ritchie Bros. provides a list of inspection items before you purchase your next used dump truck. The list includes:

1

Body, dump and tires — Look for any cracks, rust, dents or major repairs on the truck body.

Check the dump box and box liner for any signs of damage. When inspecting the dump box, note if the box is made of aluminum or steel. An aluminum box is more lightweight than a steel box and can help you reduce fuel costs over the long run. Stronger and more durable than aluminum, a steel dump box is the better choice if you will be hauling rubble or oversized, rough, heavy material. As you continue your inspection of the body and dump box, stop and take a look at the tires, noting any uneven tread wear around the entire tire circumference, a sign of a possible alignment issue.

2

Frames, rails and axles — Take a closer look at the truck frame rails, noting any sagging or bowing bends. A sagging bend could be a result of overloading, while an upward, bowing bend could be a result of an operator driving the truck with a loaded and upright box.

As you inspect the frame rails, note any corrosion or other signs of wear. Also make note of the presence of any push axles (lift axles in front of the driving tandem) or tag axles (lift axles behind the driving tandem). Lift axles spread the weight across the multiple axles, which allows the dump truck to meet various state regulations. Steerable lift axles also help the operator navigate turns more easily, which can also be achieved with a short truck wheelbase.

trucks specifically, we have seen varying trends, depending upon axle variation.”

Tandem-axle dump trucks are in short supply. “Over the past decade, we have seen a steady decline in the number of tandem-axle dump trucks sold through our auctions,” notes Olive. “In Q2 2020, we saw a record-low number of tandem-axle units, resulting in a record-high median price ($15,500) for the second quarter. Current top-selling makes and models include Kenworth T800, Mack CH613 and Mack CV713.”

Tri-axle dump trucks are the No. 12 most commonly sold item at Ritchie Bros. “Between April and October 2020, Ritchie Bros. sold 360 tri-axle dump trucks,” recalls Olive. “In Q2 of this year (April through June), we saw some very strong pricing, with median pricing hitting $40,000. However, Q3 saw the median price drop to $33,000.

Current top-selling makes and models include Kenworth T800, Mack CV713 and Mack GU713.”

In Q2 2020, Ritchie Bros. saw a decline in quad-axle units year over year. “Median prices were also down,” notes Olive.

“However, in Q3 2020, we saw volumes return to normal levels and saw median prices jump to $43,000. Current top-selling makes and models include Kenworth T800, Peterbilt 357 and Mack CV713.” ET

3

Cab and operation — Look at the truck’s cab and assess the overall condition of the interior.

Check the odometer and make a note of the mileage. Start up the dump truck and check that all gauges, signals and lights are in working order. Note if the dump truck has a manual or automatic transmission. (If many operators with varying levels of driving experience will be using the dump truck, you may want to opt for an automatic transmission.) Begin driving the dump truck, checking for any play in the steering. Bring the dump truck to a stop and use the lifting control mechanism to raise the dump box, checking for smooth operation of the lifting cylinder(s) and rod(s).

4 5

Hydraulic lift cylinder and components — Whether the dump truck you are interested in comes with a single ram, double ram or scissor dump box lifting mechanism, step out of the cab and thoroughly inspect the lifting cylinder(s) and rod(s) for any cracks, leaks or dents. Check the pump and reservoir tank for any signs of leaking fluid. Step back into the cab and lower the dump box, again checking for smooth operation.

Tandem-axle dump trucks sold in the U.S. Jan 2017 – Sep 2020; all years of manufacture

Quad-axle dump trucks sold in the U.S. Jan 2017 – Sep 2020; all years of manufacture

Tri-axle dump trucks sold in the U.S. Jan 2017 – Sep 2020; all years of manufacture

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Engine — If you don’t have a lot of heavy equipment experience, it’s best to have a qualified mechanic or knowledgeable operator carry out the inspection on your behalf.

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

EJECTOR TRUCKS Increase Productivity and Safety

If the materials being hauled are compatible with an ejector body, you may realize efficiency gains.

U

nlike a standard articulated truck that raises its bed and relies on gravity to dump its load, articulated ejector trucks use a hydraulic cylinder to push material out the back of the bed. The center of gravity of the truck remains low throughout the unloading process and material flow can be precisely controlled while the truck continues to move forward, placing materials in lifts instead of piles.

There is currently just one

manufacturer that offers complete ejector trucks, while others utilize aftermarket upfits.

“Caterpillar is the only manufacturer that offers a true ejector truck from the factory,” says Scott Thomas, product specialist.

This includes the 30-ton payload rated 730 EJ and 42-ton payload rated 740 EJ. The ejector trucks do cost more to initially purchase, but in the right application, that can be offset by increased productivity and safety.

There are several aftermarket

ejector body offerings — from companies such as WeldcoBeales Mfg., Homes, K-Tec and Philippi-Hagenbuch — that replace the dump body that comes on the truck with the hydraulic-powered ejector box.

You can either order new trucks that are ready for the conversion or convert existing tipper trucks already in your fleet.

“Most custom ejector bodies can be outfitted on an off-highway truck the operator already owns to maximize savings,” says

Josh Swank, vice president of sales and marketing, PhilippiHagenbuch Inc. “Though the initial investment is high, the return is seen after only a few months of use.”

EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY DRIVE INVESTMENT “As a safer and more efficient alternative, many operations are opting to invest in rear eject truck bodies for their haulers,” says Swank. “This technology has several key benefits,

Philippi Hagenbuch

Rear eject bodies eliminate the need to stop and lift during the dumping cycle, saving valuable time with each dump and increasing efficiency by up to 25%.

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including eliminating various time-consuming aspects of the standard dumping process and increasing operator safety.

Depending on the manufacturer, further productivity can be found with low- or no-maintenance rear eject designs.”

To understand the increased efficiency, you really need to look at your entire earthmoving process and the necessary support equipment.

“An articulated truck gets paid to be loaded at Point A and go to Point B,” says Thomas. With a conventional tipper truck, the bed is raised at point B. “The only thing the articulated (tipper) truck can really do is raise its bed and put what it’s hauling into a pile. We don’t suggest in any way, shape or form that you could spread that material with a tipper truck.” The truck also needs to be stationary when unloading. “The only thing you can do with a tipper truck is get loaded at Point A, drive to Point B and dump into a pile.”

An ejector truck is capable of the same task. “An ejector truck is loaded at Point A drives to Point B, stops and ejects the load out of the rear of the truck safely and just as efficiently as a tipper truck,” notes Thomas. But it is also capable of more. “It can spread on the go. Now, let’s get loaded at Point A. Let’s drive over to Point B, drop [the truck’s transmission] down into first or second gear and hold your finger back to [actuate the hydraulic ejector] and eject material from the bed. Now you’re spreading on the go.” This speeds the cycle time process and your ability to get back to Point A again and get loaded. “So, you can increase productivity by getting more loads per day because you never stop at Point B.” Much of this cycle time improvement is due to the time it takes to unload a tipper truck.

“One hindrance of end dump trucks is the time it takes to stop, dump and wait for the body to completely drop back down before driving away,” says Swank.

“It takes roughly 12 seconds for bodies to lift and another seven seconds to drop back down. And that doesn’t include the time it takes to find steady ground and empty the truck. On paper this doesn’t seem like a significant amount of time, but in reality

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TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

Caterpillar

Philippi Hagenbuch

With an ejector truck, even if you do happen to be in wet and sticky material, you eliminate carryback because you’re pushing material out the back of the truck.

Since the blade pushes material out at a steady rate, the ejector truck maintains a lower and more balanced center of gravity.

when trucks take dozens of trips each day, those seconds start to add up. Rear eject bodies eliminate the need to stop and lift during the dumping cycle, saving valuable time with each dump and increasing efficiency by up to 25%.”

Spreading on the go also results in lifts instead of piles, which creates less work for the support equipment used to manage the dump site. “Compared to the large piles left by end dump trucks, this even spread requires significantly less dozing and spreading time,” says Swank.

Reduced work at the dump site can translate into support equipment savings. For example, assume there is a compactor and a motor grader to maintain the haul roads used by the trucks and a dozer on the site to help spread the loads and manage the fill area. With the ejector truck spreading the load, now you might be able to eliminate the dozer or at least downsize it. You don’t need the dozer to knock down the piles being created by the tipper trucks.

“To increase productivity, you need to spread on the go, and by doing so you can reduce or eliminate support equipment,” says Thomas.

The design of the ejector truck also eliminates productivity robbing carryback. “Rear eject bodies can further increase efficiency by providing 100% material offload, eliminating carryback,” says Swank.

This is due to the design of the ejector body. “With an ejector truck, because you’re pushing

articulated dump trucks. An ejector truck has the ability to reduce the amount or size of support equipment. Running conventional tipper trucks with ejector trucks negates this advantage.

“What I will caution customers is if you are going to have an ejector truck, it only makes sense to run them in a fleet,” says Thomas. “The biggest challenge with getting contractors to adopt the ejector truck is they have mixed fleets.”

Tipper trucks also have a very wide appetite for materials. “You can put anything in that bed and when you raise, it will come out,” says Thomas. “Most contractors don’t even run tailgates.”

The truck could be used to haul land clearing material that includes dirt mixed with logs on one day. “Tomorrow, it can be hauling topsoil; the day after clay and overburden mix,” says Thomas. “With an ejector truck, we do not like to see anything bigger than a volleyball. But if you are into moving dirt, the ejector is the way to get increased productivity.” ET

material out the back of the truck, if you do happen to be in some wet and sticky material, you’ve eliminated your carryback,” says Thomas. “There is nothing worse than getting a truck full of material and when you go to dump, half of it is stuck in there. By the end of the day, you have 5 or 6 tons of material stuck in the bottom of that truck that you’re not getting productivity out of because you’ve reduced your capacity.”

KEEP OPERATORS SAFE Whenever you raise the bed of an end dump truck into the air, you need to be concerned with underfoot conditions and the change in the truck’s center of gravity, as well as any overhead obstructions.

“A rear eject body allows safe offloading in conditions that would be impossible or unsafe for standard trucks, such as on slopes, uphill and in locations with a softer footing,” says Swank. “On these uneven surfaces, the rear eject design provides a low center of gravity, which allows safe offloading even with the truck at rated capacity.”

There is virtually no change in the center of gravity when unloading an ejector truck.

“We don’t have to raise the bed to get that material out,” says Thomas. “You can work under a power line, spread under a bridge.” They can even work underground and on side slopes.

“There are just so many possibilities that come with the ejector truck because it can do the same thing a tipper truck can do. It

can dump material into a pile if need be, but no other trucks can do what that truck can do.”

Ejector trucks can minimize stresses traditionally placed on the operators and trucks.

“Standard dump trucks put a significant amount of a truck’s load over the rear axle while unloading, sometimes causing the front of the truck to raise off the ground due to the improperly balanced load,” says Swank. “As the load drops out the back, the truck and driver can be lifted, only to come back down abruptly once the dump is complete.

This repeated process stresses the truck chassis as well as the operator who, over time, can suffer from back and neck issues caused by the repeated impact.

“Since the blade of a rear eject body pushes material out at a steady rate — unlike the uncontrolled mass that drops from a gravity-fed dump body — the truck maintains a lower and more balanced center of gravity,” he points out.

“Because rear eject bodies eliminate the need to raise the body, the truck can safely dump materials near overhead barriers such as electric lines, bridges, pipelines and support beams, as well as in closed areas or underground mines,” Swank adds.

“This makes them an ideal solution for crowded jobsites with strict height restrictions.”

RESPONSE TO EJECTORS IS MIXED One of the potential factors holding back the further adoption of ejector trucks is the large fleet of existing conventional

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ET1220_30-31_Eject_CB.indd 31

To increase productivity, you need to spread on the go...

—Scott Thomas

FIND MORE ONLINE Caterpillar’s Scott Thomas Discusses Advancements in Articulated

Dump Truck Design — www.ForConstructionPros.com/21136294 Trucks Accurately Place Jobsite Materials

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21023607 Enhance Jobsite Safety and Productivity with Rear Eject Bodies

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21125412

December 2020 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 31

11/25/20 9:17 AM

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products

KEEP CARGO SECUREMENT TIE-DOWNS IN PROPER CONDITION When it comes to cargo securement, having the proper type and quantity of tie-downs is only half the battle. In order to safely secure a load, tie-downs must be in good working condition without cuts, burns, holes or other evidence of damage.

“Keeping tie-downs in good condition doesn’t have to be difficult — there are simple things that can be done to make sure it’s safe to use them,” says Bob Dissinger, director of U.S. sales, Kinedyne LLC. “Assuming that the tie-downs are okay to use because they were fine during the previous load could be a costly mistake.”

Even the highest-quality cargo securement equipment will become less effective over time due to regular wear and tear, exposure to harsh weather and stress from securing heavy loads.

Kinedyne offers six tips to keep your cargo securement tie-downs in good working order.

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21137914.

Terex Trucks Upgraded TA300 Articulated Hauler The updated 30-ton TA300 articulated hauler includes the latest EP320 transmission from ZF as standard.

• Transmission includes eight forward gears and four reverse gears, a higher overall gear ratio spread, equal ratio steps between gears and optimized gear shifting with partial load shifts • Standard true independent front suspension enhances operator comfort and enables optimal traction control • Maximum speed increased to 34 mph • Scania DC9 engine meets Tier 4 Final without a diesel particulate filter • Features automatic shifting with manual override, a hydraulic integral retarder and hydraulic powershift longitudinal differential lock

www.forconstructionpros.com/21018930

Caterpillar 740 GC Articulated Dump Truck The 40-ton 740 GC incorporates new controls, transmission protection features, a hoist-assist system, advanced traction control system, stability assist system and fuel-saving ECO mode.

• Automatic retarder control system requires no input from the operator • “Wait-brake” temporarily applies service brakes during pauses in the work cycle • Hill-start system automatically holds the machine on grades • Optional Cat Connect PAYLOAD technology • Advanced Automatic Traction Control (AATC) system proactively applies differential locks to avoid wheel spin • Cat C15 ACERT engine (449 to 452 gross hp)

www.forconstructionpros.com/21026165

K-Tec EJB Ejector Body for Volvo Articulated Trucks The Ejector Body (EJB) allows trucks to safely eject loaded material in areas with reduced overhead clearance.

• Fits Volvo A40 and A45 articulated dump trucks • Bolt-together design • Payload capacity of 40 tons

www.forconstructionpros.com/21112259

Volvo R100E Rigid Hauler The 105-ton R100E rigid hauler features Volvo Dynamic Shift Control to automatically tailor the transmission shift points depending on the worksite and operational inputs.

• 1,075-hp Cummins QST30 Tier 4 Final engine with manually activated ECO Mode for long distance and high-speed applications (up to 31.1 mph) • 79-cu.-yd.-capacity V-shaped body • McPherson strut with lower wishbone front suspension • Low-effort steering system • ROPS/FOPS-certified operator cab featuring the Smart View 360° surround view system, low-effort steering system, CareTrack telematics and optional onboard weighing system

www.forconstructionpros.com/21110556

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P R

Doosan DA30-5 and DA40-5 Articulated Dump Trucks The 365-hp DA30-5 and 490-hp DA405 are equipped with Scania DC9 and DC13 Tier 4-compliant diesel engines.

• 61,729- and 88,185-lb. payload ratings and 23.3- and 34-cu.-yd. heaped capacities • Mass airflow sensor allows the ECU to improve management of airflow from the variable geometry turbocharger and optimize fuel delivery to the combustion chamber • Feature improved gear ratios for reduced axle speed, a front-mounted turning ring, sloping rear frame, tandem rear bogey and independent front suspension

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products

Komatsu HD785-8 Off-highway Truck The HD785-8 is powered by a 1,140-hp Komatsu SAA12V140E-7 Tier 4 engine and has a payload capacity of 101.6 tons.

• Seven-speed, fully automatic transmission • Automatic retard speed control • Auto idle shutdown • Tight turning radius of 33 ft. 2 in.

• Standard traction control system • KomVision all-around machine monitoring system • Cab includes an air suspension, heated, ventilated operator seat and upgraded trainer seat, Komtrax Plus telematics system, upgraded machine monitor, dedicated rear view monitoring system and auto idle setting system

www.forconstructionpros.com/21133876

East Narrow Spec Dump Trailer Buyers Products Crossover Truck Toolboxes The revamped crossover truck toolboxes are designed to withstand harsh working conditions with durable diamond tread and smooth, laser cut aluminum.

• Robotically welded to achieve a uniformly sturdy product • Include automotive-grade gasket seals, tamper-resistant stainless steel pushbutton locks and continuous hidden hinges • Full-open lids with soft-open gas shocks • Standard oversized steel tray with dividers, built-in tool slots and a level holder • Available in various sizes and finishes

www.forconstructionpros.com/21159998

The Narrow Spec Dump Trailer (NST) for hauling sand and gravel or commodity loads maximizes payload with lighter weight components while still delivering strength and durability.

• Uses premium aluminum alloys for flooring and side material • Smooth-sided Genesis aerodynamic design for easier cleaning • 2-in.-thick, double-wall, robotically welded, extruded aluminum panels • 1/4-in.-thick rear corner posts wrap completely around top and bottom rails and interlock to add strength • Lighter weight sheet and post tailgate 90° wall joints are continuously welded to maximize strength-to-weight ratio and joint integrity of the tailgate

www.forconstructionpros.com/21160002

John Deere E-II Articulated Dump Trucks The 410E-II and 460E-II feature a redesigned dump body with an increased width, lowered and leveled rail height, side sheet design and widened bin.

• Updated operator station includes a primary display unit that provides a clear display of daily operation and enhanced diagnostic information, a single sealed switch module, automotive-style multifunction turn signal lever and relocated HVAC controls • Normal, Eco and Traction drive modes help optimize the drivetrain, reduce operator inputs and reduce fuel use • Retarder controls include low, medium and high transmission retarder modes • 460E-II available with ejector body

www.forconstructionpros.com/21195639

Kinedyne Enhanced Grip Link Tire Chains The redesigned Grip Link tire chains include additional links on the side chains as well as more cross chains for maximum traction in slippery conditions on tires with a broader surface face and extra-deep treads.

• Upgraded highway tire chains for ice- and snow-covered roads and highways come in 7mm steel wire V-bar and square link designs • 7mm and 8mm off-road stud tire chains dig into ground to push the tire forward even over uneven terrain and through difficult driving environments such scree, sand and mud • Available for 11 x 22.5 and 11 x 24.5 tire sizes in both singles and dual-triples styles

www.forconstructionpros.com/21198122

2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition Philippi-Hagenbuch Rear Eject Bodies Rear eject bodies are suited for challenging hauling applications where overhead barriers inhibit traditional dump bodies.

• No need to raise the body of the truck when discharging materials allows for safer offloading while in motion and in the presence of overhead barriers • Provides a lower center of gravity and allows discharge on downhill slopes and in conditions with soft footing • Manufactured out of Hardox 450 steel and features only one cylinder and no rollers, bearings or required greasing • Suitable for use in extreme environments from -40° F to 120° F

www.forconstructionpros.com/10880537

Diversified Products LiftWise Single Man Folding Basket The LiftWise Single Man Folding Basket for service cranes weighs 230 lbs., has a 350-lb. capacity and provides fall arrest and fall protection.

• Steel basket features a large open area with a full-sized floor to accommodate workers and materials • Slotted floor allows water to drain and upset holes offer skid resistance • Inward-opening gate provides easy entry into the basket • Basket attaches to the crane head using an adapter specifically built for each customer’s make and model of crane • Can be easily folded in less than a minute for easier transport and storage

www.forconstructionpros.com/21197338

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The Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition features a chromeslat grille and header surrounding premium LED lamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System, chrome bumpers, tow hooks and side steps.

• Tailgate badge, multi-function tailgate and 20-in. wheels offered with a variety of finishes • Interior includes a leather-wrapped dashboard, suede door bolsters, Mountain Brown interior color with hammered metal aluminum liquid graphite accents, 10th Anniversary Edition cluster graphic and badge • Available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine • Crew Cab body configuration comes with a standard 5-ft. 7-in. bed length or optional 6-ft. 4-in. bed

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SnowEx RDV V-Plow The RDV V-plow is specifically designed for half-ton trucks and configured to varying vehicle heights for optimum performance on some of the most popular truck models.

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33 11/25/20 9:18 AM

T E CHN OLO G Y T R E N D S | By Anne Hunt

UNLOCKING

Viewpoint

Moving to the cloud enables a connected construction operation with a fluid flow of data and collaborative communication.

Advances in integrated, cloud-based construction software have made powerful analytic and business intelligence easily accessible.

W

hether an economic recession, a data security breach or a full-blown global pandemic, we’ve all seen how disruptions can impact business. From the loss of skilled professionals and profits to an inability to produce the end product, disruptions can be crippling for business owners trying to keep their doors open.

Among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, construction professionals are going all in on efforts to modernize and ensure their businesses can sustain operations during a crisis and recover quickly.

The need for quick

communication and transfer of knowledge amid social distancing has accelerated digital transformation for many construction businesses. Moving away from paper processes and disconnected systems to the cloud allowed contractors to operate with more agility and boost productivity, speed of delivery and profitability, as well as cut costs.

Most importantly, moving to the cloud enables a connected construction operation, with data and collaborative communication flowing fluidly between the back office, field and extended project teams.

This single source of truth improves how construction data

is collected, stored and used, and unlocks the possibilities for analyzing data to improve business outcomes.

PUTTING MOUNTAINS OF DATA TO USE Although accelerated by the pandemic, the digital transformation in construction has been underway for decades.

Manual forms of tracking project data have been replaced with automated, streamlined solutions, leading the amount of data captured in each job to grow exponentially. Today, larger infrastructure projects create an average of 130 million emails, 55 million documents and 12

Yevhenii Dubinko | iStock

the Power of Construction Data

dhaglund

million workflows — and that’s just one project. Imagine gathering and analyzing an entire company’s data!

While data is no doubt the future of construction, it must be consistent, always up to date and flow freely between the office and the field. Thus, the ability to properly store and share real-time project information from a central location is critical.

Thankfully, contractors have those resources available to them today in the form of single-platform, all-in-one construction management solutions. These solutions integrate processes and workflows — accounting, project management, field

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Moving to the cloud enables a connected construction operation with data and collaborative communication flowing fluidly between the back office, field and extended project teams.

Data analysis no longer requires a data scientist and today can be done by virtually anyone with just a few clicks.

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TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

management, HR management, equipment and material management, reporting and business intelligence and others — that were typically run with separate software solutions in the past.

By creating a single source of shared data, these unified technologies allow contractors to leverage the cloud, mine the data for insights and truly work collaboratively in real time.

and where improvements can be made, including the identification of long-term trends that can help with benchmarking. Analyzing historical data also ensures future project bids are

more accurate, while the increased efficiencies and on-time, on-budget delivery of projects lead to a solid reputation, helping contractors land even more work.

Digital transformation

opens the door to what contractors can do with the mountains of construction data their projects produce. Having the right solutions powering modern data workflows from the office to the field is

future-proofing construction businesses and helping them become proactive rather than reactive. ET Anne Hunt is the director of data and analytics at Viewpoint.

DATA ANALYTIC TOOLS FOR TRUE CONSTRUCTION INTELLIGENCE Advances in integrated, cloud-based construction software have made powerful analytic and business intelligence accessible to contractors. With selfservice reporting features, these tools can often accomplish in minutes what has traditionally taken weeks or even months to pull together and required a variety of players, including back office staff, IT professionals, project managers and executives.

Data analysis no longer requires a data scientist and today can be done by virtually anyone with just a few clicks.

With this ability to easily analyze project data, contractors can: Improve jobsite processes and productivity: When data collection is streamlined, it can be analyzed to improve workflows, used to automate tasks, uncover efficiencies, cut costs and much more. True data analytics is more than just tracking traditional job costs and cash flow. For example, by analyzing data about employee movements (collected from wearables or smartphones), contractors can see how much extra movement takes place in the course of a day. This information can then be used to place materials and equipment in the most logical locations to cut down on movement and save time.

Reduce risk and increase safety: Mismanaging risk related to safety, contracts, defects, costs and slowdowns reduces profit margins and puts construction businesses in legal jeopardy. By analyzing safety data and diving deeper into incidents over time, contractors can identify high-risk tasks and dangerous conditions to help prevent future incidents and reduce risk.

Bid smarter and win more work: Closely tracking job costs, change orders, worker productivity and material and equipment usage from projects can lead to smarter bids and help better forecast future work and identify industry trends. While many companies already do some version of this, access to more complete and relevant data provides a comprehensive picture of how jobs fare

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T E CHN OLO G Y T R E N D S | By Lori Moes

4 APPLICATIONS OF AI That Could Benefit Construction Don’t let fear or misunderstanding of artificial intelligence deter you from the possible positive outcomes.

T

hroughout human history, there have been dramatic technological shifts. From the Industrial Revolution to the Internet, certain moments have forced significant change across every business category.

While artificial intelligence (AI) still might make some uneasy, it is largely because the technology is misunderstood or unfamiliar.

Like many previous disruptions, AI will inevitably cause fast, dramatic change, but could lead to new opportunities and ways of doing business. Here are four applications of the technology that could positively benefit the construction industry.

1

SITE SECURITY AND THEFT PREVENTION Construction site theft is a common problem general contractors face, especially on large-scale projects or sites located in highly populated and congested areas. NER estimates that stolen equipment can cost U.S. business between $300 million to $1 billion each year. The frenzy of activity and nightly shutdowns make construction sites an easy target for looting.

Using AI to analyze security camera footage 24/7 could prevent a significant amount of these crimes. By training the program to recognize normal and abnormal activity, AI could identify suspicious activity and notify security that action is needed. By having a collaborative model between humans and AI, construction sites remove human error from site security.

2

RISK AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT Similar to spotting potential theft, AI can be trained to predict and prevent construction

injuries. By analyzing live site video footage, AI can recognize scenarios that commonly lead to injuries. If construction workers are not wearing protective equipment or if the site conditions are dangerous, site managers can be alerted to ensure things don’t take a deadly turn.

Innovating ways to prevent construction incidents is critical as the stakes for construction workers are high. The Center for Construction Research and Training estimates that over a 45-year career, a construction worker has a 75% likelihood of experiencing a disabling injury and a 1-in-200 chance of being fatally injured. According to OSHA, many of these incidents occur from falling.

Out of OSHA’s fatal four, falling is No. 1, accounting for an estimated 33.5% of construction deaths. The other three include being struck by an object, crushed by a collapsing structure, and electrocuted.

By using AI to analyze and alert managers in real time, many of these scenarios could be prevented, saving lives.

3

JOB QUALITY ANALYSIS AI could also be used to analyze job quality, pointing out if the finished product falls short of the agreed upon project plans. By comparing the build drawings with the jobsite progress, AI could catch unlevel surfaces, concrete cracks or larger defects like drawbacks to structural integrity.

While this application has yet to come to fruition, it could be helpful throughout the construction life cycle when combined with IoT and drones. AI receiving real-time progress images

36 EQUIPM ENT T OD AY | December 2020 ET1220_36_AI_BC.indd 36

Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

from drones could alert construction managers if certain aspects of the build have been completed incorrectly. This level of insight would ensure that the highest level of quality is achieved.

4

FILL WORKFORCE GAPS The skilled trade gap is a problem construction has been problem ffacing acing for the past decade and it is not going away any time soon. Baby Boomers that occupy a significant portion of skilled trade positions are nearing retirement. As they retire, millennials and younger generations will be unable to fill all the vacancies, creating a hole in the workforce.

The construction industry must look for ways to augment the labor shortage using AI and robotics to close the gap. In manufacturing, where the workforce is similarly struggling, smart robotics have been used to work alongside humans.

These bots fill monotonous and time-draining tasks, allowing warehouse teams to meet their

business needs amid their dwindling workforce.

Alongside filling the skilled trades gap, augmenting certain tasks with AI-powered robots would help prevent the toll that construction takes on workers physically. Due to the intense physical labor required, many construction professionals deal with daily pain. Improving site conditions by giving the most physically demanding tasks to smart robots would make jobsites safer and improve the long-term quality of life for tradespeople.

PROJECT PLAN OPTIMIZATION Before a construction project begins there are a series of collaborative decisions that need to be made among the project stakeholders. Carrying out this process of submitting and approving is tedious and time-consuming. Instead of keeping track of all these pieces of information manually, construction teams could use an AI-augmented system to

automate the process, helping project managers to keep each team on track.

AI-augmented scheduling does not stop with preconstruction. AI can be used to keep tabs on the entire construction life cycle, acting as a personal assistant to each project manager. By using the power of smart technology, project managers could optimize project timelines.

AI is slowly entering every industry. While there are a wide variety of opinions on the ramifications of this transition, it is inevitable. Contrary to popular opinion, where AI has been applied it has helped rather than hindered humans. Instead of resisting, construction should look at this technology as an opportunity to improve business. AI disruption is coming. It will be up to humans to determine whether this change is good or bad. ET Lori Moes is the co-founder and CFO of DJM CAD & Coordination, a BIM coordination firm in Schwenksville, PA.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

11/25/20 9:20 AM

By Becky Schultz | TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Gamers Help Rosendin Advance VR and AR Applications Next generation of tech savvy workers provides a fresh perspective on how 3D technology can be applied on projects.

W

hen you envision expanding your construction workforce, “gamers” may not naturally come to mind. But for Fred Meeske, vice president in charge of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology Division at Rosendin, these and other tech savvy individuals have proven to be game changers as the company explores virtual applications.

“This younger generation leverages technology in a way that a lot of us in the construction business have not done before,” says Meeske. “They live in this virtual environment...

Most of them don’t just play games, they actually build them and interact with them.”

These skills, when applied to a construction environment, have the potential to effect change. “When you’re able to bring them in and have them apply the skills they have — and augment those skills with real-world knowledge of construction... the way we build things — you get this entire new vision, this entire new way of doing things that, over the last several years, has led us in all kinds of areas that we never even knew existed,” Meeske states.

“The whole gamer thing started out very simplified,” he adds, “and then, to me, it became much more complex — and much more exciting.”

energy, as well as the commercial, institutional, transportation and other sectors. The company has been fully employee owned for just over 25 years.

Rosendin first began using 3D modeling in early 2000.

“It’s important to note that both our previous CEO, Tom Sorley, and our current CEO, Mike Greenawalt, both have supported this vision of leveraging technology to benefit the construction industry,” says Meeske. “Both of those leaders have fully supported the BIM Technology Division.”

What started as a team of one (Meeske), today encompasses 250+ modelers, coordinators and technology developers who are

responsible for developing and leveraging technology to help facilitate field construction.

Meeske was initially skeptical about opportunities for virtual reality (VR) in Rosendin’s operations. But after reevaluating the technology, he recognized greater potential. “As I started to revisit it, I began to realize just how many different things we could actually do with VR,” he says.

Meeske talked with his team and discovered a lead modeler, Jose Samaniego, had a degree in gaming technology. “After having a discussion with Jose during an annual employee review, I learned more about his background, dreams and vision to

improve field communications by bringing the BIM model to the field in a more direct way,” he notes.

Meeske decided to refocus Samaniego’s energies. After some brainstorming, they came up with a concept that would allow VR-based training and assessments. “I gave him a transformer and told him how it worked. He programmed it into VR and people could actually interact with this transformer [virtually]. We could train them how to wire the transformer, start it up and energize it. We could assess them on it,” says Meeske. “That was something that was super exciting.”

Samaniego also began

exploring augmented reality (AR) applications to enable users to view BIM models in the field.

“In time, he was able to make these ideas into a reality,” says Meeske, “and they have been helping us change and improve communication with our field teams to better show what the true design intent or end product should be like.”

Because he came at the projects from the viewpoint of a gamer, Samaniego was able to develop logical solutions to meet specific objectives. “By thinking of his team as assets and resources that needed to be allocated to accomplish a goal, he was able to improve the efficiency in

Rosendin employees are able to use virtual reality to train and the company is able to assess them on their performance before they go out into the field.

NEW FOCUS ON VR APPLICATIONS Founded in 1919, Rosendin is one of the largest electrical contractors in the United States, employing nearly 7,000 workers. It has 16 offices around the country and, in addition to electrical, is active in renewable

All images courtesy of Rosendin

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December 2020 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 37

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T E CHN OLO G Y T R E N D S

which a project was completed,” says Meeske.

3D AND CONSTRUCTION COMBINE The concept of hiring employees with gaming experience has proven a logical fit in the BIM environment. “Gamers have a natural affinity to see and think in 3D space, so what better environment than the construction space?” Meeske

to create construction solutions. “Once our gaming/ programmers have been able to understand construction processes, they are able to identify automation opportunities and create dedicated software to address those needs,” says Meeske.

For example, 3D modeling, and VR in particular, enable field personnel — those

This younger generation leverages technology in a way that a lot of us in the construction business have not done before.

—Fred Meeske asks. “After all, this is really what they are passionate about anyway — building environments in a virtual world.

“Even outside of the 3D aspect, there are many things that gamers do with their expertise that can be translated into several job positions without much training or change in the way that they already think,” he points out.

The BIM division at Rosendin currently has a handful of individuals with a gaming background, but Meeske expects their numbers to grow in the near future. “What we’re finding is that as we’re able to... bring them in and start to provide some training for them in terms of the construction side of things... there really is a lot to offer in terms of VR and AR for how construction is built,” he says. “You can see that in many different ways.”

Consider the application of technology such as drones, laser scanners and photogrammetry on jobsites. “We have to bring those complex technologies into the users’ hands so they can actually apply it,” says Meeske.

“That’s where gamers come into play because they know how to work in that environment. They know how to design in that environment, and to be able to teach and train in that environment.

So, there’s a lot of ways they can help us.”

Gamers are also able to apply AR and VR gaming technology

responsible for actually building the projects — to access virtual models on site to visualize projects. “We can give them an environment where they can see... what it’s going to look like and they may decide to make changes or recommend to engineering to modify a current design... to be more efficient,” Meeske explains.

Data scientists and analysts have also been introduced into the BIM division. These individuals use artificial intelligence and data analysis to provide objective, numbers-based understanding of VR/AR applications and others including the resulting performance.

“Programmers have enabled us to increase automation and enable innovation, while data scientists and analysts have enabled us to understand our current performance and drive a quantitative decision-making process,” says Meeske.

“Combining these teams of employees in the same space provides technical capabilities that clearly set us apart from our competition and the industry as a whole,” he continues.

“The by-product of this process [is a] competitive advantage for Rosendin and best-in-class products and services for our customers.”

NEW PERSPECTIVES EQUAL NEW APPROACHES Ultimately, gamers have brought a fresh perspective on

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ABOVE: Augmented reality applications developed by gamers enable users to view BIM models in the field.

RIGHT: Virtual reality developed by Rosendin’s BIM division shows the user how to test voltage on a locked out panel before proceeding with work.

BELOW: Virtual reality is also utilized to show the user the steps to wiring up a transformer.

the 3D space as well as how Rosendin’s projects should be led.

“Combining ‘nontraditional’ with ‘traditional’ workers can bring in a new set of eyes, thoughts and ideas to create solutions to both new and existing issues,” says Meeske. “This happens because these workers have not had the industry experience or bias to do things a certain way.”

He equates it to a child questioning why things work a certain way. “This questioning and [lack of ] understanding of industry accustomed processes gives them the perspective of an outsider looking in,” Meeske

states. “[It] lets them look beyond the box — or the ways we’ve always done it — exposing things that are usually being looked at with a blind eye.

“It allows for a totally new approach,” he adds, “to the challenges the industry faces for improving schedules, installations, quality, cost and especially safety.”

Rosendin’s BIM division continues to explore the potential that VR and AR have to offer.

“We’re just discovering all of the possibilities and the benefits,” says Meeske. And as they explore, he expects further confluence of the traditional and non-traditional.

“If you go to school and get your degree in gaming or in a similar or related field, it doesn’t have a real connection to the construction industry. And the construction industry has a more antiquated way of looking at things, at least in the past. It is changing. It is evolving,” Meeske acknowledges. “But by bringing these individuals together, and allowing them to explore and to challenge each other, this is where the magic happens.

“The magic is just beginning, where we are now, and that’s what’s so exciting to me,” he states, “just in seeing what can be.” ET

www.ForConstructionPros.com

11/25/20 9:21 AM

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS Products Skyjack ELEVATE Powered by Trackunit, the ELEVATE telematics solution connects fleets directly to their ERP software to make maintenance and billing processes more efficient with live machine data.

• ELEVATE Battery Management System (BMS) finds the pattern between how battery packs are treated in the field and how often batteries must be replaced • ELEVATE Live comes standard on all new machines and places all critical machine information on a single screen with the tap of a finger with no app, username or password required • ELEVATE ON provides access to familiarization material and operator manuals and enables visual pre-check walk throughs even if ELEVATE telematics is not installed

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JLG Remote Analyzer Reader

Bobcat Machine IQ Wireless Communication Subscription The Machine IQ wireless communication service is designed to help better utilize machines upgraded to include Machine IQ Basics and Machine IQ Health and Security subscription packages.

• Monitor vital information about Bobcat models from anywhere and any device • Information recorded and delivered to the personalized owner portal • Machine IQ Basics package includes basic telematics, a custom asset name function and maintenance interval tracking • Machine IQ Health and Security package adds maintenance reminders, fault code notifications and troubleshooting, geofencing and curfew capabilities, machine utilization reporting and in-portal notification management

www.forconstructionpros.com/21199460

Cat S42 Rugged Construction Smartphone The Cat S42 waterproof smartphone delivers a long battery life, MIL SPEC rugged credentials and a 5.5-in. HD+ 18x9 display that can be read in sunlight.

• Tested to rugged standards with MIL SPEC 810H and IP68 ratings and surpasses repeated drop testing from 1.8 meters onto steel • Fully waterproof and tested submerged in water at depths up to 1.5 meters for 35 minutes • Super bright HD+ display with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and a touchscreen that can be controlled with wet fingers or with gloves • Programmable shortcut key enables Push to Talk (PTT), SOS (Lone worker app) or easy launch of the flashlight or camera

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

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

www.forconstructionpros.com/21138174

NexTraq Vehicle Inspection The Vehicle Inspection tool provides a customizable pre-trip vehicle inspection checklist for popular industry vehicles used in construction and other applications.

• Paperless, easy to use vehicle inspection forms can be customized to meet the unique needs of a specific business • Can include information for trucks, vans, passenger cars, trailers, power equipment, fuel, generators, earthmoving equipment and more • Drivers/employees fill out each form associated with their vehicle from the NexTraq Connect app • Managers receive clear and concise reports • App downloadable from Apple App Store or Google Play to tablets or smartphones

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HILTI JAIBOT CONSTRUCTION ROBOT The Jaibot construction robot is designed to help mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) installation contractors by performing semi-autonomous mobile ceiling drilling based on building information modeling (BIM) data.

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Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21200419.

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ET1220_39_TechProd_BC.indd 39

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39 11/25/20 9:30 AM

P R OFI T MAT T E R S | By Larry Stewart

DRONE SERVICE Boosts Project Completion and Quality Control Drones are used to gather site imagery to track progress, keep teams on the same page and document work.

All photos courtesy of ANDRES Construction

A

NDRES Construction understood the customer service value of aerial photography and had monthly helicopter fly-bys, but knew it could get more from drones.

“We got three photos, different angles, each month [from each project site],” says John Andres, the third generation of his family to work at the Dallas-based firm that manages commercial, institutional and mixed-use construction projects across Texas.

“We couldn’t really do much with it. Last month’s [helicopter images] would have the perfect angle and this month we wouldn’t even get a shot of the same thing. We didn’t have any way to control what we were getting.”

Andres was a drone enthusiast from early in the spread of consumer drones and had thought about how drones could be used in construction. When he discovered the AirMap drone management solution three years ago, the idea became practical reality, right off the shelf.

“Now we get image captures from the same angles each week or as often as we want. And we utilize a drone service provider that can fly in places that we’re not actually located [saving drive time], so that we can get that capture and have it on one platform with all our other projects.

We get data in the way we expect to see that data.”

The drone service and app are investments that give ANDRES Construction documentation it’s never had before, creating ever-broadening value. which it can make construction more profitable. Images are gathered in AirMap’s JobSite app, available to anybody with log-in credentials, and organized on a timeline that allows you to easily

TIMELY ACCESS TO PROJECT CHANGES Having a drone service fly pre-programmed routes over a site and submit the data to ANDRES’ AirMap account solved the biggest obstacles to applying the immensely valuable aerial photography everywhere in

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find images from the same location at different times and toggle back and forth to compare them.

“It quickly shows you what has changed. Having all that right at your fingertips is

awesome,” says Andres. “JobSite measurement tools include a square footage takeoff tool that I use a lot to track framing production between visits.”

On an orthomosaic shot — a birds-eye view of the jobsite like you see on Google Earth — Andres can quickly outline a box of what he wants to get the square footage on and then compare that to where they’re at now.

“That helps us figure out if we’re on schedule or

Helicopter aerial photography was useful for working with owners, but lacked consistency and frequency to be a regularly valuable tool for project management.

if we need to push our subs to have more manpower on site,” he explains. The tool can also calculate volume takeoffs for earthwork.

ANDRES was so convinced of the value potential that the company implemented it enterprise-wide after a single test project. Now, 20 active projects are flown weekly or bi-weekly, and all of the preconstruction projects.

Andres says people in the office and in the field are able to work better as a team with the drone data. “Each construction site is its own island from the main office. And it’s hard to stay up to date on what’s happening on all those islands,” says Andres. “[The drone data is] how we keep up to date from the main office, and how our clients can check in on their projects more often.”

Two big-screen TVs facilitate

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PROFIT MAT TERS

every weekly work plan meeting — one shows the project plans and the other displays the most current aerial image. “We don’t have to think about what the field condition is. We can go right to the capture. We can make decisions based on that capture in the meeting. And that’s huge,” says Andres.

Logistics plans can be updated as new roads are opened and site conditions change. The frequency of updating the imagery has

become increasingly useful for quality control. “We can see PT (post-tensioning) cables. You can get approximate sizes of rebar,” says Andres. “You might not be able to see all the rebar ties unless we’re flying a really low pre-pour capture, but you can make sure everything’s on chairs, you can see where sleeves are, etc.

“That’s really, really critical to us, because you can start to overlay that data into your BIM model,” he adds.

know if they’re closing up the roof and I need to get there to go over interior inspections with them. Or I see that they’re breaking ground on this project, so I need to go over concrete prepour inspections.”

Users throughout the company, particularly in the field, are driving demand for drone data.

“I create a pin and say, ‘I want to fly a jobsite here,’” Andres says. “Because I use a drone service provider, I’m basi-

don’t think a lot of construction companies understand — that we’re using AirMap and not flying drones ourselves is that anybody can fly a drone and take pictures, but there’s no process behind it,” says Andres.

“When they take those pictures, they exist on an SD card.

Now you rely on somebody to take that SD card, plug it into a computer, save those photos to a folder, maybe name those photos and then they live in an

we want to make sure we can show someone that we built the building correctly,” he continues.

Knowing where those photos are when you need them is the biggest hurdle to getting their value.

“If you store them on an SD card and they never make it onto a drive, that SD card’s a little tiny thing to keep track of forever. If you do get the images into a folder, now you have to figure out where those folders are and send those folders off for someone to review with no context.”

All photos courtesy of ANDRES Construction

VALUE DRIVES ROI

Images are gathered in AirMap’s JobSite app and organized on a timeline that allows you to easily find images from the same location at different times and toggle back and forth to compare them. actually helped preserve profits.

“We were getting ready to work on a project next to another contractor in a development outside our Dallas office area.

We didn’t have anybody there on site yet,” Andres notes. “We did a drone capture for preconstruction and another when we were just about to start the project.

We noticed that the GC that was next to us had moved dirt onto our site to the tune of almost $150,000 worth of dirt removal that they had just dumped there.

“We were able to go back to the owner and say, ‘That pile wasn’t there and it’s not included in our number.’ So, the other GC had to come and haul it off,” he says. “If we hadn’t had the capture at preconstruction, then we would have no leg to stand on.”

IMAGES AID QUALITY CONTROL Pre-pour drone footage has

ANDRES Construction uses drone data to QC pier location. Flying at a low altitude, the company can get detailed images of where pier locations have been marked, and overlay the specified locations from the CAD files to be sure the paint is in the right place.

The relatively low cost of flying the drone for fresh photos when they matter most works to ANDRES’ advantage. “We’re not laying out every pier before we start work. So, it is a multi-tier thing where they lay out some piers, we capture it [and QC it] with the drone. They lay out some piers, we capture that and so on,” Andres comments.

“In my role of operations technology manager, I have to stay up to date on what stage projects are in, and reviewing the capture is the best way I know how,” he continues. “I use it to

cally calling an Uber to go and fly that site for me. I can see all of my projects on a list view or on a map. As the captures are updated, I get emails with those notifications.”

Andres forwards the notifications to project managers, but he says they’re usually on the company’s JobSite account in the cloud before his email. “They rely on it for meetings, especially meetings with design teams or owners that are out of town,” he notes. “It’s kind of become their way of talking about what’s [happening] on the project.”

BENEFITS OF USING A DRONE SERVICE The drone service and app are investments that give ANDRES Construction documentation it’s never had before, creating everbroadening value.

“A big reason — which I

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album. You have no real knowledge of where each photo was taken from on the site until you open it.”

In order to make a comparison that helps you gauge change, you have to find another photo just like it that was dated at another time. AirMap’s JobSite platform draws the photos from each project together and automatically makes them available in logical timelines or project files. Their cloud home enables users from throughout the company to have access as needed.

“Nobody has to be on a specific computer. We don’t have to connect to our company drive to view those photos. It’s much more powerful than having a drone and an SD card,” says Andres.

“In construction we’re in the game of documentation because

The ANDRES drone program costs about 50% more than using a helicopter for aerial photography flying at the same frequency. Usefulness of the data provides the value of the drone service.

“You would think that a drone could be cheaper than a helicopter, but the helicopter was just taking pictures and giving us an SD card. I’m really buying into the software platform of AirMap,” Andres points out. “Getting 20 projects to do the same process of downloading images and uploading them and naming and making sure it’s all done consistently is tough because we’re in construction.

Contractors are here to build.

We’re not here to fly drones. So, it’s something that we treat like we’re subbing it out.

“AirMap’s good at what they do; we’re good at what we do.

The peace of mind is knowing that it is getting done,” he adds.

It’s also in knowing the information can be shared with customers. “We’ve had owners concerned about waterproofing details who wanted to make sure we did a whole section that they didn’t see go up,” says Andres.

“We were able to go back and give them that peace of mind quickly with images, rather than one, us having to tear into it, or two, them having to figure it out if it leaks.”

So, while it is more expensive, Andres has no intention of going back. “I don’t want someone telling me that we don’t have it in the budget for this project to do this kind of capture,” he states. “It has become part of our process and we include it in all our projects.

That’s part of how we differentiate ourselves.” ET

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S AFE T Y & C O M P LI A N C E | Michelle EauClaire-Kopier

We Need to Talk About Suicide in the Construction Industry As the leading occupation for death by suicide, it’s time to take psychological safety in the industry seriously.

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S

everal years ago, Michelle Walker, vice president of Finance and Administration at SSC Construction, noticed a sizeable amount of construction workers were dying by suicide. Shortly thereafter, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a study entitled, “Suicide Rates by Major Occupational Group – 17 States, 2012 and 2015”, which confirmed her observation. The study found that in both 2012 and 2015, the Construction and Extraction census occupational

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group held the largest percentages of male suicides (19% and 20%, respectively), demonstrating a 22% growth over those three years.

In 2016, Walker, along with the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), created the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) as a CFMA task force, and later as a standalone 501(c)(3). “We assembled the organization to build awareness in the industry and create resources for

contractors to take action,” says Walker.

This year, the CDC released an update of the report, “Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation – National Violent Death Reporting System, 32 States, 2016” confirming that the construction industry (this time split into two census groups, “Construction” and “Construction and Extraction”) continues to hold the No. 1 position.

HIGH-RISK CULTURE The construction industry

has a lot working against it when it comes to the mental health and safety of its workers. Men account for the bulk of suicides and the majority of the construction industry’s workforce (97% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Together with social pressures on men to suppress talking about how they are feeling and an industry laden with tough guy stoicism, you have a framework that practically encourages workers to suffer in silence.

The stoic, tough guy mentality

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S AFET Y & COMPL IANCE

that surrounds the construction industry, and the positive aspects of self-sufficiency that draw people to the industry, are the very same personality traits that create a high-risk culture unable or unwilling to seek treatment for mental health conditions, Walker explained in a Caterpillar Inc. webinar “Mental Health on the Jobsite.” Another high-risk community is veterans — some of whom may be suffering from trauma experienced during their service — who are often drawn to the construction field.

Long hours can produce both physical and mental fatigue, and constant job relocation can result in poor connection to one’s family and friends, causing a feeling of isolation. Not to mention, during the time of COVID19, layoffs and seasonal work have increased while the country waffles between health and economic security. The added stress of unemployment with no foreseeable resolution creates an unprecedented amount of insecurity that can have significant emotional and mental health consequences.

One overlapping issue is the opioid epidemic. The physical demands of the job can lead to self-medication through alcohol, drugs or opioids, which increases the likelihood of suicide.

MENTAL HEALTH ON THE JOBSITE There are several reasons that a mentally healthy worker is important for a construction jobsite, the first of which is, of course, the safety and wellbeing of your crew. A happy and healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. As a matter of fact, some of the key signs of mental distress are lethargy, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating or absenteeism — all of which hinder productivity and safety in some way.

And a brutally honest rationale for good mental health beyond the thousands of dollars that are lost due to lower productivity is that the construction industry is already experiencing a workforce shortage. In an industry that is already perceived as dirty, dangerous and outdated, let’s not add an unsupportive and unhealthy mental work environment to the list.

Dr. John Pompe, global manager of EAP and Employee

Health Programs at Caterpillar Inc., wants to make sure workers understand that most mental health conditions are very treatable, with a lot of help available.

This is why it’s so unfortunate that a majority of people never get help.

“We have conditions that are common with significant disruption in our lives and at work, yet most people aren’t getting the available help,” says Dr. Pompe.

“So, it ends up becoming something employers themselves need to be invested in, in terms of employee engagement, employee productivity and safety, creating the right kind of culture and taking good care of your people.”

Mental health is also a simple risk management issue regarding HR and safety impacts.

Walker notes, “As I look at an industry where the workforce is an issue, and taking care of our people and making sure we have the best engaged workforce that we can is necessary in order to get the work done each day, and safety is such an important issue — how can you not address [mental health] and look at the entire person?”

MENTAL HEALTH DOES NOT HAVE TO BE RELATED TO ILLNESS Mental health is a continuum. It does not have to be related to an illness. It could be someone dealing with a personal loss, financial issues, relationship problems or a slew of other circumstances that can contribute to a person’s mental well-being and their ability to concentrate.

In an industry that is consistently in risky environments and operating dangerous, heavy equipment, distractions or an inability to focus on the task at hand puts both the workers and the public at risk.

When we look at environments where people feel comfortable to share things that are happening in their lives — because sometimes the simple act of talking about it can be enough — it’s about creating the systems and structures where an honest dialogue about a person’s mental state can be addressed. An open communication system can empower a fellow coworker to ask the simple question, “Are you okay? Do you feel safe to be here?” If the worker states he or she is okay

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KEEP LEARNING. KEEP LISTENING. KEEP TALKING. NATIONAL RESOURCES: National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org National Institute of Mental Health, nimh.nih.gov National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, theactionalliance.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cdc.gov/mentalhealth Suicide Prevention Resource Center, sprc.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line, TEXT 741741

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RESOURCES: Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, https://preventconstructionsuicide.com/ Email: info@preventconstructionsuicide.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theCIASP/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ciasp/ Toolbox Talk safety meeting agenda worksheet CIASP has dozens of COVID-specific resources on its site at www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/COVID_19_Resources MindWise Screening, https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/ciasp LivingWorks, https://www.livingworks.net/ LivingWorks Start Training Cat.com/safetyleadership Webinar: Mental Health on the Jobsite NPR Morning Edition: A Construction Company Embraces Frank Talk About Mental Health to Reduce Suicide, www.npr. org/783300736/ https://www.help.org/drug-abuse-hotline/ https://www.help.org/prescription-drug-addiction-and-abuse https://www.help.org/fentanyl-addiction/ https://www.help.org/methamphetamine-addiction/

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S AFE T Y & C O M P LI A N C E

Keep an eye on yourself and those around you.

—Dr. John Pompe

to perform the job at hand, at least the coworker knows to keep a closer eye on the person for their own safety and the safety of the other workers.

CIASP launched the STAND Up initiative to help prevent suicide while addressing it as a health and safety priority.

STAND represents: creating safe cultures, providing training to identify and help those at risk, raising awareness about the suicide crisis in construction, normalizing conversations around suicide and mental health, and ultimately decreasing the risks associated with suicide in construction.

THE COVID FACTOR To say that the COVID19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues would be an understatement. The anxiety, isolation and mounting unemployment is enough to negatively impact mental health, but add on top of it an unclear end to it all, and human beings reach capacity — surge capacity to be specific.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING Are they talking about suicide?

Are they talking about feeling depressed or anxious?

Do they say they feel like a burden to others?

WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING Increased absenteeism Unexplained productivity or performance decline Removing themselves from social situations like eating lunch with coworkers Acting more recklessly or with disregard for safety protocols

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THEIR LIVES Are you hearing about stressors when they talk about their life?

Do you know that they are going through a divorce, or maybe having difficulty with a child?

Were they recently laid off?

Did they experience a major loss?

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In the recent article “Your ‘Surge Capacity’ Is Depleted – It’s Why You Feel Awful”, in elemental, a Medium health and wellness publication, author Tara Haelle cites Ann Masten, PhD. “Surge capacity is a collection of adaptive systems — mental and physical — that humans draw on for short-term survival in acutely stressful situations, such as natural disasters,” Haelle writes.

“But natural disasters occur over a short period, even if recovery is long. Pandemics are different — the disaster itself stretches out indefinitely. “‘The pandemic has demonstrated both what we can do with surge capacity and the limits of surge capacity,’ says Masten,” Haelle notes.

“When it’s depleted, it has to be renewed. But what happens when you struggle to renew it because the emergency phase has now become chronic?”

Dr. Pompe weighs in: “All of us have been experiencing more stress. We’ve been disrupted in our lives. Our comfort zones have been turned upside down.

Our anxiety and stress related to not just the disruption but the concern about health risks for ourselves and our communities has risen in recent months.”

Data suggesting a spike related to COVID-19 is lagging, he says; however, “any time there is a major stressful event like a natural disaster, we do see the rates of mental illness go up, so I do anticipate seeing those numbers go up.” And while Dr. Pompe notes that in the beginning of the pandemic, many “rose to the occasion,” employing their coping resources to abide by stay-at-home orders and adjust to the circumstances, he worries that as this continues on, fatigue will set in and our coping mechanisms will become depleted, mirroring Masten’s “surge capacity” comments.

Dr. Pompe urges those experiencing struggles and early symptoms to not wait to seek help. “Don’t wait until you are in the depths of depression or experiencing significant symptoms. Now is the best time to think about stress management and what it is that you do to cope with difficult times in your life. Keep an eye on yourself and those around you,” he emphasizes.

Walker adds that while the

construction industry went largely unaffected by job loss as projects continued in many places, this was an opportunity for the leaders of the construction community to continue the conversation with workers about mental health and wellness. This includes coping mechanisms and the like to bring home to loved ones that may have been experiencing a more significant impact, such as children being isolated from their social groups or spouses dealing with layoffs or home school stressors.

And so an industry fraught with suicide and mental health issues now has a pandemic layered on top. Attention to the construction industry and its workers’ mental health and wellness has never been more important than it is currently.

“We can broaden our thinking of mental health beyond just the sickest of the sick to realize that mental health is part of the human condition [and needs] to be taken care of on a regular basis… We’re not talking about the ‘other guy’ or the rare occasion — we’re talking about everyone,” says Dr. Pompe.

REFORMING MANAGEMENT CULTURE Historically, in the heavily masculine culture of construction, management tactics involved belittling or disciplining workers for underperforming.

Walker asks, “how are we creating a sense of belonging and community” in an otherwise very transient industry? Workers and crews may only briefly work together on several projects, and therefore things like gradual behavioral changes that would otherwise be a warning sign may go unnoticed.

So, how is management addressing behavior changes? If lowered performance is met with disciplinary action, this can actually increase an at-risk worker’s sense of burden on the jobsite and to others. Managers and workers alike should all be equipped to have the conversation and say, “We’ve noticed some changes in your behavior. Is something going on that is impacting you that we can help with?”

“Shifting the culture from one of discipline to one with consideration for employee mental health and suicide risk management tactics is a key area where we can help push people toward help instead of further from help and deeper into that sense of despair,” says Walker.

Dr. Pompe emphasizes that management or coworkers should never be concerned about addressing a person’s well-being.

“It’s not a matter of whether you should or shouldn’t address it, but rather how you should address it,” he emphasizes.

Leaders should know the signs to look for and make it a part of their routine supervision process. “If you are asking people on a daily basis ‘How are you doing today?’ whenever your concerns go up a bit, it’s already a part of your communication strategy,” Dr. Pompe says. Possibly even more important than asking the question is ensuring you’re equipped to receive an answer. “Listen, show compassion and empathy, and be prepared to problem solve and offer resources.

“Nobody commits suicide because they are asked if they are thinking about committing suicide,” he adds.

Ask the question. Get your employees talking. It could save a life. ET

LEARN MORE ONLINE The Deadly Risk of Social Stigma and Shame Around Emotional and Mental Health - www.ForConstructionPros.com/21173132 ABC’s Greg Sizemore Talks About the Need to Address Suicide in Construction — www.ForConstructionPros.com/21134539 [PODCAST] Suicide in the Construction Industry is Rising, and Prevention Needs to Be Addressed — www.ForConstructionPros. com/21097845 Suicide Prevention: Lifesaving Tips for Construction Workers www.ForConstructionPros.com/21089413

www.ForConstructionPros.com

11/25/20 9:33 AM

By Jeff Stachowiak | S AFET Y & COMPL IANCE Employee feedback on JSA lists can involve company briefings to gain input and, even more importantly, a post-job review process.

Questions to Ask About Your Jobsite Safety Analysis Create Jobsite Safety Analysis (JSA) lists as a living document based on feedback from employees.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A GENERAL JSA? A JSA should be as specific and concise as possible. The list

can start out generic. However, more advanced programs eventually have a JSA for each job with precise information. Having this level of detail helps eliminate the need to “recreate the wheel” every time a company encounters the same job. It also helps clearly identify hazards so employees can complete the job as safely as possible.

The first questions that should be asked on every JSA include the following: Are employees trained to handle the task at hand?

Are they trained in lock-out tag-out and confined space procedures?

Are they aware of jobsite hazards?

The other questions to prompt the analysis can relate to: Personal protective equipment (PPE) Fall protection Rescue plans and rescue staff Access Working-at-height access Chemicals Weather Lifting What additional questions should be on the checklist?

Again, employees know. Ask them.

It’s helpful to include a review of the last job notes as part of a JSA to serve as a reminder of information to be included.

Ground conditions also change during travel to the jobsite. Weather events, including rain and wind, affect the safe use

of construction equipment. Be aware of and keep up with the changing conditions in a JSA. Consider creating a JSA for each section of the work, and reassess when the team moves into another part of the job or work.

WHAT SHOULD BE ON A JSA FOR AERIAL WORK PLATFORMS? Safety must be taken seriously when it comes to aerial work platforms. Again, starting out with some questions can help generate conversation to build out the JSA for this equipment.

Are the operator and the occupants trained?

Will the lift reach the work area?

Will the surface support the lift?

Is there ground support?

Is there pedestrian or vehicular traffic to consider?

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Are falling object protections

in place?

Are there narrow aisles or power lines?

Is the weather, particularly wind, a factor?

As with any JSA, it’s important to remember that it is a living, ever-changing document.

Employees should constantly be on the lookout for all of the hazards listed.

For example, if cones are in place for pedestrian traffic but the pedestrians are still walking near or under the workspace, it’s time to adjust the plan.

Improve barricading, even if it involves having a spotter on the ground to keep pedestrians out of the area. Taking these steps is critical, since the company is responsible if someone is injured walking through the barricade.

MAKING UPDATES To help maintain a safe jobsite, no matter the equipment being used, keep the JSAs up to date. It is recommended to review the JSA for each job every few months.

Keep adjusting. Keep reviewing. Keep employees involved in the process along the way and be sure they know how to access the JSA for review. Their involvement is key to making these checklists work. ET Jeff Stachowiak is director of safety training, Sunbelt Rentals.

It’s important to remember that a JSA is a living, ever-changing document. Employees should constantly be on the lookout for all of the hazards listed.

All photos courtesy of Sunbelt Rentals

C

hecklists, pre-start checklists, jobsite checklists — they make safety people feel better about their job and the safety of their people. And rightly so. When compiled correctly, they offer valuable information that can help prevent an incident or accident.

Jobsite Safety Analysis (JSA) lists are no exception. The JSA identifies hazards on a jobsite that risk injuring employees and defines ways to limit the exposure to them. This information is documented for employees to consult as part of the safety procedures they follow every job.

The lists can be created any number of ways, but among the more effective approaches involves creating a living document with feedback from the employees doing the work. This can include company briefings to gain input and, even more importantly, a post-job review process that allows employees to answer some basic questions: What went wrong?

What worked well?

Where did we have to “make do”?

What surprised us?

After answering these questions, the checklist and procedure can be changed accordingly.

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B U S I N E S S M A N A G E M E N T | Dennis Howard

3 MYTHS & TRUTHS About Renting Equipment

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It’s time to shed some truth on rental and debunk three of the most common myths.

T

here are a lot of previously held beliefs and notions that we know are no longer true. For example, it wasn’t that long ago that renting equipment wasn’t viewed positively by most companies. But that’s no longer the case.

Especially within the past 10 to 15 years, rental has steadily grown in popularity and become an accepted piece of the fleet management puzzle. In fact, it has become more than accepted; it’s often viewed as the best option for companies to stay flexible, productive and profitable.

THE RISE OF RENTAL There are now more avenues available for contractors to rent equipment. No longer just big rental houses, renters have the option of working with smaller independent rental companies or their trusted equipment dealership. With more choices and

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many of these rental businesses growing their fleets, contractors have better opportunity to find what they’re looking for and have a good experience.

Especially right now, the time has never been better to rent.

Election years typically bring hesitation to buy, an infrastructure bill continues to be only talked about and COVID-19 — well, I think we all agree that COVID-19 has brought nothing but uncertainty.

Uncertain times have boosted rental in the past and are the reason rental is hot now, with its popularity greater than expected this year. (Find out more about why rental is surging this year in this episode of RDO’s video series The Track at https://youtu. be/w07NxzuJP4o).

Even with practical reasons to rent, there are still hesitations for many companies. Why? Myths still exist about renting equipment. It’s time to shed

some truth on the topic and debunk three of the most common myths about equipment rental.

MYTH #1: RENTING EQUIPMENT IS BASICALLY THROWING AWAY MONEY Eventually buying the machine is a common goal when renting. However, many companies falsely believe that the money they spent renting is wasted, with none of that equity going into the machine.

Just about every rental house is willing to sell a rental machine to the customer, yet not all rental agreements put the customer in the best position to come out positive. Long before it’s time to buy, contractors should think about the likelihood of purchasing a machine and then build the rent-to-purchase option into the rental agreement. Going this route means price and purchase option terms can be set from the

beginning, ensuring the customer doesn’t lose out on valuable equity.

The real truth is: Rental equipment can provide a cost advantage if the agreement is well considered.

MYTH #2: RENTAL EQUIPMENT IS CRAP Yes, that myth puts it very bluntly — but it’s exactly what rental skeptics believe. A commonly held rental myth is customers don’t have the option to get quality, dependable machines. However, there are plenty of later model, low-hour, reliable machines available to rent.

Furthermore, rental machines don’t have to be held back or reserved only for easy tasks.

Many machines are capable of putting in the same long hours and hard work as their new counterparts.

Some companies even offer

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@maksimka37 – stock.adobe.com

RDO Equipment

BU S INES S MANAGEMENT

LEFT: A commonly held rental myth is customers don’t have the option to get quality, dependable machines. But there are plenty of later-model, low-hour, reliable machines available.

RDO Equipment

BELOW: In addition to the big rental houses, renters have the option of working with smaller independent rental centers or their equipment dealership.

specialty equipment to rent beyond the standard backhoe and excavator, further expanding options and giving customers choices to find exactly what they need.

The real truth is: Rental equipment can be productive workhorses and just as dependable as new.

MYTH #3: RENTAL EQUIPMENT IS BARE BONES WITH NO TECHNOLOGY FEATURES Similar to the belief that only throw-away machines are offered to rent, many contractors believe they can’t get the latest technology on rental equipment.

But there are options to find a machine with the technology solution desired.

One avenue is renting machines with technology already integrated into them, like a John Deere SmartGrade dozer or motor grader, which comes with Topcon

technology fully integrated into the machine.

The second option is renting the technology and adding it to an existing rental machine.

Depending on factors such as the age and model, some equipment dealerships and other rental outlets are able to integrate new technology onto rental equipment. Customers get exactly what they’re looking for without having to make a choice between the right machine or the desired technology.

The real truth is: Technology can likely be added to a rental machine or may even exist on the machine already.

OUT WITH THE OLD — MINDSET THAT IS There are plenty of reasons for contractors to consider renting as an alternative to purchase or perhaps a way to make

a future purchase work better on the balance sheet. And of course, rental options are highly advantageous for those who have specialty projects, don’t have available cash or are uncertain about the nature of future work.

While we don’t know what the future holds and what factors will still be affecting the construction industry into next year, one thing is for sure — renting equipment remains one of the best ways to stay flexible, productive and profitable amidst uncertainty. ET Dennis Howard has spent more than a decade with RDO Equipment Co.’s construction equipment division, working with teams in the company’s Texas and the Desert Southwest regions. As a vice president, he focuses on fleet management, with used construction equipment values and heavy equipment sales two of his key areas of expertise.

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ET1220_46-47_Myths_BC.indd 47

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December 2020 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

47 11/25/20 9:39 AM

B U S I N E S S M A N A G E M E N T | By Lori Moes

Five Common Causes of Construction’s Most EXPENSIVE ERRORS C

onstruction errors have a way of building off one another. A survey from McKinsey (https://bit. ly/3l1HZ2w) reported that an overwhelming majority of largescale construction projects miss deadlines by 40%.

The five frequently made errors below do not account for

all mistakes, but most of the expense. Consider some ways to avoid them.

1. INCORRECT ESTIMATES While estimating is less glamorous and more behind the scenes than other parts of the construction process, it is one of the most critical. Providing

the wrong numbers can directly affect the financial success of a project. If repeated too often, it can break the business.

According to QuickBooks, this error is frequent, as a third of construction companies are making less than projected.

Because estimating impacts business prosperity, project leads need to take the time to ensure that the math adds up before the project begins. Even if the pressure is on and stakeholders are anxious to start construction, it pays to assess costs.

Examine fees for labor, materials and potential risks and comb through the data to make sure there is room for error. Flawed timelines, equipment failures, or bad weather could all cause project upsets and affect the overall budget. Failing to build in a cushion could set the project on a crash course toward shutdowns or profit cuts from day one.

2. BAD DESIGN If a construction project is designed poorly, project conflicts and on-site errors are inevitable. When designs are rushed, it causes early hiccups and work order changes that could have been prevented with cross-team communication or optimized processes.

Taking advantage of the construction tools available today during preconstruction helps to avoid this. Verifying the site with a laser scanner removes human error from the measurement process and guarantees that drafters have the correct information.

Digitizing the plans created from those measurements with building information modeling (BIM) ensures that project stakeholders have a central model they can use to strategize the build.

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Taking both steps during preconstruction pays off in big dividends and can prevent timedraining project mistakes and conflicts.

3. INEFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT Construction projects require a large amount of organization and operational oversight. With the complexity and coordination required, it is not surprising that in a study by PwC (https://bit. ly/2I1n2GD), only 2.5% of the 10,640 projects surveyed finished in the estimated timeline.

Having a dedicated team of coordination specialists would help to prevent this common scenario. With a central unit to facilitate communication and collaboration between trades and across the project teams, there is accountability to keep the big picture in mind. This provides much-needed insight and can give a third-party perspective that is sometimes necessary when resolving conflicts.

4. LABOR CHALLENGES The skilled labor gap has been a topic of discussion for some time in construction.

Many still feel the recruitment challenges generated by the Great Recession that lost 1.5 million skilled workers.

Finding qualified skilled tradespeople to fill the gap continues to be difficult. For some, it’s harder than ever. Using emergent technologies to assist with menial or repetitive jobs helps ease labor challenges by empowering skilled labor to perform the jobs they specialize in and allowing for less qualified workers to enter the field. As construction technology continues to advance, it will help to train and resolve the challenges felt by many.

5. HIRING THE WRONG SERVICE PROVIDER In construction, price is typically the determining factor for obtaining new business. When choosing a provider of services, it is crucial to not just look at the cost, but also the company’s reputation, area of expertise, level of experience and applied technologies. Choosing a provider that appears to be more upfront but has advanced operational capabilities could reduce the overall project costs.

While significant strides have been made over the past decade, rework still adds up to as much as $4.2 billion in the U.S. alone.

Correcting these common errors with technologies and additional processes can ultimately boost the project’s bottom line.

As construction continues to be elevated by connectivity and new capabilities, there will be real financial benefits to working smarter not harder. ET Lori Moes is co-founder and CFO of DJM CAD & Coordination, a BIM coordination firm in Schwenksville, PA.

FIND MORE ONLINE Estimating Software is a Saving Bet www.ForConstructionPros.com/21018018 5 Myths About BIM Technology and Why They Shouldn’t Scare You Away From Using It — www.ForConstructionPros.com/21086672 Are These Mistakes Affecting Your Bid-Win Ratio? www.ForConstructionPros.com/21065882 Model-Based Estimates Delight Project Owners and Halve Pepper’s Costs — www.ForConstructionPros.com/21018220

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Access Construction Equipment ..............................................49 Association of Equipment Management Professionals ................4 Bobcat ........................................................................................2 Compact Excavator Sales..........................................................14 Eager Beaver General Engines ..................................................51 John Deere Construction Equip. ..............................................52 LBX Company LLC...................................................................5 Level Best .................................................................................21 Ranko Equipment ....................................................................39 Schweiss Bi-Fold ......................................................................49 Takeuchi Manufacturing Co. ...................................................35 Uline ........................................................................................17 Volvo Construction Equipment ...............................................19 Worksaver Inc. .........................................................................47

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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

2021 Planning Will Not Be Business as Usual Procedures and policies are no longer the same, requiring a new approach to financial planning.

I

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.

follow a few economists, investment bankers and financial advisors to keep on top of what has happened and what is going to happen based on their analysis. That does not mean I accept what they say 100% of the time, because my actual daily experience with both the construction and equipment world gives me ideas how to improve a contractor’s financial position. I read, I study, I discuss and I mix it all together to arrive at a plan of attack that appears reasonable and profitable.

One economist I follow is John Mauldin, who explains his theories to the point where you can act on them as you see fit. In a recent piece, he made a statement about planning for next year that is quite provocative.

Mauldin suggested that times have changed to the point where procedures and policies are not returning to where they were or how they were transacted in 2019. He followed up by saying that using historical financial data to plan for 2021 is probably not a good idea because the financial relationships you had in place in 2019 and at the start ©Pugun & Photo Studio – stock.adobe.com of 2020 will not work or relate to each other as they have in the past. In other words, you start from scratch when laying out your plan for 2021.

What about the construction industry? Do you believe you can do business like you did before March 2020? Do you think the phone will ring as often to review a set of plans for a job? Do you believe you will be able to close the same percentage of bids won compared to bids reviewed? Do you believe that your competitors are the same people and companies that you competed against before?

You may think that is what is going to happen. But I don’t think so.

to cover inventory, payroll and operating expenses for at least three or four months, since it could take two or three months to collect on the first month’s billing. A bank could loan based on inventory and work in progress (WIP) and accounts receivable (AR), but after that you start running out of liquidity options.

TAKE A “FROM SCRATCH” APPROACH

There are a couple of other things to consider for 2021.

Make sure you know your tax position for 2020. You probably don’t have a meaningful tax exposure position to worry about regarding 2020, but if you do, that’s great. So, be careful to not use losses or bonus depreciation to reduce taxes at low brackets. It may be wise to push them into 2021, when you are making more money and where tax rates may be higher. Get together with your tax folks and find out where you stand and at what brackets you are dealing with.

If your equipment needs repair, it may pay to do it sooner rather than later. Shops need the work and parts are probably available.

But after the recovery takes hold, the cost and time it takes to repair a machine could increase considerably.

With the pent-up demand for used equipment, you can bet pricing will also increase appreciably.

Now, go start “from scratch!” ET

This recovery is going to be tough. There will be a lot of work floating around. There will be shortages of both equipment, parts and materials. You may have lost some key people just when there will be high demand for qualified tradespeople. In other words, I don’t believe you can budget revenues and related gross profits as you did before, because all of the financial metrics have changed. If you don’t change, as well, you may get some work but probably not make much money.

That being a possibility, let’s start from scratch to plan out 2021.

First, you need capital and probably more than usual depending on the new revenue silos you may be adding to your menu of products and services. ˜ What do you have in the bank? ˜ What liquidity can you generate from banks and other types of lenders? ˜ What are your equipment needs and can you finance a purchase or lease based on your current balance sheet?

Capital is what is needed before you take on Step 2. You need cash

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USE MARKETING TO REACH THE TOP OF THE LIST You also need cash to market the business in order to ensure your ability to attract enough bid requests to keep the boat afloat, and at the same time attract new customers you may not have worked with before. In other words, your company needs to be at the top of the list potential customers use to send out bid requests.

To help with this “from scratch” scenario, contractors have to fine tune their product line and find ways to bring “value added” to the table. Use advertising, mailers, postcards, email blasts (e-blasts), phone calls, customer meetings, vendor meetings and whatever else you can drum up to get your name out into the marketplace.

I would not reinvent the wheel here but look at what other companies are doing that will fit your type of work and give it a shot. I’m aware of services that do this type of work — email lists, e-blasts, website options and google lists — for as little as $300 a month... and it works.

We can go on and on regarding starting “from scratch.” But the bottom line is you need to produce a method to find and close business by taking business from competitors who are just plodding along like they did before.

FINAL THOUGHTS

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Vol. 56 No. 11 December 2020

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