Equipment Today February 2022

EXCLUSIVE: 2022 State of Construction & Road Building Industry Reports Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment

®

FEBRUARY 2022

COMPACT BATTERY ELECTRIC MACHINES GAIN GROUND ELECTRIC MACHINES PROVE THEY'RE HERE TO STAY

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Know the options when spec'ing mobile lube systems

PROFIT MATTERS How technology helps manage a 700+ machine fleet

#1 Market Leaders

SHORTER-THAN-EXPECTED DPF SERVICE LIFE?

Ash from your engine oil is likely to blame

90

%

OF INCOMBUSTIBLES IN THE DPF COME FROM LUBRICANTS

Incombustible ash particles from today’s heavy-duty engine oils clog the diesel particulate filter (DPF) in Tier 4 Final aftertreatment systems, increasing maintenance costs and sidelining major equipment.

Now there’s a breakthrough solution.

Get the facts at DeloEmissionsControlCenter.com © 2021 Chevron. All rights reserved. All trademarks are property of Chevron Intellectual Property LLC or their respective owners.

DISCOVER Delo 600 ADF: Less ash. More service life.

Delo 600 ADF with OMNIMAX ™ Technology solves the issue of DPF ash buildup while providing outstanding engine protection. By producing 60% less ash compared to today’s low-ash engine oils, Delo 600 ADF extends DPF service life by 2.5X to keep heavy-duty equipment running stronger, longer.

Protect your engine and your aftertreatment system with Delo 600 ADF.

It’s time to kick some ash.

Contents COVER STORY

FEBRUARY 2022 | www.ForConstructionPros.com

Compact Battery Electric Machines Gain Ground While not yet mainstream, battery electric compact machines prove they are here to stay.

Page 10

PRODUCTS 15 Compact Equipment

Sort through the latest skidsteer loader models.

19 Fleet Management 32 Road Building 40 Trucks & Transportation 45 Technology Trends 48 Equipment Gallery

DEPARTMENTS 6 Breaking Ground 8 Equipment Introductions 16 Fleet Management 30 Road Building 34 Jobsite Solutions 36 Fleet Management 44 Technology Trends 46 Jobsite Solutions 47 Safety & Compliance 50 Running the Business 4 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

FEATURES

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

20

2022 STATE OF CONSTRUCTION pg 20

Global Construction Market Set for Sustained Growth But Faces “New Age” Risks

The new year brings more uncertainty with supply chain and labor concerns.

While long-term growth is expected, various factors will transform the risk landscape. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21927818

2022 STATE OF THE ROAD BUILDING INDUSTRY pg 24

5 Ways to Monitor MultiLocation Construction Projects

The sector is well-positioned to take advantage of the long-term, sustainable funding infrastructure legislation will provide.

Tools to track costs and progress of widespread, complex projects in a way that doesn’t add distraction to site supervisors and workers. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21965339

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS WHEN SPEC’ING MOBILE LUBE SYSTEMS pg 38 Dig deeper into the types and applications to make sure you get the right system for your company’s needs.

Used heavy equipment can be a great value, but there are several unique risks that buyers should be aware of. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21590742

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS E.K. SERVICES MANAGE A FLEET OF 700+ MACHINES pg 42 Contractor uses software to manage more than 700 pieces of equipment, helping to avoid costly downtime.

Buying Used Heavy Equipment? Be Aware of These Three Potential Risks

42

Object Detection Software Improves Jobsite Safety

Enhanced visibility allows equipment operators to feel more in control of keeping themselves, and workers, safe. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21992976

www.ForConstructionPros.com

Unearth outstanding deals Great savings on all excavators and dozers.

www.ebay.com/heavyequipment

B RE AKI N G G R OU ND | By Becky Schultz

Manage Project Risks to Maintain Profits

D

Becky Schultz / bschultz@acbusinessmedia.com

espite some high points (like the infrastructure bill), 2021 ended on a sour note as COVID-19 cases once again soared and supply chain disruptions continued to grow, causing construction costs to climb even as the industry saw seasonal slowing. So, what more could possibly lie ahead?

To get a clearer picture, we asked several leading construction economists to weigh in with their outlooks for the coming months (starting on page 20). They examined the general state of the industry, plus looked closely at the road building sector — a likely source of sizable gains in the latter half of 2022 and for several

THE STINGER The Stinger electric flex shaft vibrator is rugged, lightweight, and powerful. The 115v electric motor has been designed to run cool with the power and torque to handle todays concrete loads.

The stinger attaches to competitor core and casing with quick disconnect adapters.

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years to follow as federal infrastructure dollars start to flow.

You’ll see that their views are decidedly mixed based on a number of risk factors the industry is facing. How your company fares in 2022 will depend on how you’re able to manage risks such as how to find/ retain skilled labor, address cost creep for construction inputs, access equipment needed to complete projects and more.

Construction business owners have plenty of experience managing risks. Yet, the complexities of the construction process and the threats to project profits have expanded in recent years, and even more so since the start of the pandemic. From COVID-related safety concerns to cyber threats, there seem to be more risks lurking around every corner.

Fred Guitton, chief revenue officer at construction management software provider RedTeam, equates a project site to a “giant set of dominoes — a single part goes wrong and a lot of things can go sideways.” To prevent this chain reaction, he stresses the need to identify and manage controllable risks on a project before it starts, while putting a plan in place to address unforeseen/uncontrollable risks, such as weather or a jobsite accident.

“As a commercial/general contractor, people think that you’re someone that builds things, but in reality, most of what you do is actually managing risk, managing contracts, managing information,” says Guitton. “It’s making sure that six months down the road if a dispute arises that you have all the information well organized, so that you can actually make sure to apply the proper level of accountability to the different partners.”

Transparency throughout a project can help to mitigate risks such as disputes.

Cloud-based construction management software, with its ability to share information between parties, can help. “Creating that level of transparency, by default, creates accountability… When the information is elevated and transparent, it automatically creates a much higher level of harmony on the project,” says Guitton.

Yet, technology is just another tool in your risk management arsenal.

Establishing a culture focused on addressing jobsite risks, and safety in particular, is the first essential step. “Anytime you can complement your existing program with technology that can help you address a business challenge, it’s definitely worth exploring,” says Mark Nowakowski, field director at Travelers. “But these systems are never going to be a replacement to that overall program.

“Establishing an effective safety culture in a company is going to always start with top management,” he continues. “And it’s going to remain critical for any contractor to help keep employees safe and prevent losses.” ET

Support that stays a step ahead, so you never fall behind.

Connected Support™ delivers remote machine monitoring to keep your equipment performing its best day in and day out.

John Deere Protect™ Service Plan lets you focus on your business while we focus on your machine service intervals.

Big Iron Support means your dealer has the equipment and trained techs to service the largest machines in your fleet at a moment’s notice.

deere.com/ironcladsupport

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.

Tadano

GTC-1600 TeleBoom Crawler Crane The 160-ton GTC-1600 has a six-section telescoping boom that can extend from 42.8 up to 200.1 ft., plus a 33.8-ft./59.1-ft. bi-fold jib with an offset of up to 40° and two 23-ft. optional lattice inserts that enable a maximum tip height of 305 ft. An optional 11.8-ft. heavylift jib is available. Safety is reinforced with on-screen warnings, operator-definable working zones with end-of-zone soft stop function and automatic switching for out-of-level load charts for slopes up to 4°. The OPTI-WIDTH flexible track position system facilitates various symmetrical and asymmetrical track width setups. A self-erecting counterweight system with remote control and integrated two-stage carbody jacks further streamlines setup.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21627576

Toro Dingo TX 1300 The Dingo TX 1300 has a 37-hp Yanmar Tier 4 diesel engine and a rated operating capacity of 1,300 lbs. It features the INTELLISCOPE loader arm with SmartLoad technology, giving the operator an additional 26 in. of reach with a hinge pin height of 109 in. Hydraulic and loader arm functions are integrated into one thumb-operated controller for easier, more accommodating operation. One hand can be used to operate the loader arm and auxiliary attachments and the other to operate the traction controls. The pressure-relieving quick-coupler system makes connecting attachments easier. A larger operator platform ensures increased operator comfort. A compact footprint ensures maneuverability in tight spaces.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21796373

Lincoln Electric

Activ8x Pipe Portable Wire Feeder The compact, lightweight Activ8x Pipe wire feeder incorporates optimized weld processes, including STT Field, CV-MIG, CV-FCAW and Pulsed MIG for steel and stainless steel applications, along with the latest welding technology. Operators can control the welding process at the feeder, including memory options that allow for storage and selection of saved modes between passes. Embedded CrossLinc and CableView technology allows for system setup and use and eliminates the need for added control cables or sense leads, while providing control of the welding process up to 200 ft. from the power source with no loss in arc stability.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21796817

JCB

245XR Reduced Tailswing Crawler Excavator The 245XR fits in the 22- to 26-ton reduced swing size class and features a 173-hp JCB Ecomax 448 Tier 4 Final-compliant diesel engine with no DPF. The hydraulic system uses the latest Kawasaki pumps and a Kayaba main control valve for precise control. The unit has a 9-ft. 10-in. dipper arm for increased breakout or maximum reach. With the monoboom, it has a maximum digging reach of 32 ft. 1 in. and a maximum digging depth of 21 ft. 9 in. An optional dozer blade is available. The 3-ft.-wide cab offers updated CommandPlus control switch packs, a 7-in. multifunction display, standard adjustable air suspended seat with mechanical lumbar support, climate control, Bluetooth radio, enhanced storage and more.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21735392

8 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

Wacker Neuson

WL28 Articulated Wheel Loader The 3-ton, .5-cu.-yd. WL28 has a compact design with minimized tailswing and optimized steering angle for operation in tight spaces. The Yanmar Stage V engine is available in 45 or 54 hp and offers an efficient regeneration system, optimal power-to-weight ratio and lower fuel consumption. The electronic regulated drive system provides improved pushing power, speeds up to 18.6 mph and an electronic parking brake that includes a hill-hold function. The unit comes with an auto/eco mode and is available with an optional attachment mode. The cab offers increased operator space, improved ergonomics with intuitive controls, air conditioning and increased visibility on all sides of the machine.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21808640

www.ForConstructionPros.com

EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENTINTRODUCTIONS INTRODUCTIONS

Manitou

ATJ60E Articulated Boom Lift

Hilti 22V Nuron Cordless

Battery Platform

The Nuron 22V battery platform enables cordless tool work from light-duty drilling to heavy-duty concrete breaking. Capable of powering more than 70 tools at launch, all the battery packs and chargers work interchangeably under a single ecosystem to help reduce complexity and cost. The redesigned battery interface ensures higher performance and longer operating times by allowing a significantly higher power transfer. The reengineered Nuron batteries are more durable with a robust fiberglass-reinforced housing and external shock-absorbing bumpers. All tool data, like usage, location, and state of health, is stored on the battery and sent securely to the cloud during every charge without any operator interaction.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21977428

The all-electric ATJ60E incorporates lead-acid batteries and two asynchronous electric motors that enable comparable performance to the ATJ60 but with zero emissions. The unit has a working height of 65 ft. 7 in. and a platform height of 59 ft. 7 in. The basket has a 500-lb. capacity and has a large color monitor that displays information via an alert system. An integrated charger on the turret can be used to recharge the lift via a standard 230-volt plug. Four-wheel drive, an active oscillating axle and a high ground clearance adapt to difficult conditions. Safety features include pedal presence in the basket, basket overload and tilt sensor, electric emergency pump, double rail and meshed floor and a Secondary Protection System.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21980797

Link-Belt

210 X4 HD, 250 X4 HD and 300 X4 HD Excavators The 210 X4 HD, 250 X4 HD and 300 X4 HD are purpose-built for tough applications. They come factory equipped with a high-wide and heavy-duty undercarriage with larger components for added durability, strength and performance. They have an 11% to 17% wider stance and 40% to 50% higher ground clearance for enhanced stability and increased lift capacities. Traveling performance has been improved with up to a 30% increase in drawbar pull.

HD attachments feature a high lift bracket for a greater working range and added lift capacities. The units are powered by Isuzu Tier 4 Final engines that deliver more power and low fuel/ DEF consumption without the use of a DPF.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21977497

Hammerhead

Leica

BLK ARC and BLK2FLY Autonomous Reality Capture

HydroBurst 100XTR

The BLK ARC and BLK2FLY provide fully autonomous mobile reality capture. The BLK ARC laser scanning sensor is purpose-built to improve the autonomous navigation of robots and other carrier platforms to deliver fully autonomous mobile laser scanning. It can safely and repeatedly capture 3D point clouds and panoramic images of changing environments with minimal user intervention.

The BLK2FLY is a fully integrated, autonomous flying laser scanning sensor. With a few taps on a tablet, users can quickly and easily scan structures and environments accurately from the air. Advanced autonomous obstacle avoidance ensures safe flight paths.

The HydroBurst 100XTR has a 100-ton capability that is rated for up to 16 in. in diameter, yet is compact enough for use on pipe down to 4 in. A 50-ton mode enables working up to twice as fast, depending on job requirements. Lightweight, heat-treated alloy rods feature an API-style joint that resists buckling under greater thrust loads and can burst steel and ductile steel pipes using specialized tooling. An automated rod spinner system has a locking jaw system that provides constant tension on the rod string to eliminate rod rebound. Hydraulic leveling jacks allow adjustments on the fly to keep the machine on grade without interrupting bursting operations. The unit is operated via radio remote control.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21980824

www.forconstructionpros.com/21992846 www.ForConstructionPros.com

February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

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C O M PACT E QU I P M E N T | By Curt Bennink

COMPACT BATTERY ELECTRIC Machines Gain Ground While not yet mainstream, battery electric compact machines prove they are here to stay.

Doosan Bobcat

The unique design of the Doosan Bobcat T7X has nearly 50% fewer parts than its diesel-hydraulic equivalent. It is also 10 times quieter.

O

ver the past several years, manufacturers have teased battery electric compact machine prototypes at major industry shows. But until very recently, the availability of actual production machines was very limited. That is changing, and you may want to take note as these machines can offer unique advantages in specific applications.

“We believe market acceptance is already there now for those specific uses where diesel’s emissions, noise and fuel storage requirements present health, noise and environmental risks,” says Joe Schinasi, Kovaco Electric. Such scenarios include interior construction, agriculture and livestock, tourism, resorts, etc. “In these applications, electric equipment is clearly advantageous.

“That said, we believe it may take another five to 10 years for electric heavy equipment to overtake diesel as a percentage of sales as there are some lingering dependencies that still need to be addressed,” he notes, such as battery technology, cost of batteries, charging infrastructure, buyer comfort level with

Doosan Bobcat unveiled its all-electric T7X compact track loader at the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 in Las Vegas in early January.

electrical equipment, etc. “As it did with electric passenger vehicles, government incentives and regulations may help to expedite adoption of electric heavy equipment.”

But potential customer concerns must be addressed. “For electric equipment to become the norm, machines need to be designed and proven to overcome the main concerns voiced by skeptical buyers around energy capacity, performance and price,” says Lars Arnold, product manager electromobility, Volvo Construction Equipment.

Volvo’s initial efforts to gain customer acceptance are focused on battery-powered compact

10 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

wheel loaders and excavators. “We started with compact machines in our electrification journey because they are versatile and in high demand, and the current battery options work best on smaller machines for now,” says Arnold. “For larger machines, it can be a mix of solutions like energy recuperation, fuel cells, cable electric and alternative fuels.

“In five to 10 years, all new Volvo compact excavator and wheel loader models will likely be electric,” he predicts. “We are also looking into electrification of other machine types.

Electrifying larger machines remains a challenge, but it’s

one we’re actively seeking solutions to. Full-sized models will likely be a mix of diesel, hybrid and electric by the end of this decade.”

A HOLISTIC APPROACH A holistic approach is necessary when comparing electric machines to their diesel-powered equivalents.

“Electric machines do have a higher purchase price than their diesel equivalents, but the total cost of ownership should be considered when evaluating them, including the fuel savings and extended component life of not having an engine, which reduces overall maintenance costs,”

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says Arnold. “The state of the art lithium-ion batteries and electric motors are totally maintenancefree. The lifetime of the battery electric components should be equal to or better than that of the diesel engine on a conventional machine.”

Battery technology continues to progress, as well. “The lithium-ion technology used in our batteries is far superior to the old lead-acid or nickel-cadmium technology we sometimes think of in electric vehicles,” says Arnold. “Volvo’s advanced batteries have no memory effect, and they experience less loss of power in cold temperatures.

With a 12V lead-acid car battery,

COMPACT EQU IPMENT

the capacity is drastically reduced as soon as it gets cold. That’s less the case with these batteries.”

Electric machines also add value by targeting new work segments. “Having a zero-emissions machine could give contractors an advantage when bidding on jobs with sustainability targets or indoor work,” says Arnold.

“Their lower noise levels could allow them to be used when noise restrictions are in place, like night work in densely populated areas. And we’re constantly hearing of other niche applications unsuitable for conventional diesel machines where an electric excavator or wheel loader can get the job done.”

Residual value is another consideration. As Arnold explains, “With diesel construction equipment, operating time is defined by the engine run time, and a lot of hours are counted while the machine is idle. With electric, as soon as the operator stops working (e.g., waiting for pipe to be placed in a trench he’s just dug), the motors turn off and no operating hours are accumulated. Jobs that can rack up 10,000 hours on a diesel machine might only add 6,000 or 7,000 hours to a comparable electric machine. These saved hours lower operating costs, and in turn lower total cost of ownership. They help improve resale value, too.”

ADDRESSING BATTERY LIFE One performance criterion that remains an unknown is battery life. “We don’t yet know how long the batteries will last in electric construction equipment because the machines are so new, but we estimate the battery could last somewhere around 10 years,” says Arnold. “It’s hard to say what costs will be by then. In these early stages of use and further development, charging time and battery life have the most room for improvement. We are continuing to research, develop and provide a wider range of charging options.

“As electric vehicles continue to roll out into the market, improved charging infrastructure will follow suit,” he predicts.

“The battery technology used in our equipment is very similar to, if not the same as, what’s used in electric cars and pickup trucks. As battery technology

advances, similar updates will be implemented in construction equipment.”

Schinasi shares a similar view on battery innovation. “The primary technical challenges we, and our customers, face is battery run time duration and battery charging. This is the heavy equipment equivalent of ‘range anxiety’ in electric cars.

Will the battery last for the duration of the work shift? Will there be an appropriate power supply on site to charge it (e.g., single phase vs. three phase)? How long will the battery take to charge? These are questions we hear frequently,” he comments.

“Currently, [Kovaco addresses] these issues by offering a variety of battery and charging options to accommodate most use cases.”

But this creates the related challenges of managing multiple offerings and suppliers.

height of 8.2 ft. and a 4,409-lb. payload fork load capacity.

“The few exceptions are a slight increase in continuous motor power and a marginally higher operating weight for the ECR25 Electric excavator,” he notes. “And for the L25 Electric wheel loader, it too has a marginally higher operating weight and a higher static tipping load compared to the diesel model.”

But performance is about more than specs. “Contractors already using Volvo electric machines are reporting that they can’t tell the difference when it comes to performance,” says Arnold.

“Over the three months we tested [the Volvo electric compact equipment], these machines performed exceptionally, matching what we would expect from a diesel machine of equal size but with no emissions,” says Jacques Marais, director, Baltic Sands.

KOVACO ELECTRIC OFFERS SKIDSTEER AND MINI LOADER OPTIONS In 2015, Kovaco Electric brought the Elise 900, the first fully electric skid-steer loader, to market. It offers up to six hours of operation with a 240Ah battery or eight hours with a 400-Ah battery. The power

equivalency compared to conventional skid steers is 30.8 hp with 240-Ah battery and 52.3 hp with 400-Ah battery. The unit is driven by three electric motors, two of which are used for travel and one for the hydraulic system only.

“Per our own internal calculations, Kovaco Electric estimates that a heavy equipment operator could save nearly $18,000 over 3,000 hours if they used our Elise 900 electric skid-steer loader over a comparably priced and comparably spec’d diesel skid steer,” says Schinasi. “This represents a roughly 75% savings

VOLVO LEADS CHARGE Volvo is leading the charge in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) sector with five compact, battery-powered construction options in its lineup, including the L20 Electric and L25 Electric wheel loaders, and the ECR18 Electric, E18 Electric and ECR25 Electric compact excavators.

“In everything that we have seen so far, our electric machines offer performance levels similar to or better than their conventional diesel equivalents,” states Arnold. “For example, the ECR25 Electric compact excavator has a digging depth of 9 ft.

1 in. and a breakout force of 5,020 lbf. The L25 Electric compact wheel loader has a full-turn tipping load of 3.7 tons, a dump

ABOVE: Volvo’s Electric Machine Management Application will provide insights to help manage the electric machines efficiently. Customers of any of the five electric models will also soon be able to take advantage of a new fleet management solution designed specifically for the remote monitoring of electric machines.

BELOW: Volvo is leading the charge in the battery electric vehicle sector with the L20 Electric and L25 Electric wheel loaders and the ECR18 Electric, E18 Electric and ECR25 Electric compact excavators.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

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C O M PACT E QU I P M E N T

in fuel and maintenance costs.

An online search indicates that the average skid-steer lifespan is 5,000 hours. With proper care and maintenance, our batteries should outlast that.

Kovaco Electric batteries can provide 1,700+ charges up to 80% capacity, and therefore should last for the lifespan of the loader.”

The company also offers the MiniZ compact track loader.

“The Kovaco Electric MiniZ compact track loader’s electric battery options are priced nearly identical or at a slight premium compared with diesel engine counterparts,” says Schinasi. “While the initial investment may be slightly higher, the operational costs and maintenance savings over the life of the machine more than justify the initial capital expenditure premium.

“When compared against loaders in the same class, the MiniZ electric loader performs similarly to comparable diesel mini loaders with significantly lower operational costs,” says Schinasi. “Our machines also offer features that comparable diesel machines do not, including remote-controlled operation, instant torque, low noise and many other benefits. These features introduce a whole new

world of potential applications where traditional diesel machines could not be used.

“One example is landscaping applications in the early morning. Diesel equipment is very loud and noise ordinances may prevent early morning use,” he comments. “In contrast, the MiniZ is very quiet and could be used for early morning landscaping and applications with minimum disturbance.”

KATO sees demand growing for its battery electric excavators among contractors who perform work in enclosed environments and those that work on closely regulated sites, including food and pharmaceuticals.

DOOSAN BOBCAT ROLLS OUT ALL-ELECTRIC CTL

KATO Compact Equipment Sales

Doosan Bobcat unveiled its all-electric Bobcat T7X compact track loader (CTL) at the Consumer Electronics Show 2022 in Las Vegas on January 4.

This CTL is the first machine of its kind to fully eliminate all hydraulics and components, resulting in a machine that is 10 times quieter than its dieselhydraulic equivalent.

The unique design of the T7X has nearly 50% fewer parts than the diesel-hydraulic version. The traditional hydraulic work group has been completely replaced with an electrical drive system consisting of electric cylinders and electric drive motors, which means virtually no fluids.

Only one quart of eco-friendly

12 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

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coolant is required compared to 57 gal. of fluid in the equivalent diesel-hydraulic model. The machine promises to lower daily operating costs when considering the reduction in annual maintenance costs and elimination of diesel, engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid and hydraulic parts.

“The machine is fully battery powered and is designed to outperform its diesel counterparts,” says Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation, Doosan Bobcat. “The machine is more intelligent and productive with electric propulsion. It’s quiet with high-performance torque, and it’s more powerful than anything that has come before — all while eliminating carbon emissions.”

The T7X’s electric platform enables instantaneous power and peak torque to be available at every operating speed. There is no delay for a standard hydraulic system to build up power.

The machine draws power from a 62-kW lithium-ion battery developed with Green Machine Equipment Inc., Doosan Bobcat’s technology partner.

“The intelligence of the power management system is programmed to sense when loads are increasing,” says Honeyman.

“It automatically backs off power when not needed, so it preserves energy and runtime. Unlike its diesel counterpart, this electrically-powered machine and power management technology only consume energy when it is at work.” While the exact run time will vary by application, the use of intelligent work modes can allow up to four hours of continuous operation time and a full day of operation during intermittent use.

Two-way telematics communication provides integral data about the performance of the machine, along with operatorfocused data to change machine preferences, tune the performance to certain job situations and upgrade product features.

This includes variable drive speed at full torque and other features not possible with a diesel-hydraulic machine.

“We employ different work modes that we’ve developed through software, depending upon the task, to help conserve battery power,” says Honeyman.

“We have an Eco mode, an Advanced mode and even a Beast mode, which provides

COMPACT EQU IPMENT Kovaco

The Kovaco Elise 900 was the first fully electric skid-steer loader. It offers up to six hours of operation or eight hours with a 400-Ah battery. The power equivalency compared to conventional skid steers is 30.8 hp with a 240-Ah battery and 52.3 hp with a 400-Ah battery. short bursts of full instantaneous torque to the drive system when needed.”

Doosan Bobcat collaborated with Moog Inc., a worldwide developer of motion control components and systems, to speed up the pace of research and development of the electronic control capabilities of the T7X. “Like Doosan Bobcat, we believe that electrification, automation and connectivity go hand in hand,” says John Scannell, chairman and CEO, Moog Inc. The removal of the hydraulic system will require a different approach from the attachment side. Bobcat will introduce a line of all-electric attachments. The first to be developed include an electrically-powered auger, an angle broom and a grapple.

The T7X appears to have critical support from one of the leaders in the rental industry. Sunbelt Rentals, which has more than 1,025 locations in North America, has entered into a strategic partnership to make a significant investment in a large fleet of Bobcat T7X CTLs and electric compact excavators, which will be co-branded and made available in 2022 and beyond. Sunbelt Rentals

will be the first national equipment rental company to adopt Bobcat’s battery electric technology and make it available to customers, supporting the environmental, social and governance focus for both companies.

KATO-CES ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO CUT THE CORD KATO-CES offers two models of battery electric miniexcavators — the 9VXB with a 5-ft. 2-in. digging depth and a bucket force of 2,360 lbs., and the 17VXB with a 7-ft. digging depth and a bucket force of 3,687 lbs. The machines utilize a standard hydraulic system so you can still run the same attachments as the diesel versions.

“There is a demand and there is a market, and it’s growing,” says Bart DeHaven, KATOCES. “Right now, it is more of an indoor and confined space application.” This includes any applications with food or pharmaceuticals where the customer wants a strictly controlled environment.

Machine specs are very similar to the diesel equivalents. “The electric unit is a little heavier than the diesel unit, but it is still the same dig depth,” says DeHaven. “The only drawback

to these machines is run times.

On a diesel machine, all you have to do is make sure it has diesel in it and you can run it for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” But the electric machines require a charge time. “You have to charge it eight to 12 hours to get eight hours out of it.”

The biggest concern with a battery machine is charging it correctly. “You cannot let it sit for two or three months and not charge it,” says DeHaven.

“The onboard computer system will slowly drain the battery.”

The onboard computer is running almost all the time to allow modern telematics services and diagnostics.

Battery power takes the lead, however, when it comes to maintenance and related costs. With diesel, you have to check the air filter, the oil level, the coolant level, etc. “When you are using an excavator with a battery, all you have to do is check the LED light screen for the charge state,” notes DeHaven. “With batteries, you are not worried about the DPF filter getting stopped up or putting bad diesel fuel in it.”

In terms of battery life, it appears to compare favorably to diesel power. “Right now, the life should be longer than what

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you get out of a diesel engine,” says DeHaven. But there are outside influences such as the weather where the machine is utilized and the way the customers charge the batteries.

KATO-CES has offered plug-in electric versions of these machines for a number of years.

“Some of the same customers who were using the electrics for years are the ones who are going after the battery machines,” DeHaven notes.

“Most of the rental customers are realizing that the battery is the way to go,” says DeHaven.

The plug-in electric has more limitations. “You can only run 200 or 300 ft. of the cord the machine comes with before you have to go up in size, because from the power source — singlephase 230 volts or three-phase 480 volts — there is an amperage drop... the further you get away from that power source.

“With the battery machine, they can do whatever they want as long as it is charged,” he continues. “You are not worried about somebody running over the cord or damaging the cord. It takes the cord completely out of it as far as when they are operating the machine. We don’t sell as many electric plug-in machines

because the battery machines have taken that market over.”

But there is a learning curve.

Education is required regarding the charging process and when to plug the machines in.

Currently, cost is one of the biggest limiting factors in wider adoption of battery power. “The research and development on them is very expensive,” says DeHaven. This results in a much higher initial purchase price. “If you go machine to machine, the battery [version] is about double the same model, same class of diesel machine. A lot of that has to do with the cost of the battery technology itself. The costs will come down, but I don’t know if they will ever go down to where they are [equivalent] cost-wise with a diesel machine.

“There is a growing need [for battery machines] in the U.S. market. It’s going to continue to grow,” he predicts. But currently, they are still a specialized tool.

“I think there is always going to be a place for the diesel machine, but I also think there is a place for the battery machines. I just don’t think right now, with the cost being so much more and the run time constraints, that they are going to overtake diesel anytime soon.” ET

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COMPACT EQUIPMENT Products

ASV MAX-Series VS-75 and RS-75 Skid-steer Loaders The 100-hp models include the SW32 skid steer and 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 • 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)

The radial lift 75-hp RS-75 has a 2,600lb. rated operating capacity (ROC) and a 5,845-lb. breakout force and the 75-hp vertical lift VS-75 has a 3,500-lb. ROC and 5,920-lb. breakout force.

• 10.5 in. of ground clearance • Next-generation cab with 360° visibility, a roomier operator area, comfortable seat, touchscreen display and more • Enhanced visibility via standard LED lighting, optional side lighting, all-clear sides and a frameless door • Standard safety features include a roof escape hatch, ROPS and reinforced windows for impact resistance • Optional pressurized cab, fully suspended seat, 7-in. touchscreen display, dual throttle and more

www.forconstructionpros.com/21110951

www.forconstructionpros.com/21710601

Wacker Neuson 100-hp Loaders

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

• Wider opening cab door for easy entry and exit and an added 3 in. between joystick pods for extra space inside 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 Attachments needs • Advanced control features include Return-to-Dig and Work Tool Positioner

www.forconstructionpros.com/21087424

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

• Inline engine design and a durable direct drive 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 • Bob-Tach attachment mounting system

www.forconstructionpros.com/21200386

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

• 7,950-lb. radial lift TS80R2 has a 2,825-lb. rated operating capacity (ROC), 5,845lb. bucket breakout force and 10-ft. 5-in. maximum hinge pin height • 8,965-lb. vertical lift TS80V2 has a 3,500-lb.

ROC, 5,920-lb. bucket breakout force and 10-ft. 10-in. hinge pin height • Functional, well-equipped cab includes a lower threshold for easier entry and exit • Optional ride control, bucket positioning and high-flow auxiliary hydraulics

www.forconstructionpros.com/12105222

Case B Series Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

Sunward SWL3230 Skid-steer Loader The SWL3230 brings speed, reliability and the optimal amount of power thanks to a 74-hp Kubota engine.

• Offers a rated operating capacity of 2,427 lbs.

• Can load up to 8,000 lbs. and has a breakout force of 5,472 lbs.

• 123-in. height to hinge pin • Turning radius of just 4 ft. 5 in.

• Generates 22.7-gpm standard hydraulic flow • Can quickly maneuver around the jobsite with a max speed of 7.8 mph

www.forconstructionpros.com/21509420

KOVACO Elise 900 Electric Skid-steer Loader

Gehl R190 Skid Loader

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, push-button 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

The Elise 900 Electric skid-steer loader uses three electric motors, two of which are used for travel and one used for the hydraulic system only.

• Standard battery provides a run time of two to eight hours under load depending on application • Upgrading to 400-Ah battery increases working time 30% to 40% and rated operating capacity from the standard 1,948 lbs. to 3,000 lbs.

• Features a boom height of 11.8 ft., side tilt of 47° and a self-leveling platform • Maximum loader speed of 8.2 mph • Includes enhanced chassis clearance, an ergonomic design and can be controlled remotely via a mobile app

KATO AS12 Skid-steer Loader

www.forconstructionpros.com/21114065

www.forconstructionpros.com/21133219

www.forconstructionpros.com/21509409

14 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

The 21-net-hp AS12 radial lift skid steer delivers enhanced performance in a compact package that comes as narrow as 3 ft. 1 in. and has an overall length of 8 ft. 6 in.

• Operating weight of just over 3,000 lbs. with a rated operating capacity of 728 lbs.

• Features 1,641 lbs. of breakout force and a tipping load of 1,455 lbs.

• 8-ft. 4-in. height to hinge pin • 9.25-gpm standard hydraulic flow • Interior offers clearance of up to 28 in., a comfortable adjustable seat and easy to operate controls

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The 6,800-lb. R190 features a 68.4-hp Yanmar Tier 4 engine and amped-up hydraulic system with an intuitive design for precise controllability.

• 1,900-lb. rated operating capacity and 120.5-in. height to hinge pin • 18.5-gpm standard or optional 31.5-gpm high-flow auxiliary hydraulics • Spacious operator station with Level II ROPS/FOPS, side-folding restraint bar and adjustable armrests, adjustable control pods, optional air ride seat and T-bar, joystick, dual-hand and hand/foot control options • Customizable integrated digital display and upper-left and upper-right instrument panels for easy readout and switch access

www.forconstructionpros.com/21046507

COMPACT EQUIPMENT Products John Deere G-Series Loaders The 312GR, 314G, 316GR and 318G skid steers and 317G compact track loader have an optimized boom design that provides lifting heights over 10 ft. on vertical lift models (314G, 317G, 318G) and 21% more breakout forces on radial lift units (312GR, 316GR).

• 1,550- to 2,124-lb. rated operating capacities • 51- to 65-hp Yanmar Tier 4 Final engines and hydraulic powertrains • 316GR, 318G and 317G offer 24% more engine power and all models provide 11% additional fuel capacity • 316GR and 318G feature two-speed, air conditioning, electrohydraulic joystick controls, enhanced lighting package and self-level and ride control combination with shock-absorbing boom cylinders

Kubota SSV65 and SSV75 Skid-steer Loaders

www.forconstructionpros.com/12165996

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

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

www.forconstructionpros.com/12010695

JCB Teleskid 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

www.forconstructionpros.com/12312995

HERE FOR ANY JOB. ANYTIME. Starting with the highest quality of equipment, KATO’s CL35 is built to handle the toughest projects and the most rugged terrain. KATO’s versatile CL35 Compact Track Loader, meets the needs of any job-site. The CL35 features an operating weight of 7,800 lbs. and is easily trailered to your next jobsite. The CL35 also features a comfortable cabin and responsive pilot controls for a superior operator experience. Additionally, KATO’s US-based distributor, Compact Excavator Sales, is a family-owned business that puts customers first. Knowledgeable product experts are always standing by to assist with any service or maintenance issues that arise and our streamlined parts distribution minimizes downtime, keeping projects on schedule. Call today to find out how KATO’s superior service can help you achieve your goals.

To learn more about compact earthmoving equipment, visit www.forconstructionpros.com/directory.

COMPACT EXCAVATOR SALES, LLC

800.538.1447 / www.KATOCES.com

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FL E E T M AN AG E M E N T | By Shelley Nation & Aaron Jagoda

Large excavators are more likely to take a hybrid approach to electrification due to high power demands.

CONSIDERATIONS for Hydraulics in Electric Equipment

Efficient hydraulic components and architectures can provide power-saving opportunities in electric-powered equipment.

16 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

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Eaton

Independent metering valves, such as Eaton’s CMA valve, can better control metering losses to reduce hydraulic power consumption.

FL EET MANAGEMENT

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s emissions standards around the world grow more stringent, non-road mobile machinery manufacturers are leveraging new strategies to create more efficient vehicles. Electrification is one of the most prominent. A variety of electrified machines are being brought to market, helping to dramatically reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared to traditional diesel-fueled equipment.

But electrification is a newer trend that comes with certain challenges. Consider that batteries remain expensive — and for end users, the machine’s ability to perform a full day’s work on a single charge is imperative.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must balance battery cost with the power and range requirements of the machine without creating a price-prohibitive product.

Striking this balance can be tricky.

Luckily, there are opportunities to achieve power savings, particularly through the deployment of efficient hydraulic components and architectures.

ELECTRIFICATION METHODOLOGIES While electrification methods differ, there are commonalities in the types of vehicles being electrified. Power requirements,

efficiency, total cost of ownership and noise all affect electrification adoption rates.

Smaller machines with less horsepower demand will transition more rapidly. So will vehicles used in low-emissions zones, particularly construction and material-handling platforms.

Mini-excavators are primed for growth, while aerial work platforms are already heavily electrified.

Electrification affects all aspects of a machine’s power architecture, from source to conversion, transmission, consumption and management. In terms of power source, the traditional prime mover of a mobile machine is an internal combustion engine. Technology alternatives range from hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid which maintain the diesel engine, to tethered electric and battery electric which remove it.

As for power consumption, there are three good opportunities for electrification: the machine’s propel circuit, rotary work functions and linear work functions.

A machine’s propel circuit is how it moves around via its wheels or tracks.

Fully electric propel systems (either on the axle or wheels) are an alternative to traditional hydraulic or mechanical propel systems.

Advantages of electric propel solutions include minimized energy conversions and reduced hydraulic leaks. However, system costs are considerably higher than hydraulic propel solutions due to higher electric component costs and battery power requirements. They’re also not as rugged as hydraulic systems, which can present challenges in harsh environments.

Rotary work functions, such as swing drives, fan drives, auger/cutter services and others, have historically used hydraulic or mechanical power. These functions require precise torque control and high reliability.

Eaton

Electrification affects all aspects of a machine’s power architecture, particularly power source and consumption, as shown here.

Electric motors have emerged as a viable alternative for lowpower, high-utilization services, given their efficiency and ease of installation and maintenance.

But there are limitations. Lowvoltage products have larger package sizes that are not ideal for vehicles with space constraints. Higher-voltage products drive higher safety requirements.

And like electrified propel systems, reliability is unproven in harsh environments; water ingress and vibration present challenges.

Linear work functions include a variety of high-load services responsible for the powering of booms, lift arms and platforms, buckets and more. Requiring precise force control and high reliability, these services have traditionally been driven by centralized hydraulics. While electromechanical alternatives are more efficient, easier to install and maintain and offer better controllability for position and velocity, a significant limitation exists. Electromechanical alternatives offer poor force control performance and limited force capacity. They’re also less reliable; have a shorter lifetime and more limited regeneration capabilities; and are larger than their hydraulic counterparts.

TAILORED SOLUTIONS REQUIRED Given these advantages and disadvantages, OEMs have recognized that one solution does not fit all. A different approach is required for different platforms — and even different frame sizes of the same platform.

Aerial work platforms (AWPs)

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are likely to shift to electric propel systems plus low-cost work circuits with electric fixed-displacement pumps. Key drivers and constraints for the electrification of AWPs include emissions reduction for safe indoor operation while keeping costs in check. AWPs are used heavily in the rental market where buyers are highly price sensitive. Other likely platforms for electrified propel circuits include turf machines, compact wheel loaders, telehandlers and compact tractors.

Mini-excavators are more likely to fully electrify with an electric motor replacing the engine. Like AWPs, electrification of mini-excavators is driven by the need for zero emissions indoors. OEMs must consider the machine’s high-power propel circuit and simultaneous use of high-power work services. Precise control for high productivity must also be maintained.

Large excavators (20-ton and up) are challenged by power demands, making full electrification impractical. OEMs are more likely to look at hybrid technologies. A solution could include an electric swing motor in place of hydraulic, reducing metering losses and motor inefficiency, and enabling energy recovery and engine load leveling.

Similar to excavators, smaller wheel loaders may fully electrify while mid-sized and large loaders will often take a hybrid approach.

For machinery that tends to run low on battery, an OEM could develop an “eco mode” to limit power and extend battery run time.

ELECTRIFIED MACHINE CHALLENGES Many OEMs are taking a

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FL E E T M AN AG E M E N T

The demands and usage of mini-excavators simplify full electrification of these machines.

Advanced pumps, like Eaton’s X20 pump with electronic displacement control, can help electric machines better manage power consumption through configurable operation modes and other software solutions.

Avalon_Studio / Getty Images

phased approach to electrification, starting by replacing diesel engines with electric motors and batteries. They will put in

Eaton

as much battery as needed to get a decent day’s work out of the machine but keep the rest of the circuit the same. When these vehicles are taken to market, the feedback is typically: “I can’t make it through the day on one charge,” or “This machine is too expensive.”

These challenges, common across a range of platforms, present a Catch-22 scenario. Often, the run time on a single battery

18 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

charge is too short. But adding more battery power to enable longer run time adds expense, and electrified machines are already more expensive than their diesel counterparts — sometimes up to twice the price. Battery costs are decreasing but are still one of the most expensive components in the machine.

Elsewhere, the quieter operation of electric machines may drive demand for even longer run times than expected today.

This is because the machines could operate earlier and later in the day when they are no longer subject to city noise ordinances.

So, how can OEMs balance extended run time without excessive battery costs? Different architectures and components that make the machine more efficient require attention, and hydraulics are a prime target.

ACHIEVING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM EFFICIENCY Given the challenges associated with electrifying linear services, a large portion of mobile machines — particularly those performing high-power linear load movement — will

likely maintain hydraulic systems. While traditional hydraulics are not the most efficient, with the right technology, it’s possible to balance machine performance, cost and efficiency.

First, there is an opportunity to improve work circuit efficiencies and reduce losses on many machines. Conventional hydraulic systems often waste energy, primarily via control valve metering losses. A smarter valve can better control these losses through independent metering.

For example, Eaton’s CMA advanced mobile valve enables loads to be safely lowered using gravity rather than expending energy to push it down hydraulically. Gravity lowering and optimizing pump margins with the CMA valve have been shown to reduce hydraulic power consumption on a forestry forwarder by 7%. Furthermore, the valve’s voice coils use 66% less electrical power per section than a standard solenoid coil.

Independent metering is an advanced, often expensive technology, but the CMA valve enables cost optimization with streamlined CMT sections on services that don’t require independent metering. Expect to see additional independent metering solutions brought to market in support of electrification trends.

Advanced pump technology can also improve work circuit

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efficiency. Eaton’s X20 pump with electronic displacement control (EDC), for example, enables configurable operation modes based on power needs. For machinery that tends to run low on battery, an OEM could develop an “eco mode” to limit power and extend battery run time.

With EDC and a distributed electronic controller, it is possible to develop software solutions for better power management.

There are also opportunities to recover energy through the hydraulic system. The right technology can help store energy in a hydraulic accumulator or in the battery system through the electric motor that drives the hydraulic pump, enabling the electric motor to effectively run as a generator during gravity lowering or deceleration, for example. This process is already common in hybrid consumer vehicles where electric motors recover energy as the car brakes.

Finally, better hydraulic and electric component integration is necessary to achieve these efficiencies. Hydraulic pumps and the electric motors that power them must work together in harmony. Smarter hydraulic components that can sense load requirements and opportunities for energy recovery are needed to achieve efficiency gains.

New hydraulic system architectures can significantly impact machine efficiency, but they require the right expertise to design and implement. At Eaton, we’re continuously investigating how to build more intelligence into and increase the efficiency of hydraulic components and subsystems, contributing to a holistically smarter, more efficient vehicle. There have been promising results so far — in certain applications, we’ve reduced energy consumption by 15% to 20%, resulting in potential battery savings of up to $4,000.

Investigating the opportunities available in hydraulic systems can make a difference in vehicle electrification, potentially enough to solve the run time/ cost conundrum. ET Article written by Shelley Nation, senior engineering specialist, Emerging Technologies, and Aaron Jagoda, senior engineering specialist, Advanced Technology, at Eaton.

FLEET MANAGEMENT Products

Bosch PROFACTOR 18V 1/2-in. Impact Wrench

STEMCO Trifecta Pre-Adjusted Hub Assembly Chevron Delo 600 ADF with OMNIMAX Delo 600 ADF with OMNIMAX is a heavy-duty engine oil that delivers maximum system protection to both the engine and the emissions system.

• Formulated to 0.4% sulfated ash to significantly reduce the rate of DPF clogging and extend DPF service life by up to 2.5 times • Enables a 3% fuel economy retention advantage over the life of the equipment • Meets or exceeds API CK-4 and OEM specifications and has demonstrated optimal oxidation stability, providing the opportunity to extend engine oil drain intervals • Delivers enhanced valve train wear protection and piston deposit performance • Available in Delo 600 ADF 15W-40 and Delo 600 ADF 10W-30 • Recommended for Tier 4 Final and 2017 greenhouse gas-compliant, naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-stroke diesel engines

www.forconstructionpros.com/21127785

The cordless PROFACTOR 18V 1/2in. Impact Wrench with Friction Ring features BITURBO Brushless technology, a high-performance motor and a drivetrain system engineered to take full advantage of the battery’s power.

• Delivers up to 740 ft.-lbs. of fastening torque and 1,180 ft.-lbs. of max breakaway torque • 1/2-in. friction ring allows for fast socket changes • Compatible and optimized for use with CORE18V 8.0Ah PROFACTOR Performance and 12.0Ah PROFACTOR Exclusive batteries • Offers an onboard user interface to select between three torque/speed settings by pressing the speed selector button

The Trifecta Pre-Adjusted Hub Assembly combines the company’s wheel end technologies with the Webb hub in a single, pre-adjusted assembly.

• Available for truck and trailer (P-type and N-type spindle) applications • Quick, easy installation with a simple torque-down procedure and no additional bearing adjustment • Zip-Torq axle fastener featuring a unitized design with no additional clips, keepers, snap rings or screws • Discover XR high-performance seal with GlideLock technology that reduces installation force by 50% with no prelube required • Defender ESP hub cap

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Femco Oil Drain Plug for MX13 Paccar Engines The C.O.P. aluminum plug for the Paccar composite oil pan found on MX13 engines offers OEM fit, solid brass construction and EVAC compatibility.

• Click on and off system will work with nozzles from the company’s Click Series • Mitigates excess oil from spilling to ensure oil changes are efficient and environmentally friendly • Solid brass construction provides durability and allows maintenance teams to drain oil at extreme temperatures

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www.forconstructionpros.com/21627709

Fumoto SX Industrial Series Oil Valves The SX Industrial Series line of oil valves is designed to improve ease of oil changes on tough machines including big rigs and vocational trucks.

• For industrial applications starting at 18mm thread sizes • 360° adjustability enables valve and lever to be placed as needed • Increased ball valve size for faster flow rate • Lighter, stronger SX bolt made of duralumin alloy

www.forconstructionpros.com/21037345

Petro-Canada GREASE-N-GO Automatic Lubricator The GREASEN-GO compact automatic lubricator provides consistent protection for equipment and reduces the potential for unplanned maintenance by delivering the right amount of lubricant at the right time.

• Available in 125- and 250-ml sizes and for seven different grease products across the company’s PURITY, PRECISION AND PEERLESS lines • Can be left in-situ to deliver grease for a chosen lubrication period • Can be refilled and can deliver consistently timed lubrication for up to 12 months, depending on application • Universally adaptable and environmentally friendly

www.forconstructionpros.com/21772170

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SPE CI AL R E P OR T | By Curt Bennink

AGC of America’s annual Hiring and Business Outlook Survey, which drew more than 1,000 responses from contractors in every state, found respondents expect bidding opportunities to increase in 15 out of 17 market segments.

2022 STATE OF CONSTRUCTION

20 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

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S PECIAL REPORT

New Year Brings More Uncertainty with Supply Chain and Labor Concerns While the supply chain issues will be corrected over time, the labor shortage is expected to intensify.

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s much as we all want to put 2021 in the rear view mirror, the supply chain and labor issues initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to persist into 2022.

Many manufacturers were hoping supply chain disruptions would start winding down by now, but we are facing sourcing issues well into this year, and when things will get back to normal is really a guessing game at this point. So, while the recently passed infrastructure package should help generate new construction activity, sourcing materials and equipment may prove challenging, at least in the first half of the year.

In terms of labor, Gen X, which has been the bedrock of the skilled labor workforce, retired in record numbers during the pandemic. The industry has not developed a talent base to replace those who have left, which will prove to be an ongoing challenge. Technology is one answer to help in the short term, but the industry needs to attract a new generation of workers while competing with almost every other industry that has found itself facing shortfalls, as well.

To get a gauge on these and other factors likely to impact construction in 2022, we reached out to several leading industry economists to get their outlook on both the headwinds and opportunities the industry is facing.

Q: What are likely to be the major drivers of the commercial and housing construction markets in 2022 and do you anticipate the current level of new construction to be sustained in both segments?

Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): Contractors are expecting greater opportunity in nearly all market segments in 2022. AGC of America’s annual Hiring and Business Outlook Survey, which drew more than 1,000 responses from contractors in every state, found respondents, on balance, expect bidding opportunities to increase in 15 out of 17 market segments.

The most widespread positive expectations were for infrastructure categories — highway and bridge, transportation facilities and water and sewer projects — which most likely reflects optimism about funding boosts from the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). But there were also strongly positive net readings (that is, the percentage of respondents who expect the dollar value of projects to increase minus the percentage who expect a decrease) for such predominantly private sector categories as warehouses, hospitals and other healthcare, which includes clinics, testing facilities and medical labs. The only negative views, on net, were for retail and private office construction.

Richard Branch, chief economist, Dodge Construction Network (Dodge): In 2021, the construction industry staged a strong rebound, improving 14% from 2020 despite the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This rebound, however, was fairly uneven and favored several project types, such as residential, warehousing, manufacturing and healthcare. Meanwhile, office, hotel and education construction languished.

Construction starts should show notable improvement in 2022,

fed by the strengthening economy, the numerous projects in the planning pipeline and the recently enacted infrastructure program.

This optimism, however, will be countered by continued high material prices, shortages of key materials and an acute shortage of skilled labor.

For 2022, we anticipate that total construction starts will post 9% growth over 2021. While residential construction will continue to play a large role in [this year’s] growth, a more balanced recovery in the nonresidential sector will begin.

Anirban Basu, chief economist, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): Housing will continue to show signs of strength in the market.

Interest in home ownership remains quite elevated in America. Part of the reason for that is ultra-low mortgage rates. Economic theory would predict that when you have significant inflationary pressures, that would tend to drive up mortgage rates and other rates of interest. That hasn’t happened yet. [In 2022], we may finally get some meaningful interest rate increases, but that’s speculative. For right now, mortgage rates remain extremely supportive of home ownership and home purchasing.

The demographics of America are quite conducive to home sales as millennials come of age. The biggest thing here is the inventory of unsold homes continues to be very low. That represents an opportunity for builders to meet unmet demand. Based on recent housing starts data, that’s precisely what they are doing.

It is conceivable that at some point there will be a bit of a housing supply bubble. It’s not happening now. Most neighborhoods are associated with a dearth of available inventory. There isn’t enough housing to purchase. We are seeing that private equity is getting involved.

They’re beginning to build more houses and renting them out. At some point, those houses will hit the market for sale and, at that point, we may see some excess supply in certain communities. But for right now, the market for housing supply is very strong, and that’s both single-family and multifamily.

Danushka Nannayakkara-Skillington, assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): In 2021, we continued to see a strong demand for housing with home prices rising double digits. The demand is coming from demographic shifts where the millennials make up the largest homebuyer segment right now. They are in the peak home-buying years, which we define as 25 to 45 years old and, although it’s hard to believe, the oldest millennial will turn 41 this year. This large cohort makes up around 27% of the U.S. population right now.

On the supply side, we have a housing deficit right now. Freddie Mac estimates it to be 3.8 million units, and the National Association of Realtors is estimating the housing deficit to be above 5 million.

At NAHB, we estimate around a 1 million deficit. The combination of these factors are driving residential construction right now — the demographics tailwind and the housing deficit.

We are forecasting single-family construction to be flat (up only

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“Contractors are expecting greater opportunity in nearly all market segments in 2022.”

— Ken Simonson, AGC

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SPE CI AL R E P OR T C Laney and Sons

Lumber prices have nearly tripled in recent months, causing prices to increase for both single-family and multifamily construction. The average single-family home increased by more than $18,600 while multifamily witnessed an average $7,300 increase.

1% growth compared to 2021) in 2022. This is because of the supply side issues, which are not just high cost of building materials but the lack of skilled labor, lack of buildable lots, access to AD&C financing and high regulatory costs. All of these issues together are hampering singlefamily construction. For the multifamily housing segment, we are forecasting strong growth, up 6% compared to last year. We anticipate close to half a million multifamily units for 2022.

Q: What are likely to be the major drivers for public construction in 2022 and do you anticipate the current level of new construction to be sustained? In which subsets do you expect to see the greatest uptick or downturn in activity?

AGC: States and many local governments are generally in good fiscal shape and should be able to devote more funds to infrastructure, thanks in part to federal dollars received over the past two years.

In addition, federal funds from the IIJA, also known as the bipartisan infrastructure bill, will begin to be awarded in 2022, although actual construction will ramp up more slowly. Highway

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and bridge projects are likely to get started the soonest, but the largest percentage increases are likely to go over time to water, sewer, broadband and alternative energy projects that have not previously received much federal funding. The multi-year legislation should assure funds continue flowing for several years.

ABC: With respect to commercial construction, it will be much weaker. There have been some behavioral changes during the pandemic. More Americans are shopping online. You saw a wave of retail bankruptcies last year, including the likes of Pier 1 Imports, True Religion, Lord & Taylor, GNC, Nieman Marcus, JC Penney, J Crew, Francesca’s Guitar Center. In their way, those bankruptcies tend to leave a lot of vacant retail space behind. So, one would not expect to see a lot of new retail space constructed in America based on historic patterns.

Office space demand obviously is down thanks to remote working. Occupancy rates look pretty reasonable in many cases, but they are a false read. In many cases, buildings are legally occupied because there’s a lease involved and the property was

EQU IPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

leased before the pandemic. In fact, many of these office buildings are largely empty. Very few workers have returned to date.

The omicron variant will merely extend that period. As office space leases come up for renewal, you will see many office space users end up leasing less space or perhaps no space at all.

Finally, hotels that cater to business travel will continue to suffer from less than the typical occupancy for obvious reasons as business is conducted by Zoom and Go To webinars. There has been some recovery, but if one is looking for complete recovery, that probably proves elusive for quite some time.

These changes could be somewhat permanent. Once Americans get accustomed to doing things a certain way, that remains in place. A recent survey indicated 68% of Americans prefer to work from home or remotely. That’s going to have an effect on the office market into the very long term.

Dodge: It will be a challenge for the construction sector to maintain the 2021 level of activity in 2022. However, as the recovery in construction evens out, there will be

more opportunity spread across numerous project types in both the public and private space, including: ˜ Warehouses/Fulfillment centers ˜ Multifamily ˜ Data centers ˜ Manufacturing ˜ Healthcare ˜ Education Q: What factors could play an instrumental role in raw material costs in 2022? How will the ongoing supply chain shortages impact the costs of raw materials or other construction inputs?

AGC: Fortunately, materials costs are no longer rising across the board. For instance, Steel Market Update’s hot-rolled coil price tumbled more than 20% from early September to early January. But the price was still nearly triple the pre-pandemic level of early 2020. Thus, prices may not set new record highs in 2022, but they are likely to remain volatile and unlikely to sink back to earlier marks.

The supply chain remains fouled up with very unpredictable production and delivery times.

Supplies are still very vulnerable to events such as the freeze last February in Texas that knocked

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out production of resins for a host of construction plastics.

ABC: During the first half of 2022, contractors continue to expect raw material prices to remain elevated. The global supply chain disruptions remain in place. America just passed an infrastructure package, which of course will actually increase demand for certain materials — steel, for instance.

The first half of the year could be associated with significant inflationary pressures or, at a minimum, these high prices staying high. During a recent 12-month period, construction materials prices rose 23.5%.

The Consumer Price Index is up 6.8%; the Producer Price Index is up 9.6%. Materials prices have really been inflationary, including diesel fuel, natural gas, iron and steel.

It is conceivable at some point, perhaps through the latter stages of next year, that you could see the bottom fall out of some of these commodity prices. What might happen is that demand growth begins to stall because we have come out of the pandemic. Demand stabilizes instead of ratcheting higher as we reopen the economy. Meanwhile, suppliers have had a lot of incentive to increase capacity because the price is right and that’s a profitmaking opportunity. All of that can come together... to conspire to cause prices to dip, but as we enter 2022, it appears that we are poised for quite high prices.

Many contractors have lost some degree of work because bids have come in too high.

There is nothing they can do about it. The materials cost what they cost and the workers cost what they cost. But that’s an issue for the industry.

Many construction financial professionals are somewhat downbeat about 2022. There’s lots of design work taking place. The backlog is reasonably healthy in many cases. But they realize they have a problem. They must deliver these contracted services while still maintaining margins. Many are concerned they are not going to be able to maintain profit margins at the current level in 2022.

Dodge: Rising costs, skilled labor shortages and lack of materials continue to create challenges for general contractors and their clients, sending the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

S PECIAL REPORT

Commercial Construction Index down one point to 65 in the final quarter of 2021. Revenue expectations, a key driver of the overall score, fell among Index survey respondents for the first time since the start of the pandemic to 58, down three points from Q3 of 2021.

There is, however, reason to believe that we’re starting to see the very faint glimmer of the light at the end of the tunnel. Factory output in the U.S. is broadly back to where it was prior to the pandemic, and the most recent reading of the Purchasing Managers Index suggested that supplier delivery times were speeding up, albeit slowly. This suggests that by mid-year, price inflation should begin to ease somewhat and provide relief for builders.

An uncertain element, though, is how APAC nations will respond to the omicron and future [coronavirus] variants. Some Asian countries have been more strict in enacting lockdowns in response to the growing number of cases.

So, while domestic production should improve and provide relief, firms that rely on overseas components may continue to struggle in sourcing materials.

NAHB: Over the past four months, lumber prices have nearly tripled, causing the price of an average new single-family home to increase by more than $18,600. This lumber price hike has also added nearly $7,300 to the market value of the average new multifamily home, which translates into households paying $67 a month more to rent a new apartment. NAHB calculated these average home price increases based on the softwood lumber that goes into the average new home, as captured in the Builder Practices Survey conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs.

The framing lumber prices at the peak were adding $30,000 to the price of a single-family house and $10,000 to a multifamily house. The price increases were due to a shortage induced by the COVID pandemic. Mills curtailed production in anticipation of slower demand in April of 2020. While the demand held up better than predicted, the mills did not immediately ramp up production, which has led to the current pricing.

Aluminum and copper prices

are stable right now, but they are at historical levels right now, too.

China is the largest producer of raw aluminum and it has been shutting down aluminum manufacturing around the country since 2020 to cut greenhouse gas emissions. This is the primary reason for the price increases in aluminum.

Q: How has the nationwide labor shortage affected the construction industry? What are your projections for the labor market in 2022, particularly when it comes to skilled trades?

AGC: One sign of improving conditions in nonresidential construction is that the sector added jobs for each of the last four months of 2021, following five straight months of decreases. The gains should continue.

Three-fourths of the respondents to the AGC Hiring and Business Outlook survey said they expect their firms will add workers in 2022. But it won’t be easy. An overwhelming 83% reported having a hard time filling some or all salaried or hourly craft positions. That’s not surprising, given that the unemployment rate among former construction workers was only 5.0% in December, tying the lowest December rate since the series began in 2000.

Meanwhile, there were 345,000 job openings in construction at the end of November, a 32% leap from a year earlier and the highest November total in the 21-year history of that series. These data all point to a tough year for firms looking to add trades workers.

Dodge: A Dodge study found that in Q2 of 2021, the volume of work for civil contractors increased; 40% of contractors reported an increase in their backlogs compared to just 25% in Q1 2021. Beyond an increase in work and increasingly complex supply chain issues, there is a new shortage complicating construction: skilled labor.

According to a Dodge survey of contractors, 60% reported a high need for skilled workers.

We have reason to believe that this trend will continue into 2022. With a high need for labor and a small pool of laborers, many contractors believe it will be a big haul to find skilled workers, thus stretching the timeline to complete projects and meet schedule requirements.

NAHB: We estimate that we need more than 61,000 new hires every month in construction to keep up with the industry growth and the loss of workers to retirement. This will require an additional 2.2 million new hires for construction from 2022 to 2024. That’s a staggering number of workers that we need as an industry.

Right now, for residential and nonresidential, the average job openings rate is around 300,000 or 400,000 positions each month.

We need more young people to come into the trades. We need to reach out to secondary school students and talk to parents and talk to teachers and change their perspectives on careers in construction.

ABC: In some sense, these labor shortages are nothing new.

The industry was wrestling with them prior to the pandemic and has been talking about them for years. What happened during the pandemic which was new was that so many baby boomers retired early — about 1.5 million retired earlier than they had

this is a pathway to American prosperity, a pathway to the middle class, a pathway to entrepreneurship.

America’s labor force is, frankly, too small right now. We’ve had precious little immigration in recent years and birth rates are much lower than they used to be. As legal immigration has slowed, we just do not have enough labor force participating in construction. You put all that together and there are not enough workers out there.

This affects certain segments more than others, including construction, because we don’t have enough carpenters, glazers, roofers, electricians, plumbers and pipe fitters.

What that means is labor costs will continue to rise in 2022. That is divorced from the supply chain issue. You can solve the supply chain issue and you will still have a shortage of carpenters in this country.

anticipated for various reasons.

Many of them were the best construction workers. They wanted to work with equipment; that was their dream. Not as many young people have construction as their dream, but these baby boomers often did.

None of the young people have exposure to the trades. Not many of them understand that

offer more opportunities for growth. If you discount retail and office space construction, most other construction segments promise expansion through 2022.

The trick is going to be planning ahead and positioning your company to take advantage of the opportunities in the face of critical shortages. ET

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“Construction starts should show notable improvement in 2022, fed by the strengthening economy, the numerous projects in the planning pipeline and the... infrastructure program.”

— Richard Branch, Dodge

SUMMING IT UP Despite the challenges of sourcing labor, materials and equipment, 2022 promises to

With most construction segments expecting positive growth, labor and materials will be the biggest challenges in 2022.

February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

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ROAD B U I L D I N G | By Jessica Lombardo

©Aikon – stock.adobe.com

2022 STATE OF THE ROAD BUILDING INDUSTRY: Let’s Get to Work The sector is well-positioned to take advantage of the long-term, sustainable funding infrastructure legislation will provide.

24 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

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ROAD BU IL DING

E

ach year, the State of the Road Building Industry report seeks to provide some idea of what the year ahead will bring. After a long 2021, this year brought even more challenges, with rising prices, lack of people and a whole lot of unpredictability.

Yet, after many, many months of debate, the sector finally received some good news with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), which promises $1.2 trillion for infrastructure over the next five years. This marked the first time since 2015 that a significant infrastructure bill has been passed by Congress and represents bipartisan support for infrastructure spending that will benefit all 50 states.

In each of the next five years, the federal government will now spend the equivalent of about 1% of GDP on roads, bridges, rail, public transit, water systems, broadband, power systems and more. It is the largest such investment in more than a generation. It will raise federal infrastructure spending to its highest share of GDP since the early 1980s.

While the bill is not perfect, and there will be struggles in completing this work with the current state of the labor market and supply chain, there are many reasons to be optimistic for the foreseeable future. Let’s see what industry experts have to say about it and its long-lasting benefits.

Dr. Anirban Basu, chief economist, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): The deal includes $110 billion for major projects including bridges and another $40 billion specifically allocated to building and repairing bridges. This would not only help communities finance needed improvements, but would also open the door to longer-term infrastructure planning, which this nation desperately requires.

Dr. Audrey Copeland, president and CEO, National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA): The passage of IIJA assures a record investment in our nation’s highway programs to improve and repair our highways and bridges. It includes a five-year reauthorization of the Federal-Aid Highway Programs, giving states the certainty they need to budget for and plan highway and bridge projects. States will begin planning the 2022 construction season this winter based on the funding levels in IIJA. Federal highway funding would jump from $46.4 billion [in 2021] to as high as $69.3 billion in 2022, which will substantially increase demand for asphalt pavement.

IT’S FINALLY INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK

BUILD NEW VS. REPAIR OLD

Q: After years of waiting and 10 months of debate, Congress passed the IIJA. How will this investment impact the road building industry and the U.S. economy?

Dr. Alison Black, senior vice president & chief economist, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA): The passage of the IIJA will provide a significant boost in federal transportation investment that will impact every state highway, bridge and transit program. The increase in the federal-aid highway program is truly historic — this is the largest boost in funding since the first two years of the program over 60 years ago.

The IIJA offers a generational opportunity to repair and modernize every state’s transportation system, while simultaneously delivering tangible economic benefits for years to come: ˜ On average, federal funds account for over 50% of state spending on capital outlays. The additional resources will help states address their capital programs and it is likely that states will move projects up the pipeline. ˜ We expect highway and bridge construction activity to increase in 2022 as projects supported by the IIJA get underway. Spending will ramp up in 2023 and 2024 as work continues and new projects get started. ˜ This multi-year spend-out of funds will support market activity for many years. A recent report on the IIJA by IHS Markit found that 43% of the IIJA money is spent after 2026, continuing to have a positive impact in the long term. ˜ The same report by IHS Markit found that the new investment under the IIJA will support over 250,000 jobs, increase federal, state and local tax revenues by $160 billion and add an average of $500 in annual personal disposable income per household. They estimate that every $1 invested to fix our roads generates $3.60 in economic activity.

Edward Mortimer, vice president, transportation infrastructure, U.S. Chamber Of Commerce (U.S. Chamber): Enactment of the IIJA will mean historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure.

This will allow state and local partners to not just fix but modernize aged infrastructure. The new law will ensure the creation of millions of new jobs and improve the nation’s economic productivity and quality of life. The legislation includes a five-year reauthorization of surface transportation programs, which will allow state departments of transportation to make long-term decisions with the predictability of federal investment.

Q: The nation’s current infrastructure is in poor condition, receiving a C- on ASCE’s most recent Infrastructure Report Card. Are there concerns with the IIJA that the money will be used toward new projects and not address the backlog of deteriorating roads and bridges in need of repair?

NAPA: There are about $1.6 trillion in needed highway improvements in the United States. We trust that the state departments of transportation and local agencies will prioritize and balance the current infrastructure repair backlog with the need for new projects.

ABC: Many of these decisions will be made by local policy makers. Undoubtedly, there are many who will strive to address current infrastructure deficits. Those are the deficits, after all, about which many of their constituents complain. For other policy makers, this represents an opportunity to “go big.” That said, one suspects that

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“The increase in the federal-aid highway program is truly historic — this is the largest boost in funding since the first two years of the program over 60 years ago.”

— Dr. Alison Black, ARTBA

The IIJA offers a generational opportunity to repair and modernize every state’s transportation system.

February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

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ROAD B U I L D I N G

In terms of how states use their federal dollars, most funds are already going toward projects to fix existing structures.

“The [IIJA} includes a five-year reauthorization of surface transportation programs, which will allow state departments of transportation to make long-term decisions with the predictability of federal investment.”

— Edward Mortimer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

26

many of the most pressing issues will be addressed, particularly with respect to deficient bridges.

ARTBA: Each state will decide how to spend the federal highway program funds within the guidelines of the program, depending on their needs and priorities. But in terms of how states use their federal dollars, most funds are already going to toward projects to fix existing structures.

Under the FAST Act, states used 46% of their federal funds to support reconstruction and repair work. An additional 19% of funds were used for projects that added capacity to an existing road. This could include widening a lane, adding a turn lane and/or additional lane for thru-traffic. States used 6% of funds for new highway and bridge construction.

U.S. Chamber: Enactment of the IIJA will ensure we continue to expand highways where needed and bring innovation and technology to address other parts of the system. The legislation ensures states can make the best decisions to improve their road and bridge networks for many years to come. Creation of a new national bridge program will ensure the nation addresses the 45,000 structurally deficient bridges that can be unsafe and in need of modernization.

Q: Many in Congress and the industry have said the IIJA is not perfect, but it still has transformative funding the road building industry needs. What is lacking from this bill?

NAPA: NAPA worked to include the Wicker-Stabenow amendment to make “paving activities” eligible for the new

EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

carbon emissions program and additional funding being stood up in IIJA. Unfortunately, debate on the bill was cut short in the Senate and the amendment was not offered. NAPA will try again when Congress takes up a technical corrections bill on IIJA. However, the IIJA did exempt aggregates, asphalt binder, additives and polymers from the Buy America requirements for construction materials. Without the exemption, paving activities may have shut down in the Northeast and been severely constrained across the country.

U.S. Chamber: Like any legislative process, the need to compromise means that not everyone gets everything they would like. That being said, while imperfect, the legislation is the largest, most comprehensive investment in infrastructure since the creation of the Interstate Highway System in 1956. The positive impacts from this legislation will be felt for 50 years to come.

One area where the Chamber would have liked to see more focus on in the legislation is the need to enhance private investment to supplement public investment. Some improvements were made, but we will continue to work with Congress to continue to provide further opportunities to grow private investment as an important tool moving forward.

FUTURE OF FUNDING Q: The IIJA reauthorizes the traditional surface transportation programs for five years, with a $118 billion bailout of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) from

the Treasury’s general fund. It does not, however, address the fact that the gas tax is not a sustainable source of revenue moving forward.

What should the solution be to shore up the HTF for the future?

ABC: I have advocated for many years for a federal sales tax.

Raising income, corporate and other taxes can create disincentives to work and to produce, which limits their appeal. A federal retail sales tax could raise a considerable amount of revenue, and could be implemented to avoid regressivity.

Higher user fees represent another obvious source of revenue for infrastructure maintenance. However, raising such fees on water, toll roads, etc. can be highly regressive. There needs to be more sources of ongoing, predictable revenue. The gas tax will fade in effectiveness over time. It already has.

ARTBA: The IIJA was funded through a variety of one-time revenues. This means that the revenues going into the HTF, absent this transfer, are not enough to cover the IIJA spending levels. When Congress revisits the highway program as it expires in 2026, they will have to address this issue once again.

As in the past, the options are to raise revenues, cut the program or provide resources from the General Fund.

Over the last decade, we have seen states take steps to diversify their own transportation revenues. While over 30 states have raised their gas tax revenue during that time, many of these initiatives included increases in other revenues and user fees, such as motor vehicle

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registrations, license fees, business taxes, sales taxes and revenue raised from alternative fuel vehicles. There are also 23 states that have a variable rate component to their gas tax. This means that a part of their motor fuel tax rate adjusts automatically to an outside indicator, such as changes in inflation, project costs or the wholesale price of gasoline.

NAPA: In the short term, a gas tax increase is needed, but it is critical that multiple options are explored. For example, a vehicle mile tax, tolling, bonding and freight fees need to be explored in the next reauthorization in addition to the gas tax.

U.S. Chamber: We were disappointed not to have had user fees as part of the funding for this bill. We continue to believe that long-term sustainable funding mechanisms are critical moving forward. The IIJA legislation does include a national pilot program to examine a Vehicle Miles Traveled mechanism. We will continue to work with Congress moving forward to ensure the long-term financial security of the HTF.

OPPORTUNITIES IN TECHNOLOGY Q: The IIJA reauthorizes the Advanced Innovation and Deployment of Paving Technologies program, which allocates $6 million per year for FHWA to advance and deploy asphalt technologies to improve quality and efficiency. What other technologies and innovations will the industry continue to see and utilize to help it stay productive?

ABC: The great revolution in construction delivery is coming. It may take many forms,

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ROAD B U I L D I N G

Construction services are delivered today much as they were decades ago. That will change, and there will be a handful of companies that will lead the way.

“Federal highway funding would jump from $46.4 billion [in 2021] to as high as $69.3 billion in 2022...”

—Audrey Copeland, NAPA

including prefabrication, modularization, more robotics, advances in materials science, more sophisticated equipment generally, 3D printing, digitization, drones, driverless vehicles and artificial intelligence.

Construction services are delivered today much as they were decades ago. That will change, and there will be a handful of companies that will lead the way. Hopefully, those companies will be American, creating new export channels in the process.

NAPA: The pandemic was a catalyst for implementing e-ticketing more rapidly than most expected. While that was prompted by safety and social distancing, there are other reasons e-ticketing improves safety on a jobsite, such as eliminating people reaching out of or into trucks to exchange paper tickets.

There have also been improvements in what I will call logistic technology. While people commonly associate this with fleet management, it goes beyond that to include technology that allows every part of the operation to communicate and troubleshoot in real time, helping to improve operational efficiency. Some of this technology will promote efficiency — for example, using technology

28 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

to avoid over-trucking a job.

Different types of workers may be needed, too — people who are skilled in computers and attracted to technology-centric jobs.

CONCERNS OVER ATTRACTING, RETAINING AND TRAINING LABOR Q: The IIJA will create “good-paying jobs that can’t be outsourced” – as many as 660,000 new jobs by 2025, according to a Washington Post analysis. This is a little concerning for an industry that’s already struggling to find workers. There are reports that the bill includes funding and provisions to get more job training programs going, and to get more women into the construction and trucking industries, but what else can we do to fill these open careers?

ABC: The IIJA will both accelerate growth and further strain labor supply. While road and bridge construction are relatively more capital intensive than other forms of construction, there are already too few workers available to work on large-scale infrastructure projects.

Issues pertaining to labor supply extend well beyond road and bridge construction. We will probably see extended time schedules. Everything takes longer the greater our resource

constraints. It may be that it will take more than five years to deploy much of this infrastructure funding.

The IIJA should have had a much larger human capital development component.

This represents an opportunity to induce more Americans into apprenticeship and similarly situated programs. The goal should be to create an extraordinarily talented pool of construction workers who can continue to help build out America in various ways even after these infrastructure dollars have been spent.

Of course, there will also be considerable numbers of retirements during the years ahead.

The focus should be on young people, including from underrepresented groups including women. Too few young people are aware of the opportunities from growth and prosperity offered by the skilled construction trades.

NAPA: For some of our members in certain regions, hiring is a very real concern and they are contemplating the best measures to recruit and retain workers. Our industry is fortunate that asphalt employees were by and large able to continue working throughout the pandemic, and the retirement rate

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for this industry is lower than the national average.

Pre-pandemic, NAPA established an effort to provide tools to help the industry recruit and retain talent. Through careful planning, innovative construction techniques, persistent recruiting and collaboration with agency partners, the industry stands ready to continue delivering high-quality asphalt pavements.

The people who perform the work are invaluable; without them, tasks cannot be accomplished. Great employers differentiate themselves from their peers by building a climate and culture that attract the types of individuals who can meet the organization’s goals. Employee incentive programs, active employee engagement surveys, investing in professional training and development and simply saying “thank you” go a long way toward job satisfaction.

ARTBA: Over the decade, since states began increasing their own revenues, highway and bridge contractors have added over 60,000 jobs. During that same time, industry wages increased at a faster rate than in other sectors to attract that labor.

We expect the market will adjust, although in some regions there may continue to be challenges. The adoption of new technology and increases in productivity will also help deliver projects.

U.S. Chamber: As we know, workforce challenges have been a problem the last several years.

Our view is that enactment of IIJA provides a new opportunity to redouble our efforts to reach out to under served communities and inform and educate on the job opportunities available to modernize our nation’s infrastructure. We also look forward to partnering with labor partners to provide apprentice and other job training opportunities.

The key is to reach out to communities that may not have heard of the potential job opportunities and provide them the knowledge and skills to ensure they are part of building modern infrastructure. This is also a commitment of the Biden Administration and we look forward to partnering with them to ensure the communities participate and benefit from building 21st century infrastructure. ET

IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER

ELECTRIC?

To help you better judge if electric is right for you, we’re addressing some of the top considerations for making the switch.

POWER

CHARGING

When it comes to power and performance, most electrically powered machines are either comparable to or exceed their diesel counterparts. For example, the Volvo ECR25 electric excavator and L25 electric wheel loader boast nearly identical specs to their diesel equivalents — in some cases, they’re improvements.

When it comes to electric equipment, an adequate charging infrastructure is key, so you’ll want to plan on more than standard household outlets. For optimal overnight charging, it’s strongly recommended to have a 240-volt, 32-amp charging infrastructure in place to ensure the machines have plenty of power for the next day’s tasks.

MAINTENANCE

With an optional fast charging device, it takes less than one hour to charge the ECR25 back to 80%, and about one and a half hours for the L25.

With electric, there’s no engine-related maintenance.

The lithium-ion batteries and electric motors are totally maintenance-free. The lifetime of the battery electric components should be equal to or better than the diesel engine on a conventional machine.

COMFORT Serious reductions in noise and vibration mean smooth, quiet operation and less fatigue for operators after several hours of work. It’s a difference they’ll notice immediately, and one they’ll appreciate long-term.

DISCOVER NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES While investing in electric equipment comes with a lot of considerations, there are serious advantages to having a hybrid fleet, like putting construction equipment to work on jobs that were never possible before with only diesel-powered equipment.

Take some time now to think about the ways electric could help you reinvent the way you do business in the future — you could get a leg up in markets you may have thought were off the table.

If you’re ready to make the move, reserve your electric machine today.

ROAD B U I L D I N G | By Jessica Lombardo

On these 28° banks, segregation is controlled with the feeder belt that fed the paver, a proprietary piece Sunmount developed to pave the high banks.

All photos courtesy Atlanta Motor Speedway

Crews Face “Steep” Challenges on AMS Repave Sunmount Paving customized paving equipment to meet the needs of the new racetrack profile at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

R

acetrack paving can be some of the most challenging and rewarding projects an asphalt contractor ever works on. Yes, the days are long and the job is tough, but it’s worth it to see your hard work on TV as race cars speed around asphalt you helped put down.

These jobs always come with their own set of tight timelines and tighter tolerances. But Sunmount Paving Company faced an all-new level of obstacles on the repave of Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) last summer.

“The track was last paved in 1997, and the track surface

was severely worn and the paving seams were starting to cause large failures prior to events and even during events,” explains Steve Swift, senior vice president of operations and development, AMS. “The surface was beginning to fail at the paving seams, causing large delaminated sections to pull out because of severe wear of the paving seams and water infiltration. We knew it was time for a repave.”

Before any work could begin, AMS wanted a clear picture of what the new track could look like. It worked with a research company, iRacing, for 10 months

30 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

before deciding on the final profile of the course.

“We worked with iRacing to simulate what the new design would produce in racing,” Swift says. “In past repaves, we didn’t have the luxury of knowing if the idea we had on track design would produce the racing that we were looking for. Thankfully, in the world today, simulations are as realistic as they have ever been, and iRacing has a huge following and members that race the simulations daily.

“With their experience and membership, we were able to take advantage of seeing what we were designing prior to the

In total, about 17,000 tons of material was used to bring the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway to life. It was a race to the finish to make sure the work was done on time.

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ROAD BU IL DING

placement of the design,” says Swift. “Through the process, we were able to recognize areas that needed to be smoothed out and make for the smoothest ride on the race track. Our initial design did create what we were hoping for in competition on the track and they helped us make some minor changes that took it to the next level.”

The new design changed the banking on the turns from 24° to 28°, which is sure to thrill racing enthusiasts. But it proved to be quite the undertaking for the reconstruction team.

THE RACE IS ON Sunday, July 11, was the final race on the 24° banked quad-oval configuration of the speedway. Just a few days later, the steel portions of the barriers wrapped around the entire 1.54-mile outer wall had been removed and reconstruction of the track began. Baker’s Construction Services from Bristol, TN, was contracted to remove and construct the profile of the subgrade for the new surface.

On Monday, July 19, the first chunks of asphalt were removed from Turn 1 of the speedway. Then, Baker’s began carving into the embankment in Turns 1 and 2 to yield the steeper 28° banking.

“The new banking on the course will create a more group racing experience for the fans.

The cars will not be able to get away from each other and will require drafting to get advantages, thus keeping the cars closer for great competition,” Swift says. “This will be the only 28° 1.5-mile racetrack on the current schedule, or for that matter in the U.S.” In the process of increasing the banking to 28°, the width of the racing surface in the corners was decreased from 55 to 40 ft. wide.

AMS also took the reconstruction opportunity to improve drainage at the course. To extend the life of Atlanta’s old racing surface, the speedway’s operations department had to work vigorously to limit the amount of moisture below the surface.

They installed a new drainage system all around the track and an Open Drainage Layer, or ODL. The ODL is a porous

layer of asphalt designed to better absorb ground water and lead it to the drainage system, away from the racing surface.

Going forward with the new ODL, AMS will have a partner hidden beneath the racing surface removing excess water day after day and year after year. “It’s a large investment for a company to put this [asphalt] in. We want to make sure it lasts as long as it possibly can,” Swift says.

PAVING THE BANK Asphalt paving equipment is designed to be operated on a flat surface. Obviously, if you’re going to have the equipment work in less than ideal situations, you want to be sure you have experienced partners to help.

“Eurovia Atlantic Coast LLC — dba Sunmount Paving Company — was contracted to complete the asphalt paving portion of the project,” Swift says.

“They were selected to pave the track in February of 2021.

There are only two companies in the country that attempt to pave high bank racetracks and Sunmount is the only company that has paved higher than 21°.

They are the experts in this difficult paving process and have the want and knowledge to produce a great product and racing surface.”

Paving on the track began at the beginning of October and Sunmount had to custom fabricate solutions that would keep the equipment in place on the high banks.

“Typically, on this style banking, Sunmount has held the equipment from the top of the racetrack,” Swift points out.

“Due to the unique structures in the turns of AMS, they were required to hold the machinery from the bottom of the track.

With their great engineering and some trial and error, they developed a system to achieve placing asphalt on 28°.”

How do you keep equipment in place when you’re at such a steep bank? That required some innovative engineering to say the least.

“We fabricate something almost every week to help us and come up with new ways to make it better, make it easier,” says John Rauer, division manager for Sunmount Paving Company.

Over the last 25 years, Rauer has

Crews worked to carve into the embankment in Turns 1 and 2 to yield the steeper 28° banking.

A new Open Drainage Layer, or ODL, was installed all around the track to better absorb ground water and lead it to the drainage system and away from the racing surface. helped pave several racetracks across the country and has experience with the trial and error, quick thinking and adjustments needed on this type of project.

“For one example, with the hook point on the paver, it totally didn’t work,” Rauer says. The company instead used a cranestyle machine with a hook bar to keep the equipment in place, and adjustments had to be made for each piece of equipment to keep it steady.

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“We had to make some modifications to the equipment because it wasn’t holding the paver up there,” added Swift.

“The paver wanted to keep coming down the slope.”

“We moved [the hook point] 9 in. and that fixed it,” Rauer says. “So it was just a small 9 in. that made the difference.”

Segregation on the project was controlled with a feeder belt that kept the paver fed, another

proprietary piece of equipment Sunmount developed to pave the high banks.

In total, about 17,000 tons of material was used on the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway. “Work had to be completed for a test by end of November 2021,” Swift says. “This allowed Goodyear to construct a tire for the Spring 2022 race.”

All the hard work will come to life on the course when racing resumes in March 2022. ET

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ROAD BUILDING Products GOMACO CC-1200e Batterypowered Curb Machine Trimble Roadworks 3D Paving Control for Asphalt Pavers The Trimble Roadworks automatic 3D screed control system can improve paving productivity and rideability by directly referencing the design rather than a surface or stringline.

• Android-based application runs on a 10-in. touchscreen TD520 display • Colorful graphics, natural interactions and gestures and self-discovery features make software intuitive and easy to learn • Uses SNM941 Connected Site Gateway to transfer 3D designs from the office to the machine so the operator is always using the latest design • Productivity data collected from machine and automatically synced back to the office

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Roadtec RX-700 Cold Planer The RX-700 heavy-duty cold planer offers balanced weight distribution and can cut up to 14 in. deep.

• Standard cut widths of 6 ft. 7 in., 7 ft.

2 in., 8 ft. 2 in. and 10 ft.

• Features a 60° front load-out conveyor swing • Dual control stations allow operation from either side • Automated Control of Elevation (ACE) grade control automates machine elevation through grade and slope sensors • Keyway steering with crab, coordinated, rear-only and front-only steering modes • 800-hp Caterpillar C18 six-cylinder, Tier 4 Final diesel engine

Caterpillar AP555 Asphalt Paver The 8-ft. class AP555 asphalt paver’s compact size and small footprint combine with enhanced maneuverability to enable paving in confined areas.

• Standard paving widths from 8 ft. to 20 ft. 6 in. and paving depths up to 10 in.

• Mobil-trac undercarriage design or available wheel undercarriage with sandrib and radial tire options • Low truck entry height and 14-in.diameter augers efficiently move material through auger chamber at both narrow and wide paving widths • Cat C4.4 Tier 4 Final/Stage V diesel engine with Eco-mode feature

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The CC-1200e is equipped with a 48VDC lithium-ion battery pack that provides enough power for a full day of paving.

• Charging options include the standard eight- to 10-hour normal charge rate or optional two-hour fast charge system • G+ control system with full-function radio remote control puts all machine operations in the operator’s hands • Able to slipform a 24-in. radius, depending on mold profile • Features a 19-cu.-ft. hopper capacity with up to 15 in. of horizontal sliding capabilities for easy alignment with ready-mix trucks • Curb molds can be interchanged easily and can be positioned on either side for right-side or left-side paving

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Leica MC1 for Stringless Paving Minnich Auto Vibe CC The Auto Vibe CC vibrator monitoring system is designed to simplify hydraulic paving vibrator monitoring during heavy highway and airport paving processes.

• High-visibility, all-weather touchscreen monitor offers easy navigation • All electrical connections feature Deutsch harness connectors for easy connections and service • Easy to install and features remote access to the company for field support

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The MC1 asphalt paving solution enables operators to precisely place cement-treated base course or start paving directly without waiting for manual stakeouts.

• Operator can change height offset directly on the run screen • Fully compatible with iCON site and ConX for seamless data sharing, file transfer, as-built documentation, track, view and sync functions • Uncluttered and user-friendly interface with the latest updates included • Terrain models for milling and asphalt pavers • Smartspare TPS feature for the handling of spare TPS tracking and lock to target

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Volvo Compact Assist Start Power Curbers 5700-D Slipform Curb Machine The 5700-D features the SlipSmart Control System, simple and accurate controls that come ready to interface with Topcon, Leica and Trimble 3D stringless systems.

• “All up” jog switch raises or lowers all crawler posts simultaneously • Vibrator master scaling knob increases or decreases vibration across all vibrators while individual vibrator adjustments remain relative to each other • Features improved cross-slope control, auto-calibration for the radius steer sensor, fine scaling of speed pots, an easypivot conveyor and more

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32 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

The Compact Assist entry-level intelligent compaction package includes pass mapping and temperature mapping functionalities to provide real-time data about how the job is progressing.

• Powered by the Volvo Co-Pilot, a 10-in. in-cab tablet • Pass mapping gives a clear on-screen view of the roller’s coverage of the asphalt, highlighting stop points and overlaps • Temperature mapping offers a colorcoded map of surface temperatures plus ability to set a maximum/minimum range • Available on DD110C, DD120C, DD128C and DD140C asphalt rollers • Comes ready to upgrade to Compact Assist or Compact Assist with Density Direct

Case E Series Vibratory Rollers

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Seven compact vibratory rollers range from 33.5 to 43.9 hp and from 4,920 to 9,520 lbs. and come in double-drum and combination configurations with drum widths from 39 to 54 in.

• Redesigned operator interface includes an electronic travel lever and rpm settings, drive settings, sprinkler system controls and more at the operator’s fingertips • Operation mode selector allows selection between loading, working and transport modes • Soft drive setting provides a smooth ride during compaction, while the optional hard drive setting enables swift turns • Deliver high centrifugal forces and frequencies at lower rpms with selectable dual vibration frequencies

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Miller Formless M-6040 Concrete Slipform Paver The M-6040 slipform paver features a dual telescoping main frame and variable width paving mold that extends from 8 ft. 3 in. to 16 ft. 5 in. wide without the need for frame or mold inserts.

• Bolt-on mold inserts can expand width to 20 ft. in under an hour without requiring added frame extensions • Can pave up to 15 3/4 in. deep • 176-hp Caterpillar C4.4 Stage V turbocharged, air-cooled diesel engine • Four hydraulically actuated square-toround leg columns • Electronic control panel includes two steer sensors and steer wands, four grade proportional sensors with grade wands and proportional slope control

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ROAD BUILDING Products

BOMAG BW 120 SLC-5 Combination Roller

Topcon Millimeter GPS with Robotic-based Solutions System solutions are designed to support curb and gutter paving by maintaining productivity and accuracy, even when facing difficult GPS coverage issues.

• Millimeter GPS concrete paving solution can be used with the GT-1200 series standalone robotic total station or selfleveling LN-150 robotic layout navigator • Temporarily turns control of paver over to a robotic instrument to ensure production is maintained when GPS coverage is blocked • Both instruments offer support for a prism solution to quickly switch between Millimeter GPS and LPS (local positioning systems) • Use Topcon LongLink communication for robust connectivity

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The BW 120 SLC-5 combination roller features a steel front vibratory drum joined with four smooth rear rubber tires to elevate compaction results on a wide range of applications.

• 24.8-hp Kubota diesel engine meets Tier 4 Final standards without a diesel particulate filter • 47.2-in-wide front steel drum plus 4,320vpm vibration frequency and amplitude of 0.020 in.

• Ergonomic control panel layout with clear symbols and one switch/one function operation • Material manipulation provided by the rear tires delivers a better finish for joint construction

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LeeBoy Raised on Blacktop 8520B Asphalt Paver The Raised on Blacktop Special Edition 8520B heavy commercial asphalt paver was created as a way to pay homage to the pride and passion of those in the asphalt industry.

• Includes an exclusive gray paint scheme and red operators’ seats embroidered with the Raised on Blacktop logo • Stylized Raised on Blacktop decal, carbon fiber-embellished wing decal and larger American flag decal • Weatherproof ticket/phone box • Engraved serialized badge • Various shovel/rake carrier options and optional custom lighting package

Wirtgen SP 154i Slipform Paver

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The SP 154i slipform paver features a 436-hp Cummins Tier 4 Final engine that enables paving concrete surfaces up to 52.5 ft. wide and 18 in. thick.

• Available with automatic dowel bar inserter, up to three automatic side tiebar inserters and a concrete conveyor for bottom layer paving • Standard oscillating beam and super smoother to produce a level surface • Hydraulically adjustable one-piece or two-piece side plates on both sides to minimize concrete loss • Four steerable and slewing crawler tracks

Dynapac SD Asphalt Paver Range The SD2500CS can meet tough ride specifications including airport runways, racetracks and new highways, plus is suitable for RCC paving applications.

• Includes operator-assist technology such as Truck Assist, Light Assist, Width Assist and Screed Assist systems • Dual speed screed control offers two speed levels for faster reaction around quick obstacles and slower control for fine adjustments • Can be paired with the V5100THE tamper, high-compaction electric screed and extensions to pave to 27 ft.

• “THE” high compaction screed technology allows flexibility of adjusting pressure and vibration parameters for optimal results

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Wacker Neuson RD12 Series Tandem Vibratory Rollers The 1.2-ton RD12 series rollers include improved visibility and curb clearance and easier service access.

• 34.5-in. drum with front drum dynamic centrifugal force of 3,400 lbs.

• RD12A powered by a 20.8-hp Honda gasoline engine and RD12K equipped with a 21.6-hp Kubota diesel engine • Fully recessed hydraulic motors provide optimal curb and side clearance • Tapered frame and hood design provides for visibility to the drum edges and more comfortable operation • Ergonomic operator’s platform with water and vibration functions integrated into joystick control and conveniently located fuel and water gauges

Avoid unnecessary teardowns with revolutionary Range Finder™ on Stellar’s new CDTpro™ control system. It calculates lifing capacity from any distance within the crane’s reach.

Visit stellarindustries.com or scan the code to learn more.

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J OB S I T E S OL U T I O N S | By Jessica Lombardo

All photos courtesy Thompson-Arthur APAC Atlantic

The project featured a 1.8-mile Zoo Connector to give the more than 700,000 annual visitors to the North Carolina Zoo easier access from the U.S. 64 Bypass.

ABOVE: Wright Brothers performed 8 million cu. yds. of earth excavation and 2.75 million cu. yds. of rock excavation, clearing more than 500 acres for the project.

DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT Breaks Records in North Carolina Thompson-Arthur APAC Atlantic teamed up with three other companies to construct the 14-mile U.S. 64 expressway.

F

our years is not a lot of time when you’re tasked with constructing 14.4 miles of roadway. Add in six interchanges, seven grade crossings and 24 bridges and you’re really asking for a miracle.

But that’s exactly what Asheboro Bypass Constructors pulled off in North Carolina.

The project actually started back in 2011 when ThompsonArthur APAC Atlantic, a CRH Company, teamed up with Wright Brothers Construction Company, knowing that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) planned to improve U.S. 64 in the Asheboro area by adding a 14.4-mile freeway bypassing Asheboro to the south. The project also featured a 1.8-mile Zoo Connector, which would give visitors to the popular North Carolina Zoo access from the U.S. 64 Bypass straight to the

zoo’s entrance via a roundabout, instead of through residential areas.

RK&K was added to the team to design engineer the project, and Right-of-Way Consultants to work with appraisals and acquisitions, forming the designbuild team Asheboro Bypass Constructors, LLC (ABC). The team was awarded the project in 2015, and in 2016 began constructing the four-lane divided highway from US 64 west of Asheboro, through the rolling and rocky hills to the south and back to US 64 in the east.

ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION A project of this size requires massive amounts of planning and the design-build team relied heavily on Right-of-Way Consultants to start everything off right. Right-of-Way is one of North Carolina’s most experienced right-of-way firms and had

34 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

40 staff members committed to this project.

“The biggest thing at the beginning was the right-ofway acquisition,” says Jeff W. Saunders, construction projects manager at Thompson-Arthur.

“We needed to [ensure] all of the utility relocation was being coordinated before we could start work.”

ABC had to handle the complexity of connecting to, or crossing through, 17 different existing roadways, each with its distinct utility relocations and traffic control management.

Compounding those challenges was the overall acquisition of 460 parcels for right-of-way and impacts to 103 locations on permitted jurisdictional streams.

To get started, the project team strategically focused the land acquisition and utility relocation in areas of important reinforced concrete box culverts

and bridges that would provide early access to areas of mass grading. The sequence of land acquisition, utility relocation and construction was used repeatedly for the first two years before the entire footprint of the project finally took shape.

The ABC team had to wait until right-of-way was acquired and worked to streamline areas where they wanted to begin the heavy excavating and mainline work.

“We did a good job of identifying areas that we could get access to so we were able to get some of the mainline areas started,” Saunders notes. “We focused on prioritizing those specific right-of-way parcels so we could get to work excavating and grading as quickly as possible.”

EXCAVATION AND GRADING Thompson-Arthur chose to partner with Wright Brothers

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for the excavation and grading portion of the project because it is the Southeastern U.S. leader in mass excavation, with the extensive heavy equipment and resources needed to complete the task. This would prove essential for clearing the more than 500 acres required.

“Thompson-Arthur is paving and bridges and Wright Brothers completes excavation and bridges,” says Larry Brickey, division president, Thompson-Arthur.

“Wright Brothers did all the grading, we did all the paving and stone base work and we split the bridge work in half.”

Wright Brothers performed 8 million cu. yds. of earth excavation and 2.75 million cu. yds. of rock excavation.

Communication during this process was key as the movement of material had to be completed in an efficient manner. The ABC team worked diligently to keep

J OBS ITE S OL U TIONS

Thompson-Arthur put down 745,000 tons of asphalt from the company’s plant locations. Teams utilized Weiler material transfer vehicles to keep the flow of material moving to the company’s Vogele pavers. each of the three separate sections, five miles long each, progressing on schedule.

“We had a very good schedule and a very good sequence of operations,” says Brickey.

“We worked on a two-month schedule and Michael Prince, who was the on-site manager for Wright Brothers, did a very good job at managing that.”

Wright Brothers put a schedule together pre-bid using the Primavera project scheduler. That allowed the project to continually progress in parts along each section, even as the job was spread out over the 14 miles.

“Wright Brothers did a very good job at knowing where the material was and where it had to go,” says Brickey. “One of the first cuts on the West End of the job was a 60-ft. cut, which was pretty much rock the whole way. They would get that cut, get that fill in, get working on a bridge, complete the underground as well all the storm drain.

And once that was done, we’d be in there paving.”

To help streamline the construction schedule and provide a consistent pavement subgrade throughout the project’s length, the ABC team elected to use 8 in. of aggregate base course in conjunction with geotextile stabilization fabric instead of choosing chemical subgrade stabilization.

This process removed the need for repetitive and continuous soil sampling and testing, as well as the seasonal limitations for placing chemical stabilization, thereby extending the allowable time for pavement construction.

Chemical stabilization would have switched back and forth from cement stabilization to lime stabilization, depending on the many soil types that were encountered along the 14 miles of roadway. Overall, using aggregate base simplified the process of pavement construction.

ASPHALT PAVING Thompson-Arthur is an expert in asphalt

production and paving. It utilized its asphalt plant locations to make the mix chosen by the NCDOT, a B25-I19, CS 9 1/2-in. base, binder surface laydown pattern.

To enhance safety, particularly during rain events, the team added an asphalt pavement layer to U.S. 64 throughout the project limits. An open-graded friction course asphalt layer has

become more prevalent on high-volume, high-speed facilities to proactively combat hydroplaning. It is a permeable asphalt layer that will allow water on the surface to drain vertically through the layer instead of draining naturally off the roadway. As a result, during rainfall, there is an increase in surface drainage, limiting the potential for hydroplaning and producing

noticeable reductions in water spray behind vehicles, which can impair driver visibility.

In all, Thompson-Arthur team members put down 745,000 tons of asphalt from the company’s plant locations.

They utilized Weiler material transfer vehicles to keep the flow of material moving to the Vogele pavers. HAMM rollers were on site to assist with compaction.

In all, over 200 employees were working on this jobsite at peak times. The total price tag for the project added up to roughly $264 million.

Ultimately, nearly four years and approximately 1,360,029 personnel hours later, ABC delivered the project on schedule in December 2020, while providing more than $1.4 million in value engineering. ET

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February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

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FL E E T M AN AG E M E N T | By Jeff Lowe

Western

TECHNOLOGY Improves Managing Fuel on Site Card-locking control technology combats the potential of fuel theft by only allowing authorized individuals to access fuel. With card-locking technology offered by some manufacturers, drivers use a phone-based app to enter their driver number, vehicle number and what type of fuel they need.

W

hen it comes to running a business, everything points to profitability. Crew management, equipment efficiency, even something as simple as fueling can have a huge impact on the bottom line.

In the scope of any project or job, the cost of fuel often accounts for one of the most significant expenses. And when considering additional factors affected by fuel availability and quality, the stakes are even higher. From the cost of lost fuel to theft, to engine issues associated with contaminants in the fuel, to lost productivity due to lack of fuel, the storage, transportation and distribution of jobsite fuel has the potential to significantly affect the bottom line.

Fortunately, changing technology in fuel storage is helping companies tackle those issues and mitigate costs.

REMOTE TANK MONITORS The most fundamental concern with fuel tanks is making

sure there are always adequate fuel levels to power the productivity of the jobsite. New technology in fuel storage tanks offers remote tank monitoring systems. These systems allow operators to track the tank’s inventory levels and location at any time, helping users take control of fuel supplies and avoid downtime associated with a depleted fuel supply.

The data is transmitted to a browser or phone app, where users are able to generate specific reports, which enable efficient, accurate and timely refill orders.

The systems also help flag abnormal level changes due to theft or leaks and reduce the risk of overfill.

Knowing exactly how much fuel they have on hand (and the remaining capacity) also helps the user to capitalize on low prices when they appear.

Personalized alerts are available for situations like above-average consumption rates, overfill incidents and more. These customizable reports and alerts are sent as emails or texts and help

36 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

avoid downtime associated with a depleted fuel supply.

On a large jobsite, tank monitors use GPS to help users precisely locate their fuel tanks.

Fuel delivery trucks can quickly and easily locate the truck or trailer carrying the tank, saving them the time of driving around looking for the tanks to fill.

CARD-LOCKED DISPENSE CONTROLS Loss of fuel, or fuel that goes unaccounted for, is a sometimesoverlooked expense. Losing upwards of $500 a month on misplaced fuel and chalking it up to “the cost of the job” happens more than one might expect. In fact, fuel theft is nearly a $133 billion issue that includes stolen, adulterated and defrauded product. But here’s the good news: fuel loss can be prevented and the bottom line can be protected.

Card-locking control technology combats the potential of fuel theft by only allowing authorized individuals to access fuel. With the card-locking

Changing technology in fuel storage is helping to tackle theft and contamination and supply issues and mitigate costs. technology offered by some manufacturers, drivers use a phone-based app to enter their driver number, vehicle number and what type of fuel they need. Only after they’ve answered the required information does the fuel pump dispenser turn on and distribute fuel.

This not only prevents loss but also helps determine which operator and equipment is using the bulk of the fuel. This valuable information can help determine overall efficiency or even cost/price structures. In the rare event of technical difficulties, administrators simply bypass the app with a key to allow for fueling, ensuring minimal downtime.

FUEL FILTRATION UPGRADES While fuel availability and loss prevention are no brainers in terms of impacting the bottom line, fuel filtration and quality are often overlooked.

Some may find it surprising that most diesel is delivered with a fairly “dirty” ISO rating.

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Because a system using contaminated fuel can damage the engine, resulting in unwanted downtime and repairs, more and more users have come to realize the benefits of dispense filtration.

Engineers design new engines to meet changing environmental standards, and fuel tank manufacturers are designing filtration systems to keep up with those standards. Clean, contaminantfree fuel means higher usage time and fewer issues when it comes to dispensing.

PROTECT THE BOTTOM LINE When fuel can account for up to 50% of a job’s total operating costs, it’s important to do everything possible to protect fuel assets. Pinpointing issues — and utilizing the latest technology — is an effective way to support the bottom line.

Clean, readily available fuel means project movement and that in turn means profit. ET Jeff Lowe is the director of product management for Western Global.

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March 29-31, 2022 | Nashville, Tennessee Register for tickets at worldofasphalt.com

TRU CKS & T R AN S P O R TAT I O N | By Aaron Sage

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS When Spec’ing Mobile Lube Systems Dig deeper into the types and applications to make sure you get the right system for your company’s needs.

P

LUBE SYSTEM MOBILITY Whether you bring the fluid to the machine or the machine to the fluid, you will be money and time ahead when you add a mobile lube system to PM efforts. Lugging around buckets and barrels of oil and hydraulic fluids is labor intensive and messy, and you will often get charged more when purchasing fluids in smaller containers that are easier to transport.

Mobile lube systems come in many shapes and sizes. Deciding which one is right for you starts

If you perform frequent oil changes in the field for small equipment, you may want to add mobile lube equipment to an existing service truck using customizable systems like the Sage Oil Vac Lubebuilder.

All images courtesy Sage Oil Vac

roactive equipment maintenance practices are critical today as new and used equipment prices rise and component supply chain issues continue. You need to make the equipment currently in your fleet last longer and maximize equipment uptime.

In addition, finding employees is tough, so it’s essential to give them the equipment and tools needed to work efficiently. Making their jobs painless is an excellent way to help retain them.

Adding a mobile lube system to your equipment fleet is one way to excel in both areas.

Lube systems are at the heart of any proactive preventive maintenance (PM) program. They will help your service technician(s) work more efficiently and stay cleaner on the job.

As with any equipment, you have many options when it comes to spec’ing out a mobile lube system. To make sure you get the right system for your company’s needs, you need to dive deeper into the following areas.

with determining where it will be used. Your options range from lube carts, skids, trailers, lube bodies and trucks to building a customized system.

To decide which option is suitable for your needs, you need to look at how your crew works.

If you are only doing fluid exchanges back in the shop bay, you may be able to get by with a lube cart, depending on your shop floor’s layout. However, for jobsites, you may want to consider the benefits of using a mobile solution.

Choosing a mobile solution for a jobsite depends on the application and site conditions.

If your typical workload involves working on the same site for

38 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

long periods, you may want to consider a mounted skid system.

If you would prefer a system that can top-off fuels as well as refuel equipment on site, a fuel and lube trailer may be what you should consider.

For performing more substantial service interval PMs, a lube truck or body will allow you to carry larger volumes of fluid. If you perform frequent oil changes in the field for small equipment, you may want to consider adding mobile lube equipment to an existing service truck using customizable systems such as the Sage Oil Vac Lubebuilder.

This system allows you to choose the number and size of tanks that fit your available space and

needs. All the necessary parts are included for you to install the system.

Size and transportability are also considerations. When working in tight areas, you will want a system that is small and maneuverable so you can bring the system to the machine. If your equipment fleet is spread out across one large job or many projects, you will want a system that can be easily transported.

LUBE SYSTEM SIZE AND CAPACITY The next step is to dial in the size and capacity of needs for a mobile lube system. This requires determining the number of tanks and fluid capacities required.

Mobile lube equipment

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typically includes two to eight tanks ranging from 10 to 250 gal. The size and number of tanks needed depends on the size of the equipment in your fleet and what you intend to do with the mobile lube system.

To determine the number of tanks, consider the different fluids your equipment requires (engine oil, hydraulic fluid, DEF, etc.). Then look at the applications you will need to perform.

For just topping off fluids in the morning and greasing machines, you can get by with lube equipment with smaller capacity tanks. But if you want to perform 250- to 300-hour PMs on jobsites, you will need a mobile lube system that can hold

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

large volumes of fresh fluids, including engine oil, hydraulic fluids and DEF, as well as a large waste oil tank. For 1,000- to 2,000hour PMs in the field, even larger tanks will be required.

If you operate a more extensive fleet of equipment, you may want to invest in a few different lube systems, including those that stay on site for topping off fluid levels and those that can travel with the service technician for performing oil changes.

CDL REQUIREMENTS To go along with mobility and fluid capacities, you need to think about how your mobile lube system will be transported up and down the road. Smaller trailered systems can be pulled to and from the jobsite. But if you’re going to be stepping up to a commercial lube/fuel truck, you need to start thinking about commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements.

Typical truck mobile lube systems range from Class 5 to Class 8, which represents a specific gross unit weight range. Once that weight gets above 26,000 lbs., the driver of the vehicle must have a CDL. So, you will have to determine if you have service technicians who have a CDL, hire techs that do or take steps to help them get a license.

Another option is to invest in a Class 5 or 6 service truck, a size that doesn’t require a CDL. While there may be tradeoffs in the capacities of fluids that your techs can haul up and down the road, you gain the advantage of being able to employ individuals that do not have a CDL. These smaller service trucks are also more fuel efficient on the road and more nimble than larger units on jobsites.

LUBE SYSTEM PUMP TYPE With sizing out of the

way, now it’s time to evaluate the mechanics of the mobile lube system, specifically, the pumps used to transfer fluids.

Most lube equipment manufacturers use mechanical pumps, which have several drawbacks. Maintenance and repair are the most significant ones. Failing pumps that need to be replaced or rebuilt are typical. And since each tank on a mobile lube system has a diaphragm and a mechanical pump, maintenance and repair needs for these systems can be time consuming and costly, including equipment downtime.

A more reliable fluid system option is vacuum technology such as Sage Oil Vac provides. It uses compressed air to push oil out of the tank, with no pump required. To fill the tanks or to suction up used oil, you simply need to reverse the process to create a vacuum within the tank. When the valve is opened, suction is created as the tank equalizes. It’s a faster process than with a mechanical pump.

Also, since there are no moving parts inside the tanks, vacuum systems are completely sealed.

Mechanical pump systems require air breathers so that tanks can vent, which can lead to contamination over time.

ACCESSORIES FOR MOBILE LUBE SYSTEMS After determining the main spec requirements to service your equipment fleet, you should consider what accessories are available to help reduce the chance of fluid spills and speed up the process. The following are accessories most widely used by contractors and fleet managers operating Sage Oil Vac mobile lube systems: ˜ Grease kits to help speed up daily machine maintenance. ˜ Filter draining receptacles to help reduce

˜

˜

˜

the likelihood of filters dripping oil all over the service vehicle.

Drain pans and drain plugs that allow a direct connection between the hoses on the lube system and a machine’s drain pan; these options will reduce the risk of spilling fluids and make oil changes faster.

The NextLube monitoring system, which has a touchscreen display that allows the service technician to more closely track how much fluid they are adding.

Barrell straws (exclusive to Sage Oil Vac) to eliminate the need for transfer pumps during bulk oil or drum storage; they ensure the vacuum process is 100% self-contained to reduce spills and prevent exposure to outside contaminants.

ABOVE: Typical truck mobile lube systems range from Class 5 to 8. While there are trade-offs in capacity, a Class 5 or 6 service truck will not require a driver with a CDL. BELOW: Mobile lube systems come in many shapes and sizes. Your options range from lube carts, skids, trailers, lube bodies and trucks to building a customized system.

CARING FOR EQUIPMENT AND CREW Preventive maintenance is critical to getting the most out of every machine in your fleet. Given the current market conditions, that’s never been more critical. Adding a mobile lube system will go a long way in helping your team take more proactive care of equipment.

A lube system is also a great way to recruit and retain quality service technicians. You’re making their job less labor intensive and keeping them cleaner after a hard day’s work, since they don’t have to handle open containers of fresh fluids and waste oil.

Of course, mobile lube systems aren’t just a good addition when equipment, labor and parts are hard to come by. They are always an efficient option to help you get the most from your machinery and your people. ET Aaron Sage is CEO of Sage Oil Vac.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products

Sage Oil Vac LubeBuilder Systems LubeBuilder systems deliver complete customization for building a dedicated mobile lube truck or adding lube capabilities to an existing vehicle.

• Suited for use on crane trucks, mechanics bodies, van bodies and enclosed bodies • Created and customized to serve the particular space and fleet needs • Fleet managers can choose the number of tanks, tank storage capacities and placement of each tank within the truck/ van bed • Fluid control panels can be mounted for operator convenience • Allow for better bed utilization with trailer-free flexibility

www.forconstructionpros.com/21002563

Maintainer H8524 Service Crane The H8524 hydraulic telescopic crane has a maximum lift capacity of 8,500 lbs. and a reach of 24 ft. 6 in.

• Includes a 52,500-ft.-lb. crane rating and a boom-mounted planetary winch • Offers a total operational range of 91° (-13° to +78°) and 615° of boom rotation • Features Advanced Crane Control 2.0, which provides better visibility of lifting loads and error codes if instability with a lift is detected • Includes a proportional wireless remote, low-profile boom, tall and short tower configurations and a closed-center/loadsensing hydraulic system • Recommended for chassis with a minimum GVW of 22,000 lbs.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21072630

Western Global TransCube Global The TransCube Global transportable, double-walled, cube-shaped fuel tank is designed specifically for auxiliary fuel supply and efficient on-site refueling.

• Available in capacities ranging from 132 to 1,242 U.S. gal.

• Features 110% fluid containment and meets global transportation standards • Tanks have feed and return ports to fuel as many as three pieces of equipment simultaneously • Lockable equipment cabinet secures equipment ports and pumps to prevent unauthorized access and deter theft • Tank shape and design allow easy transport on truck beds and trailers

www.forconstructionpros.com/21796364

Venturo Workforce Packages The commercial vehicle upfitting program has been extended to include Workforce service body packages, including Workforce25, Workforce45, Workforce55 and Workforce66.

• Available in a variety of configurations and options ranging from 10,000- to more than 33,000-lb. GVW chassis • Telescopic service crane options from 5,000- to 11,500-lb. max capacity, 25,000- to 66,000-ft.-lb. ratings and from 25- to 30-ft. hydraulic boom extensions • Include the VLC Crane Control System and BOSS BA440 air compressor • Installed, tested and fine-tuned by technicians to exacting factory specifications

www.forconstructionpros.com/21615243

Stealth Power Electric Power Take-off Solution The Electric Power Take-Off (ePTO) System, combined with idle mitigation capabilities, enables the transition to a more cost-effective, sustainable fleet.

• Replaces the need to run an engine to drive existing hydraulic PTO systems • Powered by battery-stored clean energy • Improves vehicle efficiency, eliminates unnecessary idle time, saves on fuel and reduces engine and transmission maintenance

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771979

Thunder Creek Service and Lube Upfit Platform The Service and Lube Upfit Platform combines the precision of the Service and Lube Trailer with the nimbleness of a medium-duty service body.

• Can be configured to carry up to eight oils or maintenance fluids, plus diesel, diesel exhaust fluid, grease and compressed air • Fluid volumes configurable in 115-, 55-, and 25-gal. tanks with a total capacity of 690 gal.

• Pneumatic pumping system powered by a built-in VMAC air compressor • All fluid maintenance systems plumbed into the truck’s Utility Box, with a streamlined control panel color coded to match the nozzles and hoses

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771996

For more truck & transportationrelated products, visit www.ForConstructionPros.com/directory

40 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products Stellar Telescopic Service Cranes and CDTpro Remote

CM Truck Beds Gen 2 SB Service Body The Gen 2 SB service body includes several upgrades that combine enhanced functionality with features ranging from rugged stainless steel fenders to the aluminum cast square fuel fill.

• 16-gauge (G60) galvanized steel body with TexArmor powder-coat finish • Universal bolt-on crash zone bumper • Three toolboxes on each side available with multiple configurations, including vertical and horizontal options • Steel-braided door holdback cables • Can be customized by adding side fliptops, heavy-duty overhead racks, slide-out drawers, shelving, lighting and more

www.forconstructionpros.com/21221093

Four telescopic cranes include the redesigned 7,000-lb. class 7621 and 7630 and the new 8,000-lb. class 8621 and 8630 models.

• 7621 and 7630 have a compact design and a nearly 20% overall average weight reduction • Octagon boom decreases boom tip size for easier reach in smaller spaces, reduces weight an average of 355 lbs. and maintains strength of previous models • CDTpro radio remote with Range Finder feature offers single-handed, finite control for precise load placement while allowing multiple functions to run at once • Range Finder estimates distance and calculates crane capacities where operator is holding the radio remote

IMT CMD.CTRL System The CMD.CTRL control system comes standard with Dominator mechanics trucks and includes convenient cab controls, service body compartment controls and a wireless remote control.

• Wireless controller can be used to operate crane, stabilizers, lights, compressor and auxiliary equipment remotely • Advanced Load Moment Indicator (LMI) provides real-time load and safety information • Provides ability to customize multiple operations, including flood lights, compartment lights, etc.

• IP67-rated crane compartment display and remote control modules ensure protection from the elements

www.forconstructionpros.com/21809175

Dakota Bodies Gen II Service Body The Gen II weld together service body provides a long-term, solid connection between parts to achieve enhanced structural integrity.

• Universal mounting kit designed to fit 2020 and newer Ford, Ram and GM chassis • Compression T-handle door latches • Cast aluminum fenderettes • Silver zinc finish tailgate brackets • Fuel filler cup in street-side fender • Modernized bumper appearance

www.forconstructionpros.com/21992858

www.forconstructionpros.com/21220015

Curry Supply Keystone Service Truck Line Keystone service bodies feature a heavy-duty yet lightweight aluminum design and the Pro option for a crane body.

• Feature a 52-in.-wide and 129-in.-deep bed with tie-down rings and a textured floor for added safety • Each side includes one horizontal and three vertical compartments with at least 20 in. of depth and adjustable shelving • Protected door seals and stainless-steel rotary latches keep all compartments secure and water tight • Keystone Pro includes a crane tower that will accept up to a 25,000-ft.-lb. crane while providing ample compartment space for tool and equipment storage

www.forconstructionpros.com/21772133

π SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

American Eagle Multi-Tank Fuel Trailer The Multi-Tank Fuel Trailer enables contractors to haul diesel fuel without the need for CDL hazmat certification.

• Equipped with seven 110-gal. internally baffled fuel tanks with sight gauge, vented cap and tank breather • Features one 110-gal. stainless steel DEF tank, work lighting and a drawer system • Spacious, ergonomically useful 54-in. cabinet with two gullwing doors • Tube framing stronger than channel iron • Durable, easy to replace spring leaf • Primer powder coat for enhanced salt spray performance, durability and a premium finish

OVER 185 GLOVE STYLES IN STOCK

ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING

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February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

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PRO FI T M AT T E R S | By Tom Webb

How Technology Helps E.K. Services Manage a Fleet of 700+ MACHINES Contractor uses software to manage more than 700 pieces of equipment, helping to avoid costly downtime.

All photos courtesy HCSS

E.K. Services uses technology to track and manage a sizable fleet of asphalt rollers, pavers, milling machines, crushing equipment, excavators, backhoes, wheel loaders, skid loaders, lowboys, a fleet of sweeper trucks and tri-axles.

I Maintenance tracking software helps ensure that small problems don’t get overlooked and go on to become big problems. It also makes it more efficient for scheduling work in the shop.

n 1976, Elaine and Ken Beinhower Sr. took a leap of faith to start their own construction business from their house with a handful of dedicated employees. Their passion for the construction industry guided the business through difficult economic times in the late 1980s. Then, in 1991, E.K. Services was born as a result of the hard work of the employees and Elaine and Ken’s leadership.

42 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

As the majority owner, Elaine was determined to make E.K. Services a success not just for her family but the employees, too.

She built, maintained and cultivated a strong leadership role within a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Today, Elaine and Ken bring more than 80 years of professional experience necessary to the successful, full-service utility, excavating and paving

construction business, offering commercial and residential services throughout central Pennsylvania and beyond. E.K. Services is now proud to be a second-generation family run operation, with the Beinhower’s sons, Ken Jr., David, and Shawn, working to help craft its culture and drive aggressive growth with the hope of a third generation following in their footsteps.

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EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE E.K. Services has lots of equipment to manage. “We have more than 700 pieces of equipment, including about 200 pieces of off-road yellow iron,” says Shawn Beinhower, CIO. “We have to track and manage asphalt rollers, pavers, milling machines, crushing equipment, excavators, backhoes, wheel loaders, skid loaders, lowboys, a fleet of sweeper trucks and tri-axles.”

All of the equipment is managed through HCSS Equipment360. The company uses the construction fleet maintenance and management software across two shops and for its road mechanics working in the field. Beinhower also uses the wealth of data collected by the software for costing and other reporting and analytics.

Mechanics in the shop and in the field are enjoying greater efficiency, as well, because all the information they need about a piece of equipment can be found on

PROFIT MAT TERS

the software’s mobile application on their iPad. “When we buy a piece of equipment, we put all the specs into Equipment360, load all the warranty information, insurance data and set up alerts for preventive maintenance and servicing,” Beinhower says. “We even set up our depreciation for it.”

This means that as a mechanic prepares to work on a piece of equipment, they have immediate access to part numbers, diagrams and technical specifications.

“Knowing the warranty information in the field can save you a lot of money when a mechanic identifies a problem that is covered,” Beinhower says. “They have all of the information at their fingertips, including contact information.”

Beinhower notes that repair data is complete and accurate because mechanics are entering it themselves as they work, rather than submitting a handwritten paper form later that has to be deciphered by someone else to enter into the record.

“Our mechanics can also be more efficient, as they can see all of the work orders in advance before heading out to a site,” Beinhower notes. “This means the mechanic addresses several problems while on site, instead of just the one that they were called about.”

SOFTWARE HELPS GET AND KEEP EQUIPMENT RUNNING E.K. Services is enjoying increased uptime since deploying its shop management solution.

Beinhower attributes this to the configurable alerts for preventive maintenance and the ease and efficiency in which maintenance issues get reported.

“The software makes it easy to submit a maintenance request from our teams in the field,” Beinhower says. “This helps make sure that small problems don’t get overlooked and then become big problems. This also makes it more efficient for scheduling work in the shop.

When a piece of equipment is coming in for an oil change, for example, we can schedule time in advance to handle any other issues that have been identified through the reports from the field.”

Using the alerts for preventive maintenance has proven its

value. “Prior to Equipment360, I know there were times when preventive maintenance on a piece of machinery might have been missed, especially during our busy season,” Beinhower acknowledges. “If you miss more than one of those in a row, you can end up with a problem.

With Equipment360, that would never happen.”

The cost of downtime can be expensive. “When a piece goes down, there’s downtime in just figuring out what is wrong, and then more downtime on the repair,” Beinhower points out.

“If it’s an excavator on a pipe crew, then your whole crew is just sitting there waiting [for it] to be fixed. And if it can’t be fixed, then you incur the cost of getting a rental piece in as well as the lost time waiting for it to be delivered. So, we value the way Equipment360 helps us do all that we can to avoid such situations.”

While the shop foreman assigns work orders to the mechanics, E.K. Services Dispatcher Sarah Hanes uses the software to set up scheduled preventive maintenance, including alerts to ensure an item isn’t missed. “The alerts mean that I don’t have to look at equipment one at a time checking for when preventive maintenance is due,” Hanes states. “And alerts also let me know when we are getting low on any of our tracked supplies, which has freed me from having to do spot checks.”

In addition, Hanes uses Equipment360 to move rented equipment into inventory, complete with ID number and meter readings, and then remove it from inventory when it is returned, as well as to issue alerts for vehicle registrations.

EFFICIENCY BOOSTED BY INTEGRATED APPLICATIONS Equipment360 integrates with the other HCSS software that E.K. Services has deployed, like HeavyJob, which means that a foreman in the field has the option of entering maintenance requests directly into that program. From HeavyJob, the request goes to the manager’s Equipment360 dashboard, where the job can be prioritized or combined with existing work orders for that piece of equipment.

Hanes appreciates the fact that whatever equipment updates she makes while working in HCSS Dispatcher are also updated in the fleet maintenance and management platform.

“If I’m dealing with a backhoe, for example, I enter all the information into Dispatcher as far as the make, model, year, serial number, a description, the status of the machine, what jobsite it’s located at, what foreman it’s assigned to and also the backhoe’s history,” Hanes says.

“All of that information will also be displayed in Equipment360.

It’s critically important that the information I use while working in Dispatcher is the same information that someone else sees while working in Equipment360.”

Hanes also values the fact that HCSS Telematics integrates with the other applications, sending hours and odometer readings to Equipment360, for exam-

“When our field mechanic is preparing to go out for a job, he can not only see what other pieces of equipment are on the jobsite, but also check out equipment on other sites within the area,” Beinhower explains. “This really helps him plan his day with the greatest efficiency. He can load up all the parts he needs and take care of maybe five issues, instead of just one and having to be sent back out to the field.”

The system reduces lost time and the frustrations of trying to locate a specific piece of equipment on a large jobsite. “Some of our sites are pretty big, especially when working in a town where we might be working a pavement project along a threemile strip, with equipment parked on all of these different streets,” Beinhower says.

“Whether it’s the fuel truck driver, the lowboy driver or the mechanic, they can pinpoint exactly where the equipment is

ple, and equipment location to Dispatcher.

For Beinhower, such application integration was one of the top selling points when looking at the fleet maintenance and management platform.

“Integration with other applications was one of the main reasons we went with Equipment360 — the way it ties into all the other HCSS products we have,” Beinhower says. “Our previous application lacked integration. It was kind of a standalone, which reduced its value.”

that needs their attention.”

HCSS Telematics also helps the dispatcher when doublechecking equipment locations.

“Being in charge of dispatch, it’s my job to know where all equipment is at all times,” Hanes says.

“And with so many pieces of equipment and so many employees and getting so many phone calls a day, I will know that I have already assigned a piece of equipment in Dispatcher, but will sometimes check myself, just to make sure that it is where it is supposed to be.”

It helps the dispatcher check on driver location, as well. “If I have drivers out there on the same project, and one is doing six trips and the other just two, I can check with HCSS Telematics to see what has caused the delays,” says Hanes.

EXACT EQUIPMENT TRACKING In addition to automatically reporting hours and mileage, HCSS Telematics provides exact location data helpful to the company’s dispatcher, as well as to its field mechanics.

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VISIBILITY INTO EQUIPMENT COSTS Beinhower especially likes the reporting capabilities within Equipment360. “Asset Management is one of my go-to reports,” he says. “I like to use Asset Management when making business decisions.”

The reporting function makes it easy to analyze the work codes, which mechanics use when documenting the maintenance and repair tasks they perform. “The reporting allows you to see exactly what a piece of equipment is costing you per hour to run,” Beinhower comments. “All of the item codes are there. You can look at all your excavators, for example, and see which pieces are costing more than the others to operate; which ones are requiring more maintenance or burning more fuel. You can do the same with any of your fleet — get an overall view and a perunit view.

Software allows the mechanics at E.K. Services to be more efficient, as they can see all of the work orders in advance before heading out to a jobsite. This means the mechanic can address several problems while on site rather than just one.

“We can do our equipment costing with the click of a button,” he continues. “In addition to helping make decisions on when to retire a piece of equipment, this data on a fleet level provides great costing information to use in building our bids.

We can do our equipment costing with the click of a button.” ET Tom Webb is vice president of Strategic Initiatives & Customer Relations at HCSS.

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TE C H N OLOG Y T R EN D S | By Bart Ronan

Trux

What You Need to Know Most About e-Ticketing

Trux Contactless Ticketing integrates sales orders and scale tickets directly into technology solutions for all participants in the material supply chain.

Staying informed about how e-Ticketing can work with existing systems will make the technology transition easier.

WHAT IS IT? e-Ticketing is not a glorified digital load slip, though there are similarities. Digital load slips are simply that — a digital copy of a printed load slip that offers the same benefits of a paper load slip but without need for direct contact. In this case, DOTs do not oversee this process; there is no need to integrate digital load slips into an in-house ticketing system; and the only information pulled is exactly what is transcribed on the ticket.

e-Ticketing is much more comprehensive. In addition to a digital load slip, e-Tickets provide a summary of the load, the location and verification of the completed load, and the ability to accept and reject material, all in real time. e-Ticketing is connected directly into your scale/ ticketing system and allows everyone to work off the same data set at the same time, including DOT representatives.

CURRENT STATE OF E-TICKETING e-Ticketing is daunting for many because every state does it just a bit differently, meaning ensuring compliance in each state a company operates in takes careful planning and attention to detail. To find out exact specifications for each state, reach out to local associations or connect with an e-Ticketing provider to see if their solutions match the needs in your state.

It is often assumed that e-Ticketing is only valuable if you work on DOT projects.

However, there are many benefits to business operations even if you aren’t required to implement e-Ticketing for DOT work.

Leveraging an e-Ticketing provider to digitize your tickets can: ˜ cut down on paper, ˜ reduce the likelihood of missing tickets, ˜ expedite the invoicing process ˜ and reduce the inevitable data entry errors that go along with handwritten tickets.

44 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT INTO YOUR OPERATIONS The first step to implement e-Ticketing into your current operations is to get the entire team involved, from the foreman to the back office. The move to this technology will impact their day-to-day work lives, so ensure that you are meeting their needs to set your entire organization up for success. Leave time for ample training, give them the context of the decision to switch to e-Ticketing and let them ask questions.

It’s also important not to assume that self-research and perceived understanding of compliance will be enough. e-Ticketing is new for everyone, and contractors and haulers have enough on their plates to add on the stress of ensuring compliance themselves. Technological solutions require technological partners, so consider third-party systems that are designed to track e-Ticketing updates state by state and provide clear steps on keeping systems running smoothly.

GETTING A RETURN ON INVESTMENT If companies only invest in e-Ticketing solutions, the case could be made that they are only paying to comply, but that is a short-sighted mindset. The fact is that technology is the future of construction, and e-Ticketing is only the beginning.

ACBM staff

T

hough the world is starting to recover from the pandemic, operations won’t go back to “normal” for the construction and trucking industries. In fact, some COVID-19 measures were so effective they are now becoming industry requirements, most notably e-Ticketing.

Until it became a Department of Transportation (DOT) requirement in several states during the pandemic, most companies had no need to seriously consider e-Ticketing. Companies performing public works that now require it should not view e-Ticketing as a burden, but rather as an opportunity to move forward digitally in an industry rapidly adopting new technology. Staying informed about the changing landscape and how e-Ticketing can work comprehensively with existing systems will make the transition easier.

Companies can often deploy full-scale technology solutions that cover challenges such as route optimization, digital dispatching and GPS tracking, with e-Ticketing being integrated into these systems.

Look at all of the opportunities to integrate technology wherever possible in existing operations to enhance efficiency.

More often than not, companies can deploy full-scale technology solutions that cover their most pressing problems, such as route optimization, digital dispatching and GPS tracking — and e-Ticketing is quickly being integrated into these systems.

If e-Ticketing is an entry point for many companies into digital solutions, they should explore how they can leverage this further in their organization

www.ForConstructionPros.com

to avoid patchwork systems, gain efficiency and save on costs in the long run. e-Ticketing is new and could be intimidating to many, but it doesn’t have to be. It is part of a larger push in the construction and trucking industries to enter the digital age. By taking the time to understand the technology, get your team comfortable and adopt solutions that can help, you can ensure that the move to e-Ticketing will be a breeze.

Bart Ronan is the CEO of Trux.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS Products John Deere SmartGrade Remote Support

JLG Bluetooth Analyzer and Analyzer Reader for Scissor Lifts

SmartGrade Remote Support is offered on the newest SmartGrade dozers, motor graders, excavators and compact track loaders.

• Includes Remote Display Access and Wireless Data Transfer and will be available on most products for six years from factory invoice date • Offered on 700L/750L/850L SmartGrade dozers, SmartGrade motor graders, 210G LC and 350G LC SmartGrade excavators and compact track loaders • Will enable remote transfer of project files to machines and troubleshooting of any grade control-related issues • Can be used by anyone with a MyJohnDeere.com account paired with the machine

www.forconstructionpros.com/21808923

DPL Telematics AssetCommand Base This advanced solution provides wireless monitoring and remote tracking of on-road vehicles from an Internet-based software package and mobile app.

• Tracks runtime, speed, trips, driver ID, idling, geofences, curfews, driver behavior and service schedules • Starter disable function can be used to immobilize vehicle on demand • Can be paired with optional iButton or RFID Reader to restrict starting to only authorized operators plus log specific driver activities • Includes an internal antenna and backup battery • Service module for scheduling by runtime, odometer or calendar and notifying which threshold is reached first

www.forconstructionpros.com/21578957

The power and functionality of the Handheld Analyzer is now brought to mobile devices with the integration of the Bluetooth Analyzer and Bluetooth Analyzer Reader feature into the JLG Mobile Control App (Android or iOS).

• Bluetooth Analyzer feature allows users to view and edit machine parameters and Bluetooth Analyzer Reader enables users to view a summary of requested machine analyzer menus and download and share files via a smart device • Supplemental to the Remote Analyzer tool option on CAN-enabled ES and R Series scissor lifts with the Mobile Control module • Will be offered on RT and ERT rough-terrain models in the near future

www.forconstructionpros.com/21940134

Cat Grade for 6- to 10-ton Mini Hydraulic Excavators Cat Grade technologies are available as an aftermarket option to owners of the company’s next-generation mini hydraulic excavators in the 6- to 10-ton class range.

• Owners can equip excavators with Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D • Field kit’s modular components facilitate quick installation, while the technology seamlessly integrates into excavator’s electronics infrastructure • 10-in. high-resolution touchscreen monitor allows operators to view, create and work site designs inside the cab • Automatics deliver simple single joystick control over the stick and bucket to maintain grade and avoid over- and under-cutting

www.forconstructionpros.com/21940324

Milwaukee Tool ONE-KEY Bluetooth Tracking Tag The ONE-KEY Bluetooth Tracking Tag provides accurate information on the last seen date, time and location of a tool within 300 ft. of any ONE-KEY device.

• Accelerometer provides information on the last time the equipment was used • Includes built-in speaker to ring the tag and locate it within 50 ft.

• Built-in NFC and scannable QR code enable simple two-step activation and allow user to quickly identify a specific item even when the app is closed • Securely attaches via glue, screw, rivet or zip tie • Powered by an internal battery with a three-year run time

www.forconstructionpros.com/21992890

AGTEK SmartDirt RTK App The SmartDirt RTK app turns Apple or Android phones or tablets into highaccuracy GPS/GNSS receivers for on-site grade checking, drone/UAV ground control point (GCP) set out and site data collection.

• Allows users to know where they are in relation to plan sheets, cut/fill maps, satellite images and street maps • Can determine the volume of a stockpile, find the daylight line between cut and fill and calculate balanced regions in the field • Records site details with RTK accuracy and uses the camera on mobile devices to record site progress • Provides drone/UAV workflow support, as well as high-accuracy positioning with no need for a base station

www.forconstructionpros.com/21203008

LBX Link-Belt Precision Grade The Link-Belt Precision Grade powered

by Trimble Earthworks upgrade kits are available for the Link-Belt 145 X4 excavators.

• Provide all necessary components, hardware and software required to upgrade a standard machine to 2D/ MG (Machine Guidance) or 2D/MC (Machine Control) • Can also upgrade a machine with 2D/MG already installed to a 2D/ MC-capable machine • Integrated into the excavator’s Spool Stroke Control hydraulic system to deliver enhanced accuracy and controllability

Soil Connect eTicket Time Tracking Capabilities The eTickets platform provides contactless, easy to use, paperless ticketing for any industry that hauls and manages loads.

• Easily capture customer information, type of truck, destination, pictures, eSignatures, type of material, load count and more • Time Tracking seamlessly integrated to enable user to reduce timesheet errors and make accurate and timely payments to haulers • Automatically geo-tagged punch-in and punch-out function enables users to analyze route efficiencies • Provides a clear picture of the route along with the complete data set provided by the platform

www.forconstructionpros.com/21927895

www.forconstructionpros.com/21747158

www.ForConstructionPros.com

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J OB S I T E S OL U T I O N S | By By Alexa Schlosser

THREE-PERSON TEAM Demos Concrete Plant Lean and Mean Gopher Specialty Rentals demolishes a former concrete batch plant with lots of equipment and very few people.

SMALL CREW, BIG CAPABILITY The job started on August 1, 2020, with Mutch and his crew bringing in the following: ˜ Link-Belt 330LX excavator with a LaBounty grapple ˜ Kobelco SK210 Dynamic Acera excavator with a Genesis GDP650 Demo Pro ˜ Kent 2,500-ft.-lb. concrete breaker ˜ Bobcat 963 skid steer with forks and bucket ˜ John Deere 755B crawler loader ˜ Service truck with full torch setups Mutch keeps his crew small; it’s just him, Nicole and another owner/operator welder. “We like to keep our projects lean and mean,” he says. “Fewer people to

manage and fewer heads to worry about when you’re bringing down things. Our safety record is impeccable, and we like keeping it that way.”

Mutch and his crew made strategic cuts in the vertical steel. Then, using the Link-Belt 330LX excavator with grapple, they pulled the units safely to the ground. According to Mutch, approximately 200 tons of steel went to NDA member Express Metals.

“No explosives were used on this project. It was in the middle of the city, so we were restricted on noise and could only work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,” Mutch says.

“The actual demolition of the plant only took around 15 days to complete.”

REALLY BUILT TO LAST Although it seemed straightforward initially, when Mutch and his crew got into the concrete portion of the job, he realized it would be harder than he first thought.

“We got into the concrete thinking it would be 6- to 8-in. concrete slabs, and the walls of the pit would be 8-in. concrete with a 12-in.-thick bond beam on top,” he says. “As we got into it, most of the drive slabs were nothing less than 12 to 18 in.

46 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | February 2022

The conveyor pit started at 12 in. of concrete and ended up to be 18 in. thick with No. 8 rebar on 10-in. centers.

National Demolition Assoc.

L

ast year, Tom Malloy, owner of Trench Shoring Company, was looking to expand his company’s Moorpark, CA, facility and needed scrap removed from the site.

The former concrete batch plant, built in the early 1940s, had been one of the primary suppliers of ready-mix concrete to the area. The former plant owner, VMC Concrete, had done some work with National Demolition Association (NDA) member Bob Mutch and suggested Trench Shoring Company connect with him for the job. Mutch co-owns Gopher Specialty Rentals with his wife Nicole.

“Originally, it was going to be just a scrap project, but it turned into a full recycle project,” Mutch says. “We set up a strategy to bring down the conveyor system and all the concrete plant silos and aggregate storage bins.

The owner liked the strategy and agreed to it.”

thick. There were areas that were over 3 ft. thick.

“The conveyor pit started at 12 in. and ended up to be 18 in. thick with No. 8 rebar on 10-in. centers. There were massive amounts of steel in all the concrete,” Mutch continues. “It was a very big surprise to have No. 8 rebar in the walls. We expected some heavy steel in the footing from the plant but nothing like this in the walls of a conveyor pit. It was like demolishing bridge decks. We also believe that all the concrete that was poured, especially in the pit, was 5,000- to 6,000-psi concrete.”

Mutch and his crew used the company’s Genesis Demo Pro 650 to process through all of the pit walls. After that was completed, they pulled the Demo Pro 650 off the Kobelco excavator

and mounted the stick and Kent concrete breaker to it. Then, they started sizing and processing other concrete, including drive slabs and large oversize footings.

After all the concrete was removed and stockpiled, it was processed clean. Backfill material was mixed with 12-in.-minus concrete to backfill the conveyor pit, then approximately 3 ft. of clean fill material was placed and compacted over that with a John Deere 755B crawler loader. The rest of the concrete was loaded with the crawler loader into fellow contractor Urea Trucking’s end dump trucks to be recycled. Mutch and his crew used the Bobcat 963 to clean up the remaining site.

“There were approximately 1,500 tons of concrete, about 700 tons of which was rubblized and used for clean backfill on

www.ForConstructionPros.com

one of the conveyor pits. The other 800 tons were transported to be recycled,” Mutch says.

Overall, Mutch considers the job a success. “We were chosen for the job because VMC Concrete knows our quality of work. We have done several critical projects with them, saving them up to a half a million dollars on one project alone. They also like our outside-the-box approach to things,” he says.

“Tom Malloy and his staff were phenomenal to work with and we truly enjoyed working on the project with them. Now he can expand his company and double his yard space.”

Alexa Schlosser is editor-in-chief of the NDA’s DEMOLITION magazine. Article reprinted with permission.

By Mike Merrill | S AFET Y & COMPL IANCE

3 Ways Tech Can Help Create Cultures of PROACTIVE SAFETY There are ways to prevent and curb the inherent risks associated with working in construction.

O

n a jobsite, no one ever intends to make a mistake or cause an accident.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and curb the inherent risks associated with working in construction.

One tool that has become essential to helping companies across the construction industry do just that is mobile workforce management software. Now more than ever, construction leaders are using such technology to create cultures that truly promote proactive safety. Here are three examples.

Many construction companies continue to document safety training and risks on jobsites via analog methods such as paper forms or spreadsheets, with workers physically signing off on items like toolbox talks. But there are several recurring issues that arise with these methods.

First, the paper trail becomes difficult to track. Then there are the delays in sharing this documentation between a jobsite and the back office, which means days and weeks can pass before unsafe situations and conditions are flagged or reported. This leaves workers vulnerable to risks and also causes companies to be exposed to greater liability.

On top of delays and increased risks, these methods are unproductive. It takes time to document, share documentation, review and address issues — all of which can lead to more delays and lots of administrative costs lost in the process.

Overall, these methods can leave people unengaged in safety,

WorkMax

DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION leading to safety actually becoming an afterthought. That’s a risk companies can’t afford to take.

With the use of a mobile workforce platform, construction companies can document training and risks in real time.

They can implement new procedures immediately across all their jobsites and in the palm of each workers’ hand, eliminating long waiting periods for updated safety information.

Such platforms hold everyone accountable, no matter the circumstances.

INSTANT COMMUNICATION Mobile workforce solutions are equipped with instant communication features, connecting workers on site to project managers and leaders often located off site. This creates an open channel for on-site workers to share their concerns and inform company leadership of issues of which they are likely unaware.

Mobile workforce platforms

have simple chat functions that allow workers to share videos and photos to alert others of safety issues. For example, let’s say a worker notices an issue with a project, such as faulty wiring. They can take photos or a video of the problem and share via text explaining the issue. This material can be instantly uploaded to a company’s entire leadership team so action can be taken to address the issue before safety is further compromised.

By encouraging workers to speak up and report the health, safety and project issues they observe every day, you can proactively head off bigger issues down the line. Having an open line of communication between on-site workers and company leadership creates a culture of safety. Open communication engages field workers and puts them in control over both their individual safety and that of the entire jobsite.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

DIGITAL TOOLBOX TALKS Toolbox talks generally cover the gamut of topics, from new processes and procedure changes to tips on executing best safety practices. With mobile workforce technology, businesses can take these from the back of a truck to a mobile phone, placing all the information directly in the hands of field workers. The platforms provide an effective method to introduce new safety training and reminders to every employee wherever they are and whatever project they are working on.

You can even strategically assign relevant digital toolbox talks to specific workers: Team A on Jobsite D that’s doing scaffolding work can get project-pertinent safety information, while Team B doing high-rise work over on Jobsite F receives safety training directly relating to its particular tasks.

Digital toolbox talks are also a great way to share company-wide information on health check-ins,

like sanitizing equipment after use, or ladder, power tool and fire safety, among other hazards.

One of the best features of a mobile workforce platform is that it allows company leaders to see who has completed a digital toolbox talk and who hasn’t. This can flag workers and not allow them to move on to their next project or log their hours until they’ve completed it. This is huge for establishing proactive safety measures within a company, and the result is safety becomes an integral part of a worker’s day.

Leaning on construction technology like a mobile workforce platform allows you to get in front of potential hazards and safety issues to reduce workplace risks, keep employees safe and deliver projects safely, time and again. ET Mike Merrill is co-founder/ chief evangelist of WorkMax by AboutTime Technologies and host of The Mobile Workforce Podcast.

February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

47

EQUIPMENT GALLERY Products

Here is a collection of products designed to enhance jobsite efficiency, productivity and/ or safety. For more information, use the URLs shown or visit the New Product Directory at www.ForConstructionPros.com.

Fisher XRS Skid-steer Plow The XRS skid-steer plow leverages the onboard hydraulic system of the skid steer to lift and lower the blade for improved operator performance.

• Standard oscillating mount provides 6° of side-to-side oscillation • Oscillation improves scraping and cutting edge wear while reducing damage to the terrain

www.forconstructionpros.com/21808887

Wacker Neuson Dual View Articulated Dumpers The 6-ton DV60, 9-ton DV90 and 10-ton DV100 dual view (DV series) articulated dumpers allow the entire operator’s console to swivel 180° so the operator is always facing the task.

• Permit dumping from the front of the skip or the skip can be rotated 90° in both directions to dump from either side • Operator faces forward in road mode for maximum travel speed up to 18.6 mph • 13,228-, 19,841- and 22,046-lb. payloads • Hydrostatic drive offers simple, intuitive operation • Canopy or cab versions available • Multi-functional display includes a rear view camera and lockable anti-vandalism protection

Custom Drum Designs by Curb Roller Manufacturing Custom drum solutions can be applied to applications as wide as 26 ft. and as deep as 4 ft. and can be created in a variety of shapes to meet job specifications.

• Can pair with the Hydra-Screed 3000 two-operator, hydraulically powered screed system to allow for faster production times and a higher quality finish • Suited for unique shape requirements or large pours on jobs like drainage systems or spillways • Designed to exact specifications and built to spec • Includes removable drive ends to quickly change different lengths of pipe or profile shapes

www.forconstructionpros.com/21046957

www.forconstructionpros.com/21378292

Caterpillar 815 Soil Compactor

Bobcat Snowblower Attachment

The 815 is built for high-speed soil compaction with four 39-in.-wide steel drums boasting a chevron pattern to the tamping tips, delivering high ground pressure and compaction, enhanced traction and a smooth ride.

• Cat Compact GPS mapping offered from the factory to provide visibility to compacted areas and cut and fill data • Cat Compaction Control with Machine Drive Power correlates compaction with rolling resistance to indicate soil stiffness • Vital Information Management System monitored on the large, in-cab, 3G touchscreen display • Upgraded single Cat STIC system allows for shorter, faster cycles to reduce operator fatigue and increase efficiency

This snowblower attachment features an increased intake height and bigger auger to draw more snow into the blower to clear more snow in less time.

• Available with nine different width options and numerous motor packages to ensure an optimal match for loader models and the application • Ultra-durable, direct drive, sprocket-style chute delivers 270° of rotation for a range of snow placement possibilities • Rounded intake provides a smoother surface to roll snow into the feed impeller, minimizing clogging and reducing resistance • Adjustable skid shoes mounted to sides to allow operators to raise or lower the clearing depth to match jobsite surface

www.forconstructionpros.com/21980807

www.forconstructionpros.com/21927762

48 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

Toro Swivel Mud Buggy The Swivel Mud Buggy features a redesigned tub that enables it to swivel 180°, allowing users to dump materials anywhere between the 180° angle.

• Thicker 3/8-in. polyethylene tub material can carry up to 2,500 lbs. of material including sand, rock, mulch or even cement • Swivel switch travels with the right-hand control handle to allow safe, efficient machine operation while simultaneously swiveling tub • 25-hp Kohler Confidant engine • Can reach transport speeds up to 6 mph in forward and 3 mph in reverse

www.forconstructionpros.com/21201663

Werk-Brau Pavement Removal Buckets Pavement Removal Buckets are designed to wedge under pavement, maximizing the force of the excavator to quickly and easily remove pavement slabs.

• C-type profile and inclined sides aid the prying action and expedite removal of broken concrete and pavement slabs • Standard sizes from 18 to 54 in. to fit all classes and sizes of backhoes and excavators • Special designs and capacities available • T-1 steel used in all critical or high-wear components, bottom wear straps provide extra protection and ribbing on inside bottom prevents denting and reduces wear

www.forconstructionpros.com/21940363

www.ForConstructionPros.com

Pyramex Insulated Winter Gloves This line of insulated, safety-rated winter gloves includes a selection of cut-resistant dipped, leather and corded versions.

• Insulated dipped gloves constructed from either latex or nitrile, each designed to be cut, puncture and abrasion resistant • Insulated Leather Driver gloves made from value shoulder grain cowhide with a warm fleece inner lining or select grain pigskin with a fleece liner, both featuring a gunn cut and keystone thumb for good mobility • Insulated Corded glove series includes models designed for impact protection, cold and water resistance and/or puncture and abrasion resistance • All models available in sizes S-2XL

www.forconstructionpros.com/21977501

BOSS MechanX 150 Gas Compressor/Generator/Welder The 400-lb. MechanX 150 portable compressor/generator/welder comes standard with a 14-hp Kohler four-cycle, OHV gasoline engine with electric start capabilities and automatic engine idle.

• Heavy-duty, single-stage, cast iron, twincylinder compressor delivers up to 13.1 cfm (17.9 cfm displaced) at 100 psi • Welder features an auto resettable thermal overload breaker and provides 150 amps at 100%, 180 amps at 65% and 210 amps at 10% • Generator provides 4.0-kW AC continuous output • 10-, 22- and 28-gal. remote air tank options

www.forconstructionpros.com/21124183

EQUIPMENT GALLERY Products Allen AW16-B Batterypowered Wheel Buggy The 1,507-lb. AW16-B Power Buggy has a rugged 7.4-hp Vanguard 48-volt lithiumion power pack capable of reaching eight- to nine-hour run times.

• 2,500-lb. payload with a bucket capacity of 16 cu. ft. and a dump angle of 90° • Limited-slip transaxle for enhanced mobility • Travel speeds up to 6 mph • Dynamic Electric Brake prevents the buggy from moving unless the throttle is engaged

WHAT’S ONLINE? KEN WHITE CONSTRUCTION USES SOCIAL MEDIA TO RESHAPE THIRDGENERATION BUSINESS

www.forconstructionpros.com/21952846

Hammerhead Gear Keeper TL1-3024 The ANSI-compliant 3/4-in. Super Coil is a flexible, low-profile coil system that provides up to a 48-in. reach and safely retracts to only 27 in. for added security when climbing or working in cramped quarters.

• Can hold tools up to 15 lbs., depending on safety recommendations • Coil system fully enclosed in durable and ergonomically sound soft nylon utilizing an Integrated Woven Elastic Webbing process • Fixed loop tool attachment permits tethering of tools that have no other attachment point • Short retracted (resting) length mitigates entanglement issues when climbing or working in close quarters

www.forconstructionpros.com/21821223

Mechanix Wear Torch Welding Series Gloves The Torch Welding Series welding gloves include a patent-pending fingertip design and high-wearing Durahide Leather Technology.

• Incorporate Durahide Goat, Cow or Boar leather construction • Include versions for TIG, MIG, Flux and Stick welding • X-Finger Heat Barrier, X-Pad Heat Barrier and SpeedKnit 18-in. sleeves also available • DuPont Kevlar cut- and heat-resistant material used in select gloves and accessories to improve protection, performance and longevity • Suitable for construction, heavy equipment, structural, pipe and other welding applications

How one company used social media to build its 18-person team into a 100-person team at a time when construction companies are having trouble finding talent.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21928425

VIDEO: WATCH HOW CREWS PAVED THE 28° BANK AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY Atlanta Motor Speedway raised the banking in its turns from 24˚ to 28˚, which is sure to thrill race fans, but presented quite a challenge to the race track’s paving team. See how it was done.

SEE VIDEO: www.ForConstructionPros.com/21977659

PODCAST: TELEMATICS & E-TICKETING — HOW TECHNOLOGY IS SHAPING CONSTRUCTION

WHAT YOU’LL FIND

ONLINE

➊ All the latest news impact-

Earthwave Technologies and FleetWatcher discuss telematics and e-ticketing technology in the construction industry and the vital role the construction contractor has in shaping technology.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21821329

KATO 50V5 Compact Excavator The 50V5 has a 12-ft. 7-in. dig depth, 9,100 lbs. of breakout force at the bucket and weighs in at an easily towable 10,830 lbs.

• Kubota V2403-CR-E5B diesel engine rated at 43.5 hp at 2,400 rpm • 43-gpm total hydraulic system flow and 16-gpm maximum auxiliary hydraulic flow • Features an offset boom, stable track frame and 6-ft. 6-in. dozer blade • Operating environment comes in open canopy or cab configurations with highly responsive pilot controls and easy to read instrument panels • Wide-opening access panels and large compartments ensure ease of service

LISTEN IN: www.ForConstructionPros.com/21977715

WHAT’S TRENDING COVID-19 accelerated adoption of BIM, drones, VR and AI. Here’s how proliferation of those technologies is raising the stakes in construction. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21964930

ing the construction industry ➋ Exclusive articles on equipment, business management, safety and more ➌ New Product Directory hosting over 19,000 products ➍ Video Network with 1,000s of videos covering equipment, industry trends, applications and more ➎ Podcasts on equipment, technology, trending topics and more ➏ Profit Matters channel to help build profits in your construction business ➐ Blogs by the industry’s leading construction editors ➑ Current issues from five of the nation’s top construction industry publications ➒ AND MUCH MORE...

www.forconstructionpros.com/21366114

www.ForConstructionPros.com

February 2022 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY

49

®

RUNN I N G T HE B U S I N E S S | By Garry Bartecki Published by AC Business Media

Status of Construction and How to Still Make a Profit in 2022

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

Covering the spread between bids and costs requires doing more with less through efficiency gains and cost cuts.

Publication Staff Publisher SEAN DUNPHY, sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com Editor BECKY SCHULTZ, bschultz@ACBusinessMedia.com Senior Field Editor CURT BENNINK, cbennink@ACBusinessMedia.com Contributing Writers GARRY BARTECKI, JESSICA LOMBARDO Art Director DAVE HAGLUND Senior Production Manager CINDY RUSCH Audience Development Manager ANGELA FRANKS

Advertising Sales (800) 538-5544

T

ough topic this month. If you have time for a 40- to 50-page dissertation, we could probably make a dent in operation planning, financing, cash flow and profit planning. There is just so much to cover, corresponding to juggling eight to 10 balls — which we all know is almost impossible to do.

Initially, I was asked to cover new and used equipment pricing and availability this month. Ha, I thought, a topic that will not take much time to research or prepare. My concise coverage resulted in the following: ˜ New equipment — Higher prices; most not available until mid- to late 2022 ˜ Used equipment — Higher prices; purchases on the rise and thus availability reduced ˜ Supply and demand rules – No doubt about it ˜ Don’t expect to replace any units you sell — replacements are probably not out there to purchase As you can imagine, my editor was not amused. I get it and consequently included comments about the construction industry in general, as well as how jobs have to be planned for in 2022 and 2023 and perhaps beyond. There is so much to contemplate (inflation, deflation, interest rates, job costs, labor, financing and supply chain issues). Just how do you incorporate all of these unknowns into your planning and still wind up with a profit, assuming you can get the work to begin with?

@WrightStudio – stock.adobe.com

HOW TO COVER THE SPREAD First, let’s all agree that nothing is like it was in 2019. You now have to take a lot of time to pre-plan before you can actually plan for a job — with checks and balances baked in to ensure it comes out close to how you planned it. You not only have to find ways to operate more efficiency, you have to monitor costs and time spent on a real-time basis to determine if what you are doing is profitable.

Reading various industry publications, I came across a study that indicated contractor input costs have increased 30+%. Knowing this, the researchers had a sample of contractors prepare bids for three or four nonresidential projects, but the bids were only 13% higher.

Oops. It appears the stress of preparing bids with the hope of getting the job took precedent over bidding to make a dollar.

50 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | February 2022

201 N. Main Street, 5th Floor Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538 (800) 538-5544 www.ACBusinessMedia.com

Is there a way to cover the spread between bid and costs if, in fact, the costs are historically higher than expected? Sure, there is. Just find ways to cut fixed costs and become more efficient with operating costs. In other words, do more with less people in less time. Not possible? Don’t say that, because if you do, you will have problems finding work or take work you can’t make money on. Neither is an acceptable outcome because you will put yourself out of business.

I’m basing my comments on many industry studies showing the construction industry way behind the efficiency curve. More importantly, the reach for higher efficiency levels is staring you in the face just about every day in the ForConstructionPros.com e-newsletter, where you find articles highlighting how OEMs, dealers and independent system providers can reduce time and cost, track performance in real time and provide training to help you do more with less.

The bottom line is that contractors that invest in and embrace technology, no matter what size they are, have a good chance to outbid you if you are still conducting business as you always have been.

If they can cover the cost/bid spread and you can’t, you lose.

TIPS TOWARD IMPROVED EFFICIENCY To get started with your new efficiency program, I suggest you do the following: ˜ When you see articles or ads about technology, take time to read them. I not only read them, I look up the website and may even call for more info and a demo thinking I might learn something I can pass on to you. ˜ Examine your financial status. Get a copy of your 2021 year-end trial balance (a list of all the accounts you have available to use for accounting purposes) and go through it with your managers and CFO. I expect you to ask “What the hell is that?” at least 100 times. You will be amazed how much you will find to consider for a reduction or elimination. ˜ Examine your payroll records. Use industry metrics to measure time and dollar utilization to determine if your employees are hitting the mark that your peers are hitting. Your payroll service may have the ability to do this. ˜ Take care regarding the inflation issue. This will be a crapshoot.

If inflation slows up within 12 months or so, it’s maybe not so big a deal. If it becomes ingrained in our economy, it is a different story. I lived through the 1970s inflation period where I bought a house with an 18% mortgage, and people were borrowing at 15% to accelerate inventory purchases that were increasing at that rate on an annual basis. “Nuts” does not cover what was going on. ˜ Take efficiency improvement and cost reductions seriously.

Do yourself a favor and follow up on those articles and ads when you see them. Even if the inflation and economic concerns are not material issues, you should still embrace a program to become more efficient. A significant portion of the industry is moving in that direction, and customers will expect it because it will be available from one of your competitors. ET To access previous Running the Business columns, as well as additional business management information, visit www.ForConstructionPros.com.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

SEAN DUNPHY; NIKKI LAWSON; KRIS FLITCROFT; TADASHI SOMA

ForConstructionPros.com Editor-in-Chief WAYNE GRAYSON Editor LARRY STEWART

AC Business Media Chief Executive Officer..............RON SPINK Chief Financial Officer...............JOANN BREUCHEL Chief Digital Officer..................KRIS HEINEMAN Chief Revenue Officer...............AMY SCHWANDT VP Audience Development.........RONDA HUGHES Director, Demand Generation & Education.............................JIM BAGAN Vice President, Operations.......NICK RAETHER Group Content Director.............JON MINNICK

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Published and copyrighted 2022 by AC Business Media Equipment Today makes every effort to report manufacturers’ product news accurately, but is not responsible for validity of news claims.

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

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