Equipment Today July 2021

JULY 2021

UNMATCHED MOBILITY AND SPEED! THE ULTIMATE SAWING SOLUTION FROM CUTS INC.

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Unmatched Mobility And Speed!

The Ultimate Sawing Solution From Cuts Inc.

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Patented Technology

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User Friendly

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Hydraulic pressure relief

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Auto blade brake

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Blade feed speed control

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Available accessories include laser guide and auto water feed

5638 Clinton Hwy., Knoxville, TN 37912, USA Phone: 865-281-2887 (CUTS) matt@cutsinc.org · www.cutsinc.org

EXCLUSIVE: 2021 Skid-steer Loader Spec Guide Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment

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JULY 2021

LIGHTNING STRIKES WITH ELECTRIC PICKUP TECHNOLOGY

FORD’S ENTRY INTO ELECTRIC PICKUPS SPARKS INDUSTRY INTEREST Page 12

#1 Market Leaders

Power and durability.

The foundation we build upon.

Get the groundwork right with the Kubota construction lineup. Reliable, comfortable track loaders. Productivity-boosting skid steers. Powerful wheel loaders. Heavy-duty utility vehicles. And #1 selling compact excavators.* All built around dependable Kubota engines. It’s equipment built the right way. So you can build your reputation.

KubotaUSA.com *According to 2019 data from Off-Highway Research including all Kubota Group brand sales. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2021. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.

Construction Lineup Durable Kubota engines Upgraded tech & features

Contents COVER STORY

JULY 2021 | www.ForConstructionPros.com

LIGHTNING STRIKES

With Electric Pickup Technology

PRODUCTS 18 Trucks & Transportation 34 Technology Trends 40 Fleet Management 43 Concrete Equipment

A selection of the latest tools for your concrete projects.

48 Equipment Gallery

DEPARTMENTS 6 Breaking Ground 8 Equipment Introductions 36 Profit Matters

AI Revolutionizes Construction Scheduling and Risk Management

42 Concrete Equipment

Why Contractors Should Model Formwork

46 Jobsite Solutions

Precise Concrete Removal on Climate Pledge Arena Renovation

50 Running the Business

Act Like a Rental Business to Control Equipment Costs

4 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

Ford’s electric F-150 combines a mobile power supply, office and high-performance vehicle in familiar packaging. Page 12

FEATURES

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

UTVS PROVIDE COSTEFFECTIVE JOBSITE TRANSPORT pg 20

The Ultimate Guide to Improving Productivity in Construction Businesses

Stop beating up your full-size pickups while efficiently moving people and materials around the jobsite.

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2021 SKID-STEER LOADER SPEC GUIDE pg 26 TELEMATICS GO BEYOND FLEET MANAGEMENT pg 32

Contractor Takes On Challenging Soil Nail Wall

Continued advancement in telematics enables more data collection and predictive maintenance capabilities.

DIESEL FUEL 101: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FUEL FOR YOUR FLEET pg 38

www.ForConstructionPros.com

Mesh Communication Offers A New Way to Connect the Worksite

A comparison of radios vs. new communication headsets and the implications for worker safety and productivity. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21403896

Sort through this collection of system enhancements and product specifications on current skid-steer loader models.

A clean supply of quality diesel fuel will keep your fleet humming.

Here are five ideas to help the industry find solutions to increase productivity. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21452207

UMA Geotechnical Construction installed permanent soil nail walls along a roughly two-mile stretch of the Greensboro Western Loop. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21198318

Will Off-Site Prefabrication See a Renaissance in U.S. Construction Industry?

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Builders turned to prefab during the pandemic. Now, many believe it’s here to stay. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21521035

Customer Equipment Solutions On-Demand Inspection, Service & Repairs Whether it’s owned or rented, equipment on your worksite should be in top operating condition. Our Customer Equipment Solutions team specializes in equipment repair and service in the field and onsite, so you can protect your investment, safeguard your employees;,and meet ANSI, OSHA, and CSA requirements. We specialize in medium to heavy duty equipment, such as scissor lifts, backhoes, mini-excavators, and boom lifts.

Our trained technicians can keep your owned fleet operating safely, at peak performance, and according to regulations.

Visit UnitedRentals.com/ET-Service or call 800.UR.RENTS to learn more. © 2021 United Rentals, Inc.

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

Temps Offer a Tool to Fill Some Gaps

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Becky Schultz / bschultz@acbusinessmedia.com

hough the construction industry has yet to fully recover from the pandemic’s impacts, a common theme has re-emerged. Skilled labor is once again in short supply and there is an expectation that the shortage will steadily worsen if construction’s recovery accelerates in the coming months as anticipated.

Already, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction (Index) for Q2 2021 reported 88% of survey respondents were having moderate to high levels of difficulty finding skilled workers, with nearly half of those showing a high level of difficulty. Of those having problems filling skills needs, over a third

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.

www.minnich-mfg.com

(35%) had been forced to turn down work as a result.

There are other common labor-related challenges contractors continue to face, one of which is how to best address the cyclical and often uncertain nature of their business. Workforce demands and skill set needs can vary — in some cases, substantially — from job to job, and the ability to staff up or down accordingly can be a struggle.

Interestingly, we’re seeing new business platforms emerge within the construction space targeted to address both the skills gap and labor shortage within specific industry segments. Service firms have arisen that supply trained temporary, or gig, workers on an as-needed basis.

One such company is GigSmart. In the article “How Hiring Gig Workers Can Help Your Concrete Business in 2021” (www.ForConstructionPros. com/21366597), Jenay Sellers, director of marketing, asserted, “Not only can supplementing your workforce with temporary workers give you access to potential talent with skills you may not have access to otherwise, but it might also help you save money during your slower times.”

According to Sellers, the opportunities of the “gig economy” include the ability to: ˜ improve productivity and reduce stress on your full-time staff ˜ scale your crew based on the demands of each project ˜ leverage specialized expertise ˜ test out workers prior to hiring ˜ and reduce overhead costs in a still unstable economy “Instead of staffing up your crew, you can save money (and overhead) by staffing with temporary workers, bringing on workers only when they’re needed,” she writes. “By doing so, you can quickly scale crews based on your project needs and cut costs on recruiting, hiring, and training.”

Certainly, not every skill required on a jobsite is available via temp services. But you may be surprised at those that are.

For example, the company YellowBird offers an “Uber-like” digital platform designed to help fill temporary staffing needs for environmental health and safety (EHS) professionals (www.

ForConstructionPros.com/21342637).

All of the consultants in its network are carefully vetted, insured and matched to the job based on your spec requirements.

They can be brought to the site for as long or as little time as needed based on the assignment or project demands.

Of course, gig workers won’t solve all the industry’s problems when it comes to filling gaps in the workforce. But what they could do is serve, in a pinch, as a tool to reduce the risk of having to walk away from a project due to insufficient or inadequate staffing. ET

BUILD BIG. OPERATE EASY.

The 74 horsepower CASE TV370B delivers the power, performance and control of a large-frame compact track loader with a maintenance-free emissions solution that requires no diesel exhaust fluid and no diesel particulate filter. Load the big trucks, carry the heavy loads and move more material — all with the latest in comfort, control and simplified operation. But don’t take our word for it. Visit CaseCE.com/BSeries to watch real stories from the field and to request a demo.

©2021 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

These pages feature several new equipment models introduced at this year’s World of Concrete Show, held June 8 to 10 in Las Vegas. For more information on these products, simply visit www.ForConstructionPros.com and include the eight-digit code shown.

Doosan

Evolution Series Compressors

BOSCH

PROFACTOR 18V Cordless Rotary Hammers Optimized for use with CORE18V PROFACTOR batteries, the GBH18V-36C 1 9/16-in. rotary hammer delivers 5.2 ft.-lbs. of impact energy, while the GBH18V-45C Hitman 1 7/8-in. SDS-max version delivers 9.3 ft.-lbs. Both offer rotary hammer and hammeronly modes, as well as Vario-Lock positioning to rotate and lock the chisel. Soft Start along with controlled rpm and bpm make it easier to control drilling and chiseling, with an on-tool user interface for tool performance, feedback and control. All PROFACTOR tools incorporate BITURBO brushless technology, a high-performance brushless motor and drivetrain system that delivers power comparable and/or equivalent to high-demand corded tools.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21403348

Honda

eGX Electrified Power Unit The eGX is an advanced electrified power unit and the company’s first lithium-ion battery-powered motor designed to be incorporated into commercial OEM power equipment products for indoor and outdoor use. It offers durability and rugged performance for applications such as concrete trowels, rammers and vibratory plate compactors. The high-power, three-phase brushless DC motor is designed to closely match the performance of conventional GX100 and GXR120 industrial engines, providing efficient operation for existing or new applications in the 100- to 120cc displacement category. Net power output is 2.4 hp at 3,600 rpm. Quick battery charging ensures maximum operating time.

The Evolution Series includes four models all equipped with the latest Doosan Tier 4 Final engines and an upgraded fuel system designed for reliable operation in dusty environments. Three of the four models offer FlexAir technology, a new feature that allows operators to electronically adjust air pressure to a wide psi range using the control panel. Two of these models (P185-HP150WDOT4F and XP185-VHP165WDO-T4F) are in the 185-cfm class. The third (XP185-VHP165WDO-T4F) can provide 200 psi at 165 cfm or up to 185 cfm with pressure ranges from 100 to 200 psi. It also offers an optional 4-kW onboard generator for charging handheld electric tool battery packs.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21497080

Makinex

Lift Assist

The Lift Assist (LA90-350) is specifically designed to assist operators with the lifting of a pneumatic jackhammer. A “foot” extends out of the bottom to lift up the tool and enable easy repositioning of the bit before breaking material again. Actuating the LA90-350 with every cut allows the operator more control and ease of use while running the tool. The ergonomically designed device reduces operator stress and fatigue, improving efficiency and productivity and reducing the risk of jackhammer-related back injuries. It weighs just 9 lbs., is quick and easy to assemble to any 90-lb. pneumatic jackhammer and shares the tool’s existing air supply.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21497132

Miller Formless

WB-3200 Work Bridge With the WB-3200 slipform paving machine work bridge, contractors can utilize fully functional texture/cure abilities. Its compact design allows a working height as low as 18 in. from grade and the adaptive frame design allows for any attachments to be mounted on either side.

The tethered electronic control console is mounted the same way as the operator seat, allowing the operator to be on the left or right side with a quick-change feature. A quick selection in the control system allows for all controls to be reversed. The unit has a 12-ft. minimum paving width and is available with optional frame extensions up to 32 ft. Power is provided by a 25-hp Caterpillar 1.1 diesel engine.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21508931

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21497035

8 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

www.ForConstructionPros.com

CAT DOZERS

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POWER FOR DOZING. FINESSE FOR GRADING. Experience more power to the ground, greater agility and faster cycle times with Cat® dozers. Plus, you’ll save on fuel and maintenance costs. Talk to your Cat dealer about the dozer choice that works best for your operation, or visit: Cat.com/DozerChoicesET

THE GREAT PAYBACK EVENT

Get 48 months of 1.99% financing and a Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA) or a fuel payback credit and a CVA. Choose your way to cut costs at Cat.com/GreatPaybackET

© 2021 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

Ligchine

SCREEDSAVER MAX PLUS

Overland

950 Series Power Carts The 950 series power cart is designed for use in hilly terrain. A 24V 950-watt transaxle provides nearly 2.5 times the power of the company’s standard 400W motor, with an overall speed of 3.5 mph. The series is capable of hauling 950 lbs. on hard, flat surfaces and 500 lbs. on grass inclines. The 75-amp-Hr battery pack is rated at seven to eight hours of real-world use or an estimated 8 to 9 miles on a single charge. Flat-free dual ag drive tires have a semi-pneumatic design that performs similar to an air tire but does not require inflation. A 10-cu.-ft. wheelbarrow-style or 9-cu.-ft. wagon-style hopper is offered as standard. Both hoppers feature heavy gauge HDPE construction that is lightweight and rust free.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21497106

Xtreme

XR1585-C Fixed Boom Telehandler The 65,500-lb.

XR1585-C has a fivesection boom design that delivers a maximum lift height of 85 ft. and a 67-ft. maximum forward reach. It is capable of lifting loads up to 15,000 lbs. Fixed, fork positioning, swing or side tilt C-class carriages are available. Standard wide stance outriggers ensure maximum stability. The unit comes with a 173-hp Cummins 4.5L Tier 4 Final diesel engine and a 100-gal. fuel tank. Standard 49-gpm hydraulic flow and a hydraulic pressure of 4,000 psi enable use with a range of C-class attachments. Other features include 360° visibility from the cab, a fully rated boom lift point, long-life boom rollers and a choice of open cab, enclosed cab and enclosed cab with heat and AC.

www.ForConstructionPros. com/21497167

The 4,800-lb. SCREEDSAVER MAX PLUS screed features the SwingBoom pivoting frame that enables up to 5 ft.

3 in. of side-to-side screed head movement with a pivoting boom member.

It offers a 17-ft. boom extension with a 10-ft. high-performance screed head.

It comes with a standard Topcon LS-B110 2D laser leveling system or is available with Topcon 3D mmGPS satellite control or LPS robotic 3D system. Powered by a 24.9-hp Honda iGX800 gasoline engine, the unit comes with a two-wheel proportional hydraulic drive system and a 90° manual pivoting undercarriage drive frame that enables parallel to the pour driving capability. It is fully operated via revised wireless remote control system.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21497280

GOMACO

CC-1200e Battery-powered Curb Machine 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 an optional two-hour fast charge system. The G+ control system with full-function radio remote control puts all machine operations in the hands of the operator. Rotary-sensored slew drive steering on the front wheel assemblies allows smoother paving, easier control and maximum turning capability with the ability to slipform a 24-in. radius, depending on mold profile.

The compact unit has 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.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21508925

MB Crusher

MB-HDS523 Shafts Screener Bucket The MB-HDS523 is compatible with excavators from 30- to 45-ton operating weights and features five shafts positioned to ensure a greater production rate and processing speed. The “V Shaft System” design creates a simultaneous dual screening effect, increasing production. The concealed comb allows the material to enter and flow through the rotors without jamming. The unit is powered by two motors for consistent and quick performance. Shafts can be easily switched out and replaced on site in minutes. The design firmly holds the rotating system, allowing rotors to be easily extracted and repositioned.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21497140

10 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

www.ForConstructionPros.com

ALL-NEW

ULTRA COMPACT SKYTRAK TELEHANDLER ®

MANEUVERABILITY, REACH, TRANSPORTABILITY Introducing the SkyTrak® 3013 Ultra-Compact Telehandler Whether you are doing landscaping, light construction or loading and unloading trucks, you need a telehandler that can multi-task.

With its 2,700-lb capacity and 13-ft of lift height the 3013 is designed for jobs that require more up-and-over reach, while its compact size provides excellent maneuverability in confined spaces. Best of all, it can be easily transported with a pick-up truck and trailer thanks to its 5,280-lb weight.

See what you can get done with the new ultra-compact telehandler: JLG.com

TRU CKS & T R AN S P O R TAT I O N | By Curt Bennink

©FR Design – stock.adobe.com

LIGHTNING STRIKES with Ford’s electric F-150 combines a mobile power supply, office and high-performance vehicle in familiar packaging.

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ightning is a legacy name for Ford Motor Company.

It harkens back to the SVT F-150 Lightning, which was unveiled in 1992, with the second generation introduced in 1994.

“The Guinness Book of World Records called Lightning the world’s fastest production truck,” says Kumar Galhotra, president, Americas and International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company. “Today, the Lightning legacy lives on as the F-150 Lightning, a new entrant in Ford’s most important

12 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

Electric Pickup Technology

franchise. We gave great thought before naming this vehicle Lightning, following in the footsteps of the iconic SVT F-150 Lightning. Much like its namesake, the F-150 Lightning is a truck that reinvents the way we look at trucks. It’s powerful, lightning quick and zero emissions.”

PERFORMANCE IS STILL KING In the pickup market, performance sells. It is no different with electric trucks.

“The best thing about electric

vehicles (EVs) is the instantaneous torque,” says Jasen Turnbull, F-150 Lightning marketing manager.

The claimed performance from the full-time four-wheel drive is impressive. “The F-150 Lightning hits 60 mph in the mid-four seconds with an available extended range battery,” says Darren Palmer, North America BEV general manager. “It has a targeted

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775 ft.-lbs. of nearly instantaneous torque — the most of an F-150 ever. It reacts to your command in a fraction of a second. With no gear changes and a low center of gravity, it’s a super smooth and engaging drive experience. In short, the F-150 Lightning delivers a driving experience that you have never felt before.”

Capability drove the development process. “Anything that we did, we maintained that goal of

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

The F-150 Lightning features the largest front trunk in the industry with 400 liters of volume and 400 lbs. of payload.

You can fit one check bag plus two carry-ons.

You could fit two full sets of golf clubs.

Essentially, we’re giving you your cabin back.

Ford Motor

Ford Motor Ford Motor

ABOVE: When customers tow or haul, the real-time range calculator compensates for weather and grade to provide an accurate range regardless of conditions.

LEFT: The F-150 Lightning is powered by the largest lithium ion battery pack Ford has ever put into a vehicle. An extended range battery targets an estimated EPA range of 300 miles and a standard range battery targets 230 miles.

Ford Motor

it needs to be a truck first and then we are using electrification to amplify the driving experience and capabilities,” says Turnbull.

Range anxiety is a common concern. “One of the first things that came out of our customers’ minds is ‘what is the range when I tow?’ We give the customer a real-time constantly improving calculator,” Turnbull points out. When customers tow or haul, the calculator compensates

for weather and grade. “We are going to give them an accurate range, no matter the conditions.”

“The F-150 Lightning is powered by the largest lithium ion battery pack Ford has ever put into a vehicle, delivering a combination of range and power you couldn’t have imagined before,” says Palmer. “We offer two battery back options — an extended range battery targeting

an estimated EPA range of 300 miles and a standard range battery that targets 230 miles of EPA estimated range.”

The battery utilizes state of the art lithium ion pouch battery cells with Nickel Manganese Cobalt cathodes. “The cell energy in our F-150 was significantly increased, at the same time dramatically reducing our cobalt content over our previous designs,” says Gitanjli McRoy, manager, electrified propulsion systems engineering. “The team had to be really

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creative in packaging to ensure that we could maximize energy, minimize weight and deliver robustness for our customers.”

A mechanically isolated structure is used to mount the battery to enable a robust design for off-road use. “The battery design includes a state of the art liquid cooling system. Through the development, we beefed up our cooling system and multiple components to be able to cope with the toughest of the driving ordeals, and it’s for the whole life of the vehicle,” says McRoy.

Charging was also a focus.

“Our F-150 Lightning is introducing two onboard AC charging systems,” says McRoy. “Our standard range uses an 11.3-kW single charger and the extended range uses a dual charger to deliver the fastest possible charge time to the limits of SAE charging standards.”

MORE THAN TRANSPORTATION The F-150 Lightning is more than transportation. “Really, it is the ultimate portable power source,” says Ryan O’Gorman,

July 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 13

TRU CKS & T R AN S P O R TAT I O N

©FR Design – stock.adobe.com

The F-150 Lightning offers 9.6 kW of Pro Power Onboard, up from 7.2 kW available for the F-150 hybrid, with up to 11 outlets in the truck bed, cabin interior and Mega Power Frunk.

Ford Motor Company

GM PLANS TO BRING ELECTRIC SILVERADO TO MARKET The news that General Motors is planning to build an electric full-size Chevrolet Silverado should not have come as a surprise to anyone. Ford, a primary competitor, had already announced its electric variant of the F-150, which it previewed in 2019 with a million-pound towing teaser. Then, there were upstart rivals like Tesla and Rivian, both of which had previously announced plans to soon enter the electric pickup market.

GM had already announced in January 2020 that it was investing $2.2 billion in its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to produce a variety of all-electric trucks and SUVs. In October 2020, it renamed the plant Factory ZERO, which reflects the facility’s significance in advancing the company’s vision of a future with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. Factory ZERO is the launchpad for GM’s multi-brand EV strategy. The facility has advanced technology and tooling, and was designed with a focus on sustainable manufacturing.

GM has also committed more than $27 billion to EV and AV product development — including $7 billion in 2021 — and plans to launch 30 EVs globally by the end of 2025, with more than two-thirds available in North America. According to GM, the electric Chevrolet Silverado will not simply be a modified version of its current internal combustion siblings. It will be built from the ground up to be an EV using the company’s Ultium Platform. The strategy is to utilize a modular propulsion system and highly flexible global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries.

Battery chemistry is a key focus for GM’s EV strategy. “Affordability and range are two major barriers to mass EV adoption,” says Mark Reuss, president, General Motors.

“With this next-generation Ultium chemistry, we believe we’re on the cusp of a oncein-a-generation improvement in energy density and cost. There’s even more room to improve in both categories, and we intend to innovate faster than any other company in this space.” The target is to provide a range of more than 400 miles on a full charge with the Chevrolet Silverado EV. “The vehicles coming from Factory ZERO will change the world, and how the world views electric vehicles,” Reuss asserts. “The GMC HUMMER EV SUV joins its stablemate in the realm of true super trucks, and Chevrolet will take everything Chevy’s loyal truck buyers love about Silverado, and more, and put it into an electric pickup that will delight retail and commercial customers alike.”

No date has been formally announced for the introduction of the Chevrolet Silverado EV.

14 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

energy services lead. It can actually serve as a backup power source for your home.

“If your F-150 Lightning is plugged in when a power outage occurs, intelligent backup power will automatically kick in to power your home. When power is restored, the truck automatically reverts to charging its battery,” O’Gorman explains.

“No additional input from the customer will be required, making this experience totally seamless. With the ability to offboard up to 9.6 kW of energy, [the truck] can provide for up to three days [of backup power to your house] on a full charge.”

Mobile power is also available to run tools. “The F-150 Lightning offers 9.6 kW of Pro Power Onboard, up from 7.2 kW available for the F-150 hybrid, using up to 11 outlets in the truck bed, cabin interior and Mega Power Frunk,” says O’Gorman.

The truck distributes power in a smart way. “If the truck battery level falls below a third of its total range, customers will get a Ford Pass notification and get to decide whether they want to keep powering their tools or accessories or reserve that energy for travel,” says O’Gorman. “Customers can even set the truck to stop using Pro Power Onboard if the battery approaches a distance that is to the nearest charging station.

“The F-150 Lightning is reinventing the idea of vehicle power,” he adds.

“Now, F-150 Lightning offers a true hands-free driving experience available with Blue Cruise,” says Palmer. “Blue Cruise allows hands-free driving on many highways across the U.S. and Canada.” It takes over driving in situations such as traffic jams and along highways to reduce stress.

The system uses a driver-facing camera to ensure you keep your eyes on the road. “It works even when you are wearing sunglasses,” notes Palmer.

DRIVER INTERFACE SIMPLIFIES TASKS “The F-150 Lightning is the first F-150 to offer SYNC 4A, a sleek and modern interface designed for the vehicle’s massive 15 1/2-in. touchscreen available on Lariat and Platinum trims,” says Husein Dakroub, SYNC 4A lead. It is the largest screen in any full-size truck today.

SYNC 4A employs natural voice controls, cloud-connected navigation and wireless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SYNC AppLink apps. In addition, it allows drivers to create their own profiles, add their own pictures and have their vehicle preferences automatically saved.

“The system also gets to know you,” says Dakroub. “It will have your profile and settings loaded as you approach the vehicle. When you opt in, it also learns your habits. And it makes suggestions for your regular activities.”

The truck has the capability to get better over time by utilizing its built-in modem for wireless software updates.

“Wireless software updates can be completed in under two minutes and some can be scheduled at your convenience,” says Dakroub. “You can set overnight update and the vehicle will be updated in the morning.”

HANDS-FREE SOLUTION

FRUNK ADDS VERSATILITY

Ford has recently announced its Blue Cruise hands-free driving solution.

What is a Frunk? It is basically a large front truck located where an internal combustion

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engine would typically be. “Our Mega Power Frunk, the largest front truck among all EVs, has incredible versatility,” says Turnbull.

“There’s a new opportunity to use the space where the traditional engine used to be,” says Nancy Reppanhagen, F-150 Mega Power Frunk. “We used that space to create the largest front trunk in the industry, with 400 liters of volume and 400 lbs. of payload. You can fit one checked bag plus two carry-ons.

You could fit two full sets of golf clubs. Essentially, we’re giving you your cabin back.”

The Frunk does include a drain hole so it can be washed out. There are also D-rings on the floor and cargo hooks on the side for secure cargo storage. Electrical outlets and a USB outlet also allow the space to be used as a portable workstation.

THE MOBILE OFFICE The F-150 Lightning converts to offer a unique office space. “We created this console that would flip over and become a work space,” says Kenny Moore, F-150 Lightning exterior design manager. “In order to do that, the gear shift lever folds all of the way down flat.”

This creates a user-friendly environment where you are no longer trying to write with a notepad balanced on the steering wheel or on the center console.

PRO VERSION TARGETS COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS The 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro will fit the needs of commercial customers and includes a complimentary 32-amp Mobile Charger, making the transition affordable for small and medium-size businesses. It is available with a standard or extended range battery.

Where more power, towing and range are needed, the F-150 Lightning Pro can be optioned as an extended-range version with a targeted EPAestimated 300-mile range. This

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TODAY T ODAY WITH A LOCAL DEALER

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Compact Radius

SY155U

TRU CKS & T R AN S P O R TAT I O N

©FR Design – stock.adobe.com

The standard range F-150 Lightning uses an 11.3-kW single charger and the extended range uses a dual charger to deliver the fastest possible charge time to the limits of SAE charging standards.

FORD PRO BUILDS ON COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER LEGACY Ford has a long history in supporting commercial customers. In 1989, the company established the Business Preferred Network program to help small fleet customers get the assistance they needed from local dealerships. In 2017, it launched the Commercial Center Vehicle Program to provide commercial customers nationwide with sales, service and financing at the dealership level.

Building on this tradition, the company has just announced Ford Pro, which is a separate business within Ford and will be headed by Ted Cannis, who previously headed Ford’s North American commercial business and was leader of its Team Edison EV development group. The goal is to increase uptime and reduce ownership costs for commercial customers.

“Ford Pro will redefine the market for commercial vehicles and services, where Ford is already the leader around the world,” says Jim Farley, Ford CEO. “We’re creating a one-stop shop to help those customers increase uptime and productivity while reducing complexity and the total cost of ownership.”

The nature of the commercial vehicle business is likely to change as more EVs, such as the E-Transit and F-150 Lightning, enter the market. Ford Pro will play a role in the introduction of commercially focused charging solutions.

The company plans to implement Ford Pro services in phases to help customers work better with smart vehicles and connected services. Coverage of the program will include: • Ford Pro Vehicles: This includes the company’s lineup of combustion engine and hybrid commercial vehicles, as well as soon to be released EVs. • Ford Pro Charging: This encompasses hardware and software solutions for public, depot and overnight home charging of EVs. • Ford Pro Intelligence: These digital services enable customers to better manage and maintain their fleets.

• Pro Services Elite: This expands the existing network of Commercial Vehicle centers by adding 120 dedicated, large-bay service hubs across the U.S. with extended hours and rapid turnaround. It also introduces 1,200 mobile service vehicles by 2025 to meet customers where they are to save them time and money and get them back in business quickly.

• Ford Pro FinSimple: This service provides bundled financing for vehicles, service and EV charging.

16 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

version offers customers a targeted 563-hp 4x4 powertrain, while torque remains 775 lbs.ft. It includes an 80-amp Charge Station Pro which — when combined with the included onboard dual chargers — enables affordable Level 2 overnight charging using battery-friendly AC power, negating the need for expensive DC power installation. Equipped with the optional Max Trailer Tow Package, targeted maximum towing increases to 10,000 lbs.

“More than 145 million miles of telematics data show that for the average F-150 commercial customer in the U.S., 95% of their daily travel is less than 174 miles,” says Ted Cannis, general manager, Ford North America commercial business.

“Commercial customers track their business expenses closely.

They buy what they need and not a penny more.”

To help gauge potential purchase and operating cost savings, Ford commercial customers have exclusive access to a new digital fleet planning tool that calculates a variety of factors, including purchase and lease costs, federal and regional tax incentives and regional fuel and energy costs.

F-150 Lightning Pro targets reducing scheduled maintenance costs by 40% over eight years and 100,000 miles, with potential for further operational cost savings through lower fuel costs.

“The digital fleet planning tool will help demonstrate how Ford can provide many customers improved total cost of ownership for a full-size commercial electric truck — from favorable purchase costs, lower fuel and maintenance

Ford

Ford Motor Company

If the F-150 Lightning is plugged in when a power outage occurs, intelligent backup power will automatically kick in to power your home.

It also offers 9.6 kW of Pro Power Onboard to power tools. costs plus strong residual values that we expect will mirror those of the commercial F-Series trucks,” said Cannis. “Best of all, it comes wrapped in a trusted Built Ford Tough-tested truck that delivers what our customers love about F-Series today.”

FORD INVESTED TO GET LIGHTNING RIGHT The importance of F-Series success for Ford Motor Company cannot be overstated. The F-Series alone generates more than $42 billion annually, according to Galhotra. To put this into perspective, this is more revenue than major companies such as McDonald’s, Nike, CocaCola and Netflix generate.

“Ford is committed to leading in electrification in our areas of strength,” says Galhotra. “We are investing at least $22 billion globally in electrification through 2025. This is not simply about putting an electric powertrain into a vehicle. It’s about unlocking technology and features that our customers didn’t even know they needed. It is about providing an ecosystem of EV services that ensure the transition from

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gas to electric is as seamless as possible. We are unique in that we are able to offer affordable EVs though scale efficiencies and manufacturing know-how.”

Electrification provides additional design “freedom.” “When you are working with an internal combustion engine, it defines where the lines of the vehicle go, but with an EV that constraint is gone,” Galhotra comments. “You can design it exactly the way you want it. It enables things like the Mega Power Frunk, because where the engine used to be is now empty space that we can use very thoughtfully to meet our customers’ needs. It offers value you would expect from a Ford — targeting pricing for the masses and targeting lowering the total cost of ownership for many.”

Technology incorporated into the F-150 Lightning is on par with the best luxury trucks and SUVs on the market.

“With just $100, customers can hold their place in line for the F-150 Lightning that starts at $39,974 for the entry level series and goes up to $90,000,” says Galhotra. ET

Xtreme Curb and Gutter Machines

info@gomaco.com x www.gomaco.com Long, straight runs are nice. But many of you have curb and gutter projects with short runs, radii, and corners in parking lots or tight locations. GOMACO’s Xtreme curb and gutter machines have Zero-Turn capabilities for maneuverability. You’ll be able to place more curb than ever before, move your machine in ways you have never moved before, and be able to pour a tight radius that you could only dream of before.

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

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products

Trail King Updated Live Bottom Trailer Peterbilt 567 Vocational Truck

Autocar DC-64D Dump Truck The DC-64D severe-duty, Class 8 dump truck is outfitted with an RS Godwin SCS dump body and features Hardox steel for durability and lighter weight.

• Cummins L9, X12 and ISX12N CNG series engine options • 325° all-around driver visibility includes a sloped front end and rear corner wraparound windows to improve the rearward view • All-welded steel cab construction with frame rail material at a yield strength of 160,000 psi, RBM 3.91 lbs.-in.

• Includes dual Sheppard M100 steering gears, 112-in. BBC and up to 50° wheel cut for easy steering effort and maneuverability • 7-in. driver information smart display

Mack mDRIVE HD for TerraPro Cabover Concrete Pumpers

The Model 567 offers key updates in the VMUX electrical system for enhanced functionality and seamless integration with many different body types.

• Sees a 2% fuel efficiency improvement when combined with the 2021 PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 engines and PACCAR transmission • Increased DEF tank volume • 15-in. digital display with fully customizable user interface, easy to read information and full PTO integration • Available lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with auto resume, speed sign recognition, side object detection, safety direct integration, multi-lane emergency braking and highway departure detection

The mDRIVE HD automated manual transmission can now be ordered in Mack TerraPro cabover concrete pumpers powered by the 13-liter MP8 engine.

• 13- and 14-speed transmission fully integrated with the MP8 engine and Mack axles, enabling up to 505 hp and 1,860 ft.-lbs. of torque • Split-shaft PTO functionality with higher torque for large auxiliary equipment • Low-ratio creeper gears enable improved startability and ultra-low-speed maneuverability • Includes Rock Free, Auto Neutral, MaxBrake, Performance Mode and Grade Gripper features

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The body of this trailer distributes weight to maximize payloads and maintain high levels of maneuverability with multiple axle configurations.

• Hopper walls constructed with .160-in.thick AR450 wear plate in the rear half with the full length as an option • Round hopper crossmembers attached to sidewall with cast steel mountings for less chance of material buildup • Heavy-duty 4-in. pitch roller chain and frictionless drive system provide efficient horizontal discharge while unloading in one revolution or less • Aerodynamic design with smooth side panels in aluminum or steel

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US Tarp Safe-T-Lift for Pull-style Tarping Systems The 16- and 18-ft. optional Safe-T-Lift for pull-style tarping systems for truck tarps keeps drivers safer and is easy to use, resulting in increased driver productivity.

• Suited for 8- to 10-ft.-high body sidewalls • Spring and arm system lifts the rear pull bar over the load • Spring-tensioned arms use a light single spring on each side to easily pull tarp and walk it to the back • Driver can deploy or stow the tarp quickly from ground level

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Felling Pole/Cargo/Dump Trailers The Pole/Cargo/Dump trailers can transport poles, backfill, debris and even reels with optional removable reel stands.

• Three models with GVWRs ranging from 16,000 to 23,000 lbs.

• 12-ft.-long by 72-in.-wide cargo bed includes dual hydraulic cylinders with a drop-down rear tailgate • 24-ft. retracted overall length or 40-ft. length with telescoping tongue fully extended • Removable 96-in.-wide bolster with sliding, removable 21-in. lever lock stanchions • Telescoping tongue with 2-in. cold rolled steel, positive locking adjustment pin

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Maintainer Advanced Crane Control 2.2

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT VERMEER DEALERS WORLDWIDE! The BRON 175 utility tractor features 225 HP (167.8 kW) stage V engine, dual telescopic reel carrier, variable speed hydrostatic transmission, decelerator pedal, oscillating undercarriage and V75-3 offsetting plow.

873 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock ON N4S 3B6 1.800.263.1060 | ON:519.421.0036 610 Main St. West Leroy MN 48039 507.547.2864 Visit BRON online at WWW.RWFBRON.COM

© 2021 Vermeer All Rights Reserved BRON is a registered trademark of RWF Industries, a division of Roberts Welding & Fabricating Ltd.

The optional Advanced Crane Control (ACC) 2.2 system for Maintainer service truck cranes includes automatic stability zone charts, rotate stow assist and body collision prevention.

• Collision prevention feature recognizes critical areas of truck body and mounted accessories to avoid accidental damage with crane • Rotate Stow Assist feature slows and stops the crane in the right position when stowing the crane back in the saddle • Monitors crane lifts and limits speed and capacity if stability is compromised

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18 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

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SMART. CHOICES. INTRODUCING THE INDUSTRY’S MOST FLEXIBLE GRADE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS. With John Deere, you can adopt integrated grade management technology at your own pace. Choose from 2D Grade Guidance all the way up to SmartGrade™ 3D Grade Control. And upgrade at any time.

So you’re free from stakes and strings, overdigging and rework. And to build precise bids that win jobs, and deliver margins. All backed by John Deere’s legendary dealer network. It’s the smarter way forward.

JohnDeere.com/SmartChoices

PERSON N E L T R ANS P O R T | By Curt Bennink

Polaris Commercia

UTVs Provide COST-EFFECTIVE JOBSITE TRANSPORT

Stop beating up your full-size pickups while efficiently moving people and materials around the jobsite.

C

rews running across the construction jobsite in a full-size pickup is a common site. But with the cost of these trucks often exceeding $65,000, is this the best use of this critical asset?

The off-road terrain can accelerate wear and tear, while the heavy trucks can also be hard on the jobsite terrain. There are better alternatives for transport on sensitive terrain or unimproved surfaces.

The modern UTV exerts much less ground pressure, is designed to live in the harshest jobsite conditions and costs substantially less to replace than a pickup truck. “A major benefit of UTVs is that they are capable of traveling on

a variety of terrains, including mud, sand, dirt and rocky surfaces while transporting a variety of cargo,” says Maureen McCormack, go-to-market manager, John Deere Gator Utility Vehicles. “Work UTVs are specifically designed to carry heavy cargo at slower speeds while minimizing damage to the terrain.” They can also be used to tow up to about 2,000 lbs., depending upon the specific model.

While the average UTV’s payload is about 800 lbs., the largest models can carry almost a ton. This allows them to handle tasks that once required a pickup truck. The higher ground clearance of many UTVs also makes these units

20 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

able to navigate over obstacles that would hang up many pickup trucks. Skid plates on UTVs protect the more vulnerable components and the vehicles typically burn less fuel. There are even electric UTVs for applications where you want to eliminate emissions.

Technology upgrades and an expanding options list over the last 10 to 15 years have helped drive the market. “As a result of this increased capability, more construction customers are using the ‘right-sized’ vehicles to replace their full-size trucks and vans as UTVs are purposedesigned for off-road terrain,” says Nick Snidarich, product manager, Polaris Commercial.

According to Snidarich,

utility vehicles designed for the jobsite are compact, purposebuilt machines to move people and equipment over off-road, over the curb or hard pack terrain where other vehicles are not designed to operate. A work utility vehicle provides cost benefits to buy, operate and maintain over pickup trucks.

“Most automobiles are designed for the experience on the road, and those built for offroading are performance driven,” says Jacob Mandoza, RTV senior product manager, Kubota.

UTVs are uniquely tailored to jobsite demands.

The benefits of UTVs are driving industry demand. “These are getting a lot more popular on jobsites,” says James Crouch,

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UTVs continue to prove their value by solving customer problems.

For instance, smaller vehicles can navigate tight spaces better. They can also be used to tow up to about 2,000 lbs., depending upon the specific model.

UTV product manager, Bobcat.

“They are gaining popularity and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. If you look at the industry numbers, this year we’re probably going to be close to 700,000 UTVs sold in the U.S. It’s a huge market.”

The UTV is no longer a well-kept secret. “I believe that acceptance will continue to grow as awareness of the product grows,” says Mandoza. “Once folks are able to see the benefits

PERS ONNEL TRANS PORT

John Deere

Work UTVs are specifically designed to carry heavy cargo at slower speeds while minimizing damage to the terrain.

utility vehicles provide to the jobsite, demand will increase for the product.”

ADOPTION INCREASES EFFICIENCY “UTV usage on construction jobsites is becoming increasingly popular as contractors recognize that these units are reliable and durable, and that their crews can complete tasks faster and more efficiently,” says McCormack. “Additionally, UTVs with climate-controlled cabs can offer both operator and passenger additional comfort in varying weather conditions, which can be a key factor for employee retention.”

It really boils down to total cost of ownership. “Numbers don’t lie,” says Crouch. “At the end of the day, pickup trucks are expensive. They are expensive to maintain. They are large. They are not emissions friendly. UTVs are lower cost. They are extremely versatile machines and they do exactly what a pickup truck will do at a smaller capacity. The economics of it are leaning toward a UTV.” “It’s all about having the right equipment for the job, and no one knows that better than a construction foreman,”

says Snidarich. “Every tool — including vehicles and equipment — needs to add value or they won’t be accepted on the jobsite.” Commercial-focused models have become top sellers for the manufacturers. “We see that trend continuing because of the customer problems they solve and the overall benefits UTVs provide. Not to mention if something does go wrong, they are much less expensive to repair and maintain.”

Like many support tools on the jobsite, versatility is king.

“They are so versatile,” says Crouch. “It is like the compact tractor, which is another one of our products. They are Swiss Army knives. You can turn them into anything you want. We sell sprayer attachments, snow blades, etc. You name it and you can probably do it with a UTV.”

EFFORTLESSLY TRANSPORT CREWS AND MATERIAL “One of the most prominent applications of a UTV on a construction jobsite is the ability to transport people and haul cargo with a vehicle that is more compact and nimble than a pickup truck,” says McCormack.

“Alongside maneuverability, the

versatility of UTVs is enhanced by the amount of attachment options available for customers. Whether you’re in need of a tool rack, snowplow or spreader, there are hundreds of attachments available that can make an immediate impact on a construction business.”

Mandoza adds, “Primarily, UTVs are used for hauling materials, equipment and people, especially on large jobsites.

When UTVs are fitted with implements and accessories, they can also be used to clean up the jobsite; for inspections; and to get the right tools to the people where they are needed.”

A smaller wheelbase provides more access. “For years, construction customers have prioritized safety, durability and serviceability above everything else, but there are other advantages to using UTVs,” says Snidarich. “Smaller vehicles can navigate tight spaces better, offering more protection to the structure and terrain.”

Some machines can be tailored to the specific needs of the terrain. For instance, the Polaris Pro XD has multiple drive modes and turf mode is specifically designed to minimize the

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Kubota Tractor Corp.

UTVs are primarily used for hauling materials, equipment and people, especially on large jobsites. They can also be fitted with attachments and accessories to increase versatility.,

impact the vehicle will have on the terrain.

There are many reasons contractors are investing in UTVs. “The maneuverability has a lot to do with it,” says Crouch. “It is just a perfect storm for growth in that market. If you start to look at emissions regulations, these are very low-emissions machines. They don’t take a lot of fuel. They are quiet when it comes to the noise levels that are being restricted in a lot of places. They are very friendly on the surface. So, there’s a lot of things moving in the favor of a UTV on the jobsite.”

This includes being great people movers. “We have seen a trend in the way of the crew model, which is a six seater or four seater. People are just using them to transport personnel from one side of a place to another,” notes Crouch. Some modern jobsites, like distribution centers and server centers, are massive. “To try and go from side to side efficiently, it takes forever if you are trying to walk and pickup trucks are just too big and expensive.”

Contractors gravitate to UTVs that can carry larger crews. “We tend to sell more

Every tool — including vehicles and equipment — needs to add value or they won’t be accepted on the jobsite.

—Nick Snidarich

July 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 21

Bobcat

Polaris Commercial

PERSON N E L T R ANS P O R T

At the end of the day, pickup trucks are expensive to maintain, they’re large and they are not emissions friendly. UTVs are lower cost, extremely versatile machines and they do exactly what a pickup truck will do at a smaller capacity.

four-seat than two-seat UTVs for construction,” says Snidarich. “Our Pro XD crew maintains its cargo bed size in both models, which increases the overall length of the vehicle to preserve valuable cargo capacity.”

The low cost of entry favors the larger crew cab models. “The six-person [model] is not that much more expensive,” says Crouch. “We see a good many of those.”

The acceptance of cabs is also increasing dramatically. “The take rate for cabs is approaching 30%. It is much more popular than we expected, because it is not a cheap option,” Crouch notes. This includes full-door units with roll-up windows. “Those cab doors are really well built. You can take them off any time you

want so it really does allow some flexibility for the machine.”

The cost benefits can add up. “With UTVs, you can pick one up for $15,000 and it will move six people and hand tools or anything you can put in the box.

You can run it for years and either toss it when it’s done or try to sell it. It’s a little more efficient, more economical solution for moving people on the jobsite,” says Crouch. “And it’s smaller. It’s so much lighter than a pickup truck. If you get a rainy season, it is nothing to sink a pickup truck on a jobsite.” But UTVs are made for this environment.

However, as with pickup trucks, there are currently availability challenges. “If you go to a dealership right now and ask

Accessories are often added to utility vehicles for commercial applications, including cabs, keyless start, straight shift, telematics, work lights, strobe beacons, RAC systems for the cargo box and sweepers.

for a UTV, they’re going to tell you it’s going to be probably four months before you can see one,” says Crouch. “There are no UTVs to be had out there right now. The market is completely evacuated for inventory.” The field inventory is low across the entire industry.

CHOOSE WISELY

When purchasing a UTV, you should consider price, functionality and the intended purpose of the machine. “I caution buyers not to focus on specs only,” says Mandoza. “It’s easy to see one machine has more horsepower than the other, but does that customer need more horsepower? Try to go beyond the spec and get behind the wheel yourself to feel how the machine performs.”

He adds, “Using the horsepower example, there’s a misconception that more horsepower means you can get from Polaris Commercial provides a list of questions you should consider before choosing a UTV. Point A to Point B fast• Will my UTV be operated indoors, outdoors, on road or off? er. But other factors • Do I need to haul more than two people? also play an important • If I expand to a crew UTV for more passenger seating, am I losing cargo bed space? role in maneuverability.

How does the com• What is the towing, payload and bed capacity (can it fit a pallet)? petition stack up in • What fuel will I have on site? real-world applications?

• Do I have access to electricity for charging (electric models)?

I also recommend look• Are the key components engineered to withstand the tough duty of a construction site — heavy-duty, longer lasting ing at the variety of tires, puncture-resistant seats, durable brakes and driveline? attachments (imple• Is there a speed limiter and/or speed calibration? ments, accessories) • Is there a backup alarm, horn and parking brake? that are offered for the • Is the cab fully sealed to prevent dust ingestion? product as these allow • Is there an engine braking system that eliminates acceleration when going downhill? you to customize the • Are there operator alarms to alert me before I overuse my UTV, possibly causing damage? machine for specific • How quickly can I perform the common maintenance checks — do I have to empty my cargo to check the oil? work/applications.”

• Are the tires all the same size so I can stock one spare vs. multiple?

One size does not fit all. “There are a variety of UTV options

QUESTIONS TO ASK IF YOU ARE BUYING A UTV

22 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

www.ForConstructionPros.com

available for customers today,” says McCormack. “A customer should know how many people they want to transport, how much/what type of material they want to haul, and what kind of terrain they want to drive through. Knowing these three basic things, a customer can narrow down their choices.”

There is no substitute for a test drive.

“It is highly recommended to work with a local dealer, test drive a vehicle and even demo it on a jobsite if possible.

Customers should look for a UTV that they feel comfortable operating,” says McCormack. “John Deere Gator utility vehicles include automotive-like features for easier operation and improved operator control. Recent product line updates include improved transmission controls, enhanced digital displays, easier gear shifting and refined power steering. The updated units also provide instant engagement of four-wheel drive and differential lock through a simple flip of a switch.”

In addition, there are gasoline, diesel and electric models, dozens of cab configurations and an impressive array of accessories that allow you to customize a UTV to best fit your specific application.

Fuel compatibility with other equipment on site can simplify use. “We have a gasoline and a diesel option,” says Crouch. About a third of the UTVs sold

by Bobcat are diesel variants. “It is actually starting to trend up as we start to break through with a few of these national accounts. The people like the diesel units because it is a common power source on the jobsite. If you have 70 pieces of equipment that are burning diesel fuel, you don’t want one that requires gas.

“We are seeing an increase in the take rate of diesel units just for that common

PERS ONNEL TRANS PORT

platform, that common power,” he adds.

RECREATION VS. WORK There are pretty significant differences between UTVs built for recreation, which can reach speeds up to 85 mph, and commercial units that are often governed to 26 mph or less for jobsite compliance. Vehicles built for work are slower, but their suspension systems are designed to carry loads.

“The primary differences are recreational UTVs are designed for speed, handling and agility with performance suspension. On the other hand, commercial applications demand quality, reliability, easy operation, functionality, versatility and safety,” Mandoza explains. “Additionally, accessories are often added to utility vehicles for commercial applications, like cabs, keyless start, straight shift, telematics, work lights, strobe beacons, RAC systems for the cargo box and sweepers.”

“UTVs for commercial applications are designed to operate at slower speeds and offer a cargo box, while recreational UTVs may not have a cargo box and typically provide higher speeds,” says McCormack. “Cross-over UTVs typically provide the best of both worlds with higher operating speeds and a cargo box. For a construction crew, John Deere offers multiple UTV accessories that add additional storage to a unit, such as toolboxes and cargo box side extensions that will allow operators to haul big and bulky material.

Additionally, John Deere offers a cargo box power lift kit for XUV models that makes dumping heavy material even easier by lifting up to 1,000 lbs. of cargo.”

Make sure the unit you chose is a good fit for your operation. “At Bobcat Company, we stand behind the fact that we are a construction company,” says Crouch. “We sell UTVs but they are not recreational UTVs and we don’t intend to occupy that market — that’s just not who Bobcat is. The market is big enough for us to get our share and hit our numbers without having to sell 100,000 units. So, our machines are custom fit for the jobsite. We always say internally that it is a tool and not a toy.”

Being able to set the desired top speed is an important consideration for many jobsites. “Polaris provides speed calibration in a few different ways,” says Snidarich. “All our gas UTVs will limit the speed to 15 mph if the driver isn’t buckled. Our Pro XD work UTV takes it a step further. The vehicle’s speed is limited to 26 mph for jobsite compliance, with additional speed limiting capabilities down to 15 mph for slower jobsite requirements driven by safety critical operations. The speed can also

be calibrated for a limit of up to 40 mph in Pro XD gas models for use on unrestricted jobsites.”

The top speed of Bobcat machines is approximately 35 mph. “It’s plenty fast enough to go safely from jobsite to jobsite or from one side of a jobsite to the other side without being a safety factor,” says Crouch. ET

Customers should look for a UTV that they feel comfortable operating.

—Maureen McCormack

Scan and find out more

INTRODUCING THE NEXT GENERATION OF

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Imagine the feeling of being able to cut through rock hard material like butter. Feel how the innovative Exo-Grit segment and the smarter features give you gold level performance. For smoother, faster* and safer cutting.

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July 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 23

Advertisement

Use battery-powered equipment to REDUCE NOISE AND VIBRATION A

bout 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels each year, according to NIOSH. Hearing damage can occur with long-term exposure to loud noises, or from an ear-splitting blast of noise that can burst an eardrum. Because there isn’t much “pain” related to hearing loss, individuals might not notice the effects of cumulative exposure to noise over long periods of time.

Noise that is just 2-3 decibels louder than normal can be easy for individuals to accept. Often, it isn’t noticed in time to prevent hearing loss.

In daily life, decibel levels range upward from leaves rustling at 20 decibels to dangerous levels, such as a lawn mower at 110 dBA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers

to implement a worksite hearing conservation program when noise exposure is at or above 85 decibels averaged over 8 working hours.

In addition to hearing loss, loud noise also can create physical and psychological stress; some studies link it to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and depression.

Noise also affects concentration and sleep, which reduces productivity.

Solutions to prevent occupational hearing loss include using quieter machines, such as battery-powered equipment that operate at lower decibels.

But it’s not just noise to be concerned about…

The risk of harm from vibration, for which there is no OSHA standard, depends on intensity, frequency, and length of exposure. While excessive sound vibrations can injure the ears through noise, other vibrations affect the entire body. Whole-body vibration can bring symptoms like back pain or shakiness, experienced after a long car or boat trip, or after operating heavy equipment, including bulldozers and backhoes.

Skilled trades workers suffer localized Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), when vibrations gradually cause permanent changes in tendons, muscles, bones, and joints. A wellknown disorder from HAVS is “Vibration-Induced White Finger,” or “Raynaud’s disease,” which causes fingers and toes to feel numb and cold in response to temperatures or stress. In Raynaud’s disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin become narrow, limiting blood flow to affected areas.

HAVS has also been linked to carpal tunnel syndrome, tingling, loss of sensation in the fingers, loss of light touch, bone cysts in fingers and wrists, pain, and cold sensations in-between attacks.

Medication and surgery are sometimes required. In the most severe cases, gangrene can occur.

24 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

To prevent vibration injury, experts recommend that employers purchase equipment with lower vibration, monitor their workers, and educate users on HAVS. The good news is that injuries from noise and vibration, while permanent and progressive, are also preventable.

BATTERY-POWERED SOLUTIONS The lower noise level of battery-powered solutions means users can communicate while they’re operating the tools, adding safety and productivity. The equipment eliminates gas engine vibration, adding to the safety and comfort of the worker.

Freedom from gas engines means no carbon monoxide emissions. Work can be done conveniently and safely in a confined space, adding more productivity. With no gas engines, there’s no mixing gas and oil, or maintenance.

The push-button start provides instant power with no priming, choking, or pull-starting, even in cold weather.

The MX FUEL™ Backpack Concrete Vibrator cuts the noise of gas-powered competitors, reduces the vibration, and eliminates the emissions from a gas engine.

For the operator, the equipment adds safety and comfort, while supplying a more productive experience. The Backpack Concrete Vibrator provides portability and a one-person operation ensuring aggregate is evenly distributed (shown in white). The push-button activation reduces downtime, allowing users to get jobs done faster.

On one XC battery, the Backpack Concrete Vibrator can consolidate concrete 50 feet wide by 75 feet long by 6 inches deep – about 3,800 square feet.

The Backpack Concrete Vibrator delivers the power to push up to

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2½” heads at over 11,000 VPM for optimal consolidation, even in the stiffest concrete.

THE BOTTOM LINE Workers need to return home each day just as healthy as when they arrived at work. This not only improves short-term health for valued workers but keeps a healthy workforce in place to stay on the job longer. In September 2020, 83% of contractors reported moderate to high difficulty finding skilled workers, and it’s becoming more important than ever to keep workers on the job.

Battery-powered equipment offers an effective alternative to gas engine noise and vibrations, provides a better experience for your workers, and increases safety and productivity. It’s a win-win.

For more information, visit https://www.milwaukeetool.com/ Innovations/MX-FUEL.

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Skid steers are perhaps the most versatile machines on a jobsite, with capabilities that enable them to tackle a wide range of tasks. Here’s a look at models from all the major suppliers, plus a look at system advances that help to maximize productivity and performance. To learn more, use the URL shown. Also be sure to visit the interactive version of this spec guide at www.ForConstructionPros.com/specguide/skid-steer to sort and compare models and specs based on your specific requirements.

2021

JOHN DEERE

John Deere skid steers feature turbocharged diesel engines that meet emission standards, run smooth and pack plenty of power and torque to take on a variety of different applications.

This power system design delivers the tractive effort and leverage needed to handle heavy loads and power through rock or dirt piles, plus enhance productivity during grading or cleanup tasks. A key feature on Large Frame models is the Anti-Stall feature that monitors the engine load to quickly prevent the engine from stalling. This allows the operator to use the maximum horsepower efficiently when pushing large amounts of material.

GEHL

Gehl's hydraulic systems boost productivity by using some of the top technology combined with innovation. Hydraulic component efficiencies have improved through the years, allowing the machines to do more with small engines without sacrificing power. They consume less fuel and operate quieter than machines of the past. For maximum power, the range goes up to what is reported to be the largest skid steer in the market, the V420, which offers 120 hp and a rated operating capacity of 4,200 lbs.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073086

Model R105 R135 GEN:2 R165 R190 R220 R260 V270 GEN:2 V330 GEN:2 V420

Net HP 34.7 46.6 69.3 69.3 72 72 72 72 120.7

Operating Weight (lbs.)

4,200 5,255 6,165 6,880 7,980 8,200 8,150 9,090 11,665

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,050 1,350 1,650 1,900 2,200 2,600 2,700 3,300 4,200

Breakout Force (lbf.)

2,975 3,500 4,591 4,050 5,600 5,600 5,795 5,968 9,040

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

107.5 110 118.8 120.5 123 123 130.3 131.2 143.8

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 14.5 16.8 20.4 18.5 23.5 23.5 23.5 23.5 30.1

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073480

Model 312GR 314G 316GR 318G 320G 324G 330G 332G

Net HP 48 48 61 61 66 70 89 97

Operating Weight (lbs.)

5,905 6,140 6,180 6,542 7,150 7,700 9,900 10,000

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,550 1,760 1,750 1,945 2,190 2,690 3,000 3,600

Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,000 5,000 5,250 6,000 6,000 8,750 10,300 13,904

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

115 120 115 120 122 126 132 132

Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 31 31 33 33 39 42 47 50

NEW HOLLAND

New Holland’s skid-steers include a new 8-in. LCD multifunction display that provides features like maintenance tracking, engine protection and ignition time-out right at your fingertips. Along with the easy to navigate user experience, the display offers electrohydraulic control settings that allow the operator to customize and adjust machine settings.

The upgraded wiring components and drive pump sensors provide advanced features such as Auto Straight Line Tracking and CREEP mode when precision operation is critical.

CATERPILLAR INC.

Cat D3 series skid-steer loaders feature a hydraulic system that delivers optimal pushing power and breakout for everyday tasks. For more demanding tasks, the available High Flow XPS system supplies a high-flow, high-pressure auxiliary hydraulic system (32 gpm max/4,061 psi max). The additional pressure provided with the High Flow XPS system delivers enhanced productivity with demanding hydromechanical attachments such as cold planers (milling heads), wheel saws, stump grinders or industrial brush cutters.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10075307

www.forconstructionpros.com/10072472

Model L316 L318 L320 L321 L328 L334

Net HP 57 57 64 68 68 84

Operating Weight (lbs.)

5,510 5,930 6,470 6,970 8,245 8,900

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,600 1,800 2,000 2,100 2,800 3,400

26 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | July 2020

Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,270 5,550 7,300 7,270 8,620 9,323

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

9' 4" 10' 10' 1" 10' 3" 10' 9" 10' 11"

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 18.4 20.6 20.6 24.2 24.2 24.2

Model 226D3 236D3 232D3 242D3 246D3 262D3 272D3 272D3 XE

Net HP 66 73 66 73 73 73 95 106

Operating Weight (lbs.)

5,849 6,567 6,514 7,138 7,478 8,296 9,133 9,573

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,550 1,800 1,900 2,200 2,200 2,700 3,450 3,700

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Breakout Force (lbs.)

3,927 5,003 3,928 4,963 7,355 7,355 7,443 7,362

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

110.9 122.9 118.1 121.1 124.2 124.9 127.1 128.6

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 18 20 18 20 23 23 23 23

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TODAY?

When moving material is on your to-do list, Wacker Neuson is ready for action. From powerful skid steers, compact track loaders and wheel loaders to the innovative dual view dumpers, we have the equipment you need to keep your project moving forward.

Looking for material handling solutions? Check it off your list with Wacker Neuson.

Contact your local dealer today.

www.wackerneuson.com

2021

BOBCAT COMPANY WACKER NEUSON

The Kohler KDI Tier 4 Final engines that power the Wacker Neuson skid-steer and compact track loader lineup were chosen to optimize productivity and reduce downtime. The DOC-only aftertreatment system does not require filter maintenance, reducing downtime and operating costs. The system also does not require regeneration cycles, which negatively impact loader performance and can lead to work stoppages. The loaders' aftertreatment system is worry free so operators can focus on production.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10075166

Model SW16 SW17 SW20 SW21 SW 24 SW 28 SW32

Net HP 56 74.3 56 74.3 74.3 74.3 100

Operating Weight (lbs.)

6,170 6,245 6,437 6,512 7,840 8,175 8,629

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,600 1,700 2,000 2,100 2,400 2,800 3,200

Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,300 5,300 5,300 5,300 6,941 6,941 6,941

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

118 118 124 124 126.8 134.8 134.8

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 20 20 20 20 22.1 22.1 25.1

Bobcat R-Series compact loaders offer enhanced comfort plus a variety of features and options to enhance productivity and performance. They include redesigned lift arms featuring cast steel segments; an improved cooling system; one-piece sealed and pressurized cab design; clear side enclosure option; inline engine design and durable direct drive system; 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage option; cast steel Bob-Tach attachment mounting system; ergonomic controls; and innovative displays with device connectivity.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10075912

Model S70 S450 S590 S595 S740 A770 S770 S850 S510 S62 S64 S66 S76

Net HP 23.5 49 68 70.5 74 88.2 92 100 55 68 68 74 74

Operating Weight (lbs.)

2,892 5,370 6,765 6,793 8,794 9,623 9,314 10,237 6,208 6,884 6,974 7,154 8,615

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

760 1,370 2,000 2,200 3,100 3,325 3,350 3,950 1,876 2,100 2,300 2,400 2,900

Breakout Force (lbs.)

2,028 2,776 5,470 5,740 6,676 6,531 6,831 9,686 -- 6,960 6,960 5,851 --

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

7' 10.5" 9' 1.5" 9' 11" 9' 10" 10' 11.4" 10' 11" 10' 11.4" 12' 9' 6.5" 9' 6.5" 10' 10' 10' 8.3"

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 9.8 16.7 17.1 17.1 23 23 23 23 -17.6 17.6 23.3 --

CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Case B Series skid steers have been enhanced to deliver an intuitive operating experience while also standing up to the rigors of heavy earthmoving and attachment use. The B Series retains the styling of previous models, yet operational systems have been reengineered for greater performance and have been fully integrated with new control and operator interfaces to give operators a powerful match of productivity, efficiency and convenience.

KUBOTA

www.forconstructionpros.com/10072356

Model SR160B SR175B SV185B SR210B SR240B SR270B SV280B SV340B

Net HP 57 64 57 68 68 84 68 84

Operating Weight (lbs.)

5,645 6,270 6,570 6,970 7,400 8,117 8,090 9,100

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,600 1,750 1,850 2,100 2,400 2,700 2,800 3,400

28 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | July 2020

Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,270 7,270 5,550 7,270 8,680 8,677 8,776 9,531

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

112 122 120 123 125.1 125.1 130 130

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 18.4 20.6 20.6 24.2 24.2 24.2 24.2 24.2

The SSV Series is powered by a Kubota Tier 4-certified, four-cylinder diesel engine and features standard two-speed travel and optional high-flow hydraulics. Borrowed from the company's compact track loaders, the proven loader arm design with vertical geometry can push and dig as well as a radial machine. It is reinforced in all the right areas, including critical connections to the coupler and rear crossbar.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073594

Model SSV65 SSV75

Net HP 64 74.3

Operating Weight (lbs.)

6,790 8,157

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,950 2,690

www.ForConstructionPros.com

Breakout Force (lbs.)

4,839 5,884

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

121.5 128.3

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 18 20.9

HARDWORKING. JOB-TESTED. COMMITTED.

RT Track Loaders feature pilot joystick controls with the exclusive IdealTrax™ automatic track tensioning system and the IdealAccess™ fold-up door.

For more info visit:

GEHL.COM /equipment/track-loaders

2021 MANITOU

Because it is the heart of the machine, reliability and performance of the engine is Manitou's No. 1 priority. By powering its machines with the top engine suppliers, it is able to offer complete skidsteer product lines with machines ranging from some of the biggest in the industry down to the nimble R1050, which has an overall envelope of only 89” x 48” x 70”.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073779

Model 1050R R1350R NXT2 1650R 1950R 2200R 2600R 2700V NXT2 3300V NXT2 4200V

Net HP 34.7 46.6 69.3 69.3 72 72 72 72 120.7

Operating Weight (lbs.)

4,200 5,255 6,165 6,880 7,980 8,200 8,150 9,090 11,665

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,050 1,350 1,650 1,900 2,200 2,600 2,700 3,300 4,200

Breakout Force (lbf.)

2,975 3,500 4,591 4,050 5,600 5,600 5,795 5,968 9,040

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

107.5 110 118.8 120.5 123 123 130.3 131.2 143.8

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 14.5 16.8 20.4 18.5 23.5 23.5 23.5 23.5 30.1

JCB

Engine advancements in skid-steer models have resulted in engines that produce enhanced torque and horsepower while using less fuel, making them more efficient than previous models. In addition, electrohydraulic controls have improved machine efficiency, allowing the main control valve to be powered by electric signals instead of servo hydraulics.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073460

Model 215 270 300 3TS-8W (Teleskid)

KOVACO ELECTRIC

Using a patented disposition of three motors has allowed Kovaco to enhance the maximum endurance and power of its niche skid steers.

According to the company, it has created its own category of electric loader with a high rating in performance and literally no maintenance that can't be compared with any conventional diesel models in the same category.

Net HP 74 74 74 74

Operating Rated Operating Breakout Height to Std. Hydraulic Weight (lbs.)

Capacity (lbs.)

Force (lbs.)

Hinge Pin (in.) Flow (gpm) 7,253-7,445a 1,477-2,257a 4,899 118 18.5 8,680 2,723 6,543 126 24 9,288 3,186 6,543 126 24 b b b 9,859 3,208/1,347 6,473/6,695 126/159 24

a Dependent on addition of optional suitcase counterweight kits

KATO

KATO’s AS12 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. Combined with an operating weight of just over 3,000 lbs. and a 1,455-lb. tipping load, it can easily maneuver loads into the narrowest of spaces. Operator comfort and minimizing fatigue is a key consideration on this machine. The interior offers clearance of up to 28 in., a comfortable adjustable seat and easy to operate controls.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073594

Model Elise 900 Elise 1400

Net HP 3x36.21 3x36.21

Operating Weight (lbs.)

7,275 8,377

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

1,984 3,086

b Retracted/Extended

Breakout Force (lbs.)

7,385 7,385

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

143.19 143.19

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm)* 17.17 17.17

*For boom only; electric attachments used on both models

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073360

MUSTANG

Mustang by Manitou designs a wide range of skid loaders to ensure that its customers are productive on the job. With models ranging from 1,050- to 4,200-lb. operating capacities, the product portfolio ensures that users can be confident that the company offers a machine suited for the task. A standard Level II FOPS provides operators safety assurance with regard to operating in environments with potential airborne objects.

www.forconstructionpros.com/10073977

Model AS12

Net HP 21

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

728

Breakout Force (lbs.)

1,641

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

8' 4"

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 9.25

ASV HOLDINGS INC.

Today’s engines are packed with more power in smaller sizes, providing as much as or more horsepower than previous designs. This means ASV is able to fit more power into smaller machines. In addition, pumps, drive motors and valves are becoming more efficient, allowing more horsepower to be directed to the attachment. The advanced control capabilities of these systems also allow better operator control, finesse and immediate response, making the machines more productive and easier to use for both expert and novice operators.

Net Operating Rated Operating Breakout Height to Std. Hydraulic Model HP Weight (lbs.)

Capacity (lbs.)

Force (lbs.)

Hinge Pin (in.)

Flow (gpm) 1050R 34.7 4,200 1,050 2,975 107.5 14.5 1350R NXT:2 46.6 5,255 1,350 3,500 110 16.8 1650R 69.3 6,165 1,650 4,591 118.8 20.4 1900R 69.3 6,880 1,900 4,050 120.5 18.5 2200R 72 7,980 2,200 5,600 123 23.5 2600R 72 8,200 2,600 5,600 123 23.5 2700V NXT:2 72 8,150 2,700 5,795 130.3 23.5

3300V NXT:2 72 9,090 3,300 5,968 131.2 23.5 4200V 120.7 11,665 4,200 9,040 143.8 30.1

Model MAX-Series RS-75 MAX-Series VS-75

30 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | July 2020

Operating Weight (lbs.)

3,016

www.forconstructionpros.com/10072072 Net HP 70 70

Operating Weight (lbs.)

7,595 8,910

www.ForConstructionPros.com

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

2,600 3,500

Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,845 5,920

Height to Std. Hydraulic Hinge Pin (in.)

Flow (gpm) 125 21.3 130 26.1

SUNWARD

The SWL3230 skid-steer loader brings speed, reliability and the optimal amount of power to the table. With a 74-hp Kubota engine, this machine can easily load up to 8,000 lbs. It has a tipping load of 4,854 lbs. and can quickly maneuver around the jobsite with a max speed of 7.8 mph. The compact unit has a turning radius of just 4 ft. 5 in.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21134313

Model SWL3230

Net HP 75.3

Operating Weight (lbs.)

7,613

Rated Operating Capacity (lbs.)

2,427

Breakout Force (lbs.)

5,472

Height to Hinge Pin (in.)

123

Std. Hydraulic Flow (gpm) 22.7

SELECT COMPACT EQUIPMENT TO REDUCE FATIGUE Operator fatigue cuts into productivity and can impact safety. Eliminating it is a constant challenge for OEMs when designing compact equipment.

Key features to consider in today’s models to help combat fatigue and increase operator productivity include: Machine Controls — Control lever movements are one of the primary causes of operator fatigue. The further it takes to actuate a control lever and the greater the resistance felt, the more it will wear on an operator over the course of a full shift. This is part of the reason there's been such a shift to joystick controls, which offer lower lever efforts and a shorter throw.

Visibility — When operators have to lean forward to see the cutting edge or strain to look over their shoulder to see to the side and rear of the machine, it stresses their back and neck. Features such as large doors, large side windows and a rear hood that tapers quickly down can aide visibility.

Cameras can also help with rear visibility.

Cab Design — Compact equipment design must balance the needs of operators of various sizes with the need for functionality, all within the space limitations of the machine.

Take into account interior space as well as comfort features such as an enclosed cab with HVAC and high-quality air ride seat.

NVH — Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are the No. 1 contributor to operator fatigue. Designs that mitigate noise and vibration levels can keep operators comfortable and productive throughout the workday.

Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros. com/21087260.

• DURABILITY • PERFORMANCE • VERSATILITY

Maximize uptime and productivity across diierent jobsite conditions with Fecon’s innovative and aggressive Rotor systems—configured for your needs! The FGT & DCR rotors are available in all Bull Hog models and use the same proven bolt-on stub shafts and bearing systems for long-lasting durability. Fecon ooers a variety of tool options to tailor both systems for maximum results in changing conditions.

fecon.com

800 528 3113

TE C H N OLOG Y T R EN D S | By Sara Jensen

TELEMATICS Go Beyond Fleet Management Danfoss Power Solutions

Retrieving data from a piece of equipment and making the most of that data continues to be an area in which telematics technology is evolving.

T

elematics systems continue to play a pivotal role in heavy-duty equipment. As use of these systems has increased over the years, so too have their capabilities.

“Telematics as a technology has evolved significantly over the last 10 years,” says Pankaj Sharma, vice president, marketing and product, at NexTraq, a Michelin group company. “It’s no [longer] just a location-based service like it used to be perceived in the past. It has evolved to be all about insights that make an impact on a fleet’s operations, whether it’s productivity, safety, cost efficiency, compliance and a lot more.”

Retrieving data from a piece of equipment and making the most of that data continues to be an area in which telematics technology is evolving. Incorporation of more data analytics as well as artificial intelligence and vision technology, such as dash cams, are some of the ways Sharma says telematics systems are advancing to provide more information for vehicle and equipment owners.

Integration is becoming an important part of the equation, as well. “Understanding that no individual entity can provide all services, it’s very evident we need to be part of a big ecosystem to provide a higher impact for customers,” says Sharma.

Because of this, forming industry partnerships — whether with service providers or OEMs — will be vital to ensuring

end-use customers get the features and information they need.

While NexTraq currently offers an aftermarket solution, it plans to work with OEMs as they play a critical role in ensuring the right equipment and vehicle insights are provided to end users.

“In addition to having a flexible portal and the ability to configure whatever data you want to collect, it’s also important to realize the level of telematics that every machine needs because not all machines are as complex. Not all of them have complex electronics that need to be monitored and updated,” says Ivan Teplyakov, business development manager for Connected Solutions, Danfoss Power Solutions.

For those wanting software updates, remote diagnostics or monitoring of complex electronics, he says high-level telematics systems with more connectivity are necessary. However, not every machine or customer needs this, which is why Danfoss has made both the software and hardware used for its telematics systems flexible.

“We offer a portfolio of three different devices,” says Teplyakov.

“The customer can select the appropriate level of need for their particular machine, as well as the appropriate level of cost.”

NEW TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES DATA COLLECTION NexTraq provides fleet management services across multiple

32 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

Continued advancement in telematics enables more data collection and predictive maintenance capabilities.

industries, including the heavy equipment industry. According to Sharma, those services are focused in four main areas: productivity and cost efficiency, safety, compliance and workforce management. “At the end of the day, all of our solutions and services are targeted toward these elements,” he notes.

The heavy equipment industry has a broad range of requirements including tracking assets, projects and workforce.

As such, the NexTraq solution brings together various elements into a single solution to help meet the industry’s range of needs. This provides a complete picture of how a business is operating and what changes may need to be made to work safer and more efficiently.

With this solution, users can more easily track where and how their equipment is used. This can benefit rental companies which need to monitor equipment use and plan maintenance.

It can also benefit equipment owners who want to ensure their employees are using the equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Telematics provider Geotab recently introduced its GO9+ solution featuring WiFi connectivity to help make it easier for fleets to track and monitor their equipment. Bluetooth beacons can be placed on tools and equipment that communicate with a WiFi hub, which then communicates with the Geotab technology.

Colin Sutherland, executive vice president, sales & marketing, at Geotab, notes when the company launched the new telematics solution, customers said the biggest value was the amount of data generated to help with business operations. Because the device includes both cellular and WiFi components, customers can potentially reduce their cellular data costs. Many equipment fleets have multiple portable devices and cellular plans, which can become costly. Having a single solution capable of providing all of their data needs can help to reduce these costs.

Sutherland notes customers can set their rate plan to best meet their business needs.

“We’re initially launching with a 2-gigabyte rate plan because we expect a lot of users to be dropping their expensive cellular plans and bringing it all through the GO9+ device,” he says.

Customers have told Geotab they will be better able to track data consumption with this new device and operate more cost effectively. “It’s all about operating costs in the field,” says Sutherland. “And in 2021, it’s about staying lean, giving people productive tools and eliminating wasted time. So, you can find a tagged asset and you know

www.ForConstructionPros.com

where it’s used. Combining connected assets and devices enables an employee to work effectively in a really seamless way. And that’s what excited us when we launched GO9+.”

While tracking a large piece of equipment will be beneficial, so will the ability to track and monitor non-powered assets such as attachments and tools and even cargo in some cases.

Alex Romero, product manager for Software and Connected Solutions, Danfoss Power Solutions, says the telematics portfolio the company is launching keeps in mind the fact heavy equipment also continues evolving. “Not all machines have

tab

Geo

Geotab’s new GO9+ includes cellular and WiFi connectivity. been equipped with enough intelligence to capture how the machine is performing in the field, and some of them are more evolved than others,” he explains. “[Some customers] may need more help from the intelligence that resides within the telematics gateway.”

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

As such, Danfoss has systems which are programmable and non-programmable.

Reliability and security of the information is integral, as well. Ensuring that is why Danfoss has chosen to engineer its own telematics system from the ground up. Romero says doing so provides more control over the type of protocols used for communicating information. The entire communication chain — other than the cellular network and infrastructure — is owned by Danfoss, enabling it to provide customers with the data they need in a safe and secure manner.

The company is able to do this by ensuring its telematics gateways are compliant with the latest cybersecurity protocols and the right encryption to make sure the data is not exposed.

“A part of this evolving digital environment is data itself. It’s about data ownership, and then data privacy,” says Teplyakov. “By having full control over our system, we can deliver these services to our customers without including, any more than necessary, third parties which could bring an element of risk to the whole environment.”

digitalization must be purposeful.

Teplyakov says it should either solve a problem or increase reliability and productivity while reducing downtime.

What that means for the off-highway equipment market can be very different.

“The large OEMs understand what data needs to be collected and how they

can show users the valuable information collected in order to drive these productivity improvements,” he says. “For the majority of the market, what that means could be very different.”

As such, every OEM needs to look at its own machine designs and what constitutes productivity benefits and

UNCAGE THE BEAST.

TELEMATICS AND THE GROWTH OF CONNECTIVITY Over the past 20 years, diagnostic trouble codes have moved beyond those which were engine or sometimes drivetrain focused to other components such as PTOs, Sutherland notes. More sensors are also being incorporated into components and systems to make them and the overall piece of equipment smarter. All of this is providing more information to help fleets maintain equipment and maximize uptime.

However, it can be challenging to bring all of this information together, which is where telematics plays a role.

Bringing all information and connected devices together to a common upload point, such as a telematics system, makes everything easier to manage.

The never-ending quest for productivity, which all of this information and maintenance planning looks to improve, has been a key driver for the increased use of digital technology in the heavy equipment industry, says Romero.

“We’ve seen a large wave of adoption and willingness to adopt digital technology and specifically connectivity,” adds Teplyakov.

More OEMs are doing so because the cost of entry is lower due to the rate at which technology has evolved.

Many see the additional features that can be provided through digitalization as a requirement to compete in the market, as well.

Implementing connectivity and

reduced downtime, Teplyakov states.

Based on that, it can then implement the right technology. “Because we cater to this market of small and medium OEMs, we need to have a very flexible platform that can be configured to these different needs,” he adds.

The user interface of Danfoss’ system

Bring stand-on convenience to full-size work with the Ditch Witch® SK3000 Stand-On Skid Steer. This beast offers a 3,100-lb operating capacity and the industry’s only easy-on, easy-off platform, so you can work with 360 degrees of visibility. No cage, no obstructions.

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TECHNOLOGY TRENDS Products

NexTraq

TE C H N OLOG Y T R EN D S

Incorporation of vision technology such as dash cams into telematics systems is helping provide more information for vehicle and equipment owners. is customizable with various levels of dashboards.

Customers can configure which signals they want to monitor and at what frequency. There are also customizable reporting tools through which historical data can be viewed in a way the customer needs.

Danfoss consults with customers to determine what problems they’re looking to solve or where they want to make improvements. “It’s a learning process that we go through together with the customer every time,” says Teplyakov.

It is a growth process, as well. Telematics systems can provide some basic features such as machine monitoring.

Adding connectivity can then further expand these features while also making them faster and more automated.

“We always say that changing what you’re already doing to implement connectivity usually will not lead to the kind of success you want.

But rather, you should augment the processes that are already in place by adding these data insights into your machine,” says Teplyakov.

“Then you can grow from there. As you’re learning more about what the possibilities of connectivity are, then

you start looking at more and more advanced features.”

When adding connectivity, he again notes the importance of an OEM understanding its machine and what signals would possibly provide deeper insights to aid end use customers.

Telematics plays an important role in connectivity and the digital transformation of the heavy equipment industry, and is a key enabler component, says Romero. “To create an efficient machine network and deliver the promise of internet of machines, you need to connect them,” he says.

“Connectivity technologies [like telematics] and pervasive expansion of wireless infrastructure have been key to this proliferation of connected machines.”

As machines continue to become more connected, it will be critical to also connect all of the different cloud platforms on which they run. Teplyakov says it will be necessary to have the cloud platforms communicate with one another to create machine networks that reach beyond a single IoT (Internet of Things) environment. “That then will lead to connecting not just machines themselves but the actual worksites,” he says.

Doing so would enable not just machines to be monitored but also the flow of various materials and resources. This

34 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

would benefit a variety of industries including construction, agriculture, mining and others.

PROVING THE POTENTIAL OF EVS AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS As alternative fuel and power sources become more prevalent in the heavyduty vehicle and equipment markets, telematics technology will be able to provide insights into how they perform, as well.

Sutherland says there are several alternative fuel vehicles currently in the market which Geotab’s telematics technology supports. It is able to provide not only the day-to-day operational health information but also the potential remarket value of a vehicle.

“We’re proving to some companies who previously thought buying an alternative fuel vehicle was going to be really expensive to maintain in the fifth, sixth or seventh year that actually the vehicle has about double the life of their combustion vehicle,” Sutherland points out.

With electric and alternative fuel vehicles, customers will likely want to hang on to them for 1 million miles, not half a million miles as currently typical with combustion engine-powered vehicles. “It’s pretty impressive to see the distance the alternative fuel vehicles get, and how low a running cost per mile they actually will run,” says Sutherland.

As more alternatively powered vehicles and equipment

enter the market, Geotab’s technology can help educate the industry about what is feasible with these new models, says Sutherland. It can help a fleet see what assets could be electrified or operated on an alternative fuel, which he says is key to these new technologies’ uptake in the market. “It’s giving people some benchmarks and trust that when they have to go to an alternative fuel... they will have the confidence to make that decision,” he comments.

The Geotab technology can also be used to provide insights to the manufacturers of these alternatively powered vehicles to help them ensure their designs are meeting the needs of the market.

Sharma believes electrification and automation will provide a big opportunity for telematics and fleet management solutions providers. Vehicles will be more connected and capable of providing more insights into how they are being used. “It enables us to provide a lot more insights to our customers in a very intuitive way,” he says.

There will also be a shift in safety and operations as these vehicles enter a fleet.

More operations, such as maintenance, will become automated.

“There’s a big change that is going to happen and I think fleet management services like ours will play a huge role, intermediating the gap between what [fleets] currently have and how they’re shifting,” says Sharma.

Going forward, every component and system is going to be natively connected from the beginning. “As we move forward with the technology, every piece of equipment, every piece of a vehicle will have its own insights,” Sharma predicts. “And the more we learn, the more it will be required for someone to gather those insights and explain or give actionable next steps for a fleet manager or fleet owner to take. That’s the way this evolution is going to take place and it’s more about how you digest the information and present it to the customer so they can take the next steps.” ET

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Tenna TennaBLE Beacon Steel Puck The TennaBLE Beacon Steel Puck is a spin on the company’s Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon that is encased in steel and welded to the asset.

• Suited for autonomously tracking location of equipment parts and attachments such as buckets and blades • Case design combines an IP67 watertight glass-filled nylon inner casing with a tough steel outer fitting for impact resistance • Welded fitting on asset provides a permanent mounting that can resist extreme forces • Mobile asset tracking app automatically identifies and records asset location when in range and stores the data

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Geotab GO RUGGED Fleet Tracking Device This scalable, flexible and customizable off-road fleet solution can capture rich data on equipment position, fuel use, idling and more.

• Delivers accurate intelligence for real results • MyGeotab fleet management platform integrates with AEMP and third-party devices • IP67-rated device with LTE connectivity lets you monitor assets out on the worksite in real time • Manage both off-road and on-road assets • Open platform and Marketplace offer a variety of third-party solution options

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Propeller PPK This turnkey processing solution harmonizes hardware and software to minimize time in the field for surveyors, reduce drone photogrammetry to drag and drop and make earthworks more accurate.

• AeroPoints eliminate need for complex surveying equipment • Survey using one of the company’s approved drones • Team of GIS experts analyzes captured datasets • Accuracy report for each dataset provides total transparency on survey grade accuracy

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Products TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Verizon Connect Asset Tracker for Reveal Designed for customers running their mobile business on the Verizon Connect Reveal fleet management platform, this asset tracker device offers a compact, discreet solution that is easy to conceal, self-install and self-manage.

• Helps reduce equipment theft, improve utilization and billing and reduce downtime • Replaceable battery extends the life of the device and its value • Enables users to locate and manage equipment as well as vehicles, drivers and jobs online through the Reveal fleet management platform or Spotlight app

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Milwaukee Tool ONE-KEY Asset ID Tags Durable ONE-KEY Asset ID Tags allow users to easily manage smaller tool and equipment inventories by providing instant documentation as assets are transferred between jobsites and users.

• Users simply scan tags to record time and location data using any smart mobile device with an integrated camera and the ONE-KEY app installed • Available in small (0.69” x 1”) and large (1.5” x 2”) and come in sets of up to 200 designed to adhere to either plastic or metal surfaces • Offer resistance to water and chemical exposure, fade protection from UV light and scratch resistance, plus can maintain adhesion through significant temperature fluctuations

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Featuring

JLG ClearSky Fleet Management Telematics Solution The ClearSky fleet management telematics solution provides flexible options to access critical engine and equipment operational data.

• Data points include location, engine hours, usage, fuel and battery levels and maintenance schedules and are available in real time for access from desktop or mobile devices • Monitors fault codes and critical alerts can be sent via text and email • Dashboard, settings and widgets are editable and can be prioritized to customer preferences • Available as a factory-installed option for new JLG machines or an aftermarket installation kit to retrofit

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AI Revolutionizes Construction Scheduling and Risk Management D

of planning and scheduling at Project Controls Cubed. “We have faith that it is the best solution out there to manage the planning, scheduling and cost control, and it’s predictability certainly has paid off.”

The secret sauce to the program has been AI, which InEight named Iris. “Iris works in the background and starts to predict what our project contributors are going to do with the schedule and the outcome is outstanding,” says Campbell. “The key role in what we do is provide situational awareness to our clients and that situational awareness provides actionable intelligence, which allows the leaders of these big programs to make decisions with confidence.”

SOFTWARE THAT LEARNS AND CREATES InEight Schedule’s “Knowledge Library” gets

populated as you archive or as-build a schedule, cost estimate, etc. “It’s friendly enough where you can use P6 XER files, Microsoft Project files, Excel files. It’s what we call unstructured data,” says Nate St. John, head of product, scheduling and risk at InEight. “Leveraging what we call an inference engine, it will mine this unstructured data and identify matches for recommendations when a planner begins to preplan a new project.”

The machine-learning element built into the software continuously suggests and learns, suggests and learns, says St. John. “It’s a cyclical process. If Jeff or someone on his team declines a suggested match, the computer will remember that, learn it and change the algorithm so that the next time Jeff and his team encounter a scenario with similar attributes, there will be a more accurate suggestion from the inference engine. And it

all falls under this AI definition,” he explains.

One big-picture benefit of software that can learn how you think is the way it preserves your experience. Campbell mentions a huge, advanced wastewater treatment program called EchoWater that Project Controls Cubed has been serving since 2012.

“We’ve created and constructed some incredible facilities there. And the people that we work with are probably the most brilliant I’ve ever seen — not just the superintendent, but the program manager and all of his senior people, the project and program managers,” he states.

“EchoWater (construction) is coming to an end in 2022-2023, and what happens to all of those incredibly intelligent people?

Well, they probably are going to retire; a lot of them already have.

“What we’ve done is captured all of the information

[generated over the course of construction] into the Iris AI. So, the next time we build an advanced wastewater treatment program, we can use that knowledge library to create schedule modules that have how much it actually costs to build each component and the actual time — all the actual start and finish dates of all the activities that can go into it,” he points out.

On a program this big, that could include 100,000 activities.

“Even with 20 years of experience, I wouldn’t know what to do with 100,000 activities. Well, Iris does. Iris can keep those as schedule modules,” says Campbell.

Project Controls Cubed is also not required to create a whole new schedule when it proposes a different program.

“We just go into Iris and say, ‘Hey, we’re creating a new filtration facility.’ And Iris will tell us, ‘Well, you’ve already made a

InEight Software

igital engineering and construction manager Project Controls Cubed offers 4D modeling, virtual and augmented reality services, digital twin technology, virtual planning, scheduling and cost control. The company is contracted for planning, scheduling and cost control on $4 billion-plus West Coast water projects — the EchoWater program, Pure Water program and Sites program in California and the Bull Run Treatment program in Oregon.

Project Controls Cubed is using InEight’s Schedule software to apply artificial intelligence (AI) directly to the construction process at these megaprojects to slash scheduling labor and manage schedule risk. “We understand the power that is behind any schedule, and that’s why we have deployed it,” says Jeff Campbell, director

Project Controls Cubed is banking on InEight Schedule’s Iris AI to automatically generate new schedules for massively complex projects they’ve already performed.

36 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

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PROFIT MAT TERS At Schedule Review, project managers introduce risks to their deliverables and rate their confidence in performance to feed the AI’s ability to automatically generate risk-adjusted schedules and budgets. filtration facility before. Here’s what it actually took in time and money to create that.’

And all of a sudden, we have a schedule that would have taken me years to develop,” says Campbell. “So, when we go into proposing a new program, we bring that knowledge to it.”

AUTOMATED RISK-ADJUSTED SCHEDULING AI also integrates project managers’ ongoing knowledge of job progress with monthly reviews in InEight Schedule to automate risk scheduling. For what Campbell calls “non-scheduling people,” such as program managers and project managers, an email is sent out listing activities for which they are responsible that were active in the just-finished period. The managers update the status of those activities in InEight.

Campbell describes it as a check on the pulse of project progress. “They’re saying, ‘How am I doing with the activities I’m in charge of, according to my deliverables?’ So they take it really seriously,” he notes.

“InEight Schedule allows them to update the schedule and, at the same time, introduce risks. Those risks are kind of like an off-ramp to say, ‘Guess what team, there may be an issue with us making this deliverable, which could impact us getting funding.

But it’s not necessarily that I am the cause of that. I am introducing a risk that may be affecting that,” Campbell explains.

“In the past, that would go to a risk manager — someone who’s like a 40-hour a week professional who uses some really expensive software to develop a risk-adjusted schedule that’s actually not a schedule. It’s just kind of a Monte Carlo simulation,” he continues.

“We don’t need to have a six-figure income professional risk person on our programs, because Iris and InEight Schedule creates risk-adjusted schedules automatically.”

Project managers introduce risks at project reviews and assign them probabilities — the chance of their occurring as a percentage. Campbell’s scheduling team reviews their updates, assessing risks, and decides whether or not to have Iris create an InEight risk-adjusted schedule. If one is warranted, program and project managers immediately see the risk-adjusted schedule.

“Right away, they’re starting the mitigation planning, which would have taken weeks or months to do on the other side. So, that is another brilliant feature that has really helped us in our programs,” says Campbell.

InEight recently released functionality that allows the cost estimate and schedule to use a unified risk register. The user benefits from work construction planners do up front in developing a risk matrix, import it into InEight Schedule, and now provide a unified point to access the impact of a risk occurring not only measured in days but in dollars.

CRITICAL EVOLUTION IN SCHEDULING QUALITY Iris also has a feature called Schedule

InEight Software

Critique that measures schedule quality.

“We’re talking about things like constraints, missing logic, missing predecessors, successors, all sorts of great things that we need to make sure are included when we produce the schedule. If you do not have a highquality schedule, then what you’re showing your stakeholders is not very good information,” says Campbell.

“InEight Schedule allows us to be better planners and schedulers because it will automatically identify as you’re building the schedule, ‘Hey, you’re missing predecessors. Hey, you have a constraint. Hey, there’s a gap in your critical path.’ It very

nicely and intelligently tells you when you’re not being a very good planner/ scheduler and tells you how to fix it,” he notes. “InEight Schedule keeps us to our high standards.”

Experience using it has convinced Campbell that AI is a linchpin in the chain of events that will take construction performance up to 21st Century standards of business reliability and productivity.

“You have to think about the project superintendent and program manager.

They have all the experience, but eventually those great folks are going to retire. Iris and InEight Schedule captures all of their

knowledge, and that is how we are going to evolve as an industry,” he states.

“Right now, every single time we have a new project, we start over from scratch, right? But now, the more we learn from past programs and projects, the more we build that Knowledge Library and can apply that knowledge to our new programs and projects, the better we’re going to be,” Campbell adds. “We’re going to have actual cost data, actual start and actual finish dates. So, we will know exactly what it took to build something instead of what it might take to build something in the future.” ET

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July 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 37

FL E E T M AN AG E M E N T | By Curt Bennink

DIESEL FUEL 101: How to Choose the BEST FUEL FOR YOUR FLEET A clean supply of quality diesel fuel will keep your fleet humming.

Today, the difference between on-road and offroad diesel fuel boils down to the dye color used to differentiate the tax status of the fuel. On-road fuel (green) is taxed to maintain the road infrastructure while off-road fuel (red) is exempt from this tax.

C

hoosing the best diesel fuel for your fleet should be based on more than the cost of the fuel. One of the more critical considerations is the cetane rating. It is an indicator of the combustion speed and the compression required for ignition. The higher the cetane number, the quicker the fuel ignites under pressure.

Cetane is rated on a scale from 0 to 100 with higher numbers indicating higher combustion speeds. Modern diesel engines often require cetane levels anywhere from 45 to 55.

Generally, the higher the cetane number, the better.

When purchasing conventional petroleum-based diesel, you also typically have a choice of grades.

The most common and widely available grades are Diesel No. 1 and No. 2.

Diesel No.1 is commonly referred to as winter diesel since it tends to perform better in cold temperatures. It is free of paraffin wax and therefore offers the best operability during the coldest parts of winter. It has a lower

viscosity and is less prone to gel in extremely cold climates. The higher cetane rating also results in faster, more efficient starts. This puts less strain on batteries.

Diesel No. 2 is the most common fuel found at fueling stations. Used for most common operating conditions, it is less volatile than Diesel No. 1 and provides greater fuel economy.

Diesel No. 2 is inclined to gel in the winter, however. When the temperature drops, the paraffin in the fuel begins to solidify.

Over time, this wax-like substance clogs the fuel line and the fuel filter and prevents the free flow of fuel, making it harder to start the engine. The fuel will begin to gel when the temperature drops to the fuel’s cloud point. This is the point where the paraffin in the diesel begins to look visibly “cloudy.”

As the temperature continues to drop, the fuel will reach the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP). This is the lowest temperature at which it can still pass through a 45-micron filter.

There are additives that can

38 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

drop the CFPP to prevent gelling. But as the temperature falls, you need to consider changing from Diesel No. 2 to No. 1.

Another common solution is blending fuels to meet the local conditions. Diesel No. 1 and No. 2 can be readily blended, with most service stations offering blended fuels for local weather conditions. They can be blended in almost any ratio up to 100% Diesel No. 1.

ON-ROAD VS. OFF-ROAD DIESEL There was a time when there were physical differences between on-road and off-road diesel, primarily in the amount of sulfur allowed in the fuel. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) for on-road use had a limit of 15 ppm of sulfur, while off-road diesel could contain 500 ppm.

Then, in 2011, it was mandated that all diesel fuel produced in the U.S. be ULSD. While the ULSD fuel is cleaner, the downsides are that it produces less heat energy and has less lubricity, which can increase fuel system wear in older machines.

Today, the difference between on-road and off-road fuel really boils down to the dye color used to differentiate the tax status of the fuel. On-road fuel is taxed to maintain the road infrastructure, while off-road fuel is exempt from this tax.

Red dye is used for off-road fuel — both No. 1 and No 2 — and clear or green is used for on-road diesel. The red dye is easy to spot and can be quickly identified with a black light even if it has been diluted with on-road fuel. This makes it easy for inspectors to catch diesel fuel customers trying to avoid the tax.

FUEL CLEANLINESS DRIVES UPTIME The cleanliness of the diesel fuel in your equipment has a major impact on uptime, especially with the advent of Tier 4-compliant engines that rely on high-pressure common rail fuel injection systems. Because these engines work at higher fuel pressures and have smaller injector openings, even the smallest amount of contamination can

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prove problematic. The most common contaminant in diesel fuel is water.

Fuel cleanliness has always been an essential part of maintaining the performance, reliability and usable life of all diesel engines. International Standard Organization (ISO) cleanliness codes are used to determine the cleanliness level.

The ISO cleanliness codes are derived from ISO 4406:99, which states particles per 1 mL. The codes show three sets of separated numbers, which refer to ranges depicting the number of particles present in fuel that are larger than 4, 6 and 14 micron, respectively. As 6- and 14-micron particles are both larger than 4 micron, those particle sizes are also present in the first number. The second number only shows particles larger than 6 micron, while the last number only shows particles larger than 14 micron.

In the past, a cleanliness of ISO 18/16/13 has been specified by the fuel injection equipment manufacturers, which means no more than 1,300 to 2,500 particles greater than 4 micron can be present in the fuel. This level of cleanliness requires careful fuelhandling practices. Make sure all storage, transfer and equipment tanks are clean and fitted with the appropriate filters.

Fuel for Tier 4 engines has to be 100 times cleaner than that used in Tier 3 engines. Where Tier 3 diesel engines can operate with fuel containing between 1,300 and 2,500 particles greater than 4 micron, Tier 4 engines can only have between 20 and 40 particles greater than 4 micron. The cleaner the fuel, the more efficiently it will burn in these engines.

The stringent cleanliness

FL EET MANAGEMENT

requirements place a greater demand on fuel filters. Even small pieces of dirt or dust that don’t get filtered out of the fuel can get stuck in the openings of injectors, causing decreased engine performance or system malfunctions.

Consequently, filters must now prevent sub-visible particulate from entering the engine.

Particulates in the 1- to 5-micron range must be removed, whereas 20 years ago, particulate removal was in the 50-micron range. (The human eye can see 40 micron and above.)

With engine injection pressures reaching 15,000 psi and above, removing water from fuel is essential to maintaining performance. While just 20 years ago engines were able to burn water that entered the fuel system, now even the smallest amount of water can cause an injector tip to blow and the engine to need overhauling.

All fuels contain some water in suspension. But unlike gasoline, diesel fuel is less refined and will hold a much larger amount. This water can cause severe problems with water separators on the equipment. It can also cause the fuel injector tips to explode, resulting in expensive repairs. In fact, slugs of water in diesel fuel can cause sudden cooling in the engine and may result in shortened engine life.

Low levels of water dissolved in the fuel are not necessarily a problem. However, free water in diesel fuel could result in excessive injector wear, filter plugging, power loss and corrosion of engine fuel system parts. You can often tell if there is a problem by a simple visual inspection. If the fuel is hazy, or there is evidence of free water, then there is too much water in the fuel system.

To remove water from fuel, many filter manufacturers will use an absorbent technology to literally absorb the water. Once the absorbent can no longer absorb and hold water, the filter must be replaced.

Water is a problem during transport, storage and use.

Newly refined fuel is clean and free of excessive moisture.

Refiners and pipeline operators adhere to strict fuel storage tank maintenance procedures

with regular removal of water bottoms and occasional chemical treatment to assure American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications are met.

Unfortunately, after it leaves these facilities, water bottoms removal is often neglected.

Several factors contribute to moisture accumulation, including climate, storage tank installation and fuel-handling procedures. Temperature changes can cause suspended water in the fuel to settle out. For instance, any time warm fuel is placed in a cooler tank, whether for storage or transport, moisture will drop out of the fuel as it cools. This makes it necessary to periodically drain off the water, which is a simple task.

Water is more dense than fuel, so it always settles out to the bottom of the tanks.

BIODIESEL PROVIDES GREEN ALTERNATIVE Despite the recent interest in biodiesel, the concept of renewable diesel is not new. In fact, Rudolf Diesel’s namesake engine, developed in 1893, was designed to run on peanut oil. But the oil boom eventually resulted in an ample supply of inexpensive petroleum-based diesel.

Biodiesel is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based diesel fuels when used in the correct applications. It improves lubricity when compared to ULSD. It also reduces emissions of hydrocarbons, particulate matter and carbon dioxide. In addition, biodiesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel fuel offer higher cetane numbers than traditional petroleum diesel for better combustion.

There are limitations, however, when compared to petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel typically has a higher cloud point, which means it may not perform well in low temperatures unless blended with traditional petroleum-based diesel; it has a tendency to absorb more moisture; and it typically produces slightly less power and fuel economy when used in higher blends.

Biodiesel comes blended with petroleum diesel fuel in various ratios — from B5, which is 95% petroleum diesel and 5%

biodiesel, all the way up to B100, which is pure biodiesel. Engine manufacturers often publish the maximum content of biodiesel recommended for their products, such as B10 or B20.

Biodiesel blends up to a five volume percent are considered to be normal diesel fuel as defined

by ASTM D-975, the standard specification for diesel fuel oils.

Biodiesel is chemically distinct from petroleum diesel and has a separate ASTM standard, which was developed back in 2002. It must meet ASTM D6751.

Poor-quality biofuel can be an issue. If biofuel is not refined properly, a by-product called glycerin will become present in the fuel. Glycerin is basically the same thing as a soap. It will coat fuel filters as well as potentially deactivate coalescers, inhibiting their ability to remove water from the fuel.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle for biodiesel is the availability of feedstocks to produce it. It is typically made from oils and fats such as soybean oil or used cooking oil, with soybean oil the most common feedstock. These sources are simply not capable of producing enough quantity to completely replace petroleumbased diesel.

The inherent limitations of biodiesel could soon be addressed by an emerging fuel source known as renewable diesel. Renewable hydrocarbon diesel is a drop-in fuel. It can replace petroleum diesel completely.

Biodiesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel go through a different production process.

Biodiesel goes through a process called transesterification. The molecules in biodiesel are primarily Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs). Transesterification removes the esters from oil.

Renewable hydrocarbon diesel goes through a process called hydrogenation. Both processes work to take readily available fats and oils (recycled cooking oil, animal fats and soybean oil) and optimize them for today’s commercial diesel engines.

There are many similarities between biodiesel and renewable diesel. Renewable diesel is a biobased fuel, derived from a variety of waste agricultural feedstocks, that meets the same standard as

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traditional petroleum diesel fuel, yet substantially reduces carbon emissions with additional air quality benefits.

Renewable diesel is often produced from a process called hydrotreating, which is already being utilized in today’s petroleum refineries. During this process, hydrogen replaces other atoms such as sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen and converts the oil’s triglyceride molecules into paraffinic hydrocarbons. The resulting renewable diesel reduces waste and by-products, yields a higher energy density and improves cold flow properties. This process also enhances the blended fuel storage and stability of the finished biofuel product.

Yet, hydrotreating is only one method of producing renewable diesel. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, other methods under consideration for creating renewable diesel fuel include biomass-to-liquid (BTL) and thermal conversion process (TCP) technologies. BTL uses high-temperature gasification to convert biomass into synthetic gas, or “syngas,” and then uses a Fischer-Tropsch process to catalytically convert the syngas to liquid fuel. TCP processing converts biomass or other carbonous material into a “bio-oil,” which is then refined into diesel-like fuel.

Both BTL and TCP offer the potential to convert large volumes of cellulosic biomass into liquid fuels, but require further development. They remain far from being economical for largescale fuel production.

Renewable diesel has the potential to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has also determined that renewable diesel fuel yields air quality benefits that improve the emissions performance of older vehicles that may not use the latest emission control technologies. Renewable diesel can be used as a strategy to achieve sustainability objectives.

Diesel engines are going to be around for the foreseeable future, and renewable and biodiesel fuels hold promise in reducing the dependence on more carbon-intensive fuels. ET

In 2011, it was mandated that all diesel fuel produced in the U.S. be ULSD.

Several factors contribute to moisture accumulation in fuel, including storage tank installation, fuel-handling procedures and climate. Temperature changes can cause suspended water in the fuel to settle out.

The cleanliness of the diesel fuel you put into your equipment has a major impact on uptime, especially with the advent of Tier 4-compliant engines.

Resources: Citgo, Diesel Technology Forum, National Biodiesel Board

July 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 39

FLEET MANAGEMENT Products General Tire V.ply Earthmoving Tires

BKT RIDEMAX FL 699 Tire Range

The V.ply Earthmoving Tire range has up to 22 layers of polymer fiber aligned in a V-pattern and embedded in up to three wire beads for strong sidewalls and enhanced puncture and cut protection.

• Loader tires include the TE65 with low aspect ratio and wide base, TE191 for dig and load operations and TE6 bidirectional L3 tire for compact loaders • TE188 bidirectional multipurpose earthmoving tire available for ADTs, RDTs, loaders and scrapers • TE132 wide base non-directional tire suited for dump trucks in harsh off-road conditions • TE11 offers a rugged design and is suited for grading services up to 6 mph

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Fecon Green Hydraulic Fluids Fecon Green Hydraulic Fluids use a zincfree, readily biodegradable formula that withstands the rigors of land clearing and forestry mulching in wet or dusty environments.

• Extremely low volatility increases flash and fire safety features • High viscosity index provides optimal fluid protection under higher loads and pressures

Hot Shot’s Secret Frantz Bypass Filter System The quick-install Frantz Bypass Filter System for the Ford 6.0- and 6.4-liter Powerstroke engines installs in five minutes and removes up to 96% of all wear particles from oil for improved engine protection, engine life and extended oil drain intervals.

• Includes a Frantz filter, oil filter cap, oilfill cap, gasket and two quick-release premade stainless-steel braided hose lines • No major assembly required and just tighten fittings to install • Base mounts to the truck with powerful magnets for a no-drill installation

Graco Compact DynaStar (CDS) Lubrication System

Cortec EcoAir 422 Non-toxic Rust Remover • Provides seal conditioning to extend seal life and reduce oil leakage • Engineered to perform in extreme conditions that require Anti-Wear (AW), anti-rust, anti-oxidation, anti-foam and demusibility properties • Available in 1-, 5- and 55-gal. containers

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Volvo Penta D16 Diesel Engine The 16-liter D16 (TWD1683VE) six-cylinder diesel engine meets Tier 4 Final/Stage V emissions regulations and delivers 796 hp and 2,692 lbs.-ft. peak torque at 1,900 rpm.

• Offers up to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption • Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EATS) uses selective catalytic reduction technology only • Dual-stage turbo system provides high torque at both low and high engine speeds and enables highaltitude performance • Smooth operation with low noise levels • Easily accessible service points and 1,000-hour oil service interval

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EcoAir 422 Non-Toxic Rust Remover is a USDA 92% certified, bio-based, water-based, non-toxic, biodegradable rust remover that provides multi-metal corrosion protection.

• Simply apply and rinse with water to remove rust from ferrous and non-ferrous metals • Prevents flash rusting and can be used to loosen rust-frozen parts • Four-layer EcoPouch packaged in a non-flammable air-powered, recyclable aluminum spray can • Completely organic and does not require special disposal for typical use • Will not adversely affect paints, plastics, wood, textiles, ceramics or rubber

The Compact DynaStar (CDS) automatic lubrication system is designed for heavy-duty earthmoving machines in extreme work environments.

• 60# (30L) reservoir option offers same power and performance as the 12L and 20L CDS • Can be paired with the Bluetoothenabled GLC X controller and Auto Lube app to monitor system performance, receive alerts and adjust configurations from a smartphone or tablet • Easy to install, larger-capacity reservoir is backwards compatible with 60# and 90# Electric Dyna-Star mounting patterns

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LoadHandler L42 24V Starter The L42 24V heavy-duty direct drive starter is for diesel engines up to 16L and comes in 11- and 12-tooth models.

• 7.8-kW output for faster cranks • Heat-treated shaft protects components from extensive wear in extreme conditions • Sealed nose housing adds service life and protects internal components • Rotatable flange optimizes service flexibility and inventory concerns • 100% new drop-in replacement

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40 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

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Donaldson Filter Minder Connect for Fuel Filters and Engine Oil The Filter Minder Connect is available for monitoring fuel filters and engine oil condition on heavy-duty engines.

• Components can be installed on equipment in minutes • Integrates into existing onboard telematics and fleet management systems • Sensors can measure pressure drop and differential pressure on fuel filters, plus condition of engine oil including density, viscosity, dielectric constant and resistivity • Performance data wirelessly transmitted to cloud and predictive analytics inform users when filters and engine oil are approaching the end of their optimal life

The RIDEMAX FL 699 is available in a 24 R 20.5 and a new 525/65 R 20.5 size designed for transport operations with tractors and trailers in industrial and agricultural applications.

• Developed to be stable at high speeds, support heavy loads and reduce rolling resistance • All-steel structure withstands a high load capacity, decreasing the number of transport cycles • Reinforced bead ensures stability even at high speeds and a comfortable ride for safety and control

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C O N CR E T E E QU I P M E N T | By Guy Erickson

Why Contractors Should MODEL FORMWORK A growing number of contractors are adopting tools such as BIM and collaboration platforms for managing project information.

F

blocks in 2D was the only way to create formwork layout plans.

Even today, as much of the construction industry adopted 3D modeling, many contractors continue to rely on information and documents produced using 2D CAD. With this approach, formwork is disconnected from other construction planning tasks, resulting in a lack of information and errors.

Whether on paper or a computer, using 2D to plan

formwork increases the potential for error, guesswork and risk. It’s impossible to capture and deliver all of the information of an actual, three-dimensional structure in 2D. For example, 2D can’t reflect all aspects of a project as they exist in real life. When relying on 2D, the information needed for timely, high-quality formwork planning is often low quality or missing from design drawings altogether. What’s more, 2D makes it difficult to

spot potential errors before they turn into costly rework.

IMPROVE FORMWORK PLANNING AND DETAILING WITH 3D For concrete contractor F.A. Wilhelm, working with a constructible 3D model has increased accuracy and accelerated formwork planning.

“We use Tekla Structures as a single solution for our formwork detailing, planning and project execution,” says Adam

Tekla

ormwork is one of the most costly, labor-intensive and time-consuming phases of the concrete construction process. Under increased pressure to complete projects on time and on budget, rethinking how formwork is planned can help contractors outperform the competition, work more efficiently and meet modern project demands.

There was a time when drawing or copying and pasting CAD

Using tablets, installation teams can access 3D formwork models and associated up-to-date information and documents in the field.

42 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

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Joraanstad, formwork detailer.

“We can estimate, design and plan our formwork more efficiently and discover potential pitfalls earlier on in the process.”

Moving from 2D CAD to 3D can take formwork planning to the next level and open the door to more efficient, accurate and productive projects by: ˜ Automating takeoffs: 3D modeling allows for instant material takeoffs and automatically provides correct areas for different formwork types during planning and estimating. When using BIM, the model and takeoffs are connected, meaning that formwork area quantifications can be visualized in 3D and organized according to location, pour type, sequence and planned formwork type.

This allows contractors to include formwork line items in budgets for more accurate, reliable estimates. ˜ Streamlining processes: With effective modeling tools, pour geometry can be modeled and used to allow for placing of formwork components and accessories such as ties and clamps automatically. And because all reports and drawings are generated from the model and changes are automatically updated to all documents, the risk of human error is significantly reduced compared to manual, disconnected 2D workflows.

Creating a model with detailed and constructible information means contractors can proceed quickly and securely to the construction phase, with far less manual work. ˜ Assessing constructability: Rather than discovering problems in the field when it’s too late, 3D visualization makes it easier to detect clashes and resolve potential constructability issues early in the process. With a 3D model, the question “can we build this?” can be answered at a glance. Similarly, pours can be planned and construction quality quantities automatically reported just by adding pour breaks to the concrete model. ˜ Communicating requirements to the field: 3D models help everyone on site quickly and easily understand formwork requirements. Using

CONCRETE EQU IPMENT

When using BIM, the model and takeoffs are connected, meaning that formwork area quantifications can be visualized in 3D and organized according to location, pour type, sequence and planned formwork type.

tablets, installation teams can access 3D formwork models and associated up-to-date information and documents in the field. Having this information readily available removes any guesswork and greatly reduces requests for information, unproductive work and the potential for error. It also makes it easier for contractors to ensure that construction work is progressing as planned.

The construction industry is becoming increasingly competitive as a growing number of contractors adopt tools such as BIM and collaboration platforms for managing project information. Those still using traditional methods might be comfortable today, but as their competitors complete bids and projects faster, easier and with better accuracy and quality, they will soon find that it’s time to catch up.

Tekla

LOOKING AHEAD

Moving to 3D formwork planning and detailing opens the door to working smarter and faster. With 3D formwork planning, you can create formwork drawings, deliver the right information

to workers in the field and spot problems before it’s too late. This allows contractors to minimize risks, improve productivity and reduce construction costs through more accurate estimating and

planning, efficient management of high-quality information and streamlined coordination and communication. ET Guy Erickson is a business manager at Trimble, Structures Division.

CONCRETE EQUIPMENT Products

EDCO DS-20 Downcut Walk-behind Saw The DS-20 concrete/asphalt saw features a 20-in. blade, allowing users to cut 7 3/4 in. deep without the need for a larger selfpropelled unit.

• 13-hp Honda GX390 gasoline engine with heavy-duty anti-vibration mount • Throttle system features a positive locking mechanism to ensure wide-open throttle when engaged during sawing applications • 7-gauge steel blade guard with welded protective segment flap • Easy turn crank for lowering and raising the blade in and out of the cut • Includes a heavy-duty 7-gauge steel laser cut frame, large screw-type depth control, wide T-handles with rubber grips and solid steel lifting handles

www.forconstructionpros.com/21043528

Multiquip LD6 Hydrostatic Ride-on Trowel The 6-ft. model LD6 ride-on power trowel features a fully hydrostatic drive system and utilizes proven design concepts taken from larger ride-on models.

• Standard 24-hp Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine direct coupled to a servo-controlled hydraulic pump and high-torque drive motors • Available accessories include a six-LED light kit for illumination, retardant spray system, arm rests and an edging kit that enables finishing closely against walls • Each accessory kit designed for quick field installation

www.forconstructionpros.com/21112985

Hilti SDS-Max Combination Hammer Drill The 22-lb. TE 70-ATC/AVR, SDS-Max combination hammer includes Active Torque Control (ATC) technology, which stops the tool body from spinning uncontrollably if the drill bit jams.

• 10.7 ft.-lbs. of single impact energy and full hammering frequency of 2,830 impacts per minute • TE-YX bits and TE-YPX flat and pointed chisels designed specifically to handle the power of this tool • Brushless motor • Optimum hammer drilling range of 25/32 to 2 5/32 in.

• Includes Active Vibration Reduction (AVR), Detachable Power Cord Chiseling and Power Reduction

www.forconstructionpros.com/21205487

www.ForConstructionPros.com

MAX USA Battery-powered TwinTier RB401T-E The 10.2-lb. RB401T-E has an automatic contact mechanism/switch that automatically forms a tie when pushed down over a rebar intersection.

• 4,000 ties per charge with a tie speed of approximately 1/2 second • Handles applicable rebar size of #3 x #3 to #6 x #6 • Two-position handle adjustment enables user to find the most comfortable position for their height • Long nose attachment allows tool to glide into rebar intersections with minimal effort • Battery charge time of 65 minutes for a full charge or 50 minutes for 80% charge

www.forconstructionpros.com/21139316

July 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 43

CONCRETE EQUIPMENT Products

Toro Swivel Mud Buggy

The HDX600 Hydra-Drive Extreme hydraulically-controlled, 8-ft. class rideon power trowel features twin 46-in. rotors with five-bladed spiders.

• Rotor speeds up to 165 rpm • Dedicated panning/finishing modes • Electric (joystick mounted) single or dual blade pitch controls • 50-hp Hatz 3H50TIC turbocharged, liquid-cooled, Tier 4 Final diesel engine and Bosch-Rexroth hydraulic system • Intelli-drive system allows the engine and the hydraulics to communicate

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

• Weighs roughly 1,575 lbs., has a 25-hp Kohler Confidant engine and can carry up to 2,500 lbs. (16 cu. ft.) of material • Thicker 3/8-in. polyethylene tub material suited for sand, rock, mulch or cement • Swivel switch travels with right-hand control handle for safe machine operation while simultaneously swiveling tub • Auto-return dump feature eliminates need for the operator to wait for the tub to return to the traveling position • Features rugged Endless Kevlar-reinforced tracks and transport speeds of up to 6 mph in forward and 3 mph in reverse

www.forconstructionpros.com/21113036

www.forconstructionpros.com/21201663

Allen HDX600 Hydra-Drive Extreme Riding Trowel

Husqvarna FS 7000 D Concrete Saw The FS 7000 D diesel walk-behind flat saw comes with a low-emissions, Tier 4-compliant engine.

• Designed for concrete and asphalt cutting up to 17 1/2 in. deep • High output, compact size and good maneuverability provide versatility for midsized road work, service work and smaller jobs that require high production rates • Intuitive and ergonomic digital control panel

Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Backpack Concrete Vibrator The 1,775-lb. S-940 is available with a fully automated self-leveling screed head or optional raking/fine grade head.

• Offset screed head provides less overlap per pass • Quick GradeSet System and OASIS Laser Control System • Foldable elevation beam provides a narrower profile during transport and easy entry to jobsites • 22-hp Subaru EH65 engine standard • Offers four-wheel drive with hydraulic motors and a 360° steering angle for zero-turn drive capability

The MX FUEL Backpack Concrete Vibrator features a POWERSTATE brushless motor that delivers the power to push up to 2.5-in. heads at over 11,000 vpm.

• REDLINK PLUS Intelligence provides overload protection • MX FUEL REDLITHIUM battery pack provides instant power with pushbutton start • Accepts shafts up to 21 ft. long and is compatible with Oztec shafts and heads • Weighs 34.5 lbs. with battery • Kit includes wireless remote for operation from up to 30 ft. away, MX FUEL charger and two MX FUEL REDLITHIUM XC406 batteries

www.forconstructionpros.com/21136301

www.forconstructionpros.com/21366277

Somero S-940 Laser Screed Machine

www.forconstructionpros.com/21134492

IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT RUBBER TRACKS?

Metal Forms Speed Screed Roller The Speed Screed Roller offers “Dual Joystick Controls”, simplistic, easy to use joysticks that allow the operator to control the direction of travel and steering with one hand.

• 22-hp Honda iGX700 engine • Modular frame assembly and quick-change tube couplers provide for fast machine width changes • Solid 2-in. drive shaft assembly • 1 in. of infinite adjustment on the front Slinger tube • Equipped with fork pockets for easy jobsite transport

We’re proud that Dominion Rubber Tracks are the

#1 SELLING RUBBER TRACK

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Lavina LP36 Power Trowel

brand in America.

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The LP36 ride-on power trowel is equipped with two 36-in. floating pans with four Trowel Shine Tool Holders on each pan.

• Kawasaki FX1000V engine with Fuel Minder for closedloop fuel management • Heavy-duty shroud protects walls from slurry • Integrated wheel set lifts the trowel (200 mm) for changing blades and tools quickly and easily • Continuously variable transmission adjusts drive ratio to obtain optimum torque and speed during all phases of finishing • LED lighting for better visibility

www.forconstructionpros.com/21113442

44 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

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WHAT’S ONLINE? GROUND PENETRATING RADAR SAVES HISTORIC CHURCH RENOVATIONS TIME & MONEY Wacker Neuson ACBe Backpack Concrete Vibrator The ACBe cordless concrete vibration system consists of the backpack with integrated converter, removable/ replaceable BP1000 lithium ion battery and internal vibrator.

• Backpack adjusts for varying heights and sizes with lightweight fabric, padded shoulders and even weight distribution • Vibrator shaft connects to bottom center of backpack, allowing for easy left-hand or right-hand operation • Modular vibration system allows use of 1.5-, 1.8- and 2.3-in. internal head diameters and 5- and 10-ft. shaft lengths • Integrated converter enables high-cycle/ high-frequency performance

www.forconstructionpros.com/21123394

Architects on the renovation of a 280-year-old New Hampshire church utilized the non-destructive investigation technique to save time and money in the construction of the church’s expansion.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21403621

PODCAST: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET TOP VALUE FROM YOUR DEMOLITION ATTACHMENTS

VIDEO: NEW FEATURES OF THE ENHANCED CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT G SERIES LOADERS Fuel economy, productivity and comfort were all upgraded on the new iteration of loaders.

SEE VIDEO: www.ForConstructionPros.com/21497338

Epiroc’s Tom Schwind shares key trends that are affecting the types of demolition attachments being used, plus tips on how you can get maximum return on your attachment investment.

SEE VIDEO: www.ForConstructionPros.com/21403721

edcostore.com • sales@edcostore.com • edcoinc.com

Minnich Stinger Concrete Vibrator The Stinger is a 14.5-lb. double-insulated universal motor that can drive the company’s full line of vibrator shafts and heads from 3/4 to 2 1/2 in.

• Motor available in 15 amps (115V) • Offers a speed range of 11,000 to 13,000 vpm • Standard quick disconnect adapts to the vibrator shafts and heads of many other manufacturers • Double-insulated motor runs safely when grounded systems are compromised • Durable protective frame extends vibrator life with urethane end caps that absorb shock while supporting easy to grip handles • Provides quiet operation

Thin Brittle Carpet Glue, No Problem.

Get an EDCO.

and GET IT DONE!

TG-10

TURBO GRINDER

Available in Gas, Electric and Propane

DYMA-ARROWS Specialty Tooling

www.forconstructionpros.com/20986167

www.ForConstructionPros.com

July 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 45

J OB S I T E S OL U T I O N S | By Arielle Windham

PRECISE CONCRETE REMOVAL

on Climate Pledge Arena Renovation Hydrodemolition robots complete concrete removal on the arena’s columns in just 30 days.

O

Key Arena, will be fully renovated and reopened by the end of 2021.

The ambitious project officially began in the fall of 2019 and has since been the stage for some unique engineering and demolition methods. Contractor

Redi Services played a key role in the renovation process by bringing innovative equipment to the jobsite.

INSTALLING A SUPERSTRUCTURE Expanding a building downward avoids the mess that comes

with a traditional horizontal expansion: redesigning a city structure and demolishing surrounding buildings. But the unique approach didn’t actually stem from those concerns.

Instead, the inspiration came from a desire and mandate to

preserve the building’s roof.

Designed by architect Paul Thiry for the 1962 World’s Fair, the easily identifiable sloped roof received historic landmark status for its original use in a historic cultural event. The landmark designation requires

All photos courtesy of Aquajet

ne of Seattle’s most wellknown buildings, the Climate Pledge Arena, is in the middle of a monumental renovation, one that will more than double the square footage of the building.

The venue, formerly known as

Project managers opted to install a temporary support system to hold up the arena’s iconic, multi-million-pound roof while they demolished the current columns and buttresses. They relied on these supports for several months to allow for installation of the new permanent support system.

46 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | July 2021

www.ForConstructionPros.com

J OBS ITE S OL U TIONS

that any modification to the building preserve elements of the historic structure.

Since the renovation process was under a microscope, every aspect of the process underwent additional planning and inspection. The downward expansion — which will take the size from 368,000 sq. ft. to roughly 800,000 sq. ft. — presented a variety of logistical challenges. Crews dug an additional 15 ft. below the current arena floor, about 60 ft. below street level.

While accomplishing this, there was one small concern: how to hold up the 44-million-lb. roof.

The engineers and contractors, including M.A. Mortenson Co. and subcontractor Rhine Demolition, developed an intricate plan. They would install a support system to hold up the multi-million-pound roof while they demolished the current columns and buttresses, and then rely on the supports for several months to allow for installation of the new support system.

It seemed daunting, but with a well thought out approach and step by step execution, they made it happen.

After first excavating downward and removing roughly 600,000 cu. yds. of soil, crews drilled new foundation supports.

This system of 56 columns created the superstructure used to temporarily support the roof so contractors could excavate to the necessary level. The next step involved demolishing the original concrete footings.

For a demolition project of this stature and configuration, a traditional approach of chipping hammers didn’t seem logical. Hand demolishing each pillar would have taken days, putting the destruction of all 28 columns, four chevrons and one buttress on a timeline of eight months.

The demolition of the structure also required extreme precision. Because the bases of the original structures were going to be used as a foundation for the new pillars, engineers required specific amounts of structural material, including rebar and concrete, to be left intact. Concrete breakers could have damaged the rebar and risked microfracturing the concrete columns.

The accuracy and highly

regulated stipulations required on this renovation were not a good match for traditional demolition methods. Fortunately, there was another option.

HYDRODEMOLITION, AND CAREFUL COORDINATION, TO THE RESCUE Subcontractor Rhine Demolition used its connection with water blasting specialist Jetstream of Houston to find a precise, efficient and effective solution for the demolition.

Jetstream recommended Redi Services, an industrial services support company based out of Lyman, WY. Established in 2005, Redi Services has 500 employees and offices and shop locations in Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Texas. Service offerings include controls and automation services, fire suppression, hydro excavation and fluid vacuum services, hydro blasting, facility turnaround support and coordination, waste management, trucking, pressure safety valve services and more. It also provides mechanical and civil construction services that augment ongoing maintenance service capabilities.

For the Climate Pledge Arena project, Redi Services chose to use two Aqua Cutter 710V robots. The machines allow an operator to reach horizontal, vertical and overhead areas thanks to a 3D positioning power head.

“This was the first time we worked underneath a structure this heavy,” says Cody Austin, Redi Services area manager.

“Because of our past projects with the Aquajet robots, we were confident it would be the right fit for this demolition.”

Besides the daunting structure dangling overhead, the biggest challenge for all contractors on site was time. “The timeline was strict,” Austin says.

“It was a very fast-paced project where we needed to get in there, remove the concrete and let the others in line behind us get their part done to keep the renovation on schedule.”

Because everyone was working in the same area trying to accomplish their part of the project, it took diligent planning and careful choreography to keep everything moving and to avoid mishaps. During this particular phase of the project,

there were up to 175 contractors and subcontractors on site at a time, so it was important that the logistics planning consider the safety of everyone involved.

Contractors marked exclusion zones with red tape and flags to keep people on the jobsite a safe distance from the high-pressure water jets and the debris from the concrete removal.

DEMOLITION DETAILS Utilizing water rather than sand or traditional jackhammers, hydrodemolition robots provide a faster and more accurate method for concrete removal. The control system allows the operator to control the depth and accuracy of the cuts, which was important on a precise job like this. The unique design of the Aqua cutters and the absence of vibration allowed the contractor to thoroughly clean the rebar without causing microfracturing.

Besides the robots themselves, Redi Services used additional tower sections to accommodate the height of the columns. It also used two Hydroblast high-pressure water pumps, which provided 20,000psi water pressure at 45 gpm.

The pumps were positioned 50 ft. from the work, with a 100-ft. hose connecting them.

In total, Redi Services demolished structures that totaled 250 cu. yds. of material, all while keeping the rebar intact. The 1 1/2-in. rebar was installed in multiple rows, adding further obstacles to the demolition.

“Because of the multiple layers of rebar, we had to cut from all four sides of each column,” Austin notes. “And that’s why the Aquajet robots were ideal for this. The robot cut up to 2 ft. thick per pass, which means that we were able to do 2 to 3 1/2 yds. per hour, depending on the rebar placement.”

Regular demolition methods produce debris that needs to be managed. With Hydrodemolition, the cleanup involves water treatment and less physical material cleanup. The blast water needs to be treated before it can be discharged or recirculated through the highpressure pump. Redi Services opted to bring in two large vacuum trucks with a filtration system to contain and filter the

www.ForConstructionPros.com

For precision and efficiency, the contractor used two Aquajet Aqua Cutter 710V robots to remove portions of 28 columns, four chevrons and one buttress in 30 days.

One reason for selecting hydrodemolition was the 1 1/2-in. rebar installed in multiple rows. This method allowed Redi Services to thoroughly clean the rebar without causing microfracturing of the concrete. water. Once filtered, the water was safely disposed of in a storm sewer at the top of the worksite.

Redi Services encountered very few holdups and issues on the project. It employed a team of eight each day, including one operator for each robot, one to operate each pump, one for each vacuum truck and a supervisor and technician to support both “robot teams.”

The removal of each column was about a three-day process.

Workers set up the equipment, spent 16 to 20 hours demolishing each structure and then moved the equipment on to the next column.

“Rhine Demolition provided an old shipping container

that was repurposed and cut into shields for three sides of the demolition,” Austin says. “The shields were removed with excavators with thumbs and moved to the next column. Each move took about an hour, including moving the shields, the robot, setting up the vacuum truck, plastic for spill prevention and moving the hoses.”

Redi Services worked eighthour shifts and completed the demolition in 30 days, helping to keep the arena on track for full completion by Fall 2021. ET Arielle Windham is a writer for the construction and demolition industry. Photos courtesy of Aquajet.

July 2021 | 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.

AUSA D300AHG Articulated Dumper The D300AHG is an articulated dumper with a 6,600-lb. payload, a side-tipping skip and hydrostatic transmission.

• Design based on the 9,900-lb. dumper with the same chassis, hydrostatic transmission and engine cooling • 24.8-hp Kubota four-cylinder, Stage V engine • Skip shape ensures maximum frontal visibility and can be fitted with the optional Full Visibility System consisting of cameras and proximity sensors

www.forconstructionpros.com/21139741

Paladin MX Series Brush Cutter The MX Series brush cutters can process brush and trees up to 6 in. in diameter and are compatible with 3- to 8-ton class compact excavators.

• Feature a solid formed T-1 steel deck, reversible AR400 cutting blades and a bolt-on mounting system • Heavy-duty hinged debris shield retracts when the head is engaged with trees and brush • Fore and aft curtain shielding dampens debris projection and gives operators more control • Automatic hydraulic braking stops blade rotation 10 to 15 seconds after the machine is turned off • Direct drive hydraulic motor with heavyduty bearing housing

www.forconstructionpros.com/21117503

Kinshofer Coupler-Bucket-Thumb This 3-in-1 combination includes an X-Lock coupler, general bucket and thumb attachment as a set.

• Picks up different pin sizes to turn a machine into a multi-functional carrier • General buckets suited for all digging and excavation work in mild to moderate soils, as well as loading or refilling sand, gravel and soil • Low design ensures high tear-out and breakout forces • Attached thumb provides secure retention of material

www.forconstructionpros.com/21205054

BATTLE AX

Multiquip ST1 Series Electric Submersible Pumps

The 340-lb. Stumpex CUL stump grinder for compact utility loaders removes stumps from 4 to 11 in. in diameter with a single plunge and stumps greater than 11 in. with multiple plunges.

• Hardened auger cone draws the blades into the stump and stepped blades of 1/2-in.-thick AR500 steel rotating at 17 rpm slice through wood • Low-speed auger leaves sites easy to clean up due to no flying debris • Mounts to loaders with 10- to 20-gpm hydraulic flow and 2,000 to 3,000 psi • Robust drive generates up to 4,000 ft.lbs. of torque to tackle any species of wood

The 9-lb. ST1 Series electric submersible pumps are equipped with a 3/4-in. discharge, produce flows up to 27 gpm and a maximum head of 23 ft. and are capable of removing water to within 1/4 in. of the surface.

• Aluminum pump casing resists corrosion and helps dissipate heat • Designed with powerful capacitorassisted electric motors, internal thermal overload protection, dual shaft seals and a direct drive thermoplastic impeller secured with stainless steel hardware • All power cords provide strain relief protection • Engineered with an internally adapted mechanical float switch to automatically regulate operation (Model ST1F only)

www.forconstructionpros.com/21116042

www.forconstructionpros.com/21403821

Bobcat Log Grapple

LOW AND HIGH FLOW SKID STEERS & EXCAVATORS 10,000 LBS - 80,000 LBS

DON’T BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW …OR LESS

EXCLUSIVE DEPTH GAUGE DESIGN Maximize productivity by not biting off too much, or too little, material at one time. The new Battle Ax rotor has unique depth gauges that optimize the material feed rate for top efficiency.

Mulching Heads

Fecon Stumpex CUL Stump Grinder

TWO-STAGE CUTTING CHAMBER Thoroughly process material with the exclusive two-stage cutting chamber featuring an adjustable primary shear bar.

Flail Mowers

Mechanical Trimmer LOFTNESS.COM

48 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

This log grapple attachment for mini track loaders and small articulated loaders is equipped with heavy-duty teeth and reinforced tines for enhanced grip when handling unwieldy material.

• 56-in.-wide opening and rotation in all directions allow for easy clamping of logs and piles of brush to clear even confined space areas more quickly • Rope bollards provide an additional anchor point for added stability • Comes with an integrated tree pusher to ensure material falls in the intended direction

www.forconstructionpros.com/21354283

TVH ClearCap Forklift Covers

Marshalltown Vibratory Plate Compactor

The ClearCap Forklift Covers feature a simplistic yet effective design to keep operators comfortable and safe regardless of operating environment.

• Low-profile dome in viewing area ensures operator’s field of view stays clear • Manufactured with Ultra Tuff SG weather-able polycarbonate • Feature ribs and gutters to prevent water from pooling and eliminate cascading water during maneuvers • Optional light tint version blocks 100% of UV light transmission • Come in 20 different sizes and mount easily onto machines with camlock buckles and nylon straps

This vibratory plate compactor produces over 3,800 lbs. of centrifugal force with a frequency of 5,000 vpm.

• Travels at a speed of up to 110 fpm • Single-piece plate and exciter • 23.7” x 18.9” plate size • Honda GX160 engine and available 2-gal. water tank • Throttle lever located on the handle • Comes with a folding handle that locks in place and two lower handles for multiple lifting points

www.forconstructionpros.com/21440371

www.ForConstructionPros.com

www.forconstructionpros.com/21366843

ADVERTISER INDEX Enerpac RC-Trio General-purpose Hydraulic Cylinder

JLG Telehandler Remote Boom Control

The RC-Trio is a general-purpose hydraulic cylinder available in 41 models and designed for use in all positions.

• Features collar and plunger threads and base mounting holes for easy fixturing (on most models) and new base holes on 30- and 75-ton models • Hardened plunger saddle protects plunger end during all lifting operations

The 1644, 1732 and 1075 telescopic handlers are available with a remote boom control that enables operators to control the boom from outside the cab, providing improved visibility during load placement.

• Enables user to wirelessly operate engine startup, boom raise/lower, boom extend/retract, fork tilt up/down and auxiliary hydraulics • Provides ability for user outside cab to place material at height further onto a building • Can potentially eliminate the need for a person in the cab and one at the location where the material is being placed for improved jobsite efficiency • Platform docking station required when operating the remote boom control from the fork-mounted work platform

ADVERTISER PAGE

www.forconstructionpros.com/21403594 • Trio bearing system has up to four highperformance wear bands for increased damage resistance, reduced bearing load and longer cylinder life • Trio pre-tensioned return spring system provides up to 3X faster retraction (available on 50-, 75- and 100-ton models) and uses high-strength steel wire to improve spring life

www.forconstructionpros.com/21403415

AMS-Merlo TF30.9 Compact Telehandler The 14,770-lb. TF30.9 has a threesection boom and can carry a maximum load capacity of 6,600 lbs. or up to 2,400 lbs. at its 28-ft. 3-in. maximum lift height.

• 18-ft. 8-in. reach lifts up to 1,200 lbs.

• Enclosed FOPS II and ROPS cab with 360° visibility • Cab includes a fingertip control joystick and an LCD that shows real-time machine parameters • Features a hydrostatic transmission, fourwheel drive, three steering modes and pedal inching control • 115-hp Deutz four-cylinder diesel engine • Compact size of just 14’ 3” x 6’ 9” x 6’ 11”

CASE Construction......................................7 Caterpillar, Inc..............................................9 Cuts Inc..........................................................

Ditch Witch................................................33 Dominion Equipment Parts, LLC. .............44 Dougherty Forestry Mfg.............................37 Eager Beaver Trailers...................................51 EDCO Equipment Development Co..........45 Fecon LLC..................................................31 GEHL.........................................................29 Gomaco Corporation..................................17 Husqvarna Construction Products..............23 IGNITE Construction Summit..................41 JLG Industries Inc.......................................11

LeeBoy Raised on Blacktop 8520B Asphalt Paver

John Deere Construction Equipment......19, 52

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 fiberembellished wing decal and larger American flag decal • Weatherproof ticket/phone box • Engraved serialized badge • Various shovel/rake carrier options and optional custom lighting package available

Kubota Tractor.......................................... 2-3

www.forconstructionpros.com/21259413

This index is provided as a service. The publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions.

Loftness Specialized Farm Equ....................48 Milwaukee Electric Tool Company....... 24-25 Minnich Manufacturing................................6 Power Curbers Inc.......................................35 RWF Bron..................................................18 SANY America Inc......................................15 Schweiss Bi-Fold.........................................49 Seago International.....................................49 United Rentals..............................................5 Wacker Neuson Corporation.......................27

www.forconstructionpros.com/21135200

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July 2021 | 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

Act Like a Rental Business to Control Equipment Costs

Taking the rental approach can help you get better control of both equipment costs and timelines.

H

ere we are with six months of activity for 2021 and the pandemic somewhat behind us, but with an unsettled financial future ahead of us. Have you taken precautions to manage risk going forward, or are you just going to wing it for the balance of 2021 and hope 2022 returns to “normal” (whatever that is)?

There are many financial headaches you’re facing even if your work schedule has been full: material costs; finding competent help; and having your bids accepted since many new players are entering your market hoping to find work. And we can’t leave out equipment costs, including units you own and those you rent.

Another major factor is the impact the pandemic had on productivity, with many contractors making investments to reduce construction time, as well.

The result is you have to find ways to stay competitive by reducing costs and improving productivity as a way to offset higher material and employee costs, as well as to combat the new productivity changes being employed by your competitors. This “change” was already in the works before the pandemic and has only accelerated since then.

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.

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, SARA JENSEN Art Director DAVE HAGLUND Senior Production Manager CINDY RUSCH Audience Development Manager ANGELA FRANKS

Advertising Sales (800) 538-5544 Not so bad so far. But the only way to get the full benefit of this program is to track both revenues and costs (where applicable) by unit. In other words, each unit over a certain dollar amount is assigned a number and any related cost is charged to that unit, with the balance of expenses charged to rental cost of sales. Vendor bills related to specific units would be processed using the unit numbers, as well as being processed as an account payable.

Work orders for normal maintenance or ACBM staff major repairs would also be charged to each unit using a fully charged billing rate. Billing for equipment usage would be charged by unit so that, at the end of each month or each quarter, you can tell if you are recovering 100% of your equipment costs, and also reveal which units are behind the curve and require further analysis.

ENSURE YOU REACH FULL COST RECOVERY

Most of you are probably questioning your ability to get this data collected. Well, I am going to give you another alternative that will get you to the same place but without the individual unit data. How about you just collect the gross data (billing data, expenses, labor, etc.) and see how that looks. If you are UNDERSTAND EQUIPMENT OPERATING COSTS close to full cost recovery, including debt serThe equipment side of the equation is really vice, you can take your time diving further out of control. The shortage of new equipinto the unit details. ment (due to lack of microchips) is causing used On the other hand, if you are not seeing equipment prices to increase, which causes rentcost recovery (which means you are not coveral rates to rise — and leaves you with a tough ing debt service), it may be time to find one of equipment cost to use for bidding 2021 and those young folks just out of school to help you 2022 work. I am going to project a lack of rentset up the accounting side of the equation, test The shortage of new equipment is al equipment for the balance of this year and for it and then write up procedures for processing causing used equipment prices to a good chunk of 2022. So, in order to get better the billing and data. increase, which causes rental rates to control of costs and timelines, I suggest you go Aside from finding a tech savvy new graduinto the rental business yourself. ate to do the grunt work, I advise you to contact rise, leaving you in a tough spot when Let’s not kid ourselves — if you own and your software vendor and ask if they have a assigning costs to future bids. maintain an internal fleet, you have been in the rental package available or know where to get rental business all along. And why shouldn’t you take advantage of one. In that case, you could run a “separate” set of rental equipment all the American Rental Association statistics to help manage your books and then record the results in your contractor books. internal fleet and compare costs. After all, if your cost of ownership There is a reason large contractors look for local rental companies numbers are out of line, you can take steps to correct them or just rent to buy, and we just discussed why. more. In either case, you become more profitable and competitive.

Next month, I will include a snapshot of how the rental accountI suggest you spend some time and bucks to set up an “Equipment ing books should look. ET Operating Costs” section in your income statement, which will help you determine your equipment direct costs as well as measure cost Interested in learning more on financials? Attend the Ignite Construction recovery based on billing related to equipment usage. If you find you Summit (www.igniteconstructionsummit.com) — the industry’s only can’t meet the “rental rate” cost for the equipment being used, the conference and networking event for construction business owners and report could support right sizing the fleet or suggest ways to maintain high-level managers — November 3-5, 2021, to hear from Garry the fleet for a lower cost.

Bartecki on these issues and more.

If there is an equipment purchase in the offing, you can add the new units to the internal fleet to ensure billing is covering both the To access previous Running the Business columns, as well as additional business ownership and operating costs — in short, that you are covering the management information, visit www.ForConstructionPros.com. debt service related to the new unit.

50 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | July 2021

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Vol. 57 No. 7 July 2021

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