Equipment Today November 2021

Earthmoving: How Technology Improves Wheel Loader "Visibility" Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment

®

NOVEMBER 2021

GET IN GEAR WITH PICKUP SELECTION FIND THE TORQUE SWEET SPOT FOR YOUR TRUCK GEAR RATIOS FLEET MANAGEMENT How operator inspections drive equipment uptime

SAFETY

Learn top defensive driving & safety best practices

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Contents

NOVEMBER 2021 | www.ForConstructionPros.com

COVER STORY

GET GEARED for Success

Optional axle ratios can tailor pickup truck power and efficiency to suit your needs.

PRODUCTS 20 Trucks & Transportation 28 Trailers 34 Earthmoving

Check out the latest wheel loader models.

38 Fleet Management 43 Technology Trends

DEPARTMENTS 6 Breaking Ground 8 Equipment Introductions 14 Trucks & Transportation

Western Star’s X-Series, International MV Series and ATLIS Electric XT pickup

39 Fleet Management 40 Profit Matters 42 Technology Trends 48 Safety & Compliance 50 Running the Business

Risks of Unexpected Taxes, Creeping Fleet Costs and Stockpiling

4 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

FEATURES

Page 12

24

TIPS FOR SELECTING THE RIGHT TRAVELING AXLE TRAILER pg 24 Consider available features to ensure safety, durability and a better return on your investment.

TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES WHEEL LOADER “VISIBILITY” pg 30 Eliminating blind spots and quick identification of surroundings allow safe wheel loader operation.

OPERATOR INSPECTIONS DRIVE EQUIPMENT UPTIME pg 36 Operators are in the best position to monitor machine health, prevent downtime and maximize efficiency.

CONSTRUCTION FLEET DEFENSIVE DRIVING AND SAFETY BEST 44 PRACTICES pg 44 Protect your workers and your business by encouraging safety best practices for employees behind the wheel.

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVES 3 Signs Your Trailer Needs to be Repaired

It’s a good idea to know the signs that your trailer needs repair to keep you, your business and those on the road with you safe. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21627926

How Contractors Can Create a Consistent Collection Strategy

Before providing work or materials on credit, consider that there may be collection issues in the future. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21771642

Protecting Your Crew, Even While Driving

Everything you and your crew do, including driving, must be done with the highest level of safety possible. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21403633

11 Tips to Protect Your Construction Company From Cyber Threats

Cyber security expert shares how construction contractors can keep their companies safe from data breaches. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21772064

Customer Equipment Solutions Fleet Maintenance Management Program Keeping your owned fleet operating at peak efficiency, well-maintained and ready when you need it is no easy task. In fact, most companies we work with struggle without a welldefined strategy to operate and maintain all the equipment on the worksite. Designed for large worksites, the United Rentals’ Fleet Maintenance Management Program will help you maintain – and manage – your owned equipment and site vehicles using the same systems, processes and expertise we apply every day to our more than 14+ billion dollars in fleet.

Contact us now for a complimentary site assessment at CESOnsitesSupport@ur.com

UnitedRentals.com | 800.UR.RENTS © 2021 United Rentals, Inc.

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

Industry Sees Positive Trend to Battery Power

T

Becky Schultz / bschultz@acbusinessmedia.com

he construction industry is certainly no stranger to battery power.

Battery-powered hand tools, lighting, screeds, aerial lifts and other lighterduty tools and equipment have been used on jobsites for years. Yet, they often had limitations when it came to performance, battery life and/or charging times. They

were typically viewed as options for intermittent rather than continuous use.

Things are changing dramatically as advances in both equipment design and battery technology enable enhanced capabilities and more efficient power generation and utilization. The aforementioned tools, along with a growing

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number of larger, more advanced machine types, are now able to deliver comparable performance to those powered via the electric grid or by gas or diesel engines.

Faster charging capabilities are also making battery power a more realistic option for continuous-duty application.

Construction equipment manufacturers have wasted no time in taking advantage of the latest battery technology, with some offering sizable portfolios of battery-powered tools and lighter-duty equipment, and others providing modest, but growing, lineups of production model earthmovers. Still more are preparing to jump on the battery bandwagon, as evidenced by the array of prototype or concept machines at CONEXPO-CON/ AGG 2020 and, more recently, The Utility Expo in late September.

The automotive sector is fully entrenched, as well, with a number of pickup suppliers announcing the coming of electric models utilizing advanced, often proprietary battery technologies they say will deliver true work truck range and performance. (Read about the latest variant, the ATLIS XT Electric, on page 18.)

So, what does all this mean for the construction industry? Will we see electric tools, earthmovers and trucks populating all of our jobsites in the near future?

The prospect is intriguing given the benefits battery power can provide including: ˜ Zero emissions ˜ Low noise ˜ No fuel costs ˜ Ability to work indoors and in remote areas where fueling is a challenge ˜ Reduced maintenance compared to engine-powered models But there are practical considerations that must be addressed before such a vision is realized. Though the latest battery technology enables greater run times — often the equivalent of an average work day — few construction tasks fall within the realm of “average.” Run times will vary depending on how hard a tool or machine is working. And while fast charging options are being offered to top off batteries and extend the working range of select battery-powered models, they are dependent on availability of an external power source or nearby electrical infrastructure.

There is also the cost part of the equation. There is currently a premium with battery power due to the added cost of components. That cost will likely go down as the technology becomes more commonplace. But it won’t happen overnight, and certainly not until ongoing supply chain disruptions are abated.

Finally, there must be a will or the need to change. Or as so often occurs, legislation that propels the industry in a new direction. ET

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COMPACT WHEEL LOADER SPECIALISTS 5 Models | .52 – 2.4 yd3 | 25 – 101 HP

REPUTATIONS ARE BUILT ON IT

Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc. hitachiwheelloaders.us

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

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

Ditch Witch

RT70 Ride-on Trencher

Merlo

TF50.8 Telehandler The 21,900-lb. (unladen) TF50.8 can safely lift a maximum weight of 10,000 lbs. to a full height of 25 ft. 7 in. The no-flex boom can handle 3,100 lbs. at a maximum reach of 13 ft. 9 in. The unit comes with a 170-hp Iveco four-cylinder diesel engine, hydrostatic transmission, three steering modes and 25-mph travel speed.

Standard frame leveling is integrated into the chassis, allowing the operator to offset ground slopes (+/- 8°) and move the boom out perpendicularly to work in maximum safety. The ROPS/FOPScertified cab has a wide split door, 360° visibility, standard heat and A/C and electronic joystick controls. The Tac-Lock system provides hydraulic clamping of attachments.

The RT70 features an ergonomically designed operator station with an open layout and a 90° swivel seat, more legroom and intuitive controls. The cooling fan reduces temperature levels in the operator station by moving exhaust out of the side of the machine rather than toward the operator. The unit has a 72-hp Yanmar Tier 4/Stage V-compliant diesel engine and a footprint of 73 in. wide, enabling it to handle heavyduty jobs even on tight jobsites. Crab and coordinated steering modes allow the machine to be turned with a steering wheel instead of using two separate levers.

The modular design offers a single base unit with the option to move from tires to tracks.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21722813

Snorkel

A46JRTE Lithiumpowered Boom Lift The A46JRTE rough-terrain boom lift comes standard with three 111Ah (5.75 kWh) lithium ion battery packs that deliver extended duty cycles per charge. A single charge lasts more than one week in rough terrain and over two weeks in light use on elevation jobs with minimal driving. Fourwheel drive coupled with the AC electric motor’s higher torque result in increased traction and improved rough-terrain performance. The unit produces 62% less jobsite noise and, with no engine fan, generates reduced dust. Minimal battery and electrical system maintenance is required for substantially reduced service costs.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21648283

TT Technologies

Grundodrill 5X Compact Directional Drill The Grundodrill 5X compact directional drill generates 11,000 lbs. of thrust and pullback and 1,200 lbs.-ft. of torque. Drill modes range from manual to automatic. Entry angle can be easily adjusted from 11° to 17°. The unit includes a 56-hp Kohler Tier 4 Final engine, a single push-button stakedown system and independent front and rear lift. Its removable drill rod magazine offers a standard 200 ft. of capacity for 5-ft. drill pipe. An all-weather 7-in. touchscreen display delivers realtime bore data and operational performance. Controlled via wireless handheld remote, the 36-in. wide drill fits easily through gates and backyard easements.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21710550

www.forconstructionpros.com/21735044

Zeal Motor

FAT TRUCK 2.8P Amphibious Pickup The FAT TRUCK 2.8P can bring up to 2,200 lbs. of payload through harsh conditions with the occupants separated from the load. Its 67-hp Caterpillar C2.2 Turbo Tier 4 Final diesel engine delivers 1,400 rpm of torque and is matched with a hydrostatic transmission.

The unit can travel at maximum speeds of up to 25 mph on land and 3 mph on water, and is capable of climbing steep, muddy hills at up to 75% grade. Ground pressure is just 1.6 psi when fully loaded. Open cab or closed canopy versions are available. Options include a high-speed capstan, vegetation control spraying unit, water tank, firefighting foam kit and small service crane for storm recovery work.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21735379

8 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

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FULLY LOADED REDEFINED

THE NEXT GENERATION OF CAT® MEDIUM WHEEL LOADERS IS HERE All the features. All the choices. All the production and performance. Get everything you love about the M Series plus much more. Starting with the 980, 980 XE, 982 and 982 XE, each new Cat® medium wheel loader delivers fully loaded trucks at a lower cost per ton — redefining your bottom line.

See how Cat wheel loaders jumpstart your productivity at Cat.com/FullyLoaded

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/GPE

© 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

Case

TV620B Compact Track Loader The 114-hp TV620B has a 6,200-lb. rated operating capacity, a bucket breakout force of 12,084 lbs. and 74 in. of track on the ground. The heavy-duty undercarriage and 17.7-in. rubber tracks allow for 6.1-psi ground pressure. The unit includes standard adjustable electrohydraulic controls, high-flow hydraulics, auto ride control, one-way self-leveling, a hydraulic coupler, auto-reversing fan, LED lights and a one-year subscription to CASE SiteWatch telematics. The cab features a redesigned operator interface, 360° visibility and an 8-in. LCD multifunction display. The rear view camera is visible in a split-screen display with machine data.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771466

Hitachi

ZW100-6 Wheel Loader The ZW100-6 wheel loader features an operating weight of 17,042 lbs., a bucket capacity of 1.4 cu. yds. and a 101-hp Tier 4 Final DPF-free engine. Its hydrostatic transmission control system makes it easy to maneuver and intuitive to operate, with minimal operator override required for smooth operation. An oscillating rear axle provides more stability and traction, and the traction control system helps avoid tire slippage when working in sensitive ground conditions. The cab offers 360° panoramic visibility, an optional rear view camera, improved sound insulation and several storage compartments. Updated heavy-duty axles, a heavy center pin and a robust box frame enhance machine durability.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771962

Thunder Creek

JCB

512-83R Rotating Telehandler The 512-83R has a maximum lift capacity of 12,000 lbs. and a maximum working height of 83 ft. It is powered by a 145-hp JCB EcoMax engine and has a two-speed hydrostatic transmission with a top travel speed of 25 mph. Auto one-touch stabilizer deployment, stowage and leveling enables rapid setup. The unit features enhanced lift-end cycle times and high auxiliary flow rates for efficient winch work. Remote control lift-end operation and available aerial access platforms enable use as a telehandler, crane and mobile elevating work platform. Specially developed attachments using RFID technology can be identified by the machine to automatically offer the correct load chart for the operator.

Service and Lube Upfit Platform

The Service and Lube Upfit Platform (SLU) combines the precision of the Service and Lube Trailer with the nimbleness of a medium-duty service body. It can be configured to carry up to eight oils or maintenance fluids, plus diesel, diesel exhaust fluid, grease and compressed air. The entire pneumatic pumping system is powered by a built-in VMAC air compressor. Fluid volumes are configurable in 115-, 55-, and 25-gal. tanks. Total capacity is 690 gal. All fluid maintenance systems are plumbed into the truck’s Utility Box, with a streamlined control panel color coded to match the nozzles and hoses.

No CDL or a HAZMAT endorsement is required for operation.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771996

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771684

Vanair

EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment Available in 2022, the EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment line of products consists of the ELiMENT Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, electric motor-driven air compressors, electric-hydraulic power, AC power inverters, welders, Level 1 and 2 EV charging, electric-driven underdecks, electric-driven abovedecks, alternators/regulators and DC-DC converters. The ELiMENT batteries enable quiet, zero-emission operation and feature a Battery Management System that provides the ability to discharge power while being charged. The fully self-contained and independent system can be mounted on, or within, combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles or even on trailers.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21772002

10 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

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Unearth outstanding deals Great savings on all excavators and dozers.

www.ebay.com/heavyequipment

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

Get GEARED for Success Optional axle ratios can tailor pickup truck power and efficiency to suit your needs.

O

ften overlooked, optional gear ratios play a key role in pickup truck performance. If the axle ratio is too tall, the truck may seem to lack power, especially when climbing hills. This may be corrected with a numerically higher axle ratio, often at the expense of unladen highway fuel economy.

Consider that with a 3.31 axle ratio, the driveshaft turns 3 1/3rd times for every revolution of the rear wheel. With a 4.30 ratio, it turns 4 1/3rd times for every revolution of the rear wheel. The numerically higher gear ratio (in this case, 4.30) increases wheel torque and improves acceleration from low speeds. But the engine does have to run faster to achieve a given speed.

Selecting the best gear ratio can be tricky as the entire powertrain works as a system. Every engine includes a sweet spot in its power curve between peak power and peak torque. You want the transmission gearing and axle gear ratio to stay in this sweet spot while hauling the payload at the desired speed.

Also consider that the axle ratio is only a portion of the overall pickup gearing. Manufacturers spend a lot of effort on powertrain matching. According to Ford Motor Company, powertrain matching is really a systems approach. It is the engine, transmission, axles and tires working together. It is the effective ratio of engine power transmitted all the way through the drive system to the ground.

THE MARCH TOWARD MORE GEARS Relying on past history to select an axle ratio may not be the best approach as technology continues to change. There has been a major evolution in pickup truck transmission offerings as manufacturers pack an increasing number of gears into the transmission housing. Many years ago, the four-speed automatic transmission was mainstream.

Then it evolved into five speeds and eventually six speeds.

In 2012, Ram Trucks introduced an eight-speed transmission for its 2013 1500

models. This evolution of pickup truck transmissions accelerated in 2017 with the introduction of 10-speed transmissions. This was the result of a collaboration between Ford and General Motors, and first appeared as an option on the 2017 F-150 pickups. Chevrolet Silverado 2019 pickup truck models followed.

For 2020, Ford and General Motors both introduced new 10-speed transmissions on their heavy-duty pickups.

Previously mainstream sixspeed automatic transmissions are currently being replaced by eightand 10-speed transmissions, which are able to provide closer ratios between the gears. “Closer ratios allow for the right gear at the right time and can reduce gear hunting on grades and help take advantage of the engine torque curve,” says Rod Romain, chief engineer, Ram Heavy Duty.

The ultimate goal of a transmission is to keep the engine working in its most efficient speed range, or at the highest torque point when performance is needed. The transmission’s

computer does whatever it takes to find the gear that keeps the engine in its most efficient or best-performing speed range.

By having more gear ratios, it is possible to keep an engine near its ideal operating speed most of the time. The transmission’s wider overall ratio enables a lower numerical top gear ratio, an attribute that reduces engine speed on the highway.

“Simply, closer ratios may not support a lower numeric axle; it’s a system with the engine,” says Romain. “If the ratio selection works with the engine, sometimes a lower numeric axle ratio can be used and actually improve the overall towing experience. It’s a system with the engine and vehicle. They need to work together for the task at hand and, depending upon the transmission ratios, a higher numerical ratio in a higher gear may be the same as a lower numerical axle in a lower gear.”

The way people spec rear axle ratios has changed as the powertrains have evolved over the past few years. “Years ago, 4.56

The terrain, the weight and shape of the loads and how often you tow will all influence the correct axle ratio.

12 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

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and 4.10 were the only gears to have when towing heavy,” notes Romain. “With the improved engine performance we have today, the same loads and even higher can be pulled with much lower numerical ratios.”

According to Ford Motor Company, there are interconnected reasons to choose optional axle ratios — if you are hauling heavy loads with large trailers in hilly terrain and you do a high frequency of towing. Consider a PowerStroke 6.7-liter diesel that offers a choice of a 3.31, 3.55, 3.73 or 4.30 axle ratio. The 3.31 might be capable of towing the trailer. But if you are towing the majority of the time, you probably want the 3.55 because it will tow better and provide better fuel economy loaded.

FUEL ECONOMY VS. TOWING EFFICIENCY Start with the total combined weight of the vehicle, then consider the environment.

If you drive the vehicle on flat ground in Iowa throughout its life, axle ratio is not as critical

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

Dave Haglund

as pulling the same load up the hills in Denver. The axle ratio really starts to show when you get into grades.

Note that pickup tow and haul ratings are listed by axle ratio. The vehicle’s tow rating vs. what you plan on towing is the best way to determine which gear ratio you should select.

The consumer can tailor the vehicle’s driveline to meet their particular needs, according to Toyota Motor Vehicles. If you will never have more than 1,000 lbs. in the back of the truck, you would want the highest ratio (3.73 instead of 4.30) for improved fuel economy because you will not need the torque.

However, if you are towing a 9,000-lb. trailer, you will need that extra torque to get the trailer moving, especially up steep grades (4.30 instead of a 3.73).

Fuel economy (higher rpms translate to increased fuel use), the weight to be towed or hauled (you want the engine to stay at an efficient speed on hills), roads traveled (steep grades vs. flat highway) and expected speed are all factors to consider when choosing the correct ratio, advises Ram Trucks. You may choose a ratio that keeps the engine at the lowest rpm for fuel economy.

But if you are not traveling fast enough on the highway, it will lug the engine and prove to be less efficient. You want to keep the engine at the most efficient

rpm for a set speed, no matter what the load.

Consider the top speed at which you want to drive, the fuel economy you wish to achieve at that highway speed and the load you intend to tow or haul.

For example, if you wish to tow 10,000 lbs. at 55 mph on flat highway, a mid gear ratio will keep the engine rpms up enough to maintain power with efficiency. If you want to drive at a high rate of speed, go with a smaller numerical gear ratio to keep the rpms as low as possible.

Towing a heavy load and fuel economy don’t go hand in hand, according to General Motors.

The lower gear ratio will give you the drivability you need to effectively tow the load at the expense of slightly higher engine rpm at higher speeds vs. a vehicle with a higher ratio. However, if you use a final drive ratio that is too high, you will have to rev the engine more and the transmission clutches will generate much more heat due to slipping when trying to get the load moving.

The end result is you damage your transmission.

The weight of the load isn’t the only consideration. It is the weight of the load as well as the aero characteristics of the load, notes General Motors. If you pull a large trailer that has a large frontal area, it has a very high aero impact going down the highway compared to a flatbed trailer with a Bobcat and lawn servicing equipment. The aero characteristics are quite different for those two vehicles, and that has a huge impact on towing on the highways.

PERFORMANCE RELATIVE TO USE

Dave Haglund

General Motors previously performed extensive testing with its L96 gas engine and both the standard 3.73 and optional 4.10 axle ratios. That 3.73 vs. a 4.10 has a huge impact on engine rpm because you are selecting second gear with a 3.73 to pull the grade, but you can hit third gear

with a 4.10. Your engine speed is about 1,000 rpm lower, so temperatures under hood are going to be significantly lower.

Higher numerical ratios often increase fuel consumption. The penalty in fuel economy varies because it depends so much on your use, Ford Motor Company points out. If you drive the vehicle with low loads, you will see a fuel economy decrease with a higher numerical axle ratio, particularly at highway speeds. If you are driving loaded a lot of the time, there is a point where fuel economy crosses over and is equivalent or even better. If you are driving in a city environment at slower speeds, you may also see a fuel economy increase with a higher numeric axle ratio.

Many dedicated commercial trucks do not offer a choice of axle ratios. One ratio is used since the trucks are primarily being used for a commercial-type application where they are all heavily loaded.

TIRE SIZE CHANGES RATIOS Changing tire size also affects the gear ratio. A larger tire plays the same role as smaller gear ratios. However, you now may be adding rotating mass, which decreases efficiency and also negatively changes the dynamics of the vehicle for which it was designed.

A 1-in. decrease in tire diameter has about the same impact of 1/3rd of an axle step. For example, if a 3.73 axle ratio currently is matched with a 31.2-in.-diameter tire, then the tire is decreased to 30.2 in., the revolutions per mile increase from 650 to roughly 670. That gives you about a 3.85 axle ratio.

Keep in mind that vehicles are designed to be operated with a specific-sized tire. Most manufacturers don’t recommend changing tire size, as this will affect handling and performance of the vehicle.

IMPACT ON WEAR AND TEAR A higher numerical gear ratio doesn’t automatically reduce wear and tear under heavy loads.

Energy must be transferred somewhere, notes Ram Trucks.

The wear and tear will increase in one area and drop in another depending upon what the load is and the drive cycle. Most wear and tear is dependent upon driving habits, e.g., slipping

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the clutch, jack-rabbit starts, over- and/or under-revving the engine, etc.

But a higher numerical ratio will save wear on both the engine and transmission. It is more of a benefit to the transmission because it will have a greater mechanical advantage over the load when trying to get the load moving.

The recent proliferation of transmissions with more gears makes the overall gearing more effective. Multiple speeds give multiple options to keep the engine in the most efficient operating range at a particular speed.

It’s all about balance. A manufacturer may choose a 3.73 because it knows the customer of a heavy-duty truck is going to tow, but isn’t going to tow a 20,000-lb. combined package. So, the manufacturer tries to provide the best performance with a 3.73. Then there is the customer that has the 3500 dually; it has the small 17-in. tire and 4.10 axle ratio. This will give the customer the best performance for the 20,500-lb. combined package.

The best advice is to fully understand your application.

The axle selection also impacts many factors other than fuel economy. That axle ratio is key to thermal performance. If you are going to tow a lot of weight, the higher numerical gear ratio will actually improve the durability of the vehicle.

“Match the tow rating of your vehicle to the task you are asking it to do and you will be fine,” says Romain. ET

If you rarely tow heavy loads, a lower numerical axle ratio provides better unladen fuel economy.

“Closer ratios allow for the right gear at the right time and can reduce gear hunting on grades and help take advantage of the engine torque curve.”

— Rod Romain

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

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

All photos courtesy Western Star

Western Star Expands X-Series Truck Line

A twin-steer version of the 47X is available.

Building on the 49X launch last year, Western Star releases the 47X to reach new vocational applications.

W

ith a standard 111.6-in. BBC or optional 110.8-in.

BBC — which is 10 in. shorter than the 49X — the Western Star 47X is well suited to applications that require a shorter overall vehicle length to meet federal or local bridge law requirements, such as mixers or super dumps. A short hood and a wheel cut up to 50° optimizes maneuverability for work on tight construction sites or in congested urban environments. The new model comes in a set-forward or set-back axle configuration.

The 47X incorporates all the key technologies first introduced on the 49X last year, although there are some unique features such as the hood. The 47X hood

offers forward visibility of 24.8 ft., an 11-in. improvement over the 49X, while utilizing the same composite construction and ISO Tech suspension system. The ISO Tech system behaves similar to a typical coil-over shock suspension system with spring and damper. It isolates, absorbs and dissipates vibrations from the chassis when driving over uneven terrain to protect the hood from bending and cracking. “It is the only active suspension on a hood in a vocational truck today,” says Samantha Parlier, vice president of vocational market development.

When the 49X was introduced, the purpose-built vocational cab was a key highlight. This cab finds it way onto the 47X. It was designed

A Flex Panel located in the dash B-panel of the truck gives truck equipment manufacturers the ability to mount body controllers. This minimizes the common practice of compromising space between the seats.

14 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

specifically for vocational applications and provides additional vehicle weight savings while delivering long-term durability and operator comfort.

The X-Series steel-reinforced cab reduces mass by up to 8% while offering up to 13% more space than competitors.

An optional two-person bench seat is available for applications demanding a large on-site crew. A new space-optimized in-cab battery box affords additional legroom to the driver.

An optional roof-mounted condenser offers maximum airflow through the radiator for stationary applications such as construction and mining while keeping operators comfortable.

All X-Series models come with a wraparound dash that provides easy access to the driver command center and B-panel. On the B-Panel, a Flex Panel can be prepped for a tablet or configured for an additional 12 switches or 10 gauges.

There are removable plugs to access connection points on the top of the dash. “They are on every single truck,” says Parlier.

“The customer doesn’t have to drill through the top of the dash anymore.”

With the X Series, ingress and egress was a major design consideration. “Slips and falls are the No. 2 cause of jobsite injuries,” Parlier notes. “The engineering team devoted a couple of years into creating access steps that are

more like a staircase than a ladder. Truck operators get in and out of their trucks in mixer operations up to 50 times a day.”

This is not only a safety issue; it can create a lot of wear and tear on the driver. The staircase design alleviates stress on the driver, and optional bright yellow grab handles remind operators where to grab.

Dual-stage headlights are standard with a heated headlamp. “It is called dual stage because not only does it melt thick ice in a matter of minutes, but it also de-fogs in humid climates, and it is all automatic,” says Parlier. “It is being controlled based on the temperature setting and the sensors outside.”

WEIGHT REDUCTION BECAME A PRIORITY “A key priority was to consider how to reduce mass without compromising strength,” says Tracy Mack-Askew, chief engineer of chassis, propulsion and vocational engineering, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA).

“From the cab to the frame rails, to powertrain and battery configurations, we examined all features to deliver weight savings to our customers for greater productivity and profitability.”

The 47X is approximately 200 lbs. lighter than the 49X in like-for-like spec. This makes it the best choice for weight-sensitive applications such as mixers and bulk haul.

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The X-Series offers singlechannel frame rail options with a resisting bending moment of up to 3.8 million in.-lbs. A new 9.5mm single-channel rail option features comparable strength as today’s 11mm rail. “It got a little taller, but it actually saved 120 lbs. over the course of the rail,” says Parlier. Standard highstrength aluminum forward, rear and end-of-frame crossmembers further reduce mass.

The 47X will accommodate a full array of rear suspension options. “We also added the Hendrickson UltiMaax suspension into both X Series products,” says Parlier.

POWER TO MEET ANY JOB The standard engine on the 47X will be the Detroit DD13 Gen 5 diesel, which features higher compression ratios and a new swirl piston design that further improves combustion and efficiency. ThermoCoasting in the DD13 Gen 5 engine prevents aftertreatment cool down during a driving regen to keep the system at its optimum temperature and significantly reduce the need for parked regens.

Cummins L9 and X12 engines are available for weightsensitive applications.

When equipped with the DD13 Gen 5, the 47X comes standard with the Detroit Assurance suite of active safety systems. This includes active brake assist, side guard assist, adaptive

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

With a standard 111.6-in. BBC or optional 110.8-in. BBC, the Western Star 47X is well suited to applications that require a shorter overall vehicle length to meet federal or local bridge law requirements, such as mixers or super dumps.

cruise control and other features to keep operators and workers safe at the jobsite while protecting pedestrians and other motorists.

Optional front engine power take-off (FEPTO) is offered on Detroit DD13 and Cummins engine offerings. Rectangular fuel tanks and a raised aftertreatment system mounting are offered with Cummins engines for better clearance for belly plows in snow removal applications.

The available DT-12-V automated manual transmission includes three work-ready mode applications: Rock-free, Off-road and Paver for the challenges of specific vocations.

a RAM Mount prep, depending upon customer needs.

“It is a time saver for the TEMs,” says Parlier. “They can have the Flex Panel prebuilt up and when the truck shows up, they pop it in.”

A TRUCK FOR EVERY APPLICATION “With the 47X and the

49X, we can offer our vocational customers different options that will give them the right tool for their specific job needs,” Carson states.

“The vocational segment is a broad segment covering many different applications, and our Western Star X-Series reflects that reality.”

The trucks each fill their

own unique niches. The 49X is a good fit for heavy-haul and logging, and both models (depending upon the spec) are ready to handle oilfield, towing & recovery, bulk haul, crane and dump applications.

“With the addition of the 47X to the X-Series lineup, Western Star is offering fresh,

modern trucks with purposeful technologies to enable all vocational customer’s success,” says Carson. “The wide breadth of segment coverage means there is a Star for every need.”

The 47X is available for order now and delivery to customers will begin in early 2022. ET

BUILT FOR UPFIT Western Star partnered with leading truck equipment manufacturers (TEMs) to ensure the X-Series supports fast and efficient upfits.

A QuickFit Interface System offers ready access to the electrical architecture and was designed for easy TEM interface, programming and access to power. A CHEC Tool from DTNA enables TEMs and dealers to view and modify electrical configurations, giving them the power to customize inputs and outputs and change parameters within minutes.

“With the power of QuickFit and CHEC, you can take things that were once considered to be complex, expensive or impossible to do and accomplish them more easily and efficiently,” says David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing, DTNA. A Flex Panel located in the dash B-panel of the truck gives TEMs the ability to mount body controllers. This minimizes the common practice of compromising space between the seats. The Flex Panel can also accommodate additional gauges, switches or

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November 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 15

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

Navistar Enhances International MV Series SAFETY & CAPABILITY The International MV Series medium-duty truck has been designed to accommodate body upfits and it includes the Diamond Logic electrical system.

Increased visibility, collision mitigation options and Diamond Logic customization ensure the MV Series truck is up to vocational tasks.

“Our International Diamond Logic electrical system streamlines chassis and body equipment integration...”

avistar initially launched the MV Series at the 2018 Work Truck Show to replace the company’s DuraStar medium-duty truck.

The MV Series has now been redesigned to further enhance safety capability and body integration.

The MV Series has been purposely designed to deliver increased maneuverability, visibility and safety. An aerodynamic hood and breakaway mirrors provide greater visibility, while optional LED

— Chad Semler

N

Inside the cab, a stalk shifter allows drivers to manually shift and apply the Jake Brake without having to look down and take their eyes off the road.

headlights provide longer life and improved visibility.

To further improve safety, the optional Bendix Wingman Fusion System technology includes adaptive cruise, enhanced collision mitigation, multi-lane vehicle braking, stationary object alert, lane departure warning and front radar and cameras. The Bendix BlindSpotter Collision Warning System is equipped with side object detection alert. An optional premium gauge cluster is required with collision mitigation and it is customizable for the driver.

DIAMOND LOGIC ALLOWS CUSTOMIZATION The Diamond Logic multiplex electrical system has always been a point of differentiation for Navistar products. It allows for customized programming for driver and equipment protection and ease of body integration.

But Diamond Logic is not just about body and chassis interlocks, which had been the company’s specialty since the system was launched in 2001. The system now includes a pre-trip light inspection that can be performed at the touch of a button, getting customers on the job faster. There is also an external regen warning and additional equipment protection with hydraulic power take-off (PTO)

16 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

shutdown and an outrigger stowed interlock.

“Our International Diamond Logic electrical system streamlines chassis and body equipment integration and allows you or the driver to program automated tasks,” says Chad Semler, director of product management, Navistar. “This means more equipment protection and increased crew safety.”

DESIGN CHANGE ACCOMMODATES FRAME EXTENSIONS A high-efficiency cooling module eliminates mega-brackets, enabling integrated front frame extensions and an improved snowplow upfit offering. Hood-mounted splash panels and an on-engine air cleaner provide improved underhood access. An optional underhood work light is available for improved visibility during daily maintenance checks.

Navistar has designed a solution for applications that typically require a stationary grille, such as snowplows and winches. “A driver-oriented feature is a partially opened hood, at about 30˚ instead of hood hatches, which can be used for not only snowplow applications,

There are many safety features built in, including programmable interlocks and optional collision mitigation technology.

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but also for hose reel and winch applications,” says Semler.

“It provides easy access to all critical fluids without the awkwardness of a hood hatch. The hood can be opened fully, but the detent aides in doing daily fluid checks.”

Chassis components were relocated for additional clean

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

CA configurations. The whole truck was reconfigured to allow easier body integration. For safety on the jobsite, there are vehicle and component interlocks, backup alarms and optional safety systems.

FOCUS ON THE CAB Inside the cab, a stalk shifter allows drivers to manually shift and apply the Jake Brake without having to look down and take their eyes off the road, says Semler. “It allows for a third occupant to sit without bumping their knees. It also allows for an Allison 1000 or 2000 Series transmission with a wing panel, which creates better ergonomics,” he explains.

The cab itself has better corrosion protection, with InterCoat Chemguard standard on the cab floor as well as an optional LINE-X offering for particularly tough environments. InterCoat Chemguard acts like a self-healing layer of skin on the cab. The chrome-zinc coating will maintain corrosion protection despite cuts and scratches.

“Uptime is improved because no holes are pierced in the cab after the primer coat,” notes Semler. “We also reduced joint count in the number of mechanical fasteners and applied a weld through epoxy sealant on most joints.”

with the two engine options, a Cummins B6.7 or a Cummins L9. This results in fewer trips to the service department.

Both the Cummins B6.7 and Cummins L9 have undergone technical improvements such as onboard diagnostics

and emissions updates. The Cummins B6.7 offers ratings of 200 to 325 hp and torque from 520 to 750 lbs.-ft.

The Cummins L9 produces 260 to 380 hp and pumps out torque from 860 to 1,250 lbs.-ft. Transmission options

include Allison 1000, 2000 or 3000 automatics; Eaton Fuller 10-speed automated manual or Eaton Fuller 6-speed or 10-speed manuals.

The International MV Series is supported through the Navistar OnCommand

Connection remote diagnostic system. There is also the option for customers to add International 360, a service communications platform that simplifies communication with the International service network. ET

UPTIME A PRIORITY Navistar has worked with Cummins to align and extend service intervals

North America’s largest work truck event March 8–11, 2022 | Indiana Convention Center | Indianapolis, IN Green Tr uck Summit March 8 | Education sessions begin March 8 Wor k Tr uck Show exhibits March 9–11

Register at worktruckweek.com Advance pricing ends Feb. 8, 2022

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

ATLIS Fast-charging Electric XT

to Surpass 3/4-ton Pickup Capability The XT work truck features a 500-mile range and fast recharge time of less than 15 minutes.

A

TLIS Motor Vehicle revealed a functional prototype XT electric pickup designed for a 500-mile range and capable of being recharged in less than 15 minutes. This truck is a purpose-designed work truck that will meet the specific needs of fleet owners, small businesses and tradespeople, allowing them to bring everything needed to the field.

ATLIS has concentrated on interoperability with existing charging networks while also focusing on its own proprietary system that’s designed to deliver 1.5 megawatts of power that will charge the truck in 15 minutes.

“When we think about charging a 250-kW-hour battery pack, we need about 1.5 megawatts of power to accomplish that,” says Mark Hanchett, ATLIS founder and CEO. The XT incorporates a CCS charge port as well as an AAC/1.5-megawatt charge port on the front left side of the vehicle. This enables the vehicle to utilize the existing charging infrastructure and leverage the J1172 port to recharge on a standard 120- or 240-volt outlet and be able to ultra-fast charge the vehicle using the AAC port.

It was interesting to note that during the time of the scheduled introduction, the power was out in the ATLIS headquarters in Mesa, AZ. The introduction went on as planned, with the prototype XT providing all of the power necessary.

“We are out to change the work truck market,” says Hanchett. “We’ve focused on the design features our target market cares about most — maximizing functionality, storage, capability and passenger comfort — to create the best possible ownership experience. The goal is to

create an electric pickup with the performance characteristics of a 3/4-ton diesel that can be quickly recharged.”

The projected capabilities are impressive. “The XP platform is actually capable of handling 10,000 lbs. per axle,” says Hanchett. “That means we have a 20,000-lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).”

A MOBILITY COMPANY EMERGES The first question that comes to mind is who is ATLIS? “Traditionally, we are thought of as an electric vehicle company but ATLIS is a mobility technology company comprised of three separate pillars,” says Hanchett.

“When we started this company back in 2016, while our focus was on building an electric truck that was dedicated to the work truck market, we realized in order for us to reach that goal, make that big leap forward, we had to take a look at the battery technology and create a solution to some of those big challenges.

“So, while ATLIS is debuting the XT pickup truck, it’s important to note that we are a technology company,” he adds.

“We are ecosystem focused.”

This year, the company launched a new battery cell that will start shipping to customers by the end of 2021.

Next year, ATLIS is focused on the $300 million the company has in signed agreements for this battery technology. The batteries will be built in the Mesa, AZ facility.

The energy pillar encompasses all of the battery and charging technology. “The target is profitability next year and those profits will go into expansion of the business, continued operations and development as we look to launch the XT pickup truck,” explains Hanchett.

18 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

The halo lights’ brightness and color are controllable. They provide a single source of light per seat, providing extra light for work.

LACK OF CONVENTIONAL RESTRAINTS LEADS TO INNOVATION Conventional internal combustion truck design imposes a lot of limitations. When designing an electric pickup from the ground up, ATLIS was not limited by existing design, so it proposed several innovative technologies in terms of lighting, cameras, accessibility and storage. The truck is built on a skateboard platform that allows flexibility.

“We’re big on vertical integration. This entire prototype was built in-house. Almost 90% of what you see here was actually built in our Mesa facility,” Hanchett points out. “It is important to note that while this is a prototype, it contains all of the different technologies and approaches that ATLIS will be taking into the final product.”

The lack of an internal combustion engine up front frees up space and allows an improved

aerodynamic design. This includes a downward sloping hood that improves visibility.

There is also additional storage/work space in the form of a front truck, or frunk. It features a spray-in bed liner and 18.5 cu. ft. of space, and is equipped with two 110-volt/30-amp outlets and a 240-volt/50-amp outlet, access to compressed air and USB-C charging ports.

The lighting and mirrors take a unique approach. The XT includes an active headlight management system to improve safety and visibility. Each headlight is comprised of four DRLs, which double as a turn signal and can flash in a variety of colors for different applications. A projector bulb provides more illumination depending upon the work case.

The taillights are also adjustable depending upon the case.

The lighting can be programmed for red and amber for typical taillights and turn signals or flash

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colors in emergency situations.

The same projector bulbs used in the front are also in the rear, providing additional light when working or connecting a trailer in the dark.

Another innovation is the integration of light bars on the top of the front and rear windshields. These light bars have individually addressable LED light bulbs. Functionality includes color changes and the ability to create text and patterns for enhanced safety on the front and rear windshields.

The XT is equipped with a digital mirror system that utilizes cameras that act as retractable mirrors. “When the vehicle is off, they actually go flush with the vehicle to prevent them from impacting or connecting with someone,” says Hanchett.

One camera is mounted to each side of the vehicle and there are two screens on the dashboard to provide enhanced visibility.

The retractable mirror cameras

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

All photos courtesy ATLIS

The XT is equipped with a CCS charge port as well as an AAC/1.5-megawatt charge port along the front left side of the vehicle. This enables the vehicle to utilize the existing charging infrastructure and leverage the J1172 port to recharge on a standard 120V or 240V outlet and be able to ultra-fast charge using the AAC port in less than 15 minutes. also enables ATLIS to leverage one component multiple times to drive economies of scale and reduce cost.

As this truck is intended for work, the interior was designed to be easily cleaned and all materials are stain, scratch and rip resistant.

The XT’s air sprung suspension design with dynamic damping capabilities adjusts to the load. The system assists with loading and unloading by lowering for easy access.

PROGRESS CONTINUES With 18.5 cu. ft. of storage, the XT boasts the largest front-trunk volume of any electric vehicle on the market, providing the space needed for various use case scenarios. also serve as turn signals and can be fully extended an additional 6 in. in tow mode. A heating element is included in the mirror system to ensure proper function in snowy and icy conditions.

“This camera system today displays an image 180° out and then all the way back,” says Hanchett. “Future software for this system will be able to detect a vehicle approaching at a high rate of speed so you don’t move over and cut someone off. It will be able to detect a vehicle or an object in your blindspot on the side of the vehicle and it will give you a notification that you can or cannot move over.”

The XT features a unique air suspension system that is independent, both front and rear, with dynamic damping

capabilities that adjust to the vehicle load. This helps instill driver confidence regardless of the conditions. The system also assists with loading and unloading the truck by lowering it for easy access.

To provide maximum accessibility, a step has been integrated in the structure of the platform that extends the length of both sides of the vehicle. It provides easy access to the bed and it is possible to walk 360° around the truck using the built-in steps.

The XT will offer bed lengths of 6.5 and 8 ft. with a standard spray-in bed liner. There are four 120-volt/30-amp outlets in the bed, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports and a 240-volt/50amp hookup to power tools that require a higher voltage. A

pneumatic hookup will power air tools. The front frunk and rear box electrical circuits are each dedicated circuits that can be utilized independent of each other, so you could utilize a welder on the front and another welder on the rear circuit.

Large door handles are integrated into the door panels with no moving mechanism to ensure durability and ease of use while wearing gloves.

INTERIOR OPTIMIZES USER INTERFACE ATLIS is taking a different approach to the digital cockpit. “There is nothing here to distract the driver or add complexity,” says Hanchett.

Side mirrors are replaced by displays placed around the

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steering wheel, and an instrument cluster display is attached to the steering column for better viewing angles. The 12.8-in. center touch console places all vehicle controls for the driver and passenger within reach. The interface will have customizable soft keys in the center display and on the steering wheel. The center touch display is based on a three-touch principle, enabling the customer to get to any function within three touches.

The dash display is mounted to and moves with the steering wheel. This ensures that each driver, no matter their size, has the same view of the controls.

The XT will come in a threeor six-passenger configuration.

The front and rear seats are identical for passenger comfort. This

“This is the fourth iteration of the XT prototype and we plan to start production in late 2022,” says Hanchett. “The team continues to refine the interior and exterior design based on extensive customer and investor feedback. We have the engineering and design expertise, flexibility and vision to create something completely different to provide customers with an entire ecosystem needed to get their jobs done.”

ATLIS has grown its business through equity crowdfunding. This has helped keep the company focused on product validation. “It makes our investors part of the company,” says Hanchett.

There is a lot of interest in the XT pickup. “We have over 60,000 reservations today,” Hanchett states. Of these, 13,000 are made up of the company’s investors. ATLIS also has a signed contract to deliver over 19,000 XT trucks to Australia through 2025. ET

November 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 19

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products

2022 GMC 1500 Sierra Pickup The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offers the latest version of Super Cruise on the Denali with the capability to trailer while driving hands-free on compatible roads, plus an automatic lane change feature.

• Choice of 2.7L turbo, 3.0L I-6 turbodiesel, 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 engine options mated to six-, eight- or 10-speed automatic transmissions, with Active or Dynamic Fuel Management available on select versions • Towing technologies now include Trailer Length Indicator, Jack-Knife Alert, Rear Trailer View with guidelines and trailer angle indicator, Rear SideView enhancement and cargo bed enhancement • Cargo Bed Zoom View and Bed Hitch Guidance now available

Ford F-150 Pickup

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www.forconstructionpros.com/21244727

The F-150 full-size pickup comes with standard over-the-air updates technology to constantly keep software on the leading edge.

• 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain available on every trim level from F-150 XL to Limited • PowerBoost system adds instant electric torque to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivering at least 12,000 lbs. of available maximum towing • Pro Power Onboard offers a 2.0-kW output on optional gas engines, and the PowerBoost-equipped version comes with 2.4 kW of output or optional 7.2 kW • 12-in. center screen standard on XLT high series and above

Thieman Hydraulic Liftgates

Freightliner 114SD with Cummins X12 The 2,050-lb. Cummins X12 engine can be spec’d in the Freightliner 114SD, delivering up to 500 hp and 1,700 lbs.-ft of torque.

• Engine offers a low-friction design for improved efficiency and is compatible with fully automatic, AMT and manual transmissions • Features a GVW up to 92,000 lbs. and has a clear back of cab for easy upfit • Available as set-forward front or set-back axle and with a wide range of vocational rear suspensions and frame options up to 5 million RBM • 114-in. BBC steel-reinforced aluminum cab features a 2,500-sq.-in windshield and contoured hood slope for maximum visibility

www.forconstructionpros.com/21046598

www.forconstructionpros.com/21050162

Minimizer’s Peterbilt medium-duty custom-molded floor mats fit Peterbilt 337 and 348 medium-duty truck model years 2010-2020.

• Four floor mat kits • Laser-measured to exact fit • Tray system features raised edge to keep everything on the mat

www.forconstructionpros.com/21028645

www.forconstructionpros.com/21112699

Thunder Creek Expanded MultiTank Diesel Hauling Platform

Maintainer H8524 Service Crane

The updated MTU bulk diesel hauling platform provides better control of fueling and DEF management without requiring a CDL or HAZMAT endorsement.

• Re-launched on the Ram chassis and equipped to carry 920 gal. of bulk diesel contained in separate 115-gal. fuel tanks • Rear utility box houses the diesel pump and manifold system • Optional heated diesel exhaust fluid handling system for use in colder climates • Options include a variety of meters for measuring, security and tracking, numerous reel options and lengths, a 4-micron filter and available color schemes

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

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

The Granite has a purpose-built interior that minimizes driver wear and tear and maximizes comfort.

• Includes a flat-bottom steering wheel for more belly room and clearance for entry or exit and Sears Seating for improved driver comfort and support • mDrive HD automated manual transmission with optional 13- and 14-speed creeper gears • Axle-forward and axle-back configurations and a tight turning radius improve maneuverability • Choice of rail thicknesses to spec vehicle for the rigors of the job • Top-mounted rear axle carriers minimize driveline angle and improve fuel efficiency and ground clearance

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www.forconstructionpros.com/21092126

20 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

The DTM70-H Direct-Transmission Mounted Multi-Power System is a configurable solution for service trucks fitted with hydraulic cranes or other hydraulic components.

• Priority valve and intelligent throttle control system allow for variable air-ondemand with increased cfm output while providing steady gpm output • Fixed mode with preset low engine rpm used for running hydraulic equipment and providing a steady rate of compressed air, or variable mode enables engine rpm to increase and decrease automatically based on air demand • Hydraulic bypass circuit with priority flow control valve diverts excess hydraulic flow back into the reservoir tank

Minimizer Peterbilt Medium-duty Floor Mats

A full line of hydraulic liftgates is available for light, medium and heavy-duty trucks and trailers.

• Include Toplifters, Stowaways, Railgates, Sideloaders and Conventional models • Lifting capacities from 1,000 to 6,600 lbs.

• Models available for nearly every application • Can be customized to meet specific needs

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VMAC DTM70-H Multi-Power System

Mack Granite Vocational Truck

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2022 Ram 1500 Pickup The 2022 Ram 1500 features up to 12,750 lbs. of towing capability and 2,300 lbs. of payload.

• Uconnect 5 system standard on Ram 1500 Big Horn models and above is faster with three times more memory and features Wi-Fi capability and tow-specific navigation • eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V6 (standard) and V8 configurations • Rated at 33-mpg highway to deliver up to 1,000 miles of range on a single tank of fuel • Standard Ram Clean Air System filters 95% of air particulates • Ram 1500 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition joins the lineup

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products

Autocar DC-64D Severe-duty Class 8 Truck Kenworth T880S with Optional Fixed Grille The T880S is offered with a set-forward front axle ranging from 14,600 to 22,800 lbs., and is standard with the PACCAR MX-13 engine with up to 510 hp and 1,850 lbs.-ft. of torque.

• Available 10.8-liter PACCAR MX-11 engine is 400 lbs. lighter than larger displacement engines and provides up to 430 hp and 1,650 lbs.-ft. of torque • Radiator-mounted grille available with the 114-in. BBC short hood allows hood to be opened in applications where equipment is mounted to the front of the truck

www.forconstructionpros.com/21129405

The BADASS DC-64D features allwelded steel cab construction and 4,982 sq. in. of viewable glass area for 325° of visibility from the driver’s seat.

• Frame rail material offers a yield strength of 160,000 psi, RBM 3.91 lbs.-in. and can handle up to 1,700 lbs.-ft. of torque and an 80,000-lb. towing capacity • RS Godwin SCS dump body features Hardox steel construction • 112-in. BBC and up to 50° wheel cut • Standard 7-in. Smart Display with builtin diagnostics • Diesel and CNG/LNG fuel options available

www.forconstructionpros.com/21201685

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

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

www.forconstructionpros.com/21221093

IMT 11-ft. Dominator III Mechanics Truck The Dominator III 11-ft. mechanics truck is capable of working in tighter quarters, maintaining stability and providing extra lift performance in critical work zones.

• Upgraded 25-ft. telescopic crane features a 440-lb. weight reduction, an increased crane rating of 81,000 ft.-lbs. and can easily clear a 12,000-lb. load • Available with a 159.7- to 164.9-cu.-ft. compartment storage capacity and 52- to 60-in. sidepack height • Standard energy-absorbing boom support, multiplex electrical system with programmable logic and rear access package

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Morooka MST-2000VDL The MST-2000VDL rubber track carrier is powered by a 249-hp CAT C7.1 engine and is suited to handle a maximum load of 22,000 lbs.

• Channel frame allows users to drill it and bolt on any attachment appropriate for its size • Heavier gauge steel in frame provides a level of stability and strength equal to a box-type frame • 2.7- to 5.4-psi ground pressure makes the carrier suited for most sensitive ground applications • Measures 23 ft. long, 10 ft. 6 in. wide and 10 ft. 2 in. high and weighs 22,740 lbs.

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TRI 2

Versatile professional contracting tire for year-round use

H A K K A P E L I I T TA T R I Extend the allseason capabilities of your machinery

GROUND KING

Combining all-terrain mobility with on-road performance

2022 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Line Added for 2022 is the Silverado ZR2, which delivers enhanced off-road capability with front and rear e-lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers.

• Fully redesigned premium interior on LT trims and above with standard 13.4-in. diagonal color touchscreen and elevated exterior design refresh across the lineup • Available Super Cruise driver-assistance technology on High Country with available trailering and standard Chevy Safety Assist on enhanced trims • 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine delivers 20% more torque and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel offers a max towing increased to 13,300 lbs.

• Fully redesigned interior for LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ and High Country

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nokianheavytyres.com November 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 21

TRU CKS & T R ANS P O R TAT I O N Products

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

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

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Stellar TMAX 1-11 Welder Body The TMAX 1-11 Welder Body features a 30-in. workbench-bumper enhanced with a slide-out tray, providing an on-demand workstation that is ready for torch cutting and welding.

• Tray’s removable support slates allow for blow-through to the ground to keep the workspace clean • 2-in. V-channel runs the length of the bumper for easy clamping • Body uses stainless steel billet-style hinges, three-point stainless steel compression latches and double-spring over-center door closures • Completely undercoated for added corrosion protection and painted with a two-part polyurethane enamel paint • Set up for any TC Series crane

Volvo VHD Vocational Truck The VHD includes a number of notable upgrades, including an updated exterior, safety and productivity features, new bumper and the latest in connectivity solutions.

• I-Shift transmission with crawler gears adds one or two gears to the 12-speed version • T-Ride suspension applies constant pressure on the wheels to create surefooted traction • Includes Dynamic Steering and the next generation of Active Driver Assist • Bumper features a heavy-duty 45mm tow pin rated for a full 80,000 lbs.

• Includes Remote Programming and Remote Diagnostics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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www.forconstructionpros.com/21220015

Load King Stinger 40-127 RS

Terramac RT14 SuperVac

The Stinger 40-127 RS (Rider Seat) boasts a five-section, 127-ft. boom and two-piece 55-ft. jib for a maximum tip height of 192 ft.

• Choice of internal or externally wired anti-two-block (ATB) cable • Out-and-down outriggers offer three position charts and a maximum span of 25.5 ft. to the outside of the pads • Includes an enclosed operator’s cab with electric-over-hydraulic controls, outrigger controls, electronic rated capacity indicator with integrated work area definition and optional air conditioning • Standard rotation-resistant rope and swivel ball

The RT14 SuperVac combines the RT14 all-terrain utility vehicle with the SuperVac VXS500-4 vacuum excavator to enable locating underground utilities while navigating challenging ground conditions.

• Vacuum system provides 5,200-cfm air flow and includes a 4-yd. debris/spoil tank and 6-in.-diameter suction hose • SuperVac powered by a 375-hp CAT 9.3L Tier 4 Final diesel engine • 400-gal. water tank with flow of 13.4 gpm at 4,000 psi • 310-hp RT14 carries up to 28,000 lbs. with a gradeability of 58% and has a zero turn radius and ground pressure of 4.9 psi unloaded and 7.4 psi loaded

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771708

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771992

22 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

American Eagle Hybrid Power Source (HPS)

Polaris Pro XD Mid-size Work Utility Vehicle

The 790-lb., self-contained Hybrid Power Source (HPS) utilizes automotivegrade lithium ion technology to provide a system that is low-voltage, anti-idle compliant and quiet during operation.

• Volta lithium ion technology offers up to eight hours of run time and 13.5-kWh output • Integrated 48-volt chassis alternator allows charging from the chassis on site or while driving • Includes internal thermal protection and a heating system that automatically activates to keep core temperature above minimum for charging • Can be sidepack-mounted or mounted in the load bed

Designed for lighter payloads, tighter spaces and enhanced comfort, the midsize Pro XD UTV model comes in twoand four-seat versions with a 500-lb.capacity cargo bed.

• Includes adjustable speed calibration, operator warnings, backup horn and pedestrian alarms, highly visible lights and improved sightlines • Cab engineered for tight sealing of doors and roof to keep dust and weather out • Features heavy-duty driveline components, puncture-resistant Kevlar-backed vinyl seats and eight-ply nondirectional tires • Pro-Star 570 DOHC engine with a 200hour oil change interval

www.forconstructionpros.com/21119920

www.forconstructionpros.com/21771715

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Experience the Progress.

Liebherr Wheel Loaders L 526 - L 546 Fuel savings of up to 25% due to Liebherr driveline with Liebherr-PowerEfficiency (LPE) Available with parallel or z-bar kinematics Higher tipping load coupled with significantly reduced operating weight for higher handling capacity and smooth operation Also optionally available with joystick steering and assistance systems Liebherr USA Co. Construction Equipment Division 4800 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607 Phone: +1 757 240 4250 E-mail: Construction.USA@liebherr.com www.facebook.com/LiebherrConstruction www.liebherr.us/dealers-emt www.liebherr.us

TRAI L E R S | By Troy Geisler

All photos courtesy Talbert

Many contractors have found traveling axle trailers provide the optimal combination of features to increase safety and versatility.

Tips for Selecting the RIGHT TRAVELING AXLE TRAILER Consider available features to ensure safety, durability and a better return on your investment.

I

Trailers offering double keyhole tie-down slots on top of the outside beams and recessed in the center of the main deck offer increased flexibility.

deal loading conditions are a rarity in the hauling industry. While loading equipment in the yard might not pose any difficulty, a level surface with plenty of room to maneuver is much harder to find on an active jobsite.

Many operators have found traveling axle trailers provide the ideal combination of features to increase safety and versatility.

However, like any trailer, maximizing these benefits relies on a careful match of product specs with the individual operation.

Simply selecting a traveling axle trailer off the lot, so to speak, will often get the job done. But a careful consideration of available features with a reputable dealer

24 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

or manufacturer promises a longterm solution that will provide more safety, durability and better return on investment.

Traveling axle or sliding axle trailers are available from a number of manufacturers. Each brand offers slightly different features, but there are a few design standards that make these trailers well suited for operations looking for versatility and ease of loading. Operators who know what they need in these areas are well on their way to finding the right trailer for their operation.

KEY SPECS TO CONSIDER First, start with your required capacity. Generally, traveling axle manufacturers offer models with

a 40- or 55-ton capacity, making them suited for transporting a variety of equipment.

If the trailer will mostly be hauling larger machines like excavators or pavers, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s 10-ft. capacity rating. Those wanting to haul mixed loads of small and mid-sized construction tools, such as skid steers or lifts, should carefully consider the overall capacity. This number tells you how many pieces of equipment, such as mini-excavators or concrete road dividers, you can safely transport on the trailer deck.

Depending on the required capacity and intended use, you can then choose from a number of available deck lengths — usually 48, 50 or 53 ft. — to select a trailer that is optimal for your specific hauling needs. This customization is especially cost effective for businesses that often haul mixed or concentrated short loads, since it allows them to choose a length that works best in the areas they will be used.

Loaded deck height is another spec you should keep in mind to limit permit costs and maximize productivity. Within the U.S., legal load height is

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13 ft. 6 in. However, operators are faced with many overhead obstacles that are even lower, especially in urban environments. In these situations, a single inch can mean a difference of hours when it comes to getting from point A to point B and beyond. A traveling axle trailer with a low loaded deck height of 36 in. provides optimal flexibility for transporting taller equipment.

Also make note of the trailer’s load angle. This feature is key to safety and efficiency since it allows you to simply drive or winch loads onto the deck, eliminating the hassle of ramps and the dangers associated with driving up and over the rear axle. It also makes transporting machines with low ground clearance, such as pavers and rollers, much more convenient.

Load angles vary between models and manufacturers, but are usually between 8° and 6°.

Generally speaking, the lower the load angle, the easier loading will be, so compare this important spec before making a final decision.

DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY Look for a trailer with a rugged design made to excel in the

TRAIL ERS

adverse conditions often found on construction jobsites.

To provide ample power and traction for moving axles on muddy or uneven terrain, carefully consider the rig’s piggyback cylinder. Most traveling axle trailers rely on hydraulics to move axles forward and back and tilt the trailer deck up and down. When it comes to the axles, the piggyback cylinder is the driving force behind this movement.

While a 4-in. cylinder is common on most traveling axle trailers, models with a 5-in. cylinder provide 56% more push force of the cylinders to maximize axle operation while loading and unloading.

For additional durability and long-term value, consider a 4-beam frame design that uses 4-in. I-beam crossmembers.

Compared to the perimeter frame, which uses 3-in. crossmembers and concentrates weight on only two outside beams, the 4-beam frame offers better deflection across the entire deck. This results in a more even weight distribution that increases trailer longevity and versatility with mixed loads of smaller equipment.

Another durability differentiator is the thickness of the apitong decking. This tightly woven and incredibly dense South Asian wood is less susceptible to chipping and cracking compared to oak or other hardwood, while providing more traction than metal. For maximum longevity, look for trailers offering 1.5-in.-thick (nominal) apitong.

WINCH TYPE MATTERS An in-deck winch is standard equipment on most traveling axle trailers from reputable manufacturers. However, the type of winch makes a significant difference.

Look for a trailer with a 20,000-lb. direct-drive planetary winch, which offers up to twice the loading speed of a more traditional worm gear model. This productivity boost is especially important for operators frequently needing to load immobile equipment or objects.

Remote control winch operation should also be considered. For the most part, this is a standard feature from leading manufacturers because of the safety and productivity benefits it provides. With a remote control, operators can use the winch from any position, including behind the wheel of inoperable machinery or on the passenger side of the trailer to avoid traffic. This feature also makes it possible for a single operator to load the trailer.

Here again, small differences between manufacturers can quickly add up. For optimum efficiency, look for a six-function remote system. This not only controls the winch but also moves the axles and tilts the deck. A remote with a range of 150 ft. increases the viable working area, allowing operators to choose the safest vantage point for loading and unloading. Additionally, a

A trailer with a 20,000-lb. direct drive planetary winch offers up to twice the loading speed of a more traditional worm gear model.

USB-chargeable remote offers added convenience over battery-powered options.

Take the number and size of toolboxes, for example.

Look for a trailer with ample storage for chains, binders and other necessary equipment. Some manufacturers offer traveling axle trailers with an additional curbside toolbox with a chain rack for safe, convenient access away from oncoming traffic.

Trailers with double

ADDITIONAL FEATURES After all the “make or break” decisions that go into trailer selection, there are the little extras from leading manufacturers that can make a big difference in productivity and safety.

keyhole tie-down slots on top of the outside beams and recessed in the center of the main deck can offer increased flexibility. This feature allows for safe side-by-side loading of smaller equipment such as skid steers.

While selecting a traveling axle trailer can be a complicated process, there are experts readily available to

Troy Geisler is vice president of sales and marketing for Talbert Manufacturing.

DIAGNOSTICS

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help walk you through all the options and ensure you get the right trailer for the job.

Work with reputable dealers and manufacturers to understand the key considerations for optimal safety, efficiency and longevity. ET

Boost Equipment Productivity

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November 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 25

The X-Series lineup is ready to do even more with the new Western Star 47X. Designed to deliver increased safety and rugged durability, the 47X offers greater maneuverability, easier upfit and weight savings options to improve productivity. If that sounds like an advantage you’d like for your business, visit your nearest dealer and see what the 47X can do for you.

WS/MC-A-613 Specifications are subject to change without notice. Western Star Truck Sales, Inc. is registered to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.

Copyright © 2021 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Western Star Truck Sales, Inc. is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

BUILT TO DO ANYTHING. EXCEPT UNDERPERFORM.

WesternStarTrucks.com/Xseries

TRAILERS Products Eager Beaver 50 GSL-PT Paver Trailer The 50 GSL-PT has a 100,000-lb. load capacity, 122,700-lb. GVWR and is suited for loading rollers, pavers and milling machines.

• Tapered four-beam, 16-in.-deep cambered I-beam mainframe and side rails • 10-in.-deep crossmembers pierced through the mainframe • 25,000-lb. axles with all-wheel ABS (4S3M) with spring brakes on all axles • Cush Air Ride suspension with 75,000-lb.-capacity air lift third axle

www.forconstructionpros.com/20979451

Felling Air Ramp Slider Track System The Air Ramp Slider Track System for Drop Deck I (DDI) series FT-20 I and FT-24 I trailers operates with an airbag system that works off the same supply as the air brake system.

• Can be operated by any air brake-equipped truck without any other external power source • Provides ability to raise and lower the ramps with a flip of a switch • Slider track system works with the ramps’ pivoting system as they are raised or lowered to allow ramps to move laterally along the trailer’s full width • Lateral movement provides flexibility to change ramp placement based on the equipment being transported

www.forconstructionpros.com/21591235

XL Low-profile HDG Trailer The Low-profile Hydraulic Detachable Gooseneck (HDG) trailer offers a 110,000lb. capacity in 12 ft., an overall length of 53 ft. and an overall width of 8.5 ft.

• Includes a 26-ft.-long main deck with a loaded deck height of 24 in., an 8-in. ground clearance and 14-ft.-long rear deck with a 40-in. loaded deck height • Tapered front beams offer an extremely low load angle of only 4° and 42-in. flip ramps provide extra loading assistance • 13-ft. gooseneck has a swing clearance of 110 in., a relief cut-out for added space between the truck and trailer and a sloped nose to protect the air and electric connections from damage • Five-position ride height allows the deck to be leveled as needed based on neck position and load

www.forconstructionpros.com/21126267

Towmaster T-24TA Air-Tilt Bed Trailer The T-24TA deckover air-tilt trailer offers convenience and easy loading by tilting the bed using air from the tow vehicle’s system.

• Features an angled beavertail and ramps to provide a low loading angle suited for small wheeled or paver equipment • Ramps can be manual or air operated • Features a single-lever twin-latch system to secure the deck to the frame • 2-in. nominal white oak wood deck with a 34-in. height (empty) and 8-ft. 6-in. width • Includes air brakes, a dual air bag design, Hutchens adjustable suspension and LED lights and sealed wiring

www.forconstructionpros.com/21046464

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

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

www.forconstructionpros.com/21160002

28 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

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Xtreme Curb and Gutter Machines

Visit with us about your 2022 project needs!

West Hall -- W2725

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.

We will have our full line of Xtreme curb and gutter machines on display in the GOMACO booth at World of Concrete 2022. Stop by and see one in person and visit with GOMACO’s concrete slipform paving specialists about your upcoming project needs.

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

E A RTHM OV I N G | By Curt Bennink

TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES

Wheel Loader “Visibility” Eliminating blind spots and quick identification of surroundings allow safe wheel loader operation.

Doosan Infracore

LEDs provide a wider area of light vs. halogen technology, a lot of which can be very pinpointed at times. Doosan loaders can be equipped with up to 12 LED lights to light up the working area around the machine.

With its Dash-7 Series, Doosan integrates the rear view image into the standard display, reducing distractions in the cab.

A

wareness and visibility are two of the major safety considerations when operating a wheel loader. “A wheel loader is often moving in forward and reverse in its normal work pattern. The ability to see and be aware of your worksite is paramount,” says Aaron Kleingartner, product and dealer marketing manager, Doosan Infracore North America. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including with mirrors, cameras, radar and the machine design.

“Visibility on any piece of large mobile equipment is always a concern,” says Juston Thompson, wheel loader product manager, Hyundai Construction Equipment. “Reducing blind spots by use of mirrors, rear view cameras, observation systems or radar are the best options to mitigate risk. Hyundai wheel loaders feature rear view cameras as standard equipment. The camera provides a wide field of view to maximize the visibility behind the machine.”

Anything you can do to increase visibility around the machine benefits jobsite safety. “To put it in simple terms, better visibility means safer jobsites and employees, and cameras help to enhance visibility,” says Eric Yeomans, product manager, wheel loaders, Volvo Construction Equipment. “That’s

30 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

Doosan Infracore

why Volvo offers rear view cameras that display on the Co-Pilot in-cab tablet. Radar detect systems are another great technology that can help prevent collisions.

Our rear view cameras can be integrated with a radar detect system that gives visual and audio warnings when in reverse or near objects. These features combine to provide maximum visibility for the loader operator.”

Doosan has featured rear view cameras as standard on its wheel loaders for quite a number of years and is now simplifying the system to further enhance visibility. “Up until our Dash-7 wheel loader launch, it was a separate monitor,” notes Kleingartner.

“With our Dash-7 Series, that monitor is integrated into the standard display.” The fewer monitors in the front of the cab, the better the operator visibility out of the front. “There’s actually less area that’s potentially covered with front visibility by another separate monitor for a camera.”

Camera technology has not replaced the need for functional mirrors. “We also continue to offer rear view mirrors,” says Kleingartner. “There’s a mirror in the cab as well as two external on the machine. The option is either a standard mirror or an electric heated mirror... Both the left and right are electronically

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adjustable as an option from within the cab. If it needs to [be adjusted] regularly to see your jobsite better, or if you have different operators coming in and out of the machine that have a lot of variability in size, they can change those mirrors very easily from inside the cab.”

Heated mirrors are more than merely a convenience. “In combination with the standard rear view camera, we include heated mirrors with a convex mirror section to provide maximum visibility,” says Thompson. “Heated mirrors can quickly remove moisture from the surface rather than the operator climbing up on a machine risking a possible fall accident.”

Be sure to sit in the cab of any wheel loader you plan to purchase and note its all-around visibility. Some of the latest designs provide better sightlines to the areas around the loader, especially toward the rear.

“We have been able to keep the envelope of our machine relatively small and compact,” says Kleingartner. “As you look out the window you have great visibility.” The latest Doosan loaders do not require the space-consuming DPF to meet emissions requirements. “That allows the exterior envelope of the machine to be smaller. The cooling packages can

EARTHMOVING

Liebherr

To increase safety, Liebherr offers intelligent assistance systems as options on its XPower wheel loaders. These systems are fully integrated into the machine’s control and include Adaptive Working Lighting, Active Personnel Detection at the Rear, Roof Camera for Front Area Monitoring, Integral Tire Pressure Monitoring, Key with Remote Control and Skyview 360.

Doosan offers a transparent bucket option for all Dash-7 Series loaders. The technology uses multiple cameras on the machine to provide a stitched overlay of those camera views that makes the bucket virtually invisible.

be a little smaller as a result. We don’t have that as an impediment to visibility.”

DELIVERING MORE THAN REAR VIEW VISIBILITY While rearward visibility should be a focus on any midsize and larger wheel loader, you also need to be able to track traffic moving around the jobsite and be aware of objects that can be obscured by front attachments and buckets.

Volvo has made it easier for operators to keep an eye on jobsite traffic. “A recent update to Load Assist is the Map application,” says Yeomans. “It allows operators to monitor site traffic in real time so they can proactively adjust their driving behavior according to the conditions around them, making everyone safer and more productive.”

Cameras also do more than provide rearward visibility.

Liebherr offers a roof camera that extends the operator’s field of vision. When working with large attachments, it ensures better and quicker recognition of people and obstacles in front of the machine.

“The front monitoring camera assists in providing an extended field of view for the operator,” says Nick Rogers, product specialist, Liebherr USA. “With the addition of the

roof-mounted camera, the operator can identify possible sources of danger on a separate display.”

Doosan has found a unique way to utilize the camera technology found in the most recent automotive applications. It recently introduced a transparent bucket option for all Dash-7 Series models.

“Wheel loaders have traditionally been workhorses on the jobsite where all of your work is done with the attachment on the front of the machine,” says Kleingartner. “That attachment very often impedes front visibility.” In the case of stockpiling, this means visibility would be restricted to the edge of pile. In the case of loading into a hopper or a truck, visibility to the edge of the hopper or box would be restricted.

“The transparent bucket technology uses multiple cameras on the machine to give you a stitched overlay of those camera views to make that bucket virtually invisible,” Kleingartner explains. “It is designed to improve safety and productivity.

Especially if you are coming up a ramp to a blind dump, you have a better view of exactly where you are so you can hit the middle of the target every time and be more productive.”

Proper lighting is also critical for optimal visibility. “Our

machines now come standard with LED work lights,” says Kleingartner. “We have various different options available to add additional lights.” The standard machine comes with two lights on the front and two on the rear.

“You can add up to eight more on the machine. So, if you need additional side lighting or directional lighting, you can add up to four more on the front and four more on the rear.

“LEDs provide a wider area of light vs. a lot of the halogen technology, which is very

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pinpointed at times,” he adds.

“It really lights up the entire worksite when you have all 12 of those lights on... It uses less energy and it provides better visibility around the worksite.”

common safety device utilized to alert ground workers. But workers can become complacent from hearing these alarms constantly going off every day.

“Our new Dash-7 machines

GROUND WORKER AWARENESS Visibility is a two-way street.

Not only must the operator be able to see everyone and everything around the machine, the ground workers must also be aware of and have “visibility” of the machine.

Backup alarms are the most

Volvo’s Map application for its Load Assist technology allows loader operators to monitor jobsite traffic in real time so they can proactively adjust their driving behavior according to the conditions around them.

November 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 31

E A RTHM OV I N G

also have a strobe light on the rear of the machine,” notes Kleingartner. “That is a visual indicator of the machine backing up right in the top of the rear cowl.” Two mini white lights positioned in the rear grille will strobe slightly as the machine is going in reverse.

“There is a new backup technology that uses a different form of noise that isn’t the beeping alarm because everybody has become agnostic to it,” Kleingartner adds. “It is not a warning anymore. There are other technologies out there that help with that, as well.”

considerations when working around taller machines.

“The most common safety concern on any construction equipment is a slip-and-fall accident, which is why maintaining three points of contact is critical (two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot),” says Yeomans. Volvo also uses visual cues for operators. “The orange color visually enhances handrails and steps, helping them stand out against the standard machine colors. Volvo wheel loaders include orange ladders, railings, three-point seatbelts and more because that color makes those safety points harder to forget. It also makes the operator and/or machine more visible to others around the jobsite.”

Doosan offers a new handrail option all the way around the cab on new Dash-7 wheel loaders to provide safety when operators are cleaning the windshields.

Another way to reduce slips and falls on the jobsite is to provide proper light-

The Hyundai AAVM utilizes four cameras to stitch together a 360˚ view around the wheel loader.

The system includes an Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD) system.

Volvo offers more visibility to ground crew and supervisors, as well. “Because we place such a high priority on safety, we also have an external seat belt indicator light, which allows all site staff to see that the operator has the seatbelt engaged, meaning [the machine] could move at any time.”

PREVENT SLIPS AND FALLS Slips and falls are always

ing when entering the machine.

“The remote door opener combined with the entrance light is a great safety feature,” says Yeomans. “Remotely opening the door from ground level (with or without the key) and activating the cab entrance light provides the operator a safe and convenient entrance, especially when it is dark. It also keeps the operator from climbing the ladder and opening the door at the same

32 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

time, thus maintaining three points of contact.”

Liebherr offers a key with remote control, including a “coming home/leaving home” function that enables the operator’s door to be locked, unlocked and automatically opened remotely. In addition, the working lights on the sides of the wheel loader light up the area of the machine to ensure the operator can get on and off safely and quickly.

Many manufacturers offer ground level service, which helps prevent slips and falls by keeping the technician’s feet firmly on the ground. There is no more crawling over the machines to access service points.

COLLISION PREVENTION CONTINUES TO ADVANCE Collision prevention technologies have taken hold in the automotive industry and are quickly expanding into the construction machinery realm.

“There are technologies on the horizon, like we have displayed with Concept X, where the machines are using radar and lidar to detect objects and potentially stop the machine whether there is an operator in the seat or not,” says Kleingartner.

An example of these advanced safety technologies includes Hyundai’s All-Around View Monitoring (AAVM) system.

The AAVM system was developed for HX Series excavators in 2015 and was adapted for the HL900 Series wheel loaders in 2018. Equipped with four cameras — including one each mounted on the left- and rightside mirrors, one on the front of the cab and the standard backup camera mounted to the rear hood — the monitoring system provides a 360˚ surround virtual operating view of the jobsite.

The AAVM system includes Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD), which senses and warns the operator with on-screen flashing arrows and an alarm when objects come within either of two selectable ranges (6.5 ft. or 22.9 ft.) of the wheel loader. The image is integrated into the 7-in. color touchscreen cluster-monitor in the cab.

“It will tell if an object is within a certain range of the machine by different colored arrows, whether it is to the rear or the sides of the machine,”

says Thompson. “There are different angles and views that they can select. If the operator is going to be really concerned about something to the right side, they can select it to where the primary detection is to the right-hand side of the machine.

When an object is actually moving inside of that field of vision, it is going to circle it with a box and tell you that you have something moving within your area, so you need to be careful. It will give them an audible alarm to let them know that something is in that area.”

Hyundai continues to add collision mitigation technologies. “New for the A Series, we have also added a radar option,” says Thompson. “There is a radar monitor on the back of the machine.” This gives the contractor several options. The rear view camera is standard. “Then, you can add radar with a second monitor, you can add AAVM or you can add radar and AAVM.” To increase safety, Liebherr offers optional intelligent assistance systems for its XPower wheel loaders. The systems, which are fully integrated into the machine’s control, include Adaptive Working Lighting, Active Personnel Detection at the Rear, a Roof Camera for Front Area Monitoring, Integral Tire Pressure Monitoring, Key with Remote Control and Skyview 360.

“The adaptive working lighting is an intelligent light control system that adjusts the brightness of [LED] headlights according to the position of the lift arms, the working attachment and the wheel loader’s articulation angle,” says Rogers. “This system is fully automated, only activating the various lighting components when they are needed.

“The system incorporates additional lighting on the front section of the vehicle, and automatic dimming of the front working headlight ensures the operating area is ideally illuminated at all times,” he explains.

“This reduces reflections off of the working attachment and shadows around the operating area, producing ideal visibility conditions to ensure a high level of safety.”

The active personnel detection system monitors the rear area of the wheel loader and automatically warns the operator of dangers by means of a visual

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symbol on the display and an audible signal.

“Another aid for avoiding collisions is the brake assistant, which is automatically applied if the operator does not react fast enough to the audible and visual warnings,” says Rogers.

“The system utilizes the latest camera technology, incorporating stereoscopic monitoring and cutting-edge AI to distinguish between people and objects without people needing to be equipped with transponders or sensors.”

If a person is located in the shunting area of the wheel loader, the intelligent systems alert the operator earlier than if a static object is detected. This reduces unnecessary warning signals and the resulting strain on the operator. The targeted warning with supporting braking function helps prevent personal injury and reduces the risk of accidents.

“The active personnel detection system also reports into the Liebherr Telematics portal (LiDAT), providing an intuitive incident mapping feature to easily track hot-spot areas on jobsites that need to be addressed,” notes Rogers.

Skyview 360 provides the operator with a continuous 360˚ view around the wheel loader. Four cameras capture the machine’s environment. The resulting images are compiled into a bird’s-eye view, which is displayed on the in-cab display.

This eliminates blind spots and allows operators to quickly identify potential dangers.

In addition to eliminating blind spots and enhancing visibility, there are other safety considerations when purchasing a wheel loader, such as the structure of the cab.

“Look for equipment where the Roll-over Protective Structures (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) are standard,” says Yeomans. “The main goal of ROPS/FOPS is to provide protection to the operator in case of a roll-over accident or falling objects, respectively. A fire suppression system is another key feature to have.”

Being able to set defined speed limits is a benefit on many jobsites, as well. “With the programmable speed limit setting within the monitor, we can control the maximum speed at which the loader can travel,” notes Hyundai’s Thompson. ET

CONQUERING CHALLENGES. POWERED BY INNOVATION. Big or small, Doosan® equipment is engineered to tackle your most challenging work. When working with the experts at your local Doosan dealer, there’s no job you can’t conquer.

See our full lineup of equipment or find your nearest dealer at DISCOVERDOOSAN.COM/EQUIPMENTTODAY Doosan® and the Doosan logo are registered trademarks of Doosan Corp. in the United States and various other countries around the world. ©2021 Doosan Infracore North America, LLC. All rights reserved.

EARTHMOVING Products

Caterpillar 980 and 982 Wheel Loaders The 30,344-lb. 980 and 35,510-lb. 982 have 420- and 432-hp Cat C13 Tier 4 Final diesel engines that enable a fullturn static tipping load of 20,965 and 22,418 lbs. and breakout force of 51,008 and 59,060 lbs.

• 980 XE and 982 XE feature a continuous variable transmission (CVT), fine rimpull modulation capability and virtual gears • Come with Cat Payload with Assist or optional Cat Advanced Payload • Autodig with Auto Set Tires can automate the complete bucket loading cycle • Cab features include a high-resolution touchscreen display and seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering system

www.forconstructionpros.com/21497247

Case Enhanced G Series Loaders The G Series wheel loaders now include a Smart Power Mode that improves communication between the engine and transmission based on workload.

• Touchscreen display provides tablet-like performance for accessing all critical machine settings and operational data • Adjustable electrohydraulic controls allow operator to independently set lift (boom) and tilt (bucket) responsiveness to match operator preference and loading situations • Electrohydraulic parallel lift functionality assists in material retention and smooth loading • Payload system integrated directly into primary display to provide bucket weight, pass counts, accumulated/running weight, job tracking data and more

Kubota R540 and R640 Loaders The updated R540 and R640 wheel loaders are available in canopy and cab models and feature redesigned arms offering better visibility for connecting attachments without leaving the cab.

• R640 boasts an operating weight of 11,563 lbs., 64-hp Tier 4 Final engine, a maximum breakout force of 9,869 lbs. and 8,161 lbs. of lifting capacity • R540 has a 10,285-lb. operating weight, a 54-hp Tier 4 Final engine, a maximum breakout force of 8,183 lbs. and 6,767 lbs. of lifting capacity • Cabin offers a 360° panoramic view • Standard multi-function control lever • Standard LED working lights

www.forconstructionpros.com/21283915

Volvo L60H, L70H and L90H 2.0 Wheel Loaders The L60H and L70H loaders offer improved fuel efficiency and enhanced productivity features.

• Tipping load increased by 1.7% for the L60H, 1.6% for the L70H and 3.4% for the L90H, which also has a 3-in. increase in dump height • L70H and L90H offer a lockup torque converter option and electro-servo hydraulic controls • Smart Control function ensures correct torque in all situations, while Rim Pull Control reduces wheel spin and slippage • Optimized design of the loader arm results in increased payload

www.forconstructionpros.com/21018916

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Vermeer ATX850 Compact Articulated Loader Sany SW405K Wheel Loader The SW405K has an operating weight of 40,786 lbs., a full-turn tipping load of 28,881 lbs. and is powered by a 252-net-hp Deutz TCD 7.8, four-cycle, turbocharged, electroniccontrolled diesel engine.

• Z-bar linkage design delivers nearly 40,000 lbs. of breakout force • Comes with a 4.2-cu.-yd. bucket capacity and has a 123-in. maximum dump height • High-pressure, load-sensitive hydraulics offer a 10% to 15% reduction in energy usage • Features a boom suspension system, bucket self-leveling, return-to-dig and automatic transmission kickdown

The ATX850 compact articulated loader is equipped with a 57-hp Kohler KDI903 diesel engine and has an extended boom reach of 29.1 in. for loading material to a dump height of 117.3 in.

• 1,590-lb. rated operating capacity (straight) • Standard weight of 4,254 lbs. with rear weights and without attachments • Measures 42.1 in. wide with narrow tires and can be outfitted with wider tires for better flotation on soft ground • Multi-tool attachment plate

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www.forconstructionpros.com/21045807

Liebherr Updated L 550 and L 556 XPower Wheel Loaders The 222-hp L 550 XPower has a 40,896lb. operating weight, a 27,558-lb. tip load and a 4.45-cu-yd. bucket capacity, while the 249-hp L 556 weighs 43,210 lbs. and has a 30,314-lb. tip load and 4.8-cu.-yd. bucket capacity.

• Standard power-split travel drive increases engine power • Increased working hydraulic performance enables dynamic lift and tip functions regardless of working tool size or weight • Structural modifications to lift arms enable higher breakout, holding and retrieval forces • Available assistance systems include active personnel detection at the rear with a new braking assistant

www.forconstructionpros.com/21343014

34 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

Takeuchi TW65 SERIES 2 and TW80 SERIES 2 Compact Loaders

Wacker Neuson WL95 Wheel Loader

The TW65 SERIES 2 and the TW80 SERIES 2 offer 11,354- and 12,700-lb. operating weights, 4,050- and 4,445-lb. rated operating capacities and 11,600 and 13,960 lbs. of bucket breakout force.

• Reach and dump heights up to 8 ft. 6 in.

• 73-hp Deutz turbocharged, water-cooled, Tier 4 Final engine with a maximum torque of 192 ft.-lbs. at 1,800 rpm • Standard travel speed of 12.4 mph, or up to 24.8 mph using the high-speed road gear option and ride control accumulator • Improved cab with automotive-styled interior design, a frameless door, easy to operate function switches, inching pedal and precision pilot controls

The WL95 articulated loader has a standard 2-cu.-yd. bucket and straight bucket tipping load up to 14,394 lbs.

• 136-hp Deutz 3.61 engine and variable hydrostatic transmission provide optimal traction and speeds up to 12.4 mph • 31-gpm standard auxiliary hydraulic flow • Large, fully glazed, air conditioned cab offers added legroom, a comfortable operator seat and a clear view of attachments • Standard multifunctional joystick and jog dial, 7-in. color display, return-to-dig function, ride control and reversing fan • Telescopic version (WL95T) offers a 17-ft. 10-in. reach

www.forconstructionpros.com/12001140

www.forconstructionpros.com/21069089

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Hitachi ZW180-6 Mid-size Loader The 32,100-lb. ZW180-6 delivers 26,530 lbs. of breakout force and is powered by a 200-hp Cummins Tier 4 Final QSB6.7 engine that does not require a DPF. • Choice of 3.4-yd. general-purpose or 4.2yd. material-handling bucket and can lift as much as 3,000 lbs. and reach loading heights up to 12.9 ft.

• Power Mode switch produces a 10% burst in engine rpm when needed • Transmission offers two auto modes and one manual mode • Features a reversible, on-demand hydraulic cooling fan, automatic powerup function, front and rear limitedslip differential with positraction, ride control, automatic return-to-dig function and more

www.forconstructionpros.com/21116210

EARTHMOVING Products

Doosan Dash 7 Wheel Loaders The Dash 7 Series includes seven models with bucket capacities from 3.7 to 7.6 cu. yds., 189 to 394 hp, 34,552- to 74,494lb. operating weights and 27,064- to 60,550-lb. static tipping loads.

• Feature DoosanCONNECT telematics, Situation Awareness Technology, Smart Guidance System, improved Load Isolation System, Smart Load weighing system and Smart Key • Cabs include relocated, intuitive controls, 14% more cab glass, redesigned heating and cooling system plus more legroom and in-cab storage • Standard rear view camera appears on the 8-in. Smart Touch display • Standard reversible fan

www.forconstructionpros.com/21415680

JCB 475 HT High-lift Loader A high-lift (HL) loader arm option for the 4.5-cu.-yd. 457 HT enables a hinge pin height of 15 ft. 5 in.

• HL loader arm provides improved rollback torque for easier curling of heavy attachments at full operating height • Advanced kinematics on loader end offers enhanced visibility to the attachment • 44,428-lb. operating weight • 258-hp MTU four-cylinder diesel engine meets Tier 4 Final without a DPF • CommandPlus cab provides high central operating position, seat-mounted controls and enhanced visibility

www.forconstructionpros.com/21123317

Bobcat L65 and L85 Compact Wheel Loaders The 55-hp L65 and 68-hp L85 offer 9,944- and 11,164-lb. operating weights with rated operating capacities ranging from 3,133 to 3,759 lbs. and 3,974 to 4,786 lbs.

• 2.4L turbocharged Tier 4 engine and electronic hydrostatic transmission (E-HST) • Z-bar linkage design • Include articulated steering, two-speed travel, an advanced attachment control mode, bucket level indicator, differential lock, power Bob-Tach System and more • Roomy, comfortable cab offers low noise levels, easy to reach intuitive controls, a 5-in. display with Jog Shuttle and a comfortable seat with adjustable, seat-mounted joystick

John Deere L-Series Utility Wheel Loaders The 124-hp 444L, 249-hp 644L, 231-hp 644L Hybrid and 268-hp 724L feature a redesigned Z-bar loader linkage, updated ergonomically designed cab, electrohydraulic (EH) controls and a more robust HVAC system.

• Single-lever hydraulic joystick control • Operator can select how abrupt the bucket or boom stops and adjust hydraulic flow percentage using the monitor for specific attachments • Bucket vibrate feature aids when dumping or sprinkling loose material • EH precision mode allows for fine metering when placing pipe or heavy objects

www.forconstructionpros.com/21118429

Komatsu WA475-10 Wheel Loader The 56,240-lb. WA475-10 combines a 290-hp SAA60125E-7 Tier 4 Final diesel engine and a Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission that enable up to a 30% increase in fuel efficiency.

• Provides a 5.5- to 5.8-cu.-yd. bucket, up to 44,332 lbs. of breakout force and up to a 45,283-lb. static tipping load • Independent Work Equipment Control simplifies operation and reduces fuel consumption by separating the accelerator pedal from work equipment speed • Boom lift force increased by 20% and breakout force improved by 8% • Auto hill holding function enables the unit to remain stationary on a slope without using the brakes

www.forconstructionpros.com/21122084

Ranko Venieri VF5.63C Loader The Venieri VF5.63C articulated loader has a Deutz four-cylinder engine and boasts an 8,598-lb. lift capacity, 14,100-lb. breakout force and static tipping load at full turn of 9,700 lbs.

• Maximum weight of 13,820 lbs.

• Features “Z” Kinematics, a rear oscillating axle, hydrostatic transmission and four-wheel drive • Enclosed cab offers 360° visibility, ergonomic seating, detailed LCD dash screen and very accessible controls for operator efficiency and safety

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IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT RUBBER TRACKS?

Hyundai HL930A Wheel Loader The HL930A is sized to meet the needs of utility and general construction contractors, with the HL930A XT offering a 25,595-lb. operating weight and 2.5-cu.-yd. standard bucket capacity.

• 130-net-hp Cummins B4.5 Performance Series Stage V-certified diesel engine • Enhanced onboard weighing system with automatic/manual cumulative weighing function • Eco Report analyzes loader operation status based on operator performance • Smart Power Mode reduces fuel consumption • HiDETECT system with radar detects rear obstacles and reports status of nearby moving or stationary objects

www.forconstructionpros.com/21123278

Gehl 650 and 750 Wheel Loaders The 9,080-lb. 650 and 10,920-lb. 750 feature larger engines, higher horsepower, a digital instrumentation display, PowerA-Tach attachment mounting system and a multi-function joystick.

• 64.4-hp Yanmar (650) and 74.3-hp Deutz (750) Tier 4-certified engines • Provide 6,409- to 7,907-lb. straight tipping loads with the bucket and up to 130.5- (650) and 136.8-in. (750) bucket hinge pin heights • Z-bar type linkage • Articulated steering with up to 45° turning angles • Travel speeds up to 19 mph

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November 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 35

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

Drive Equipment Uptime Operators are in the best position to monitor machine health, prevent downtime and maximize efficiency.

RIGHT: Daily service checks are heavily dependent on the type of machine being utilized. Operators need to become familiar with the particular machine they plan to use and develop a routine.

T

he operator plays a critical role in minimizing owning and operating costs. Ted Polzer, director of product and customer support, and Brad Stemper, director of light equipment, Case Construction Equipment, explain how operator inspections can catch potential issues before they become problems, resulting in increased uptime and machine efficiency.

The operator is in the best position to monitor machine health. “He is going to notice the little changes in that machine over time,” says Stemper.

The operator can note daily changes, such as if something got damaged yesterday during operation.

“Maybe your tracks or tires have a new cut.

Maybe there is an oil point that is gathering dust and dirt.”

By developing an inspection routine, the operator’s observations provide critical insight. Let’s take a look at some of the key inspection points.

DAILY SERVICE CHECKS

All images courtesy Case Construction Equipment

Rubber tires and tracks can easily be damaged during a shift. With compact track loaders, it is important to look for cracks, damage and debris. Also look at rollers and idlers.

36 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

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Daily service checks are heavily dependent on the type of machine being utilized. Operators need to become familiar with the particular machine and develop a routine.

For instance, operators need to have a basic understanding of the airflow around the engine compartment and pay attention to ensure debris doesn’t impede airflow around the rear deck or vents.

“You want to keep that radiator cool, and any material that blocks airflow is definitely going to make that machine run hot. You want to be observant of material or debris that might be collecting during your operation day,” says Stemper. “Is it clogging the radiator?

There are certain machines that have chaff screens that you want to check.”

These make it a little easier to clean out the coolers.

Keep an eye on fluid levels, such as hydraulic or coolant fluids, Stemper advises. Make sure you understand where all of the fluid level checks are located on the particular machine being utilized.

In addition, you need to check filters. “If you do your own maintenance, one of the tips and tricks that I always recommend is mark the date, time and hours that you performed that last filter change so that you know what the life on them is,” says Polzer.

FL EET MANAGEMENT

This is important beyond simply tracking hours. “Let’s say you had some dirty fuel that was delivered and may have gotten into a few different machines. At least you know the last time that filter was changed,” says Polzer.

It also helps you identify the root cause of the problem, so you are not blindly changing fuel filters that don’t need to be replaced.

Air and fluid filters are not the only concern. “One of the most common areas that is overlooked are cab filters,” Polzer points out. “Engine filters are always the first thing that customers think of and normally those are addressed pretty frequently.” But if it’s a hot day and your AC isn’t performing like it normally does, check to make sure the cab filter is not packed full of debris. While you can blow out the filter to get by, it really isn’t a substitute for replacing the filter with a clean one.

Belts are often out of sight due to protective guards. “It is important to periodically glance [around the guard] to make sure there isn’t debris around the belt. Make sure you don’t have any guard contact with the belt that can cause premature wear,” says Polzer. “Then also inspect the belt itself.” Check for cracks that indicate the belt needs to be changed. “It is cheap insurance to have a spare belt with you on your truck.”

INSPECT TRACKS AND TIRES Rubber tires and tracks can easily be damaged during a shift.

With compact track loaders, it’s important to look for cracks, damage and debris.

“Maybe you have hit something sharp that has stuck through the tread,” says Polzer.

“In addition to just the rubber tire and tracks, we also want to

be taking a look at rollers and idlers.” But he cautions, “Unless it has an obvious oil leak that is easy to spot, an idler or roller sometimes can be very, very hot, so we recommend that customers don’t actually touch these components after the machine has been running, because it can burn you.”

This is where an affordable temperature gun that is readily available can prove useful. It allows you to identify hot spots, and some of these devices even provide thermal imaging. “We can clearly point out a roller that is extremely hot that needs attention,” says Polzer.

Tires present their own unique set of challenges. “Tire pressure is extremely important with your machines. Underinflated tires can create excessive heat that can lead to shorter life,” Polzer explains. This can prematurely wear the tire tread.

“It is extremely important to monitor that every day... You can either do that through the use of an air pressure gauge or you can do a visual on them if you know they’ve been set properly to that jobsite when you first got started.”

MAINTAIN GREASE POINTS Grease provides the protection necessary to prevent excessive wear and failure between moving components.

Uptime is dependent upon grease getting to the proper location and in the proper amount.

“The first thing that any operator should do is open up the operator’s manual and familiarize themselves with the grease points and the frequency for those,” says Stemper. “Some grease points are daily; some are not as frequent.”

The amount of grease is also

Tire pressure is extremely important. Under-inflated tires can create excessive heat that can lead to shorter life.

important. “It’s not simply connecting that grease gun to that point. It’s the appropriate number of grease fill pumps. Not all grease points require you to pump until something comes out of that grease spot,” Stemper elaborates.

Check documentation to make sure critical joints are not missed. “There are often diagrams on the machine and inside the operator’s manual with the grease points and how much those grease points take,” says Stemper.

Make sure not to miss less visible grease points. “Operators can sometimes bypass certain points that might be higher up on the machine if there are not remote grease zerks,” says Stemper.

In joints such as bucket pins that are often operated underground or in wet or underwater conditions, grease helps purge the contaminants and provides a new fluid film for rotating components.

“Making sure you are greasing [all of these] areas is going to make the machine more efficient,” Stemper comments. It also provides a good opportunity to check highly vulnerable areas of the machine for damage such as bulging hoses and dinged or nicked cylinders.

IDENTIFY LEAKS By nature, construction equipment often works in dirty environments, which can make it more of a challenge to identify leaks. “In the morning [after] the machine has been sitting, oftentimes gravity is going to be our friend. If you have a leak, we’re going to start to see that along rollers and seals,” says Polzer. “But primarily one of the things we really try to monitor and pay attention to is looking for accumulations of dirt in certain areas. Any time we have a fitting that is leaking, we start to get oil residue and oil residue attracts dirt, especially in dusty environments.”

Areas where dust and dirt accumulate are clues to potential leaks. “Look up into the [hydraulic cylinder] rod and the gland seal a little bit to see if there is an accumulation of dust and debris,” Polzer advises.

“That indication can save you a lot of time and money because

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we are not yet at a point of failure. We can approach the dealer and say there is a leak that needs to be addressed.” Maybe it is just a loose fitting that needs to be tightened.

A lot of newer machines come with UV reactive dye in the oil. An inexpensive UV flashlight can make the oil glow, which makes leaks easy to find, even in very hard to access areas.

For those machines that don’t have UV reactive dye in the oil, it is relatively inexpensive to add it, says Polzer.

Auxiliary hydraulics are another area that require operator diligence. “If you are operating auxiliary hydraulics, it is an absolutely vital spot to pay attention to,” says Stemper.

“The best thing to do if you are changing attachments is to carry a rag with you. Leave it in the machine. Make sure it’s a clean rag; the worst thing to do is clean something with a dirty rag. Before you connect those [hydraulic couplings], make sure those ports are clean. You don’t want to introduce any dirt on the hydraulic hose connection or on the machine connection by shoving it in without cleaning it.”

There are other steps you can take to keep attachment connections clean. “When you disconnect the hydraulic hoses on an attachment, don’t hesitate to connect the two halves together,” says Stemper. “That creates a circuit that allows the entire attachment to be protected. It keeps fittings out of the dirt so you have less dirt to clean up. It also allows the pressure to equalize in both lines.”

MONITOR CUTTING EDGES Teeth and cutting edges provide the ability for a machine to complete the task efficiently.

Using teeth and cutting edges that are worn down will result in a loss of fuel efficiency. If the machine is working inefficiently, there is also likely more heat buildup.

“It is important to observe how teeth are wearing,” says Stemper. “Do you have the right teeth on your machine for the application? Some teeth are better designed for harder materials, some are better designed for softer materials. It’s really important to investigate whether you

are using the right teeth and the right cutting edge for your application.

“In the end, putting the right tooth on and using it within its normal useful life range gives you that efficiency in operation,” he continues. “You’re going to be more productive in filling the bucket, filling the material, loading the material into a truck by having those newer teeth or sharper edges.”

THE STARTUP After the operator inspects the machine in the morning, it is good to develop a startup procedure.

“It is a good practice to be able to start a machine and let it warm up a little bit by simply idling,” says Polzer. “Obviously, idling too long is a bad thing.

What I like to do is start the machine up and let the machine

FIND MORE ONLINE Prevent Premature Dozer Undercarriage Wear - www.ForConstructionPros.com/12118319 Track Chain Tension is Your Key to Cutting Undercarriage Costs - www.ForConstructionPros.com/21001484 How Undercarriage Design Impacts Compact Track Loader Productivity and Performance - www.ForConstructionPros.com/21087402 Inspections and Proper Maintenance Give Dozer Uptime a Push - www.ForConstructionPros.com/20989229

go through all of its self checks.

As it’s warming up, I validate my lights are working. Then as that machine has been warming up, I look back at the display and make sure we don’t have any warnings on the dash.”

Communication is vital. “If you have multiple shifts that are operating, make sure that you have a process for each shift to be able to communicate if there’s anything that has been noticed or going on with that unit,” says Polzer. “Maybe there was an intermittent fault code that had popped up last night, but because it wasn’t on when the operator shut it off, he didn’t alert anybody. That could be really important because that might be leading up to a bigger downtime scenario.” ET

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

FLEET MANAGEMENT Products John Deere Anti-vibration Undercarriage System An anti-vibration undercarriage system is now available on zig-zag bar tracks on the John Deere 333G compact track loaders.

• Includes an isolated undercarriage, bogie rollers, updated grease points, hydrostatic hose protection shield and rubber isolators • Provides a smoother ride for the operator and enables machine to travel at higher speeds while retaining material • Bogie roller system allows for oscillating movement of rollers • Oscillating bogie arm includes only four easy to access grease points • Angled steel shield protects hydrostatic hoses from exposure to debris

www.forconstructionpros.com/21614822

Cojali Jaltest 21.2 Aftermarket Diagnostics Tool Jaltest 21.2 extends the tool’s coverage and actions on material-handling equipment (MHE), packaging it in a distinct module called Jaltest MHE. • Covers forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, telescopic handlers, etc.

• Available wiring diagrams now include full vehicle wiring with no need to exit diagnostics software • Page index and component search box enables technician to identify cables by color and find parts reference within the same diagnostics screen • Approved compatible tool for the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) Secure GateWay for in-app access to FCA-protected vehicles equipped with this SGW module, such as new Ram trucks

www.forconstructionpros.com/21533504

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

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

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Chevron Delo 600 ADF with OMNIMAX Delo 600 ADF with OMNIMAX is a heavy-duty engine oil formulated to 0.4% sulfated ash to significantly reduce the rate of DPF clogging and extend DPF service life by up to 2.5 times.

• Enables a 3% fuel economy retention advantage over the life of the equipment • Meets or exceeds API CK-4 and OEM specifications and has demonstrated optimal oxidation stability for the potential to extend engine oil drain intervals • Delivers enhanced valve train wear protection and piston deposit performance • Available in Delo 600 ADF 15W-40 and Delo 600 ADF 10W-30

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BKT RIDEMAX FL 699 Tire Range The RIDEMAX FL 699 is available in 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

Nokian Ground King Tire Petro-Canada Duron Heavy-duty Engine Oils DURON heavy-duty diesel engine oils are suited for the toughest conditions and can take vehicles farther between oil drains.

• Meet the category demands of API CK-4 and FA-4 • Extreme durability means drain intervals can be stretched with no compromise on reliability or engine protection • Include high-performance, super highperformance, synthetic and other blends • Capable of extreme temperature performance

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Induction Innovations Inductor ALFe Induction Heaters ALFe 3.5 and ALFe 5.0 induction heaters are capable of heating aluminum and steel to help release seized parts and panel bond adhesives.

• 230V/16A/P1 (ALFe 3.5) or 208V/20A/P3 (ALFe 5.0) • ALFe 3.5 offers a 9-minute duty cycle, while the ALFe 5.0 has a 30-minute duty cycle • LED light indicator • Safety shutoff

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38 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

The Ground King tire includes the Hybrilug technology, which combines features of lug and block patterns for allterrain mobility and traction combined with a high level of comfort and precise handling response on the road.

• Incorporates specially aligned pattern elements and more tread compound • High-grade, wear-resistant tread compound offers extended ground contact area to enable more operating hours even in extensive on-road use • High load bearing capacity enables use of heavy work implements and high loads • Self-cleaning abilities

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FL EET MANAGEMENT An equipment management system can allow users to share costs across multiple purchase orders.

All photos courtesy United Rentals

You no longer need to make a phone call to reserve equipment from a rental equipment provider. You can now do it 24/7 via a desktop or mobile app.

Digital tools can help manage rented and owned fleet all in one place in ways that save time and money.

W

hether you need to rent or return equipment, locate equipment or monitor utilization, digital tools put action and information at your fingertips.

Digital technology — including telematics, online self-service tools and fleet management solutions — allow construction teams to find what they need and do what they need, no matter where they are or what device or tool is being used.

Such solutions can help contractors of all sizes to better manage complex projects and address under utilization of equipment such as excavators, loaders, aerial work platforms and more.

“In today’s world, harnessing the power of digital technology to manage construction equipment just makes sense,” says Ty Campbell, director - sales, Managed Services, United Rentals. “There is plenty to worry about on the jobsite and digital tools should be an important part of managing complexity. This approach

can help contractors streamline processes, save time and gain greater control so they can deliver better results and have fewer safety incidents. Crews can find and order needed equipment and manage rented and owned assets exactly when and how they want, without wasting a moment and with just a few clicks.”

Here are some ways you can tap digital solutions to manage construction equipment to create more productive worksites and more efficient, profitable companies.

FIND, RENT AND RETURN EQUIPMENT Construction companies no longer need to make a phone call to reserve equipment from a rental equipment provider. You can now do it 24/7 at your convenience via a desktop or mobile app with a seamless experience, whether you order one forklift twice a year or 100 boom lifts for a single project.

With a few clicks, construction teams can find needed

equipment and order and offrent equipment. They can also request a pick-up, track equipment deliveries, adjust rental dates, access leniency windows to reduce rental costs and see the location of all telematics-enabled equipment and assets.

If a maintenance issue arises, you can request service directly from a mobile app and even upload photos to help diagnose the issue. Digital tools are expected to keep evolving, adding capabilities such as saving favorites and providing equipment recommendations based on the type of work being done.

These tools also open the door to alerts that can help manage equipment rentals more easily and effectively. For example, you can receive alerts via email or text message when equipment is due back and potentially save thousands of dollars in late returns.

MANAGE RENTED AND OWNED FLEET Digital tools can help manage rented and owned fleet all

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HARNESS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY to Manage Rented and Owned Equipment Digital solutions can help you better manage construction equipment and improve worksite productivity. in one place in ways that save time and money. For instance, they can arm you against the significant problem of under utilization.

The longer an asset or piece of equipment sits idle, the more it costs your company, whether it is owned or rented. Many companies don’t regularly track utilization and aren’t aware how much under utilization is costing them. But utilization is easy to track in a fleet management application through desktop or mobile access.

Running utilization reports and leveraging real-time low utilization alerts are smart ways for you to meet your utilization goals and beat industry benchmarks.

Some contractors have seen annual rental costs cut by a third by improving utilization.

Another potential money saver is an equipment management system. This type of system can facilitate equipment sharing by letting users share equipment costs across multiple purchase orders.

You can also upload owned equipment to a rental provider’s fleet management solution to take advantage of fleet

maintenance tools. These tools include viewing preventive maintenance history and current maintenance status of every piece of equipment, seeing fault codes and managing work orders.

Contractors can receive alerts when preventive maintenance is overdue.

“With the right digital tools in the toolbox, it is possible to work smarter and accomplish more in less time with fewer resources. Best-in-class rental platforms accessible by desktop and mobile are making it faster and easier to find, choose, rent and off-rent equipment,” says Campbell.

“Rental providers that offer a digital fleet management solution give contractors even more power, providing visibility into both rented and owned equipment,” he adds. “That visibility can help companies save money by helping boost utilization, eliminate hoarding and reduce duplication.” ET Article provided by United Rentals, which offers the Total Control cloud-based worksite management solution as well as the United Rentals Mobile App.

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

PRO FI T M AT T E R S | By Larry Stewart

IN-LINE FINANCIAL TOOLS Upgrade Contractor’s Forecasting Accuracy Procore’s financial package dramatically improves the accuracy of the projections driving Kitchell’s business tactics.

All images courtesy Kitchell

Kitchell’s modeling with safety data has proven that artificial intelligence can predict risk with an accuracy that the company will also apply to construction project financial performance.

T

o move from reactive to proactive management, Arizona-based commercial general contractor Kitchell invested in Procore’s cloud project management software in 2018.

The firm normally works 30 to 50 building projects across the western U.S. ranging in size up to $600 million — more than half of which are complex healthcare and higher education projects — and it wanted to use the terabytes of data each throws off to predict project safety and quality.

Carl McFarland, market sector executive at Kitchell’s

40 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | November 2021

Technology & Venture Development group, says Procore’s promise of a coming financial management application was also particularly exciting because the contractor wanted to drive toward more consistent and accurate financial forecasts.

“It was incredible how much time and resources we spent doing forecasts on spreadsheets,” McFarland says. “We had 12 or 15 different versions [of the spreadsheets] across the organization that project managers used. Each month, if you were a project director and you had

six project managers, you would have to look at six forecasts in six different formats. There was a lot of inconsistency.”

FORECASTS IN LINE WITH PROJECT MANAGEMENT The new Procore financial package that emerged, called Monitored Resources, draws on consistent project management data. It brings a uniform level of detail, presented in a uniform format, to financial forecasts that dramatically improves the accuracy of the projections driving Kitchell’s business tactics.

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“We’re starting to make our way into advanced forecasting that is really going to help us with projecting future cash flow and is starting to dial in some of our projected revenues,” says McFarland. “That’s a big deal at the senior executive level, where they’re saying, ‘Okay, how much work are we going to put in place? And what do those projected revenues look like?’

“Right now, the project teams are using spreadsheets to forecast those revenues based on the work in place to date, and then taking that information and projecting that out,” he adds.

Procore’s Monitored Resources can improve the accuracy of forecasts by taking into account the current pace and scheduled phases of the project during the forecast period.

“Procore is giving us a tool that gives us options for what the distribution curve looks like,” says McFarland. “Those costs are going to be spread out over time in a different way — they’re not just linear. Even if they’re not down to a level of exact precision, the forecast is far more accurate than some of the guesstimating that’s been done with spreadsheets.”

McFarland points to the value of forecast accuracy for both Kitchell and its clients: “Let’s say we’ve just signed a $15 million contract. In the past, we would have to take that schedule of values, put it into a spreadsheet and approximate what we think the billing curve would look like over the 18 to 24 months of the project. With advanced forecasting, we can project that billing curve on a line-item basis, and come to an

PROFIT MAT TERS

even more accurate prediction of the billing the owner can expect to get over time.”

BETTER TACTICAL FORECASTS UNLOCK PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS Improved forecasting is pushing a paradigm shift Kitchell is engineering on a much larger scale. McFarland’s operations technologies group keeps in mind an axiom that transparency and consistency promote accountability. And, ultimately, that should lead to accuracy and certainty.

“We’ve seen that in some other areas of the business. That’s really what we’re seeing across the board as we continue to build those forecasting processes that were once done offline into a more structured and formal process right in our budgets.”

Consistently structured financial data in a cloud database offers Kitchell an opportunity to do some 21st Century numbers crunching with potentially huge payoffs.

“We’re layering this structured data with some outside resources that are starting to use predictive analytics to look at huge data sets and learn things that the individual data streams will never say. For example: If you’re X percent through the project with a contingency spend on Y, there is a X percent probability that you’re going to experience fee erosion,” McFarland explains.

“We’re seeing that with safety. We’re finally in the predictive side of safety. I’ve seen some modeling of our data there and it has validated that it does work,” he says.

“It’s not going to replace our decision making; it’s simply going to enhance our ability to make smarter decisions.

“That’s why we think it’s important we continue to adopt these new tools — because it will provide us with more structure around our data. And the more organized, clean and accurate the data is, the better position we’re in to be able to predict and leverage it,” he adds.

McFarland believes forecasting certainty is more important than ever for construction firms, especially in the area of financials. “We are faced with having to invest dollars in areas we’ve never had to invest in before. We’re having to invest in technology research and development,” he comments. “Better accuracy should ultimately produce better income results — happier customers — and therefore should produce more free cash flow to invest in the tools necessary to advance the business and better serve our clients.”

McFarland connects the value these tasklevel tools offer with helping make macro changes at the company and even the industry level. “When you can say with certainty, ‘We’re projecting our revenue +/- 1% or +/- 5%, it can free up a certain amount of cash flow to reinvest. As a business, that will advance the company, and that has tremendous value right now — more value than it did even 10 years ago, in my opinion,” he states.

Kitchell, for example, has invested in off-site prefabrication of building components. “It takes less resources, less labor, so it’s helping solve the labor issue.

It’s safer, putting fewer people in fall or other types of hazards. Quality is better because you’re indoors, you’re not exposed to climate issues. And technologies are improving visibility to the supply chain,” says McFarland. “I would say online shopping is to retail what off-site prefabrication will be to the construction industry.”

FROM PROJECTIONS TO PARADIGM SHIFT “General contractors, trade contractors, suppliers — we’re all going to need a better understanding of our overall financial performance to figure out how we’re going to adapt to all of these changes coming to the industry,” says McFarland. And that’s the line he draws between contractors’ financial forecasting and the future of construction.

“I think this era of company leadership is going to

have the most difficult and greatest opportunity of any leadership team in the last 100 years, because we’re not going to be able to rely solely on our experience within our businesses to be able to move the next generation forward. We’re going to have to learn to rely on our expertise in organizational change management to adapt to new ways of doing business,” McFarland predicts.

“I think that’s very difficult for us as leaders because we’re all kind of uncomfortable there,” he acknowledges.

“For example, few leaders are experts in the digitization of business. They’re not experts in off-site prefabrication, or any of these other things that are disrupting our industry. We don’t have 30 years of experience in these spaces, so we’re relying on the up and coming people and talent outside of our industry to have that expertise.

“I think the vast majority of our time and effort is spent on changing the culture,” he adds, “and getting people to believe that there is a better way and being strategic about it.” ET

Kitchell’s Carl McFarland says accuracy in project forecasting can improve margins enough to support process investments such as the company’s stake in a prefab business.

Consistently structured financial data in a cloud database offers Kitchell an opportunity to do some 21st Century numbers crunching with potentially huge payoffs.

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November 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 41

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

Tomorrow’s Digital Dispatcher Will

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Software will empower dispatchers to increase customer satisfaction.

Changes that have been pioneered in other industries are coming to construction and changing the game.

Cloud-based software, GPS tracking and mobile apps all contribute to an ecosystem in which parties are empowered by real-time tracking, multi-modal communications and data integration/connectivity.

T

he dispatcher role is the cornerstone of a well-run construction logistics operation. Today’s dispatcher spends his or her time fielding calls for orders, finding haulers and chasing down the status of deliveries. These operations have been managed using the same set of tools for generations: pen, paper and phone calls.

Much like the wave of technological advances that have revolutionized banking, manufacturing and retail, there is imminent change for how construction as an industry operates,

and how dispatchers perform their jobs. This software-based revolution will empower dispatchers to be more effective, driving increased satisfaction among customers and haulers, and improved profitability for all members of the heavy construction value chain.

The new tech-powered “digital dispatchers” will leverage the power of software platforms, B2B marketplaces and mobile technology. These changes will elevate the dispatcher’s functional role and unlock new business value in construction.

THE EVOLUTION OF DISPATCHING Effective communication and coordination with truckers is at the core of a dispatcher’s day to day success. Innovations in logistics management — which have been pioneered in other industries by innovators such as Amazon and UPS — have been slow to make their way into the construction dispatcher’s toolbox.

42 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

Not only have these innovations transformed the way businesses manage their logistics, they have also raised the bar for our collective expectations of what the delivery experience should be as a society, resulting in higher expectations from end customers in all industries, including construction. These changes were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and related social distancing restrictions. As a result, contractors are asking: “If I can track my pizza from the oven to my door, why can’t I do the same for the thousands of dollars’ worth of materials en route to my construction site?”

Changes that have been pioneered in other industries, including long-haul trucking, are coming to construction and changing the game. Cloudbased software, GPS tracking and mobile applications all contribute to an ecosystem in which parties are empowered by real-time tracking, multi-modal communications and data integration/connectivity. This ecosystem represents a digital platform where multiple industry participants connect and collaborate toward better efficiencies, higher asset utilization and increased profits. The digital dispatcher of the future will play a central role in this ecosystem.

high-impact activities. They will be part analyst-optimizer, part customer-service-delighter and part business manager, namely working toward: ˜ Optimizing workload distribution across a physical and virtual fleet using a centralized source of trucking and ensuring truckers are working at maximum efficiency; ˜ Delighting customers by providing self-service tools to track and request orders, thereby freeing up time to provide a new level of customer experience; ˜ Managing the logistics business, which includes prevention of wait times, supply and demand forecasting, rate analysis and budgeting.

These capabilities already exist at a basic level in some dispatch operations today. The newly empowered digital dispatcher will bring a fresh focus to these areas and, leveraging the transformative power of technology, use them to drive business value.

In transitioning from today’s dispatcher to the next, companies can expect improved performance across all their business operations through

THE ROLE OF THE DIGITAL DISPATCHER One fundamental impact of this change is that the digital dispatcher will replace the time spent on manual processes and inefficient workflows with new,

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reduced waste/inefficiency and increased asset utilization.

Tangible benefits will include increased amounts of material delivered through optimized scheduling and reduced wait time; increased profitability through consistent, predictable freight rates; and improved customer satisfaction through transparency and technologyenabled customer service.

PREPARE FOR THE NEXT WAVE OF DIGITAL DISPATCHING In order to plan ahead and get set up for success, companies should be armed with the right skills, tools, technologies and organizational support. Dispatchers’ current skills will still be critical, including managing relationships and maintaining market knowledge and industry expertise. Companies that define a clear mandate and utilize fleet management technologies to empower dispatchers to take ownership of their impact on the business will be in the driver’s seat.

Tomorrow’s digital dispatcher will be empowered to leverage technology to dramatically improve efficiencies, reduce waste and enhance the customer experience. You can set a dispatcher up for success by setting the right mandate and preparing your organization to embrace the role of the 21st Century digital dispatcher. ET Bart Ronan is the CEO of TRUX, a technology company serving the construction industry with logistics management software.

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

S A F E T Y & COM P LI A N C E | By Becky Schultz

Instilling a safety mentality in employees at all times is essential. And for those who drive company vehicles, this includes promoting defensive driving best practices.

All photos ACBM staff

Construction Fleet Defensive Driving and Safety BEST PRACTICES Protect your workers and your business by encouraging safety best practices for employees behind the wheel.

W How drivers maneuver the vehicle on roadways can be a factor in drivingrelated incidents.

hile a substantial amount of attention, and legislation, is centered on the “OSHA Fatal Four” (the four leading causes of construction fatalities), there tends to be far less emphasis placed on motor vehicle crashes. Yet, as John Meola, a practicing safety consultant based in Richmond, VA, points out, of the roughly 5,300 occupational fatalities (which include construction) reported to OSHA for 2020, about 40% were transportation related.

This number is fairly consistent year after year.

And while not categorized by industry segment, the National Safety Council reports that an estimated 4.8 million “roadway users” were seriously injured in crashes last year. The costs of such incidents to society, our industry and to construction businesses quickly add up.

Looking beyond the statistics, there are plenty of business reasons to give construction companies cause for concern.

“When you put a person behind the wheel of a company vehicle… you automatically have a lot at risk,” says Meola.

Driver behavior and

44 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

attitude are critical to performance both on and off the road. “The core of the issue is... at the end of the day, the attitude and the sensibility of your employee behind the wheel will determine a lot of outcomes,” Meola comments.

“Basically, if you can make that person a safer driver — more perceptive, more aware, more cautious, more conservative — the extended result is they don’t just leave those traits behind when they get out of the truck.

If they are uniformly a safer driver, it will almost always translate into a safer worker on the jobsite.

“In other words, with a little work, we can improve our odds of crash avoidance by an exponential number,” he adds.

Instilling a safety mentality in your employees is essential.

For those operating a company vehicle, this includes establishing and promoting defensive driving best practices.

Unfortunately, federal OSHA and most of the 28 State Safety Plans offer minimal guidance on defensive driving. This is because it falls under the purview of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

Meola suggests using ANSI’s Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations (ANSI/ASSP Z15.12017) as a starting point. “If you have nothing on the books already, start here, or ask your insurance agent or carrier for guidance,” he says. “You may only need pieces of the ANSI Program, but adopt whatever makes the most sense for your operations.”

Other sources of (free) information include most state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver Handbooks, your state CDL handbook or the USDOT safety information at www.transportation.gov.

“Basically, these manuals and other sources offer a starting point for your program, unless you have something better in your library,” says Meola.

“Plus, they’re digital, allowing easy customization to suit your operation.”

START BY HIRING RIGHT Safe driving starts with safe drivers. Admittedly, finding and retaining qualified drivers, and workers in general, is a challenge. But not just anyone should be allowed behind the wheel of your vehicles.

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“If you don’t have a really tight fleet safety program, then you’re kind of left at the mercy of today’s hiring market,” says Meola. In a time of substantial employee turnover, it can be hard to reliably figure out “who to give the keys to the truck to.” “[You’re] trusting this person with a lot of responsibility,” says Meola. “As a conscientious employer, we need to make the best selection for that driver.

This includes checking their MVR, their background and references, doing drug testing, etc. Also, there are commercial screening agencies who can help vet a person’s driving history.

You may not need to do a DNA search, but at least get the ‘big picture.’”

USE AVAILABLE METRICS TO TRACK PERFORMANCE “We are a data-driven world.

Use this to your advantage,” Meola advises. Technologies such as in-cab telematics, GPS tracking and logging, front- and rear-facing dashcams, etc. can help you to monitor and measure driver performance.

“Now, you can figuratively sit in the cab, and in

S AFET Y & COMPL IANCE

some cases you should,” says Meola. “The thought process behind this is not to be ‘Big Brother,’ but to protect your interests. Your name is on that vehicle door.

You need an established body of rules and performance metrics that you can point to that prove your company is a responsible one.”

The technologies can be used to identify unsafe driver behavior — such as frequent hard braking events that may be an indication of near misses or chronic excessive speed — and enable corrective steps to be taken. “Not to mention a direct ‘over the speed limit’ notice to your desktop... This is an actionable alert,” Meola states. “Someone needs to have a warning notice issued even though the [driver] didn’t get a ticket. Make them watch a safety video. Put a notice in their file... We do what’s called safe work practices counseling. We are not waiting for a speeding violation to show up; that’s too random.

The GPS sees it all.

“Our direction to drivers is basically: ‘Listen, this is not just some random thing.

Working and driving safely is part of your responsibility,’” he continues. “I realize the concern that an employee may become frustrated and quit if criticized for poor driving.

But do you really want this person piloting your truck in the first place?”

TOP DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS Diving into specific defensive driving best practices, Meola highlights some key points that, if you can get them in front of your drivers, can give them an “enormous advantage” in avoiding crashes.

Keep your distance. First and foremost, maintain an appropriate following distance.

Meola recommends four seconds, which he acknowledges isn’t always easy to maintain at highway speeds, but can help to avoid the leading category of crashes — struck-frombehind rear end collisions.

“Keep a four-second interval of clear space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. And that applies at all speeds,” he emphasizes. “The message to your drivers is to leave sufficient space ahead of you for reaction, slowing, braking, something going wrong, the load shifting, etc.”

Navigate carefully. How drivers maneuver the vehicle on roadways can be a factor in driving-related incidents. “Poor lane change discipline — meaning you change the lane without signaling — is the leading cause of road rage,” Meola points out.

And while navigating intersections may seem simple enough, they are the site of the highest number of crashes and other accidents, such as pedestrian hits. “The actual statistic is something close to 40% of all accidents occur in and around intersections,” says Meola, with cloverleafs on interstates an especially dangerous form of “intersection” due to the high speeds

and quick driving decisions required.

“We teach a half-day seminar on defensive driving,” says Meola. “The class includes a module just on how to negotiate intersections. It’s not as straightforward as one thinks.”

Don’t rush it. “Make sure your drivers understand the difference between running fast and running reckless,” Meola emphasizes. “There is minimal difference in arrival time when your guy is pushing it vs. taking it slow and steady. There is, however, an exponential increase in the risk of having an accident; in which case, you will probably pay through the nose for a long time in insurance premiums.”

Rethinking the time of day your drivers need to be on the road can help improve the odds of incident avoidance. “Think what an accident will cost vs. the cost of making your run early in the morning or late at night vs. during rush hour, or when school is getting out,” says Meola. “This is called ‘route selection and planning,’ and we should all probably do more of it.”

SAFER VEHICLES MEAN SAFER DRIVERS Part of ensuring safety on the road is providing the safest vehicles possible. This includes proper service and maintenance and, when available, the latest safety technology.

Regular inspections for vehicle wear and tear should be a part of your fleet maintenance program. This applies to both DOT and non-DOT units.

John Meola advises more frequent servicing for vehicles operated at higher loads. “If your trucks are in service every day, all day, and you’re running them anything more than three-quarters capacity, you either need a bigger truck or a really tight inspection schedule,” he states. “Your brakes, suspension, steering, tires, running gear are going to wear out earlier and faster under a near-capacity or heavier load.”

In addition, Meola recommends taking advantage of the newest vehicle safety features. “In other words, upgrade vehicle hardware whenever you can,” he advises.

Today’s newer vehicles include various driver assistance technologies. “That’s what’s actually coming to our rescue to try to improve a careless driver or a negligent driver,” Meola states. “At least you have an alarm go off if you get within so many feet of the vehicle ahead.”

Technologies can include a collision avoidance system, presence sensors, lane departure warnings, automatic braking, front and rear cameras, etc. “This ‘techno-bling’ should be on as many fleet vehicles as possible, from [pickup] trucks up,” says Meola.

In other words, from a safety standpoint, look beyond the standard vehicle package. “You want every driver assistance option available to that driver to make his life easier and your company safer,” says Meola.

vision, drinking under the influence, a medical condition or event, etc..

“On the weekends, that number goes up to 23%, which is effectively one out of four drivers. Only you don’t know which one out of the four,” Meola comments.

A company policy, and even technology (such as

Pay attention to distractions. It should be no surprise that driver distractions are on the list of critical safety factors. Meola cites statistics showing that about 17% of all drivers have some form of impairment on an average weekday. This can include talking or texting on a mobile device, impaired

X

systems designed to disable texts or certain apps), should be in place to minimize the distractions that can negatively affect driver behavior. But drivers also need to be aware of the distractions that others may be experiencing.

“We need to be aware that it’s not just us,” says Meola.

“We could be the best driver

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

S A F E T Y & COM P LI A N C E

“Explain to your driver and to the crew... this is not just about the company or compliance. This is about you [and] the people who depend on you.”

— John Meola To ensure safety, more frequent servicing may be needed for vehicles operated regularly with heavier loads.

on the planet. It’s the other guy who’s distracted.”

MAKE IT PERSONAL A defensive driving program is only valuable if it’s put into use. To encourage adoption of best practices behind the wheel, Meola advises making it about more than company policy.

“One thing that we do, and it’s becoming more prominent throughout the safety sector, is make it family oriented. Explain to your driver and to the crew that, ‘Look, this is not just about the company or compliance. This is about you [and] the people who depend on you, your loved ones,’” Meola advises.

Stress that the information being provided is actionable knowledge that employees should take home with them, whether it’s to instill good driving habits in their 16-year-old or for the safety of the vehicles family members may drive.

“In other words, the education, the information, the metrics that we apply at work, well, yeah, get it for work, obviously. That’s why we do it,” says Meola. “But that’s not only why we do it. You have to take this home. We don’t want anything happening to you on the job or off the job, or to your family. And most people

Raising Performance to New Levels

Maintain a four-second interval of clear space between you and the vehicle ahead of you to ensure adequate reaction time and the ability to stop the load. understand when you connect at that level.

“The thing that we really need to control in a defensive driving equation is the driver’s

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attitude,” he continues, including what can motivate them to work and drive safely. “That employee will tell you he loves your company, he loves his job... Well, I’m here to tell you, he probably loves his family more.

So, when you start connecting with things that really do apply, they do matter, you’ve kind of made a better connection.”

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Some employees may argue that they are already good drivers with no history of accidents or offensives. But defensive driving is about giving them additional tools that will help them make educated choices that can increase their chances of

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avoiding potentially hazardous situations.

“What’s the best outcome that I can achieve here? Slowing down? Normally, yes, but not getting close enough to the vehicle in front of me that I have to slow down is better,” Meola states. “We want this person at least aware of what the metrics are in any given situation.

Drivers should be aware of what is their braking distance, following distance, line of sight... do they have the load secured?

“If you’re good on the job, you’re probably going to be a fair to average driver,” he acknowledges. “In our rulebook for defensive driving, average is not good enough. We want the person informed, educated, knowledgeable, at the top of their game to make them an above-average driver, because their job is to beat the other drivers who could be impaired, distracted, etc. You definitely want to come in ahead of that curve.” ET John Meola is a practicing safety consultant based in Richmond, VA, serving private long-term clients primarily in the construction industry.

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S A F E T Y & COM P LI A N C E | By Becky Schultz

OSHA Takes Steps to Combat Hazards of EXTREME HEAT

Western Specialty Contractors

OSHA has initiated rulemaking, enhanced and expanded intervention and enforcement to protect workers from extreme heat exposure.

W

ith heat-related illnesses become an ever-increasing health risk for many workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. Currently, OSHA does not have a specific standard for hazardous heat conditions and this action begins the process to consider a heat-specific workplace rule.

The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will initiate a comment period to gather diverse perspectives and expertise on topics such as heat-stress thresholds, heat acclimatization planning and exposure monitoring. Issuance of the notice closely follows OSHA’s announcement in September that it would implement enhanced and expanded efforts to address hazards associated with both indoor and outdoor extreme heat exposure.

A PREVENTABLE AND COSTLY RISK Heat illness is largely preventable and commonly under-reported, OSHA states, with thousands of workers sickened each year by workplace heat exposure. Forty-three workers died from heat illness in 2019, and at least 2,410 others suffered serious injuries and illnesses, though the actual figures may be significantly higher.

“Every year dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions,” said Cari Elofson, Assistant Director of the OSHA Training Institute Education Center at ChabotLas Positas Community College District. “More than 40% of heat-related worker deaths occur on construction jobsites. Most heat-related illnesses and deaths are totally preventable.”

Potential costs of heat illness are substantial in the form of lost work hours and productivity. According to “The Cost of Heat Stress and Heat Related Injuries” by Portacool (https://

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48 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

bit.ly/3v4d4Zz), a single case of “heat prostration” can have a direct cost of over $23,000, with indirect costs doubling that figure. It adds that productivity declines roughly 14% during workdays exceeding 86° F. The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center estimates the overall economic loss from heat to be at least $100 billion annually — a number that could double by 2030 and quintuple by 2050 under a higher emissions scenario, the Department of Labor points out.

To combat the risks, OSHA has initiated enhanced measures to better protect workers in hot environments and reduce the dangers of exposure to ambient heat. They include: ˜ implementing an enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards, ˜ developing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections, ˜ launching the rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard, ˜ and forming a National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group to provide better understanding of challenges and to identify and share best practices to protect workers.

“Throughout the nation, millions of workers face serious hazards from high temperatures both outdoors and indoors.

Amid changing climate, the growing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events is increasing the dangers workers face, especially for workers of color who disproportionately work in

essential jobs in tough conditions,” said Marty Walsh, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary, in a statement issued with the announcement. “As Secretary of Labor, my priority is to make sure we are taking appropriate action to keep workers healthy and safe on the job.”

INTERVENTION AND ENFORCEMENT OSHA’s intervention and enforcement initiative prioritizes heat-related interventions and inspections of work activities on days when the heat index exceeds 80° F. The initiative applies to indoor and outdoor worksites in general industry, construction, agriculture and maritime.

“While agricultural and construction workers often come to mind first when thinking about workers most exposed to heat hazards, without proper safety actions, sun protection and climate control, intense heat can be harmful to a wide variety of workers indoors or outdoors and during any season,” stated Jim Frederick, Acting Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health.

OSHA plans to increase enforcement efforts on days when a recognized heat temperature can result in increased risks of heat-related illnesses. The agency also encourages employers to proactively implement intervention methods on heat priority days, including: ˜ Providing regular breaks for water, rest and shade; ˜ Training workers on how to identify common symptoms and what to do when a worker suspects a heat-related illness is occurring; ˜ Taking periodic

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measurements to determine workers’ heat exposure.

In addition, OSHA Area Directors across the U.S. will institute the following: ˜ Prioritize inspections of heatrelated complaints, referrals and employer-reported illnesses and initiate an on-site investigation where possible. ˜ Instruct compliance safety and health officers, during their travels to jobsites, to conduct an intervention (provide the agency’s heat poster/wallet card, discuss the importance of easy access to cool water, cooling areas and acclimatization, etc.) or open an inspection when they observe employees performing strenuous work in hot conditions. ˜ Expand the scope of other inspections to address heat-related hazards where worksite conditions or other evidence indicates these hazards may be present.

As a further step, the National Emphasis Program on heat hazard cases will target high-risk industries and focus agency resources and staff time on heat inspections. ET Information provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and edited and enhanced by Becky Schultz.

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Doosan Infracore..............................................................33 Eager Beaver General Engines..........................................51 eBay.................................................................................11 Fumoto Engineering of America......................................49 Gomaco Corporation.......................................................29 Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc......7

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Induction Innovations......................................................49 John Deere Construction Equipment...............................52 LDJ Manufacturing.........................................................41 Liebherr Construction Equipment Co.............................23 Minimizer........................................................................43 Motion Industries..............................................................6 Nokian Tyres....................................................................21 NTEA..............................................................................17 Schweiss Doors................................................................49 Stellar Industries...............................................................15 The Caldwell Group........................................................45 Thieman Tailgates Inc......................................................46 United Rentals...................................................................5 Western Star Trucks................................................... 26-27 Worksaver Inc..................................................................46 This index is provided as a service.

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

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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.

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

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

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Risks of Unexpected Taxes, Creeping Fleet Costs and Stockpiling Mind these precautions on taxes in other states, fleet cost creep and the risks of stockpiling construction materials.

L

ast issue, we covered the proposed tax bill and I hope you acted on my suggestions to spend the time and money to gain a full understanding of your tax position for 2021 and expected position for 2022 based on your projected operating results. I hope you paid special attention to equipment transactions in terms of expected sales and purchases going into 2022 and 2023 and beyond.

In short, how are you going to handle the sales of equipment with zero tax basis?

I mentioned one other program I want you to consider. It is also tax related, except it refers to state and local taxes.

There is little doubt that the most complex tax issues facing businesses today are state and local taxes post-Wayfair. The ruling in South Dakota vs. Wayfair (https://bit.ly/2YRztNL) caused states to believe there was much more tax revenue to be had if they scaled up their process to identify companies doing business in their state. Thus, every time you cross a state line to do business, you fall under the economic nexus rules (https://bit.ly/3oWkBZd) set up by the state to identify companies that possibly owe sales or income taxes.

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that you do not want to receive one of these notices, because the agencies behind them will drive you nuts and threaten to seize your bank account if they have to. And when you see what you owe, you will be shocked to say the least, because the penalties and interest are many times what you owe.

Consequently, I asked Jim Margner, a state and local tax expert, to prepare a list of questions and considerations for contractors (found with this article at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21771842) to give you an indication if you have any tax risk in the states in which you do business. I suggest you spend some time going over these points.

Believe me, if you are working in other states, their tax agencies will find you by crosschecking checks being issued to you by customers.

You can answer the questions and send your responses to Jim if you need someone to walk you through problem areas. Jim is semiretired and can provide a very cost-effective review of your situation.

His contact info is included with the list online.

EQUIPMENT COSTS AND SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS I received a phone call from a reader who just wanted to let me know he has a fleet of equipment and plans on keeping it because it still works and is fully paid for. Thus, it doesn’t contribute much to his fixed costs even if some units have low utilization rates. Tough to argue with that.

50 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | November 2021

But at some point, the cost to operate that equipment will be more than it’s worth. Maybe then we can have a conversation about purchasing or renting a portion of the fleet with low utilization rates.

(Learn more at www.ForConstructionPros.com/21563423) One other potential argument I can make is that the older equipment is not as efficient as newer models, which tend to be more productive.

I know many of us are expecting the “transitory” price increases for materials to stick around for some time to come. Consequently, I’ve been hearing about businesses stockpiling materials to avoid higher prices as well as supply chain issues. Not a bad plan as long as prices keep going up.

However, at some point, prices will peak and start a downward trend back to a realistic level that we are used to (or at least close to that). But what happens if prices turn around faster than expected? We would have a deflation moment for materials that would bite those that stockpiled goods to avoid price increases. Can’t happen, right?

What if developer Evergrande sets China on the path to experiencing a 2008-2010 sub-prime housing event? China would find itself in a similar situation to what the U.S. experienced when investors were buying up houses to swap them at higher prices. Should a credit problem develop, the demand for housing materials could drop dramatically since China purchases about 20% of materials for construction purposes. The result would be excess supply hitting the market and deflation caused by falling material prices.

The bottom line here is the need to carefully plan for 2022 and beyond because there are still balls in the air that could either help or hurt us. I still believe lowering fixed costs is a must. A move to be more productive (doing more without adding to cost) should also be investigated with meaningful changes implemented.

In addition, get your system provider into your office to find out if you are taking advantage of all of the data being generated to help run your business. You may find an aspect of the system can help streamline certain procedures used to manage your work. If you spend time reading industry publications, there is no doubt there are new ways out there to track the cost of both equipment and personnel.

Finally, if you are doing things the same way you were 10 years ago... Well, you can finish the sentence. ET To access previous Running the Business columns, as well as additional business management information, visit www.ForConstructionPros.com.

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SEAN DUNPHY; NIKKI LAWSON; KRIS FLITCROFT; TADASHI SOMA

ForConstructionPros.com Editor LARRY STEWART Managing Editor KIMBERLY HEGEMAN

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

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Published and copyrighted 2021 by AC Business Media Equipment Today makes every effort to report manufacturers’ product news accurately, but is not responsible for validity of news claims.

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

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Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International). For change of address or subscription information call (847) 559-7598 or fax (847) 291-4816. Equipment Today (USPS 369-290, ISSN 0891-141X) is published is published 12x with issues of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Equipment Today, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Printed in the USA. Canada Post PM40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Equipment Today, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.

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