Industry Update

from Rental August/September 2021

Eye on Rental

THE HOME DEPOT LAUNCHES ONLINE RENTAL RESERVATIONS, OPENS NEW RENTAL LOCATIONS

The Home Depot is enhancing the customer experience at its 1,300 rental locations with the launch of the new “Rent Online, Pick-up In Store” technology.

From demolition tools like breakers and concrete saws to landscaping tools like tillers and sod cutters to trailers and moving vehicles, customers can now reserve and rent equipment online up to 30 days in advance. After piloting online reservations in the Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston markets, The Home Depot has made the system available to rental customers across North America. “This new online technology saves Pro and DIY customers time and trips to the store because they can conveniently check equipment availability and reserve what they need in advance to get in and out of our rental centers more quickly than ever,” said Richard Porter, vice president of The Home Depot Rental. “For urgent needs at the jobsite or in the midst of that weekend project, customers can also check availability at multiple locations and make reservations on their phone or other mobile device.” The Home Depot also has opened eight new Rental Centers since January. The new locations include: • Pasadena, California • Manteca, California • Calhoun, Georgia • Maui, Hawaii • Alamo Heights, Texas • Midland, Texas • Rockwall, Texas • Hampton, Virginia

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21521309.

PRESTON RENTALS APPOINTS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Preston Rentals has appointed Greg Harrington the company’s new general manager of the USA business.

With over 30 years of experience in the construction equipment rental industry, Harrington brings extensive knowledge and expertise across all business capacities from sales, operations, fleet management and finance. With a clear vision for future growth, Harrington is charged to lead the team in extending their footprint within the loading platform and mini crane sectors.

Most recently, Harrington was partner and CEO of a start-up construction equipment rental business that was based in Denver. Harrington played an integral role in the establishment, growth, and eventual sale of the business. Harrington will draw upon his prior experience to deliver a successful business model, as he now sets his sights on further developing the Preston Rentals brand nationally.

“I’m eagerly looking forward to leading the Preston Rentals team. We have great personnel and exceptional products that offer specializations that the market can greatly benefit from. I’m excited to once again work in a business with an established network, strong customer base, and endless opportunities ahead. I’ve hit the ground running and don’t plan on slowing down,” Harrington says.

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21520986.

TAKE YOUR POWER ANYWHERE YOU WANT

Quiet, reliable KOHLER® mobile generators deliver dependable diesel power from remote construction sites, to public events to storm recovery. They are built to withstand the elements and run for long hours in prime and standby applications. Just hitch up and go. · Premium 3-year/3000-hour single-source warranty · Patented enclosure is easy to remove for servicing · Decision-Maker® 3500 controller with paralleling capability is fully potted and encapsulated for reliability · EPA emission certified for non-road use Learn more at https://kohlerpower.com/en/generators/ industrial/products/Mobile+Generators

685D

Designed with the functionality of a large motor grader, the more compact 685D can be used in many versatile and specialized applications including spreading base materials, ditch/shoulder projects, fine grading, medium cutting or even snow removal.

• Wheel lean & articulation • Scarifier • Hydrostatic transmission • Topcon available

RB50

The RB50 provides best-in-class, aggressive sweeping in a rugged design. This self-propelled broom features well-thought-out control placement and heightened visibility that makes this machine extremely easy to operate for drivers of all experience levels.

• Great visibility of brush frame • Robust frame design • Comfortable cab and control layout • Variable brush down-pressure control • Quick-change brush system

SUNBELT ACCELERATES GROWTH WITH ACQUISITIONS, NEW LOCATIONS

In a press release from the American Rental Association (ARA), Sunbelt Rentals has announced that they’ve opened 29 greenfield locations in North America in fiscal 2021 and completed five bolt-on acquisitions in the fourth quarter leading into what the company is calling a Sunbelt 3.0 strategic growth plan.

“Our model has demonstrated for years the ability to thrive during good times, and we can now see clearly that during more challenging periods in the economic cycle, rental, and in particular, our unique approach between general tool specialty and clustered markets, is designed to deliver a reliable alternative to ownership to an ever-broadening lineup of end market,” Brendan Horgan, CEO, Ashtead Group, parent company of Sunbelt Rentals U.S., told analysts in a conference call in mid-June.

Horgan’s comments followed the results of the company’s fourth quarter and full-year fiscal 2021, ending April 30. Total revenue for Sunbelt Rentals U.S. was $1.38 billion during the fiscal fourth quarter, compared to $1.21 billion for the same period last year. Rental revenue was down 2 percent for the year.

Acquisitions during the fourth quarter 2021 included the following: • On Feb. 3, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of DC Rentals, a general tool business in Connecticut. Since 2000, DC Rentals has served southern Connecticut and the surrounding area as an aerial equipment rental provider. • On March 26, Sunbelt acquired the business and

assets of Harford Rental Service, a general tool business in Maryland. • On April 16, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of American Aerial Equipment, a general tool business in Massachusetts. Since 2012, American Aerial Equipment has served Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut as an aerial equipment provider. • On April 23, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of Ross Aerial Equipment, a general tool business in Arizona. Since 1994, Ross Aerial Equipment has served Arizona as an aerial equipment provider. • On April 28, Sunbelt acquired the business and assets of Tomcon Industries, a general tool business in New York.

In addition, Horgan said the company already opened another 12 greenfield locations and added four locations in new bolt-on acquisitions in the first six weeks of the company’s fiscal 2022 that started on May 1. As part of the Sunbelt 3.0, Horgan also said the company expects to add about 300 locations over the next three years, including greenfields and acquisitions, with a target of having 1,234 total locations by the end of April 2024.

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21520997.

SKYJACK’S SCISSOR LIFTS BUILD NEW SPORTS VENUE IN IOWA

Linamar Corporation’s Skyjack division has been on site with Duke Rentals, Southwest, Iowa, for a 110,000-square-foot expansion at Iowa State University Athletics’ Stark Performance Center. The midwestern rental company supplied scissor lifts to the university’s contractors to help them construct one of the most impressive college sports facilities in the United States. “The Iowa State expansion is a fairly large project within our community, and our team was happy to be part of it and support the trades on site,” says Tom Schnetter, sales manager at Duke Rentals.

To service the $90 million, four-story project, Duke Rentals is using a range of Skyjack’s vertical mast and electric scissor lifts including the SJ12 and the SJ16 with a maximum working height of 21 feet, 7 inches. There are also a variety of Skyjack DC scissor lifts with working heights ranging from 25 feet to 44 feet, 11 inches. The Skyjack scissor lifts are primarily helping electricians, drywallers, and painters on the jobsite.

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21533171.

SINOBOOM

1330SE ELECTRIC DRIVE SCISSOR LIFT

Sinoboom’s new 13-foot electric drive scissor joins the ranks of the popular low-level access product category. Ready for those indoor, lightweight applications that need a compact footprint, the Sinoboom 1330SE weighs in at 1,940lbs. The 1330SE lift offers a maximum working platform height of 12.5 feet and a maximum working height of 19 feet, with a 26.4” extension deck for increased access. Don’t let the small size fool you; the 1330SE also features a 2-person, 529-pound platform capacity to meet your job site needs. Designed for those tight indoor applications, the 30-inch narrow body is perfect for cruising through doorways and easy elevator access due to the smooth operation from full proportional drive and lift controls. Manufactured with solid, reinforced components, including Sinoboom’s exclusive protection bumpers on both the chassis side and front, and premium electrostatic paint coating, this machine is made to have both long-lasting performance and appearance. You will also find the components you know and trust, including Discover Maintenance Free batteries, Delta 5 control system, and Danfoss Power hydraulic components. Sinoboom North America is proud to offer one of the best warranties in the industry for all models.

More important than the quality built equipment, the Sinoboom North American team is ready to support you. Made up of industry veterans with over 100 years of combined MEWP experience, we’re ready to be Partners in Access.™ Sinoboom equipment is manufactured by Sinoboom Intelligent Equipment Ltd, which most recently was named 10th largest global aerial manufacturer.

All Sinoboom models meet the new ANSI A92 specification. To learn more about Sinoboom products and services, visit www.sinoboom.us.

ARA FOUNDATION, THE TORO COMPANY FOUNDATION LAUNCH CHARITY PROJECT

A new Community Impact Project launched by the American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation was held at the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio’s Broadway Club (BGCNEO) in Cleveland on June 16.

The Community Impact Project involves both foundations working with local nonprofit organizations to give back to communities across the country through various rental-related projects. The series kicked off by helping BGCNEO, which serves over 8,000-member youth, ages six to 18, throughout a five-county footprint. The Cleveland branch’s Broadway Club is home to a robust outdoor horticulture program where youth engage with and experience nature through a variety of handson, interactive, and fun program opportunities. The BGCNEO was revamped in a day, with projects including revitalizing a pollinator garden, creating and planting new landscaping beds, and refurbishing the baseball infield. The inaugural Community Impact Project was made possible by a group of more than 20 volunteers from six rental companies and two Cleveland area organizations: • Bobcat of Cleveland – Leppos Rent, North Ridge • Event Source - Cleveland • General Rent-All - Massillon • Handy Rents - Eastlake • Miller’s Party Rental Center - Akron • Sun Rental Center - Mentor • Gardeners of Greater Cleveland • Ormiston Landscaping

“Partnering with The Toro Company Foundation, our members, and volunteers has been an impactful experience,” said Marcy Johnson, ARA Foundation executive director. “Together, we have been able to leverage the talents and resources of everyone involved to promote the rental industry while helping out a local community.”

Three additional projects are planned for this year.

For more information, visit forconstructionpros. com/21533321.

EDCO APPOINTS MTA DISTRIBUTORS AS WESTERN AND SOUTHERN DISTRIBUTOR

EDCO has announced an expanded role for MTA distributors within its distribution network for independent rental. As of July 10, MTA will supply all independent rental companies within: • Texas • Oklahoma • Kansas • Missouri • Arkansas • Louisiana • Mississippi

This follows a previous 2021 appointment which included: Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, California, Nevada, and Hawaii. MTA now is the EDCO distributor for independent rental in 38 states. They, and fellow EDCO distributor Mid-States Distribution, offer all EDCO products, tooling, and parts.

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21545052.

HATZ NEW HYBRID SOLUTION.

FLYWHEEL-INTEGRATED PERMANENT MAGNET GENERATOR

Applications benefit from the advantages of Hatz fiPMG.

This includes:

∆ mobile lighting towers ∆ solar and conventional mobile road signal equipment ∆ mobile communications infrastructure ∆ electrical lifting ∆ motor homes ∆ trailers ∆ range extender for full battery driven equipment ∆ auxiliary power units in construction machinery ∆ ecological power plants

Minimize size and weight

Compared to a conventional generator, the permanentmagnet technology convinces with its reduced installationspace requirements and less weight. The advantage of the Hatz solution is the extra space-saving integration into the flywheel. This reduces dimensions and weight by up to90 percent compared to a usual solution

Protect highly sensitive electronics

Whether from AC to DC or from AC to AC — the related inverters ensure consistently high-power quality. They also enable adjustment of the engine speed according to load.

Reduce total cost of ownership

The engine only runs as fast as the power demand requires. This extends the lifetime, increases uptime between maintenance and reduces fuel consumption. In addition, contributes to noise reduction levels.

Never compromise on reliability

With its robustness and longevity, the B-series sets standards in the market for decades. The engines proved themselves a hundred thousand times even under the toughest conditions.

Well prepared for the digital age

Hatz E1 technology — the world’s first electronic control for single cylinder diesels — is a standard feature and provides all necessary electronics for maximum efficient operation. It is the key to the Internet of Things (IoT) connection.

Conventional vs. permanent magnet

Compared to the conventional design of the engine/ generator unit, the flywheel-integrated permanent magnet design is 315 mm / 12.4 in shorter and 17 kg / 37.5 lb lighter. The contactless PMG system has a high degree of efficiency at over 85 percent.

CREATING POWER SOLUTIONS. www.hatznorthamerica.com

GENIE NAMED ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR BY TEXAS RENTAL ASSOCIATION

The Texas Rental Association, a state chapter of the American Rental Association, has recognized Genie for its contributions to the rental industry, naming the company the TRA Associate Member of the Year for 2020. The award, which was presented during the TRA Roundup, held June 21-22 in Round Rock, Texas, recognizes TRA members who have made outstanding contributions toward the continued success of the Association. “For 55 years, Genie has been a leader in the industry. At the heart of that success is a mentality that puts our customers at the center of our world by designing quality products that solve end user’s work-at-height needs, while also providing our rental partners equipment and support that helps them achieve their business goals,” says Josh Meyer, VP of global sales for Genie.

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21533506.

GEARFLOW RAISES $3M SEED ROUND AS FIRST PARTS MARKETPLACE BUILT FOR CONSTRUCTION

Gearflow.com, the first transparent online parts marketplace built for the construction industry, has raised $3M in seed funding to mitigate equipment downtime by enabling equipment owners to quickly find the parts they need from suppliers they can trust.

The round was led by Watchfire Ventures, with participation from Newark Venture Partners, Liquid2 Ventures, Path Ventures, and Harvard Business School Angels.

“One of the things that excites us most about Gearflow is its vision to serve and benefit both the demand and supply sides of the construction industry,” says Jack Mosbacher, partner at Watchfire Ventures. “On the demand side, Gearflow will enable every North American construction business — from large and established to new and emerging — to order parts and get equipment back on the jobsite in a more productive, reliable, and efficient way. On the supply side, Gearflow will also provide parts suppliers and manufacturers with an entirely new pathway to customers wherever they may be located. It’s a win-win for both sides.”

CNH Industrial is also partnering as a strategic investor to equip its existing dealer ecosystem with Gearflow’s marketplace platform.

“At CNH, we listen closely to our customers,” says Jimmy Mansker, CNH global head of ecommerce. “Our mixed-fleet customers have told us they value the ease of procuring parts on a modern, digital marketplace, which is why we are excited to invest in and partner with Gearflow. We see this partnership as an important channel for us to deliver the marketplace experience our customers expect and strengthen the relationships they have with our North American dealers.”

Gearflow Founder and CEO Luke Powers says the construction industry’s staggering equipment downtime costs and lagging productivity have accelerated the need for digital solutions that work with, not against, the established supply chain to ease buyer pains. “Correcting productivity for construction starts with streamlining parts procurement online,” Powers says. “Parts and service go hand-in-hand, so our goal is to continue to build a marketplace platform that strengthens existing service relationships, instead of replacing them.”

In conjunction with the funding, Greg Owens, former chairman and CEO of IronPlanet, is joining the Gearflow board. Owens was at the helm of IronPlanet, an online marketplace for used heavy equipment, during its acquisition by Ritchie Bros. for $758.5 million in 2017, a move that combined the companies’ digital reach.

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21533266.

TVH EMPLOYEES WALK OVER 54,000 MILES IN THE GLOBAL WALKING CHALLENGE

TVH in the Americas (TVH) has concluded its first Global Walking Challenge. Starting April 19 and running through May 16, TVH employees were encouraged to be active. Whether they were walking, running, or doing a workout, all steps were captured on their personal activity trackers.

The end results of the challenge showed that over 450 employees from 20 locations around the world took 117,301,201 steps during the challenge, going 54,665 miles.

The Global Walking Challenge was just one of the initiatives from their Nudge program, which encourages employees to make healthy choices while working on their mental and physical well-being.

The goal of TVH’s Global Walking Challenge was twofold. The first was for each employee to achieve an average of 10,000 steps each day. The second was for the employees, as a group, to virtually walk from one TVH location to another, circling around the world.

The employees’ 117,301,201 steps and 54,665 miles is the equivalent to 962,104 football fields, over 2,084 marathon lengths, or a little over two-times the world’s circumference.

Steps were tracked per country and individually. The Mexico team achieved the most steps per person per day with an average of 16,636 steps. While the most passionate hiker in the world, Dhanraj Wanve, on the India team achieved a whopping 1,255,055 steps in total.

To read more, visit forconstructionpros.com/21521352.

Mini-Ductor®

Venom® HP

The Mini-Ductor Venom HP is the highest powered Mini-Ductor available highest powered Mini-Ductor available at 1800 watts of power. Allowing users to heat and release components from corrosion or rust faster than ever before.

APPLICATIONS:

> Remove Lug Nuts > Caliper Bolts > O2 Sensors > Vinyl Graphics > And 100’s more!

www.theinductor.com 877-688-9633

Tag us in your photos: #InductionInnovations

Rocks? No Problem!

SARG –Sweep Action Rock Grapple

Built with Sunshine and Manufactured in the USA SitePro’s 42-inch Sweep Action Rock Grapple with it’s 39-inch wide upper grapple sweeps rocks into the tine bucket and retains them there. The bucket features tines of solid 1” material spaced on 3” centers to retain rocks while allowing the dirt to be sifted out.

From Worksaver, Inc. wssitepro.com

E-mail: sales@wssitepro.com Phone: 217-324-5973 Litchfield, IL 62056-0100

See it in action!

Professional Grade Attachments — Built for Hard Work!

FLEETUP AND ALERT RENTAL PARTNER TO HELP RENTAL COMPANIES

FleetUp and Alert Rental have partnered to improve communication between rental companies and customers. FleetUp integrates into Alert’s software to automate the most important parts of the delivery process, giving dispatch, drivers, and customers real-time shipment GPS locations and ETAs.

No matter what tools they use to talk to coworkers, rental teams who don’t talk to clients are more likely to deliver orders to the wrong places at the wrong times. Customers get upset, time gets wasted, and businesses lose money.

“We’re delighted to partner with FleetUp to bring even more value to Alert’s Dispatcher Dashboard. Our integration will save Alert customers time and money, and we’re excited to continue developing innovative GPS solutions together,” said Mary Crosslin, co-president/COO of Alert Rental.

As soon as drivers are ready to start their delivery, they click ‘Start Delivery’ on their mobile app. The app automatically generates the delivery address, route, and order info. At the same time, the end-customer receives an automated ETA via text or email. And dispatch monitors every step of the process remotely.

For more information, visit forconstructionpros.com/21496899.

SAFE AND EFFICIENT

Lo Riser Inclining Platform Trailers Get the Job Done.

With a Lo Riser you’ll see: ✔ Lower labor costs

- one man loading offers more deliveries daily Lower GVWR

The 4 degree load angle is ideal for low ground clearance or reduced - four-to-one payload-to-trailer weight ratio gradeability equipment. - high strength steel safely handles the rated payload while keeping the trailer weight to a minimum Lower specialized equipment costs