Ew1213combined by Tony Brock

INSIDE: TELEMATICS SURVEY: FLEET MANAGERS WANT BETTER TRAINING

equipmentworld.com December 2013

SMALL

ExCAVATOR

SPECS BUILD YOUR OWN DREAM MACHINE FROM THE GROUND UP

FIRST LOOK: Cat’s M-Series wheel loaders advance engine, transmission technology

GET A GRANITE MHD EXTENDED ENGINE WARRANTY NOW THROUGH DEC. 31 速

The Mack速 Granite Medium Heavy Duty with a 9-Liter Cummins速 ISL engine is versatile, efficient and optimized for productivity. And now through the end of the year buy any MHD and get a no-cost extended 4-year or 200,000 mile warranty on the engine. Giving you another reason to trust the most dependable truck on the road. Contact your local Mack dealer or scan the QR code to learn more.

LIGHTER. STRONGER. LONGER.

MackTrucks.com Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

3-year/3000-hr.

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Don’t spend another dime for scheduled care from factory-trained CASE technicians.

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Vol. 25 Number 12 |

table of contents | December 2013

Cover Story

Machine Matters:

COMPACT EXCAVATORS Learn the top five specs that matter for this machine class.

Equipment 21 Marketplace New products featured this month include XL Specialized Trailers’ 110 low-profile hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailer, Gehl’s GEN:2 vertical-lift skid steers, Ditch Witch’s PowerHouse HD dirt housings and more.

Product report: Manitou

52 Product report: Caterpillar

M Series wheel loader

MRT 2540 Privilege Plus rotating telescopic handler

37 Maintenance AEMP telematics survey

Survey results from the Association of Equipment Management Professionals indicate heavy equipment fleet managers want better access to data. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013

table of contents | continued

DEPARTMENTS 11 On Record And the winner is... 13 Reporter Caterpillar announces Tier 4 strategy for sales in lower regulated countries; FMI: Skilled worker shortage affects half of construction companies

43 Quick Data Articulated trucks 45 Business tips Ownership transition

Protect yourself when transferring your company to the next generation.

47 Contractor of the Year finalist:

equipmentworld.com facebook.com/EquipmentWorld twitter.com/Equipment_World Editorial Director: Marcia Gruver Doyle Executive Editor: Tom Jackson Managing Editor: Amy Materson Online Managing Editor: Wayne Grayson Executive Trucks Editor: Jack Roberts Spec Guide Editor: Richard Ries Editorial Intern: Brittany Johnson editorial@equipmentworld.com Art Director: Tony Brock Advertising Production Manager: Sheana Sexton production@equipmentworld.com Senior VP, Market Development, Construction Media: Dan Tidwell VP of Sales, Construction Media: Joe Donald sales@randallreillyconstruction.com

Michael Thibault

T-Bone Construction Colorado Springs, Colorado

3200 Rice Mine Rd NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 800-633-5953 randallreilly.com Chairman/CEO: Mike Reilly President: Brent Reilly Chief Process Officer: Shane Elmore Chief Administration Officer: David Wright Senior Vice President, Sales: Scott Miller Senior Vice President, Editorial and Research: Linda Longton Vice President of Events: Alan Sims Vice President, Audience Development: Stacy McCants Vice President, Digital Services: Nick Reid Director of Marketing: Julie Arsenault For change of address and other subscription inquiries, please contact: equipmentworld@halldata.com Editorial Awards: Robert F. Boger Award for Special Reports, 2006, 2007, 2008 Construction Writers Association Jesse H. Neal Award, Best Subject-Related Series of Articles, 2006 American Business Media

54 ConExpo-Con/Agg preview Get a sneak peek of what some of

Editorial Excellence Special Section Gold Award, 2006 Midwest-South Region, American Society of Business Publication Editors

57 Product Focus Trenchers

Editorial Excellence News Analysis Gold Award, 2006 Midwest-South Region, American Society of Business Publication Editors

the booths will offer during the big show.

77 Final Word The RINOs charge; Republicans return to the middle For subscription information/inquiries, please email equipmentworld@halldata.com. Equipment World (ISSN 1057-7262) is published monthly by Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC, 3200 Rice Mine Road N.E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Periodicals Postage-Paid at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to Equipment World, P.O. Box 2187, Skokie, IL 60076-9921 or email at equipmentworld@halldata.com. Rates for non-qualified subscriptions (pre-paid US currency only): US & possessions, $48 1–year, $84 2–year; Canada/Mexico, $78 1–year, $147 2–year; Foreign, $86 1–year, $154 2–year. Single copies are available for $6 US, $9 Canada/Mexico and $12 foreign. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC harmless from and against any loss, expenses or other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel violations of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that July arise out of publication of such advertisement. Copyright ©2013 Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Equipment World is a trademark of Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee regarding the quality of goods and services advertised herein.

December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Editorial Excellence News Section Silver Award, 2005 Midwest-South Region, American Society of Business Publication Editors Robert F. Boger Award for Feature Articles, 2005 Construction Writers Association Robert F. Boger Award, 2002 Sept. 11th Feature Articles

Happy Holidays

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to keeping hard working drivers going all night. Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

BUILD YOUR VAN. Build your savings.

During Commercial Van Season, when you pick your perfect van, you’ll start putting together some serious savings off MSRP. Like up to $5,000 on 2013 E-Series Cargo Vans, Wagons, Cutaways and Stripped Chassis. From the Crew Van Package to the Ambulance Prep Package to the Shuttle Bus Prep Package, there’s no limit to the way you can upfit a Ford E-Series. Hurry in today, because Commercial Van Season ends 1/2/14. For more details, visit ford.com/CVS.

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*National Cash Back Incentives: Take new-vehicle delivery from dealer stock by 1/2/14. Restrictions apply. See dealer for qualifications, complete details and possible program extension. Offer correct at time of printing; program rules subject to change. **2013 E-Series Cargo Vans, Wagons, Cutaways and Stripped Chassis: Not available on factory-installed options. Units receiving any form of CPA (56A), GPC, Long-Term Rental (56K) or other concessions are ineligible. †Up to $5,000 in total savings options for eligible 2013 E-Series Cargo Vans, Wagons, Cutaways and Stripped Chassis. Eligible vehicles receive up to $2,500 in Cash Back plus up to $2,500 in Upfit Cash Allowance. Vehicles not eligible for Maintenance Package coverage. For upfit offers on listed vehicles: Take new-vehicle delivery by 1/2/14. Restrictions apply. See dealership for details. Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

on record | by Marcia Gruver Doyle

MGruver@randallreilly.com

And the winner is... A

ctually, make that “winners.” Since we selected our 12 Contractor of the Year finalists right before press time, I wanted to share

Don Facciobene Don Facciobene Palm Bay, Florida “The type of clients they work for require the utmost in safety, and Facciobene is very particular. They do not mess around with safety.” Dwaine Doss Doss Enterprises Jane Lew, West Virginia “When I first knew him he had a backhoe and a small dozer, and now he’s probably got close to 100 pieces of equipment. He can get more out of a piece of equipment than anyone I’ve seen.” Brian Winkler Wm. Winkler Spokane, Washington “He’s very focused, a former Seabee, and he just bleeds diesel. He’s ‘Dr. Construction,’ very knowledgeable. If I say anything more, you’d think I was on commission.” Shawn and Kevin Guyer Guyer Brothers New Enterprise, Pennsylvania “They are known as the premier contractor in the area. Employees from competitors sometimes call me wanting to know if I’ve heard of any positions they have open.”

the good news with you. Here is our class of 2014, with a sampling of the client and vendor comments that lead to their selection:

Jeremy Hiltz Jeremy Hiltz Excavating Ashland, New Hampshire “He has the mentality of a marine: get it done and don’t cut corners. People get frustrated when they see him at a prebid, because they know he does great work.” Daniel Thiel and Steven Mueller J & S General Contracting Osceola, Wisconsin “They’re a first generation contracting firm that started from scratch and actually grew during the recession. They show there’s opportunity for new guys.” Vern Larman Larman Construction Garland, Texas “When he gets done with one of our pool jobs, his crews put a scripted “L” in the bottom of the hole where they’ve signed their work.” Brad Phillips Phillips Companies Beavercreek, Ohio “People will go to work for Phillips and it’s a career. Other contractors will have people that jump around a lot. He has guys that have been there for 20 years.”

You’ll need to add one more winner to this list, or rather a set of winners: the Equipment World editors. Even though our Contractor of the Year on-site visits come at one of the busiest times of the year

Landon Floyd Precision Pipeline Cedar City, Utah “I don’t even bid them out anymore. I just hire them on every project I use, even the small things. They make it impossible for you to go anywhere else.” Brian Winot Northeast Site Contractors East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania “They have a great company structure. Their supervisor is on the job everyday and it’s not unusual for you to see the owner, too. With other companies, you see the foreman and that’s it.” James Tollestrup Tollestrup Construction Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada “It’s been wonderful working with them through the years. Even when there are hitches, they’ve been able to work through them. They are very high quality people.” Douglas E. Thomas Thomas Construction Grove City, Pennsylvania “He’s a straight shooter. If he sees a better way to do things, it’s all about trying to save money for the owner, which is greatly appreciated.”

for us, they are always a pleasure. They allow us to take a deep dive into the organizations of excellent contractors, and to come away with a keen sense of why they have such ardent fans. EW EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 11

THE STEEL-TOE BOOTS OF MECHANICS TRUCKS

Because of its enhanced strength and stability, our Dominator® I mechanics truck package can be used in a variety of applications. It’s designed to operate with the 7500 crane, which can handle increased crane loads and up to 30 feet of reach — the longest in the industry. Package features include a patent-pending energy-absorbing boom support, a multiplex electrical system with programmable logic, a fully proportional “pistol grip” radio remote, and an optional high-intensity light package. It’s built to work, and it’s built to last. IMT. Nothing Says Commitment Like The Diamond.™

www.imt.com

IMT, the IMT logo, Dominator and NOTHING SAYS COMMITMENT LIKE THE DIAMOND are registered trademarks of Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc., Garner, IA, USA. © 2013 Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

Visit us at CONEXPOCON/AGG, booth #10652!

reporter | by Equipment World staff

Caterpillar announces Tier 4 strategy for sale in lower regulated countries

at will use two main strategies in its approach to supporting Tier 4 Cat machines sold in lower regulated counties, says Mary Roethler, Caterpillar’s Tier 4 Dealer Readiness manager. Tier 4 machines, whether Interim or Final, require ultra-low sulfur diesel, which complicates the sale of used Tier 4 machines into countries that do not sell ULSD. For machines in the 75- to 175-horsepower range, Cat is training and tooling their dealers in lower regulated countries to take off the emissions aftertreatment. Removal will decertify the machine for sale in highly regulated countries such as the United States. But for machines above 175 horsepower, Cat says the machine’s regeneration system uses a combination of chemicals and heat to take care of the higher levels of sulfur in the fuel, and thus, no modification is needed. That means that machines in this higher horsepower size classification – since they are not decertified – can be sold back into the North American market and other highly regulated areas. “This issue is complicated because of the differing regulations in each country,” Roethler says. Cat’s current Tier 4 machine population is 82,000-plus machines, and many of those have more than 9,000 hours, making them candidates for the used market. “Through our ProductLink telematics, we’re watching these machines, tracking where they go and the typical hours at which they are sold,” she says. For example, used excavators are popular machines in the Mexican market. As Cat envisions it, for 75-to 175-horsepower

The fuel fill and the blue-capped DEF fill are next to each other on the new Cat 972M XE wheel loader. Other Cat machines may have different positions for the fuel and DEF fills.

OPENING 03.04.14

See KOBELCO’S excavator line at Silver Lot Exhibit #4408 www.KOBELCOunleashed.com EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 13

Versatility aND PrecisioN

Two words sum up the Wirtgen SP 15i: versatility and precision. No other machine on the market has the versatility to change configurations or switch from left to right side pouring like the SP 15i. And no other machine can pour curb, sidewalk and barriers with the precision that you expect from a Wirtgen; the precision you get with the SP 15i.

SEE IT! Booth C6561

WIRTGEN AMERICA . 6030 Dana Way . Antioch, TN 37013 Tel.: (615) 501-0600 . www.wirtgenamerica.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

reporter | continued

machines, Cat dealers in lower regulated countries will take off the aftertreatment systems, since federal regulations prevent U.S. dealers from doing this procedure. The decertification process will be available from these non-U.S. Cat dealers next year; the cost of this process has not yet been announced. Because of the high integration of fuel management and electronics with the aftertreatment system, Cat says this process will have to be done by a Cat dealer. Buyers in lower regulated countries will need to be educated about the extra cost of taking off the aftertreatment system on used Tier 4 machines.

Tier 4 Final SCR engine strategy Cat also reviewed its strategy for Tier 4 Final engines. “The Tier 4 Interim journey was the most challenging new product introduction in our history,” says Doug Mihelick, commercial manager of Cat Machine Engine & Components. The challenges required by these engine emission regulations included developing and producing 350-plus products and meeting multiple emissions requirements that involved several new technologies. “Now we get to do it all over again with Tier 4 Final,” Mihelick says, “and at a rate that matches our Tier 4 Interim pace of seven new models a month.” Tier 4 Final regulations, aimed at reducing oxides of nitrogen coming out of the exhaust, start to go into effect this January. Despite the challenges, Mihelick calls the Tier 4 Interim implementation – which started three years ago – a “very successful new product introduction.” Cat says its 82,000 Tier 4 Interim powered products in the field have 42 million-plus operating hours in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as tracked by its ProductLink telematics system. “Customer reaction has ranged from between pleasantly surprised to delighted,” Mihelick says. Reportedly Cat has invested $7 billion to get from Tier 4 Interim to Tier 4 Final. “Our dealers have stepped up with training investments for Tier 4 Final machines,” Mihelick says, reporting that these machines are now in production and “dealers are ready right now.” There are now more than 300 Tier 4 Final “field follow” machines – a term used by Cat for pre-production machines demo’ed in the

dirt at customer sites. Using a Selective Catalytic Reduction aftertreatment exhaust system that requires the use of Diesel Emission Fluid, or DEF, these machines have logged more than 300,000 hours, some operating in minus 55 degree Fahrenheit temperatures at high altitudes plowing snow. The cold weather experiments are especially critical in learning how to deal with DEF, which is 67.5 percent de-ionized water, and freezes at -12 degrees Fahrenheit. The DEF tank contains a heating element and heated fuel lines. Emissions regulations require the DEF be converted from a solid block of ice to usable fluid within 70 minutes, which Cat says it can easily meet. Cat is recommending contractors make topping up the DEF tank – which they’ve located near the fuel tank fill on many machines – a regular part of fueling. To help prevent a fluid going into the wrong tank, the fill necks of the diesel fill and DEF fill are different sizes, and the DEF fill has a blue cap, plus carries a warning not to fill with anything other than DEF. If diesel does get into

03.04.14 See KOBELCO’S excavator line at Silver Lot Exhibit #4408 www.KOBELCOunleashed.com EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 15

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

reporter | continued

the DEF tank, it may have to be drained, depending on the level of contamination. New Final engine maintenance practices revolve primarily around the storage of DEF, which will be available for Cat machines from Cat dealers and other suppliers, including truck stops and automotive parts stores. DEF needs to be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. DEF will degrade over time, depending on how long it is exposed to high temperatures and shelf life. Another maintenance concern is keeping the DEF clean of debris. “This will be an off-highway industry challenge, since the on-highway SCR engines don’t deal with the large amount of dirt and other debris that off-highway engines do,” Mihelick says. “Filtration will be one obvious solution,” he says, but others may be required as more hours are logged on DEFequipped machines. If a machine owner is going from a Tier 4 In-

terim to a Tier 4 Final machine, the operational differences will be slight, Mihelick says. “With an Interim machine, the regeneration device was the primary way to remove soot,” Mihelick says. “On a Final machine, you’ll be using the regeneration device much less. In fact, some machines will never have to regen.” Because of this, the soot gauge on the dash has been replaced with a DEFlevel gauge. A warning system will issue progressive alerts if the DEF tank needs refilling. If the DEF level is too low, the engine will derate until the DEF tank is refilled. On Final machines, after a machine is turned off, an electric system purges DEF from all lines back into the tank, an operation invisible to the operator. In the unlikely event of a high-temperature shut down, the machine will automatically continue to idle in order to cool down the DEF to an acceptable shutdown temperature. – Marcia Gruver Doyle

Weissburg named next Volvo CE president

artin Weissburg, currently the president of Volvo Financial Services (VFS), is replacing Pat Olney as president of Volvo Construction Equipment. Weissburg, 51, has been president of VFS since 2010. Martin Weissburg Before taking that position, he served as the president of VFS Americas for five years. Citing his close working relationship with Volvo CE dealers during his time at VFS, Volvo CE says Weissburg has an in-depth knowledge of the construction equipment business, an experience that started well before he joined Volvo. VFS has begun its search for a replacement for Weissburg.

ARRIVING 03.04.14 See KOBELCO’S excavator line at Silver Lot Exhibit #4408 www.KOBELCOunleashed.com EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 17

reporter | continued

FMI: Half of construction companies affected by skilled worker shortage

MI’s 2013 says more than half of the respondents to its U.S. Construction Industry Talent Development Report say they have a shortage in skilled workers. The report is based on a nationwide survey of general contractors and construction managers at companies of all sizes and specialties. The report also details how these companies are dealing with the problem. More than 75 percent of those surveyed said they are promoting internally, training up workers who don’t have the necessary skills and providing internship and co/op programs to recruit new talent. The good news is that most of the companies surveyed are being proactive about fixing the problem. More than half said they are working to identify gaps in core competencies, doing more to make sure they’re employing “best practices” in keeping the talent they already have and they’re increasing recruiting efforts at schools and universities. FMI also urges construction firms to make sure they also do more to appeal to women and minorities. – Wayne Grayson

Doosan Portable Power names Mike Ballweber president Mike Ballweber has been named president of Doosan Portable Power. Ballweber, previously vice president of product management in the North America and Oceania regions of Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment (DICE), replaces Shawn Sweet. Ballweber joined DICE brand Bobcat in 1998 gaining experience in operations; sales, product management and quality management; dealer development; demand and inventory planning; and customer support. The company notes his particular expertise in Tier 4 Final transitioning. EW

ARRIVING 03.04.14

See KOBELCO’S excavator line at Silver Lot Exhibit #4408 www.KOBELCOunleashed.com EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 19

Introducing Kubota’s RTV X Series – the next generation of North America’s top-selling diesel utility vehicle for 10 years running. Rugged, truck-inspired styling. Powerful Kubota diesel engines. New best-in-class “extra duty” independent rear suspension. Plus more hardworking options and attachments than ever before. See your authorized Kubota dealer to learn more.

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2013

r’s o t i Ed ick p

marketplace | by Amy Materson

AMaterson@randallreilly.com

CUSTOMIZABLE TRAILER Customize your lowboy with XL Specialized Trailers’ 110 low-profile hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailer. Launched at the Great American Truck Show in Dallas, Texas, the XL 110 is a 53-foot-long, 2-axle unit rated for 110,000 pounds overall and 100,000 pounds in 16-foot concentrated. A flip and booster combo for the rear adds versatility for load distribution via the ability to make a 3+1 set-up with a spreader bar, or both flips can be added to run as a 4-axle. The trailer has 5-position variable ride height on the 10-foot6-inch-long low-profile gooseneck. The top of the gooseneck has brackets for loading the spreader bar, giving drivers more room on the main deck when the spreader bar is not needed. The 33-foot-6-inch-long main deck has an 18-inch loaded deck height with 6-inch ground clearance, and features raised

Apitong decking, 9 bent D-rings per side and heavy duty removable swingout outriggers. A 13-horsepower Honda power unit with dual hydraulics is protected in a toolbox at the base of the neck, which also includes a 36-inch flip neck extension for use with a 4-axle truck. A 7-foot-long bucket well at the rear, with a plate on the bottom combined with the open boom trough in the rear bridge. This provides room to load an excavator arm without damaging the cylinder. Additional features include a 25,000-pound air ride suspension with a manual ride height and a raise and lower valve; psi tire inflation system with gauge; liquid filled air gauge; limit chains on all axles; cam covers; auto slack adjusters; batter backup; extra mid-turn lights; and a taillight package with an amber strobe.

STURDY SKID STEERS

QUICK SPECS V270 GEN:2

V330 GEN:2

Height to hinge pin (fully raised)

130.3˝

131.2˝

Gross power @ rpm

72 hp @ 2,500 72 hp @ 2,500

Rated operating capacity

2,700 lbs.

3,300 lbs.

Operating weight (approximate)

8,150 lbs.

9,090 lbs.

unit weight with standard bucket, 175-lb. operator and full fuel tank

Enhance efficiency when loading, dumping and stacking with Gehl’s large frame V270 GEN:2 and V330 GEN:2 vertical-lift skid steers, which feature a 72-horsepower Tier 4 certified Yanmar diesel engine that incorporates DPF technology. Features include a selectable selfleveling option, hydraulic-powered Power-A-Tach system and Gehl’s T-bar option offered as a control pattern. With rated operating capacities of 2,700 pounds and 3,300 pounds, respectively, the GEN:2 models offer torque ratings of up to 217 foot-pounds and hydraulic flow up to 35 gpm. The V270 GEN:2 offers more than 10 feet 10 inches of lift height, while the V330 GEN:2 has more than 10 feet 11 inches of lift height. Additional features include a customizable digital in-cab display that provides system information on coolant, fuel, battery, environmental and engine regeneration; a large operator’s compartment with a cab forward design and lowered rear towers for improved visibility; a side-folding restraint bar and armrests with multiple adjustments; adjustable joystick and hand/foot control towers; and a mechanical or air-ride suspension seat. Serviceability is addressed via a wide rear door and engine hood, as well as gas spring assist on the tiltable Level II ROPS structure, for ease in accessing hydraulic components. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 21

marketplace | continued

EXTEND BATTERY LIFE SAFE HEAT

Provide heat without the danger of combustion with Wacker Neuson Climate Technology’s HIF 690 and HIF 1200 flameless indirect-fired heaters. Using a diesel engine to generate heat, the heaters completely isolate the flame from the surrounding environment, avoiding combustible mixes created by applications such as oil and gas, underground and aboveground mining and restoration. The technology works by drawing cool ambient or recirculated air through the body of the heater and then through an exhaust heat exchanger and radiator, and then further across the engine and heat plate. Upon being pushed out through the shear plate oil heat exchanger and then discharged through the outlet duct, the heaters deliver a max air output temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit, with a max temperature rise of up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The HIF 690 can heat up to 1,000,000 cubic feet with a 686,000-Btu per hour max input, delivering up to a 4,000 cfm airflow at a 3.5-inch static pressure. The heater can be equipped with a standard 20-inch or optional dual 12-inch outlet. Powered by a Cummins Tier 4 interim-compliant diesel engine, the HIF 690 can operate for more than 20 hours per tank of fuel.

22 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Boost productivity with PowerHouse HD dirt housings from Ditch Witch, which offer extended battery life, electronic protection and a lid system that enables adapting to downhole conditions. An electronic cavity for beacons and sondes is rotated to the 3 or 9 o’clock position, a placement that allows production of heavy-duty housings up to 25 percent stronger than housings with the door in the weakest position (12 or 6 o’clock) when drilling. A Beacon Buddy device protects beacon or sonde when it gets overheated or plugged downhole and melts to regain fluid flow, minimizing damage to the electronics. A check valve system minimizes fluid loss while eliminating backflow into the system to prevent nozzle plugging. An open cavity between the beacon antenna and the steel in the housing extends battery life by up to 22 percent, and recessed nozzles assist the bits with easily cutting into the soil.

BIG PERFORMANCE

Experience larger machine performance in a compact unit with Volvo Construction Equipment’s ECR25D short-swing-radius compact excavator, which weighs just 2.5 tons but achieves a greater breakout force than the 2.8-ton ECR28 it replaces. With an 8,453-pound combined breakout and tear out force, the ECR25D is useful for a range of applications in confined areas. Powered by a Tier 4 Interim 20.9-horsepower engine, the machine offers a combination of performance and fuel efficiency, which is also enhanced by an optional auto-idling system that reduces engine speed after five seconds of inactivity. An advanced hydraulic system ensures digging performance, and a flow sharing main control valve delivers fast cycle times. To address operator comfort, Volvo outfitted the ECR25D with an ergonomic cab that includes a large access area, ensuring operators can get in and out without bumping the controls. Cab features include an adjustable seat, ergonomic armrests, large hydraulic travel pedals and operator-friendly controls. Slew and offset movements are controlled simultaneously with a proportional roller and joystick, and an automatic two-speed travel function allows downshifting when required. Safety is ensured via excellent visibility of the blade, attachment and tracks, and a three-point entry and roll-over protection system.

CAPABLE CRAWLER CRANE

Perform a variety of general lifting duties as well as specialty applications with Link-Belt’s TCC750 telescopic crawler crane, launched at this year’s ICUEE show in Louisville. Useful for foundation work, bridge building, rail construction, power transmission lines and the oil and gas sector, the crane can also include a hydraulically powered earth auger or work platform. Available in the second quarter of 2014, the 70- to 80-ton crane features a 2014 Tier 4 final engine package; a four-section, full-power formed boom that has a 121-foot max tip height; a quick reeve boom head; lightweight nylon head sheaves that reduce weight and a hammerhead boom nose that enables the operator to work at high boom angles. Link-Belt’s “A” boom mode offers increased capacity for short radii, and the standard mode extends all four sections equally for extended reach. Safety features include upper guard rails and a rear-view and winch-view camera system. Sealed lower EW and hydraulically retractable side frames ensure quick transport with the tracks attached.

ONe VS maNy.

COmpaCt exCaVatOrS faCe Off See whOO wiNS wiNS gOiNg gOiNg head-tOhead-t - O--head. -t Do you want to see how compact excavators perform in head-to-head competitions or watch side-by-side comparisons relating to performance, serviceability and durability? Before you buy your next excavator, watch our video comparisons. Not only do the videos show you which excavator is best, they explain the small details that increase your performance and reduce your downtime. You can watch all the videos at BobcatAdvantage.com/faceoff1 or scan the code and find out who comes out on top.

BobcatAdvantage.com/faceoff1 1.877.745.7813 Bobcat® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2013 Bobcat Company. All Rights Reserved. | 1169F-0

EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 23

See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

Ford Business Preferred Network (BPN) Dealers understand the importance of keeping your vehicle on the road. When you count on a BPN Dealer, you can expect dedicated commercial vehicle expertise, with comprehensive vehicle inventories, an expert team of Ford-certified personnel, extended service hours and priority service for commercial customers. And now, when these trained professionals work on your commercial vehicle, the parts used in the service are included in the Ford Service Part Warranty with no commercial restrictions. All the more reason to trust the nearly 600 BPN Dealers across the country. To learn more about BPN sales, service and financing, go to ford.com/BPN.

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

machine matters | by Richard Ries

COMPACT

EXCAVATORS HAVE UNIQUE SPEC’ING CHALLENGES The key to spec’ing compact excavators in the 2- to 3-metric-ton range is to understand their potential and their limitations.

he first step in spec’ing compact excavators in the 2- to 3-metric-ton range is to define what they are and what they aren’t.What they are: versatile machines that are as much tool carriers as excavators and often replace hand labor.What they aren’t: full-size excavators.This means they shouldn’t be spec’ed the same as their big brothers. Our sources were asked to provide what they thought were the top five specs for compact excavators and explain why these specs mattered most.There was a lot of agreement and some interesting variations. In the “what they aren’t” category, Randy Hall of Kobelco explains that “because these aren’t production machines, the specs that apply to larger machines don’t always apply here.” He cited swing speed, bucket capacity, dig depth and breakout force as examples.Yet others placed dig depth and breakout force on their list of top priorities. Hall notes that most of the digging done by compact excavators is done at far less than their maximum dig depth, often as little as half that depth.And “breakout force still matters in this size class, but less than on larger machines. It must still be sufficient for the intended applications but may not be enough for working frozen ground.”

26 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Nominal overhang versus zero tail swing Both designs have advantages and limitations. Nominal overhang, also called traditional overhang or compact radius, retains balance at greater reach and dig depth and allows a higher lift capacity.The longer body also provides more space, which makes more room for the operator and improves access to service points. But the overhang limits maneuverability and creates a risk of property damage during operation if the body strikes a structure. Zero tail swing (ZTS) performance is the exact opposite: reduced reach, reduced dig depth, more cramped operator space and more restrictive access to service, but greater maneuverability. ZTS machines can be equipped with counterweights to provide the balance of a nominal overhang machine, but then you’ve lost the advantages of the ZTS design.And unless the front of the machine is also changed out, the reach and dig depth are no greater than they were before the counterweight was attached. Some manufacturers address this by offering a package of complementary components. Deere, for example, offers a long-arm package for their 27D that includes a counterweight. The characteristics of both styles of machine

The tine grapple on this Bobcat E32 makes quick work of land clearing jobs.

New to North America this year is JCBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8026 CTS, which has a maximum dig depth of just under 9.2 feet.

The Gehl Z35 Gen:2 offers an additional 2 inches of reach at ground level than its predecessor. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 27

machine matters | continued are well-defined and consistent from one brand to another. The key is for contractors to have a solid understanding of how they’ll use their compact excavator and choose the one that works best for them. And Adam Purcell, product manager for excavators and dumpers with Wacker Neuson, says “while the discussion of zero versus conventional tail swing is heavily influenced by application, material and soil conditions, in many cases it comes down to personal preference.”

Hydraulics matter most All sources agreed that auxiliary hydraulic performance is key to overall machine performance. Keith Rohrbacker, product manager for construction equipment with Kubota, says that 95 percent of their compact excavators go out with quick couplers and 75 percent go out with thumbs. Matthew Hendry, excavator product consultant at John Deere and Hitachi, says sophisticated hydraulics and a wide range of attachments turn compact excava-

Roundup 8026 CTS

JCB The 2.7-ton 8026 CTS has a conventional tail swing option and features short pitch tracks and auto kick-down, with an 11 percent increase in travel speed over the previous model. A valve block with a 17 percent longer spool stroke gives you more precise control. The 24-horsepower engine offers an 8 percent fuel efficiency gain. The machine has a maximum dig depth of just under 9.2 feet. Jcb.com 28 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

tors into versatile machines where “the operator is limited only by his imagination.” While flow is critical, distribution of the flow is just as important. New Holland is among the manufacturers who have updated their hydraulic systems to reflect this design philosophy. “Our three-pump ‘smart’ system has one pump each for the boom and arm, the dozer blade and the travel circuit,” says Paul Wade, brand marketing manager with New Holland. “They all operate independently so the actuation of one doesn’t affect the others.” Protecting hydraulic components is important. Jamie Wright, product manager for Terex, says, “Design features on Terex compact excavators ensure long component life. Top-mounted boom cylinders provide excellent cylinder damage protection. These cylinders are inverse mounted so the seal is facing down to prevent dirt build-up and give protection from the elements. The use of spherical bearings ensures the energy from torsional movement of the boom is not transferred to the

KX71-3

Kubota Tractor The 25.6-horsepower KX71-3 offers 9 feet 9 inches in dig depth, with a bucket that generates 6,350 pounds of breakout force. With an overall width of less than 5 feet, the machine can fit into tight openings. A tail swing overhang of 18 inches allows the operator to avoid obstacles. Kubota’s Intelligent Control System alerts the operator when routine maintenance is due. Kubota.com

COMPACT EXCAVATORS cylinder, resulting in a strain-free cylinder run. Replaceable tin-bronze bushings with precisely designed hole patterns in the boom bearing points store lubricating grease to provide uniform coverage. And Terex’s cushioned cylinders are endposition damped to extend service life while minimizing inertia forces and reducing cylinder shock.” Because hydraulic systems have evolved to take center stage in performance, “overall there’s less emphasis on horsepower than there was 10 years ago,” says Tom Connor, compact excavator product specialist with Bobcat. “More sophisticated hydraulics provide comparable or even superior performance from less horsepower, with lower fuel consumption, and customers know that. Horsepower is not the indicator of performance it once was.”

Size, maneuverability and stability Only the smallest of compact excavators will fit through a standard 36inch garden gate. Examples include Bobcat’s 1.1-metric-ton 418ZTS at

PC27MR-3

Komatsu America With a wide entrance and well-placed handholds, the PC27MR-3 allows easy entry and egress. The pilot proportional joystick controls with wrist rests permit continuous comfortable operations. A minimum swing radius machine, the PC27MR-3 has an operating weight of 6,460 pounds and a maximum dig depth of 9 ft. 4 inches. Komatsuamerica.com

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* Offer good for qualifying customers from October 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013, on select new models at participating Cat dealers. Not all buyers will qualify. Financing is subject to credit application and approval through Cat Financial. Financing offer is available to qualifying customers in the USA and Canada only and can be combined with select Cat Work Tool offers, but cannot be combined with current governmental pricing—see your participating dealer for details. The 90 days no payments offer is available to qualifying customers in the USA only. Additional terms and conditions may apply. © 2013 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

machine matters | continued 28 inches and Kubota’s 1-metric-ton K008-3 at 34 inches wide. But none of the nearly two dozen machines in the 2- to 3-metric-ton category listed in the 2013 Equipment World Spec Guide is narrow enough to make it through a 36-inch gate. Retractable tracks, which provide both a narrow stance during travel and a wide stance during operation, are found on some smaller excavators but are uncommon in this size class. Yet compact size and maneuverability remain important. “Machine width in this class can vary as much as 6 inches,” says David Steger, product manager at Takeuchi. “That’s an 11 percent variation given an average width of 54 inches. Why such a large range? “Some manufacturers widen the undercarriage for better over-the-side stability, especially with a minimal or zero tail swing design,” says Steger. Part of the size consideration is machine weight. Customers usually want a machine they can transport with their existing trucks and trailers. Boom swing adds greatly to a ma-

Roundup E26

Bobcat The E26 Minimal Tail Swing compact excavator has an operating weight of 5,690 pounds and an overall width of 59 inches. Powered by a 27-horsepower Tier 4 Interim engine, the unit has a minimal 0.8 inches of tail overhang. Available in standard and long arm configurations, the machine can dig in close quarters or reach farther in a small space, depending on the job. Bobcat.com 30 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

chines maneuverability, says Shane Sirmons, business development manager with Hyundai. “The amount of swing isn’t as important as the fact that the machine has it. Some manufacturers offer it as an option; some not at all.” Katie Pullen, brand marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment, agrees. “The ability to offset the boom allows for digging or attachment use immediately next to buildings, fences, trees and other obstacles. This is invaluable in residential construction and utility applications where work is often being performed around existing structures.” With a high ratio of breakout force to machine weight, compact excavators can feel tippy at times. This is why Sirmons adds a dozer blade to his list of important specs. “Operators generally prefer to backfill with the bucket, not the blade, so the blade may seem unimportant. But the blade provides needed stability.” JCB sought to improve stability by lowering their machines’ center of gravity. They did this by dropping the

302.2D

Caterpillar The 302.2D weighs just under 4,530 pounds and can be transported with a pickup truck and conventional van. Choose between two stick lengths to configure the machine to deliver higher stick forces or longer reach. A large two-part front windscreen lets operators slide both lower and upper panes beneath the cab roof. A dozer float function enables easier ground leveling and finishing applications. Cat.com

COMPACT EXCAVATORS rotary coupling, a design cue borrowed from their larger excavators. “This is especially helpful with compact machines,” says Vincent Whelan, product sales manager for compact excavators at JCB. “Compared to operators of full-size excavators used in production applications, operators of compact machines may be less experienced and made more uneasy by the sense of instability.”

Operator comfort in cramped quarters While large excavators offer nearliving-room space for operators, smaller machines have tight confines. And because customers can be price sensitive, some OEMs delete comfort features on certain machines in order to hit a lower price point. But maintaining productivity and safety through operator comfort is important. “There’s the specifications side of choosing a machine,” says Connor, “and then there’s the amenities side.” Wade, of New Holland, cites some of the key components of comfort. “Can the operator get in and out easily without a lot of side-stepping? Is there sufficient leg room? Does

Z35

Gehl The Z35 GEN:2 compact excavator includes multiple upgrades from the previous Z35 model, including a proportional auxiliary hydraulic rocker switch, which allows operators to quickly switch control patterns. Powered by a 23.9-horsepower Yanmar engine, the machine consumes 20 percent less fuel than its predecessor. An ECO mode, operated by a switch inside the cab, reduces engine speed by 10 percent without sacrificing power. Manitou-group.com

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machine matters | continued the seat adjust back-and-forth? Do the armrests adjust up-and-down?” Purcell notes that the new Wacker Neuson ET20 compact excavator features double doors on the cab to allow access from either side of the machine. Configurable controls contribute to operator comfort and efficiency. Compact excavators from JCB can be spec’ed with joystick or foot pedals controls; Whelan notes there is a continuing migration toward joysticks. The ability to switch between ISO and SAE control patterns (also called Deere/Cat and backhoe/excavator patterns) is popular. Purcell says operator preference falls close to a 50/50 split.

Honorable mentions There were a number of features that some OEMs thought were important that didn’t fit into any of

Roundup

COMPACT EXCAVATORS

the main categories. Hendry points out that Deere uses an integrated wedge-style coupler to provide quick change-outs while leaving breakout force unaffected. Some other couplers change the geometry of the bucket and the stick, creating significant decreases in breakout force. Hall, of Kobelco, adds dozer blade range of motion to the list. Both the above-ground lift and the below-ground level should be considered. Because compact excavators are often used in and around finished areas, ground pressure can be important. Rohrbacker points to the low 3.32 psi ground pressure of Kubota’s U25S and 3.9 psi of their KX-713S as key specs in some applications. Wide tracks reduce ground pressure but can accelerate undercarriage wear when operating

R27Z-9

AX27U-3

CX27B

Hyundai Designed for tight, confined jobs, the 6,350-pound R27Z-9 has a 23.1-horsepower Mitsubishi engine. Offering a dig depth of 8 feet, 2 inches, and a bucket-digging force of 4,520 foot pounds, the machine has a tail-swing radius of 2.7 feet. The customizable cab includes an adjustable seat and wrist rest settings and foldable pedals for increased floor space. Hceamericas.com 32 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

on uneven ground. Rubber tracks are usually standard equipment on compact excavators with steel tracks available as options. “There are advantages to both steel and rubber tracks based on operating environment,” says Pullen. “Rubber tracks limit damages to finished surfaces while steel tracks provide better grip and traction.” Steel tracks are preferred for use in demolition and on rocky ground. A unique feature of the Wacker Neuson 28Z3 is the Vertical Digging System (VDS). The upper structure tilts up to 15 degrees to compensate for up to 27 degrees of slope so the machine still digs vertical walls even when it’s sitting on a sideslope. This saves up to 25 percent in time and material compared to digging without VDS and significantly improves operator comfort. At full tilt the EZ28 retains full swivel power. Hitachi The AX27U-3 has a small footprint and zero tail swing design that lowers the center of gravity, increases stability and lets you into tight areas. The machine features boom-mounted auxiliary hydraulic lines, and an auxiliary return-flow selector valve to accommodate both one and two-way hydraulically driven attachments, including buckets, clamps, breakers, augers and more. Hitachiconstruction.com Case Construction Equipment The CX27B, with its true zero-tailswing design, allows you to work in confined spaces. A center-swing boom gives unobstructed digging near buildings, foundations and other obstacles. The 21.3-horsepower Tier 4 Interim engine allows for one-touch deceleration, which helps save fuel. An integrated flow pump system manages pump flow during operation to further optimize fuel use. Casece.com

From earthmoving to material handling, there’s a Link-Belt Excavator with the right combination of productivity, power and precision to match your work. All models feature easy access to service points. Controls are smooth and precise. And you’ll feel right at home in our quiet, comfortable cabs, with more foot space, better visibility and a roomy, nine-way adjustable seat. See your Link-Belt dealer for the right parts, service and support to keep you working…backed by one of the best warranties in the industry.

ARIZONA Bejac Corporation Phoenix · 800-77-BEJAC bejac.com CALIFORNIA Bejac Corporation Anderson · 800-77-BEJAC Placentia · 800-77-BEJAC Sacramento · 800-77-BEJAC San Leandro · 800-77-BEJAC bejac.com COLORADO Riverbend Equipment Inc. Louviers · 303-470-3023 riverbendeq.com Riverbend Machinery, Inc. Grand Junction · 970-245-1250 rbmachinery.com

IDAhO Burks Tractor Co., Inc. Twin Falls · 208-733-5543 Caldwell · 208-466-7875 burkstractor.com NEVADA APCO Equipment Corporation North Las Vegas · 702-871-7474 apcoequipment.com Shafer Equipment Company, Inc. Sparks, NV · 775-331-7772 shaferequipmentco.com NEw MExICO Cisco Equipment NM Sales, LLC Artesia · 800-748-1846 cisco-equipment.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

OREGON Triad Machinery Coburg · 800-342-6780 Portland · 800-221-8512 Prineville · 888-662-2940 triadmachinery.com UTAh Rasmussen Equipment Salt Lake City · 801-972-5588 rasmussenequipment.com wAShINGTON Triad Machinery Spokane · 800-945-9168 Tacoma · 800-622-8876 triadmachinery.com wYOMING Woodward Tractor Cody · 307-587-6812 woodward-tractor.com

machine matters | continued

Roundup ET20

27D

John Deere The zero-tail-swing 27D can rotate fully without banging the rear of the machine into an obstacle, ideal for working up next to buildings or on jobs where tight maneuverability is called for. A standard wedge-style coupler accommodates a wide variety of attachments. Powered by a 26.4-horsepower Tier 4 Interim engine, the machine has a maximum dig depth of 8 feet 6 inches. Deere.com TB228 Wacker Neuson The new ET 20 has a maximum dig depth of 8 feet 10 inches and a breakout force of 4,226 pounds. A redesigned cab features a double door design that allows the operator to enter or exit the machine from either side. Powered by a 17.2-net horsepower Tier 4 Final Yanmar engine, the machine uses a telescopic undercarriage that can be extended from 39 to 51 inches. Wackerneuson.com

YOUR EFFICIENCY ALMOST SEEMS UNFAIR.

AND THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OKAY.

Takeuchi The TB228 conventional tail swing excavator features automotive-styled interiors and a six-way adjustable suspension seat with adjustable arm rests. The primary auxiliary hydraulic circuit is plumbed for both one-way and two-way operation. A Yanmar 23.5-horsepower diesel offers a maximum torque of 63 footpounds at 1,440 rpm. The machine has a maximum dig depth of 9 feet 5 inches. Takeuchi-us.com E55Bx

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Volvo Construction Equipment

34 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

New Holland The 39-horsepower E55Bx has a maximum dig depth of 12 feet 10 inches and a dump height of 13 feet 10 inches. New Holland says the wide cab offers enhanced cooling performance, an easy-to-read control panel and plenty of leg room. The accumulator allows you to easily lower attachments to the ground in the event of engine shutdown. Newholland.com

COMPACT EXCAVATORS TC29

Terex The 28-horsepower TC29 has an offset boom with a built-in swing, designed to provide multi-width excavation and parallel-to-wall operation. A 56-inch-wide dozer blade is independently controlled from the track drive for uninterrupted operation. Weighing 6,480 pounds, the TC29 has a maximum dig depth of 9 feet 7 inches and a maximum reach of 16 feet 4 inches. Terex.com ECR25D

Volvo The 2.8-ton ECR25D replaces the ECR25D, with a narrow design that considers the factors that go into working in confined areas. For more demanding operations, the machine can be equipped with an additional counterweight that minimally exceeds track width. Powered by a 20.9-horsepower Tier 4 Interim engine, the machine has an optional auto-idling system that reduces engine speed when controls are inactive for more than five seconds. Volvo.com

SK27SR

Kobelco The 5,870-pound zero-tail-swing SK27SR uses an Integrated-Flow Pump System, which directs extra output from the third pump to the arm circuit for added power. The 21.3-horsepower machine has a bucket digging force of 6,341 pounds and a bucket capacity of .105 cubic yards. Auxiliary hydraulics, pattern changers and a dozer blade are standard equipment. Kobelco-usa.com EW

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maintenance | by Tom Jackson TJackson@randallreilly.com

DEALING WITH THE

DIGITAL DELUGE Heavy equipment fleet managers want better training, easier access to their data and help justifying ROI

elematics technology is found on almost every truck in every big trucking fleet in the country today. Trucking companies can’t compete without it. But, to the consternation of many in the industry, adoption rates for off-road heavy equipment remain low. This year the Association of Equipment Management Professionals surveyed its members to measure their use of and gauge their opinions about telematics technology for off-road fleets. The AEMP is a group of about 1,000 heavy-equipment fleet managers that offers a variety of educational, training and certification opportunities for equipment management professionals. The 2013 AEMP Telematics Survey asked members if and how they used telematics and how that experience might be changed to facilitate greater adoption. In a nutshell, the survey showed that a majority of respondents use the technology, but most of them only use it on 1 to 10 percent of

their machines (Charts 1 and 2). Cost, the complexity of accessing the information and a lack of demonstrated ROI are given as the primary reasons fleet managers don’t use telematics more extensively (Chart 3).

Culture matters A deep dive into the attitudes of fleet managers towards telematics showed some strong, but not surprising, opinions about the technology. One key finding is that company culture is important. It can serve as a barrier to implementation, but also the right corporate culture can also drive deployment. “Culture is the way a company traditionally does business,” says Stan Orr, president of AEMP. “How a company reacts to new information is usually determined by its culture.” If a company is entrepreneurial and has a culture of openness and risk taking, if it challenges employees to seek new and better ways to do things, it’s more likely to welcome new technologies.

Interestingly, respondents who identify themselves as “old school” downplayed the impact of culture, while many others felt like the infusion of millennials (people who reached adulthood around the year 2000) into fleets will increase overall comfort with telematics.

Frustration with OEMs Perhaps the most telling item in the survey was the attitude respondents had toward OEMs and third party providers. According to the survey conclusions: “OEMs are the taproot of telematics capabilities for most fleets ... however they are also the primary source of frustration – for their inconsistent and often challenging approaches to telematics success.” “All the data these guys need comes from the manufacturers; they’re the main root of the tree,” says Orr. “What makes this difficult for the end user is that each manufacturer does it in a different way.” For example, OEM No. 1 might define idle time as the vehicle in neutral with the engine idling at EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 37

maintenance | continued 1,200 rpm. OEM No. 2 might also use these criteria but require that the parking brake be set and the driver out of the seat before it designates the vehicle as idle. With several dozen different manufacturers, each with their own specialized definitions of these data points, collecting and importing this information in a standardized format becomes a challenging task. Without standardization, end users are forced to go to multiple manufacturer websites to collect their information. And exporting this information into an end user’s maintenance or back office software takes computer and IT resources many don’t have. “That’s the 800-pound gorilla,” Orr says.

Expanding the standard The AEMP had some success with its Telematics Standard, launched in 2010. This offered OEMs voluntary guidelines on four types of off road machine data: location, hours, fuel use and machine ID. But some of the biggest benefits that come from telematics are the additional data from things like idle time, performance metrics and information from temperature and speed sensors. To standardize that data, AEMP has been working with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, says Orr. The two associations are currently ironing out mutually agreeable definitions of these data points and the operational details such as how often should the information by transmitted by the machine that can be voluntarily adapted by OEMs.

Percentage of AEMP members using telematics to manage their fleet

No 32% Yes 68%

Percent of off-road fleet equipped with telematics

Data security AEMP and AEM are also working on protocols that would keep the information secure. The AEMP survey

Volvo Construction Equipment

38 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Equipment is not telematics enabled

Lack of owner support in the investment

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If not using telematics, why?

Don’t see the value, ROI

Smart works.

Cost of monitoring

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MORE THAN 40 DIFFEREN T MACHINE TYPES OR GANIZED BY SIZE

2013-2014

• Wheel Loaders/ Toolcar riers • Crawler Do • Scrapers zers /Motor Gr aders • Lasers/ GPS

pressors

• Off-High way Truc ks • Trench ers/ Direction al Drills • Paving Equipme nt • Air Comp ressors

EquipmAir entCom

• Hamm ers/Shea rs • Skid St eers/Co mpact Loaders • Backho e Loader s • Excava tors/Sh ovels

LasersOff /GP-Hi S ghway Tru Dircks ectional Dri Pav llsing

To order copies of the 2013-14 Equipment World Spec Guide, simply fill out the form below and fax it to (205) 349-3765 or call 1-800-633-5953, ext. 1173. The cost of the print version is only $49. Go to www.SpecGuideOnline.com.

September

ipment Wo

tor Graders

Equipment World Spec Guide

ment to Equ

Hamme rs/ She eer s/C ars ompact Loa Bac der kho s e LoaExc derava s tors/SWh hovder elss/Toolcar rier Crawle s r DozScr ersMo

15 th Annual

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A Supple

Fax this form to (205) 349-3765 to order your copy today! Or mail to: Equipment World 2013-14 Spec Guide • P.O. Box 2029 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2029

✔ Yes! Please send me the Equipment World 2013-14 Spec Guide! ❑ Name __________________________________________________________________________ Company _______________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________ City/State/ZIP ___________________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________ Fax _______________________________ E-Mail __________________________________________________________________________ Quantity: ___________________________ Total Enclosed $_____________________________ Add sales tax for the following states: NC 6.5%, PA 6%, WI 5%, AL 4%, GA 7%, TX 6.25% Order by Invoice: Purchase Order #_________________________________________________________________ Order by Credit Card: ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ American Express Name on card _____________________________________________________________________ Account number______________________________ Expiration Date_____________________ Signature_____________________________________ SSC Code _________________________

Includes current specs on: • air compressors • skid steers • compact utility loaders • backhoe loaders • excavators • wheel loaders • toolcarriers • crawler dozers • scrapers • scraper haulers

• motor graders • oﬀ-highway trucks • trenchers • directional drills • hammers/shears • asphalt and concrete pavers • cold planers • compactors • lasers • GPS systems.

maintenance | continued found that construction company fleet managers considered the machine information to be theirs and did not want it to fall into unauthorized hands. OEM’s likewise have the same concerns, says Orr, that without strong security protocols, information could be compiled and used by competitors. The AEMP and AEM teams anticipate having their data definitions

Do you currently check multiple sites for telematic information on your machines?

and security protocols finished by December and will begin working on benchmarking concepts next year. The two organizations also plan a major announcement about their telematics initiatives at ConExpo-Con/Agg in March.

Training needed Currently the AEMP members surveyed look to OEMs or the third party providers for training first and

Do you access the telematic providers’ website for more data?

No 30.3% Yes 69.7%

40 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

No 21.2% Yes 78.8%

AEMP second. But the fleet managers say the training they’ve seen from OEMs and third party vendors falls short of their needs. Specifically they say they don’t want training that’s quick and dirty. They want training that’s a “process,” not an “event.” And they want the training to be part of a value proposition from the vendor. To quote from the survey: “Fleets are asking for better, con-

How many different brands of telematics systems are in your off-road fleet?

sistent, more strategic approaches to training... preferably from sources without an agenda.” At ConExpo, AEMP and AEM will offer educational sessions on how to make a business case for telematics, Orr says. “We have a responsibility to help the equipment manager or the fleet owner understand what the ramifications are of telematics and what it can do to improve your operations and business success,” he says. EW For more information and updates

Are you aware of the AEMP Telematic Standard?

What do you believe are some measurable benefits of utilizing telematics to manage your current fleet or a fleet of the future?

go to www.aemp.org.

Risk management

ROI

Life cycle costing

Equipment uptime

Maintenance efficiencies

Others: Geo-Fencing • CanBus data • Event scheduling capability Highway assets DOT pre shift inspections • Idle time • Alarms, alerts, reports Repair alarms and codes • Maintenance/fault codes

Effective utilization

Other

ROI

Utilization/production data

Location

Fuel consumption

What data elements do you utilize from your telematics providers?

Hours

EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 41

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Articulated trucks

Auctions $ 410,000

Top financed new artics* Cat 740B 196 units

Top auction price, paid for 2011 Volvo A40F sold on Sept. 20, 2013, by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers International in Reno, Nevada.

$390,000, 2011 Volvo A40F, Ritchie Bros., Aug. 8, in Williston, North Dakota $345,000, 2012 Caterpillar 740B, Ritchie Bros., June 25 in Ralieh-Durham, North Carolina

Final Bids 0

,00 $410

Top financed used artics*

44 9 , 4 $ 18

Cat 740, 229 units *New and used financed sales, Jan. 1 - Nov. 14, 2013, Source: EDA, edadata.com (Note: EDA reports are continually updated.)

Auction prices, 2008-October, 2013 Trend prices for the top 10 models of articulated trucks sold at auction, not seasonally adjusted. What this chart does not show is that newer trucks – selling in numbers that aren’t large enough yet to be reflected in the top 10 model listing – are bringing top dollar, says Jennifer Delbridge with TopBid. “The prices are inflated and there aren’t that many of them per auction,” she comments.

140,000 120,500

Top artic buying states*

100,000 80,000

High: Feb. 2008

60,000

40,000

165,468

67,774

2009

2010

2011

2012

Oct.

May

Jan.

Sep.

May

Jan.

Sep.

May

Jan.

Sep.

May

Jan.

Sep.

May

Jan.

Sep.

Feb.

Jan.

2008

New 2,371 units

3,000

235 units

New high 2006,

Volvo, 961 units

Deere, 370 units

*YTD through Nov. 14, includes both new and used financed sales (Note: EDA reports are continually updated.) Source: EDA, edadata.com

Used

New, used artics Year over year growth* 4,000

*Financed equipment, 2002-2012. Source: EDA, edadata.com

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Up 11%

500 0

2002

Up 1%

1,000

2,511 units

Number of units

Caterpillar, 1,346 units

1,500

New low: 2010,

500

2,000

2,000 1,000

Kentucky, 171 units

2,500

3,768 units

1,500

3,000

Used high: 2005,

2,500

Florida, 172 units

3,500

Used low: 2009,

3,500

2013

Artics, 10-year buying patterns* 4,000

Texas, 295 units

Top financed artic brands*

Low: Oct. 2013

20,000

units

Used

2013

160,500

2013

180,000

2012

00 $6 0 ,

AVERAGE

LOW

*Oct. 2012-Oct. 2013; prices for articulated trucks 5 years old and newer, U.S. sales only. Only includes bids $5,000 and above. Source: TopBid, topbid.com

HIGH

unit count: 109*

2012

OTHer TOp BIDS

A snapshot of new and used sales trends from Randall-Reilly’s Equipment Data Associates and TopBid auction price service.

New

*Comparison of Jan.-Sept. period, 2012 and 2013, number of units sold

EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 43

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

business tips | by Amy Materson AMaterson@randallreilly.com

Generational gaps Passing down your construction company to your heirs can leave you exposed to liability if you fail to take the necessary steps

ou’ve grown your construction firm into a thriving business, and now you’re ready to retire. Your children are waiting in the wings to take over the company they’ve been groomed to run since they were old enough to climb onto a piece of equipment. However, you know you can’t just hand over the reins and head to the golf course. So, how do you make sure you’re protected? And how do you know your children are covered? For the smoothest possible transition, think of yourself as the seller and your children as the purchaser, says Chicago-based construction attorney and registered architect James K. Zahn. Have attorneys handle the ownership transfer, and treat it as a sale, even if the company is a gift. Here are some practical matters Zahn recommends you discuss with a lawyer:

1 Have your own legal advocate – Before negotiations begin in earnest, each party should consult their own attorney, accountant and estate planner. 2 Know the value of the assets – Have a knowledgeable, objective third-party value the company to determine the fair market value, even if the owner transfers his interest as a gift. 3 Update your records – To begin with, you’ll need four years of financial records: income tax, balance sheets, profit/loss, etc. You’ll also want to have handy any outstanding financial obligations, such as loans, lines of credit and equipment leases. Have copies of all business licenses available. 4 Nail down the specifics – If there is a purchase price involved, outline the sum to be paid, the period of time over which the amount is to be paid and the interest rate the debt will incur. For a purchase over time, come to a mutual agreement on a specific time period. Include information on salaries for the buyer and seller. All insurance policies and equipment and space rental leases should remain in place unless specifically noted.

5 Eliminate risk – All terms should be outlined in the purchase agreement, including those you think you’ll never need. Have your attorneys draw up a covenant not to compete, non-disparagement provision, confidentiality agreement and defined dispute resolution process, for starters. In the event any disagreements crop up during or after the transition, you’ll have a guideline to fall back on. 6 Ensure a smooth hand-off – Keep the seller involved for a short, specified period of time. Not only will the seller be in a position to further mentor the next generation, the transition to new ownership will be smoother for your client base.

James K. Zahn, FAIA, FALA, Esq. is an attorney with Sabo & Zahn in Chicago, Illinois. He has been a registered architect for more than 25 years and holds professional affiliations including serving on the Construction Industry Affairs Committee, the American Institute of Architects, and as a past director of the Chicago Chapter Construction Specifications Institute. Information contained in this article is not to be considered legal advice; and is to be used merely in an informational capacity when consulting your own attorney.

EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 45

contractor of the year finalist | by Tom Jackson | TJackson@randallreilly.com

Knocked down – but not out – by the recession, this contractor came up with a plan to win

ike Thibault has a favorite quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get,” he says with a big Colorado grin. But when the recession hit it brought problems that neither luck nor hard work seemed capable of solving. “It was terrible,” he says. For two decades Thibault (pronounced Tee-bow) had flourished as the head of his growing company, T-Bone Construction. But the recession hit with a double whammy. Jobs disappeared, and the banks quit lending money. He owed money and people owed him money, but nobody could get money. Credit had frozen across the board. Thibault laid off dozens of employees. By July 2009 he was down to 13 people, and for a while he thought he’d have to close up shop. But he had started his business on a shoestring right out of high school and wasn’t about to give up his company without a fight.

Expand your range There wasn’t anything Thibault could do about

the economy or the banks, but he reasoned the one thing he could control, or at least change, is the way he marketed his company. In the past, T-Bone Construction had all the work it could handle in the Colorado Springs area. Thibault decided the only way to survive was to look for work out of state, so he got in his truck and started visiting potential customers, eventually securing jobs as far away as California and Missouri. And with limited time and resources, Thibault concentrated his efforts on clients that had the potential for repeat business – retail franchises, in particular. Many auto and truck dealers, gas stations and convenience stores contract their building programs from one regional office. An hour spent with one of these building program managers can, if they like your work, lead to multiple jobs, Thibault says. One such client, Bob Ferguson, general manager for Transwest Trucks, a Freightliner dealership, tells what it’s like to have Thibault as a preferred contractor:

Michael Thibault

Colorado Springs, Colorado

T-Bone Construction Year started: 1987 Number of employees: 64 Annual revenues: $8 to $10 million Markets served: Commercial and industrial buildings, parking lot expansions, truck maintenance facilities EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 47

contractor of the year finalist | continued

Thibault’s relationship with a local Freightliner dealership helped him win this multi-year contract with a sizeable site development and storm water drainage component. “He’s a phenomenal guy, extremely responsive and quick to return a phone call. We were running our business while the construction was going on, so they did a lot of work overnight. He was very involved with overall project management and made time to meet with General Motors upper management and look at the other dealerships. GM mandated all the finishes and he found ways to meet all their requirements and save money.”

Avoid low-bid battles Another advantage for a contractor working with other medium-size businesses is that they don’t have to slug it out with bottom feeders in a low-bid environment. “We do some hard bidding, but most of our work is negotiated, or bid-negotiated, Thibault says. “We even do a few cost-plus contracts.” To get to this level a contractor has to have superb customer service and unquestionable ethics. “On ethics he’s an 11, on a scale from 1 to 10,” says Brad Edwards of Bradley Motors. “He treats everyone with respect and he always looks out for the best interest of his customers. When times were tough he could have taken an easy road out, but he didn’t take advantage of anyone. He’s just an all-around good guy.” 48 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Keep the crews busy During the recession, Thibault also kept his crews busy, by limiting the number of subcontractors he used. Whereas before he would sub out the drywall, during the recession he kept his guys on the payroll by having them do the drywall work. “No sense letting the subs add their 20 to 30 percent markup to my costs,” he says. Thibault’s customer service is also enhanced by his five-person design department. On many jobs this saves the cost of hiring an architect and his team can deliver results quicker and more accurately. Fewer mistakes and miscommunications on the plans translate into fewer mistakes, cost overruns and delays in the field. And as the economy began its slow crawl out of the recession, Thibault was prepared and eager to take his company to the next level. The earthmoving side of his business had been relatively small and here he expanded aggressively. Before the recession he had two skid steers, a telescoping forklift and a backhoe. Since 2011 he has bought three excavators (a Cat 345C, 345D and 325D L), a wheel loader, backhoe, two new Cat skid steers, a new telescoping forklift and four semitrucks with side dump bodies.

“The excavation side of the business is working out well,” he says. “It’s high risk, but its also high margin.”

Adding jobs and payroll Today, Thibault has almost doubled his payroll from where it was during the recession, bringing the head count up to 64 people. He hired an architect, a vice president of operations, a CFO, a full-time safety manager and several new project managers. He also hired a property manager to run his 13 commercial and retail developments and has separated that part of the business from the construction side on the advice of his accountants. The sitework for Thibault’s biggest contract to date, the Transwest Trucks dealership, is done and awaiting permitting for building to commence. It recently won the Brighton (Colorado) Development of the Year award. The company currently has five 7-11 stores on the books and three crews doing nothing but Love’s Travel Stops remodelings. Some of Thibault’s more complex projects recently include building a chrome plant for chrome plating drilling pipe and radiation bunkers for testing electronic components used in outer space. He’s also

building an RV facility for Transwest Truck, Trailer and RVs, and remodeling and expanding an ag dealership for Wagner Equipment in Yuma, Colorado.

Skilled labor shortage The downside to a growing economy, however is finding skilled tradesmen. “I’m struggling to find help,” Thibault says. And while the energy boom has been good for the economy in general, it has sucked up all the available labor, especially electricians, he says. “Our electrical guys are getting 20 hours of overtime a week, but the oil fields are promising 70 hours a week,” Thibault says. “They’re getting the really aggressive guys who want to put in the hours and don’t mind the work. And I can’t promise 70 hours a week.” The uptick in housing has also made quality carpenters hard to find and truck drivers with CDLs are nearly impossible, he says. Thibault says he’s tried all the usual venues for finding workers but with mixed results. He’s had some luck with Craigslist and has managed to find some electricians using employment agencies. With all the new specialized help, Thibault intended to concentrate more on the big picture – finding more work and new clients. “That hasn’t completely happened, because we have so much stuff going on,” he says. “I’m not in on the day-to-day grind, but I am staying involved with the owners on projects as we work through the processes and solve some of the problems if they have them.” Treat employees well Faced with a tight labor market, Thibault does all he can to keep the crews he has. “He’s got a good core of guys,” says customer Dick Janitell, JHW Enterprises. “He treats his employees too good. “His employees like him,” says Edwards. “He’s got some great of-

fice staff, very loyal people. He had a couple of people who could have jumped ship during the recession, but they stayed, and now they’re glad they did.” The fair treatment also extends to subcontractors. Dan Rial, of Rial Heating says: “I’ve known him for 15 years and he’s extremely ethical. He goes out of his way to make sure his subcontractors get paid – and he went through hard times just like everyone else. He’s loyal and doesn’t go around to get every lowball bid. And he’ll listen to his subs on different ideas on how to get the end result.”

Keys to success Although Thibault has laid the groundwork for a strong company before the recession, he gives credit to a loyal customer base for helping T-Bone Construction emerge quickly from the downturn. “It was our clients, those relationships,” he says. They gave us the work and paid us really fast. That helped with the cash flow and made a big difference. I didn’t have to fight to get paid.” Having the internal resources to be more diversified also helped. “I wasn’t having to write big checks to subcontractors and paying their profit and overhead,” he says. “that

Thibault confers with foreman Frank Cona, superintendant. was money we could bring into the company, especially on the excavation.” For young contractors trying to make a go of it in this business, Thibault says you have to have the grit to tough it out. “The work is out there. You just have to get out there and find it,” he says He also stresses the importance of customer relations. “Do what you say you’re going to do, and treat every customer as if they’re your only customer.” EW

By bringing most of his earthmoving work in-house, Thibault was able to build the value of his company and retain more margin. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 49

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product report | by Amy Materson

Chris Shoots, heavy equipment specialist, demonstrates the MRT 2540 Privilege Plus.

AMaterson@randallreilly.com

Air support

Manitou’s new rotating telescopic handler features large support base, company’s new E-RECO system

anitou designed its MRT 2540 Privilege Plus rotating telescopic handler to “combine practicality and performance via three-in-one functionality,” says Steven Kiskunas, Manitou’s product manager for telescopic handlers. “The MRT Series replaces three machines on the jobsite with telehandler, winch and platform modes,” he says. “Ten types of work platforms are available, and with a 16-foot by 16-foot base of support, there is more ‘up in the air’ capacity.” The MRT 2540 Privilege Plus features an 8,800-pound rated lift capacity and an 80-foot, 8.5-inch max lift height, ensuring usefulness in a range of applications at heights. A 150-horsepower Mercedes-Benz Tier 3 engine powers the telehandler, which has a 60-foot 8-inch max forward reach with a 13-foot, 3-inch turning radius. The company also announced

upgrades to the MRT 1840 Easy 360° and MRT 2150 Privilege Plus that include popular options as standard features, including a Perkins Interim Tier 4 engine, forward-neutral-reverse functionality on the joystick and a new color display. The E-RECO system, Manitou’s automatic attachment recognition system, is standard on all MRT Series machines. The system works by automatically sensing the attachment through a radio frequency recognition system. After identifying the attachment, the telehandler selects the appropriate load chart. The MRT Series machines are also pre-programmed for up to 67 attachments for use with attachments without the transponder. Front and rear stabilizers are also standard on the MRT Series, with a telescopic scissor design on the Privilege Plus models. The design enables the legs to be partially deployed on

congested jobsites where obstacles are present or when space is limited. When the stabilizers and pads are retracted, they are integrated into the machine’s body for no loss of ground clearance or addition to the machine’s width. Based on the position of the stabilizers, an adjustable calculator adjusts the load chart and lifting zones. The MRT 2150 Privilege Plus features an 11,000-pound capacity and a 67-foot, 7-inch max lift height with a 59-foot, 5-inch max forward reach and an 11-foot 10-inch turning radius. A 150-horsepower Mercedes-Benz Tier 3 engine powers the telehandler. The MRT 1840 Easy 360° has an 8,800-pound rated lift capacity and a 58-foot, 9-inch max lift height. A 101-horsepower Perkins Tier 4 interim engine powers the machine, which has a 49-foot 6-inch max forward reach and an 11-foot 10-inch turning radius. EW EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 51

product report | by Marcia Gruver Doyle MGruver@randallreilly.com

Cat will intro M Series loaders throughout 2014; expands XE lineup

at will introduce its M Series wheel loaders throughout 2014, a lineup that includes the 972M XE, which is joining the 966M as an XE designated model. In addition to the XE models, the M Series will include an additional size, the modified 12-ton 982M, plus upgrades to the 950, 962, 966, 972 and 980 size machines. Caterpillar calls the M Series fifth generation machines in the tiered regulation environment, which started with the Tier 1 G Series, says Bill Campbell, senior market professional, medium wheel loaders. With the exception of the XE models – which offer 25 percent fuel efficiency gains – Cat says the M series have 10 percent better fuel efficiency than its predecessor K Series.

First out of the gate will be the 966M and 972M, which will be in production in the first quarter of 2014. They will be followed by the 980M and 982M, expected this spring, followed by the 950M and 962M at the end of next year. The M Series offer significant engine and transmission advancements, according to Campbell. All engines are now Tier 4 Final, and feature the Cat Regeneration System, which Cat announced allows engines above 175 horsepower to be sold in lower-regulated countries without modification (see page 13). The medium wheel loaders now have a standard lock-up clutch torque converter matched with engine power and hydraulics, part of Cat’s attack plan for improved performance and fuel efficiency. “Fuel efficiency is death by a thousand

The Cat 966M XE carries on the XE features announced in the K Series, and along with the rest of the M Series, offers pronounced engine and transmission upgrades. 52 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

cuts,” says Campbell. “You have to do several things to accomplish it.” The M-Series planetary transmission has a new split-flow oil system and uses multi-viscosity oil, also aimed at fuel economy.

966M and 972M New disc-type differential locks improve tractive ability in common applications for medium-size loaders: heavy construction, aggregates, sand and gravel and batch plants. The 966M and 972M come standard with front axle differential locks, manually activated by a switch on the cab floor. Fully automatic front and rear axle diff locks are optional, and operate by measuring differences in axle speeds, requiring no operator input to activate. Bevel gear shrouds on the axles reduce churning losses from rotating components. The axles also have external caliper disc parking brakes mounted to the input shaft of the front axles, which Cat says offer higher capacity than the drum brakes used on the 966K and 972K. A main mono-block hydraulic valve on both machine sizes weighs less and has 40 percent fewer leak points than predecessor machines. The new ride control system now has two accumulators, allowing it to be more effective over a greater payload range. With the addition of a second remote valve, auxiliary third and fourth hydraulic functions can be easily added. New larger displacement hydraulic implement pumps continuously and automatically respond to operator performance preferences. Operators can remotely unlatch the door while on the ground,

The medium M Series loaders have a standard lock-up clutch torque converter matched with engine power and hydraulics, part of Cat’s attack plan for improved performance and fuel efficiency. which activates a gas strut to swing open the door. In addition, the angle of the steps up to the cab has been increased to 15 degrees, giving a more stair-like quality to cab entry. In the cab, the lower glass panel has been extended to improve visibility to the left side of the machine. Larger convex mirrors improve rear visibility. A color touch screen display received a thumbs-up in customer demos, says Campbell. “We’re now all used to touch screens and we found great acceptance with this with our field follow operators,” he says. The new Cat Connect Solutions system allows users to access several pieces of machine data, including fuel consumption, average fuel rate, total idle time, fuel consumed at idle and total operating hours.

Expansion of the XE Cat sized the 300-horsepower 972M XE to get the attention of North American users, offering more oomph than the 277-horsepower 966M XE. The first XE model, the 966K XE, received one of Equipment World’s 2013 Innovation

According to Campbell, the XE maAwards for its 25 percent fuel effichines have an average premium of ciency gains, compared to machines 7 percent over the cost of a standard with traditional torque converters. unit, a cost Cat says can be returned With a bucket capacity range of in fuel savings within three years on 3.75 to 13 cubic yards, the 972 M high fuel use applications. EW XE internals mirror what was introduced with the 966K XE, using an integrated Cat continuously variable transmission system that works with a hydraulic pump and motor (variator unit). The variator unit is designed to provide smooth and continuous gear ratio change between engine speed and machine speed while greatly reducing the heat load generated by the drive train when the machine is under heavy load. The continuously variable gear ratio of the variator also enables the engine to run at a more efficient operating range independent of machine ground speed, Cat says. In addition, XE machines have a simplified two-pedal design, which Cat informally labels “go” and “stop.” Machine speed is modulated by the right “go” pedal, Cat says it gave the M Series steps a and rimpull and brakes are modumore staircase feel, increasing the step angle to 15 degrees. lated by the left “stop” pedal. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 53

ConExpo-Con/Agg preview

Sneak peek: See what the big show has in store Allu, booth 2109 (Gold Lot) Allu will demonstrate their D-Series and DL Screener bucket attachments in their booth, as well as display their PMX Power Mixer. Contractors who specialize in soil stabilization will have the chance to speak one-on-one with industry expert Charles Wilk in the booth. Company vice president Dale Mickle will be on hand to talk about the company’s products. Allu will also present a special education session on Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 a.m. on LEED CREDIT: Stabilization of Marginal or Contaminated Soil for On-Site Reuse. Bergkamp, booth 8202 (Platinum Lot) Pavement maintenance manufacturer Bergkamp will introduce a new Spray Injection Pothole Patcher. Other products from Bergkamp’s line of truckmounted, trailer-mounted and continuous slurry seal and microsurfacing pavers and equipment will also be on display.

54 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Brennan Industries, booth 82101 Brennan, a supplier of more than 30,000 standard and special hydraulic fittings and adapters, will showcase a range of products from their line. Featured products will include O-rings face seal fittings, flanges and metric bite type (DIN).

or pit mount types up to 135 tons. Impervious against lightning and water damage, the Guardian offers longevity and weighing accuracy. Cardinal Scale will also feature two weight indicators; the 205 Storm and 210 Storm, both which feature USB connectivity.

Brokk, booth 8547 Remote-controlled demolition machine manufacturer Brokk AB will launch two new machines, Brokk 60 and 400D (diesel). Replacing the Brokk 50, the Brokk 60 is the smallest remote-controlled demolition machine in the world, weighing in at just 1,100 pounds with a 34.4-inch height. The diesel-powered 400D replaces the 330D, with a 60-percent increase in transport speed and a new and improved control system.

Case Construction Equipment, booth 11722 Case Construction Equipment will showcase major new product introductions, including the new M Series dozer line and to-be-announced updates to primary product lines such as excavators, wheel loaders and compactors. With five models ranging from 92 to 214 net horsepower, the M Series dozers feature a range of design improvements, including the first selective catalytic reduction technology to be built into a dozer. Case will also feature their “Dire States: the Drive to Revive America’s Ailing Infrastructure” tour. Including a rally event and panel discussion, the event highlights the progress of the tour and features infrastructure expert Dan McNichol’s key findings from his travels across America.

Cardinal Scale, booth 52885 Cardinal Scale will feature their Guardian Hydraulic Truck Scale, available in concrete or steel decks and low-profile

CEMCO, booth 53184 CEMCO provides solutions for recycling, crushing, CNC machining and robotic welding applications, The company will showcase the Turbo 80 VSI crusher, an efficient vertical shaft impact crusher capable of processing a variety of aggregate materials and industrial minerals. Available in two models, the mid-size Turbo 80 is customizable to portable or stationary configurations, and is useful for aggregates, energy production, mining and recycling.

subgrade, making it useful for lane additions, large patchwork jobs and more.

Conveyor Components, booth 53178 (Central Hall) Conveyor Components will showcase a new product line of tilt level controls that are designed for level detection of dry bulk materials. The line includes models for use in general purpose outdoor applications that are dust proof and weather tight, and models that are explosion proof for use in hazardous locations. Also on display: the company’s conveyor safety stop controls, belt misalignment controls, belt rip detectors, aerators, motion controls, skirt board clamps, and belt cleaners.

IROCK, booth 52947 Portable crushing plant and screening equipment manufacturer IROCK will unveil a new portable crusher. Featuring new technology, the crusher will also incorporate IROCK’s exclusive Rock Box, which allows crushed material to build up and act as a wear liner.

Custom Equipment (Hy-Brid Lifts), booth 1725 Scissor lift manufacturer Custom Equipment will feature the Hy-Brid HB-1430 low-level scissor lift. Designed for construction, drywall and electrical applications and more, the lifts are heavy duty and safe, but also lightweight. State-ofthe-art technology allows the company to use less of a higher grade of steel, for a stronger, lighter-weight machine with reinforced stress points. DSC Dredge, booth 30040 (Central Hall) DSC Dredge will have its experts available in their booth to discuss industryleading customized dredge technologies. Focusing on customized portable cutter suction dredges, DSC Dredge has units of all sizes for use in construction, environmental, mining and other applications. E-Z Drill, booth 61330 E-Z Drill will highlight a range of drills at the show, including models 110B, 210-4 SRA, 210B-2 SRA, 240B On-Grade and UTL 20. The company will also feature the 210 B-2 On-Grade concrete drill; an easy-to-position unit that drills to a standard 18-inch depth. The 210 B-2 On-Grade is specifically designed for straight-line drilling on a level

Hitachi, booth 126212 (North Hall) Hitachi will showcase a variety of machines from across their product line. Featured machines include the EH1100-5 rigid frame hauler truck, the ZX135US-5 reduced tail swing excavator, the EX1200-6 mining/construction excavator, and three construction-sized excavators – the ZX210LC-5, ZX50U-5 and ZX470LC-5.

Kawasaki Wheel Loaders, booth 40042 (Central Hall) Kawasaki will showcase products that feature the company’s Z-Link design, which delivers high breakout force and efficiency, including the newest of the company’s compact wheel loaders, the 45ZV-2, a 61-horsepower wheel loader with 1.18-cubic-yard capacity. Additional machines on display will be the 80Z7, the 95Z7 and the 115Z7. Kawasaki Wheel Loaders’ product line includes 15 models between .78 and 13.5 cubic yards that deliver between 45 and 720 horsepower. Kobelco Construction Machinery USA, booth 4408 (Silver Lot) Kobelco will offer attendees product information on Kobelco’s full line of excavators in the 3,000- to 180,000-pound classes, as well as their new demolition machine line. The company’s exhibit is Kobelco’s homecoming to ConExpo as an independent brand. The exhibit will provide booth visitors the opportunity to compete in a number of traditional and high-tech games and serve as a place to kick back and relax, while delivering ample time to kick the tires and get into the operator seats of a widerange of Kobelco excavators, including the company’s new 55SRX model. K-Tec, booth 11010 (North Hall), 3266 (Silver Lot) In the North Hall, K-Tec Earthmovers will host show attendees in the Earthmoving Education Lounge. Rest your feet while viewing footage of scraper

operations hauling up to 54 cubic yards in a single load. Trained earthmoving professionals will be on hand to present attendees with earthmoving solutions. In the Silver Lot, K-Tec will unveil a new scraper model, hooked up to a 40-ton articulated dump truck. The company’s popular 1233SS scraper will also be on site. Lake Erie Portable Screeners, booth 50059 Lake Erie Portable Screeners will feature the portable Pitbull 2300 Screener, designed to give landscapers, contractors and municipalities durability and high output with a wide range of materials such as topsoil, mulch, gravel and asphalt for a variety of mid-size screening projects. Available in diesel and electric-powered models, the Pitbull 2300 incorporates unique features such as full hydraulic operation, tubular frame construction, a Torflex axle and a reversible shaker. Laser Technology, booth 30139 (Central Hall) Laser Technology will display a range of laser-based measurement products, including TruPulse laser rangefinders, which measure distance, height, slope and more. Also on display will be the MapSmart Volume Stockpile solution for the aggregates industry. An exclusive in-booth show special will be offered to ConExpo attendees only. Lincoln Electric, booth 70016 Lincoln Electric will be exhibiting a variety of solutions from, diesel and gas welder generator sets, welding consumables, multi-process welding, CNC plasma cutting, automated pipe welding solutions, and virtual reality welding training to help you get the job done. Lincoln Electric representatives will be on hand to speak with show attendees and answer questions. Major Wire, booth 52456 (Central Hall) Screen media solution provider Major Wire will display the company’s FlexMat 3 High-Performance Screen Media, which can increase production in a wide range of screening operations. Flex-Mat 3 is available in tensioned and modular panels. McLanahan, booth 51756 McLanahan will be showcasing its capabilities in dry and wet processing, as well as premiering two new crushing product introductions; a crusher and a single-toggle/overhead eccentric EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 55

ConExpo-Con/Agg preview | continued

jaw crusher. The first size hard rock jaw crusher in the series, a 44- by 50-inch, will be on display in the booth with presentations throughout each day. The proven dewatering screen and separator combination will also be on display, as well as McLanahan’s recessed plate filter press. McLanahan’s process design experts will be on hand in the booth to assist show attendees. Philippi-Hagenbuch, booth 10610 Philippi-Hagenbuch will feature their AutoGate tailgates and Rear-Eject bodies at the show, as well as their HiVol Water Tanks, which have been specifically developed with safety in mind. A fluid baffling system prevents water from surging from the back to the front, and a full height, length and center Bacbone structure also eliminates side-to-side surges. Each tank, which holds half the capacity of a water tower, has maximum stability at all normal haul speeds. The tanks are fully customizable to any make or mode of off-highway articulated and rigid frame trucks. Remu, booth 1587 (Gold Lot) Remu will highlight a range of screening buckets and screener crushers, including upgraded models with improved frame structure for superior performance in rough conditions. Options include a range of blade designs for both screening and crushing, en-

abling production of high quality soil or recycling demolition waste. Rio Rubber Track, booth 70420 (Gold Lot) Rio Rubber Track manufactures premium quality replacement wear-parts for heavy construction equipment. All products are manufactured to OEM size specifications. The company will feature rubber undercarriage parts such as track-pads, conveyor belts, vibration isolators, solid rubber tires, continuous rubber tracks, and carbide teeth for road milling and paving equipment, excavators, pile drivers, vibro-compactors, and track/wheel loaders. Screen Machine Industries, booth 52760 (Central Hall) Screen Machine Industries, a producer of material crushing, screening, washing and stockpiling equipment, will feature the JHT Jaw Crusher at the show. The heavy-duty track mounted machine has a 26- by 44.5-inch peakto-peak jaw opening, offers remote control operation and movement and an American-made Grade 80 steel unibody frame. A 300-horsepower Caterpillar diesel engine provides power for the heaviest jobs.

Talbert Manufacturing, booth 2474 Specialized and heavy-haul trailer manufacturer Talbert Manufacturing will feature a range of models at ConExpo, including the 55SA with 18-inch deck height 3+1 Nitro, LEASE IT LIKE YOU RENTED IT. the 55HRG Tele, the 75-ton 3+3+3 YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID. Nitro, the 5053TA and the 6-Axle Steer Dolly, which provides steering control and extra capacity to handle self-supporting superloads.

Smart works. See for yourself: volvoce.com/BetterLease/ew

Volvo Construction Equipment

56 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Thompson Pump, booth 62129 (South Hall) Thompson Pump will display the latest in sustainable pump development including the exclusive Enviroprime System, a

priming system that prevents pumpage from being discharged outside of the pump and into the environment; the Silent Knight sound attenuated canopy enclosure designed to reduce noise pollution while still allowing access to the pump; EPA certified engines including Tier 4 Final emissions compliant diesel engines, and more. Thompson Pump offers alternative power options including compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas in addition to diesel, electric driven, and gasoline fueled pumps. Thunder Creek Equipment, booth 63021 (South Hall) Thunder Creek Equipment will feature their line of fuel, DEF and service trailers. The Service and Lube trailer holds 440 gallons of fluid in various combinations of 25, 55 and 110 gallon capacities and can be configured with up to eight tanks for oil, antifreeze, diesel fuel, oil reclamation, grease systems and diesel exhaust fluid. The Double Wall Trailer provides 110-percent fuel containment with a 990-gallon fuel tank mounted inside a protective secondary tank. The pumping system, fill ports and vents are also located within the secondary tank thereby securing the fuel supply behind two lockable, hatch-style doors. For show attendees, Thunder Creek Equipment will offer special discounted pricing. Volvo Construction Equipment, booth 10951 (North Hall) and 1300 (Gold Lot) Volvo will showcase more than 17 products, including a new generation of E-Series excavators, G-Series articulated haulers and H-Series wheel loaders in Tier 4 Final configurations. Volvo CE will also exhibit the latest range of backhoe loaders, motor graders and skid and tracked loaders. At the 6,000-square-foot outdoor lot, visitors can operate a BL60B backhoe loader and EC55C excavator, with prizes awarded for performance. W.S. Tyler, booth 7401 Screening, washing and pelletizing systems provider W.S. Tyler will feature the Mobile Hydro-Clean washing system at ConExpo. With the ability to mount the machine on a chassis, the washing system can now be easily moved from place to place within a quarry or from jobsite to jobsite. EW

Trenchers

product focus | by Wayne Grayson

WayneGrayson@randallreilly.com

A few “rules” about usage: 1.) Make every effort to have white letters. If logo is on white background, use the light orange version. 2.) In most cases, the logo should always be aligned bottom left. 3.) Please don’t delete the blue sphere. Any questions, please contact Tony Brock,. EW Logo white w/color stroke

COMPACT RIDE-ON

The Ditch Witch RT30 ride-on trencher makes installations on tight jobsites easier thanks to its compact footprint and tight turning radius. The trencher features a robust trencher drive Logo with drop shadow motor with large shaftEWfor reliability, a maintenance-free pivot design that reduces dirt and debris and a comfortable operator’s seat. The machine is powered by a 24-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and has a 42-inch boom that provides a 36-inch cover depth, a four-way backfill blade for filling trenches and hydrostatic ground drive with simple pedal controls for forward and reverse. The RT30 weighs 3,150 pounds and has a transport length and width of 138.8 and 48 inches, respectively.

LESS DOWNTIME

Barreto Manufacturing says its new TK Track Trencher series is designed to offer a greater return on investment through decreasing machine downtime. The TK Track trenchers provide 241 square inches of ground contact, making them less invasive on the landscape. Cross-trenching is made simple and by combining tracks with additional weight, the Barreto TK will reduce the impact of hard soil conditions. Available engine options range from 13- to 30-horsepower with digging depths of 24 to For more information on these 48 inches. products, text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

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10:41 2:062013 PM AM 57 EquipmentWorld.com10/18/12 |4/16/13 December

product focus | continued

COMPACT WITH TRACKS

Vermeer has updated its line of RTX rubber-track trenchers with the RTX450 adds more power to the RTX line of rubbertrack trenchers with the addition of the RTX450. The trencher is powered by a 49-horsepower Tier 4 Final engine and can handle open cut installations in tough ground conditions and small spaces. Vermeer says the RTX450 is best suited for urban utility work such as electric, fiber, natural gas or water installations. The RTX450 is the smallest ride-on utility tractor with quad tracks on the market. An electronically-controlled hydraulic pump delivers more power and precise control to the ground drive and attachment circuit – improving the machine’s overall operating performance. The trencher also features Vermeer’s exclusive TrenchSense technology which monitors engine rpm and chain operation.

0% FOR 48 MONTHS.

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58 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

EASY TO OPERATE WALK-BEHINDS

Toro’s TRX walk-behind trenchers feature a drive design that provides a low center of gravity and large footprint, offering stability and increased maneuverability without causing damage to existing turf. Each TRX trencher is powered by a Kawasaki twin-cylinder engine. The TRX-16 engine puts out 16 horsepower, while the TRX-20 puts out 20 horsepower and the TRX-26 puts out 26 horsepower. Toro says the controls on the new TRX walk-behinds are virtually identical to the easy-to-use Toro Dingo TX models making training new operators easy. The simple control system also allows operators to trench with one hand while adjusting boom depth with the other.

MINI-TRENCHER

Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench mini-trencher is offered in two models, the KT200B and KT2400B, both able to trench up to 30 feet per minute. A compact design paired with durable construction and components allows these trenchers to tackle a multitude of projects, including landscape edging, root pruning, as well as installations of plumbing and drainage lines, low-voltage wiring, silt fences and sprinkler systems. Featuring carbide-tipped teeth and a powerful drive system, the mini-trencher is able to cut through tough surfaces such as compacted clay, road fill, asphalt and tree roots up to 10 inches thick. Powered by a 5.5-horsepower Honda engine, the KT 200B is capable of achieving depths up to 8 inches. The KT 2400B has an 8-horsepower Honda engine and achieves depths up to 12 inches. EW

ATTACHMENTS

2013

SPONSORED INFORMATION SECTION

Skid steer grader blade performs landscaping and concrete flatwork

SitePro’s SSGB-8A Grader Blade is suitable for asphalt, landscaping and concrete flatwork contractors, and features an 8-foot six-way hydraulically controlled moldboard with 25 feet of rotation/tilt. Features include in-cab remote for precise control, shear pin protection, reversible cutting edge and connection points for an optional laser system controls for grading accuracy resulting in cost savings. Optional end plate kit and laser pole kit also available.

Hydraulic rock grinders useful for hammer applications

Antraquip rock and concrete grinders are an alternative to hydraulic hammers for many applications including trenching, controlled demolition, scaling, soil remediation, tunneling, underwater cutting and general rock and concrete excavation. Antraquip offers many models and styles of cutter heads to suit any excavator.

New Rammer Small Range powerful, reliable and easy to maintain

Allied Construction Products’ three new Rammer Small Range breakers – 555, 777 and 999 – are designed without tie-rods and incorporate the Constant Blow Energy plus operating system. The integrated one-piece tool brushing design includes the thrust ring, upper bushing, lower bushing and dust seal requiring fewer parts. Special features of all models include a dual accumulator, enclosed power cells, fewer parts and more. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 59

ATTACHMENTS

2013

SPONSORED INFORMATION SECTION

Fifth generation hydraulic cold planers RoadHogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth generation (G5) of hydraulic cold planers features a shorter chassis length, shorter chassis height and independent depth skis. These units have the same driveline as past generations which consist of a Sauer piston motor coupled to a Fairfield gearbox, maximizing torque and providing years of service. RoadHog hydraulic cold planers are available in cutting widths of 18, 24, 30, 40 and 48 inches with a depth of 6 inches. Optional drum widths are available.

Heavy duty forester mulcher gets a new design FAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-flow skid steer heavy duty forester mulcher has new design features that include a low profile frame, chain driven hydraulic door system, sealed enclosed hydraulic compartment to keep out debris, thicker, heavy duty mulching door, a body containing Weldox steel and new bolt-on rotor stub shafts. Options include an in-shell mounted cooler and a diverter valve for operating mulching door system. A roof mounted cooler will be offered soon.

UNIVERSAL BINGHAM

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EZtracks system allows increased footprint and clearance Mattracks new track series, EZtracks, has the Boa ConTrack-tion System, which allows for increased footprint centrally located under the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s axles to provide equal ground pressure over the entire system while keeping the tracks within the confines of the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall length. EZtrack also allows for the use of multiple sprocket sizes and combinations to facilitate any vehicle size and drive train. Its ease of steering, efficiency and smooth ride is accomplished by its wheel arrangement and track tread design.

Experience smooth spreading The Edge Hydraulic Spreader from CEAttachments has a self-loading 8-cubic-foot-capacity hopper with an agitator that prevents material from bridging for smooth flow. Remain in the cab and simply scoop up the sand, salt, seed, fertilizer or any free-flowing granular material and begin spreading a path from 29 inches for sidewalks up to 28 feet or larger areas such as parking lots or roads. Material moves down through three adjustable gates at the bottom of the hopper and onto an 18-inch wheel that disperses the material. It comes complete with hoses and flat face couplers.

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ATTACHMENTS

2013

SPONSORED INFORMATION SECTION

TimberAx skid steer attachment tackles cutting and mulching Extract poles with a single machine and attachment EZ Spot UR Attachmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pole Jack extracts utility poles from the ground with just one person, one machine and one attachment. The Pole Jack, when attached to a skid steer, backhoe, track loader or utility tractor, offers maneuverability and is capable of pulling foamed poles as well as poles placed in frozen ground.

Loftnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TimberAx skid steer attachment uses an exclusive knife system to efficiently cut grass, vines, brush or trees up to 6 inches in diameter or cut material up to 12 inches in diameter. The 17-inch rotor features a reverse-rotation design to lift material off the ground for proper cutting. The design offers improved cutting performance and finer mulching without driving uncut material into the ground. The knives are made of low-maintenance alloy and can be sharpened directly on the machine. The TimberAx is available in 53-, 63-, 73- and 83-inch cutting widths and comes with a universal mount for attaching to all major makes and models of skid steers.

Attachments

ATTACHMENT SOLUTIONS for every brand compact equipment.

Attachments for skid steer loaders.

Attachments for compact excavators.

Attachments for compact utility tractors.

Call us Toll Free:

866-232-8224

Find more attachments, specs, videos at

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Tie-rod breakers ensure easy maintenance Rotobecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tie-rod breakers feature a unique design that incorporates a heavy-duty tie-rod assembly to help eliminate the possibility of rod assembly failure and simplify maintenance. Internal components can be accessed and repaired without dismantling the tie-rod assembly. This breaker is available in 5 models to fit excavators ranging from 17 to 72 tons. Other features include pistons mounted on 3 bushings, a manual stroke adjuster and a hydraulic break on the piston.

Rubbertrax_Equip1012_PG067.indd 1

9/25/12 10:33 AM

ROCKS BUILD THE WORLD ... WE BREAK ROCKS

Visit BTI at Hospitality Suite #2806

Toll-Free: (866) 584-6028

BREAKER TECHNOLOGY

an Astec Industries Company

UNITED STATES EAST (440) 542-3720 / UNITED STATES WEST (951) 369-0878 CANADA & INTERNATIONAL (519) 599-2015 /

www.rockbreaker.com EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 63

ATTACHMENTS

2013

SPONSORED INFORMATION SECTION

Handle heavy workloads with rotating shear Breaker Technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SH Eagle II shear features frontal blade and piercing tip design to special speed valves and auto-lube systems to ensure reliability and production output under the heaviest of workloads. With 360 degrees of rotation on the main mounting bracket, the SH Eagle II provides ease of positioning.

Severe-Duty Attachments We fit ALL makes and models

Lifter handles up to 11,000 pounds

Visit Us @ vailproducts.com

Call Us @ 1-800-375-8245 Made in the USA

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Vacuworxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MC5 vacuum lifter offers powerful vacuum lift capacity in a compact, lighter weight configuration. Designed to handle heavy loads in confined spaces or smaller jobsites, the lifter has an 11,000-pound capacity, a self-contained diesel engine with electric start and conforms to ANSI/ASME standard section B30.20, ASME BTH-1 and AS 4991. The MC5 is suitable for utility projects, in-plant industrial applications, materials with weight specific modifications or mid-size pipe, plate and slab.

9/18/13 10:35 AM

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GLAMOROUS? not so much COOL FACTOR? off the char ts Demolition tools heat-treated for durability Brunner and Lay’s wide range of demolition tools includes tools suitable for use with most types of heavy-duty, boom-mounted breaker machines. Tools are manufactured from high-quality steel which is then heat-treated in ultra-modern pit-type furnaces to create the hardness, impact strength and durability required to face conditions in quarrying and mining. Tools include points, chisels, blunts and other specialized working ends.

Working with excavators isn’t all that glamorous, but attach an HKX hydraulic kit to one and their coolness factor goes off the charts!  Standard kits for a wide variety of attachments  Latest in attachment control technology  Kits ship within 1 - 5 days— ground or air

Easily establish finish grade for concrete placement The EasiGrade SST from OverBuilt comes at a standard width of 82 inches with variations up to 106 inches. It is hydraulically controlled using elevation and slope sensors. The SST features wireless remote control, replaceable carbide bullet teeth and a 57-cubic-inch direct drive hydraulic motor. The EasiGrade SST can be mounted to any brand of skid-steer loader.

call 800.493.5487 www.HKX.com/EW EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 65

ATTACHMENTS

2013

SPONSORED INFORMATION SECTION

Achieve smooth, uniform surface Handy Hitch’s grader-mounted packer/roller delivers continuous compaction for a smooth, uniform driving surface that stands up to weather and traffic. The profile frame has three main pivot points located at the rear front frame. Each pivot point is linked via hardened steel pins and bushing to an arm assembly that is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder and central pressure relief system for down pressure control. Each of the three link arms is attached to a walking beam and each beam has two 6,000-pound double-ended spindle and hub assemblies. The profile is attached directly to the rear of the grader and the lift assembly frame comes with a standard 24inch offset. Available options include a quick attach plate and front steering pivot plate.

Excavator mower clears tall grass, heavy brush Bradco Flail Mowers for excavators from Paladin Attachments clear tall grasses, heavy brush and trees up to between 4 and 6 inches in diameter. The excavator mounting allows utility and right-of-way contractors to easily reach over obstructions and into ditches and hillsides. Features include bi-directional cutting and discharge capabilities, a torsion disc to protect the motor, heavy-duty flanges on both ends of the rotor and adjustable skid shoes. Bradco Flail Mowers are available in light-duty and heavy-duty models.

ON GRADE... AUTOMATICALLY!

Automatic Laser-Guided Grade Box • Finish Grade for Concrete Placement • Crown Sports Fields • Grade Building Pads

Fine Grade Made Easy www.level-best.com • 800-342-0905

2013 | EquipmentWorld.com 66 December ATI_Equip0112_PG067.indd 1

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Simplify achieving accurate grade

Buckets offer 360-degree rotation

ATIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Level Best PL-series is equipped with Leica controls, a Level Best box, a hydraulic valve and laser controls combined to create an accurate grade. Benefits include greater accuracy and better results. A rotating laser is set for a desired grade, and the rotating beam of laser light is read by the laser receiver, which is mounted on the mast pole. The beamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location is sent to the control panel which interprets where the beam of light is in relation to grade. The control panel then tells the hydraulic valve to adjust the grading box up or down to keep the receiver grade.

Rotobecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clamshell Buckets, designed for dredging applications, are available in light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty and super heavy-duty models. Each model is equipped with a sealed 360-degree rotation. Rotobec CSB capacity ranges from 1.5 to 6 cubic yards and are made to fit excavators and material handlers ranging from 15,000 to 200,000 pounds. Custom sizes are available to suit specific material applications and/or machines. They are also available with an enviro seal kit or in a marine prepared version for salt-water applications.

Our extensive line of skid steer & front loader attachments are quality manufactured, designed & tested. SitePro makes your next attachment choice a simple one. E-mail: sales@wssitepro.com Phone: 217-324-5973 Litchfield, IL 62056-0100

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ATTACHMENTS

2013

SPONSORED INFORMATION SECTION

Hydraulic kits are upgradeable HKX has easy-to-operate attachments with quick and easy install kits. There are eight kits available: rotate/tilt, thumb, breaker, shear, breaker and thumb combo, breaker and shear combo, shear and rotate and breaker and shear and rotate. Factory kit conversions are available and include pre-assembled components, illustrated step-by-step instructions and technical support. It features bolt-on designs, powder-coated tubes, turn-key installations and controls that integrate with factory joysticks and monitors.

Roadrunner C-series Super “C” improves fine grading capability The Roadrunner C-series grader-spreadermaintainer has evolved to become the Super “C” with the addition of bolster wheels. It retains its ability to grade packed gravel and continues with independent adjustment to each side to create and maintain a crown and controls depth of cut. The long skid bars prevent dipping and gouging, and the side panels eliminate windrows and retain the material within the area. Other features include angled dual blades, effective stone spreader and an affordable cost and ease of use.

JAWZ Grabbing Tools remove invasive trees and shrubs

Paladin Attachments’ new Bradco JAWZ Grabbing Tools provide a quick, easy and eco-friendly way to remove trees and shrubs, complete with roots, reducing the need for herbicides, burning or cutting tools. Features include a set of T1 steel fingers powered by dual cylinders that grab the tree/shrub trunk. Both attachments are useful for landscaping, timber, forestry and more. 68 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

DrillVision offers easy installation

Simplify pulling patches with concrete drill attachment E-Z Drill’s Model 210 Twin Vertical concrete drill attachment is compatible with most skid steers and compact loaders. Features include two adjustable vertical drills, a maximum drilling depth of 17 inches, CP 69 rock drills, a completely pneumatic system and more. The 210 Twin Vertical attachment is designed for pulling patches, slab-jacking and under sealing. The system can be controlled from the cab via pneumatic remote powered by the same air compressor as the drills.

DrillVision from Ocala Instruments guides the user to ensure perfectly plum (or any other angle) drilling or piling. The system is affordable and fits any drill or auger. The sensors are wireless so installation takes less than one hour. The user-friendly display and audible alarm makes drilling to exact angles quick and easily.

Don’t just take our word for it… “Paladin attachments have the durability and performance I can always count on.”

“When relying on cost effective solutions, Paladin attachments are my solution.”

Jim W., Pipeline Contractor

“My Paladin attachment allows me to gain versatility on the jobsite and enhance my machine’s capability.”

“I don’t get anything less than maximum performance from my Paladin attachments.” Eric J., Landscape Contractor

Steve H., Equipment Dealer

John B., Forestry Management

Connect with Paladin:

www.paladinattachments.com EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 69

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ATTACHMENTS

2013

SPONSORED INFORMATION SECTION

Auger handles variety of digging applications The Premier Hydraulic Earth Auger Model H075PD delivers a precise range of torque and speed for large excavators and other carriers. Engineered with the original in-line planetary gear reduction, the unit requires no drain line. The H075PD has a flow range of 30- to 60gpm and up to 12,790 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 psi. The expanded range of speeds provides increased use for varied digging applications. Greaseable pins at pivot points on the heavy duty mounts increase the wear life of units.

GRADER-SPREADER Super “C” with bolster wheels improves fine grading capability

888-302-1022

www.roadrunnerblade.com

Make it EZ! Rotating Attachments! 1-877-433-5733 www.ezspotur.com Double Pole Claw EZ-0008

Proudly made in the USA!

*Skid Steers *Telehandlers *Track Loaders *Mini-Excavators *Backhoes Rotating Pot Mover

EZ-0020

Rock and Tree Hand EZ-2010

Barrel Handler EZ-0002

Make it EZ!

1-877-433-5733 www.ezspotur.com 70 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

Scan for more information!

• Very effective stone spreader • Independent adjustment to each side controls depth of cut • Side panels eliminate windrows • Dual angled blade prevent washboards • Affordable cost, easy to use

Screening Technology & Amphibious Excavators

See You at Booth

1587

REMU Screening Buckets Special configurations for various applications like  padding pipelines  screening topsoil  aerating compost  grinding. Now wide range of models for all types of carriers. Call Eric for pricing and inventory! REMU USA Inc. Eric +1 888 600 0018 usa@remu.fi www.remu.fi

Heavy duty pole setter handles 45-foot-long poles EZ Spot UR Attachments makes it easy to pull, set and pile poles up to 45 feet in length with the Heavy Duty Pole Setter. It attaches easily to virtually any machine and rotates 115 degrees for optimum versatility. The Heavy Duty Pole Setter saves time, money and effort while maximizing the amount of work done in the course of a day. It is available with an optional hydraulic hand tamper circuit for more versatility.

MATTRACKS RUBBER TRACK CONVERSION SYSTEMS OVER 100 MODELS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS UP TO 50,000 lbs GVW CUSTOM BUILDS AVAILABLE Karlstad, MN / 877-436-7800 / 218-683-9800 / mattracks.com

TOUGH HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Skid steer attachment handles any terrain Use Grouser Productsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; V3 FlexPlane attachment with any make and model of skid steer. Featuring a unique pivoting action, the heavyduty attachment has a versatile self-adjusting blade that rotates to contour to uneven terrain. Manufactured from heavy-duty components, the V3 FlexPlane features two double-beveled hardened cutting edges. The attachment is available in five models: 72-, 78-, 84-, 89- and 96-inch lengths.

Rotobec Construction Breaker

To learn more call

Rotobec Power Attachments

or visit:

Clamshell Buckets

www.rotobec.com

EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 71 Untitled-39 1

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SEE US AT

CONEXPO

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

The extra uptime is

FREE!

Lower costs for parts and service will pay back your investment fast with Beka-Max automatic lubrication systems... and there’s no extra charge for the added productivity from your equipment! • More production, less unscheduled downtime • Longer life for critical components • Expert factory support with dealers nationwide

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TRAILERS FOR YOUR MARKET designed for you. built to last.

XL 110 Hydraulic Folding Gooseneck

XL 110 Low-Profile HDG

Check out XL Specialized Trailers’ 110 Low-Profile HDG and the full line of market leading construction heavy haul trailers - designed for you and built to last. BOOTH #2744

877.283.4852 toll free | WWW.XLSPECIALIZEDTRAILER.COM/EW

December 2013 • EquipmentWorld.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

Whatever you need in ground protection mats, is your ORIGINAL source

• 1/2" thick polyethylene • Supports 120 ton vehicles • Leaves turf smooth in soft conditions • Withstands record heat & cold • Never get stuck again

MAKE YOUR JOB A LITTLE BIT EASIER Installed in your vehicle, you can measure distance as you drive accurate to 1 foot per mile. Easy to operate, simple to install, can be shared betweenseveralvehiclesonaquickplug-inbasis.Applicationsinclude: SafetyZoneLayout–EstimatingMaterialRequirements–Documenting Quantities – Pre-Bid Measurments – and many more. Used by Asphalt/ Concrete/PipelineContractors,State/County/City/LocalHighwayDepts. Visit www.jamartech.com to see more details.

Saves Time • Quick Pay Back • 5-Year Warranty • From $430 JAMAR Technologies, Inc. 1500 Industry Rd. Hatfield, PA 19440 Order online at www.jamartech.com or call 1-800-776-0940 Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

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• 1/2" thick polyethylene • Features the bold diamond plate tread on one side and a finer, slip-resistant tread on the other side • Ideal for 120 ton vehicles as well as pedestrian traffic

MORE FEATURES MEAN MORE VALUE

3/21/11 1:39 PM

Steel Shot Blasted • Powder Coat Paint 5 Year Structural Warranty Grote Harness LED Lights 7-10 Year Warranty Central Grease System 35 & 50 Ton Traveling Tail

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40 & 55 Ton Traveling Axle

800-428-5655

SAFETY TECH OUTRIGGER PADS

Turn-A-Links - Lock mats together to form a continuous roadway Handi-Hooks - Steel rod makes moving mats easier MAT-PAK - The complete package. Call for details. Call for the name of your nearby dealer:

888-544-6287

sales@alturnamats.com

www.alturnamats.com Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

35 & 55 Ton Detachable

2014 Celebrates Landoll’s 45th Trailer Model Year Landoll Corporation Marysville, KS, USA

Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

Rugged, one piece pads with rope handle. Available in wide variety of sizes to suit every or any application.

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

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Send check or money order to: Toy Farmer Publications 7496 106 Ave SE LaMoure ND 58458-9404 Credit card orders call 1-800-533-8293

www.toytrucker.com Text INFO to 205-289-3715 or visit www.eqwinfo.com

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When you work hard in small spaces, you need AC big time!

Catalog for more information and products Call: 302.684.3197 • Fax: 302.684.0643 Write: 142 Broodkill Rd, Milton, DE 19968

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With over 700 different kits engineered and developed, count on Arctic Wolf™ for factory-style integrated air conditioning systems in ready-to-ﬁt kits. Loaders. Dozers. Excavators. Graders. Tractors. If your equipment has an engine and a cab on it, we can put cool air into it. Call today. 1-800-2 MR COOL or go online at www.hammondac.com and order your system and parts today.

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bulletin board a handy shopping guide for new and current products and manufacturers’ catalogs. Simply write in the appropriate Reader Service number on the Reader Service Card and mail it today.

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33 A-D

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PALADIN

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CATERPILLAR INC

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PP GIVEAWAY

800-633-5953

CE ATTACHMENTS INC

866-232-8224

PREMIER AUGER

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CONEQTEC UNIVERSAL

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REMU USA

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ROADRUNNER CONSTRUCTION EQUIP.

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COY CONGRATS

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ROTOBEC

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DRB AMERICA

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RUBBERTRAX, INC.

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SCHAEFER ENTERPRISES

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9 67

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EBAY

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FORD COMMERCIAL TRUCK

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800-223-4540

FORD COMMERCIAL TRUCK

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VACUWORX

918-259-3050

FUMOTO ENGRG OF AMERICA

www.FumotoUSA.com

VAIL

800-375-8245

GEHL

www.gelh.com

80 (BC)

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www.volvoce.com

GRIFFIN DEWATERING CORP

713-671-7000

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GROUSER PRODUCTS

800-747-6182

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HAMMOND AIR CONDITIONING

800-747-6182

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www.volvoce.com

HKX

800-493-5487

WD-40 COMPANY

www.WD40specialist.com

HYUNDAI CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

www.hecamericas.com

WHAYNE SUPPLY CO

800-494-2963

IMT, IOWA MOLD TOOLING CO.

www.IMT.com

WIRTGEN AMERICA INC

615-501-0600

JAMAR TECHNOLOGIES INC

800-776-0940

WOC

www.worldofconcrete.com

JET COMPANY

515-332-3117

XL SPECIALIZED TRAILER

877-283-4852

KOBELCO

www.kobelcounleashed.com

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EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 77

final word | by Tom Jackson TJackson@randallreilly.com

The RINOs charge:

Republicans return to the middle How much government do we want and how best do we achieve that?

ost construction contractors bleed red when it comes to politics. Being bootstrap, private enterprise kind of guys, they’re often dismissive of what they see as a bloated and inefficient government. But therein lies an irony and a dilemma. Tax-generated, public money comprised 33 percent of all construction dollars spent last year: $279 billion out of $843 billion (according to the tax-supported, government-run U.S. Census Bureau). Public construction will probably total 29 percent of all construction put in place this year. So it is ironic when contractors support anti-tax groups like the Tea Party and Grover Norquist’s American’s for Tax Reform, seeing how taxes fund almost a third of the construction industry. The dilemma is what to do, because there is a lot of bloat, waste and inefficiency in the government, even if it isn’t in the public construction sector, which is all low-margin, competitively bid work. “Hope is not a plan,” was one of the conservative memes ricocheting around the Internet a while back, and that’s absolutely true. Here’s another truth: Being against everything is not a plan, either. With Chris Christie earning his second term as governor of New Jersey and Bradley Byrne winning his first election to the House of Representatives from Alabama’s District 1 in November, what we may be seeing is resurgence of moderate Republicans (sometimes dismissively referred to as RINOs, Republicans in name only). And this may spell the beginning of the end for the Tea Party. If the trend continues it

78 October 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com

could bring a chance of passing a legitimate highway bill. Remember the multi-year infrastructure funding process we had for half a century, right up until Congress went crazy with their continuing resolution gridlock showdowns about five years ago? Much as the Tea Party would like, we can’t shrink the government to zero. The issue we have to settle first, before any discussion of taxes, is the question: how much government do we want and how best do we achieve that? If the Republicans can distance themselves from their ideological firebrands, perhaps the Democrats can repress their Bolshevik tendencies and meet them in the middle. Bradley Byrne is a smart politician. He’s not as liberal as many pundits think. He took on the education lobby and tackled some thorny problems in his brief career in Alabama politics. His district, Mobile, is one of the top job-creating industrial powerhouses in the Southeast. And this is the most conservative state in the union. The Tea Party opposed him and lost. I don’t want to see the Tea Party go away. Nobody else in the country is holding the government’s feet to the fire. The national media are nothing but cheerleaders for one side or the other. But the Tea Party has to come to the realization that the majority of people are not going to be for you if your ideology is to opposed to everything the government does. Give us a plan. Not a reason to vote against, but a reason to vote for. Tell us what you would cut and what you would keep. If you want a country with no government, move to Somalia. EW

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