With signs of rising activity in the U.S. and China construction markets, global equipment manufacturers reported strong sales in the second quarter of 2017, following a period of consolidation and reorganization.
Looking for the bright side of the construction crane market has taken considerable effort in the last few years, but an uptick in sales in the first half of 2017 and an increased level of interest from customers has crane manufacturers reevaluating their product lines and rental firms shoring up their distribution channels.
Nearly $400,000 worth of construction equipment allegedly stolen from multiple jobsites in the upper Mid-Atlantic has been recovered, thanks to coordinated police work and a sharp-eyed aerial drone.
Caterpillar is focusing its CONEXPO presentation on demonstrating a remotely operated dozer and its expanded telematics reporting, but is also dealing with the fallout from a raid by IRS and Commerce Dept. agents of its Peoria, Ill. headquarters on March 2.
The annual parade of heavy iron past the viewing stands at the Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., is often taken as a bellwether for the health of the equipment industry.