A new crop of John Deere graders due to arrive at dealers this spring will offer customers the freedom to choose between two modes of steering. The new G-Series includes six models ranging from the 185-hp 670G to the 275-hp 872G. Photo: Scott Blair / ENR Deere offers operators two steering modes. In its new graders, Moline, Ill.-based Deere was faced with an important decision, as these important roadbuilding machines have been coming out with cleaner diesels whose emission controls tend to sap fuel. Caterpillar in 2006 radically replaced its graders’ steering wheels and control levers with joysticks to serve
New product announcements: 03/18/2009 Rotary Hammer: Lower Vibration Bosch rotary hammers now include the new Vibration Control system for reducing operator vibration. The system employs a slightly larger air cushion between the piston and pin to reduce vibration during impact and a redesigned handle with rubber built into the top and bottom to absorb the shock. The new pin design also contributes to faster drilling in concrete. Bosch Power Tools and Accessories; 877-267-2499; www.boschtools.com Hydraulic Power Packs: Portable Portable Hydraulic Power Packs from Chicago Pneumatic are available in four compact models. The largest pack is less than 30 in. to a
New product announcements: 03/11/2009 Hydraulic Breaker: For Mid-Sized Carriers The HB 3600 hydraulic breaker attachment is designed for carriers in the 35-to-63 tonne weight class. The breaker delivers up to 560 blows per minute and accepts a maximum hydraulic flow of 79 gallons per minute at 2,610 psi. It can be used for demolition, trenching, foundation work, tunneling, rock mining and secondary breaking. An automatic shutoff feature prevents any damage if excess hydraulic pressure is delivered by the carrier. Atlas Copco; 413-746-0020; www.atlascopco.com Illumination: Light Tower Supplies Power The ML30 EX light tower features 1,250 W parallel lamps and can
New product announcements: 03/04/2009 Self-Cleaning Drain: No Clogs The Permaflow self-cleaning drain by PF WaterWorks replaces the standard p-trap on kitchen and bath sinks used to prevent sewer gases from entering a building. Its clear plastic body is engineered to increase turbulence in the drain and surrounds a wiper that is rotated by turning an external wheel to remove clogs. The see-through capability also allows items to be retrieved from the trap. PF WaterWorks; 877-265-9777; http://www.pfwaterworks.net/ Rugged Light Truck Tire: Takes Heavy Loads The new Wrangler DuraTrac is designed for pickups and other light trucks that need to get around rough
California contractors are breathing easier but environmentalists feel smoked after a last-minute proviso to relax California’s off-road-diesel emission regulations made it into the state’s final budget, which passed the state legislature on Feb. 19 after five months of contentious negotiations. Photo: Tudor Van Hampton / ENR Under pressure from construction lobbyists, California lawmakers have relaxed diesel-engine emission cuts. The California Air Resources Board had developed the rules for existing equipment set to kick in next year. Now, it gives extra credit to fleets that started reducing emissions prior to the mandate, thanks to extreme lobbying pressure from the construction industry.
Buyers should beware of construction cranes that have not been inspected by an expert source, say original-equipment manufacturers after discovering fakes and taking legal action against manufacturing pirates. At least three separate cases of Chinese-made counterfeits have surfaced in the past six months. Photo: Terex-Demag Fake Demag was found in China. “We have two issues: One is that a company is infringing our rights, and the other is that we think it really is affecting safety,” says Klaus Meissner, director of product integrity for Terex-Demag in Zweibrucken, Germany. Though he says Terex has initiated “some legal proceedings” against a Chinese
New product announcements: 02/25/2009 Durable Generators: Idle Control Saves Fuel Three new generators are packed with the latest Subaru 10, 12 and 14-hp overhead-cam engines and are built of heavy-duty steel for extra durability. The 5,000 and 7,100-Watt units can operate continuously for up to 8.3 hours, while the top-line, 7,800-Watt machine runs up to 7.5 hours. All models are available with pull or electric starters and feature automatic idle control, which lowers the engine speed while the mill is not producing power, saving fuel. Robin America Inc.; 800-277-6246; www.robinamerica.com Cold Recycler: Get on Board the Road Recycling Train The new
While cement remains the most widely used building material in the world, its ubiquity has proven to be a blessing and a curse for large cement companies. Stalled construction worldwide has spurred a dramatic slump in sales for the three largest cement manufacturers, Cemex, Lafarge and Holcim, whose acquisition debt has just made financial matters even worse. Photo: C.J. Schexnayder / ENR Cemex’s only presence at World of Concrete was a mixer in the Peterbilt booth. With prospects dour for 2009—Cemex expects demand to drop 15% in the U.S. this year—the pressure on the firms’ bottom lines has only increased.
A last-minute proviso to delay California’s diesel regulations made it into the final state budget, which the state Legislature passed late last month. The state Air Resources Board’s decision to start replacing or retrofitting off-road diesel engines beginning next year is now delayed two years thanks to some extreme lobbying by the construction industry, including the Associated General Contractors of California and Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition. The new guidelines will give contractors full credit for any vehicle retirements made between March 1, 2006, and March 1, 2010. Contractors also may carry forward credits for reduced fleet activity, and fleets
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