New product announcements: 01/06/2010 GNSS Receiver: Improved Surveying Capabilities The GRX1 global-navigation-satellite-system (GNSS) receiver from Sokkia features an updated SCH250 data collector, which is compatible with the latest edition of Spectrum Field Survey Software. As a part of a larger GNSS network, the receiver greatly increases the precision of measurements and has new features to improve its data-logging capabilities. It has three means of wireless communication to ensure connectivity: digital UHF radio, GSM/GPRS modem and a Bluetooth module. Data also can be collected via a built-in memory-card slot. Sokkia Corp.; 913-492-4900; www.sokkia.com Portable Truck Scale: Weigh Loads at the Site
New product announcements: 12/30/2009 Natural-Gas Engines for Trucks: Low Emissions Kenworth Truck Co. is now offering Cummins Westport ISL G natural-gas engines for its T800 and W900S models. The ISL G engine operates on either compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas. The engine has a maintenance-free, three-way catalyst and does not require the use of selective catalytic reduction or a diesel particulate filter. The engine is rated at 320 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque and is 2010-compliant. The engines can be configured to suit user applications and range requirements. Kenworth Truck Co.; 425-828-5000; www.kenworth.com Electrical Panel Covers: Meet
Terex Corp., Westport, Conn., on Dec. 20 agreed to sell its mining equipment business to South Milwaukee, Wis.-based Bucyrus International Inc. for $1.3 billion in cash. Them firm plans to use some of the proceeds to buy companies “beaten down by the recession,” says Chairman and CEO Ron DeFeo. If the deal closes by the end of next quarter as planned, Bucyrus would provide a wider global footprint in mining, which Terex lacks. Terex would have had to invest $150 million to $200 million “in order to take this business to the next level,” says DeFeo. The move positions Terex
Caterpillar Inc. CEO-elect Douglas R. Oberhelman (pictured, at left) on Dec. 22 handed over the keys to the world’s first diesel-electric bulldozer—specially gift-wrapped with a bright red bow—to Dan Klingberg (right), president of Joliet, Ill.-based T.J. Lambrecht Construction Co. Now in full production, the machine made its debut inside Cat’s East Peoria, Ill., tractor plant. The new D7E is the result of 10 years of research and development and 100 new patents. The D7E prototypes were put through more than 70,000 hours of lab and field tests, say CAT officials. The machine costs about $600,000, a 20% premium over a
Dan Klingberg, president of Joliet, Ill.-based T.J. Lambrecht Construction Co., took control of the world’s first diesel-electric bulldozer and says he will put it to use on a project at O’Hare International Airport next month. Caterpillar Inc.’s Vice Chairman and CEO-Elect Douglas R. Oberhelman (pictured, at left) on Dec. 22 handed over the keys to the world’s first diesel-electric bulldozer. Related Links: Video: Big Electric Cat World’s First ‘Hybrid’ Dozer Keeps Up with Bigger Cats Klingsberg took the keys from Caterpillar Inc.’s Vice Chairman and CEO-Elect Douglas R. Oberhelman on Dec. 22 at the manufacturer’s East Peoria tractor plant and
New product announcements: 12/16/2009 Lightweight Cab Cover: Durable The TrailPro SS Series soft-sided cab-cover system is designed specifically for Jon Deere Gator XUV and HPX models. The cover system easily mounts to the Gator’s factory-installed operator-protection system. The doors have lift-off pin hinges for easy removal, and the windshield can be lifted for better airflow. The cab system is made of heavy-duty vinyl, with a thermoformed, crack-resistant roof and a polycarbonate, scratch-resistant windshield. Optional accessories for the TrailPro SS cab system include windshield wiper, work lights, a roof-mounted strobe light and a snow plow. The Curtis Industries; 800-343-7676; www.curtiscab.com Chiller
The construction industry in Washington state is not ready to meet a new rule that will require some 10,000 cranes there to be inspected and certified by a licensed inspector by Jan. 1. Photo: Teqne New rules will soon hit Washington cranes, such as this one that was shut down last year for alleged deficiencies. The crane's owner has since settled with the state. Related Links: Crane Anxiety Towers From Coast to Coast California Enforces Standardized Testing Partial Settlement Announced For 2006 Fatal Crane Collapse Crane Failures Foul Up Texas' Already-Poor Safety Record "Crane operators have been busy," says Hector
New product announcements: 12/09/2009 Finishing Concrete Bridge Decks: All-Hydraulic Rig The Model 4836B Bridge Deck Finisher has all-hydraulic controls for both the mainframe and the dual-roller finishing carriage, allowing for much simpler operation than previous models. The broad 36-in. mainframe and 5-in. finishing carriage lift are powered by 25-hp engines. A hydraulically controlled roller tamper allows for fine adjustments to surface finishing, and a single-piece drag pan prevents seams from forming. Allen Engineering; 870-236-7751; www.allenpavers.com Three-Stage Water Pump: Now With Tier 3 Engine The Three-Stage Jet Pumps from Griffin are now available with Tier 3 engines for better performance and
New product announcements: 12/02/2009 Rotary Hammers: Anti-Vibration System The new line of DeWALT heavy-duty SDS Rotary Hammers feature the SHOCKS Active Vibration-Control system, which reduces vibration by up to 50%. The 1-in. SDS hammers are capable of up to 4,300 bpm, with a large hammering mechanism that generates 2.5 ft-lb of impact energy. The D25323K and D25324K hammers are compatible with the DeWALT D25300DH dust-extraction system with HEPA filter. A quick-change keyless chuck system is available on the D25324K. DeWALT Power Tools; 800-433-9258; www.dewalt.com Grading System: Upgraded for Reduced Error The upgraded AccuGrade laser-based grading system for Caterpillar’s C-Series Skid-Steer
In seismic zones, construction of concrete high-rises keeps getting easier, thanks to advances in high-strength reinforcing steel used for confinement of high-strength concrete. The first use of 100-ksi rebar, in a just-opening 31-story tower in Seattle, is getting pretty high marks from the structural engineer and rebar fabricator. And the first use of a more price-competitive 90-ksi rebar in a project in nearby Bellevue, Wash., is getting even higher marks. Slide Show Photo: Cary Kopczynski & Co Avalon Towers benefited from the lower cost of the material, which was produced using standard methods. The advantage of using the material on
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