New product announcements: 05/27/2009 Wheeled Excavator: Heavy Duty and Road Ready The EW230C wheeled excavator is in the 20-ton weight class, and is designed for heavy-lifting applications such as the laying of large pipe and digging into hard materials. The rear axle weight does not exceed 12 tons when fitted with a standard counterweight, allowing the excavator to travel on roads. The excavator features a heavy-duty slew ring for extra durability, and a two-pump load-sensing hydraulic system. It is available with a either a mono or two-piece 18-ft, 8-in. boom. Volvo Construction Equipment; 828-650-2000; www.volvo.com Circular Saw: High Power in Lightweight
Several U.S. senators are pushing federal agencies to step up their response to reported health problems in houses with drywall imported from China. Lawmakers have in hand a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency analysis showing that unlike the U.S.-made product, Chinese-made drywall contains sulfur and two other organic compounds that occur in acrylic paint. EPA’s study, released on May 19, also says Chinese drywall samples had 10 times the level of strontium found in U.S. wallboard. Photo: AP/Wideworld EPA analysis shows Chinese-made drywall contains sulfur not found in U.S. product. The lawmakers used a May 21 hearing of the Senate consumer
It looks like some exotic piece of machinery for exo-planetary exploration, but in reality it is a futuristic concept cooked up by Volvo Construction Equipment of what an automated road paver in the third decade of this century might look like. Photo: Volvo Constructions Asphalt mix is delivered in insulated pods that are prepositioned ahead. Related Links: Monster Machines Doing Heavy Duty in California General Motors Tests Diesel-Like Powerplant To Meet Future Fuel Economy, Carbon Cuts The Swedish construction equipment builder unveiled a model of its “Fenix” asphalt paver in late April at the Intermat equipment show in Paris. Volvo
Exactly one day after President Obama announced a new plan to clean up gas-guzzlers and carbon emissions in the transportation sector, General Motors on May 20 said it is working to combine the advantages of gasoline and clean-diesel technology to meet those goals. Photo: General Motors Gas engine is 15% more effiicent. Related Links: Monster Machines Doing Heavy Duty in California Volvo's Fenix Asphalt Paver Concept Is a Vision Of Automated Processes and Sustainability Tested so far on midsize cars and in the lab, GM says that homogeneous-charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines produce 15% greater fuel economy and equally less
Construction pros are no strangers to heavy equipment, but two new machines working on the eastern span of the $5.5-billion San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge make most ordinary tools look like children’s toys. Slide Show Photo: American Bridge/Fluor Enterprises Inc. Joint Venture The muscular Left Coast Lifter can now begn to erect steel on the New Bay Bridge. Related Links: Volvo's Fenix Asphalt Paver Concept Is a Vision Of Automated Processes and Sustainability General Motors Tests Diesel-Like Powerplant To Meet Future Fuel Economy, Carbon Cuts Mike Flowers, project director for American Bridge/Fluor Enterprises Inc. joint venture, says he knew very early
New product announcements: 05/20/2009 Natural-Gas-Powered Concrete Mixer: Cleaner Air and Quieter Operation The McNeilus CNG Concrete Mixer is powered entirely by compressed natural gas and meets EPA 2010 heavy-duty engine emissions standards for nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. The mixer has lower overall fuel costs than similar diesel-powered mixers, and it is much quieter when in use. McNeilus; 507-374-6321; www.mcneiluscompanies.com Impact Driver Attachments: Less Bit Breakage Impact Ready accessories are made to withstand the added torque of impact drivers, reducing instances of slippage and bit breakage. The stronger design allows for more reliable drilling into stainless steel, sheet metal, steel studs
New Product Announcements: 05/13/2009 Tube-framing System: No Welds Needed The tube-framing clamp system allows for the framing of roof opening without welding. The lack of welds saves time and simplifies construction, and the clamps can be relocated and adjusted as needed with minimal disassembly. Each system has a distributed load capacity of 3,000 lb. End clamps slide over joists and under a roof deck, which allows for the framing to be installed with the roof deck already in place. Chicago Clamp Co.; 708-343-8311; www.chicagoclamp.com Water Heater: Storage Tank Prevents Scaling Armor Water Heaters are now available in three new models,
Following a 45% decline in the global steel market, one of the world’s largest steel producers is putting the brakes on production. Luxembourg-based Arcelor Mittal, which is a major producer of reinforcing bar, among other construction materials, has virtually shuttered its Cleveland plant. Arcelor Mittal says it does not know when steel-making operations would resume. In related news, U.S. Steel announce on May 19 it is closing most of its steelmaking operations at its plant near Birmingham, Ala., which will affect 1,300 of 1,700 workers.
Inside a darkened classroom in Mokena, Ill., a student lowers a face shield and braces a MIG torch above a small podium. The class hears the sounds of electric arcs hissing, while they size up the incoming weld as part of a contest to see who has the best “golden arm.” Photo: Tudor Van Hampton / ENR A pipefitter apprentice at Local 597 performs MIG welding in the virtual world. In a few seconds, the exercise is over, yet no sparks, heat or fumes—no real welding—actually happened here. It was all performed in a simulated world, a Guitar Hero for
New product announcements: 05/06/2009 Pile-Drive Analyzer: New Interface for Simpler Calibration The redesigned SPT Analyzer is designed for monitoring calibrated standard penetration test rigs in deep soil prior to the laying of deep foundations. ASTM and many state transportation department regulations require the periodic calibration of SPT rigs, and the SPT analyzer gives instant feedback on the performance of rigs. This updated model has a simplified interface for easier use, with a bright color touch screen. Battery life has been extended to eight hours of continuous functionality. Pile Dynamics Inc.; 216-831-6131; www.pile.com Insulation Installation: High Output The RotoStorm Insulation Blower is
RSS
