New lifting device may debut in North America later this year. (Photo by Tudor Hampton for ENR) A crane mechanic grew tired of watching high-rise workers struggle to deliver building materials to upper floors, so he invented a device to make the job easier. Eitan Leibovitz, 61, calls his creation the "Magic Arm," an under-the-hook lifting attachment designed to replace landing platforms and hoists. "Everybody is trying to bring the load inside the building; I brought the crane inside the building," says Leibovitz, chairman of Israel-based ConTex. view video | The first prototype arrived last year and Leibovitz has
Versatile Handler Lift-and-Place Machine The VR-530C material handler is designed to combine the versatility of a tool carrier with the reach and capacity of a lift-and-place machine. It has a compact footprint, a turning radius of 12 ft, 8 in. and a lightweight and rigid three-stage boom that angles 62� up and extends to a maximum lift height of 30 ft and a maximum forward reach of 21 ft. Working speeds, forward and reverse, range to 4.6 mph with available inching. Travel speeds range to 15.4 mph. The machine has a Perkins 100 hp, four-cylinder diesel engine. Ingersoll-Rand Co.; 877/472-7263;
FleetFix Coolant Conversion System FleetFix Conversion Pack contains all materials needed to convert conventional coolant currently being used in heavy-duty vehicles and stationary equipment to an extended life coolant without having to drain, flush and refill the cooling system. The manufacturer says the product, which can be used in any equipment requiring a heavy-duty coolant, regardless of fuel type, is best suited for customers with over 100 pieces of equipment in transportation, mining, construction and agriculture markets. ChevronTexaco Products Co.; 713/954-6143; www.chevrontexaco.com Earthmover Pull-Type Tracked Scraper This pull-type tracked earthmover, the I-180TS, has an 18-cu-yd (heaped) and 14.5-cu-yd (struck) capacity.
Reciprocating Saw Heavy-Duty Front Hand Grip The new WSR 1400-PE reciprocating saw can be used for cutting bricks, concrete blocks and asphalt, as well as wood, metal, plastic and plaster. It features the manufacturers Smart Power system to help maintain constant blade speed under load. A 13.5-amp motor and six speed settings provide the right amount of power and cutting speed for each job. In addition, the saws orbital action allows faster, more aggressive cutting. The saw also is equipped with the makers Active Vibration Reduction System, which reduces vibration and provides the operator with better working comfort. Hilti Inc.;
Davit Crane Electric Wire Rope Hoist Manufacturer introduces a newly designed material-handling davit crane to meet the U.S. Dept. of Commerce requirements for performance, operation and safety. It features a Columbia HD650 AC electric wire rope hoist and is best suited for material handling and maintenance service applications with long lift distances. Maximum lifting capacity of the APPI Model 4FFM Davit is 400 lb. The Columbia hoist on this unit comes with 115 ft of 5�32-in. wire rope and has an average lifting speed of 25 ft per minute. An upper limit switch and a removable remote pendant control are
If Captain Kirk were an equipment operator, this would be his chair. On the right, a single joystick steers. To the left, a color computer screen shows travel direction and speed. The one-piece console rotates automatically as the operator moves the machine from forward to reverse. All thats missing is sound advice from Mr. Spock. In Control Paving operators dont have to twist their necks, thanks to a new cab design.(Photo by Tudor Hampton for ENR) Mounted independently of the frame, a climate-controlled cab slides 12-in. side-to-side for visibility. Underneath, two access doors swing open and a hydraulic hand pump
Caterpillar Inc. is carving out a larger share of Chinas healthy market for construction machinery by purchasing a minority interest in one of the countrys leading producers of front-end wheel loaders. The contract gives Peoria, Ill.-based Cat the option to buy all remaining shares of Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Qingzhou City, China, in 2007. "Our interests are long-term to acquire 100% ownership," says Cat spokesman Benjamin S. Cordani. The manufacturer made the announcement March 22. No more details were disclosed. The wheel loader is one of the most sought-after machines in China. The country produced 92,800 of them last
Trench Roller Uses Hand-Held Cable Control The new Rammax trench roller features a hand-held cable control. This allows the operator to control the rollers functions from a safe distance, especially in trenches where job site injuries can occur, says the manufacturer. Model P33/24FCR produces 15,652 lb of impact force and is suitable for any large soil compaction job. It is available in either 24 or 33-in. drum configurations with cable control or in combination with the construction industrys only solar-powered transmitter that never needs recharging. Multiquip Inc.; 800/421-1244; www.multiquip.com Anti-Theft Device Locks Mechanically A new anti-theft device, called the Stabilizer
Skid Control VHS and DVD Formats This video-based training program uses computer-animated dramatizations and actual demonstrations on skid pads to focus on skids and skid recovery, while also offering tips and guidelines on prevention. The program provides key information on vehicle control factors, specific causes of skids as well as types of skids. It also includes commentary from transportation professionals. J.J. Keller & Associates Inc.; 800/327-6868; www.jjkeller.com 2005 Tool Catalog 240 Pages of Products A full line of contractor-grade hand tools and equipment for the building trades is featured in this new 240-page catalog. It contains over 3,000 products
Hydraulic Excavator Automatic Shift Down Manufacturer introduces the TB1140, a 15-ton hydraulic excavator with an operating weight of 31,370 lb, a digging depth of 18 ft, bucket breakout force of 22,188 lb, reach at ground level of 28.1 ft and a dump height of 20.4 ft. New features include a two-speed travel system that monitors ground conditions and automatically shifts from high to low speed when additional track power is required as well as primary and secondary auxiliary hydraulic circuits featuring thumb-operated proportional controls. Takeuchi Mfg.; 770/831-0661; www.takeuchi-us.com Backhoes Excavator Controls This WB140PS-2N backhoe loader is one of five models