United Rental is the world's largest equipment rental company. (Photo courtesy of United Rentals Inc.) A top executive at United Rentals Inc., the world’s largest equipment rental company, has less than one month to answer to alleged accounting errors. The ultimatum came almost a year after the company announced that it was "cooperating" with a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission probe. John N. Milne, president and CFO of the Greenwich, Conn.-based equipment supplier, "failed to perform his duties" after refusing to answer recent boardroom questions related to the pending SEC inquiry. A special board committee recently found evidence that equipment
Concrete Boom Pump Compact Outrigger Spread The new 40Z-Meter concrete boom pump is mounted on three axles with a net reach of 107 ft, 7 in. At less than 56,000 lb, it offers a compact and ultra-lightweight design for the reach class. The Multi-Z boom configuration eases concrete placement in difficult-to-reach places. Fully hydraulic outriggers with integral cylinders are 20 ft, 11 in. in the front; 23 ft, 1 in. in the rear. Putzmeister America; 800/884-7210; www.putzmeister.com Compact Excavator Digs Deeper and Faster The new 323 compact excavator can access tight spots. It retracts to just 39 in. wide from
Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. executed a two-for-one stock split on July 13, after its pre-split price closed just under $100 that afternoon. The Peoria, Ill.-based company also raised dividends by 22%. The adjustments reflect Cat's positive outlook for the rebounding equipment business. Chairman Jim Owens says, "we haven't yet reached our full potential." Over the last year, Wall Street analysts have hammered manufacturing stocks, complaining that machine prices are too low to offset higher raw-material costs. But that attitude is changing as price increases hit the balance sheet. "We believe better raw material comps and pricing will start making
All-Terrain Vehicle Durable, Reinforced Rubber Tracks RangeRunner is an all-new utility vehicle that is gaining popularity in markets that include utility, government, construction, agriculture and more. It features twin independently driven rubber tracks that are supported by a dynamic suspension system. An optional front and rear auxiliary hydraulic system allows hydraulic attachments to be added through quick-pin receiver hitches. With 1,650 sq in. of track surface supporting the 1,580-lb vehicle, it can safely transport personnel and cargo while maintaining a ground pressure at or below 1.0 psi. TerraTrak; 800/523-6993; www.terratrack.com Boring Attachment Confined Areas A new boring attachment drill is
Entrance System Long-Lasting Durability The PerforMax, an entrance system suitable for use in schools and other facilities, is designed to handle high-traffic areas. The frame jamb consists of an internal steel angle and the door stile has an internal steel bar used to mount hinge hardware. The top rail and header with integral door stop have continuous internal steel bars for mounting surface closers. Vistawall Architectural Products; 800/869-4567; www.vistawall.com Residence Hall Furnishings Adapts to Needs of Students Sustain Residence Hall Furniture has high-quality construction, versatility for students and environmental sensitivity. It comes in three finish colors and four chair
Mobile Power Station For Trucks A fully integrated AC power generation system designed exclusively for trucks is featured in this brochure. It explains and illustrates how contractors can turn their vehicles into a mobile power station with the Real Power AC generator. The brochure lists features of the AC generator, which is driven directly off the truck’s existing power take off (PTO) gear. It also compares the benefits of this new option to other alternatives such as portable generators and inverter-based power generation systems. Contour Hardening Inc.; 888/867-2184; www.realacpower.com Tilt-Up Construction Offers Design Ideas The Architecture of
Excavators Additional Power to Confined Work Areas New hydraulic models, the PC18MR-2 and PC 20MR-2, are added to the MR-series of compact excavators. Both units feature automatic two-speed travel that automatically shifts from high to low speed based on the load. Due to the new certified two-post ROPS structure on the models, the operator can now enter and exit the machine from both sides. Also included is a neutral engine start system to help eliminate accidents caused by sudden movement of the upper structure at start-up. Komatsu America Corp.; 866/513-5778; www.komatsuamerica.com Milling Machine Quick Drum Change The new W2000
Ride-On Roller Increased Productivity Designed for maximum productivity, the new BW100A-4 tandem ride-on vibratory roller is built with larger fuel and water tanks. Fuel tank capacity is now 10.6 gallons, a 15% increase over the previous model, whereas the water tank can handle 58.1 gallons, a 22% increase. The unit also offers an operating weight of 5,291 lb and 39.4-in.-wide drums. It is powered by a 33.7-hp, 3-cylinder water-cooled Kubota diesel engine and produces up to 8,550 lb of centrifugal force per drum, a performance increase of 15%. Bomag Americas Inc.; 800/782-6624; www.bomag-americas.com Telehandler 4-Speed Forward and 3-Speed Reverse The
Online purchase of construction equipment just got safer -- or at least more comfortable. eBay on June 2 launched business equipment purchase protection for transactions between $1,000 and $20,000 for certain categories of capital equipment, including construction equipment. The coverage, which is free for buyers and sellers, protects U.S. buyers against fraud and material misrepresentation. Buyers using eBay's PayPal payment system already are protected up to $1,000. eBay has been offering similar coverage for automobiles within its motors category for more than two years. Fraud so far hasn't been a big problem on eBay, the company claims. "Less than 1/100th
High-performance Glove Shock-Absorbing Pads New high-performance glove line features three distinct, sleek styles. One style to be introduced this spring is Framer’s heavy-duty glove, which is designed for framing and building professionals. It is made of premium grain goatskin with a half-finger first, second and thumb making it easy for exposed fingers to work with fasteners and other small parts. The glove’s design combines hand protection with a better sense of touch and features reinforced palm patches, shock-absorbing knuckle padding and a spandex back. Illinois Glove Co.; 800/342-5458; www.illinoisglove.com Safety Supervisor Project Management Tool Company offers an electronic system for
RSS