Clamp-Down Mounting Base Flexible and Reusable This clamp-down mounting base for concrete-placing booms can be clamped down to a foundation or structure, provided the structure is strong enough to absorb reaction loads. When used with self-climbing form systems, the base can become part of the framework and ride with the form scaffolding. The clamp-down base can be used with or without a tower. It can be attached to an 80-ft, freestanding tower for climbing to a 20-ft tower within a form-frame system, or merely clamped to floor truss work. Putzmeister America; 800/884-7210; www.putzmeister.com Shot Blaster Strips, Cleans in One Pass
BREEZY Air studies may boost fuel economy. (Photo courtesy of FreightLiner LLC) For one West Coast-based manufacturer, research gained from studying the aerodynamics of heavy-duty trucks will be a critical next step in squeezing efficiency out of cleaner, pricier diesel engines and fuel. On April 13, Freightliner LLC unveiled the worlds first truck-specific wind tunnel, which it financed and built near its headquarters in Portland, Ore. A subsidiary of Stuttgart, Germany-based DaimlerChrysler, the truck manufacturer claims that the new steel-framed facility was the most-rapidly built and lowest-priced, full-scale wind tunnel on the planet. The 12,000-sq-ft building and wind tunnel were
An air-pollution district in metropolitan Los Angeles overstepped its authority when it enacted six "fleet rules" in 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court decided on April 28.
Tool Tote Alternative to Tool Belt The new Tool Tote with shoulder strap is introduced as an alternative to a tool belt. The oval-shaped tool bucket is constructed of rugged, double-layered, 600 x 300 denier polyester to resist wear and tear on the jobsite. A contoured, padded, slip-resistant shoulder strap provides hands-free mobility for the user. Two-in.-wide polypropylene padded carry handles with leather wraps are tested for 900 lb. Tool Tote also includes five interior pockets, a large interior compartment and seven exterior multi-pockets for a variety of hand tools and a mobile phone. Klein Tools; 800/553-4676; www.kleintools.com Power Distribution
Telescopic Handler Reaches New Heights The new 535-140 telescopic handler, a 7,000-lb payload, 45-ft total lift height machine, is aimed at increasingly popular three-story housing developments and retail construction, the manufacturer says. Available in stabilized or sway/stabilized versions, the machine combines its lift height and forward reach with a compact chassis to provide a highly maneuverable model with the ability to perform in confined areas. The 535-140 is powered by a naturally aspirated 82 hp engine, turbocharged 100 hp engine or 120 hp engine. JCB Inc.; 888/742-5522; www.jcb.com Tiltrotator Wrist-Like Performance The tiltrotator can be likened to a wrist for
Ride-On Trowel With Electronic Steering This new concrete ride-on trowel, model CRT 48-31V-ES-E, features an electronic steering mechanism. The manufacturer has replaced the traditional mechanical steering mechanism with an advanced fly-by-wire system. Modeled after electronics used in the aerospace industry, the steering system is comprised of an on-board computer that allows the operator to direct the trowel through the use of two joysticks. Wacker Corp.; 262/257-4131; www. wackergroup.com Skid-Steer Option Change Attachments Without Leaving Maching Super Boom skid-steer features a hydraulic mount plate that allows the user to exchange attachments right from the seat. The Attachment locking levers are engaged
A recent judgement over German crane technology could give one global manufacturer a distinct selling advantage. A district court in Mannheim, Germany, ruled on April 2 that Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH violated a key piece of intellectual property developed by Terex-Demag GmbH, a crane producer wholly owned by Terex Corp. of Westport, Conn. Another crane firm, U.S.-owned Manitowoc Crane Group, may face attacks from Terex as well, according to those involved in the trial. The patent in question is Demags "Sideways Superlift" option, an innovative stability attachment for cranes introduced in 2001. According to company reports, it has been popular for
Circular Saw Rubberized Cord Package A new 71/4-in. circular saw, designated R3200, features a number of notable enhancements. These include magnesium blade guards, a quick release bypass button allowing cuts up to 51.5° and the maker�s exclusive 12-ft all-rubber cord package. The saw is equipped with a 15-amp motor, operating at speeds up to 5,800 rpm. It offers a more accurate cut as a result of the full-length kerf indicator. This added feature makes it easier for the user to view and follow the indicator, says the maker. RIDGID Inc., 800/474-3443; www.ridgid.com Drill Bit Sharpener Restores Worn Drill Bits Model
Pump Line Replacement Extra-Strength Grates Mayco�s LS Series concrete pumps, including three new models, offer volume outputs from 40 to 60 cu yd per hour and handle aggregate from 3/8 to 1 1/2 in. in diameter. The LS Series, which replaces the ST Series, boasts vertical and horizontalpumping distances up to 300 ft and 1,200 ft, respectively. All models come standard with a hopper remixer, a 10-cu-ft hopper capacity, hydraulic oil cooler and 6 by 36-in. concrete cylinders. One improvement from the predecessor ST Series is the extra-strength grates with reinforced splash covers. Multiquip Inc.; 800/421-1244; www.multiquip.com Tire System Easy
Scheetz claims his 350-hp tractor can go anywhere". In the spirit of legendary inventor R.G. LeTourneau, an ambitious gear head in Indiana has designed a muscular off-road tractor that has people talking about new possibilities for soft-ground earthmoving and ordnance removal in war-torn countries. The high-speed unit, still in prototype stage, sports a patented, rubber-tracked undercarriage that displaces only 8 lb per sq in. while towing a pull-type scraper. A former Illinois hog farmer and earthmoving contractor, Tim R. Scheetz of Richmond, Ind., believes his new invention will help users boost scraping productivity and improve the safety of off-road hitching