Suspension System Upgrade Better Control RoadTamer suspension offers heavy-duty work truck operators a smoother ride and increased control while towing building, construction or landscaping trailers. It combines a fully engineered air suspension, comprised of two control arms and a control link (panhard rod) that is installed laterally between one of the control arms and the frame. The system also features the maker’s exclusive SmartAir electronic height controlled automatic leveling system that is used in conjunction with a heavy duty compressor for complete hands-off control. Air Lift Co., 800/248-0892; www.airliftcompany.com Dodge Ram Work Truck Upfit Friendly The new 2005 Dodge Ram
Lean and Mean. Portable factory spins out steel pipe within hours. (Photo courtesy of Contech Construction Products Inc.) Why wait weeks and spend thousands of dollars transporting construction materials across the continent when you can make them right on the jobsite? That’s the idea behind a new trailer-mounted factory called the Mobile Production Vehicle, or MPV. In addition to situations where large stormwater pipe would require costly road permits to move, the vehicle’s "ideal location is a remote site that is far away from one of our plants," says Andy Sabados, a vice president at Contech Construction Products Inc. The
Precast. New resource may spur competition. (Photo courtesy of Rizzani De Eccher/Deal) The authors of a new how-to manual want to help builders avoid common pitfalls associated with segmental bridges. "We’ve all made mistakes," says John D. Armeni, chief estimator for major projects at Atlanta-based APAC Inc., and chairman of a 25-member committee that has drafted Construction Practices Handbook for Segmental Concrete Bridges. The manual may soften the learning curve for builders working with segmental designs, Armeni says. One chapter titled Lessons Learned reviews mistakes made on past projects, such as unsafe overloads and delaminated decks. Such discussions are "long
Pending deal snaps together two scaffolding companies. (Photo Courtesy of Aluma Systems) Two of North America’s largest suppliers of engineered scaffolding are set to merge this year, a move that would occur during a time of strong demand for such specialty equipment. Brand Services Inc.,St. Louis, has signed an agreement to purchase Aluma Enterprises Inc. of Toronto. The deal was announced on May 23. Terms were not disclosed. Brand Services, a 5,500-employee rental firm owned by New York-based JPMorgan Partners, reports having an annual revenue of $347 million last year. Aluma Systems, a $219-million-a-year operating unit of Aluma Enterprises Inc.,
Liftgates Gentle Level Ride System Two new Magnum Tuckunder liftgates feature large 80 in. x 60 in. platforms, power-up and power-down operation and GLR–Gentle Level Ride. The MTU-3000 and MTU-4000 models offer increased productivity with the new pallet friendly GLR system. The GLR wedge design platform tilts gently at the ground with no sudden moves or jerks. Also, wider rollers under the platform distribute weight to help eliminate parking lot dig-in when tilting. Anthony Liftgates Inc.; 800/482-0003; www.anthonyliftgates.com Ground Heaters More Powerful Designed for the construction industry, this new E2200 ground heater, replaces model E1700. It incorporates more hose, more
HP Series Breakers Rock Breaking Applications The largest model of the new HP Series line of breakers is the HP 16000. It has an operating weight of 17,200 lb and is designed to fit excavators weighing 75 tons and up. The HP 16000 offers a hydraulic flow of 86 to 111 gallons per minute and up to 3,400 psi to provide high impact blow-after-blow, says the manufacturer. Also, the new slim line design provides improved maneuverability and increased operator visibility. Indeco North America; 800/542-6637: www.indeco-breakers.com Rammers New Handle Helps Reduce Vibration These gasoline-powered rammers–the MT-65HA, MT-74FA and MT-84F–can be used
Instant Access. Workers maneuver the loaded arm from above and below. 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 already sold about 20 units. Nycon
The U.S. economy slowed in the first quarter, slipping to a 3.1% annual rate from its previous 3.8% pace. That may be starting to pull down monthly construction equipment shipments, but they still are way ahead of where they were a year ago, and so are prices. "We’re seeing continued strong demand," says Dennis R. Slagle, president and CEO of Volvo Construction Equipment North America Inc. The unit’s Sweden-based parent company, which also owns Mack Trucks Inc., reports a first-quarter sales jump of 17% compared with a year ago. Its operating margin also jumped from 5.1 to 8.7%. Slagle says
Milling Machine Ergonomic Design The W35 is one of the newest and smallest models added to the manufacturer’s product line. It is an extremely compact and easily maneuverable three-wheeled milling machine with an operating weight of 5,401 lb. Several different milling drums are available for special jobs, such as for removing road markings. It has an all-new ergonomic design with an operator’s station located over the cutter drum. Additional features include a cutting width of 14 in. and cutting depth of 2.4 in. Wirtgen America Inc.; 615/501-0600; www.wirtgengroup.com Anti-Theft Protection System Rotary Hammer Line Manufacturer introduces an anti-theft protection system
Surveying Total Stations With Onboard Software The TPS800 series of total stations is for a variety of surveying and construction applications. The new models are easy to learn and optimized for field usage, the maker says. The TPS800 products come in three levels of accuracy–2 in., 3 in. or 5 in., and feature a minimum reading of 1 in. They offer ease of use, fast start-up routines, a large high-resolution display and alphanumeric keypad with mobile-telephone-style data entry. The TPS series is also equipped with an easy-to-use function that permits shots to a hidden point pole to measure inaccessible points.
RSS