Devices grab hours (above) and fuel. Blair Kinker started 2003 with a $42-million equipment budget. But by last spring, the Virginia Dept. of Transportation fleet manager was told he didnt have a penny. Fiscal belt-tightening is hurting public and private fleets. "We have to make sure that we are capturing utilization numbers. Then we have to make some hard and fast decisions," said Kinker at a Jan. 25-27 Association of Equipment Management Professionals conference in New Orleans. VDOT spending still is on hold this year, he says. Some managers are attacking the problem with automation. Mike Monnot, Zachry Construction equipment
Equipment theft could be costing owners $1 billion a year and the problem is growing as crime rings get into the act, according to National Equipment Register, New York City. A new study by the security firm found that skid-steers remain the most commonly stolen construction item at about 23% of all incidents, followed by backhoes at 20% and loaders at 12%. Texas, North Carolina, Florida, California and Georgia have the most thefts, accounting for 33% of all stolen machines. "There is more equipment in some states than others [and] I think that is the overriding factor," says NER President
Welder/Generation Kohler LPG Engine The new Ranger 250 LPG, an engine-driven welder/generator, is intended for environments where gasoline and diesel emissions are unacceptable. The unit is powered by low emission liquid propane gas and delivers 250 amps for welding at 100% duty cycle and 9,000 peak (8,000 continuous) watts of 120V/240 AC generator power. One of three new features is an enhanced downhill pipe welding mode for fast travel speeds. Lincoln Electric Co.; 888/355-3213; www.lincolnelectric.com Roller New Concept for Compaction Manufacturer introduces the new GW750 vibratory rubber-tired roller for tender mix Superpave applications, stiff HMA mixes and SMA. It develops
Cut-Off/Grinder Cordless This versatile 4-1/2-in. cordless cut-off and grinding tool is powered by the manufacturers 18-volt battery system. Model DC410KA produces 350 maximum watts and is suitable for maintenance crews, mechanical contractors, concrete formers, iron workers, glaziers, commercial floor installers, highway workers and other professionals. DeWALT; 800/433-9258; www.DEWALT.com Skid-Steer Loaders Engine Upgrades Skid-steer loaders SK818-5 and SK820-5 have been upgraded with Tier 2-compliant engines. The SSL line, which currently consists of five models, meets Tier 2 EPA emissions regulations. They range from 47 to 83 hp (turbocharged) with operating capacities reaching 2,200 lb. Skid steers SK818-5 and SK820-5 are the
Utility Loader Post Hole-Digging and Shallow Trenching Powered by a 13-hp Honda air-cooled gasoline engine, the new Dingo TX 413 compact utility loader is equipped with a Toro-patented control system. This feature, combined with a joystick that controls all attachment movement, makes the unit easy-to-operate for both experienced and first-time users, the manufacturer says. The Dingo TX 413 offers a 420-lb lift capacity and 360� visibility. Hydraulic attachments are powered by a three-pump system. Toro Dingo; 800/344-8676; www.toro.com/dingo Multi-Purpose Power All-In-One-Unit This hydraulically driven power system, called Genesis, mounts to the bed of a mechanic service truck close to the
LOOKING UP. Potain deal is inked. (Photo courtesy of Manitowoc Crane Group) An American-owned manufacturer announced on Jan. 12 that it inked a lucrative $10-million deal with Nanjing No. 3 Yangtze River Bridge Co. Ltd. to design, build and deliver the two largest tower cranes in the firms 76-year history. The order marks a big step for Potain, a French arm of Manitowoc Crane Group, Manitowoc, Wis., as it continues to seize Chinas booming opportunities for heavy-lifting tower cranes. Potain first engaged China with a manufacturing joint venture in 1985. Today, it fully owns a plant in Zhangjiagang and faces
Roadbuilding Mounting Bracket Better Vibration for Paving Machines A manufacturer of concrete vibrating equipment has developed a new, single isolator mounting bracket that attaches its hydraulic vibrators to any brand of paving machine reducing concrete build-up and improving consolidation. This single isolator mounting bracket only requires two bolts to secure the vibrator heads. The bracket is featured on the company�s new 2500# impact rotor offering better force in the proven Wyco Square Head vibrator. Performance of the new features can be checked by using the maker�s Smart Translator Monitoring System. Wyco Tool Co.; 800/233-9926; www.wycotool.com Excavator: Multi-Job Solutions The new
NEAR MISS. Manufacturers disagreed on contract terms. (Left photo by Terex Corp. and Right photo by Caterpillar Inc.) Two of the largest equipment manufacturers in the world have terminated a nonbinding agreement to acquire and cross-promote their mining-equipment businesses. In a surprising turn of events, the huge win-win deal between Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., and Terex Corp., Westport, Conn., fell through early last month. The two manufacturers evidently could not agree on terms after more than five months of due diligence, despite the obvious benefits for both companies. First announced last July, Caterpillar tentatively agreed to sell intellectual property covering
Wheel Loader Hydrostatic Transmission The new WA320-5 wheel loader, featuring the manufacturers electronically controlled advanced technology hydrostatic transmission, is designed to handle a variety of jobs in the government, utility, construction and other markets. Powered by a turbocharged Komatsu SAA6D102E-2-A air-to-air after-cooled engine, the WA320-5 delivers a net output of 166 hp and fully complies with Tier II regulations. Other features include a traction control system and a spacious operators cab. Komatsu America Corp.; 847/970-5815; www.komatsuamerica.com Stump Cutter Fits Through Tight Openings The SC60TX stump cutter is designed to help tree contractors and land clearing operators achieve higher performance in
Manufacturer's Information Color Selection Guides Architectural Coatings Manufacturer offers three new color selection guides that provide detailed information on Megaflon coatings, Duranar coil coatings and Duranar extrusion coatings. The guides are designed to showcase the coating lines and introduce architects, designers and building owners to the wide variety of available colors. The Megaflon color selection guide was updated to show a broader selection of colors in solid and metallic coatings, with the addition of eight new colors and many more metallics. The Coil and Extrusion Coatings Group of PPG Industries; 800/258-6398; www.industrial-coatings.com Dump Trailers Heavy-Duty Gauge Steel Design Heavy-duty trailers