Heavy Equipment Guide March 2020, Volume 35, Number 3

HEAV Y EQUIPMENT GUIDE MARCH 2020

MOBILE SCREENS

AN IN-DEPTH REPORT 12

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Contents

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

12

MARCH 2020 | VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3

24

IN-DEPTH REPORT

36

40

FEATURES

28 Contractors working in the cloud

12 In-depth report: mobile screens

20 Customer-driven improvements boost new wheel loaders

30 Paving smarter with intelligent compaction

24 Connect, analyze and adapt

34 Talking mud, from mixing to disposal

How the new age of construction software tools informs better business planning

26 Total station takes two-for-one approach

Dual functions allow users to complete a layout and scan on one setup

Eight benefits driving contractors

toward cloud-based software options

Drilling fluid can be an important part of helping HDD crews work more efficiently

36 Highlights from The ARA Show 40 Medium-duty resurgence

Mack launches new line of Class 6 and 7 vocational trucks

42 Prioritizing maintenance delivers peak performance Cover photo: Keestrack Equipment at Frontline Machinery.

36 Green access solutions rise to meet eco-friendly equipment demand

SECTIONS 10 Spotlight 12 In-Depth Report 20 Earthmoving & Excavation

DEPARTMENTS 24 Construction Business Management 30 Roadbuilding & Rehabilitation 34 Underground Construction

36 Rental Focus 40 Trucks & Transportation 42 Equipment Maintenance & Management

8 45 45 46

MARCH 2020

Editor’s Letter Advertiser Index Highlights from the Web Last Word

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 7

VIEWPOINT Riding technology forward

W

hen I first started to spend time around heavy equipment, the main thing that owners were looking for in their machines was “will it start and will it move dirt.” There wasn’t a lot in the way of bells and whistles on the dozers and excavators that I knew in the B.C. bush up through my teens, because that was how the owners, operators and mechanics liked it. When it came time to get to work, that machine needed to run with minimal maintenance and be usable by whatever operator might be behind the controls.

Over time, that has changed and the heavy equipment market has begun to slowly embrace the advent of technology. Admittedly this has happened somewhat slower than other industries, but that’s changing.

The pace of technological development beyond the industry seems to have drawn it along, and the changes in demographics that we’ve seen as a whole in North America are also driving some of this change.

One of the early product launches I covered was Cat’s launch of the M-Series motor graders with the much-touted joystick controls. That in itself was pretty impressive, but even more so were the simulators that allowed inexperienced operators to quickly understand the controls and operation of the graders that, within an hour, we were running live. Since then, of course, simulators have become a trusted part of equipment training for all kinds of machines – and today virtual and augmented reality systems have begun to expand the ability of operators to learn and interact with their equipment and the jobsite around them.

A similar technological leap is occurring in the machine control sector. We’ve gone from an era in which operators had to rely on surveyors, grade sticks and string lines to reach the grade required for any particular construction job to one where designers can produce 3D models on their desktop computer, upload those models onto machine control systems across the board, and reach precision targets far easier than ever before. This area is still expanding; Komatsu’s proactive dozing logic system, as an example, is incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence into control systems – its dozers learn as they work and are capable of cutting grade based on what the machine has sensed as it moves across the jobsite.

That, of course, leads toward yet another advancement that is still ahead of us: autonomous machine operation. We have seen numerous moves toward remote operation of heavy equipment, whether that involves an operator with a control box nearby on the jobsite or, potentially, someone back in the office with a simulated cab. However, truly autonomous operation is still in the research and development phase.

My colleagues and I have seen numerous concept machines running autonomously, or in some cases being operated by experimental machine control systems mounted onto production machines, but commercialization is still somewhere in the near future.

Finally, there are the developments in power systems. As battery technology improves, heavy equipment becomes more likely to move toward electrification; this is the next logical step for the industry when it comes to emissions reduction, and one that some manufacturers are already taking. Aggregates equipment has a strong foothold in electrification already, and we’re seeing some earthmoving equipment moving that direction as well. It’s a slow process, but getting there.

It’s been quite a ride from those days when owners just wanted big iron that could push dirt through to today’s technological wonders. I’m excited to see how this industry keeps that wave going into the future.

Lee Toop Editor

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE MARCH 2020 VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 3 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lawrence Buser lbuser@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 310 EDITOR Lee Toop ltoop@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 315 MANAGING EDITOR & DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 330 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sam Esmaili sam@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 110 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Gilmour dgilmour@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 105 MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Arnie Gess agess@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 115 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Anderson production@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 222 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Morena Zanotto morena@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 325 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Ken Singer ksinger@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 226 VICE PRESIDENT/CONTROLLER Melvin Date Chong mdatechong@baumpub.com FOUNDER Engelbert J. Baum Published by: Baum Publications Ltd. 124 - 2323 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC, Canada V5M 4V8 Tel: 604-291-9900 Toll Free: 1-888-286-3630 Fax: 604-291-1906 www.baumpub.com www.heavyequipmentguide.ca @HeavyEquipGuide FOR ALL CIRCULATION INQUIRES Phone: 1-855-329-1909 • Fax: 1-855-272-0972 e-mail: baumpublications@circlink.ca Subscription: To subscribe, renew your subscription, or change your address or other information, go to: http://mysubscription.ca/heg/ Heavy Equipment Guide serves the Canadian engineered construction industry including: road building and maintenance; highways, bridges, tunnels; grading and excavating; earthmoving; crushing; trucking and hauling; underground utilities; trenching; concrete paving; asphalt paving; demolition; aggregates production; fleet maintenance; and asset security and management. The magazine is distributed to key industry personnel involved in these sectors.

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>> MARCH 2020

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SPOTLIGHT //

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

Keep up to date on the latest equipment and product introductions. Visit HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter at HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca/newsletter-info VERMEER CORPORATION

HIGH-CAPACITY, TRUCK-MOUNTED VACUUM EXCAVATORS Vermeer Corporation has purchased a minority equity investment in and signed a distribution agreement with Vacuum X-Traction Products Inc. (VXP). Through the agreement, VXP will supply a series of Vermeer-branded, high-capacity, truck-mounted vacuum excavators to be sold exclusively through Vermeer industrial dealers. The first of these products is the VXT500 vacuum excavator.

The VXT500 is an 8-inch vac with an 8-yard spoil tank capacity. It is ideal for utility applications where a higher-capacity machine with a smaller footprint is desired. The VXT500 joins a family of VXP-manufactured vacs featuring vacuum blowers that deliver 5,000–6,400 cubic feet per minute and spoil tank capacities ranging up to 16 yards. In addition, VXP has built and will offer a vacuum excavation truck equipped with a pressurized detachable box and a truck with an extendable long-reaching boom for specialty applications.

DOOSAN INFRACORE NORTH AMERICA

MINI EXCAVATOR WITH REDUCED TAIL SWING

NEW HOLLAND

NEW SERIES OF SKID-STEER AND COMPACT TRACK LOADERS The 300 Series consists of 11 models in radial lift or Super Boom vertical lift. These models range from 60 to 90 gross horsepower, have rated operating capacities from 1,600 to 4,500 pounds, and feature a dump reach from 18.5 to 35.5 inches. Features include a new 8-inch multifunction LCD display with reverse camera, straight-line tracking improvements, fully upgraded electrical harness and more.

New Holland says that customers have more visibility when loading high-sided truck boxes. The Super Boom vertical lift linkage offers outstanding visibility and height; a see-through area on top of the cab gives a clear view to the bucket, even at full height.

The low-profile track undercarriage improves durability and helps reduce noise. The long wheelbased SSLs and steel-embedded track CTLs offer the operator a smooth ride and excellent stability.

Doosan’s new DX62R-3 is a reduced tail swing model that provides increased maneuverability and accessibility for excavation work in limited spaces.

The tail swing profile offers just 4.9 inches of side overhang, allowing customers to work in confined areas with more flexibility to maneuver.

The design of the DX62R-3 utilizes the basics of the existing Doosan mini excavator and builds on it by adjusting the positioning of the excavator upperstructure to the undercarriage to reduce tail swing length. Moving the swing centre forward extends the machine’s digging reach by 11 inches while maintaining the desired machine balance.

THE TORO COMPANY

ELECTRIC COMPACT UTILITY LOADER

The new Toro e-Dingo 500 compact utility loader allows end-users to realize all the benefits and power of a standard compact utility loader with no fuel costs and zero exhaust emissions. The e-Dingo is powered by a lithium-ion battery designed for tasks that require heavy or continuous operation. The maximum operating capacity of 515 pounds reduces labour and hauling time. The e-Dingo features Toro’s 4-Paw independent 4-wheel-drive system and true spin-turn performance. A wide range of existing Dingo attachments are compatible with the new e-Dingo models.

PETTIBONE

NEW TELEHANDLER MODEL Pettibone’s Traverse T1246X telehandler features a traversing boom carriage with capability to move loads by travelling horizontally, which allows operators to safely place loads at full lift height without having to coordinate multiple boom functions.

Lift height is 46 feet 6 inches, which exactly matches its landing height.

The traversing boom provides up to 70 inches of horizontal boom transfer, allowing for a maximum forward reach of 35 feet 10 inches. The telehandler is powered by a 117-hp Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4 Final diesel engine that helps it achieve a maximum load capacity of 12,000 pounds.

The engine is mounted on a side pod for easy service access while allowing excellent curbside visibility and ground clearance of 19 inches.

Drivetrain and axles have been optimized to provide greater tractive effort with minimal tradeoff on top end speed.

A pintle hitch mount adds versatility for towing. Built for use on rough terrain, the unit offers full-time 4-wheel-drive with limited-slip front axle differential. Tight steer angle capability provides an efficient turning radius of 14 feet 4 inches. The Dana VDT12000 Powershift transmission offers three speeds, forward and reverse.

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

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BAY-LYNX

VOLUMETRIC MIXER BUILT WITH HARDOX STEEL Bay-Lynx’s brand-new Titan volumetric mixer is a lighter, stronger machine than previously offered.

The Titan has a new design that takes advantage of Hardox 450 steel to remove unnecessary weight and maximize payloads. According to the company, that choice helps the unit handle anything that operators can throw at it, which increases service life significantly. The steel also helps provide better dent and scratch resistance, avoiding rust problems, and keeps trucks in the fleet in like-new condition much longer.

Bay-Lynx’s BatchPro 3.0 operator’s panel automates the mixer setup process and helps the user communicate directly with dispatch via BatchPro Connect software.

The mobile app takes on operational tasks such as receiving detailed jobs from dispatch, direct communication with the mixer, taking jobsite photos, collecting signatures, printing tickets and sending updates directly to dispatch, creating faster and more accurate mixer calibrations, and sending maintenance reminders.

Fleet management and communication is handled by the dispatch platform, which can create and assign jobs, create mix designs and upload them to machines quickly, track jobs with digital tickets, get live pour information from mixers, and receive status notifications from operators.

Customers can submit orders on their schedule through an order portal, and those are sent directly to dispatch.

MAKINEX

WORLD’S SMALLEST 23KW 480V THREEPHASE GENERATOR

Less than one third the size and weight of comparable towable and skid generators, the 23kW is the world’s smallest three-phase 480V generator in this class. Featuring large wheels and weighing only 410 pounds, the 23kW easily fits through doorways and can safely be taken in internal/external elevators to get power where it is needed, without losing power over long cables from the street.

The 23kW uses permanent magnet brushless alternator technology and has completely independent circuits for 120V and 480V. This guarantees clean 480V three-phase power that is unaffected by any load on the 120V circuit.

These advance alternator features result in 15 percent more power than from conventional copper wound alternators, and eliminates electronics used to regulate voltage. In addition, the generator comes with industry standard 50A, 30A and 20A outlets, and is able to run single-phase and threephase equipment simultaneously.

MARCH 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 11

IN-DEPTH REPORT: MOBILE SCREENS

THE SCREE

By Lee Toop, Editor

T

he final step in producing marketable aggregates is separating material into the various products that end-users need and want for their projects. So, after crushing, that material is screened and sorted into sellable sizes. While stationary screens have been used for years, mobility has become more important to quarry operators, and screens mounted on tracks or wheels are found in many operations. Automation and updates to technology have made mobile screens an efficient and productive part of aggregates operations.

Versatile for multiple products

There are generally two types of mobile screen on the market today, according to Daryl

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

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Todd, president of Keestrack dealer Frontline Machinery. Scalpers and classifying screens have important parts to play in preparing aggregates for sale.

“Scalpers are built to withstand harsh applications and the toughest of materials. They are mainly used for the primary scalping of material up to 1,000 mm in feed size (often referred to as oversized) and for the splitting of material from 12 to 200 mm. Some scalping screeners are available with flip flow screens for screening of difficult materials with high moisture content or for sticky material,” Todd explained. “Classifiers are mainly used for screening of fine fractions and a finished product from 2 to 50 mm.”

Finishing screens can be integrated into crushing equipment, Todd noted; Keestrack jaw, cone and impact crushers can have classifiers

built on in one-, two- or three-deck designs that recirculate oversize; this approach can cut down on the amount of machinery required.

Screens are built in multiple designs, with multiple decks depending on the customer’s needs, explained Patrick Reaver, inside sales director with Astec Mobile Screens.

“You have traditional horizontal screens, high incline screens, multipurpose scalp screens and then high-frequency screens all offered in mobile platforms,” Reaver said. “Most of them are a combination of two and three decks.”

Mobile screens are important parts of the process for aggregates producers because they are flexible and productive in a variety of situations, Reaver noted.

“Everybody is looking for really easy mobility, which leads to some of the small units get-

EEN SCENE

ting even smaller – and at the opposite end of the spectrum you have the big units getting bigger for those who are worried about production more than mobility,” he noted.

With some operations handling more than just virgin aggregate, some mobile screens do have multiple jobs. Metso, for example, offers screens in its Lokotrack ST series in two types, according to Jarmo Vuroenpaa, product manager, mobile screens.

“Multi-use screens are typically used in various types of applications, from primary scalping and topsoil handling to recycling and sand screening.

Fine aggregates screens are optimized to work as part of a multi-stage Lokotrack crushing and screening plant; however, equipped with a tipping or vibrating grid, fine screens can be fed with a wheel loader,” he explained.

Versatility is a big driver when it comes to purchasing a mobile screen over another option, according to Toni Laaksonen, McCloskey International senior vice-president. Being able to move machines from quarry to quarry, and then swap out screen media for more end products, is a real bonus.

“Add on the multiple configurations of screen media, including fingers, bofors, punch plate, wire mesh, urethane square mesh or speed harp and you create a versatility that delivers multiple high-quality products into the market. The bottom line is wheeled screeners deliver portability, and tracked screeners allow for high mobility, whether they are inclined screens, horizontal screens, wet or dry, or trommel screens,” Laaksonen said.

Productivity, efficiency and reliability are important aspects of mobile screens, said Patrick

Messmore, Kleemann technical sales manager.

“Kleemann screens fit well into aggregate production facilities because they boast high production in the screening process, excellent efficiency through low fuel consumption, and reliability with their robust component design,” he noted. Mobile screens are versatile, quick to set up, and are simple to operate – those aspects are key to making them a big part of any aggregate operation.

Taking advantage of automation

For quite some time, screens have been considered to be a secondary piece of the equation when it came to a quarry operation. However, with new updates taking advantage of technology improvements and automation, these machines have become more central to the process, Reaver said.

MARCH 2020 >> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 13 METSO LOKOTRACK ST4.10

IN-DEPTH REPORT: MOBILE SCREENS

KLEEMANN MOBISCREEN MS953I “Mobile screens have always been looked at as a side piece that you would use outside of your system, just to add an extra product. . . today you’re seeing people bring those into the main system – maybe they had a stationary system before and are now creating a full tracked spread, or bringing that tracked screen in as part of the stationary spread,” he said. “Once they do that, they want to have a little more features and benefits, or have more artificial intelligence.”

Automation on screens can encompass a range of functions; Metso’s larger screens, for example, have the ability to communicate with other Lokotrack units to help keep processes stable and balanced, Vuroenpaa noted. In other cases, more direct automation is available.

There are numerous parameters on screens that need to be monitored and maintained to ensure efficient operations, Todd said, including the RPM, amplitude, G-force and inclination. “If these parameters are properly adapted to the application, the highest productivity can be achieved. The role for the manufacturer is to simplify the calculation and setting of those parameters as much as possible.”

Intelligent controls can monitor those parameters as well as other machine operations to keep reliability up, Todd added, something that can bring central lubrication systems into the automation mix as well.

Kleemann has taken its own approach to automation, providing operators an easier way to run their machines. “Via a remote control panel operating system, the customer has total control of the entire plant from one single operating panel,” Messmore said. “Three connection points around the machine allow the operator to maintain positive visual control at all times.”

An automated operating mode for starting up the screen is also available, providing an efficient and intuitive process for operators, Messmore added.

Remote operation is making it easier for operators to ensure productivity remains high, Laaksonen said. “Productivity itself remains something that is a combination of measured product and quality or spec product. It is the latter that remains largely a manual 14

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

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and visual process as machines are being set up to run at their maximum capacity without sacrificing the quality of the product they are intended to make.”

Telematics, monitoring and other technology

Technology is making a big difference in the ways that customers can use their mobile screens, Messmore said, especially as telematics are added to the mix. Kleemann machines are fitted with the company’s WITOS telematics system, which provides multiple benefits thanks to the ability to remotely access information about their machines.

“Being able to monitor the equipment from a dis-

tance allows Kleemann owners to make smart business decisions based on the performance of a plant,” he said. “Usage tracking and determining that a machine could be better utilized in a different job or a different setup will allow them to be more efficient in their business.”

The WITOS system can track information including fuel consumption, machine settings, fault codes, engine parameters, historic data and maintenance scheduling, all information that can help improve productivity for both the owner and Kleemann’s dealer network, which can diagnose issues faster remotely.

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SMALL FOOTPRINT

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IN-DEPTH REPORT: MOBILE SCREENS

ASTEC MOBILE SCREENS GT205S Technological advances that can handle the harsh environment of quarries are helping improve accuracy and consistency of measurement for producers, according to Laaksonen. “Data and information are key to monitoring and maintaining equipment, and telematics not only allows fleet visibility of location and operation, but can also be used for maintenance and machine error warnings, as well as collecting remote diagnostics data. The more information we have on a machine and its performance, no matter where it is, the more capable we are of lengthening its productive lifespan through proper maintenance and service.”

Connectivity is a big part of the technological advances included in mobile screens across the board.

Metso has given its machines the opportunity to connect on a broad scale, Vuroenpaa noted.

“All Lokotrack ST mobile screens have the possibility to communicate via satellite to a Metso Metrics remote system, providing online information on machine performance,” he said. “In the future, integrated solutions with belt scales will enable enhanced

possibilities to control and optimize the process.”

For Todd, the ability to track Keestrack machines’ performance remotely is key to productive operation.

The Keestrack-er telematics system is web-based and uses GPS to allow transfer of data including engine performance as well as other functions and conditions to mobile or desktop computers.

“This allows for immediate reaction to avoid machine damages or reduced production,” Todd noted.

In addition, other solutions can be integrated, such as volume-based laser measuring scales that allow for real-time production monitoring and reporting to be accessed remotely for immediate insight into performance and easier project management.

Power options central to updates

When it comes to improvements and advancements for mobile screens, much like other types of aggregates plant equipment there is one area that is broadly considered: electrification. Dual-power screens that can run on diesel or electricity are a

“A LOT OF THE TIME, PRODUCERS MIGHT ALREADY HAVE A LARGE GENERATOR OR LINE POWER ON THE SITE – IT’S CHEAPER AND MORE EFFICIENT TO RUN IT ON THAT VERSUS DIESEL, AND EMISSIONS-WISE IT WILL PRODUCE A BETTER FOOTPRINT.” PATRICK REAVER, INSIDE SALES DIRECTOR, ASTEC MOBILE SCREENS 16

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

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growing part of the industry.

“A lot of the time, producers might already have a large generator or line power on the site – it’s cheaper and more efficient to run it on that versus diesel, and emissions-wise it will produce a better footprint,” Reaver said. “For Astec, we have a redundant system – either a diesel engine that drives hydraulic pumps or electric motors that drive hydraulic pumps.”

Dual-power machines cut down on fuel use as well as reducing the amount of maintenance required to keep a screen running, Reaver noted; the ability to use line power rather than diesel means a significant reduction in operating costs.

Keestrack has also focused on electrification for its machines, Todd noted, using diesel-electric power with full electric options, as opposed to diesel-hydraulic drives.

“Screens only need the installed power for the starting process. In normal operation, only a minimal amount of the installed power is required. Hydraulic systems deliver the same amount of oil through the whole operation and create heat, which must be cooled in oil coolers. This results in poor power efficiency,” Todd said. “Electric driving systems deliver the energy which is required at the time of operation; consequently, 50 percent of energy can be saved with electric drives.”

While dual-power options are also available on Kleemann plants, the company has looked at everything from reliability of components, screen box sizing and inclination angles, to motor frequencies and amplifications and other areas to improve efficiency for its equipment.

“Kleemann’s focus on improving screen productivity and efficiency lets customers leverage advanced technology for higher productivity and profits.

Technology that allows operators to easily and safely operate the plant is key to ensuring a high standard of productivity,” Messmore said. “Kleemann has widened screen box sizes to optimize productivity and efficiency. Our EVO screens have great ease of access to all maintenance ports and the engine bay for service, which speeds up maintenance and keeps equipment running longer.”

High stroke and adaptability on Metso screens provide excellent screening efficiency in different applications, according to Vuroenpaa. Screen size has also been given plenty of consideration. “The new Lokotrack ST4.10 provides a full 5- by 20-foot

IN-DEPTH REPORT: MOBILE SCREENS screening area on all three decks. In addition, the products of all three decks can be mixed if so required,” he noted. “Special attention has been made in the design to ease closed circuit combination of the unit with large Lokotrack crushing units.”

Unique approaches to the way screens function have been part of their development over time; Astec, for example, uses multi-frequency technology; the screen has a conventional two-bearing vibrator, traditionally used on an incline screen that also has a high-frequency vibrator on the bottom deck. Combining the two increases the G-forces the screen can produce, which improves productivity. It also makes it easier for the screen to process material that has higher moisture content.

“We’re also looking at the kinds of smart systems and electronics we can have – are we able to integrate them into the system so that we can start to detect failures before they happen? It’s possible to make the machine react by turning off the feeder or taking other actions so that, in the event of one failure, we don’t experience an even larger failure,” Reaver added.

Another productivity improvement that Keestrack has considered is the way in which material stratification occurs on the screen deck, Todd related. “This can be achieved in the best way if the thickness of the material on the deck is in a perfect relationship with the screen mesh size. The thickness of the stream depends on the screen width and inclination,” he said.

“This is the reason why Keestrack screens have a width of up to 2,000 mm and classifiers can be set for different inclinations.”

Keeping screens safer

Aggregates operations have plenty of hazards for staff to be wary of, and screen manufacturers have kept that in mind when designing and updating their mobile screens.

“Safety is a key element during the whole design phase, taking into consideration all the aspects from operation to maintenance and transport,” said Vuroenpaa. “In practice, using high-quality components and modern design tools ensure both the dependability and safety of the solutions. For the customer,

“THE BOTTOM LINE IS WHEELED SCREENERS DELIVER PORTABILITY, AND TRACKED SCREENERS ALLOW FOR HIGH MOBILITY.” TONI LAAKSONEN, MCCLOSKEY INTERNATIONAL SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT this results in excellent uptime and high productivity.”

The challenge is always to ensure that personnel aren’t able to access dangerous portions of the machine while it’s in operation without impacting the overall design and operation, Reaver pointed out.

“The traditional thing is to have good guarding, but then you try to go beyond that and look at the overall setup of the machine – where are the operator controls in relation to transfer points, understanding how you would load and unload the machine off a trailer, because that can be dangerous,” he said. “Even knowing how it would go down the road – are there things that we need to look at because it’s going to be too big. . . it has your name on it as it’s going down the road, so you have to be cognizant of that. There are also things like shutdowns and E-stops around the machine, remote controls with E-stops on them – that’s always a good idea.”

Kleemann uses a number of features to ensure its customers are safe around their screens, Messmore pointed out. A remote control panel, for example, gives the operator total visual control of the machine when setting up or tearing down. Each side of the machine has a port where the remote can be plugged in so the operator can move from side to side and still see what’s happening.

In addition, Kleemann’s machines can be connected for quick emergency response. “When an E-stop

is depressed, all machines cabled together will safely come to a halt together, so the operators don’t have to worry about material spillage or overfilling hoppers or crushing chambers,” he said.

The WITOS telematics system also gives technicians and others the opportunity to monitor and maintain the machine remotely, ensuring that if there are problems arising they can be repaired quickly.

On Keestrack machines, hydraulically foldable walkways provide safer approaches for servicing, and screens can also be raised or lowered hydraulically for easier, safer access, Todd noted.

“To save time in changing screen meshes, fast tighteners for side tensioned meshes are available.

Machine controls offer special service modes which avoid any movements of components during access to the machine,” Todd said. “Furthermore, counterweights, shafts and springs are protected by covers.”

Laaksonen added that McCloskey encourages its customers to educate their staff on the equipment thoroughly as a key safety measure. “Proper training is key to prevention of incidents in any crushing and screening environment. Operators need to be aware and informed. We are also always striving to improve access to key areas of our screening plants to encourage regular maintenance and inspection, thereby reducing the number of incidents through prevention.” HEG

MCCLOSKEY S190 18

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>> MARCH 2020

CONTRACTOR TOUGH

Vacuum Trucks SALES · RENTALS · PARTS · SERVICE

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EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

CUSTOMER-DRIVEN IMPROVEMENTS BOOST NEW WHEEL LOADERS Redesigned Z-Bar loader linkage, improved cab, HVAC updates highlight L-Series additions

J

ohn Deere has expanded the L-Series Wheel Loader lineup with four new utility models, the 444L, 644L, 644L Hybrid and 724L. The new wheel loaders incorporate several customer-driven improvements to boost performance and productivity, including a redesigned Z-Bar loader linkage, an updated, ergonomically designed cab, electrohydraulic (EH) controls and a more robust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

“The new L-Series Wheel Loader line is a culmination of customer feedback, industry-leading innovation, and versatile machines that are made to perform in a variety of applications,” said Grant Van Tine, product marketing manager, wheel loaders. “Our customers expect machines that work as hard as they do. Having machines that are designed to improve productivity, provide all-day comfort and perform reliably day in and day out, makes all the difference.”

The powerful new wheel loaders were designed to maximize productivity. Horsepower has been increased from the previous K-Series models on the 644L, 644L Hybrid and 724L, boasting 249 hp (186 kW), 231 hp (172 kW) and 268 hp (200 kW), respectively.

The redesigned Z-Bar linkage provides improved visibility to the front attachment and near parallel lift, which is now 8 degrees. A change from previous models, this improves load levelling throughout the lift cycle. Additionally, the 724L hinge pin height 20

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on the standard Z-Bar was enhanced by 3 inches compared to the K-Series machine, increasing clearance when dumping into hoppers or trucks.

The all-new cab is filled with features designed to provide a firstclass work environment, including increased functional storage, durable seats and an improved HVAC system.

Customers can choose one of two cab options – standard or premium – to ensure their needs are met. Both options deliver three more inches of room between the pedals and the seat compared to the previous models. The standard cab features a deluxe cloth, air suspension seat, while the premium cab is equipped with a heated and ventilated heavy-duty air suspension seat. The premium cab also features automatic temperature control. The updated and relocated HVAC controls are easily reached, so the operator can adjust the blower speed or temperature with ease, while rear defrost improves cold weather visibility.

Easily control multiple functions

The single-lever hydraulic joystick control with an ergonomically designed grip is equipped with a standard forward-neutral-reverse switch as well as two multifunction buttons that can be programmed to control any of 10 different functions selected in the monitor. This helps operators easily control multiple functions without removing their hand from the joystick. Additionally, when properly equipped, the lever features integrated thumb rollers for auxiliary functions, making the single-lever

>> MARCH 2020

joystick capable of controlling up to six different functions.

With the new EH functionality, the operator can select how abrupt the bucket or boom stops and can adjust hydraulic flow percentage using the monitor for specific attachments.

The bucket vibrate feature aids when dumping or sprinkling loose material, while the EH precision mode allows for fine metering when placing pipe or heavy objects. The operator is able to store specific settings for up to 10 different attachments in the monitor.

In addition, the new constant auxiliary flow function allows the operator to continuously run attachments without having to hold a lever or roller.

The optional seat belt minder monitoring system sends an alert to JDLink if the seat belt is not latched within 30

seconds of releasing the park brake. A seat belt indicator beacon on the cab will illuminate green when the seat belt is in use.

The 644L and 724L machines are available with over 30 new pin-on and coupler bucket configurations, providing expanded options for customers.

The new Enhanced Production buckets improve performance and material retention over previous buckets with integrated spill guards, curved side cutters and greater rollback. New shaft style forks provide better visibility through the forks and to the fork tips.

With all the features of the new EH controls and programmable settings for a wide variety of attachments, the new L-Series utility wheel loaders offer the versatility operators need to tackle almost any application.

Doosan streamlines fulfillment process for specially configured machine delivery Doosan equipment customers can receive their new, specifically configured machines faster in the United States and Canada thanks to a streamlined fulfillment process.

Whether a crawler excavator with narrow tracks or a wheel loader with a counterweight, Doosan machines could arrive four to six weeks after the order is submitted.

A team of dedicated Doosan employees, including a manufacturing engineer, at the company's North American customization plant in Savannah, Georgia, oversee equipment final assembly and inspections stateside. The customization plant allows Doosan to provide machines sooner to Doosan dealers and customers nationwide.

About 75 percent of Doosan machines sold in the United States and Canada will benefit from the process, including crawler excavators, wheeled excavators, mini excavators and wheel loaders. The strategic approach allows Doosan to outfit equipment with requests such as crawler excavator track shoe changes, cab guarding, work lamps, beacons, counterweights, excavator dozer blades and more.

Steelwrist, Rototilt target work tool interchangeability Steelwrist and Rototilt aim to achieve global interchangeability between work tools with integrated oil couplings within the Symmetrical Standard.

The drive behind the alliance is based on Symmetrical Quick Couplers (S-type), the open industry standard which is the world's fastest growing type of excavator quick coupler.

The main goal of the Symmetrical Standard is to safeguard interchangeability between manufacturers of quick couplers, tiltrotators, buckets and work tools.

One reason for its success is that it is open and not controlled by one specific manufacturer.

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This independent tool is now available to all Ritchie Bros. customers for purchase.

The Market Trends application allows customers to understand the strength of an asset class through in-depth analysis of quarterly Ritchie Bros. transaction history, including market trends, equipment price performance, asset valuation curves, and mix-adjusted price indexes.

OEMs, dealers, finance companies and fleet owners will use Ritchie Bros.

Asset Solutions to better understand their own assets and market, creating a clear picture for what assets are owned, what assets are coming in on trade, and the overall state of the market.

Additionally, it provides OEMs insight into brand performance and how to market and adapt their operating activities to maximize company assets.

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MARCH 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 21

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

DRIVING DIKE REPAIR Vibratory pile drivers part of Sainte-Marthesur-le-Lac’s new dike rehabilitation

W

hen disaster struck in a small Quebec community recently, the response was quick, and the decision to repair the dike an easy one to make. Ensuring that the community wouldn’t face more problems called for very specific equipment use.

Two Gilbert Grizzly MultiGrip vibratory pile drivers were used in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac as part of the work to repair, raise and waterproof the dike.

Nearly five kilometres of sheet piling were driven during this work, which had to be completed as quickly as possible.

Urgent work needed

On April 27, 2019, a state of emergency was declared in Saint-Marthesur-le-Lac when a natural dike broke under the force of water, forcing the evacuation of 2,500 properties, or about 6,500 residents. These floods caused panic in this small municipality located in the Deux-Montagnes RCM in Quebec, which overnight evacuated nearly one-third of its population.

This disaster was a total surprise for the entire population, as they had trusted the dike for so many years. Within minutes after the breakage, several residents were able to see the water rising very fast on their property and were forced into an urgent evacuation.

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>> MARCH 2020

Quickly, echoes of this disaster were felt across the country as several teams from Sûreté du Québec, the Canadian army and neighbouring municipalities were deployed to provide assistance to the victims.

Following this highly publicized disaster, the Quebec government authorized the municipality to carry out the necessary work to secure its land base in anticipation of the 2020 spring flooding season as well as to protect against the anticipated effects of climate change over the next 100 years.

More specifically, the work involved reinforcing, raising and waterproofing the dike using sheet piling and riprap placed on the embankments. Aware of the importance of completing the work as soon as possible in order to ensure the safety of the residents and allow them to finally regain a certain peace of mind, the contractor in charge, ETPO Geodex, chose the Gilbert Grizzly MultiGrip for installation of sheet piling.

In total, nearly 2000 AZ 14-770 type sheet piles from 6 to 8 metres long were driven in order to carry out work according to internationally recognized technical principles and respecting the highest engineering standards.

The sheet piling, erected using vibratory pile drivers, will provide resistance that will allow the municipality to easily face future spring floods.

Accessibility and deadline challenge

Due to the proximity of residences, it was necessary to work with equipment that ensured easy access to the site while minimizing inconveniences caused to residents.

The Gilbert Grizzly MultiGrip, which can be installed on a 22- to 45ton excavator, proved to be the ideal equipment for the work.

Thanks to its great versatility, it was possible to quickly handle a large number of sheet piles while reducing ground vibration.

For Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac’s citizens, this disaster will undeniably leave its aftereffects for a long time.

A large number of houses had to be completely destroyed after the floods and will take months or even years

CM LABS

SIMULATION ALLOWS CREWS TO TRAIN FOR SAFETY AROUND ADTS CM Labs Simulations offers an expanded crew training capability that enables multiple operators to complete a collaborative task within the same virtual worksite, from connected simulators.

The exercise enables an excavator operator to learn how to safely and efficiently fill an articulated dump truck, while another trainee learns how to operate the truck, interact with the excavator, and drive on various types of terrain.

While these two operators are training within the same environment, another can provide guidance from CM Labs’ unique Signalperson Training Station. To round out the team, a fourth trainee can work from an Instructor Operating Station to monitor and direct operations. CM Labs’ simulators track all operating metrics during the collaborative training exercise, and roll them up into a single score for the team, which updates in real time.

CM Labs’ catalogue of crew training capabilities also includes the industry’s only simulation-based tandem lift exercises for mobile crane and crawler crane.

This type of collaborative training can be difficult and dangerous to reproduce with real equipment, especially for new trainees, due to the potentially hazardous interactions between equipment and personnel.

CM Labs’ crew training capability is embedded with Smart Training Technology, which ensures the highest

level of transferable skills available outside the real equipment.

“This crew training capability is unique to the industry,” says Julien Richer-Lanciault, “in that it is the only training solution that simulates critical machine reactions, such as the precise motion of the truck when dirt hits the trailer or when it is struck by the bucket. This allows operators to develop the sense of feel that is so critical to efficient operations.”

In helping to develop communication skills between operators and other personnel on the worksite, CM Labs’ crew training capability enables organizations to graduate operators that are better prepared for real-world productivity.

METSO

TRUCK BODY SAVES WEIGHT, IMPROVES PAYLOAD The Metso Truck Body is a one-piece hybrid haul truck body that combines the benefits of rubber and high-strength steel. The elastic rubber lining absorbs the energy of every impact, allowing for a lighter steel structure underneath.

Thanks to the characteristics of the rubber, the Metso Truck Body can absorb maximum shock at the lowest possible weight.

The low weight means that more payload can be hauled per round, while the long-lasting rubber lining reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

The result is lower overall operating costs.

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to be rebuilt.

The local population has faced low morale and many health issues due to concern over potential future flooding issues. Many of the residents have expressed that they are considering leaving the community entirely.

These human factors were drivers of the push to repair the dike as quickly as possible.

Thanks to the new high-quality design, which allows maximum protection against potential hazards from the water, the residents of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac are unlikely to face another disastrous flood in the future – allowing them to instead focus on healing of their people and the community itself.

1-844-GO-RIVAL MARCH 2020

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>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 23

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

CONNECT, ANALYZE AND ADAPT

How the new age of construction software tools informs better business planning

By Peter Gibbons

With endless streams of available data, knowing which platforms to use, which data matters most and how to apply the information is a huge challenge and often the greatest barrier to companies making a commitment to data-driven decision-making.

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T

he ability to connect machines and devices is not new; it provides operators and site managers with a unified view of the health, location and productivity of their fleet. Because of this, telematics is fast becoming an industry standard. Typically accessed through a web portal, app or mobile device it’s an accurate way to monitor jobsite progress with real-time actionable data.

The next level of adoption and impact, though, is utilizing this data to help inform business decisions and better manage resources and teams.

Easy, reliable access to an abundance of data is possible through innovative software platforms and business management tools which, when used correctly, helps to bring a new kind of functionality to the industry by keeping costs down and projects on schedule.

Real-time data access a benefit

Connected worksites are rapidly changing the way people do business in construction. Helping to address issues like labour shortages, remote site management issues and increasingly complex projects.

Operators are using equipment with minimal training or experience, digging parking lots with the push of a button and site managers are monitoring multiple projects remotely without ever having to step on the

>> MARCH 2020

jobsite. From pre-construction planning and bidding to scheduling, project management and on-site monitoring and reporting, there is now a limitless selection of innovative digital tools and software available. These tools all work toward the goal of improved productivity – taking companies to the next level in their operations.

With endless streams of available data, knowing which platforms to use, which data matters most and how to apply the information is a huge challenge and often the greatest barrier to companies making a commitment to data-driven decision-making. Many companies are addressing this issue by hiring data and technology specialists and engineers, dedicated experts who are responsible for managing, optimizing and applying the data, making informed decisions on which platforms to use and acting as a liaison between the business and the technology provider.

Flexible options from equipment and technology providers are helping customers transform their business through customizable and affordable options. From full service and support including 60-second monitoring of fleet hours and location, idle time and fuel consumption to interactive online business tools to retrieve invoices, return or exchange parts, view financial and warranty docs, request service, approve quotes, check fluid sample results and get access to repair information, companies can now easily access all of these applications and software

platforms. The right equipment dealer and technology partner can help support companies in making the right choices and provide guidance on how to access the right data to meet their business needs.

More data is coming off the machines too. Whether operators are

on board or not, the equipment is starting to tell its own story about the direction the industry is headed.

Next generation machines are not only meeting stringent emissions standards but are coming equipped direct from the manufacturer with new technology to help improve almost all aspects of operation.

These new factory-integrated productivity and measurement technologies, such as weighting capabilities, help operators work more productively and accurately without the risk of costly re-work. They can track load weights in real-time on in-cab monitors and show precisely how much material is in the bucket or truck. These systems use data from a series of onboard sensors, providing instant, real-time feedback to the operator and automated tracking helps site managers monitor and manage the work, improving efficiency and keeping costs on track.

In addition to improved measurement accuracy, integrated grading technologies help operators complete the job in one pass, providing up to 50 percent increased efficiency while reducing material, surveying and labour costs.

Bridging the gap between the jobsite and office

Integrating processes and systems in the right business platform can help construction companies overcome the challenges of trying to connect their operations to the administrative side of the business. Addressing these issues upfront and ensuring access to real-time data from the field can help projects stay on budget and on schedule, along with allowing site managers to stay on top of preventive maintenance.

Creating an undisrupted flow of updates, information and reports between

the jobsite and back office for functions such as accounting and human resources helps companies leverage valuable data. Costs, scheduling and financing are all important aspects of a project that, when easily accessible, have huge implications on productivity. Once seen as a luxury only large companies could afford, the industry is seeing an increased use of these business platforms by smaller businesses.

Less complex in their operations and size, smaller companies often have an easier time integrating new systems and training operators because they know what it takes to stay competitive.

The proper use of business platforms can improve almost every aspect of operations, including the bidding process and job estimates. Tight budgets and schedules and the increasing complexity of projects has created a demand for a better system, one that can accurately estimate the time, resources and cost required to complete a project. And the demand is coming straight from customers. A construction company could easily be cut out of the process if they are not using the right technology and software for the bid. Easy access to financials, machine hours and fuel usage and data from past jobs is key and the ability to offer a customer accurate figures and real-time reporting can be the difference between winning or losing a job.

Improving operator performance and safety

Business management tools can also be used to improve operator performance and identify potential training opportunities. For instance, site managers can see and compare productivity from day to day, identify how long operators are leaving machines idling or potentially dangerous use of equip-

ment including machine overloading and speeding.

Data can be used and analyzed to identify how and where equipment is being operated to assess if additional training is required and detect preventive maintenance issues early. This not only helps to reduce costs, but keeps jobsites safer.

Inspection and safety requirements are predicted to become increasingly strict, particularly on larger and more complex jobs such as big infrastructure projects where two back-up cameras are now required on each machine.

With the use of technology and data platforms, these inspections can now be done while the machine is still running and the results are submitted to the appropriate person in the organization immediately and accurately, reducing the risk of human error. With manual reporting, there is often be a time gap between the completion of the inspection and submitting the report, which could mean wasted time and money.

Accidents while operating equipment can mean huge impacts to a business. Which is why safety and inspection tools are gaining traction in the industry and software platforms are being used as a way to monitor and manage distraction in real time. Smart cameras look for signs of fatigue, sending alarms to operators and site managers and object detection cameras are now standard on machines, warning operators about hazards, improving awareness and safety on the job site.

New business management tools aren’t only a financial investment Businesses need real solutions to stay competitive, and reliable ways of increasing productivity, decreasing re-work and keeping costs down.

Although more affordable now than

With the support of the right technology partner and proper training, companies can successfully implement and integrate today’s advanced software tools into their business. ever, the real investment when it comes to new software and data tools is that of time and training. Company leaders can make the decision to integrate technology into the business process but the whole team must be committed in using the tools available to them, otherwise projects risk remaining as unproductive and costly as they did when manual systems were used. With the support of the right technology partner and proper training, companies can successfully implement and integrate today’s advanced software tools into their business, guaranteeing improved operations and maximizing performance.

Peter Gibbons is regional technology manager, Finning Canada.

MARCH 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 25

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

TOTAL STATION TAKES TWO-FOR-ONE APPROACH Dual functions allow users to complete a layout and scan on one setup

By Jeff Winke

“The new Topcon robotic scanning solution will increase productivity on site by accelerating the construction process and identifying design challenges more efficiently than traditional methods.”

Nick Salmonds

T

wo-for-one deals are always popular, but one doesn’t often see them in the construction industry. However, that kind of value proposition is available in a new product designed for construction workflow verification – a robotic total station that offers dual functions to complete a layout and scan on a single setup.

“The key benefit that got me most excited by combining layout and laser scanning into one device is placing that device in the right person’s hands,” stated Taylor Cupp, technologist with M. A. Mortenson Company. “On our projects, that is the layout professional – now we can empower them to not only do layout, but also capture what is built for quality control. It’s very beneficial because the person that knows how they’ve set up the job in terms of control points and those kinds of things can be the one to do that capture and get it as accurate as possible with one device.”

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data,” stated Paulina Acosta, senior applied technology specialist with Rogers-O’Brien Construction, Dallas, Texas. “Each point cloud is geo-located before you leave the field.

This makes them feel confident that the point clouds will be correctly

Workflow components integrated

Topcon describes the GTL-1000 compact scanner as a first in the industry, in that all workflow components are integrated so it provides users with a live, “as built” model of projects, allowing the contractor to identify and rectify any discrepancies.

26

“Our field engineering team has expressed interest in a product like the GTL-1000 for many years – a product that allows them to survey and scan within the same workflow and not have to spend time in the office registering scan

>> MARCH 2020

The system is designed so the user can initiate a scan with the press of a single button. A full-dome 360-degree scan can be created in a few minutes. The GTL-1000 allows the technician to survey and scan within the same workflow.

positioned to our 3D models, without the need for visual alignment or the need to return to the field to acquire more data in order to make the registration work.”

Nick Salmons, principal laser scanning surveyor at Balfour Beatty Construction, said “The new Topcon robotic scanning solution will increase productivity on site by accelerating the construction process and identifying design challenges more efficiently than traditional methods.”

Salmons also said it will benefit the industry as a whole by “reducing cost and program duration, for both clients and contractors alike.”

The new system is designed to take what was previously a rather lengthy specialty process and compresses all the steps, reducing the overall verification time.

The GTL-1000 was originally tested in the field by Balfour Beatty.

“In our use and testing, we have found that the new robotic scanning solution will increase productivity on site by accelerating the construction process and identifying design challenges more efficiently than traditional methods,” Salmons said.

“We are delighted to have collaborated with Topcon over the last 12

months to trial this new tool, which will significantly benefit the industry as a whole; reducing cost and program duration, for both clients and contractors alike.”

The benefits of the combined scanning robotic total station are also said to extend to subcontractors, who can share the verification data, meaning all parties are working from the same construction-quality heat maps.

For example, the first electrical ducts and conduits can often cause problems, as alterations can often occur that go unnoticed.

With Topcon’s new system, the speed at which everybody working on the job can understand mistakes means the effects can hopefully be minimized before they become expensive problems.

As efficiency becomes increasingly important in the market, time cannot be wasted and mistakes cannot be tolerated. Clearly, the demand for quick construction verification is on the rise, which supports the need for new technologies that can help.

Jeff Winke is a business and construction writer.

Single button initiates scan

The system is designed so the user can initiate a scan with the press of a single button. A full-dome 360-degree scan can be created in a few minutes, according to Ray Kerwin, Topcon director of global product planning. “More traditional systems and methods take considerably longer,” Kerwin said. “So, depending on the jobsite conditions, a contractor can get in and out quicker and thus minimizes safety concerns.”

A benefit Acosta likes: “We liked the ability to take individual as-built points with the GTL-1000 after it completes a full scan. This is helpful when you are trying to ensure that you captured the centre point of a sleeve or a structural connection. These points appear in the point cloud after they are processed and eliminate the time spent by our 3D modellers trying to determine the positioning of specific items in a point cloud.”

The scanner is used in combination with ClearEdge3D Verity, a software tool designed to automate construction verification.

“The seamless integration of the unit and Verity creates a complete package that is perfect for construction verification using 3D modelling techniques,” Kerwin stated. “The result is a system that offers full-dome scanning which can quickly capture duct work, columns, beams, girders, flaps, penetrations and structural steel. It helps to improve quality assurance, providing clear visual indication of construction-quality heat maps to minimize the effects of mistakes before they become expensive problems.”

The system is designed to build upon proven prism tracking and accuracy that allows operators to establish points in most construction environments.

The product includes on-board MAGNET Collage field software designed to process the data and offer real-time field-to-office connectivity.

No added training needed

A key productivity benefit of the scanning robotic total station is that the site engineer requires no additional training and does not need to rely on outside scanning services.

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MARCH 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 27

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

CONTRACTORS WORKING IN THE CLOUD

Eight benefits driving contractors toward cloud-based software options

By Matt Harris

Modern software solutions are giving users access to real-time data and streamlined construction workflows that allow them to operate smarter and faster.

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I

n today’s construction environment, real-time access to data is a critical factor in a project’s success and profitability. And still, many contractors operate with outdated technologies and manual processes that make it nearly impossible to access the real-time data they need to successfully move projects along.

Contractors often rush to catch up, correct mistakes and close projects out, which results in more up-front costs and less profit. To solve this problem, a growing number of contractors are transforming their operations with cloud-based, integrated construction management software platforms. These modern software solutions are giving users access to real-time data and streamlined construction workflows that allow them to operate smarter and faster, while maintaining the highest levels of project quality.

If you haven’t moved your construction operations to the cloud, you could be missing out on significant benefits. Here is a look at eight of the most common benefits that contractors that have made the move point to:

1

Real-time access to data from anywhere, at any time

The cloud allows you to access and enter data from virtually anywhere. You’re no longer tied to a physical workstation in the office and, instead, can use a laptop,

>> MARCH 2020

smartphone or tablet for secure access to the information you need, when you need it – whether from the field, a remote jobsite trailer or a coffee shop.

“Because we have so many offices, so many remote users, it’s made it easy for us to give them the URL, set their security, and they can then access their information, whether it’s accounts payable people entering transactions or project managers being able to get in and look at how their jobs are doing,” said James Moore, ERP systems analyst, Cascade Drilling.

2

Accurate data from one source of truth

3

A boost in productivity

When data lives in the cloud, information can be automatically updated throughout connected systems. This ensures that all project team members are working from the same sets of data at all times. This also reduces the risk of costly errors and missing or incorrect information by eliminating the need to manually enter, translate or rekey data from one software program to another.

The cloud gives contractors the ability to work in real-time which in turn boosts productivity. Project questions or progress reports can be called up and addressed immediately with up-to-date information at users’ fingertips. Contractors’ billings and payments cycles are improved as automated workflows ensure approvals for invoices, purchase orders, vendor payments and

more are prioritized. Data flows freely between all team members, meaning fewer project delays and more collaborative building in the field. And with the ability to share up-to-the-minute data between the office and the field, project problems or issues can be identified before they occur and resolved before they turn into major problems that require costly rework.

4

Disaster preparedness

5

Cost savings

A fire, flood or any other kind of disaster has the potential to bring work to a grinding halt. The cloud helps contractors better prepare for disaster by ensuring critical data lives in a secure environment and is protected by the latest security protocols and standards. With regular data backups, a business can keep moving even when uncontrollable problems arise.

This was a lesson learned by Beyer Group Ltd. when Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters drowned outdated software systems at the Texas-based company. “It was an easy move after the hurricane,” says Gene Krejci, the company’s chief financial officer. “We decided to go to the cloud with as much as we could. It took less than a week for us to come to the decision to move.”

The capital cost expenditures of on-premise hardware, maintenance, IT, additional software licensing and more, can cost up to four times as much as a cloud-

based subscription model. If you couple this with savings gained from productivity spikes and reduced or redirected labour overhead, moving to the cloud is a significantly more cost-effective option.

6

Immediate access to the latest software advancements

7

Stronger security

With a move to the cloud, you’ll have the latest software versions at your disposal the instant vendors deliver them. The cloud also frees the IT team from staying on top of software updates, regular data backups and costly server maintenance. Most cloud-based software vendors will handle these processes for you so your IT team is free to focus on other business critical functions that will contribute to the bottom line.

Migrating to the cloud not only gave Atkinson & Associates Vice President Junior Atkinson more time, but it also gave him peace of mind. “Time is money – for me not to have to worry about constant maintenance of the servers and software updates internally, it’s much less time and less stress,” he said.

“And, if something goes wrong, we’re protected due to the automatic backup capabilities of the cloud. I know we can get back up and running quickly.”

TRACKUNIT

RANGE OF ENHANCEMENTS TO SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS Trackunit has announced a range of enhancements to its Trackunit Manager platform and Iris technology solutions for manufacturers, owners and renters of off-highway equipment.

Machine Insights promises to be the ultimate gateway to perform single-machine remote diagnostics, supporting a mixed fleet with a diverse range of telematics hardware.

In collaboration with OEM machine data suppliers, Machine 360 connects to external databases to get detailed machine specifications for every machine in Trackunit's ecosystem that already has some metadata (brand, model and

category). The new feature means users may get up to 100 additional data points delivered right to their fleet management software.

Machine 360 makes reliance on complicated and heavyweight machine manuals to guide day-to-day questions obsolete, providing an essential step toward running a lean construction site whether machines are owned, rented or a mix of both.

Trackunit Iris, the company’s secure, open, cloud-based productivity platform now further supports construction industry AEMP2.0/ ISO 15143-3 for data communications.

Cloud vendors are held to the most rigid security measures for protecting data in the cloud and, thus, are best prepared for the latest security threats.

The level of security protocol cloud vendors are held to today far surpasses the levels that most contractors are able to provide themselves with on-premise data storage. Encrypted security and rich-access permission features ensure that data is secure in the cloud and can only be seen by the sources you give permission to access it.

8

Flexible options for technology roll-out

The subscription licensing and solution bundling options that the cloud enables are giving contractors more options for rolling out software.

Pricing is often determined by role and use, so the cloud allows you to decide whether users need full access or rolebased licenses. As your business grows, cloud-based software provides a platform that can scale to meet your needs.

As more contractors modernize their operations and embrace cloudbased construction management platforms, delaying a migration to the cloud could soon make it harder to compete. Increasingly, project owners from private corporations to government entities are demanding that construction firms meet modern demands for real-time data and productivity. In most cases, the cost of doing nothing has become higher than migrating to the cloud.

Will 2020 be the year you make the move?

Matt Harris is Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Viewpoint.

MARCH 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 29

ROADBUILDING & REHABILITATION

PAVING SMARTER WITH INTELLIGENT COMPACTION

Expanding technology exposes quality of mat and consistency level within paving operations

By Bryce Wuori

T

he use of Intelligent Compaction is becoming more popular within the asphalt industry. As contractors utilize IC, a quality assurance tool within paving operations, the results in consistency and the quality of the asphalt mat she improvement.

Most often, the importance of setting up and performing proper rolling techniques for optimum density (when density is achieved with the least amount of effort) is overlooked within paving operations. From experience, the roller setup procedure should be recognized as one of the most important steps to meet and exceed requirements of constructing asphalt roads.

The rolling operation is where the final product and density requirements are achieved on the project. This is an important step that must be performed and maintained throughout the entirety of the project. IC assists the user in the initial roller setup process and ensures the roller operators are accomplishing the target goals intended for the project on a day to day basis.

As contractors, the goal is to develop consistency in operations to eliminate error. IC is one technology tool that can, hands down, develop consistency and quality within paving operations.

Not only are contractors identifying this trend with IC equipment, but regional governments and many other entities are following this movement.

It is clear why states, provinces and owners would want this tool utilized on their projects and are requiring it.

When areas within an asphalt mat

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are not rolled properly or are missed entirely in a pattern, they become candidates for premature failure. Premature failure equates to more costs in preventive maintenance and life cycle of that road system. If there is a tool available that can eliminate these areas even by a slight percentage, the costs of using this tool on the project initially, compared to the costs of repairing these areas later, are unquestionably less.

When users can monitor and assure that each roller in the operation is satisfying targets such as roll patterns,

>> MARCH 2020

coverage maps, speed and temperature, the opportunity for error in the rolling procedures is decreased.

Trust for the entire team

IC assists the entire paving team in trusting that everything behind that paver is getting rolled properly and areas within the asphalt mat are not getting missed.

As a technology consultant, one of my favourite procedures to perform with a paving crew new to IC is to have the most experienced operator on the crew plug in their IC equipment

and cover the operator’s screen with a piece of cardboard and duct tape. (Just a precautionary warning, this procedure can cause some upset reactions at first.) Within hours of rolling, we sit down and look at how inconsistent this operator is in the field. Of course, this part of the procedure is always a little uncomfortable. However, the reality is that the amount of areas missed and the inconsistency in the rolling can be shocking, even when using the most experienced operator. Can you imagine the data produced by a more inexperienced operator?

Rolling patterns and tracking the target values produced by the IC equipment is one of the easiest ways a contractor can assure consistency and quality within that asphalt mat. When the contractor is “running blind” (not utilizing IC), there is no way to identify if the unfavourable results produced in the field are developing from the plant operations, hauling operations, paving operations or rolling operations. IC helps eliminate unfavourable results that may be produced in the rolling operations as users can look at the data produced and track the patterns, locations, temperatures and speeds of these rollers during a particular day of paving. By eliminating one factor, an abundance of time and money saved by the contractor is immense.

In conclusion, if you are a contractor who performs projects with difficult specifications, such as percent within limits, or you are looking to increase profits with incentives, IC is the tool for you. Do not be afraid of technology or change: these tools are designed to assist the contractors in achieving better field results.

It is only a matter of time before technology tools such as IC are required within the specifications for the projects you are bidding; in fact, many states are already doing this within their specifications. Getting ahead of this change curve and using it as a tool for quality and consistency would be an incredible benefit for any contractor on the tipping point for investing in this technology.

When IC is utilized correctly within the paving operations, there is no going back for that contractor.

I often call this experience as “seeing the light.”

This technology will pay for itself quickly and will become an essential part of your quality management plan.

I personally advise any contractor who wants to become more successful in constructing asphalt roads to make this investment in their future. Your quality management plan potential is waiting to be unlocked – and IC is the key.

Bryce Wuori is owner of Wuori Technology Consulting.

CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

PNEUMATIC ROLLER IMPROVES ASPHALT COMPACTION QUALITY With an operating weight of 21,380 pounds (52,910 pounds at full ballast), a turbocharged 100-hp Deutz engine and a compaction width of 78.2 inches, the all-new Tier 4 Final PT240D pneumatic tire roller is built for sub-base and asphalt compaction on large-scale road and highway projects, airport runways and other large commercial developments. This pneumatic tire roller is designed to achieve compaction in fewer passes and provide improved penetration and compaction density ideal for today’s asphalt paving applications requiring tight density tolerances.

The tire configuration (four in front, four in back) with two-inch tire overlap “kneads” hot-mix asphalt gently at the surface as it rolls across it. The result is greater asphalt density and fewer possibilities for voids that can lead to flaws or deterioration. The PT240D is designed to handle up to 31,530 pounds of ballast – including steel, sand and water – to meet the compaction requirements of any job. A large polyethylene water tank supplies a pressurized water feed system to prevent asphalt from sticking to the tires and, at 103 gallons, allows operators to run for longer periods of time without refilling. The PT240D also features an iso-static front axle that allows each of the front tires to oscillate – helping to maintain contact with the ground at all times to minimize bridging and maximize compaction.

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ROADBUILDING & REHABILITATION

IMPROVED POWER AND INCREASED MOBILITY Enhancements to rotary mixer include operating environment and maneuverability

T

he new RM400 replaces the RM300 Rotary Mixer and offers many new features and enhancements including 19 percent more power, an enhanced operating environment, and better maneuverability. These features help contractors achieve the demanding job specifications in both fulldepth reclamation and soil stabilization applications.

The machine delivers a 2.4-m (8-foot) cutting width and weighs in at 23,500 kg (51,809 pounds).

The Cat C9.3 engine provides 311 kW (417 hp) of power and meets EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. Standard all-wheel drive utilizes four independent drive pumps for maximum torque while providing excellent traction and greater speed for moving around the jobsite. An operating length of 9.56 m (31.4 feet) is 44 cm (17.3 inches) shorter than its predecessor, the RM300. The shorter length improves maneuverability in commercial zones, parking lots, and residential areas, while also enhancing visibility.

A full left to right sliding cab enhances side-toside viewing to the tire edges and rotor cut lines for improved operator efficiency and increased production. Standard front and rear facing cameras viewed through a display in the cab provide good visibility, while optional side-mounted cameras provide good

sight lines along the machine for enhanced safety.

Additionally, optional cameras can be mounted in front and behind the rotor chamber. The front camera assists the operator when cutting close to obstacles such as manholes and curbs, while the rear camera provides a good view of the discharge material. Viewing these cameras from the operator’s station requires an additional touchscreen display.

Simple control with good visibility

Hand-wheel steering offers simple control and good forward viewing, while a joystick controls the rear wheels when utilizing select modes for more precise control. A tablet-sized LCD display keeps the operator informed of machine functions, including the front and rear door opening of the rotor chamber.

Three different rotor speeds help deliver the desired material gradation. An electronic controller keeps the rotor at the proper depth and the machine at a consistent speed to ensure optimal blending performance. The RM400 can be equipped with a water spray system in conjunction with an emulsion system to provide excellent versatility and time savings when additives are needed.

Four rotor options are available for a variety of applications. A universal rotor can be used for either

full-depth reclamation or soil stabilization and is equipped with 200 point-attack carbide-tipped tools. A soil rotor is used for a variety of mixing and stabilization applications and blends additives with semi-cohesive or granular materials and is equipped with 238 point-attack, carbide-tipped tools. The combination rotor is designed primarily for use in soil stabilization applications in cohesive materials, but also works well for light asphalt reclamation. The combination rotor is equipped with 114 point-attack, carbide-tipped tools. A spade rotor is also available. The highly productive spade rotor is utilized solely for mixing soils and is fitted with 58 bolt-on spade tools.

Daily service points are grouped and easily accessible. The engine hood easily tilts forward with the flip of a switch for easy access to the cooling system and engine. The cooling system utilizes a variable speed fan that can be set to periodically reverse direction for short intervals during operation. This unique design helps the system shed accumulated dust and keeps the system cleaner for maximum efficiency and extended service intervals.

An optional onboard air compressor combined with the tilting rotor hood and large rear discharge door makes changing rotor bits quick and easy.

VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

MILLION TON GUARANTEE OFFERS AFTER-PURCHASE SUPPORT Volvo Construction Equipment is bringing back its Million Ton Guarantee, a North American after-purchase program that gives customers of Volvo 7000 Series asphalt pavers manufacturer support for the replacement of auger and conveyor system wear parts over a five-year period. The name of the program is based on a U.S. national average of 250,000 tons of asphalt laid per year, totalling slightly more than a million tons over five years or work seasons.

The relaunched program is available on P7110B tracked and P7170B wheeled asphalt pavers purchased by June 30, 2020, with the five-year timeframe beginning at the time the paver is purchased by the end user. Customers have 30 days after purchase to enroll in the program.

Over the duration of the guarantee program, the 32

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>> MARCH 2020

machine owner will have access to three rebuilds as determined by the wear check manual from Volvo CE. Parts will be covered in a tiered approach: The first rebuild will be 100 percent covered by Volvo. The second rebuild will be 50 percent covered by Volvo. The third rebuild will be 25 percent covered by Volvo. If additional rebuilds are required, Volvo will cover parts at 25 percent with a pre-approved warranty claim.

The 10-foot-class P7110B tracked paver and P7170B wheeled paver feature the Volvo D8J, 8-litre, Tier 4 Final engine with continuous passive regeneration, boasting more than 12 hours of continuous run time without refuelling and more than 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus previous models.

NEW GENERATION MILLING MACHINES BRING LASTING IMPROVEMENTS

W

ith the successful launch of its new generation of large milling machines, Wirtgen has made lasting improvements to the process of milling in terms of performance and efficiency. The specialist in cold milling machines has now added the W 220 Fi and W 250 Fi flagship models to its intelligent F-Series.

The new W 220 Fi and W 250 Fi large milling machines serve a wide range of applications at a maximum milling depth of 350 mm/14 inches – from surface course rehabilitation and fine milling work to complete removal of the surface.

Various drive concepts are available to ensure maximum, optimal milling performance. For example, the W 220 Fi is equipped with the Dual Shift two-speed powershift transmission, while the W 250 Fi has an Active Dual Power dual engine drive. With an engine power of 801 hp (W 220 Fi) and 1,010 hp (W 250 Fi) respectively, the two flagship models are exceptionally powerful.

PACK SOME PUNCH ON JOBSITES

Mill Assist comes standard

Like the F-Series models W 200 Fi, W 207 Fi and W 210 Fi, the W 220 Fi and W 250 Fi are also setting new standards in terms of milling performance and machine efficiency, according to Wirtgen. In the automatic mode, the Mill Assist standard assistance system provides the optimal balance between performance and operating costs. This not only improves milling performance, but also reduces diesel, water, and pick consumption, as well as CO2 emissions.

The machine operator can also preselect a working strategy; these can be “cost-optimized,” “performance-optimized,” or “milling texture quality.”

For example, it is possible to define the required milling texture quality on a scale of 1 (coarse) to 10 (very fine) in advance at the touch of a button.

Automatic control of engine drives

Mill Assist also automatically controls the Dual Shift two-speed powershift transmission. In combination with the diesel engine, both the upper and lower range of possible milling drum speeds can be extended, making it suitable for a vast range of applications.

At lower speeds, fuel and pick wear can be significantly reduced. At higher speeds, high milling pattern quality is ensured even in the case of high area performances.

With the Active Dual Power dual engine drive of the W 250 Fi, depending on the project situation and the pre-selected working strategy, Mill Assist then automatically controls just one or both motors. In addition, the engines operate efficiently at optimally adapted speeds. This significantly reduces costs for diesel and cutting tools.

The Wirtgen Performance Tracker (WPT) calculates the precise surface milling performance, milling volume, and consumption values for the machine. All-important performance and consumption data are displayed on the operator’s platform in real time for the milling machine operator and are also sent to the machine operator by e-mail in an automatically generated report immediately after completion of the milling work.

How can you bring compaction punch to your light equipment fleet?

Start with a comprehensive product lineup that gives you the ability to choose the optimal weight, dimensions and engine. Then add a powerful vibratory system that puts any material – from wet clays to dry aggregates – in its place.

Last but not least, be sure to use reliable parts and components so you never miss a round. Lightweight machines from Ammann deliver all this – and more. You’ll have a tool to master every challenge.

Ammann America Inc. 1125 SW 101st Road, Davie, FL 33324 Phone (954) 493-0010, Fax (954) 493-0020, info.aaa@ammann.com For additional product information and services please visit : www.ammann.com MMP-2488-00-EN | © Ammann Group

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MARCH 2020

sales@flocomponents.com

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 33

UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION

TALKING MUD, FROM MIXING TO DISPOSAL Drilling fluid can be an important part of helping HDD crews work more efficiently

M

ud, or drilling fluid, can have an impact on your company. From selecting the right additives to choosing the right volume of fluid to pump to determining the most efficient way to dispose of the used slurry, managing mud is a skill that horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews need to understand.

Mud is key to making an HDD crew work more efficiently. It provides coolant for downhole electronics (sonde), suspends and displaces cuttings, reduces wear on tooling and aids with stability by reinforcing and maintaining the walls of the borehole.

However, to do all of that, contractors and their crews need to understand the art and science behind using mud.

Start with the right additives

Bentonite is the staple drill additive for almost every HDD crew. While many bores can be completed with just bentonite alone, there are certain soil conditions where other drilling fluid additives can be helpful.

• Working in nonreactive clay?

Start with bentonite for primary filtration control. Users may also need to add soap or detergent to keep downhole tooling clean.

Modular mud reclaimers like Vermeer’s R250C can help cut water and additive usage for drilling operations.

• Working in reactive clay? Bentonite should be used for primary filtration control with a PAC polymer for secondary control. If there are concerns about the clay swelling, a PHPA polymer can also be used. Drillers may also want to use a soap/detergent to prevent clay from sticking to your tooling.

• Working in sand? Again, bentonite is an excellent primary filtration control agent, but a PAC polymer and/ or a larger-molecular-weight polymer

can also help with suspension.

• Working in rock or fractured rock? Bentonite may be all that’s needed, but if cuttings aren’t making their way out of the drill hole, the crew may want to use a larger-molecular-weight polymer to aid with suspension. A secondary filtration control additive like a PAC polymer may also help.

Bagged versus premix additives

In recent years, liquid premixed

DON’T DIG IT.

When crews try to use less mud, cuttings don’t get flushed from the hole, which causes the material to build up around the drill string. drilling additives have found their way into the HDD industry. Drilling additive manufacturers have made mixing mud more convenient with premixed drilling additives for a wide range of soil conditions.

These new liquid additives are giving HDD crews even more options to consider.

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In addition to making sure the right additives are being used, and that they are being thoroughly mixed to the appropriate viscosity, drillers need to make sure they are pumping the optimum amount of fluid through the drill string to maintain hole integrity and flush cuttings.

Soil conditions, hole diameter and distance are all factors in how much fluid the driller should be pumping.

The critical thing to remember is ensuring the drill operator is seeing returns that are in line with what’s being pumped into the hole. If the crew isn’t seeing the level of returns it

should be, it could be the result of cuttings not being flushed from the hole, which can lead to inadvertent returns or cause downhole tooling to become stuck.

On the subject of inadvertent returns or frac-outs, it’s essential for HDD crews to understand their causes. A common misconception in the industry is that inadvertent returns are caused by using too much mud, but that is not always the case.

When crews try to use less mud, cuttings don’t get flushed from the hole, which causes the material to build up around the drill string. As this pressure builds, the liquid material forces its way out through the path of least resistance, and that way is usually up to the surface.

Inadvertent returns can also be the result of dry soil conditions at shallow bore depths or the result of using the wrong kind of drilling fluid additives.

Slurry disposal and management

With the rising costs of water, additives and disposal fees, contractors need to determine the most cost-effective methods of handling used drill slurry.

For utility crews performing small diameter bores, using a vac system to suction the drilling slurry and then hauling it off to an approved disposal site is standard practice. However, depending on where crews are working in proximity to the closest disposal station, it can be a significant out-of-pocket expense and affect production rates. Vacs stuck in traffic or having to travel long distances can bog down drilling operations. Also, if there are several crews working in the same area, travel times and disposal costs can multiply quickly.

If crews find themselves in this type of situation, contractors may want to visit with their equipment dealer about the possibility of solidifying used drill slurry. By solidifying the slurry, it can then be stacked into a roll-off dumpster or the back of a truck, a method that can offer more dump site options, including a regular landfill. Vermeer has developed the MUD Hub solidification system to aid with this process.

If a drilling operator is using large volumes of fluids and additives on longer bores or in challenging ground conditions, it may be time for a reclaimer – they aren’t just for use with maxi rigs. Using a reclaimer like the Vermeer R250C modular mud reclaimer can help reduce water and additive usage, and afterward the reclaimed material can be disposed of using one of the ways outlined above.

As you can see, from mixing to disposal, there are many factors involved with drilling fluid. If contractors are in need of advice, they may benefit from a discussion with Vermeer dealers to help understand the latest in mud management.

DITCH WITCH

COMFORT AND UPGRADED POWER AVAILABLE IN VACUUM EXCAVATOR The new Ditch Witch HX30G vacuum excavator is designed to maintain power and productivity without breaking the bank.

As the latest installment to the Ditch Witch HX vacuum excavator line, the HX30G features the same durable, low-profile design. A narrow frame helps ease navigation in urban or congested areas and height-restrictive areas – without compromising ground clearance for avoiding ground-level obstacles.

The HX30G is powered by a 31hp Vanguard gas engine for optimal suction power and water pressure for any small- to mid-sized excavation job or non-hazardous cleanup task.

The new higher-powered machine is also equipped with a 542-cfm blower, 3,000-psi water pressure and 4.2-gpm water flow to help increase productivity and efficiency on any job.

While the HX30G upgrades power, it does so without sacrificing the comfort that is required of an appealing vacuum excavator.

The machine is available with an optional jib boom to provide the widest range of motion in the industry, Ditch Witch states. And the excavators come with a hose restraint to keep the hose from jumping. The HX30G comes with a hose storage system which allows the hose to be stored flat and straight inside the unit frame when it

isn’t needed.

Offering optimal versatility, the HX30G also comes with the choice of a 500- or 800-gallon tank to appeal to a variety of job requirements.

And, it’s available in a variety of trailer configurations, including the new Ditch Witch VT9 trailer, which when equipped with the 500-gallon tank has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds and does not require a CDL to transport. Other options include 12K, 14K and 20K NATM-compliant trailers.

SOILMEC

DRILL RIG DESIGNED WITH EFFICIENCY AND EMISSIONS IN MIND Soilmec’s new SR-75 drill rig, the first model of the company’s Blue Tech line, has been designed with a focus on environmental aspects. The rig’s new setup saves fuel and time during the working cycle, up to about 10 litres of fuel per hour, the company states. Updates to the hydraulic and electrical systems have been merged with proportional controls and smart positioning of hydraulic components, leading to improved response and better-calibrated controls. This results in smoother rig operation.

Higher force and speed on the crowd system, increased rated torque on the rotary head – up to 281 kNm (207,255 lb.-ft.) of rated value – and a heavy-duty main winch give the new SR-75 Blue Tech performance in difficult conditions.

The machine has been equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as the DMS 4.0; its simple navigation menu and intuitive interactive graphics help the operator in day to day

drilling plans and execution. New functions, many of them automatic, help minimize downtime and maximize productivity by making the rig easy to set up and use.

GET FASTER, EFFICIENT PRODUCTION “I’ve had competitors working next to me with other breakers, and they hit at about half the rate of my BXR120. We get much better production.

I can produce from 150 to 200 tons per hour, sizing material from 18 to 24 inches.”

Marc Keller Maverick Rockbreaking Wildomar, Calif.

P OW E R Y O U R P R O D U CT I V I T Y

Tel: 519.599.2015 |

www.rockbreaker.com

MARCH 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 35

RENTAL FOCUS

GREEN ACCESS SOLUTIONS RISE TO MEET HIGHLIGH FROM ECO-FRIENDLY EQUIPMENT DEMAND THE ARA SHOW

By Zach Gilmor

A

round the globe, capital cities and large provincial towns are going greener.

Whether it’s a question of using number plates to regulate traffic on alternate days, creating large pedestrian areas or restricting and banning high polluting vehicles, urban policies in general are seeking to find ways of improving the quality of the environment. Some municipalities are taking the issue further by imposing local emissions and noise regulations that are even stricter than those generally applied in their country.

JLG

HI-CAPACITY BOOM LIFTS

Understanding new mindsets and regulations

Worldwide, the environment is at the centre of national, regional and urban political debate. The result: Mindsets in terms of energy are evolving. Regulations regarding CO2 emissions and noise are becoming much stricter.

With this comes a change of outlook for car owners, as well as for transport companies and building contractors.

In the short term, there are many cities where access for diesel vehicles will simply be forbidden.

Responding to constraints and obligations

To ensure their business success in the long-term, contractors are under pressure to adapt to these new constraints. The same applies to rental companies who will need to offer their customers equipment that complies with this new legislation to maintain their business activity.

Changing fleet management strategy

Focusing on this new reality, more and more rental companies are changing the way they manage their fleets by investing in an increasing number of clean solutions to support their aerial offering. Some have even created a dedicated “green” product category that they expect will offer high business potential rapidly.

Rental business owners have declared the need for “green” MEWPs: • 52 percent for reduced noise and emissions; • 52 percent for the advantages of their “2-In-1”

indoor and outdoor operation; • 50 percent for a “green” company image; • 48 percent for the benefits they offer when

working overnight and in urban areas;

• 46 percent for hybrids with the ability to work on sites where electricity is not available; • 46 percent for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Combining solutions and opportunities

Aiming to support rental and end-user customers’ success, today’s access market has expanded to include a wide range of innovative, purposeful aerial lift products that offer clean and quiet jobsite equipment solutions, which can be used in a wide range of urban applications, including: building restoration and painting, park maintenance and tree-cutting, seasonal decorations, window cleaning of public facilities, installation of lighting and air conditioning, night time applications/pedestrian precincts, overhead work on tunnels, overhead electric tasks, access on sports stadiums, and steel and wood erection The objective: Enable customers to respond to new demands to open the door to new business opportunities.

With hybrid, bi-energy or new generation 100 percent electric mobile elevated work platforms, tomorrow is already today with a wide choice of green access equipment solutions designed to help contractors and rental companies rise to current and future challenges.

JLG says that its new 400 Series hi-capacity boom lifts will provide operators with an expanded work envelope and three different capacity zones, delivering greater reach than competitive models offering only one or two capacity zones.

The 400 Series hi-capacity models include the 40-foot JLG 400S and the 46-foot JLG 460SJ. Each comes standard with a 660 pounds unrestricted capacity zone and 750- and 1,000-pound restricted capacity zones, allowing operators to bring more tools and personnel to the work area.

The new hi-capacity models are ANSI 92.20 compliant and heavier in weight than their standard model counterparts, though they retain the same footprint for ease of transport and use in comparable work environments.

JLG’s new hi-capacity boom lifts, similar to the company’s new ANSI 92.20 standard boom lifts, do not require placing a load in the platform to recalibrate the load sensing system. Owners and operators of these new 400 Series models will appreciate the new LED display for improved visibility of the platform and ground consoles during operation. These new displays are sensitive to ambient light and adjust their brightness accordingly for maximum visibility and operator comfort.

Zach Gilmor is a Genie product manager at Terex AWP.

ARA takes on skilled labour shortage at The ARA Show In the midst of a significant skilled labour shortage impacting North America, the American Rental Association (ARA) hosted ARARentalWorks Day on February 12 at The ARA Show in Orlando, Florida. The event at the Orange County Convention Center educated hundreds of local trade and technical students about service technician careers in the rental industry – a fast-growing, dynamic and environmentally friendly sector.

During ARARentalWorks Day, students from Orlando’s Universal Technical Institute, Osceola Technical College and Orange Technical College heard from rental business owners and managers regarding the size and scope of the rental industry and specifics about service technician jobs. To get a first-hand look at the

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booming industry, they also toured the floor of The ARA Show – the world’s largest equipment-rental-specific convention and trade show. Held February 9–12, The ARA Show featured more than 700 exhibitors across the construction/industrial, general tool/light construction and party/special event rental segments.

No two days are the same for rental industry service technicians, who have a unique skill set that merges mechanical knowledge, organizational skills, customer service and physical capabilities. Service technicians help customers with equipment maintenance and repair, selection, proper usage, loading and unloading, and cleaning returned equipment – all of which are instrumental in a great customer experience. In the U.S.,

GHTS

GENIE

SIXTY-FOOT TELESCOPIC BOOM

The new Genie S-60 J telescopic boom offers the essential performance that operators need to get work done at height from a jibbed boom with an unrestricted platform capacity of 660 pounds (300 kg) with 6-foot (1.8 m) jib, a low 16,650-pound (7,550 kg) operating weight and compact chassis design. Platform height is 60 feet 10 inches (18.5 m), horizontal reach is 40 feet 6 inches (12.3 m) and ground clearance is 1 foot 10 inches (56.4 cm).

This boom comes standard with a right-sized Tier 4 Final 24-hp (17.8 kW) Kubota D1105 diesel engine and rough-terrain, foam-filled tires. This engine model offers easy operation with no advanced emissions controls, as well as simple maintenance in the shop due to the boom’s rental-focused design.

Offering true rough-terrain performance, this new Genie J boom is a 4WD machine equipped with Genie patented active oscillating axles.

Rental companies have the option to purchase this machine with a 49-hp (36.5 kW) Kubota D1803 turbo diesel engine and non-marking, rough-terrain, foam-filled tires.

This model meets new ANSI/CSA standards.

JCB

TOWABLE GENERATOR LINE FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN RENTAL MARKET JCB has launched a range of five RS Generators designed specifically for the North American rental market. The range includes five Tier 4 Final–compliant machines, delivering prime power output of 56 kW (70 kVA) to 500 kW (625 kVA). These models are designed to be towed, with operating weights from 7,239 to 25,209 pounds (3,283 to 11,435 kg).

The control cubicle on JCB RS Generators segregates AC and DC supply for maximum safety. Automatic Voltage regulator (AVR) adjustment can be made from the front of the control panel. All electrical enclosures and cable access points are microswitch-protected.

Panel-mounted voltage test points and bus hot warning lamps provide easy verification of live circuits with no risk of contact. Further, voltage can be altered using a three-position, three-phase and single-phase alternator mounted rotary switch, allowing the operator to switch the voltage instantly, without requiring cable reconnections.

When access to the upper levels of an RS Generator is required, the JCB trailers include integrated steps and walk-on fenders with non-slip finish eliminating the need for freestanding ladders. The larger G220RS, G400RS and G625RS models include ladders integrated into the canopy design.

Each model in the JCB RS Generator range features 500-hour service intervals and simple Tier 4 Final aftertreatment requires selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) only. No diesel particulate filter (DPF) or diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is required. All JCB RS Generators are equipped with JCB LiveLink telematics.

SNORKEL

INDUSTRY-FIRST SUNKEN STACK SCISSOR LIFT The Snorkel S3019E features a patented, industry-first design with a sunken scissor stack that stows entirely inside the chassis. It has a low step-in height of 22 inches (0.55 m) and a flush-mounted two-rung ladder, which helps to reduce the risk of trips and falls, as well as reducing operator fatigue. Delivering a maximum working height of 25 feet (7.79 m), the S3019E boasts a maximum lift capacity of 550 pounds (250 kg) and an overall machine weight of 3,485 pounds (1,581 kg).

The Snorkel S3019E complies with the new ANSI and CSA standards.

Its low stowed height of just 69.1 inches (1.76 m) can pass through standard doorways without the need for folding guardrails.

SKYJACK

FOCUS ON COST OF OWNERSHIP Skyjack is focusing its next generation of equipment on targeting key cost of ownership items for rental companies. Going beyond ANSI/CSA standards, the company made updates to its DC scissor lifts, launched a line of full-size rough-terrain scissor lifts, and increased capacities on most of its articulating and telescopic booms.

“When the standards were initially announced a few years ago it was inevitable that the cost of business was increasing for the access industry,” explains Barry Greenaway, product manager at Skyjack. “We found ways to rebalance the ROI equation for rental companies and are providing them with an ANSI 92.20 compliant product that is designed to decrease their overall cost of ownership.”

Next Generation Skyjack equipment includes: DC scissor lifts, full-size rough-terrain scissor lifts, and +Booms.

the average national hourly wage for highly skilled service technicians in rental is $23.73 an hour.

“ARA is dedicated to raising awareness of careers in rental to ensure a qualified and sustainable workforce for rental business owners,” said Tony Conant, ARA CEO. “ARARentalWorks Day was an exciting way to help Orlando students discover exciting, good-paying and rewarding opportunities down a non-traditional and lesser-known career path in the rental industry.”

The equipment and event rental industry is one of America’s fastest-growing business sectors and is expected to reach $65 billion in revenue by 2022.

Rental businesses create a positive influence on communities and contribute to economic expansion by providing the tools and equipment needed to build a stronger economic base for the community.

Rental is an original sharing economy – a concept

that includes newer companies like Uber and Airbnb.

Long before sustainable practices like ride-sharing and home-sharing went mainstream, there was renting of equipment. Renting is one of the original eco-friendly habits, because sharing items through rental enables people to get exactly what they need for their project or event while minimizing consumption and waste.

Service technician is one of many opportunities available to students, young professionals, members of the military, and others seeking meaningful career paths. Other jobs include tent technician, warehouse associate and counter associate.

“From constructing the next neighbourhood park, to putting on a memorable event, to working at a store that rents out the equipment and party supplies – the equipment and event rental industry has numerous rewarding careers to consider,” Conant said.

Trade and technical students learn about service technician careers in the rental industry at The ARA Show.

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RENTAL FOCUS

6 WAYS TO MANAGE RISING EQUIPMENT AND RENTAL COSTS

A MANITOU STRAIGHT BOOMS

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anitou is now offering four straight boom mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) in North America – the Manitou TJ 65, TJ 65+, TJ 80+ and TJ 85. Features of these new models include smooth platform operation, three steering modes and the ability to make four simultaneous movements.

The new Manitou straight boom models for the North American market range in platform lift height from 64 feet 9 inches to 84 feet 6 inches. The Manitou TJ 65+ and TJ 80+ come standard with a larger platform that measures 7 feet 7 inches by 2 feet 11 inches and is designed to comfortably hold three people, allowing up to 900 pounds capacity unrestricted. All four models are powered by a Kubota 49.6-hp diesel engine and have a front oscillating axle for additional driving power on any terrain.

Manitou’s straight boom MEWPs have many features that contribute to smooth and safe operation. These include proportionate hydraulic movements, constant rotational control that adjusts according on the boom extension, and 360 degree continuous rotation. In addition, the operator can select to drive in 4-wheel, 2-wheel or crab steering modes.

These MEWPs are compliant with new ANSI and CSA requirements in North America.

Machine maintenance is simplified with a self-diagnostic panel at ground level to quickly detect fault codes. Manitou’s EasyMANAGER telematics system also gives the ability to manage the unit’s location, maintenance cycles and service warnings.

major challenge facing companies in today’s construction industry is how to deal with rising equipment and rental costs. One key component to this is whether to buy a piece of equipment or rent it, says Gregg Christensen, vice president, national accounts, United Rentals. Founded in 1997, the company is the largest equipment rental company in the world.

“If there is a consistent level of equipment utilization, based on future projections of workload that can be counted on – the sweet spot of utilization, purchasing is the way to go,” he explains. “If there is a roller coaster of utilization, you’re probably better off renting. Renting enables a company to augment its owned fleet with rental equipment to help smooth out workload peaks and valleys.”

Sometimes though, the buy-or-rent decision boils down to: does a fleet have what it needs, when it needs it and where it needs it, he says.

A further consideration is whether a company has the appropriate staffing and transportation infrastructure in place to maintain, repair and transport its fleet of equipment. Staffing can be a challenge because of the construction labour shortage and lack of labour growth in the industry.

get an idea of ebbs and tides in their project scheduling and staffing so we can have equipment available when appropriate.”

Another way to reduce equipment and rental costs, he adds, is to appropriately service and maintain all equipment. Equipment malfunction and failure can be costly – equipment downtime, repair expenses, idle labour and project delays, all of which have a direct impact on construction costs.

Christensen says equipment cost reductions can also be had through the use of a comprehensive telematics solution – which provides up-to-the-minute visibility into equipment health and activity – and predictive analytics.

Basically, predictive analytics uses several monitoring methods to establish regular trends and then predict the future path of those trends.

Christensen notes that United Rentals employs predictive analytics around major component wear-outs and failures, plus has developed effective preventive maintenance schedules.

Planning for your project needs

1 Utilization – First and foremost, project equipment utilization over 18 to 24 months. If a piece of equipment is going to be utilized over a certain percentage month in and month out, it typically stands to reason that the piece of equipment should be purchased.

“It has been my experience that in general, construction businesses are poor planners when it comes to equipment and a need for rentals,” observes Christensen.

“At United Rentals, we try to be proactive to make sure we understand a company’s equipment scheduling and the possible need for last-minute rentals. Especially for larger jobs, we work with jobsite staff to try and

5 Data Collection – Employ technology to track as much information from equipment as possible and learn how to leverage the data collected to boost efficiency, productivity and uptime, plus help stay on track and on budget.

New Standards Compliant

LEARN MORE AT GENIELIFT.COM/XC © 2019 Terex Corporation. Terex, Genie, XC and Xtra Capacity are trademarks of Terex Corporation or its subsidiaries.

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2 Equipment – Determine if you have the staff and infrastructure available to service and transport equipment.

4 Scope and Versatility – Think about the scope of a project, the specialty aspects of a piece of equipment and how to enhance the flexibility of equipment with attachments.

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To help manage rising equipment and rental costs, Christensen offers some advice.

3 Geographic Footprint – Take into account the geographic footprint for where you might need other equipment because it is very expensive to transport construction equipment from place to place.

KINGS OF CAPACITY Fewer Lift Cycles

Practical tips for managing costs

6 Working Capital – Consider whether you are better off using a line item expense for rental on your profit and loss statement versus tying up a lot of working capital in assets that you may or may not keep utilizing on a consistent and regular basis. If you have limited capital, where do you want to tie it up?

B O B C A T. C O M / N E W M A C H I N E S

From its outstanding quality to its incredible performance and comfort, the latest generation of Bobcat ® equipment is our best yet. Ask your dealer about new R-Series loaders and R2-Series excavators.

Bobcat is a Doosan company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power and water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century.

Bobcat®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2020 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1405

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION

MEDIUM-DUTY RESURGENCE Mack launches new line of Class 6 and 7 vocational trucks

By Slone Fox, Digital Editor

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ack Trucks has marked its re-entry into the medium-duty truck market with the introduction of the Mack MD line, set to begin production in July 2020. The trucks are designed to be configured as flatbed, dump and tanker trucks, as well as cube vans and more, in both Class 6 and 7 offerings.

Mack Trucks had previously delved into this segment with the Renault-based Freedom line, which was introduced in 2001, but exited the medium-duty market shortly after in 2002.

With a new medium-duty release after a two-decade absence, the launch begs the question: why now?

“Timing is everything. We’re re-entering a market in which we had a strong presence. We have a rich history in medium-duty,” explained Jonathan Randall, senior vice president, sales and marketing, for Mack Trucks. “Medium-duty isn’t new to us in any way, shape or form, and it’s not new as far as this customer base and who they are.

“Customers and dealers have been asking for a medium-duty product for awhile, and we decided the time was right,” he said.

Mack has timed the release of the new Mack MD Series in response to aftermarket evaluations and dealer requests to provide a more complete lineup of vehicles. The launch of the MD Series line allows Mack Trucks to provide a full portfolio of products to customers for Class 6 through Class 8 vehicles, with the new line catering to customers who operate businesses requiring more than the Class 8 on-highway or vocational options.

“The medium-duty market is a great market. We look at volatility, and we look at other things that go into markets we want to enter into. It’s traditionally a pretty steady 90,000 to 100,000 trucks year-over-year in the U.S. and Canada, with about three-quarters of that being Class 6,” explained Randall.

Revealed in tandem with a new manufacturing facility nestled in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia, the Mack MD line will be produced in Mack’s Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO).

“Mack Trucks is very proud to make this invest40

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ment and to now offer a full lineup of Class 6 to Class 8 commercial vehicles, serving virtually every segment of the market,” said Mack Trucks president Martin Weissburg.

The Mack MD6, a Class 6 model, has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the MD7, a Class 7 model, has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds.

Available in 4x2 configurations, the MD6 and MD7 models feature a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability for tough urban settings. The MD Series cab design features a short bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement of 103 inches and has matched the styling of the Mack Anthem, Mack’s highway model, as a basis for the grille and hood design.

The Mack MD Series will be supported by Mack’s extensive dealer network, with telematics support coming in the form of a Geotab Go Rugged system, offering access to the Mack Uptime Center, as well as OneCall and ASIST support.

The MD Series will also be adorned with a silver

bulldog hood emblem, signifying that the truck’s content (such as the engine and transmission) comes from multiple supplier sources. A gold bulldog hood ornament signifies what Randall referred to as a “purebred,” meaning a truck consisting of all-Mack components.

The MD Series is offered with a Cummins B6.7 engine rated at 200 to 300 horsepower and 560 to 660 lb-ft torque, and Meritor front and rear axles. The trucks come standard with the Allison 2500HS sixspeed automatic transmission, although the 2500RDS for PTO is optional.

In addition to eight wheelbase lengths, the MD Series supports a range of bodies in lengths from 10 to 26 feet. Standard wheels are 22.5 inches, with optional 19.5-inch wheels available.

“We’ve made the 120,000-psi steel frame rails standard,” said Roy Horton, director of Mack’s product strategy, noting that this number is much higher than the industry standard of 80,000 psi. “Strength is at the very core of our image.” HEG

Rogers, Fleet Complete partner on management and asset tracking

Rogers Communications and Fleet Complete have announced a strategic partnership to provide Canadian businesses with a full range of cost-effective commercial fleet management and asset tracking solutions. This collaboration will deliver connected technologies, including vehicle and asset GPS tracking, to businesses that own and operate fleets across Canada and the United States.

With this announcement, Rogers now offers customers an integrated management platform that allows businesses in all industries to offer a best-in-class customer experience by providing accurate arrival estimates and proof of delivery with time and location stamps. It offers a feature-rich solution that tracks vehicle productivity and driver behaviour, provides continuous vehicle location monitoring, and helps prevent potential breakdowns with scheduled maintenance.

Update on Volvo Trucks battery-electric projects The Volvo Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions (LIGHTS) Innovation Showcase, held at Volvo Trucks' TEC Equipment dealership's Fontana location, revealed progress on Class 8 battery-electric project trucks since the announcement of the Volvo LIGHTS project in late 2018. Guests experienced the fully electric trucks firsthand and learned more about electromobility and its role in freight movement solutions.

The Volvo LIGHTS project is a collaboration between 15 public and private partners to demonstrate the viability of all-electric freight hauling in high-density traffic and urban areas and represents the project’s innovative and holistic approach to ensuring commercial readiness in all aspects.

GMC

2021 CANYON TARGETED AT MIDSIZE BUYERS WITH OFF-ROAD NEEDS The new 2021 GMC Canyon has been introduced, and includes a first-ever Canyon AT4 aimed squarely at premium mid-size truck customers who buy their trucks to venture off-road. The AT4 brings capability and appeal to the updated Canyon range.

The Canyon AT4 advances the brand’s commitment to offering premium off-road capable vehicles. Bolder exterior design is defined by dark chrome finishes, with a new larger grille design and red recovery hooks.

On the inside, unique Kalahari stitching and AT4 headrest embroidery bring the Canyon interior design in-line with its stablemates.

Added off-road confidence comes from standard equipment, including: • Greater capability from 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires fitted to 17-inch aluminum wheels; • Off-road tuned suspension with Advanced Hill Descent Control System; • 4WD system with Eaton G80 Rear Automatic Locking Differential; • Transfer case skid plate providing additional protection when travelling off the beaten path.

GMC designers enhanced the iconic Denali grille, with a more sculpted and layered pattern. Coupled with 5-inch chrome assist steps, signature chrome accents and Denali-exclusive 20-inch Diamond Cut aluminum wheels, the new Canyon Denali is modernized with a bold look that brings it closer to the new Sierra and Sierra HD trucks.

Interior refinements include authentic open-pore ash wood trim, aluminum décor and unique stitching.

A new “Cocoa/Dark Atmosphere” colour theme is added to further elevate the Denali interior and give customers more choice.

Standard heated and ventilated front seats, with a heated steering wheel, increase driver comfort.

The new Canyon Denali and AT4 are powered by a 308 hp (230 kW) 3.6L V6. Additional power comes from an available 2.8L Diesel engine, offering 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque.

Kenworth collaborating on electric powertrain development Kenworth will collaborate with Meritor on electric powertrain development for Class 8 Kenworth T680E battery-electric vehicles. The electric Kenworth T680E will be a short-hood day cab in tractor configurations of 4x2 and 6x4 axles and as a 6x4 axle straight truck. The T680E will offer an operating range between 100 and 150 miles, depending on application.

“The Kenworth T680E development in collaboration with Meritor is a major advanced technology step in Kenworth’s evolution of zero-emission electric powertrain solutions for our customers,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.

3D Paving Technology with Easi-Pour Compact 880

Invest in the most proven concept in slip-form paving equipment from Easi-Pour. 3D paving technology makes you more efficient and profitable.

Ergonomically designed with unparalleled dependability for your concrete paving applications. Ease of operation coupled with the best operator visibility in the industry makes your jobsite safer and more productive.

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EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

PRIORITIZING MAINTENANCE DELIVERS PEAK PERFORMANCE Understanding how to maintain equipment is vital to extending lifespan

By Gregg Zupancic

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kid-steer and compact track loaders are versatile machines on a jobsite. To keep compact equipment performing at peak levels and extend the lifespan of the equipment, it is critical that maintenance is prioritized.

This information can always be found in the Operator’s Manual, as well as through contact and support of your local dealer.

The three key components of maintenance to understand are fluid maintenance, mobility and regular undercarriage maintenance.

Fluid maintenance

When it comes to checking fluid levels on compact equipment, John Deere recommends changing oil in 500-hour intervals, and to use the specific fluid types listed in the Operator’s Manual to ensure the machine is running at its best. Checking fluid levels can be a quick task, as our compact track loaders and skid steers were designed to have colour-coded fluid fills for easy identification, and easy access to the filters and fills so they can easily be checked on a regular basis. At John Deere, we offer compact equipment with the latest technology in fluids so owners can feel confident that their machine is ready to tackle any task and hydraulics are functioning properly.

Mobility maintenance

Compact equipment is known for its ease of use in tight spaces around jobsites. Depending on the operator’s needs, understanding the differences between tire and track maintenance on skid steers and compact track loaders will ultimately improve the machine’s productivity, help extend the machine’s life, and save the operator any incurred costs through 42

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lack of maintaining tires or tracks. For working on jobsites that include soft ground conditions or steep terrain, compact track loaders are better suited.

If an operator chooses to use a compact track loader on hardscapes such as concrete or asphalt, it could wear or damage the tracks and cause the need for repairs. John Deere offers two types of treads: Zig Zag, which is ideal for operators that need to push or move material around, and Block Lugs, which are more durable and hold a hillside better.

If an operator needs increased mobility, and is working on hardscapes, the style of tires on a skid steer loader will make a difference on the job. Unlike tracks, tires have higher ground pressure so are more likely to sink in softer ground conditions thus limiting mobility. There are a few options of tire treads from John Deere, including a dirt tire option, a hard surface tire option, and a harsher application non-pneumatic tire. Each tread helps the machine move, but requires different levels of maintenance.

Dirt tires, and hard-surface tires, are pneumatic tires with air pressure, making it important for operators to check in on the tire pressure levels daily. On the contrary, a harsher application tire is a solid tire with no air that is solely rubber with a tread pattern for increased durability. If an operator is using a skid-steer loader with dirt tires, or hard-surface tires, and the pressure is too low, it will wear the treads out quicker, and cause challenges later down the line.

Undercarriage maintenance

Undercarriage maintenance is another key component to properly maintaining the machine’s life and capabilities. While certain points of a machine can be checked on a weekly or monthly basis, we recommend checking undercarriages on compact track loaders and skid steers daily. Frequent undercarriage

Understanding the differences between tire and track maintenance on skid steers and compact track loaders will ultimately improve the machine’s productivity. check-ins are essential to the upkeep of the machine overall. For example, compact track loader operators should check to make sure there is no mud or dirt that could harden within the machine in cooler climates, as well as clean out any dirt and debris that may be building up.

Additionally, operators should do a visual check of the track itself to ensure that it is tensioned properly and according to manufacturer specifications. Having tracks on a machine with too little tension can cause tracks to slip and become damaged; if tensioned too tight, the track can wear faster and impact overall machine performance. Operators should also check that the hydraulic and fluid latches are locked on both skid steers and compact track loaders, especially when rotating out attachments on the machine. Failing to check could lead to damage of the machine or an attachment.

Gregg Zupancic is the product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders at John Deere Construction & Forestry.

THE ART OF TIRE DESIGN

On the surface they’re black and round and look pretty much the same.

“Commercial truck tire manufacturers all primarily use natural rubber for heat resistance and durability,” said Mosier.

“As a comparison, the automotive tires you drive on generally consist of more synthetic rubber than natural rubber.

And, truck tires all use carbon black to some degree as a primary ingredient in the chemistry of the tire. But, that’s where the similarities end.”

According to Mosier, some commercial tire brands are well known and have been around for generations, proving their performance on North American roads. Others are less known with limited distribution. “And, like with any product, you have varying degrees of quality and expectations – in the tire world you have up to four tiers of quality and pricing,” he said. “And for the most part, you get what you pay for.”

A tier 4 tire might show up spor-

a better tire. Anyone can build a tire to go straight for 500 miles. . . and have good wear. But to get top performance you have to offset the forces that eat up a tire. That’s the challenge.”

Also challenging tire designers are the different wheel positions. With drive tires you need a combination of deep tread depth matched with traction.

“Since tread wear is faster, we need to go with deeper tread depth – the Cooper Severe Series MSD for example has 32/32nds of tread – and sturdy lug shapes to enhance traction,” said Mosier. “And the traction design elements need to carry all the way through to the bottom of the tread, so you don’t have to pull the tires prematurely due to lack of grip on the road. In the past, the typical width of a drive tire was 8-1/2 inches – now it’s more than 9 inches.

What this has done has given a bigger footprint to spread weight, and that helps improve tire longevity.”

According to Mosier, commercial tires are evolving at a rapid pace.

“Compounds continue to change and the mixes keep improving,” he said.

“The use of new raw materials and formulations allow us as tire designers to expand performance so that improve-

ments can be made in durability – chunk and tread tear resistance – plus in treadwear and traction.”

Another component in continued tire quality improvement is in the manufacturing process. To be considered a top tire manufacturer, tires coming off the line need to be uniform. “And that means the specs and tolerances are very tight,” Mosier said. “For top tire brands, if the tires don’t meet spec, they’re rejected. And top brands, like Cooper, use x-ray and uniformity machines to inspect every tire coming off the line.

Manufacturing commercial tires has come a long way. These improvements mean tires from the leading brands have better uniformity, which translates to longer, more even wear.”

All told, Mosier said it’s an exciting time to be a tire designer. “We have so much technology and research at our fingertips,” he said. “We have chemists with PhDs who uncover new ways to perfect compounding, and we have new ways to design and test our tires to ensure top performance. There is so much opportunity in the commercial tire space – it’s exhilarating to come to work every day to see what we can accomplish.”

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What makes tires so high-tech?

adically in the U.S. market for example, then disappear. And, there are a lot of players. “The buyers of these tires are looking for rubber to put on the road – not high mileage, retreadability or other metrics,” explained Mosier. “They’re low-priced tires with casings that typically don’t hold up to multiple retreads. When you move up to tier 2 and tier 1 tires, you find a huge quality improvement, and casings with a four-belt package.

These tires give you better overall performance, and are engineered for multiple retreads. One way to sum up the quality variant is to look at the tire manufacturer’s warranty. The better it is, the higher the quality. A tire manufacturer knows better than anyone else how its tires will perform. At Cooper, for example, we track performance data – it’s why we’re able to offer an industry-leading warranty program.”

According to Mosier, tires for construction applications each pose different challenges and that’s why wear (miles to removal) can vary greatly.

Dump trucks, for example, have to contend with driving off-road – on gravel and rock, for example, so the tread and tire casing must be tougher to resist damage from rocks. Some fleets operating dump trucks, with diligent tire maintenance practices, get more than 80,000 miles on drive tires.

“Those running tractors with lowboys have a whole other set of tire needs,” Mosier continued. “The trick – or the art in what we do – is in balancing the performance attributes of the tire,” he said. “For a tractor hauling a lowboy trailer with heavy construction equipment, the first five miles and the last five miles of a trip wear out a tire faster than the 100 miles in-between.

Stopping, starting and scrubbing tires are what wear away the tread and it can impact uniform wear. So, as a tire designer, we have to figure out a way to resist those forces in order to make

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oday’s commercial truck tires are rolling pieces of sophistication. They are the vessels that carry the payload on dump trucks, mixers and tractor-trailers, so the importance of their construction and foundation (the casing) can’t be understated.

“Other than tires for the aerospace industry, commercial truck tires have arguably the toughest job in the tire business,” said Phil Mosier, Cooper Tire’s manager of commercial tire development. “It’s why we dedicate so much engineering time to ensure our tires perform safely and productively.

From a productivity standpoint, since tires are such a high operating cost, miles to removal and durability – balanced by a competitive price – is what can keep help construction fleets keep costs down. Providing our customers with a low cost of ownership is what Cooper is all about.”

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EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

SMS Equipment technician wins top award for Canada

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Jason Blake awards Clayton Kennon as AED’s inaugural Technician of the Year for Canada.

he Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) has named SMS Equipment Advanced Certified Technician Clayton Kennon as AED’s inaugural Technician of the Year for Canada.

“The AED Foundation is excited to honour technicians, like Clayton, for their hard work and passion to the equipment industry through our Technicians of the Year Awards,” said Jason Blake, executive vice president and COO of The AED Foundation.

“We would like to thank SMS Equip-

ment for participating in our inaugural award, and we look forward to growing this recognition moving forward.”

“Clayton is a leader, mentor, and go-to guy for our technicians,” says Larry Gouthro, general manager, SMS Equipment. “He takes new employees under his wing and starts them off in the right direction. He makes them feel like part of the team. We can always rely on Clayton in a tough situation or tight deadline to pull through.

His dedication is contagious.”

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In addition to his mentorship role, Kennon was nominated for his hard work and dedication that contributed to the success of his department, most significantly, the organization and planning of the parts for new builds.

“The time and effort put in by Clayton on a project building over 100 trucks increased our production time. He observed the struggles the other crews had when it came to putting kits together for the welding department, and came up with a checklist with pictures, complete with sign off, to assist with this shortfall.

Without this extra effort, it would have been challenging to meet our deadlines directly following the Fort McMurray fire. Whenever there is a major technical issue, Clayton is actively involved,” said Ryan Medendorp, superintendent of Trucks and Facilities.

The 22-year veteran equipment technician spends most of his time servicing heavy equipment between Fort McMurray and northern Saskatchewan. Kennon grew up on a family farm in rural Saskatchewan and credits the work ethic he learned from his parents to receiving this award.

After graduating high school in 1997, Kennon worked as an apprentice until 2000. He received his Journeyman Agriculture ticket in 2001 and went on to challenge the heavy-duty ticket in the fall of 2007 before joining SMS Equipment in December of that year. His passion for learning has never stopped. As an SMS Equipment Advanced Certified Technician, Kennon is continuously learning about the latest equipment and technologies.

“Every time there is a new truck that comes out, they put me into the courses,” he says. “I teach people as they come up.”

In addition to providing Kennon with more tools to train upcoming SMS Equipment technicians, the courses he takes allow him to have a better understanding of the equipment he services – a vital investment in the rapidly changing world of heavy equipment.

“The biggest challenge in the tech trade is everything changing all the time,” Kennon says. “More and more of the tech tools are on a computer. The first thing you do is hook up a laptop or scan tool and it tells you where to start.”

Kennon really enjoys the challenges of his role, trying to troubleshoot a problem and the satisfaction of seeing it fixed. He recommends his career path for anyone who likes getting their hands dirty and figuring out how things work. “I find it’s a lot like being a doctor. The machine comes in broke, you figure out what’s wrong, do the repairs, and have the satisfaction of it driving away – and you don’t have to be on call, like a doctor.”

When it comes to the constantly growing market for autonomous vehicles, Kennon doesn’t just use his expertise for servicing them.

“I help build them,” he says.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM >> HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca

ADVERTISER INDEX Ammann Canada................................................ 33 Antraquip............................................................ 29 Atlantic Heavy Equipment Show (AHES).......... 31 Bit Brokers International, Ltd............................ 43

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Bobcat Company............................................... 39 Breaker Technology (BTI).................................. 35 Buffalo Turbine................................................... 43 CIM...................................................................... 44 Dominion Equipment Parts, LLC....................... 21 Easi-Pour............................................................ 41 Eberspächer....................................................... 31 FLO Components Ltd......................................... 33 Ford....................................................................... 4 Frontline Machinery............................................ 15

Rome wasn’t built in a day – but these 3D-printed houses are

Genie – Terex Aerial........................................... 38 GOMACO Corporation....................................... 48 John Deere........................................................... 6 Liebherr Canada................................................... 3

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

LBX Company, LLC............................................ 17 Mack Trucks......................................................... 2 MB Crusher America.......................................... 29 Metso Minerals................................................... 47 PW Trenchless.................................................... 34 Rival Hydrovac................................................... 23 Shred-Tech......................................................... 27 Super Products................................................... 19 Takeuchi.............................................................. 22 Trail King Industries, Inc.................................... 11 Volvo Trucks......................................................... 5 Winchkraft........................................................... 41

Built Robotics transforms existing equipment into autonomous robots

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Wirtgen America................................................... 9

CONNECT WITH US Got a unique Canadian job story?

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CONTACT THE EDITORS: Editor, Lee Toop ltoop@baumpub.com Managing Editor, Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com

Tower of trucks travels through tempest MARCH 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 45

LAST WORD THE QUEST FOR SAFE AND QUALITY ASPHALT ROADWAYS DOUBRA C. AMBAIOWEI, PH.D., P.ENG., MCSCE – TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT ORBA/OAPC

S

afe and quality asphalt roadways acquired through proper design and construction, and timely maintenance remains a prime objective for all stakeholders in the roadbuilding industry. However, this quest is challenged by low-bid contract practices, limited budgets, increasing traffic volumes, climate change, use of substandard materials, proliferation of specifications, and many more concerns. Industry-practitioners recognize that these challenges cannot be effortlessly wished away. They require that we consistently strive for the best strategies that can guaranty good quality roadways, fair value for the work undertaken and a healthy competitive market that enables innovation.

The Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA) and Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council (OAPC) – Council of ORBA through its Quality of Asphalt Review, provides a framework of recommendations on the best approaches to ensure long-term value for safe and quality asphalt roadways.

The Quality of Asphalt Review was commissioned in the fall of 2017 and commenced in the fall of 2018. It was managed by KPMG and consisted of analysis conducted by Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI).

The framework focuses on ten relatively straightforward technical facts to serve as reminders in the quest for durable asphalt pavements. They include: 1. Do your homework: This entails evaluating existing pavement conditions meticulously and performing proper pavement designs to determine the appropriate thickness, selecting the right mix and Performance Graded Asphalt Cement (PGAC) for the project.

2. Encourage mixes that have higher asphalt cement (AC) content: Studies have shown that

mixes with higher AC outperform those with lower AC content. The concept of lowering gyrations, and the Superpave 5 concept, which uses a design air void content of 5 percent instead of the current requirement of 4 percent, are suggested to get more AC in HMA mixes. Regressing air voids for a balanced mix design, is a third approach.

3. Specify a finer gradation for your mix type: Finer Superpave mixes typically have higher AC content and are more durable and less prone to segregation.

4. Don’t overheat the mix: Overheating the mix will result in premature oxidation which may lead to cracking. Specifying warm-mix asphalt (WMA) may help alleviate these concerns during late season paving.

5. Include adequate surface preparation in the plans: Suitable surface preparation should be allowed for in the contract documents to ensure the construction of smooth roads.

6. Ensure an adequate bond: Proper tack coat application ensures that the pavement will perform as designed and help mitigate premature cracking. Good tack coating will also improve compaction.

7. Provide proper pavement density: Compacting the mat to the required specification limits will ensure long-term durability, lower oxidation (due to long-term aging) and reduce permeability.

8. Produce mix that is uniform and consistent: HMA that is produced to consistently meet the job mix formula (JMF) and the specification requirement will perform better.

9. Use reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) responsibly: RAP should be utilized in accordance with contract requirements. For higher percentages of RAP, i.e. greater than 15 to 20 percent, a softer

The Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) is the voice of the transportation infrastructure sector in Ontario. Our members build the majority of provincial and municipal roads, bridges, transit and transportation infrastructure across the province, and employ in excess of 30,000 workers at peak season. To learn more about ORBA, visit www.orba.org.

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

>> MARCH 2020

PGAC should be incorporated in the mix.

10. Complete quality assurance (QA) testing and inspection: Proper QA and inspection conducted by qualified technicians and inspectors should be part of any paving project to ensure longterm performance.

Detailed discussions on the above high-level summary are available in fact sheets and technical articles published by the OAPC, which can be found on the OAPC website at: http://www.onasphalt.org/ publications/ohmpa_publications/fact_sheets.html.

Collectively these technical facts provide industry-practitioners, especially asphalt producers, paving contractors and designers, with a concise quality checklist toward designing, maintaining, rehabilitating and constructing safer, smoother and well-performing asphalt roadways.

Additional considerations in design, production and placement operations of asphalt roadways are adaptive strategies to the impacts from climate change. Changes in temperature and rainfall, along with extreme weather events such as flooding, will have effects everywhere, and road safety is no exception. The effects from climate change, if not properly tackled, could accelerate the deterioration of asphalt roadways and increase the risks of severe damage and will affect road safety. These scenarios further degrade experiences for both road agencies, industry practitioners and the public.

Doubra C. Ambaiowei is the Technical Director at the Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA) and Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council (OAPC) – Council of ORBA. His work specifically supports all technical requirements to promote the quality use of hot-mix asphalt, and all other roadbuilding materials and construction best practices in general.

Lokotrack® ST2.8™ mobile screen Make demanding applications look easy.

The stickier the feed material, the bigger stroke needed from your mobile screen. Metso’s ST2.8 mobile screen has the biggest stroke on the market to make it the most dependable and versatile choice for top soil, demolition waste, river gravel, and even sand applications.

Ready in minutes, the ST2.8 is an easy addition to your multistage crushing operation.

Contact your local Metso distributor to build a screening process you can count on at contact.metso.com.

New

www.gomaco.com x info@gomaco.com “Dedicated to Concrete – Dedicated to You”. GOMACO offers the full range of concrete slipform pavers, curb and gutter machines, placer/ spreaders, texture/cure machines and bridge/canal finishing equipment. GOMACO equipment features our exclusive and proprietary G+® control system, created in-house by our software engineers from the wants and needs of contractors paving in the field. We’ll show you the new Navigator controller with a 10-inch touchscreen that allows ground personnel to simply control and view all attachments from one location. We are also introducing our new high-production system for the C-450 cylinder finisher for bridge decks and flat slabs. At the heart of GOMACO equipment is our passion for concrete and our commitment to our customers. We look forward to visiting with you about your upcoming paving projects and your concrete paving equipment needs.

CONCRETE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS x AIRPORT RUNWAYS x CURB AND GUTTER x SIDEWALKS RECREATIONAL TRAILS x SAFETY BARRIER x BRIDGE PARAPET x BRIDGE DECKS x IRRIGATION CANALS GOMACO CORPORATION IN IDA GROVE, IOWA, USA x 712-364-3347