Alabama #19, 2011 by Construction Equipment Guide

ALABAMA STATE EDITION

231

72 Florence

Huntsville

20 Decatur

565 59

A Supplement to:

231

431

Gadsden

78 59 Anniston

Birmingham Bessemer

82 Tuscaloosa

65 280

20 82 Auburn

Selma

Phenix City

Montgomery

September 21 2011 Vol. XXIIV • No. 19

231

43 84 431 331

84 52 31

“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”

Dothan

65 98

Mobile

Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479

Thompson Tractor Sells Cat D7E to Alabama Power Co.

Thompson Tractor Company’s Jeff Smith (L) and Don Garrett roll into the E.C. Gaston Steam Plant in Wilsonville, Ala., to present Alabama Power with its new Cat D7E.

Alabama Power’s staff of operators and managers were eager for the first opportunity to operate the new D7E.

Alabama Power Company, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, officially took delivery from Thompson Tractor Company of the first Caterpillar D7E electric drive track type tractor sold in the state of Alabama. Prior to delivery, the machine was customized to fit the company’s needs with: a fire suppression system that was installed with the assistance and consultation of Caterpillar with regards to routing, nozzle location, etc; added a 19.4 cu. yd. (14.8 cu m) coal blade; optional LGP tracks; dual tilt engineered and installed by Thompson. On August 24, representatives of Thompson Tractor Company converged on Alabama Power’s E.C. Gaston Steam Plant in Wilsonville, Ala., to provide a celebratory lunch followed by an operator training program for the staff of operators and managers. After lunch, Don Garrett, the Thompson Tractor sales representative who was respon-

sible for the sale of the machine addressed the operators and management team announcing enthusiastically, “You are the first in the state of Alabama to own and operate a new electric drive Cat D7E.” Garrett went on to say that the machine comes from years of product research and development and has thousands of test hours behind it. He also said that he was very appreciative of Alabama Power and looked forward to their feedback on the machine. Jeff Smith, Thompson Tractor’s Caterpillar certified trainer and machine delivery specialist also spoke and furthered Garrett’s enthusiasm by saying, “I’m excited about doing this.” Smith went on to put all minds at ease about being the first to operate a machine like the D7E. He said “If you’re used to running a dozer, it’s not going to be that much of a difference.

The layout of the cab is clean and neat, not a lot of switches and the controls will be very familiar.” He then completely explained the Tier IV Cat engine with the diesel particulate filter exhaust system and how conveniently the computer system recognizes when regeneration is required and is essentially patterned around how one operates the machine. Infectious Enthusiasm The spirit with which Thompson Tractor staff were viewing the Cat D7E, was quickly shared by members of Alabama Power’s staff. Cedric Hutcherson, fuels manager, Alabama Power’s E.C. Gaston Steam Plant, explained, “We were looking for a more efficient dozer that could actually replace two D6’s with one machine. We wanted to make see THOMPSON page 2

Just as with all Thompson Tractor machine deliveries, Jeff Smith does an in-depth walk around and holds a Q&A session on this purchase by Alabama Power.

This D7E was fitted with a number of upgrades, including a Cat consulted fire suppression system.

Page 2 • September 21, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Efficiency, Environment Helped Sway Purchase Decision THOMPSON from page 1

a purchase that would be as ‘green’ as possible, help reduce emissions and save on fuel. Once we saw the Cat D7E, we knew it would meet our operational requirements and give us the larger 19-yard blade and we immediately saw it as something we wanted to learn more about. Alabama Power is a leader in researching, developing and deploying environmentally friendly technologies and we at Plant Gaston are excited to be doing our part. Higher production is expected because of the 19-yard blade and increased horsepower of the Cat D7E.” When asked what the machine will be used for, Hutcherson stated that they will be using it primarily for ash management from the coal-fired generating plant. The machine will operate eighthour shifts, five days a week. “Fuels managers from other plants, as well as systems managers from the Southern Company and a diesel mechanic visited Caterpillar in Peoria to see this machine. We had all done a quite a bit of homework on the machine’s capabilities. We were there for about two days and were able to see the machines at work and have a question-and-answer session on using this machine on coal ash, which can be quite corrosive. We were assured this would not be a problem,” Hutcherson explained. “Working with Thompson Tractor Company, Hutcherson added, “has been a great asset to us. They are very customer focused. They spearheaded this desire of ours to look at a means of being more efficient in our ash removal systems.” Years of Research Tom Browne, manager of fleet operations, Alabama Power also joined the discussion. “This new technology, a dealer as capable as Thompson and the great support Thompson has given us in the past, puts us pretty high up on the comfort level of going with this new machine. We feel like Thompson can support it and will train our people, and stock the parts we need. If we run into issues, they’ll be there to handle them for us.” Browne further stated, “There was one other area of research that we explored on this machine. When Caterpillar brought the D7E to one of

Yancey’s facilities. We took some people from Alabama Power and some of the folks who also work on green projects within the organization and we all went over to Yancey to operate the machine and go through some product classes. Alabama Power had been watching this particular piece of iron for several years, seeing it in action and talking to people who had experience with it. “We had some folks that went to ConExpo to see a D7E that was set up for wood chip application,” Browne said. “It had a lot of hours on it and we spoke with some people who knew the tractor’s history and they reported good results from it. We felt really good about the fact that Cat had put a lot of field work into this machine before we bought one. We’ve been watching the progression of this tractor for years. As Cedric mentioned, we’re always looking do what we can to protect the environment and improve our productivity. When we first saw this technology at ConExpo in 2008, we thought it was an interesting concept and wondered how it would play out in the field. “As we watched how the machine developed and logged hours in the field, all feedback we received was good. We were a little concerned about using the machine in our application, because this is very difficult with lots of dust and water. We had a Cat development engineer come down to look at the actual application and see what our D6R’s do on a daily basis He verified that he had no concerns about the D7E being a productive machine in our application. We were impressed that Cat took the time and energy to come down and do this at our request. This is the first of this machine type purchased by The Southern Company. If we are successful here and if operating costs are low and production is high, we feel like others in the company will take notice,” Browne said. Hutcherson chimed in and said, “We’re not necessarily seen as a guinea pig on this, we look at best practice across our entire system in which we share information and applications that might benefit other plants.” Browne added, “Thompson had a two-day service school for their technicians on this machine and we sent three of our technicians to that school as well. And although we traditionally do all the service of our own machines,

The key players that made this deal a reality (L-R) are Steve McCullough, Thompson Tractor PSSR; Ronald Raines, Alabama Power operations manager; Cedric Hutcherson, Alabama Power fuels manager; David Goldman, Alabama Power fleet services-fleet specialist; Tom Browne, Alabama Power, fleet services regional manager; Sean Martin, Alabama Power fuels systems; Don Garrett, Thompson Tractor, equipment sales representative.

we’ll call in Thompson for our first 1,000 hour service. Our guys will be with them and see what kind of service they perform, how they do it, and make sure that we know how to do exactly what the manufacturer recommends.” Browne furthered his confidence in complete support from their dealer and said, “Steve McCullough, the Thompson PSST representative for the plant does a good job of coming by and checking on things quite regularly. We anticipate lower operating costs and lower fuel consumption, with a 20 to 25 percent savings on fuel combined with high production. I feel sure that Thompson Tractor will be there to help us achieve that.” Thompson Tractor’s Don Garrett added, “Alabama Power also will save money on oil. Without the need for changing final drive and transmission fluids, a savings will be seen there as well. The machine is pretty straight forward on service and benefits the customer by having fewer moving parts to service.” (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s Web site at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG

Much-Needed Relief...

Ala. Gets $1.5M After Twisters for Highway Repairs BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Alabama is getting $1.5 million in federal funds to help pay for emergency highway repairs following the tornadoes that ravaged the state in April. LaHood made the announcement June 7 while visiting a part of Birmingham that was heavily damaged by the storms. He said the money will help pay for debris removal, sign replacement and traffic signal repairs that are expected to cost more than $10 million statewide. Dozens of twisters left damage in 42 of Alabama’s 67 counties, creating a path of destruction that officials say was more than 600 mi. long in all.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK. J O I N O U R O N L I N E C O M M U N I T Y AT

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 21, 2011 • Page 3

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Page 4 • September 21, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 21, 2011 • Page 5

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Page 4 • September 21, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 21, 2011 • Page 5

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Page 6 • September 21, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Calhoun • Russell • Walker • Lawrence • Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Morgan • Shelby •Alabama… Bibb •Hale • Fayette • Marion • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • St. Clair • Chilton • Escambia• Montgomery • Jefferson • Russell • Fayette • Conecuh • Coffee • Geneva • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Bibb • Coffee • Calhoun • Russell • • Walker• Lawrence• Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Bibb• Hale • Fayette • Monroe • Clarke • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega

‘The Yellowhammer State’ Highway Project Lettings

The Alabama State Department of Transportation received bids for transportation-related improvement projects. Following is a list of some of the projects let. County: Colbert Contract ID: NH-0002(548). Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-2 (westbound lanes only) from CR-5 (Mill Creek Loop) to near Brown Street (MP 8.700) in Cherokee. Distance: 3.44 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $958,270 • Rogers Group Inc. — $1,056,888 County: Talladega Contract ID: NH-0021(534). Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-21 from Country Club Drive in Sylacauga to south of SR-76 (MP 220.377). Distance: 8.37 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • McCartney Construction Company Inc. — $2,996,174 • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $3,254,651 • Dunn Construction Company Inc. — $3,339,717 County: Pike Contract ID: NH-0053(557). Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-53 (US-231) from Monticello Drive in Troy to north of CR84. Distance: 4.87 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $1,849,546 • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $2,003,075 County: Cherokee Contract ID: NH-HSIP-0035(516). Project: Planing, resurfacing, drainage and traffic stripe on SR-35 from CR-9 (MP 0.00) at Lawrence to near Watson's Crossroads (MP 7.33). Distance: 7.33 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Good Hope Contracting Company Inc. — $2,146,906 • C. W. Matthews Contracting Company Inc. — $2,329,876 • McCartney Construction Company Inc. — $2,388,511 County: Henry Contract ID: STPAA-HSIP-0010(530). Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-10 from Barbour County Line to 0.4 mi. west of CR-25 northwest of Abbeville. Distance: 6.01 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Lewis Inc. — $1,376,299 • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $1,393,157 • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $1,436,575

County: Mobile Contract ID: 99-509-491-188-004. Project: Bridge coating on SR-188 at Bayou La Batre in Bayou La Batre. Distance: N/A Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Seminole Equipment Inc. — $983,960 • K.V.K. Contracting Inc. — $1,090,000 County: Mobile Contract ID: IM-I065(396) Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on I-65 from I-10 in Mobile to north of SR-17 (US-45). Distance: 8.71 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Mobile Asphalt Company LLC — $22,437,937 • Hosea O. Weaver & Sons Inc. — $22,658,249 County: Coffee Contract ID: NHF-HPP-0012(517). Project: Additional lanes (grade, drain and partial base and pave) on SR-12 (US-84) from west of Double Bridges Creek at New Brockton to the Enterprise Bypass. Distance: 4.12 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • McInnis Construction LLC — $11,449,459 • Grady Ralls & Sons Inc. — $11,829,799 • W. S. Newell Inc. — $12,419,722 County: Etowah Contract ID: NHF-BRF-8106(600). Project: Additional lanes (grade, drain, pavement, signals

and bridge) on SR-77 from Steele Station Road to I-59 ramps (east side) in Rainbow City. Distance: 2.45 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • McCartney Construction Company Inc. — $9,992,543 • Good Hope Contracting Company Inc. — $10,076,594 • Carcel & G. Construction LLC — $10,604,239 County: Madison Contract ID: NH-0001(562) and NH-0001(563). Project: Planing, resurfacing, traffic stripe and bridge rail retrofit on SR-1 (US-231/US-431) from MP 341.770 north of Huntsville through Meridianville to MP 346.730. Distance: 4.95 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $1,867,968 • Reed Contracting Services Inc. — $1,868,567 • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $1,951,788 County: Colbert Contract ID: NH-0002(546). Project: Planing, resurfacing, bridge rail retrofit and traffic stripe on SR-2 (Woodward Avenue) from north of SR-20 (MP 26.288) to SR-184 in Muscle Shoals. Distance: 3.27 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Rogers Group Inc. — $1,766,505 • Joe Keenum Excavation & Const. Inc. — $1,788,473 • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $1,830,498

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 21, 2011 • Page 7

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Page 8 • September 21, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

WE PURSUE A COMMON GOAL: THE PERFECT ROAD.

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Dothan, AL 4307 N. Reeves Street Hwy. 431 North Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 678-1832

Pensacola, FL 9036 Pine Forest Road Pensacola, FL 325349342 (850) 505-0550

Grove Hill, AL 243 South Jackson Street Hwy 43 Grove Hill, AL 36451 (251) 275-4158

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Mobile, AL 2100 E. I-65 Service Road North Mobile, AL 3661 (800) 233- 7213 (251) 457-8991

Montgomery, AL 3285 Selma Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36108 (800) 832- 9563 (334) 288-6580

Shoals Area, AL 961 Highway 20 & Elledge Lane Tuscumbia, AL 35674 (256) 383-5666

Tuscaloosa, AL 3820 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (800) 582-4625 (205) 752-0621