Kirby-Smith - Connection - December 2023 by Construction Publications, Inc

December 2023

A publication for and about Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. customers www.KirbySmithConnection.com

THREEFOLD SERVICES LLC Father and son team up to form earthmoving business, start developing their own properties

Rob Beauchamp, Owner

Ty Beauchamp, Owner

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Valued Customer: In this latest edition of Kirby-Smith Connection, we highlight the story of Threefold Services LLC, a father-and-son earthmoving business celebrating its 10th anniversary. This DFW-based customer has recently started to develop their own properties in addition to the work they perform for their customers. In our featured article, you can read about how Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) equipment John Arapidis combined with responsive support from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. help them toward their property development goals. Speaking of anniversaries, it is also the 10th anniversary of Komatsu’s IMC. What a decade it’s been for the factory-integrated GPS excavators and dozers that continue to improve. Companies of every size are seeing improved savings in both time and costs, and you can read some of their stories in this issue. With its extensive lineup of construction, mining, forestry and industrial machinery, Komatsu continues to innovate. Get a glimpse of what Komatsu has to offer and see the future of construction inside this issue. We highlight the PC210LCE electric excavator and the new PC130LC-11 that’s a great all-around excavator designed to work in a wide variety of applications and is portable enough to be moved behind a dump truck or a larger pickup. No matter what you need, we have you covered with machines and innovative products. If you are looking for equipment, you should consider tax advantages such as bonus depreciation. This year, full (100%) bonus depreciation, which was passed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), dropped to 80%. Under the law, it will continue to decrease by 20% per year until it reaches 0% in 2027, so now may be a great time to make a purchase. Check out the article in this issue for more information. As always, if there is anything we can do for you, please reach out to your nearest Kirby-Smith Machinery location, where our knowledgeable staff and I will be happy to support you in any way we can.

Sincerely,

John Arapidis President & CEO, Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.

FEATURED ARTICLES... THREEFOLD SERVICES LLC pg. 4

See how this family business offers a variety of earthwork services to customers and does its own land development.

PALLET SALES & RECYCLING pg. 8

Read about how this East St. Louis operation provides pallet manufacturing and rebuilding services to a wide range of customers.

JH CONTRACTING LLC pg. 10

Meet Jordan Holy, who built his own full-service earthmoving firm with the help of a talented staff.

A DECADE OF DATA pg. 14

Celebrate 10 years of Intelligent Machine Control (IMC).

MAKING THE GRADE pg. 21

Discover how Sons Construction Inc. improved efficiency.

PAVING CORNER pg. 22

Check out the VÖGELE SUPER 1300-3i compact-class paver.

CRANE CORNER pg. 25

Take a look at the new Grove GRT8100-1 rough-terrain crane.

ASK THE PSSR pg. 35, 37

Gain knowledge from KSM's experienced product support sales representatives (PSSRs).

FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY pg. 49, 51, 53

Get to know KSM's featured employees: Gavin Cole, Justin Ashlock, Kris Phillips, Cody Christopher, Jose Rodriguez, and Julia Branum.

Published by Construction Publications Inc. for

www.kirby-smith.com

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6715 W Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73127 12321 E Pine St, Tulsa, OK 74116 4617 Powell St, McAlester, OK 74501 12035 Interstate 20 W, Abilene, TX 79601 3922 I-40 E, Amarillo, TX 79103 8505 S Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75241 1450 NE Loop 820, Ft. Worth, TX 76106 3419 East Slaton Road, Lubbock, TX 79404 7301 E Interstate 20 E, Odessa, TX 79765 415 Enterprise Blvd., Hewitt, TX 76643 12920 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127 8320 Ruby Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66111 – COMING SOON

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THREEFOLD SERVICES LLC Father and son team up to form earthmoving business, start developing their own properties

his year marks Threefold Services LLC’s 10th anniversary, and while Rob Beauchamp and his son, Ty, continue to maintain the roots on which they formed the business, they have also made a major change in the last few years. “We got tired of the rat race of bidding hundreds of jobs to only end up with one, so we decided to shift to mainly doing our own projects,” explained Rob. “We had the opportunity to buy some property and develop it. That went well, so we continued down that road. I’d say that makes up about 75% of our workload now.” (L-R) Rob and Ty Beauchamp own and operate Threefold Services, which offers a variety of earthwork services to customers and does its own land development.

An operator pushes dirt with a Komatsu D51EXi-23 Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozer.

Between the two of them, the Beauchamps have plenty of experience in land development.

Threefold Services uses its Komatsu PC360LCi-11 IMC excavator for everything from stripping to finish grade, including mass excavation and utility installation.

Rob has been in the earthmoving industry for more than 30 years and previously owned multiple excavation businesses. Ty grew up in the industry, helping his dad and running equipment whenever he could. After Ty graduated from college with an emphasis on business management, he teamed up with his father to form Threefold Services. Ty commented, “We were both on projects all the time, but as our emphasis shifted, now I’m working more toward taking care of the field, and Dad is taking more time to find new pieces of land for us to acquire and develop or focusing on putting together the quotes and bids that we still want to go after.”

Building on family land Rob and Ty have kept their own land development efforts close to home, building subdivisions west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, mainly in Wise, Parker and

Johnson counties. Threefold Services does everything from clearing to finish grade to build roadways, house pads and ponds, as well as install utilities. “We do all the subgrade prep, then sub out the paving, and have a builder put up the houses,” said Rob. “They are large enough that we mostly concentrate on doing one development per year.” Threefold Services’ latest undertaking is a 52-lot site in Wise County on land that had been in the family for several decades. The Beauchamps purchased it from Rob’s uncle, who had bought it from Rob’s grandfather. When complete, they will have moved approximately 50,000 cubic yards of dirt across 65 acres to construct pads and prep 4,500 feet of roadway. Threefold Services will also put in about 5,000 feet of water line and a small amount of storm.

“In terms of size, it’s average for us,” said Rob. “We usually like to stay in a range of about 50 to 80 lots per subdivision. It tends to work out better all-around for us in terms of getting our work done, financing and partnering with builders.”

Solid repeat customer list When it’s not in the midst of its own projects, Threefold Services is doing a variety of dirt work for a diverse customer base. According to Rob, jobs have typically ranged from $2,000 to around $1 million. “It varies from a single house pad to a large railroad project down in Brownsville,” Rob pointed out. “We like to mainly stick with just dirt work, but we have done some municipal projects that involved storm drain.” Discover more at KirbySmithConnection.com Continued . . .

‘If we call for something, they are on it’ . . . continued

Ty added, “Mostly, our outside work has been private residential and commercial, and we have built up a solid repeat customer list. We have a couple builders that we work with, and we go all over the United States with them. We’re still a very mom-and-pop operation, so in those instances, we bring the whole crew: my dad, myself, my uncle and a new hire. Customers know that we will treat their project like it’s one of our own, so the job will get done on time and on budget.”

Loyal to KSM, Komatsu For many years, the Beauchamps primarily rented equipment because Threefold Services’ projects varied so much in size and location. Now that they are doing more of their own work locally, Rob and Ty decided that buying machines would be a good move. Whether purchasing or renting, they work with Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) Rental Territory Manager Jacky Miller and KSM Territory Manager Keelan Crosby. “Jacky helped us pick and choose the size of equipment we needed

for each job, so that made renting advantageous for us,” said Rob. “Once we got to the point where we were doing so much more of our own stuff and using the same equipment over and over, it made sense to purchase.” Threefold Services’ first Komatsu purchase was a D51EXi-23 Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozer with an operating weight of 30,380 pounds. “The production rate was so good that we realized that we probably were not going to be competitive if we continued to do things the traditional way with stakes and surveying,” said Rob. “We used to do a lot of parking lots for a commercial retail operation, and each was 20,000 to 25,000 square feet. It would usually take four or five days to manually grade one. With the IMC dozer we could do it in probably an hour and a half if it’s roughed in. You cut your time down by 50% to 60% really easily. Everything’s integrated, so there are no masts. We went with that

size-class machine because it gets the job done, and we can put it on our triple-axle trailer and pull it behind our dump truck.” Threefold Services uses IMC from first pass to last with the dozer, as well as the PC360LCi-11 IMC excavator the company bought last year. Threefold Services uses the PC360LCi-11 for everything from mass excavation to utility installation. Rob noted that the excavator won’t dig beyond the target elevation, which saves time and reduces material costs. “Both the excavator and dozer always know where they are in relation to final grade, so you don’t have to worry about overcutting or undercutting,” said Rob. “It’s a matter of putting in the model, and letting the machines follow it. The operators have all the information they need right in front of them.” KSM technicians service both of the Komatsu machines under the Komatsu Care program, which ensures scheduled maintenance is done on time. “One reason we’re loyal to Komatsu and Kirby-Smith is the response time,” noted Ty. “If we call for something, they are on it. It’s the same with service. They get to us quickly and keep us updated on where things stand.”

The ultimate goal In terms of the type of work Threefold Services does, the Beauchamps don’t see any major changes. Rob and Ty will continue to do good work for their clients, and they hope to expand their portfolio of personal property development in the future.

KSM Rental Territory Manager Jacky Miller (left) talks with Threefold Services owner Rob Beauchamp on a project site near Fort Worth, Texas. “I’ve worked with Jacky for about 20 years,” said Rob. “He does a good job of taking care of us.”

Ty concluded, “We are trying to get to the point where we are doing specifically our own projects where we’re buying the land and developing it.” ■

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

MCALESTER, OK

TULSA, OK

FT. WORTH, TX

DALLAS, TX

ODESSA, TX

AMARILLO, TX

ABILENE, TX

LUBBOCK, TX

6715 W. Reno • (405) 495-7820 1450 NE Loop 820 • (817) 378-0600

www.kirby-smith.com

3922 I-40 East • (806) 373-2826

WACO, TX

415 Enterprise Blvd. • (254) 261-1370

4617 Powell St. • (918) 310-1550 8505 S. Central Expwy • (214) 371-7777 12035 Interstate 20 W • (325) 692-6334

12321 E. Pine St. • (918) 438-1700 7301 E Interstate 20 E • (432) 333-7000 3419 East Slaton Road • (806) 745-2112

PALLET SALES & RECYCLING With sustainability in mind, East St. Louis operation provides pallet manufacturing, rebuilding services to a wide range of customers

In July 2019, Bob Immekus founded

Pallet Sales & Recycling (PSR) in East St. Louis, Ill., less than a mile from the iconic Gateway Arch. About a year later, his high school friend Randy Ellington joined as an owner. Together, they’ve become an industry leader in the area. “We both have been in the industry for 20 years, and we saw a need for better service,” said Immekus. “With that as our focus, we have developed a list of long-term customers who rely on us. About 95% of our business is from repeat customers. If they need custom-built pallets, we will accommodate them.” “We work with Fortune 500 companies down to mom-and-pop local food distributors and manufacturers,” added Ellington. PSR utilizes nine tractors and more than 200 trailers to service customers within an approximately 200-mile radius of the metro Saint Louis area. Company personnel deliver a load

of pallets, leave the trailer on-site for clients to fill with scrap pallets, then pick it up when it is full and haul it back to PSR for processing. “Our biggest niche is getting odd and free pallets on a massive scale and running them through our processing equipment — dismantlers, automatic trim saws — to separate the boards and runners,” explained Ellington. “After that, we have used material that goes into the other aspects of our business, which are repair and remanufacture.” In addition to excellent service, PSR is committed to sustainability and keeping the significant amount of waste its processes create out of landfills. Wood not used in manufacturing and repair is run through a grinder and turned into new materials such as animal bedding and mulch. While no two weeks are exactly the same, PSR maintains a somewhat steady volume of work. In a recent

week, PSR repaired 31,000 pallets, built 9,200 pallets, tore down 17,000 pallets, and sold four loads of used material.

Atlas 200 MH helps increase productivity PSR used to feed its grinder with a skid steer equipped with a grapple bucket but recently replaced that machine with an Atlas 200 MH material handler that features an elevating cab and has a maximum reach of 33 feet. PSR worked with Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) Territory Manager Larry Kohler and KSM Material Handling Specialist Ralph Faulkner to purchase the approximately 44,000-pound material handler. “They took the time to get to know our operation and ensure we had the right machine for our needs,” said Ellington. “They were very knowledgeable, so I was convinced that we were making the right decision. Now, we can’t imagine doing things any other way.” Operator Joe Robertson emphasized that the Atlas 200 MH immediately increased production and efficiency in a limited-space application. “I can handle a much bigger load, so I can put more into the grinder at once and make material faster,” said Robertson. “We went from only filling one trailer a day to three or four. Another advantage is that with a longer reach, I can sit in one spot, pick up material basically from all around me and feed the grinder without all the movement back and forth that I had with the skid steer. If I do need to move, I check behind the machine on the monitor using the rear camera. To me, it’s increased safety.”

Randy Ellington (left) and Bob Immekus own and operate PSR. The East St. Louis company provides pallet manufacturing, rebuilding and recycling services.

Robertson added, “I really like the elevating cab too, because I can see right down into the grinder and make sure that metal or other

Operator Joe Robertson feeds a grinder with an Atlas 200 MH material handler. “I can handle a much bigger load, so I can put more into the grinder at once and make material faster,” said Robertson.

items that aren’t supposed to go through it are stopped before they do. That saves the teeth. It’s simple to operate with a couple of joysticks that control everything. It’s incredible how comfortable the cab is with air conditioning and a heated seat.”

Further expansion PSR continues to see growth, and increased grinding could lead to a separate business by the end of this year. “We also currently own 50% of a location in Chickamauga, Georgia,” said Immekus. “Plus, we started a brokerage last year that handles the pallets for close to 500 retail stores. That division is growing at rapid speed.” ■

Discover more at KirbySmithConnection.com

(L-R) KSM’s Ralph Faulkner and Larry Kohler talk with PSR’s Joe Robertson. “They showed me how to operate the Atlas 200 MH, and I was good to go,” said Robertson.

JH CONTRACTING LLC Jordan Holy builds his own full-service earthmoving firm with the help of a talented staff

Jordan Holy could have

gone one of two directions after graduating from Sam Houston State University with degrees in criminal justice and construction management. He chose the latter, combining the knowledge he gained in college with the years of in-field, hands-on experience he already had.

Holy eventually decided to form his own company and founded JH Contracting LLC about seven years ago in China Spring, Texas, which is a suburb of Waco. The early focus was “piddly stuff,” according to Holy.

to bigger earthwork and utility projects, as well as some concrete.”

While JH Contracting’s expertise is in excavation and utilities, the company now offers full site preparation packages that Jordan Holy, Brandon Powell, include everything from Owner/President Estimator/ clearing and stripping Project Manager to asphalt and concrete paving. JH Contracting “I started with a skid steer and a “Anything that had to do with coordinates all the preparations, welder,” he recalled. “Our primary dirt, I was involved with,” Holy so the site is ready to build on. scopes of work were clearing, small proclaimed. “First, it was farming, Subcontractors typically handle excavations, fence building, steel then helping my brother out with the paving, and JH Contracting erections for metal building, and his site preparation company as an self-performs most everything else, whatever else we could land, mainly operator, a laborer, or whatever I including hydroseeding and traffic in the residential market. After a few needed to be. After Sam Houston, control. In addition to residential and years, I started reaching out to some I came back to work for him as a commercial, the company is now in prior contacts I had. That got us into superintendent and ran two or three the municipal market doing road some commercial jobs, which led projects at a time.” construction and utility installation. An operator starts digging for a water line with a Komatsu PC210LC excavator.

JH Contracting has built a good reputation of being on time and on budget, so the company has a lot of repeat customers. Holy credits his staff of about 25 full-time employees for ensuring projects remain on schedule. They are working on multiple sites at any one time within an approximately 80- to 100-mile radius of China Spring. “We like to stay as local as possible, and if a project is close, we typically will look at it if it’s $200,000 or above,” said Holy. “The minimum climbs the further away the job is. Our maximum is up to about $7 million. That’s obviously a long way from when we started and were doing $10,000 jobs with the skid steer.” For its largest project to date, the JH Contracting team moved about 20,000 cubic yards of dirt, put down base rock, and installed nearly 1 mile of utility lines for a distribution center in Waco. JH Contracting also

JH Contracting uses Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozers, including its D51EXi, from stripping to finish grade. “They really cut down our time on a project,” stated Jordan Holy, the owner and president of JH Contracting.

recently completed a 6-acre site in Waco that included cuts up to 6 feet and fills up to 9 feet, a building pad, paving and backfill.

Equipment from KSM From first pass to last, JH Contracting utilizes Komatsu D51EXi and D61EXi Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozers with factory-integrated GPS that were acquired from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) with the assistance of Territory Manager Trey McNeel. The IMC dozers help JH Contracting get to grade faster with less material movement and waste, which computes to greater profitability. “They really cut down our time on a project,” stated Holy. “Traditionally, we would have someone out to drive hubs and

set stakes several times. With the IMC dozers, we can do an entire job with a surveyor coming once or twice, so that cost was decreased. We have a partnership with another company, which was recommended by Kirby-Smith, and they build all of our GPS 3D models. Either the engineer or the general contractor provides control points, and we localize to their control points with the model. When we get the job localized, we basically plug it into the machine and take off.” In addition to the IMC dozers, JH Contracting has worked with McNeel to purchase Komatsu PC210LC and PC240LC excavators, as well as a Komatsu GD655 motor grader. “The grader is a great finishing machine, especially for road construction,” said Holy. “We like

the excavators because they move a good amount of dirt but are small enough that we can easily move them from one site to another without having to hire an outside hauler.” Holy has been satisfied with the support he receives from McNeel and the entire team at KSM, especially with the Komatsu equipment. “I research machines and generally know what I want when I’m ready to buy, and Trey is great about locating it, as well as giving us options to purchase,” commented Holy. “With Komtrax, Kirby-Smith can accurately monitor timeframes Discover more at KirbySmithConnection.com Continued . . .

‘Kirby-Smith has been great’ . . . continued

of service intervals and things of that nature. A Kirby-Smith technician can diagnose our Komatsu machines remotely, which is a big time-saver. Normally within a few hours, you have a diagnosis, parts are

ordered, and you’re looking to the next step to getting it repaired. The newer Komatsu machines have Komatsu Care, so we’ve utilized that for servicing equipment. Obviously, time is money, so the

faster that a machine gets repaired and back online the better you are. Kirby-Smith has been great as far as service and repairs.” In addition to Komatsu machines, McNeel has helped JH Contracting purchase a HAMM H 12i compactor with a smooth drum, as well as a Takeuchi TL8 compact track loader and Takeuchi TB260 and TB2150 compact excavators. “The excavators are great for smaller, tighter utility projects,” Holy noted.

Recipe for success In the future, Holy hopes to take on larger jobs and believes that JH Contracting’s prospects look good.

JH Contracting’s Jordan Holy (left) talks to KSM Territory Manager Trey McNeel on a commercial job site in Waco, Texas.

“We are constantly looking at and bidding bigger projects,” Holy indicated. “We have grown, but in a controlled way, not getting in over our head and not taking on anything we aren’t comfortable with. That’s the way it will continue. I like perfecting things at one level, then taking the business to the next.” ■

An operator digs utility lines with a Takeuchi TB2150 compact excavator in a Waco, Texas, residential area.

Abilene

12035 Interstate 20 W. Abilene, TX 79601

Amarillo

3922 I-40 E. Amarillo, TX 79103

www.kirby-smith.com

Lubbock

3419 East Slaton Road Lubbock, TX 79404

Odessa

7301 E. Interstate 20 E. Odessa, TX 79765

Waco

415 Enterprise Blvd. Hewitt, TX 76643

Kansas City

8320 Ruby Avenue Kansas City, KS 66111

McAlester

4617 Powell St. McAlester, OK 74501

Oklahoma City

6715 W. Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Tulsa

12321 E. Pine Street Tulsa, OK 74116

A DECADE OF DATA The 10th anniversary of IMC confirms that users have saved time, lowered costs with integrated GPS grade control

In 2013, Komatsu

the ability to move dirt faster and more accurately with fewer stakes changed the landscape and reduced surveying costs. of the construction We found that novice operators equipment industry saw their skill set grow rather with the introduction quickly when using Intelligent of the first Intelligent Machine Control, because the Machine Control (IMC) semi-autonomous operation is a dozer that provided Andrew Earing, learning tool that is teaching them fully automatic blade Director of Tracked proper operation. Experienced control from rough Products and operators found that it helped cut to finish grade. Technical Service, them work more comfortably Komatsu The D61i-23 made an throughout the day, and we immediate impact, and found those operators willing a decade later, there is to stay in the workforce a little bit plenty of evidence that IMC equipment longer because of the more enjoyable has cut costs significantly for customers experience that the technology and increased operator efficiency. provided them.” “Providing that semi-autonomous Upgrades functionality in the dozers from the The D61i-23’s success set the stage factory was unheard of in the industry,” for additional models, as well as IMC said Andrew Earing, Director of excavators that go beyond simple Tracked Products and Technical guidance to semi-automatically limit Service for Komatsu. “It was over-excavation and trace a target revolutionary. The integrated GPS surface. Once the target elevation grade control gave operators

Komatsu IMC excavators go beyond simple guidance to semi-automatically limit over-excavation and trace a target surface.

is reached, no matter how hard an operator tries to move the joystick to lower the boom, the excavator doesn’t allow it. This reduces wasted time and the need for expensive fill materials. Liesfeld Contractor, based in Richmond, Va., was the first company to adopt a D61i-23 dozer in 2013. It has since upgraded its fleet multiple times and currently has 10 IMC dozers and three IMC excavators, including some IMC 2.0 models with advanced features that help further increase productivity. The IMC 2.0 dozers have proactive dozing control, which enables even less-experienced operators to cut/strip automatically from existing terrain, as well as lift layer control, tilt steering control, and quick surface creation. The IMC 2.0 excavators feature bucket angle hold control, which automatically holds the bucket

Komatsu’s D61i-24 IMC 2.0 dozer is the second generation of the original IMC dozer introduced in 2013. Its features include proactive dozing control, lift layer control, tilt steering control, and quick surface creation.

angle to the design surface during arm operation. It’s less fatiguing for operators, so they are more productive, and it produces a better finish-grade surface. Plus, auto tilt bucket control assists operators by aligning the bucket parallel with the slope, so that finish grading can be accomplished without needing to align the machine with the target surface. “We have come to rely on IMC, as it puts a lot of the information about the job right in front of the operator on the monitor,” said Kelby Morgan, Operations Manager at Liesfeld Contractor. “The more we can put on the job site, the better off we are. We can get jobs done with fewer worker hours. We’re less reliant on surveying. Everything combined makes us more efficient. I think it gives us an advantage over those who don’t use it.”

Increased efficiency, lower costs Wisconsin-based Soper Companies performs earthwork and various other services with a sizable fleet of

equipment that includes several Komatsu IMC excavators and dozers. “We’re committed to incorporating technology into our practices — from having our own survey techs who lay out jobs to digital plans to using the latest innovations in grade control — because we see increased efficiency and overall lower costs,” said Vice President Ethan Engel. “Our labor expenses are down because we don’t need grade checkers, and we’re moving material faster and more accurately.” Engel praised the Komatsu PC290LCi-11 IMC 2.0 excavator for its ability to follow complex design plans in foundation and utility digs. “It’s been spot-on, and once you hit target depth on the model that’s been uploaded to the excavator, it won’t let you dig any deeper,” said Engel. “Operators hit final elevation without over-digging, so we are not replacing dirt with expensive backfill. In turn, that reduces trucking, lowers fuel consumption, and helps profitability.

We are seeing similar savings with the dozers. Our operators get to grade faster with less material movement.” Frank A. Rogers & Company Inc. (FARCO), a general contractor in Arkansas, saw similar results when an operator used a D39PXi-24 IMC dozer to complete a 52,000-square-foot commercial building that included 4 acres of pads. According to President Taylor Meharg, it saved approximately 10% to 20% on costs compared to a similar project the company did with rental equipment. FARCO has also found that the D39PXi-24 cuts down on surveying time. “We can do most of our surveying with one piece of equipment,” said Meharg. “The level of accuracy you get with IMC is an upgrade over traditional equipment, and I think even the best operators in our company would agree with me that Continued . . .

‘We view IMC as a time-saving tool’ . . . continued

it makes their job easier and helps get the project done faster.” Texas-based Baker & Company Construction LLC realized the benefits of IMC when it compared a GPS-integrated dozer to a competitive model with an aftermarket system. “Komatsu was the clear winner,” stated President Brad Baker. “Operation was smooth, and the fact that there are no masts or cables to deal with made it a no-brainer. We now have four IMC dozers that we rely on heavily for stripping to finish grade. Our productivity is higher, and our costs are reduced because those dozers allow us to move material once and more efficiently. Operators know exactly where to place, cut and grade because the plans are in the dozer, and it’s automatically doing what’s needed in relation to reaching finished elevation. They have cut our mass grading time by roughly 50%.”

well as traditional earthmoving. ABR Construction Inc., which is headquartered in Nicholasville, Ky., equips its PC360LCi-11 excavators with rock grinders.

aren’t wasting time staking, and that also frees up project managers to do other tasks,” noted Senior Project Manager Darrin Darnell.

“Using a grinder with the IMC technology allows you to achieve grade without over-digging or misalignment because misaligning a rock trench can be a very expensive mistake,” explained Project Manager Ben Troxell.

According to Earing, customers across North America — and the world — have seen similar results with IMC equipment.

ABR Construction also uses IMC dozers to complete everything from stripping to finish grade. The company gets further versatility by outfitting the dozers with rippers.

Specialty situations

“We were constantly replacing stakes, and now, the whole site plan is in the dozer itself,” said President Christian Ach. “We have less downtime, so we view IMC as a time-saving tool that makes our operators more functional. Now, they produce eight to 10 hours a day rather than worrying about knocking down stakes.”

Komatsu IMC technology works in specialty situations as

“I feel as though our overall efficiency has gone up 100% since we

The D71i-24 models are the newest Komatsu IMC 2.0 dozers.

Continuing to build

“The original vision for IMC was to provide a solution that all of our customers can benefit from,” said Earing. “We wanted to make this available, scalable and really intuitive enough that everyone can use it, no matter the size of the contractor. Ten years later, we can pointedly say that we believe we achieved that and much more. We’re continuing to build on it, and with customer input, we are seeing applications for IMC machines that we hadn’t thought of at the beginning.” ■ *The opinions expressed here are from the end users who are quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Your results may vary.

GUEST OPINION Do you know the drill? The importance of preparation and timeliness for reporting construction site injuries

With nearly 6.5 million

team members on workers’ compensation injury and illness reporting requirements, outline who an employee should report an incident to, and how that report should be handled.

people on construction sites across the U.S. each day, accidents are likely to occur. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,008 fatal and 174,000 non-fatal The process construction injuries. The Dimitrius King, When an injury occurs, injuries included falls, Chief Claims the injured employee must structural collapses, electric Officer, notify their employer and Pie Insurance shocks, failure to use proper file a formal workers’ protective equipment, compensation claim. The employer and many others. While safety is then responsible for giving guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration the employee the appropriate (OSHA) are put in place, accidents paperwork and guidance, as well as still happen. Are you and your filing the claim with the insurance crew prepared for the aftermath? provider in compliance with state When an injury inevitably occurs, law for reporting workplace injuries. employers must understand their However, it’s important to remember roles as business owners, especially that every situation is different. when it comes to the claims process. State workers’ compensation laws and deadlines vary considerably, so Before an injury occurs, employers should do their research employers should educate all and speak with a trusted advisor when an employee injury occurs at About the Author: As Pie’s first chief claims the workplace. officer, Dimitrius is responsible for leading and implementing the company’s claims strategy. To learn more about Dimitrius, construction safety and workers’ compensation claims, visit Pie Insurance.

Once reported by the employee, the employer has limited time to submit

Accidents happen. Having a clear plan in place when they occur is essential.

the paperwork for the employee to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The timeline for filing a workers’ compensation claim for benefits varies significantly depending on the state and can range from one to three years or more. It’s always best to report an incident as soon as possible, as this often reduces the time it takes to close a claim. Both parties should act quickly when workplace injuries occur as the claim can be denied if a state’s workers’ compensation claim deadline is missed.

Important steps Educating employees on proper reporting processes can help streamline claims if and when injuries occur. When an injury occurs, employers must: • Ensure the injured employee receives immediate medical care • Complete an injury/illness report and file it with the organization’s workers’ compensation carrier — within 24 hours of the injury if possible • Keep communication open with the workers’ compensation carrier and the injured employee • When appropriate, establish a timeline for returning to work • Support the injured employee as they transition back into their role within the organization While not all accidents can be prevented, having a clear plan in place when they occur is essential. Employers must understand their responsibility to employees and their businesses’ bottom line when correctly and efficiently filing workers’ compensation claims. ■ Editor’s Note: This article is for informational purpose only and not an endorsement of any particular insurance carrier.

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PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY BRANCH: Tulsa, OK • (918) 438-1700 Worth, TX • (817) 378-0600 PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL KIRBY-SMITHFort MACHINERY BRANCH: www.kirby-smith.com

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Whether you need training to get the most out of your intelligent machines, or support on your digital transformation, we are here to help.

Our team of Komatsu-certified solution experts are on the phone, online or at your job site to make sure you get the most out of your investments. Dashboard

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MAKING THE GRADE Adding Smart Construction Retrofit to its standard excavators improved efficiency for Sons Construction Inc.

New technology has

“We were doing footers on a warehouse, and I dug played a major role in for about half a day without Sons Construction Inc.’s anybody shooting grading,” (SCI) growth since its said Justin. “Retrofit gave inception in 2005. The me more control over what I general contracting firm is was doing, and that is great led by owner Justin Raper if I need to overcut, undercut and his father, David. or dig outside the perimeters Justin Raper, “It started off as a general of the model. Since you aren’t Owner contracting business, and guessing while operating from there, it progressed and don’t have to wait on into doing design builds someone, you can be more accurate and larger scale projects,” said Justin. and operate faster.” Now, the company prefers to Smart Construction Retrofit helps take on large commercial and operators transition from traditional industrial warehouse projects, with machinery to technologically recent jobs ranging from 50,000 to 450,000 square feet.

Increase accuracy, speed To further maximize efficiency, SCI added Komatsu’s Smart Construction Retrofit to its Komatsu PC138USLC and PC88MR excavators. Retrofit is an entry-level 3D guidance kit, so operators get the advantage of seeing where they are on a project and their relation to target elevation. The kit includes four inertial measurement units mounted on the bucket, arm, boom and frame of the excavator. Sensors are installed in the front of the machine, and two GNSS antennas for GPS are mounted on the rear.

advanced equipment, according to Justin. “If you take somebody who’s been operating a long time and you try to throw a lot of technology at them, it can overwhelm them,” said Justin. “If you can put them into a Retrofit system and slowly ease them into it, they’re more adaptive to it. They still dig just like normal, but they have a screen they can follow. All they need to do is just look at the screen and read numbers, listen to chirps and whistles, and they get interested fast. I can set it up for them, and there’s not a whole lot of a learning curve.” ■ With Komatsu’s Smart Construction Pilot app and a Komatsu PC88MR excavator equipped with Smart Construction Retrofit, SCI owner Justin Raper sets up a model. Retrofit is an entry-level 3D guidance kit, so operators get the advantage of seeing where they are on a project and their relation to target elevation.

Users download Komatsu’s Smart Construction Pilot app and use it with their connected device. They can get audio alerts that will change tones the closer operators get to finish grade. That, along with the visual representation on the app, helps keep operators from digging too deep, saves time and lowers costs. Retrofit also has a payload system that weighs material, and operators can see that in real time to ensure proper tonnage is being loaded onto trucks — something typical aftermarket systems don’t have.

PAVING CORNER VÖGELE SUPER 1300-3i delivers outstanding versatility, laydown rate in a compact-class paver

Do you need a compact paver

with a high laydown rate? With the ability to pave up to 16 feet, 5 inches while putting down 385 tons per hour, the VÖGELE SUPER 1300-3i has you covered. The SUPER 1300-3i’s size allows it to handle a wide range of applications including combined footpaths and cycle paths, farm track applications, or minor roadways. Paving widths of 2 feet, 6 inches to the maximum allow the paver to handle these tasks with ease. The paver comes with an AB 340 Extending Screed for superb compaction. Heated electrically, it raises standards in terms of performance and efficient electric power utilization. No component on the SUPER 1300-3i extends beyond its slim design, which fits through almost any opening and makes it ideal for easy paving and maneuvering in tight corners. Its overall length is 16 feet, 3 inches. With the hopper wings folded up, it has a clearance width of 6 feet, 1 inch. For passing through narrow spaces, push-rollers fold up together with the hopper wings.

The driving force is a four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 100 horsepower at 2,000 revolutions per minute. A fuel-saving ECO mode is standard and sufficient for many applications. A large cooler assembly ensures that the power unit always delivers its full output. With innovative air routing and a variable-speed fan, temperatures are continually maintained within the optimal range, significantly extending the service life of the engine and the hydraulic oil. High-quality hydraulic drives help the SUPER 1300-3i operate cost-efficiently and achieve a high level of performance. The hydraulic systems for the traction drive, conveyors, augers and compaction systems all operate in separate

closed circuits for maximum efficiency. With powerful crawler tracks, the paver easily pushes heavy feed vehicles and achieves great tractive effort on soft bases even when paving in large widths. A continuous flow of material is key to ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality paving. The large material hopper holds 22,000 pounds and is designed so that a sufficient quantity of mix is stored at all times. Individually and hydraulically operated hopper wings provide a consistent material flow.

Improved ErgoPlus VÖGELE’s ErgoPlus 3 operating system has been supplemented by numerous ergonomic and functional features for the Dash-3 generation. It includes the operator’s stand, the paver operator’s console, the screed consoles, and the Niveltronic Plus system for automatic grade and slope control. The operator’s console comes with a large color display that provides brilliant readability even in poor lighting conditions. ■

The VÖGELE SUPER 1300-3i compact-class paver has a maximum laydown rate of 385 tons per hour, and its paving widths range from 2 feet, 6 inches to 16 feet, 5 inches.

The Kirby-Smith Machinery Road Construction & Minerals Division is here to partner with our customers to maximize their equipment performance and assist with: • Best Practices for Machine Applications • Start-ups and Product Demonstrations • Operations & Operator Training • Machine Inspections • General Q&A on Machines and Technology

Meet Our Product Specialists

Carlos Vega Crushing & Screening Product Specialist (KLEEMANN and Masaba) cvega@kirby-smith.com 806.640.7708 • Industry Experience: 20 Years • Extensive experience running sand & gravel operations

Brian Evans Crushing & Screening Application Specialist (KLEEMANN and Masaba) bevans@kirby-smith.com 682.816.5344 • Industry Experience: 30 Years • Significant experience for both tracked and stationary units • Millions of tons of crushed material

Robert Perkins

Chris Brenz

WIRTGEN Product Specialist Sr. Paving & Compaction (WIRTGEN) Product Specialist CBrenz@kirby-smith.com (VÖGELE, HAMM, LeeBoy 254.447.0774 + WIRTGEN in Oklahoma) • Industry Experience: 7 Years rperkins@kirby-smith.com • Milling, stabilization, and 501.514.4156 slipform paving • Industry Experience: 19 Years • Extensive service and • VÖGELE Applications application knowledge Specialist for WIRTGEN GROUP • Project Manager/Estimator Civil and Private Sectors

Jason Edens WIRTGEN GROUP Technical Specialist jedens@kirby-smith.com 405.508.0054 • Industry Experience: 15 Years • Over 7 years of experience in service operations for WIRTGEN GROUP line

CRANE CORNER Grove GRT8100-1 rough-terrain crane features capacity improvements, great fuel efficiency

Manufacturers are always

finding ways to improve products. Manitowoc (Grove’s parent company) recently introduced its new 100-ton-capacity Grove GRT8100-1 rough-terrain crane — the upgraded version of its popular GRT8100 — that features a new carrier with the MAXbase variable outrigger positioning system, which enables better lifting capacity and site access. The new carrier paves the way for a host of ergonomic improvements with its flat, aluminum decking that allows for better rigging and maintenance access. Storage is improved with the addition of space around the front deck as well as a box and headache ball tray to the right-front side. On the left side, below the new cab, there is space to stow cribbing mats, while a compartment just above this includes additional storage and facilitates easy ground access to the carrier’s electrical components.

Also new to the outrigger design is an auto-level feature for easy setup, as well as Manitowoc’s smart, length-sensing Outrigger Monitoring System (OMS).

More power, operator comfort The crane also has a 300-horsepower Tier 4 Final engine that delivers approximately 10% more power and greater fuel efficiency. Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS) helps deliver significant savings in total ownership costs, allowing the 6-cyclinder, turbocharged and water-cooled engine to operate in ECO mode. The reduced engine speeds that promote improvements in fuel efficiency have been aided by the torque converter installed with the new Rangeshift transmission.

Manitowoc improved operator comfort with a wider Full Vision cab that features a tilt/telescopic steering column; a wider, heated, electrically adjustable seat; and a three-camera package that maximizes visibility around the crane. Additional new features include an LED lighting package, footrest bars, improved foot pedal spacing, and CCS mounted on adjustable arm rests. The GRT8100-1 maintains the 360-degree load charts of its predecessor, as well as the same overall dimensions, counterweight and five-section 39.2-foot to 154.3-foot full-power MEGAFORM boom. “With the GRT8100-1, we have taken a great crane and made it even better,” said Manitowoc Product Manager John Bair. ■

The new 100-ton Grove GRT8100-1 rough-terrain crane features up to 15% capacity improvements in certain configurations, and the 300-horsepower Tier 4 Final engine delivers approximately 10% more power and greater fuel efficiency, compared to the previous GRT8100 model.

The GRT8100-1’s new chassis shares commonality with the chassis from the proven 120-ton-capacity GRT8120. With the new chassis, users have the option to integrate the highly flexible MAXbase, which offers up to 15% capacity improvements in certain configurations. It simplifies setup on congested job sites, with each of the four hydraulically telescoping outriggers extended over a range of symmetric and asymmetric positions.

Now there is an easy, aﬀordable way to bridge the technology gap Smart Construction Retrofit equips legacy machines with 3D guidance and payload monitoring — tools to drive accuracy and eﬃciency at your job site. Learn more about this exciting new solution at komatsu.com/smart-construction-retrofit

Scan to learn more

PRODUCT FOCUS Upgraded PC130LC-11 excavator increases lifting capacity while remaining highly portable for use in a variety of applications

L ooking for an

excavator that can help complete jobs faster? Easily transported from job to job, Komatsu’s newly upgraded PC130LC-11 increases lifting capacity by up to 20%, compared to the previous model.

productivity, the PC130LC-11 uses up to 12% less fuel, compared to the PC130-8. To further reduce fuel usage, the excavator also features auto idle shutdown, which stops the engine after a preset amount of time. Its operating weight of 28,440 to 29,101 pounds makes the PC130LC-11 highly portable, and users can move it with a tag trailer and still have capacity to spare for additional support equipment.

Nathaniel Waldschmidt, Product Manager, Komatsu

“The new PC130LC-11 has a longer undercarriage with 8% more track length, which provides greater stability and increased operating weight,” said Nathaniel Waldschmidt, Komatsu Product Manager. “The result is increased lifting capacity both over the front and side. The upgraded PC130LC-11 can easily handle a wide variety of utility work or small construction jobs.” With fast cycle times, seamless multifunction motions, and exacting bucket movements for high

“Mobility remains a clear asset,” said Waldschmidt. “When a contractor finishes one job, they can easily load the PC130LC-11 and quickly be on their way to the next job site. When they get there, it’s a matter of minutes to unload and start working, so it maximizes productivity.”

Komatsu’s PC130LC-11 excavator features a longer undercarriage that contributes to greater lifting capacity, compared to the previous model. It has fast cycle times, seamless multifunction motions, and exacting bucket movements for high productivity, while also being more fuel efficient.

Built-in durability Steel castings in the boom foot, boom nose and arm tip provide durability. The large one-piece hood, ground-level grease points, engine oil, and fuel filters provide quick-and-easy service access. Plus, high hydraulic pressures help optimize high arm and bucket digging forces. Waldschmidt concluded, “We encourage anyone who’s looking for a smaller conventional tail swing excavator that’s proven to get the job done to contact their distributor for additional information and to set up a demo.” ■ Quick Specs Model PC130LC-11 Learn more

Operating Weight 28,440-29,101 lbs. Horsepower 97.2 hp Bucket Capacity 0.34-0.78 cu. yd.

DEMO DAYS Customer feedback helps drive innovation at Komatsu Demo Days 2023 in Georgia

Komatsu customers

Smart Quarry solutions; Montabert, Lehnhoff and Hensley products; and Komatsu’s newest forestry machine: a PC230F-11.

had their first chance to get their hands on the new products that were featured at CONEXPO-CON/AGG at the company’s annual Demo Days in Cartersville, Ga.

“We want to make sure that Komatsu equipment is fully utilized, and that our “We had about Michael Gidaspow, Kurt Renzland, Thomas Wayson, customers’ entire job sites 400 customers come Vice President of Owner, Operator, are as efficient as possible,” through the event with their Product Service K.J. Renzland The Quartz Corp. said Gidaspow. “That is distributors,” said Michael and Solutions, Excavating Inc. of America where Komatsu technologies Komatsu Gidaspow, Vice President come in, so they can of Product Service and help customers hit their goals. When “Those two machines were the Solutions for Komatsu. stars of the show; they got a lot they come to Cartersville, customers “There were many Komatsu experts of feedback and operation,” said can see what Komatsu does and who talked to customers and got Gidaspow. “Customers want to learn about how our offerings can their feedback on our equipment know how the PC210LCE electric assist them.” and our solutions.” excavator compares to their While new machines and Customers at the event were traditional excavator, or how the technology were a significant draw eager to get in the operator’s seat PC900 operates.” for the event, some customers noted of two new excavators showcased The event also featured Intelligent the overall reliability Komatsu has at CONEXPO-CON/AGG: Machine Control (IMC) 2.0 the PC900LC-11 excavator and the provided their operations over equipment; Smart Construction and PC210LCE electric excavator. the years.

KSM’s Peyton Chatham (left) and David Cagle with BECCO have fun during their Demo Days visit.

Glenn Thurman of Glenn Thurman Inc. (left) and KSM’s Pat Farquharson attend Komatsu’s Demo Days.

“My experience with Komatsu is that the machines are very reliable,” commented Kurt Renzland, owner of K.J. Renzland Excavating Inc. “That’s why I’m here. My PC400 excavator is over 20 years old, and it has over 20,000 hours with the original motor and hydraulic pumps. For us, that reliability means we can keep working and aren’t wasting time repairing machinery or having to deal with expensive repair bills. Even when we went through tough times, I was able to lean on our Komatsu machines and get through.”

Powerful, efficient PC900LC-11 Towering above the other machinery and quickly drawing a crowd at Demo Days was

Taylor Davis (right) with Triangle Construction & Utility chats with KSM’s Mike Green after operating a Komatsu PC900LC-11 excavator.

Watch the video

A Komatsu instructor guides an operator through the capabilities of a Komatsu PC900LC-11 excavator.

Komatsu’s PC900LC-11 excavator equipped with an 8-yard bucket. “My first thought was that the bucket is monstrous,” stated Thomas Wayson, an operator for The Quartz Corp. of America. “It would increase our production by being able to load trucks faster. You probably only need two buckets to fill the rigid frame dump trucks, so you’d be able to speed up the process quickly.” Despite its size, the machine shares similarities with smaller models. “I like how the cab and controls are the same, so it doesn’t matter if you’re on a 160 or the 900 because everything’s the same inside,” said Bennett Conrad, a third-generation operator, fleet manager and technician at Conrad Brothers. “I like the visibility with the cameras and the serviceability. The filters are easy to get to and are in a good spot.” The cohesiveness among models lends itself to faster operator training. “It was like running a 390, just bigger; there was no change or

parasitic drag,” said Wayson. “For training, it would be a quick transition from a smaller Komatsu machine to the PC900.”

Testing Komatsu’s electric excavator Demo Days attendees were some of the first customers in North America to get behind the controls of the PC210LCE electric excavator, which will be field tested later this year. “I currently run a diesel-powered PC210 excavator, and I think that if you were blindfolded, you would not be able to tell the difference between the two,” said Wayson. “I expected the electric excavator to be underpowered, but it was not. It exceeded my expectations.” Wayson was also surprised by the comfort of the machine. “When I was operating, I turned the air conditioner off just to get a feel for the machine and see how quiet it actually is,” noted Wayson. “It was astonishingly quiet.”

Bennett Conrad, Operator/Fleet Manager/Technician, Conrad Brothers

Joel Nicol, Vice President, Nicol and Sons Inc.

Hands on with GD655-6, IMC 2.0 Attendees were also quick to note the performance of the Komatsu GD655-6 motor grader. “I use motor graders for fine grading quarry stone for parking lots,” explained Renzland. “The Komatsu motor grader is smooth, quiet and powerful. The controls are super sensitive, and the visibility allows me to sit in my seat while operating. I’m used Continued . . .

‘We encourage feedback from our customers’ . . . continued

to standing up and working large levers, so the operator comfort is better in the Komatsu machine.”

Plus, Demo Days gave customers the ability to test Komatsu technology, such as IMC 2.0.

“I ran the D71PXi, which was my first experience with the 2.0 technology,” said Joel Nicol, Vice President of Nicol and Sons Inc. “I could not believe the advancements in the mapping system, and an operator doesn’t have to interfere with the process, it just pushes.”

Visit Cartersville (L-R) MKS Construction’s Matt Schilling, KSM’s Jerrod Ellison, and MKS Construction’s Kris Schilling experience the Komatsu PC900LC-11 excavator’s impressive performance firsthand.

(L-R) KSM’s Jason Wolfe and Silver Creek Materials’ Ryan Hinojosa and Nico Purkiss take a look at Komatsu’s Smart Construction and Smart Quarry solutions.

(L-R) KSM’s Kevin Demel talks to Black Mountain Sand’s Josh Smallwood, Cory Smith and Tony Lucyk about Komatsu’s wheel loaders.

(L-R) Rangeline’s Tobey Fowler, KSM’s Chad White, and Rangeline’s Brandon Taylor learn about Komatsu’s cutting-edge IMC 2.0 technology, with its zero-track slipping and seamless operation.

KSM’s Brad Howard (left) checks out the dozer area with Judd VanMeter of First Water Construction.

(L-R) De Leon Excavation’s Saul De Leon, Chris Harp Construction’s Jason Yager, and KSM’s Matt Probey are ready to test the prototype of the Komatsu PC210LCE electric excavator.

KSM Director of Smart Construction Dennis Cox (left) and Justin Stiehl look at the Komatsu equipment on display.

Moving forward, Gidaspow encourages customers to visit Komatsu in Georgia and take the opportunity to operate new machinery and technologies. “Any customers who haven’t had a chance to come out, please talk to us, and talk to your distributor,” said Gidaspow. “We have customers visit us year-round, and we have equipment here that hasn’t yet been released to the market. We encourage feedback from our customers, so we can learn what’s working or what we can do to make our equipment and our solutions better for you.” ■ *The opinions expressed here are from the end users who are quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions.

KSM’s Dan Rutz (left) and Sam Jessop of Timberwolf Excavation demo Komatsu’s IMC dozers.

KSM’s Josh Lee (left) and Danny Cannon of Diamond Services enjoy operating equipment at Demo Days.

KSM’s Justin Kahle (left) and Osttend Landfill’s David Dugger explore Demo Days.

TRUST LEEBOY. You work hard—and for all the right reasons: pride,

quality, reputation, prosperity. You expect your equipment to work as hard as you do, to be every bit as tough, productive and reliable as you are. We are LeeBoy. The name behind the world’s most dependable and productive commercial asphalt paving equipment.

www.kirby-smith.com OKLAHOMA CITY

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KANSAS CITY

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Have you seen what’s new in My Komatsu? We’ve made some exciting changes! An all-new mobile app, simplified ordering through the Online Parts Store, Komatsu Care Program (KCP) integration and more have been added to enhance the My Komatsu user experience. Log in to your My Komatsu account to see the full range of new features. Don’t have a My Komatsu account? Go to mykomatsu.komatsu to sign up.

DIGITAL DATA My Komatsu helps Ascendent Demolition stay on top of maintenance, keep machines running in challenging applications

Demolition puts a heavy strain

on equipment and attachments. To keep Ascendent Demolition LLC’s machinery in top shape and avoid costly breakdowns, the firm’s Equipment Manager Kyle Jolk uses an aggressive preventive maintenance program that includes tracking the company’s Komatsu equipment with Komtrax through My Komatsu, a comprehensive digital hub that allows 24/7 access to machine telematics data, parts manuals and service manuals. Jolk monitors daily service hours, machine hours, idle time, abnormalities and other critical data. “My Komatsu is a great fleet management tool,” stated Jolk. “It helps us keep track of when maintenance is due, and it’s been valuable in ensuring that we get that service done on time. The graphical design is great for us, and it’s easy to look at.”

brands that have been registered with My Komatsu. It can save hours of tracking down machine information and helps users be more proactive about service and repairs. My Komatsu alerts users when to order parts, which can easily be ordered through the digital hub. “In addition to Komtrax, I also use My Komatsu to look at manuals for troubleshooting,” Jolk added. “Komatsu equipment has been great to work on. That has a lot to do with the amount of service manuals and

technical information available through My Komatsu. We have some older non-Komatsu equipment, and it’s more difficult to deal with those because they are not in that centrally located hub of My Komatsu. In general, I’m impressed with support to the end user, both from Komatsu and our dealer. It’s something you just don’t see from other manufacturers. It’s incredible.” ■ *The opinions expressed here are from the end user quoted. The results described herein are those of this end user under certain conditions. Your results may vary.

Ascendent Demolition Equipment Manager Kyle Jolk uses My Komatsu to remotely monitor the company’s Komatsu equipment, check manuals, and order parts. “My Komatsu is a great fleet management tool,” stated Jolk.

Remote telematics data and information through My Komatsu enables users to access and evaluate their assets, including Komatsu equipment and other machinery

OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMA CITY

Cash Still Cash Still 918.210.8627 918.210.8627

Chris McAlexander Chris McAlexander 405.479.1648 405.479.1648

Ryan Harrison Ryan Harrison 405.627.6114 405.627.6114

TULSA TULSA

Brian DeVore Brian DeVore 405.209.7245 405.209.7245

KANSAS CITY KANSAS CITY

AMARILLO & LUBBOCK AMARILLO & LUBBOCK

ABILENE ABILENE

Mark Tadlock Mark Tadlock 816.206.4720 816.206.4720

Joe Phillips Joe Phillips 806.316.6378 806.316.6378

Clay Collier Clay Collier 325.245.6460 325.245.6460

Chip Leatherwood IV Crane Division IV Chip Leatherwood Crane Division 214.542.2578 214.542.2578

Phillip Hearrean Phillip Hearrean 972.670.6591 972.670.6591

McALESTER McALESTER

Cash Still Cash Still 918.210.8627 918.210.8627

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DALLAS DALLAS

Jordan Washam Jordan Washam 214.907.2279 214.907.2279

FORT WORTH FORT WORTH

Chase Barber Chase Barber 682.240.8117 682.240.8117

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Karl Kumph Karl Kumph 469.540.9972 469.540.9972

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Waste Industries Specialist Roddy Conner Waste Industries Specialist 214.985.0524

214.985.0524

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Billy Smith Billy Smith 432.234.6260 432.234.6260

www.kirby-smith.com www.kirby-smith.com

Jay Britten Jay Britten 432.894.0854 432.894.0854

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ASK THE PSSR What teeth are right for my job? Knowing makes a world of difference in your productivity, profitability

hat are you digging? That’s the main question you should ask when considering what type of teeth your excavator bucket should have, according to Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) Jeff Statum.

Properly sized teeth Once you know which style is right, take the time to make sure you have properly sized teeth for your bucket and machine.

“Just as the right style affects production, so does Jeff Statum, size,” emphasized Statum. PSSR, “You don’t want a 71-inch KSM, “Assessing and knowing Tulsa bucket with large teeth. It’s what material you will be better to have that large moving and matching your excavator bucket with smaller teeth, so it teeth to it will increase productivity, doesn’t get as much bite. Then, you and ultimately profitability,” commented Statum. “There are several different types of teeth, such as S Series, which is a dirt tooth that will work well in light sandstone, soil and sand. If you’re getting into more brittle rock or harder rock, you need a conical-style tooth, a chipping-type tooth, or a tiger-type tooth. You are likely to need sets of multiple tooth styles to be the most efficient and productive.” Statum, who is based out of KSM’s Tulsa branch, used the terrain of eastern Oklahoma as an example.

are not over-digging or taxing the machine as it tries to pull through too much material. Of course, if they are too small, breakage is likely to occur.” Statum concluded, “When it comes to a decision on your teeth, please come see your local PSSR. We’ll take care of you.” ■

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“Assessing and knowing what material you will be moving and matching your excavator teeth to it will increase productivity, and ultimately profitability,” said PSSR Jeff Statum. “There are several different types of teeth, such as S Series, which is a dirt tooth that will work well in light sandstone, soil and sand. If you’re getting into more brittle rock or harder rock, you need a conical-style tooth, a chipping-type tooth, or a tiger-type tooth.”

“Let’s say you’re putting in a pipeline and going down through the hills,” said Statum. “You should have a set of dirt teeth and a set of rock teeth because as you go up the hill, it’s likely you will run into hard material. When working in the valley, dirt will likely be encountered. Dirt teeth won’t be very effective at removing rock and vice versa. Additionally, rock teeth tend to cost more, so you don’t want to use them in a situation that’s wearing them down unnecessarily. If it’s a pipeline, you may also need specialty teeth for digging around the pipe to avoid damaging it.” Statum added that there are also different systems available that let you change teeth in minutes that are much safer than the traditional method of pounding out pins.

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ASK THE PSSR Brian DeVore emphasizes that consistent oil sampling is an important preventive maintenance task

Oil is the lifeblood of

machinery, and just like it’s important to check your blood for abnormal signs that cause illness, it’s vital to test oil for the same reason.

drop off the sample at KSM. The kit comes with tubing, a pump or gun, and the collection bottle.

“Pull the sample by sticking the tubing to about the middle of the tank and pulling on the gun to pump the oil into the “An oil sample is one of bottle,” explained Devore. Brian DeVore, the simplest and easiest PSSR, “It’s important not to collect ways to get a picture of a KSM, the sample from the bottom of machine’s health,” stated Tulsa the tank, because that’s where Brian DeVore, Product everything settles. Seal the bottle, fill Support Sales Representative out the information and bring it in for (PSSR) at Kirby-Smith Machinery testing. Normally, the results come Inc.’s (KSM) Tulsa, Okla., branch. back in two to three days, and we “It gives you the ability to see if email those to the customer. If they everything is clear or if there are think there is an issue, we can speed signs of a potentially catastrophic up the results.” issue. That early detection can let you

DeVore added that there is a nominal fee for the kit and testing. “Think of it this way, it’s a small price to pay now to potentially save you big in the long run,” said DeVore. “For example, if you detect something in the hydraulic system, that can be fixed for a relatively low cost compared to not finding out until a pump goes bad, and you’re looking at repairs in the $40,000 to $50,000 range or worse. Sampling is critical and well worth the time and expense.” ■

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address it right away and potentially save a costly repair or worse.” DeVore suggests pulling an oil sample at every maintenance interval and possibly more often with older machines. Your PSSR or service technician can perform the task. “The first thing that’s tested is viscosity,” said DeVore. “It’s also tested for abnormalities such as high amounts of silica, copper or brass. All can be indicators of potential trouble, from a gasket or bearing that’s gone bad and letting in debris to something far worse. If there is a high amount of coolant, that could be an exhaust gas cooler failure in the near future. Knowing that ahead of time with a sample allows you to address it and keep downtime to a minimum with a fix rather than having it turn into a machine being shut down for a long period of time.”

A simple process If you want to do the sampling yourself, the process is relatively simple, according to DeVore. You can get a kit from your local KSM’s parts department, pull the sample, and

PSSR Brian DeVore demonstrates pulling an oil sample. “An oil sample is one of the simplest and easiest ways to get a picture of a machine’s health,” stated DeVore. “It gives you the ability to see if everything is clear or if there are signs of a potentially catastrophic issue.”

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VIRTUAL LEARNING Komatsu launches Komatsu Academy, a new online training system for customers and dealers

omatsu Academy, a new online training system that is currently available for Komatsu dealers, will soon be available for Komatsu customers via the My Komatsu app. Intended to easily provide educational content to users at any time, “Komatsu Academy is designed to help our dealers and customers recruit, strengthen their workforce, and retain their technicians and operators,” said Craig Yager, Training Manager for Komatsu. “It’s part of an ecosystem to bolster and improve the skill sets of current technicians and operators, while drawing new people to this industry by providing access to high school and technical school students.” Yager continued, “It’s important for Komatsu to provide our dealers with in-depth knowledge of our products, so they can support our customers. And, for our customers, Komatsu Academy

can provide training to support the creation of a skilled workforce that can operate our equipment more efficiently and effectively, to help reduce machine downtime by identifying problems before they worsen.”

Flexible career development

Komatsu Academy will offer module-based, blended learning content such as videos, animations, documents, competency tests, and microlearning sessions that include safety, machine maintenance and operating best practices. These modules can be accessed easily through a mobile app and completed at an individual’s own pace. For Komatsu customers, Komatsu Academy will offer some free courses and content, but the full suite of content will be accessible on a subscription or a per-course cost.

“The ability to develop a career path is going to help an employee grow by identifying what training and skills are needed for advancement,” explained Yager. “For example, Komatsu Academy can help an employee who works at the parts counter and wants to be a parts manager by providing a view to their career path and explaining

Aside from relevant job training, Komatsu Academy will also provide career paths for users, allowing them to learn additional skills and become certified, which could help them advance within their organization.

Continued . . .

Watch the video

Soon, Komatsu Academy will be accessible for customers via the My Komatsu app and will provide educational content wherever users have internet access.

Komatsu Academy will help strengthen the workforce . . . continued

what training and skills they need to achieve their goal.” When a person logs into Komatsu Academy, they are identified by their job role, and then the system tailors recommended courses for them. “The system recognizes any potential career paths and displays certifications based on the job role information,” said Yager. “Users can find additional certifications and information relevant to their

career path and see how the content they have taken to date applies to other potential careers.” For certifications, users can supplement hands-on training with educational content on Komatsu Academy to minimize time away from their organization. “Our dealers are often faced with the difficult choice between supporting their customers or sending their technicians to do training to

improve their skills,” said Yager. “Komatsu Academy will provide them with an option to do both simultaneously. The technician can learn more about our products and how to troubleshoot them on their own, on the job, all with microlearning content at their fingertips. Instead of attending a traditional 40-hour class, they have access to content that’s online, easily searchable, and consumed in small modules. They could be standing out at the machine on their lunch break and learn something about an excavator.”

Development of VR training As technology continues to evolve in the construction industry, virtual reality (VR) will likely be a crucial aspect of Komatsu Academy in the not-so-distant future. “Our team at Komatsu is working with Arizona State University to develop virtual operator training using haptic gloves and VR goggles,” said Yager. “Haptic gloves give you the feel of interacting with the machine. The user feels feedback through the gloves, and the VR gives them a 360-degree view of the machine. They can actually feel and see that they are grabbing a wrench and can feel the bolt tightening.” The technology enables people to have hands-on experiences with a machine, even if there’s not a physical model on-site. VR training can circumvent any machine availability issues and provide hands-on content whenever and wherever. “Someone training could be in a small classroom a thousand miles from the instructor, but they could virtually see and feel the machine and interact with the instructor,” said Yager. “The potential use cases are endless. VR is going to be important for technical training, and Komatsu Academy will provide the necessary training information to make the workforce stronger and to spark renewed interest in careers within the construction and mining industry.” ■

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FIELD TESTING Komatsu’s PC210LCE electric excavator set to enter pilot program this year

fter making its North American debut at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, Komatsu’s PC210LCE electric excavator is set to enter a test pilot program later this year. “As we enter this testing phase, we know that there are many questions about this electric machine, and we will be learning alongside our customers to ensure that, ultimately, the excavator can work well for them,” said Andrew Earing, Director of Tracked Products and Technical Service for Komatsu. Komatsu’s electric excavator development is part of a larger climate goal for the company. “We have our own corporate goals of working toward carbon neutrality by 2050,” explained Earing. “That may seem like a long time away, but it’s not. We are dedicated to striving to meet those goals along with the goals of a lot of our customers — which happen to be very similar.” The PC210LCE is in the 20-ton class and is ideal for operating in urban or indoor environments because it has zero emissions and runs more quietly than combustion-engine excavators. “With the emissions-free product, it opens up a few doors,” noted Earing. “The first is that this machine can work indoors. It’s zero emissions, so you don’t have to worry about adding on a scrubber or monitoring indoor air quality. You can take it indoors, get to work, and not worry about those factors.”

Partnership with Proterra The PC210LCE is powered by lithium-ion battery technology developed by Proterra that can give it up to eight hours of operating time, depending on the application. “Proterra’s been in this industry for over 10 years now,” said Earing. “They are known for producing and installing these batteries in 100% electric transit vehicles, primarily buses, and their transit buses can operate 12 to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These duty cycles meet or exceed what is expected in the construction industry, so we have confidence in the technology. We’re very proud to have them as a partner.” With the Proterra battery, the PC210LCE electric excavator provides optimal performance. “The battery system, coupled with a 123-kilowatt, 165-horsepower electric motor as the power plant, is going to deliver the same levels of performance as a conventional PC210LC-11 excavator,” remarked Earing.

Construction Retrofit, an affordable guidance kit that gives operators in the field and managers in the office both access to 2D and 3D design and payload data to help drive accuracy, control load volumes, and improve operations. ■

Andrew Earing, Director of Tracked Products and Technical Service for Komatsu, discusses the features of the Komatsu PC210LCE electric excavator with customers at Komatsu Demo Days, which was held in May. “The battery system, coupled with a 123-kilowatt, 165-horsepower electric motor as the power plant, is going to deliver the same levels of performance as a conventional PC210LC-11 excavator,” said Earing. Watch the video

The electric excavator is also compatible with Komatsu’s Smart Komatsu’s PC210LCE electric excavator will be field tested later this year.

Earing added, “The other big benefit is the operating environment. The additional feedback that we often get is that it’s an extremely quiet excavator, especially when you have the cab door shut. This means a more comfortable experience for our operators, and externally, a quieter job site for ground crews.”

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BLACKHAWK® SKID STEER MULCHING ATTACHMENT

The BLACKHAWK™ is the mulcher to tackle vegetation management and land clearing needs in stringy, ﬁbrous, dense and fast-growing materials typically found in regions with higher temperatures and longer growing cycles. It is designed to quickly process stubborn standing vegetation and will pick up and feed felled material to ensure wil no unprocessed material is left behind.

DECK MULCHER FORESTRY ATTACHMENT

Fecon introduces a family of stout deck mulcher attachments that are wider than conventional deck mulchers, providing more productivity per pass, even in the most demanding environments. Ruggedness and dependability are built in, with attention to detailed design to enhance performance, service life, and enhanc safety. Features that include Serrated Deck Hooks, Quick and Easy Way to Reverse Blade, Six Integrated Tie Downs and Lift Points, and Replaceable Skid Shoes.

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DOLLARS AND SENSE Komatsu selected as a Sourcewell heavy equipment provider

If you work for a municipality,

not-for-profit or government agency, money and time are often tight. When it comes to purchasing new equipment, you need to know you’re getting high quality, backed by good service. One of the easiest ways to do that is to join a cooperative purchasing agency such as Sourcewell. Membership is free, and there are no minimum contract requirements. Among the largest governmental cooperative agencies in North America, Sourcewell represents more than 60,000 member organizations that have access to hundreds of competitively solicited contracts covering a variety of products,

solutions and services. With Sourcewell, the procurement process is simplified. First named a Sourcewell partner in 2019, after an extensive evaluation process, Komatsu was again awarded a national cooperative contract for construction equipment with related attachments and technology. Sourcewell members can choose to purchase from more than 50 Komatsu models of construction and compact equipment, across 10 product groups. Komatsu’s distribution network, which includes 29 dealers with collectively more than 200 branches across North America, will provide support to Sourcewell members.

“Sourcewell provides its members with a unique advantage in the cooperative purchasing process by leveraging qualified suppliers and ensuring that the process and pricing is streamlined to increase efficiency and generate savings for their members,” said Komatsu’s Robert Richens, Director of National Accounts. “Komatsu is thrilled to continue our relationship with Sourcewell and build upon our previous successes in North America. Sourcewell is a strategic partner in the governmental, education and non-profit sector, and we look forward to continuing to provide their members with our world-class products, services and customer-focused solutions.” ■

Sourcewell, one of the largest governmental cooperative agencies in North America, recently awarded Komatsu another national cooperative contract for heavy equipment and related accessories, attachments and supplies.

Kirby-Smith Machinery is your one-stop shop for all Morbark, Boxer, Denis Cimaf, and Rayco Equipment in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and southern Illinois. Call us today at 888-861-0219 or email us at sales@kirby-smith.com with your questions or to schedule a demonstration.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT Infrastructure investment provides clear economic benefit, according to new APWA report that shows GDP increase

C ommunities are benefiting

from infrastructure investments, according to a recent report from the American Public Works Association (APWA). For every $1 invested in transportation, the report found that $5 in economic benefits are returned and every $1 billion supports and creates approximately 50,000 jobs. “This important report shows just how essential the public works profession is in every community throughout the U.S.,” said APWA CEO Scott D. Grayson, CAE. “For surface transportation, and water and emergency management, we now know the level of financial benefit of every dollar invested, and we know what the benefit could be if budgets at all levels of government came closer to actual need.” Grayson continued, “Asset management technology is giving communities better insight into the health of their infrastructure, which is allowing them to schedule and fund

maintenance projects and extend the life of roads, sewer systems and bridges. However, AM is also providing a clearer picture of what needs to be replaced now.”

Additional funding needed Further findings show a greater economic benefit would be realized if funding more closely matched need. The report said there is an $81 billion funding gap in total water sector capital expenditures. As a result, 2.1 trillion gallons of drinking water worth $7.6 billion are lost due to aging infrastructure. Lower production volumes could also result in 636,000 jobs lost annually by 2039. “Public works teams keep the water flowing, but in some communities, duct tape and bailing wire no longer work, as this research shows,” said APWA President Keith Pugh, PE, PWLF.

According to the report, if the U.S. increased its investment in water infrastructure by $109 billion a year until 2043, approximately 800,000 new jobs would be created and the increased reliability in water services would help consumers avoid $7.7 billion in medical costs, $2.6 trillion in losses caused by service disruptions, and $1.4 trillion in lost income. Grayson and Pugh acknowledge the significant strides being made to rebuild transportation and water infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA). “IIJA is the official acknowledgment that our infrastructure needs more and better help,” Pugh said. “As we always have, APWA is working with local, state and federal partners to ensure the historic act’s success.” ■

An American Public Works Association report shows that for every $1 invested in transportation infrastructure, $5 in economic benefits are returned, and every $1 billion supports and creates approximately 50,000 jobs.

Check out the

inventory available now or coming soon to Kirby-Smith:

» (1) 36x150 LPFA Magnum Telescoping Conveyor » (1) 10x16 Grizzly Hopper Feeder » (2) 36x100 Radial Stackers » (3) 36x80 Radial Stackers » (1) 36X60 Radial Stacker » (3) 36x60 Stackables » (1) Low Profile Truck Unloader *Coming Soon » (1) 6x20 Screen over Twin 36” Wash Plant *Coming Soon » (1) 6x20 Screen Plant *Coming Soon » (1) 8x20 Screen Plant *Coming Soon

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FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY Gavin Cole earns a promotion, aims to better support customers across the entire KSM footprint

Cole brings nearly three irby-Smith Machinery decades of senior-level Inc. (KSM) has announced the promotion of Gavin management to the new Cole to executive vice position. KSM Chief president of sales. Cole Operating Officer Jeff Weller will now lead KSM’s believes that his leadership commercial efforts across and deep wealth of industry all segments of the business knowledge will continue to as the heavy equipment serve KSM well. Gavin Cole, distributor strives for Executive “Gavin has demonstrated continued growth. He had Vice President an outstanding ability to lead previously served as the of Sales, teams in a variety of different KSM vice president of sales, ways,” said Weller. “We appreciate where he supported the sales the cultural guidepost he has efforts of Komatsu construction become in our organization and look equipment in the company.

forward to continuing to deliver on the mission and vision of Kirby-Smith with his leadership.” Grateful for the opportunity, Cole is locked in on finding ways to better support customers across the entire KSM footprint. “In this new role, I look forward to further partnering with the talented group we have at Kirby-Smith to drive continued improvements to overall customer experience,” Cole commented. “One mission, one team, one plan, one goal.” ■

Kirby-Smith Machinery promotes Justin Ashlock to Abilene sales and operations manager

Kirby-Smith Machinery

customer relations skills that will aid him in leading KSM’s Abilene location.

Inc. (KSM) has promoted Justin Ashlock as its new sales and operations Executive Vice President manager in Abilene, of Sales Gavin Cole believes Texas. His responsibilities Ashlock will do great things will include overseeing in his new position. Abilene’s sales team, “It is great to see a young building and growing Justin Ashlock, leader rise through the ranks customer relationships, and Sales and of Kirby-Smith Machinery,” supporting the rental, parts Operations Manager, said Cole. “From starting KSM and service departments as a technician to holding for the branch. Ashlock positions in departmental had previously served as a management and product support product support sales representative, sales, Justin has proved his skill and where he honed many of the

passion for both the industry and the people of this organization.” Ashlock credits his own development to the positive examples he witnessed throughout his years at KSM and is excited for the opportunities ahead in Abilene. “Kirby-Smith has an excellent foundation and culture, and being a part of this team is an honor,” commented Ashlock. “I am looking forward to working with our team to grow partnerships with our customers while providing top-notch product support.” ■

OSHA increases infrastructure project inspections

he Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) plans to increase inspections on infrastructure projects, according to its Directorate of Construction Director Scott Ketchum during an address at the American Bar Association meeting in March. OSHA plans to focus on roads, bridges,

airports, rail, ports, and power and water systems. In Ketchum’s address, he noted that federal money for projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 will result in bids from smaller companies that may lack

the safety resources of bigger contractors. To help, OSHA developed a webpage as a resource (https://www.osha.gov/ construction/infrastructure). It provides information on best practices and safety and health plans, as well as links to design safety, suicide prevention and other resources. ■

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Amarillo 806.373.2826 Oklahoma City 405.495.7820

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No matter what segments of of the energy industryyou youoperate operate – pipeline, No matter what segments the energyconstruction construction industry in in – pipeline, windwind and and solarsolar farms, other alternative energy – we the best bestsolutions solutions maximize job-site productivity. farms, other alternative energy – wecan canhelp helpyou you find find the toto maximize job-site productivity.

Rentals– –Sales Sales–– Parts Parts –– Service Rentals Service––Financing Financing Loaders • Dozers w/A Blade • Winch••Excavators Excavators •• Articulated • Pipelayers • Cranes and and Loaders • Dozers w/A Blade • Winch ArticulatedTrucks Trucks • Pipelayers • Cranes Boom Trucks • Telehandlers • Trailers • Rubber Tracked Carriers • Padding Buckets • Mulchers Boom Trucks • Telehandlers • Trailers • Rubber Tracked Carriers • Padding Buckets • Mulchers Kris Phillips Derek Birdwell Birdwell Scotty Cameron Kris Phillips Derek Scotty Cameron GM – Pipeline Group Account Manager Account Manager GM – Pipeline Group kphillips@kirby-smith.com

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kphillips@kirby-smith.com dbirdwell@kirby-smith.com scameron@kirby-smith.com 469-875-8093 (903) 721-2060 (713) 828-8733 469-875-8093 (903) 721-2060 (713) 828-8733 Abilene • Amarillo • Dallas • Ft. Worth • Lubbock • Odessa • Waco • Oklahoma City • Tulsa • McAlester • Kansas City • St. Louis

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FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY Kris Phillips is the new general manager of Kirby-Smith Machinery’s pipeline group

Kirby-Smith Machinery

Gavin Cole, Vice President of Sales for KSM, believes Phillips is a true professional who will provide strong leadership as the company finds new and creative methods to work more closely with the pipeline industry.

Inc. (KSM) has promoted Kris Phillips to general manager of the pipeline group. He will lead KSM’s efforts to fully support the equipment needs of pipeline contractors operating in the mainline, “Kris brings a wealth Kris Phillips, General Manager, regional and local pipeline of experience to his new Pipeline Group, construction industries. position related to equipment KSM Phillips previously served sales, product support and KSM as a major account sales training,” said Cole. “He has worked closely with the pipeline product support sales representative industry in various roles throughout where he supported several of the his career and proudly served in the heavy equipment distributor’s United States Marine Corps where he largest accounts.

worked as an equipment mechanic. I am excited for KSM’s future in this area under Kris’ care.” Excited for his new opportunity, Phillips finds motivation in the words of his late grandfather: “Don’t let the family down.” “I am honored every day to be a part of the Kirby-Smith family, which has been such a huge part of both my career and life,” said Phillips. “I have no intention of letting Granddad down and won’t let any of my 1KS family down either. I am so proud to be part of this team and look forward to the challenges ahead.” ■

KSM announces regional leadership structure for product support sales and parts teams

Christopher is responsible irby-Smith Machinery for KSM’s southern region, Inc. (KSM) has announced which includes the territory the promotions of Nick surrounding its Dallas, Fort Crossley and Cody Worth, Waco, Abilene, Odessa, Christopher as regional and Lubbock locations. product support sales managers for the heavy Kellerstrass expressed equipment distributor. his confidence in the new The promotions occurred Cody Christopher, appointments, stating, Regional Product earlier this year ahead of “Nick and Cody have both Support Manager, the transition of David earned this opportunity KSM Kellerstrass to vice through their hard work president of product and dedication to the best support, who previously was principles of Kirby-Smith. These responsible for product support sales strategic changes will not only across KSM’s full territory. Now with enhance our vision but also reinforce a more regionalized focus, Crossley our commitment to delivering is responsible for the management of excellence to our customers.” product support sales representatives Additionally, the parts department in KSM’s northern region, which also adopted a regional structure includes Oklahoma, Kansas, earlier this year to accommodate Missouri, and Amarillo, Texas.

KSM’s growth. Tim Peterson will now serve as the senior regional parts manager for the northern region, and Jamie Scalf will take on the role of regional parts manager for the southern region. In addition, Randy Short, who is responsible for KSM’s central parts warehouse operations, has been promoted to parts administration and inventory control manager, expanding on his previous duties. Vice President of Parts Wade Gaines knows he has the right team in place as the company continues to grow its parts offerings and capabilities in the aim of supporting customer demand. “We are excited to take the next step toward creating lifetime relationships and delivering consistent results to our valued customers,” said Gaines. ■

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FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY Jose Rodriguez always does his best to fulfill customers’ parts needs

ose Rodriguez grew up helping around his dad’s auto shop, and that sparked his interest in parts. As one might expect, he first gravitated toward the automobile industry.

“In the end, it’s about what’s best for the customer,” he said. “It’s my job to help them find the right items as quickly as possible, so their downtime is minimal. We do what we need to, whether that’s staying late, coming in early, or taking care of something on the weekends. Sometimes it involves meeting a customer somewhere.”

“I spent about 10 to 12 years dealing with auto Jose Rodriguez, Parts Counter parts before moving into Sales Associate, heavy equipment,” said KSM Rodriguez, who is a parts Enjoyable work environment counter sales associate at Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.’s (KSM) Rodriguez has been helping heavy Dallas branch. “There really isn’t equipment customers at the Dallas location for 20 years. He started with much difference in the industries, the previous Komatsu dealer in 2003 other than with heavy equipment and stayed on board when KSM took you’re dealing with bigger items.” over the territory about 15 years ago. Rodriguez emphasized that no “I liked dealing with heavy matter what industry you’re in, the equipment right from the start, customer comes first.

and when Kirby-Smith took over, things only got better,” said Rodriguez. “Kirby-Smith provides ongoing support and training to ensure we are always up to date on the newest equipment and manufacturer programs. There are great opportunities here, and the most enjoyable parts of my job are the people I get to work with every day.” Even though he switched industries, Rodriguez still likes to work on cars and is currently rebuilding a 1992 Chevy truck. When he’s not doing that, Rodriguez enjoys fishing for catfish and crappie in freshwater lakes. ■

Discover more at KirbySmithConnection.com

Branding & Communications Associate Julia Branum is excited to join the Kirby-Smith Machinery family

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Kirby-Smith,” said Branum. “I appreciate the learning experiences they’ve offered me, from traveling to jumping into large-scale projects. Things I’m sure not every business intern Julia Branum, gets to experience. Also, Branding & Kirby-Smith’s incredibly Communications talented leaders and mentors Associate, Branum, a recent have pushed me to grow KSM marketing graduate of professionally. Overall, I really Oklahoma Christian appreciate the culture of the University, had participated company and the emphasis it in a summer internship program puts on personal endeavors as well with the heavy equipment as career successes. I anticipate great distributor prior to joining as a progress within the company and full-time employee. She credits the myself in the coming years.” company’s leadership and culture Branding & Communications in making the decision to officially Manager Andrew Clouse believes join the KSM family.

irby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) has hired Julia Branum as its new branding & communications associate in Oklahoma City. Branum will be responsible for the execution of KSM’s strategic marketing initiatives related to content, video production, social media, and communication.

Branum’s talent, drive to learn, and natural leadership skills will be vital to KSM’s current and long-term branding goals. “It was early in the interview process where it became clear that Julia had remarkable potential,” said Clouse. “Knowing this, we set high expectations going into the internship, and she absolutely crushed them. Adding her abilities to the department full time is a huge win for Kirby-Smith Machinery. The sky is the limit with Julia on the team.” Branum graduated from Oklahoma Christian University, where she was named Business Student of the Year for 2023. She also participated on the school’s ethics debate team and served as the vice president and the social media director for OC Women Who Lead. ■

TAX SAVINGS Bonus depreciation has dropped to 80%; equipment must be purchased, placed into service by midnight Dec. 31

This year, full (100%) bonus

depreciation, which was passed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), dropped to 80%. Under the law, it will continue to drop by 20% per year until it reaches 0% in 2027. Bonus depreciation is available for both new and used equipment placed into service by the end of the year. Eligible qualified property includes depreciable assets that typically use the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) with a recovery period of 20 years. “The purpose of bonus depreciation is to encourage businesses to invest in new equipment and machinery,” said Sean Farrell in the article “A Guide to the Bonus Depreciation Phase-Out 2023” on SharedEconomyCPA.com.

“It provides businesses a tax incentive to do so.” With the percentage of bonus depreciation dropping, now may be a good time to consider making a purchase, according to Dan Furman, Vice President of Strategy at Crest Capital. In the article “Goodbye, 100% Bonus Depreciation — Phase-Out Begins in 2023” published by Equipment World, Furman writes, “To qualify, the equipment must be bought and placed into service during the calendar year, so making your bonus depreciation purchase as early as possible has advantages (avoiding supply-chain issues delaying shipment/etc.). Further, if you were considering a major purchase in 2024 or beyond and planned to use bonus depreciation, perhaps bumping that purchase to 2023 makes sense

(80% depreciation this year vs. 60% next, and so on). In addition, finance rates are predicted to keep rising, so if you were planning to finance your purchase, there’s another advantage to buying earlier.”

Higher amounts for Section 179 An additional advantage with bonus depreciation is that it has no limit on the amount. It can be used in conjunction with Section 179 expensing, another tax savings vehicle, that does have a cap. Section 179 limits the 100% depreciation amount to $1,160,000 in 2023, an increase of $80,000 compared to 2022. After that amount, the expensing percentage begins to reduce. The total equipment purchase limit for this year is $2,890,000, which is up from $2.7 million. ■ Editor’s Note: This article is for informational purposes only. To learn more about how to take advantage of these tax savings, contact your tax adviser or equipment dealer for more information.

You can take 80% bonus depreciation on eligible new and used equipment purchased and placed into service by midnight on Dec. 31. The percentage drops to 60% in 2024.

2017 KOMATSU PC490LC-11 $217,000 Stock #km17166m, HYD, 6,595 HrS.

2017 KOMATSU PC490LC-11 $238,500 Stock #km17181m, HYD, 5,875 HrS.

2018 KOMATSU PC360LC-11 $190,500 Stock #k181312X, HYD, tHumb, bkt, 4,735 HrS.

2018 KOMATSU WA500-8 $199,500 Stock #km18209, turbo, 12,352 HrS.

2016 KOMATSU D61PX-24 $162,500 Stock #km16928m, Pat, Drawbar, 3,977 HrS.

2011 KOMATSU WA380-6 Stock #km11525X, 10,549 HrS.

2017 TAKEUCHI TL12V2-CRR $54,000 Stock #tL17017, cab, rubber trackS, riDe controL, 3,338 HrS.

2022 TERRAMAC RT-7R $259,000 Stock #tm22000, crawLer HigH Lift gate beD, 464 HrS.

2020 TERRAMAC RT-6 $138,500 Stock #tm20015, track carrier fLat beD, 988 HrS.

$59,500

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Kirby-Smith - Connection - December 2023

Articles inside

Julia Branum

Jose Rodriguez

Cody Christopher

Kris Phillips

Justin Ashlock

Gavin Cole

ASK THE PSSR - Brian DeVore

ASK THE PSSR - Jeff Statum

Grove GRT8100-1 rough-terrain crane

VÖGELE SUPER 1300-3i paver

Smart Construction Retrofit

JH CONTRACTING LLC

PALLET SALES & RECYCLING

THREEFOLD SERVICES LLC