Equipment Today February 2025 by ForConstructionPros.com

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SOME CALL OUR NEW CRAWLER DUMPER ONE OF THE SMALLEST ON THE MARKET. BUT AT TAKEUCHI, WE DON’T MAKE “ SMALL. ” WE MAKE THEM COMPACT – EMPHASIS ON PACKED. POWER, VERSATILITY AND STEEL-FORGED DURABILITY, THIS BEAST HAS EVERYTHING YOU LOVE ABOUT TAKEUCHI AND THEN SOME. FEATURING A 180º ROTATING DUMP BED WITH A 65º TIP ANGLE, THE TCR50-2 IS DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE EVERY INCH. WE’RE NOT JUST TALKING FOOTPRINT, EITHER. THE CAB IS BUILT BIG FOR CLASS-LEADING COMFORT WITH USABILITY TO MATCH.

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COLUMNS

As contractors weigh the impact of tech taking over the jobsite, study

How object detection and visibility innovations ensure everyone

Understanding the importance of pavers and how they are used to not only optimize smoothness, but also build long-lasting roads

THE

Explore the importance of working together to attract groups who may be hesitant to consider a career in construction

How to remain aware of the latest industry delays and detours to stay on course in 2025

EARTHMOVING

Explore the versatility, manueverability, multifunctional capabilities and attachments that make skid steers an ideal fit for roadwork 28 DOZERS

Behind the Leica Geosystems and DEVELON partnership and the new aftermarket 3D machine control solution tailored for DEVELON’s DD100 and DD130 dozers

EXCAVATORS

How excavator-drill options can drive new project possibilities, help contractors gain more work and diversify types of work

Today’s excavator cab has evolved to incorporate advanced features that enhance the operator experience, improve safety and streamline efficiency

As more essential jobsite equipment is electrified, the way contractors approach interior demolition is changing

FLEET MANAGEMENT

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Whether you’re monitoring fuel efficiency, maintenance costs or vehicle utilization, benchmarking insights can help fleet managers pinpoint areas for improvement

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Kathy Wells Editor-in-Chief Equipment Today kwells@iron.markets

Tech-Skilled Labor in Demand

As contractors weigh the impact of tech taking over the jobsite, study reveals mixed

Throughout the last several decades, software and technology innovations have taken construction — a historically tech-averse industry — to new horizons. From refining back-office operations to improving equipment performance, today’s tech is not only challenging the way the industry is accustomed to doing things, but also ushering in a new generation of tech-savvy contractors. While the industry may still in the process of embracing all of the many technologies available for use throughout a construction firm’s operations — business software, drones, GPS, telematics, machine control, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), building information modeling (BIM), digital twins,

expectations

equipment simulators, wearable IoT devices, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, robotics, and more — it’s interesting to see how the buy-in and balance continues to shift from traditional practices toward more technology-forward endeavors.

Deloitte shared in its 2025 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook, “As companies continue to grow their spending and investments, technology can be explored in almost every aspect of operations. The wide adoption of drones, for instance, is facilitating precise surveying even when surveyors are not physically present.” For contractors, though, is tech an exciting prospect or a threat? Or both?

According to a 2024 Workforce Survey Analysis conducted by the

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and workforce management software company Arcoro, “Contractors have mixed expectations regarding the impact of technologies such as robotics and AI on construction jobs. A majority believes these technologies will positively impact construction jobs, either by automating manual, errorprone tasks (29% of respondents) or by improving the quality of those jobs and making workers safer and more productive (28%). But a third of respondents expects no effect on construction jobs and 10% believe the impact on the construction job market will be negative, by eliminating jobs.”

Conversely, a recent Forbes article highlights technology’s potential for construction industry job creation, “[The] integration of advanced technologies in construction is leading to the creation of new job roles, some of which include Robotic Equipment Operators, who oversee machines such as autonomous bulldozers, cranes and excavators on construction sites, and AI Architects, who design intelligent systems for automating construction processes and improving efficiency.”

For the hiring managers and applicants in the construction job market, will “skilled labor” now also mean “tech-skilled labor?” Prerequisites for these types roles might look different from those on a typical construction professional’s résumé, though they do open a world of new possibilities. Send your thoughts to kwells@iron.markets.

Take care,

In November 2024, Equipment Today joined Caterpillar’s creative minds behind the scenes at the filming of CAT Trial 14: After Hours, a video celebrating the company’s 100-year milestone and its museum of innovations along the way. Visit cat.com/trial14 to watch.

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EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

These pages feature some of the latest equipment available. For more information on these products, scan the QR code shown.

Terramac Wheeled Dumper Series

Terramac has announced the launch of its new Wheeled Dumper product line. The new Wheeled Dumper Series provides a versatile, high-speed alternative that complements the rubber track crawler carrier, catering to a range of ground conditions and operational needs. The introduction of the Wheeled Dumper Series offers customers a choice when ground conditions are less rugged. The Wheeled Dumper Series is available in a variety of models and sizes. The rear dump, swivel dumper and multiview swivel dumper are designed for performance in diverse construction applications.

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John Deere Launches Extended-Reach 326 P-Tier Telescopic Wheel Loader

Pettibone Extendo 1536X Telehandler

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The Extendo 1536X features a 2-section boom compromised of formed boom plates that offer greater strength while reducing weight. The boom design gives the telehandler a maximum load capacity of 16,000 lbs. with standard fork frames. Even when extended to its maximum lift height of 36 ft., the machine can lift up to 13,000 lbs. The 1536X is powered by a 120-hp Deutz TCD 3.6 Tier 4 Final diesel engine. Mounted onto a side pod, the engine offers easy accessibility to components and service checks, while still allowing for curbside visibility and a ground clearance of 20 in. The telehandler has a 30-gal. fuel tank and comes standard with foam-filled tires. For operators in the oil and gas market and utility industry, the 1536X offers a baler attachment, also commonly known as a pipe and pole grapple. The implement is designed specifically for stockyards and other pipe and pole handling applications. The machine delivers a maximum load capacity of 14,700 lbs. when equipped with the baler. The Extendo 1536X comes standard with X-Command, a Pettibone telematics program that offers real-time access to machine data, saving time and money for equipment owners and service technicians. Built on Pettibone’s next-gen X-Series platform, the 1536X features an advanced boom design. Boom deflection is minimized for better control and accuracy when placing loads. Significant boom overlap provides smoother operation and reduces the contact forces on wear pads, thereby extending service life.

Offering a similar build and design to the 324 P-Tier Wheel Loader, the 326 P-Tier is equipped with telescoping linkage, providing operation and extended reach capabilities. The new 326 P-Tier Telescopic Compact Wheel Loader offers 16+ ft. of reach from its telescopic lift arm, providing lifting powers while still being compact enough to work in tight spaces. Controlling the telescopic arm can now be done at an operator’s fingertips, thanks to the mini-joystick located on the main control lever. Now equipped with the Load Torque Indicator System, operators can utilize visual and audible alarms if stability limits are exceeded during lifting, lowering or extension, providing protection against overloading. Once limits are reached, movements with the telescopic lift arms are only possible if the movement improves the stability of the load helping to keep the machine operating at maximum capability and performance. Optimizing loading and stacking processes, electro-hydraulic controls are customizable from the 9-in touchscreen display, offering Auto Return-to-Dig and Auto Lift and Lower functions to lower cycle times. The 9-in. touchscreen display also provides key information including warnings, status and machine-positioning information. In terms of visibility, the 326 P-Tier features an overhead window with dedicated wiper blade and optional boom-mounted lights, in addition to LED lights, which provide an increased view. The 326 P-Tier features a standard 23-mph top speed. For tight jobsites, the Articulation Plus steering system delivers a full 30 degrees of articulation plus 10 additional degrees of rear-wheel steering.

Yanmar CE Vi035-7

Mini Excavator

The 24.4-hp true zero tail swing excavator includes 360-degree visibility, a 25% increase in travel speed under load and a 7% improvement in excavator efficiency. The 8,047-lb. model has increased excavation capabilities thanks to greater breakout forces and improved cycle times under load. Plus, a higher torque swing motor boosts power for backfill work involving swinging and usability on slopes. This is all powered by a three-pump hydraulic system that leads to less risk of slowing down during simultaneous operations — such as with the boom, stick, swing and curl functions. With 25% faster travel speeds under load, operators can move quickly around the jobsite. It’s also easier to transition to slower tasks thanks to the auto kickdown feature built into the two-speed operation. The model includes a durable undercarriage, cylinder guards, hose guards, strategic placement of the boom light to limit risk of damage, Yanmar’s diesel engine and more. The new model includes simplified fan belt tension adjustment thanks to the rearward location of the alternator. Its engine also doesn’t require the addition of a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing for simple operation and service. Yanmar configures the ViO35-7 for convenient maintenance, including easy access to grease points and filter locations. Lastly, problems are easier to diagnose either by the owner or over the phone with a service center due to clear and intuitive error information on the display. Yanmar offers a standard hydraulic quick coupler, which is upgraded on the ViO35-7, providing easy attachment switching by allowing operators to engage or disengage — as well as see the status of — attachments without leaving the operator seat.

Volvo CE Straight Boom Demolition Excavators

The new and improved 40-ton EC400 Straight Boom crawler excavator is replacing the EC380E Straight Boom, while the 30-ton EC300 Straight Boom is the enhanced model following the previous generation EC300E Straight Boom. The updated machines offer a height advantage with an increase in reach of approximately 30% over standard diggingbased models. With a heavier counterweight, which can be easily detached using a hydraulic removal feature when moving from site to site, they also ensure outstanding stability during tall tasks. Thanks to the new generation machine base, they also enjoy a 14% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10% increase in engine power for the EC400 Straight Boom over the machine it replaces. The new state-of-the-art cab environment is more spacious and packed with new features, ensuring optimum comfort and visibility. Meanwhile improved controls, an electric joystick and travel pedal allow precise controllability for the operator. The updated cab offers the protection against falling debris with its roll-over protection system and frame-mounted Falling Object Guards, which can also be swung out to help clean the front window. The windows are made with 12 mm thick single-piece high-impact resistant glass.

Mecalac Multifunctional Compact Loaders With Foldable Canopies

Vermeer R125 Reclaimer for Utility Horizontal Directional Drills

Vermeer has introduced the R125 reclaimer, a compact mud recycling system. Designed to support utility-sized drills within the 24,000- to 40,000-lb. (10,886 kg to 18,144 kg) horizontal directional drill (HDD) classes, the reclaimer is compatible with the Vermeer D24x40 S3 HDD through the D40x55 S3 HDD models. Operating at 480V and 60 Hz, this skid-mounted system features a 125 gpm (500 L/min) recycling capacity at 20% solids loading. It helps reduce the volume of freshwater and drilling fluid additives required on projects. The R125 features a double screen deck and six, 4-in. (10.2-cm) long-body hydrocyclones. These components work together to separate detrimental solids from mud, delivering cleaning performance. To maintain stable performance under variable processing volumes, the system includes a high capacity 15-hp (11-kW) pump for circulation. The primary screens are designed for changes and are secured by an air-clamping system powered by an onboard air compressor. The R125 also offers automated operation facilitated by fluid level switches in the reclaimer tank and the remote level switch in the mixing tank. These switches help prevent overflow throughout the fluid system setup and reduce labor to monitor fluid levels, eliminating the need for manual valve control. The R125 comes with a 600-gal (2,300-L) water tank. When paired with the 1,000-gal (3,785.4-L) tank option on the Vermeer MX300 mix system, crews can leverage a hefty 1,600-gal (6,056.7-L) capacity. The R125 reclaimer’s compact size, measuring 102 in. (260 cm) in length and 85 in. (216 cm) in width, simplifies transportation to the jobsite and supports space usage.

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

These pages feature some of the latest equipment available. For more information on these products, scan the QR code shown.

Genie Scissor Lifts

Genie announces an all-new, future-focused design for its core slab scissor lift product line that further improves performance and lowers the total cost of ownership for Next-Generation Genie GS-1932, GS-2632, GS-3232, GS-2646, GS-3246, and GS-4046 scissor lifts. The most noticeable change with the next-generation slab scissor lifts is the curved linkage design. This departure from industry standard reduces machine weight, allowing Genie to use right-sized components — including batteries, drive motors and other electrical components — which have a lower replacement part cost. Genie benchmarked its new lifts against competitors’ machines, and our own E-Drive scissors, to ensure industry-leading performance. Other intentional design changes also improve quality and add to cost savings. These changes are the result of an extensive analysis at the beginning of Genie’s design process to identify opportunities to eliminate rust, limit the opportunity for damage, and reduce wear and tear. For example:

˜ It’s common for water to pool at the top of machine chassis, resulting in rust. Genie designed its new chassis to mitigate stagnant water in these areas.

˜ Extension decks can be damaged or bent during use; Genie added reinforcement steel in targeted locations to reduce damage.

˜ During loading and unloading, operators occasionally mis-fork the side pockets, causing damage to the chassis and swing out trays. Genie added steel around these side pockets to reduce the chance for damage to the chassis.

A LONG WAY TOGETHER

Wirtgen Concrete Paver SP 33

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Wirtgen presents the SP 33 Concrete Paver in two configurations, which, thanks to the modular construction concept, enable the paving of monolithic concrete profiles such as curbs and berms, rectangular profiles, concrete safety barriers up to a height of 52 in. (1.3 m), and drainage and gutter profiles. In the offset paving configuration, it can effortlessly pave concrete slabs with a pave width of up to 7 ft. (2.2 m), also in combination with a trimmer up to 8 ft. (2.4 m) wide. The Crosspave version can pave slabs up to a width of 10 ft. (3.0 m) transversely to the direction of travel of the machine. Both solutions can be controlled by the operating concept with an eventdriven graphic display. The ECO mode detects every working situation without the need for manual intervention by the operator and ensures automatic, load-optimized regulation of engine output for optimum engine efficiency, maximum fuel economy, and low noise emissions. The operator is further assisted by the AutoPilot 2.0 control system. The two crawler units with parallelogram swing legs at the front and a laterally adjustable crawler unit at the rear enable zero-clearance installation and maximum flexibility.

Cat Next Gen D8 Dozer

The next generation design makes it easier for operators to transition to different machine sizes. The bulldozer’s elevated sprocket offers better ride and balance than lowdrive undercarriages, and its long undercarriage delivers the D8’s renowned performance of high penetration forces and superior dozing performance. The Cat C15 engine offers an increase in horsepower over the previous build to take on a wide range of dozing, ripping and grading tasks. The D8 dozer’s next generation cab offers more space than the previous design complete with a wide air suspension seat with multiple adjustment options. Featuring an integrated rollover protective structure (ROPS), the next generation cab provides 17% improved visibility than the previous design1. It can be removed in approximately 30 minutes to facilitate machine servicing. The 254-mm (10-in) touchscreen main display has built-in key features assistance to give operators an overview of the machine, technologies and helpful tips. When the machine is in reverse, the standard high-definition rearview camera feed shows prominently in the display. Distributed air from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system effectively circulates around the operator and helps reduce window fogging and frosting. Assist technology features minimize operator input, boosting productivity for less experienced operators and decreasing effort and fatigue for everyone, while delivering quicker and more precise outcomes.

Ditch Witch

JT21 Horizontal Directional Drill

The JT21 directional drill is an upgraded replacement for the JT20. The JT21 features 21,000 lbs. of pullback, 20,000 lbs. of thrust and 2,250 ft.-lbs. of torque, allowing crews to complete installations at a faster pace in a variety of soil conditions. Also, a new design and lower center of gravity increases stability. Among the JT21 features that help boost productivity and ease operations are:

˜ Improved hydraulic efficiencies and a direct-drive rotation motor

˜ Virtually Assisted Make-up (VAM) technology provides software-driven make-up and breakout of pipe

˜ A proven pipe-loading system provides the horizontal-style pipe loading customers asked for

˜ An enhanced operator station provides a common display with other HDD platforms and multi-mode joysticks

˜ Advanced telematics give operators access to a wide range of drill health and operating parameters

˜ A larger displacement pump, generating 35 gpm and running at a lower rpm, increases the life of the pump and wearables.

Experts and economists dig into today’s top trends and what contractors can expect on the road ahead

As the construction industry welcomes a new year and a new presidential administration, many contractors wonder what the future may hold. In conversation with industry experts, it appears that many of the existing industry challenges, such as the skilled labor shortage and market conditions, may remain. It’s a mix of optimism and uncertainty that lead the latest industry outlooks, however, experts suggest that careful planning and strategic decisionmaking can lead contractors to success in 2025.

According to Gregg Schoppman, partner at consulting and investment banking firm FMI Corporation, “In what appears to be a continuation of the previous year’s performance, the construction industry continued to see either growth or stability in all of its sectors,” said Schoppman. “Anchored by a large thrust in the residential sector once again, businesses largely flourished. Most organizations have

seen stability in both profitability and the competitive landscape, according to FMI’s Civil Infrastructure Index.”

However, Schoppman also notes a sizeable juxtaposition to the industry’s performance, and the lingering signs of troubled waters for all businesses.

CRITICAL INDUSTRY CHALLENGES FOR CONTRACTORS

In addressing the most critical construction industry challenges facing contractors, Zack Fritz, economist at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), said, “The construction industry will face several headwinds in 2025, including still-elevated materials costs, labor shortages focused in certain occupational categories, the lag effects of high interest rates and a weak residential sector. There is also a high degree of policy uncertainty, which may push back the timeline on certain projects and potentially keep rates higher for longer.”

Materials prices are top of mind for many. “One of the most critical challenges affecting construction contractors this year is material inflation,” said Alastair Hayfield, vice president, commercial vehicles, at market intelligence company Interact Analysis. “This is being driven by potential tariffs, which will push up project costs for contractors and may lead to some projects being cancelled if costs become too high,” he said.

Hayfield suggests another key challenge is the continuing shortage of skilled labor, which remains a problem in most major economies.

High interest rates battered several nonresidential construction subsegments, including those that boomed in 2022 and 2023 like warehouse, restaurant and certain retail construction segments. Despite those declines in certain categories, the unprecedented surge in manufacturing projects kept labor markets tight in certain geographies, and overall construction activity elevated”

“The U.S. is no exception, and this will be another drag on contractors for 2025, pushing up prices and/or making projects more difficult to carry out,” said Hayfield.

“In what seems to be a continued theme for the last decade, if not longer, is the constant refrain of the shortage of qualified associates, both tradespeople and management,” said Schoppman. “However, the greatest difference from previous iterations of this statement is the push toward creating a solution. For years, leaders have lamented the lack of workers, only to realize that the solution may be an easier solve than previously thought — become an employer of choice. This does not mean there will be a massive

surge in the supply of workers but rather a focused cultivation of talent within the four walls of a business.”

Schoppman notes the most progressive organizations create a strategy that focuses on onboarding, employee development, training, career progression and principles that retain top talent. “Ultimately, the firms that focus on creating an employee rich culture are able to leverage said culture more effectively,” said Schoppman. “In the end, creating and development talent begets more talent.”

According to Megan Tanel, president and CEO at Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), “Material costs, driven by inflation, and ongoing workforce shortages remain the most critical challenges for contractors. These issues create uncertainty, especially with a new administration potentially influencing regulations and policies. Additionally, delays in federal funding distribution to the contractor level, such as those related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), exacerbate these challenges.”

That’s not all, according to Ken Simonson, chief economist at Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). “Construction is more dependent than most industries on imported materials and foreign-born workers,” said Simonson. “Imposition of tariffs and limits on immigration or expanded deportation measures will drive up costs, snarl supply chains, slow projects, and potentially lead to project cancellations.”

Demand will continue to remain a concern, according to Hayfield, who notes that weak and sluggish demand within some states and industries will continue to affect contractors’ order books.

 In 2025, contractors should make purchasing or leasing decisions with an eye on the possible impact of tariffs on the cost and availability of equipment, according to Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

ZACK FRITZ

Economist Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

MORE EXPERT INSIGHTS

To read more insights from Equipment Today’s discussions with ndustry experts, scan the QR codes. Here, you can access the extended interviews and additional information, including more on the industry’s top concerns and a closer look at predictions for the coming year.

KEN SIMONSON

Chief Economist

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

CRITICAL INDUSTRY CHALLENGES FOR OEMS AND DEALERS

Looking at concerns from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) side, Tanel shared that rising costs are a lingering challenge. “Rising costs — whether from raw materials, tariffs, or labor — remain the most pressing challenge for manufacturers and dealers,” she said. “The uncertainty surrounding tariffs, taxes and

ALASTAIR HAYFIELD

Vice President - Commercial Vehicles Interact Analysis

MEGAN TANEL

President & CEO

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

regulatory changes under the new administration adds complexity, particularly as these factors impact supply chains and international trade. Beyond costs, the workforce shortage and tightening environmental regulations remain ongoing hurdles. These factors collectively affect how equipment is manufactured, sold and shipped globally,” said Tanel. Hayfield indicates that dealers

may be facing inventory challenges carried over from 2024. “Overstocked inventories from 2024 will mean that 2025 continues to be challenging for OEMs,” said Hayfield. “They won’t be able to ramp production quickly and, given there may be lukewarm demand for new equipment, this will place further strain on the market.” He also notes that tariffs (depending upon where they land) could substantially

GREGG SCHOPPMAN

Partner FMI Corporation

hinder the market by increasing input costs for OEMs, or potentially limiting the availability of key components.

2024’S INFLUENCE ON THE FUTURE

When it comes to the challenges that most affected the construction landscape in 2024, Fritz notes interest rates played a role. “High interest rates battered several nonresidential

The construction industry will face several headwinds in 2025, including still-elevated materials costs, labor shortages focused in certain occupational categories, the lag effects of high interest rates and a weak residential sector. There is also a high degree of policy uncertainty, which may push back the timeline on certain projects and potentially keep rates higher for longer.

construction subsegments, including those that boomed in 2022 and 2023 like warehouse, restaurant and certain retail construction segments. Despite those declines in certain categories, the unprecedented surge in manufacturing projects kept labor markets tight in certain geographies, and overall construction activity elevated.”

According to Tanel, the two most significant challenges in 2024 were:

• The shortage of skilled labor, particularly among dealer technicians.

• Delays in translating IIJA funding into actionable projects, caused by permitting and process bottlenecks.

“To address these issues,” said Tanel, “the construction industry is increasingly adopting advanced

technologies to enhance efficiency and fill workforce gaps. This trend will likely continue and expand in the years to come.”

Simonson shared that although construction activity grew more slowly as 2024 progressed, contractors continued to cite difficulty in finding qualified workers as their greatest challenge. He notes additional challenges for OEMs exist in equipment components and materials, stating, “Materials costs and availability largely returned to normal with the significant exception of transformers, switchgear and other electrical equipment, which continued to have long lead times.”

PREDICTIONS SHAPING THE MARKET

Fritz notes that when it comes to forecasting the trends, shifts and new areas of focus within the construction equipment landscape, “Most contractors have been exceedingly busy post-pandemic, sustaining healthy backlog and navigating America’s massive skilled construction worker shortages. In 2025, disparities in performance between contractors are set to widen as those associated with megaprojects, including manufacturing facilities, data centers and infrastructure, remain in high demand. Meanwhile, many contractors in weaker commercial real estate segments are poised to suffer their most unfavorable year post-pandemic, especially if borrowing costs remain elevated.”

Tanel predicts a notable shift in technology adoption, from being optional to essential. “Companies that fail to integrate advanced technologies will struggle to stay competitive or profitable,” said Tanel. “However, there’s a risk of adopting technology for the wrong reasons, such as adding zero-emission equipment solely to meet regulations or project owner demands rather than for genuine operational benefits.”

According to Simonson’s predictions, “Construction spending and employment will continue to increase at a moderate rate. But there is much more uncertainty about which market segments and geographic areas will thrive or dive in 2025 than appeared to be the case a few months ago. Tariff, tax, spending, immigration and monetary policy are all murkier than previously. To mitigate workforce challenges, companies will increasingly deploy technology like automation and AI to optimize repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. This will pave the way for smarter, more efficient operations across the industry.”

With an eye to the future, Hayfield suggests that construction businesses will need to ready themselves to bounce back. “There is uncertainty in the U.S. related to the new

CONSTRUCTION TRENDS TO WATCH

In its recently released 2025 North American Engineering and Construction Industry Overview, FMI Corporation experts report a slight increase in spending, predicting engineering and construction in 2025 will be up 2% from 2024.

Key trends shaping the built environment, such as the surge in construction driven by data centers and manufacturing facilities, strategies to address ongoing labor challenges and the adoption of digital tools to enhance operational efficiency.

“As we look to the future, it’s clear that understanding long-term trends is essential to shaping a strategy for success,” said Chris Daum, CEO and president of FMI Corporation. “Whether it’s improving operations, developing leaders, crafting a forward-thinking strategy or executing transformative transactions, staying ahead of the drivers reshaping the built environment is the key to thriving in a dynamic market.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF FMI’S REPORT INCLUDE:

• Total engineering and construction spending for the U.S. is forecast to end 2024 up 6%, in line with the 6% growth in 2023.

• In 2024, top-performing segments included public safety, manufacturing and water supply, each with growth rates more than 15% above 2023 levels.

• Single-family residential construction, supported by the recent rate-cutting cycle and anticipated housing affordability policies, will drive demand for other segments, such as institutional and nonbuilding structures.

• Data centers remain a high-growth area, with private investment up 60% through the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2023.

administration and many will be waiting to see how tariffs and policies play out before making too many decisions about investment or where to focus their attention in 2025,” said Hayfield. “However, there is likely to be market growth toward the back half of this year and this is something that people need to start preparing for.”

ACCELERATION AND ADVANCEMENT

Across the construction industry, project opportunities are shifting. According to Fritz, “The office sector will remain strong in 2025, but that’s entirely because it includes data center construction (by the U.S. Census Bureau’s definition). General office spending remains significantly below pre-pandemic level and is unlikely to meaningfully rebound next year.”

In the same vein, Tanell suggests the greatest potential lies in leveraging technology to streamline repetitive tasks, increase safety and improve efficiency. “For instance, AI-driven systems could automate predictive maintenance processes by analyzing equipment data, scheduling services, and reducing the need for multiple personnel. Additionally, advancements in automation and operator-assist technology could simplify machine operations, reducing labor demands,” said Tanel.

She also notes, “The adoption of additive construction methods and automation will also accelerate, supplementing traditional approaches

and addressing both labor and productivity challenges.”

In the broader view, Tanel also notes that manufacturing construction, bolstered by federally incentivized megaprojects across the country, will retain momentum through next year, as will public categories related to infrastructure like highway and street, sewage and waste disposal, and water supply.

Simonson lands on the same page, predicting that data center activity will continue to be a market driver.

“Demand for data centers [will] likely remain torrid and may even accelerate further. There will also be demand for new manufacturing plants, even as the timetable and investment slip somewhat for semiconductor and electric vehicle plants. The downturn in demand for warehouses and apartments will moderate and may reverse by year-end or early 2026,” said Simonson.

Schoppman reports, “Previously, there was the push in electric vehicles, battery production and large-scale charging stations. While still prevalent, the same fervor lies in data centers and the need to create complementary and scalable solutions to the nation’s technological infrastructure needs. In some cases, the push to build such facilities creates a sizeable burden on the labor market simultaneously. For example, consider the labor needs to construct a $20 billion to $30 billion data center, in particular, in a midsize market.

ARE SWITCHING TO VMAC’S G30

There is much more uncertainty about which market segments and geographic areas will thrive or dive in 2025 than appeared to be the case a few months ago. Tariff, tax, spending, immigration and monetary policy are all murkier than previously.”

 According to Megan Tanel, president and CEO at Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the construction industry is increasingly adopting advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and fill workforce gaps — a trend that will likely continue and expand in the years to come.

Now consider the ramifications of finding labor if you are not involved in the construction of said data center. Ancillary businesses see a boon in growth which is welcome while also create an added wrinkle in the competitive landscape.”

Hayfield is careful to note that, due to the IRA and the IIJA, fairly good investment in data centers, electronics manufacturing and infrastructure has continued, “We would expect to see more of this activity into 2025,” said Hayfield.

EQUIPMENT PURCHASING FACTORS

When it comes to the equipment marketplace, contractors have a lot to consider in purchasing decisions moving into the new year. According to Tanel, “Contractors already prioritize machine capability, efficiency and safety when purchasing equipment. Manufacturers are constantly innovating to meet these needs, with a strong focus on creating safer and more efficient machines. Budget and machine availability will also play a key role in these decisions, as contractors balance immediate project needs with long-term operational goals.”

Simonson advises contractors to make purchasing or leasing decisions with an eye toward the possible impact of tariffs on the cost and availability of equipment.

With consideration for a mixed fleet’s composition, Hayfield notes, “Contractors should always consider the buy versus lease option for machinery. Depending upon market conditions, it could make sense to limit capital expenditure (i.e. new machinery purchases) and rent or lease machinery until market conditions are clearer. If contractors do purchase new machinery, they might want to examine in detail what new technologies or features it has. For example, machine control (2D/3D) is becoming more popular and can provide cost savings or more efficient ways of working.”

TRUMP AND TARIFFS

At print time, President Trump’s tariff discussions with Canada and Mexico were underway, but not resolved. According to Fritz, “The Trump administration’s policy agenda should provide both tailwinds and headwinds for the construction industry. Efforts to cut the absurd levels of red tape around public construction projects will accelerate project timelines and give taxpayers more infrastructure per dollar spent. Aggressive deregulation efforts and potential tax cuts will stimulate business activity, increasing investment in structures,” said Fritz. Additionally, he notes that Congress is working on a budget reconciliation bill, which could alter

corporate and individual tax rates and change federal tax incentives for clean energy construction projects. “Those tailwinds will be partially countervailed by the effects of tariffs and immigration policies, both of which have potential to push project costs higher,” said Fritz. “Perhaps more importantly, inflation expectations and bond yields have risen since the election, suggesting that interest rates may remain higher for longer than previously anticipated.”

Simonson said, “The Trump administration can enable faster and more efficient construction of infrastructure and private structures through selective repeal of regulations and better streamlining and coordination of project reviews and approvals. It is essential that the administration allow waivers from tariffs or immigration restrictions for construction projects that otherwise would be unduly delayed or cost-burdened.”

As we wait to see what actions Trump may take on the tariff front, Hayfield suggests, “This is a big unknown since it isn’t clear (yet) how large tariffs will be or where they will land. Tariffs tend to push up prices for consumers, so the construction industry should be braced for raw material price inflation. However, it’s difficult to say if this will be across the board or whether it will be focused on one or two industries (like steel, for example).”

The uncertainty surrounding tariffs, taxes and regulatory changes under the new administration adds complexity, particularly as these factors impact supply chains and international trade. Beyond costs, the workforce shortage and tightening environmental regulations remain ongoing hurdles.”

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

When it comes to construction innovation, emission reduction and other emerging trends, experts suggest there is a long road ahead.

According to Tanel, “The journey toward emission reduction and equipment innovation doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing leap. Since 1996, the construction equipment manufacturing industry has reduced emissions by nearly 96% and continues to make significant improvements in efficiency, safety and productivity,” said Tanel. “Innovation should focus on iterative progress,” said Tanel, “designing equipment that not only meets, but exceeds current environmental and safety regulations while utilizing technology to enhance performance.

Manufacturers remain committed to developing equipment that aligns with their customers’ evolving needs, whether through emissions reduction, automation, or safety enhancements, all while advocating for balanced regulatory approaches.”

According to Hayfield, with a number of areas looking to drive the adoption of low- and zero-emission machinery (California, New York, Austin, etc.), there will be market growth in these areas, and contractors can expect to see more adoption. “This will drive some market growth through 2025. Digitalization and machine automation are also hot topics at present,” said Hayfield.

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Construction Fleet Factors

Inside today’s vocational trucks and the product offerings contributing to production and efficiency on the jobsite

As you review your fleet priorities for 2025, you must first know what you want out of the next addition to your fleet and how it will suit the need of your jobsites, operators and bottom line. Among the many factors that play into a today’s purchasing considerations are power, capacity, operator comfort, technology and more. And among the many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has been reshaping its offerings to meet the needs of its end users. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star and Detroit brands.

Freightliner’s vocational segment portfolio spans Classes 5-8 and includes a range of highly customizable vehicles for numerous applications, from construction to refuse collection. Freightliner trucks are designed to maximize productivity, safety and versatility.

For over 50 years, Western Star has set a standard for building premium, quality heavy-duty trucks designed for special-purpose and longdistance haulage. With the launch of the X-Series, the most advanced and rugged trucks in its lineup, it offers purpose-built trucks to meet difficult challenges.

Detroit manufactures diesel and electric powertrains, safety systems and connected vehicle services for Freightliner and Western Star commercial trucks. Detroit’s diesel powertrain includes the DD series of medium- and heavy-duty engines for a variety of commercial and work vehicle applications, the DT12 automated manual transmission series that meets both on-highway and vocational business needs, and multiple axle options for a complete integrated powertrain solution.

Samantha Parlier, director, brand marketing and operations at DTNA, said of the DTNA truck product portfolio, “There’s something for everybody,” showcasing its smallest M2 106 service body to its largest

twin-sphere crane from an axle capacity, and everything in between at World of Concrete 2025.

The company has undergone somewhat of a vocational transformation over the last five years. According to Parlier, “We recognized we had two brands – Freightliner and Western Star. The power of both brands is being able to serve a wide market. So instead of competing directly, we’re in a complementary space. We have our Freightliner brand for some of the lower-end Class 6, 7 and 8 trucks, and then we have the Western Star brand for the heavier, more work truck, larger frames, twin steers.”

She notes the benefit of the complementary brands is not only the breadth of product, but also, for an upfitter or end user, working with a common electrical system across both Western Star and Freightliner series.

According to Aaron Scates, vice president, vocational and mediumduty market at DTNA, “In the complementary product portfolio

approach, brands are differentiated for different customers who have different purchase drivers. There are things that make a lot of sense to commonize, like the electrical architecture, how you upfit in terms of the wiring and the programming, powertrain, safety systems, diagnostics, etc.” Scates says an advantage is meeting the needs of a wide variety of different operations, but maintaining a similar experience, makes it easier training drivers and unifying safety features, for instance.

TECHNOLOGIES AND FEATURES

According to Scates, technology is a priority for end users, and DTNA wants to give its customers the right tech for the job. “We don’t do technologies for technology’s sake,” said Scates.

“For the last four and a half years since we launched the [Western Star] X Series, we’ve been focused on getting customers familiar with the product. And then in 2022, on the Freightliner side, we did a major enhancement to the interior, operator comfort, powertrain, electrical architecture, safety, calling it the Plus series.” With both brands and products on the market, DTNA says it is keenly focused on the features its end users want.

The company’s QuickFit Electrical System aims to help customers build the perfect medium-duty service truck to fit a fleet’s needs quickly and efficiently. “This is basically programmable electronic modules and programmable switches powered by the Custom Hardware and Electronic Configurator (CHEC) Tool. CHEC is software that you can create flexible logic in,” said Scates.

With this tool, body builders and upfitters can create their own flexible logic to program the truck and control their body equipment with factory switches in the truck.

According to Scates, “With factory switches, the Quick Fit System and the CHEC tool, we can actually operate the entire truck bed and truck box, with all of the switches on the dash. That’s a big milestone.”

Raul Pena, who leads the CHEC team, develops features and training for CHEC on different trucks, emphasizing the increase in productivity and efficiency on an upfit. “We’ve tried to make it really simple with visual programming,” said Pena. Using only four screws to remove the panel, upfitters have up to 400 different integrated cap options.

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA)

 The Freightliner 114SD Ox Bodies Dump features a Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission and includes several key Detroit Assurance safety features.

“If we don’t have a switch you need, we will create one for you,” said Pena.

“All of these go to a connector on the back of the cab, and that’s your single point,” he said.

make the truck what they need it to be, and also decrease the amount of time takes for a new operator to come in, and increase the reliability,” said Pena.

PURCHASE DRIVERS

When it comes down to the specs and selection of a vocational truck, the recipe changes with the cook.

“The purchase driver changes based on the application and the business the customer is in,” said Parlier.

In a mixer versus dump scenario, Parlier says, “If you’re the mixer customer, your job is to work with concrete. You get paid by the yard. So, if you can save weight, you can carry more. And if you care a lot about weight, you might sacrifice power for weight when you’re running loads that you’ve got to deliver every 90 minutes from your batch plants or your continuous loads.”

For the dump truck operator, weight is often not as critical. “It’s usually bed size and not driven by the weight of the material that they have in the bed. And if it is, they don’t get paid that much more per cubic load. So, they may focus more on the power, saying. ‘I want to get there faster. I don’t really get a benefit from the weight.’ So, when we talk about speccing attributes, the answer is: it depends, which is the answer for almost everything vocationally.”

Breaking down transmissions by demand, Scates says automatics have a strong demand because, along with great performance, it is what people are often most familiar with. However, Scates maintains that in some areas, the DT12 can perform a bit more efficiently than an automatic can perform, with the same level of acceleration, shift, performance, etc. “Automatics are better in some areas, for sure, but we really see it as a coexistence within our portfolio.”

“It all comes down to the application,” said Parlier, who notes that 10 or 15 years ago, the view may have been “manual or nothing,” but over time, it has completely shifted. “Most people and companies don’t stock manuals anymore, and it’s all automatic or automated, and that’s been a huge shift in demand,” said Parlier.

It’s all a numbers game, so it’s important to know your business and your business goals well before you even talk to a truck manufacturer, and then start walking the spec through that.”

“So, traditionally, if you ever have an issue with body functions, you’re going outside to a connector to diagnose what is or what isn’t working. And you’re going to splice different places. We’ve eliminated that,” said Pena. Through the CHEC Tool specifically, the customer can program these to fit their needs, such as open the tarp or lift gate, drop the bed when they’re over a certain speed, etc.

“What we’ve tried to do is give people a playground where they can

There is also an opportunity to template a switch configuration, program it in a batch and apply it to program every truck outfit in a fleet.

In the cab, more tech features come to light with a 7-inch interactive touchscreen, offering integrations with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, along with a factory-installed backup camera, pre-selected upon speccing the Freightliner or Western Star.

“We’re marching toward eventually getting [backup cameras] into every truck,” said Scates. “It’s an enhancement for jobsite safety and operator efficiency, and it complements other features like the Detroit Assurance active safety system.” Detroit Assurance uses radar and high-definition camera systems to communicate with the Active Brake Assist (ABA), engine and transmission in real time.

Also coming base model standard on every Western Star and Freightliner is the ABA collision mitigation system that look out for stationary objects like cars and moving objects like pedestrians. With a forward-facing radar on the bumper and a camera in the windshield, the two communicate and confirm visual safety threats.

As part of the base model standard setup, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), allows end users with a DT12 automated manual transmission to go down to zero mph. Those not on a DT12 can go down to 10 mph.

Again in the assistance category, Side Guard Assist (SGA) offers a side radar that covers passenger-side blind spots, providing an audible and visual warning to the driver. On the jobsite, it’s looking for moving objects like human safety threats.

According to Parlier, “It’s all a numbers game, so it’s important to know your business and your business goals well before you even talk to a truck manufacturer, and then start walking the spec through that.”

TRANSMISSION TRANSITIONS

According to Scates, the next major shift in the vocational industry is transmissions. “For years, there were manuals and then automatics. Automated manuals, basically clutched manual transmissions are relatively new to the vocational space.”

In 2020 on the X Series, DTNA introduced the DT12-V, a purpose-built version of its DT12 transmission made for the vocational and construction space. Some features include:

˜ Brake Hold Mode — This exclusive feature allows the driver to pump the brake, holding you on a hill, then release the brake when you hit the accelerator.

˜ Rock-Free Mode — Another exclusive feature, this mode helps you avoid wheel-stuck situations by using the accelerator to rock the vehicle free

˜ Creep Mode — Allows a vehicle to move at a low speed for better maneuverability.

˜ Paver Mode — Allows a dump truck to shift from neutral to drive without pressing the brake pedal while moving away, ensuring a steady flow to the paving machine.

˜ Off-Road Mode — Features shift maps that give you peak performance on any terrain.

˜ Power Launch — Automatically increases engine speed for smooth, powerful take-offs with heavy loads, while also protecting the clutch and driveline.

With an automated manual transmission, operators don’t have to think about the shift of the transmission, say, in a ready-mix truck or a dump truck. Scates says that’s just one more thing drivers can take off their minds in order to focus on the job at hand. “It makes training a lot easier. It helps with fatigue. Also helps with attracting more operators to your business,” said Scates. “We really see it as the future for vocational [trucks]. Automatics and automated manual transmissions are definitely taking over. They’ve taken hold,” he said.

LOOKING AHEAD

With the company’s vocational transformation across the past 10 years, DTNA has a lot to offer with its X Series and Plus Series. According to customer feedback, standouts among the newer improvements include the cab interior upgrades, the quality of the ride, the dust and noise reduction efforts, and overall comfort.

With an eye to the future, DTNA is actively increasing its footprint within the marketplace. In Canada, the company has moved up three places in recent years. “We were sixth overall in market share. We moved up to three, so we’ve surpassed Peterbilt, International and Volvo, which is a huge badge of honor for us in a really short time, and shows the acceptance of the products,” said Parlier.

“We’ve also grown in North America 39% year over year in 2024, and we’ve doubled since 2019,” said Parlier. “It speaks to the work and the detail that went into the products and the acceptance of the market and the public.”

According to Scates, “We have basically doubled our heavy vocational market share since we introduced the X Series, so it’s been a huge success.” He also notes there is certainly more to come.

DTNA is scheduled to exhibit at Work Truck Week (Booth 1121), taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 4-7, 2025.

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA)

 Side Guard Assist (SGA) offers a side radar that covers passenger-side blind spots, providing an audible and visual warning to the driver.

Mack Trucks Refreshed Mack MD Series

Mack Trucks’ MD Series diesel and electric medium-duty trucks feature a larger cab that incorporates new safety features. These updates support Mack’s medium-duty offering to meet evolving customer needs and applications. The Mack MD Series is available with diesel or electric drivetrain options in the MD6, a Class 6 model with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 lbs., and the MD7, a Class 7 model with a GVWR of 33,000 lbs. Both models are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax (FET). These updates include driver and safety features, while supporting installation for body builders. The biggest change is that the MD’s cab is now 4 in. longer than the previous version, which gives drivers more seat recline and leg room. This refreshed cab further shows how the Mack Anthem cab influenced the MD cab design and many of the shared driver features, such as an overhead console for additional storage. The interior has satin aluminum trim, seating with lumbar support and LED lighting. New steering wheel controls for cruise control, telephone and audio functions have been added.

Bridgestone Firestone Transforce HT3 and CV2 Tires

Bridgestone Americas has announced the debut of Firestone’s latest tires featuring ENLITEN Technology, the all-new Transforce HT3 and CV2. Engineered for commercial highway vehicles, Firestone’s latest fleet tires are designed to deliver wet-weather performance, lowspeed refinement, high-speed handling and wear life. Both Transforce HT3 and CV2 maximize wear performance to help improve sustainability over the life of the tire. The Transforce HT3 and CV2 tires were each created to cater to different facets of the commercial highway tire market. The HT3 tire is for heavy-duty trucks while the CV2 tire is for last-mile delivery vans. The hardwearing tires share several commonalities, including construction and tread pattern, while broadening the Transforce line with features like sidewall design and tread compound for specific use cases. Offered in LT sizing, the Transforce HT3 tire is designed for heavy-duty trucks with a high rim diameter between 16 and 20 in. It features an off-shoulder sidewall design with noise abatement. The Transforce HT3 tire’s tread compound emphasizes traction, durability, year-round use and hauling and towing.

Trimble Vehicle Inspection Solution for Fleets

Trimble Inspections is a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) solution for commercial fleets. The solution supports fleet safety, regulatory compliance and driver and back-office workflows.

Available through Trimble Instinct — Trimble’s flagship telematics and fleet management software solution — Trimble Inspections adds a modernized truck and trailer inspection application to Instinct’s driver experience. This new inspection application allows drivers to inspect both tractor and trailer simultaneously within the same workflow. Trimble Inspections also supports safe fleet performance and fleet maintenance efforts with the ability to connect its inspection workflow with maintenance solutions, like Trimble’s TMT Fleet Maintenance and Penske’s maintenance portal. These direct integrations enable a closed defect loop experience with repair order workflows, including automatic alerts to fleet maintenance managers of the need for vehicle repair if a driver reports a defect during their pre- or post-trip inspection. Trimble Inspections also consolidates truck and trailer inspections into a single workflow for the fleets that operate in both the U.S. and Canada as a DVIR solution that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) regulations.

Stellar Aluminum Option for TMAX 3T Mechanic Truck

Stellar Industries has announced the launch of the Stellar TMAX 3T Aluminum Mechanic Truck. This aluminum variation of the steel TMAX Tandem Axle

Mechanic Truck combines lightweight construction with durability. The TMAX 3T Aluminum Mechanic Truck features increased payload capacity, corrosion resistance and an extruded top rail for mounting. It also includes a steel crane compartment and a torsion box to withstand tough environments. With a weight reduction of 1,587 lbs. compared to the steel model, the TMAX 3T Aluminum Mechanic Truck maximizes payload during use.

Air Lift LoadLifter ProSeries Kits for 20172024 Ford F-350 Chassis Cab 2WD and 4WD

Air Lift Co. has released new LoadLifter 5000 and Air Lift ProSeries kits for the 2017-2024 Ford F-350 Chassis Cab 2WD and 4WD. Air Lift air spring kits are designed to work with the vehicle’s existing suspension to level the vehicle properly. They put an end to squat and correct frequent issues while towing or hauling, including poor headlight aim, unresponsive steering, body roll and bottoming out. This new product release offers two load support air spring kit options — the LoadLifter 5000 and the LoadLifter ProSeries. The LoadLifter 5000 (PN 57343) offers up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity through double-bellow air springs paired with upper and lower roll plates and highstrength nylon end caps. The Air Lift Pro Series (PN 93343) is a kit option that is a variation on the LoadLifter 5000. It features upgraded aluminum-anodized end caps and stainless-steel end cap hardware.

PALFINGER PAL Pro 58 Mechanics Truck and PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane

Designed for Class 5 chassis applications, the PAL Pro 58 and PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane are engineered to deliver reach, weight reduction and performance on jobsites. Manufactured with 12-gauge all A-60 galvanneal steel and a hybrid torsion box, the PAL Pro 58 eliminates frame and side pack deflection. It also features a 12-step e-coat process for corrosion protection. Available in 11-ft. body configurations, the PAL Pro 58 includes bolt-on mounting locations for accessories. With an 8,600-lb. lift capacity and a 58,000-ft.-lb. moment rating, both the PAL Pro 58 and the PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane continue PALFINGER’s tradition of integrating safety features. The PSC 8600 TEC Service Crane’s design relocates the winch to a boom-mounted position, addressing cable concerns.

FuelPro Multi-

Tank Fuel Trailer

FuelPro Trailers has introduced their multi-tank line which allows users to legally transport diesel fuel without a HazMat endorsement. Several options, including 700-gallon, 475-gallon and 950-gallon models, are available in either skid-mounted or DOT-complaint trailer-mounted configurations. The trailers can be customized with additional compartments for DEF, grease, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, reclaim oil, water, anti-freeze and gear oil, as well as components such as a custom six-drawer tool box, ARC N AIR compressor/generator with welder and battery charger, tool/parts storage compartment and more. The 700-gal. multi-tank model features a 25-gpm, 12V DC industrial grade pump, a 40-gpm electric start gas engine, 35- or 50-ft. auto-retracting 1-in. hose reel, 18 ft. of 1-in. hose (30- and 50-ft. lengths optional), auto-trip nozzle, FuelPro 20-micron fuel filter, lockable vented fuel caps, tank pressure relief vent and at-a-glance fuel gauge.

Eager Beaver Easy Loader 25XPL

The 25-ton-capacity Easy Loader 25XPL tri-axle tag trailer features a 6-ft. beavertail and 6-ft. ramps with an 8-degree loading angle.

• 50,000-lb. load capacity and 61,720-lb. GVWR

• 14-in. hi-tensile steel mainframe with cold-formed drawbar

• 6-in. crossmembers pierced through the mainframe

• 22,500-lb. axles with air lift front axle

• 4S2M ABS with spring brakes on all axles

• 215 / 75R 17.5 radial tires on hub-piloted disc wheels

Freightliner M2 112 Plus Truck

With an all-new interior designed to provide more driver comfort, a powertrain to deliver more performance and one of the most advanced active safety technologies that enable more uptime, the M2 112 Plus offers a greater productivity advantage than ever before. The M2 112 Plus is easy to customize for a range of applications, thanks to the QuickFit Electrical System that enables simplified upfit and programming. The M2 112 Plus offers Detroit Powertrain options that deliver maximum productivity and efficiency. With new powertrain options that provide a range of horsepower and torque ratings for a GCWR of up to 80,000 lbs., the M2 112 Plus is designed to keep operations going strong, mile after mile. The Freightliner M2 112 Plus is ideal for regional and in-town routes.

Western Star 49X Class 8 Truck

The 49X features a stronger, lighter chassis and a purpose-built X-series reinforced aluminum cab that offers more space yet provides added weight savings. Single-channel frame rails come in thicknesses and ratings up to 3.7 million RBMs, or C-channel frame reinforcements are offered in RBMs up to 5.4 million. A clear back-of-cab packaging allows for easier upfits and accommodates a full array of rear suspension options. The sloped hood is constructed of high-strength, lightweight, molded composite and features the ISO Tech Hood Suspension system, which isolates, absorbs and dissipates vibrations from the chassis. The vehicle is available with a Detroit DD15 Gen 5 or DD16 engine mated to the DT12 Vocational series of automated manual transmissions.

STELLAR SOLUTIONS FOR

Maneuver Through Roadwork With Skid Steers and Attachments

Explore the versatility, manueverability, multifunctional capabilities and attachments that make skid steers an ideal fit for this type of work

Skid steers are a fairly standard type of machine to have on any construction jobsite and are widely credited for their maneuverability and power. But, when you are focused on roadwork, skid steers can become an incredibly valuable asset. These machines have what it takes to handle the tight turns and solid roads of concrete and asphalt. Because of their versatility and attachment capabilities, skid steers are a viable solution to roadwork challenges, especially when paired with the right attachments.

MANEUVERING ROADWORK

In comparison with other types of construction equipment, skid steers are recognized to be extremely easy to maneuver and manage. Skid steers run on tires rather than tracks, making them a good option for rougher and more level surfaces.

Jerry Corder, project manager of construction equipment at Kubota, said, “Skid-steer loaders (SSLs) operate on tires that are specifically designed for the abuse of cement and asphalt. The wheels on SSLs hold up better and do less damage to road surfaces than the tracks on a compact track loader (CTL).”

Corder explained that thanks to the decrease in friction, the wheels on skid steers tend to be more nimble and maneuverable than tracks.

Skid steers are naturally more compact than the majority of normal-sized construction vehicles. While there are compact machines and even mini skid steers, normal skid steers are still not as large as the typical equipment — this adds to their nimble nature.

Chris Mayo, regional sales manager, Eastern U.S. at Road Widener, said, “[Their] compact design [makes] them easy to operate in tight spaces. They’re also highly portable and compatible with a wide range of attachments.”

Being smaller in size allows skid steers to be transported more easily and moved around the jobsite as needed. As a more compact product, the costs tend to look better than some of the other equipment out there.

“Not only do skid-steer loaders perform better on concrete and asphalt, but they are also a very costeffective tool for road construction work as they have

 No matter what the job requires, skid steers can be applied if equipped with the right attachments. There are countless attachment options for skid steers and therefore countless opportunities.

a lower initial cost and require less maintenance than a comparable CTL,” said Corder.

Thanks to their compact design, skid steers make for a great, costefficient piece of equipment for your construction site. Corder discussed the benefit of skid steers by describing the value of higher travel speeds and a lower cost of ownership.

A FUNCTION OF ABILITY

Skid steers have many functions that allow them to work easily on roadwork. Some of these qualities include built-in technology and tire capabilities.

“SSLs have auxiliary hydraulics that can power the specialty attachments that are often found in road construction,” said Corder.

With the right connection areas, skid steers are a powerful and versatile option for the jobsite. Without the right technology, it’s hard for equipment to use every attachment to its full extent. Auxiliary hydraulics are an important supplemental technology to bolster each attachment’s abilities.

Not only are skid steers well equipped to be used as versatile machines, but they are also capable of driving on various types of terrain.

Mayo said, “These compact machines excel in both hard and soft landscapes, offering versatility and adaptability. Their multifunctional design makes them ideal for a wide range of roadwork applications.”

Able to drive with ease on an assortment of surface types, skid

steers can go just about anywhere and be used for just about anything — especially thanks to their ability to support a range of attachments.

ATTACHED TO SKID STEERS

While skid steers are useful on their own, you can easily improve their capabilities by finding the right attachments.

Corder said, “These machines are easy to tailor to the specific needs of the road construction industry.”

No matter what the job requires, skid steers can be applied if equipped with the right attachments.

There are countless attachment options for a skid steer and therefore countless opportunities. Even though there are numerous options when it comes to attachments, there are some selections that are imperative for any skid steer owner.

“Some must-have attachments for skid-steers include buckets, forks, brooms and sweepers,” shared Mayo.

Corder said that there are also must-have attachments for each phase of roadwork. He said when doing prepping or demolition work, it is vital to have a bucket, concrete breakers, concrete claws, augers, etc. for clearing debris. When prepping areas for patching, Corder recommends road saws and cold planers.

In areas with more wintry conditions, skid steers come in handy for snowplowing needs. Although it’s likely not the first challenge that comes to mind for roadwork, snow

removal is an important part of road care and upkeep.

Corder said, “Pushers, trip-edge blades and snow blowers are all necessary when snow needs to be dealt with.”

Some attachments are must-haves for skid steer owners in general while some are vital depending on the type or stage of roadwork being done. Each attachment comes with its own abilities and its own advantages.

TAKE ADVANTAGE

Some attachments provide skid steers with great advantages. Overall, attachments allow skid steers to be versatile, multifunctional pieces of equipment and assets on a range of construction sites.

Mayo said, “Skid-steers offer great value to operators with their ability to quickly switch between attachments. An operator can seamlessly transition from a bucket to forks to a sweeper in no time.”

A skid steer is a time saver on the jobsite because workers can simply switch out attachments, rather than shift around different vehicles to complete each construction function needed. While the ability to switch the function of your skid steer is convenient and might seem simple, there are some things you must do to ensure the best quality and safety of your equipment.

“Using the correct attachment ensures greater precision and delivers high-quality results,” said Mayo.

Keeping your skid steers and

attachments well maintained is a huge part of keeping a safe and efficient jobsite. It is important to care for your equipment, but it is also important to use attachments properly configured for your skid steer.

“Making sure the skid steer has the hydraulic power to properly operate a given attachment ensures that the attachment performs correctly, and the job goes as planned,” said Corder.

Not every attachment can work with every skid steer. and not every attachment will be a seamless fit for every skid steer.

It’s important to confirm with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) which attachments are made to connect to and be used by the brand of skid steer you own — this is crucial to the quality and safety of the work being completed.

SKID STEERS TAKE TO THE ROAD

With so many advantages to having a skid steer when completing roadwork, it’s no wonder that the vehicles have risen in popularity among contractors and operators. There are lots of facets of roadwork to account for and with the help of the right attachments, skid steers can satisfy each one.

From demolition work to snowplowing, skid steers have you covered on the road. Check with your OEM to see which attachments can better harness your skid steer’s power and take advantage of what your maneuverable and nimble machine has to offer.

GEHL Mid-Range CTLs and Skid Steers

Three GEHL skid steer loaders (the V210, V230 and the V275) and three new compact track loaders (the VT210, VT230 and VT275) deliver updates in safety and serviceability over previous GEHL skid steers and CTLs. These models are vertical lift and feature a new lift arm design for visibility. The operator experience has also been upgraded with an update on GEHL’s patented folding door — and the new cab offers visibility with a new window and roof design. Breakout forces and tank capacities are increased for long operating times — all with a focus on lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Auxiliary hydraulics (both standard and high flow) have been upgraded and GEHL offers a full and expansive lineup of Manitou Group attachments to make these machines versatile. The patented tracktensioning system tensions the track to the proper tension when the machine is started and relieves the tension when the machine is turned off. Instead of greasing for proper tension every 50 hours or so, GEHL uses a hydraulic system to keep constant tension on the tracks.

John Deere

334 P-Tier

Skid Steer

This machine is equipped with a new one-piece cab design, technology features and operating power. The skid steer is powered by a Yanmar 118-hp engine and comes with a 35.5-gallon fuel tank. The new P-Tier models have

large, fully redesigned operator stations. Built from the ground up with direct feedback provided by customers, the new models feature multiple styling upgrades. The new operator station is sealed, pressurized and isolated from the frame. This means that outside noise will be lowered, and the cab interior is protected from the elements. Utilizing the 8-in. touchscreen display interface, customers can experience insight and customization of machine settings and viewing information.

Hyundai HS120V Skid Steer

The HS120V skid steer is designed for a wide range of construction jobs including debris removal, demolition, loading, clearing, lifting and excavation. The machine is equipped with a Tier 4 Final-compliant diesel engine and has a maximum lifting height of 13 ft., 4 in., the skid steer’s boom has a vertical lift path when raising the bucket. An auto-leveling system keeps the bucket stable without manual adjustments.

• Net Power: 69.7 hp (52.0 kW)/ 2,200 rpm

• Operating Weight: 8,481 lbs.

• Rated Operating Capacity: 5,380 lbs.

• Bucket Breakout Force: 6,327 lbs.

Ditch Witch SK1750 Skid Steer

The Ditch Witch SK1750 skid steer is built with the power and reliability to complete various tasks on construction sites. This machine is equipped with a patent-pending track system that provides stable rides and versatility on rugged terrain. Designed to handle a range of landscape, irrigation and treecare projects, the new track system features a tension check window, which allows operators to visually check track tension without threading a separate gauge tool. The track design provides a smooth ride with maneuverability and stability, while transporting heavy loads across rough terrain. The track design causes minimal disturbance to the ground, meaning operators can spend less time repairing damaged turf on the jobsite. The roller design adds to the lifespan of the machine.

Wacker Neuson Series II Skid Steers and CTLs

The Series II large frame models include two skid steers (SW) and two compact track loaders (ST) powered by a 74.3-hp Kohler diesel engine.

• Offer standard auxiliary hydraulic flow of 22.1 gpm and optional flow of 31.7 gpm

• Operating weights range from 7,840 to 10,267 lbs., with rated operating capacities from 2,400 to 4,500 lbs. (50% of tipping load)

• Radial lift models (SW24 and ST35) provide a 126.8-in. hinge pin height, while vertical lift loaders (SW28 and ST45) have 134.8-in. hinge pin heights

• Cab fully tips forward with the loader arms down for complete access to all maintenance components

• Operator environment includes angled pedals and foot bed, repositioned joysticks and standard updated 5.7-in. full-color display on most models

ROCKEAT

Electric Skid Steer Loader

ROCKEAT is First Green’s newest line of electric, cabinless skid steer loaders, designed with a low clearance, 360-degree camera and remote operability.

ROCKEAT produces zero carbon emissions, uses minimum operating fluids and offers near-silent operation. Remote control technology allows for more accurate and refined movements, increasing precision, especially in tasks like excavation or material handling. Remote control operation is compatible with First Green electric attachments and standard hydraulic. ROCKEAT machines are charged using a standard 110V or 220V outlet. The 700 and 1200 models are 67 in. and 71 in. wide, respectively. The machines offer a maximum power of 3x36.2 hp, maximum torque of 3x89 ft.-lbs., and load capacity of 1,500 to 3,300 lbs.

KATO AS12 SkidSteer Loader

The 21-net-hp AS12 radial lift skid steer delivers enhanced performance in a compact package that comes as narrow as 3 ft. 1 in. and has an overall length of 8 ft. 6 in.

• Operating weight of just over 3,000 lbs. with a rated operating capacity of 728 lbs.

• Features 1,641 lbs. of breakout force and a tipping load of 1,455 lbs.

• 8-ft. 4-in. height to hinge pin

• 9.25-gpm standard hydraulic flow

• Interior offers clearance of up to 28 in., a comfortable adjustable seat and easy to operate controls

Bobcat R-Series T62 and S62 Loaders

The R-Series T62 compact track loader and S62 skid steer are radius lift path models that feature 68-hp redesigned Bobcat 2.4-liter, Tier 4 no-DPF diesel engines and 2,150- and 2,100-lb. rated operating capacities. Inline engine design and a durable direct-drive system ensure high performance; Redesigned cooling system with a larger, higher-capacity radiator and heavy-duty steel louvers on the tailgate; Stronger cast steel lift arm sections and powerful hydraulics improve lifting capabilities; One-piece sealed and pressurized cab; Bob-Tach attachment mounting system.

ASV MAX-Series VS-75 and RS-75 Skid-steer Loaders

The radial lift 75-hp RS-75 has a 2,600-lb. rated operating capacity (ROC) and a 5,845-lb. breakout force and the 75-hp vertical lift VS-75 has a 3,500-lb. ROC and 5,920-lb. breakout force.

• 10.5 in. of ground clearance

• Next-generation cab with 360-degree visibility, a roomier operator area, comfortable seat, touchscreen display and more

• Enhanced visibility via standard LED lighting, optional side lighting, all-clear sides and a frameless door

• Standard safety features include a roof escape hatch, ROPS and reinforced windows for impact resistance

Optional pressurized cab, fully suspended seat, 7-in. touchscreen display, dual throttle and more

CASE B Series Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

The next-generation B Series includes five compact track loaders and eight skid steers in radial and vertical lift patterns, as well as numerous horsepower and size classes.

• Maintenance-free Tier 4 Final engines

• Offer enhanced visibility, an updated operator interface and controls, simple startup and operation and powerful breakout force and auxiliary hydraulics

• Completely redesigned operator interface includes left- and right-hand posts with simple ignition, push-button operation, easy throttle control and intuitive switches for all core functions

• 8-in. LCD multi-function display includes a backup camera view in a split screen with machine data

For the past few years, electrification of rental equipment has been part of a larger discussion on greener ways of operation to meet stricter emissions regulations, follow environmentally friendly practices, and keep up with an increasing industry demand for such equipment.

Companies offering electric equipment rental offerings are noting an uptick in the demand for it in recent years.

There are many challenges and benefits associated with the use of electric equipment, as the adoption of electric construction equipment is quickly growing domestically and globally. Driving factors include noise reduction; lower operating fuel and maintenance costs; government emission regulations; federal and state tax credits; carbon credits and offset, and environmental, social and corporate governance goals.

RENTING EV CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT RAISES AWARENESS OF BENEFITS

Renting such equipment can be one way of “kicking the tires” before full adoption of its use on jobsites.

Mike Slattery, VOLTEQ vice president of business development, noted the construction equipment rental path is “one way for people to get the experience and understanding they don’t yet have with electric construction equipment.”

Lars Arnold, product manager –sustainable power, Volvo Construction Equipment, pointed out the rental channel is quite receptive to electric equipment and is expected to have good availability in the next few years because of its simplicity of maintenance, no fuel-related hassles for renters, mechanics at the rental center and enhanced features such as GPS and telematics that help track equipment and reduce risk of theft.

Liam O’Hara, Sunbelt Rentals program manager, noted a definite shift toward electric equipment in certain markets, which he said is driven in some instances by regulatory changes at the government level.

“For example, states such as California now have mandates in place that require certain products to be electric or transition to an electric alternative in the future,” he pointed out. “Also, a lot of general contractors — especially larger ones — have sustainability goals that are driving the demand for electric equipment rental.”

O’Hara noted there is still some education to be done on the project level to further increase the demand for electric equipment rental offerings.

“As a rental partner, we can help improve awareness,” he pointed out. “Contractors may not know the variety of electric equipment that is available or its benefits, but rental can remove the barrier to entry by offering different options.”

Equipment Rental Raises the Bar on Electric Offerings

The

addition of more all-electric options provides more access to innovative solutions and lower-emitting equipment

EV EQUIPMENT DEMAND INCREASES

Troy Greenleaf, president of General Rental Center in Old Town, Maine, noted of the demand for electric rental equipment that, “I don’t think it’s a shift all the way over to electric from any other platform, but definitely, the requests and the need has definitely increased.”

In terms of the demand for electrical equipment rentals compared to the demand for standard internal combustion engine equipment rentals, Greenleaf noted that “on the whole, it’s a very small piece of where we are — most things are still gasoline- or diesel engine-driven.”

“At Sunbelt Rentals, we still see the demand for standard internal combustion engine equipment outpacing that of electric equipment,” O’Hara said. “That is likely a matter of contractors steering toward what is familiar. However, there are applications where we see a higher demand for electric equipment.

“Whenever there’s indoor demolition or maintenance, contractors can rely on a wide variety of electric equipment to assist with the job since there is no concern about emissions.”

Noise on the jobsite is another driving factor.

A benefit of the use of electric construction equipment is the ability to work in densely populated areas, night jobs, indoor demolition, agriculture, food production and highdust environments where sparking is a concern, noted Arnold.

O’Hara noted electric equipment is in high demand for projects that take place in noise-sensitive areas, such as hospitals or schools. He also sees a demand for electric equipment in urban areas where there are nighttime noise ordinances.

“Contractors can work the third shift without concern of violating those,” O’Hara said.

RENTAL COMPANIES INCREASING EV EQUIPMENT OFFERINGS

Sunbelt Rentals has made an ongoing effort to increase its electric equipment offerings, O’Hara noted.

“We want our customers to have access to equipment that will meet their project needs and sustainability goals,” he pointed out. “Historically, we have offered traditional options like electric mobile elevating work platforms, scissor lifts, forklifts, and power tools. But now we have entered into the market with electric telehandlers, skid steers and excavators.”

In September 2022, Sunbelt Rentals became the first national rental company to adopt Bobcat allelectric technology when the company announced the delivery of the first Bobcat T7X all-electric compact loader. Also that year, Sunbelt Rentals

joined United Rentals in incorporating F-150 Lightning Trucks into its fleets.

The company’s fleet of Bobcat T7X all-electric compact track loaders in the California market has increased in recent years, with more than 100 available for rent.

“We have also made a significant increase in our offering of battery energy storage systems (BESS), so we can provide customers with sustainable energy in the battery form where utility power may not be fully available,” O’Hara noted.

Greenleaf said his company has not increased its electric rental offerings “in any meaningful way. The reasons for that being it is very expensive. The initial purchase price of an electric piece of equipment versus a gas or diesel piece of equipment is a substantial price difference.

“In this situation, I don’t think the demand is enough for me to get utilization on a lot of this stuff to make it cost effective or profitable.”

Greenleaf said while his company offers very few choices in electric rental equipment, “we are heavily looking into it for a couple of reasons. I do think that it is the way the future is going. I think you are going to see a lot of things transition to electric.

“For us being a small, independent, single store family-owned business, there are not a lot of dealers up here for any type of electrical equipment. There is not a huge amount of competition. It is an untapped market.”

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES

Speaking to the challenges involved in the construction equipment rental space, “we have to be absolutely thorough in understanding the needs of our customers’ projects to provide the best possible electric equipment recommendation,” said Matt DiDonato, Sunbelt Rentals director of fleet product development.

“That especially includes understanding the duty cycle of the application so we can assess the charge and runtime as it compares to diesel,” he said. “We also have to educate customers as to the benefits of electric equipment, such as the reduction in fuel cost and noise.”

“When we are specifying electric equipment, we have to ask additional questions that aren’t typically asked when delivering diesel equipment,” O’Hara noted, adding that the company must consider the availability and location of power sources to charge the equipment.

“We want customers to have power close enough to the areas they are working in, so they do not deplete battery life just by driving the equipment there,” he added.

Equipment adoption is another challenge, O’Hara said. “We need to continue to drive awareness, making

sure our local markets know what we have in stock,” he added.

For contractors, renting electric equipment is a premium upfront, said O’Hara.

“It typically costs more than a traditional combustion machine, which can be off-putting, but they will see benefits in fuel reduction,” he added.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS

Greenleaf said that changing perceptions about electric equipment is one of the biggest challenges he observes.

“Most of these guys have been operating gas and diesel equipment for 10 to 50 years,” he added. “It is not necessarily better or worse, just different. It is going to offer a different set of challenges as far as maintaining it and storing it.”

As electric construction equipment continues to emerge on jobsites, both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and rental houses have begun to address concerns regarding diminished power, charging requirements, battery operation and maintenance requirements.

Greenleaf noted that while electric equipment will have a more expensive upfront cost, the cost of ownership over time is less.

“You’re not doing oil changes or putting gas into it every day,” Greenleaf noted, adding maintenance is simplified as well.

In a recent Equipment Today article on electric scissor lifts, Bob Begley, director of product management, scissor lifts, JLG, pointed out that while the performance of a lithiumion operated machine is equal to that of a conventional diesel-powered machine, “we anticipate lithium-ion batteries will become more affordable and the technology will become more accessible; therefore, there will be less need and demand for enginepowered models.”

A recent IDTechEx report shows while it is in its early stages, the electric construction machine market will “benefit from other sectors having already gone through electrification and will be able to accelerate quickly with existing supply chains for batteries, motors, and other EV components that it will need to make this transition. [OEMs] are moving quickly to electrify their product ranges.”

As those in the construction industry continue to further consider the adoption of electric vehicle technologies, hesitancy to work with EV construction equipment often centers on concerns such as having enough power and torque required to do the work, keeping equipment charged, and properly and safely training equipment operators.

High-performance and

Liam O’Hara, Sunbelt Rentals program manager, noted a definite shift toward electric equipment in certain markets, which he said is driven in some instances by regulatory changes at the government level.”

fast-charging batteries are decreasing range anxiety and improving vehicle reliability and user experience. Economy, technology and resource availability will play a greater role in driving the change.

LONG-TERM COSTS LOWER FOR EV EQUIPMENT

Arnold noted that while the initial purchase price is higher for electric equipment, money is saved on maintenance and fuel:

˜ Maintenance-free electric motors featuring auto shutoff

˜ Fully electric drivelines reducing hydraulic oil needs by half

˜ Easy ground-level access to lubrication and maintenance points

˜ Maintenance-free, lithium-ion batteries

Slattery emphasized that savings result from the absence of a combustion engine that requires maintenance or eventual repair of oil, air and fuel filters, engine coolant, radiator and thermostat.

Other savings factors include fuel sensors, injectors, belts and alternators.

Savings by charging with electricity versus gas or diesel varies based on regional markets and fluctuations in commodity prices, Slattery added.

Slattery also noted improved jobsite conditions for employees working with zero emissions and greatly reduced decibel output, with the latter improving the ability for crew

High-performance and fast-charging batteries are decreasing range anxiety and improving vehicle reliability and user experience. Economy, technology, and resource availability will play a greater role in driving the change.”

members to hear each other more easily while communicating on the jobsite.

CHARGING OPTIONS IMPROVE

Micro-grid and on-site generation are promising technologies that can replace existing fossil fuel generating equipment, provide electric energy to battery vehicles and machines and power other site needs such as lights, Arnold noted.

Slattery said factors in charging plans before leasing electric equipment include:

˜ The number of hours or shifts per day that the equipment will be used.

˜ The duty factor needed.

˜ Necessary charging requirements (voltage and amperage) and the connector type required to recharge.

˜ Whether charging is required on the jobsite or if sufficient run time is available to meet daily requirements before moving equipment to a location where charging is possible. If charging at the jobsite is necessary and power is not already available, contractors should explore options for battery storage packs, said Slattery. While a generator is another option, “this is generally viewed as contradictory to the point of having electric equipment,” said Slattery, adding it may be possible to run a

more powerful generator for a shorter period to recharge, greatly reducing emissions.

˜ Quickly and easily swapping batteries at the jobsite is not yet common for mobile construction equipment because of battery size, capacity, cost and weight but will change as technology advances, said Slattery.

EV FUTURE IS PROMISING

In terms of the construction rental marketplace balance shifting toward or away from electric if at all, O’Hara noted electric equipment rental is going to increase, whether from mandates at the state level or because companies are now getting more serious about their own sustainability goals.

“As electric equipment becomes more readily available, the cost will also come down, so renting electric equipment may be more appealing to contractors,” he said.

“We are still on the uphill climb of achieving customer acceptance of electric equipment,” DiDonato added. “As we gain that over time, rental of this equipment will open itself up to additional opportunities and help us more rapidly expand our electrified fleet.”

Brzozowski is a freelance writer for Equipment Today.

 In September 2022, Sunbelt Rentals became the first national rental company to adopt Bobcat allelectric technology when the company announced the delivery of the first Bobcat T7X all-electric compact loader.

Carol

Yanmar V8e Electric Wheel Loader

With 4,500-kg operating weight, the wheel loader is equipped with four working modes (Bucket, Fork, Eco and Power). This machine features bucket volume between 0.8 and 1.2 cu. m. with a payload on forks of 1,890 kg. It is coupled with a high-capacity battery (available in standard 39.9 kWh with an option to upgrade to 53.2 kWh), providing up to 4.2 hours of continuous operation in bucket mode. The loader is equipped with a synchronous motor offering 22 kW rated and 30 kW peak. Standard features include back-up alarm, load warning device (visual and acoustic), anti-theft device (coded key), safety valves for lift and title cylinders, SA-R SMARTASSIST remote, LED rotating beacon and seat belt. Prioritizing operator safety, the V8e features a redesigned cabin for visibility.

John Deere E-Drive 744 and 824

X-Tier Wheel Loaders

John Deere744 X-Tier and 824 X-Tier Wheel Loaders feature the John Deere Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) E-Drive system. Both models are equipped with a JD9 diesel engine as the primary power source, however, the torque converter and traditional transmission have been replaced by the EVT system. In addition, the E-Drive component provides instant power. Focusing on cab comfort, operators can expect a quiet cab environment attributed to the constant engine speed. Operators can also access seating and an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth capabilities. With the Advanced Vision System and Advanced Object Detection, operators can utilize a range of views on both sides of the loader and visibility beyond conventional mirrors. Also, dynamic reversal projected path lines assist with visualizing the anticipated reversal path for line of sight. The loaders are now equipped with John Deere Pile Slip Assist. Operators can experience proactive differential lock ahead of pile engagement which reduces tire slip, improves bucket fill and lowers cycle time.

Volvo CE L120 Electric Wheel Loader

Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced the midsize L120 Electric wheel loader for North America. This machine from Volvo CE is designed to meet the growing demand for large, powerful equipment with reduced environmental impact. The L120 Electric wheel loader is a 22-ton machine with 6-ton lifting capacity and a recommended rehandling bucket capacity of 5 yd³, giving it nearly identical performance capabilities as its conventional counterpart. It can handle a variety of applications, including infrastructure, waste and recycling, agriculture, forestry, as well as ports and logistics centers. Its 282-kWh lithium-ion battery system can run for five to nine hours on a single charge, depending on the application. Charging options include a 50-kW DC mobile charger that will charge the L120 Electric from empty to full in about six hours or a 150-kW DC fast charger that can charge it from empty to full in two hours. The L120 Electric wheel loader is equipped with separate electric motors for propulsion and hydraulics. The system recoups deceleration energy to extend battery runtime, reduce brake wear and minimize the need for axle oil cooling. The loader also features active cooling and heating of the high-voltage batteries as well as passive cooling for the electric motors, transmission and hydraulic oil. It includes many of the same features as its diesel equivalent, including on-board weighing with the Volvo Load Assist system, torque parallel linkage, electro-hydraulic lever controls and auto bucket-leveling functions. The electric loader is compatible with a range of Volvo attachments, such as buckets, forks, grapples, brooms and snowplows.

CASE 580EV Electric Backhoe Loader

The new CASE 580EV electric backhoe loader carries over the same dimensional loading, digging specifications and breakout forces as the four-wheel-drive, 97-hp CASE 580SN diesel model. New features include an 8-in. color display, air conditioning, a frontdash display and adjustable fourcorner, multicolored LED strobe lights. Powered by a 400V, 71-kwh lithium-ion battery platform that’s charged with the same type of Level 2 J1772 adapter found in automotive EVs, the new electric backhoe loader is designed to deliver up to eight hours of operational runtime on a single charge, depending on the application. The battery platform also uses a thermal management system with system-specific cooling circuits to regulate temperatures and help maintain performance in hot or cold conditions. The four-wheel-drive 580EV uses two independent electric motors for the PowerDrive transmission and hydraulic pumps feeding the loader, backhoe and steering systems for performance in loading applications. The 14-ft. backhoe also includes an Extendahoe to boost reach, while features like ProControl swing dampening, PowerLift/PowerBoost and electrohydraulic controls support use on the jobsite. Electrification also provides performance features like torque response and peak torque at any rpm, so operators don’t need to wait for an internal combustion engine to ramp up to meet load demands. The cab also features customizable work mode/sensitivity settings, push-button start and operator security codes. Multicolored, four-corner strobe lights include adjustable colors, strobe patterns and an “always-on” feature for low-light conditions when strobes are not needed.

Hitachi EH4000AC-5

Rigid Dump Truck

Hitachi Construction Machinery has implemented a full-model change of the EH4000AC-3 rigid dump truck to develop the EH4000AC-5 (nominal payload of 242t, gross machine operating weight of 427t). Hitachi has improved durability of the machine with a payload of 242t, an increase of 21t compared to the EH4000AC-3. The EH4000AC-5 evolved the Hitachi AC drive system cultivated through the current EH AC3 series models and strengthened the brakes, suspension and other aspects of the undercarriage to achieve smooth, stable driving and deceleration performance. The change to a fully electric specification equipped with batteries and trolley dynamic charging systems that receive power from overhead lines installed at mines is also compatible with the EH4000AC-5 similar to the current EH-AC3 series models. With a maximum speed of 65 kph, the truck is equipped with a new feature that allows operators to select from three different driving modes (High Power Mode, Power Mode and Eco Mode) according to the site environment. Operators can select Eco Mode when they wish to reduce fuel consumption or High Power Mode to maximize driving performance. Braking capabilities were updated by changing the hydraulic brakes from front dry brakes to wet brakes and adjusting the retarder auxiliary brakes. Information regarding the safety conditions around the machinery, loading conditions and more is displayed on the monitors to support safe operation by customers.

JLG E313 Electric Telehandler

Designed for all-terrain and off-road use, the battery-powered electric telehandler E313 offers zeroemission and low-noise operation for moving materials around indoor construction, urban, residential and municipal projects. With a 3,500-lb. (1,587.57-kg) maximum lift capacity, a 13-ft., 1-in. (3.99-m) maximum lift height, 5-ft., 8-in. (1.73-m) forward reach and 9.3mph (14.97-km/h) travel speed, this JLG electric telehandler serves as a compact, electric-powered machine for loading and unloading trucks and flatbeds, moving materials around or accessing work at height in single-story buildings. Features include:

• 18.6-kW/h electrical system with six maintenance-free 48V lithium-ion batteries for environmentally friendly operation with no emissions

• Up to four hours of continuous operation or extended intermittent use

• Dual on-board battery chargers with 110V and 220V charging adapters for charging

• Electric drive motors eliminate the need for fuel or oil

Leica Geosystems and Develon Collab on Aftermarket Offering

Inside the new 3D machine control solution tailored for Develon’s DD100 and DD130 dozers

In November 2024, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, and DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, announced a new aftermarket 3D machine control solution tailored for the DEVELON DD100 and DD130 dozers. These dozers are already designed to excel in earthmoving tasks, providing superior power and efficiency. According to the company, now, with the addition of the Leica MC1 3D machine control system, the dozers will further enhance operator accuracy and overall project productivity. The Leica iCON iGD3 3D machine control solution, which integrates with DEVELON’s hydraulic

 The Leica iCON iGD3 3D machine control solution integrates with Develon’s hydraulic controls, allowing operators to execute precise grading and earthmoving tasks with minimal rework.

controls, allows operators to execute precise grading and earthmoving tasks with minimal rework.

To learn more about the collaboration, Equipment Today (ET) spoke with both Neil Williams, president, Machine Control Division at Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, and Jake Sherman, compact track loader and dozer product manager at DEVELON. Read on for their insights.

ET: TELL US ABOUT THE NEWLY LAUNCHED AFTERMARKET 3D MACHINE CONTROL SOLUTION FOR THE DEVELON DD100 AND DD130 DOZERS.

Williams: This solution integrates Leica Geosystems’ advanced MC1 3D machine control system with DEVELON’s high-performance dozers, enabling operators to achieve superior accuracy in grading and leveling tasks. It provides a user-friendly interface and integrates seamlessly with existing workflows, empowering operators to work faster and more efficiently.

Leica Geosystems’ machine control solution supports both 2D and 3D dozer operations, using laser, total stations, and blade-mounted or cab-mounted GNSS technologies. It communicates with DEVELON’s DD100-7 and DD130-7 hydraulic controls, enabling it to adjust the

 The partnership between Leica Geosystems and DEVELON is driven by a shared vision to redefine the future of construction through smarter solutions.

blade to meet the requirements of any reference model. Additionally, the solution supports six-way blade functionality, offering improved visibility and convenience for the operator.

Sherman: DEVELON is attentive to customer demands and preferences, which is why the DD100 and DD130 dozers utilize an open architecture solution enabling aftermarket technology to be easily incorporated into the DEVELON dozer lineup.

ET: WHAT ARE SOME STANDOUT FEATURES AND HOW DO THEY COMPARE TO CURRENT MARKET OFFERINGS?

Williams: The solution consists of robust hardware (display, GNSS antennas, sensors) and a user-friendly software platform, Leica MC1. Standout features include:

˜ Leica MC1 software — A fully integrated 3D machine control platform that is intuitive and easy to use. It is designed as a one-forall solution, providing operation for a wide range of construction applications, including grading, excavating, piling and more. The system allows operators to switch between machines, enabling the activation of different application

software licenses with just the push of a button through a single, easyto-use interface. One investment – multiple applications.

˜ Seamless integration — Advanced sensors deliver real-time data, enhancing precision and reducing rework. Thanks to the collaboration with DEVELON, the installation and calibration are seamless.

˜ Six-way blade — Six-way blade functionality on the Leica MC1 system offers precise control and versatility for complex grading tasks. Providing operators with accurate, real-time blade positioning data enables fine adjustments to be made, even on challenging terrain.

˜ As-built feature — Operators can automatically log data from the tracks and blade at specific intervals to create accurate a s-built documentation. This information can be instantly shared with the office via cloud connectivity, enabling seamless progress reporting. The system’s surface logging functionality provides a live heatmap of the tool’s edge movements, allowing users to customize heatmap colors to visualize the tool’s edge history in relation to the target height distance.

˜ Cloud connectivity — To enhance

Leica_Develon

Compared to current market offerings, this solution excels in its ease of use, reliability and interoperability, making it a top choice for contractors looking to enhance productivity and cut costs.”

productivity, operators need access to real-time project data and the ability to connect with office teams for remote support. Cloud connectivity is therefore essential for maximizing efficiency. To meet these needs, all Leica Geosystems machine control solutions include the option of Leica ConX, enabling the sharing of designs and progress data directly with project teams.

Compared to current market offerings, this solution excels in its ease of use, reliability and interoperability, making it a top choice for contractors looking to enhance productivity and cut costs.

Sherman: The Leica MC1 software allows operators and project managers the flexibility to work with a wide range of industry-standard data formats including LandXML, DXF, GEO, KOF, L3D, LMD, LIN, MBS and TRM, which enables the customer to integrate the solution to existing applications and workflows.

Leica Geosystems takes an open architecture approach to working with competitive solutions on-site to help make operations run smoother.

Ease of flexibility between machines is a standout feature. You can transfer major components between machines as needed. In addition, the MC1 provides the same user interface for all applicable machine models to make onboarding new and existing operators easier. Plug-and-play functionality is available from the factory.

ET: HOW DOES

THIS SOLUTION HELP END USERS IN

EARTHMOVING IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF THEIR OPERATIONS?

Williams: Autonomy and digitalization are driving significant savings in time, costs and materials, while also contributing to the achievement of sustainability goals. This is why making operators more independent, autonomous and backed up with

digital tools can result in significant savings at each job:

˜ The solution significantly reduces the need for manual staking and rework, leading to more accurate operations. Operators can now work more independently, eliminating the need to wait for surveyors.

˜ With real-time data and accurate visualizations available on the run screen inside the cab, they can make informed decisions on the spot, adjusting their work as needed without delays. This autonomy speeds up the workflow, reducing downtime and allowing for more efficient project completion, further contributing to cost and time savings.

˜ Following the design with ease-ofuse results in less material waste — moving it only once, right. Precise control of the blade helps minimize over-excavation, reducing material wastage.

Sherman: The addition of a 3D grading system is universally accepted as an opportunity to improve worksite efficiency. The inclusion of this technology also helps reduce operator fatigue and errors, as it can decrease operator input by up to 80%. Additionally, experienced operators are becoming scarce. Technology can help less experienced operators achieve greater worksite efficiency and quality.

ET: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SELECTING AN AFTERMARKET GRADE CONTROL SOLUTION?

Williams: Aftermarket grade control solutions provide flexibility and affordability for contractors who want to enhance their fleet’s performance without purchasing entirely new machinery. These solutions can be retrofitted to existing equipment, allowing users to extend the life of their machines while gaining the latest technological advantages. Additionally, aftermarket systems like ours are versatile and compatible with multiple brands and models, giving contractors a scalable solution.

 As digital transformation accelerates across the construction industry, partnerships between technology providers and equipment manufacturers are essential to meeting customer demands.

Sherman: The advantages to an aftermarket system enable a customerdriven solution. Customers have the ability to add technology as their applications evolve and the capability requirements of their dozers increase.

ET: WHAT OTHER NOTABLE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGIES DOES LEICA OFFER?

Williams: Leica Geosystems provides an extensive portfolio of machine control technologies that span a wide range of applications across the construction industry. These solutions are designed to enhance precision and efficiency in everything from earthmoving and ground stabilization to paving and even snow management. Whether it’s optimizing grading, leveling and excavation tasks, ensuring the stability of soil and structures, or managing paving operations with high accuracy, Leica Geosystems’ technologies empower operators to complete projects more effectively and safely.

Leica Geosystems also prioritizes the safety of both operators and infrastructure with a range of safety awareness solutions. These technologies are designed to minimize risks and improve the overall safety of operations. For instance, Leica Geosystems’ machine control systems are equipped with features such as collision avoidance, proximity alerts and zone monitoring, which ensure that operators are always aware of their surroundings and potential hazards. The systems can detect and alert operators about obstacles or unsafe conditions, such as working too close to high-risk areas, preventing accidents before they occur.

While many of our solutions are aftermarket-compatible, we also work closely with OEMs to deliver factoryinstalled systems. This ensures that customers have options tailored to their specific needs, whether they are integrating technology into an existing fleet or investing in new machinery. Whether retrofitting existing machinery or using factory-installed systems, Leica Geosystems’ offerings

deliver the flexibility, scalability and precision needed to enhance performance and save on costs.

ET: CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECH COLLABORATIONS IN THE FUTURE?

Williams: Absolutely. As digital transformation accelerates across the industry, partnerships between technology providers and equipment manufacturers are essential to meeting customer demands. Leica Geosystems is committed to fostering collaborations that drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and create value for our customers.

Sherman: Yes. Those following the DEVELON brand over the last few years can attest to the rapid expansion of the DEVELON product portfolio. A strong relationship with technology solutions is an integral part of further DEVELON product portfolio growth. DEVELON looks forward to continuing a strong relationship with Leica.

ET: WHAT ELSE SHOULD READERS KNOW?

Williams: Leica Geosystems remains committed to empowering construction professionals through innovative technology. By working closely with partners like DEVELON and listening to our customers’ needs, we continue to set the standard for precision and efficiency in construction.

Sherman: DEVELON is cognizant of the need for all our products to incorporate and be compatible with a wide range of the latest technology solutions. DEVELON has worked with and will continue to work with industry-leading technology providers to deliver the best value for our customers. Additionally, DEVELON has included several technology solutions as standard in the DEVLEON dozer lineup. All DEVELON dozers come standard with MY DEVELON fleet management (telematics), 2D grading capability and fully electronic hydraulics.

Hyundai HD130 Tracked Dozer

The HD130 dozer is a 15-ton-class machine equipped with a 4-cyl. Tier 4 Perkins 1204J engine. The HD130 can be ordered as either an LGP (low ground pressure) model or in an XL configuration.

The LGP model has an operational weight of 33,730 lbs. (15,300 kg) and ground pressure of 4.98 psi (34.3 kPa), while the XL configuration weighs 31,907 lbs. (14,500 kg) with a ground pressure of 6.16 psi (42.2 kPa). Both feature a track length of 8 ft., 11 in. (2,720 mm). The HD130 comes standard with a 2D grading system that simplifies precision grading for novice operators. The system controls the blade functions, enabling faster and more accurate grading without the need for GPS or lasers. Standard electrohydraulic controls enhance ease of operation and accuracy, and the ergonomically designed joystick helps reduce operator fatigue. Blade movement, slope and tilt can be adjusted to three different levels of control via the monitor. Other key specifications include maximum travel speed of 5.6 mph (9.0 km/hr), eight lower track rollers, and shoe width of 30 in (760 mm) with LGP blade. The HD130 dozer comes Trimble-ready from the factory, so Trimble Machine Control can easily be installed, offering enhanced precision and guidance for complex designs and construction projects. This feature allows for more accurate and efficient operation in challenging work environments.

CASE Minotaur DL550

Compact Dozer Loader

Features a six-way blade and a C-frame that attaches directly into the chassis and primary coupler of machine for stability and a smooth operating plane. Hydraulically detach C-frame and blade to match up with skid-steer and compact track loader attachments. The roughly 18,000-lb., 114-hp DL550 leverages the footprint of a compact track loader with the chassis-integrated C-frame and blade of a dozer to create a two-in-one machine for grading and loading applications. Provides a vertical lift geometry and a rated operating capacity of 5,500 lbs. (at 50% tipping load). True dozer-style undercarriage available in steel or rubber track configurations.

Komatsu D39i-24 Dozer

With the factory-installed, integrated intelligent Machine Control, 3D design data can be programmed directly into the 105-hp D39i-24, enabling automatic dozing from rough cut to finish grade.

• Proactive dozing control measures the terrain the dozer tracks over and uses that data to plan the next pass

• Tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing

• Lift layer control puts in repeated consistent lifts at the press of a button

Temporary design surface can be created with the press of a button using quick surface creation

Liebherr Generation 8 Crawler Tractors

The generation 8 hydrostatic drive crawler tractors feature a new cabin, rear ripper joystick, climate control, standard assistance systems and more.

• Electronically controlled Liebherr work hydraulics allows for fast and precise grading

• Operator Assistance System (OAS) provides three levels of smart operator assistance

• Six-point blade with up to 4.84-cu. meter capacity

• Active Sensor Control stabilizes all blade axes

• Two independent, permanently mounted integrated sensor circuits for high grading speeds and fine grading

Caterpillar D4 Dozer

The 29,259-lb., 130-net-hp D4 hydrostatic dozer comes with improved sight lines, a more comfortable seat and a 10-in. touchscreen main display that includes a standard High Definition rear view camera.

• Standard blade capacity from 4.26 to 4.98 cu. yds.

• Standard Slope Indicate, Stable Blade and Traction Control with ability to add Cat Grade with Slope Assist and Factory Attachment Ready Option

• Optional factory integrated Cat Grade with 3D with intuitive 10-in. Grade operator interface and AutoCarry

• Standard or Low Ground Pressure (LGP) configurations with Variable Pitch Angle Tilt (VPAT) blade or optional foldable VPAT blade

John Deere

950 P-Tier and 1050 P-Tier Dozers

John Deere has introduced the 950 P-Tier and 1050 P-Tier dozers as part of its performance tiering strategy. Previously in market as the 950K and 1050K, these machines are the next generation of models to join the lineup of John Deere P-Tier dozers. The new 1050 P-Tier dozer offer engine power and a redesigned hood and front end. In addition, both the 950 P-Tier and 1050 P-Tier have visibility and safety features, positioning them as a solution for operators on the jobsite. The tag link and blade designs have been upgraded, bringing the blade 10 in. closer to the frame. Along with the tag link, inverted tilt and pitch cylinders were added. In terms of power, the 1050 P-Tier dozer features a revamped JD14 (13.6 L) engine which replaces the 13.5 L engine in the 1050K. The JD14 uses a single canister in the aftertreatment system to meet emission regulations without the need for a diesel particulate filter.

5 Tips for MORE EFFICIENT OPERATION in Cold Weather

How keeping up with winter maintenance and operation practices can help to reduce strain on your machine

Cold weather is one of the harshest conditions for an operating equipment. When temps dip below zero, machine components are pushed harder. Everyday tasks you performed in the summer now put more wear and tear on equipment. Keeping up with cold-season maintenance and operation practices can help reduce strain on your machine.

1. REPLACE FLUIDS WITH COLD WEATHER FORMULAS

Fluids throughout your machine get thick as temperatures drop. This change in consistency leads to more friction. The machine is now working harder, which can lead to unexpected downtime. Cold weather can impact systems throughout your machine including the engine and hydraulics. This is especially true for today’s advanced fuel system where diesel fuel gelling up can seriously impact fuel efficiency and overall productivity. To avoid a chilly outcome, replace fluids with cold-weather versions during late fall or early winter maintenance cycles. Look at the specifications on your engine oil, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze and diesel fuel and replace or use additives as necessary. It is worth noting that you don’t need to replace fluids for a single cold snap. But if temperatures in your area of operation are averaging below zero for extended periods of time, you will want to make sure to change over to colder-rated alternatives before winter.

2. ALWAYS WARM UP MACHINES BEFORE OPERATION

Starting your equipment and letting it get up to temperature before starting operations is about more than having a cozy cab. Even if you’ve added cold-rated fluids, if the machine has not had a chance to warm up,

those compounds are not functioning at 100%. Ensure optimal performance by allowing plenty of warmup time before taking on a task. Maybe enjoy a hot cup of coffee or cocoa while you wait. And be sure to build this downtime into your winter timelines.

3. CHECK TIRES REGULARLY

Cold air is denser than warm air. This impacts the air in your tires, resulting in fluctuating tire pressure. For equipment such as telehandlers, maintaining proper tire pressures is important for stability and effective operation. Checking tire pressure daily, especially on equipment parked outside, can reduce wear and tear on tires and provide safer, more efficient operation. It’s also worth noting that cold temperatures make rubber hard and brittle, which can result in a rougher ride and more risk of tire damage in rough terrain. Finally, adding water or other liquids to tires is not recommended. It can cause issues with tire balance and durability. Today’s high-performance tires are not designed to hold up to this old practice.

KEEP YOUR BATTERY WARM AND MAINTAINED

area around the battery as warm as possible. Some manufacturers offer Eberspacher heaters standard on larger equipment. This dieselfuel heater runs on a timer to keep the engine block, as well as the cab, warm. It’s an ideal solution for heavy equipment sites with no access to power at night and is required in all military equipment.

Despite great advances in battery technology, there is still no way to counteract the effects of extreme cold on battery life and operation. Store equipment indoors whenever possible, and for larger equipment, make sure you have insulated blankets, block heaters or other systems to keep the

5. MAINTAIN DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEMS ON LARGER EQUIPMENT

As with engine oil and hydraulic fluid, diesel exhaust fluids (DEF) are susceptible to freezing. Since DEF contains a significant amount of water, it freezes at 11 degrees Fahrenheit and -11 degrees Celsius. It expands

7% when frozen. Industry-leading manufacturers engineer selective catalytic reduction systems to be as easy on operators as possible, even in cold weather, but there are still things your crew can do to ensure these systems are maintained.

Don’t give your equipment the cold shoulder this winter. Following these tips will help keep your equipment and your crew on the job and out of the shop. Work with your local dealer to secure additional cold weather gear such as fluids and heated blankets before the temperatures drop.

Lee Tice is senior product manager at JCB North America. Visit jcb.com.

The Role BENCHMARKING Plays in a Successful Construction Fleet

Whether you’re monitoring fuel efficiency, maintenance costs or vehicle utilization, benchmarking insights can help fleet managers pinpoint areas for improvement

 As fleets continue to embrace digital transformation, benchmarking will become increasingly important. It empowers fleet managers with the datadriven insights needed to navigate the complexities of modern fleet operations, unlocking their full potential and achieving operational excellence.

In any successful construction operation, fleet managers need their vehicles and operators in constant peak condition to meet deadlines, stay on budget, and keep their crew as productive as possible. That’s where benchmarking comes in.

With data at the heart of modern fleet operations, providing essential insights is what separates good fleets from great ones. By systematically comparing vehicle and maintenance data, fleet managers can uncover critical insights and drive significant improvements in operational efficiency: It’s like having a secret blueprint for success.

Insights from benchmarking give fleet managers a clear picture of how things such as fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and vehicle utilization compare against other construction projects and industry leaders. With this information, managers can pinpoint improvement areas, whether cutting down on wasteful idling or optimizing routes to save precious minutes.

UNDERSTANDING BENCHMARKING

With fleet management software, the availability of real-time data has made benchmarking more precise and actionable than ever before.

When integrated with telematics, fleet management software collects vast amounts of data, ranging from vehicle location and usage patterns to maintenance records and fuel consumption. Think of integrated fleet management software as your fleet’s digital black box; it tracks everything from where your trucks are to how they’re being driven. This real-time data fuels the benchmarking process, providing hard numbers against which to compare.

Here’s how benchmarking can supercharge your construction fleet:

˜ Spotting gas guzzlers —

Benchmarking fuel consumption allows operators and managers to identify vehicles burning more than their fair share, whether due to routing issues, excessive idling, or the need for an operator training program to promote fuelefficient habits. Studies suggest

that 10% to 30% of the fuel used by construction equipment is wasted due to idle time that doesn’t contribute to work. Fleet technologies enable fleets to reduce unproductive idle time by an estimated 10% to 15% through actionable idling data, allowing fleets to take action and slash fuel costs.

˜ Nixing needless service — Surprise breakdowns cost time and money. Benchmarking maintenance schedules helps determine if you’re servicing vehicles too often or not often enough. Integrating telematics with fleet management software can also help predict future issues based on sensor data pulled directly from the vehicle, allowing for proactive fixes before issues become major hazards.

˜ Keeping your crew on the go — Downtime due to parts shortages is a nightmare. Benchmarking helps you optimize inventory counts, ensuring you have the right supplies without getting stuck with a warehouse full of unused parts.

This keeps your fleet moving and your crew productive.

˜ Learning from the best — Benchmarking against top construction fleets reveals their winning strategies. They might be using cutting-edge fleet technologies you haven’t explored, or perhaps they’ve prolonged asset life cycles. By learning from the best, fleet managers can adapt their tactics and elevate their fleet’s performance.

TRACKING VEHICLE USAGE

One of the key benefits of successful benchmarking is the ability to track vehicle usage comprehensively. Fleet managers can identify patterns and anomalies that impact operational efficiency by understanding how vehicles are used daily throughout a project or on a job site. Key metrics such as the median cost per mile by industry, average usage duration, and vehicle idle times are crucial for this analysis. For instance, if a fleet’s cost per mile is significantly higher

than the industry median, it may indicate inefficiencies that need to be addressed, such as suboptimal routing, excessive idling, or inadequate maintenance practices.

On the other hand, fleet management solutions provide detailed insights into these metrics, allowing fleet managers to compare their performance against industry benchmarks. This comparison highlights areas for improvement and helps set realistic performance targets. For example, suppose the industry standard for vehicle utilization is 80%, and a fleet is operating at 70%. In that case, there is a clear goal to strive for, along with specific data to guide the necessary changes.

MAINTENANCE OPTIMIZATION

Maintenance is a significant cost factor in fleet management, accounting for 22% of fleet costs among users surveyed, second only to fuel at 50%. Because of this, it should be no surprise how optimizing maintenance schedules can lead to substantial savings. Benchmarking plays a critical role by helping fleet managers decide whether to service vehicles based on time in service or mileage. Fleet managers can determine the most cost-effective maintenance strategies by assessing historical service data and comparing maintenance costs, downtime, and standard service expenses against industry benchmarks.

Fleet data provides a wealth of information that can be used to benchmark maintenance practices. Detailed records of service activities, including the frequency and cost of repairs, help identify patterns and predict future maintenance needs. This proactive maintenance approach, guided by benchmarking, helps managers ensure that vehicles are serviced at optimal intervals, preventing costly breakdowns and extending the lifespan of fleet assets.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The actual value of benchmarking insights lies in their practical application. Fleet managers can use these insights to drive tangible improvements in their operations. This may include the following benefits:

˜ Cost reductions — By identifying inefficiencies through benchmarking, fleet managers can implement targeted measures to reduce costs. Suppose fuel costs are higher than the industry average; strategies such as optimizing routes, reducing idle times, and improving operator behavior can be employed to bring down these costs. Benchmarking insights also allows fleet managers to assess

each vehicle’s life cycle cost to determine the most cost-effective replacement schedule.

˜ Regulatory compliance — Tracking crucial fleet data, including vehicle inspections, emissions compliance and operator hours-ofservice regulations, ensures lawful operations and allows for smooth information retrieval during audits or inspections.

˜ Tailored inspections —

Benchmarking can highlight the need for more tailored inspection practices. Comparing the frequency and severity of breakdowns against industry standards, fleet managers can adjust their inspection schedules to catch potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs.

˜ Trends monitoring — Delving into historical fleet data can uncover hidden trends and recurring patterns. This knowledge empowers managers to make strategic decisions, such as predicting what their fleet will require in future rounds of service, gauging the impact of new technologies, and spotting opportunities to grow or expand.

˜ Safety enhancements — Leveraging fleet data, managers gain a window into operator behavior and vehicle health. This allows them to identify potential safety risks and recurring patterns. With this knowledge, they can implement targeted measures to prevent accidents and ensure

the fleet operates within safety regulations.

˜ Parts inventory management — Effective parts inventory management is crucial for minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. Benchmarking can provide insights into the optimal parts inventory levels, helping fleet managers balance the cost of holding inventory against the risk of stockouts. Fleets benchmarking against themselves, such as tracking trends in backordered parts, parts usage, etc., can implement more efficient inventory management strategies, ensuring that the correct parts are available without tying up excessive capital in inventory.

˜ Operator performance — Benchmarking can also be extended to assess operator performance. Fleet technologies provide detailed insights into driving behavior, such as speeding and harsh braking and acceleration patterns. Comparing these metrics against industry benchmarks, fleet managers can identify areas for operator training and improvement. This enhances safety, contributes to fuel efficiency, and reduces vehicle wear and tear.

˜ Competitive edge — The construction industry is so competitive that every advantage matters. Benchmarking helps you identify and implement best practices,

keeping you ahead of the curve and giving you the edge to win more bids.

THE PATH TO FLEET MANAGEMENT MASTERY

Benchmarking is a powerful tool for enhancing fleet operations. Fleet managers can uncover critical insights that drive continuous improvement by systematically comparing vehicle usage, maintenance practices, and operational performance against industry standards and competitors. Integrating fleet technologies into the benchmarking process makes it more precise and actionable, enabling construction fleet managers to set realistic performance targets and implement effective strategies for cost reduction, maintenance optimization and competitive advantage. As fleets continue to embrace digital transformation, benchmarking will become increasingly important. It empowers fleet managers with the data-driven insights needed to navigate the complexities of modern fleet operations, unlocking their full potential and achieving operational excellence. Whether tracking vehicle usage, optimizing maintenance schedules, or gaining competitive insights, benchmarking provides the roadmap for success in today’s datadriven world.

Kayleigh O’Malley is product marketing manager at Fleetio. Visit fleetio.com.

5 WAYS Alternative Drilling Solutions Spark New Revenue Streams

How excavator-drill options can drive new project possibilities, help contractors gain more work and diversify types of work

The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies reshaping how projects are completed. Excavators, as one of the most versatile machines on any jobsite, are now playing a larger role in specialized tasks like drilling. Alternative drilling solutions designed for excavators open the door to new opportunities, allowing contractors to expand their services and maximize profitability. But what are those new opportunities? The following explores five ways excavator-mounted drilling solutions can unlock new revenue potential while providing an edge in a competitive market.

EXPANDING SERVICE OFFERINGS WITH MINIMAL INVESTMENT

Excavators are already a staple on most jobsites, making them the ideal platform for alternative drilling solutions. By attaching hydraulic drilling systems, contractors can transform their existing fleet into multifunctional tools capable of completing a variety of specialized tasks. These include auger cast piles, tiebacks, soil nails, rock drilling and even micropile installations.

The beauty of this approach lies in its cost efficiency. Instead of investing in a dedicated drilling rig — which often requires a significant upfront investment — contractors can repurpose their excavators, saving money while enhancing their capabilities. This costeffective strategy allows businesses to diversify their offerings, enabling them to bid on projects they may not have previously considered.

For example, a contractor specializing in foundation excavation could expand into foundation drilling, combining two services into a single mobilization. This saves time and money for the contractor while appealing to clients looking for comprehensive service providers.

1. INCREASING EFFICIENCY THROUGH QUICK SETUPS

In construction, time is money. Excavator-mounted drilling solutions are designed to minimize downtime through features like rapid coupling systems, intuitive controls and easyto-transport setups. Unlike traditional standalone rigs, which often require lengthy mobilization and calibration, drilling attachments for excavators can be deployed quickly. This allows contractors to seamlessly transition between excavation and drilling tasks.

Imagine a project that requires both trenching and rock drilling. With a properly equipped excavator, the operator can perform both tasks without the need to bring in additional equipment or crews. This streamlined approach not only reduces labor costs but also accelerates project timelines, allowing contractors to take on more jobs in less time.

Efficiency is further enhanced by the ability to work in tight spaces.

Excavators, with their compact maneuverability, can operate in urban environments or confined areas where larger rigs might struggle. This versatility ensures that projects can proceed smoothly, even in challenging conditions, reducing delays and boosting profitability.

2. UNLOCKING SPECIALIZED MARKETS

Not every jobsite requires a full-scale drilling rig, and not every contractor has the resources to invest in one. However, the increasing demand for specialized projects has created a niche market where excavator-mounted solutions shine. These projects include tasks such as installing utility poles, small-scale foundation drilling, slope stabilization with soil nails, and rock bolt installations.

Contractors who invest in alternative drilling solutions for their excavators can enter these specialized markets, setting themselves apart from competitors who lack such capabilities. This differentiation allows businesses to capture new clients, ranging from municipalities and utility companies to private developers with unique project requirements.

Moreover, these niche markets often command higher profit margins due to the specialized nature of the work. By positioning themselves as experts in these areas, contractors can secure steady income and build a reputation that attracts premium clients.

3. ENHANCING SAFETY AND REDUCING LIABILITY

Safety is paramount on any jobsite, and excavator-mounted drilling solutions contribute significantly to creating a safer work environment. Unlike traditional rigs, these systems often come with advanced safety features, such as remote operation capabilities and enhanced stability mechanisms. These features enable operators to maintain a safe distance from hazardous areas while ensuring precision in their work.

Additionally, the compact design of these systems allows for work in confined spaces or urban settings, where space constraints can pose safety challenges. For example, drilling near waterways or existing structures can be accomplished with minimal risk, thanks to the maneuverability of excavators equipped with hydraulic attachments. By reducing the likelihood of accidents, contractors can protect their crews and mitigate potential liability risks. This focus on safety can serve as a strong selling point when bidding on projects, particularly for clients who prioritize compliance and risk management.

4. PROVIDING LONG-TERM ROI THROUGH DURABILITY AND SUPPORT

Investing in high-quality drilling attachments for excavators delivers long-term returns. These systems are

built to endure the rigors of heavy use, ensuring reliability and durability over time. Contractors can count on their equipment to perform consistently, even in demanding conditions, minimizing downtime and repair costs.

Another critical factor in achieving return on investment (ROI) is the availability of support from equipment providers. Leading manufacturers offer comprehensive training, maintenance services and customization options to ensure that their solutions meet the unique needs of each project. This level of support empowers contractors to operate with confidence, knowing they have a partner invested in their success.

For example, a contractor tackling a challenging rock drilling project can rely on their equipment provider for guidance on tooling selection and operational best practices. This collaboration not only ensures project success but also builds the contractor’s expertise, enabling them to take on more complex and lucrative jobs in the future.

5. MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL OF EXCAVATOR-MOUNTED DRILLING SOLUTIONS

Excavators have long been valued for their versatility, and the integration of drilling solutions further enhances their utility. With the right attachments, an excavator can handle a broad spectrum of tasks, from excavation to drilling and beyond. This adaptability makes them an essential asset for contractors seeking to remain competitive in an evolving industry.

In addition to their versatility, excavator-mounted systems are more compact and mobile than traditional rigs, making them ideal for projects with spatial constraints or challenging terrains. Whether it’s a busy urban site or a remote mountainous location, these systems provide the flexibility to meet client demands without compromising efficiency or safety.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Alternative drilling solutions designed for excavators are revolutionizing the construction industry by enabling contractors to do more with less. By expanding service capabilities, improving efficiency, entering specialized markets, enhancing safety, and ensuring long-term value, these systems provide a path to sustainable growth and profitability.

For contractors looking to diversify their revenue streams and stay ahead in a competitive market, investing in excavator-mounted drilling solutions is a strategic decision. These tools enhance the capabilities of existing equipment while opening the doors to new opportunities, ensuring that your business remains a leader in the everchanging construction landscape.

Ed Amos is the founder of Rev Drill. Visit revdrill.com.

EVOLUTION of Excavator Cab Design

Today’s construction cab has evolved to incorporate advanced features that enhance the operator experience, improve safety and streamline efficiency

For operators who spend long hours each day on the job, cab comfort and functionality are critical to maintaining their productivity while reducing fatigue.”

In today’s heavy equipment industry, the design of excavator cabs and the technology inside them are just as important as the power and efficiency of the overall machine. For operators who spend long hours each day on the job, cab comfort and functionality are critical to maintaining their productivity while reducing fatigue. Owners and fleet managers also understand the value of well-designed cabs and advanced technology because they help minimize costs like unnecessary rework, maintenance and downtime. As the heavy equipment industry

evolves, cab design has moved far beyond basic functionality to incorporate advanced features that enhance the operator experience, improve safety and streamline overall efficiency.

These innovations reflect a growing recognition that operator well-being influences jobsite productivity and profitability.

WHY CAB DESIGN MATTERS

Excavator operators often face long, physically demanding workdays — their cab serves as their “office” for hours on end. A poorly designed cab can lead to discomfort and fatigue, negatively impacting productivity and increasing the likelihood of mistakes.

Ergonomic designs, improved visibility and intuitive controls help keep them focused while reducing physical strain, making these features crucial considerations when selecting a machine. For example, multiple forms of climate control, adjustable seating and logically placed controls are seen as vital to the operator’s ability to work efficiently for extended periods of time.

As cabs become more techenabled, machine control systems with real-time data displays contribute to a higher degree of accuracy and a reduction in expensive rework.

With the ongoing skilled labor shortage, managers are looking for ways to keep their current employees happy and returning to work each day. A machine that doesn’t make them

feel beat up at the end of the day is a great place to start.

TACKLING CHALLENGES WITH SMART CAB DESIGN

To be their most productive, an operator should be comfortable and not feel physical strain caused by the layout of the controls and dashboard.

However, modern cabs are expected to do more than provide comfort. Another common challenge is poor visibility, which is a safety hazard. Equipment manufacturers are addressing this concern by integrating camera systems that provide a broader view of the jobsite, allowing operators to better monitor their surroundings to avoid blind spots and reduce accidents.

While staying connected on the job is another necessity, that connectivity should be convenient and distractionfree. For example, some cabs now offer wireless phone charging and Bluetooth capability for hands-free communication. They also integrate additional comforts like built-in hot/ cold storage and more compartments for personal items, so operators can access their essentials without unnecessary clutter or distractions.

Temperature control also plays a vital role in keeping operators productive, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Cabs should be equipped with features like front and side window shades to help regulate cabin temperature during the hotter

summers. Seats also can feature heating and cooling elements — because a long day only feels longer when the temps are tough to handle.

ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EFFICIENCY AND COST MANAGEMENT

With comfort and safety addressed, owners and fleet managers may wonder how the newest cab technology can contribute to more efficient operations. The top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) tend to have assistive software on touchscreen tablets for things like on-board weighing and in-field design. Current models also improve user experience with larger, hi-res screens, as well.

Another feature that is becoming more common on in-cab devices is the ability to automate boom and bucket movements. Combined with real-time data and diagnostics from the cab’s control systems can reduce rework costs and avoid downtime.

A smart hydraulic system that automatically adjusts power based on the task at hand will also go a long way in optimizing fuel efficiency and extending the life of the machine while reducing operating costs.

Another technological perk found in more and more cabs is a selection of work modes. These are predetermined settings that operators can choose based on the task and material at hand.

OEMs also are expanding upon these modes in their new excavators.

 Volvo’s Active Control has the ability to automate boom and bucket movements.

As the heavy equipment industry evolves, cab design has moved far beyond basic functionality to incorporate advanced features that enhance the operator experience, improve safety and streamline overall efficiency. These innovations reflect a growing recognition that operator wellbeing influences jobsite productivity and profitability.”

HEAVY EQUIPMENT CAB REDESIGNS

UPTIME

The addition of comfort and safety features to work carried out in the elements not only provides a positive environment for operators, but also increases contractor productivity and profitability. Scan the code below to learn more about the effects of cab design on operator comfort, with insights from CASE Construction Equipment, Hitatchi Construction Machinery Americas and Caterpillar . Read More

Not only does this help operators find the right power for the job and dig in, but it helps save on fuel and emissions too. Another addition for excavators is an auto power boost, which automatically provides more power for additional digging force and lifting capacity. In addition to the ability to adjust this manually, predefined conditions can be set up to allow this

function to kick in automatically and turn off after several seconds.

PERFORMANCE IN THE RIGHT CAB

The modern excavator cab has come a long way from simple operator station. Today, it is critical to improving productivity, safety and operating costs. As OEMs continue

innovating, it’s clear a well-designed cab can make all the difference in the operator’s day — and a good day for your operators can mean a great day for your bottom line.

Sejong Ko is product manager of large excavators for Volvo Construction Equipment. Visit volvoce.com.

The Role of BatteryPowered Equipment for Interior Demolition

As more essential jobsite equipment is electrified, the way contractors approach interior demolition is changing

Battery-powered equipment that operates with zero engine exhaust emissions opens up an entirely new world of interior demolition applications. Jobs that previously relied almost entirely on manual labor, either because of indoor conditions or noise ordinances, can now look to battery-powered equipment to bring efficiencies to the jobsite.

As more and more essential jobsite equipment is electrified, such as compact utility loaders and material buggies, the way contractors approach interior demolition is changing. These battery-powered tools complement labor, can help reduce repetitive motion injuries, enhance bid competitiveness through productivity gains, and most importantly — deliver performance without compromise.

FROM MANUAL TO MACHINE

One of the most significant advantages of battery-powered compact utility loaders and material buggies is their ability to complement human labor. These machines are not about replacing workers but enhancing their efficiency on the jobsite. Interior demolition often requires repetitive, physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy materials, hauling debris or breaking down structures. Over time, these activities can lead to repetitive motion injuries, fatigue and even burnout among crew members.

Battery-powered compact utility loaders (CULs) are designed to take on the most strenuous aspects of these demo tasks. For example, battery-powered CULs are capable of breaking down and then carrying and transporting materials over long distances with ease, reducing the strain on workers. Similarly, material buggies can replace wheelbarrows, offering increased capacity and motorized movement that eliminates

the need for manual pushing and lifting. This support not only removes the manual aspect of the work but also improves crew morale by reducing fatigue and allowing workers to focus on tasks requiring skill and precision.

Additionally, battery-powered equipment offers features such as smooth operation and reduced vibration and noise. This translates to less physical strain on operators, making long workdays more manageable and ensuring crews can work consistently and efficiently.

BID WITH CONFIDENCE

In the highly competitive world of construction and demolition, winning bids can make or break a business. Battery-powered equipment can play a crucial role in creating a competitive edge, particularly for interior demolition projects where time, cost and precision are critical.

One way these batterypowered machines enhance bidding competitiveness is through productivity gains. Traditional manual labor often requires a large workforce to complete demolition tasks, which can drive up labor costs and project timelines. For instance, an interior demo job that would typically take a large crew a couple of months to complete with manual methods could potentially be finished in just a few weeks with two battery-powered compact utility loaders, a batterypowered material buggy and a smaller crew. This significant reduction in time and labor costs makes bids more attractive to clients, who are always looking for ways to save time and money on their projects without compromising quality.

The ability to finish projects faster also means contractors can take on more jobs over time, increasing revenue potential. Moreover, using battery-powered equipment allows

A common misconception about batterypowered construction equipment is that it offers inferior performance compared to traditional gas or diesel machines. However, modern batterypowered compact utility loaders and material buggies are engineered to deliver robust performance equal to their gas counterparts and tailored to the demands of interior demolition.”

 One of the most significant advantages of battery-powered compact utility loaders and material buggies is their ability to complement human labor.

contractors to differentiate themselves by showcasing their commitment to efficiency and innovation. Clients who value environmental responsibility and quiet operation will also see battery-powered machinery as a selling point, particularly in sensitive environments such as active office buildings, hospitals, airports or residential complexes where noise and emissions are major concerns.

PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

A common misconception about battery-powered construction equipment is that it offers inferior performance compared to traditional gas or diesel machines. However, modern battery-powered compact utility loaders and material buggies are engineered to deliver robust performance equal to their gas counterparts and tailored to the demands of interior demolition.

For starters, these machines are designed to operate in confined spaces, making them ideal for indoor environments where tight quarters are common. Some battery-powered compact utility loaders can maneuver through standard 36-inch doorways and navigate hard-to-reach areas with ease, thanks to their narrow widths and exceptional agility. Specially designed narrow attachments can further increase the versatility of battery-powered CULs. Material buggies, similarly, are compact yet capable of carrying significant

loads, enabling crews to move debris efficiently without damaging walls or floors.

Protecting delicate surfaces is another area where battery-powered equipment excels. Many models come equipped with non-marking tires, ensuring that indoor concrete, tiles, and other flooring materials remain unscathed during operations.

This attention to preserving the integrity of the work environment adds value to demolition services and reduces the need for costly repairs or touch-ups after the project is complete.

Battery-powered equipment also eliminates concerns about noise and emissions, two factors that are often deal-breakers in interior demolition projects. The quiet operation of these machines ensures minimal disruption in settings adjacent to occupied spaces, while zero-engineemission operation aligns with indoor regulations and client preferences for sustainable practices.

Finally, these tools are built to last, offering the durability and reliability necessary for demanding demolition tasks. Advances in battery technology, such as long-lasting power systems and quick-charging capabilities, ensure that machines can operate throughout the workday without compromising performance. Contractors no longer have to worry about running out of power midproject, as modern battery-powered equipment is designed to meet the

same rigorous standards as their gas and diesel counterparts.

LIKE ANOTHER SET OF HANDS ON THE JOBSITE

Compact utility loaders and material buggies are particularly well-suited for interior demolition tasks due to their versatility and efficiency. Batterypowered CULs bring versatility and compact power indoors — improving efficiency and eliminating manual labor with their vast capabilities. Everything from interior demolition, commercial flooring applications, material hauling and more can be accomplished with a battery-powered CUL. A battery-powered CUL paired with an array of attachments tackle the work of once manual tasks like shoveling, breaking up concrete, floor scraping and moving materials. Their precision and control allow operators to execute tasks with minimal disruption to surrounding structures, a critical consideration in interior settings.

Material buggies, on the other hand, are invaluable for hauling debris and materials in confined spaces. Their compact size and motorized capabilities reduce the need for manual transport, speeding up cleanup, allowing crews to focus on more specialized tasks. The buggy can also serve as a carrier for smaller handheld equipment saving contractors time and energy when starting and ending a job.

Together, these machines complement each other to streamline workflows, enabling contractors to maximize productivity and deliver results that exceed expectations.

THE FUTURE OF INTERIOR DEMOLITION

Battery-powered equipment is transforming the way contractors approach interior demolition. By complementing labor and reducing repetitive motion injuries, these machines enhance worker efficiency and satisfaction.

Their ability to drastically boost productivity and save time gives contractors a competitive edge in the bidding process, while their high performance and precision ensure that projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

Battery-powered compact utility loaders and material buggies, in particular, are essential tools for tackling the unique challenges of interior demolition, offering a combination of maneuverability, versatility and zero engine emissions that sets them — and your jobsite — apart.

As the industry continues to evolve, adopting battery-powered equipment is not just an investment in technology but in the future of interior demolition.

Ingli is product marketing manager at Toro. Visit toro.com.

Kaitlyn

How Allan Myers’ Laurie Bryan Is Driving the Industry Forward

The company’s first-ever female construction manager is breaking industry barriers, mentoring the incoming workforce and solving construction’s most difficult problems

For Construction Manager Laurie Bryan, paving her own way in the industry has always been a career priority. Bryan was introduced to life the construction industry at an early age. Both her father and uncle worked at Allan Myers for decades, and often shared with Bryan their experience and lessons learned on the jobsite.

During her time visiting the Allan Myers offices with her father, Bryan recognized the construction industry might be the right fit for her. “I’ve always liked building things. Growing up, my sisters played with Barbies, and I made Lego bridges and structures for the Barbies,” said Bryan.

In high school, Bryan found she had more interest in her math and science courses and decided the path to take was engineering. Bryan, who at 16 also worked at Allan Myers filing papers and doing clerical work, had set out to take an elective construction course.

“The teacher called my parents and said, ‘I need your permission to allow her in this course, because she’s going to be the only woman,’” said Bryan.

“And normally the women take home economics. They don’t take this home building course.”

A guidance counselor also discouraged Bryan from her interest in an engineering career track, citing the lack of success rates for women who pursue this path. Despite the negative feedback from high school educators, Bryan was steadfast in her decision.

With this, she and her father agreed she would not only enroll in the construction course, but also continue to pursue her engineering career as planned.

“I remember I was the only girl in that course,” said Bryan. Having learned most of the course material and construction basics from her father in her early years, Bryan recalls being somewhat bored with the coursework. “I wish there was more to it. I felt like, ‘Wait, I already know all this,’” said Bryan.

Bryan soon graduated high school and attended college at Virginia Tech, from which she graduated with a civil engineering degree.

Upon graduating, Bryan spent some time interning for a couple of larger contractors, but ultimately decided to return to her roots at Allan Myers.

“I’ve been here for 17 years,” said Bryan. “I started out on a crew — I was finishing concrete and drove a little excavator, and I was really excited. I got to do my field rotation and get treated like everyone else — I was on the crew.”

However, Bryan could see opportunity ahead and went after it, pursuing a role as project engineer, then working her way up to project manager, and mostly recently construction manager.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Bryan has worked within a broad number of disciplines throughout her career, including, airport, railway, highway/transportation and water/ wastewater projects. “I describe my career as ‘planes, trains and automobiles,’” said Bryan. “I’ve been lucky enough to do a number of really cool projects,” whose project territory cover the Northern Virginia area, from Baltimore to D.C., and even more south these days.

“My career now is focused on the heavy-civil portion of the work. Water, wastewater transportation, infrastructure. We do private site work, too, for the huge data center market in Northern Virginia. I’m very much involved with our alternative delivery construction — really big on designbuild and progressive design-build CMR-type projects,” said Bryan. “That’s one of the things that I specialize in at this point.”

“One of the things I love most about my work is that actually I can see it,” says Bryan. “It helps the communities that that I live in. It’s a tangible thing that is physically being built, so it’s a very fulfilling career in that way.”

Never mind solving the difficult jobsite challenges, or facing the stressful, time-consuming environment that comes with every construction project, says Bryan. “At the end of the day, when you build a successful project, the most exciting part is saying, ‘Hey, I built that. I had a part in that.’”

Bryan brings a sense of eagerness and excitement to all of her projects, but there are a few standout opportunities.

For a number of years on the infrastructure side, Bryan worked on the I-66 Express Lanes project, a public-private partnership (P3) that improved the I-66 corridor in Virginia. As the largest P3 project happening in the country at the time, Bryan

was central to the success of the $2.1 billion project, which was delivered on time — a point of pride for both Bryan and the Allan Myers team.

Today, Bryan is spending much of her time working with projects for DC Water, including improvement projects at its Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, one of the largest advanced wastewater treatments plants in the world.

Bryan is also helping DC Water with its stormwater systems, guided by a goal to make the Potomac River swimmable by 2030. “They’ve bored a number of tunnels underneath the Potomac River and the Anacostia River to hold their combined storm water system,” said Bryan. “Now, they need the stormwater pump stations to actually pump the water to those tunnels, so that when big storms happen, this the sewage isn’t dumped out into the waterways.”

Another area of work for Byran is with private clients on data centers.

“We have some large projects with some large site packages that include walls and number of other things and Data Center Alley,” said Bryan, referring to Data Center Alley is a nickname for the area in Northern Virginia that’s home to a large number of data centers.

Just added to Bryan’s roster is Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) first progressive design-build contract, the I-95 and Route 123 interchange project, which is now beginning the construction phase.

“Construction is in my blood,” said Bryan, who often calls back to the advice her father gave her, to “do it right the first time.” This intense focus on quality runs not only throughout her work on-site, but also in her commitment to improve the future of the industry. “He instilled this in me, and fortunately, it’s part of me now,” she said.

MAJOR MILESTONES

Recently, Bryan’s leadership and success were recognized with a promotion to the role of construction manager — the first for a female in Allan Myers’ rich 86-year history. Bryan stepped up to claim this title in 2024. Bryan says this was always the career for her, even in her early days as a young engineer. “I set a goal to be project manager, and then a construction manager, which took a lot of hard work and determination to get there,” said Bryan, who made a point to share her intentions with Allan Myers President Rich Dungan. Bryan says she may also be aiming for a role as vice president or perhaps even president down the road.

ABOUT ALLAN MYERS

Allan Myers (allanmyers.com) is a selfperforming heavy civil construction and construction materials company with a strategic network of offices, quarries and asphalt plants covering the Mid-Atlantic from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach.

In her day to day, Bryan enjoys interacting with the many different types of people on the job and figuring out how everyone might work together toward the common goal.

This is not only a focus of her work, but also in fostering the incoming workforce.

“I love seeing people throughout their careers doing well, but especially now, mentoring and coaching and watching people that I have brought into the industry succeed is very exciting,” said Bryan.

Bryan’s stance on mentorship is something that drives her daily. Not only does she mentor both male and female engineers, but she has also committed to growing the company’s female engineer leadership and is making a difference in that area.

According to Bryan, “It’s just something I’ve always had a passion for. When I started out [in construction], I was the only female on my jobsites.”

For Bryan, bringing more women into the industry became yet another goal to achieve.

PACER AWARD HIGHLIGHTS PROS

In 2024, ForConstructionPros.com and its affiliate brands, Equipment Today, Asphalt Contractor, Rental; Concrete Contractor, and Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction, launched the PACER Award, recognizing construction pros on the jobsite and in the office for their accomplishments in shaping the construction industry. The PACER (Pavement, Asphalt, Concrete, Equipment, Rental) is the first award specific to the ForConstructionPros brand and the first industry executive-focused award for the IRONMARKETS construction network. Learn more about the nomination process and how you can highlight your company’s top performers at eqtoday.co/awards.

The company’s dedicated workforce of more than 2,600 serves both private and public clients, building projects ranging from less than $1 million to more than $2 billion.

“It’s a three-phase process,” said Bryan, “recruitment, retaining and engaging.”

Starting with recruitment, Bryan realized that many people in general — but certainly females — simply don’t

realize that construction is a path that can exist for them.

“Just showing people that this is a viable career option for them can help bring them in,” said Bryan, who notes that it’s just as important to support them once they’re on the path, much in the way her father supported her interest in joining the industry.

Bryan says one step on the path to accomplishing this is through simple representation. “It really works wonders,” according to Bryan. “It’s been surprising to see the difference it has made over the years.”

Bryan, a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), notes that the simple choice to include a female presence at recruitment events can shows other females this is something they can consider pursuing themselves.

While after 17 years in the industry, Bryan sometimes still must remind people where she ranks, because the immediate assumption is that women are not in charge.

“Just because I don’t have a beard doesn’t mean I’m not the boss around here,” said Bryan, who says she is often overlooked for the opinion of the younger male figure nearby.

Regardless of these stereotypes and Bryan’s dedication to breaking them, it’s important to note that the balance may be shifting.

“In the Northern Virginia region, our entry level engineers at Allan Myers are 43% women,” said Bryan. “That’s above industry average. And we’re not there yet — we’re not as far

as we want to be, but we’ve made a lot of really awesome strides, and I’m very proud of that.”

One thing we can all agree on is the industry as a whole is short on skilled labor. According to Bryan, one opportunity we may have to improve upon the problem is recruiting from unconventional sources.

“If we want to continue to be successful and build things, we have to figure out how to fix this labor shortage,” said Bryan. “One way we can do it is by finding people who aren’t in our typical workforce pool to pull from — that means women.”

One specific way Bryan is helping to lead the charge is through co-founding the company’s Women at Allan Myers (W@AM) resource group aimed at recognizing the women in the industry and providing some unique support to them. The group is regionally based, much like the company’s business units, and will have a lead in each region.

Some of W@AM’s goals include community service, and recruitment, retention and engagement, leadership training, and building out a mentorship program within the company.

According to Bryan, though making her mark as the company’s first female construction manager and helping to found W@AM are among her greatest achievements, she says these are just a starting point.

“I always feel there’s more work to be done,” said Bryan, “and I’m not done yet.”

Allan Myers

 Laurie Bryan, construction manager, on the I-66 Express Lanes P3 project.

Jobsite Enforcement of Situational Awareness Saves Lives

How object detection and visibility innovations ensure everyone gets home safely

It happens all too often to ignore.

In June 2023, an earthworks employee showed up at a jobsite in Stoughton, Massachusetts, expecting fully to make it home in time for dinner that night.

Unfortunately, a track loader’s bucket was elevated on uneven ground, upending the vehicle and striking and pinning the worker between the ground and the bucket.

The accident ended in a fatality, adding to the 5,283 fatalities recorded by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2023.

OSHA calls this a caught-in or -between accident. These occur “when a person or a part of their body is caught, squeezed, crushed, or otherwise compressed between two or more objects.”

Equipment, walls, stacked or stored materials, shoring, and other items are considered solid objects, with accidents resulting in broken bones, asphyxiation, or death.

OSHA standards require employers to protect workers from these hazards. Outfitting heavy machinery, equipment, and tools with enhanced

object detection and visibility devices is one recommended remedy.

It is critical for contractors to not only develop and oversee, but also enforce a plan to protect their employees. As these employees inevitably make mistakes, the implementation of solutions to help prevent or correct these mistakes can help to mitigate potential outcomes. If not, the company and its employees are left exposed to the consequences of poor risk management.

Failing to protect workers cost businesses approximately $132.3

million in fines and penalties during 2023, when OSHA added 227 compliance officers to conduct an additional 2,000+ inspections on the year. Other consequences of unsafe operations include damaged equipment, project delays, and reputational damage, to name a few.

APPLYING TECHNOLOGY MAKES OPERATING HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFER

“There are many solutions available that provide obstacle detection capabilities for construction

John Deere

According to the Federal Highway Administration, each year over 20,000 workers are injured in road construction work zones. Over 35% of those injuries are due to contact with objects or equipment.”

equipment,” said Seth Meisel, product manager for excavators and loading at Trimble, an industrial technologies company based in Colorado.

“These include camera systems that employ AI/ML technology for pedestrian detection, as well as radar systems that provide accurate distance estimation of obstacles.”

Cameras on heavy-duty equipment improve visibility around a machine. When paired with sensors and other detection devices, such as ground positioning radar (GPR, a technology that captures subsurface data), modern visibility solutions are able capture and provide consistent data

to keep vehicles from colliding with people and objects and on a safe course.

DEVELON (owned by HD Hyundai), a heavy equipment manufacturer serving the construction, forestry, and agriculture industries, provides a unique solution meant to improve visibility on wheel loaders and other bucket-equipped machinery.

It’s called the Transparent Bucket, a breakthrough that feeds video images captured by cameras outside the vehicle onto a display inside the cab. The images converge on screen to project a “ghosted,” realtime video of what’s going on beyond the bucket, in front of the machine.

“Imagine you’re driving an 80,000pound machine blindfolded, with the bucket obstructing your line-ofsight to anything directly in front of you,” said Bill Zak, Wheel Loader Product Manager at DEVELON. “Our Transparent Bucket technology lets you see virtually through the bucket at any objects in your path.”

DEVELON demonstrated the technology at AEM’s Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall two years ago. According to Zak, OSHA visitors wanted to know why the technology wasn’t standard on all heavy equipment.

“When you see it action, it’s an eye-opening experience,” said Zak. “It’s like the Klingon Cloaking Device on Star Trek. Now you see the bucket, now you don’t. It’s now a standard feature on every bucket-equipped machine we sell.”

THE TECHNOLOGY WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO GET BETTER

Cameras, sensors, and radar obstacle detection systems have evolved over the years in passenger vehicles.

Where rearview mirrors and horns were once basic awareness accessories, cameras and radarinfused systems have expanded the scope to deliver actionable information, either to an operator or to the machine’s control system itself.

With each new innovation, the heavy equipment sector has responded with great enthusiasm. Many of these systems now deliver data over the cloud to support back-office reporting and planning.

John Deere, a pioneer of intelligent, connected machines and applications serving the agriculture and construction industries, has developed a complete Smart Industrial strategy to address vision and object detection on the jobsite. Their SmartDetect system was debuted in 2023 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

The system combines cameras and machine learning to help operators improve situational awareness from inside the cab. It signals operators when objects enter the machine’s pathway. Special detection alerts sound and flash when people enter the camera’s field of view. What’s more, an optional upgrade to SmartDetect with Assist can automatically stop a machine before it comes in contact with a person.

“One of our customers was testing the technology on a project near a college campus,” said Katie Voelliger, Product Marketing Manager for John Deere.

“He said students would cut across the jobsite on their way to classes, not paying attention and usually looking at their phones as they walked. Within the first few hours on the job, the SmartDetect alarm went off over 20 times. It was such a game-changer for them, they concluded never again to work on a jobsite without SmartDetect.”

In loud environments, where operators cannot clearly hear backup alarms to react in time, blind spot monitoring adds visual alerts, including color-coded indicators to supplement audible alarms.

Other solutions incorporate pulsing alerts that physically warn the operator when an obstacle or person is in the way.

3 PRACTICES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE WORKSITE

1. Mark the site for safety using physical obstacles such as cones, danger tape, fencing, etc.

2. Monitor the site using dedicated monitoring alarms, proximity detection systems, spotters, etc.

3. Post visual reminders of highenergy hazards and other danger zones on equipment and around the site.

INCREASING CONTROL LEADS TO SAFER WORKSITES

According to the Construction Safety Research Alliance’s (CSRA) HighEnergy Controls Assessment (HECA), every construction company should prioritize the implementation of direct controls to mitigate the risk of high-energy hazards, especially when someone makes a mistake.

High-energy sources may include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other sources that may unexpectedly release stored energy when workers interact with machines. HECA measures and monitors safety by computing high-energy risk against corresponding direct control. An on-site HECA assessment can be effective in identifying such hazards, illuminating areas where direct control can alleviate the risk.

“Trimble is supporting local distributors by putting them in touch with object detection equipment manufacturers who can meet their end customers’ needs,” said Meisel, who assists Colorado’s Department of Transportation on construction

John Deere

According to a 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, “A worker died every 99 minutes from a work-related injury in 2023 compared to 96 minutes in 2022.”

projects. “A visit with a knowledgeable dealer can answer a lot of questions and point the way to affordable, effective solutions regarding both new and existing heavy equipment.”

IT STILL COMES DOWN TO PEOPLE

Indeed, while back-up alarms, cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, mounted light assemblies, and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems all contribute significantly to safety, increasing behind-the-wheel training and operator knowledge play a large role in ensuring a safe worksite. Worker safety planning is therefore a recommended best practice across the industry. Every day should start with a site safety meeting.

Regular hazard assessments of the worksite, including traffic control plans accounting for high-risk areas where back-up maneuvers or tight

operating spaces exist should be part of every project gameplan.

With the assistance of technology solutions designed support their innate decision-making capabilities, operators can improve their responses to unsafe conditions and respond quickly to threats to their safety. It is this actionable data that offers the operator a more accurate, detailed view of their surroundings and the ability to pivot and react efficiently.

A BIRDSEYE VIEW IMPROVES AWARENESS

As well, having a digital operations center capability that collects real-time data on operators and equipment can help an organization learn faster and better plan for reduced jobsite risk.

“Our SmartDetect Digital functionality represents one way to remain consistently aware of what’s happening and inform decisions that fuel future improvements,” said John Deere’s Voelliger.

The system is programmed to push notifications of near misses to the operator and command center, supported by near-miss videos to supplement weekly reporting of technology usage and related events.

“A heat map of jobsite operations can help companies optimize operations on a daily basis, as well as analyze trends for future planning and ongoing improvement,” Voelliger added.

By incorporating such data into an ongoing risk-prevention strategy, companies can better understand their current state and plot a more deliberate journey toward improved situational awareness.

JOBSITE SAFETY IS A CONSCIOUS DECISION

Start by analyzing problem areas and focus on root causes. Are there areas of congestion that can be

debottlenecked? Can operator training improve outcomes? What equipment needs upgrading, and are the onboard systems being properly used?

Assembling a safety team to analyze patterns and brainstorm solutions will go a long way toward getting the most out of object detection and visibility technology investments. Findings and conclusions should always be documented, to defend against “knowledge leak,” should key personnel leave the organization or retire.

Working with a proven safety technology solutions provider can also amplify results. Getting an experienced, objective outsider to weigh in on better ways to operate can delimit the possibilities for improvement and add a fresh perspective on creative ways to solve problems.

TECHNOLOGY WAITS FOR NO ONE

As the future unfolds, expect to see more innovations in the area of jobsite safety, not only in the areas of object detection and visibility, but also in areas such as fuel economy, extended battery life, hybrid fuel solutions, and the increased use of autonomous machinery.

Throughout the mining industry, for example, autonomous technologies are already on a path that allows unmanned machines to traverse dangerous environments via remote control. Perception technologies play a big part in the success of these remote-control deployments.

As cameras continue to get smaller and resolutions improve, remote robotics will become more practical, allowing remote machine operators to control construction activities with greater clarity and from greater distances away.

“Obstacle detection systems are already beginning to integrate with deeper levels of machine control, making it possible inhibit a machine from even moving,” said Meisel. “We’re already observing the paradigm shift, from passive visibility to active collision avoidance.”

MUCH TO GAIN

The benefits of combined object detection, visibility, and machine control are compelling.

As Voelliger put it, “Operators have the potential to get burned out when loaders are constantly shifting into reverse. Having to turn around in your seat and continuously swivel your head to look back creates fatigue, which makes for reduced productivity and increased risk of accidents.”

Zak notes two significant savings attached to advanced object detection and visibility in the cab.

“First, if you can keep your people safe and fresh throughout the day, you will experience less downtime, less rework, and get more work done. Second, by avoiding accidents, you protect your machinery equipment from damage and prolong the life of existing investments.”

Getting on board with situational awareness technology has never been easier. Most manufacturers are including it on their equipment already. Before you buy, be sure to inquire about your options with your dealer. And when you buy (or upgrade), make sure you know how to use it, train your people to use it, and hold your team accountable for making sure everyone makes it home in time for dinner.

Joe Zagorski is a freelance writer for Equipment Today.

• Trailer Weight: 8,380 lbs.

• Overall Width: 102", Length: 31'4"

• Deck Length: 21’ Flat (model shown)

• 6’ Beavertail

• Deck Height: 34"

• Tires: Eight 215/75R17.5 (H)

• Brakes: Air (Full ABS System)

• Ramps: 72" Long x 22” Wide

Range: 102" Max. 29" Min.

• Lighting: 100% Sealed Wiring harness

Why Everyone Should Care About

Roadbuilding and its Fundamentals

Understanding

the importance of pavers and how they are used to not only optimize smoothness, but also build long-lasting roads

What’s one everyday necessity almost everyone takes for granted? Smooth roads and highway systems. “You never notice when you’re driving on a well-maintained road, but you’ll be sure to notice when it’s not,” said Cody Wagner, roadbuilding technologies product manager at RDO Equipment Co.

Uneven slopes, potholes or deteriorated asphalt increase wear and tear on your vehicle, and you’ll be in for a noisy ride. In recent years, many, including the federal government, have recognized the need to invest in restoring roads because of their age, heavy use from increased traffic volume, inadequate maintenance over time and the impact of weather conditions.

As I’ve transitioned to lead RDO Equipment Co.’s Wirtgen Group business across 12 states, I’ve connected with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), pavers and roadbuilders as they partner to gear up for what may be the busiest year yet. And according to many, these roadbuilding projects are long overdue.

American roadbuilders began building our interstate highway system in the 1950s. Back then, they couldn’t have known that drivers would enjoy the quality of these roads for more than 70 years. In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that its oldest highway, the Gulf Freeway, I-45, first opened in 1951. The road is slated for an extended lifespan, too, as late last year, the Texas DOT celebrated the groundbreaking of the I-45 infrastructure project, designed to expand roadway capacity, reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance mobility. These “mega infrastructure” projects, like the I-45 in Texas, are made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), community support and technological advancements in roadbuilding equipment.

As we look forward to the first half of the year, we are cautiously optimistic that these IIJA funds will continue to trickle down to meet the demand to revitalize our roads and highways. While we can’t predict the forthcoming actions of a new administration, we can pave the way to the future by following roadbuilding fundamentals to improve something that many of us rely on every day.

DENNIS HOWARD S VP, ROADBUILDING AND MINERALS AT RDO EQUIPMENT CO.

 Milling machine using 3D design work to improve road smoothness last summer.

SMOOTHER ROADS ARE SAFER ROADS

Most drivers don’t notice when pavers achieve accurate compaction for optimal smoothness, but when ride quality deteriorates, it is sure to be a topic of conversation at the diner.

“Ride quality is how comfortable riding down the road is,” Wagner said. “It’s about the surface being even, without unnecessary bumps or ruts.”

Uneven roads cause more friction and impact on both vehicles and the road itself, leading to the need for more repairs and all the time, money, materials and emissions associated with doing the work again. Wagner explains that smoother roads reduce vehicle wear and tear and are safer, too.

“When a roadway has unintended varying slopes, a driver is more at risk during certain weather conditions like ice or fog,” Wagner said. “When roadbuilders focus on improving ride quality during every pavement pass, they ensure we all can arrive quickly and safely at our destination.”

GPS AND TELEMATICS DATA KEEP TRACK

With the ability to connect machines to fleet management software such as John Deere Operations Center, roadbuilders can track specific data points, like GPS location or production hours, to share with direct stakeholders.

Wagner, who has worked for more than eight years in paving quality

control partnering with state and county municipalities, explains that these entities will highlight areas that require attention.

“After the state, county or city selects certain roadways for repair, they will determine if it’s a complete rebuild or resurfacing project,” Wagner explains. “Roadbuilders use GPS equipment, like Topcon positioning systems, to mark these areas.”

Uneven roads cause more friction and impact on both vehicles and the road itself, leading to the need for more repairs and all the time, money, materials and emissions associated with doing the work again.”

Before any asphalt removal, resurfacing or paving begins, the contractor and subcontractor will analyze the GPS-marked areas and determine the intended depths based on the current roadway’s changing slopes. Then, the roadbuilding team will use the data they’ve collected from surveying to develop a digital model with their milling operators.

“Once the team has a digital plan, they’ll spray paint to mark intended slopes and depths,” Wagner said.

“After milling, the team will survey the road to determine if they need to do a leveling pass to fill in spots before paving to ensure optimal compaction.”

RDO Telematics Support

Manager Larry Herman Jr. explains that tracking a paver’s location optimizes the roadbuilding site when many stakeholders require real-time info, like the length and depth of paved passes.

A GOOD ROAD STARTS WITH A GOOD BASE

Ultimately, any roadbuilding team will monitor the paver’s grade closely, continuously monitoring thickness to achieve the road’s appropriate density for its environment.

The roadbuilding team determines the road’s density based on the soil and weather conditions of their community.

 Roadbuilders use surveying equipment like Topcon Positioning systems to record varying slopes quickly.

To achieve the density, roadbuilders compact the soil, aggregate or asphalt to remove air voids. “Optimal compaction while paving is the base of any smooth roadway,” Wagner said.

Wagner explains that without proper compaction, roads will be more susceptible to cracking and other forms of distress.

“Proper compaction cannot be achieved when the paving mix reduces in temperature due to environmental factors like air or ground temperatures,” Wagner said.

“When the mix loses heat, and its temperature cools, the mix will be ‘hard to stick,’ become brittle and will not have the structure or binding that occurs from compacting at an accurate temp.”

To ensure a smoother profile, several roadbuilding teams in states like Minnesota use Topcon’s RD-M1 Scanner. The RD-M1 Scanner is a LIDAR (Light and Detection and Ranging) scanner fitted to the back of the truck. A DOT team member drives the roadway to record imperfections and roughness.

“We then load this data into a mill equipped with 3D milling technology and software, using GPS and LPS (local positioning system) to guide the mill,” Wagner said.

“After milling, we use these same data points, plus the grade information from the scan, so the paving team will have the machine data and control info to pave a smoother profile.”

MACHINE MONITORING AND CONTROL PREVENT PROBLEMS

Paving and milling crews are among the earliest adopters of roadbuilding technology.

Crews used strings to guide machines in building straight roads, but since the integration of telematics, OEMs have developed machine control technology. Wirtgen’s AutoPilot system eliminates the need for strings and uses satellite navigation. With the AutoPilot system, roadbuilders can pave complex geometric shapes like curves.

Most roadbuilding crews use an autopilot system so project managers can program depths for operators. Often, a foreman and project manager will review data points automatically collected at the end of the day to check if the paver has completed the planned path. Roadbuilders who partner with telematics experts and connected support teams can learn best practices for making data-informed decisions.

“We can track whether machines are working or idle, which helps fleet managers allocate resources. We can also monitor fuel usage, machine speed and engine data,” Herman Jr. said. “We can focus on the entire job site to partner with a roadbuilder to effectively manage projects and to plan for future roadbuilding bids.”

As we gear up for the next phase of infrastructure development, roadbuilders can follow the same fundamentals that roadbuilders established nearly a century ago. Since the IIJA passed in 2021, government funds have covered planning costs to assess various roadbuilding projects’ scopes.

In the coming months, we should expect roadbuilders to have the necessary info and funds to procure the latest equipment or technological solutions. With this information, roadbuilders can partner with a trusted dealer to precisely pave smooth roads to last for decades.

How to Attract 1 MILLION MORE WOMEN to the Construction Industry

Governments, trade organizations, construction companies and industry groups must work together to attract groups who may be hesitant to consider a career in construction

The construction industry is grappling with an unprecedented labor crisis. Despite construction spending being at an alltime high, the U.S. labor force is currently missing over half a million workers needed to build essential housing and upgrade our nation’s infrastructure. This shortage is exacerbated by an aging workforce and a lack of new entrants into the industry, particularly from underrepresented groups such as women.

Today, women make up a mere 11% of the construction industry. When it comes to skilled trades, this number plummets by almost three times: women represent just 4% of the U.S. workforce.

Women constitute over half of the U.S. population: there is an immense, untapped potential to mitigate the labor crisis by actively recruiting more women to become part of the construction industry.

This shift would not only address the workforce gap, but also offer women across the country access to higher wages. Construction has the highest industry average hourly earnings for workers without a bachelor’s degree and is among the top in gender pay equity.

This article covers the nationwide initiatives paving the way, as well as the most effective strategies construction companies can implement to attract more women into the industry. The faster we can multiply these, the faster we will solve the labor crisis we are facing.

INITIATIVES LEADING THE WAY

There are inspiring initiatives being run all over the U.S. by groups ranging from trade associations to local governments.

Groups such as Chicago Women in Trades offer free training programs with robust curriculums that prepare women to build careers in the manufacturing, welding and metalworking trades.

National organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction run leadership academies and scholarship programs to help remove barriers to women entering and progressing in the construction industry.

In Maine, the governor has signed an executive order to improve the recruitment, training

 If companies can put their female employees at the forefront of these efforts, women will more easily see themselves in the open roles.

 Offering scholarships, internships and apprenticeships specifically for women, as well as hosting targeted workshops and career fairs, are powerful ways to expand the candidate pool.

and retention of women in Maine’s construction industry.

In California, the Los Angeles metro launched a website dedicated to giving women information about joining apprenticeship readiness training programs.

In Arizona, the Arizona Builders Alliance runs a Women in Leadership program to support continued advancement in leadership. Now, it is our collective responsibility to ensure we increase the number of these initiatives.

THE MOST IMPACTFUL STRATEGIES

Across the more than 500 trade contractors we work with, the following strategies have proven most effective in attracting more women into the construction industry.

1. Run targeted recruitment campaigns Run targeted online recruitment campaigns that are focused on highlighting the opportunities available across the industry. Showcase successful women within construction companies, share their career progression stories, and emphasize the range of jobs available across field and office teams.

In general, recruitment efforts at many construction companies suffer when potential employees can’t see that the industry is for them. This can be because it seems outdated, or simply because they don’t see

people like them in the roles they would be hired into.

The more companies can show candidates that they will use modern tools, learn transferable skills, and solve challenging and rewarding problems, the more successful their recruiting efforts.

If companies can put their female employees at the forefront of these efforts, women will more easily see themselves in the open roles.

2. Partner with educational institutions

Form partnerships with high schools, vocational schools and universities to increase the exposure to careers in construction. Offering scholarships, internships and apprenticeships specifically for women, as well as hosting targeted workshops and career fairs, are powerful ways to expand the candidate pool.

3. Invest in training and development

Following the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, create pathways such as training investments, apprentice utilization goals and apprenticeship readiness programs. Offering increased technical, leadership, and safety training can help position the construction industry as being more proactive in investing in women.

4. Create a supportive work environment

Provide on-site childcare, flexible working hours, and robust

anti-harassment policies to create a more welcoming environment.

Other initiatives we have seen work well include creating mentorship programs where experienced female employees mentor new recruits, as well as promoting gender diversity in leadership positions.

5. Sign the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge In May 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge to encourage leading construction companies to demonstrate ongoing commitment to increasing women’s access to training, jobs and leadership opportunities.

Signing a pledge is just the beginning, but it’s an important step in making the entire company aware that fixing the gender ratio in construction is something that matters.

Leading companies including Suffolk Construction, Power Design, Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction have already signed the pledge and begun running targeted recruitment, training and mentorship programs for women.

WHY THIS NEEDS TO BE A TOP PRIORITY

The U.S. is on the verge of a major transformation. We’re reshoring manufacturing so we can make our supply chains more resilient. We’re electrifying our infrastructure so we

can rely less on fossil fuels. We’re upgrading our grid system so we can handle increased demand for electricity. We’re building more homes to reduce our 1.5-million-home deficit. We’re building data centers to power innovation and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) which are needed for us to maintain our global leadership position.

The timely completion of all of these is crucial, and it requires more workers. Taking the electrical industry as an example: current forecasts show we will need over 80,000 more electricians entering the industry per year over the next 10 years to keep up with expected demand.

This moment in time requires us to invest heavily in developing our workforce. Governments, trade organizations, construction companies and industry groups have to work together to ensure we successfully attract groups who have historically been more hesitant to consider a career in construction into the industry. The biggest of those groups is women.

By empowering women to enter and grow within the construction industry, we will unlock a tremendously powerful force in helping us build more, faster.

Maria Davidson is the CEO and founder of Kojo. Visit usekojo.com.

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THE ROAD AHEAD

How to remain aware of the latest industry delays and detours to stay on course in 2025

The road ahead will not only be winding, but may also lead to troublesome financial issues. Plan out where your pain points will be — some of which are not visible now — and prepare a list of solutions to choose from to put you back on the right road going forward.”

In originally writing this article, my intention was to discuss the decline of the auto industry and to share some thoughts on how contractors might take advantage of the conditions, but conditions are always changing.

What started this investigation is an article stating CarMax was selling vehicles for less this year compared to last year, and at the same time making more money. How do you do that? Charge less but make more. Don’t you wish you could do the same?

A little more exploring and you find that CarMax is paying less for the cars they are getting from the dealers, which means they can sell them for less money, yet still make a higher margin compared to the previous year. Makes sense. They are getting the cars for less money because dealers are still sitting on the lot they can’t get rid of because of the prices plastered to the windows. Dealers need to be ready for the new 2025 models and just cannot afford to keep the 2023 and 2024 models in their floorplan.

My final point was to explain that there may be exciting deals available if you really need a new truck or two for the business. As things are today, you may be able to get into a decent new or slightly used truck, still under warranty, for an amount lower than what you may have anticipated.

But even if you run out of warranty, there are many recent models a driver can get 200,000 to 300,000 miles out of as long as they make it a point to

 If you just stay the course with your initial 2025 budget and do not plan for any threats, you will become cash poor, which will hamper your ability to run your business properly.

provide service and maintenance as indicated in the owner’s manual.

This topic took a turn when the January 2025 Southern California wildfires took place, causing great devastation and greatly changing conditions throughout the region.

These fires and their effects have the potential to cause issues not only throughout the state, but also the entire U.S. Changes that may take place in terms of materials, delivery dates, inflation, interest rates, insurance, lack of equipment, financing, and a lack of personnel, could affect your operation in both the short and long term. In other words, the road ahead will not only be winding, but may also lead to troublesome financial issues.

Right now, I predict that every one of these concerns may affect your year. Which means you need to plan out where your pain points will be — some of which are not visible now — and prepare a list of solutions to choose from to put you back on the right road going forward.

Once you have prepared your list of pain points, you must realize that every change in business operations — be they either a revenue or cost line item — will modify both your income, losses and cash flow. It’s important that these changes then find their way into your business planning going forward until have found and effective way to implement changes and see a visible improvement to your operating results and cash flow.

The point here is: If you just stay the course with your initial 2025 budget and do not plan for any threats, you will become cash poor, which will hamper your ability to run your business properly. Why let that happen? It is much easier to deal with problems if you have a handle on the pros and cons of making the changes that address the problems.

There is little doubt that the California wildfires will impact material costs and delivery due dates. This will cause inflation on this front. To protect yourself, consider contacting your primary vendors and stay in touch with them to have an idea about how these issues may affect their service levels to you. If it looks like higher prices are a given, consider making an appointment with your banker to discuss your terms for a working capital loan, along with the related interest rate. This threat alone may make you rethink the type of work you want to do this year.

Additionally, you may want to keep an eye out for a rise in insurance rates. Looking at this concern, you might consider reviewing your policies to see what you may be able to do to reduce premiums. One sure way is to get rid of assets you are not using but are still paying insurance on. Review every area of coverage and know exactly how the premiums are set for that type of coverage. You may be amazed how much you can save.

Contractors should also note there may be a lack of equipment if most

used units wind up in the west. Check in with your rental companies to ensure they have what you need and that it will be there when you call. If you must arrange with the rental company to ensure they will meet your needs, it may be worth it.

Finally, a loss of personnel could be on the table if you cannot keep them working. Take steps to show your appreciation for their efforts and pay out bonuses or profit-sharing dollars if they agree to stick around for the entire season. This may not be as great a threat for union shops, but it is certainly a risk for non-union shops. In either case, this is the year to share the wealth and find ways to improve efficiency and productivity.

So, get out your planning tools, finish your 2024 results as soon as possible to help you understand where to start for 2025. Make a quarterly estimate of what you intend to do and calculate the cash flow for each quarter. Meet with company leadership to get their input on potential threats, and where and when they might show up. Then work together to plan your defense and prepare for the impact on cash flow.

Follow this plan and you should make it to the end of year with some dollars in the bank.

Garry