FEBRUARY 2024
SKID STEER MAINTENANCE & RELIABILITY
SEVERAL TECHNOLOGIES CAN HELP INCREASE UPTIME.
Six all-new models of Manitou skid steers and compact track loaders deliver greater breakout forces, improved operator comfort and control, and numerous exclusive designs such as a new sloped roof and contoured lift arms - plus Manitou exclusives such as the IdealAccess fold-up door and the IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system. Learn more at Manitou.com
See our full range of solutions for your business at Manitou.com.
PROTECTING THE JOBSITE’S MOST IMPORTANT ASSET: WORKER HEALTH.
Type II helmets safeguard personnel from more than falling objects and have other benefits.
The
faster and more accurately the system can deter criminal activity.
CHALLENGES & BENEFITS OF MOVING TO ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT
As emission regulations tighten, construction equipment power sources will evolve, but adoption will be gradual.
THE NEW AGE OF MOBILE FUEL & SERVICE
37
The field fueling and service landscape has evolved to a place where contractors should feel empowered to control more of the sourcing and distribution of critical daily fluids and service needs.
BENEFITS OF SIMULATION-BASED TRAINING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Simulation-based training isn’t the sole solution to the workforce challenges, but it is a tool with several advantages that help bridge the gap.
CREATE AN ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE TO TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
42 42
Understanding your business’ financial performance is critical to long-term sustainability and success.
HOW YOUR BUSINESS STORY MATTERS: CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FINANCING
FROM STORY LENDERS
Amid economic uncertainty, banks are tightening lending standards. That’s when story lenders provide an alternative for mission-critical equipment acquisition.
BREAKING GROUND
Lori Ditoro
Editor-in-Chief Equipment Today
lditoro@iron.markets
Travel for 2024 gets started with World of Concrete and Work Truck Week.
According to a June 2023 Equipment Today article, “The use of attachments transforms one piece of equipment into a multipurpose tool for a variety of construction functions, enabling contractors to complete their jobs more efficiently, bid on more and larger projects, create a more diversified portfolio and work in numerous weather and ground conditions.”
How can you transform your machines into niche equipment to perform specialized jobs? Check out our 2024 Attachment Guide on page 8 to learn ways to expand the use of your fleet and improve your bottom line.
World of Concrete
World of Concrete was well attended, and the excitement was palpable. Themes of the show included the shift to electric power, swappable batteries to extend life, cordless tools, using technology to improve and simplify tasks, and a desire to provide an entry point to technology for smaller contractors.
Work Truck Week 2024
I’m excited to be headed to Work Truck Week the first week of March. At last year’s show, I spoke with Cummins President Jennifer Rumsey and witnessed several new launches, including Isuzu’s first ever fully electric truck.
Corrections for the January 2024 Issue
An eagle-eyed reader pointed out that on page 14, two incorrect equipment images were included in the excavator article. We apologize if this caused any confusion.
Another reader pointed out a math error in the January issue. On page 42, the solution to the equation should have read:
If a synthetic oil can give 3% fuel efficiency, then it can save $30,000 x 3% = $900. This is quite significant!
www.ForConstructionPros.com/Equipment
cab features a steering wheel hub that contains switches that operate the multiinformation display, audio system, cruise control and hands-free phone calling, and a 7-inch color multiinformation display housing warning lights, status indicators of driver-assistance features, time and temperature, odometer, fuel gauge and shift position indicator.
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Lori Ditoro lditoro@iron.markets
Managing Editor Gigi Wood gwood@iron.markets
Senior Editor, Construction
Technology, IRONPROS Charles Rathmann crathmann@iron.markets
Senior Editor, Equipment & Workwear, IRONPROS Michael Cheng mcheng@iron.markets
Junior Editor Merina Shriver mshriver@iron.markets
AUDIENCE
Audience Development Manager Angela Franks
PRODUCTION
Senior Production Manager Cindy Rusch crusch@iron.markets
Art Director Kimberly Fleming kfleming@iron.markets
ADVERTISING/SALES
Brand Director
Sean Dunphy sdunphy@iron.markets
Assoc. Brand Director Nikki Lawson nlawson@iron.markets
Sales Representative Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@iron.markets
Sales Representative
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Sales Representative Megan Perleberg mperleberg@iron.markets
IRONMARKETS
Chief Executive Officer Ron Spink
Chief Financial Officer JoAnn Breuchel
Chief Revenue Officer
Amy Schwandt
Corporate Director of Sales Jason DeSarle
Brand Director, Construction, OEM & IRONPROS Sean Dunphy
VP, Audience Development Ronda Hughes
VP, Operations & IT
Content Director
Nick Raether
Marina Mayer
Director, Online & Marketing Services Bethany Chambers
Content Marketing, Marketing Services Jess Lombardo
Director, Demand Generation & Education Jim Bagan
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS
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These pages feature some of the latest equipment available. For more information on these products, use the QR code shown.
The Drum Mulcher DC Pro is engineered with a 50-in. cutting width to slice through trees and brush and mulch material up to 8 in. in diameter.
Delivering mulching performance for loaders up to 75 hp, the Drum Mulcher DC Pro is built on Diamond’s Excavator Drum Mulcher platform but is designed for use with skid steers and compact track loaders.
The new Drum Mulcher DC Pro is differentiated by its lighter weight of just 1,350 lbs. and its 63 CC, two-speed, bent-axis piston motor.
This high-torque hydraulic motor allows the DC Pro to deliver force to power through large material.
The depth control drum features forward exposure that allows for tree engagement and cut width relative to weight.
Read More at rnt.news/9ra0ebht
The Vanguard Lithium-Ion 48V 1.5kWh* Commercial Battery (Si1.5) is the latest lithium-ion battery technology from Briggs & Stratton. The Si1.5 Battery is built to bring efficiency, versatility and reliability to users in multiple industries that require battery power.
The battery’s exchangeable nature allows it to be easily swapped between applications on the jobsite to help reduce downtime. Offering the ability to swiftly swap freshly charged packs from application to application, plus a rugged, built-tolast exterior, the Si1.5 is ideally suited for the rental market.
Additionally, the battery’s advanced lithium-ion chemistry delivers a 1,000-cycle lifespan with no maintenance. This allows rental houses’ equipment to stay out in the field and operators to stay at work. With its swappable nature and a standard charge time of less than two hours, rental equipment powered by the Si1.5 eliminates range anxiety from the equation.
The swappable battery comes with a standard interface that can work across multiple product platforms, adding versatility and reducing unnecessary costs. Like all Vanguard products, the swappable battery is tested to ensure that it is able to withstand tough environments and is durable in the face of abuse, debris and dirt. Designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S., this globally distributed product is backed by the Briggs & Stratton dealer network.
Read More at rnt.news/0tmk0r
Bobcat announced the L95 compact wheel loader, which is designed to support heavy lifting and transporting heavy loads around jobsites. The L95 provides material-handling capabilities with large bucket capacity, lift height, responsive travel and maneuverability.
SEPPI M. announced the upcoming launch of the upgraded MULTIFORST mulcher-tiller attachment. This multipurpose tiller can handle a range of tasks on the jobsite, including site prep, land clearing, crushing debris and land maintenance.
The MULTIFORST can crush stones up to 25 cm in diameter and mulch wood up to 40 cm in diameter. It is designed for above surface cleaning and ground preparation.
With a working depth of up to 30 cm, this machine adapts to the specific needs of the terrain. Equipped with a V-LOCK rotor and ULTRA MONO PROTECT+ fixed tools with carbide inserts, the MULTIFORST offers performance in difficult conditions.
Read More at eqtoday.co/deztbo1n
The L95’s compact size, tight turning radius and Power Bob-Tach interface supports the machines’ versatility for performance. This machine can be used for landscaping, nurseries, construction, agriculture, rental tasks and other applications.
With a standard bucket capacity of 1.2 cu. yd. and 10.5 ft. of lift height, the L95 is capable of material handling and other jobs that require maneuverability. Its electronic hydrostatic transmission (E-HST) delivers directional changes, acceleration and speed control that helps operators tackle tough tasks on jobsites.
Read More at eqtoday.co/nignsgvi
These pages feature some of the latest equipment available. For more information on these products, use the QR code shown.
Hilltip announced a winter maintenance drop spreader for compact tractors and loaders. Available in 8- to 18-cu.-ft. capacities, the new IceStriker DSB has a self-loading design and can be mounted on the front or back of vehicles. It is capable of spreading salt, sand and fine gravel for use on a variety of applications, including parking lots, courtyards, walkways and pedestrian paths.
The IceStriker DSB comes standard with hydraulic motors and conventional controls. A 12-volt electric drive is optional.
Customers can also upgrade to StrikeSmart controls, using either a hard-wired CAN bus controller or Bluetooth-enabled smartphone controls.
These automatic controllers feature Hilltip’s HTrack tracking software, which is a two-way GPRS communication system that allows functionality.
Volvo Construction Equipment
(Volvo CE) unveiled two new compact excavators for North America: The 3.5-ton EC37 and the 4-ton ECR40. These models replace the EC35D, ECR35D and ECR40D.
This duo shares the same platform and components, though the EC37 excavator has a conventional upper carriage design and the ECR40 excavator has a short swing radius to allow for work in more confined spaces.
The new EC37 and ECR40 excavators give operators an accessible cab. The cab provides visibility thanks to slim corner pillars and wide, flat glass areas. The armrest and controls float with the seat, and the door opening and travel pedals are larger than in previous models.
The intuitive jog wheel and human machine interface functionalities provide controllability and adaptability for different job requirements.
Work modes now include an ECO mode and an auto engine shutdown in addition to the existing auto engine idle. With auto engine shutdown, hours not worked are excluded from recording.
KIOTI Tractor unveiled its latest innovation with the launch of the TL750 Compact Track Loader and SL750 Skid Steer Loader. Both machines feature a wide cabin, available with the standard open station design or an optional enclosed cab with HVAC.
The compact models include a high-back suspension seat and LCD digital display. The standard rollup style door allows for entrance and exit, regardless of the position of the bucket or attachment. The overhead door design increases flexibility on the job because operators can work with the door open or closed.
Ignite Attachments released two new grapple options. The multipurpose rake grapple reduces soil disturbance during surface debris removal while allowing hauling–all with a single attachment.
Ignite attachments are optimized to fit most brands of compact tractors and loaders. Ignite offers the rake grapple in 66-in., 78-in. and 84-in. widths. The combination of a rake and clam shell grapple enables land management tasks with a single attachment.
At 46.6 in. wide and 21.5 in. tall, the stump bucket grapple maximizes loader breakout force and is designed for digging out tough stumps, roots, rocks or concrete. The reinforced bucket and weld-on edge with replaceable teeth helps promote service life with demanding applications.
Both models use a 74-hp KIOTI diesel engine. Field-tested across different applications, the engine delivers consistent power and reliability.
Designed to lift, push and power through rigorous demands, the machines have up to a 10.8-ft. height to hinge pin and vertical lift path.
Operators can dump materials into trucks and high-sided hoppers.
Our team gathers the latest new attachments and presents them in the annual Attachment Guide. This year, these tools include everything from buckets and grapples to mulchers and grinders.
With contractors taking on more diverse tasks on the jobsite, like site clearing, the need for flexibility and additional attachments is growing. This guide has you covered with the most recent offerings for the construction industry.
How can you transform your machines into niche equipment for specialized jobs? Check out our 2024 Attachment Guide to learn ways to expand the usage of your assets.
The fully automatic LIKUFIX quick-change system, previously available for the company’s hydraulic excavators and medium-sized wheel loaders, is now available for additional wheel loader models.
The system is now available for the L 506 and L 508 compact loaders*, the L 507 and L 509 stereo loaders* and the XPower large wheel loaders up to the L 580. It continues to be available for the L 526, L 538 and L 546 medium-sized wheel loaders.
˜ Enables attachments to be easily changed at the push of a button from the cab
˜ Hydraulic lines connected automatically
˜ Hydraulic coupling supported by springs so forces aren’t transferred to the coupling system
˜ Connections between hydraulic circuits remain tight even with long periods of use
˜ All moving parts easily accessible for ease of maintenance
*Models not currently available in North America.
With the addition of the VB and HB sizes of pin grabber couplers, there is now a coupler for every size of excavator from the 311 to 390.
˜ Redundant locking system plus visual and audible cues to the operator ensure that attachments are secure
˜ Spring-loaded arms keep latch closed even in the event of a hydraulic pressure loss
˜ Shorter profile helps to maximize digging power when the coupler is added
˜ Frame’s cast pieces made from abrasion-resistant steel
˜ Models weigh from 414 lbs. to 3,430 lbs. and are available for carriers from 11 tons up to 95 tons
The Werk-Brau D-Lock Coupler facilitates secure attachment connections on construction machines from 1.5 tons to 120 tons. This coupler is dual locking, meaning attachments remain securely engaged on both pins in the event of a loss of engagement force. The product features a compact design of only seven moving parts, requiring only two hoses, no greasing and a simple operating sequence.
For safety, the coupler is equipped with an automatic front lock, which locks the front pin in the event that the rear pin is not secured. The unlock process is designed to release only when the operator intends to do so, in a controlled and safe manner, and prevents accidental release.
A dedicated pin grabber coupler has been added to the Hard-To-The-Core John Deere-optimized attachment lineup.
˜ Features a rear wedge to keep the rear pin secured to prevent a swinging attachment in the event of a hydraulic failure
˜ Spring-engaged/hydraulically released internal safety-lock keeps the rear wedge in place
˜ Hydraulic interlock requires coupler to be fully curled toward the cab to be disengaged
˜ Hydraulic check valve maintains pressure in cylinders in the event of hydraulic hose breakage until proper function is restored
˜ Works with all Deere excavator models from the 80-Series to 400-Series
The SQ90 fully automatic coupler system is targeted toward excavators up to 70 tons in the demolition industry.
˜ Provides increased safety and the ability to change hydraulic powered work tools in seconds without leaving the cab
˜ Compliant with the Open-S standard
˜ Upgraded Front Pin Lock safety solution offers mechanical lock of the front shaft to limit the risk of an unintended drop of heavy demolition tools
˜ Hydraulic couplings with Qplus technology enable higher hydraulic flows with fewer pressure drops
Engcon launched a new machine coupler for excavators in the class size of 12 tons to 19 tons. The EC-Oil blocks can be used for retrofits because the new machine hitch contains almost no hoses and minimizes the risk of leaks. There is also a new bolt-on EC-Oil block that facilitates hydraulic flow. Features include: an EC-Oil block without hoses, reinforced construction both laterally and in the digging direction, stability around attachment points to the machine, flexible hose routing between excavator and machine coupler, and a bolted lifting hook and possibility with lifting eye.
Mazio Attachments offers contractors an assortment of demolition tools for various jobs—from primary and secondary crushers to multiprocessors, pulverizers and grapples.
Mazio has six main attachment models, designed to fit excavators from 1 ton to 130 tons of operating weight.
The MB-R800 Drum Cutter enables precision cutting, as well as the grinding of compact materials on construction sites. The MB-R800 can be used for railways, airports, underwater work, tunnels, pipelines and road work.
This attachment features a 40-in. cut width and a pick force of 25,003 ft. lbs. Designed for heavy machinery equipment, the MB-R800 offers an output torque of 10,000 Nm.
Available accessories include a spare parts kit, fixed coupling, low set drum kit, full set drum kit, dust suppression kit, high oil temperature reducing device, and rock and asphalt pick kits.
Takeuchi added seven soundsuppressed hydraulic hammer models to the Takeuchi Attachment Program, helping compact track loader and compact excavator owners accomplish their goals on construction sites. Takeuchi’s new hydraulic hammer line includes seven models with reliable power-to-weight ratios for a variety of applications.
Providing noise and vibration insulation, the sound-suppressed design of every Takeuchi hammer also protects it from dust and debris. Constant blow energy, or CBE, allows for a wide range of oil flow settings and protects the hammer against high back pressure.
An integrated, membrane-type hydraulic accumulator eliminates nitrogen leakage and the need to recharge for lower operating costs and consistent impact energy.
Brokk offers the BHB 1500 hydraulic breaker attachment, a heavy-duty tool for demolition work, road construction, and concrete or asphalt projects.
With a maximum hitting power of 3,050 J/Nm, the BHB 1500 is the most powerful option in the Brokk lineup of hydraulic breaker attachments.
This attachment is compatible with the Brokk 900 demolition robot. When used with the Brokk 900, the attachment can reach tight spaces in tunnels, buildings and public areas at the early stages of site preparation (demolition).
Toro introduced a new line of attachments for its eDingo 500 compact utility loader that features a narrow 30-in. width. These attachments are designed for indoor demolition and construction jobsites and fit through a standard 3-ft. door. The line includes a standard bucket, adjustable forks, a floor scraper and a grapple bucket.
The new line of 30-in. attachments is compatible with all Dingo models, except the TXL 2000. The standard bucket has a capacity of under 3 cu. ft. (0.08 cu. m.). Crafted with a lasercut, all-steel construction frame, the floor scraper tackles challenging tasks on worksites, from vinyl, quarry and ceramic tiles to carpet squares, paint, glue and more.
The 30-in. grapple bucket is designed for contractors looking for a bucket to grab, drag, lift and remove demolition debris and materials.
The 100% hydraulic-fired V-series breakers modulate their impact force and frequency with up to 16 working positions to match most applications.
˜ Compatible with the PC210 up to the PC490 excavators
˜ Energy-saving recovery valve recuperates energy to drive efficiency
˜ Automatically select the best piston stroke length and speed based on material hardness
˜ Shock-dampening upper and lower suspensions help reduce the risk of cracking booms and breaker housings
˜ Completely enclosed sound-dampening housings
Bobcat offers several attachments and implements, providing customers with jobsite versatility.
During the past year, Bobcat continued to expand its lines of attachments and implements to include the following new products:
˜ Super-Flow Planers:
Capable of milling concrete and asphalt up to 7 in. thick. These versatile attachments use the extra hydraulic power available in the Bobcat T86 CTL and S86 skid-steer loader equipped with super flow generating up to 42 gpm and 4,061 psi.
˜ Disc Mulchers:
Compatible with a host of Bobcat skid-steers and CTLs, the disc mulcher features a high-velocity disc fitted with four-point, hardened-steel teeth for handling trees and thick brush.
˜ Drum Mulchers: For select excavators, they can take on heavy brush and trees up to 5 in. thick. Three models are available (the 28DMX, 36DMX and 50DMX) with cutting widths of 28 in., 36 in. and 50 in. respectively.
˜ Augers: Four new models, the 12PH, 14PH, 20PH and 25PH, offer a variety of torque and speed options.
˜ Heavy-Duty Brush Cutters: The brush cutter’s direct-drive AP4 motor maximizes hydraulic horsepower for cutting tall, thick vegetation, including trees up to 10 in. in diameter.
˜ Grapples: Lineup includes an 80-in. and 86-in. root grapple, industrial bucket grapple and industrial fork grapple.
˜ Brush Grapples: Property management attachments available in two sizes, the 48-in. grapple is compatible with Bobcat 1000-platform sub-compact tractors while the 60-in. grapple fits all 2000-platform compact tractor models.
˜ Snow Blades for UTVs: Heavy-duty V blade, heavy-duty straight blade or the medium-duty, straight-blade attachment.
˜ Finish Mowers: PTO-driven finish mowers are compatible with select Bobcat compact tractors, sub-compact tractors and the UW53 Toolcat.
A line of attachments is available for the SCL1000 stand-on track loader. The attachments include:
˜ Six buckets in standard and high-capacity options ranging from 36 in. to 48 in.
˜ Pallet forks offer 36-in. and 42-in. fork lengths with a 1,200-lb. capacity
˜ Power rake features a 48-in. working width, center pivot and adjustable hydraulic angling
˜ Trencher comes in 30-in., 36-in. and 48-in. depths with 4-in to 10-in. chain widths
˜ Skid auger has a pendulum mount and a reversible gearbox with a 2-in. hex output shaft to attach to a variety of augers
˜ Compact mount performance-matched for the BR360 and BR460 breakers
The new Ditch Witch Rock Saw attachment, a product acquired through the HydraWheel partnership, can cut trenches up to 3 in. to 4 in. wide and 13 in. deep and cut through tough materials like rock and asphalt.
Compatible with Ditch Witch’s fleet of stand-on skid-steers, ranging from the SK1050 to the SK1750, the Rock Saw attachment features carbide teeth for exceptional durability. Minimal maintenance points help minimize downtime and maximize productivity. As part of the new family of Rock Saw attachments obtained through the HydraWheel partnership, a wide range of products will be available, catering to digging depths spanning up to 46 in. on ride-on tractors.
MiniTrencher announced several new products and attachments, including a horizontal auger, a new electric battery-powered division, new GeoRipper T/A trenching attachments for the Milwaukee and Echo powerheads, and a redesign of its flagship product, the GeoRipper.
The SiBore Drill is a portable horizontal auger that digs underneath concrete, asphalt or any other hard material without breaking the surface. The SiBore Drill uses a waterless-boring method leaving no mud to deal with.
Using a Greenworks or Makita XGT electric battery motor, the GeoRipper e/B is a complete trenching unit that includes a battery-powered motor, battery and charger, as well as MiniTrencher digging chains, bars and accessories.
Artillian Tractor’s Direct Attach Rock Bucket, with fitment for John Deere Quick Attach and Skid Steer Quick Attach (per SAE J2513) loaders, clears rocks and debris while leaving soil behind. With 2-in. tine spacing, most soil and small objects pass through. Tines and side plates have serrated edges.
Built from AR400 steel plate and structural steel tubing and engineered with a high strength-to-weight ratio, the 54-inch Artillian Rock Bucket is designed for compact and sub-compact tractors. At 190 lbs. to 200 lbs., it weighs just over the weight of a subcompact OEM material bucket.
The Link-Belt LCG grapple features a maximum crushing force that densifies material while the rotation system resists back-driving forces.
˜ Available with perforated or heavy-duty ribbed tines that close at a very flat angle to assist in compacting material
˜ Single cylinder with dual drag links
˜ Easy-to-locate grease fittings
˜ Oversized cylinder design incorporates rod protection, maximum crushing force to densify material, bolt-on gland cap for durability, and easy maintenance
The XRS Skid Steer Plow by Douglas Dynamics is designed for skid steer applications. This plow automatically retracts the inside wing when fully angled and then automatically returns to the scoop position once straight.
The XRS plow leverages the onboard hydraulic system of the skid steer to lift and lower the blade, supporting operator performance. The oscillating skid steer mount comes standard and provides six degrees of side-to-side oscillation for scraping while reducing damage to the terrain.
Carbide rockwheels and diamond saw attachments are available for excavators of all sizes and applications.
˜ Carbide rockwheels offer a cutting solution for soft to medium hard rock and concrete cutting applications with a minimum width of roughly 2 in.
˜ Diamond saw rock wheels (AQD Series) cut the hardest rock including granite and basalt, as well as reinforced concrete.
The WESTERN PILE DRIVER lineup of pusher plows is designed for snow removal applications. The series is available in 8-ft., 10-ft. and 12-ft. widths. The attachments come with three heights and a common carrier attachment system making them compatible with skid steers.
Patent-pending TRACE (terrain response advanced cutting edge) technology is made up of independent 2-ft. sections that oscillate, move vertically and trip to accommodate contours and obstacles in the plowable surface.
Each blade section is equipped with a 3/4-in. cutting edge with carbide insert for heavy-duty use. Self-leveling side plates with reversible, bolt-on skis facilitate servicing.
Douglas Dynamics offers the heavy-duty (HD) straight blade snowplow for snow removal with skid steers. The attachment provides commercial contractor performance for skid steers under winter conditions.
Available in four blade widths, the HD straight blade plow is built with a formed base channel for durability. Six vertical ribs, two angled Power Ribs and a quad design provide torsional strength to prevent blade twisting. The rugged A-frame is constructed of tubular steel.
The SSGB-8B Skid Steer Grader Blade is equipped with an 8-ft., sixway hydraulically controlled moldboard with 25-degree rotation/tilt controlled with an in-cab remote.
˜ Moldboard shear pin-protected to help prevent damage
˜ Proportional hydraulic valve provides precise control for maintaining grade
˜ Laser control system compatible for precision grading
˜ Features a reversible beveled cutting edge and 1/2-in., connect-underpressure, flat-faced hydraulic couplers
The BK6218 includes the features of the BLACKHAWK mulcher frame but in a narrower frame that facilitates precision mulching.
˜ Features 24 knife tools and has a 62-in. cutting width
˜ Cutting chamber designed to process material going forward or back dragging without leaving unprocessed material
˜ The 18-in.-diameter rotor spools up quickly and minimizes wait times
˜ Rugged construction with 5/16-in.-thick HS steel cutting chamber with AR steel replaceable wear parts
˜ Suited for skid steer and compact track loaders with hydraulic flows of 30 gpm to 45 gpm
IronCraft introduced the X-Treme Tree Reaper, a stout brush cutter attachment for on-farm or commercial land clearing applications. Engineered for demanding applications, the X-Treme Tree Reaper is available with two direct drive motor options: a 16-gpm to 26-gpm gear motor (case drain not required) or a 17-gpm to 30-gpm bent axis piston motor (case drain required).
The design includes bolt-on replaceable skid shoes and a tapered deck for lower ground cutting. Three 5/8-in. AR400 blades cut dense brush, limbs and trees to 7 in. in diameter. The non-welded blades can be changed out in the field. Optional grill and mulching teeth available.
Read
Diamond Mowers offers the new TR Boom Drum Mulcher for tree and brush control. Engineered for heavy-duty mulching applications, this attachment enables asset utilization for work diversity and revenue potential.
Loftness introduced the Kwik Cut brush cutter attachment for skid steers and compact track loaders. Featuring a combination of beveled blades and carbide teeth, the new Kwik Cut is designed to slice through grass, weeds, brush and small trees up to 10 in. in diameter with the ability to grind stumps and brush to ground level.
The Kwik Cut’s heavy-duty, 72-in. diameter disc is equipped with four dual-edge beveled blades, which are designed to retract on severe impact to protect them and other components from damage. The underside of the disc contains 18 carbide teeth for grinding. They are mounted with a single bolt for maintenance.
Skid steer popularity is rising as more construction jobsite managers and owners are becoming increasingly interested in them. Their versatility is one reason, according to Justin Moe, product manager, construction division, KIOTI.
“As the boom in acquisitions continues to increase and operators and jobsite owners consider which skid steers they should purchase, they need to first identify their spec needs,” he said. “The primary reasons are two-fold. First, skid steers’ specs will influence what they can do with each asset. And second, they have to understand their needs as they evaluate their machines.”
While identifying their spec needs, lift capacity is important for contractors to consider, according to Moe. They must also account for ground clearance, lift path, operating weight and productivity features.
“Additionally, operators should have a clear vision of their intended applications and jobsite terrain, which will determine the size of a respective skid steer, whether it is a bigger model with higher specs or a smaller option that will enable them to navigate tight spaces,” he said.
“A clear vision will help operators identify which attachments are necessary, which ... impacts their requirements for engine horsepower, hydraulic flow and size.”
Contractors must also consider the maintenance required to decide which
skid steer models they to add to their fleets—the more straightforward and minimal the maintenance, the better.
When looking at new skid steers, Brant Kukuk, compact equipment product manager, Ditch Witch, advises contractors to ask dealers to share daily maintenance requirements, including how to implement maintenance schedules. They’ll be able to manage the schedule.
“Some manufacturers, like Ditch Witch, offer skid steers with maintenance-free bearings, which means they don’t have any daily grease points, enabling operators to focus on other tasks, aside from maintenance,” Kukuk said.
Doug Clark, product manager, compact equipment, Wacker Neuson, agrees, adding that skid steers should offer straightforward access and use equipment that features easy to acquire parts. As a result, operators can reduce their downtime.
“[Original equipment manufacturer] reputation is a consideration when looking at overall reliability, as well. But ‘reliable’ does not mean ‘never malfunctions,’ so ease of maintenance must never be overlooked,” Clark said. “Therefore, operators should look for skid steers that have reliable engine and hydraulic components, along with high accessibility—with forward tipping caps and expansive maintenance access to engine compartments ...”
In addition to maintenance, contractors and operators should think about skid steers’ use cases and jobsite requirements. As an example, according to Kukuk, small stand-on skid steers are ideal for residential projects because they are compact enough to maneuver through gates while minimizing yard damage. Larger stand-on skid steers provide the horsepower and weight needed to lift and move heavier loads.
“Depending on the attachments operators are using, skid steers also have to be a certain size and weight, [to] counter loads,” he added.
Concerning horsepower and other engine components, Emily Pagura, solutions marketing manager, John Deere, believes it’s vital for contractors to purchase skid steers from manufacturers that have reliable engine histories. Emission regulations
and required components should be considered, too.
“John Deere skid steers have Yanmar engines, which have been used for many years [because] they’ve been proven to be reliable throughout that timespan,” she said.
A skid steer’s hydraulic capability must match its attachments, too, according to Pagura. The hydraulic
flow must be sufficient for an attachment’s requirements. A skid steer should also have a proper cooling capacity that prevents overheating.
“Features like an automatic reversing fan, which is offered on each John Deere skid steer, helps every offering maintain a proper cooling capacity, as engine debris build-up is mitigated, while excessive wear or damage, which would have otherwise occurred [because of] overheating, is also prevented,” she said.
Pagura adds that operators who work in environments with dust and debris and may need protection kits installed on their skid steers.
“For applications associated with large debris, such as demolition, forestry and waste, it’s critical for operators to seek … these additional kits, which John Deere provides,” she said. “As a result, they’ll prevent downtime due to skid steer damage, substantially.”
To offer contractors consistent reliability, particularly regarding operation and usability, Wacker Neuson’s skid steers’ forward tipping cabs enable workers to rapidly access machine components, even if their cabs’ loader arms are down. Fast access is a direct result of the skid steers’ layout because they ensure that operators need less time to conduct daily checkups.
“The skid steers’ usage of diesel oxidation catalyst and exhaust gas recirculation eliminates the need for a regen cycle, too, which improves
performance, [because] any heat that’s typically created during the regen cycle is eliminated,” Clark said. “Furthermore, due to the skid steers’ cabs’ visibility, operators can reduce the likelihood of unexpected events whenever they use them.”
With a focus on reliability, Ditch Witch released its SK1750 Skid Steer, which features an enhanced track design. Because of this, the skid steer offers a smooth, comfortable ride. It also provides maneuverability and stability, regardless of load weights or topography. According to Kukuk, the SK1750 can even transport heavy loads across rough terrain.
“The track design causes less disturbance to the ground, allowing operators to work more efficiently and spend less time repairing damaged turf on residential jobsites,” Kukuk said. “... As a result of its improved roller design, the SK1750’s reliability— along with operators’ jobsite productivity—is consistently high.”
KOTI’s SL750 was designed to lift, push and power through operators’ rigorous demands. The skid steer has a 10.5-foot height-to-hinge pin and vertical lift path to help lift material into trucks and high-sided hoppers.
KOTI’s skid steer has a 74-horsepower diesel engine that offers steady power and reliability. Featuring hydraulic pilot joystick controls for high maneuverability and control, the SL750 “feels like an extension” of each operator, according to Moe.
“Offering a wide cabin ... the skid steer also has a standard roll-up-style door,” Moe said.
This door allows operators to easily enter or exit the cabin for improved comfort and ease of use.
John Deere has two offerings that help increase skid steer reliability, concerning operation and usability: the JDLink and the John Deere Operations Center. JDLink, John Deere’s telematics solution, feeds skid steer data into an operations center so that contractors and operators can monitor equipment and make databacked maintenance decisions.
With JDLink and the Operations Center, contractors can aggregate information, including diagnostic trouble codes, equipment and engine performance, locations, and maintenance schedules.
“With remote diagnostics and programming, dealers can access and reset diagnostic trouble codes, record machine information and update software entirely remotely,” Pagura said. “In some cases, this capability can prevent the need for a technician to visit [a site] ...”
Each John Deere skid steer features JDLink, offered free of charge with no subscription or annual fee required. In addition, each skid steer enables operators to quickly access areas that require steady cleanout, inspections and maintenance for further reliability. For example, every John Deere skid steer provides 360-degree access to its engine and other components with a combination of a tilting cab, a removable footwell, a
swing-out rear door, a lift-up rear hood and removable side panels (depending on the model).
“In a matter of minutes, an operator or technician can raise the boom, enact the mechanical boom lock out from inside the cab and exit their skid steer,” Pagura said. “They can also access its dipstick; drivetrain and filters; [and] its belly, where debris can be washed out—all from ground level.”
Along with high reliability, the KIOTI SL750 reduces maintenance requirements. In particular, the skid steer has a swing-out rear radiator to easily reach common service items by removing two bolts, according to Moe.
“The skid steer’s easy-to-lift cab and quick access to fittings and valves further simplify serviceability too,” he said. “And since it features easyto-access hydraulic test ports for all major hydraulic components, the skid steer ensures [that] operators can quickly conduct any troubleshooting as well.”
N Check air filters. All filters, including cab and engine air, must be checked for debris and dirt.
N Examine fluid levels. All fluid levels, including coolant, engine oil, fuel and hydraulic oil, must be examined to ensure that they’re within the required operating range in the owner’s manual.
N Inspect leaks. Teams must also inspect their skid steers for leaks or fluids that are pooling in the chassis, engine or on the ground.
N Proper greasing. In addition, operators or maintenance teams should ensure that their skid steers are properly greased, guaranteeing their components’ lifespans are more likely to increase.
N Track service intervals. KIOTI’s skid steer cabs have LCDs that allow operators to track and reset their service intervals so that they remain informed whenever their skid steers need to be serviced.
Meanwhile, Ditch Witch’s SK1750 features a system known as TriTrax, and a patent-pending track tension check window. Each offers operators durability and convenience.
“Its window, in particular, allows operators to visually check track tension without ever having to thread a separate gauge tool,” Kukuk said. “Consequently, they’ll be able to save time, while also feeling confident in their routine maintenance checks.”
Wacker Neuson ensures that teams implement maintenance before their skid steers have significant issues with EQUIPCARE, its telematics solution. By subscribing, contractors, operators and mechanics are alerted before issues lead to damage or downtime.
“The solution offers operators assistance with regular maintenance as well, [because] Wacker Neuson’s skid steers can alert anyone who has access to the solution whenever maintenance is [needed],” Clark said. “...Telematics can radically reduce the probability of downtime, as well as the length of it.”
JDLink and the John Deere Operations Center also help prevent repairs, identifying issues and predicting outcomes, according to Pagura.
“One of the best ways to prevent the need for repairs is with regular preventive maintenance,” she said. “By purchasing a preventative maintenance plan from a John Deere dealer, operators can rest assured that their skid steers’ maintenance will always be conducted on time.”
When performing maintenance, John Deere dealers use high-quality fluids, parts and technicians. Fluids and parts can be purchased through John Deere dealers.
Mistakes during maintenance occur, but Clark believes one part especially correlated with errors is filters. Some maintenance teams fail to follow filter maintenance intervals or don’t shorten intervals when operating in harsh or debris-filled conditions.
Operators may also underestimate the value of pre-operation, preventative maintenance checks and services. To help prevent mistakes, Clark advises operators to have a telematics package and to implement standardized checklists, regular sampling, maintenance plans and grease point routines.
“Basically, operators should plan to take care of their skid steers so that the skid steers will take care of them,” Clark said.
Often, track rubber may separate from a stand-on skid steer’s track system because operators forget to check for tension or examine track rubber’s and rollers’ condition. Operators must check the tracks for proper tension before every use.
“This will be a different process depending on the model of each … skid steer, so operators should also consult their local dealers for support,” Kukuk said.
Teams should routinely clean stand-on skid steer track systems to remove debris and dirt from the rollers and prevent damage. By routinely cleaning skid steer track systems, operators will minimize track rubber wear.
Because skid steers are typically used daily, Moe suggests an operation checklist.
“Operators should walk around their skid steers to check them for damage, enabling them to spot wear patterns and consistent use trends during operation,” Moe said. “They should also keep a record of any damages ...”
He added, “Proactivity [with] any concerns or even minor damage will go a long way as operators strive to maintain their skid steers ...”
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/SSLMaint
Chris Lewis is a freelance writer for Equipment Today
Contractors are leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as machine guidance and grade control systems for dozers to enhance their efficiency and productivity. Since their introduction to the construction industry in the 1990s, grade control systems for earthmoving equipment have increased in popularity. Significant advancements in global positioning system (GPS) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology and computerized control systems have allowed manufacturers to integrate precise guidance systems in heavy construction equipment such as dozers.
Grade control systems for dozers play a crucial role, especially considering the shortage of skilled operators. With features such as automation and real-time guidance, these systems offer a user-friendly interface that allows less-experienced operators to master dozer operations.
This not only addresses the industry’s workforce challenges but also ensures that grading projects are executed with precision and efficiency. The integration of grade control systems is a practical solution, bridging the gap caused by the shortage of skilled personnel and contributing to the successful completion of construction projects.
Founded in 1947 by Ken Rasch, Rasch Construction originated as a vision to provide exceptional services in land clearing and lagoon-type projects. In the company’s early years, Ken personally operated a dozer to complete these projects. Over the decades, Rasch Construction has evolved into a successful construction firm based in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Dalton Rasch, a third-generation family member, continues the legacy established by his grandfather.
Although the equipment has changed, the family-owned business is still pushing and digging dirt. Using a variety of heavy and compact construction equipment, Rasch Construction performs excavation, grading and underground utility work in Iowa and has a branch in Arizona.
The company purchased a new 115-horsepower dozer in the summer of 2023 and paired it with a Trimble Earthworks 3D grade control system. This technology is designed for heavy
equipment, and the Earthworks system is tailored for bulk earthmoving, grading and fine-grading.
Dalton mentioned that the primary grade control system technology that they use for the dozer is GPS. It simplifies manual staking and cutfill operations. He emphasized the importance of having the entire jobsite loaded on the GPS monitor in the machine, knowing the location of his operators on the site, and understanding their cut fills. According to him, this is the best approach to tackle a dirt job. The grade control system for the dozer has proven its value over time, paying for itself through increased efficiency and timely project completion.
The Trimble grade control version purchased by Rasch Construction does not require masts, improving the operator’s visibility of the dozer blade and the work area. Dalton and his operators also appreciate the placement of the GPS monitor below
the machine’s LCD monitor in the cab. According to Dalton, it’s conveniently located and doesn’t interfere with the view out the front of the machine. Visibility is crucial.
Dozer operators appreciate the 3D view accessible from the second monitor within the grade control system. This feature offers operators a comprehensive perspective of their work, providing not only a real-time view of the dozer blade but also a preview or aerial view of the entire jobsite once the relevant information is programmed into the machine. The 3D visualization is instrumental in enhancing precision and efficiency during grading operations.
The following grade control system information is available on the second LCD screen:
˜ Actual grade
˜ Alarms and warnings
˜ Cut/fill information
˜ Cross-section views
˜ Design data
˜ Data logging
˜ Guidance lines
˜ Machine parameters
˜ Machine position
˜ Status indicators
Increased Efficiency
Maintaining a level ground when grading is critical to ensure the structural integrity and stability of buildings, roads, bridges and other structures. The 3D machine guidance and machine control system, like the one installed in the Rasch Construction dozer, reduces the need for operator inputs by up to 80%. This not only improves efficiency but also lessens operator fatigue because operating the dozer is less physically
demanding than it has been in the past.
The machine control system uses real-time monitoring, such as GPS and sensors. The system automatically adjusts the dozer blade movements to make sure that the new surface precisely meets the design requirements. The grade control system for Dalton’s dozer operates from two globes mounted to the dozer cab. They provide information to calculate measurements that tell the dozer where the blade is positioned based on the sensors and the hydraulics.
With the advanced 3D machine guidance and control system, the dozer operators can work efficiently without frequent manual grade checks. This not only streamlines the grading process but also allows laborers, who may have been dedicated to manual grade checks, to be reassigned to other tasks, maximizing jobsite productivity.
Reduced Rework
When contractors implement a grade control system for their dozers, it helps them make fewer mistakes. This system continuously monitors the blade, makes small changes to its position and reduces rework. If the dozer doesn’t grade as planned, the operator can realign the blade to correct minor mistakes and make precise adjustments.
Operators will need to learn how to use the system, so keep training in mind. New operators and seasoned veterans must be familiar with the 3D grade control system, including
the hardware and the software components. The should learn how to navigate and operate the software interface on the system’s display monitor.
The next step is training on how to load project-specific data into the system (like design plans). Operators should also understand the calibration process to ensure the high accuracy of the system.
In addition, they need to learn how to interpret real-time system feedback. This includes grade information, elevation data and other metrics displayed on the cab’s LCD screen.
Last, operator training should include how to control the blade using the 3D grade control system. This helps them understand how the system adjusts the blade in response to grade variations.
According to Dalton, the 3D grade control system for a dozer can be an expensive system to purchase, but it pays for itself because projects are completed more efficiently.
Before buying a system, consider the following key factors:
˜ Initial investment: This includes the cost of purchasing and installing the system.
˜ Operating costs: Consider expenses related to training operators. Include ongoing expenses for maintenance, software updates and technical support.
˜ Fuel efficiency: Track fuel efficiency gains from optimized grading and minimized movements or rework.
˜ Material savings: A more precise grade may mean less material for the jobsite. Rework may also be reduced and improve cost savings because of labor and materials.
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/DozerGC
Jacob Sherman is product and dealer marketing
Few things in life are constant— except change, that is. That concept also applies to the range of compact track loader (CTL) features that rental companies should have in their fleet for their construction contractor customers.
“Contractors’ jobs are constantly changing, which means their machine needs are also altering with each new and unique job,” said to Luke Gribble, solutions marketing manager, John Deere.
Gribble, Julie Portillo, marketing manager for loaders, Bobcat Co., and Jerry Corder, product manager, construction equipment, Kubota, describe the features rental companies should have at the ready within their CTL fleets.
Before adjusting their rental fleet, rental companies should first consider the jobsites and applications of their local rental customer and what their general CTL needs are.
However, when it comes to the question of what size machine to stock, experts agree that a little bit of everything is best.
“A variety of CTL sizes will continue to be in demand because they are among the most versatile tool-carrying, multipurpose machines available on today’s jobsites,” Portillo said. “The increased floatation provided by their track systems makes them ideal on a wide range of jobsites with soft ground surfaces such as sand, mud and clay. With their weight distributed throughout the track and ground contact area, CTLs can travel across uneven ground more efficiently and are better at maneuvering through softer ground conditions.”
Perhaps the most common size class of machine in rental fleets consist of small and midframe machines due
to their reliability and low owning and operating costs, Gribble said. Portillo agreed.
“The industry seems to be focused on maximizing what tasks compact equipment can do, which is no surprise considering how versatile and high performing CTLs can be on the jobsite,” Portillo said. “We also encourage rental houses to consider adding CTLs to their fleet that maximize performance within a relatively compact chassis size. Given that these units will likely be used for short-term projects, machines that are easy to transport and maneuver make for great worksite partners for most renters.”
Corder added that rental centers should include in their fleet a narrow, lightweight (around 4,000 pounds) machine to assist contractors with work between housing sites.
However, rental companies should not stop at the small to midframe size because the last several years have seen an increase in demand for large frame machines due to the high productivity they bring, Gribble said.
“The best applications for contractors who are running a large CTL would be ones like medium to large site development or truck and trailer loading because the larger CTL’s have the capability to move more materials on these types of sites allowing customers to be as productive as possible while they are renting the machine,” Gribble said. “The large CTLs are also often best used for grading applications whether it’s with an integrated or aftermarket system.”
Portillo agreed, noting that ultimately, boosted horsepower means greater lifting capabilities, breakout forces and maneuverability for fast cycle times.”
Corder added that the best application for higher-horsepower CTLs includes land management mulching applications and running
Sarah Webb, Editor,
cold planers. However, rental companies should avoid putting all of their dollars into the larger CTL bucket.
“Demand has grown due to the high horsepower machine versatility and stability, but due to the cost, it would be a low volume market for rental centers,” Corder said.
In addition to the machines themselves, rental companies should always have attachments on hand to help suit their customers’ needs.
“The addition of an attachment adds versatility to your machine and increases efficiency on the job,” Gribble said. “In addition, we have found that contractors also rent attachments to help fill the need for equipment that they do not currently have on-site. These are essential especially during peak season.”
Portillo added that having a robust attachment selection can help rental companies attain more business in the long run.
“The more attachment options you have, the more attractive and valuable your CTLs will be to renters,” Portillo said.
While the list of extended features seems to grow, Portillo said that rental companies’ best bet is to go with a simpler machine.
“While a seasoned operator will benefit from using a feature-rich CTL, rental companies won’t necessarily know how proficient an individual will be with a loader,” Portillo said. “Units that are simple to maintain, operate and own are best for a rental house’s bottom line.”
Corder agreed.
“Most rental companies desire the most “vanilla” machine possible,”
Corder said. “With ROI being the main consideration, the less expensive the machine, the better.”
˜ Safety features: A backup camera enables the operator know what is behind them, and how close those objects are, whether that’s vehicles, buildings or pedestrians.
˜ Visibility: Larger front, rear and side windows boost visibility to the sides and tracks and improve your view when loading a truck or using attachments. Some CTLs also offer an optional closure to maximize visibility by reducing steel mesh screens from the side windows.
˜ Durability: Look for machines that are built to last and that will stand up to the tough applications of renters.
˜ Comfort: Choose a machine that includes operator-centric features such as ergonomic controls and a comfortable seat.
˜ Pressurized interior: Look for cab door and window seals that help keep out dust and debris, to keep end users clean, comfortable and more productive.
˜ Bigger entry/exit: Large cab openings and lower door thresholds provide easier entry and exit to accommodate a variety of renters.
˜ Climate control: Find machines with accessible air conditioning and heat controls, easy open/close side windows for controlling air flow and a rear defrost to keep windows clear.
˜ Telematics: Telematics systems give the rental center information on the location of the unit, how much and when it is operated and its maintenance needs.
Read more at: eqtoday.co/CTLsavvy
Compact track loaders (CTLs) have earned their well-deserved reputation as a sought-after option in large equipment rentals. They are versatile and easy to use. They also help to expedite different projects. These reliable machines have proven time and again to be indispensable assets on jobsites, offering a host of advantages that go beyond what conventional wheeled equipment can provide.
Before choosing a CTL for a project, some questions need to be answered. The machine’s size, the intended application and the size of the jobsite need to be considered before renting the equipment. This article outlines why CTLs are so popular and provides insights to ensure that the right piece of equipment is rented, no matter what the project entails.
Why CTLs?
To understand why CTLs are so popular, exploring their standout features and benefits is essential. For one, these machines distribute their weight across tracks, resulting in significantly less ground pressure compared to wheeled equipment. This minimizes soil compaction and surface damage, making them suitable for environments like golf courses and residential landscaping.
Additionally, they’re relatively quiet when in use, which is even more beneficial for residential landscaping. The reduced noise will not only be pleasant for those around the jobsite but will make the jobsite safer overall.
CTLs perform well in many environmental conditions, including wet, dry, sandy and snowy terrains, making them useful year-round. Their high productivity stems from the combination of power, versatility and stability, enabling users to complete tasks more efficiently. Most of these machines are equipped with operator friendly cabs, boasting excellent visibility and safety features. This ensures that even team members with limited experience can operate the equipment smoothly and safely while giving jobsite supervisors a little extra peace of mind.
The first step when deciding which CTLs to rent is to understand how it is going to be used. What type of material is being moved? What is the terrain like? Both questions can help to inform what piece of equipment is best for the job.
As previously mentioned, CTLs are great for ground maintenance tasks year-round. Their tracks allow them to move better on loose sand or gravel, as well as wet,
CTLs’ small turning radius allows operators to navigate tight spaces easily.
muddy or snowy terrain. They can grip surfaces much better than their wheeled counterparts. If they are being operated in unpredictable weather conditions, these allterrain capabilities ensure that the equipment can work effectively regardless of the elements. This enhances the success of the project and demonstrates a commitment to responsible and sustainable construction practices.
From there, it’s also important to consider the project requirements. For applications, contractors must
recognize that one size does not fit all. The specific project dictates the appropriate machine size. Questions to answer include: How heavy is the material? Is it a high-volume task?
Each CTL possesses a distinct rated operating capacity (ROC). The ROC indicates how much weight it can handle. Some of the smallest CTLs can carry up to 665 pounds, while some of the largest can hold up to 1,900 pounds. In a few markets, CTLs are available to handle up to 3,200 pounds. Understanding the material weight and volume will guide the selection of CTLs with the right ROC for the project.
In addition to the application, the size of the jobsite must be considered. Fortunately, CTLs are designed for maneuverability in tight spaces. Their small turning radius allows operators to navigate tight spaces easily. CTLs’ nimbleness and precision enable them to get closer to walls and navigate around protruding objects better than similar pieces of equipment, making them an ideal choice for jobs where every inch counts.
Whether the jobsite is a crowded construction site, a residential backyard or a densely populated urban area, the equipment’s capacity to maximize space can significantly impact project timelines and resource allocation. This efficiency translates into cost savings and reduced project completion times, improving overall project management and client satisfaction.
However, one does need to be aware of jobsite access points, such as passageways and entryways to make sure they are large enough to accommodate the equipment. Occasionally, this may entail renting a slightly smaller CTL than initially planned, but it ensures that the work can be completed efficiently. While the size of the different machines offered may only fluctuate a few inches, those few inches could make all the difference in a confined work environment.
CTLs are a popular choice in heavy equipment rental for many reasons. Because of their versatility, ease of use and efficiency, CTLs provide a smart solution to many jobsite problems. Determining the right loader for a project entails a thorough evaluation of the application, material weight, volume and available workspace.
Environmental considerations, such as the impact on delicate terrain or the ability to handle unpredictable weather, also play a significant role in choosing the right
machine. By carefully considering these factors, contractors can confidently select the ideal solution for the specific project, ensuring efficiency, productivity and responsible construction practices.
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/CTLBasics24
Tony English is the senior director of merchandising at The Home Depot.
Kubota’s new SVL75-3 is powered by a 74.3 horsepower Kubota engine with higher maximum torque, allowing for quick and efficient work. With a working range that includes a rated operating capacity of 2,490 lbs. at 35 percent or 3,557 lbs. at 50%, an impressive 6,191 lbs. of breakout force and a hinge pin height of 122.7 in., the SVL75-3 can tackle tough tasks. Its hydraulic system features an innovative Advanced Multifunction Valve (AMV) that helps to ensure smooth movement of all hydraulic functions when operated simultaneously allowing operators to run the auxiliary hydraulics, bucket and loader arm functions at the same time with a lower risk of stalling.
The new VT-100 compact track loader is a vertical lift machine for loading and grading applications in landscaping and construction.
The VT-100 Forestry is designed for mulching, right-of-way clearance, site prep and more.
The models include visibility and performance features. ASV’s VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry come equipped with a 103.5-hp Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engine and standard 40-gpm high flow. The loaders’ large line sizes, hydraulic coolers and direct-drive pumps transfer flow and pressure directly to the attachment and reduce power loss.
The redesigned TL8R2 offers a tipping load of 6,041 lbs. with an operating weight of 9,182 lbs.
• 74.3-hp turbocharged, Tier 4 Final-compliant engine features a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF)
• Creep Mode standard on models with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics and enables forward speed to be precisely matched to a particular attachment without having to constantly meter the travel lever
• Automotive-styled operator station includes a 5.7-in. multi-informational color display with rear view camera and sealed rocker switch bank, standard low-effort pilot controls and proportional auxiliary switches
• Optional pressurized cab available
John Deere’s new large frame 335 P-tier compact track loaders are for hauling, surface grading, material loading and equipment transportation on construction sites.
The construction vehicles in the P-tier series feature redesigned cabs, heated and vented seats, touchscreen displays, hands-free Bluetooth technology and JDLink telematics. The new generation machines can also be equipped with optional surround view capabilities.
With a rated operating capacity of 3,000 lbs. (1,369 kg), this 74-hp vertical lift machine is ideal for lifting and loading with the added versatility that comes from the ability to use a wide variety of attachments, including blades, tilers and trenchers. The 42-kW JCB Diesel by Kohler T4F engine requires no exhaust after treatment. An industry standard quick hitch for quick coupling to all JCB attachments and all other brands.
Read More at
The Hyundai HT100V has a rated operating capacity of 2,300 lbs. (1,220 kg) and is designed for construction, landscaping, agriculture and material handling applications.
The new HT Series model features a Tier 4 Final-compliant Hyundai engine that provides power while meeting emissions standards. The new compact track loader is powered by a Hyundai HTI4 fourcycle, turbocharged, electronically controlled diesel engine.
Manitou launched three all new “V Series” compact skid steer loaders and three “VT Series” compact track loaders to the North American market: 2100V, 2300V, 2750V, 2100VT, 2300VT and the 2750VT. These new models have a capacity of 2,100 lbs. to 2,750 lbs. The breakout force is now 12% higher on average (compared to the previous range) and the tank capacity is increased by 14%.The new loaders feature keyless start requiring only code activation; LED lighting; and a patented Pilot joystick system standard, adjacent to the operator’s seat. Numerous innovations also facilitate maintenance with a lifting cab and centralized maintenance points.
The 116-hp CTL is on the large frame size of CTLs from a horsepower perspective, making it a high-performance grading and excavating machine. The CTL will come standard with a torsion suspension system, providing a smooth ride for operators and additional stability with lifting and carrying loads:
• Operating weight: 12,604 lbs. (5,717 kg)
• Rated operating capacity: 3,657 lbs. (1,662 kg)
• Ground pressure: 5.7 psi (39.3 kPa)
• Auxiliary hydraulic flow, standard: 23 gpm (87.1 lpm)
The 94-hp TD-8S and 113hp TD-9S are powered by Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4 Final turbocharged engines.
Rexroth dual-path, hydrostatic drive systems transmit full power to both tracks to ensure smooth speed changes, pivot turns and counter rotation
• Six-way C-frame complemented by a robust undercarriage available in the standard long-track version and low-ground-pressure versions
• Undercarriages feature a standard lubricated track system, split link track chains, pivot shaft-installed suspension and hydraulic track adjusters
Integrated technology options include Trimble Basic, Trimble Ready and full Trimble 3D control systems
The 56,218-lb. PR 736 G8 hydrostatic drive dozer has a 217-bhp Liebherr Tier 4 Final diesel engine with Eco mode.
• Straight, semi-U and six-way blade options available in capacities from 5.36 cu. yds. to 7.27 cu. yds.
• Electronically pilot-controlled work hydraulics for swift, precise work cycles
• Liebherr Operator Assistance Systems offer a “Free Grade“ level for active blade stabilization during fine grading, “Definition Grade“ level for automatic blade positioning when creating 2D grades and a 3D grade option to model complex terrain shapes
• Roof-mounted GPS/GNSS antennas are standard along with onboard Active Sensor Control to stabilize all blade axis
Komatsu Construction Equipment Machines, Tech
Komatsu launched machines and technologies that are designed to improve operational accuracy, safety and control.
PC900LC-11 Excavator
Designed for heavy construction, demolition, material handling, deep sewer, water, large mass excavation, and mining or quarry work, the PC900LC-11 combines power with digging capabilities. Its technology includes a KomVision camera system and optional Smart Construction 3D guidance and payload monitoring.
PC360LCi-11 Intelligent Excavator
This 80,000-lb. intelligent excavator features iMC 2.0 technology to instill predictability into operations. With fully integrated grade assist, the PC360LCi-11 adjusts to the operator’s experience level, while the strokesensing hydraulic cylinders deliver real-time positioning. From mass excavation to finished grading, this excavator can handle large jobs and is equally adept at small- and mid-sized projects.
Intelligent Dozers: D39PXi-24, D51PXi-24 and D71PXi-24
Machine logic allows Komatsu’s iMC 2.0 dozers to continuously learn the terrain and make calculated decisions for the next pass.
Tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing, reducing operator steering input.
John Deere P-Tier Dozers
John Deere P-Tier Dozers have features like redesigned cabs with creature comforts including heated and vented seats, touchscreen displays, hands-free Bluetooth technology and JDLink telematics. It can also be equipped with optional surround view capabilities.
For operator performance, the new P-Tier small dozers feature a variety of strategic design choices aimed to support visibility and comfort. Featuring a 14% larger cab than previous models, the P-Tier machines offer storage space and easier ingress or egress capabilities.
In addition, operators can now proportionally control the blade’s angle and change travel direction through the use of the integrated FNR switch. Impacting operator visibility, the new hood design, straightened and lowered 5 in. on 650 P-Tier and 7 in. on the 450 and 550 P-Tier models, helps with forward visibility and straight sightlines to the front of the machine.
Also, with the removal of the DEF system, the 450 P-Tier model offers maintenance and reduced system complexity while meeting emissions regulations.
DEVELON DD130 Dozer
The new mid-size 145.8-hp DD130 dozer is designed to perform grading, leveling, site preparation and land clearing. Functionality is driven by the dozer’s six-way power-tilt angle blade.
Operators can minimize the number of passes on each job by lifting, tilting and angling the six-way power-tilt angle blade to move dirt or other materials where they need to go. A two-way mechanical adjustment also allows operators to adjust the blade pitch from 52 degrees to 58 degrees to control how steeply it bites into the ground.
The DD130 comes standard with the oscillating serrated track system, which maintains consistent, stable ground contact for grading performance. The oscillating serrated track system follows the terrain and enables blade control. Also available is a blade float function for back grading.
The dozer blade moves up and down following the contours of the ground. A blade shake button helps operators remove materials stuck to the blade without leaving the cab.
The 324E mid-frame skid steer has a 2,690-lb. rated operating capacity and includes upgraded controls and boom performance, auxiliary lines integrated through the boom and cab improvements.
• Vertical lift boom design with a 10-ft. 6-in. reach
• 8,750-lb. bucket breakout force
• 74-gross-hp Tier 4 Final engine
• ISO, H-pattern or foot/joystick electrohydraulic joystick control with an option that allows the operator to switch between control patterns with the push of a button
• Expansive curved front glass, large top window and low side windows provide optimal visibility from the cab
• Larger entryway and all-glass curved door for easy access in and out
The 64-gross-hp SSV65 boasts a 1,950-lb. rated operating capacity (ROC) and 4,839-lb. bucket breakout force, and the 74-gross-hp SSV75 has a 2,690-lb. ROC and 5,884-lb. bucket breakout force.
• Vertical lift configuration can dump into a dump truck with 10-ft. sides
Kubota Tier 4 certified, 4-cylinder diesel engine
• Includes a spacious, dust-resistant pressurized cabin with an optimized climate control system, slide-up, front-entry door and hand-foot controls
• Standard two-speed travel
• Optional high-flow hydraulics and multi-function lever for fingertip control of major machine and implement functions
The D3 Series includes 16 skid-steer, compact track loader and multi-terrain loader models offering rated operating capacities (50% tipping load) from 2,185 lbs. to 6,200 lbs. and 67.1 gross hp to 110 gross hp.
• Wider opening cab door for easy entry and exit and an added 3 in. between the joystick pods for extra space inside cab
• CTLs feature standard twospeed travel and changes to the undercarriage frame and torsion axles that reduce machine pitching and rocking
• Smart Technology automatically recognizes and converts machine controls to align with Smart Attachments needs
• Advanced control features include Return-to-Dig and Work Tool Positioner
The 6,800-lb. R190 features a 68.4-hp Yanmar Tier 4 engine and amped-up hydraulic system with an intuitive design for precise controllability.
• 1,900-lb. rated operating capacity and 120.5-in. height to hinge pin
• 18.5-gpm standard or optional 31.5-gpm high-flow auxiliary hydraulics
• Spacious operator station with Level II ROPS/FOPS, side-folding restraint bar and adjustable armrests, adjustable control pods, optional air ride seat and T-bar, joystick, and dual-hand and hand/ foot control options
• Customizable integrated digital display and upper-left and upperright instrument panels for easy readout and switch access
The large-frame radial-lift RS-75 and vertical-lift VS-75 feature an industrial 74-hp, naturally aspirated, 2.9L diesel engine offering 192 ft.-lbs. of torque.
• VS-70 offers a 3,500-lb. rated operating capacity (ROC); 7,000lb. tipping load; and 10.8-ft. lift height, while the RS-75 has a 2,600-lb. ROC; 5,200-lb. tipping load; and 10.4-ft. lift height
Dedicated skid steer frames enable a 10.5-in. ground clearance and a 24-degree departure angle
• Standard hydraulic joystick controls
• Travel speed up to 11 mph with optional two-speed drive
• Auxiliary hydraulic system with optional 30.9-gpm high-flow pump capacity
The SV340 vertical-lift skid steer has a rated operating capacity of 3,400 lbs. and bucket breakout force of 9,531 lbs.
• 24.2-gpm standard auxiliary hydraulic setup or available high flow at 38.7 gpm and 3,450 psi and enhanced high flow at 35 gpm and 4,000 psi
• 90-hp FPT engine with selective catalytic reduction eliminates the diesel particulate filter and associated regeneration
• EZ-EH (electro-hydraulic) controls provide nine adjustable speeds and control sensitivity settings that can be adjusted on the fly
• Single rocker switch allows operators to switch between “H” operating pattern and ISO pattern controls
• Push-button Ride Control
The 6,974-lb., 68-hp S64 offers a 2,300-lb. rated operating capacity, while the 7,154-lb., 74-hp S66 has a 2,400-lb. rated operating capacity.
• Redesigned lift arms with cast steel segments and optimized lift arm linkage provide increased strength and 120-in. lift height to hinge pin
• 17.6-gpm auxiliary hydraulic flow with a 26.9-gpm high-flow option
• Feature a redesigned, no-DPF Bobcat 2.4-liter Tier 4 inline engine design and direct drive system, as well as a redesigned cooling system
• Arm linkage repositioned to rear to provide best possible view to the tracks
• One-piece, sealed and pressurized, roomier cab design
The 9,914-lb. 2TS-7T Teleskid is built on a small-platform skid steer chassis that allows it to deliver the lift height, forward reach and digging benefits of the 3TS-8T and 3TS-8W in a more compact, easily transportable platform.
• Rated operating capacity of 2,096 lbs. with the Powerboom retracted and 1,140 lbs. with the boom fully extended
Offers a maximum lift height of 11 ft. 10 in., forward reach of 7 ft. and the ability to dig 2 ft. below grade
• Smoothride System allows for greater load retention and operator comfort
• 74-hp JCB by Kohler Tier 4 Final engine does not require diesel exhaust fluid, a DPF or other exhaust aftertreatment
• Standard hydraulic flow rate of 18.6 gpm or optional high-flow rate of 29.4 gpm
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Although construction is physical work, the most important tool for workers, respectively, is their brain. To prioritize the safety of all the boots on the ground, it’s critical to evaluate the available head protection for industrial workers and potentially invest in a helmet that will allow workers to go back home to their families safely while maintaining the quality of life they desire.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the number of incidents for nonfatal falls, slips or trips was higher with construction workers (52.5 cases per 10,000 fulltime workers) compared to all other industry workers (22.9 cases). Factoring in other jobsite hazards including chemical and electrical exposure, falling objects and illnesses, it’s no surprise because risk looms around every corner.
Nonetheless, industrial tradespeople have been wearing a traditional hard hat, the safety norm for more than the last 100 years,
even though it can only protect from falling objects. With cases of incidents relating to falls, trips and slips greatly surpassing those from falling objects, it’s time for workers and safety directors to reconsider the personal protective equipment (PPE) mandated for the job.
Transitioning to Type II
Behind transportation incidents and COVID-19, falls represent the third deadliest risk in the construction industry. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 1,008 fatal falls were documented in the U.S. construction industry in 2020. This accounts for nearly 35 percent of all constructionrelated incidents. The numbers are no surprise, considering more than half of the construction workforce operates on scaffolds. Working at heights alone significantly increases the risk of falls and associated potential for traumatic brain injuries.
In response, plant operators, construction safety officers and more
OSHA has not changed regulations but just announced that all jobsite inspectors will wear Type II helmets in the future.
are considering a new approach to head protection—Type II safety. An American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection (ANSI) Z89.1 Type II safety helmet can provide 360-degree head protection to defend against the many hazards on the jobsite. These helmets feature front, side, and rear impact protection; chin straps; and other integrated technologies to keep the helmet in place and offer better incident protection.
Safety features found in a Type II safety helmet include:
˜ Full brims and modular rear brims: Newer safety helmets now feature the traditional full-brim form factor that the industry knows and loves. Not only is it familiar, but it also provides better protection from outdoor conditions, including redirecting rainfall away from the head and neck and protecting from sun exposure. Other helmets may feature a slight rear brim that also deflects rain to an extent. However, seasoned construction workers, especially those working across
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, incidents for nonfatal falls, slips or trips were higher with construction workers compared to all other industry workers.
civil jobs from road building to excavation, favor a full-brim helmet over a climbing-style helmet.
˜ Impact protection: Type II helmets often incorporate advanced impact protection technologies across the entire helmet, including features like Koroyd’s welded-tube polymers. These polymer tubes are designed to crumple instantly upon impact, effectively absorbing maximum force. The mechanism provides comprehensive protection for the skull and brain, mitigating the risks associated with both direct and angled impacts. The reduction of oblique and angled impact forces is particularly crucial because these types of impacts are more likely to cause rotational shifts of the brain within the skull, which are associated with more severe forms of brain trauma. In doing so, Type II helmets play a critical role in minimizing the potential for life-changing or lifethreatening injuries.
The four-point chin strap system ensures a secure fit and prevents the helmet from dislodging in the event of a fall.
˜ Identification technology: Certain helmets feature embedded chips that use near-field communication (NFC) technology. These chips store essential emergency contacts and medical information, allowing swift access for first responders.
For instance, Twiceme uses NFC, enabling first responders to scan the helmet’s stored data using a mobile device. In contrast, conventional hard hats may necessitate workers to attach health information on paper inside the helmet. This approach can pose challenges for medical professionals during the initial assessment because they may be unable to remove the helmet without risking further injury.
˜ Four-point chin strap systems: Safety helmets in action sports, such as those used for biking and rock climbing, often come equipped with buckle enclosures and adjustable, nylon, four-point chin straps. These features have now been incorporated into industrial safety helmets to provide construction workers with maximum adjustability and allow for easy one-handed use, even when wearing gloves. The presence of chin straps not only ensures a secure fit but also prevents the helmet from dislodging in the event of a fall,
setting these apart from traditional strapless hard hats.
˜ Replaceable pad sets: While Type II safety helmets already incorporate impact protection, traditional padding is also found throughout to ensure a comfortable fit. Some helmets feature replaceable pad sets that improve safety, comfort and hygiene. While not the most glamorous feature, its washability offers a cleaner and more hygienic experience for the wearer.
While falls, trips and slips rank among the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities, these incidents are preventable. Organizations can enhance workforce safety by implementing OSHA’s recommendations, notably from its recent “Fall Protection Campaign,” and by investing in improved PPE, such as Type II safety helmets.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of head injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls occur within a distance of 6 feet or less. This underscores the significance of many commercial general contractors now requiring Type II safety helmets with chin straps with additional certifications to ensure compliance on high-profile jobsites. There’s more to the Type II
helmets than that, though. Beyond fall protection, comfort, and advanced crumple technology, Type II safety helmets offer other advantages when compared traditional hardhats:
˜ Extended lifespan: Thoughtful, ruggedized designs contribute to longer safety-helmet lifetimes, reducing the need for frequent PPE turnover.
˜ Comprehensive protection: Front, side and rear impact safety features with chin straps lower the overall risk of workplace injuries.
˜ Financial benefits: Fewer injuries translate to fewer worker compensation claims, leading to potential cost savings for organizations.
˜ Reduced liability insurance costs: A decrease in injuries may contribute to lower liability insurance expenses for businesses.
˜ Risk reduction: Implementing Type II safety helmets fosters a culture of safety on the jobsite, contributing to an overall reduction in workplace risks.
˜ Increased productivity: With fewer injuries, workers can spend more time on the jobsite and less time recovering, potentially boosting productivity and earnings.
Next Steps Toward Improved Safety
Physical strength is essential to the construction industry, but at the end of the day, the most valuable assets in the field remains the workers’ brains. The construction industry would not thrive without the hard work and dedication of those who give their all to each project. To protect those who build our cities and infrastructure from the ground up, the least we can do is provide them with PPE to help them safely return to their families and continue enjoying their favorite recreational activities.
It’s time for organizations and workers alike to recognize the need for such head protection and make moves to adopt it. Even though OSHA has not yet changed regulations, they just announced that all jobsite inspectors will be wearing Type II helmets in the future.
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/TypeIIHelmet
Ryan Barnes is the founder and CEO of STUDSON.
The more an AI video surveillance system can be fine-tuned to a unique jobsite, the faster and more accurately the system can deter criminal activity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) currently borders on the edge of crazy hype. While some are playing the waiting game to see how AI can help their industry, its impact on construction sites is clear: AI, when used properly, prevents crime and vandalism.
Security on these sites runs the gamut, between live guards, fences and other protective provisions on one end, to nothing on the other end. But securing a jobsite is often a challenge for construction companies because the cost is often either passed onto the customer with higher prices or eaten by the company altogether.
Construction sites can be “easy pickins” for criminals because they often contain expensive materials that are lightly guarded. This is one of the main reasons why the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that theft costs construction companies as much as $1 billion per year.
AI-enabled surveillance can make sites more secure. This can add up to big dollars when compared to the costs associated with stolen tools, lumber, appliances, heavy equipment or other valuables.
Construction companies can do a number of things to reduce crime on jobsites. However, the reason that AI-based video surveillance works well is that it enables valuable items to be watched at all times, without the cost and management headaches of onsite personnel. When something odd is happening, AI can alert human monitors quickly so they can take appropriate countermeasures. And unlike humans, AI does not get distracted, become tired, or forget what it learned. This means it can look at video footage 24/7 and alert on anomalies that it sees.
What most people don’t realize is that AI gets smarter over time, learning from its specific environment to be more effective. The more it sees something, the better it gets—like someone who remembers something after experiencing it once.
For construction companies, each site is different, so this is important. Well-trained AI will know when
When done properly, customizing and training AI for individual construction jobsites can be a powerful tool in crime deterrence.
someone is onsite who shouldn’t be there and will alert on it immediately.
AI video is usually made available through mobile video surveillance units that don’t require any hard wiring for electricity or internet connectivity, which is the state of most jobsites. These autonomous units can watch over valuable material and alert remote guards and site owners when something amiss is happening.
These units can also use audio and visual deterrents to scare off wouldbe criminals and remote guards can contact local authorities to intervene if something criminal is happening.
Some companies have procured video monitoring equipment in an effort to reduce crime on jobsites. Over the years, this technology has evolved in three unique ways.
Early generations of surveillance equipment were purely “record and store” technologies, which could provide after-the-fact evidence of a crime on the jobsite. While this was useful for making insurance claims and providing evidence to law enforcement, it didn’t do much to prevent theft.
The next step was remote video monitoring services. This enabled construction companies to work with third parties to provide around-theclock, active monitoring. This brings us to the next evolution of video surveillance: using AI to analyze video in real time.
Now instead of relying solely on humans watching hours or days of video feeds to detect suspicious events, AI can detect these events automatically and alert a person for further review. This is a realworld example of humans working in tandem with AI to become better at their jobs. However, for AI to be accurate in this scenario, it has to be trained on each specific jobsite so that it can tell the difference between something innocent and criminal.
This site-specific element to AI is important, because if not properly trained, AI video can generate a profusion of false positive alerts and send people down rabbit holes that defeat the whole reason for using AI.
Each jobsite is unique; this is why AI needs to be tuned to its specific location. For example, if the jobsite is
located near woodlands, the AI needs to understand the difference between wildlife and people. Otherwise, it might issue an alert each time a raccoon stumbles onto the property.
Also, AI needs to understand the difference between innocent and criminal behavior—whether the actor is on foot or in a vehicle, pausing, stopping or otherwise acting suspiciously.
The more “experience” AI gains watching activity, the more accurate it becomes in distinguishing activities that are actionable. The more an AI video surveillance system can be finetuned to a unique jobsite, the faster it can deter criminal activity.
There’s no such thing as one-sizefits-all when it comes to AI. When done properly, customizing and training AI for individual construction jobsites can be a powerful tool in crime deterrence.
Read more at: eqtoday.co/aivideo
Satish Raj is chief technology officer for Pro-Vigil.
The ideal truck will maximize on-location maintenance and repair.
In the dynamic world of heavyduty industries, the demand for reliable onsite support has never been higher. Mechanic trucks, with their durability and versatility, have become the backbone of many operations. These specialized trucks bring the mechanic shop to the jobsite, providing on-location maintenance and repairs—minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
One primary advantage of mechanic trucks is their ability to be configured to meet the unique needs of different industries. From construction sites to oil fields, these trucks offer a level of onsite support that can significantly impact a contractor’s bottom line.
This article delves into some of the options available when building a mechanic truck, offering a quick guide to help contractors make informed decisions that align with the needs. Specifically, it will examine the crane, chassis, body, storage and equipment options for mechanic trucks.
Where to Begin: Understanding the Job & Regulations
Building the right mechanic truck starts with a thorough understanding of the job it’s intended for. Considerations such as the nature of the job, the environment it will be working in, driver and commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements, and weight regulations will help contractors decide the components of a mechanic truck. The crane, chassis and body are all related, and the build can start with any of those elements depending on which of the three is most important to the daily tasks the team wants to accomplish with the mechanic truck.
Starting with the Crane
When considering a telescopic crane for a mechanic truck, knowing how often the crane will be lifting, what will be lifted, how much weight needs to be lifted and how much reach is required will help operators select the type, length and capacity of the crane. The selected crane will help determine the body needed to manage the crane’s forces. From there, the body provides a range of chassis options to fit.
Starting with the Chassis
One key aspect to keep in mind is the gross vehicle weight rating of the chassis. This is an aspect that determines driver CDL requirements, and it influences the
payload available. Understanding the specific regulations applicable to the contractor and where the truck will be operating is important. Whether the chassis is gas or diesel and the transmission type impact how the equipment on the truck is powered.
Starting with the Body
The options related to the body include the length, the height of compartments, the body material, bumper options, stabilizers and load bed covers. The length of the body and height of compartments determine storage space for tools and parts. Depending on the environment the truck will be operating in and the payload needs, teams want to carefully consider the material the body is made of.
Material Considerations: Aluminum Versus Steel
Depending on the environment that the truck will be operating in and the payload needs, teams should carefully consider the material that the body is made of. Historically, mechanic trucks have been made from steel, because of its durability. Although steel is a valid option for some, aluminum has become increasingly popular.
Factors driving popularity are:
˜ Lighter weight: Aluminum enables a significantly lighter body, compared to steel, increasing payload capacity.
˜ Enhanced corrosion resistance: Aluminum mechanic trucks offer
the corrosion resistance needed for long-term service, crucial in areas with high humidity or heavy snow.
˜ Drill-free mounting rails: Some aluminum bodies use an extrusion with built-in mounting rails for accessories on top of the truck body. This makes it easy to add and move components while avoiding drilling holes.
Crane Considerations: Maximizing Mechanic Truck Capabilities
Adding versatility, a telescopic service crane facilitates the movement of heavier equipment, expedites equipment servicing by lifting heavy parts and allows for the precise placement or removal of materials in tight spaces. Cranes, varying in types and sizes, cater to specific applications. Factors like reach, capacity and duty cycle are crucial considerations in selecting the right crane for a mechanic truck. Understanding the demands of the job will help teams choose the right crane to integrate into their mechanic truck.
When it comes to telescopic service crane options for mechanic trucks, three main categories are available: electric, electrichydraulic and hydraulic cranes.
The Case for Electric Cranes
Electric cranes offer the advantage of not needing a power take off (PTO) and pump installed on the chassis to run hydraulics. The electronic cranes operate with an electric winch and an electric pump to run the self-contained hydraulics on the crane, making them a costeffective option when a smaller crane with a lower duty cycle is required. These cranes typically operate at one set speed.
The Case for ElectricHydraulic Cranes
Electric-hydraulic cranes, like electric cranes, don’t require a PTO and pump on the chassis. The difference is that electric-hydraulic cranes will use the electric pump to operate a hydraulic winch and other crane functions. These cranes typically can offer proportional control of the cranes, giving the operator more precise control over the speed at which the crane operates.
The Case for Hydraulic Cranes
Hydraulic cranes offer robust performance, providing a versatile solution with increased lifting capacities and duty cycles. These cranes are typically proportionally controlled, and their remotes usually have more features. These cranes are often favored for
heavy-duty applications in which maximum lifting capacity is crucial.
Equipment Considerations: Toolbox Systems, Air Compressors, Lube Skids & Power Units
Understanding the diverse range of equipment available enhances the functionality of the truck and allows contractors to tailor it to meet their challenges of onsite repairs.
Keeping in mind what side of the truck the team will be working on and how tools and parts should be stored is important. A well-organized toolbox system, parts bins and shelves serve as the cornerstone of efficiency, ensuring that every tool has its designated place to streamline workflow and minimize time spent searching for equipment.
Specific considerations such as size, material and handle options should be considered to enhance the functionality and accessibility of the toolbox system. The toolbox systems in mechanic trucks often feature drawers that are rated up to 500 pounds per drawer to ensure long-term durability. Like the body, some manufacturers offer heavy-duty aluminum drawer sets in addition to steel.
Air compressors provide the power needed to operate pneumatic tools, clean debris and offer inflation. Air compressors can be hydraulically driven if the chassis has a PTO and pump or driven by a small horsepower engine. Compressors can use rotary screws or pistons to compress the air. Knowing the volume of air and pressure needed and the duty cycle needed will help contractors select an air compressor.
Permanent-mounted and mobile lube skids are becoming a more popular addition to a mechanic truck because they enhance the overall efficiency of the maintenance and repair operations. They provide a centralized, convenient solution for dispensing and storing new oil, waste oil, grease and other lubricants. With lube equipment, a mechanic truck becomes a mobile hub for maintaining equipment.
Auxiliary power units are an alternative to a PTO and pump to power equipment. These self-contained units can power hydraulic systems, electric tools and even offer welding capabilities. They are driven by a small horsepower engine but some run on their battery power.
Building a mechanic truck requires thoughtful consideration of several factors and how all the components relate to each other. A lot of decisions must be made to craft the ultimate mechanic truck. This guide will help contractors navigate common options available, ensuring that
their investment aligns with the demands of the job and stands the test of time.
For more personalized guidance and assistance in making informed choices, contractors should partner with a manufacturer or one of their distributors. Their expertise can ensure that the truck is tailored to each contractor’s
needs and built to the highest quality standards.
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/MechTrucks
Adam Oppermann is product manager for Stellar.
Lori Ditoro, editorin-chief of Equipment Today, learns about augmented reality with Allison Transmission during Work Truck Week 2023.
Work Truck Week 2024 is coming up and there is a lot to be excited about. This article contains some of the Work Truck Week highlights, educational opportunities and special things you can expect when attending.
Work Truck Week has been around for two decades and continues to draw in large crowds of people who make, work with and work around work trucks. The show allows people of common communities to share insights and have a chance to view the new technologies and products being shown during the event. The show continues to grow every year, resulting in many new things being added. To be sure that you don’t miss out on any amazing opportunities, you’ll want to read this preview of some things you can plan on seeing at Work Truck Week this year.
The Work Truck Week tradeshow features multiple events and educational opportunities and takes place March 5-8 this year at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. The event offers specific things depending on the day. Don’t miss a thing because you didn’t know the hours or days it was being featured:
˜ Educational sessions will be from March 5 to March 7.
˜ The exhibit hall will be open March 6 to March 8.
˜ The Ride & Drive will take place March 6 to March 7.
The exhibit hall will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7. On Friday, March 8, the exhibit hall will be open from 9 a.m. to noon.
Because of the growing number of exhibitors wanting to participate in Work Truck Week, there will be a New Exhibitor Pavilion open on Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 500 exhibitors will be attending the show with a variety of equipment.
Work Truck Week spotlights many fascinating events and educational sessions. Here is a breakdown of some of the best things you can expect to find at 2024’s Work Truck Week show.
Green Truck Summit
The Green Truck Summit is a sustainability event at the Work Truck Week tradeshow. This event occurs on Tuesday, March 5, at JW Marriott Indianapolis. While this event is only available on the 5th, those who purchase the Green Truck Summit Conference package will also have access to other Work Truck Week breakout sessions.
The Green Truck Summit revolves around new industry ideas and standards for making work trucks more environmentally friendly and more “green.” Some of the highlights include:
˜ Work truck natural gas fuel options
˜ Hydrogen and fuel cell technology
˜ Adding advanced vehicle technology to your fleet
The Green Truck Summit focuses on the environmental factors that are affecting the work truck space like the increasing emission regulations that continue to be put in place. The event will have a few educational sessions about alternative fuel options which could include things like:
˜ Renewable diesel
˜ Hydrogen
˜ Electricity
˜ Biodiesel
The Ride & Drive event provides attendees with the opportunity to experience commercial vehicles that have some of the most updated technology or fuel options that the industry offers. You can ride in or drive some of these vehicles to get a taste of the latest and greatest when it comes to sustainability and technology. There will be more than 10 companies participating this event, proving a nice variety of advancements to check out.
You can find out which companies will have vehicles participating in this event and their booth numbers on the Work Truck Week website.
This event will be available to attendees March 6-7 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
There are quite a few special events taking place during this year’s Work Truck Week. These are four featured education sessions that we think you might like:
˜ Getting Started with Fleet Management. This full-day workshop will provide a rundown of the most valuable pieces involved in having an effective fleet management program. This will be brought to you by professionals at RTA Fleet. The session must be purchased separately from any of the registration packages. It will take place on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
˜ Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception: Leading Through Change. This three-hour course gives you key tips to lead your teams in the most successful way possible. The session must be purchased separately from any of the registration packages and will take place on March 6 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
˜ Indiana LTAP Fleet Educational Program: Municipal Fleet Management and Incorporating Alternative-Fueled Vehicles. This session focuses on the changes that alternatively fueled trucks and buses have on municipal fleets. The session must be purchased separately from any of the registration packages. This workshop will take place on March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
˜ Advanced Principles of Fleet Management. This is a course that is more on the advanced side of fleet management, designed to give some additional and more practical applications to instantly implement. The professionals at RTA Fleet also present this event. The session must be purchased separately from any of the registration and will take place on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Industry Networking
Work Truck Week provides a place for industry experts to offer information and advice to people working with and around work trucks and those who manufacture them. The event allows attendees to experience the up-andcoming advancements and technology, so they can determine what best suits them and their company.
There’s a lot to see and do at Work Truck Week 2024. Make sure you check out all of the educational courses being offered by going to Work Truck Week 2024’s website so you don’t miss out on a great opportunity to learn and improve.
Read more at: eqtoday.co/WTW24
As emission regulations tighten, construction equipment power sources will evolve, but adoption will be gradual.
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.
Hurdles to more widespread adoption include upfront costs because electric construction equipment is typically more expensive to purchase than diesel-powered equipment. More charging infrastructure is also necessary to support the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) in construction. Battery life can still be limited for larger vehicles and applications.
Electric Construction Equipment Offerings VOLTEQ begins production of the fully electric, 20-kilowatt SKY 1000 mini track loader with a 1,000-pound capacity in the first quarter of 2024. The larger SKY 2000 with a 2,000-pound capacity will follow in the first quarter 2025.
A skid steer with a 3,300-pound capacity will be introduced later in 2025. Mini excavators also are in development. Some form of hydrogenpowered innovations could be seen as early as 2026.
Volvo currently has six electric machines commercially available: two compact wheel loaders, three compact excavators and one compactor. The company has an electric mid-size excavator in testing and is working on more.
JCB’s offerings include the Mini Excavator 19C-1E; Site Dumper 1TE; Telehandler 525-60E, Dumpster HTD5E; Teletruk 30-19E and 35-22E; 403E Wheel Loader, and A45E/A45EH Articulated Booms.
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. [Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)] are moving quickly to electrify their product ranges.”
Having started with mini-electric excavators, it is progressing to larger machines. OEM activities, policy drivers and potential total cost of ownership savings lead IDTechEx to predict a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 38 percent and growth to an electric construction machine market value of less than $150 billion in 2043, putting the construction industry on target to hit international carbon neutrality goals by 2050.
As this ForConstructionPros.com story, “Power Prospects for Construction Heavy Equipment,” noted, hesitancy to work with EV construction equipment centers on having enough power and torque to do the work, keeping equipment charged and operator training.
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.
EVs are seeing high adoption rates across various industries globally, as this ForConstructionPros. com story, “What’s
Driving Commercial Vehicle Electrification?,” noted.
“As carbon reduction goals and regulations continue to gain traction, transitioning to electric is an easy and significant way to reduce a fleet’s emissions,” Lars Arnold, product manager – sustainable power, Volvo Construction Equipment, said.
Arnold noted that early adopters have been pleasantly surprised by how quiet the machines are and how much less vibration operators feel.
“They can easily talk to someone while the machine is running, and they feel much less fatigued at the end of the day,” he added.
The ability to perform work for which diesel machines may not be right is another perk, Arnold said.
“This includes work in densely populated areas, night jobs, indoor demolition, agriculture, food production and high-dust environments where sparking is a concern,” he added.
Idle time is another big differentiator, Arnold said.
The VOLTEQ battery-powered SKY 1000 can be operated by remote control, separating operators from any equipment vibration and distancing them from dust or debris.
Jobs that can rack up 10,000 hours on a diesel machine might add 6,000 hours or 7,000 hours to a comparable electric machine.
A substantial reduction in operating costs is a prime reason to make the switch to battery-electric equipment.
“With diesel equipment, operating time is defined by engine runtime; a lot of those hours are counted while the machine is idle,” he said. “With electric, as soon as the operator stops working— such as a landscaper waiting for a pipe to be placed in a trench they just dug— the motors turn off and no operating hours are accumulated.”
Jobs that can rack up 10,000 hours on a diesel machine might only add 6,000 hours or 7,000 hours to a comparable electric machine, Arnold said, adding that saved hours lower operating costs and improve resale values.
“Some buyers may be hesitant because the initial purchase price is higher for electric, but it’s important to remember how much money they will save on maintenance and fuel,” Arnold said.
Arnold indicated that these factors significantly reduce maintenance time:
˜ 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
Incentives on the local level through the federal level are another benefit for Arnold.
“All these benefits come without a sacrifice in performance or power,” he added. “We often hear [that] operators
feel electric machines perform better because there is instant torque rather than the slight delay diesel machines usually have.”
Mike Slattery, VOLTEQ vice president of business development, said a substantial reduction in operating costs is a prime reason to make the switch. These savings result from the absence of a combustion engine that requires maintenance or eventual repair of the following:
˜ Oil, air, and fuel filters
˜ Engine coolant
˜ Radiator
˜ Thermostat
˜ Fuel sensors
˜ Injectors
˜ Belts
˜ Alternators
Savings by charging with electricity versus gas or diesel varies based on regional markets and fluctuations in commodity prices, Slattery added.
Slattery also said improved jobsite conditions for employees working with zero emissions and greatly reduced decibel output is a significant benefit, adding “this is nice to have for outdoor work and essential when working indoors.”
According to Slattery, VOLTEQ’s battery-powered SKY 1000 can also be operated by remote control, separating operators from any equipment vibration and distancing them from dust or debris at the point of work and providing an opportunity for improved visibility.
“Electric is not a fad—it’s here to stay,” said Arnold. “We can expect charging infrastructure to remain a top priority for the EV industry, construction industry and more.
“Charging is the part we get asked about most, but the options are better than some may think. The more power you can put into your electric machine, the faster it will charge. It’s like filling your vehicle with a gas station pump versus a gas can.”
The first option that is “built-in” is regular grid charging, according to Arnold.
“We recommend a 240-volt, 32-amp Level 2 alternating-current (AC) charging setup using an SAE J1772 charging adapter or J plug. That may sound complex, but it’s the same setup EVs usually use,” he added. “If you don’t already have the outlet needed for this, it is an easy update to make. You can also charge the machines on a common household 120-volt network, but it takes longer.”
A direct-current (DC) fast charger is another option for a quick charge to finish out the day, Arnold noted.
“At Volvo, our DC fast charging solution charges directly with 48 volts DC and up to 360 amps. Charging times are drastically reduced. For portable charging, we partner with a few companies,” he said.
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 having charging plans in place before purchasing or leasing electric equipment is ideal.
Factors to consider are:
˜ The number of hours or shifts per day that the equipment will be used.
˜ The duty factor needed. “Digging or moving materials can be less demanding and allow longer run times while powering motorized attachments, such as an auger or trencher, can draw more power, reducing run times by approximately 40% to 50%,” Slattery said.
˜ Necessary charging requirements (voltage and amperage) and the connector type required to recharge. VOLTEQ’s SKY 1000 has a 20-kilowatt lithium-ion battery that can be plugged into a common 120-volt/20amp single-phase outlet after a typical day’s work and recharge in 5 hours to 7 hours. For machines with larger battery capacity, higher voltage and amperage and threephase circuits may be necessary. Ideally, equipment is equipped with an on-board smart charger offering faster charging ability when suitable circuits are accessible, Slattery said, adding that VOLTEQ’s SKY 1000 includes a smart charger compatible with 95 volts to 265 volts, making it possible to reduce charging time by
almost half when the higher voltage circuit is available.
˜ 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. He added that it is more practical on less demanding platforms or where shorter duty cycles are needed.
Charging infrastructure challenges with electric construction equipment differ from that with an on-road vehicle, says Lee Tice, JCB product manager.
While on-road EVs have specialized Type 1 and Type 2 chargers, JCB machines use built-in onboard chargers using standard plugs, such as a 110volt outlet and a 220-volt option, for its construction equipment, eliminating the need for a specialized plug for charging, Tice said.
“If you’re on a remote jobsite, most construction sites are going to have a temporary power source from the power company that would be 110 volts, 220 volts,” he added. “Our machine [will] accept that power interface where they can charge that machine at the end of a work shift.”
JCB also offers a rapid charger.
“If the machine is going to be on a large industrial site or construction site for an extended … period, the contractor can have an electrician wire this box into the facility,” said Tice, adding that it offers onsite charging in about 2 hours.
While lower operating costs can quickly make up for higher prices of electric equipment, the initial cost can be a barrier.
“Savings of 60% to 70% in operating costs can overcome the price difference when compared to an internalcombustion-engine (ICE) powered equivalent in as little as 12 months, depending on the frequency of use,” Slattery said.
Slattery indicated that the fear of battery life being too short and expensive to replace is another challenge.
“A battery life charging cycle is one complete charge from 0% to 100%,” he said. “A 50% charge session equals [a] 0.5 charging cycle. Commercial lithium batteries in construction equipment can
be rated with 2,000 to 3,000 charging cycles and estimated to provide more than 12 years of battery life.”
Replacement costs can be planned for by setting a percent of operating cost savings aside for future battery replacement. Battery costs will significantly decrease as their popularity increases in the coming years, according to Slattery.
For those who view battery life or capacity as challenges, Arnold offers these best management practices:
˜ Charge during a workday pause.
“Because these are lithium-ion batteries, they have no memory effect,” he said. “You can top them off during a break and continue working.”
˜ When possible, charge from midlevel to full as opposed to draining the battery completely before recharging. “When you charge from 30% or 40% back up to 80% or 100%, it’s better for the overall lifetime of the battery,” Arnold said.
˜ Don’t operate an electric machine at full throttle all the time. “You usually don’t need the excessive power anyway,” he added.
˜ Don’t worry about turning the machine off to save battery. “Most come with auto shutdown, so if you stop running the machine, the electric motor turns off,” Arnold said. “To get working again, it turns on instantly.”
“As with most things new, people may be concerned about what they don’t know or have experience with,” Slattery said. “The rental path will be one way for people to get the experience and understanding they don’t yet have with electric construction equipment.”
Arnold thinks that 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.
Electrification: Not the Sole Solution to Reducing Emissions
“There is no single solution when it comes to sustainable power,” Arnold said. “That’s why, on various products, we are exploring technologies like hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells and alternative fuels.
“Compact machines are where electrification has started; [electrification doesn’t] work for every application. We have an electric midsize excavator in pilot testing and are working toward electrifying bigger machines.”
“EVs do not scale very well as we start talking about the larger construction equipment such as excavators and large wheel loaders,” said Tice. “You would be looking at an
enormous [number] of batteries on the machine and extended charge times ...”
JCB has explored hydrogen combustion technology for its construction equipment.
“This is not your typical hydrogen fuel cell running hydrogen through a series of plates and then charging batteries to run the machine,” Tice said. “This is an ICE running off hydrogen gas, still producing zero emission. You’re putting steam out of the tail.”
JCB focuses on compact equipment that will benefit from electric technology to keep the 8-hour runtime in the machine to avoid losing performance, Tice said.
“Zero emissions is great, but if the contractor buys a machine and only gets 3 hours of run time … before [having to] charge it, that’s not benefiting his jobsite productivity,” he added.
“Electrification is proving to be a long-term solution for construction equipment, but as infrastructure and technology become established, there is great potential for hydrogen as an alternative, clean-energy solution,” Slattery said.
“Two exciting benefits of hydrogen fuel when compared to batterypowered equipment are refueling options and refueling time,” he added. “While charging batteries can take hours, refueling with hydrogen can take minutes. The cost of hydrogen needs to come down by almost 50%, but that could come as the hydrogen infrastructure evolves.”
According to Slattery, infrastructure will make bringing hydrogen to jobsites or taking equipment to hydrogen stations for refueling convenient.
“The electrification evolution will be advantageous to the use of hydrogen fuel options,” he added.
“Either a hydrogen fuel cell or a hydrogen-powered ICE will generate electricity that continuously charges smaller batteries powering the electric drivetrain of equipment rather than plugging in to replenish much larger batteries that you must stop and recharge over … longer times.”
Slattery predicted it could be 3 years to 5 years before hydrogen solutions truly enter the construction segment.
“JCB is making great progress, and the U.S. government recently announced plans for seven major hydrogen hubs across the country,” Slattery said. “Providers of fuel cells with suitable power are making their way to market. Cummins is now offering two popular displacement engines to run on hydrogen, and multiple brands of trucks are pioneering hydrogen options.”
Read more at: eqtoday.co/ElectricMove
The trailer-mounted designs and the work truck upfits allow for the transport of bulk diesel and other daily fluids without requiring the driver to have a HAZMAT endorsement on their license and may also not require a CDL (depending on the combination of truck and trailer).
The field fueling and service landscape has evolved to a place where contractors should feel empowered to control more of the sourcing and distribution of critical daily fluids and service needs.
There was a day when field fueling and service was a two-option proposition: either contractors got by with small containers and diesel nurse tanks in the back of pickup trucks, or they were big enough to own a fullsized fuel or service rig. There was very little in the way of in-between solutions that weren’t homemade, unroadworthy or otherwise unreliable.
And sure, contractors can hire out some fueling and field service activities, but that puts them at the mercy of other service providers’ schedules, which isn’t always convenient, particularly if their fleet operates on weekends, during holidays or in remote areas.
The solution: There are now products on the market—in trailermounted configurations and medium duty work truck upfits— that allow contractors to deliver bulk diesel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), grease and other service fluids to the jobsite. These solutions don’t require employees with additional
driver’s license certifications or endorsements, require a smaller upfront investment than larger solutions, and allow each business owner/fleet manager to control their own destiny.
The trailer-mounted designs and the work truck upfits allow for the transport of bulk diesel and other daily fluids without requiring the driver to have a HAZMAT endorsement on their license and may also not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) (depending on the combination of truck and trailer). This is accomplished by compartmentalizing the diesel (and other fluids) in tanks that hold fewer than 119 gallons—the most volume allowed in a single compartment for select fluids. In the case of diesel, each compartment connects to a common manifold for fueling. Models that allow for a combination of varied fluids ( for example, diesel, engine oil, hydraulic oil and waste oil reclaim)
for daily service feature completely independent storage tanks, lines and pumping apparatus.
These solutions allow businesses to take on their own bulk fluid transportation. In the past, they may have not wanted to invest in larger service trucks.
Lower Cost of Entry, Carrying Costs
Businesses that have considered their own service or bulk fuel trucks in the past may have been dissuaded by the initial purchase price; the increased labor costs of drivers with HAZMAT endorsements and CDLs; and the greater owning and operating costs that come with big trucks (like upkeep, insurance, and wear and tear).
The trailered versions of these solutions can haul up to 920 gallons of diesel (and combinations of other fluids). They can also be pulled behind the pickup trucks/work trucks already owned by contractors, and cost a fraction of the investment of a fullsized fuel or service truck.
The medium-duty truck upfits are also less expensive at the time of purchase and maintain similarly lower lifetime owning and operating costs.
Accessibility
Delivering bulk diesel and service fluids to open jobsites is easy and can be done by trucks of all sizes—but these more compact solutions allow for greater access to jobsites in urban areas and otherwise compact jobsites where wheeling in a large truck doesn’t make sense. Particularly, in the case of the medium-duty work truck upfits, that vehicle can drive point-to-point around the site and fill up and service equipment. Driving a truck of this size through urban traffic and accessing crowded jobsites is also much easier than with a 3,000-gallon to 4,000gallon tanker.
The trailered versions can also be detached, giving operators the freedom to leave the trailer on the jobsite and travel more freely with a pickup truck, which is obviously not possible with a much larger fuel or service truck.
For contractors who have relied on 100-gallon diesel nurse tanks in the back of pickup trucks, 2-gallon jugs of DEF, tubes of grease, and jugs of oil and coolant rather than a centralized fluids platform because it was cost prohibitive—these newer solutions are more practical to deploy within fleets. And when contractors look at the time and resource savings that are possible when having these solutions on-site and on-demand, the practical return on investment becomes apparent:
˜ Fewer trips to and from gas stations throughout the week and fewer stops traveling to and from the jobsite
˜ No downtime: Fuel and fluids are available on demand
˜ Cost savings tied to buying fluids in bulk versus buying them in individual packaging
Which brings up a great point about waste: for many of these fluids, having them in bulk means acquiring, storing and disposing of many smaller containers.
These newer, service-oriented, centralized solutions allow contractors to eliminate the management, hassle and cost of those smaller packages and the physical waste that comes along with them.
Control
Business today is all about streamlining and efficiency–squeezing every bit of value from a project while keeping productivity moving forward. Owning and operating a fluid and service platform ensures that contractors have access to the fluids they need at all times.
They are never at the mercy of a service provider’s schedule. They also
have greater control over the sourcing and quality of the fluids they are putting into their equipment, which provides added peace of mind.
The trailers, particularly, offer a level of customization and versatility that allow for each user to add things important to their business.
The front compartment, in addition to housing the DEF system, can include space for toolboxes, additional oil tanks and storage. Optional
rear utility boxes can include full greasing systems, toolboxes, welders, generators and air compressors.
One of the most popular options available is a light tower, which ensures that teams can work on their equipment at any time of day. Other options like waste oil reclaim systems make changing oil and fluids in the field much easier than in the past.
When weighed together, the field fueling and service landscape has evolved to a place where contractors and fleet managers should feel
empowered to grab the bull by the horns and control more of the sourcing and distribution of critical daily fluids and service needs. It’s never been more practical, more cost effective and more profitable to operations.
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/fieldfuel
Larry Lea is vice president of sales for Thunder Creek Equipment.
Equipped with a powerful 250-hp CAT C7.1 Tier 4 Final engine, the Morooka MST110CR is emissions compliant. With an upgraded final drive, it can reach a top speed of 8.7 mph, an increase of 18% over the previous model.
The Morooka MST110CR also features a rugged HARDOX steel dump bed, which is resistant to impact and wear.
The all-new Morooka
E-Hydro Control, or M-EHC, system, provides electronic monitoring of systems, while the single joystick control enables operators to maneuver the machine.
For operators, this machine offers auto deceleration and a ROPS cabin. Side and rear cameras provide a clear view of the surrounding area.
Briggs & Stratton is growing its Vanguard electrification portfolio to include a new series of motors and motor controllers. With the launch of its own motors and motor controllers, Vanguard will be able to offer original equipment manufacturers components that deliver a full battery system solution. The company’s new MVG Series Motors and MC Series Motor Controllers include different power options to meet voltage needs across equipment sizes. The MVG Series includes the MVG1500, MVG2200, MVG3000 and MVG4000 Motors. The MC Series includes MC2000, MC4000 and MC8000 Motor Controllers. These new motors and controllers will go into production in 2024.
The HT 160 SLD 3 Hooklift highlights performance with a 10% reduction in dead weight while maintaining a consistent lifting and tipping capacity of 16,000 lbs. at a 36-in. hook height and 18,000 lbs. at a 54-in. hook height.
Coupled with an innovative subframe design that includes a raised front cross member, the HT 160 SLD 3 Hooklift is versatile and fits a range of trucks.
It also has a Standard Advanced Mounting system, which supports installation, minimizing downtime during set up. This hooklift features an adjustable hook height (measuring 36 in./54 in.) for maximum flexibility.
Stellar Industries’ NXT40 Hooklift is the latest telescopic hooklift in the NXT Series and features a Z-channel base design and a universal body latching system. The NXT40 is made in the U.S. and has a 40,000-lb. capacity hoist, built for tandem axle chassis. The unit has a 54-in./61.75-in. hook height and rectangular-style secondary jib. With a 10.5-in. lost load height, Stellar offers a low profile, providing a lower vertical center of gravity and the ability to accommodate down to 6-in. subframe heights.
Reading Truck’s new Contractor body comes equipped with A60 galvannealed steel construction, e-coat primer and powder coat finish. Available in 10-ft. and 12-ft. lengths, the Contractor Body is built upon Reading’s heavy-duty platform body and includes standard features like a fork truck loadable material rack; 12-gauge, hotrolled deck plate; moveable tailboard for different space configurations with 17-in., fold-down rails; and signature tool boxes.
The Contractor Body also addresses the safety of operators with LED lighting and an interchangeable tapered bulkhead available for visibility from the cab.
Many options are available for this body, including a top-opening Spacemaker and shovel box for long storage.
Hilltip’s new SnowStriker
VTR snowplows are designed for compact tractors and loaders weighing 2.5 tons to 5 tons. These v-plows feature heavy-duty box construction to withstand harsh conditions. Available in six models ranging from 5.5 ft. to 8.6 ft. wide, VTR snowplows have a curved, powder-coated blade to create a snow-rolling effect. The high-strength steel blades help make the plows light yet durable. An adjustable, two-segment cutting edge with trip springs offers plow protection. Additionally, the plow provides superior coverage because the segments compress independently when obstacles are hit. The cutting edges are available in polyurethane or high-strength steel.
Teleo launched autonomous technology for construction vehicles and work areas. The autonomous capability is tramming, or autonomously hauling materials from one point to another.
Operators driving dump trucks spend the majority of their time tramming from one point to another. By automating the tramming portion, one operator can run multiple machines simultaneously.
The physical dumping of materials will be handled remotely by one operator controlling multiple machines from a command center.
Chevron introduced Rykon, a new overbased calcium sulfonate complex grease, to its recently refreshed line of products. Rykon supports the need for high-performance grease for equipment on construction sites.
With its formulation, Rykon will round out Chevron’s grease offering with a grease formulated for heavy-duty and extreme pressure applications. This calcium sulfonate complex-based grease also provides an alternative option to lithium-based thickeners.
“By introducing Rykon to our grease portfolio, we are offering a new solution for highpressure applications and ensuring customers have a high-performance grease when they need it,” said Zach Sutton, Chevron Lubricants industrial sector specialist. “As demand for raw materials grows, we remain committed to finding solutions like Rykon that will exceed the demands of machinery and equipment today and tomorrow.”
Simulation-based training isn’t the sole solution to the workforce challenges faced by the construction sector, but it is undoubtedly a tool with several advantages that help us bridge the gap.
The construction industry in the U.S. faces some complex challenges in the future.
More than 40% of the current workforce will retire within the next 10 years. In 2024 alone, the construction sector will need to attract almost 342,000 new workers to meet the labor needs. This is according to a recently developed model by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
“The construction industry must recruit hundreds of thousands of qualified, skilled construction professionals each year to build the places where we live, work, play, worship, learn and heal,” said Michael Bellaman, ABC president and CEO, in February 2023.
“As the demand for construction services remains high, filling these roles with skilled craft professionals is vital to America’s economy and infrastructure rebuilding initiatives.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of the construction industry, skilled operators are crucial for the successful and safe completion of projects. As technology continues to reshape the way we build, simulated training has emerged to prepare construction operators for the challenges they probably will encounter on the job.
Simulation has been a well-proven educational tool for many years, and for several professions, it is even a required part of the training before ever handling a real machine. For example, flying an aircraft is nearly impossible without proper training, and most of all, it can be very costly and put lives at risk.
This article discusses some of the benefits of simulation-based training, tailored to the construction industry. Safety, cost efficiency and time savings are just some benefits.
The conditions can be practiced repeatedly to learn and understand the operation. This proactive approach to safety fosters a culture of risk awareness and mitigation.
Construction operators often work with heavy machinery and specialized equipment. Simulated training allows aspiring operators to practice operating these machines in a virtual environment that closely mirrors real-world conditions. This realistic experience enhances their proficiency in handling complex equipment, ensuring that they are well-prepared for onsite operations.
The construction industry often involves high costs associated with equipment, materials and potential project delays. A simulator is a wise investment with low operating costs and minimal downtime.
Compared to a real machine, the operating cost of a simulator is just a fraction of the cost. This reduces training expenses and eliminates the risk of equipment damage during the learning process.
Save Time
Simulators allow users to gain more training hours unaffected by seasonal and weather constraints. Furthermore, users can practice independently with minimal supervision from an instructor. In addition, practicing in a safe and relaxed environment provides more effective learning.
Environmental Benefits
For the construction industry, the environmental benefits of simulated training are significant and contribute to sustainable practices.
and eco-friendly option. Producing and running a simulator leaves a minimal climate footprint compared to a machine operating on fossil fuels. Training in real machines is necessary, but simulated training is a perfect complement to foster a more environmentally responsible approach and promote sustainable practices.
Effective As an Educational Tool Analyzing user performance in simulation training offers multifaceted benefits. This process involves quantitative assessment, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in an operator’s skills.
Real-time feedback and scenariospecific evaluations contribute to immediate improvement, while performance benchmarking allows for comparisons against industry standards. The data-driven insights obtained from this analysis inform adaptive learning paths, competency mapping, and documentation for certifications and compliance.
Ultimately, the ability to scrutinize user performance gives the following benefits:
• Enhances training effectiveness
• Promotes individual skill development
• Aids organizations in making informed decisions for safer and more proficient construction operations
Practice Cooperation
In reality, many operations at a construction site require collaboration between several machines and operators. Practicing this on a jobsite can be cumbersome, expensive and even dangerous. Therefore, the advantages of practicing this in a simulation are many. Some simulators allow machines and people to interact
operation is entirely safe and timeand cost-effective. In addition, no fossil fuels are consumed, which makes this a greener solution.
Complementary Solution
Simulation-based training is not the sole solution to the workforce challenges faced by the construction sector, but it is a tool with several advantages that help bridge the gap. Contractors can train more people to become advanced operators, ready to work on sites across the U.S.
Operators will still need to train in real machines, but the learning process can be accomplished more effectively. As the industry progresses, the incorporation of simulation training is positioned to be a critical factor in shaping a new generation of adept, safe and environmentally
eqtoday.co/simconst
Freddy Lund is CEO of Tenstar Simulation.
Understanding your business’ financial performance is critical to longterm sustainability and success. However, you must have the right structure in place for capturing your financial data.
The first step to setting up a good accounting structure is to determine the different departments, divisions or locations you may want to track. For example, you may determine that you want to track residential work separately from commercial work. You also may want to track your administrative expenses or sales and marketing costs as separate departments so that you can easily see how much you’re spending in each area. If you have multiple business units or locations—for
example an office in Chicago, Illinois, and Madison, Wisconsin—you’ll likely want to separate those into different divisions so that you can ensure that each location is performing to the level you want.
Assuming you have one geographic location but you do different types of work, your divisions might look like this:
˜ Commercial
˜ Residential
˜ Admin/Overhead
If you have multiple locations, you may end up with divisions that look like this:
˜ Chicago
˜ Commercial
˜ Residential
˜ Madison
˜ Commercial
˜ Residential
˜ Administrative/Overhead
Tracking Services
Once you have determined your different divisions, then you need to decide what types of activity you want to track. Do you have different services that you provide? You’ll want to set up a revenue account for each service. In addition to each revenue account, you’ll want to create corresponding cost of goods sold (COGS) accounts. For example,
you may have revenue accounts for asphalt, concrete, patching and other. If these are the categories you want to track, you may want to divide your materials costs by the same categories. There is no one way to set up your chart of accounts, but it’s important to set up accounts and break things out in a way that you want to be able to review the activity.
After your revenue and COGS accounts are set up, you’ll want to create accounts for each of your operating expenses. This is for expenses that are not directly related to revenue production, such as administrative labor costs, rent, utilities, accounting, marketing and other overhead costs. You should set these up in the same way you did for the revenue and COGS accounts. Set up an account for each category you want to track. Other than a few expense items that need to be tracked for tax reporting purposes, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the expenses to track. Set up accounts that allow you to track the spending that you want to see.
One thing to consider as you set up your chart of accounts is that less is more. Do not set up an account for
every single vendor or every time you come across a new type of expense.
Think about the key areas that you need to review to understand your business, trends and performance.
Those are the accounts you’ll want to set up so that you can review results each month. You don’t want to look through five different pages of a profit and loss statement to figure out if there is an area you need to be concerned about.
As a general rule, if you don’t have at least five to 10 transactions hit a specific account within a year, you may not need to have that account separated from the others. Try to group vendors and expenses into categories that will help you understand areas where you can make changes to your activity to impact your results.
Your accounting structure is a key factor in setting up a financially successful business. Simplify. Start with the high-level categories you want to track. You can always add additional divisions and categories as you scale.
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/accounting
Shauna Huntington is the founder and CEO of Fortiviti.
The economic uncertainty that marked 2023 has carried into the new year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean 2024 will be full of gloom and doom. Indeed, the U.S. has averted a recession, employment continues to be strong, and a soft landing is widely predicted.
Although we are not yet out of the woods, there is hope for a better economic climate in the months ahead.
However, one result of lingering uncertainty is that banks and traditional lenders have tightened standards and terms on commercial and industrial loans to businesses of all sizes.
The impact on the construction industry is real, with credit constraints affecting construction equipment purchasing power. It’s a challenge for all involved, especially small to mid-sized companies seeking equipment leases and loans to help them grow.
That’s where independent story lenders come in. As an alternative financing source, they are a unique type of lender. They see greater opportunity in a challenging economy to assist non-investment-grade customers and capital-hungry businesses.
As everyone knows: To execute a contract for a construction project, you need equipment. To procure that equipment, you need financing. But while risk-averse lenders take a waitand-see approach, the economy marches on, and there is still business to be done. That makes story lenders a critical resource right now.
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank last year had a transformative effect on many industries, including equipment leasing and finance. With memories of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and large bank failures still fresh in everyone’s minds, banks naturally tightened up. Add to that the rise in interest rates and inflation, it’s clear why so many lenders remain cautious in 2024.
However, there is some good news from the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. Real equipment and software investment growth is projected to be 2.2% this year, according to the 2024 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook.
Over the next three to six months, the Foundation expects construction machinery, agriculture machinery and material handling equipment investment to be positive.
Story lenders will be an essential part of that growth, with originations increasing as construction businesses assess their equipment needs and look for financing to help them complete projects. These lenders will also continue to partner directly with construction equipment dealers and manufacturers to deliver the funding to non-investmentgrade customers.
A story lender can fill the gap by providing equipment financing for businesses with unique circumstances, less-than-perfect credit or short-term cash constraints. In fact, many of the clients they serve have been previously turned down by banks or traditional lenders. In situations where banks and other financing companies may decide not to write leases or loans to prospective customers with C, D, or story credits, a story lender will dig deeper and work to find a creative financing solution for corporate, dealer and manufacturer partners.
Story lenders serve businesses of all shapes and sizes, encompassing every industrial sector from construction, agriculture and manufacturing to medical and information technology. These customers want and need money but are unable to meet the rigid lending criteria of banks and other funders. Story lenders can help customers such as:
˜ Small and mid-market firms
˜ Startups and pre-revenue businesses
˜ Venture capital and private-equitybacked companies
˜ C, D, and story credits
˜ Turnarounds
Story lenders specialize in making credit decisions and offering funding solutions based on the customer’s potential. They seek to establish a relationship and will try to understand an applicant’s unique needs. Then they get down to business to develop a creative finance solution, which may include flexible terms or a down payment tailored to meet the customer’s needs.
Story lenders listen to the applicant. They consider their customer’s situation, opportunities, specific goals and challenges. They look at the financials but then spend time learning more about the who, what, when, where and why.
They look beyond the balance sheet because they know there is usually more to the “story” than credit scores and financial reports.
In these ways, story lenders gain muchneeded context to make a credit decision. Using all those elements, they try to find a way to get to yes for applicants who have only heard no from other lenders.
Story lenders strive to step into the shoes of the business owner and get a feel for current opportunities and what could happen down the road. In many circumstances, the business has landed a contract that could be transformative in its long-term growth.
For these small and mid-market noninvestment-grade companies, credit approval can unlock capital that allows them to meet a vital timeline or seize an opportunity when otherwise they may have stagnated or been missed altogether.
Timelines can be critical, so a speedy response is another key benefit to working with story lenders, many of which are active in industry groups such as the National Equipment Finance Association and the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.
Story lenders work with many types of businesses and entrepreneurs who are trying to grow their businesses. Often, there is an unrecognized strength, a hidden opportunity or an underappreciated skill that a traditional lender would overlook, but a story lender finds valuable.
These aspects of the business are revealed by story lenders who know how to listen to a customer’s story.
The key for the customer is to tell their story well. Be detailed and thorough. Don’t hold back. Something you might perceive as irrelevant could be of keen interest to a story lender. Remember that the more information you provide about yourself and your business, the better.
The need for equipment by commercial businesses, nonprofits and government organizations will continue in 2024, with stronger investment activity expected in the final quarters. And a compelling part of that scene will be story lenders as they continue their legacy of being a difference-maker for so many.
Read more at: eqtoday.co/confinance
Dean Oliver is vice president of business development and principal of NFS Leasing.
As AI technology to manage safety onsite and capture incident information comes more broadly to market, Oracle and Newmetrix provide enterprise safety insights and predictive analytics.
When contractors think about construction safety technology and systems, they may primarily envision software and devices deployed on site.
Contractors may use software systems to record and report safety incidents to support their own management decisions and for regulatory reporting. This safety reporting is often supported directly in construction operations software, including field productivity solutions like Raken, Assignar and HCSS Safety or project management tools like Procore, InEight or Autodesk Build.
They may also deploy cameras or Internet of Things (IoT) devices to capture activity on the site and deploy machine vision to document whether safety practices are being followed. Wearable IoT devices from companies like Triax and Eyrus may assist in coordinating workers and crews on a site and capture safety incidents using
manual entry, accelerometers and other tech.
Applications that capture imagery for other purposes—like Earthcam’s robotic cameras, which are primarily used to document time-lapse progress imagery—are also delivering artificial intelligence (AI) safety functionality. Earthcam uses its archive of images to train their AI to spot and send notifications of unsafe work.
On construction equipment, technologies ranging from intelligent radar motion detection to machinelearning-driven pedestrian detection help prevent safety incidents and may capture data on incidents and near misses. Technologies are also coming to market that use AI to identify not just pedestrians but objects, berms, voids and other pieces of equipment.
While these AI-driven applications often capture data that can be used to look back at what happened, AI is also coming to market that can apply predictive analytics to safety data,
helping contractors report on errors and prevent them before they recur.
In the case of Oracle, which acquired safety AI vendor Newmetrix in late 2022, these predictive insights can increasingly be shared across a broader construction analytics platform in Oracle Construction Intelligence Cloud. This is significant because, rather than being isolated in its own data silo, these predictive safety analytics can be extended for proactive decision support by management.
Construction Safety Predictive Analytics
Newmetrix, founded in 2015 as Smartvid.io, was a middle-market sized startup at the time of the acquisition. Postacquisition, Newmetrix is a standard Oracle SKU that
can be sold by any Oracle Construction and Engineering sales representative and channel partners.
IRONPROS debriefed former Newmetrix CEO and current Oracle Senior Director of Product and Strategy for Construction Intelligence Cloud Josh Kanner in December 2023.
“We are a part of the broader Oracle Construction Intelligence Cloud analytics and AI team,” Kanner said.
“The vision at Oracle is to provide AI and analytics across the key areas of construction delivery risk, from safety to schedule to cost to quality, helping contractors and owners reduce risk and improve their overall project portfolio performance.”
Kanner founded other companies that have been acquired by IBM and Autodesk and appreciates the breadth of an enterprise organization, which gives existing customers an enterpriselevel customer support organization and stable, secure provisioning on the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).
“We have now trained up the Oracle customer success team,” Kanner said. “And some Newmetrix customer success folks have come across as well … It’s great to be ... part of that bigger team. I’ve been in a couple acquisitions before, and it’s always great to come in as a part of a broader work, especially when the visions are so well aligned like they are with Oracle.”
Construction Safety AI on OCI
Becoming part of Oracle has increased the total number of customers that the Newmetrix technology can reach,
Predictive insights can increasingly be shared across a broader construction analytics platform in Oracle Construction Intelligence Cloud.
and deep integrations are designed to make it into a core benefit of a broader application set. While the full scope of Oracle’s plan for its new construction safety AI analytics technology is yet to be made public, we are able to share some insights.
“Most recently, the Newmetrix platform, as it exists today, went through an Oracle Security, audit and update process,” Kanner said. “And as a result, [it] is now available as of October through Oracle Systems as a formal Oracle product. That was a big milestone for us, to now be formal Oracle SKU for sales and acquisition and management through all the normal Oracle processes. The next big milestone is going to be next year, where the Newmetrix product is going to be relaunched within OCI as a part of the broader Construction Intelligence Cloud.”
Oracle has made substantial investments in OCI’s ability to support AI applications. In September at Oracle Cloudworld in Las Vegas, the company announced that Oracle Database 23c will support AI vector search. According to the release, this will “enable the Oracle Database to store the semantic content of documents, images and other unstructured data as vectors and use these to run fast similarity queries. These new capabilities also support retrieval augmented generation (RAG), a breakthrough generative AI technique that combines large language models (LLMs) and private business data to deliver responses to natural language questions. RAG provides higher accuracy and avoids having to expose private data by including it in the LLM training data.”
RAG has been praised for increasing the security of LLMs and reducing made-up responses. Extending an enterprise database for AI instead of relying on a stand-alone application, brings additional benefits.
“Oracle Database is [a] ... repository of business data, and the combination of business data and semantic data is what enterprises need to implement AI solutions,” Oracle Executive Vice president, Mission-Critical Database Technologies Juan Loaiza said in the release. “Searches on a combination of business and semantic data are easier, faster and more precise if both types of data are managed by a single database. By adding AI Vector Search to Oracle Database, we enable customers to quickly and easily get the benefits of artificial intelligence without sacrificing security, data integrity or performance. Using Oracle AI Vector search does not require machine learning expertise. All database users, including developers and administrators, can learn to use it in less than 30 minutes.”
From a raw compute-power standpoint, Oracle also offers the OCI Supercluster AI Infrastructure, which is engineered for demanding AI applications including computer vision, natural language processing and recommendation systems.
“OCI is built in a very modern way with a memory architecture, which allows us to do virtual clustering for AI,” Kanner said. “They’ve called for graphical-processing-unit-based machines, which are basically hive memory-based transaction machines that are used in AI. You’ll hear Larry Ellison talk about the fact that we’re winning business like Uber. And ... Elon Musk, just for X, bought a massive amount of capacity because of the advantage that OCI has over the other hyperscalers in the area of AI from a cost and performance standpoint.”
Safety
This move will bring benefits to existing Oracle construction customers who gain the Newmetrix safety AI toolset and to Newmetrix and its
Newmetrix is exposing safety data to predictive analytics to actively prevent incidents. The software is being embedded more deeply in Oracle Construction Intelligence Cloud to extend insights into the systems used by more decisionmakers and managers.
existing customers who get new capabilities through integration and bulletproof provisioning as the solution moves from Amazon Web Services onto OCI.
“We integrate directly with Oracle products like ACONEX, as well as other construction management products— wherever safety related data might lie,” Kanner said. “We pull that in through our pre-built integrations that can include safety observation data, safety checklist data—all kinds of structured data. We also pull in progress photos that might be gathered in the field from progress walks. We use all that to build our predictive analytics models for predicting safety risk.”
Designed for safety and security in locations ranging from single store exteriors to parking lots in malls, this multi-camera perimeter detection system features AI object and audio recognition, livestreaming video and continuous security recordings.
according to Kanner, 18 to 24 months’ worth of data.
Customers can harvest these insights from within a web interface. They can use the Computer Vision API to port them into other business intelligence applications.
While Newmetrix can ingest and produce insights from photogrammetry and regular photographs, it is agnostic to what hardware generates the images—which distinguishes it from camera-systembased machine vision that may be able to identify safety issues.
“We actually don’t require cameras or any kind of photography at all,” Kanner said. “If you have it, it’s great. It helps with the predictive lift in our predictive models, but it’s not required.”
Rather, Newmetrix can access a broad spectrum of project documents, both inside and outside the Oracle product set, to extract safety insights.
“If you have a project list, and you have observation data, and you’ve got incidents and near misses, that’s a great starting place for the journey to use data to help measure and manage safety in a predictive way,” Kanner said. “One of our core philosophies is that we go get the data where it exists. You might have schedule data with activities in it. You might have manpower data in your field reporting system that tells you different types of manpower onsite and the hours they’re there.
“We’ll go get it, and we’ll try and make it work. That’s actually a part of our service—something we call a predictive data assessment, which is a way we ... work with a customer to assess their data. In essence, we look at what ingredients ... they have in the pantry, their data pantry, and see [which] of those ingredients we can use to build either a benchmarking or predictive analytics [safety] approach for them.”
The software automatically transforms the project data into the standard Newmetrix data model for predictive analytics. This requires,
“Once we’ve done what we do, it’s ready to be consumed,” Kanner said. “It’s either being consumed by someone in our UI, or in some kind of business intelligence UI.”
When used to send data through APIs to other systems, Newmetrix is more akin to an AI-as-a-service tool than a system of record because it accesses data, transforms it and then relays it to other systems to be used.
But in many cases, the data may be going to other products in the Oracle construction portfolio.
“One of the exciting things for Newmetrix is to be a part of the broader Construction Intelligence Cloud,” Kanner said. “The Construction Intelligence Cloud works with the other Oracle solutions like Oracle Primavera; the scheduling platform ACONEX, which is a document control and construction management platform unifier for capital programs; and Textura for payments.”
Apart from Oracle solutions, Newmetrix customers will find prebuilt integrations with Autodesk; Procore; SharePoint; and for 360-degree imagery, DroneDeploy. As part of Oracle, Newmetrix can harness the power of OCI, an integration platform-as-a-service technology.
“It has a whole bunch of out-ofthe-box, pre-built adapters plus an integration framework for adding new ones,” Kanner said. “So that’s actually part of what’s happening with our product. It’s being built into the whole Oracle stack, so we’ll have the ability to use OCI.”
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/aisafe
Preparing monthly and quarterly economic outlooks for your business will help you stay ahead of numerous pricing increases throughout 2024.
Well, here we go—2023 is behind us, while most of 2024 and all of 2025 are ahead. Your team’s job, at this point, is to create the plan and execute the plan. There is probably nothing new with that statement in normal economic times, when you have a steady stream of economic data to work with (such as small changes in pricing and payroll).
However, as you know, there has been nothing “ordinary” about the past three years. Conditions are sure to again be unusual in 2024, meaning you have your job cut out for you regarding the next several months.
These days, it’s tough to know what to expect from sales, cost of sales, sales pricing, gross profit percentage, operating costs and operating margins.
These days, it’s even tough to know what sales, cost of sales, sales pricing, gross profit percentage, operating costs and operating margins mean and how you got there. If you were lucky, you made a gross profit, but it may be “profit” loosely defined if operating costs were not properly managed. When inflation runs at 4% per year, for example, a 4% increase in sales does not mean a 4% increase in net profit. Stop for a minute and think about car sales. Sales went up 10%, for example. But if that 10% does not result in more unit sales, did you have a sales increase or not? I say NOT. So, the same logic goes for the
construction business. Did you sell more hours or materials used to produce sales, or did you just pass on costs with no increase in business, or perhaps you even had a reduction in business? Even if you had an increase in your top line and you held your gross profit margin, if operating costs and interest costs increased (which we know they did), your net income and cash flow decreased.
Let’s discuss inflation for a moment. It’s more complicated than you think.
First, we encountered the supply and demand, where most of your material costs went through the roof.
Payroll and operating expenses followed suit.
Corrections have been made to return some of these costs back to normal, and the balance of your cost of goods materials are probably moving the same way. You can expect to get close to previous costs but, in most cases, will not get back to 2019-2020 numbers.
At the same time, inflation, as you see and hear on TV every day, has increased and continues to increase. In fact, if you use the Fed rates during the past four years, it’s up 20%, and you are NOT going to get that back unless there is a major deflation caused by excess supply brought on by a meaningful recession, with a mild recession being what the Fed wants to see, so they can reduce rates.
Let’s say you started out with $100,000 of expected expenses in your business. During the pandemic, the $100,000 turned into $130,000, a 30% increase, which, from what I hear, is probably a low number.
Then the normalized number worked its way down to $110,000, and from there on, you have the annual increases to add to that figure, which you must work with to bid, build, finance and collect to keep your head above water.
This is how it works:
• Starting expense load: $100,000
• Pandemic supply and demand hit impact: $30,000
• Supply and demand normalization: -$20,000
• Net change: $110,000
• 2020 inflation of 1.2%: $1,320
• Balance 2020: $111,320
• 2021 inflation of 7%: $7,792
• Balance 2021: $119,112
• 2022 inflation of 6.5%: $7,742
• Balance 2022: $126,854
• 2023 inflation of 3.2%: $4,059
• Balance 2023: $130,913
Get it? Sure, inflation is slowing up. But when you see where we have gone over the last four years, your costs have increased by 31% at a minimum,
Costs have increased by 31% at a minimum, meaning your budget, bidding, building and billing need to take this inflation impact into account.
meaning your budget, bidding, building and billing need to take this inflation impact into account.
I have a personal economist that I rely on to check the cost of living: my wife. Every time we go to Walmart, she points at every item in the cart and says, “That was $3 cheaper last year. That was $5 cheaper last year,” and so on. And she is only comparing from year to year, not this year against prices four years ago.
So when the Fed tells you inflation is down to 2%, you will know that 2% is on top of the 30% you are currently incurring, keeping in mind that a reduction in future costs comes most likely with a recession, which will leave you bidding using lower pricing, while you may still be carrying highercost inventory.
The bottom line is that you need to review every line item and all major suppliers in terms of what you were paying four years ago, what you paid in 2023 and what you will need to pay in 2024. In fact, you should do this analysis quarterly to keep your
suppliers awake and, at the same time, be “shopping” for better deals.
Some items we know are increasing are payroll and, therefore, payroll taxes, health insurance with a 10% increase, company insurance with at least a 6% increase and interest rates for most of the year.
In addition, higher-cost projects will increase your need for capital via a line of credit.
Work-in-process inventory will be higher, with accounts payable increasing, as well. In short, if you do not have adequate lines of credit available, a cash shortfall is possible.
I suggest you prepare quarterly budgets and cash flow statements to stay ahead of the game. Doing the review monthly will let you know if you are headed for trouble, and by monthly, I mean no later than the 15th of the following month.
If you do not have the internal expertise to prepare the budget and cash flow, use someone like Dennis at Builder Resources (d.anderson@ builder-resources.com) to help with
the process. Finding out that you are running a negative cash flow operation late in the game may mean there is no way to fix the problem.
Do yourself a favor and budget the plan and execute the plan using numbers you are familiar with.
HAVE A GREAT AND PROFITABLE 2024!
Garry Bartecki is a managing member of GB Financial Services LLP and a consultant to the Independent Equipment Dealers Association.
By implementing AI in areas that don’t require extensive data infrastructure, businesses can lay the foundation for a more innovative and resilient future.
AI can play a pivotal role in optimizing supply chain processes even without a fully developed data strategy.
In construction, a traditionally conservative industry, the journey toward innovation is often met with challenges. Many leaders may be asking themselves or their teams, “What are we doing in 2024 to begin to invest and harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in our business? Because if we wait, it might be too late!”
In this article, we explore tactical measures that construction businesses—both suppliers and construction companies of any size— can deploy to initiate their AI journey, recognizing that many may not yet have all they need in place, including a robust data strategy to get started.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
The first step in AI adoption is cultivating a workforce that is ready for change. Look to initiate tailored training and employee engagement programs that cater to different learning preferences within your multigenerational workforce.
This step not only bridges the knowledge gap but also instills confidence in employees by showcasing that AI enhances their skills and is not a threat their jobs. Encourage mentorship programs for knowledge sharing. The younger generation will likely adopt and adapt
more quickly with AI, so knowledge sharing moves in multiple directions.
AI for Unbiased Recruitment
Talent gaps continue to be a challenge and attracting the right people is critical. While accomplishing this, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with AI doesn’t require an extensive data infrastructure. Use AI tools for unbiased recruitment processes, mitigating biases in hiring decisions. This approach aligns with ethical standards and enhances DEI without a fully developed data strategy.
For those considering the electrification of equipment, the initial focus could be on predictive maintenance. Introduce AI-powered tools that analyze equipment data to predict maintenance needs, especially with batteries and power stations.
This not only extends the lifespan of the machinery but also minimizes downtime, making the transition to electric fleets smoother. Such a tactical step ensures a sustainable approach to equipment management without overwhelming the organization.
Harnessing Predictive Analytics
Implementing AI in risk management doesn’t require an extensive data
strategy from the outset. Start with predictive analytics to foresee potential project delays. By analyzing historical project data, AI can identify patterns and trends, offering early insight into potential risks.
Streamlining Procurement with AI Insights
AI can play a pivotal role in optimizing supply chain processes even without a fully developed data strategy. Implement AI to analyze existing supply chain and/or inventory data, providing insights to streamline procurement processes and restructure inventory levels to better address slow moving items.
This step ensures efficient material sourcing, minimizes disruptions and delivers cash along the way, as it sets the stage for more comprehensive data strategies.
Collaboration Tools for Communication
At the tactical level, implementing AI doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process for the workforce in the field or office. Introduce AI-enhanced collaboration tools for project management. These tools facilitate communication, task tracking and collaboration among project stakeholders.
By enhancing communication channels, businesses can foster a collaborative environment that lays the
groundwork for more sophisticated AI applications in the future.
Strategic Vision in Early AI Adoption
In the early stages of AI adoption, the emphasis should be on one or two tactical measures that align with the organization’s strategic vision yet address a significant pain point where a focused response can be deployed that delivers improvements easy to measure in the operation and financial metrics. While a comprehensive data strategy is essential for long-term success, any of these tactical steps pave the way for gradual integration and allows the organizational culture to begin to adopt a new way of thinking.
By focusing on one or two critical areas, such as talent management, electrification with predictive maintenance, risk analytics or supply chain optimization, construction businesses can embark on their AI journey with tangible, immediate benefits in 2024. Early adoption is about building momentum, and any of these tactical measures pave the way for broader, strategic AI integration in the evolving construction landscape.
Read more at:
eqtoday.co/aiadopt
Bill Tipton is CEO of ChasmBridge Business Management Firm.•
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There’s only one member of your crew that will never quit, complain, ask for breaks or wish the day would end. The TL8R2 track loader just wants to work. For those who value uptime above all, nothing else comes close. In fact, anything else is probably in the shop.