Equipment Today August 2021

Trucks & Transportation: Balance the Trade-offs with Truck Suspensions Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment

AUGUST 2021

®

EARTHMOVING Crawler dozer technology pushes the envelope

COMPACT EQUIPMENT Compact excavator acquisition is no small choice

READ BONUS ISSUE OF IPAF ELEVATING SAFETY HERE

GET BELOW THE SURFACE OF MODERN MILLING MACHINES Page 12

#1 Market Leaders

Cover photo courtesy of Wirtgen Type texture ©benjaminlion – stock.adobe.com

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Contents

AUGUST 2021 | www.ForConstructionPros.com

COVER STORY

MILLING MACHINE

Technology Simplifies Operation PRODUCTS 20 Road Building 24 Safety & Compliance 30 Earthmoving

Push up productivity with these earthmover options.

34 Compact Equipment

Sort through the latest compact excavator models.

Tight tolerances and increased production rates can be achieved while easing crew demands.

Page 12

FEATURES

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

CRAWLER DOZER TECHNOLOGY PUSHES THE ENVELOPE pg 26 Integrated technologies provide increased automation while sharing real-time productivity data.

As Temperatures Rise So Do Construction Worker Heat Risks

26

39 Trucks & Transportation

COMPACT EXCAVATOR ACQUISITION IS NO SMALL CHOICE pg 32

45 Technology Trends

When it comes to compact excavators, the decision to buy, rent or lease calls for more than comparing costs.

DEPARTMENTS 6 Breaking Ground

BALANCE VOCATIONAL TRUCK SUSPENSION TRADE-OFFS pg 36

8 Equipment Introductions

Advances in vocational truck suspensions provide options that change the weight vs. stability vs. articulation vs. ride quality equation.

16 Road Building

3D PROJECT FILE TRANSFER FROM CLOUD BOOSTS TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGE pg 46

GNSS Tech Proves a Gamechanger for Colorado Contractor; Technology Use Helps Improve Paving Results and Profits

22 Safety & Compliance 40 Technology Trends

Veit & Company finds value in connecting design data with machine control data for real-time progress and productivity updates.

46

Hot Tips for Successful Hot Weather Concreting

How to effectively use concrete admixtures to increase the quality of concrete during the summer months. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21551366

Real-time Visual Data Capture Plus AI Produces Process Change in Construction

Delivery of real-time data with AI-derived insights and analysis enables process improvement on projects. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21521236

3 Ways Propane-powered Equipment Can Keep Crews Safe, Healthy & Productive

Propane-powered construction equipment can provide a clean, low-emissions operation at the jobsite. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21533642

50 Running the Business

4 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

Learn key steps to help keep workers safe when things heat up on your jobsites. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21533578

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Excavator Excavator lifetime warranty Excavator total cost of ownership Excavator fuel efficiency Excavator cab comfort Excavator safety Excavator Dig Assist

WHATEVER YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR IN AN EXCAVATOR,

YOU’LL FIND IT IN A VOLVO. Whether it’s lower fuel consumption to keep costs down, a lifetime warranty on the boom, arm and frame, or integrated work modes to dial in customized power and hydraulic flow for the job, Volvo excavators give you more. There is a difference — find the excavator you need on your terms.

See how we’re different at volvoce.com/excavatorsearch.

B RE AKI N G G R OU ND | By Becky Schultz

Interstates Need New Form of Funding

A

Becky Schultz / bschultz@acbusinessmedia.com

midst the Congressional battles over infrastructure funding legislation, the 48,000-mile Interstate Highway System (IHS) quietly reached a major milestone on June 29.

On that date in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Road Act authorizing the system and

creating the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to finance its construction.

The IHS continues to serve as the backbone of the U.S. economy, states the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), noting that nearly 75% of truck freight is carried along its pavements. And while the IHS accounts

THE STINGER The Stinger electric flex shaft vibrator is rugged, lightweight, and powerful. The 115v electric motor has been designed to run cool with the power and torque to handle todays concrete loads.

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for just 1% of total roadway miles, it handles 26% of the vehicle miles traveled.

Since its inception, the IHS has helped to spawn numerous industries that have transformed the U.S. economic landscape, including lodging, fast food and restaurants, tourism and convenience stores. Each year, these sectors contribute trillions of dollars and millions of jobs to the economy.

But such areas of commerce are dependent upon a well-maintained, safe and functional interstate system. The U.S. population has doubled since 1956 and the IHS has seen the number of vehicle miles traveled skyrocket by 422%. Plus, at 65, it is well past its original projections.

According to ARTBA: ˜ The design life for Interstate pavements in the 1950s and 1960s was 20 years. More than one-third of IHS miles are over the 50+ mark. ˜ Nearly one-third of bridges along the IHS (18,000 of a total 58,500) are in need of repair or replacement, and 57% of the total bridges are in just “fair” condition. The average bridge age is 46 years. ˜ Traffic congestion on overwhelmed U.S. Interstates cost over $9 billion in 2019, with truck drivers delayed by nearly 149 million hours.

As of mid-July, debate continued over proposed federal legislation to increase infrastructure investment, with a sizable chunk set to go to roads and highways.

But even if such legislation passes, it would represent a drop in the bucket toward meeting the IHS’ long-term needs.

It would also fail to address its most pressing issue: the funding mechanisms for the HTF. The HTF has faced a long-term struggle to maintain solvency, and only regular infusions from the general fund have stemmed the bleeding.

There is little argument that the primary funding mechanism — taxes on motor fuels — is no longer sufficient. The motor fuel tax rates have failed to be increased at the federal level since 1993; vehicle miles traveled have seen slow growth; and the increasing use of electric vehicles continues to eat away at fuel tax revenues.

Congress has a history of choosing to punt the ball when it comes to addressing the challenges the HTF is facing.

However, the FAST Act’s expiration at the end of September brings another opportunity to identify and implement meaningful solutions. The question is whether legislators — already months into negotiations on a large, over-arching infrastructure package — will have the stomachs to face another monumental legislative task... or if they will choose to follow their predecessors’ lead and kick the ball down field in hopes others will run with it in 2022, or even further down the road. ET

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EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

These pages feature some of the latest equipment available. You’ll find a solid sampling of both new machines and models that have been recently revamped by the manufacturers. For more information on these products, simply visit www.ForConstructionPros.com and include the eight-digit code shown.

JLG

2733 High-Capacity Telehandler The 2733 telecopic handler has a 26,600-lb. maximum capacity and is purpose built to handle and haul heavy, bulky materials, load and unload trucks and trailers and help maintenance and repair personnel work on larger fleet equipment. It offers 33 ft. of maximum lifting height and an 8,000-lb. capacity at maximum reach. A two-speed hydrostatic transmission with optional ride control and boom float allow for load stability. The unit comes standard with the Load Stability Indication (LSI) system, which senses when the telehandler reaches forward load capacity. It also includes precision gravity lowering and soft stop boom controls. The SmartLoad Technology option is also available.

Manitou

www.forconstructionpros.com/21391821

MC 25-4 and MC30-4 Rough-terrain Forklifts The MC 25-4 and MC30-4 compact rough-terrain forklifts create a bridge between the indoor industrial-style and true rough-terrain forklifts in both size and performance. They feature high ground clearance (from 11.8 in.) and a panoramic glass roof for full visibility. They also offer the ability to switch from four-wheel to two-wheel drive on the dashboard for any application. The units are capable of travel speeds up to 15.2 mph, and are available with two motors on the front wheels or four on the front and rear wheels.

They feature low fuel consumption (0.92 gph), low noise (79 dB) and reduced preventive maintenance.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21354285

Multiquip

Volvo

EC530E and EC550E Excavators The 50-ton class EC530E and EC550E offer 456 gross hp and 1,623 lbs.-ft. of max engine torque at 1,300 rpm. They have maximum digging depths of 25 ft. 8 in. and 25 ft. 3 in. and a standard breakout force of 56,450 lbs. Their super-rigid reinforced undercarriage is supported by sturdy lower and upper frames. The electrohydraulic system contributes to a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency due to Independent Metering Valve Technology with intelligent electronic control. The units feature a creep mode, selectable boom/swing and boom/travel priority, adjustable boom-down speed and boom-and-arm bounce reduction technology, with optional Comfort Drive Control and Dig Assist.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21563138

MQ Mikasa MVH508GH Plate Compactor

Ditch Witch

The MQ Mikasa MVH508GH reversible plate produces 13,489 lbs. of centrifugal force and has a working width of 26 in. using standard extension plates. It is powered by an easy starting Honda GX390 gasoline engine fitted with cyclonic air filtration to withstand harsh work environments. A proven hydraulic drive system ensures smooth directional control and consistent, reliable performance. The wraparound shroud protects the engine both in the trench and during transport. A swing-open design provides access to key service points for simplified maintenance. The unit can be fitted with the COMPAS system to manage compaction progress.

The MT26 microtrencher attachment — along with the RT80 ride-on trencher and HX75 vacuum excavator — enables operators to create a clean, deep, narrow trench in one easy pass and easily install cable deep enough to meet most requirements with minimal disruption to the surrounding infrastructure.

Designed with a standard hydraulic plunge to provide variable depth control, the attachment can cut a clean trench from 1.5 up to 3 in. wide and down to 26 in. deep. It can be equipped with a variety of blades including the standard carbide-tipped blades and the PDC blades with diamond-embedded carbide.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21378223

www.forconstructionpros.com/21439945

8 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

MT26 Microtrencher

www.ForConstructionPros.com

Experience the Progress.

True Power Liebherr Dozers PR 716 - PR 746 At Liebherr, we custom-engineer every machine to perform as efficiently as possible.

The Tier 4F emissions system in our dozers is practically maintenance free, designed from the ground up. The electronic drive system automatically adjusts to keep operators in the “sweet spot” – even when saving fuel in ECO mode.

And like all our machines it is built to last with exclusive Liebherr components.

Locate your dealer at liebherr.us/dealers-emt.

Liebherr USA Co. Construction Equipment Division 4800 Chestnut Avenue Newport News, VA 23607 Phone: +1 757 240 4250 E-mail: Construction.USA@liebherr.com www.facebook.com/LiebherrConstruction www.liebherr.us

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

Allen

PRO446X Walkbehind Trowel

Caterpillar

980 and 982 Wheel Loaders The 30,344-lb. 980 and 35,510-lb. 982 have 420- and 432-hp Cat C13 Tier 4 Final diesel engines that enable a full turn static tipping load of 20,965 and 22,418 lbs. and breakout force of 51,008 and 59,060 lbs. The 980 XE and 982 XE feature a continuous variable transmission (CVT) for increased fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs, plus fine rimpull modulation capability and virtual gears. The units come with standard Cat Payload with Assist or optional Cat Advanced Payload. Autodig with Auto Set Tires can automate the complete bucket loading cycle. Cab features include a high-resolution touchscreen display and seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering system.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21497247

The 404-lb. PRO446X heavy-duty, high-speed walk-behind trowel comes with an efficient helical gearbox that can tackle demanding projects. Its variable torque converter clutch allows for lowspeed torque and high-speed finishing.

The plow handle design puts the operator at ease when pitching the blades to a height of 28 to 30°. The unit has a 46-in. four-blade rotor offering rotor speeds up to 225 rpm. It comes with a heavy-duty frame, super-duty trowel arms and spider and lifting point for easier transfer. Power is provided by a 12-hp Honda GX390 gasoline engine.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21551493

Liebherr

R 928 G8 Crawler Excavator The R 928 G8 crawler excavator has a total weight of less than 30 tonnes in various configurations and is characterized by high drawbar pull, enhanced load bearing capacity and a large bucket. Its optimized weight also makes it easier to transport. Like other Generation 8 models, it develops higher tearout and breakout forces, plus the torque of the superstructure has been increased. Other features include an optimized load curve, improved inertia in the rotary drive, robust X-form undercarriage, automatic central lubrication, a spacious, air conditioned cab with a fully retractable front window, pneumatic seat and high-resolution touchscreen.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21391973

Skyjack

SJ3013 Micro Scissor Lift AMS-Merlo

DBM 3500 Cement Mixers The self-contained DBM 3500 has a 1,321-gal. drum that delivers 4.6 cu. yds. of concrete. Its self-loading bucket handles up to 25 cu. ft. of aggregate at each load cycle. The pump moves 66 gpm of water into the drum, enabling up to 37.7 sq. ft. of concrete to be made in less than 15 minutes. The compact unit can discharge concrete up to 330° around the machine. It has a 100-hp Tier 4 engine, 4WD with three steering modes and a hydrostatic transmission. Its spacious, ROPS-certified cab has front controls for driving, with a seat that spins 180° to access the rear controls to drive the vehicle and manage the mixing drum and self-loading bucket. Ground controls replicate those found in the cab.

The SJ3013 micro scissor lift is designed to easily access tight indoor spaces, with a quiet and swift electric drive and low floor load ratings. It has a platform height of 13 ft., working height of 19 ft. and is wind rated for one person. The direct electric drive meets demand for low-level powered access equipment with increased duty cycle expectations. The unit easily fits through a standard doorway without folding its rails. It has up to 25% gradeability, fully proportional drive and lift controls and limited-maintenance wheel motors. It also features the ECOTRAY leak containment system, variable-speed rear-wheel electric drive, a 20-in. roll-out extension deck and a two-person rating.

www.forconstructionpros.com/21563277

www.forconstructionpros.com/21549889

10 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

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RENT VS. BUY | The Contractor’s Dilemma B

usiness is good and you are making a healthy margin. You have a new contract but it’s not quite enough to justify the cost of buying the equipment that you’ll need to complete the work. So you rent. Now, your margins are lower but you don’t have to worry about getting more business to put the machine to work after the current job ends. You simply return it to the rental company.

Then, you get another project and you have to extend the rental contract. You start to regret your decision not to buy the equipment. This is the classic Rent vs. Buy dilemma.

ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS? A Rental Purchase Option (RPO) is often available for new equipment. You can rent the equipment and a portion of your payments are credited towards the purchase. If business is steady, you can buy the equipment with a credit from the rental payments. Perfect!

But, what about used equipment?

Savvy contractors can grow their business by adding used equipment to their arsenal. Used equipment is more affordable—but still expensive.

Unfortunately, RPO programs are not readily available for used equipment, so most contractors are back to square one. Until now.

Iron Capital offers RPO financing on used equipment. Their RPO agreement gives you more flexible options.

First, you’ll source the ideal machine for the job and Iron Capital will buy it from the seller. Then, they’ll rent it back to you. At the end of the rental, you can simply return the equipment to Iron Capital. Or, if business is good, you have the option to buy the equipment with a portion of the rental payments put towards the final purchase price. Or, you can rent the equipment for an additional term at a reduced rate—with the option to purchase kicked down the road. ET

By Paul Ireland, CEO, Iron Capital, and Michael Harris, Head of North America Sales, Iron Capital

ROAD B U I L D I N G | By Curt Bennink

MILLING MACHINE Technology Simplifies Operation Astec

Tight tolerances and increased production rates can be achieved while easing crew demands.

ABOVE: The color control panels on Roadtec (Astec) milling machines are clearly labeled for simple, straightforward operation.

Selecting wire rope, sonic and slope sensors is easily done from any of the three screens. Setting the values and transitioning among the sensors is done from the same screen view. This simple setup eliminates the need to access different menus or use excessive button combinations to make changes.

Onboard diagnostics, simple grade control setup and automated calibration procedures drastically reduce the responsibilities of the operator compared to older generations of equipment.

N

ew milling machine technology allows you to achieve tighter tolerances, maintain high production rates and avoid placing new demands on the milling crew.

“The newer generation of grade controls, cutter drum technology and new operating systems have made obtaining higher quality, while also gaining productivity, easier than in the past,” says Tom Chastain, milling product manager, Wirtgen America.

The process of setting up the cut and monitoring the machine has also been simplified.

12 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

“Onboard diagnostics, simple grade control setup and automated calibration procedures drastically reduce the responsibilities of the operator compared to older generations of equipment,” says Kyle Hammon, technical sales manager, Astec.

The objective is to maintain quality milling patterns while maximizing production quantities and protecting the machine and crews. This is where the latest technology comes into play.

Certain models of newer milling machines have operating systems that allow the operator to choose

between milling modes. This allows the operator to control the pattern.

“You can tell the machine what cutter drum line spacing you have and what pattern quality you want to achieve,” says Chastain. The settings even drill down to what cutting tools you are using. “The machine calculates this information and dictates the machine speed, cutter drum rpm and even water quantity. This allows the operator to maintain their line and convey material while the machine is doing the rest.”

www.ForConstructionPros.com

LOAD CONTROL MAXIMIZES PRODUCTION To optimize production and surface quality, milling machines must be able to detect the changing loads and react accordingly.

“Engine load control and traction control systems are in place to keep the machine running at a constant pace and prevent sudden changes in work speed that can result in flaws in the milled surface,” says Hammon.

“Active load management systems like Caterpillar’s load control allow operators to push machines to their max capability

ROAD BU IL DING

Caterpillar

Astec

Active load management systems like Caterpillar’s load control allow operators to push milling machines to their max capability without the risk of stalling out the machine.

This can significantly increase productivity by taking the guesswork out of how hard to push the machine.

without the risk of stalling out the machine,” says Jameson Smieja, global sales consultant, Caterpillar. “This can significantly increase the productivity of the machine by taking the guesswork out of how hard the operator can push it.”

Caterpillar also offers a cruise control feature. “Cruise control helps operators maintain a consistent pattern throughout an entire project by allowing them to store and resume a targeted milling speed with the press of a single button.”

Features such as load control can ensure the most efficient use of available engine power.

“Most cold planers allow for operators to select what engine and rotor speed they want to cut at. So, in applications where speed is not the top priority or trucks are limited, the operator can select lower engine and rotor speeds to reduce fuel consumption,” Smieja explains. “Other features such as idle control allow the machine to reduce to low idle when stopped and only increase engine speed by as much as needed when certain functions are activated.”

Wirtgen has focused on improving operating costs. “The latest version of machines has gone toward being more economical on fuel, water and cutting tool consumption, along with [reduced] noise levels,” says Chastain. “Having operating systems that can inform the machine of what we are trying

to achieve, along with new dual shift transmissions, allows the machine to perform at optimum while also monitoring consumables.”

CUTTING TOOLS EVOLVE Cutting tool holders and teeth have evolved, as well.

“Newer cutting technology allows us to feel more confident in our milling performance and smoothness,” says Chastain.

“Newer carbide tooling, and now PCD or diamond cutting tools, allow us to mill for longer periods with less wear. This means we don’t stop as often and we maintain that quality pattern longer. These latest innovations in cutting technology, along with greater machine performance, allow us to achieve quality and material output.”

The popularity of diamond cutting bits continues to grow.

According to Caterpillar, these bits have been shown to last up to 80 times longer than carbide bits, which significantly reduces downtime.

“This is especially true in tough applications where carbide bits must be replaced numerous times throughout the day,” says Smieja. “In addition, diamond bits tend to stay sharp throughout their entire life, which allows machines to produce a consistent milled pattern and maintain higher cutting efficiency, which increases productivity and can provide up to 15% fuel savings.”

Rotor design is critical to ensuring the desired results.

“Numerous rotor designs are available with varying degrees of cutting tooth spacing to enable operators to achieve the required pattern texture of the final milled surface, while at the same time removing the maximum amount of material possible,” says Smieja.

GRADE CONTROL INCREASES PRODUCTION By hitting the target grade the first time and eliminating rework, milling machines equipped with the latest grade control technologies promise impressive productivity gains that can quickly recoup the cost of the initial investment.

“Today’s milling machines can be very accurate and produce smooth profiles thanks to modern grade control systems,” says Smieja. “For example, Cat cold planers come standard with Cat GRADE with Grade and Slope capability, which provides the versatility and flexibility to be set up for any number of applications. Whether the goal is targeted depth removal, milling for improved smoothness or milling to an exact design profile, Cat GRADE can be set up and adjusted to achieve optimal results in nearly every application.”

Grade controls have improved to make achieving consistent depths and/or slope easier.

“Simplified yet state-of-the-art technology gives the operating crew quick, accurate response while also making their job a little less stressful,” says Chastain.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

To optimize production and surface quality, milling machines must be able to detect the changing loads on the machine and react accordingly.

“We are seeing more 3D come into the milling industry,” he adds. “These systems work quite well if the setup is done correctly.” Averaging systems utilize sonic senors to average the depth of cut over the length of the machine, or longer.

Complex jobs favor 3D grade control. “3D grade control systems allow the machine to mill with a higher level of accuracy compared to standard 2D systems,” says Hammon. “On more complex projects where varying depths and cross slopes are required, 3D systems will make these changes automatically.

“The 3D systems do require a digital model created from roadway data collected prior to the milling operation,” he notes.

“Building and implementing the digital model into the milling machine requires significantly more work in advance, as well as additional equipment, compared to a traditional 2D operation.”

Plus, not every job is a candidate for 3D milling. “While 3D milling provides the best accuracy relative to a design specification, the technology required to achieve that accuracy

requires a significant investment, as well as additional jobsite management that is only warranted for special applications,” says Smieja.

“Jobsites with good sightlines, manageable distances and minimal interference with 3D control stations (such as airports) are good candidates to benefit from 3D grade controls, which can help meet tight specifications,” he states. “However, 2D grade controls, with or without stringlines, are still an efficient and effective way to meet numerous milling job specifications today without additional hardware.”

3D SYSTEM CRUSHES ACCURACY Orange Crush LLC is a Chicago-based general contractor that performs a range of projects including asphalt and concrete roadwork and excavation. It paves roadways and subdivisions as well as commercial properties.

“We have access to six asphalt plants in the Chicagoland area,” says Sumie Abdishi, general superintendent. “We have five grinding crews and seven grinders (milling machines).”

Orange Crush chose to

August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 13

ROAD B U I L D I N G Wirtgen

Wirtgen

Wirtgen’s leveling technology adjusts height, depth and pitch for extremely accurate results and reduces the operator’s workload.

Wirtgen MILL ASSIST machine control system helps the operator optimize the results of the milling process. mount a Trimble 3D total control system on its newest Roadtec RX 700 milling machine with the help of Sitetech Midway.

Though relatively new to 3D milling, the contractor does have extensive 3D paving experience.

“We outfitted our pavers first because we were almost made to on the Tollway [projects],” says Abdishi. But he believes the best approach is to start with the milling machines. “I’m a firm believer in going from the ground up. I think you are much better off 3D milling and then just laminating what you have milled.”

The 3D total station solution provides tighter control on everything from yield to accuracy.

This really proved beneficial on a recent Norfolk Southern rail yard project in Englewood, IL. Orange Crush had to maintain a tight grade and the 3D total station technology eliminated the need to constantly paint numbers ahead of the mill as well as continually recheck the work.

“We still had a guy behind the mill with a rover and there was a little bit of extra cost there, but it was better than having to go back because we missed a grade by two or three tenths,” Abdishi comments.

The system’s accuracy has proven spot on. “It gets the grade on the money the first time,” says Abdishi. “You increase your production in that application by

30%, especially when you have a variable depth mill and you are being held to a certain elevation and grade at each location.”

The technology does require a substantial investment, but the return can be pretty rapid.

Orange Crush estimates it recouped almost half of its technology investment on the Norfolk Southern project alone.

“I would say by this time next year, we will have the system paid for,” Abdishi predicts.

Jobsite setup typically takes Orange Crush about two hours.

“You have to figure two hours in the morning the first time you go out to do your measure-up, and for calibration every time you move the machine from one job to another,” says Abdishi.

“You have to get the machine there a couple hours ahead of time before you get trucks there.”

Operator training was not a difficult challenge for the contractor. “It wasn’t as big a challenge as I thought it was going to be,” Abdishi recalls. “I think it was a bigger learning curve for the paving guys than it was for the grinding crews.”

The person in charge of surveying/machine control guidance is responsible for setting up every job. “He’ll go out and set control on each job and then work with Sitetech to measure up the machine the first time,” says Abdishi. Getting this person up to speed was the most vital

14 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

part of the training. “The actual crews took to it right away.”

Due to the positive experience, Orange Crush plans to expand its 3D milling capabilities by adding a Trimble system to a recently acquired Wirtgen 220A. “It’s just piece of mind to know that when you have a project, you have something that is going to hold you to that stringent grade control,” says Abdishi. “That is the biggest thing for me.”

SIMPLER OPERATION AND SETUP Increased automation and simplified controls mean a crew isn’t constantly having to push buttons, reducing the learning curve.

“By making the operating controls and grade controls user friendly, beginner operators take to newer machines easier than they would a 30-year-old machine that took great skills and patience to master,” says Chastain.

In addition, manufacturers offer unique features that can ease and speed machine setup.

“Sensors integrated into the machine allow for features such as Caterpillar’s ‘return to zero’ and ‘auto cut transition’ to simplify setup,” says Smieja.

Return to zero quickly brings the machine back to initial “scratch height” so it’s ready to plunge into the next cut, Smieja explains. Auto cut transition allows operators to program in a predetermined

transition in depth and slope over a given distance and the machine automatically creates the desired profile.

“Other features such as highquality cameras with cut edge guidance lines make it easier for the operator to get the machine properly aligned into position at the start of each new cut,” Smieja adds.

Minimizing the time spent on setup can add to the bottom line. “Setting up a milling machine to start has become easier with the latest technology,” says Chastain. “The milling crew can set up the machine for operation in just a few minutes.”

Technology enhances safety, as well. “The most recent features to be implemented to Astec CMS milling machines pertain to safety,” says Hammon. “The rear object detection system is in place to stop the milling machine if a person or larger object is detected behind the machine while in reverse. Once the person is out of the detection zone, the operator can resume the machine’s path in reverse.”

Yet, even with these advances, milling remains one of those applications where operator skill is difficult to replace. “I personally feel that milling will always need the human factor,” says Chastain. “Operators can feel when things are going right.

They can hear when things are not right. Making operation of these machines safer and easier goes a long way.”

KEEPING MILLS ON THE MOVE Preventing downtime keeps a milling project on track. This is where telematics technology becomes a game changer.

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“Telematics are a powerful tool for reducing downtime and collecting performance data in real time,” says Hammon.

“Production data, fuel burn and idle time are a few examples of information that can be obtained remotely when using a telematics system.”

Astec offers The Guardian Telematics System. “The Guardian Telematics System allows two-way communication between the machine and the end user or approved service technician,” says Hammon.

“This provides an enhanced level of serviceability and data collection on each machine.”

When a problem with a milling machine does crop up, it needs to be identified and remedied as quickly as possible. “New milling machines are trying to make not only operation but the diagnostics and troubleshooting of these machines simpler,” says Chastain. “There is nothing worse than having 20 trucks in front of the milling machine, and a paver behind you, and the milling machine goes down.”

Wirtgen has developed systems to proactively notify users of potential issues. “These new machines will inform an operator when something isn’t on, isn’t functioning or was simply turned off by mistake,” says Chastain.

“This hopefully cuts down on the number of holes [that have been] put in the roads over years past.”

Wirtgen has also built redundancy into its milling machines to reduce downtime. “There are builtin backups for those times that we do have a failure so the milling machine can continue its operation without sacrificing quality or production,” says Chastain. ET

ROAD B U I L D I N G | By Larry Trojak

GNSS TECH Proves a Gamechanger for Colorado Contractor Alpine Civil Contractors has found significant time savings through the use of GPS technology.

All images courtesy of Alpine Civil Contractors

right out of the gate, but also recognized that the payoff in efficiency would be huge.”

Armed with what he saw as a revolutionary capability, Latimer knew ACC could quickly be a force to be reckoned with. “We had lightning in a bottle and wanted to be the first in the area to utilize it,” he states. “That was our motivation to pull the trigger on going stringless and we are seeing repeatedly that we were right in doing so.”

ACC’s performance on major projects has turned heads and garnered praise based on its ability to beat projected deadlines and provide a previously unseen level of quality. The fact that the Topcon machine control solutions are fully compatible with the company’s existing OEMspecific systems was also key in bringing that advantage about.

Stringless paving enabled a substantial reduction in survey costs, as well. An important part of Latimer’s pitch to new clients is to point out how much they save by not having to pay surveyors to pound hubs and stakes in advance of the stringline crew.

“On larger developments, that savings can be tens of thousands of dollars,” he says. “I tell them they can save that money or put it into contingency, or whatever. It’s a nice plus.”

ACC is able to beat project deadlines and save substantial surveying costs using Topcon Millimeter GPS on its GOMACO slipform paver.

T

he brainchild of Lance Latimer and Matt Varholdt, Colorado-based Alpine Civil Contractors (ACC) positions itself as a general contractor with a specialty in slipform paving. Though it was established less than five years ago, its co-founders alone bring nearly 60 years’ cumulative experience to the table.

ACC first made inroads as a slipform paving company.

However, based on its success in that area using a Topcon stringless paving solution, it quickly

expanded into other construction sectors, including mass excavation, grading and utility work, employing GNSS-based machine control solutions there, as well.

The result, says Latimer, was an across the board improvement in the deliverable to its clients.

THE VALUE IN STRINGLESS Prior to implementation, Latimer knew stringless paving technology existed, but not well enough to understand its real value. After doing some research, he began serious discussions

16 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

EXPANDING THE ADVANTAGE

ACC’s ability to provide full-range services extends to fine grading. This view from inside the cab of one of its motor graders shows the control screen for the unit’s millimeter-grade machine control. with GOMACO and Topcon Positioning Systems.

“I was impressed with what they had accomplished,” he says.

“Both Matt and I immediately saw Millimeter GPS as a gamechanger. We knew the capital investment was pretty substantial

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Many of ACC’s clients are some of the largest home site developers in the region — companies that have millions of dollars tied up in developments, but a building permit can’t be issued until roads, ponds and any special features are in place.

“We’ve sped that process up considerably using Topcon GPS technology on our excavators, dozers and motor graders. We

ROAD BU IL DING

While initially started with slipform paving, ACC now uses Topcon GPS technology on its excavators, dozers and motor graders, and even one of its wheel loaders. even have machine control on one of our loaders, which we use for fine-tuning grade with the roadbuilding crew,” Latimer says.

“Our operator loves it because he knows where the grade is no matter where he’s at on the site. That makes it easy for him to work alongside a blade building sub-base for road prep.”

On the recent Green Valley Ranch (GVR) development project, a John Deere 210 excavator set to work creating a retention pond without a grade stake in sight.

According to Seth Aberle, ACC’s machine control specialist, excavators with GPS have all but eliminated the need for survey stakes in this type of work.

“This machine is running off a digital model and he will get this to within 0.1 of a foot,” he says. “Working off his screen, he will do the inlet, the forebays, the e-walls, everything.

“Early on, a number of our customers were skeptical of our reliance on GPS,” he continues. “But after coming behind us with their own surveyors and seeing how accurate our work is, they’ve become believers in what we can do.”

done quicker, have a better handle on QC, there will be no delays, etc.

“Out at GVR, we shaved nearly two months off the schedule,” he points out.

“Obviously, they are thrilled. Not only does it get sales moving, it also improves their standing with the corporate side of the business. And most of that time savings can be tied directly to the technology because we no

longer have to wait. Once we build the models — which we do in-house — we are ready to go with overall control of the project.”

As another example of time savings, Aberle points to a project that involved paving nearly 10,000 linear feet of 5-ft.-wide sidewalk. Using a traditional approach, he estimates the job with everything factored in — setup, moving the stringline and stakes and tear down — would have taken close to two weeks.

“Using the Millimeter GPS system, we were able to get it all poured in three days,” he says. “That much of a reduction in time is huge because it opens up the developer’s window for getting permits and so on. We got on board with GPS early and it’s allowed us to really capitalize on it.”

As a result, in just under five years, ACC has gone from a startup business with 14 people to a company of more than 120 serving some of the biggest names in Denver area home development.

“We are very fortunate to have a tremendous backlog of work taking us well into 2022,” says Latimer. “A huge part of our success is the result of the guys in the field, our people, our subcontractors and so on. So, we have the technology, we have the people, we have the work and we have a solid reputation for providing quality. I’d say we’ve been blessed.” ET

The Alpine Civil Contractors’ finishing crew works one segment of the more than 9,000 linear feet of curb and gutter poured using a GNSS-equipped concrete paver.

Republished with permission. This article was originally published at www.topconpositioning.com.

RELY ON A MILLER TO GET THE JOB DONE

CAPITALIZING ON CAPABILITY At times, major housing development work can be largely a waiting game. Homes can’t be built until roads are in; roads can’t be paved until curb and gutter is in; curb can’t happen until grading is complete, and so on. Latimer is certain it was ACC’s ability to streamline the workflow that has struck a chord with developers.

“Once they saw the results of us owning the entire project, they didn’t want anything except a full turnkey general contracting bid from us,” he says. “They know we will get it

CONCRETE SLIPFORM PAVERS FOR CURB, CURB & GUTTER, BARRIER WALLS, SIDEWALKS, PARAPET WALLS, PAVEMENTS & CUSTOM APPLICATIONS 1805 N DOT ST, MCHENRY, IL 60050 PHONE: (815) 385-7700

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August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 17

ROAD B U I L D I N G | By Jessica Lombardo

Technology Use Helps Improve Paving RESULTS AND PROFITS Contractor discovers how data captured during paving can help it build better roads.

According to Trimble, 3D paving control systems can reduce waste and overruns and help contractors finish on time or ahead of schedule.

All images courtesy of Trimble

Utilizing 3D paving controls can give companies peace of mind by ensuring paving operations are on grade.

A

utomatic controls for construction equipment have emerged over the last decade with the goal of helping contractors do their jobs more efficiently. Using technology to better manage equipment usage has been an eye-opening experience for the industry, as it adapts to getting more work done even faster with the help of these new processes.

3D paving control is one technology that hasn’t exactly gained the industry momentum that it should. 3D paving allows the system to directly reference the design rather than a surface or stringline of the surface.

This minimizes material usage, reduces waste and overruns and helps projects finish on time and under budget.

Without 3D paving controls, contractors are relying on paint markings or stringlines to reference grade and elevation and manually changing the screed to match.

“A lot of the old school contractors will still go out and spray paint a depth and a cross slope on a road to be paved, and then the operator looks at these spray painted instructions and

reacts to that on their asphalt paver,” notes Davin Laubhan, paving product manager at Trimble. “That’s very difficult to do and that opens up a lot of room for error.”

There are also 2D technologies being used that can reference any existing surface via sonic sensors or averaging beams that are put on the side of the paver.

All of these methods have had their place in the past, but do not give contractors the complete picture, which can lead to the best results.

“Through a 3D model, we are dynamically able to adjust that asphalt paver screed either to a specific elevation or cross slope to match the 3D design,” Laubhan says. “By referencing that 3D design, the first and foremost thing that we can do is eliminate stringlines on a jobsite.

Stringlines are expensive, they take time and they cost money, not only for the material but the crews. These paving control systems can reduce waste and overruns and help contractors finish on time or ahead of schedule, which hopefully means they are also under budget.”

18 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

TECH HELPS PLAN FROM START TO FINISH Asphalt is a perishable material. You only have a short amount of time to put it down before it’s no longer usable. If you put it down and it’s not done correctly, the costs to remove and replace are devastating to the bottom line.

Technology has been developed to help contractors prepare for success during every step of the paving process.

“With the Trimble Business Center Software, there is a site takeoff feature that is one of the best ways to estimate these material quantities from the start,” Laubhan asserts. “Trimble Business Center is utilized in the back office to create a design that allows us to know what our target elevation is and what our existing surfaces are. The Business Center Software can calculate those material quantities that would be needed for accurate estimating on a daily basis. So, not only does that help on every project, but contractors can place more accurate raw material orders with the asphalt plants.”

The Business Center can help

plan things like the number of trucks required as well as help you estimate round trip times based on material quantities so you don’t have to stop the paver to wait for trucks.

“The technology helps us control our materials from the bottom up,” says Sumie Abdishi, general superintendent at Orange Crush LLC, Elk Grove Village, IL, “from not taking too much dirt away from the job to using the correct amount of stone and the correct amount of asphalt to keep our yields in line. It helps a lot. And, you know, there’s a reason why the office keeps telling me to use it — because they’re seeing returns.”

EVOLVING FROM NECESSITY Orange Crush was hired to help reconstruct and expand the Illinois Tollway, which specified 3D controls in the bid. “The Tollway job is what started us on the 3D paving system technology,” Abdishi says. “It was either that or we had to set up a stringline, which would have probably cost us more money in the long run.”

The Tollway required the 3D

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technology on the machines to ensure specifications were being met and that the project owner had access to the necessary data to ensure the performance of the pavement.

“Connecting field to office is a big initiative for Trimble right now,” Laubhan says. “What we’re trying to do with machine control — not just paving but machine control in general — is work harder to connect customers with their data. This includes making sure the data is collected and whoever needs it, whether a project owner or a stakeholder, has access to it. We also want to make sure they’re able to seamlessly integrate that data from office to field through the cloud.”

Like many companies who try out new innovations, Orange Crush was essentially “forced” into using 3D controls. Now, Abdishi says his company wouldn’t go back to the way it did things in the past.

“What got the ball rolling on the 3D stuff was out of necessity, but as soon as we got it, we loved it,” he states. “It gives us peace of mind using it. We know we’re on grade and we don’t have

ROAD BU IL DING

Machine control helps ensure data is collected and whoever needs it has ready access to the information. to worry about it. Now, the goal is to switch all of the grading equipment and all of the grinding equipment that we have over to 3D the best we can.”

Abdishi says using 3D controls on the earthmoving and grinding equipment is where they foresee the most benefit. “If I had it my way, on any job, I would try to create the base with 3D and then use the paver to laminate the surface,” he comments. “It’s more efficient for us and gives us a true design on the base that the paver can just flow over.”

Orange Crush envisions a use for this technology on almost every job it encounters, not just the big ones.

“It seems like we have a need for it everywhere we go,” says Abdishi. “We’ve had a couple of jobs that require variable depth milling. We’re using it on a rail yard in the city of Englewood, then we’re going to use a motor grader with 3D control in a subdivision and use the paving to laminate over what we’ve created on the base.”

“Contractors need to start embracing this technology around the country,” Laubhan states. “Once they figure out that they can actually build better pavement structures by using it, and that it increases the life of the road, this is definitely going to be something that you will see a lot more specifications being written around.”

Through a 3D model, you are able to dynamically adjust the paver screed either to a specific elevation or cross slope to match the 3D design.

technology now are taking care of their learning curve today before some of this stuff actually starts to be mandated and required on these pavements.

“If you don’t do this now, you’re going to get left behind and you’re not going to be able to bid the work that specifies usage of technology,” he adds.

You don’t need to outfit your entire fleet with new technology for it to make a difference to your operations.

“Start with one machine,” Laubhan advises. “I don’t care if it’s a paver or a dirt machine, but get some technology on there.

Figure out how you can use it to increase your efficiencies, save time and move faster

to get your jobs completed. And then once you’re comfortable with that, you can move on to the next machine and then the next machine. Then, you can really start to see these efficiency gains as you implement technology across the fleet.”

Abdishi agrees. “I know it seems scary because those price tags are pretty big when you first start,” he acknowledges. “Start little by little. Get one piece of equipment plumbed and ready to go. Then go back and look at your returns. See how you’ve increased productivity and also see how you’ve managed your quantities. I think most people will find that once they go there, they’re not going to go back.” ET

“The technology helps us control our materials... from not taking too much dirt away from the job to using the correct amount of [materials] to keep our yields in line.”

— Sumie Abdishi

BREAK PAST THE BARRIERS There are often excuses as to why contractors won’t be implementing new technology, but the time is now to break past those barriers.

“The contractor may look at this like, ‘wow, this is expensive,’ because it can be.

They also say they don’t have the ability to train their people because they’re already super busy as it is,” Laubhan comments. “My answer to that is, you know, life isn’t going to slow down. We live in an increasingly connected and digitized world... Technology is the way of the future and contractors who are adopting this

What does it take to be better? You have to be strong.

Be smart. Be resilient. Be innovative. You’ve got to go above and beyond. And that’s precisely why people choose JCB construction equipment time and time again: Because good enough is never good enough.

Check out our full line of JCB products at your local dealer or visit JCB.com today. /JCBNA

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JCBNA

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August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 19

ROAD BUILDING Products GOMACO Xtreme GT-3600 Curb and Gutter Machine

Wirtgen W 220 Fi and W 250 Fi Large Milling Machines The 801-hp W 220 Fi and 1,010-hp W 250 Fi have a maximum milling depth of 14 in., making them suited for surface course rehabilitation and fine milling work to complete removal of the surface.

• Various drive concepts available to ensure maximum, optimal milling performance • Mill Assist standard assistance system automatically controls two-speed Dual Shift powershift transmission when in automatic mode • Milling drum speeds can be increased or decreased to match the application • Wirtgen Performance Tracker (WPT) calculates precise surface milling performance, milling volume and consumption values

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Wacker Neuson RD12 Series Tandem Rollers The 1.2-ton RD12 series vibratory rollers include improved visibility and curb clearance and easier service access.

• 34.5-in. drum with front drum dynamic centrifugal force of 3,400 lbs.

• RD12A powered by a 20.8-hp Honda gasoline engine and RD12K equipped with a 21.6-hp Kubota diesel engine • Fully recessed hydraulic motors provide optimal curb and side clearance • Tapered frame and hood design provides for visibility to the drum edges and more comfortable operation • Include an ergonomically designed operator’s platform with water and vibration functions integrated into the joystick control and conveniently located fuel and water gauges

www.forconstructionpros.com/21047045

Roadtec RX-405 Cold Planer Power Curbers 5700-D Slipform Curb Machine The 5700-D features the SlipSmart Control System, simple and accurate controls that come ready to interface with Topcon, Leica and Trimble 3D stringless systems.

• “All up” jog switch raises or lowers all crawler posts simultaneously • Vibrator master scaling knob allows increase or decrease of vibration across all vibrators while individual vibrator adjustments remain relative to each other • Features improved cross-slope control, auto-calibration for the radius steer sensor, fine scaling of speed pots, an easypivot conveyor and more

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The RX-405 is designed to cut variable widths of 2 to 5 ft. and up to 13 in. deep with a center-mounted, belt-driven cutter drum.

• Intuitive controls and full-time camera displays allow a single operator to run the machine from a seated or standing position • Variable Cutter System (VCS) for quick drum changes • Drum Index Device rotates drum independent of the cutter belt drive • Rear Object Detection stops mill if a person or object is detected behind the machine while it is in reverse • Additional sensors and ground level buttons allow crew members to disable reverse

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Minnich Auto Vibe CC The Auto Vibe CC vibrator monitoring system is designed to simplify hydraulic paving vibrator monitoring during heavy highway and airport paving processes.

• High-visibility, all-weather touchscreen monitor offers easy navigation • All electrical connections feature Deutsch harness connectors for easy connections and service • Easy to install and features remote access to the company for field support

The Xtreme GT-3600 with the Xtreme package means tight radius paving is even easier and more efficient.

• Each track includes rotary-sensored slew drives, sensored All-Track Steering and All-Track Positioning and smart hydraulic cylinders • Smart cylinders allow the G+ control system to know the exact track position to make steering adjustments as needed • Xtreme Radius program allows for tight radii on stringline • G+ control system easily interfaces with any of the major 3D guidance systems • Smart hydraulic cylinder utilized for intelligent offset when telescoping and side shifting the mold mounting system

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BOMAG BM 2500/75 Milling Machine The BM 2500/75 half-lane milling machine offers a range of standard, fine, micro and power drum designs to meet a variety of milling needs.

• 771-hp diesel engine and mechanical drum drive • 98.4-in.-wide cutter delivers cutting depths reaching 13.8 in.

• Three milling speeds include ECO (100 rpm), Universal (112 rpm) and Speed (131 rpm) • 60° left/right swiveling outer conveyor offers up to a 16.4-ft. discharge height and transfers millings to either side of the machine at rates up to 285.3 fpm • All-crawler steering and crab walk for optimal on-site maneuverability

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System solutions are designed to support curb and gutter paving by maintaining productivity and accuracy, even when facing difficult GPS coverage issues.

• Millimeter GPS concrete paving solution can be used with the GT-1200 series standalone robotic total station or selfleveling LN-150 robotic layout navigator • Temporarily turns control of paver over to a robotic instrument to ensure production is maintained when GPS coverage is blocked • Both instruments offer support for a prism solution to quickly switch between Millimeter GPS and LPS (local positioning systems) • Use Topcon LongLink communication for robust connectivity

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Leica MC1 Solution for Stringless Paving The MC1 asphalt paving solution enables operators to precisely place cement-treated base course or start paving directly without waiting for manual stakeouts.

• Operator can change height offset directly on the run screen • Fully compatible with iCON site and ConX for seamless data sharing, file transfer, as-built documentation, track, view and sync functions • Uncluttered and user-friendly interface with the latest updates included • Terrain models for milling and asphalt pavers • Smartspare TPS feature for the handling of spare TPS tracking and lock to target

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www.forconstructionpros.com/21115190

20 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

Topcon Millimeter GPS with Robotic-based Solutions

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ROAD BUILDING Products

THE NEXT STEP IN INTELLIGENT COMPACTION’S EVOLUTION Case E Series Compact Rollers Seven compact vibratory rollers range from 33.5 to 43.9 hp and from 4,920 to 9,520 lbs. and come in double-drum and combination configurations with drum widths from 39 to 54 in.

• Redesigned operator interface includes an electronic travel lever and rpm settings, drive settings, sprinkler system controls and more at the operator’s fingertips • Operation mode selector with loading, working and transport modes • Soft drive setting enables a smooth ride during asphalt compaction and optional hard drive setting allows for swift turns • Deliver high centrifugal forces and frequencies at lower rpms with selectable dual vibration frequencies

www.forconstructionpros.com/21120047

Miller Formless M-8800 Slipforming System The M-8800 can pour up to 102-in. barrier walls and bridge parapet walls and up to 20 ft. in straddle or sidemount configuration.

• 173-hp Tier 4 Final diesel engine • MFS Control System includes sensors and handheld remote and is 3D ready • Four tracks with independent steering and two-speed hydraulic drive motors • Includes 10-spool vibrator control, hydraulic frame widening (48 in.), heavyduty dual transfer augers, 45-in. elevation tubes, high-volume water wash down system and triple grouser track pads • Pours in right- or left-hand configuration

www.forconstructionpros.com/21093588

Trimble Roadworks 2D Paving Control Platform Trimble Roadworks 2D Paving Control Platform is an automatic screed control system featuring intuitive software built on the Android operating system.

• Can use various 2D references to pave with a fixed thickness • Uses same interface as the Earthworks Grade Control Platform and many of the same sensors as the PCS400 2D Paving Control System while running on a 7-in.

TD510 touchscreen display • Two external keypads allow sensor values and input data to be easily changed in the field • Can be mounted on a variety of new and existing asphalt paving machines

In early 2019, BOMAG advanced the compaction industry with the introduction of its BOMAP app, a free digital solution designed to deliver an easily accessible intelligent compaction solution for both soil and asphalt projects. Now, the company takes compaction even further down the digital road with BOMAG Connect, a substantial enhancement that enables networked control and documentation of all equipment involved in the compaction process.

With the help of planning data and up-to-date information from online map services, this subscription-based cloud solution makes it possible to specify all relevant core parameters for the site and plan the compaction process in detail. Respective job areas can be defined and compaction specs set according to task (number of passes or soil compaction value or material stiffness). Machines can be assigned to projects and tasks for optimal results. Roller operators, the project supervisor and site managers can monitor and track all compaction values in real time.

After activating an Android tablet or smartphone in a BOMAG roller, the installed free BOMAP app connects to the machine interface and registers the machine parameters. All data relevant to compaction (e.g., material stiffness or temperature) is automatically recorded and transmitted through the cloud to BOMAP Connect. Third-party machines also interconnect and can transmit their passes, helping to generate a pass map for the entire site.

Within seconds, this data is combined in real time and displayed as a color-coded map.

Colored areas indicate the compaction results achieved by the entire roller fleet. Operators can readily see areas that have already achieved target material densities, the current degree of compaction in a specific area and their position on the asphalt mat or soil section.

When used with the optional BOMAG JOBLINK, BOMAP Connect enables users to access even more process-related data from the company’s rollers, such as EVIB or ECONOMIZER value, frequency, amplitude, temperature, speed and direction.

BOMAP Connect enables information on compaction progress and any plan changes to be transmitted in real time, keeping assigned users up to date on project status. Online access to construction projects enables users to monitor the process and track situations as they occur – at any time and from any location – and react to them immediately if needed.

Once a project has been completed and evaluated, it can be archived as a PDF file or exported in various formats for detailed analysis and/or future reference.

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Dynapac SD Asphalt Paver Range Caterpillar Updated Cold Planers The 630-hp PM620 and PM622 halflane cold planers have a Cat C18 Tier 4 Final engine, while the PM820, PM822 and PM825 have the same engine with a twin-turbo setup to deliver 800.6 hp.

• Weigh from 73,260 to 82,650 lbs. with cutting widths from 79 to 98.6 in.

• Integrated Cat GRADE with Grade and Slope system or can be enhanced with full 3D milling operation • Robust cutting system with heavy steel construction and reinforced alloys • System K rotors come in various spacings • Kicker paddles reversible for extended life • High-capacity conveyors with enhanced discharge control and a reversible belt

Volvo Compact Assist Start

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This entry-level intelligent compaction package includes pass mapping and temperature mapping functionalities to show job progress in real time.

• Pass mapping gives a clear on-screen view of the roller’s coverage of the asphalt, highlighting stop points and overlaps • Temperature mapping offers color-coded map of surface temperatures plus ability to set a maximum/minimum range • Powered by Co-Pilot 10-in. in-cab tablet • Available on DD110C, DD120C, DD128C and DD140C asphalt rollers • Can be upgraded to Compact Assist or Compact Assist with Density Direct

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LeeBoy 8616D Asphalt Paver The 8616D provides consistent material flow and delivers a paving width of up to 15 ft. 6 in.

• Legend HD PRO screed features springloaded end gates, HD flight screws, heavy-duty crown and valley mechanism and an angle-of-attack adjuster with vertical height adjustment • Includes independent hopper wings, reversible augers and conveyors, hydraulic tow point cylinders, material cut-offs that can be set to automatically close in reverse and a quick-change auger assembly • Stylish operator platform includes dual operator control platforms and multiposition, pivoting seats

The SD2500CS can meet tough ride specifications including airport runways, racetracks and new highways, plus is suitable for RCC paving applications.

• Includes operator-assist technology such as Truck Assist, Light Assist, Width Assist and Screed Assist systems • Dual speed screed control offers two speed levels for faster reaction around quick obstacles and slower control for fine adjustments • Can be paired with the V5100THE tamper, high-compaction electric screed and extensions to pave to 27 ft.

• “THE” high compaction screed technology allows flexibility of adjusting pressure and vibration parameters for optimal results

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August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 21

S A F E T Y & COM P LI A N C E | By Jessica Lombardo

How to Maintain SAFER Work Zones CRH Americas Materials

These tips can help improve worker safety both inside and outside of the work zone.

CRH Americas Materials

The AWARE system (freestanding cart version shown) triggers audio and visual warnings for the driving public and individual alerts for workers when a vehicle is detected as a threat.

To optimize safety, CRH supplies every worker with high-vis PPE and a Halo Safety Light for their hard hat.

W

ork zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. It takes contractors, engineers and traffic control plan supervisors to properly plan and design the work zones; flaggers to guide the public through them; drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to remain alert and pay attention while entering and driving through the area; and local and state government, area police and emergency responders to help ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

Still, in 2018, there were 124 construction workers killed in work zones, according to the Work Zone Safety website.

“To put this in perspective, if this many people had died in a single airplane crash, the world would be demanding action,” says Crystal May, vice president

of Safety and Environmental Operations at CRH Americas Materials, a leading supplier of asphalt, concrete and other building materials, which also offers construction and paving services. “However, since this has happened cumulatively, the outrage from the public is not there.

But why? I can assure you the families of the workers that died and those in the industry feel the need for safer work zones is immediate and necessary.”

During her session “Maintaining Safer Work Zones” during the World of Asphalt “People, Plants & Paving” digital conference, May offered several tips to help improve work zone safety.

SAFETY INSIDE THE BARRELS While many companies focus on keeping workers safe

22 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

CRH Americas Materials

from the traveling public, it’s important for companies to understand that safety starts with each and every employee and needs to be a priority in everything they do.

“We start each day with a safety huddle,” May says. “This is different than a tailgate talk because safety is the focus. Every safety huddle works to either mitigate or eliminate hazards and puts everyone on the same page for what is happening in the jobsite each day. It gives workers a sense of relief to know what the plan is.”

CRH also works hard to increase the visibility of its workers and equipment on the jobsite. Every worker is supplied with high-vis personal protective equipment (PPE) and a Halo Safety Light for their hard hat.

To increase equipment visibility,

Each CRH machine has LED lights and reflective tape so they are more visible at night. The pavers, light haul trucks, distributors and other ancillary equipment are lit up for added visibility, as well. each CRH machine has LED lights and reflective tape so they are more visible at night. It’s not just pavers that have lights; the company makes sure light haul trucks, distributors and other ancillary equipment will also be seen at night. It ensures each work zone is well-lit for night work, which notifies the motoring public of workers’ presence.

“We also ask project managers to drive the job multiple times a week to ensure workers are being seen, but to also make sure the driving public doesn’t have glare issues with our lighting,” May adds.

Communication on the jobsite is key. Workers need to be able to effectively talk to each other over the loud equipment that surrounds them. This makes communication devices like

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headsets and walkie-talkies an important tool for workers.

“If we’re asking an employee to do a job, it’s incumbent on us to make sure we’re giving them the tools to do it safely and effectively,” May says.

Internal Traffic Control Plans (ITCPs) are also an important part of keeping workers safe inside the barrels. An ITCP helps to protect workers on foot in the work spaces of the work zone. Because crews must often work close to large vehicles and equipment, the movements of workers, equipment and vehicles must be well coordinated.

May advises that these plans be drawn out every day and shared with heavy haulers coming into the jobsite so everyone is on the same page.

Other safety additions include:

FROM THE LEADER IN PORTABLE LED LIGHTING

COAST LIGHTED SAFETY GEAR BECAUSE NOTHING KEEPS WORKERS SAFER THAN GREAT LIGHTING

SH300 Impact-resistant full brim hard hat with reflective signal tape

LHS300 RECHARGEABLE 270-degree safety hard hat strap with solid and flashing LED light

SA300 SG300

RECHARGEABLE safety armband with solid and flashing LED light strip

Touch-screen compatible phosphorescent glow patch safety glove

SV550 RECHARGEABLE ANSI Class 2 safety vest with solid and flashing dual LED light tubes wrapping 360-degrees around the torso

MORE SAFETY GEAR FROM COAST FREE COAST SL1 SAFETY LIGHT WITH SURveY COMPLEtiON

SPG300 SAFETY GLASSES

SPG400 LED INSPECTION BEAM SAFETY GLASSES

SPG500 LED HI/LOW SPOT BEAM SAFETY GLASSES

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Brad Drew, National Sales Director: retailsales@coastportland.com

Coastportland.com/safetygear

Scott Field, Industrial and Public Safety Sales Director: industrialsales@coastportland.com

S A F E T Y & COM P LI A N C E

˜ paver lights for operators to

notify haul trucks when they are ready to accept materials ˜ instituting “no phone zones” while on the jobsite ˜ adding RFID sensors to workers and equipment and backup cameras/alarms to machines so operators can see what’s happening around them and workers are alerted to equipment movement

SAFETY BEYOND THE BARRELS You can do everything possible to keep workers safe, but the traveling public also has to do its part. Devices such as attenuators and rumble strips can be used to alert motorists to upcoming work zones, but more needs to be done to help prevent intrusion.

CRH created the AWARE system to help with this.

“AWARE is our advanced warning and risk evasion system,” May says. “It’s a technology we developed to alert employees if there is a work zone intrusion.”

The AWARE system includes one or more sensors, a GPSbased alert unit for the worker, a number of threat deterrents and a base station app for iPhone and iPad. The sensors use radar to track the position and trajectory of vehicles within a range of up to 600 ft. If a vehicle is about to enter the work zone, and the sensor detects it as a threat, the sensor triggers audio and visual warnings for the driving public and individual alerts for workers who might be in harm’s way via their GPS-based units. The system will also begin recording video with an onboard camera for use in accident investigations, if necessary.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE Products

Today, there are two different types of solutions within the AWARE system. One is a freestanding cart to set up by the flagger and the other is dedicated to safety in the work zone. The system can be used for a number of applications, from line striping and traffic control setup, to multi-lane construction, flagger safety or lone worker scenarios such as road maintenance and sign placement.

If there are ever opportunities to keep workers off the road, like with automatic flagging devices, May says you should take advantage. May also says that effective signage, even those that appeal to the emotions of drivers, will help keep drivers alert that there are workers ahead.

When possible, May says work zones should build law

CRH Americas Materials

Effective signage, including those that appeal to the emotions of drivers, can help alert drivers that there are workers ahead.

enforcement protection into the bid. “This is the No. 1 thing our employees say is the most effective for controlling driver behavior in work zones,” she comments. “When you are able to have law enforcement on site, make sure they are positioned

correctly to provide the best protection possible.”

Some states have also started to deploy automatic speed enforcement in work zones, which is a very effective way to keep motorists from exceeding the posted speed limit. ET

Werner Fall Protection Anchorage Connectors Werner offers a range of fall protection anchorage connector options.

• Removable Bolt Concrete Anchors include over 12 different products based on size and application, including 5K, 10K and mining models • Mega-Swivel family includes 20+ variations based on material type and application, including concrete or steel and 5K or 10K versions • Six different steel I-beam sliders include one vertical and fixed-beam clamp and a beam trolley in multiple configurations • Rescue Toggles, Slings, Precast and more available to assist in recovery and rescue

www.forconstructionpros.com/21563212

Pyramex Heavy-duty Utility Vest The Heavy-Duty Utility Vest (RVZT44B Series) features a D-Ring pass-through slot on the back for ease of use with a fall protection harness.

• Reach-through pocket with zipper closure on back enables access to construction plans, a clipboard or tablet • Solid black front bottom includes an inner microfiber towel for cleaning of eyewear • Offers various pockets including two large expandable waist pockets with hook and loop closure • Made of 120-gsm polyester mesh with reinforced seams and has 2-in. silver reflective material with .5-in. contrasting trim • Includes a padded collar and easy to use zipper front closure • Comes in sizes small through 5XL

www.forconstructionpros.com/21563125

Chiller Body Custom Freezing Gel Pad Insert This custom freezing gel pad insert invisibly tucks inside most headwear to keep the body cool and help mitigate heat-related health concerns.

• “Cool Chill” side provides a soft fabric feel and gentle cooling experience, while the “Extreme Chill” side provides a higher cooling intensity • Sealed, reusable and easy to put in place and remove from any kind of hat or headgear • Comfortable, lightweight and flexible so it molds to any head shape and size • Allows for maximum air flow to prolong the cooling experience • Comes in a 2-pack that allows one to be used while the other is re-cooled to enable an all-day cooling experience

www.forconstructionpros.com/21563098

24 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

Milwaukee Tool Knee Pads The Knee Pad Lineup comes in a variety of cap styles designed to provide all-day comfort and durability.

• Free-Flex version features lightweight, comfortable foam construction, a waterresistant cap and adjustable straps • Hard Cap Gel version offers thick foam construction, durable caps and a secure gel zone for added comfort and a contoured fit • Performance version constructed with pressure-reducing foam, layered gel and robust, durable cap and offered in a nonmarring version for sensitive surfaces • Stabilizer Performance versions have large flat caps for stability, layered gel and a hinged thigh strap for better mobility

www.forconstructionpros.com/21366620

www.ForConstructionPros.com

Kenzen Data Dashboard for Hot and Humid Conditions This wearable monitoring device and mobile app feed data into the data and analytics dashboard to provide an overview of work sites, both real time and retrospectively, to evaluate heat risk information by location and job role.

• Captures workers’ core body temperature, productivity and microclimates caused by clothing in hot and humid conditions • Analysis consists of tens of thousands of data points collected per worker per day • Actionable feedback enables tailoring of work/rest schedules and identification of PPE clothing with the least impact on worker performance • Maintains worker privacy while giving safety and other EHS leaders information needed to keep workers safe

www.forconstructionpros.com/21563113

Equipment you need.

Prices you’ll dig.

Attachments, parts, and more.

www.ebay.com/heavyequipment

E A RTHM OV I N G | By Curt Bennink

Crawler Dozer Technology

PUSHES THE ENVELOPE Integrated technologies provide increased automation while sharing real-time productivity data.

Slope Control fills a need for less complex technology which doesn’t use a 3D model or external reference, such as a base station or laser, while still automatically controlling the blade for the operators.”

The Cat D7E proved the viability of the electric drive concept and the technology has now evolved with the introduction of the D6 XE. The electric drive system allows the diesel engine to run at the most optimized rpm to get the best efficiency.

26 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

Machine control of slope allows the operator to concentrate on efficiently moving the dirt instead of on maintaining grade.

“The operation of slope control is extremely simple and gives the operator a choice between two operating modes: target and joystick mode,” notes Goedert.

“Target mode allows operators to define a cross slope and main slope for the blade to automatically maintain, while joystick mode allows the operator to make manual blade corrections and

when turning the machine around.”

This provides added flexibility. “This entry level technology puts another tool in the operator’s box, enabling simplified operation in many applications,” says Goedert. “Slope Control helps operators and jobsites maintain drainage throughout the job, whether you’re grading an area to stage equipment or quickly grading the site before a rainstorm arrives.”

Slope Control can be easily upgraded to SmartGrade at any time. “SmartGrade is John Deere’s integrated mastless 3D grade control system and has added features, like Auto SmartGrade that allows operators to dial in specific settings like load levels, material types and dozing activities,” Goedert explains. “This system automatically controls the blade to reduce track

slip and boost productivity.”

Caterpillar

T

oday’s crawler tractors have become technological marvels. Automated grade control functions simplify operation and allow novice operators to proficiently hit grade, while advanced drivetrain technology cuts fuel consumption, and production data is transmitted to the office in real time.

“As technology evolves at a rapid pace, it is becoming more relevant in the construction industry, and dozers are no exception to this,” says Matt Goedert, solutions marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry.

“One of the biggest struggles facing contractors today is finding and retaining skilled operators.

John Deere is developing several features to help overcome this challenge.”

Simplified grading technologies help operators perform basic grading tasks.

“While the adoption of 3D grade control systems has been significant over the last 5+ years, there is still a place for entrylevel grade control technology to grow adoption and simplify tasks,” says Goedert. “Over the last couple of years at John Deere, we have launched Slope Control on many of our dozers, including the 450K, 550K, 650K, 700L and 750L models.

THE ROAD TO AUTONOMY the system will maintain the slope of the last operator command. The slope can easily be flipped by the operator

The road to autonomy will start with semi-automated functions such as automated slope control. “Depending upon how you define semi-autonomous, I would argue that we are there

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today with grade control,” states Sam Meeker, market professional at Caterpillar.

Caterpillar offers a suite of features on its current generation dozers including: ˜ Cat Grade with slope assist, which maintains a pre-established blade position without a GPS signal; ˜ Stable Blade, which works seamlessly with operator inputs to help produce a smoother surface; ˜ traction control to automatically reduce track slip; ˜ and AutoCarry, which automates blade lift to maintain a consistent blade load.

“All of these features are designed to help the operator do his job a little bit easier, maybe a little bit faster, with a little higher quality output,” says Meeker.

While these tools are beneficial to novice operators, they also bring your best operators to a new level. “The good operators are always going to be the ones that figure out how to use the tool the best,” says Meeker.

“They’ll take grade control and figure out how to make it even better and make their life even better, make their job easier and at the same time be more productive.”

One key to being able to utilize these new technologies is an intuitive user interface.

Caterpillar currently uses a 10-in. touchscreen on many of its crawler dozers. “It’s not a two-line LCD display anymore,” says Meeker.

The full graphical displays run on an Android OS platform. “It’s very similar to what a customer is using in their smartphone. It uses the same type of gestures — the pinch to zoom, push to select and push and hold to edit,” Meeker explains. “Just having a good, consistent menu structure that makes sense throughout the system helps operators as well.” By pushing the question mark on the screen, basic functions such as Slope Assist or traction control are explained in detail, with graphics, for the operator.

Remote machine control has also been a focus for Caterpillar and is starting to gain traction.

“I’ve been really impressed with the amount of interest there is on remote control,” says Meeker.

The advantages include opening

EARTHMOVING

Liebherr ????????????????

the level of automation possible with the latest iteration of integrated machine control. “intelligent Machine Control (iMC) 2.0 is definitely the most noteworthy advancement in our latest generation of dozers,” says Jon Jennings, product marketing manager, Komatsu America.

“We’ve taken what we already had — really strong automation technology at 1.0 — and we’ve added more features into the suite. Now we can use automatics from grass to grade.

Previously, and with a lot of the other systems out there, you are

only using automatics in that last phase of the dozing process, the finish grading. We can now use automatics pretty much the entire process, which is a huge differentiator.”

Bulk earthmoving accounts for the vast majority of most projects. “When you get a new operator, if they are only using automatics when they get to the final grading, that means they are still having to work manually for all the other operations stripping the soil,” notes Jennings.

This amplifies any deficiency in the operator’s skill level. “Now,

Komatsu has expanded the level of automation possible with its iMC 2.0 integrated machine control. More features have been added into the suite, enabling the company’s dozers to use automatics “from grass to grade.”

Over the last couple of years, John Deere has launched Slope Control on many of its dozers, including the 450K, 550K, 650K, 700L and 750L. Slope Control fills a need for less complex technology that doesn’t use a 3D model or external reference while still automatically controlling the blade for the operators.

John Deere

up the workforce to more potential operators and increased safety by not having people in dangerous situations.

Automatic machine control and operator assistance systems are being used more frequently to increase productivity, and have set the crawler dozer market down the path toward autonomy. Liebherr is addressing this trend with its Liebherr Operator Assistance Systems (OAS), which currently offer three levels — Free Grade, Definition Grade and 3D Grade — for 1D, 2D and 3D applications.

Free Grade is active blade stabilization for free/creative grading. This assists with creation of flat surfaces, ramps and dams. Definition Grade is for basic modeling of 2D surfaces.

It operates without additional equipment such as GNSS receivers or base stations and provides automatic position control of the blade to a specified target inclination. 3D Grade offers automated six-way blade control for exact blade positioning to create 3D site models.

The Liebherr OAS is controlled by a 9-in. touch display that allows the operator to finetune dozer operating parameters such as responsiveness of work hydraulics, responsiveness of drive hydraulics, ECO mode, automatic speed reduction and engine shutdown.

Komatsu has also expanded

Komatsu ????????????????

The Liebherr Operator Assistance Systems (OAS) offer three levels for 1D, 2D and 3D applications. Free Grade assists with creation of flat surfaces, ramps and dams. Definition Grade for modeling of 2D surfaces operates without added equipment, such as GNSS receivers or base stations, and provides automatic position control of the blade to a specified target inclination. 3D Grade offers automated six-way blade control for exact blade positioning to create 3D site models.

www.ForConstructionPros.com

August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 27

E A RTHM OV I N G Shown are components of the Caterpillar D6 XE electric drive system.

is blade up and down to grade.”

Managing track slip allows you to maximize productivity.

“Precision construction technologies such as [John Deere’s] SmartGrade, which come from the factory integrated into the machine, come with many benefits both on and off the machine,” says Goedert. “Of course, protection of the system from damage is a big benefit.

We try to protect harnesses and

Deere Service ADVISER Remote allows service technicians to interact with our machines at a level they haven’t seen before. The dozers can receive wireless software updates, avoiding a technician making a trip to the jobsite. This also links the machine to the John Deere Machine Monitoring Center that is supported by both the dealer and factory support personnel, who are standing by ready to help.”

better than a hydraulic system.

“The simple fact is that we don’t create heat in the system. Even with a lockup clutch torque converter, there is still heat created in the oil,” Meeker points out.

The D7E was Caterpillar’s entry into the electric drive crawler dozer market. “The D7E was our first-generation electric drive,” says Meeker. “It had a permanent magnet generator and motor and a non-serviceable inverter.”

with 2.0, they can use automatics when stripping and really focus on the job, learning what they are doing.”

A key feature that enables Komatsu’s automation is proactive dozing. “As you move the machine over the jobsite the first time, it’s reading and learning that terrain,” explains Jennings.

“When you pass over it again, it knows what’s coming ahead.

Like an experienced operator, it’s managing the blade load. It’s going to proactively lift the blade just like an experienced operator would know to do.”

With every pass, you maximize the blade load. “Anytime you can optimize and fill your blade with each pass, you are doing it the most efficient way possible,” says Jennings. “You’re reducing maintenance costs to the owner because you are not slipping the tracks. Every time you are overloaded, you are burning more fuel and you might slip the tracks.”

As you approach the finish grade, the blade will adjust. “The system is smart enough to look at the target design and existing ground and transition automatically,” says Ron Schwieters, product marketing manager, Komatsu America.

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY ADDS RELIABILITY More technology is being integrated into crawler dozers at the factory, with key sensors and processing technology coming standard. These machines are ready and pre-wired to incorporate the grade control system of choice.

“The reason customers like integrated systems is all about reliability,” says Meeker.

“Today, [Caterpillar’s] most

popular option is going to be the Attachment Ready Option with assist.” All of the sensors are built into the tractor so a grade control system can be added later. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are pre-installed on the blade and C-frame.

The technology must be flexible to fit into the customer’s existing operations. “Factory grade control is important. But it is maybe just as important to have all of the difficult components factory installed and then have the ability to update that and [install] the components the customer wants,” says Meeker.

This gives customers the ability to set the machine up for their specific applications. “Some customers don’t just want GPS grade controls. Some of them want lasers or universal total stations (UTS),” says Meeker.

“The flexibility and versatility of being able to put whichever system you want on there is really important.”

As accuracy demands increase and allowable jobsite tolerances continue to tighten, UTS will continue to gain popularity.

“The ability to do UTS is pretty important,” says Meeker. Laser, GPS and UTS all have their place. “It’s all about choices.”

Integrated machines have blade position technology built right into the machine. Consider the Komatsu integrated dozers.

“It’s a combination of GNSS antenna, IMU and cylinder stroke sensors, with all the combination suite technologies to get that final position of the blade,” says Jennings. “[The dozer] knows what other parts of the machine are doing, whereas the third-party [grade control] may not have that visibility to ‘What’s my engine rpm? Do I

28 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

DRIVETRAIN TECHNOLOGY DRIVES EFFICIENCY Drivetrain technologies for crawler dozers continue to evolve with advanced hystat or electric drives.

“The key efficiencies in electric drive are going to be basically not wasting any energy,” says Meeker. “When you have a torque converter or even a hystat type of system, you’re required to transfer the power from the engine down to the tracks. You are required to compress oil and heat it up. The electric drive system does not create nearly as much heat because we’re not compressing that fluid and using it for work. We are using the electric system for work.”

This transfers energy much

Caterpillar

Caterpillar

Dozer owners are provided with a wealth of information about the usage of the machine directly in the machine’s display or through JDLink, a telematics solution that remotely connects customers to their equipment through a desktop or mobile device.

need to speed the machine up or slow the machine down?’”

With machine integration, various components are in constant communication with each other and machine intelligence can be used to optimize the end result.

The integration allows advanced technologies such as track slip reduction. “None of those aftermarket systems know what load is on the machine,” says Schwieters. “All they know

components as much as we can, whether it’s with guarding or just how we route the hoses.”

Machine integration can also help with customer support.

“John Deere is constantly looking for ways we can support our customers better. For example, all SmartGrade machines released moving forward will have SmartGrade Remote Support,” says Goedert. “This tool allows customers and dealers to remotely view and control the display as if they were sitting in the cab.”

SmartGrade Remote Support enables support for remote troubleshooting, and if the dealer ends up having to visit the machine, it allows them to know which parts to bring. Similar to IT remotely controlling your computer, the operator can watch what’s going on as the display is being remotely controlled, which makes it a useful training tool, as well.

This connectivity expands beyond grade control to machine health and diagnostic capabilities, as well as productivity data. “John

www.ForConstructionPros.com

EARTHMOVING

The D7E proved the viability of the electric drive concept and the technology has now evolved with the introduction of the D6 XE. “When we went to the D6 XE, we went to a different style of motor and generator, which was lighter weight and more efficient at the same time,” says Meeker.

While the older D7E required a cooling system around the generator, the increased efficiency of the D6 XE technology has eliminated the need for this system. “We basically don’t generate the heat, so we don’t have to cool it,” says Meeker. “We do run oil through the rotor so that we can cool and lubricate the bearings.

“The electric drive system allows the diesel engine to run at the most optimized rpm to get the best efficiency,” he continues. Excess engine speeds result in high rotational mass and the friction creates energy loss. That is why overthe-road trucks try to run at around 1,200 rpm. “The lower the engine rpm can be, the more efficiency and the least amount of waste you have. The D6 XE is designed automatically to want to run at 1,400 rpm.”

Meeker adds that this is an ideal engine speed for light dozing. “When you get into the heavy cut, it’s going to automatically raise the rpm to give you the power you need, then it’s going to go back down to 1,400 rpm as soon as it can. The computer modulates the rpm, but it wants to live at 1,400 rpm.” A dozer is going to experience transient loads, but the electric drive allows the engine to run at an optimized speed as much as possible, eliminating waste.

Size does matter when looking at electric drive technology. “Electric does cost a little bit more to manufacture than what a traditional powertrain does,” Meeker notes. “So, going bigger is less of a challenge than going smaller.”

It boils down to the ability of the fuel savings to offset the cost of the components. For instance, saving 10% fuel doesn’t save you much when you are burning 2 to 3 gal./hour.

“If you have a D11 and you save 10% fuel, now you have something to really think about,” says Meeker.

“The larger you go, the easier it is to scale up.” Thus, the technology is well suited for the D6 and larger crawler dozers and wheel loaders such as the 988K XE. Hydrostatic drive technology has also evolved to increase efficiency. The Liebherr Generation 8 crawler dozers build on the electronically controlled, continuously variable drive with ECO mode. Power can be tailored to the application. If large quantities of material are to be moved, the hydrostatic drive works at constant engine speed

to save resources and keep costs down.

For light work, there is also an Eco mode.

Hydrostatic drive offers advantages in terms of technology integration vs. mechanical drivetrain technology.

Electronically controlled hydraulics allow full adjustability of speed and responsiveness of hydraulic movements in the Liebherr 9-in. display.

As electronic technologies evolve, new productivity-enhancing features will continue to find their way to the next generation of crawler dozers, resulting in simplified, yet more productive operation.

“Increased technology will be a key focus moving forward across machine platforms,” says Goedert. “Whether it’s productivity-enhancing solutions like

SmartGrade, using technology to make jobsites safer or thinking about how data and digital environments help customers more efficiently manage their business, we never stop listening to customers. Technology evolves every day, and we continuously work to help our customers run smarter and more sustainable. The future in the construction industry is exciting.” ET

HERE FOR ANY JOB. ANYTIME. Starting with the highest quality of equipment, KATO’s CL35 is built to handle the toughest projects and the most rugged terrain. KATO’s versatile CL35 Compact Track Loader, meets the needs of any job-site. The CL35 features an operating weight of 7,800 lbs. and is easily trailered to your next jobsite. The CL35 also features a comfortable cabin and responsive pilot controls for a superior operator experience. Additionally, KATO’s US-based distributor, Compact Excavator Sales, is a family-owned business that puts customers first.

Knowledgeable product experts are always standing by to assist with any service or maintenance issues that arise and our streamlined parts distribution minimizes downtime, keeping projects on schedule. Call today to find out how KATO’s superior service can help you achieve your goals.

COMPACT EXCAVATOR SALES, LLC

800.538.1447 / www.KATOCES.com

EARTHMOVING Products

John Deere 700L and 750L Crawler Dozers The 135-hp 700L and 175-hp 750L include a John Deere six-cylinder, 6.8-liter engine and offer wider blade options, including a 161-in. option.

• Available factory-installed slope control automatically maintains blade angle without external laser or GPS reference • Slope control models SmartGrade-ready for easy upgrade to 3D mastless system • Spacious operator station with ergonomically designed EH controls, 7-in. color monitor, 14% larger door openings and better visibility to the blade • Optimized hydraulic hose and electrical harness routings plus 4,000-hour hydraulic and hydrostatic oil intervals

www.forconstructionpros.com/21122406

Caterpillar D4 Dozer

Dressta TD-16N Dozer

The 29,259-lb., 130-net-hp D4 comes with improved sight lines, a more comfortable seat and a 10-in. touchscreen main display with standard high definition rear view camera.

• Blade capacity from 4.26 to 4.98 cu. yds.

• Standard Slope Indicate, Stable Blade and Traction Control with ability to add Cat Grade with Slope Assist and Factory Attachment Ready Option • Optional factory integrated Cat Grade with 3D with intuitive 10-in. Grade operator interface and AutoCarry • Standard or Low Ground Pressure (LPG) versions with Variable Pitch Angle Tilt (VPAT) or optional foldable VPAT blade

The 170-net-hp TD-16N dozer has an operating weight of 42,090 lbs. and features a mid-cab design with all-round visibility encompassing 309°.

• Mid-mounted automatic dual path hydrostatic drivetrain • Standard six-way angle blade • Compatible with 2D and 3D grade control systems • Easily accessible, intuitive electrohydraulic joystick controls • Undercarriage design uses a single-track gauge for all track shoe widths, allowing easy reconfiguration from standard to LGP undercarriage

www.forconstructionpros.com/21121146

www.forconstructionpros.com/21551363

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

• Proactive dozing control measures the terrain the dozer tracks over and uses that data to plan the next pass • Tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing • Lift layer control puts in repeated consistent lifts at the press of a button • Temporary design surface can be created with the press of a button using quick surface creation

Liebherr PR 736 Generation 8 Dozer The 56,218-lb. PR 736 G8 hydrostatic drive dozer comes with a 217-bhp Liebherr Tier 4 Final diesel engine with Eco mode.

• Straight, semi-U and six-way blade options are available in capacities from 5.36 to 7.27 cu. yds.

• Electronically pilot-controlled work hydraulics for swift, precise work cycles • Liebherr OAS – Operator Assistance System offers a “Free Grade” level for active blade stabilization during fine grading, “Definition Grade” level for automatic blade positioning when creating 2D grades and “3D Grade” option to model complex terrain shapes • Roof-mounted GPS/GNSS antennas standard along with onboard Active Sensor Control to stabilize all blade axis

www.forconstructionpros.com/21063560

www.forconstructionpros.com/21497151

Case M Series Crawler Dozers

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT VERMEER DEALERS WORLDWIDE! The BRON 175 utility tractor features 225 HP (167.8 kW) stage V engine, dual telescopic reel carrier, variable speed hydrostatic transmission, decelerator pedal, oscillating undercarriage and V75-3 offsetting plow.

873 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock ON N4S 3B6 1.800.263.1060 | ON:519.421.0036 610 Main St. West Leroy MN 48039 507.547.2864 Visit BRON online at WWW.RWFBRON.COM

30 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

The M Series line of crawler dozers ranges from the 68-net-hp 650M to the 214-net-hp 2050M, offering operating weights from 16,405 to 45,398 lbs., blade capacities from 2 to 7.29 cu. yds. and maximum drawbar pull from 39,086 to 80,979 lbs.

• FPT Tier 4 Final engines with selective catalytic reduction technology • Hydrostatic transmissions • Optimized cab-forward design, sloped hood and floor-to-ceiling glass ensure optimal visibility to the blade edge • Soft, medium and aggressive reversing and steering mode settings • 750M to 2050M available with factory installed and calibrated Leica Geosystems 2D, dual mast 3D and SiteControl CoPilot precision construction solutions

www.forconstructionpros.com/10920461 © 2021 Vermeer All Rights Reserved BRON is a registered trademark of RWF Industries, a division of Roberts Welding & Fabricating Ltd.

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WIN MORE BIDS AND EARN MORE ON EVERY JOB. When you get in your car, you don’t have to think about how to turn on the cruise control or push a button to engage the anti-lock brakes. We don’t believe a dozer should be any different, especially given the operator shortage and skills gap. On our dozers, features like traction control and blade lift, just work — little to no operator input required. It’s a doze-and-go approach that shortens get-up-to-speed time, reduces errors and makes your worksite safer and more productive.

LEARN MORE AT CAT.COM/DOZERTECH © 2021 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

C O M PACT E XCAVAT O R S | By Becky Schultz

COMPACT EXCAVATOR Acquisition is No Small Choice When it comes to compact excavators, the decision to buy, rent or lease calls for more than comparing costs.

˜ No long-term commitment:

Rental gives you the ability to use a specific machine to complete a job without making a long-term commitment to a specific size class. You can determine and acquire the best machine for each job — whether it’s a 1.5-ton unit on one project or a 4-ton machine on the next. ˜ Rental limits maintenance exposure: If the rental equipment breaks down or fails to work properly, the cost of maintenance, repairs and equipment downtime fall to the rental company. You can simply return it and obtain a comparable replacement. ˜ Tax benefits: With rental, you pay the bill, charge it to the job and you can later deduct it as a cost of doing business. You don’t have to worry about depreciation, interest allocation or insurance.

“Another benefit of infusing rental equipment into a fleet strategy is the access to newer and more advanced fleets.

Rental companies upgrade their fleets on a regular basis, giving contractors access to the most advanced gear and latest in control and operational technologies,” says Craig Schmidt, vice president, United Rentals.

United Rentals

A MATTER OF UTILIZATION

Renting a compact excavator provides flexibility in terms of how long you hold onto the equipment, plus lets you select the machine size and configuration best suited for the application.

T

he uneven recovery in construction activity coupled with uncertainty about equipment availability and prospects for future work make for tough choices when it comes to acquiring equipment.

The investment in even a smaller machine such as a compact excavator becomes a major decision.

The question becomes whether it’s more practical to buy the unit and have it on hand when and where it’s needed, or

32 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

if it’s better to rent until you know you have both the project backlog and mix to justify the purchase. Leasing throws yet another potential acquisition option into the equation.

There can be benefits to each, but they depend largely on the situation and equipment utilization.

RENTAL’S REWARDS Compact excavators have grown to become a high-volume

rental item. A number of factors have driven this trend. ˜ Availability of capital: Renting can help to maintain financial fluidity during times of uncertainty such as we saw throughout much of 2020 and into 2021. As a generalization, a longer-term rental over multiple months will typically run 4% to 5% of the cost to purchase, plus you avoid the sales tax required with outright acquisition.

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Of course, rental is not a onesize-fits-all solution. You need to look at all of the factors that can influence the most cost-effective way to obtain a compact excavator. They can include: ˜ the number of hours put on the machine annually; ˜ how long you intend to keep the equipment; ˜ maintenance costs required for the equipment each year; ˜ financing programs available when purchasing the machine; ˜ and the type of cash flow you are looking to obtain.

Of these, expected utilization typically tops the list. “The ‘buy’ conclusion has to be based on future utilization,” says Garry Bartecki, managing member of GB Financial Services LLP, and a consultant to the Independent Equipment Dealers Association.

“Because you are committing to at least a 60- to 72-month financing payment cycle, you

A LESSON IN LEASING Lease agreements offer another means to acquire equipment without making a substantial upfront capital investment. They provide a fixed budget amount for an extended term, typically 12 to 36 months.

This can be a good option for those who don’t want to tie up working capital. It also allows you to rotate equipment on planned replacement cycles, which can potentially reduce maintenance and downtime costs. Plus, it may reduce the amount of tax paid to acquire the equipment.

Again, utilization typically determines if a lease is the most cost-effective solution. For example, if you are consistently renting the same size machine

for four to five months a year, it may be worthwhile to consider a rent-to-own or lease agreement with purchase option at the end of the lease term.

The potential downsides vs. rental include maintenance costs; the potential that you may not need the equipment as long as expected; or requiring different equipment for different jobs.

With a lease, you are also locked into a long-term, fixed financial commitment. If a job gets cancelled, you’re on the hook for the payments for the duration of the lease, whether you have the work to cover the cost or not.

COST COMPARISONS Comparing costs between a rental, purchase or lease can be a challenge. Rental rates can vary widely by market, so an accurate comparison is difficult.

Consider the following scenario: Say you rent a 3.5-ton excavator at a rate of $250 a day or $2,250 per month.

(Rates shown are for example purposes only.) Now compare this to the payment rates for a loan or a lease based on a sales price of $42,000 at 0% for 36 months. The payment would be $1,166.67 per month. For a lease, the payment would be approximately $779 per month.

However, with a purchased or leased piece of equipment, you have an annual cost tied to it.

For example, your annual payments on the loan would be roughly $14,000 or $9,348 with the lease, whether you use the machine or not. With a rental, you can return it at any time.

Owning and operating costs must be factored into your calculations, as well. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the true cost of owning equipment.

“Ownership cost is the realistic depreciation of the unit over the time you plan to keep it,” says Bartecki. “The residual should be based on the expected wholesale value at the end of the period taking into account the number of hours you expect to put on the machine.”

For easy figuring, let’s use a $100,000 piece of equipment as an example. “A $100,000 machine used for 2,000 hours a year for five years, with a 25% residual (of cost), generates $75,000 of depreciation or $7.50

per hour; interest comes out to approximately $3.70,” Bartecki notes. “So, if you use the unit for 2,000 hours annually, it is costing you $11.20 an hour.

Use it less than the 2,000 hours and the hourly rate increases.

“At 1,000 hours, the $100,000 unit will cost about the same as a rental,” he continues. “And if that’s the case, I would rather rent because it provides a lot more flexibility.”

Next, calculate the cost to operate the machine. “These costs include normal wear and tear, inspections, preventive maintenance. Obviously, the older the unit gets, the higher the costs become. It would not be unusual for the operating costs to double the hourly ownership cost over the five-year period,” says Bartecki.

Continuing with the example, this would equate to an operating cost of $22 an hour, with a combined owning and operating cost of $33.20 per hour. Add in a couple of dollars for administrative costs and the overall cost comes to $35.20 per hour.

Now let’s look at how this compares to renting the $100,000 machine. Bartecki estimates rental companies in today’s market are basing monthly rental rates on about 3.5% to 4.0% of acquisition cost, or $3,500 to $4,000 per month. The weekly rate is based on roughly a third of the monthly rate and the daily rate on a third of the weekly rate — or $4,000 monthly, $1,350 weekly and $475 daily in this scenario.

“To compare, if you rent a unit for the full year, it will cost you $52,000 (or a negotiated rate for a full-year rental) compared to 2,000 hours times $35.20 per hour — or $70,400 — to own and operate,” Bartecki indicates. “Obviously, a new unit will experience lower operating costs that reduce the annual cost to somewhere close to the rental number. Lower time utilization also lowers your total cost to own and operate. Cost to own remains the same, but the hourly operating costs are lower only if you hit that 60% to 80% time utilization.” At 75% time utilization, the total cost should be similar to rental.

“Even if the cost to rent is similar to the cost to own and operate, you have to consider

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the other costs of ownership,” Bartecki advises, “namely the balance sheet effect and the flexibility rental provides to expand your business or go into new lines of work. Rental also frees up your borrowing and bonding capability.”

Ongoing financial conditions also favor rental. “With the post-pandemic situation, I would prefer to rent rather than buy until the financial markets settle down,” Bartecki comments. “The corporate, personal

If the utilization for the compact excavator is expected to be over 60%, or you need to have the machine on site for extended periods of time, a purchase may prove to be the most costeffective option.

Kubota

had better be sure you have the work over this time period to cover cash flow requirements.”

Bartecki recommends purchasing the machine if you expect an annual time utilization of 60% or more based on 22 days of use per month. “From 40% to 60%, you are in middle ground, but you had better be sure you are going to hit the higher end of the spectrum. If you are not really, really sure about time utilization, then rent until you have a clearer picture,” he advises. “Lower than 40% is a rent situation.

“And let’s not forget transportation costs. If you own the trucks and trailers to move the equipment, you have another costly investment with zero time utilization when the construction equipment is in the field,” he points out.

The length of time you plan to hold onto the equipment is another consideration. The longer the time frame, the closer the stream of rental payments become to the purchase cost.

So, if you have multiple projects that would get you to the point of 50% to 70% of the purchase price in rentals, it likely makes more sense to purchase the machine.

Even lower hour usage machines kept for longer terms may be more cost effective to purchase. However, make sure you understand your tax situation and current tax laws in effect for purchasing equipment to achieve the best benefit.

Doosan Infracore

COMPACT EXCAVATORS

and government debt could cause a lot of problems regarding debt loads and related cash flow requirements.”

As such, Bartecki’s advice is to “rent what you can and buy only what you must.”

“In many cases, rental is the way to go for contractors to protect their cash flow and capital base,” he states, “but dealers have to be prepared to support their customer base whether they need to own or rent equipment.” ET

Lease agreements offer another means to acquire equipment without making a substantial upfront capital investment.

Additional information for this article provided by United Rentals and Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment.

August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 33

COMPACT EQUIPMENT Products

Gehl M100 Excavator Takeuchi TB257FR Compact Hydraulic Excavator The 12,765-lb. TB257FR has a tight tailswing and features a side-to-side offset boom that enables it to dig offset to the right or left side without needing to reposition the machine.

• Provides a 12-ft. 9.3-in. dig depth, 20-ft.

4.7-in. maximum reach and bucket breakout force of 10,431 lbs.

• 52.3-hp Kubota V2403-CR-TE5B turbocharged diesel engine with 141.5 ft.-lbs. of torque and equipped with a DOC and DPF exhaust aftertreatment system • Available cab provides air conditioning, heat, defrost, windshield wiper and washer, skylight with sunshade, AM/FM/ MP3 Bluetooth radio and a high-back suspension seat with head rest

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Bobcat R2-Series E88 Compact Excavator The 19,600-lb. E88 features a 65.4-grosshp Bobcat Tier 4 turbocharged diesel engine and has up to a 14% increase in over-the-side lift capacity.

• 182-in. dig depth and 282.5-in. reach • Comes with dual-flange track rollers, integrated counterweight, extra machine weight and added track on ground • Standard auto-idle, auto-shift, two-speed travel and 25.1-gpm auxiliary hydraulics • Spacious interior with control pattern selector under the seat, 5-in. display, password-protected keyless start and fingertip boom swing control • Optional 7-in. touchscreen, clamp diverter valve, add-on counterweight, rear view camera, angle blade and more

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John Deere 30G Compact Excavator The 7,220-lb. 30G with reduced tailswing design is powered by a 23-hp Yanmar threecylinder Tier 4 engine and delivers a 9-ft. 2-in. dig depth.

• Auxiliary hydraulics plumbed to end of boom • Mechanical control pattern selector valve located beneath the seat • Includes a spacious operator station with large entryways and unrestricted sightlines • Third service door improves access to the cooling core and other daily checkpoints • Manual wedge-style quick coupler

Kubota U48-5 Tight Tailswing Compact Excavator The U48-5 has an 11,057-lb. operating weight, 40.4 gross hp and a maximum digging depth of 10 ft. 8 in.

• Bucket breakout force of 9,304 lbs.

• Offers a full-digital, full-color, 7-in. LCD screen with intuitive jog dial for single glance access to various functions • Optional keyless start • Comes in a canopy or cab model • Larger, redesigned cab with improved visibility and reduced noise

www.forconstructionpros.com/21427885

The 21,550-lb. M100 minimal tail excavator is the largest model in the company’s lineup, with a dig depth of 14 ft. 10 in. and a bucket breakout force of 12,216 lbf.

• Robust mono boom design will go 60° in either direction for consistent digging without the need to reposition the machine • 72-hp (gross) 4TNV98CT-VBV diesel engine • 16-ft. 10-in. dump height and ground level reach of 24 ft. 3 in.

• Tailswing radius of 4 ft. 4 in.

• “Power-A-Tach” quick-attach system

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Kato 50V5 Compact Excavator The 50V5 has a 12-ft. 7-in. dig depth, 9,100 lbs. of breakout force at the bucket and weighs in at an easily towable 10,830 lbs.

• Kubota V2403-CR-E5B diesel engine rated at 43.5 hp at 2,400 rpm • 43-gpm total hydraulic system flow and 16-gpm maximum auxiliary hydraulic flow • Features an offset boom, stable track frame and 6-ft. 6-in. dozer blade • Operating environment comes in open canopy or cab configurations with highly responsive pilot controls and easy to read instrument panels • Wide-opening access panels and large compartments ensure ease of service

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JCB 19C-1E Electric Mini-excavator Kobelco Mini-excavator Lineup Six mini-excavator models come in operating weights from 3,671 to 11,860 lbs. and minimal rear swing radius and zero tail overhang.

• 14.5- to 37.4-hp diesel engines • Feature maximum digging depths from 7 ft. 3 in. to 12 ft. 10 in., maximum reach from 12 ft. 2 in. to 20 ft. 6 in. and breakout force from 3,395 to 11,128 lbs.

• Standard bucket capacities from .06 to .20 cu. yds.

• Feature wide swing angles and provide optimal side-ditch digging performance • Standard blade

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34 EQU IPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

Case CX30C Zero Tailswing Compact Excavator The CX30C has an operating weight of 6,020 lbs., a 24.8-hp Tier 4 Final engine and a bucket digging force of 4,520 lbs.

• Adjustable boom offset • Auto-shift travel system for operator convenience in varying terrain • Includes auxiliary hydraulic system with standard proportional controls, shut-off valve and easy to select joystick control patterns • Spacious, comfortable operator environment with optimal visibility, ergonomic controls, adjustable seating and line-of-sight digital displays

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LBX Link-Belt 80 X3 Spin Ace Excavator

The 2-ton 19C-1E is powered by three lithium ion batteries creating 15 kWh of capacity to enable the unit to complete a typical day’s work on a single charge.

• Optional four-battery pack increases capacity to 20 kWh and delivers an additional two hours of continuous use • 48-volt electric driveline generates peak power up to 27 hp • Bosch Rexroth load-sensing hydraulic system enables digging performance to a maximum depth of 9 ft. 3 in.

• Features an onboard charger with standard domestic 110V input for 12-hour recharging, available 230V charging option for 8-hour recharge or fast charge option for 2-hour recharge

The 18,900-lb. Link-Belt 80 X3 Spin Ace has a 54-net-hp Isuzu Tier 4 Final turbocharged, no-DPF diesel engine that features one-touch idle and auto idle functions and auto engine warm-up.

• Speed Priority, Heavy and Applied Power engine work modes • Open-center hydraulics system with two Kawasaki variable-displacement axialpiston pumps and a Kawasaki gear pump • Delivers a 13-ft. 9-in. maximum dig depth, 22-ft. 9-in. reach at ground level and 12,800 lbf. of bucket digging force • Roomy ROPS/FOPS Level 1-certified pressurized cab with fully adjustable seat; ergonomic, low-effort joysticks; high-definition 7-in. LCD monitor and standard rear view camera

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COMPACT EQUIPMENT Products Yanmar SV40 Compact Excavator

Hyundai HX85A Compact Excavator

Mecalac Updated MCR Series

The HX85A has an operating weight of 20,390 lbs. with a 12-ft. 10-in. twopiece boom and comes with a .33-cu.-yd. standard bucket capacity (SAE heaped).

• Quiet, eco-friendly Yanmar 4TNV98C four-cylinder engine delivers 65 net hp at 2,400 rpm.

• Maximum digging depth of 14 ft. 2 in.

• Load-sensing hydraulics • Comfortable, spacious cabin with 7-in. touchscreen monitor, adjustable auxiliary hydraulic circuits, proportional joystick controls and soft-grip dozer blade lever • Optional four-way dozer blade, rear view camera and travel alarm

The updated 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR crawler skid excavators provide the swiftness of a skid steer with the rotation of an excavator for versatility and enhanced travel speeds.

• Combine a three-part arm and rotating ability to deliver 360° capability • Arm can be tucked in even with a full bucket for a true zero turn radius • Feature a hydrostatic transmission and drive motors with a dedicated pump to drive the motor • Capable of travel speeds up to 6.2 mph • CONNECT quick-coupler system allows operators to quickly transition between attachments without leaving the cab

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Volvo ECR50 and ECR58 Compact Excavators The 5-ton ECR50 zero tailswing and updated 6-ton ECR58 short swing models have an in-track boom swing that ensures the swing post and cylinder remain within the track width when digging alongside obstacles.

• 41.8- and 48-hp Volvo engines • 8,134 and 9,422 lbs. of breakout force • Standard ECO mode, engine auto-idle and autoengine shutdown features • Spacious cabs include intuitive controls with an automotive-style menu wheel and 5-in. color display • ECR50 includes reinforced digging equipment, undercarriage and hoods, plus a 50-hour greasing interval and easy access service points

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The 67.7-hp PC88MR-11 reduced tailswing excavator has an 18,739- to 19,224-lb. operating weight and bucket digging force (SAE) of 11,982 lbs., with a bucket capacity of .12 to .26 cu. yds.

• Standard high-flow auxiliary hydraulics with proportional joysticks for precise attachment control • Six working modes for tailoring to task • High-efficiency Tier 4 Final engine and viscous fan clutch work together to lower overall fuel consumption by up to 13% • Standard 7-ft. 7-in. grading blade • Quiet, climate-controlled cab with air suspension seat, Bluetooth radio and highresolution monitor with rear view camera

The 9,206-lb. SV40 ultra-tight tailswing excavator is powered by a 39-hp Yanmar electronically controlled, Tier 4 Final diesel engine.

• 11-ft. 3-in. digging depth • Ultra-tight turning and boom swing enable work in confined spaces • VIO progressive three-pump hydraulic system (VIPPS) • Cab comes standard with ECO Mode, Auto-Decel Mode and backfill blade lever-controlled with float position, twospeed operation and an LCD monitor • SMARTASSIST remote communication system • Standard hydraulic quick coupler

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Komatsu PC88MR-11 Excavator

Caterpillar Next Generation Mini-excavators The 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR with compact swing radius weigh from 7,133 to 9,239 lbs. and feature 23.6-net-hp C1.1 turbocharged, Tier 4 Final diesel engines with standard auto idle and auto engine shutdown.

• 96.5-, 104.3- and 110.6-in. dig depths • Feature stick steer, cruise control, operator adjustable settings and tilt-up canopy or cab • Two travel ranges up to 2.8 mph • Fixed undercarriage widths of 59.1, 61.0 and 70.1 in. with an expandable undercarriage option on the 302.7 CR • Standard dozer blade and float function • Load-sensing hydraulics provide up to 26-gpm flow

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Doosan DX42-5K and DX50-5K Compact Excavators Hitachi ZX60USB-5 Compact Excavator The 13,547-lb. ZX60USB-5 features a 12-ft. 4-in. maximum dig depth and 20-ft. 5-in. maximum dig reach.

• Fuel-efficient 53-hp (net) Yanmar Tier 4 Final diesel engine • Power/economy work modes match engine speed to the job • Ergonomic short-throw pilot control levers provide smooth, predictable loweffort fingertip operation • Heavy-duty X-frame undercarriage provides a solid, stable platform • Standard backfill blade or optional allhydraulic blade angles 25° left or right

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The 10,114-lb. DX42-5K and 11,486lb. DX50-5K offer maximum dig depths of 10 ft. 5 in. and 11 ft. 5 in. and are powered by fuel-efficient 42.6and 49.7-hp Doosan three-cylinder diesel engines.

• Dual-flange track roller system and enhanced counterweight for better over the side digging and lifting capabilities • Integrated lift eye • Dozer blade top edge has a more durable design and a blade and frame designed with angled top and rounded edges • Easy to reach auxiliary hydraulic couplers • Standard enclosed, air conditioned cab with wider seats, responsive joystick controls and joystick buttons and 5-in. display panel

www.forconstructionpros.com/21159585

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Wacker Neuson ET42 Excavator The 4.2-ton ET42 features a low-profile hood design, expanded side window glass, large windows and offset boom that provide a complete view of the boom, attachment and working area.

• Three-point bucket linkage system offers a 200° angle of rotation and greater vertical digging depth • Dual flange rollers in undercarriage improve stability and provide a smoother ride with less vibration • Comes in cab or canopy with LED working lights and optional angle blade or redesigned Vertical Digging System • Cab models have air conditioning, a fourposition windshield design, 3.5-in. color display, cell phone charger and holder, air cushioned seat and adjustable arm rest

www.forconstructionpros.com/21123349

Sunward Excavator Line Sunward offers mini- to full-size excavators to the North American market.

• Models range from the 4,145-lb., 18-hp SWE-18UF to the 78,400-lb., 338-hp SWE-365F • Maximum digging depths from 7 ft. 3 in. to 24 ft. 6 in.

• Maximum reach at ground level ranges from 12 ft. 11 in. to 37 ft. 2 in.

• Standard bucket capacities from .0515 to 1.9606 cu. yds.

• Large models include a heavy hydraulic system, strong swing and rotation system, power traveling system and a stable and reliable chassis

www.forconstructionpros.com/21135902

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TRU CKS & T R AN S P O R TAT I O N | By Curt Bennink

Balance Vocational Truck SUSPENSION Trade-offs

Mack Trucks

Advances in vocational truck suspensions provide options that change the weight vs. stability vs. articulation vs. ride quality equation.

E

very vocational truck suspension option comes with its own unique performance trade-offs. The best choice requires an understanding of how the trade-offs match up to your application requirements.

“Mechanical suspensions are still the most popular for the vocational market thanks to their great stability, articulation and maintainability,” says Tim Wrinkle, Mack Trucks construction product manager. “Air ride suspensions are becoming more common, as they offer a better ride when unloaded.

However, these suspensions can be limited in articulation and stability.

“Driver knowledge and training are also very important with air suspensions because drivers need to evacuate air bags before dumping the load,”

he adds. “Depending upon the setup and a driver’s experience, this can also slow the dumping process for dump trucks.”

“Although there is a trend in spec’ing air suspensions for vocational applications, there are trade-offs between off-road and on-road performance,” agrees Peter Schimunek, marketing segment manager, Western Star.

The job of the suspension is to support and cushion the load.

The suspension absorbs shock loads that would otherwise be transferred into the frame. If the truck frame is doing the job of the suspension by twisting and absorbing shock, then it stresses every component of the vehicle, eventually causing failures and maintenance issues.

Understanding the application and performance demands is the first step. The capacity of

36 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

The Mack mRIDE provides extreme articulation and constant tire contact, delivering enhanced traction on rough terrain. The spring leaf design and V-shaped torque rods help ensure stability to efficiently transmit forces into the truck’s frame. the suspension; whether it is for a single, tandem or tridem configuration; if the system is for a tractor or straight truck; and the nature of the terrain all play a role in narrowing the choice between air, rubber or steel springs.

There are multiple suspension options available to meet the many niches in the vocational truck market, each with unique features and benefits. Compare the suspension choices available to meet application needs — reducing weight, improving off-road mobility, increasing stability, minimizing torque reactivity or all of the above — while balancing upfront cost.

The type of loading and

unloading performed must be considered. A dump truck hauling aggregate requires a different suspension than a mixer truck, for instance. There is more of a shock load factor when aggregate is loaded vs. ready-mix. In addition, a stationary load has different needs than a moving load, such as liquid bulk haul or a concrete mixer.

Be sure to account for worstcase scenarios. Sometimes the truck may be required to take on heavier loads than it usually does. These temporary loads may require a higher creep rating on the jobsite, thus requiring a heavier-duty suspension. Where the truck will operate — the type of terrain — can create

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different needs for articulation and ground clearance.

Serviceability gains importance in remote locations. For example, if it is going to be in the middle of an oil field with no immediate access to a dealership, it’s important to spec the suspension to be serviceable by the driver.

NARROWING THE GAPS Avoid relying on past history to spec today’s suspensions.

Suspension designs have become more streamlined and versatile over time.

In the past, bigger, bulkier and heavier suspensions suited for tougher applications also provided a rougher ride. With the introduction of air ride suspensions and other innovations, drivers now have a more comfortable ride and the loads are better protected from rough terrain.

There used to be a large gap between the comfort of on-road suspensions and the durability and stability of their off-road counterparts. The gap has closed significantly in recent years, with off-road suspensions getting very close to matching the comfort and performance of those targeted for on-road applications.

Mack recently made improvements to its mRIDE mechanical suspension. “The Mack mRIDE spring leaf over rubber block suspension is ideal for customers needing improved stability and greater traction on jobsites,” says Wrinkle. “The mRIDE’s parabolic springs are thickest at the center to ensure the clamp load area offers the greatest strength, and are tapered to improve driver comfort.”

The improved suspension provides extreme articulation and constant tire contact for greater traction on rough terrain. “The spring leaf design and V-shaped torque rods help ensure stability to efficiently transmit forces into the truck’s frame,” says Wrinkle.

“The Mack mRIDE has been our lightest vocational proprietary rear suspension and earlier this year we lightened it even further, now offering additional weight savings for increased payload when paired with proprietary Mack axles,” he adds.

“Available at 40,000- and 46,000-lb. suspension ratings and with standard track axles,

customers can save 140 lbs. with drum brakes and 146 lbs. with air disc brakes as a result of casting suspension components into the Mack axle housing.”

With advancements in technology, the gap between lighter suspension weights and life-cycle durability has also narrowed. For example, Hendrickson’s next-generation HAULMAAX EX rear tandem rubber suspension is lightweight yet is designed to handle applications such as dump, concrete mixer and crane/boom with a 40,000-, 46,000- and new 52,000-lb. capacity. The suspension utilizes a unique rubber spring design that balances empty ride quality and loaded stability. Angled bolster springs and a progressive load spring provide extra stability for demanding applications.

Kenworth recently added the HAULMAAX EX suspension as an option for its Class 8 vocational models. “The Hendrickson HAULMAAX EX is an excellent choice for Kenworth vocational customers seeking a lightweight, durable suspension equipped to handle rugged operating conditions and provide a smooth on-highway driving experience,” says Genevieve Bekkerus, Kenworth marketing director. “Now that this suspension line is also available with a 52,000-lb. suspension rating, [our customers] operating in heavy applications have a viable new suspension option to consider.”

To further reduce weight and increase ride quality, lightweight air ride suspensions have gained off-road capability. Newer air suspensions use casting technology and innovative designs for increased durability and performance.

CONSIDER MAINTENANCE The suspension choice helps drive ownership cost. An improperly spec’d suspension can result in costly repairs down the road, wearing out components faster and increasing overall maintenance costs and downtime vs. a properly specified product.

Balance maintenance requirements and expected performance. Different suspensions have different requirements for maintenance, such as frequency and type of lubrication

Daimler Trucks North America

TRU CKS & TRANS PORTATION

and replacement of bushings.

The application and operating environment may also affect maintenance requirements.

The complexity of the suspension helps determine maintenance costs. Generally speaking, steel suspensions are the least expensive to maintain, while air ride suspensions are more complex and therefore more likely to require maintenance. This is because air ride suspensions have air in the system that needs to be regulated with control valves. Also, depending upon the type of environment or application, air springs can get cut or cracked if stones get embedded.

HIGH ARTICULATION SOLUTIONS Mechanical suspensions typically offer greater articulation than air suspensions. They can also be designed to maximize stability. But a trade-off between articulation and stability is not necessary. Mack offers its Camelback and mRIDE as examples that offer both high articulation and stability.

It’s important that any mechanical suspension used in a high articulation environment be able to evenly distribute the load.

Freightliner recommends a trunnion suspension such as TufTrac, which is Daimler Truck North America’s proprietary suspension for Freightliner and Western Star trucks. Trunnion suspensions

are best suited to handle bumps and ridges without bottoming out. TufTrac specifically keeps a uniform load over each wheel during articulation.

Walking beam suspensions have traditionally been favored for high articulation applications. Floating walking beam suspensions allow maximum articulation and can offer maximum roll stability. The floating beam suspension with soft ride restrictor can provide a superior ride quality that compares favorably with air ride when on the road. This feature is available for specific truck applications and tractors, as well.

Walking beam suspension systems are also extremely durable. Depending upon the spring medium design, walking beam suspensions can have a little bit harsher ride and may require more maintenance, because they have a more complex design than spring steel suspension systems.

The primary benefit of the walking beam design is its ability to equalize the load.

Modern walking beam designs are integrated into advanced rubber spring systems, which bring additional benefits to the suspension system. Walking beam suspensions have advanced to provide the highest amount of articulation while achieving the stability required for off-road work.

In high center of gravity

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applications, you will want to consider the benefits of a mechanical suspension.

Mechanical suspensions with high roll stiffness and high roll centers are best suited for high center of gravity applications like concrete mixers.

The choice of uspension is especially important in concrete mixers, which typically need to perform both on- and off-road.

“Mixers have a high center of gravity and extra offset center of gravity with the spinning barrel carrying approximately 40,000 lbs. of concrete, so they are more prone to rollovers than other vocational applications,” Wrinkle points out. “With this in mind, high-stability mechanical suspensions are typically used to help reduce the risk of rollover.

Mechanical suspensions with high roll stiffness and high roll centers are best suited for high center of gravity mixers.”

The stability of a walking beam suspension can be a definite advantage in these applications. They are roll stable due to limited movement and compression within the suspension spring. But it is important to choose one that can distribute the load equally to all four wheels even during severe articulation. That can be done by choosing a floating beam suspension, which is suited specifically for high center of gravity applications.

It’s important that any mechanical suspension used in a high articulation environment is able to evenly distribute the load. Freightliner recommends a trunnion suspension, such as TufTrac, which is Daimler Truck North America’s proprietary suspension for Freightliner and Western Star Trucks.

“Mechanical suspensions are still the most popular for the vocational market thanks to their great stability, articulation and maintainability.”

— Tim Wrinkle, Mack Trucks

August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 37

TRU CKS & T R AN S P O R TAT I O N

Chalmers

Hendrickson

Hendrickson’s next-generation HAULMAAX EX rear tandem rubber suspension is lightweight yet doesn’t sacrifice on durability. It is designed for applications such as dump, concrete mixer and crane/boom with 40,000-, 46,000- and a new 52,000-lb. capacity. The suspension utilizes a unique rubber spring design that balances empty ride quality and loaded stability.

The suspension absorbs shock loads that would otherwise be transferred into the frame. If the truck frame is doing the job of the suspension by twisting and absorbing shock, then it stresses every component of the vehicle, eventually causing failures and maintenance issues. Chalmers offers a low-maintenance and high articulation tandem rubber spring rear suspension. It provides rubber bushings without greaseable joints, reducing maintenance costs and increasing uptime.

The walking beam can be paired with rubber spring technology. Rubber spring components are lower weight, easier to maintain and provide greater ride quality and stability over steel spring suspension systems.

Western Star offers a walking beam suspension in the form of the six-rod TufTrac Gen2.

“The inherent stability of the design provides an excellent platform for high center of gravity applications of this high-performance and durable vocational suspension,” says Schimunek.

“The high ground clearance feature of this suspension performs extremely well in vocational applications, including construction, asphalt spreader, heavy haul, mining and logging.” It is available in 40,000-, 46,000and 52,000-lb. tandem axle capacities.

“The TufTrac walking beam design allows the suspension to maintain a uniform load over each wheel in laden and unladen conditions as the suspension articulates,” says Schimunek. “By maintaining a uniform wheel load, the TufTrac suspension maintains maximum traction, providing increased confidence to cross even the toughest jobsite, maximizing productivity.

By isolating the moving joints in rubber elastomer bushings, this suspension provides one of the quietest rides among vocational suspensions, keeping the operator comfortable.”

The Comfort Ride version of the TufTrac Gen2 suspension is available in 40,000- and 46,000-lb. tandem axle capacities, providing a softer ride

Air ride suspensions continue to expand in certain vocational applications, such as dump trucks and heavy-haul tractors.

They provide consistent ride quality in any load condition, which will help lessen driver fatigue while protecting equipment and chassis components from damaging vibration and road inputs.

Western Star’s proprietary Airliner rear suspension design reduces weight, which allows for a greater payload. “The maintenance-free, double-bonded rubber bushings on moving joints ensure a long life expectancy,” says Schimunek. “The stability and cushioning of this suspension system significantly reduces freight damage and driver fatigue, improving the overall driving experience.”

A full selection of single (21,000 to 23,000 lbs.), tandem (40,000 to 46,000 lbs.) and tridem (69,000 lbs.) drive versions are available and tuned for almost any application. “Some air suspension models are best suited for highway applications, however, so we recommend adhering to manufacturer recommendations for your specific applications and weight-carrying capacity,” Schimunek advises.

Weight savings is another advantage with air ride systems. Some mandated federal requirements, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filters (DPFs), have added weight to trucks, which is one reason customers are moving to the lighter air ride suspensions. While they are not the best for every

for increased ride quality and driver comfort. “The reduced spring rate combination with four shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar provides a smoother ride, whether loaded or unloaded, minimizing wear and tear on both truck and driver,” says Schimunek. “Comfort ride is ideal for applications that require both on- and off-road usage, such as dump trucks.”

For high articulation applications, Western Star offers the Chalmers 800 Series low-maintenance and high articulation tandem rubber spring rear suspension. “This rear suspension provides rubber bushings without greaseable joints, reducing maintenance costs and increasing uptime. High articulation greatly increases stability and cornering, improving driver comfort for increased productivity and safety,” says Schimunek.

Chalmers 800 Series rear suspensions are available ranging from 46,000 to 70,000 lbs. “The suspension is ideal for on/offroad applications, such a dump trucks, logging, heavy haul, oil field and bulk haulers and can be used in straight truck or tractor applications,” says Schimunek.

AIR SUSPENSIONS PROVIDE BEST RIDE QUALITY It’s hard to beat air ride for driver comfort. Creature comfort and the reduction of shock to other components of the chassis are real reasons to look at these suspensions.

That said, air ride does have limitations. No manufacturer has been able to offer both stability and articulation.

38 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

job, they provide ample capability and capacity for dump applications.

Purpose-built air suspensions can overcome many of the previous limitations — primarily stability and off-road mobility. Stability does not need to be sacrificed if choosing the proper vocational air suspension. For example, Hendrickson’s PRIMAAX EX promises up to two times the roll stability of competitive air suspensions, equaling the stability of a steel walking beam.

“This suspension features a robust structural design with optimized suspension geometry for exceptional stability, durability, reliability and handling characteristics,” says Schimunek.

“The PRIMAAX EX minimizes suspension-induced driveline vibration and significantly controls suspension windup and corresponding frame rise compared to competitive trailing arm suspensions, resulting in higher driver comfort and less premature wear on truck and body equipment.

“This suspension is ideal for a variety of vocational and severe-duty applications,” he adds, “including construction, mixer, logging and heavy-haul applications. It’s available in 46,000- and 52,000-lb. tandem axle capacities.”

The Neway ADZ Series air suspensions feature a streamlined design that has reduced weight by more than 220 lbs. per axle (compared to previous models). “The durable suspension is ideal for high center of gravity, severe-duty and heavy-duty

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vocational applications optimizing operating efficiencies,” says Schimunek. “High cross-articulation provides superior traction in wet, muddy and uneven terrain such as logging tracks, hillsides, oil sands and fracking sites.”

The ADZ Series suspension is available in single, tandem and tridem axle configurations ranging from 26,000 to 78,000 lbs.

STEEL SPRINGS OFFER SIMPLICITY Simplicity rules in certain applications. Spring steel suspensions are simple, stable and durable. Walking beam suspensions are usually heavier, depending upon the design of the steel springs.

Steel spring suspensions are known to be simple suspension designs, resulting in an economical upfront purchase.

Common use of the simple design also leads to familiarity of maintenance.

Drawbacks for steel spring suspensions will often be heavier weight and the unladen ride quality. Maintenance requirements actually depend on the design of the steel spring suspension. The more complex designs may increase maintenance costs.

For example, a multi-rod or six-rod type of suspension will require substantially more maintenance due to the fact that they have more bushings and end rod connections, as well as leaf springs.

Three major drawbacks with steel spring suspensions include breakage, deflection change and weight. ET

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Products Advance Metalworking Lo Riser Inclining Platform Trailer

Felling Enhanced EZ-Tilt Fender Design

The Lo Riser uses hydraulics to lower the deck to ground height to provide easy drive-on access.

• 6,000-, 10,000-, 12,000-, 14,000- and 16,000-lb. load capacities in two-wheel or four-wheel configurations • High strength low alloy steel construction • Minimum 4° angle when lowered • Includes six D-ring tie-downs and built-in tie-down rails • Breakaway kit with chains, a load check safety system and electric brakes on both axles provide added security • Combination of hydraulics over rubber suspension provides smooth travel even when empty

The enhanced fender design for the EZ-Tilt ground-level loading trailers opens from the top to allow clearance for the wheels when the trailer is lowered to the loading position.

• Wheels/tires lift top of fender as axles rotate and lower bed to the ground • Lid/top attached to fender body using a series of hinges, concealed and protected inside fender to maintain a sleek profile • Dual Spring Action aids in closing fender when returning to transport position and holds lid/top closed during transit • Shock-absorbing rubber bumpers cushion lid/top and reduce vibration during use • Main body constructed of heavy gauge material for structural integrity

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Stellar SI-30/40 Cable Hoist The SI-30/40 can handle containers ranging from 18 to 22 ft. and has a lifting capacity of either 30,000 or 40,000 lbs. based on a single-axle or tandem-axle chassis.

• Counterbalance valves prevent cylinder movement in case of pressure loss • Enclosed reeving cylinder decreases exposure to damaging debris • Dump cylinder mounted above and outside of frame rails for easier access and stability when dumping • Includes bronze bushings in rollers and sheave for reduced friction operation • All models include hydraulic gear pumps, zinc-plated pins, improved cable routing and decreased shipping weight

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Peterbilt Model 537 and Model 548 Class 7/8 Trucks The Model 537 and Model 548 are built upon a customizable chassis and multiplex electrical architecture and deliver seamless body builder integration.

• Available with vocational three-piece Metton hood with stationary grille and full through rail or a three-piece SMC aero hood for maximum visibility • Utilize a variety of vocational and FEPTO bumpers to fit different applications • Wide or standard track axles feature optimal wheel cut angles for a shorter turning radius • Mono-leaf or taper-leaf front springs rated from 8,000 up to 20,000 lbs.

• Rear suspension available with a taper-leaf or air leaf suspension rated from 12,500 to 40,000 lbs. depending on a single or tandem drive configuration • AWD option features an offset bowl design for the lowest possible cab height

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Miller Electric EnPak A60 The redesigned EnPak A60 power system features Advanced Auto-Speed technology, which automatically adjusts engine speed to match compressed air, battery charge and weld demands.

• Integrated multi-process welding provides up to 325 amps at 100% duty cycle • Available integrated hydraulic pump offers up to 16-gpm hydraulic output • Rotary screw air compressor delivers 60 cfm of uninterrupted airflow • Provides up to 150 amps of DC power for 12/24-volt battery charging and up to 300 amps for crank assist • 7,500-watt generator delivers continuous 120/240-volt, 60-Hz power • Includes Auto Start/Stop, Power Priority and Chassis Power features

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August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 39

TE C H N OLOG Y T R EN D S | By Becky Schultz

“With so few construction businesses using automation today, there’s huge potential for us to transform the industry through robotics.”

— Sami Atiya

Shown is a mesh mold and in situ fabricator at ETH Zurich.

ROBOTICS Offer Potential to Improve Productivity, EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY Robotics and automation will increasingly be used to address the skills shortage and improve safety on jobsites.

I

n a global survey of 1,900 large and small construction businesses in the U.S., Europe and China, commissioned by ABB Robotics (ABB), 91% of respondents said they will face a skills crisis over the next 10 years, with 44% indicating they currently struggle to recruit for construction jobs.

Although only 55% of companies in construction say they

currently use robots — compared with 84% in automotive and 79% in manufacturing — 81% indicated they plan to introduce or increase the use of robotics and automation over the next decade.

“With so few construction businesses using automation today, there’s huge potential for us to transform the industry through robotics,” says

Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. “Unlike building cars or assembling electronics, many techniques used in construction haven’t changed for generations, so we are developing new solutions to address key industry challenges.”

Forecasts for the total value of the global construction industry predict it will rise by 85%

over the next decade to $15.5 trillion by 2030. ABB’s internal analysis of the market potential for robotic automation in the industry is for high doubledigit growth in key sectors of construction, including prefabrication and 3D printing.

ABB believes robotic automation offers potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and manufacturing flexibility throughout the industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off site; robotic welding and material handling on building sites; and robot 3D printing of houses and customized structures.

The company also believes robotics will make the industry safer and more cost effective, improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing quality and cutting waste. It’s estimated that up to a quarter of material transported to a building site leaves as waste, according to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Using automation and digital solutions, builders can design waste out at the beginning of a project through effective building design and construction processes.

ROBOTS FACILITATE A NEW APPROACH

ETH Zurich

In the U.S. alone, the Associated Builders and Contractors estimates that 430,000 more construction workers still need to be hired to

40 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

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TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

ETH Zurich

BAM Weber Saint-Gobain

Spatial timber assemblies utilized at ETH Zurich.

Shown is a 3D Printing Powerpac.

meet demand. With younger workers “put off construction careers by perceptions that it is a dangerous occupation,” the industry labor shortage will continue to be a growing issue on a global basis, ABB forecasts. So, it’s not surprising that 42% of survey respondents ranked improving worker health and safety on building sites as a priority.

The International Labor Organization reports construction workers account for around 30% of workplace injuries and are up to four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident compared to other industry sectors — with an estimated 108,000 fatalities globally each year.

ABB believes robots can make construction safer by: ˜ handling large and heavy loads ˜ working in unsafe spaces ˜ enabling new, safer methods of construction It argues that the use of robots for repetitive and dangerous tasks means automation can help support the industry’s labor and skills crisis and make construction careers more appealing to young people.

“A new focus on health, safety and sustainability are catalysts for investment in robotics, while the shrinking pool of skilled labor means the construction industry needs robots to help keep pace with the challenges of urbanization and climate change,” Atiya asserts.

Companies such as ABB can provide automation solutions for faster, more affordable and sustainable construction, while helping to address the industry’s labor shortage.

AUTOMATION ALREADY IN USE Pilot projects are taking place with automation solutions in various parts of the globe. For example: ˜ the automated fabrication of timber roof supports with Autovol in the U.S. ˜ the robotic installation of elevators with Schindler Lifts

˜ the robotic automation of Intelligent

City’s production of prefabricated modular homes, which has increased production efficiency by 15% and speed by 38% and reduced waste by 30% In addition, Skanska Construction’s robot welding application has improved quality, employee productivity and safety by automating the fabrication of steel reinforcement baskets on site, ABB notes. It has also reduced the cost and environmental impact of transporting bulky finished reinforcement baskets to building sites.

“It is increasingly challenging to find people to carry out difficult, time-consuming

tasks, which means we must look further afield to find the workers we need,” says Ulf Håkansson, technical director, Skanska Construction. “Allocating these tasks to robots can address this, enabling us to deploy our workers more effectively.

“Automation also suits the experience and imagination of the next generation of engineers, who have grown up with technology and will be invaluable in helping us find new ways to use robots in our business,” he adds. ET Information provided by ABB Robotics and edited/enhanced by Becky Schultz.

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August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 41

TE C H N OLOG Y T R EN D S | By Chris Clarke

All images courtesy of Sena Industrial

Bluetooth headsets, such as those using Sena’s proprietary Mesh Intercom protocol, allow hands-free communication across a worksite.

MESH Communication Takes on Radios for Connecting Jobsites Compare radios vs. new communication headsets and the implications for worker safety and productivity.

A

construction site has many moving parts, with active heavy equipment and work vehicles coming and going.

Workers want to know that they are heard, seen and safe. This is why worksite communication plays a vital role in worker safety.

Unfortunately, communication between workers is made difficult by the distances

42 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

involved and a noisy environment. Workers often resort to communicating with a crane operator or backhoe operator via hand signals.

Typically, work crews communicate with operators, drivers and other workers using two-way radios. However, construction company managers are discovering an alternative technology

based on long-range Bluetooth signals. This article compares the use of radios with new communication headsets, such as those using Mesh Bluetooth technology, and the implications for worker safety and productivity.

DISTANCE MATTERS — AND SO DOES CHATTER When evaluating new

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communication technology, managers should consider range, clarity, worker safety, OSHA compliance and cost.

A jobsite may be miles long. While radios work well over these distances, Bluetooth communications are limited to about half a mile. Mesh Bluetooth technology, on the other hand, enables each headset

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Radios are also half-duplex, which means only one person can talk at a time after pushing a button. Sometimes, this can lead to understanding only half of what has been said. A Mesh headset is fullduplex, allowing multiple people to speak at the same time, similar to a phone call.

No button pushing is required.

This brings up a safety issue. When traffic is passing at 60 mph, seconds count. The time it takes to push a button on a radio could take too long to warn a coworker. Using a Mesh system, there is no delay. What’s more, workers can continue to use both hands, which is another safety consideration.

CANCEL THE NOISE

Mesh headsets can be worn over the head or attached to hard hats/helmets. New helmets, like this one from Jannatec, have integrated Sena Mesh communication headsets.

to act as a node, relaying the signal to the next headset and extending the range.

Mesh network adapters can act as repeaters, extending the range further, and connect to mobile phones beyond the worksite. If a driver leaves the coverage area, the headset will automatically reconnect when the driver re-enters.

While good over distances, two-way radios use air time in a radio frequency band that it is a public band shared with other users. It’s not uncommon to experience cross talk from people outside the

WE KEEP

team. To avoid hearing the chatter of other users, workers try switching to different channels.

Mesh headsets use a higher frequency band of around 2.4 GHz. While this band is shared with Bluetooth-enabled devices, its use is unlikely to encounter outside chatter. In any case, Mesh technology allows multiple channels of communication, including the ability to set up multiple groups within the network. Workers can have private conversations.

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Noise is another factor to consider.

Communication is hampered by the noise from construction equipment and trucks, and by the sound of passing traffic. Mesh communication headsets offer high-definition sound and noise cancelling, improving the ability of workers to quickly and clearly understand each other.

In addition, earmuff-style headsets are available that provide worker hearing protection. The clamor of concrete saws and jackhammers can be mitigated by 20 to 26 dB at the same time communication is enabled. OSHA guidelines require employers to provide hearing protection for workers exposed to 85 dB over an eighthour workday (or 8-hour weighted time average). Headsets with integrated hearing protection enable companies to be in compliance.

Worker adoption of PPE is an age-old problem. The boss may hand out hearing protection equipment, but it is up to the worker to use it. If workers like using communication headsets, it is more likely they will get the accompanying hearing protection — but even that may not assure adoption.

New safety helmets are emerging that have integrated Mesh communication headsets. Workers don’t have to install the headset on their hard helmets, and there is only one piece of equipment to remember to bring to the jobsite.

COST CONTROL

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A final consideration is cost. A construction company must pay for radio air time and sometimes doesn’t want to pay for multiple channels. Instead, managers give workers walkie-talkies purchased at a sporting goods store. These may save money, but they have limited range and quality.

Communications technology impacts cost, safety and productivity. Two-way radios definitely have advantages in terms of range and familiarity. Nevertheless, construction managers are considering alternative technology for connecting the jobsite. ET Chris Clarke is an industrial communications consultant at Sena Industrial.

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TECHNOLOGY TRENDS Products Soil Connect eRegulatory Module

ISOtunes LINK Bluetooth Earmuff The LINK Bluetooth earmuff with SafeMax Technology is suited for the worker who prefers over-ear hearing protection but doesn’t want to compromise their listening experience.

• Reduces damaging noise by 24 dB • Noise-isolating microphone blocks out steady-state noise for clear calls in loud environments • Limits the volume to 85 dB and offers a noise reduction rating between 22 and 29 dB for OSHA and NIOSH compliance • Lightweight and comfortable with a 14+ hour battery life

Available through the Soil Connect digital marketplace, the eRegulatory module automatically captures and saves essential truck, load and route data, allowing users to easily share with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.

• Includes documentation settings for clean fill and contaminated dirt • Turn-by-turn GPS tracking provides an end-to-end record of the truck and material route • Enables contactless e-signatures • Digital database for all manifests provides a record of all routes and deliveries in one place • Information can be easily shared with local regulatory bodies as a standard PDF

Iron Capital Rental Purchase Option Machinery and equipment capital provider Iron Capital offers a Rental Purchase Option (RPO) for contractors needing used heavy equipment, filling a gap between rental and new or used purchase alternatives.

• Fills a need for short-term contracts • Credits a significant portion of the rental payments back to the purchase • Helps eliminate the uncertainty of taking on debt ahead of recurring contracts

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HeadLight Photo-based Inspection Technology Designed for infrastructure construction professionals, this photo-based inspection technology allows construction teams to capture, share and act on data from the jobsite in real time.

• Provides a total and accurate picture of progress • Monitor what’s happening as it occurs to ensure the highest quality of work, even when working remotely • Easy to use user interface and proven deployment process • Virtual and in-the-field training programs available

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Earthwave Fleetwatcher Materials Management Solution

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The Fleetwatcher Materials Management Solution is a wireless telematics system for paving contractors that uses load cycle analysis to allow users to see where problems are occurring and correct them in real time.

• Enables users to identify traffic problems in real time and reroute trucks on the fly • E-ticketing modules eliminate points of contact • Transponders can be hardwired into trucks or installed via cigarette lighter adapter • Mobile app accessible via cell phone or tablet • Integrates with popular accounting and payroll applications and scale systems

Skyward Mapping & Modeling with Pix4D Skyward Mapping & Modeling, powered by Pix4D, enables customers to create, view, measure and export 2D orthomosaic maps and 3D photogrammetric models right from the web app.

• Plan flights, receive approval to fly in controlled airspace with LAANC, fly with the InFlight ground control station and process data using Pix4D from within the Skyward platform • Offers access to business-ready data sets through a seamless plan, fly, process workflow

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August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 45

PRO FI T M AT T E R S | By Vicki Speed

All images courtesy of Trimble

3D Project FILE TRANSFER FROM CLOUD Boosts Technology Advantage Veit & Company finds value in connecting design data with machine control data for real-time progress and productivity updates.

With real-time production data on site, operators and laborers are able to work with foremen to help make more informed and productive decisions.

Veit’s Construction Technology team uses Trimble Business Center to create and modify models to share with field crews, and WorksManager to wirelessly transfer data such as 3D constructable models to the sites.

O

ver its nearly 100-year history, family-owned Veit & Company Inc. has expanded from earthwork to large-scale demolition, foundations, dredging, utilities, waste management and industrial cleaning. The company’s consistent success is a tribute to its multi-generation vision, talented and hardworking people and aggressive adoption of advanced tools and equipment.

Britton Lawson, director of construction technology at Veit, credits much of the company’s success to its technology culture. “It’s a mentality that’s been

46 EQUIPMEN T TODAY | August 2021

fostered over generations, and an attitude that helps us continually improve performance, quality and safety across every job,” he states.

Veit, which has corporate offices in Rogers, MN, was one of the first adopters in the Upper Midwest of the traxcavator (a hydraulic tractor/excavator), hydraulic rippers, wheeled and articulated loaders and, more recently, high-reach excavators and downhole hammer drills.

The company’s talent and innovation is delivering some of the industry’s most complex projects today. With an annual

revenue of more than $200 million and 100 to 120 projects running at any one time, about 85% of the company’s earthwork projects rely on some form of technology. Its fleet includes more than 30 3D machine control systems used on dozers, excavators, motor graders and skid steers, 30 rovers and total stations and 50 base stations, representing one of the largest technology-enabled fleets in the region.

“The real challenge for us is logistics,” says Lawson. “We have many projects ongoing at one time in multiple states, so

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equipment has to be moved on a daily basis to facilitate jobs.

When it comes to technology, workflow and process improvement, our focus is assured connectivity.”

DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES At any one time, Veit might have 100 to 120 commercial, industrial, energy and infrastructure projects in process.

“During peak construction times, we have many operators and machines on various projects in many states. We need to be able to react quickly in response to issues that arise in this fast-paced environment,” says Lawson. “Speedy file transfer is critical.”

In the past, Veit has relied on familiar data transfer methods such as email and VPNs, both of which require time, money and expertise. Today, all of its GPSguided machine control systems, base stations, rovers and total stations are connected to the cloud, enabling easy transfer of 3D project files to field crews.

“One of our biggest business advantages is our ability to move information quickly, accurately and efficiently to our people and equipment,” says Lawson.

“We can push designs out to any machine on any jobsite anywhere in the world, which gives our crews the most current information. If our crews have questions about a culvert, fence line or some other project detail, we can add to the model and sync with

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ease. No more laptops or thumb drives.”

The Construction Technology team relies on Trimble Business Center to create models that can be shared to field crews.

The team is using Trimble WorksManager as an integral

did the entire job without one stake in the ground.”

Veit crews used two excavators equipped with the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform to dig all of the lineal and pad footings.

“With WorksOS connect-

more immersed in the process and subsequent decision making, which results in a better quality job,” says Lawson.

He points to an increasingly common jobsite occurrence related to moving dirt. Typically, a foreman dictates how dirt is moved in a cut/fill situation.

With real-time data, operators and laborers are able to work with the foreman to help make more informed decisions. It’s a much more collective decisionmaking workflow.

“Because the data about materials and designs is readily available on the job, our crews are coming up with ideas to improve common practices such as the digging of building or bridge footings to improve safety, accuracy or speed,” Lawson comments.

Recognizing this increased collaborative process, the Veit Construction Technology group is hosting GPS internal training sessions to further explore features and functionality of the systems for the field crews.

VIRTUAL DIAGNOSTICS Veit has one of the largest technology-enabled fleets in the Upper Midwest, with 30+ 3D machine control systems used on dozers, excavators, motor graders and skid steers, 30 rovers and total stations and 50 base stations.

“With WorksOS, quantities of material pushed and hours are automatically tallied, which helps us bid future projects more accurately.”

— Britton Lawson

piece of Veit’s connected workflow to wirelessly transfer data such as 3D constructable models to the construction site.

In the last year, the company has also applied Trimble WorksOS Software to connect design data from the office with machine control data for realtime progress and productivity updates such as cut, fill, volume and compaction data.

“We didn’t realize or think about the value of real-time data when we invested in digital connectivity, but it’s a huge advantage,” says Lawson.

REAL-TIME RESULTS Veit crews first tested WorksOS on a very large distribution warehouse project in summer 2020.

“This was a huge job that required us to move 20,000 to 30,000 yds. a day totaling about 600,000 yds. over the course of about five weeks. We had multiple scrapers, dozers, excavators, trucks and other equipment on the job,” says Lawson. “By connecting to our machine control data, we were able to verify quantities and track our progress per the schedule. Better yet, we

48 EQUIPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

ed to Trimble Earthworks, we were able to quantify how many footings and how many lineal feet of material were completed each day,” he says. “Now we can benchmark our production capabilities for future estimating and bidding.”

With WorksOS, Veit teams are able to get near real-time machine mapping data. Lawson notes, “We can see how much quantity is moved in a day at a jobsite, compare load counts and production quantities, even on a dozer. We’ve never had production data for dozer operations, just best guesses. But with WorksOS, quantities of material pushed and hours are automatically tallied, which helps us bid future projects more accurately.”

COLLECTIVE DECISIONMAKING ON SITE The company’s technologycentric mentality is also opening the door to innovative thinking on the job.

“One of the intangible benefits that we’ve realized from our investment in machine control and other systems is the way it empowers our operators. We’ve found that they are

As Veit’s fleet has grown, so have the number of support questions.

“We don’t expect our operators to be experts on software features and functionality after one training session,” Lawson acknowledges. “Our goal in training is more to introduce them to capabilities. Then, since a majority of operators are hands-on learners, when they have a chance to put a feature to work, they can call and we can guide them through the process.”

A key component of that on-the-job support is Trimble Remote Assistant, a real-time technical support application for field crew personnel and machine operators, which is particularly beneficial to new employees.

“Many times during the height of our construction season, new operators will get thrown into a machine with very little training,” Lawson admits.

“With Remote Assistant, we can walk them through the process as if we were in the cab with them. They’re up and running very quickly.”

Remote Assistant has also become invaluable to Lawson in support of machine diagnostics.

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“Instead of driving out to a jobsite, we can log into any of our operators’ machines and diagnose a problem — no more waiting for a technician to drive to the jobsite,” he says. “In many cases, they can return to work while we work an issue. It’s a huge advantage because we’re not stopping the operator, foreman or the overall production. Bottom line: improved uptime.”

Lawson estimates that the company has virtually streamlined the process and reduced technical support costs by almost 200% since implementing Remote Assistant.

UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES Veit’s legacy of technology adoption has been integral to the company’s growth over the years, Lawson states, adding that support from executive leadership is second to none.

“Achieving the value of technology investment and application is not possible by a single person. It’s a company commitment that requires complete buy-in from management,” he comments.

Lawson also points to the importance of industry relationships to stay current with industry advancements. Sitech Northland is Veit’s anchor for all things related to jobsite technology.

“Our relationship with them has really grown over the years as we’ve expanded our fleet, and particularly as we’ve focused on new capabilities and connectivity,” he says. “They’re often the ones to introduce us to new technology that can help improve workflows, safety or productivity. They have been a huge partner and ally throughout this journey.”

Lawson emphasizes the value of connections — both with people and solutions — as key contributors to Veit’s success.

“Our time is valuable, our crews’ time is valuable and our equipment is a significant investment,” he says. “The faster we can provide data to our teams, the better off we’ll all be. The technology — machine control, GPS, underwater sensors, software and more — are all great. But the biggest value to us all is when everything is connected, which has opened the door for opportunities that we never knew existed.” ET

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Coast Products Inc...................................................23 Compact Excavator Sales..........................................29 Eager Beaver Trailers................................................51 eBay.........................................................................25 IGNITE Construction Summit...............................43 Induction Innovations..............................................49 Iron Capital Group..................................................11 JCB Inc....................................................................19 JLG Industries Inc....................................................15 John Deere Construction Equipment.......................52 Liebherr Construction Equipment.............................9 Miller Formless........................................................17 Minimizer................................................................39 Minnich Mfg.............................................................6

HOW ONE CONCRETE COMPANY PLANS TO PASS THE FAMILY BUSINESS TO ITS FIFTH GENERATION

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Ozinga has introduced its fifth generation of family into its concrete business. Running a business is one thing, but keeping a family business in the family holds its own special set of challenges.

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Schweiss Doors........................................................49 Uline........................................................................45 Utility Expo.............................................................31 Volvo Construction Equipment.................................5 This index is provided as a service.

The publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions.

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August 2021 | EQ U I P MEN T TO D AY 49

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RUNN I N G T HE B U S I N E S S | By Garry Bartecki Published by AC Business Media

Calculate Equipment Costs to Assess When to Own vs. Rent

Garry Bartecki is the managing member of GB Financial Services LLP and a consultant to the Independent Equipment Dealers Association. He can be reached at (708) 347-9109 or gbartecki@comcast.net.

Use rental formula to calculate monthly costs to determine which option makes more sense for your fleet.

L

INTERNAL ACCOUNTING FOR OWNED EQUIPMENT

a By unit number bC an use 10% of cost per year/$360,000 of equipment cost cV ehicles used for delivery and pick-up; cost per mile or hour including driver; cost of owned and rented vehicle d Normally book value plus any closing costs e Compare to rent-to-rent quote from a rental company f Can be positive or negative; if positive, keep an eye on it, if negative, take action

50 EQU IPMEN T TOD AY | August 2021

Publication Staff Publisher SEAN DUNPHY, sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com Editor BECKY SCHULTZ, bschultz@ACBusinessMedia.com Senior Field Editor CURT BENNINK, cbennink@ACBusinessMedia.com Contributing Writers GARRY BARTECKI, VICKI SPEED, JESSICA STOIKES Art Director DAVE HAGLUND Senior Production Manager CINDY RUSCH Audience Development Manager ANGELA FRANKS

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ast month, we discussed how you could get better control of the equipment you own and rent (www.ForConstructionPros. com/21509254). This month, we’re going a step further by offering up a couple of ways to collect and analyze the data.

There’s no doubt in my mind that rental as a percentage of equipment usage is going to increase. There are more rental alternatives coming on board every day, giving contractors more flexibility when it comes to owning vs. renting.

In the example shown below, I’m using an American Rental Association equation to demonstrate how a rental center measures rental activity per unit. Most of the data you would plug into this equation may be on your books already and only requires some moving around to get into the “rental mode.” This data can then be used to compile a monthly “rental” activity report once the financial statements are completed.

Having this data available can help you improve productivity, Based on American Rental Association rental equation for rental activity. Percentages shown reduce downtime, used for example purposes. reduce maintenance and parts TOTAL REVENUE costs, improve Rental revenue a.................................... 90% your bid proSale of owned equipment a..................... 8% cess, clean up the Other revenue........................................ 2% balance sheet and, my favorite metric, Total Revenue................................... 100% increase cash flow — all by reducing DIRECT COSTS the need to buy ab Depreciation of owned fleet .............. 35% equipment.

Lease payments on owned units............ 1% Repairs – parts....................................... 4% HOW TO CALCULATE Repairs – labor....................................... 4% COSTS PER UNIT Direct vehicle costs c.............................. 4% Make up a list d of owned equipCost of sale of owned units .................. 5% ment and assign Fuel, supplies and other direct costs..... 1% a number to each Interest expense..................................... 2% “countable” unit.

Total Direct Costs e............................. 56% This is equipment Gross Margin...................................... 44% Profit/Cost Per Abovef ...................... 44%

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that has meaningful cost and maintenance numbers, not the nuts and bolts. Be sure to note the original cost next to the number assigned.

(This information should be in your internal or tax depreciation schedule.)

In terms of the revenue, equipment should be billed as a separate line item and the equipment number noted as part of the invoice.

Then, track billing by unit each month.

As far as direct costs, depreciation could be your biggest number.

It should be .83% of cost per month if using 10% per year for book depreciation. ˜ Identify those units under lease payments; they do not belong in your depreciation schedule. ˜ Make-ready and repair labor should appear on an internal work order with the unit number noted. The shop manager needs to review that this is being completed. Likewise, parts invoices or parts removed from inventory should be on a work order with the unit number noted. ˜ If you spend a lot on delivery and pick-up of units, calculate an hourly rate for the truck and driver. If an outside source is used, note the unit number of the equipment being moved on the purchase order and invoice. ˜ Other direct costs can be accounted for without a unit number. ˜ Interest expense relates to total interest for owned construction equipment selected to be included in this calculation.

So, what to do you wind up with? The internal rental revenue billed less the depreciation, lease payments, make-ready and repairs, vehicle costs, other direct expenses and interest expense. But in order to draw conclusions, you need the rental company rates (current) for all the types of units on your list.

BILLING OVER COST — OR COST OVER BILLING If you have billing over cost, it means you are covering your direct costs and have the flexibility to own and have the unit available when you need it. But you will incur many of the above costs for the entire year, which could move the billing-over-cost number to a cost-overbilling result. Also, don’t forget to compare your cost to an outside rental rate. On an annual basis, it may be cheaper to rent.

If cost for the month is higher than the billing, please review a rental alternative.

Let’s keep in mind that you are tracking all owned units selected for this exercise, and even though you have some billing-over-cost results, there may be units sitting that offset that profit. The option here is to right-size the fleet to where you are most likely to be in a billing-over-cost scenario at the end of the year.

I suggest you ponder what I’m telling you and at least get that list put together with the unit costs on them. Next, get the cost data from your AP and HR departments. Then, call me if you have any questions. ET Interested in learning more on financials? Attend the Ignite Construction Summit — the construction industry’s only conference and networking event for construction business owners and high-level managers — November 3 to 5, 2021, to hear from Garry Bartecki on these issues and more.

To access previous Running the Business columns, as well as additional business management information, visit www.ForConstructionPros.com.

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SEAN DUNPHY; NIKKI LAWSON; KRIS FLITCROFT; ERIC SERVAIS; TADASHI SOMA National Automotive Manager TOM LUTZKE (630) 484-8040

ForConstructionPros.com Editor LARRY STEWART Managing Editor KIMBERLY HEGEMAN

AC Business Media Chief Executive Officer..............RON SPINK Chief Financial Officer...............JOANN BREUCHEL Chief Digital Officer..................KRIS HEINEMAN Chief Revenue Officer...............AMY SCHWANDT VP Audience Development.........RONDA HUGHES Dir. of Digital Operations & IT...NICK RAETHER Director of Digital Strategy.......JOEL FRANKE Group Content Director.............JON MINNICK

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Vol. 57 No. 8 August 2021

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