Equipment Today October 2022

The right tool for the

COVER STORY

Skid-steer Loaders: A Great Snow Solution

These versatile machines can take on a variety of tasks, from commercial to large residential projects.

BREAKING GROUND

Trucking Trends Lead the Fall Show Season

October is a busy month for construction equipment, whether it requires maintenance, storage or promotion.

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

October New Product Launches

Heavy equipment, technology and more are among the new products in this month’s issue of Equipment Today

PROFIT MATTERS

Asphalt Contractor Relies on Enterprise and Equipment Tech to Expand Nationally Software applications from PavementSoft and Clockshark, drones and telematics underpin success for asphalt paving company, but the owner really yearns for robot workers.

RUNNING THE BUSINESS

Use Cash Disbursements to Generate Better Cash Flow

Columnist Garry Bartecki discusses how construction-related business owners should manage their finances.

BRIDGING THE GAP Education, Training Root Causes for Labor Shortage According to 2022 Survey

The AGC’s 2022 construction workforce analysis cites a lack of adequately prepared or skilled candidates as lead issue in filling available positions, compounded by material costs and supply chain disruptions.

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EARTHMOVING TRENDS

Excavator Evolution: Determining When to Use Wheels Vs. Tracks

Although wheeled excavators have been popular in Europe for quite some time, they are now beginning to be used more often in North America.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

How to Manage the Risks of Drowsy Driving on the Job

When workers are travelling between multiple locations and jobsites, it can be challenging to manage health and safety effectively.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Consider Equipment Maintenance Checks, Jobsites, and Attachments to Get the Most Out of Stand-on Skid Steers

One machine that is proving to be a productive, versatile and powerful solution on many jobsites is the stand-on skid steer.

TECHNOLOGY

Top 10 Trends To Impact Construction Industry in Next Decade

AI and connectivity, along with renewable energy and alternative fuels, will dramatically impact the construction jobsite in the next 10 years.

TECHNOLOGY

How Access Control Systems Enhance Operator Safety

A growing number of fleet owners are recognizing the value of access control on the jobsite.

TECHNOLOGY

Five Ways Mobile Apps Improve Equipment Management

Keeping tabs on dozens or hundreds of pieces of rental equipment on a jobsite–including what’s in use, what needs to be returned and what’s awaiting delivery or pickup–is a big job.

PINK

Construction Companies, Contractors Paint Equipment Pink to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

Several companies this year and in years past have donated significant proceeds from the sales of these iconic pink pieces of equipment to breast cancer research foundations..

BAUMA

New Products, Innovations and Machinery to Check out in Munich at bauma 2022

After several delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, bauma returns this month for its 2022 trade fair, one of the world’s biggest displays of construction and mining machinery and equipment.

EARTHMOVING

Dozers and excavators for the construction jobsite.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Tools to keep your fleet running.

TECHNOLOGY

The latest innovations for use on the jobsite.

TRUCKING TRENDS Lead the Fall Show Season

October is a busy month for construction equipment, whether it requires maintenance, storage or promo tion. From Equipment Exposition to bauma, the show season circuit is well underway. From Truck Driver Appreciation Week in September to pink construction equip ment dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness in the month of October, fall is a full and engaging time.

Preparing for fall and the inevitable winter always has me looking to the future. This issue peers into that future, both short- and long-term. I consider the long-term implications of shows like bauma, Equip Expo and iVT, the equipment they share with the industry and the trends seen at these shows. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers recently released a whitepaper analysis of 10 trends it foresees dramati cally impacting the construction industry in the next decade. From connected jobsites to big data to wearables, construction technology undoubtedly will innovate, expand, and alter the con struction industry as we know it. Read our exclusive coverage of the analysis in this issue.

One trend that specifi cally caught

my eye in the AEM whitepaper was the predicted pathway toward autonomous machinery, along with increased sensors in equipment – both trends should help improve the work ing environment for truck drivers and construction equipment operators worldwide.

Truck Driver Appreciation Week was Sep. 11-17, though we should show appreciation for these hardworking professionals every day. In this issue and next, readers will find several nods to our nation’s truck driver workforce, a varied bunch of pro fessionals who ensure we have enough food to eat, clothing to wear, material to construct with and aggregate to develop and improve infrastructure.

At a recent Mack Trucks press event in the Allentown, Penn. area, I experienced several of the trends described in the AEM whitepaper–autonomous machinery and sensors–by get ting behind the wheel of Mack Anthem and Granite trucks equipped with the latest Command Steer technology.

The Command Steer technology comprises a variable steer ing system that reacts to different driver situations, funneling up to 11 Nm of torque assist into the steering shaft of a Mack Truck. Command Steer considers road conditions, driver behav ior and environmental elements, and includes sensors that receive environmental input more than 2,000 times per second. For example, in the event of a tire blowout, Command Steer can help keep the truck moving straight and forward, rather than veering to the side.

The Mack Trucks team said that Command Steer can reduce driver effort up to 85% and reduce fatigue by 30%–beneficial

implications for the ongoing labor challenges in the truck ing industry. As I got behind the wheel of a Mack Anthem equipped with Command Steer and slowly progressed through the obstacle course set up for us at a quarry in Easton, Penn., I noticed how the steering wheel smoothed the rough roads, and I observed light steering at low speeds. This day was the first time I’ve ever driven a heavy-duty truck, and I appreciated the Command Steer’s ability to help in various scenarios, like maintaining stability through potholes, crowned roads and high winds.

This split-friction stability compensates for unexpect ed conditions and recognizes the driver’s desire to keep the truck moving straight forward rather than turning, accord ing to Mack Senior Product Manager Tim Wrinkle and Mack Highway Product Manager Stuart Russoli. Command Steer’s sensors and technology also work in tandem to pro vide a return-to-zero feature, which cycles the steering wheel back to the neutral position automatically if the driver releas es the steering wheel while the truck is in motion. This comes in handy on sudden, jarring road conditions, like the uneven cracks down a hill in the quarry.

It seems the trucking industry is keeping sensors at the top of its priority list for future innovation. Earlier in September, Grote Industries announced the launch of its 4SEE Smart Trailer, another high-tech product to help drivers stay safe and reduce excess work and troubleshooting. The 4SEE Smart Trailer will offer mobile app integration for the truck driver. The trailer technology product itself combines cameras, light sensors, undercarriage and cargo sensing, tire pressure moni toring and wheel-end readings to improve safety, security and stability of the trailer for the driver.

The 4SEE Smart Trailer is set up to integrate a wide variety of sensors and lights, including back-ups, strobes and beacons, accord ing to Grote Industries Director of Engineering Adam Slade.

4SEE will enhance driver safety by connecting effectively to data, the Grote Industries team said. The smart trailer can react to the surrounding environment and leverage data from other sensors, such as indicating the trailer’s interior and exterior dis tances from potentially hazardous objects.

The Grote Industries and Mack Trucks technology products signal the future of trucking and aim to improve driver reten tion, a sorely needed effort in the trucking and construction industries. Next month’s issue, November, will have a special focus on trucks and transportation, so there is more to come on this topic.

In the meantime, enjoy the fall shows, whether they’re for construction equipment or foliage. And, if you are not going to Munich, be sure to check out our bauma product previews!

Erica Floyd

Today

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Erica Floyd efloyd@acbusinessmedia.com

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AUDIENCE

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ADVERTISING/SALES

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AC BUSINESS MEDIA

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS

LIST RENTAL

REPRINTS &

On

CASE E-series Excavators

CASE Construction Equipment has rolled out its new E-series exca vator models in North America. Seven new models, including two entirely new excavators, focus on supporting the operator experience and performance. New features and models include:

˜ A 10-in. LCD display that serves as the control center for each new machine

˜ Hydraulic Flow Control Balance, which allows the operator to set arm in and boom up, and arm in and swinging flow

˜ New engines from FPT Industrial for horsepower, torque, tran sient response and emissions simplification

˜ OEM-Fit 2D and 3D machine control systems

˜ Connectivity and collaborative fleet management capabilities

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/7qghw7

Goodyear

RSA ULT and Fuel

Max RSA ULT

With the Fuel Max RSA and the “Electric Drive Ready” Endurance RSA ULT, Goodyear’s first tires equipped for high er load capacity of electric commercial vehicles, Goodyear aims to meet demand trends within the last-mile delivery segment driven by e-commerce, as well as fleets’ cost-savings and sustainability goals. Compatible with EV and gas or diesel-powered work vehicles, the Endurance RSA ULT is Goodyear’s premium 17.5-in. all-position tire for last-mile delivery vehicles, pickup trucks and light trucks. The Endurance RSA ULT is equipped to handle higher load capaci ties of EVs and is the first commercial tire stamped with Goodyear’s “Electric Drive Ready” designation or badge.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/jqdkhd

Stellar NXT18

The NXT18 is the first telescop ic hooklift in the new NXT Series and features a Z channel base design and universal body latching system. Completely manufac tured in the U.S., the NXT18 is an 18,000 lb. capacity hoist, built for a Class 4 through 7 chassis. The unit has a 35.63/54-in. hook height and rectangular style sec ondary jib. The NXT18 has a universal latching system and a universal hydraulic reservoir. The reservoir can be mounted in four different places: bulkhead mount or chassis frame mount on either the street side or curbside of the unit.

removes any workaround

there are chassis items that could interfere with the reservoir mounting.

Ingersoll Rand 2955 Series Impact Wrench

The Ingersoll Rand 1.5-in. square drive impact wrench from the 2955 Series delivers heavy-duty power for use in con struction sites. Designed for a wide range of projects, the 2955 impact wrench produces 4,500 ft. lbs. of max reverse torque powered by a warmforged twin-hammer impact mechanism. A steel hammer case with aluminum motor housing and han dle provide durability, while steel endplates resist wear. The 360-degree, fully adjustable side handle provides versatility to reach confined bolts. An ergonomic design supports all-day use in industrial environments like oil and gas, mining and more.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/xizh71

Jerr-Dan JD60

Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corp. com pany, has released a new 3-stage, 60-ton heavy-duty wrecker. The new addition has an SAE boom rating of 120,000 lbs. when fully retracted, and 25,000 lbs. when fully extended. The 3-stage boom provides a maximum reach past the tailboard of 294 in. and a maximum hook height of 432 in. Dual 50,000 lb. winches are stan dard; and there is an option for an additional 35,000 lb. underlift drag winch. Also standard on this unit are boom angle indicators and load charts for operational awareness. A fully-proportional wireless remote with a 330 ft. range allows opera tion of the recovery boom from multiple locations with precision.

Volvo I-Torque

The all new Volvo I-Torque is a powertrain solution enabling trucks to operate with up to a 31% increase in fuel efficient speed range, achieving up to 8.5 miles per gallon at 85 mph. I-Torque comprises the D13 Turbo Compound (TC) engine, the I-Shift with overdrive features, adaptive gear shift strategy, a new map-based version of the predictive cruise control Volvo I-See and low rear axle ratios as low as 2.15. The overall functionality of the I-Torque configuration is that it uses Volvo Trucks’ 13-speed I-Shift feature with crawler gear and combines the fuel efficiency of direct drive with the perfor mance and flexibility of overdrive.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/7ejw5m

Grove TMS800-2 Truck Crane

Grove has launched the TMS800-2 truck crane. As the successor to the Grove TMS800E truck crane, the TMS800-2 adopts technol ogy and features developed for larger truck-mounted and all-terrain cranes and packages them into a roadable 80-USt unit. The updated four-axle crane is designed for a range of taxi applications covering renewable energy, cell tower installation, road projects and bridge work. This crane can carry its full 28,000 lbs. of counterweight and remain within axle and tire limits without a fall-off load. In areas with strict road laws, the TMS800-2 can carry 18,000 lbs. and remain under 100,000 lbs. GVW (gross vehicle weight), and 25,000 lbs. per axle while being in a taxi configuration.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/47kr1v

John Deere 544 and 644 G-tier Wheel Loaders

John Deere has expanded its G-tier wheel loader offerings to the United States with the 644 G-tier wheel loader. The expan sion of this line up also includes the new 544 G-tier wheel loader now available in Canada. The 644 G-tier wheel loaders are equipped with a John Deere 6.8L engine and feature John Deere teammate axles. Customers can customize the machine through a variety of baselevel packages, including options related to locking differentials, ride control, seats, radio and rear chassis work lights. All G-tier machines are backed by JDLink connectivity and connected support. Both the 544 G-tier and the 644 G-tier machines are eligible for the John Deere protect service plan.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/opnfed

Simformotion Backhoe Loader Simulator

Simformotion has announced the release of the new Cat Simulators Backhoe Loader System. Set in a construction environment, the system teaches students and operators how to work a backhoe loader (BHL) from machine inspection to driving, braking, trenching, lifting and more. Simulation is an alternative to using actual machines for heavy equipment operator training. The BHL opera tor training simulator is available in multiple languages and includes a method to record and report the results of simulation sessions, comparing the performance to Caterpillar benchmarks. This simulator has authentic Cat controls, motion system, walkaround training and an accessible curriculum.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/4bzair

Genie Lift Guard White Noise Alarm

The new Genie Lift Guard White Noise Alarm, can reduce noise emissions on job sites up to 45%. Like a traditional tonal alarm, the new white noise alarm sounds when a mobile elevat ing work platform (MEWP) travels forward or in reverse, or moves up or down. However, instead of making a beeping sound, the white noise alarm makes more of a whooshing sound. The noise can be detected by personnel who are in direct prox imity to the MEWP. The alarm dissipates quicker than a tonal alarm if not in close proximity due to the technical acoustical differences in the alarm.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/zls6gh

SKID-STEER LOADERS Ideal for Winter Snow Removal in Small Spots

Whether you have a small business or a big residential yard to clear, consider a skid-steer loader to move snow this winter.

Winter is coming. In parts of the upper Midwest, snow falls in measurable inches by Halloween each year. Preparing for the possibility of a late-Octo ber snowstorm is wise. Whether

you have a small business or a big residential yard to clear, con sider a skid-steer loader to move snow this winter.

Featuring a tight turning radi us – skid-steer loaders can turn within their own length – the

machines’ maneuverability and agility make them popular for removing snow in the tightest quarters, such as crowded park ing lots. They also deliver the power to perform heavy-duty work efficiently. And unlike a

pickup truck with a snow blade, a skid-steer loader is not only able to push snow but lift, pile or load it for transport.

Bobcat offers a variety of attachments and pushers for many different winter

applications, including attach ments that come in 10 sizes and offer increased intake height and hydraulic systems to match all of its current carrier sizes and hydraulic flow rates.

“The Snowblower attach ment has a durable, direct-drive angling chute that allows the operator to blow material through a 270° rotation,” said Julie Portillo, marketing manager for Doosan Bobcat. “The blow er’s aggressive auger teeth can easily break up and tear through hard-packed snow.”

The Bobcat SnoPusher Pro combines the capabilities of both a snow pusher and an angle snow blade, so you can switch between applications without leaving the comfort of your cab, Portillo explained. The unique design works well in a variety of applications, and it’s built with the efficiency of a commercial snow remover in mind.

In addition, Bobcat offers snow buckets, standard snow pushers, angle blades, v blades and angle brooms to match a variety of snow clearing appli cations. John Deere also offers snow utility V-blade attachments that provide multi-functional versatility for snow removal work with skid steers.

CHOOSE A PUSHER OR A PLOW FOR EFFECTIVE SKID-STEER LOADER SNOW REMOVAL

For a skid steer, snow removal professionals generally choose

between pusher and blades— commonly known as plows—to scrape and remove snow. To draw the distinction between pushers and plows, a plow is an angled blade that plung es through snow, sending it to either side of the driver. A push er is a containment or box plow with side wings that collects a large amount of snow and moves it from one end of a space to the other, where it is piled up out of the way.

To select the proper snow pusher, the operator must first assess their existing machines and select the size and type of pusher that will match well to their fleets. Each pusher model is designed for a particular size of equipment; a plow designed for a large loader would likely not work on a smaller skid steer. Snow pushers come in a variety of sizes ranging six to 25 ft. A small skid steer could be outfit ted with anything from a six to 13-ft. snow pusher and be ready for use, depending on the brand.

Dealer experts typical ly recommend going with the smallest-possible pusher or plow for skid-steer loader for ease of maneuverability.

“The right size plow is defined by the locations which you plow,” Josh Nelson, mar keting generalist, KAGE, told Green Industry Pros in 2021. “We always suggest taking measure ments of tight areas to make sure that operators will easily be able to plow at higher rate of speed.”

Nelson recommended siz ing the snow pusher one size smaller than needed to allow operators to clear tight areas quickly and safely.

“Having the correct size plow also allows the operator to clear required areas without hitting objects that can not only cause damage to equipment, but also injure operators,” Nelson says.

Pro-Tech Marketing Manager Ryan Marino concurred, tell ing Green Industry Pros in 2021 that smaller pushers are easier to maneuver while larger-sized units can be more difficult.

“In general, when working on paved surfaces, operat ing using wide turn angles and y-shaped turns will help prolong either track or tire life,” said

Nathan Ryan, Wacker Neuson product manager, skid steer and compact track loaders. “[Users

should also] remember that a single attachment may not be the best solution for your snow removal needs.”

Operators may wish to con sider broom-like snow-sweeping attachments or even snow-blow er attachments.

PROPERLY MATCH SKID-STEER LOADER ATTACHMENTS TO THE MACHINE’S POWER

After choosing the correct size pusher or plow to fit an exist ing skid-steer loader fleet, the operator should consider the hydraulic power needs to move all that heavy snow. Bobcat offers skid-steer loaders with hydrau lic flow rates from 8 to 42 gpm, as do Case Construction Equipment, Kubota, John Deere and Wacker Neuson.

According to Case Construction Equipment, one of the most common mistakes that contractors make is buying a skid steer with out enough hydraulic power. The standard-flow auxiliary hydraulics pack age is the most common system, Case notes. Although flow rates differ by manu facturer and skid-steer model, a standard-flow system ranges from 17 to 24 gpm. Standardflow auxiliary hydraulics are included on all skid steers from the factory and operate on the same pressure as the machine’s main hydraulics, which is approximately 3,000 to 3,500 psi. A high-flow auxiliary hydraulics system also operates on the same pressures (roughly 3,000/3,500 psi) as the main hydraulic circuits, but offers a flow rate ranging from 30 to 38 gpm.

“Light duty work can be accomplished with a machine’s standard flow, which ranges from 8 to 23 gpm. Snow blades, angle brooms, sweeper buckets and grapples work efficiently on standard flow machines,” Portillo explained. “Snowblowers, stump grinders and drum mulchers are a few of the attachments that will see increased productiv ity with the optional high-flow hydraulic system, which delivers

27 to 37 gpm depending on machine size and horsepower.”

Bobcat’s newest and largest loaders, the T86 compact track loader and S86 skid-steer load er, have an additional option called super flow, which has 42 gpm and 4061 PSI capabilities. The super flow attachments available for the T86 and S86 are snowblowers, drum mulchers and planers.

“When attachments are matched to a machine with super flow, they will offer the best performance possible from a Bobcat loader,” Portillo said.

Whatever the opera tor decides for power and attachments,

matching a hydraulic attachment’s power capacity with the hydraulics of the skid-steer machine is crucial. Upsizing is not recommended.

“One customer I visited had a great idea,” said Ted Polzer, director of product and custom er support for Case Construction Equipment. “They made a laminated card that told the operators that if they run this attachment, set the flow to this.

Bobcat Company

The new Bobcat S86 skid-steer loader features a Super Flow option for enhanced hydraulic power, up to 42 gpm and 4061 PSI capabilities. The Super Flow hydraulic power can enhance the hydraulic attachment options used for snow removal on the S86.

It made for more productivity out of their attachments. It also reduced the risk of having the wrong attachment.”

Where it is intentional or accidental, matching a lowflow hydraulic attachment to a high horsepower machine with a high-pressure system and not appropriately modulating the hydraulic flow is a recipe for failure.

PERFORM FREQUENT CHECKS AND CHANGES TO MAINTAIN SKIDSTEERS FOR WINTER WORK

Among other winter prepara tory exercises, such as switching to heavier-duty tires, ensuring cabs are equipped with heat, and choosing the appropriate attach ments, properly maintained oils and lubricants are essential for effective skid-steer loader snow removal performance.

Skid-steer loader owners and operators should always follow the manufacturers’ recommend ed maintenance schedule for oil and air filter changes, as well as other lubrication requirements.

“For optimal performance,

operators need to consider the temperature the machine will operate in and use the proper weight oil for the conditions,” Portillo said. “For example, light er weight oils may offer better cold-weather fluidity.”

Fleet owners, managers or operators – whoever is respon sible for the maintenance of the skid-steer fleet -- should speak with their local dealer regarding a recommendation for matching oil type for winter months.

Synthetic oils and grease can improve performance in both cold and warm temperature con ditions, according to Portillo.

MIDWESTERN WINTERS OFFER CONTRACTORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED IN THE SKID-STEER SNOW REMOVAL SECTOR

Nate’s Landscape Company is a landscaping and snow remov al company located in Belgium, Wis. With more than 21 years of experience, the company has served Eastern Wisconsin since 2000.

As of 2016, Nate’s Landscape managed a fleet of 20-plus

Case skid-steer loaders. During the transition from using plow trucks to skid-steer loaders in his business, owner Nathan Kohn observed significant savings in both fuel and labor costs.

“The reason that we’ve gone to skid loaders is mainly to con trol our costs. It’s helped us tremendously with controlling our fixed expense as well as our operational expenses,” Kohn said. “We no longer have to pay drivers to sit on the road in a snowstorm trying to get on site. They can report right to the site because we store the key skid loaders on the premises. We’ve seen a huge savings in fuel and labor costs.”

In tandem with the fuel and labor cost savings, Kohn wit nessed operational efficiencies.

“With the advancements of box plows in the snow and ice industry, we have found that we are able to replace five plow trucks with three skid loaders, almost twice as efficient as the old way of doing it,” Kohn said.

“And the visibility in a skid load er is unmatched. No plow truck

has the visibility that a skid load er offers.”

The ability to see out of a skid loader, including the periph eral visibility and rear visibility played a significant role in Nate’s Landscape choosing to switch over to plowing snow exclusively with skid loaders.

“Plowing snow with trucks, there are a lot of blind spots, people will walk behind you and you can’t see if they’re there or not, and they’re harder to maneuver,” Kohn said.

There are other perks to skid-steer snow removal, as well, namely in protecting and enhancing the business’s financial assets and avoiding bureaucratic red tape, according to Kohn.

“When you’re plowing with a skid leader, you can run off-road diesel fuel and not pay road tax on your diesel,” Kohn said. “Also you don’t have to license a skid loader like you do a truck.”

South of the WisconsinIllinois state border in Chicago, Joe Paweleck founded Snowpusher in winter 2010 after

The reason that we’ve gone to skid loaders is mainly to control our costs. It’s helped us tremendously.

— Nathan Kohn, Nate’s Landscape Company

FEATURES ARE OPTIONAL. RELIABILITY ISN’T.

Sometimes you want the latest tech. Sometimes you just want the essentials done exceptionally well. That’s why we offer distinct levels of innovation, comfort, and performance so you can get done faster, more efficiently, and on budget.

15 years of working in the snow removal industry.

“Skid steers can handle almost any type of snow removal except for the times you have to push snow a long distance,” Paweleck told ForConstructionPros in 2016. “That’s when you need a wheel loader. Even then, we use our skid steers for detail work on the sites that require loaders.”

Paweleck and his team out fit their JCB skid steers with plows for snow removal at multiresidential sites like apartment complexes and with pusher blades for large parking lots. Like Kohn’s enterprise, all of Paweleck’s Snowpusher machines spend the winter months at their designated sites, so they are immediately accessible when winter storms roll into the Windy City.

“We don’t like to trailer our machines from job to job

if we don’t have to,” Paweleck said, echoing Kohn’s sentiment.

“By parking them at our larg er accounts, we can save a lot of money in fuel and other trans portation costs.”

OPERATOR COMFORT AND SAFETY GO HAND-IN-HAND IN SKID-STEER SNOW REMOVAL

When considering what skidsteer loader to use in snow removal, ensure that it has these creature comforts regardless of brand name or model:

˜ Properly gasketed doors and windows to prevent becom ing chilled and to prevent frost and ice buildup on doors and window glass

˜ Heaters and defrosters within the cab and on exterior ele ments as needed to prevent frost and ice buildup on cab lights and to stay warm inside the cab

˜ Road light kits and rotating beacons for dark mornings and snow-stormy evenings

˜ GPS, cameras and other con nected solutions to ensure operator safety and reduce the risk of liability Snowpusher attaches GPS tracking units to all of its fleet’s snow-removal machines.

“That way, if someone says they were injured by slipping and falling on one of the prop erties we service, we have proof that we were there and applied salt to that exact area,” Paweleck said. “It’s one of those little things we do that can help both us and our customers avoid cost ly insurance claims.”

˜ Staying up-to-date on skidsteer loader training and ensuring that the operator is familiar with the parking lot, road, driveway or other area that is going to be cleared

˜ Understanding the notion of the weight-load balance of skid-steer loaders and ensur ing not to overload them, to prevent tilting and rollovers By taking these essential steps to winterize skid-steer equipment and match the appropriate attachments to the machine, operators, fleet managers and business owners can adequately prepare for winter without fear. Going into winter 2022-’23, the fuel savings alone may be worth investing in a skid-steer loader for snow removal over the use of a plow truck. With their minimal turning radius, fuel economy and nimble versa tility, skid-steer loaders are sure to get operators out of tight spots throughout the entire winter.

ET

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/skidsteer sandsnow

“Skid steers can handle almost any type of snow removal except for the times you have to push snow a long distance.”

— Joe Paweleck, Snowpusher

GR3505

Make every road you take always safer and better

CASE Minotaur DL550 Compact Dozer Loader

The roughly 18,000-lb., 114-hp DL550 leverages the footprint of a compact track loader with the chassis-integrated C-frame and blade of a dozer to create a two-in-one machine for grading and loading applications.

• Provides a vertical lift geometry and a rated operating capacity of 5,500 lbs. (at 50% tipping load)

• True dozer-style undercarriage available in steel or rubber track configurations

• Features a six-way blade and a C-frame that attaches directly into the chassis and primary coupler of machine for stability and a smooth operating plane

• Hydraulically detach C-frame and blade to match up with skid-steer and compact track loader attachments

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/minotaur

Bobcat T86 and S86 Loaders

Bobcat has launched the T86 compact track loader and S86 skid-steer loader for tough jobs and construction work. Setting the T86 and S86 apart is Bobcat’s Premium Power Performance, a power management system that distributes power on loaders equipped with highflow and super-flow hydraulics. Each component in the T86 and S86 loaders – including the engine, pumps and hydraulic system – has been engineered to deliver hydraulic performance.

The three hydraulic flow options are:

Caterpillar CAT 350

Caterpillar has unveiled the new Cat 350 hydraulic excavator for construction and industrial projects. The Cat 350 excavator can be equipped with large buckets up to 3.2 m3 (4.2 yd3). This new excavator model consumes up to 13 percent less fuel than the Cat 349. Three power mode options – Smart, Power, and Eco – match the excavator with specific jobs to further reduce fuel consumption.

Excavator Technology

The new 350 excavator’s standard Cat 2D grade system indicates depth and slope on the monitor with alerts to increase handling. Grade assist helps the operator to stay on grade with single-lever digging. For truck loading and trenching applications, swing assist automatically stops excavator swing at operator-defined setpoints to consume less fuel. Lift assist helps avoid machine tipping by letting the operator know the load is within safe working range limits. To safely work around obstructions, 2D e-fence prevents the excavator from moving outside of operator-defined set points.

Cat payload onboard weighing gives real-time weight estimates to achieve precise load targets. When combined with VisionLink, the feature offers remote managing of production targets. Alternatively, the monitor’s USB port allows fleet managers to download up to 30 days of work for progress management without an internet connection or VisionLink subscription.

Excavator Performance

The Cat C9.3B engine has more than 14 million hours of service to attest to its reliability. Synchronized 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals reduce downtime. The hydraulic oil filter offers a 3,000-hour replacement interval – an increase of 50 percent over the previous design – and provides filtration.

The 350 can work at up to 4500 m (14,764 ft.) above sea level. It features standard high-ambient temperature capability of 52˚ C (126˚ F), cold-start capability at -18˚ C (0˚ F) with optional cold-start capability at -32 C (-25˚ F). Automatic hydraulic warmup in cold temperatures improves starting and lifespan of machine components. A double element air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity; and the machine’s hydraulic fan offers an automatic reverse to keep cores free from debris.

Product Link collects data automatically and gives fleet manager critical operating information like location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes and machine health online through web and mobile applications. Maximizing machine uptime, remote troubleshoot and remote flash allow dealers to remotely connect with the machine to diagnose fault codes and update operating software. Operators can track filter life and maintenance intervals through the touchscreen monitor.

Operation in Construction Sites

• Standard Flow (23.0 gpm, 3,500 psi) (Standard): Select standard flow to operate attachments that require lower hydraulic horsepower

• High Flow (36.6 gpm, 3,500 psi) (Optional): This system provides additional hydraulic power to boost production of attachments like the Bobcat flail cutter, trencher, planer and stump grinder

• Super Flow (42 gpm, 4,061 psi) (Optional): Tackle demanding attachment applications, including pavement milling as well as clearing land or trees and heavy brush

Bobcat attachments are engineered to be fully integrated with the carrier’s electronics, hydraulics and geometry. The T86 and S86 can power a wide variety of attachments including those specifically designed for super-flow hydraulics such as super-flow snowblowers, cold planers and forestry drum mulchers.

Several attachments require control of more than one function, and Bobcat’s seven-pin attachment harness activates power and fingertip control functions while eliminating the need for mechanical relays. The T86 is equipped with a 105 HP engine and has an operating capacity of 3,800-lbs.

Read More at https://eqtoday.co/mnw5sm

The new 350 features keyless starting via a push button, Operator ID passcode or Bluetooth key fob. Operators can program each joystick button to preference – including power mode, response and pattern – using the Operator ID. The machine will recall individual preferences based on the ID. Its high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog dial offers navigation through machine controls and provides access to the machine’s digital operator’s manual.

When cutting through tough material, standard auto dig boost delivers an automatic eight percent power increase for better bucket penetration, cycle times and payload handling. Auto heavy lift offers an eight percent increase in lifting power when needed for as long as needed. At the touch of a button, operators can switch to the optional Cat stick steer for simple one-hand operation of travel and turning. Preventing wear and tear on the excavator and attachment, standard auto hammer stop warns operators after 15 seconds of continuous firing and then shuts off the hammer after 30 seconds.

The cab features automatic climate control, a tilt-up left seat console and a heated seat. With all controls positioned in front of the operator, the layout helps minimize fatigue and straining movements. Cab windows, along with a lower front, right, and rear machine profile, offer visibility of the work area.

John Deere G-tier Compact Wheel Loaders

The new G-tier models, including the new 184 G-tier, and the 204 G-tier and 304 G-tier machines, are designed for everyday tasks. The 184, 204, and 304 G-tier compact wheel loaders come standard with limited slip differential, which automatically engages if one wheel loses traction, providing safety for the operator and the machine. The optional ride-control reduces spillage from the bucket when traveling over rough terrain, reducing jobsite clean-up and improving ride quality for the operator. This feature can be set to engage and disengage at certain speeds.

Featured on all G-tier models, the cab design is offered in both a canopy or enclosed cab configuration. The redesigned enclosed cab features a frameless fully glass door, floor-to-ceiling front windshield and remounted machine display. The right-side full glass window also swings out 180° for visibility. Additional features include an adjustable steering column, slip-resistant steps and an optional LED lighting package. The cab includes an air conditioning system and ergonomic controls.

With a canopy height of 8-in. and 5-ft.,10-in. in width, these machines can fit through small barn door openings or other small areas, making them a solution for jobsites of all sizes. The new 0.9 cu. yd. (0.7 m³) bucket is sized for use with the 184 G-tier and 204 G-tier. This bucket can be attached to either a Quik-Tatch or hook-style coupler.

The John Deere 184, 204 and 304 G-tier compact wheel loaders are now available for purchase in the U.S. and Canada.

Read More at https://eqtoday.co/v24tv8

Yanmar ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B

These excavators have been upgraded for operator comfort, performance and reliability in tight spaces. The ViO17-1E is designed for residential work, landscaping and small general construction projects. The ViO256B brings additional power and size for building maintenance projects, irrigation, plumbing pipeline and more.

The ViO17-1E offers a 4,023lb. operating weight and 14.5-horsepower engine while the ViO25-6B features a 5,908-lb. operating weight and 20.4-hp engine. These vehicles feature dig depths of 7 ft., 7 in. for the ViO17-1E and 10 ft. for the ViO25-6B.

Yanmar builds the ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B with true zero tail swing technology for workplace performance. Zero tail swing models are designed so that no part of the cab or canopy extends beyond the track width.

The ViO17-1E has a retractable undercarriage that allows operators to hydraulically extend and retract the track width. This allows the machine to access narrow job sites.

Paired with Yanmar’s diesel engines, both the ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B are made for rugged performance.

They feature standard PTO quick-connect fittings that facilitate hookup or switching between attachments. These mini excavators have been upgraded to a four-point tie system for loading and unloading as well as stability during transport.

Kato HD512LC-7 and HD514MR-7 Hydraulic Excavators

The 28,429-lb. HD512LC-7 standard radius and 31,085-lb. HD514MR-7 mini radius excavators feature REGZAM seventh-generation technology.

• Maximum digging depths of 18 ft. 4 in. and 18 ft. 2 in. and maximum reach of 27 ft. 3 in. and 27 ft. 9 in.

• Bucket digging force of 21,123 lbs. or up to 22,031 lbs. at high power

• 105-hp Isuzu Tier 4 Final diesel engine and 73-gal. fuel tank

• Quick-response four-pump hydraulic system with dual auxiliary hydraulics

• ROPS/TOPS/FOPS pressurized cabin offers centralized switches, a 7-in. LCD color touchscreen monitor with standard side and rear camera feature and retractable windshield

Read More at https://eqtoday.co/o9lu86

Caterpillar Next Generation 395 Large Excavator

Caterpillar’s The Next Generation Cat 395 excavator offers contractors up to 10% more production, two times more structural durability and up to 20% less maintenance costs than the machine it replaces, the 390F.

Features:

• A new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit — a feature typically found only on larger Cat mining shovels like the 6015B

• Cooling system with a new on-demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, helping to save fuel

• An available auto reverse function that assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores

• Standard technology such as Cat Payload, Cat Grade with 2D, Lift Assist, 2D E-Fence (which prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points), onboard Bluetooth and more standard and optional tech functions

• New Cat air filter with an integrated precleaner and primary and secondary filters

• New Cat hydraulic return filter with a 3,000-hour service life — a 50% increase over previous filters

• Fuel system filters which are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — a 100% increase over the previous filters

• Operator-oriented cab with functions such as keyless start, tilt-up console and programmable joystick

• An optional 360-degree-visibility package that combines images from multiple cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions

Read More at https://eqtoday.co/7ugexs

NO PAYMENTS, NO INTEREST & NO MONEY DOWN

After 6 months, purchase the equipment for the cash price or start a payment program. Offer thru 12/30/22. U.S. Only.

Although wheeled excava tors have been popular in Europe for quite some time, they are now begin ning to be used more often in North America, especially by county road departments and municipalities.

In particular, they can be utilized for common appli cations like ditch work, landscaping, utilities and vir tually any other type of job that excavators are suited for, according to John Waldron, product manager, wheeled

Excavator Evolution: Determining When to Use WHEELS VS. TRACKS

excavators, Volvo Construction Equipment.

As their popularity continues to increase in North America, manufacturers have been focused on changing the conventional wisdom that’s primarily asso ciated with compact wheeled excavators: they’re often viewed as unstable.

“One lineup of compact wheeled excavators, known as MWRs, has been created with low centers of gravity though, enabling each excavator to be very stable without sacrificing

operators’ ground clearance at all,” said Geoffrey Andrews, regional sales representative, Mecalac North America. “The excavators can still work on uneven ground, however—with out any damage occurring to their undercarriages.”

“They’re very stable during operation, too, including when they travel uphill with loads,” Andrews added. “This is a feat of engineering that the North American market is taking notice of and embracing.”

Aside from a tight swing

diameter and strength–Mecalac’s MWRs can lift as much as three tons up to 9.8 ft. high–compact wheeled excavators also feature increased safety features. The operator directly enters the cab from the side; there’s no need to climb over the attachment and turn around before the operator sits in the cab seat.

In addition, the company’s patented hydraulic quick cou pler enhances safety by allowing the operator to control it from the cab, while the bracket design makes it virtually impossible

for the tool or bucket to detach while in operation.

When compared to its tracked excavator models, Volvo Construction Equipment’s wheeled models, on the other hand, have the exact same engines. One distinguishing dif ference can be noticed between the wheeled and tracked mod els though. Their hydraulics are completely different. Unlike steered models, each of Volvo Construction Equipment’s wheeled excavators has a loadsensing hydraulic system, which

enables operators to fully uti lize all available engine power.

In turn, they’re not only able to increase their responsiveness, but their controllability as well, lead ing to high stability.

“And just because the excava tors have wheels, doesn’t mean they have to be solely operated with a steering wheel,” Waldron said. “After all, they feature Comfort Drive Control, which allows operators to control each of their excavators while using only the joystick, resulting in speeds as high as 12 mph.”

TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES MANUFACTURERS’ TRACKED OFFERINGS

In regard to a majority of tracks in construction equip ment undercarriages, Andrews believes that North American operators tend to utilize extrawide integrators. Yet, in Holland, for instance, manu facturers create factory units on tracks, as the tracks can be bolted over a set of tires. Since the integrators that are devel oped overseas aren’t extra-wide, as they are in North America, they offer higher speeds, often traveling up to 1.5 mph faster

than standard North American offerings.

As more and more North American operators seek out tracks that can be used in tight areas, Andrews notices they want more versatility. Therefore, they implement creative ways to utilize tracks in construc tion equipment undercarriages, leading manufacturers to deter mine various methods in which they can use one piece of track equipment in multiple ways. For example, some manufactur ers provide track sets for wheeled units or enable operators to bolt a chain over their tires, result ing in the creation of a compact track loader (CTL).

“Mecalac has gone fur ther with this idea though, as our compact excavators are designed to be multi-functional from the start, while also per forming every function well,” Andrews said. “Higher speed is one aspect of this high-per forming, multi-functional capability, as our crawler skid excavators are able to travel up to 6.2 mph, enabling contrac tors to change the ways they think about moving around their jobsites, along with how

much they pay for transporta tion costs.”

According to Andrews, the Mecalac MCR model was born from a need for high-speed excavators.

“It performs like a skid steer,” Andrews said, noting that, “if you need something that’s versa tile, it’s a high-speed excavator. Our machines already have a lot of functionalities built in (that North American customers are seeking).”

Andrews stresses that, at one point, North American job sites had a lot of room to utilize their large equipment. That is no longer the case now though, as contractors need to main tain smaller footprints. With this in mind, Mecalac has devel oped the MCR Series, which is comprised of three crawler skid excavator models: 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR. Providing operators with a 360-degree cab rotation and a side-mount ed, two-piece boom that offers high compactness, along with a high range of motion, the MCR Series is able to harness the speed and agility of CTLs, the maneuverability and digging capabilities of mini excavators,

and the reach of telehandlers— in one machine.

In addition, when compared to conventional mono booms, the MCR Series’ side-mount ed, two-piece booms provide operators an increased working envelope. Of equal importance, operators don’t need to repo sition the excavators nearly as much as they have to move other tracked excavators, ensuring they have more time to focus on other tasks.

Featuring a hydrostatic trans mission and drive motors, which are driven by a pump, each MCR Series offering can travel twice the speed of any tradi tional mini excavator that’s on the market. As a result of their speed, the crawler skid excavators decrease operators’ travel time across jobsites considerably, lead ing to faster cycle times and a decline in downtime. Since each of the excavators has a quick coupler, known as CONNECT, operators can transition from one attachment to another in a timely manner, as they never have to leave their cabs, further increasing productivity.

“Due to the MCR Series’ performance and versatility,

“The excavators are reducing the amount of equipment that operators need to use on their jobsites.”

— Geoffrey Andrews, Mecalac

EARTHMOVING TRENDS

operators will also have high ROIs, along with fewer excava tors on their jobsites, enabling them to save space, too,” Andrews added. “This will be significant at urban devel opments as well, as operators especially need high ROIs and smaller excavators that can do more in these areas’ tight spaces.”

Aside from Mecalac, Volvo Construction Equipment has released new technology for tracks in construction equipment undercarriages. Some tracked models from Volvo, for exam ple, have optional rubber track shoes. Consequently, operators can use crawlers on surfaces like asphalt, which they don’t want to damage. Detachable, the rubber

Volvo Construction Equipment’s tracked excava tors have long, wide frames as well, thus providing operators enhanced stability as they handle heavy loads. Additionally, they have narrow and short under carriages that can be transported effortlessly.

“Differences in excavator undercarriage design do impact a machine’s durability,” Ko stressed. “As an example, the Volvo X-style chassis has roboti cally welded, single-piece upper and lower plates that are cov ered by a Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty. Featuring heavy-duty guard plates as well, which offer protection under its superstructure and X-frame, the

has a reinforced idler frame, too, allowing it to be used for rough terrain applications as well, as it also has high durability.”

WHICH EXCAVATORS ARE BEST TO USE—AND WHEN?

As operators consider the best times to utilize wheeled or tracked excavators, they will need to determine exactly which applications should be per formed on the job, as well as the intended usage of the equipment they will be specifically using. Wheeled excavators, after all, offer benefits that tracked exca vators don’t, and vice versa. For example, whenever operators use wheeled excavators, they’ll likely save money and time on mainte

them, operators will lose the sta bility they have while operating crawlers. However, that is not the case, as wheeled excavators are not only as stable as crawlers, they also ensure operators won’t sacrifice breakout/tear out forc es, digging depth, power or reach whenever they use them.

“By driving excavators to vari ous segments on their road jobs, operators can save considerable time and money. In particu lar, by using wheeled excavators, operators will reduce their reli ance on a lowboy and eliminate the extra equipment, labor and time they previously needed to load and unload machines,” he said. “Wheeled excavators can also drive faster on roads than

license (CDL) is required for the wheeled excavator, meaning the same person who operates the machine can drive it, Waldron explained. Compare that with a truck-mounted excavator, which may need to be supported with both an operator and a driver with a CDL.

Wheeled excavators are espe cially critical for usage in tight spaces, as short-swing wheeled excavators can work in one lane of traffic, when compared to conventional swing excavators that often require two lanes. If operators work on multiple job sites that are spread apart, they can utilize wheeled excavators for such distances as well.

Waldron advises operators to use wheeled excavators that have two-piece articulating booms, as they enable them to stretch far ther, dig deeper and closer to the excavators themselves, and reach higher.

“This can be especially ben eficial in offering operators more flexibility to go up, around and under obstacles like bridges, guardrails and mailboxes,” he added. “Additionally, a two-piece boom can provide opera tors extra lift capacity in tight quarters.”

Although operators tend to utilize wheeled excavators in urban areas that have hard grounds and considerable dis tances for traveling, while tracked excavators are favored for shorter travel distances and ground conditions like mud and uneven terrain, Andrews believes this consensus is changing, espe cially as more multi-functional wheeled and tracked excavators enter the market.

track shoes can be used when ever operators need traction as well. Using a pad comprised of a durable rubber blend and placed on a steel plate, the track shoes reduce noise and vibration.

“The replacement of sin gle rubber pads is also an easy, cost-effective way to main tain an excavator’s track system, which can be complicated and expensive to repair otherwise,” said Sejong Ko, product man ager, large excavators, Volvo Construction Equipment.

chassis varies from some OEMs. For instance, some OEMs have undercarriages with upper plates that are split at key stress points or straight plates that are welded on one side only—with no plate belly guard under the hydraulic swivel—instead.”

He continued, “With war ranties ranging from three to 12 months, maintenance costs could add up quickly, an issue that the Volvo X-style chas sis solves. Aside from providing operators these plates, the chassis

nance and upkeep.

Furthermore, wheeled exca vators are lighter than tracked excavators, enabling them to be used more easily, especially when they’re utilized in the proper conditions. At the same time, wheeled excavators are better equipped for long-distance trav el, and operators arrive at their desired locations more effectively.

A common misconception is currently associated with wheeled excavators though, according to John Waldron—that by using

tracked models, cause less dam age to driving surfaces and tow trailers with attachments or pipes, which decreases transport costs even further.”

The cost savings of purchas ing a wheeled excavator goes beyond the initial purchase of the machine and continues throughout the excavator’s lifes pan, according to Waldron. This is because wheeled excavators can equal both increased labor pro ductivity and cost savings.

No commercial driver’s

“If operators plan on buying an excavator in the short-term and a skid steer later, I’d rec ommend the MCR Series since they’ll receive the functional ity of both immediately in a single machine,” Andrews said. “However, if an operator wants to haul an excavator and skid steer to his or her jobsite, then Mecalac’s compact wheeled excavators (MWR), which are available in five models, ranging from 7 tons and up, might be the best solutions instead.”

If jobsites are near their shops, operators can actually drive their MWRs to them, thus eliminating the necessity to use a truck and a trailer to haul them. They can reduce any of the chal lenges that may have previously

The

Volvo’s wheeled excavator

arisen whenever they tried to drive their trucks on cramped jobsites.

“Not only can operators drive the MWRs to their jobsites—they can tow a trailer, too,” Andrews said. “This capability is a new development in the North American market, so the conver sation, concerning when to use wheeled excavators and tracked excavators, is starting to change.”

Waldron confirmed the versatility of wheeled excavators and suggested future innovations that could reduce overin vestment in excess machines on jobsites, saving contractors time and money.

“A wheeled excavator can be the Swiss Army knife of a fleet and prevent contractors from investing in multiple machines because it can utilize the same attachments as crawler excavators,” Waldron said. “Some OEMs also have material handling options on wheeled excavators, which are in high demand and really maximize what the machine can do.”

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE WITH GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY

As Andrews looks ahead to the com ing months, he believes that operators will continue to desire more from their equipment, and wheeled and tracked excavator manufacturers will notice their new requirements and respond accordingly.

“On our part, we’re offering a wheeled excavator that provides operators something different—multifunctionality, along with the ability to drive to jobsites while towing a trailer,” he said. “This opens up a differ ent, more efficient way to work and a whole new way to think about wheeled excavators.”

Meanwhile, Volvo Construction Equipment offers operators Volvo Active Control, technology that enables automated boom and bucket move ments to increase the accuracy and efficiency of the digging process in a more effortless manner. Operators only need to set the grade, push a button and complete their tasks, all while using one lever.

In addition, in-cab machine control apps will enhance operator perfor mance, as they’re able to deliver high excavation accuracy quickly, while onboard weighing options will provide operators real-time insights into their buckets’ loads, leading to optimized truck loading.

“An auto engine shutdown feature will also help operators avoid costly hot turbo shutdowns,” Ko said. “As a result, if excavators are turned off without proper idle times, they will automati cally run for a couple minutes before shutting down, allowing operators to simply turn the key and walk away.”

He added, “Operators should also

be able to see every angle, as they strive to ensure safe rota tion. With that in mind, a feature, known as Volvo Smart View, includes front, rear and side cameras, and offers opera tors real-time, overhead views of their excavators during operation—all on an in-cab monitor.”

Whether operators choose wheeled or tracked excava tors, one change is certain. Compact wheeled and tracked excavators can provide oper ators with completely new ways to work in the future, in North America and beyond.

“Since they’re designed for ease of use and versatility,

the excavators are reducing the amount of equipment that operators need to use on their jobsites,” Andrews said. “Whether operators are urban landscapes or ranchers that need to cover a lot of ground, these excavators are—and will continue to be—game-chang ing technology.” ET

Chris Lewis is a freelance writer covering the construction and related industries. Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/wheelsvstracks

MEANSTIME

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With the broadest mix of industrial products and technical expertise at your fingertips, the only downtime you’ll need to worry about is yours. motion.com

Milwaukee Tool

MT500-MT558

Milwaukee Tool offers new cutting plier solutions that deliver reliable cuts, long lasting teeth and cut edge. The new cutting pliers feature a pivot point design, which gives maximum leverage to cut through tough materials. These cutting pliers have laser-hardened edges for durability. No break-in period is required.

Offered in comfort grip with lanyard hole and dipped grip with a split-ring hole, these cutting pliers are tether-ready for complete tie-off while working on the job site. Lineman’s pliers feature a reaming head for ½-in. to 1-in. conduit. Select models include an integrated crimper for insulated and non-insulated terminals, #6 and #8 bolt cutters and straight fish tape puller or an integrated thread cleaner.

Long nose pliers feature cross-hatched, laser-hardened teeth for maximum grip. They also have a fish tape puller and a reaming head for ½-in. to 1-in. conduit.

Andrew Parsons Ladder-lock

Andrew Parsons announces the launch of Ladder-Lock, a ladder conversion kit for safety and stability. Compatible with most 16 to 24 ft. extension ladder models with hollow rungs, its patented technology minimizes serious injury during use.

Created for everyone from professionals to DIY home renovators, the Ladder-Lock features two adjustable legs that connect at the ladder midpoint and two adjustable arms that anchor to the ladder’s lowest rung, creating four points of contact that eliminates kicking out, sliding and tipping. The product supports more weight than a ladder alone. Aluminum rods are inserted through the hollow rungs of both sets of legs and braces generating a base capable of bearing loads over 450 lbs.

“Everyone from painters, contractors, and roofers to people who put their Christmas lights up once a year will benefit from the Ladder Lock,” said Andrew Parsons, founder of Ladder-Lock. “Throughout my career I have witnessed several people fall off ladders, including myself. Ladder Lock users will feel a new level of assurance and as a result get their jobs done more efficiently.”

Ladder-Lock is available by special order only at ladder-lock.net and retails for $399.

Read More at https://eqtoday.co/d335dv

DECKED Traction Mat by SeaDek

DECKED introduces Traction Mat by SeaDek, which serves as a solution for aggravation of cargo or gear sliding around in truck beds.

DECKED partnered with SeaDek to bring its marine-grade, selfadhesive, closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam padding to the DECKED truck bed drawer system. DECKED’s patented drawer system features a top deck that hold up to 2,000 lbs. of gear on top of the in-bed drawer storage. The DECKED SeaDek Traction Mat is

Zonar SightIQ

Zonar

Sensata KP2

Dashcam

The SmartWitness KP2 is a 4G/LTE camera that records HD video at up to 30 FPS per channel with a 140-degree forward-facing and 130-degree driverfacing field of vision, contains a 64GB SD card upgradable to 128 GB storage and measures just 126mm x 82mm x 64mm including the driver-facing camera. This product enables commercial fleets to add driver-facing video at any time with no wiring

BKT MULTIMAX MP 538

analytics solution

health

construction aggregate operations,

increases the cycle times in pits and

of, and

into, an operation’s

KP2 includes a choice

DSM (driver state monitoring)

event analysis software

driving behavior.

Read more at:

BKT has added the MULTIMAX MP 538 tire to the MULTIMAX series, designed for different types of machinery and applications, including motor graders and loaders operating on ice and snow, as well as telehandlers, universal vehicles and sweepers for road maintenance. The specially-designed tread pattern promotes traction on rugged surfaces. With a heavy-duty steel-belted casing, the product allows vehicles to carry heavy loads while traveling. The MULTIMAX MP 538 is currently available in size 405/70 R 20 MPT. Part of the same range is MULTIMAX MP 540, for which BKT has recently introduced two new sizes: 335/80 R 18 and 365/80 R 20.

Read more at:

Reflective Apparel RAflect50

RAflect50 high visibility (hi-vis) garments are engineered to withstand high temperatures and harsh chemicals of industrial laundries. RAflect50 hi-vis garments have been independently tested to withstand at least 50 industrial washes. These are available in multiple styles including rental-friendly T-shirts, woven work shirts and polos. All RAflect50 products feature segmented reflective tape for high visibility, durability and compliance with ANSI Class II high visibility standards. The micro pique fabric used in RAflect50 hi-vis garments received third-party certification for ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 high visibility compliance.

RAflect50 products feature 3M Scotchgard soil release for easy care and 3M moisture wicking finish. Comfort and cooling features also include vented underarms and back yoke and Silverplus technology to minimize odors. AATCC test results confirm heavy-duty fabric physicals, including:

Read More at https://eqtoday.co/7saops

Epiroc Self-service Videos

Epiroc is launching a 24/7 self-service video series designed to help operators and service technicians maximize their uptime of Epiroc equipment. The instructional how-to videos bring Epiroc’s machine and application knowledge right to customers’ fingertips on their web or mobile devices. With 24/7 self-service videos, Epiroc simplifies the troubleshooting, maintenance and repair process for customers who prefer to complete their own routine maintenance and minor repairs on Epiroc equipment in their fleet. The videos include answers to frequently asked questions and feature Epiroc product experts who walk through step-by-step instructions and recommend parts and tooling for completing specific service work and a range of common repairs on various Epiroc machines.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/uzx7lv

Bolle Safety Pilot Neo

The Pilot Neo safety glasses by Bolle Safety is designed for industrial, oil and gas, construction, woodworking and outdoor work areas. The product has a vented frame and a neoprene strap for resistance to temperature, fire, tearing and chemicals.

Pilot Neo Specifications

• Weight: 3.53 oz

• Frame Type: Vented - Indirect Ventilation

• Frame Material: PP/TPR

• Frame Color: Black

• Lens Material: Polycarbonate

• Lens Color: Clear

• Lens Coating: Platinum

• Strap Material: Neoprene

• Standards: ANSI Z87.1-2015

Read More at https://eqtoday.co/vfq0aw

Ford Pro Fleet Management Software

Ford Pro has announced a suite of fleet management solutions designed to minimize paperwork and the use of spreadsheets for small business owners. Ford Pro Fleet Management Software is the latest tool added to the Ford Pro Intelligence suite of fleet management solutions. The always-on software program, available on a subscription basis for as low as $5 per month per vehicle, gives office admins and fleet managers a new tool that tracks important metrics on every vehicle in their fleets. Powered by fleet management software provider Fleetio, the cloud-based system digitizes cost-related data and puts total cost of ownership at the customer’s fingertips. The program integrates with Ford Pro vehicle software such as Ford Pro Telematics* to give business owners a view of fleet vehicle information.

Read more at:

How to Manage the Risks of DROWSY DRIVING on the Job

When workers are travel ling between multiple locations and jobsites, it can be challeng ing to manage health and safety effectively. Risks are harder to minimize beyond the relative safety of the workplace, and businesses have to trust that their employees are always acting safely and following relevant pro cesses when on the road.

But health and safety laws apply to work activities on the road in the same way as they do on a fixed site, so employers must figure out how to effective ly manage risks to workers who drive a vehicle or ride a motor cycle, bicycle, or other wheeled vehicles as part of work activity. Driving for work can be one of the most dangerous activi ties workers will do, with hazards including roadwork, traffic, con gestion, time pressures, fatigue and distraction. The statis tics show that drowsy driving is a particularly significant risk. Simply put, drowsy driving, also known as driver fatigue or tired driving, is the act of driv ing or operating a motor vehicle while tired and feeling fatigued or sleepy.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF DROWSY DRIVING

Job stress or interrupted sleep (e.g. caring for children, pets, elderly parents, etc.) are com mon reasons to be short on sleep. However, other factors can also contribute to drowsy driv ing such as medication or even untreated sleep disorders.

Whatever the cause, the main effects of drowsy driv ing are the inability to focus, delayed reaction times, poor judgement of distances and speeds, and, of course, falling asleep at the wheel.

RISKS AND IMPACT OF DROWSY DRIVING

We are familiar with the hazards of drinking and driving or even texting and driving, but many people underestimate the dangers of drowsy driving. The statis tics show that each year, drowsy driving accounts for about 100,000 crashes and 71,000 injuries in the U.S., according to the National Safety Council (NSC), while the National Sleep Foundation claims that an estimated 6,400 people die annually in crashes involving drowsy driving.

A study by The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA) also found that an esti mated 16.5 percent of fatal crashes, 13.1 percent of crashes resulting in hospitalization, and 7 percent of all crashes in which a passenger vehicle is towed involve a drowsy driver. The analysis showed about 57 per cent of drowsy driving crashes involved drifting into other lanes or off the road entirely.

HOW CAN EMPLOYERS MANAGE DROWSY DRIVING RISKS?

1. Risk assessments

As part of your health and safety arrangements, execute risk assess ments where necessary. Some areas to look at in your risk assessment are the journey, the driver or rider and the vehicle.

2. Consider requirements for lone workers

Don’t forget to consider the risks to lone workers and other vulnerable workers, in particu lar. A lone worker is ‘someone who works by themselves with out close or direct supervision,’ including those who work away from a fixed base, such as deliv ery drivers or couriers. For example, this might include

having an agreed schedule to touch base and check in, more regularly.

3. Implement reporting systems and transportation and logistics EHS software

Implement a reporting system for workers to report all workrelated road incidents and near misses. You should investigate incidents to identify any under lying causes, and to see if any controls or changes are needed.

4. Manage risks from the length of journeys Implement controls that align to the length of the journey. Controls will vary depend ing on whether the driver is undertaking long or short haul journeys, but generally they will all require regular breaks, for example. Different controls will be required if the journey is intermittent, involves routine or non-routine stops, involves driving and stopping when it is dark, or involves long work ing hours. To determine what controls are needed in each cir cumstance, consider not only the task that necessitates getting behind the wheel, but also the journey, the driver or rider, and the vehicle itself.

5. Training vs. Learning

Ensure that the right training programs for employees that drive as part of their jobs are in place and completed. Providing up-to-date and relevant driver training will keep your employ ees aware of their unique risks on the road, but many training sys tems are clunky and unfriendly. Also, giving employees reams of documents to read and fill out is especially unhelpful for those that spent a significant amount of time on the road.

Instead, identify on-the-job training that presents informa tion in a way that is learned in a timely and efficient manner. For example, mobile apps are one of the most effective ways to give your staff the health and safety instructions and resourc es they need, wherever they are. Regardless of what methods are used, it’s important to keep employees safe on the job. ET

Catryna Jackson is an EHS and sustainability specialist at Evotix.

you need.

Consider Equipment Maintenance Checks, Jobsites, and Attachments to Get the Most Out of STAND-ON SKID STEERS

skid

Like many industries, land scaping professionals have been hit hard by staff ing shortages. According to a 2021 Green Industry Pros Benchmark Report, 71% of green industry businesses report ed it difficult to find employees. When the adage, “many hands make light work,” can’t be a real ity for your landscaping business, it’s important to have the right equipment on hand to make your team the most productive it can be.

One machine that is prov ing to be a productive, versatile and powerful solution on many jobsites is the stand-on skid steer. With its compact size and increased visibility, you can stay productive on a variety of tasks. Plus, stand-on skid steers can be outfitted with an assortment of attachments that can be switched out with ease. This is especially important as crews look to their equipment for an extra boost of productivity.

Here are three things to

consider so you can get the most out of your stand-on skid steer, whether you have a lean crew or not.

MAINTENANCE CHECKS

Downtime from equipment issues is one of the biggest hin drances to productivity for any crew. Having to bring your equipment in for servicing or waiting for parts can real ly slow down a team during the busy season. Daily mainte nance checks help minimize the

potential for major downtime due to equipment failure. Three simple daily checks include:

˜ Cooler: Check to see if there is debris blocking the cooler and that it is properly blown out. This can ensure your stand-on skid steer doesn’t overheat and keep you work ing efficiently.

˜ Track tension: A daily visual check of your track tension, one of the most common stand-on skid steer derail ments, takes just seconds

Stand-on skid steer attachments like augers help landscaping crews make efficient work even with a lean team.

and could save you hours of downtime.

˜ Fluid levels: A quick check of your stand-on skid steer fluid levels, including oil, hydraulic and coolant before use, ensures everything runs smoothly.

JOBSITE CONSIDERATIONS

An important element of pro ductivity is making sure you have the best equipment onsite for the job. When choosing a stand-on skid steer, consider the

Witch

job and space you will have to work. Small stand-on skid steers are great for residen tial projects, as they are compact enough to maneuver through gates and minimize yard damage. Small stand-on skid steers also afford crews space on their trailer to haul away logs and brush.

However, large stand-on skid steers have more horsepower and weight, allowing teams to lift larger trees and move heavier loads across the jobsite. This can increase productivity exponentially. With more car rying capacity, crews do not have to spend time making many cuts to logs. They can work faster and often complete three or four jobs in one day.

Both large and small stand-on skid steers have their place in the tree care and land scaping industries. Having any size stand-on skid steer on your site will bring increased maneuverability and visibility. Landscaping and tree care professionals who want to round out their scope of work and increase their productivity should consider having both sizes in their fleet.

TREE CARE ATTACHMENTS

In addition to the size of your stand-on skid steer, consider which attachments would best optimize your jobsite. For example, rather than hauling multiple machines to a jobsite, you can simply bring one stand-on skid steer outfitted with a range of attach ments to suit the needs of various projects. Having the right stand-on skid steer attach ments increases your crew’s productivity and versatility. Below are four attachments to help you get the most out of your standon skid steer and allow your crew to boost productivity:

˜ Tree/Brush Grapple: The grapple buck et is an ideal attachment for smaller crews, especially when it is attached to a large stand-on skid steer. With a grapple attachment, you are able to carry larger loads across a jobsite quickly and safe ly. Without a tree or brush grapple, the crew would need to spend extra time cutting the branch into smaller pieces that could be carried by hand or pieces that would fit into a standard bucket. This attachment is ideal to promote job site efficiency.

˜ Stump Grinder: The stump grinder is the attachment that pays dividends in crew versatility. In the past, arborists and landscapers would have to bring a stand-on skid steer and a stump grinding machine when removing stumps. The stump grinder attachment eliminates the need for another machine. This mini mizes the number of machines that are hauled to a jobsite and the cost to main tain multiple machines.

˜ Bucket/Fork: A standard bucket or fork attachment is one of the most popu lar attachments for stand-on skid steers and is a low-cost alternative for mov ing material on and off the jobsite. This

attachment helps you lift large piles of brush, soil, debris or other materials that need to be relocat ed. There are a variety of bucket types to choose from, depending on the application.

˜ Auger: Ideal for landscap ing and tree care, an auger attachment on a standon skid steer will help you quickly open holes in the ground for tree or post installations. An auger attachment is a great solu tion to speed up your work and allow you to take on more jobs in a day, especially if you usually rely on a hand-held auger machine.

Finding ways to make the most with what you have is the key to finding success with a lean crew.

Landscaping companies, like D2Scapes from Hot Springs, AR, have learned the value of getting creative and relying more on their machines than ever. Owner Darrel Anderson credits much of his team’s productivity to the support of his stand-on skid steers.

“Before I had the stand-on

skid steers, I wouldn’t have had the equipment or man power to take on both jobs at the same time,” Anderson said. “And because of that I likely would have lost one of the jobs because the custom er didn’t want to wait. With these, I knew I could make both work at the same time, even with a smaller crew.”

Anderson is confident that he will continue to succeed in the landscaping industry with

the help of his stand-on skid steers and attachments.

A standard bucket or fork attachment is one of the most popular attachments for stand-on skid steers and is a low-cost alternative for moving material on and off the jobsite.

D2Scapes is just one of many landscaping and tree care operations that has leaned more heavily on their equipment amid the work force shortage. The increased versatility and productiv ity stand-on skid steers and their attachments provide help relieve pressure on even the most efficient crew. Choosing the right equipment and

following regular maintenance requirements and machine best practices are key to driv ing jobsite efficiency and improving the bottom line. ET

Brant Kukuk is the compact equipment product manager for Ditch Witch.

AvidXchange TimberScan

AvidXchange, a provider of accounts payable (AP) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers, announced TimberScan Titanium is available to Sage Intacct users, serving as a purchase-topay solution for professionals in the construction industry. TimberScan Titatium is integrated with AvidPay. With this software, finance tasks can be managed remotely via one centralized, fully automated platform. The automated platform offers more visibility into the process and can help save time and costs associated with having to print paper checks.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/llxbht

Matterport Pro3 Camera

Matterport has introduced the allnew Matterport Pro3 camera along with major updates to its digital twin cloud platform. The Pro3 is equipped with 3D capture technology and can be used indoors or outdoors. The new Pro3 camera and cloud platform were built for the demands of enterprises in the construction industry. These solutions enable customers to create immersive digital twins. The Matterport Pro3 Camera is equipped with a combination of sensors and creates images, both indoors and outdoors. With a custom 20-megapixel sensor and 12-element lens covering an ultra-wide angle, the Pro3 camera produces detailed digital twins.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/63k99h

Linarc Cloud Construction Management Software

Linarc is a project management solution that eliminates the need for multiple systems. The platform has an open API and integrates with standard project management solutions, ERPs and other software for accounting and transparency. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is at the core of every project schedule. Linarc’s collaborative scheduling feature leverages technology and predictive analytics to allocate resources to individual tasks in the WBS hierarchy to reduce delays and ensure on-time completion. Linarc links work crews, materials and equipment to the schedule of values and updates progress in real-time so you can stay on track and on budget.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/ha9dce

Verizon Connect AI Dashcam

The new Verizon Connect Dashcam utilizes AI to enable real-time detection of potentially dangerous driving events and to boost driver safety. Available for new and existing Fleet and Reveal customers, Integrated Video is available for use with two new camera models, including a roadfacing only camera, which can be upgraded with a driver-facing camera add-on–and a dual-facing camera. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) helps to monitor tailgating, pedestrians and cyclists, while the Driver-Monitoring System (DMS) tracks distracted driving, phone usage, fatigue and more.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/k7zcdl

JLG ClearSky Access Control

ClearSky Access Control is an optional safety tool that adds an additional layer of protection by preventing unauthorized personnel from accessing equipment.

• Machine operators receive a unique ID number or “smart card” that is read by an RFID reader on the machine

• ID number allows operator to access only equipment they are authorized to operate

• Web-based ClearSky portal provides real-time management of operator accessibility as well as equipment usage reports and operator performance data analysis

• Kits available for machines with ClearSky telematics already installed

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/i4bhv5

Augmenta Electrical Design Module

Augmenta has announced the Electrical Design Module, which enables contractors to accelerate the time it takes to estimate and create fully constructible, codecompliant electrical raceway designs by automating the entire process. While today’s shop drawings typically only model the main runs of an electrical distribution system, the Augmenta Construction Platform can create fully detailed designs for entire projects in hours instead of weeks or months. Using Generative Design, the Electrical Design Module for the ACP delivers accurate, National Electrical Code (NEC) compliant, detailed 3D raceway designs, complete with a bill of materials.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/zama40

CDK Global MyDealer

CDK Global, an automotive retail software provider, has announced MyDealer’s integration with ARI Network Services, Inc. (ARI). The platform now offers direct access to major equipment manufacturers and shortline brands through the company’s online catalog feature. Using the CDK MyDealer portal, customers can access equipment and replacement parts descriptions with availability through 24/7 mobile service for delivery or pickup. Products can be added to virtual shopping carts with payments completed online through credit card transactions – all without having to search multiple catalog channels or leave their place of business.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/5tgd2o

Tenna Schedule

Tenna has announced the expansion of its construction Resource Management software with a new Schedule product. While Resource Management enables contractors to request and dispatch equipment and labor resources, Schedule allows for visibility of these resources across divisions and job sites in a single combined calendar/Gantt chart view for equipment and labor planning and forecasting. With the addition of Schedule, equipment and project managers can see what’s down for maintenance, what’s currently operating on a particular site and what’s scheduled for six months down the road for a job. They can look back at project and asset history as a reference to compare against their construction forecasts, including how long machines were in use on job sites compared to where they were scheduled.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/b19axh

JobTread Software

JobTread has made legal protection accessible for construction businesses and independent contractors through a partnership with Cromeens Law Firm. Through the JobTread platform, construction business owners can now connect with a legal team to create custom contracts that protect their business. All legal documentation shared with customers and vendors through JobTread will be approved by a construction attorney, legally viable and signed electronically. Contracts will be custom created for each business and include two attorney consultations. Contracts are state-specific and will include any required legal language pertaining to each state’s construction and lien laws.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/6i2frk

Ring Power ItemAware

Ring Power has launched ItemAware, a tool and asset tracking system that uses RFID and other technologies to tag tools or other items and pair them with a beacon location (truck, shed, jobsite and more). The ItemAware app is used to see each item’s location and last-seen status in real time, while clicking on individual items gives the user a detailed history of the item including locations, manufacturer and more. ItemAware can help reduce asset bleed by giving fleet managers more control and visibility of assets in real time. In addition, the detail levels of each item seen on the ItemAware app can help keep safety-related gear current with inspections for compliance in the utility industry.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/l0eyqj

Unicontrol Unicontrol3D

Leveraging sensors, antennas and a tablet, Unicontrol3D can be used on excavators and wheel loaders. The heightened demand for 3D guidance technology pushes operators and construction companies to seek machine control systems that support their current operations. Unicontrol’s 3D machine control solution for earthmoving equipment ensures project execution. Unicontrol’s investment in user experience supports the adoption of the 3D machine guidance solution. In addition to developing a system with a simple learning curve for operators, Unicontrol has acknowledged that contractors sometimes need specific, configurable features, unique to their operation or region.

Read more at: https://eqtoday.co/rm9c1p

Leica Safety Awareness Module

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has launched a new safety awareness module in the cloud-based collaboration platform Leica ConX. The integration of Leica Geosystems’ safety awareness solutions with ConX caters to safety on construction sites by collecting and visualizing data for awareness, hazard response and insights. The module integrates field-generated safety data into the cloud-based collaboration platform Leica ConX, allowing decision makers to review incidents and assess the entire operation over time and space. These insights support safety initiatives by providing visualization, analysis, monitoring, reporting and data management functions, as well as address communication and integration needs.

10 TRENDS Impacting Construction Throughout the Next Decade

As jobsites become more connected, contractors and construction com panies are gathering thousands of data points for later use. These data points could be monetized and shared with oth ers outside the industry for even greater good and connectivity, according to the the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). From weather map ping with cloud-based systems to

wearables detecting when peo ple take falls, the bright future of construction site technology that AEM details in its latest white paper suggests more than just contractors and operators can benefit from data collection and interconnectivity.

AEM presented 10 top trends for the future of build ing construction on Thursday, September 8, among them alter native power, the electrification

of compact equipment, auton omous machinery and sensors for increased safety. Hosted by Brooke Konopacki, AEM senior director of community insights, and Ray Gallant, Volvo vice president of product manage ment and productivity region, the webinar presentation of these top trends delineated a recent whitepaper the association pub lished, an in-depth analysis of the leading influences that could

dramatically impact the con struction industry over the next decade.

The top 10 trends include:

1. INCREASED REGULATION OF CARBON-BASED FUELS SPURS ADOPTION OF ALTERNATIVE POWER SOLUTIONS

Referencing recent avia tion fuel regulations plans, the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) ban on small

engines on new equipment start ing in 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new greenhouse gas emissions rules for 2023-2026 passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks and the EPA’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty trucks starting with 2027 mod els, the AEM whitepaper asserts that construction companies will see their fleets change over the next decade, as well.

AI and connectivity, along with renewable energy and alternative fuels, will dramatically impact the construction jobsite in the next 10 years, according to a recent whitepaper published by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

“A significant level of investment into the devel opment of a wide swath of alternative power solu tions is well underway. Long-term, it isn’t prac tical to pursue all of the options being explored due to the needed infrastructure surrounding each power source,” the AEM analy sis states. “Once solutions are vetted, the construction industry can expect more than one to be leveraged in their fleet based on the varying power and perfor mance needs of each piece of equipment. Over the next 10 years, a rationaliza tion of a few select power solutions to reduce carbon emissions will take place that infrastructure can then be built around.”

Whether these alterna tive power solutions will be hydroelectric, biofuels or otherwise is not clear yet, but the current focus for construction equipment is on electrification, Gallant said, due to the availability of charging stations.

2. RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION BOOMS

“The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions states that renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S., increas ing 42% from 2010-2020,” AEM writes. “Furthermore, U.S. Energy Information Administration data shows that renewables now account for rough ly 12% of U.S. energy consumption.”

Major corporations con tinue to invest in renewable energy like biofuels, solar and wind power, as con struction companies and large contractors commit to net-zero impact pledg es for new buildings and infrastructure.

“Construction compa nies will be critical in the nationwide energy trans formation,” the AEM whitepaper says. “Beyond taking steps to lower their own GHG emissions, con struction companies will build the vital infrastruc ture necessary to help

renewable energies claim a significantly larger share of total energy consumption over the next 10 years.”

3. COMPACT EQUIPMENT TRENDS ELECTRIC

“Gas-powered leaf blower bans in parts of California and other municipali ties around the country can be viewed as a precur sor to what will ultimately happen in construction,” reads the AEM analysis. “Regulations that great ly limit or ban the use of gasoline engine-powered equipment, as recently seen in California with small engines used in landscap ing equipment, will also accelerate the trend toward electrification.”

The push toward elec trification of skid steers, compact excavators and compact loaders already has been seen and welldocumented. The United States’ commitment to cut ting carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 will spur “the electrification of many segments of the compact construction equipment market” over the next 10 years, according to AEM.

4. CONNECTIVITY LEADS TO JOBSITE TRANSFORMATION

Simply put, due to more advanced 5G networks and cloud systems, con nectivity on the jobsite will improve significantly in the next decade, accord ing to AEM’s data and projections. Better equip ment tracking will allow real-time visibility into pro ductivity and maintenance on a jobsite, so operators and contractors can make sure they queue properly and have the most efficient job flow they can, Gallant said.

5. PATHWAY TOWARD AUTONOMOUS MACHINERY

From long-adopted tech nologies like automatic grade control to newer ones like robotic rebar tying, autonomous machinery is on the rise to help elimi nate repetitive, laborious, and often-dangerous tasks.

“So, we can have auton omous machines that are simply operator assist, or you can go all the way to a fully autonomous, no operator, no intervention machine,” Gallant said.

“So, we’re not saying that in the next 10 years every thing is going to be fully autonomous and have no operators. But we are thinking that the smart er the devices become, the more we can assist the operators to be more efficient, to be more pro ductive, to be more fuel efficient, more energy effi cient, and therefore have less carbon impact, as well.”

The implications for autonomous machinery as aids in a construction labor shortage are impor tant, Gallant emphasized. Autonomous machinery changes the nature of oper ational machines, requiring a different skillset from operators but, most likely, fewer people needed on the jobsite.

6. SENSORS IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY

Sensors on the jobsite, from safety backup sensors for skid steers to wearables that help detect worker falls, will proliferate in the next decade, according to AEM.

“It starts with under standing what’s going on on the site and that’s where sensors really came into it. There already are a num ber of internet-connected devices—sensors on the machines that are feeding information all the time,” Gallant said. “Our problem has not been getting the information. It’s been how we use it, how to consoli date it and how we use it smartly. And that’s, I think, the next big frontier here… We get better and better at controlling the sites and helping the operators be better, more efficient, more sustainable operators.”

7. FEWER WORKERS, DIFFERENT SKILLSETS

The future of construction labor is the hottest topic

in construction news right now, particularly as the U.S. economy weathers the ups and downs of a pandemic, supply chain chal lenges, record inflation and low unemployment.

“During a 2021 CONEXPOCON/AGG Tech Talk, a road construction contractor said technology will help the indus try replace the large numbers of experienced workers who are beginning to retire,” the AEM whitepaper states:

“’We need to find a way to attract young workers if we are going to keep this industry stable,’ said Rod Stephens, presi dent of All Roads Construction in British Columbia. ‘Instead of putting a shovel in their hands, we put a joystick in their hands.’”

Gallant agreed. Generation Z, people born after the mid1990s, are already quite familiar with the type of work that can be achieved electronically and remotely, Gallant asserted.

“They’re not that much interested in getting into a mia chine and operating on a site 100 miles away from home, but

they do like the idea of getting into a simulator and operating a machine 100 miles away, doing that job that way,” Gallant said.

“We’re going to need these new technologies to finish the work that needs to be done even with fewer workers.”

8. BUSINESS MODELS SHIFT TOWARD SUBSCRIPTIONS

High-tech equipment like autonomous machinery can be expensive, and that is where rental and shared equipment schemes will come into play in the next decade, according to AEM. Equipment as a Service (EaaS) will give contractors and construction companies the option to lease equipment for a designated period of time, allow ing users to “gain access to the newest, most technologically advanced equipment without having to outlay large sums of money to own it,” the AEM whitepaper states.

Presumably, the users also would not have to maintain the equipment beyond normal daily troubleshooting on the jobsite, freeing up fleet management

time and budgets. Each contrac tor and construction company will need to make leasing, rental or ownership decisions based on what best fits their businesses, both the AEM whitepaper and Gallant emphasized.

9. CONSTRUCTION DATA WILL REVEAL ITS VALUE

While construction sites current ly can collect thousands of data points, both AEM and Gallant emphasized that making this data usable to others is the pri mary trend forecasted for the next decade.

“You could have, you know, 50,000 [data] points, gather ing weather data, and very easily convert that to a very accurate weather map, rather than having conventional weather-gather ing stations that are only every 50 miles or every 100 miles,” Gallant said.

The future of monetizing data on construction sites for those outside the industry is ripe, Konopacki agreed. “It doesn’t have to be data that is neces sarily used within the business, and, so, that can be sold and

leveraged in potentially very sur prising and new ways that we haven’t creatively been able to [before],” Konopacki said. “I think that’s the exciting part of this one.”

10. CYBERSECURITY BECOMES CENTRAL TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Connected equipment and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software programs are often vulnerable to cyberat tacks, according to AEM. The more connected jobsites become, Gallant said, the more they auto mate. Two-way flows of data will increase.

So, the more you open up the [system], the more vulnerable it is,” Gallant said. “The federal government is on this—they’ve invested $1 billion of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill specifi cally on cybersecurity…It’s an important thing that the federal government realizes all compa nies deal with this.”

Even a residential house or apartment building has thou sands of internet-entry points, Gallant said, pointing out

increased use of connected refrig erators, televisions, and even trash cans in the modern, con nected smart home.

“Cybersecurity, it’s unfortu nately the dark side of this, but it’s something that we have to be very aware of and keep pace on protecting these systems, so that we can take advantage of them and can use them freely as they develop,” Gallant said.

CONTRACTORS TO LEAD TRANSFORMATION OF THE JOBSITE OVER THE NEXT DECADE AI and connectivity will lead in transforming construction worksites over the next decade, Gallant said, as renewable ener gy sources and alternative fuels make their way into the con struction equipment market.

“I think it’s important as busi ness leaders of the industry, that every once in a while, we have to step back and take a look at the long term,” Gallant said. “Where are we going? What should we be pursuing?” ET

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS Enhance Operator Safety

training and RFID cards with corresponding qualifications to its customers. That integrated approach helps fleet owners sim plify operator administration.

In addition, the RFID cards enable fleet owners to track certifications that need to be renewed regularly. For example, OSHA considers telehandlers to be powered industrial trucks. It mandates that operators of them must be recertified every three years.

Other types of aerial lifts are governed by a voluntary set of ANSI standards, which specify that operators should be certified to operate them. Even though compliance isn’t mandatory, Eckel says that savvy fleet own ers are recognizing that it makes sense from a safety and liability standpoint to align themselves with it.

IMPROVED EQUIPMENT UTILIZATION

Access control, in combination with telematics data collect ed from machines in the field, gives fleet managers a more com plete picture of who is using each machine and how. A webbased portal provides them with up-to-date data on hundreds of machines in dozens of locations within one centralized interface. This gives them a more complete picture of machine utilization.

Access control is an idea whose time has come.

A growing number of fleet owners are recogniz ing that it’s a wise investment because it helps them create a safer jobsite and ensures that their machines are being operat ed properly.

This optional tool allows equipment owners to safeguard their machines and improve jobsite safety by preventing unauthorized personnel from accessing equipment. In the pro cess, it helps to bring order to the chaotic environment of the jobsite.

The typical construction site is not a neat, well-organized, perfectly orchestrated place.

Machines and workers are mov ing everywhere, often on surfaces that are not level. That’s not an environment where you want untrained, unqualified operators using aerial lifts.

Most of the equipment on the jobsite is unsecured. If the keys are in it, anyone can use it. Untrained operators can not only put themselves and other work ers in danger but also increase the odds of property or equip ment damage.

SAFETY IS JOB ONE

Access control restricts the opera tion of the aerial lift equipment to qualified and properly-trained people. This list of approved operators can be remotely

managed from a centralized web portal, enabling one person to manage hundreds of machines on multiple jobsites.

A list of authorized users is communicated to each machine in the field using telematics and is stored on its access control keypad. That means the system continues working, even if the machine is operating indoors or in areas with little or no cellular connectivity. Once it’s back in range of a cell tower or satellite, its database of authorized users is automatically updated.

IT’S IN THE CARDS Machine operators receive a unique ID number or RFID card that allows them to access

only the equipment they are authorized to operate via a keypad on the machine. The RFID cards, produced by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and certain aerial lift manufacturers (includ ing JLG) contain operator data, a list of machine models they’re qualified to operate and when each certification expires.

Access control can be man aged via a PIN code, the RFID card or both. Without proper authentication, the machine can not be started or moved.

RFID cards transform access control from a list of opera tor numbers and PIN codes into a knowledge system. For example, JLG provides operator

Without access control, the machine’s telematics system reports when a machine is being used and where, along with basic condition data. But, you can’t see who is operating it. Access control helps fleet managers to connect the dots by show ing them who is operating each machine. That enables them to do a more effective job of man aging machines and people —and ensuring jobsite safety in the process.

For example, if a daily inspec tion shows that an aerial lift was damaged, the access control sys tem can tell you who the last person was who operated it. And if it’s unsafe to operate, the fleet manager can send a lockout code to the machine that prevents anyone from using it until it’s repaired.

THE FUTURE OF ACCESS CONTROL

To communicate with machines in the field, access control sys tems rely on the communications

backbone offered by equipment telematics systems. The volume of data that can be transmitted is currently limited by commu nications bandwidth and the capabilities of today’s telemat ics hardware. As they evolve and improve in the coming years, they may enable many enhance ments to access control.

Currently, telematics sys tems report on basic equipment data: Location, whether or not the machine is operating and a limited amount of conditional data, such as hour meter read ings. Imagine if that could be

expanded to include data on how a machine is being used.

Soon, it may be possible to establish a profile of bestoperating practices and then compare that to the telematics data from each machine. That could provide key insights into the true level of proficiency of each operator.

For example, are they attempting to move the machine without using the proper inter locks? Do they forget to hit the enable switch? Are they using the footswitch properly? Are they exceeding the machine’s

maximum slope capabilities? Is the machine generating alarms that indicate they’re pushing the limits of the machine’s capacity when performing lifts?

In many cases, this data is captured on electronic con trol systems on the machine; it just isn’t being reported by its telematics system — yet. But, it will be as the technolo gy improves. Once this detailed operating data becomes avail able, it may ignite a revolution in operator training.

It would enable you to pro vide operators with customized

training to correct the areas where they need help. You could even put them in a virtual train ing environment where they could practice the operations and procedures where they need rein forcement. The data is all there. It’s just a matter of developing a prescriptive training plan based on their on-the-job performance.

A GLOBAL GROUNDSWELL OF SUPPORT FOR ACCESS CONTROL

Even though these advanced training capabilities are a few years away, rental companies and contractors can enjoy the ben efits of access control today. As more safety-conscious fleet own ers adopt it, its momentum is growing worldwide.

One driver of this trend is

that a growing number of coun tries are adopting ISO standards for operator training and qual ification. It was designed to align U.S. aerial lift standards more strongly with the popular European mandate.

There’s no question that a safer jobsite is a more produc tive one. Making sure that only authorized users are operating equipment is a big part of that equation. If you’re concerned about keeping your people safe and protecting the value of your equipment assets, access control is a no-brainer. ET

Rick Smith is senior director, prod uct training, at JLG Industries Inc.

Read more at:

Five Ways MOBILE APPS ImproveEquipment Management

Going

Keeping tabs on dozens or hundreds of pieces of rental equipment on a jobsite – including what’s in use, what needs to be returned and what’s awaiting delivery or pickup–is a big job. When con struction project timelines are running, contractors are increas ingly using mobile technology as an important tool that allows them to make sound decisions and take speedy actions about equipment resources.

Equipment rental mobile applications are one solution to improve fleet management, keep projects on schedule and boost worksite performance, accord ing to United Rentals, Inc. These apps bring consumer-like expe riences to construction worksite teams and make everyday fleet management tasks easier. They allow contractors to rent and manage equipment, such as

excavators, trenchers, aerial work platforms, backhoe-loaders and more no matter where they are located. Mobile apps enable work ers at jobsites to keep informed while on the go and empower them to take control of equip ment resources to get work done.

For example, the United Rentals Mobile App provides 24/7 access to the company’s equipment rental fleet and makes it easy to rent and return equip ment from a mobile phone or tablet. The app can help com panies improve consumption management, including flagging when rentals are due, extending rental duration, viewing leniency windows and requesting equip ment pickups.

“Mobile applications help contractors create high-perform ing jobsites by allowing workers to know quickly what equipment they have, where it is located,

how much they are paying for it, how often it is being used and when they need to return it,” said Paul Maddison, direc tor, digital innovation, United Rentals. “Construction teams can see how their fleet is per forming in real time and make the right equipment moves to keep project performance on track and save money.”

We hope these tips help you better organize your site.

HOW APPS IMPROVE EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT

Here are five ways equipment rental mobile applications can improve worksite equipment management.

˜ Find and Order Equipment. Contractor teams can use mobile applications to browse, search and rent equipment inventory direct ly from a mobile device on a 24/7 basis, whether at the worksite, office or home. Mobile apps can show a com pany’s contract pricing during the order process and provide users with confirmations after equipment rental orders are placed.

˜ View All Equipment. Worksite teams can use their mobile devices to view all their rented equipment listed by status, cat-class and job site. Mobile apps can include search capabilities to locate specific pieces of equipment. They can help contractors close the “communica tion chasm” that can occur between an equipment order and when the machine arrives on-site. Mobile apps provide visibility into order delivery status from pending to en route to delivered.

˜ Control Rental Equipment. Mobile apps can allow workers to extend or offrent equipment in seconds with a few simple clicks. Contractors’ teams can use their mobile devices to sched ule equipment pickups and receive confirmations, which decrease the risk of discrepan cies in returning equipment. The apps can be used to adjust rental dates on equip ment, providing contractors with leniency windows to find ways to reduce costs. For example, if a company has multiple scissor lifts on rent and work is winding down, a contractor can decide which ones to return in order to right-size its fleet and mini mize rental costs.

˜ Monitor and Manage Equipment. Worksite teams can employ GPS technolo gy from their mobile apps to know the precise location of rental equipment at all times. They can track utilization of telematics-supported equip ment in real time and use this

actionable data to make deci sions on how best to deploy fleet and save money on underutilized fleet.

˜ Request Service. Mobile apps can allow contrac tor teams to request service on rented equipment from anywhere including the work site. In the app, users select the equipment issue, such as tire or hydraulic leak, add descriptive informa tion regarding the issue and attach equipment photos. Users receive a service con firmation number which is also sent to the local branch of the rental provider, which will then contact the contrac tor to schedule service. From a mobile app, users can see all their active equipment service requests in the app dash board.

ET

Christina Andrews is the content manager for United Rentals.

Asphalt Contractor Relies on ENTERPRISE AND EQUIPMENT TECH to Expand Nationally

The value of seal coat ing asphalt to preserve it and improve its aesthetic appeal are easy to under stand, and one day in 1998, this simple value equation hit one young man hard, leading to a lifelong career as a paving entre preneur and a national business footprint.

“I was 18 years old and get ting ready to get done with high school,” William “Nick” Yoss said. “I was at Home Depot and saw the seal coat display, went across the street to Staples and had business cards made. Now, we have seal coating work all over the country for Home Depot, Walmart and Menards. We always subbed out pavement up until 2020, but we could not get subs with COVID-19 hap pening. So, we jumped into paving the same way we did the sealcoating.”

Today, Yoss is president and

founder of Synergy Pavement Group, a family of companies that employs 32 and delivers asphalt paving, repair and main tenance from locations in South Beloit on the Wisconsin-Illinois border and Lake Placide, Fla. Synergy Asphalt performs pav ing and Asphalt Maintenance Systems performs asphalt repair, maintenance and line striping.

The company tends to keep its South Beloit and Lake Plaza operations separate.

“We used to move capacity around between the two offices,” Yoss said. “It did not work very well.

Every time we get a large project, we would send a couple people down. Between the dis tractions that Florida may offer a northerner in the winter and time spent away from family, the arrangement did not stick.”

Separate crews and equipment pools deliver the full spectrum of

Synergy Asphalt Group’s service offering from each office.

“We strive to be the best in pavement maintenance and asphalt paving,” Yoss said. “Today, we do everything in house—no sub work for concrete milling or pavement overlays.”

A PAVING CONTRACTOR SOFTWARE STACK

Scaling a company in a con strained labor market means there is one glaring top priority for Yoss.

“The biggest technology we are waiting for right now are robot employees.” Yoss quipped. That may be feasible for some disciplines with emerging tech nologies like robotic paving stripe pre-lining. But Spectrum Pavement Group is well past the whiteboard-and-Excel stage in the construction technology maturity curve.

The company uses multiple

different software-as-a-service (SaaS) business applications to streamline its back-office pro cesses including Clockshark, a timesheet management and cap ture application that caters to small and middle market busi nesses. This gives Yoss visibility and control over hourly time clocks for employees and crews. Workers and supervisors in the field access Clockshark on a mobile device to log time. Supervisors can clock in and out for an entire crew or switch them from one account to the other if they do not have individual accounts. Meanwhile, backoffice users or administrators use a desktop browser application to set up these accounts, col lect data for accurate payroll and track and manage employees and crews. The software banks time transactions for later upload if there is no internet connection, making it ideal for a contractor

working on linear assets between towns and cell towers. A com bination of geofencing in Clockshark that records where employees are as they clock in and out on projects and inter net protocol (IP)-based two-way radios help Yoss tracks where his crews and equipment are located at a given time.

Synergy Pavement Group also uses a paving industryspecific enterprise resource planning (ERP) application from PavementSoft, a software compa ny that actually shares ownership and personnel with a national paving contractor—Manassas, Va.-based Brothers Paving and Concrete. Shawn Boyce serves as secretary of PavementSoft and chief revenue officer for Brothers.

“We have designed and built out PavementSoft really to meet our own needs,” Boyce said. “That is what we use to run our

An 18-year-old saw a display for seal coating that inspired him to launch a multi-location asphalt paving enterprise.

field, for our crews and sales—everything runs through PavementSoft.”

PavementSoft can be considered ERP because it gives contractors a single, digi tal workflow for the full value lifecycle from lead to bid to project and crew man agement to invoicing—from quote to cash. The supports more accurate estimat ing by exposing actuals. It also delivers control and the ability to modify invoices before they go out. There are integra tions with both Quickbooks Desktop and Quickbooks Online. An integration with Netsuite is coming, according to Boyce. There is also a Docusign integration to support proposal submissions.

Contractors can license portions of or the entire application—PavementSoft does have an internal timeclock, for instance but a ClockShark user like Synergy Pavement Group does not need to use it.

“Our clock manager is pretty good— it does include geofencing,” Boyce said. “There are some other that are a little bit better because they do more. But ours clocks all of the employees in when they get to the job, logs them out when they leave and rolls up into Payroll reports. ClockShark and a couple others do a little bit more.”

“You can be on the job taking photos of progress, upload job pictures, gener ate and fill work orders, do time tracking and cost tracking,” Boyce said. “The fore man can see all the work orders and all the pictures. At the end of the day, they run a job report that shows paving cost, materials used and hours for each member

of the crew, along with a profit and loss statement.”

Photos in PavementSoft can be attached to a variety of different docu ments ranging from invoices to estimates or internal work orders. During workin-progress, the application automates weather alerts that affect schedule. At project close

PavementSoft has about 400 custom ers across the United States and Canada, and takes on a limited number of new customers each year, positioning the soft ware subscription like a selective fraternity or sorority.

“We are very selective,” Boyce said. “They need to be willing and able to change their philosophy about how they do things. Sometimes, the customers don’t want to do that. We start each year by taking about 100 names of companies that want to join. We pick the best 30. Then, we watch everyone’s sales improve immensely because of how quickly they can process estimates and capture cost.”

Integrated CRM and estimating can help contractors increase revenue by let ting them pursue more projects without a corresponding increase in time or effort. Invoices with photos help document com pletion and the software even collects a net promoter score (NPS) survey to help find, fulfill and bill the next customer.

Synergy Pavement Group has a pro gressive technology footprint for a small contractor, but Yoss says the software is no silver bullet.

“You are not going to see a return on it

right away, and you have to get everyone using it,” Yoss said.

“But PavementSoft is very simple to use. When you get your call in regard ing new business, you can enter info into the application and send out an email estimate in less than five minutes. We do our maps right in the application, our

coding for pricing and descriptions are all in PavementSoft. We also get the abil ity to update a bid with a nice map and send it to customer as a Docusign file. Once it is sent back, we can do work order off of that. As long as there are no change orders, it is one click of a button to invoice it off of the estimate.”

In projects that do involve change orders, they are hand written in the field but use a similar workflow to the estimate if they originate in the back office.

“In the field, we have tried to equip our crews with tablets,” Yoss said. “But they don’t get plugged in and charged, or they get dropped.”

PAVING EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY

Synergy Pavement group is not involved in the scale of civil work that would make 3D asphalt paving, milling or compaction attractive.

“We have something similar to that on our grading and milling machines, but not on the actual paving machines,” Yoss said.

Synergy Pavement Group relies for milling on the Bomag 1330, giving them access to a number of productiv ity technologies including the BOMAG TELEMATIC app that: ˜ Monitors fuel consumption ˜ Tracks operating hours against duty cycle-based maintenance activities ˜ Captures and exposes location ˜ Prevents theft by triggering alerts when the equipment moves outside of a defined geomap

The company also runs LeeBoy pavers,

Dynapac rollers, Case skid load ers and Sealmaster seal coating equipment. Actual autonomous equipment—those “robotic workers” Yoss mentioned, are high on his list.

“We’ve got to see more auto mation in our line of work,” Yoss mentioned. “Nobody wants to work out in the heat or do any thing difficult. The older guys that have done it are retiring. A lot of our stuff already has some automation—BOMAG is look ing to have a self-manned roller.”

DRONES IN PAVEMENT CONTRACTING

A modern contractor should be as much a technologist as a tradesperson, able to identify and use technologies to deliver value. Yoss’s credentials as this type of practical construction technolo gist become even more apparent given his group’s early use of drone technology.

“We were one of the early ones to start using drones and including maps with estimates,” Yoss said.

The company has relied

mostly on unmanned aerial vehi cles (UAVs) from DJI.

“Our first drone was through them—was a very large drone,” Yoss said. “Then we got the Mavic—which was about the size of a VHS tape, then the Mavic Mini. We could carry it anywhere, but the video footage was not very good. Most of what we use the drone footage for is really just for marketing purposes. With Pavement Soft’s program, we can get a picture of the site by satellite. But if we have a larger project where you can’t get good image off of Google Earth, we use the drone.”

Drone-related technolo gy Yoss wants to explore next include smaller drones that can launch from a truck bed or can hover or follow another object. Less interesting is advanced drone photogrammetry software that unites the drone images with a geographic information system (GIS) or building infor mation model or use machine vision to process photogramme try into progress reporting.

“The progress reporting would be kind of cool,” Yoss said. “We could follow crew and use that to inform people. But we don’t do a lot where we are on the job for three weeks at a time and need to deliver those progress updates.”

EVOLVING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

Technology is a pivotal tool for Synergy Paving Group from an operational perspective, but also helps Yoss and his team meet

customer expectations that are more and more demanding.

“I am seeing more of that since COVID started rather than just a change over time,” Yoss said. “Customers want things done right now—and want it done to a standard that may be difficult. Someone may sign that Docusign agreement for the work and expect you will be on the site a couple days later.”

“We’ve got to see more automation in our line of work.”

--William “Nick” Yoss, president and founder, Synergy Pavement Group

Use Cash Disbursements to Generate BETTER CASH FLOW

Last month we reviewed the basics of managing cash flow and concluded that we would have more to say this month regarding cash dis bursements. After this month, I want to move into some produc tivity dialogue that will cover the “do more with less” concept, as well, and related steps that can get contractors to the same place. But before we do that, I just want to check one thing off my chest. And that is: transitory my foot!

are made can impact cash bal ance. Let us review a couple of ideas concerning cash disburse ments that will generate better cash flow:

˜ Wage inflation is No. 1 on the list regarding types of price inflation organiza tions are experiencing. Wages are also one of a compa ny’s largest cost categories. Consequently, they must have accurate time account ability so that they do not pay inflated wages for unpro

control and sub-contract out the rest. As far as internal work is concerned, outsourc ing should be investigated as an alternative to employing a person with all the corre sponding employee expenses. In either case, cash out will decrease, but billing will not. Companies may lose some gross profit if they subcon tract out work, but after comparing that “loss” against the “excess” time for which they were overpaying, it may

terms of costs incurred and amounts involved when pay ing for these costs. Obviously, contractors do not wish to overbuy or overpay for mate rials and supplies. But we do need product to complete work. So, one suggestion would be to cut back on the size of our orders and order more often, which in turn pushes cash disbursements further out, compared to buying large quantities that must be paid for sooner. If companies have stockpiles of materials stored, how about reducing those stockpiles, which moves payment for these materials further out due, to the increased time between buying now and buying a month from now. These methods work if com panies can plan for and find materials and supplies when they need them. They can mitigate this risk by changing their planning sessions from a year or six months down to a monthly process, wherein prospective problems make themselves more evident.

zero fixed lease and note pay ments. Again, we eliminate current or fixed payments and push out payments to periods when revenue is com ing in. Vendor discounts should also be used. If a con tractor has used a line of credit to pay bills, then this process makes sense. Ask for a 2% discount for the bill being paid within 20 days. Hey, ask for any discount rate and days to pay, as best fits the business. Start high and see where it goes. Believe it or not, doing this saves money. Discounts do not defer mak ing payments, but lowers borrowing costs if using a line of credit.

Let us recap. The goal is to better understand cash position and maximize cash balance. The ideas put forth increased cash receipts and reduced or deferred cash disbursements, the combi nation of which provides larger cash balances and wiggle room should cash be needed.

Opening Cash Balance

Receipts

Okay, now I feel better. Back to cash disbursements we go.

Last month, we touched on managing cash disbursements as part of tracking cash ins and outs, but we did not dig into the weeds regarding specific ways to use policies and proce dures to enhance cash position.

All contractors and construction companies have bills and payroll to pay. How those bill payments

ductive work. This goes for both field and internal per sonnel. Supervisors must be held accountable for the time being charged to the job, as well as the budgeted time to complete a segment of the job. If businesses can not properly account for their labor time, then they should consider only tak ing on the work they can

not be that bad. So, we have lowered payroll, incurring minimum cost. Construction companies and contrac tors should make sure their systems and automations can help manage this inter nal audit process related to payroll.

˜ Field costs for materials, sup plies and equipment rental require vigilant oversight in

˜ Another way to stretch out cash disbursements is to use credit cards to pay bills. This process works well until it doesn’t. But contrac tors can get on a payment plan if needed and pay inter est for deferring payment. During certain times of the year, when they have a cash crunch, credit cards can fill the void until cash from a new season starts flowing in. As far as equipment goes, businesses can eliminate a significant amount of con struction costs by renting as much equipment as they can for the time they need it. Using rental allows con struction companies to have

Cash Disbursements

Ending Cash Balance

Next month, we will cover how much working capital construc tion companies need to run their businesses.

Do not forget: the main rea son for being in business is to make profits that provide ade quate cash flow. ET

more at: https://eqtoday.co/ktf3ju

Garry Bartecki is the managing member of GB Financial Services LLP and a consultant to the Independent Equipment Dealers Association.

Construction Companies, Contractors Paint Equipment PINK to Raise BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual nation wide campaign to raise awareness around preventing, treating, surviving and grieving breast cancer. The ubiquitous pink rib bon that adorns everything from t-shirts to track loaders found its roots in the early 1990s, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation first handed out pink ribbons at its 1991 Race for a Cure in New York. The now-iconic bubble gum pink hue symbolizes breast cancer awareness, survival and activism.

This year and throughout the past several decades, construction equipment companies have painted various pieces of equipment that same pink to raise awareness around the impact of breast cancer and fundraise for organizations like the Susan B. Komen Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, among others.

Link-Belt painted an excavator pink and sent it on a nationwide Diggin’ for a Cure tour. The 2022-’23 LBX Pink-Belt pictured here was on display at the Kelbe Brothers Equipment, Inc. location in De Pere, Wis. in late August. The 15.2 metric ton excavator is on display now at dealerships in Texas. The LBX Pink-Belt Diggin’ for a Cure tour concludes in March 2023 at CONEXPO in Las Vegas, where the blushing beauty will be auctioned off. 100% of the proceeds will be given to the National Breast Center Foundation and St. Joseph Hospital Foundation’s “Yes, Mamm!” Program for early detection, education, diagnostic and support services.

Martin Engineering also replaced its typically orange paint scheme on truck vibrators, conveyor guarding, Twist Tensioners and inspection doors with Breast Cancer Awareness pink. Martin’s con veyor guarding, Twist Tensioners and inspection doors are prominent exterior components that, when made pink, commemorate lost loved ones and remind people of the ongoing battle against breast cancer.

“Since 2017, this popular campaign has allowed Martin Engineering to donate almost $50,000 to the Susan G Komen orga nization,” said Vibration Business Development Manager, Susie Orlandi.” Whether it’s with the helpline, financial support or assist ing patients in navigating their care journey, we trust the Komen Foundation to support patients and families. Funds go directly to support breakthrough research and provide help for the women and men facing breast cancer.”

Ozinga Concrete, based in Chicago, recently painted one of its ready-mix trucks, a 2015 Kenworth W900B, pink and white stripes, in honor of breast cancer awareness. Alivia Ozinga, the daughter of cur rent Ozinga president Justin Ozinga, generated the idea and pitched it to the company’s vice president of fleet via a handwritten letter.

“Our company’s purpose is to make a positive impact on individ uals, their families and the community for generations,” said Justin Ozinga, president of Ozinga Concrete. “Our trucks are easily recogniz able and having one painted with pink and white stripes is a small way we can bring awareness to such a plaguing disease, especially one that is close to our family. My grandmother passed away from breast can cer, and co-owner Jeff Ozinga’s mother passed away from it as well.”

Erica Floyd

n late 2021, Sullair’s one-ofa-kind pink 185 Series Tier

4 Final portable air com pressor raised $32,500 in the ARA Foundation Charity Auction. Texas First Rentals of Cibolo, Texas, purchased the pink compressor, which became the highest bid item in the his tory of the ARA Foundation Charity Auction.

In addition to raising funds for the ARA Foundation, Sullair made a separate charitable donation to Susan G. Komen Chicago to support breast can cer awareness and research.

The pink canopy was manufac tured in-house in the new Sullair Michigan City-based fabrica tion shop with pink powder coat paint donated by PPG. Sullair then cut, bent, powder-coat ed, assembled, and installed the pink canopy onto the compres sor. The pink Sullair compressor is powered by a 49 hp Perkins 404F-E22T diesel engine and delivers 185 cfm of air at 100 psi.

At the ARA Show 2021 in Las Vegas, Hy-Brid Lifts dis played a hot pink all-electric scissor lift promoting breast can cer awareness. A portion of sales from the show was donated to support breast cancer education and early detection for women across the globe. The all-electric scissor lift eliminates all hydrau lic fluid for leak-free operation.

Other features include 30 per cent gradeability, indoor and outdoor operation settings, lith ium-ion batteries, telematics, regenerative descent charging, active load-sensing and propor tional controls.

In October 2020, Mack Trucks announced a multiyear partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) that benefited from the donation of proceeds from the sales of a limited-edition produc tion run of pink Mack Anthem diecast models. Mack made an initial donation of $10,000 to NBCF, and contributed up to $25,000 more over the past two years, as sales of the diecast models continued. Mack also displayed the “Pink Lady,” a real, pink-painted Mack Anthem model, in front of Mack World Headquarters in Greensboro, N.C. ET

See more at: eqtoday.co/pink

Mack

NEW PRODUCTS, INNOVATIONS AND MACHINERY to Check out in Munich at bauma 2022

The bauma 2022 floor plan offers guidance to attendees wishing to peruse the thousands of products, technologies, machinery and equipment on display.

ability to automatically calculate optimal settings for lance motion for greater precision and efficien cy. Like all Aqua Cutter Robots, the 750V cleans and descales rebar without causing microfrac turing, according to Aquajet. It also should maintain horizon tal, vertical and overhead reach, making it suitable for a wide variety of concrete removal tasks, such as renovation and bridge and road repair.

The world’s leading trade fair for construc tion machinery, building material machines, min ing machines, construction vehicles and construction equip ment returns this month to Munich, Germany, after a stra tegic six-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongo ing travel and logistics concerns. While bauma typically takes place in April every three years, this year’s return of the megasized convention spans Oct. 24-30, 2022.

Whether you’re attending the 33rd bauma tradeshow in

Munich in person or virtually tuning in from the United States, there are many familiar construc tion and mining machinery and equipment companies showcas ing innovative, new products at bauma this October. Here are the products and innovations to check out and consider the last week of the month, either at the corresponding Trade Fair Center Messe Munchen booths or among these pages:

AQUAJET

Aquajet will showcase its full line of Hydrodemolition robots at booth A1.325 at bauma 2022 in

Munich Germany. View the new Aqua Cutter 750V with patent ed Infinity oscillation along with the Aqua Cutter 410A, Aqua Cutter 410V and Ergo com pact Hydrodemolition robot. The company will also highlight

several accessories that increase versatility.

Aquajet’s newest Hydrodemolition robot is the Aqua Cutter 750V. The robot features a new oscillation pattern that is the first of its kind and moves the water jet in an infin ity – or figure 8 – pattern. This allows the robot to remove more concrete in a single pass while reducing shadowing, eliminating the risk of pipe holes and provid ing a suitable bonding surface. The new 750V also features the next generation Evolution 3.0 Control System that includes new functions, including the

BKT TIRES

BKT Tires will showcase three of its “giant tires” at bauma. The first is EARTHMAX SR 468, the largest tire ever made by BKT, launched on the market in 2021. It is designed for rigid dump trucks and exhibited in size 40.00 R 57 corresponding to a height of 3.5 meters, a width of 1.13 meters and a weight of 3,800 kg.

The second and third Giant tires are two sizes of the EARTHMAX SR 46. Displayed in sizes 27.00 R 49 and 33.00

R 51, the EARTHMAX SR 46 tires are designed for rigid dump trucks. The 33.00 R 51 size is equivalent to a diameter of over three meters or precisely 3,061 mm, a width of 905 and a weight of 2,400 kg, while the 27.00 R 49 has a diameter of exactly 2,688 mm and a width of 746.

Suitable for operations on rocky and harsh terrains, this type of tire is particularly resis tant to impacts and punctures thanks to the All Steel structure that provides resistance to the casing. In addition, the E-4 tread depth offers extreme resistance in severe conditions. Finally, its spe cially designed tread pattern and the tread compound have been specifically developed to reduce the heat generation during this type of extreme applications.

and attachments from Caterpillar Construction Industries (CI). Separately, the Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) will display multiple Cat engines from its diverse product range, from 0.5L to 30L, in Hall A4, stand 336.

COJALI

Cojali will present a range of technological solutions at bauma 2022, including its Jaltest telematics product, a 2022 Equipment Today Contractors’ Top 50 New Products Awards winner.

COMANSA

COMANSA will expand its line of luffing jib cranes at bauma with the launch of the LCH300, its first hydraulic model, with a maximum load capacity of 16 tonnes and reach of 60 metres.

The luffing moves the jib and counter jib jointly by a hydrau lic cylinder at the cathead and jib hinge assembly. The hydrau lic pump unit is located on a movable platform in one piece. The cabin platform, like the lift ing and hydraulic unit platforms, can be transported in a single piece.

Austria that develops electric bat tery modules and packs as well as a charging infrastructure plat form called CHIMERO.

KOHLER ENGINES

BOBCAT

Bobcat will showcase its new T86 and S86 loaders, the most powerful compact loaders the company has built so far. It will also preview the conceptual T7X, the world’s first all-electric compact track loader and the conceptual E35 Operate by Wire Mini Excavator, one of the com pany’s heaviest excavators yet.

CATERPILLAR

Caterpillar Cat construction equipment will be displayed by Cat’s German dealer Zeppelin inside and outside Hall B6. Under the theme “Let’s Do The Work,” the exhibit will include more than the typical construc tion equipment to illustrate Caterpillar’s range of technol ogy, services and sustainability solutions.

The exhibit will feature more than 70 pieces of Cat equipment

The LCH300/16 t is available in various versions: embedded, sup ported on bases of 6 or 8 metres, or movable. The crane can be assembled with 2.5 x 2.5m tower sections. Its modular jib has a reach of 25 to 60 metres, with configurations every 5 metres. It has a minimum working radius of 4 metres and a minimum radius of 9 metres when out of service.

JOHN DEERE

John Deere Power Systems

(JDPS) will provide a look into the future of its engine and drivetrain technology at bauma 2022. JDPS will feature both the JD14 and JD18 from its next generation engine lineup as well as the Kreisel Battery Pack 63 (KBP63), a modular bat tery solution that utilizes Kreisel Electric’s patented immersion cooling technology for excep tional reliability, performance, and safety. JDPS recently acquired majority ownership of Kreisel Electric, Inc., a battery technology provider based in

The Kohler Engines team will provide information on how the company aims to develop sus tainable and technically sound electric vehicle (EV) system solu tions by 2025 to increase the performance of internal combus tion engines by providing fully electric solutions alongside them. According to Kohler Engines, the goal is to achieve modular ity: a wide choice of solutions – hybrid, mild hybrid, full elec tric – to meet all OEM needs. Kohler will display their latest hybrid engine efforts, as well, on the K-HEM line, and describe its goals to expand hybrid and full electric engine architecture.

KOMATSU

Komatsu will display 27 machines inside the trade fair center at bauma 2022, and also will showcase 15 machines out side working on the job site display area.

LIEBHERR

Liebherr will have the larg est physical presence at bauma 2022, showcasing construction machines, cranes, material han dling technology, components and more. From dozers to wheel

Bobcat will display its new T86 loader at bauma 2022 in Munich, Germany.

Bobcat

The Cat D4 dozer will be on display at bauma 2022. Caterpillar

Visitors at bauma 2022 can view the interior of the new Cat 906, 907 and 908 wheel loaders.

Caterpillar

John

Power Systems

Liebherr

Kohler Engines

loaders to mobile cranes, there will be something for every con struction equipment enthusiast to see at the Liebherr booths and outdoor areas at bauma.

MANITOWOC CRANES

Visitors to the Manitowoc booth at bauma 2022 will be able to see the Grove GMK64001 all-terrain crane “in the iron” in public for the first time. Like the GMK6400, the new GMK6400-1 has a maximum capacity of 400 t and a main boom of 60 m. The new engine on the GMK6400-1 conforms to the latest requirements for Tier 4 Final Emissions Standards. Maximum tip height for the GMK6400-1 is 136 m when fit ted with its full complement of jib. Like the GMK6400, the GMK6400-1 can take on jobs that usually require a seven-axle (or even eight-axle) crane but inside a smaller overall footprint. It is an all-terrain crane that can lift up to 64 t on its 60 m main boom with MegaWingLift. The GMK6400-1 will be among sev eral Grove cranes on display in the Manitowoc booth at bauma 2022.

MESSERSÌ

Italy-based Messersì will launch the new M18e miniexcavator, the TC550d tracked dumper and the CTL45 compact loader at

bauma 2022. All three machines are ultra-compact and will bear the company’s signature bright blue paint.

Road Widener will also have its FH-R road wideners showcased at bauma 2022.

Road Widener

ROAD WIDENER

Road Widener will display its FH-R Series Road Wideners, which aim to maximize safety and efficiency with remote con trol operation and the ability to dispense 20 tons of material in 10 minutes. The attachment takes what was once a four-step process and cuts it down to two

Road Widener’s Offset Vibratory Roller can be seen at bauma 2022.

Road

steps. Road Widener will also have its Offset Vibratory Rollers at bauma, which offer safety improvements by allowing the roller to compact slopes at vari ous angles that might flip a traditional compaction machine.

TADANO

Among other innovations and new products Tadano has intro duced in the past three years, the AC 2.040-1 compact, twoaxle crane will be on display at bauma.

The AC 2.040-1 crane has a fully hydraulic boom with a fully extended boom length of 115.5 ft. and the ability to telescope under load. An avail able extension provides another 29.5 ft. that can be offset by up to 40°. The unit is capable of heavy lifts involving loads of up to 70,327 lbs. without requir ing any additional sheaves. Its IC 1 Plus control system includes automatic counterweight detec tion, a capacity radar and a work area display. The system

determines the crane’s lifting capacity for every boom position as a function of the superstruc ture’s slewing angle, making use of the maximum available lift ing capacity with any outrigger configuration.

Tadano will also showcase a variety of sustainability products and solutions at bauma 2022.

TAKEUCHI

Takeuchi will launch three new excavator models at bauma 2022. The recently intro duced TB335R will be joined by the brand-new TB350R and TB395W models.

UNICONTROL

In the company’s first inter national trade fair appearance, Unicontrol will be present at bauma 2022 to discuss its Unicontrol3D machine control product.

VANGUARD COMMERCIAL (BRIGGS & STRATTON)

Briggs & Stratton will showcase its popular lithium ion battery packs at bauma 2022, plus intro duce new power products to the European market.

WACKER NEUSON

Among other products, Wacker Neuson will display its EW 100 wheeled excavator at bauma 2022.

YANMAR

“Yanmar City’” will feature four customer application-inspired areas dedicated to showcasing its road construction, demolition, earthmoving and landscaping equipment, as well as a special zone for its state-of-the-art plugin electric line-up and a live demonstration space. Yanmar CE will present a number of allelectric additions to its range at bauma 2022, as well. Its SV17e compact electric excavator, aimed at the European market, will be on display. ET See and read more at: https://eqtoday.co/bauma2022

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Root Causes for Labor Shortage According to 2022 Survey

The Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC) 2022 construction workforce analysis cites a lack of adequately prepared or skilled candidates as a top issue in filling available positions, compounded by material costs and supply chain disruptions.

Ahead of Labor Day week end, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk held a press conference on the release of their annu al joint workforce survey. The goal of this yearly survey is to “measure the state of construc tion workforce shortages, better understand why those shortages exist, assess the impacts of labor shortages on construction proj ects, and learn what firms are doing to cope with and/or over come those shortages.”

According to the press release posted to the trade association’s website, almost every single cor ner of the construction industry continues to experience painful labor shortages. In fact, 93 per cent of firms reported that they have positions they are active ly trying to fill, and of those, 91 percent are having great difficul ty finding qualifying candidates to assume those roles. The hard est-to-fill being those in the craft workforce that perform the majority of on-site construc tion duties, typically the most

demanding and physically taxing type of jobs.

The survey conveyed how these staffing short falls effect construction firms of all sizes, ranging from less than $50 mil lion in annual revenue, to those in excess of $500 million; and extended across all four regions of the United States. No sec tor of the industry was excluded. Contractors of building construction, highway and transportation

projects, federal and heavy work, or utility infrastruc ture all reported similar severe difficulties, saying that a majority of those that did apply lacked the qualifications in order to do the work. The survey said, “The most common explanation for difficulty in filling positions, cited by 77 percent of firms is that available candidates lack the skills needed to work in construction or cannot pass a drug test.”

THE COMPOUNDING ISSUES

More than 80 percent of those questioned about problems with staffing also reported they were made worse by an increased dif ficulty to procure essential construction materials, or, even if they were able to order them, their arrival was heavily delayed or all-togeth er uncertain. Subsequently, these combined factors con tinue to drive up the already high costs due to the rise in inflation blanketing every market in the country.

Seventy percent said they passed along rising materials costs to proj ect owners during the past year. Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported that owners canceled, postponed or scaled back projects due to those increases in costs, while one-third of firms reported proj ects were impacted due to lengthening or uncertain completion times.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Employers are taking steps to address their need for workers, as more than half of respondents are engaged with career-building pro grams at high schools, college campuses, career and technical education centers.

The AGC Inland Northwest chapter launched a com bined local and national program called “Trade up 2 Construction”, a comprehen sive workforce development and community outreach initiative aimed at show casing construction careers and amplifying interest and

employment in the construc tion trades.

During the press con ference Cheryl Stewart, the AGC chapter’s execu tive director, said the project addresses two of what they see as key problems: image and pipeline. “We’re launch ing a media campaign that’s going to highlight the hard working men and women of the construction industry and really shines a spotlight on the numerous opportu nities and amazing benefits available to those who do join our industry. Next we are hiring a full time indus try navigator, [in order to] have someone here locally working with those who are interested to get them [on] the right pathway.”

The widest change adopt ed by firms was launching or expanding their budgets for training and professional development. In addition to that, 86 percent of respon dents reported an increase to base pay rates in the past 12 months, while 45 per cent provided incentives or bonuses and 24 percent increased their portion of benefit contributions and/or improved employee benefits.

All these changes, on the whole, can be seen as positive steps in the right direction. In combination, they will see success on some levels, and add to their workforce numbers.

There are questions, how ever, concerning certain gaps or oversights that the survey does not address or speak to directly or indirectly.

When asked about gen eral figures or percentages in regards to what the AGC press release described as “raises in base pay”, the rep resentatives said they did not ask for specific data from the firms surveyed. This isn’t unusual, but it feels entirely relevant to place these terms into a greater context of wages and living conditions in the present environment. Why? Because not all raises are equal, especially if they don’t keep pace with costs of living. People can’t get ahead. If the pay can’t elevate a person’s quality of life, why

would someone take a job with a heavy physical toll?

As of August 25, 2022, the average base pay nation ally for a worker in a construction sector job was $38,013. In 2020, before the pandemic began, that figure was $37,890. That is only an increase of 0.4 percent.

By comparison, accord ing to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) over the previous 12 month period, ending June 2022, inflation of consumer good increased 9.1 percent.

One way to view this could be in terms of pure buying power. Entry level construction workers are effectively making 8.7 per cent less than they were before COVID-19, and before the current labor shortage and supply chain crisis.

Of course, there are always outliers to these aver ages, for example: the top earners in the field of gen eral construction work made $45,831 annually, but the bottom end of that spectrum included entry-level jobs, and those lacking experience which made only $31,000. Importantly, it is far more likely that this is the start ing wage accessible to those described by the AGC sur vey, but again, these are only averages.

In May 2022, the national median rent sur passed $2000 for the first time in history. Of the top 10 areas with the fastest growing rental costs, Austin, Texas took the top spot, New York claimed two, and Florida cities filled 30 per cent of the list. One of the speakers at the AGC press conference, Brandon Bull said of the state, “Florida is really boom town USA. We have an exploding residen tial construction market, concurrently with that we have several large munici pal construction programs taking place, such as palm beach County’s infrastruc ture program. All this has really put a severe strain on the available workforce and material availability in our area.”

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Notable to that statement, West Palm Beach, Florida was No. 7 on the top 10 list of cities with the fastest rising rent costs, increasing by 29 percent over the last year.

A LOCAL LABOR OPINION

During the press conference, a number of contractors spoke about their thoughts and opinions regarding the work er shortages, and gave several similar anecdotes about the challenges they are facing all of which parroted the AGC sum mary. No one can argue that they are dealing with specific scenarios to their area and their businesses. To get another side of things, Forconstructionprs. com reached out to a mem ber of the Local 396 Chapter of the United Association in Warren, Ohio.

A fifth year pipefitter appren tice, going by the name Matthew Smith, said, “The big problem we have is retention. Kids that are 18 to 21 years old, see us at a job fair, they see sparks and everything like

that, and they think it’s really cool until they do it for two years and then they quit. Job fairs are cool to introduced people to the trade, but getting people to stay is an issue that I see.”

When asked if they noticed any cases where workers tended to fare better, and stay with the profession, Smith replied, “A lot of people that are still there used to be cooks at a restau rant, nurses, people that have already been in the workforce for like, a prolonged amount of time.”

A similar line of ques tioning was presented by ForConstructionPros.com dur ing the live press conference, about whether or not the right available labor pools were tar geted. Ken Simonson responded, “We haven’t just targeted new workers, but we’ve actually been targeting folks either who’ve been displaced from the hospital ity or retail sector because of the lingering impacts of the pandem ic or just because they can make more money in construction

than many retail and hospital ity jobs.”

A VOID IN THE MARKET

One aspect of this crisis not yet addressed is, in reality the largest elephant in the room. According to a Bloomberg report on feder al research, “More than 3 million Americans retired early because of the Covid-19 crisis. That’s equal to more than half of the work ers still missing in the labor force from pre-pandemic levels.” This in addition to more than 1 mil lion American lives lost to the disease itself, even considering not all of those deaths were of work ing age persons. What is largely ignored by industry associations is the large dearth of labor caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What this amounts to is an enormous gap in the market. It can’t all be attributed to the common talking points that are frequently repeated, and which many have heard countlessly. “People just don’t want to work,”

“Millennials are lazy,” “People make more money on welfare.”

These talking points should be rejected, flat out. These kinds of answers offer no solutions, but they do provide false secu rity. The issues of labor shortages extend beyond the construction industry. Every industry is deal ing with the same problems.

The steps that the AGC and Autodesk suggest in their summary are good. Offering more apprentice opportunities, increase spending for training programs and technology, and improve outreach toward the varying labor pools looking for better wages and conditions.

What the industry must decide, however, is whether it can deliver on the promis es it makes? Can it meet people where they are, elevate their quality of life? Can some begin to “right the ship”? Those that do, will likely see some of their labor shortage problems start to change for the better. Time will tell between the two. ET

“Folks who’ve been displaced from the hospital or retail sector... can make more money in construction.”

— Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

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