Equipment Today August 2022

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August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 3www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment Contents August 2022 ForConstructionPros.com/Equipment Vol. 58, No. 8. Published and copyrighted 2022 by AC Business Media Equipment Today makes every e ort to report manufacturers’ product news accurately, but is not responsible for validity of news claims. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. and Canada to management, engineering, supervisory, equipment maintenance and other personnel who have buying in uence in the construction equipment industry. Subscribe online at www.ForConstructionPros. com. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-quali ed subscribers. One year subscription to non-quali ed individuals: U.S. $50; Canada/Mexico $70; all other countries $100 (payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank). Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International). For change of address or subscription information call (847) 559-7598 or fax (847) 291-4816. Equipment Today (USPS 369-290, ISSN 0891-141X) is published is published 12x with issues of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional entry o ces. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Equipment Today, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Printed in the USA. Canada Post PM40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Equipment Today, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. WEB EXCLUSIVES COVER STORY The New Automatons: Dozer Technology Advances Dozer technology updates improve machine and operator productivity and efficiency. EQUIPMENT TRENDS: ROBOTICS Contractors Have More and More Options for Construction Robotics and Equipment Automation EQUIPMENT TRENDS: COMPACT EXCAVATORS Attachments Turn Mini-Excavators Into Multipurpose Machines EQUIPMENT TRENDS: LIFT EQUIPMENT Aerial Lift Industry Embraces Robotics and Progress TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION: CONCRETE EQUIPMENT Decking Refresh Makes Old Trailer Look New Again INFRASTRUCTURE: GRADE CONTROL/AUTOMATION How 3D Guidance, Machine Control May Effect Future of Building Construction PRODUCT FOCUS: CONCRETE EQUIPMENT No Imperfections Allowed on 16-story Charlotte Tower Project INFRASTRUCTURE: MICROGRIDS Microgrids Help Deliver Projects on Time and Under Budget SUSTAINABILITY: CLIMATE TECH Connected Technology: The Key to Unlocking a More Climate-Conscious Construction Industry SUSTAINABILITY: STEEL Push for Sustainability: How to Cut Steel’s Carbon Footprint PRODUCT FOCUS: CONCRETE EQUIPMENT Remote-controlled Demolition Equipment Solves Challenging Helical Pier Project SAFETY & COMPLIANCE: AI Construction Safety: Understanding Opportunities for AI Cameras, LiDARs in Smart Road Infrastructure SAFETY & COMPLIANCE: CONCRETE Protecting Construction Workers From Airborne Risks on the Jobsite SAFETY & COMPLIANCE: CONCRETE INDOORS Protecting Construction Workers From Airborne Risks on the Jobsite 44363028242214182132344346BREAKING GROUND Labor a Constant Concern for Construction Industry at Large The August issue of Equipment Today focuses on easing labor shortage burdens in a slowing economy. EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS August New Product Launches Compact dozer loaders, concrete equipment and compact excavators are among the new products in this month’s issue. PROFIT MATTERS How Construction Telematics Data is Driving Returns Across the Business With a single view of mixed fleets, contractors can confidently integrate telematics data into multiple business processes. RUNNING THE BUSINESS Rounding Second, Headed for Third: Balancing Employee Retention with Higher Labor Costs Columnist Garry Bartecki advises how to finish 2022’s construction season strong by retaining good employees with an eye on balance sheets. BRIDGING THE GAP Say This, Not That: Changing the Conversation Around Construction Careers to Lure Labor Five ways to ensure construction job recruitment communications, interview and hiring techniques, and onboarding processes are fully articulated and inclusive. 401244249 PRODUCT ROUNDUPS COMPACT EQUIPMENT New compact equipment for space-constrained jobsites. TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION Dump trucks and technology accessories for the tech-conscious. INFRASTRUCTURE Newer equipment and parts for infrastructure-related jobs. SUSTAINABILITY Green softwares and lift booms for the environment-minded. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE Technologies and tools to keep jobsites safe.48382031 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 6 23 VIDEO NETWORK https://eqtoday.co/k2p285 DIGGING DEEPER PODCAST https://eqtoday.co/s7sfkm PREMIUM CONTENT https://eqtoday.co/9pd73s

While economists' conflicting whispers of a recession in the United States continue, an economic slowdown likely will not alleviate the lack of skilled, available workers for U.S. construction jobs. Thus, contractors have no choice but to take on the work and do their jobs as efficiently as possible. Increased equipment technology and a focus on fleet fuel efficiency should help. In this issue, be sure to read Technology Editor Charles Rathmann’s coverage of robotics used to assist with precision and digging construction processes and Garry Bartecki’s “Running the Business” column on balancing recruitment and retention needs with higher labor burden costs. Both articles tell a story of the construction industry market from multiple perspectives, ranging from jobsite productivity increases to contractor financials. Both writers make it clear that investing in the right people for the job, along with the technologies to make said jobs smoother, are paramount priorities for the construction industry forward. Speaking of the 2022 economy, at its mid-year work truck industry market update, the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) emphasized the strength of the commercial vehicle industry, a leading indicator for construction contractors concerned about fleet costs and maintenance. However, the commercial vehicle industry has run into significant challenges like chassis availability, input shortages and inflation on materials like steel. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and skyrocketing U.S. diesel prices that are increasing faster than freight can grow, make the U.S. economy and thus the work truck market even more difficult to predict.

Latin-Kasper, an expert economic forecaster, emphasized that a recession is still uncertain but that the economy is certainly slowing. Construction contractors would be wise to manage their fleets as Latin-Kasper described, with preventive maintenance being a top priority over ordering new trucks.

In this issue, our readers will find a mix of staff-written stories and manufacturer expert insights. Going forward, we would like more contractor and freelancer voices telling the story of the industry. If you are a construction contractor or freelance writer with a construction background interested in writing for the magazine or for the Equipment Today section of ForConstructionPros.com, send me an email with a quick pitch, whether it be for an expert insight article, guest column, multi-source feature or up-to-date industry report. We want to see your insights and, possibly, publish them. Let’s collaborate on construction industry hot buttons issues our subscribers want to learn about. Our goal is to always provide readers with positive solutions to the multiple ongoing labor challenges we face in today’s busy world. ET @freshidea - stock.adobe.com

In particular, diesel price hikes have put “rather extreme cost pressure on the fleets who see fuel as exactly what it is for them–a cost,” said Stephen Latin-Kasper, NTEA senior director of market data and research at the July 19 work truck industry market update. “You end up with [fleets] having difficulties staying on budget for everything else.”

4 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment 201 N. Main Street, 5th Floor Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538 (800) www.ACBusinessMedia.com538-5544 Published by AC Business Media ® Publication Staff Publisher SEAN DUNPHY sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com Editor-in-Chief ERICA FLOYD efloyd@ACBusinessMedia.com Managing Editor GIGI WOOD gwood@ACBusinessMedia.com Art Director DAVE HAGLUND Senior Production Manager CINDY RUSCH Audience Development Manager ANGELA FRANKS Advertising Sales (800) 538-5544 SEAN DUNPHY; NIKKI LAWSON; KRIS FLITCROFT; TADASHI ForConstructionPros.comSOMA Digital Content Director WAYNE GRAYSON Managing Editor GIGI WOOD AC Business Media Chief Executive Officer RON SPINK Chief Financial Officer JOANN BREUCHEL Chief Digital Officer KRIS HEINEMAN Chief Revenue Officer AMY SCHWANDT Brand Director Construction SEAN DUNPHY VP, Operations & IT NICK RAETHER VP, Audience Development RONDA HUGHES Director, Demand Generation & Education JIM BAGAN General Manager –Online & Marketing Services BETHANY CHAMBERS Content Director MARINA MAYER Change of Address & Subscriptions PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • Email: circ.EquipmentToday@omeda.com List Rental Bart Piccirillo, Sr. Account Manager, Data Axle Phone: (518) 339-4511 • Email: bart.piccirillo@data-axle.com Reprints For reprints and licensing please contact Sean Dunphy at Phone: 920-542-1252 • Email: sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.com Erica Floyd Editor-in-Chief Equipment efloyd@ACBusinessmedia.comToday E https://www.facebook.com/EquipmentToday D https://twitter.com/EquipmentToday C www.linkedin.com/company/equipment-today-magazine-official/ M https://www.instagram.com/equipmenttoday/ BREAKING GROUND | By Erica Floyd, Editor-in-Chief Equipment Today LABOR a Constant Concern for Construction Industry at Large The August issue of Equipment Today focuses on easing labor burdens in a slowing economy. T he August issue of Equipment Today, my second as the publication’s editor, features a heavy focus on automation technologies of dozers, as well as telematics, robotics and machine control. As the construction labor shortage continues, contractors will need to rely on automation and technology more than ever to get the job done. Despite construction job openings plummeting by 71,000 in June 2022, they rebounded in July by 31,000 jobs, according to recent Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reports on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data. On a year-over-year basis, construction industry employment increased by 311,000 jobs, or 4.2%, ABC said in its latest analysis, released Aug. 5.

As I begin my journey with Equipment Today, it’s been a pleasure to learn more about the various facets of the construction and equipment industries. I’m grateful to the leaders who have shared their construction knowledge and wisdom in these pages.

Shipments for Class 8 heavy-duty vehicles and tractors lagged in the first half of 2022, as well, according to the NTEA. “There are still trucks available–just not as many as fleets want right now,” said Stephen Latin-Kasper, NTEA senior director of market data and research. “In the meantime, what most fleets have done is focused on maintenance and repair. They have also repurposed some vehicles to be useful for applications they weren’t previously used for.”

Perhaps contractor companies can use the savings from delayed truck purchases on additional labor costs incurred, including higher wages and recruitment fees. Elsewhere in this issue, additional construction experts outline potential jobsite risks and how to remain safe while still using equipment to the best of their and their crew’s ability.

SCAN THE CODE Learn more about the new Doosan dozer. ©2022 Hyundai Doosan Infracore. All rights reserved. Hyundai Doosan Infracore is an affiliate of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. The Doosan trademark, , is used under license from Doosan Corporation. NEVER STOPS PUSHING. POWERED BY INNOVATION. You never stop pushing. Neither does Doosan. Our new dozer delivers more horsepower, better visibility and easier operation. Everything you need to push through your biggest challenges.

The New Automatons: Dozer CustomizationJobsiteAdvancesTechnologyAllowforandLabor COVER STORY | By Erica Floyd, Editor-in-Chief, Equipment Today 6 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

“The CASE Minotaur DL550 is built like a dozer with the full control and operator experience of a larger machine,” explained CASE product manager Jeff Jacobsmeyer. “That includes the ability to deploy a full range of 2D and 3D machine control solutions that turn this machine into a compact fine grading solution that can get into areas and jobsites where it’s not practical to bring in a full-sized dozer.”

COVER STORY 8 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

A CONTINUING LABOR SHORTAGE REQUIRES INNOVATIVE, NIMBLE AND USER-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY

The Situation: Like many construction businesses in the past decade, contractors today struggle to source, hire, and retain skilled, consistent labor. Despite the slowing of the 2022 U.S. economy, with the potential threat of a full-blown recession, many construction job openings remain, according to July’s report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Evenif construction industry job growth peters out into 2023 and project focus shifts from the private sector to the public due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, construction companies still vitally need a robust and trainable workforce. Less experienced operators require equipment that can adapt to their developing handling skills.

The dozers that these new workers use should offer hydraulics and machine control to ease the bumpiness of adapting to the landscape of a new job, pun intended.

purchase of the Minotaur DL550, as it cannot be removed or added as an aftermarket accessory.TheC-frame is then detached to allow the operator to use it as a loader with a heavy-duty 1.25-cu.-yd. bucket, or with hundreds of common loader attachments many equipment owners already have in their fleet.

The Solution: Enter the Doosan DD100 dozer, the manufacturer’s first dozer for the North American market, which debuted as a prototype in early 2022. Similar in size and power to the Caterpillar Cat D3, John Deere 650K and CASE 850M dozers, the Doosan DD100 is at the higher end of the 10-ton size class of its smaller dozer competitors at 25,209 lbs. At a slightly higher horsepower—122 hp— and weight than the Case 850M, the DD100’s prime selling point is its commitment to scale to any operator’s skill level. Visibility is a key element in the DD100, which offers full-view windows, thin pillars to avoid obstructing an operator’s sightline and the notable absence of a mushroom-shaped pre-cleaner on the dozer hood, offering an integrated version instead. All of these intentional visibility features add up to an easier, safer experience for an amateurSimilarly,operator.electro-hydraulic controls come standard on the Doosan DD100, meaning that operators can fine-tune the machine’s performance to their desired feel, whether the job requires more power and thus more fuel or the fuel efficiency that comes with precise pushing. A skilled, seasoned operator of the DD100 can adjust the dozer for finer control, whereas a newer worker may wish to rely on an optional, mast-less 3D machine control by Trimble. “The visibility is excellent with these machines and the seat-integrated controls make it very easy for the operator to use the machine,” said Aaron Kleingartner, dealer and product marketing manager, Doosan Doosan’s DD100 dozer is at the higher end of the 10-ton weight class and designed with a focus on user-friendliness for new operators.

Doosan Full-view windows ease the newer operator’s user experience. Visibility was a paramount consideration in the Doosan DD100 dozer’s design process. Doosan

PRECISION HYDRAULICS AND GRADING AMONG DOZER TECHNOLOGY FEATURES

These are independent adjustments, he explained—the arm and boom and the arm and swing. “I can take some flow away from the swing operation and dedicate it to arm, if I don’t need to dedicate as much flow to swing, to give me faster cycle times,” Stemper explained. The hydraulic flow control balancing feature of the Minotaur DL550 allows the operator to tailor the machine’s flow priority to the functions they prefer to use, based on the digging application.

The Situation: A hilly worksite provides a plethora of opportunities for dozer technology to shine. The jobsite may require multiple grading levels, and the user needs to be able to set precise parameters for work and drive hydraulics.

The Solution: Machine control and operator assistance systems are being used more frequently to increase productivity, and have set the crawler dozer market down the path toward autonomy. Liebherr is addressing this trend with its Liebherr Operator Assistance Systems (OAS), which currently offer three levels—Free Grade, Definition Grade and 3D Grade—for 1D, 2D and 3D applications.FreeGrade is active blade stabilization for free or creative grading. This assists with creation of flat surfaces, ramps and dams. Definition Grade is for basic modeling of 2D surfaces. It operates without additional equipment such as GNSS receivers or base stations and provides automatic position control of the blade to a specified target inclination. 3D Grade offers automated six-way blade control for exact blade positioning to create 3D site models. The Liebherr OAS is controlled by a 9-in. touch display that allows the operator to finetune dozer operating parameters such as responsiveness of work hydraulics, responsiveness of drive hydraulics, ECO mode, automatic speed reduction and engineSimilarly,shutdown.theCASE Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader offers onscreen hydraulic flow control balancing of function combinations, to meet various jobsite needs, according to the CASE Minotaur DL550 team. “Now, that’s a complicated statement there,” said CASE product manager Brad Stemper at the Minotaur DL550’s launch in Tomahawk, Wis., in early August. “Hydraulic flow control balancing. This function is enabling the operator to adjust combinations of functions and make them more efficient for what the operator needs to do. What I mean by that is, it’ll give you an option to adjust priority to arm or boom, or make an adjustment to arm and swing, dedicating more flow to one of those within those pairs.”

The Situation: The jobsite and the operator are ready to tackle the obstacles of the project, but the dozer is having trouble running, breaks down or needs software troubleshooting attention.

The Solution: To avoid additional downtime, contractors require dozers with telematics solutions to enable support for remote troubleshooting or even repairs, aside from the typical productivity data that telematics software usually provides. Some of the latest telematics solutions, like John Deere’s SmartGrade Remote Support, ADVISER Remote and JDLink, allow for service technicians to view the machine’s health or maintenance problems remotely while the machine remains connected to the John Deere Machine Monitoring Center. The John Deere Machine Monitoring Center is supported by both the dealer and factory support staff, who stand by ready to help in the event of the need for more targeted expertise. The CASE Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader offers a similar telematics service. “Our CASE DNA ensures that everything is groundline service,” said Jacobsmeyer. “CASE takes it a couple steps further and supplies one year of site-watch telematics along with the availability of remote diagnostics and software downloads.”

COVER STORY 10 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment Infracore America, at a product preview in early 2022. “Right out of the gate we are going to have the ability to have 3D machine guidance and control.” Doosan also intends to release a 13-ton dozer in or around February 2023, possibly in time for CON-EXPO, the DD130. “This is the next significant milestone in the development of the new Doosan dozers,” said Edward Song, CEO of Doosan Infracore North America. “Our North American dealers and their customers are eager for the arrival of the new Doosan dozers. We look forward to launching the new line of construction equipment later this year.”

TELEMATICS ESSENTIAL FOR DOZER FLEET MAINTENANCE

The CASE Minotaur DL550 comes standard with the CASE SiteConnect Module, explained CASE support engineer Josh Belmont, as well as the CASE Site Manager app, allowing for a greater flow of telematics data and service interval information. “It allows your fleet manager or your dealer service department to keep an eye on things proactively before opportunities arise from machine issues or downtime,” Belmont said, emphasizing that allowing access to the dealer through the SiteConnect Module allows two sets of eyes to remain on the Minotaur DL550’s health and performance.TheSiteManager app, downloaded to the owner or operator’s mobile device, allows for remote access between the Minotaur machine and dealer service“Thistechnicians.allowsthem to diagnose issues before they ever leave the shop, cutting down on unnecessary trips back and forth from the jobsite to the shop, ensuring they show up with the right parts and tools to solve the issue and helping you ensure that your machine is up and running when you need it to be,” Belmont said. As contractors and construction companies continue to encounter obstacles to productivity, rising costs and worksite challenges, it’s important to keep up-to-date on new dozer technologies for fleet purchasing decisions."Allthe precision and connected technologies offered for the Minotaur DL550 are in demand, and that demand is only going to increase in the future," Belmont said. ET An integrated ripper comes standard on the Doosan DD100 dozer.DoosanD John Deere offers Slope Control, which can easily be upgraded to SmartGrade, on its 450K, 550K, 650K, 700L and 750L dozer models. Slope Control offers a less complex technology solution, giving the operator a choice between two operating modes: target and joystick mode. SmartGrade SmartGrade is John Deere’s integrated mastless 3D grade control system and has added features, like Auto SmartGrade that allows operators to dial in specific settings like load levels, material types and dozing activities. John Deere

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

LiftWise LiftMaster 7000 LiftWise, the material handling segment of Diversified Products, introduced its LiftMaster 7000 that allows users to lift or lower a variety of parts into position for maintenance or other needs.Featuring a high-lift capacity with a compact and maneuverable design. The LiftMaster 7000 has a liftoff capacity of 5,500 lbs. and a full capacity of 7,000 lbs. A pump handle is used to precisely raise/lower the table with a maximum lift height of 38 in. LiftMaster 7000 includes 6-in.-diameter swivel wheels and locking casters. Optional bolt-on transfer top allows 6-degree rotation, 2-in. side-to-side movement and 3.88-in. front-to-back movement. Perforated sections for fine positioning items on the table by using a small pry bar. Transfer top has a 4,000-lb. load capacity and can be easily 32removed.in.wide and 72 in. long with the handle raised. The handle can be folded for a storage height of 10.5 in. Read more https://eqtoday.co/7000at:

The Brokk 110 is an electric-powered machine with a power-to-weight ratio designed for heavy-duty demolition. The Brokk 110 also features SmartPower, a power management system for Brokk customers working on harsh jobsites. At 31 in. wide and 2,183 lbs. (990 kg), the machine and its attachments fit through standard doors and passenger elevators. With its low floor load, the Brokk 110 is able to maneuver through inaccessible areas. Its compact size is ideal for a variety of applications, from top-down demolition and interior strip-outs to selective concrete removal. The machine features a 10-ft. (3 m) reach, providing a power-to-weight ratio designed for work in restricted spaces and on weak floors. Brokk’s SmartConcept consists of three features: SmartPower, SmartDesign and SmartRemote. The intelligent electrical system, SmartPower, offers performance based on a number of factors, including power supply quality and ambient temperature, for uptime. SmartDesign extends machine life and supports maintenance due to 70% fewer cables as well as hardened components, LED headlights and accessible grease points and hydraulic hoses. A remote-control box, the SmartRemote, incorporates adjustable straps, intuitive controls and pars. Read more https://eqtoday.co/brokk110at: Caterpillar Cat 336 The new Cat 336 hydraulic excavator has a powerful hydraulic system that delivers digging forces and swing torque to support production in rugged, outdoor conditions. The new excavator is equipped with a Cat C7.1 engine featuring 4 million hours of service. Three engine modes match excavator power with the demands of the job while managing fuel consumption. Power mode delivers maximum power to meet demanding tasks; Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to lower fuel consumption. Reducing engine speed to a constant 1500 rpm, Eco mode minimizes fuel consumption. Engine oil and fuel filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours, resulting in uptime as well as reducing parts and labor costs compared to the 336F Series excavator. High-ambient temperature capability of 52˚C (125˚F), cold-start capability at -18˚C (0˚F) and the ability to work at up to 4500m (14,764 ft.) above sea level enable the 336 to work in various climates. Auto hydraulic warmup in cold temperatures helps prolong the life of machine components. The air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity. A hydraulic fan offers optional automatic reverse to keep cores free from debris. Read more https://eqtoday.co/cat336at:

LGMG H-series boom lifts are diesel engine powered with four models: T65J-H, T72J-H, T85J-H and T92J-H. These models have working heights ranging from 72 to 98 ft., 661/992 lbs. dual capacities, and large working platforms with triple entry. The new models enrich the LGMG boom lift lines so we can meet the working condition needs of customers in the boom lift market. All H-series products are four-wheel drive, rough terrain ready with full-time floating axle oscillation which ensures the machine’s safety. They have a max 5° degree tilt angle of the chassis and 45% gradeability that allows the wheels to traverse hard, uneven ground in rough working conditions. Proportional lift and drive controls of the H-series deliver smoother operation, precise positioning and comfortable operation. They are equipped with automatic engine speed control and the boom descends by its own weight, which helps to achieve smooth movement. Adjustment of the engine speed according to functional needs is also possible. more

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The three models, L 526, L 538 and L 546, in the latest Generation 8 have bucket sizes between 2.2 and 3.0 m³ in the standard version and are characterized by an increase in performance compared to the previous generation. The new L 526, for example, has around 20% more engine power and over 20% higher breakout forces than its predecessor. The newly-designed lift arm ensures maximum breakout, holding and lowering forces. It has optimized z-bar kinematics and improved working hydraulics. Increases in engine power and tipping loads prepare the wheel loaders for demanding operations in various sectors, such as excavation, recycling or log handling. The L 538 and L 546 models also have performance increases in various areas: for example, with the optimized travel drive, providing increased traction to ensure that the new wheel loaders accelerate dynamically in everyday work, and can penetrate powerfully into all materials.

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS 12 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.ForConstructionPros.com

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Brokk 110 DemolitionRemote-controlledMachine

Liebherr Wheel Loaders

Harnessing mechanization, arti ficial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) to speed up, lower cost and improve qual ity of construction can take several forms. And there are slight differences between the concepts of construction automa tion and construction robotics, according to industry expert Dr. Mohamed Abuali, Managing Partner and Chief Evangelist of the AI and automation consult ing organization IoTCo, LLC. “In my line of work, automation is the umbrel la concept,” Abuali said. “Automation has several subdisciplines. Robotics is one of them. Automated guided vehi cles (AGVs) may be another. But in other industries we see a lot of different use cases coming to market, including spot weld ing, ultrasonic welding, materials handling and cobots—collab orative robots that are helping humans do their work.”

EQUIPMENT TRENDS | By Charles

Technology Editor

SRI International has developed technology for commercialization that enables remote operation of excavators using simple, intuitive hand gestures. InternationalSRI

Contractors Have More and More Options for CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS and Equipment Automation

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS AND EQUIPMENT AUTOMATION

A utomating produc tion is a lot easier in manufacturing than construction—particularlyin in a make-to-stock environment. In construction, though—char acterized by one-off projects with processes and workflows that can vary from one project to the next, remote and changing work environments and rustic con ditions—technology to reduce the labor component of projects with automation is having its moment in the sun. Why now? As-a-service busi ness models, cloud technology and dropping prices for edge computing devices are all factors. According to McKinsey, anoth er factor may be an influx of venture capital cash for construc tion technology as a whole—up to $25 billion from $8 billion in the five years leading up to 2019. McKinsey also posits that the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for contractors adopting digital collaboration and process digitization, not only to enable remote work but to help deal with a more competitive bidding environment.Whileventure capital invest ments and contractor adoption of technology for back-office processes like estimating and project management represent a significant portion of the market, more of the construction tech offerings coming to market and being proven in the field operate at the tip of the spear—in pro duction of value against project deliverables. Innovations in how technology is sold, including asa-service business models now common in software, are also helping robotics come to market more quickly as risk-averse con tractors can get automation and robotics on their projects with out a capital expenditure. Most construction auto mation and robotics offerings address very specific tasks per formed at high enough volumes to make automation viable. Having a use case that fits these capabilities will be more impor tant in determining whether robotics and automation are a fit for your contracting busi ness than company size, as the technology is becoming more affordable, with some options aimed directly at the small-tomedium enterprise. From full autonomy to inno vative machine guidance options, here is a look at what contractors can invest in now, what prod ucts and companies have strong financial backing and what is coming in the future.

Robots gain functional autonomy as they become more sophisticated across several lay ers of their tech stack, according to Abuali.“There are usually two or three layers that would help the autonomy of the robot ics,” Abuali said. “The first layer is sensing—so machine vision, LIDAR and other data inges tion pathways that would allow autonomous vehicles or robots to sense and understand their sur roundings. The next layer is the analytics layer. This is the source of intelligence—hardware and software systems on the robotic automation system. This layer uses the data from the sensor layer to make decisions. Finally, we have the infrastructure layer around connectivity. Does the technology have access to 4G or 5G, or is that not available and you need to rely on satellite communications? And then the pan-algorithmic hardware and software layer to make decisions.” In some cases, however, as in Trimble’s Jobsite Connectivity Bundle and Earthworks Grade Control Platform, robot technol ogies like self-steering equipment and automated grade control become part of an overall auto mated workflow—with the robotics Abuali describes becom ing a subset of the automation discipline.3Dasphalt paving and earth work application suites from companies like Trimble, Leica and Topcon may be examples of robotic technologies that auto mate heights of screeds, steering, width control and volume of asphalt necessary to reach the requisite level at the required Rathmann,

14 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

Most construction automation and robotics offerings address specific tasks performed at high enough volumes to make automation feasible. The market is young, but viable construction robotics and automation products are available now.

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTS-AS-ASERVICE While Spot roams construc tion sites to collect data to support project management and as-built recording, Gecko Robotics deploys wall-climb ing robots capable of inspecting infrastructure including process chemical tanks for wall thick ness, pitting and other types of degradation. In total, tech nologies involved include rapid automated ultrasonic testing, rapid ultrasonic gridding, trilateral phase array and phased array ultrasonic testing.

˜ Venture funded Propeller Aero, which received $18 million in Series B funding in 2020 for its drone-based site data capture tech, is expand ing into data capture for earthwork with the Dirtmate survey-grade GPS receiv er that automates capture of daily volumes, cut/fill heat maps and measurements.progress-to-design

˜ Built Robotics scored $64 million in Series C funding in April of this year, in addi tion to earlier rounds totaling $48 million.

˜ Arcure, which offers the Blaxtair pedestrian detection system that can also slow or stop a piece of construction equipment or stop the turret of an excavator from hitting a pedestrian with the bucket, has received its first round of funding in 2014 but secured a convertible note in May of this year.

˜ Construction Robotics, with its lift-assist robot Mule and SAM, which is short for semi-automated mason, received $2.5 million in the spring of 2021, in addi tion to earlier grants totaling Venture$900,000.funding is only one option for tech companies intent on driving automa tion and robotics deeper into Spot the Construction Robot Trimble

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTS ON THE READY In construction automation, some robots add value to exist ing pieces of equipment. Built Robotics, for instance, sells an exoskeleton technology that seeks to make earthmoving equipment autonomous. The company is focusing the product on repetitive tasks, most nota bly trenching for infrastructure projects in greenfield settings like solar farms. And the equipment is currently accompanied by a consultant from Built Robotics. Technology like this, which must deal with rapidly shifting condi tions on site from obstructions to soil conditions, will need to get smarter over time to be more fully“Onautonomous.theanalytics side, when it comes to fleets of robotic and automation systems, if there is access to data on a fleet level from similar types of assets, fleetbased analytics would make it possible to re-baseline algo rithms,” Abuali said. “That way, you can use one failure to improve the models, call it a global template of the fleet. You can then create a fault library and start predicting failure on another excavator. You can aggregate that data and have a fleet level model—and this will be better than creating a baseline for one Perhapsmachine.”themost highly vis ible example of construction robotics is Spot the Construction Robot, a joint venture between Trimble and Boston Dynamics. Here, the wow factor may come not from the productive capac ity of the robot, but the stunning quadrupedal locomotion, which makes Spot a robot function not as an android that emulates man but as a robot that imitates man’s best friend. Trimble augments Boston Dynamics’ robot with the Trimble X7 Laser Scanner to collect accurate point cloud information and 3D imagery to augment CAD/BIM models, the Velodyne LiDar Puck. “I spent a lot of time at Boston Dynamics—but I started as a customer in the construction space,” Boston Dynamics prod uct manager Brian Ringley said. “I saw the potential of a quadru pedal device that can deal with stairs, gaps in the floor and the autonomy features that allow that to be done without human labor. Trimble layers software and hardware onto Spot for a full product Currently,solution.”Spotisbeing used on construction sites for data capture, walking a set path on a site and capturing photogram metry and LIDAR data from precisely the same location each time. This makes Spot part of an overall automated process in addition to an autonomous device walking around a con struction site. “We are also looking at equipping Spot with laser scan ners, 360 imaging and robotic total stations and GNSS anten nae – opening up new workflows for different types of data cap ture,” Ringley said. “The benefit is automation and repeatabil ity. The transformative value is repeatable data capture with out consuming labor hours—it completely transforms how you do scans. It provides a way to automate project management itself—with automated quanti fication of work in place. From here, we can drive subcontractor payment systems, required safety audits—the potential is incred ible here.”

COBOD, perhaps the market leader in 3D printing with 50 machines sold at the time of a briefing in April 2022, was just getting started with financing options but had not explored leasing. For a number of rea sons, other 3D concrete printing equipment companies ranging from SQ4D and Diamond Age are keeping their technology to themselves, using it only on their own residential projects.

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 15www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment EQUIPMENT TRENDS degree of density. But that robot ic paver is only one step in an overall, automated process that can include automated 3D com paction, logistics and dispatch of material, optimized handoff from one total station to another for uninterrupted GNSS signal and the avoidance of stops that create disruptions in the pavement that must be ground out later.

˜ Dusty Robotics announced a $45 million Series B round in May.

According to Gecko Robotics Business Development Manager Quinn Holub, the company is using its robot technology to drive value across a built asset lifecycle.“Here is one fascinating example,” Holub said. “We are doing a quality control project for some offshore wind farms in the Netherlands, robotically inspecting the welds on the piles that hold the fan up. By bring ing robots into the problem, we can create a file of every centi meter of weld. This accomplishes more than making sure the qual ity is good. We can also compare the weld imaging against how the welds look 30 years down the road—to see if damage was missed in quality control stage that is contributing to degrada tion over time.”

The Gecko robots depend mostly on ultrasound to measure the thickness of metal down to a thousandth of an inch to digitize the asset integrity management process.“Wall loss through corrosion or erosion—that is one of our specialties,” Holub said. “It lends itself well to automation. We are also able to inspect welds where we can scan the weld, make a map of it and create a digital twin of the asset.”

Gecko robots work quick ly and reliably, completing one recent project of 1,000 feet of pipe 20 feet off the ground in four days—versus the four-week timeline associated with a manual inspection. This speed also comes without scaffolding or risk of working at height. But take note— the equipment is not for sale outright. Gecko uses its technol ogy through a turnkey inspection services delivery platform. Other construction robotics offerings come on a subscription, either annually or per-project— Built Robotics will rent either an exoskeleton or an excavator equipped with an exoskeleton. Advanced Construction Robots rents its TyBot rebar tying robot for a specific project, with the cost being based on the num ber of ties completed. Dusty Robotics, provider of robotic site layout printers, offers their robots on a subscription that enables a customer to use them on as many projects as they like. Even equipment manufac turers that will sell equipment outright, like 3D concrete print ing equipment company Black Buffalo 3D, are also seeing the value in leasing so contractors can run a successful proof of concept or pilot project with this emerging method of building.

˜ Teleo in June received $12 million in a Series A round to fund its work to turn con struction and heavy mining equipment into semi-autono mous robots.

Even with venture funding becoming tighter, construction robotics and automation com panies with current funding and new infusions of venture cash will continue to push the fruits of their research and develop ment efforts to market.

CAPITAL FLOWING INTO CONSTRUCTION AUTOMATION

construction. COBOD in May of this year announced that GE Renewable Energy had taken a minority stake in the company. Nonprofit SRI International is an example of reverse approach to any of the above in that they develop the technology first and then spins it out through technology transfer, including a new tech that enables opera tion of excavators through either a remote control box or simple hand“Thisgestures.isone of the directions excavation in construction will be taking in the future,” Reuben Brewer, senior robotics engi neer with SRI International said. “This will not be something that is released next year. The idea is to have a system that enables you to operate the excavator while not physically on the excavator. You may want to turn a multi ple-person crew into a one-man crew—so the operator can come out of the cab to take different measurements of the hole while operating. Or, using this technol ogy, someone can dial in from a different construction site.” Remote operation could solve one of the barriers to increasing productivity of operating engi neers. Excavators often sit idle as digging stops and other tasks are undertaken at the dig site. “If you have an excavator operator at a remote site, if work is paused at one site, they can dial into a different job site and start digging alsoitputperceptionfeet50missingB.sterfrom,dumpsters“Whennentofoperatorityanddetection,gyinCatandesoperationTechnologythere.”forremoteofequipmentclasslikeexcavators,skidsteerstrackloadersisnotnew—Commandprobablyleadsthisspace.SRI’stechnoloaugmentsthiswithhumana360-degreecameraanimmersivevirtualrealenvironmentthatenablesantoseeperipheralsareasthesitebyturningtheirhead.“Thevirtualrealitycompoisessential,”Brewersaid.wefirststarted,wehadwewerediggingrocktakingrockfromdumpAandputtingitindumpsterWithouttheheadset,wewerethedumpsterentirelypercentofthetime.From50away,wedidnothavedepthtodoitproperly.Youontheheadsetandsuddenlyisa100percentsuccessrate.”Aboundingboxfunction

The ability to direct the dig ging with a wave of the hand, using the hand like a scoop to indicate the digging motion, is more intuitive than existing controls, particularly for those new to “Theoperating.abilityto follow the hand is something that helps get new operators up to speed and addresses the labor shortage,” Brewer said. “When they get in the machine, operating the buck et with the controls is a left-right pattern and the brain can not remember that because the boom goes front to back. We fig ured out a rolling pattern for the boom and the bucket. Working with a group of new operators with traditional controls, most could not scoop gravel off the ground. Five minutes in with our system and they were scooping and taking material from point A to point B. They were dig ging nicer-looking holes and not missing piles of dirt. If they were experienced operators but had not dug for a few years, the hand gestures were still more intuitive.”

While original equipment man ufacturers (OEMs) have made impressive strides towards auton omy, aftermarket technologies, including those from young and vital companies, may penetrate the market faster. Even leaders like Trimble, Topcon and Leica are coming in primarily as after market solutions, albeit with OEMs often making allowanc es for mounting and provision of power in their designs. This means each contracting business can set and execute their own automation and robotics strategy. The time for construction contracting firm owners to immerse themselves in what the technology offers is now. For more information, explore the growing set of research mate rials on the newly launched equipment showroom and mul timedia platform IRONPROS to help you do the due dili gence required to successfully adopt current technologies like GPS machine control, IoT and robotics. ET COBOD International

A BOOM TIME FOR AUTOMATED CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTION

poka-yokes—makes mistakeproof—the digging process and, regardless of whether a remote operator is using a joystick con trol box or SRI’s hand gesture technology, the excavator will not allow the operator to dig beyond where prescribed.

SMALL AUTOMATIONCONTRACTOR

Unicontrol, meanwhile, secured angel investment in the form of soft money loans from its own ownership and a 2020 round from angel investors. Using these financial resources, they are put ting advanced machine guidance into the hands of smaller con tractors who may be unable to afford or struggle to operate more fully-featured automation technologies from major man ufacturers. While Unicontrol technology does not mechanize production per se, it simplified the operator’s job. A series of sensors on an excavator collect data on pitch/roll, boom, stick tilt and bucket position. A dual GNSS box and antennae helps Unicontrol orient the excavator. Data from all of these sources is ported to an Android tablet in the cab that houses design files, combined with data on work that has been produced against theDesigneddesign. to come in at about half the price as machine automation solutions from estab lished North American players, Unicontrol will help contrac tors document their work for application for payment and as-built submittals. The technol ogy will also often eliminate the need for a flagman or surveyor while reducing fuel consumption and rework. Even a one-person excavation company running the machine guidance sys tem on a single machine could increase productivity by 30 per cent, according to Unicontrol Chief Commercial Officer Ehsanullah Ekhlas. But by lever aging Unicontrol Cloud, which captures data from equipped machines, the technology can also become part of an automat ed workflow that shares projects between connected machines.

Another way construc tion robotics companies secure resources to drive product devel opment and beef up their ability to deliver is acquisition by larg er entities. This is the case with TinyMobileRobots, which delivers roadway pre-marking robots that reduce man hours and project timeline consumed by surveying and marking the location of lane markers. The company in February received an equity investment from Stihl. The company plans to take advantage of Stihl’s sup ply chain heft to drive down cost for its component parts and ride with Stihl’s distribution arm into new markets like South or Middle America and in Eastern Europe. They are also explor ing additional use cases including pre-marking layouts on slabs in large floor spaces like warehouses.

Similarly, Dirtmate, Propeller Aero’s offering for ground-based vehicles, feeds elevation data and operating hours into the Propeller Platform, which unites data from multiple drones or pieces of equipment into a single version of the truth. Dirtmate combines a survey grade GPS receiver that sits on each earth moving machine to capture elevations to build a 3D model, while capturing hourly and daily quantities of production.

16 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment EQUIPMENT TRENDS

Equipment you need. Prices you’ll dig. Attachments, parts, and more. www.ebay.com/heavyequipment

COMPACTION ACCESSORIES

POWER-TILT ATTACHMENT If you are working in a small space, a power-tilt attachment can help reach around obstacles such as tree roots and utility lines without repositioning the mini-excavator. This attachment goes between the arm of the excavator and the attachment. It provides more flex ibility with its 180° tilt and swing. Power-tilt attachments are designed to fit most mini-excavators and attach ments. But before you rent one, you should confirm that the attachment works with the equipment it will be using.When shopping for mini-excavator

THUMB ATTACHMENT Just as the thumbs on an individual’s hands help someone carry and place items, a thumb for a mini-excavator can help a worker perform precision work. Excavator thumb attachments are used to grip and move items that might not fit in a bucket or that need to be placed with accuracy rather than dumped from a bucket. With a thumb attachment, a mini-excavator can be used to move small trees and logs, or to place boul ders in a line for landscaping.

Customizable and durable with easy maintenance. The KATO IC55 crawler carrier is a powerful combination of size, versatility, and performance. This midsized crawler carrier can be customized to fit any job application. Available with a fully enclosed ROPS cabin, heater, air conditioning, a brush guard package, digger derricks, cranes, a flatbed, tanks, and a personnel carrier. Standard equipment includes a ROPS Canopy, a 3- way opening dump bed, and a multi-function monitor that shows fuel, DEF tank, RPMs, and voltage. Easily accessible filters, DEF tank, and battery. Standard with ROPS/TOPS Canopy and joystick-controlled functions. In stock now. Call today to get your IC55 crawler carrier.

800.538.1447 / www.KATOCES.com

Customizable and durable with easy maintenance. The KATO IC55 crawler carrier is a powerful combination of size, versatility, and performance. This midsized crawler carrier can be customized to fit any job application. Available with a fully enclosed ROPS cabin, heater, air conditioning, a brush guard package, digger derricks, cranes, a flatbed, tanks, and a personnel carrier. Standard equipment includes a ROPS Canopy, a 3way opening dump bed, and a multi-function monitor that shows fuel, DEF tank, RPMs, and voltage. Easily accessible filters, DEF tank, and battery. Standard with ROPS/TOPS Canopy and joystick-controlled functions. In stock now. Call today to get your IC55 crawler carrier. Francisco Martins is a mar keting specialist for customer equipment solutions at United Rentals. When selecting a bucket, consid er the bucket’s weight and its carrying capacity. The specifications include what size mini-excavator can be used with a bucket. Some buckets add signif icant weight and are not appropriate for the smallest models.

HERE FOR ANY JOB. ANYTIME.

Compaction accessories allow compa nies to pack down soil or asphalt with a mini-excavator instead of having to rent or buy compaction equipment. Compaction wheels are used to com pact granular soil and grade or level an area. When choosing a compaction wheel, consider the width of the space the machine is working in. Wheels with a larger diameter can make a job go faster, but they also weigh more. If you are working with a smaller mini-exca vator, a wheel with a smaller diameter may be more suitable. When compacting asphalt, you may want a vibratory plate compactor attachment. It can also be used for com pacting soil and building foundations.

— Francisco Martins

EQUIPMENT TRENDS: COMPACT EXCAVATORS attachments, it is impor tant to choose those that will enhance functionality, not overwhelm the machine. Be sure to consult a rent al equipment expert to find attachments that will fit both the machine and project. ET

800.538.1447 / www.KATOCES.com

HERE FOR ANY JOB. ANYTIME.

HAMMER ATTACHMENT If a mini-excavator is being used for demolishing a road, breaking up the ground or removing concrete fixtures, it will need a hammer attachment (also called a breaker attachment). A ham mer attachment can be configured for an impact rate of anywhere from 700 to 1,400 beats per minute (bpm), making it customizable for different jobs.

“Consult with a rental provider to determine which attachment is best to add to a mini-excavator. ”

Customizable and durable with easy maintenance. The KATO IC55 crawler carrier is a powerful combination of size, versatility, and performance. This midsized crawler carrier can be customized to fit any job application. Available with a fully enclosed ROPS cabin, heater, air conditioning, a brush guard package, digger derricks, cranes, a flatbed, tanks, and a personnel carrier. Standard equipment includes a ROPS Canopy, a 3way opening dump bed, and a multi-function monitor that shows fuel, DEF tank, RPMs, and voltage. Easily accessible filters, DEF tank, and battery. Standard with ROPS/TOPS Canopy and joystick-controlled functions. In stock now. Call today to get your IC55 crawler carrier.

Read more https://eqtoday.co/avantat: Yanmar ViO80-1A and SV100-2A

COMPACT EXCAVATORS Products 20 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

The 6,168-lb. DX272-7 conventional and 8,807-lb. DX35Z-7 and 12,121-lb. DX50Z-7 zero tailswing mini-excavators come with the DoosanCONNECT Telematics management system.

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

The ViO80’s zero tail-swing design, a feature pioneered by Yanmar, allows the excavator to rotate next to a structure with less risk of hitting it. The larger SV100’s ultra-tight tail swing has 6.7 in. of overhang. Both designs allow work in tight jobsites, as found in residential construction or road and utility work. The 8-ton-class ViO80 weighs in at 18,136 lbs. with 56.9 hp and a maximum digging depth of 15 ft., 4 in., while the 10-ton class SV100 has a 21,550-lb. operating weight while providing 72 hp and a maximum digging depth of 15 ft., 9 in. Standard features include ECO Mode, Auto-Decel Mode and auto shift 2-speed travel. ECO Mode helps extend engine life, lengthen oil change intervals and reduces fuel consumption by reducing engine speed and power draw when not needed. The mini excavators’ auto shift 2-speed travel design shifts the machines between low and high range automatically, making switching between jobsite tasks and longer travels possible for the operator. Read more https://eqtoday.co/u4mhzrat:

• DX35Z-7 has a large auxiliary hydraulic flow, wider enclosed cabin, high luminous LED lamp and 5.7-in. full-color LCD monitor

Avant Tecno Introduces New Loaders

• The maximum oil flow for the auxiliary hydraulics is 19.8 gal/min, which is unique for a loader in this size class. The new loaders can run almost any Avant hydraulically driven attachments.

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

Avant Tecno introduces two new loader models in the 600 series. The Avant 645i and 650i are considered to be the most powerful loaders of their size class. Kubota’s 44 hp diesel engine provides power and torque for speed intensive work and/or work requiring high pulling force. Avant is the first manufacturer to bring such machines to the market in this size class.

• DX27Z-7 includes a rear view camera, 3-ft. 7-in. standard thumb-ready arm and an 11.8in. rubber track undercarriage

The ViO80 features Yanmar’s zero tail-swing, and the SV100 includes an ultra-tight tail-swing.

• The single speed 645i and the dual speed 650i are equipped with a Kubota V1505CRT diesel engine. The 4-cylinder 1498 cm3 turbocharged common rail engine has a power output of 33 kW/44 hp. The oxidation catalyst and particulate filter handle the exhaust aftertreatment; and no additives (AdBlue) are required.

Doosan Next-generation Mini-excavators

Read more https://eqtoday.co/doosanminisat:

CASE Minotaur DL550 Compact Dozer Loader

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

©nd700 – stock.adobe.com

Read more https://eqtoday.co/minotaurat:

• Powered by 24.7- to 48.8-hp diesel engines and provide maximum digging depths from 8 ft. 8 in. to 11 ft. 5 in.

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

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

• Hydrostatic transmission with a hydraulic drive motor on each wheel is a familiar feature of Avant compact loaders. The Avant 645i is equipped with single speed motors (maximum driving speed is 8 mph), while the 650i has dual speed motors with a maximum driving speed of 15.5 Productionmph.for the new loader models will begin in the fall of 2022.

• DX50Z-7 comes has a standard enclosed cab with heat and A/C with optional heated adjustable seat and steel tracks

Equipment Today

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 21www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment EQUIPMENT TRENDS |

By Alexis Sheprak, Erica Floyd, Editor-in-Chief,

Aerial Lift Industry Embraces ROBOTICS AND PROGRESS

The inside scoop on how the aerial lift industry champions change.

Two other industry lead ers came together to advance the integration of robotics into aerial access equipment. JLG Industries and RE2 Robotics, a developer of intelligent mobile manipulation systems, com bined forces to bring robotics to access equipment in an effort to enhance operator safety and productivity while working at have“Roboticheights.technologieslongbeenusedina vari ety of industries,” says Frank Nerenhausen, Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president and pres ident of JLG Industries. “The productivity imperative, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated the need for and adoption of robotic technologies beyond the factory floor. In fact, a large focal area in construction and industrial applications today is remote operation of equip ment that keeps workers out of harm’sJorgenway.”Pedersen, RE2’s presi dent and CEO, agrees, adding, “The future of work is here. Humans and robots are work ing more closely together, and the construction industry is no exception.”LikeIsaid earlier, the aeri al industry is embracing change of all kinds. As we move for ward through 2022 and beyond, expect to see aerial lift manu facturers, rental businesses, companies and individuals all continuing to push the envelope to embrace the shifting tides of construction. ET

The good news is that this increased fleet investment pos itively reinforces the sudden rise of technologies, innova tions, partnerships, products and numbers grabbing headlines throughout the aerial industry. Some companies are planning to expand and grow through out the rest of 2022 and into 2023. Take Manitou Group, for example, which plans to invest $80 million in its two North American production sites in Yankton and Madison, South Dakota to increase plant capac ity and reaffirm the funding of research and development efforts. Indeed, Manitou Group’s Q1 2022 net sales revenues indicated a 20% uptick in the Americas as of the end of March 2022, a solid 3% increase over its Q1 2021 net sales revenues in theElisabethAmericas.Ausimour, Manitou Group’s products division president, says the company plans to increase production at the sites by more than 150 per cent by 2026. “We have an extremely prom ising outlook on our markets, which entirely substantiates these investments,” Ausimour says. “These new developments will enable us to absorb peaks in demand, permanently increase our production capacities and increase the safety of our work ers, in particular by optimizing flowThemanagement.”uncertainty of steel and energy prices during the Ukraine-Russia conflict may influence these investments, but Manitou’s outlook is sunny. Some companies are hop ing to continue to expand on a successful 2021. For example, Hy-Brid Lifts closed out last year with record-setting sales. Compared to 2020, the scissor lift manufacturer’s global sales rose an impressive 99 percent, the company says, driven by a 140-percent growth in sales of the Push-Around Series. “Hy-Brid Lifts has its share of manufacturing challenges due to ongoing material sourcing and labor shortages,” says Jay Sugar, Hy-Brid Lifts CEO and presi dent. “Having American-made products gives us the flexibility to get creative with resources and overcome these obstacles. This enables us to maintain shorter lead times than our competitors and deliver the innovative solu tions our customers need.” Focusing on growth and change also means establishing new partnerships. Sinoboom BV recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trackunit making the telemat ics solutions specialist a preferred partner in the design, installa tion, and delivery of data services for Sinoboom equipment. Their partnership aims to reduce machine downtime to an absolute minimum through remote diagnostics and proactive service planning, while the secu rity of equipment is increased with machine location functions, including the ability to lock down equipment remotely.

2dmolier.adobe.stock.com

I have some wise words to share with you, Equipment Today readers, but they’re not mine. Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher, said, “Change is the only constant in life.” And as the last few years have shown us, that couldn’t be moreFortunatelytrue. for the aerial lift industry, the MEWP markets have embraced all the changes and recovered better than orig inally predicted, with most countries seeing markets and wider economies on course to recover to 2019 levels. MEWP markets continued to recov er strongly after the pandemic in both 2021 and early 2022, despite clouds on the horizon caused by global uncertainty around geo-political upheavals and increased input costs, driven by rising inflation and the war in Ukraine, according to the lat est analysis conducted for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) by Ducker. MEWP fleet size in the US grew by 10% in 2021, as rent al companies resumed their pre-pandemic investment strat egies and attempted to prevent utilization rates from increas ing extensively, according to the IPAF“Overallanalysis.US fleet growth was hampered by supply chain disruptions, as in other west ern markets, though the US was able to increase fleet size by more than 60,000 units,” reads the July 2022 IPAF analy sis. “This growth is forecast to continue but may be inhibit ed by inflationary pressures on the economy and trade issues, including a prohibitive tariff rul ing on Chinese MEWP imports announced in 2021.”

F or the past two decades, Hughes Enterprises Inc. of Big Piney, WY, has specialized in everything from heavy hauling and construction to the environmental cleanup of contaminated soils for customers based throughout Wyoming and the surrounding states.

REFRESH Makes Old Trailer Look New Again

“The end result was amazing,” said Mesimer. “Absolutely beautiful. Most people can’t even believe it’s the same trailer.” “Well worth the time and effort,” added Hughes. “Our credibility is based upon our ability to deliver results on time. This trailer is an essential part of our business – one that will hopefully withstand the rigorous demands of our industry for the next eight to 10 years or beyond.” ET William Chelak, a spokesperson for TrailerDecking.com

FROM DAMAGED TO READY TO MEET DEMAND According to Meismer, the daylong restoration project started with three Hughes employees removing the lowboy’s damaged deck boards and cutting the Genuine Apitong/Keruing into 22 pieces that ranged from 11 to 13 ft. in length. The boards were then stained with the Apitong Oil and screwed down onto the lowboy using the installation tools supplied by TrailerDecking.com.

DECKINGTRANSPORTATION

22 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

“We have a well-established reputation for completing jobs on time and within budget no matter the complexity,” says Keith Hughes, one of the owners of the family-owned business. “That’s because our customers know they can always trust us to be on site exactly when needed and with the expertise required to finish the work with quality and precision.”

TRUCKS &

BEFORE: Travel and wear had taken a toll on the trailer, which was used on nearly every Hughes transport job for the past 15 years.

EnterprisesHughes

Since the business launched in 2001, much of this dedication has involved the hauling of construction equipment and vehicles weighing up to 100,000 lbs. across state lines and to jobsites hundreds of miles from the Hughes headquarters. “We have a full inventory of heavy machinery ranging from backhoes to crushing equipment. Sometimes getting there is half of the job. Unfortunately, our business does not take lightly to delays. So, everything has to be ready to roll whenever the work comes in and no matter the location,” said Hughes. To further secure the timely delivery of this equipment all across Wyoming and its neighboring states, Hughes Enterprises recently refurbished the company’s 55-ton lowboy used to transport most of its heavy-duty machinery. “Travel and wear really took a toll on the unit, which was used on nearly every job for the past 15 years,” noted Greg Meismer of Hughes. “Earlier this year, we gave the lowboy and its trailer a total facelift. It came out so well that a lot of people thought we bought brand new equipment.”

REPAIRS ON ORDER

Hughes Enterprises finds online solution to refurbish a 55-ton lowboy used for heavy-duty equipment transport.

AFTER: Genuine Apitong/Keruing boards were cut then stained with the Apitong Oil and screwed down onto the lowboy using the installation tools supplied by TrailerDecking.com.

Based on the referral of an industry colleague and some online research, Hughes Enterprises turned to TrailerDecking.com for the materials needed to refurbish the lowboy’s 42-ft.-long and 8.5-ft.-wide platform. This included the purchase of a complete collection of 3-in. screws, T40 Torx Heads, 82 Degree Counterink and 9/32-in. drill bits as well as 200 sq. ft. of Genuine Apitong/Keruing 2x8 full sawn rough heavy-duty deck boards and Apitong oil. Shipped directly heavy-dutylowboy,deckanddurabilityApitong/KeruingTrailerDecking.com,fromGenuineprovidestherequiredfortherepairreplacementofhardwoodboardsusedindemandingheavyequipmentandtrailerapplications.TheApitongOilwasalsoselectedforitsabilitytoenhancethestrengthandbeautyofexteriorwoodproductsusedinmostheavy-dutyautomo-tiveandindustrialapplications.DevelopedwithaproprietaryblendofTungoil,UVblock-ers,fungicide,andtrans-oxidepigments,ApitongOil’swater-resistant,acid-resistantformulaextendstheusableservicelifeofwoodproducts,whilemain-tainingitsnaturalcoloranddelayingthegrayingandweath-eringprocess.

EX supports trucks that operate both on- and off-highway. The suspension’s equalizing beam distributes the load equally between both axles in off-road and uneven terrain conditions and provides 17 inches of diagonal articulation. The design eliminates fixed center bushing pivot points to reduce wheel hop. An integrated jounce stop provides overload protection to maximize the life of the progressive load springs and bolster springs. The tire clearance was increased on the HAULMAAX EX to include packages with 315 tires and 9-inch steel wheels, while continuing to meet the SAE standard for tire chain clearance. Read more https://myfc.pro/zdkjntat:

Curtis Industries Launches Modular Cab Component System

• Roof-mounted LED work lights •Made in the U.S. Read more Hendricksonhttps://eqtoday.co/curtiscabat:HAULMAAXEX

TRUCKS AND TRANSPORTATION Products August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 23www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

Hyundai Launches Articulated Dump Trucks

Curtis Industries has produced a Curtis modular cab component system for the Polaris RZR 900 and 1000 utility vehicles. The Curtis cab component modular design allows operator flexibility to use any one or all components, depending on the application. Each cab component is sold separately. A hardcoated polycarbonate rear panel offers a lightweight design, full visibility and protection. A high molecular weight polyethylene roof is designed to provide durable overhead cover for protection and comfort. The hard-coated polycarbonate windshield (4.5 mm) provides scratch resistance and visibility. It includes an adjustable vent for airflow. The full line of cab accessories includes: • Optional front wiper •Exterior mirrors

Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems partnered with Mack Trucks to offer the HAULMAAX EX heavy-duty rubber suspension. The Mack TerraPro and LR cab-over vehicles are now available for purchase with the HAULMAAX EX suspension at authorized Mack HAULMAAXdealers.

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas is entering the articulated dump truck market with two new models – the HA30 and HA45 articulated dump trucks – targeting the popular 30- and 45-ton segments. With rated payloads of 28 and 41 tons respectively, the HA30 and HA45 articulated dump trucks are built around a full-time, six-wheel drive concept, with front and rear limited slip differentials and a longitudinal differential that can be manually locked. Tier 4 Final Scania diesel engines power both trucks. The HA30 uses a five-cylinder, 9.3-liter DC9 turbocharged diesel, producing 375 hp (276 kW) and 1,876 Nm of torque. The larger HA45 uses a six-cylinder, 12.7-liter DC13 diesel engine, producing a maximum 500 hp (368 kW) and 2,476 Nm of torque. The HA30 has a 22 yd3 (16.8 m3) heaped body capacity, that rises to 23.3 yd3 (17.8 m3) when fitted with a tailgate. The larger HA45 offers a 32 yd3 (24.4 m3) heaped capacity, rising to 34 yd3 (26 m3) with a tailgate. Both dump bodies can be optionally heated by the engine exhaust gases to prevent freezing and sticking of materials when operating in colder temperatures. Internal wear plates are available as an option when working in applications with heavy and hard rock. Read more https://eqtoday.co/HA30HA45at: JLG Next Generation Augmented Reality App The JLG Augmented Reality (AR) app next-generation upgrades include an all-new interface and experience, new content, cloud-based and offline use, expanded machine inspection functionality and a new “Fleet” feature. The JLG AR app continues to provide the following five functions for increasing safety, productivity and efficiency on jobsites: 1) Machine visualization, 2) Accessory visualization, 3) Operation guidance, 4) Decal viewer and 5) Inspection assistant. Upgrades to the app include several fromitsandtolevel,startsandapplicationastoenhancingperformance-capabilitiesthesefunctions,sucharefreshedmobileinterfaceexperiencethatatthemachineallowingusersselectaproductgodirectlyintocontentmoduleeitherthemenuguide or through the app’s search functionality. New machines and content have also been added to the equipment modules, offering users more than 60 models to view and manipulate in 3-D. Read more https://eqtoday.co/JLGappat:

Traditionally machine control has been reserved for larger machine segments and bigger companies due to cost and complexity – but the current challenges in the industry are faced by all.

IS DIGITALIZATION THE FUTURE? Molio, a non-profit construction knowledge center, made a report in 2020 about the digitalization of the construction industry. It is shown that nearly two-thirds of companies within the construction industry believe digitalization has more potential and much to gain from it. As technology is advancing, the construction industry also enjoys the benefits of technological advancement. Now, it is already an important part of a company’s planning, production, and project Companiesmanagement.expect that the issue digitalization faces is the challenge of understanding new technology. Even though 3D machine control has been used for many years, the demand for it has become more popular in recent years. This may limit the knowledge a machine operator has on 3D machine control. However, things may start to change within a few years. The companies’ clients are beginning to demand digital processes and solutions. It is shown that 82% of the clients strongly agree to have digital solutions to public

C ontractors and entrepreneurs face tighter cost controls and escalating supply-chain pressures, and seek to get more from their technology. Delays and cost overruns pose significant challenges to construction projects, with the industry in the US being severely affected by supply chain issues, rising labor costs, and a lack of user-friendly technology systems capable of optimizing efficiencies. Furthermore, the need for handling construction drawings digitally and documentation for quality control is rapidly increasing.

No matter the experience of a machine operator, 3D machine control helps the machine operator to be more precise in the field. 3D machine control assists the machine operator to optimize and exact the work while also making it easier and faster. Additionally, it minimizes the risks of making mistakes, thus negating the consequence of starting over or the cost of rework.With 3D machine control, fewer people are required to be at the operating site, since the use of a surveyor isn’t necessary as it is already incorporated into the system. The surveyors may instead work on other assignments to optimize the time in the field, thus bringing the costs down and making it a good long-term investment. Other benefits include a safer environment in the workplace. Workplace hazards may occur when there are slippery surfaces. These instances will be reduced, as the machine operator can spend more time in the excavator or wheel loader and use the tablet to observe where the work needs to be done. The work of the machine operator is solved faster, which also causes less wear and tear to the machine.

WHAT IS 3D MACHINE CONTROL?

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY INFRASTRUCTURE25

“Small and mid-sized contractors haven’t been catered to as much because of 1) cost and 2) their application is too complex,” Hilliker continues. “Laying out the overall job is difficult. We have therefore tried to make the price affordable for all entrepreneurs and companies.” ET Nina Popovic is the sales and marketing manager at Unicontrol.

INFRASTRUCTURE the machine is localized. Effective, correct use of the product should optimize coordination with excavators and wheel loaders, without the need to take the project home, as it is in the company’s cloud storage, which is an additional component to the product package. The cloud storage element gives access to all data for a specific construction project. According to Molio, one of the challenges was also the investment required to digitalize. “There’s been 3D guidance for highend construction firms but not much for smaller-size equipment,” says Hilliker.

SIMPLIFYING DIGITALIZATION BENEFITS

THE STINGER in productivity of 10-25% and a cost decrease of 10-25% by using machine control.Thebarrier that prevents digitalization lies in the culture of the company of the organization. 3D machine control and digitalization are continuously being explored in the construction industry, which might be the reason for the barrier. Another obstacle is the investment it takes to digitalize it. The report shows it is often small companies with a few employees that use it the least, while medium-sized companies use it the Finally,most.thereport shows the biggest flaws with digitalization are linked to more quality and fewer mistakes. It makes the processes faster and more effective and creates a better relationship with the clients and suppliers.

OPERATOR AND MACHINE OWNER Examples of 3D machine control include Unicontrol, Trimble Heavy Industry Machine Control products and Leica Geosystems solutions. Unicontrol asserts that its product is less complicated than 3D machine control seems to be. The goal of 3D GPS machine control is to make it simple to use, without it taking days or even months to learn. “We focus on being user-friendly and making technology simple to use,” says Rich Hilliker, Unicontrol managing director, North America. “Our goal is to train operators in 30 minutes or less in the basic functionality, which is a huge step for the Unicontrol’sindustry.”solution is a combination of quality sensors and GPS antennas that enables users to see where Unicontrol Operators can upload the working files into a 3D guidance machine control product to aid with accurate positioning, grading depth and angle, and much more.

The Stinger electric flex shaft vibrator is rugged, lightweight, and powerful. The 115v electric motor has been designed to run cool with the power and torque to handle todays concrete loads. The stinger attaches to competitor core and casing with quick disconnect adapters. www.minnich-mfg.com

C harlotte, NC, currently ranks as the third-fastest growing major U.S. city, with growth on the upswing for over a decade. South End is a particularly booming neighborhood, home to some of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife, the 11-mile-long Rail Trail public trail and the Blue Line light rail, which brings visitors in and out of the area. Adding even more clout to the district is the city’s newest retail and office tower, The Line. The recently completed 16-level building was designed to bring the community together and foster connections among residents and visitors. It houses 298,600 sq. ft. of office space above 304,500 sq. ft. of structured parking, and provides breathtaking views of Uptown Charlotte. The ground floor includes 24,400 sq. ft. of retail, restaurants and a DPRbrewery.Construction served as the commercial contractor on The Line project. The contractor has 27 regionally based offices across the country and three international locations. It is a well-respected company ranked among the top 50 general contractors in the country since 1997.

DPR Construction found just the right solution to major concrete consolidation challenges on a unique 16-level building project.

The Charlotte branch of DPR Construction performed the concrete scope of The Line, which included 25,000 cu. yds. of concrete and 4,000,000 lbs. of rebar. Unlike a traditional office building, much of the concrete was left exposed, prompting DPR to focus heavily on a quality“Ourfinish.team enjoyed working through the unique elements of this project,” says Paulie Estrada, concrete superintendent, DPR Construction. “The new structure is going to create a space for the community, and visitors, to shop, unwind and see new views of the “Buildingcity.The Line didn’t always come easy, though,” he adds.

28 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 PRODUCT FOCUS: CONCRETE EQUIPMENT COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510 uline.com ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING π SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

WORKING THROUGH CHALLENGES

NO IMPERFECTIONS

To break up the 16-level structure between parking and retail space—and add architectural appeal—a sky lounge was included on level eight. Not only did this create a unique look for The Line, it brought challenges,Startingtoo. on the ninth level, The Line includes two towers that sit on top of the sky lounge, with the tower floors extending past the face of the structure and parking deck. This posed a challenge due to how the floor defies gravity. The main core of the structure (shear walls) and columns are an integral part of the structure and were crucial to get right the first time. The vertical concrete elements start at ground level and extend all the way to the ninth floor. Not only are they important to the structure, but the 17-ft. shear wall is exposed in the sky lounge, creating a center piece of the design.

Starting on the ninth level, The Line includes two towers that sit on top of the sky lounge, with the tower floors extending past the face of the structure and parking deck. This posed a challenge due to how the floor defies gravity.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Allowed on 16-story Charlotte Tower Project

Mfg.Minnich

The Stinger is a 14.5-lb. double-insulated universal motor that can drive the full line of Minnich vibrator shafts and heads from.75 to 2.5 in. Available in a 15-amp (115-volt) version, it offers a speed range of 10,000 to 13,000 vpm to meet today’s concrete placement challenges.Theunit is equipped with a durable protective frame, which extends vibrator life, with urethane end caps that absorb shock while supporting easy to grip handles. A fully adjustable harness and compact size allow for easy carrying around the jobsite and access into small spaces.The Stinger’s versatility was beneficial while pouring support columns and beams. “The Stinger is by far one of the most important pieces of equipment that we rely on to consolidate concrete,” Estrada says. “It helped create a beautiful center piece of exposed concrete.”

ET Rob Minnich, president/chief marketing officer (CMO) for Minnich Manufacturing “It was tough to make sure we consolidated the concrete well because there was a lot of rebar inside the walls and columns,” says Estrada. “These were critical pours. The walls were very high, making it hard to look down the side of the column and be confident that we were vibrating everything to our standards.”

To eliminate the imperfections in the pile caps, columns and barrier walls, DPR Construction used four Stinger electric flex shaft vibrators from Minnich Manufacturing on the jobsite.

The Charlotte branch of DPR Construction performed the concrete scope of The Line, which included 25,000 cu. yds. of concrete and 4,000,000 lbs. of rebar. Mfg.Minnich

To eliminate the imperfections in the pile caps, columns and barrier walls, DPR Construction used four Stinger electric flex shaft vibrators from Minnich Manufacturing on the jobsite.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

PUTTING EVERYTHING WITHIN REACH

15,000

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 29 PRODUCT FOCUS: CONCRETE EQUIPMENT

Reach for the stars and stripes. With a maximum lift height of 70 ft. and a forward reach of 53 ft. 10 in., the Xtreme XR1570-C will help you reach new heights and expand horizons from sea to shining sea. Designed with safety, reliability and serviceability in mind, Xtreme proudly manufactures in the U.S.A. to help you build your American dream. lbs capacity 70ft liftheight 134hp Mfg.

Estrada also appreciates the unit’s dependability. “Before the Stinger, I was using a different brand and had problems with it day after day. I even had situations where I had to rework the concrete after the vibrator didn’t consolidate as needed,” he states. “The Stinger has minimized issues and rework dramatically. It works efficiently and can handle the workload we put it through day in and day out on the job.”

AVAILABLE ON SELECT DELIVERYIMMEDIATEMODELS Minnich

Contractors and customers alike are increasingly shifting to use clean energy to power jobsites.

“We appreciate that the system can be monitored through a webpage and phone app since our teams are always on the go,” Joe Dikeman said of the technology installed at Agropur.

30 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

Key features of this technology include:

SMART MONITORING

ABOVE: The Xcape system includes energy storage along with a low-carbon propane generator to provide power when the sun isn’t shining.

Help Deliver Projects on Time and Under Budget

• Predictive analytics: You’re able to see how your energy usage is trending over time and plan for future needs.

• Remote monitoring and control: You don’t have to rely on on-site employees to manage the technology. With internet access, you can monitor the microgrid remotely.

LEFT: EnTech Solutions installed two Xcape off-grid microgrids that harvest 40 kW of solar energy and provide 160 kWh of battery storage to power three job trailers on the Agropur construction site. EnTech Solutions SolutionsEnTech

Agropur’s sustainability goals and its commitment to the U.S. Dairy Industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner was a key motivation in their utiliza tion of clean energy microgrid technology. At the end of the year-long project, EnTech esti mates that the Xcape microgrid solution will have reduced Agropur’s CO2 emissions by 77,494 lbs., equivalent to the amount of CO2 captured by 43.1 acres of U.S. forests. ET Scott Romenesko is president of EnTech Solutions .

• Real-time monitoring of energy generation and usage: With the advanced, easy to use software an Xcape microgrid provides, you can monitor exactly how much energy your microgrid is producing, how much energy is going to the load and how much energy is going to the battery.

MICROGRIDSINFRASTRUCTURE

Contractors are all too familiar with the ever-increasing cost of energy and the impact it has on their bottom line. Microgrid technology, whether grid-tied or off-grid, paired with smart monitoring software, can significantly reduce energy costs.

C oming in on time and under budget – that’s the dream, and by using microgrid technology to power a construction proj ect with clean energy, that can also be the reality. Driven by a need to curb growing ener gy costs, paired with a sharp increase in the market demand for accelerated sustainability performance, contractors and customers alike are increasingly shifting to use clean energy to power jobsites. And an added bonus? Project schedules have been shortened due to the easy installation that modular, offgrid microgrids offer. A distributed energy microgrid is like a small power plant that produces renewable energy on site. Traditional elec tricity sources commonly used to power jobsites (e.g., local util ities and generators) lack the advantages that microgrid tech nologyUsingoffers.microgrids can: ˜ Provide rapid access to power ˜ Minimize greenhouse gas emissions into the environment ˜ Save money on energy costs ˜ Offer real-time energy perfor mance monitoring ˜ Create an uninterruptible power supply REDUCED TIMELINES Obviously, construction sites need electrical power to sup port the work being done by contractors and subcontractors. Traditionally, sites obtain tem porary power straight from the utility grid. This can be timeconsuming and expensive. When all is said and done, the pro cess can sometimes take several months to coordinate and install the infrastructure needed to sup plyPoweringelectricity.a jobsite using microgrid technology drastically reduces the time it takes to bring a construction project online, reducing the overall construction schedule.Agropur, one of the larg est dairy cooperatives in North America, was able to take advantage of microgrid tech nology when building a new 210,000-sq.-ft. cheese produc tion facility in Little Chute, WI. Agropur enlisted the help of EnTech Solutions, a full-service clean energy solutions provider, to assess their energy needs and engineer a solution that could be easily and quickly installed. EnTech Solutions installed two Xcape off-grid microgrids that harvest 40 kW of solar energy and provide 160 kWh of battery storage to power three job trail ers on the construction site. The system includes energy storage along with a low-carbon propane generator to provide power when the sun isn’t shining. Instead of dealing with any delays due to utility installation at the Agropur site, the EnTech microgrid was operational within two“Theweeks.EnTech Solutions microgrid provided an attrac tive alternative solution to a long and costly power cable installa tion for the southern part of the construction site,” Joe Dikeman, Agropur’s regional automation manager, explained. “There was minimal install and setup to be able to power the construction trailer and building during the construction phase.”

©New Africa – stock.adobe.com

Connected Technology: The Key to Unlocking a More CLIMATECONSCIOUS CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

One of the causes of this waste comes from people working off of outdated infor mation, showing up to the wrong jobsite at the wrong time, with the wrong materials and equipment. Often, there’s one culprit that lies at the heart of these inefficiencies: outdated communication channels such as fax, phone and paper. These cause poor communication, which can lead to costly rework and immense time and mate rial waste. In other words, this waste is avoidable. In recent years, the industry—and owners in partic ular—have turned their attention to tackling this growing chal lenge. This in turn has put pressure on general contractors to deliver more sustainable proj ects and track their ESG metrics. In a recent McKinsey study, where 100 senior construc tion executives were asked what trends they expected to acceler ate due to the COVID-19 crisis, 53% cited sustainability. But this move toward sus tainable construction began long before the pandemic. Businesses are increasingly looking for ways to better track and report on

SUSTAINABILITY

W hen I was in the workinggrade,eighthIstartedina cabinetry shop, sparking an interest in construc tion that would change the course of my life. The idea of building something out of noth ing, of creating a project that was lasting and meaningful, fascinated and inspired me. To this day, I’m still passion ate about learning how things are built. After multiple decades in the con struction industry, and after building a family and having a son, I’ve come to appreciate that what makes this indus try’s work so impactful is not just what we build, but also what we leave behind in the pro cess. I’ve developed an increasing appreciation not just for building things, but for build ing better. Those of us in construction leave a legacy behind, one that will outlast all of us. I want to leave a legacy that I can be proud of, and that sets my son, and his future children, up for a healthy future.

CONSTRUCTION’S FOOTPRINT ON THE WORLD While the construction industry is responsible for incredible feats of engineering, and for building the places where we live, work, learn, play—and the infrastruc ture that powers and brings these places to life—its impact on the environment is undeniable. The construction industry is one of the largest industries in the world, with buildings accounting for nearly 40% of annual global car bon emissions. According to the World Green Building Council, construction materials specifi cally account for approximately 11% of global carbon emissions. And according to a report from Transparency Market Research, the volume of solid construction waste generated worldwide every year clocks in around 1.3 billion tons. This number is expected to nearly double to 2.2 billion tons by 2025.

sionsgreenhouselyarialsandfacture,carbontheEmbodiedusecarboncarbon.alinvolvesgycarbon,matefocusefforts,andEnvironmental,theirSocialGovernance(ESG)withaninitialonimpactingclichangesuchaswaste,andenerusage.EnergyusebothoperationcarbonandembodiedOperationalisfromthein-phaseofastructure.carbon,onotherhand,includesfromthemanutransportation,assemblyofmateusedtoproducestructure(commonthoughtofasallthegasemis before the doors of a buildingNotably,open).businesses are using digital tools to track and report on their ESG efforts. While technology offers a wide array of solutions, connected technology which connects people, systems, and data all in one place—will be the true game changer when it comes to reducing construction’s impact on the environment. Unlike point solutions, connected technology reduces the miscom munication and errors that lead to rework, which cause a sig nificant amount of construction waste. Connected technology also gives teams a more holistic picture of their data, enabling them to make better decisions so they can build more sustainable and resilient buildings, emit less carbon, and reduce their overall environmental impact.

While the construction industry is responsible for incredible feats of engineering, and for building the places where we live, work, learn, play—and the infrastructure that powers and brings these places to life—its impact on the environment is undeniable.

32 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

WAYS TO IMPROVE CONSTRUCTION

A big piece of moving toward a climate-conscious future is hav ing access to better data and guidance on how to reduce overall emissions. One way connected technology delivers on this is by helping teams bet ter leverage their data so they can improve the way they build and lessen the environmental impact for future generations. As more businesses adopt these ESG-forward digital tools, tracking and recording carbon emissions will become as essential as tracking and reporting on one’s safety, finan cials or theropportunityThereproductivity.isanenormousaheadtofurdriveESGeffortsin the industry. Collectively as an industry, we have the incredi ble opportunity to leave behind a positive and lasting legacy for future generations. Together, we can build a better, more sustainable future. ET Tooey Courtemanche is CEO of Procore Technologies. While there is a growing recognition that businesses need to track and reduce their carbon footprint, new environ mental legislation may move faster than many companies have prepared for and force businesses into a space where they may not be equipped. The truth is, the process of measuring and tracking one’s environmental impact can be complex and challenging.

There are two key pieces to improving one’s ESG efforts. The first is to bring experts, across various teams and disci plines, together to collaborate and find ways to build more sustainably through improved design and construction pro cesses. Connected technologies support this by bringing all people, systems, and data under one roof to improve trans parency and reduce the inefficiencies in construction, thereby reducing costly rework and waste. The other big component of ESG efforts comes down to tracking and reporting on environmental impact and carbon emissions. This is likely to soon become a requirement of construction companies and will ultimately create more opportunities to build more effi ciently as the data is collected, tracked, analyzed and used to provide predictive insights to make informed, data-driven decisions. Building embodied carbon tracking and reporting holistically into connected platforms takes time and col laboration, but it has the potential to revolutionize the industry’s ESG efforts. The construction industry is tak ing steps in the right direction. One of the companies leading the charge has been Skanska, which has become a global sustainability leader in the industry today. Among many other sus tainability “firsts,” Skanska was the first international general contractor ever certified under the ISO 14001 stan dard. Companies under this framework continually improve their environmen tal performance and ensure compliance with any new regulations or legislation. “That became the foundation of how we looked at doing the right thing, both by the planet and by the communities we worked in,” said Steve Clem, head of sus tainability for Skanska’s U.S. Building Operations. “Instead of thinking about how to do less harm, we started thinking about how we can do good by the envi ronment, how we can ingrain sustainability into our core values and how we can lever age the supply chain and everything else we influence to make a difference.” But making this difference goes beyond supporting today’s teams. It’s also about building tools that can impact countless generations to come.

SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY

34 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

T he construction industry has faced several signifi cant challenges over the past few years. We’ve seen massive disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic that cre ated temporary shutdowns of worksites worldwide. The effects of the pandemic are still being felt in the supply chain and have been exacerbated by the ongo ing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Not only do manu facturers see delays in receiving raw materials to make items like steel, mass timber or cement, but they also face a disruption try ing to ship finished products to their customers. This scarcity has caused prices for critical materi als to Butskyrocket.theprice and avail ability of materials are not the only issues that projects face. There is growing concern over the environment and climate change, especially after multi ple regions experienced extreme weather in recent years. In the data center sector, many of the industry’s most prominent play ers pledge to become carbon neutral in the coming years. For many, this mostly means they focus on using renewable energy to power their servers. However, energy consumption is just one area where data cen ters generate a carbon footprint. Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness of embodied carbon. Embodied carbon looks at all the CO2 gases emitted in the production of materials and the construction of a facil ity. To understand how this is all calculated, let’s look at one ubiquitous material used in con struction: steel. It begins with iron ore being mined and refined into a usable raw material. This pro cess requires fossil fuels, like diesel or electricity, to power massive mining equipment and concentrators. The material is transported by train, ship, or both (again requiring fossil fuels) to steel mills, where it is sent to coking plants (to remove impu rities and bond carbon with the iron) and eventually blast furnaces (which use coal or elec tricity). The molten steel is cast or rolled into a usable form (using electricity), transported to customers worldwide via ship, train and truck (fossil fuels), and eventually delivered to a con struction site. As you can see, every step of manufacturing and shipping steel to a construction site gen erates a substantial amount of embodied carbon. In the above example, we haven’t included the energy used to install the mate rial on the jobsite, like cranes, heavy equipment or forklifts. The United States is the world’s largest steel importer, bring ing in nearly 31.5 million net tons of steel in 2021, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. That’s a lot of carbon just for Sometransportation.oftheworld’s larg est steelmakers are working on ways to slash their carbon foot prints and thereby reduce the embodied carbon of steel. In Sweden, steelmaker, SSAB part nered with mining company, LKAB and power generator, Vattenfall to create Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology (HYBRIT), a new process to make carbon-free steel. Iron ore sourced from fos sil-free mines is used. Instead of using coke and coal to add car bon, hydrogen gas, obtained from electrolysis using renewable energy, is burned to turn the ore into iron. At this stage, the only byproduct of the hydrogen gas is water. The iron is sent to elec tric blast furnaces, powered by renewable energy, to become fos sil-free steel. So far, the steel made from the HYBRIT process has been used to make vehicles for Volvo. However, it will be several years before SSAB and its partners can scale up production or help ensure the rest of the supply chain is fossil-free. For this rea son, many companies looking to build new projects are exam ining alternative construction materials.Engineered wood is gaining popularity in the construction industry for its versatility and durability. Also known as mass timber or manufactured board, engineered wood is created by binding fibers, veneers or wood boards together to form a composite material. It is as strong as steel and is fire resis tant. It also has many benefits. As a plant, it is a renewable resource. It does not require tremendous energy to pro duce, like a steel mill. There is an established forestry sector in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, so there is no need to ship it thousands of miles over the seas. Engineered wood comes in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses (as large as 64 by 8 feet, with a thickness of up to 16 inches or more). Because of this increased strength and high perfor mance, the U.S. building code now allows engineered wood structures of up to 18 stories. It is possible to go higher: an apartment complex under con struction in Milwaukee, Wis., will be 25 stories tall (284 ft.), and it will be the highest wood en building in the world. Engineered wood costs about as much as steel or cement.

Push for Sustainability: How toCUT STEEL’S CARBON FOOTPRINT

SUSTAINABILITY

The growing awareness of climate change has made consumers more aware of what companies are doing to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprints.

However, there are addition al savings because it does not require specialized tools or skilled labor. Workers can cut it to size on the jobsite and install it with simple tools. The wood can be drilled, routed, jointed, glued and fasted. Installation can be faster than steel and cement, which might require welding or drying time. As it is also made in North America, supply chain disruptions are less likely than for steel imported from overseas. Finally, it could generate a car bon offset credit that could be sold on the carbon market. As mentioned, engineered wood is a sustainable resource. And, because it joins together wood fibers and veneers, it can use almost any size of a tree, from small to large. That means it doesn’t need to come from old-growth forests or environ mentally sensitive areas. Over the past few years, we’ve seen extreme weather in North America: damaging wild fires, drought, flooding and a surge in tornadoes and powerful hurricanes. The growing aware ness of climate change has made consumers more aware of what companies are doing to reduce or eliminate their carbon foot prints. In the data center space, all the big players are working to be carbon neutral, extending to embodied carbon in their new facilities. By embracing alterna tive construction materials like fossil-free steel or engineered wood, construction teams can reduce the amount of carbon significantly while still building stylish, functional, and sturdy facilities. ET John Fitzgerald is vice president, Americas east region at Linesight.

The growing awareness of climate change has made consumers more aware of what companies are doing to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprints.

©Joaquin Corbalan – stock.adobe.com

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Once the machine had creat ed a void through the rubble, the lead of the helical pier was driv en through the soil below until it reached bedrock. Then, 5- and 10-ft. sections were added as installation progressed, with the team constantly monitoring the drive head and hydraulic pres sure for optimal torque output. The Brokk 500’s 23-ft. reach allowed the team to access heli cal pier locations that would have been challenging with traditional monoboom equip ment. This included reaching up, over or around existing equipment in the building when necessary. The 41-kW motor was easily powered by a 100-kW generator positioned outside the building. With pier installation com plete, Drilling Service Co. capped the end of each pipe. The general contractor then cast the capped pipe into a grade beam that was reinforced with rebar, becoming the foundation for the facility’s new equipment. More than half of the 46 helical pier positions needed to be pre-drilled. Thanks to the professionalism of the team and the versatility of the Brokk, the work progressed quickly, allow ing Drilling Service Co. to complete the entire project in just three weeks.

With its team trained and the helical piers delivered, Drilling Service Co. was ready to get to work. The general contractor started by saw cutting an approx imately 2-ft.-wide section in the 6-in.-thick floor slab running the length of each new grade beam to expose the soil below. However, plans quickly hit a snag when the crew discovered a layer of urban rubble less than a foot below the slab. “We were surprised to find grapefruit- to beachball-sized fragments of cement, brick and old rebar from demolished build ings,” says Mat Boster, project superintendent for Drilling Service Co. “The helical only has a small pitch. It could have advanced through gravel-sized rubble, but this was too large.” Drilling Service Co. quickly revised its plan. Before install ing the piers, the team needed to pre-drill holes through the rub ble, which was between 10 to 12 ft. thick. Attaching a 16-in.diameter core barrel and auger to the drive head, the team simply used the Brokk to drill through the rubble to the soil below. “The Brokk worked great for pre-drilling,” Boster says. “It cut through the rubble quickly, so we didn’t lose much time, and had more than enough power for this application as well as driving the helical piers.”

Before driving the piers, Drilling Service Co. needed to pre-drill holes through a thick layer of urban rubble. Attaching a 16-in.diameter core barrel from their yard to the drive head, the team was able to use the Brokk to drill through to the soil below.

A quick call to Brokk’s ser vice center in St. Joseph, and Randy Glidewell, one of Brokk’s technicians, solved this problem. Soon, Glidewell was walking them through the procedure via a video chat. “We were up and run ning in five minutes,” Murphy states. “Randy provided detailed instructions, down to the exact size Allen wrench we’d need. As a company that values strong cus tomer-focused relationships, that level of professionalism and ser vice meant a lot.”

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE solutions for drilled shafts, dewa tering systems, earth retention, micro piles, rock anchors and more, the warehouse retrofit pre sented a unique opportunity to explore an exciting new process— robotic helical pier installation. “At heart, we’re a company of problem solvers who is always looking for new ways to increase safety and efficiency,” Murphy says. “Everyone on the team brings their best ideas to the table. When we were approached with this project, we recognized it as an opportunity to explore new equipment options.” Installing helical piers requires a robust hydraulic system and a specialized drive head that can provide not only downward force, but rotational pressure. Drilling Service Co. would tra ditionally run the drive head from the auxiliary hydraulics of a mini-excavator or skid steer, but with the zero-emission require ment, they knew they’d have to come up with a creative solution. The project required driv ing large helical piers consisting of 4.5-in.-diameter pipe with a 16-in.-diameter helical plate from 20 to 25 ft. down to refuse on bedrock. After establish ing the required loads, Drilling Service Co. reached out to Ideal Group, the helical pier design er and manufacturer, to discuss equipment options. “Ideal connected us with Brokk,” Murphy says. “They were using a Brokk 520D, weighing in at approximately 12,000 lbs., to test their larger helical piers in confined spaces. Not only did it provide the nec essary torque, but the unique arm design meant it still had enough downward pressure to operate in low-overhead situ ations, like a basement. That wasn’t one of our concerns with this particular project, but the electric operation was.” Drilling Service Co. worked with Brokk to arrange a onemonth rental of a Brokk 500. Ideal Group provided a Digga with a 30ADS anchor drive head and custom mounting bracket. With the rental, Brokk pro vided training for Drilling Service Co. employees at their St. Joseph, Missouri, demon stration and service center. The Drilling Service Co. team had extensive experience with hydraulic drilling equipment, which gave them some famil iarity with the basic functions. However, working with the Brokk robot’s remote operation gave them a new perspective, allowing them to stand back and observe installation from a safe distance. The training covered specifics of the Brokk machine including maneuvering it, setting the outriggers, operating the arm and running the drive head. ABILITY TO OVERCOME SURPRISES AND OBSTACLES

The Muny project wrapped up in a week and Drilling Service Co. returned the Brokk 500, at least until the next time. “We’re definitely on the lookout for a chance to part ner with Brokk again,” Murphy says. “The electric operation and power-to-weight ratio make it ideal for restoration and ret rofitting applications... It’s just a matter of time before we’re integrating this cutting-edge technology into our process.” ET Mike Martin is vice president of operations for Brokk Inc.Ideal Group provided a Digga anchor drive head and custom mounting bracket that allowed the Brokk to deliver on the project.

Drilling Service Co. would traditionally run the drive head off the auxiliary hydraulics of a mini-excavator or skid steer, but with the zero-emission requirement, they needed a creative electric solution.

PILING ON THE PROJECTS With a week left on the equip ment rental, Drilling Service Co. was able to complete another helical pier installation, this time at The Muny, a St. Louis land mark; the permanent outdoor theater in Forest Park hosted its first production in 1916. An ele vator was being installed as part of a larger renovation project, requiring 17 helical piers of the same size as those being used on the warehouse retrofit. With the Brokk already equipped with the drive head, the team was able to quick ly relocate to the new jobsite. The crew could only access the elevator shaft through a nar row pergola, so the compact size of the machine, with 5-ft. 3-in. transport width, provided a huge benefit. In addition, the reach and maneuverability of its three-part arm increased effi ciency, allowing Drilling Service Co. to access several piers from a single spot. This minimized machine repositioning in the confined space. “With the highly versatile arm, we were able to work in the restricted height conditions with no problem,” Murphy says. “The only challenge was increasing the drive head torque to 20,000 ft.-lbs. to achieve the minimum torque requirement prescribed by the helical pier designer.”

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 37www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment Brokk BrokkBrokk

SUSTAINABILITY Products 38 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment ALWAYSVALUETOTHEMAXVALUETOTHEMAXAGREATVALUE.ALWAYSATTHEREADY!PEACEOFMINDAFTERTHESALEFAIRPRICEFORAQUALITYPRODUCTWEGETITRIGHTTHEFIRSTTIMEACCESSTOKNOWLEDGEABLESTAFF1-800-719-4160

The T65JE, T72JE, T85JE and T92JE electric telescopic boom lifts are powered by lithium-ion batteries with high capacity, low noise and zero emissions to meet environmental requirements. The lifts have working heights from 71.5 ft. to 97.8 ft. with a working outreach of 54.5 ft., 55.8 ft., 73.2 ft. and 73.8 ft. respectively. The large battery capacity can meet the needs of two to three days of work. The lifts are highcapacity models with a 661 lbs./992 lbs. (unrestricted/restricted) dual capacity design. All are equipped with an 8 ft. basket with triple-entry and can accommodate up to three operators (restricted) with materials. The lifts are four-wheel drive and have four-wheel steering. Three steering modes are available: four-wheel steering, front-wheel steering and crab steering. The chassis has a max 5° degree tilt angle and 45% gradeability.

Hexagon Leica BLK360 In line with the Leica BLK series, the new BLK360 creates accurate digital image data within 20 seconds. Like its predecessor, the new BLK360 enables users to introduce reality capture to new industries and markets. The new BLK360 sensor is designed for any application requiring up-to-date scanning, such as digital construction and building lifecycle monitoring. It enables users to move in any environment without interruption, viewing and sharing the data during the capture process to provide realtime access to updated digital twins. The BLK360 adds to Hexagon’s portfolio of sensorsoftware systems, which form the basis for creating Smart Digital Realities by fusing the digital and physical worlds, in real-time. Combined, the new scanning and imaging technologies onboard the BLK360 enable reality capture workflows. Depending on the project scope and size, a BLK360 user could save days or weeks with rapid scanning, preregistered data, and high-speed transfer to preferred software workflows. BLK360 data can be automatically uploaded to HxDR, Hexagon’s cloud-based reality capture platform where users can build their own Smart Digital Realities.

COBOD 3D Construction Printer Configurator

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With the world's first configurator for 3D construction printers made by COBOD International, contractors and developers can now estimate the time to 3D print a specific building and calculate the amount of concrete materials needed. For instance, the configurator shows layer by layer how the printer can build a 170 m² (1,900 sq. ft.) villa in 26 hours. edition. Read more https://eqtoday.co/COBODat:

LGMG Launches Electric Telescopic Booms

BREAKINGEssentialWithIndustryInsightsGROUND Equipment Today helps contractors improve efficiency, productivity and profitability with its Breaking Ground E-Newsletter ! • Important Market Trends • Equipment Updates and Releases • Business and Fleet Management Tips • Safety Best Practices and Regulations SUBSCRIBE TODAY at https://myfc.pro/Newsletter

“This integration, like Tenna and Trimble-Viewpoint’s greater partnership, solves a multi-mil lion-dollar business need for contractors, making it easier for them to see where they are

The jumping off point for this broader and process-driv en consumption of telematics data is equipment manage ment, as third-party telematics software products like HCSS’ Equipment360 leverage telemat ics data to structure a preventive maintenance program, drive time cards for maintenance technicians, and produce inspec tion reports and work order functionality.HCSSHeavybid also integrates with accounting soft ware for maintenance technician payroll. Integrations between telematics data, equipment man agement software and accounting are becoming more sophisicat ed, as evidenced by an expanded integration between Tenna and Trimble Construction One/ Viewpoint Vista product.

OEM with skin in the data game; others have followed. CASE has added mixed fleet capabilities to its SiteWatch telematics platform. Volvo has added AEMP 2.0 compliance with enhanced support for mixed fleets to its CareTrack telematics offering. Most recently, Komatsu announced increased interopera bility for My Komatsu, its digital interactive hub for telematics data, parts, manuals and other support tools, which now offers increased capabilities to integrate and display fleet data from other equipment brands.

Equipmentshare’s T3 Operating System for Construction connects equipment telematics data with data on people and inventory for a single view of the contracting business.

How TELEMATICSCONSTRUCTIONDATA is DrivingReturns Across the Business

40 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment I t started with the 2011 release of the Associated Equipment ofunlockinglongmentsoftwareupthementbecomeCaterpillar’stelematicsProfessionalsManagement(AEMP)standard,andthen2016movetothefirstoriginalequipmanufacturer(OEM)inconstructionspacetoopenitsequipmentmanagementplatformtootherequipbrands.Contractorshavebeenonapathtowardthetruebusinessvalueequipmentdata.Caterpillarisn’ttheonly

By Charles Rathmann, Technology Editor

PROFIT MATTERS |

A GRADUAL PROGRESSION “Today, a company like Tenna is not seeing prospects who just want a ‘telematics’ box checked off as they look for an asset management software solu tion,” Tenna Chief Business Development Officer Russ Young said. “Prospects are look ing for specific ways they can harness telematics data, some times even outside of equipment asset management, to drive broader business processes.”

Equipmentshare

Tenna

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 41www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment PROFIT MATTERS bleeding capital and helps them get better control over how they leverage their current resourc es to ultimately benefit the books,” Young said. “Knowing more by seeing data clearly within the inte grated systems and being able to better account for equip ment costs application-for-paymentontractorsGNSS-basedeachstandsystemsmentoftenturingspecificBykettelematicsdatation,tohaveTrimbleincludingrevenue.”marginstotime,withdelivertheyandbetterownstrategiccontractorsinvestmentsandallowstotakeactionstoless,rentless,maintainoptimizewhathave,andworkmorelessdownwhichleadsincreasedprojectandhigherProductsTenna,PulseandTrackunitharnessedtelematicsdataimproveequipmentutilizabasedeitheronoperatingcollectedfromanOEMunitoraftermarsensorsthatsensevibration.assigningequipmenttoprojectsandthencapoperatinginformation,fromaftermarketequipguidanceorautomationthatintimatelyunderthemechanicalstepsinequipmentdutycycleandlocationdata,concanautomatereportingproductionaspartofanprocess.

that will connect Motive’s Automated Operations Platform with Navistar’s OnCommand Connection telematics and Advanced Remote Diagnostics. “Navistar has expertise in areas around their equip ment we cannot have,” Motive Chief Product Officer Jairam Ranganathan said. “We can get fail codes easily through telemat ics, but being able to interpret those fail codes, that is the best role for the OEM. They provide software solutions for those kinds of problems. It is important to partner—stuff around track ing and things of this nature, we are very good at that. That is not the focus for a company like Navistar.”Thetype of equipment and use case may help determine how important deeper hooks into the OEM will be. “Their equipment is being run at a high utilization rate,” Ranganathan said. “They do a good job at technology to ensure the customer has a good experi ence. AEMP is a good standard, but it only covers a certain level of depth. The Navistar partner ship lets us go a lot more deeply into areas not covered. What we want to do is capture more than the code—we also want the logic to prioritize and handle that code. If this code is show ing, what does that mean for your equipment versus if a dif ferent code string is shown. We

CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS

BEYOND THE MIXED FLEET As more appli cations come to market that build broad withnershipannouncedvendormenttack.takingwaremanagementtelematicsdata,ticbrand-agnosstandardizedprocessesbusinessaroundandtelematicssomeotherandfleetsoftvendorsaretheoppositeFleetmanagesoftwareMotiveapartinJuneNavistar

Tenna has deepened its integration with Trimble Viewpoint Vista. have many sensors capturing things about operation of equip ment. Specific maintenance insights require deeper data sets on the equipment. So we believe the long term strategy should be partnerships. We believe we can do the telematics, the track ing, the safety—but to get to the deep nuance around main tenance, Motive should partner withMotiveOEMs.”and Navistar are not alone in pursuing a partner-cen tric approach to telematics data. John Deere has partnered with HCSS, and Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas has partnered with PowerFleet for telematics. A CENTRAL ROLE Telematics data, thanks to standardization, can now be broadly captured, enough to become a central component of equipment-oriented business processes. But equipment is only one inflection point inside a con tracting business, and telematics data is now being mashed up with data on people, cost, proj ects and more. ET

— EquipmentShare CEO William Schlacks

“Our initiatives align with what the major macro vision is: the big problem faced contractors.”by

EQUIPMENTSHARE BIG PICTURE EquipmentShare CEO William Schlacks said the company sees a future well beyond its current footprint. Like other companies leveraging real-time telemat ics information from equipment like Trackunit, EquipmentShare wants to deliver a transforma tional approach to industry-wide issues rather than just facilitating existing business processes. “Our initiatives align with what the major macro vision is—the big problems faced by contractors,” Schlaz said. “There has been no platform that cre ates visibility into the jobsite, and by extension of that, people, equipment and materials. Our next steps will involve our get ting more heavily involved in inventory. Inventory visibility probably does not exist in any industry yet, but is completely disconnected from operations in the construction industry. Visibility is all about enabling status information through workflows, and one of the pri mary workflows is actually rental … But our next steps in this product will take us much deep er into inventory management and our warehouse management system (WMS).”

BUILT AROUND TELEMATICS While equipment manage ment decisions and processes are increasingly being triggered and informed by telematics data, with its T3 operating system for construction, EquipmentShare goes several steps further by harnessing telematics and equip ment data not just from a maintenance but from a resource management standpoint, broad ly across its extended fleet and within individual construction contractor environments. T3 is the foundation of its nationwide equipment distri bution network and hooks into telematics utilization data from every machine in the network. In 2021, EquipmentShare began extending and marketing T3 as an operating system for con tractors, expanding their remit beyond management of rental and owned equipment to broad er management of assets, people and materials in a construction setting. The application ingests equipment telematics data, data from its own timecard applica tion, mobile expense capture and inventory modules. Apps in the T3 suite include: ˜ Fleet: telematicsOEM-agnostic ˜ Time Tracking: Schedule management, labor time card capturing, work order man agement and more ˜ E-Logs: Electronic Logging Device compliance with digi tal reporting ˜ Analytics: Customizable reports on utilization, job cost and more ˜ Work Orders: For equipment maintenance ˜ CRM: Track vendors and customers ˜ Cost Capture: Record expens es from a mobile device along with invoices for full expense management ˜ Inventory: Plan inventory consumption across jobs with a streamlined intake and parts order workflow ˜ Rent Ops: Manage assets on projects with external and internal rental functionality According to EquipmentShare Director of Product Angela Page, because T3 underpins the EquipmentShare rental experience, customers can eas ily add functionality from the application suite to extend the solution they are already relying on deeper into their contract ing business as a broad resource management solution. But there is also a dedicated team of sales reps specifically for T3, a couple dozen strong. Existing customers are assigned their own custom er success manager based on their region, which would help EquipmentShare develop deep rapport with that customer base.

Construction projects can get dirty, but when contractors are working for and around healthcare facilities, consider infection control safety standards.

CREATING AN INFECTION CONTROL STANDARD Beginning in the early 2000s, the UBC started outlining the risks created to better protect

By Jonathan Kozlowski, Editor, Concrete Contractor

JonsonRichardByImagesStockAdobe

©nikomsolftwaer – stock.adobe.com

“We’re 100% self-funded and fund all of our training internally with training centers throughout the U.S. and Canada,” says Bender. People often aren’t considering concrete contractors as carpenters. However, UBC considers “carpenter” an allencompassing term to include just about anything related to the building of a structure, with the exception of MEPs, framing, drywall, trim, roofing, concrete forming, concrete walls, and so on. Most of their concrete work, explains Bender, consists of large-scale construction or commercial concrete projects like high rises, parking garages, malls, bridges, tunnels, poured-inplace foundation walls, insulated concrete form systems, flatwork and slabs. Fun Fact: Peter J Mcquire, cofounder of the UBC created the first Labor day September 5, 1882 to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and“Ifwell-being.yougooutside of our organization, and you ask somebody that does concrete formwork, they’ll tell you they do concrete. But inside our organization, we say, ‘No, you’re a carpenter,’” explains Bender. “But that title and moniker isn’t used by people outside of our organization. They do the same work; the general public doesn’t classify each other outside of our organization like that. But I think we should, anybody that’s working in the trades as a profession should start looking at what they do as building America and give yourself the appropriate title and recognition.”

M ost hospitals or healthcare facilities are under some level of renovation nearly every day. Harmful pathogens can become airborne during construction work and potentially infect patients with compromised immune systems. The work doesn’t even need to be in the building--construction down the road can also pose a threat. In short, a secondary infection occurs when a patient contracts an infection unrelated to the primary issue. For example, should someone be admitted to a hospital for a broken leg and contract

WorkersConstructionProtectingFrom RISKSAIRBORNE on the Jobsite

Aspergillusworkbeen5hospital-acquiredAmericansforinfection.whileStaphylococcusMethicillin-resistantaureus(MRSA)there,that’sasecondaryAccordingtoAllianceAgingResearch,about99,000dieeachyearfrominfections.Andto10%ofthesecaseshaveattributedtoconstructioninahealthcaresetting.ManycontaminantslikeNiger(a.k.a“black mold”) are able to lay dormant on even new constructions for 10 years. If infection control is not handled correctly, contractors can expose any patient going in or out of the facility to harmful Whilepathogens.there are best practices and personal protective equipment for the immediate construction worker and the nearby team, there isn’t a national standard for safety and contamination—the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America (UBC) is looking to change that with Infection Control and Risk Assessment (IRCA) Best Practice in Health Care Facilities. Founded in 1881 and currently representing over 600,000 members, the UBC is the biggest building trade union in North America. According to Tom InfectionBender,Control Risk Assessment Director with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC), the UBC spends about $200 million on training. The EASRCC is in the Eastern District, one of six districts within the UBC, which encompasses much of the original colonies. At about 45,000 members strong, the EASRCC covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C.

44 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE |

He’s seeing the Federal Guidelines Institute has started to change regulations to require any renovations to follow current standards. There can be issues should these regulations not consider older structures. “The standards are definitely coming, but unfortunately, right now, they’re just not there,” Bender says. Addressing an official national standard for infection control during construction, the UBC developed a national ICRA best practices curriculum with the assistance of industry partners and subject matter experts. The EASRCC and UBC have implemented this ICRA program to help train construction workers on proper procedures to contain work sites during construction or renovation across the U.S. and Canada. As part of this training, carpenters learn how to seal themselves off from the rest of the facility and patients, how to control air flow by creating negative pressure within their construction area so no debris or harmful contaminants can escape, and how to use HEPA machines to clean the air as they work. Once trained the EASRCC instructors help to train other trade workers to the same standards and procedures to reduce the secondary acquired infections at healthcare facilities. There are two ICRA training programs available for contractors: The 24-hour training program was created for UBC members that will actually work in a health care facility and build the containments. This curriculum

WHAT CONTRACTORS CAN DO Know the risks associated with the Understandwork the effects of the work performed: inform, and educate the owner of what is planned. For example, how much dust will be generated from that floor grinder? How will that be contained? Follow the healthcare facility guidelines, meet their demands, exceed UsePlanexpectationsaheadHEPA-certified filters and systems

SAFETY PRACTICES, TODAY Whether a brand-new construction, a renovation or in-house maintenance, Bender suggests that anyone on a project must be aware of their role in protecting the current and future occupants in any healthcare facility. “Some of the risks that we can cause could linger inside walls above ceilings, below the floor for years before they pose a problem to any patient in the future,” he says. “It’s not just about the patient’s room now or the staff that’s in the building, it’s also about future occupants.”

Urging caution, he continues, “There are case studies from overseas to the ramifications that these outcomes have had for the construction workers for the clinical workers. You put 6, 9, or 12 months into a cancer patient. And they beat cancer, only to die of a secondary infection from the construction project that was going on during their last treatment. It affects everybody, not just that patient.”

Create a negative pressure room with proper exhaust ports, remember to note exhaust direction PPE and PPE decontamination

ET Read more https://eqtoday.co/p9htgcat: patients during construction, renovation and maintenance, using the standards set by the healthcare industry. UBC set out to create an educational training program that quickly became an “unofficial standard.” However, “standard” is a bit of a misnomer here. What really happened was the set down of some best practices, as Bender explains it, to mitigate the secondary infection rates in hospitals that arise from construction activities. He cites that more than 2 million people are subject to these types of secondary infections like MRSA, urinary tract infections and C. Diff, about 100,000 of those patients end up dying and up to 10% of those cases are related to Infectionconstruction.controlis a two-sided coin with clinical on one and construction on the other. The clinical side protects patients and has national standards. These standards are stronglyHowever,enforced.theconstruction side poses a bit more of a challenge in creating a true “national standard.” Construction protocols for ICRA are typically regional and network driven. These networks–especially those for in the eastern region of the U.S.–might include 5-year-old hospitals and 105-yearold hospitals. The question at hand, says Bender, is “How do you go about complying with all the rules in a building that is terrazzo floors and cementitious speed tile walls and ceilings when you have another building that was built 100 years sooner?”

Thehands-on.8-hour training program was designed for the people that have to work around or in a healthcare facility but are not responsible for the containment construction themselves.

Mostly focused on the stoppage of particulates and debris, IRCA protocols was designed for containment. Where OSHA’s mandates are mostly on an allowance of silica in the air, ICRA is concerned with all contaminants and any type of debris. It goes beyond making sure HEPA-certified filters and vacuums for the system are used; ICRA wants their trainees to understand how and why they should use them. Beyond training and erring on the side of caution, there isn’t a magic equation for the estimation process, unfortunately. Figuring out how to bid while both expecting the unexpected and not bidding oneself out of the market can be difficult. Consider comparing the infection control concept to knowing how many braces to use on a concrete form— you won’t until you don’t put enough in. At that point the outcome can either be a small leak or catastrophic. It’s similar in an ICRA environment. “You never know if you’ve done too much or if you’ve gone overboard,” comments Bender. “But you find out quickly if you didn’t do enough.”

FLIPPING THAT COIN On the coin of infection control standards for a healthcare facility construction project, contractors should think about their own employees, as well. Healthcare networks, says Bender, are starting to look at if contractor companies are providing healthcare to the workers and considering that when reviewing bids for projects, along with the plans contractors might have in place to contain the job. Having these practices in play and ensuring workers are certified and trained to run the jobsite safely can all add up to winning the next bid. But, consider that these issues are not exclusive to healthcare facility projects but schools and grocery stores, as well. The UBC also has developed ICRA best practices and curriculum dedicated to non-healthcare work following federal guidelines for constructions concerning beverage and food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hotels and education centers.

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 45 SAFETY & COMPLIANCE requires the attendee to be in the classroom for a total of 24 hours, in person. It’s designed to be a threeday class with two days (16 hours) of classroom training and 8 hours

When East Coast Demolition, a hazardous material abatement and demolition contractor, was hired to demo, recycle, clear and prep a commercial lot, they needed a way to control dust emissions from affecting the local residents and businesses.

46 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

A pioneer in atomized misting equipment has helped a suppressionhazardousenceselectedbusinesses,dentialVA.atthedemolish,TheNorthcontractorrialisEastlocation,apartmentstheremainingpreventedlaborcontrol.AtomDemolitionofexcavatorssuppressiondemolitionhazardouscommunityworkerscompanydemolitionprotectandthesurroundingfrompotentiallydustduringindoorwithitsnewesttechnology.Asminidemolishedtheinsideaformermall,EastCoastusedtheDustBossforautomatedparticleWithnoneedfortoholdahose,theAtomdustemissionsfromairborneorleavingarea.ConstructionofluxuryseniorareplannedfortheopeningJune2022.CoastDemolition(ECD)afull-servicehazardousmateabatementanddemolitionservingnortheasternCarolinaandVirginia.firmwascontractedtorecycle,clearandprepoldsiteofTheVillageShopsKingsmillinWilliamsburg,DuetoitsproximitytoresicommunitiesandlocalthegeneralcontractorECDforitsexperiintheproperhandlingofmaterialsanddustmethods.

DemolitionCoastEast

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

RESULT With a throw of 100 ft., the adjustable elevation angle and user-defined oscillation allow

Case Study: Indoor Demo Requires ATOMIZED MIST TECH To Control Dust

“Owners, general contrac tors and developers select East Coast because we offer worry-free, turnkey services,” explains Ricky Webb, chief operating officer of East Coast Demolition. “We initi ate, perform and execute projects of all sizes and complexities for the private, municipal, commer cial and federal markets. We take environmental hazards very seri ously because we want to be good stewards of the communities we serve. From a best practices stand point, experience has taught us that atomized misting equipment for dust suppression is one of the best safety and compliance tools in ourThefleet.”project involved the demolition of 7 structures with a total of ≈7,500 sq./m. (≈81,000 sq/ft) of building space and more than four acres of asphalt flattop. The estimat ed timeline was 10-12 weeks to take down structures made pri marily of cinder block and brick on a cement foundation. Using a fleet of 12 dump trailers, the site prep involved a complete clearing of all debris with the exception of crushing stone material into aggregate for stor ageTheon-site.Atom features a Kohler KD440 power plant - a 9.1 horsepower air-cooled engine that meets Tier-IV Final emissions standards and com plies with California CARB requirements.Oneofthe challenges on this project was the removal of the roofing and floor tile, which both contained asbestos. The task of soft-stripping these ele ments is often done by hand to avoid producing excessive dust, but to mitigate potential worker exposure to asbestos fibers, the company employed heavy equip ment and a new specialized dust control design from BossTek. Using equipment instead of manpower for demolition and dust suppression improves safe ty and drastically reduces the amount of time needed for inter nal Sincestripping.theKingsmill proj ect featured tight areas that had to be addressed with precision, the DustBoss Atom was cho sen for its ability to produce a highly pressurized water stream that fractures into a fine mist which can be directed right to the source of dust. Using its oscillating head, the com pact unit delivers both airborne and surface suppression using a fraction of the water volume of manual spraying, helping to minimize oversaturation and runoff. The system is fitted with a Cat Pumps 56G1 water pump that requires just 40 PSI (0.344 BAR) minimum inlet pressure, connected by a 1-in. cam-andgroove quick-disconnect fitting. A standard hand-held 3/4-in. hose attached to a hydrant gen erally delivers up to 83 lpm (22 gpm) of water. Instead of relying on water pressure, the Atom uses a 1-in. hose attachment from a water source running to a pump powered by a 9.1 HP diesel engine. The increase in pressure from the pump rather than rely ing on pressure from the hydrant means the design uses only ~26 lpm (7 gpm). This greatly reduc es wastewater runoff and the amount of standing water in the area, allowing the machine to be distant from the water source and still deliver superior dust control.With a throw of 30 m (~100 ft.), the unit’s 0 to 65-degree ver tical adjustment and 100-degree maximum oscillation range increase the coverage area to 567 sq/m (6,100 sq/ft). Using the hand-held remote control, opera tors can set the oscillation range from the cab of their rig or at a safe distance from the demoli tion zone. “A single worker was able to wheel the Atom around by hand, place it, determine the optimum settings and go do something else,” Webb said. “The versatility is great because if we need dust control in another building or on the storage piles, we can get the unit there quickly, turn it on and walk away. The labor savings alone makes it worth the money, but the safety and ease of use are hugeTherebenefits.”were some clear advan tages to having precision dust control one is that workers can stay protected in enclosed cabs and change the Atom’s settings with a remote con trol. Another advantage was the dust’s effect on equipment. In the past, workers perform ing demolition inside structures had to clean the excessive build up of dust out of equipment air intakes and radiators to pre vent engine breakdowns. Since dust is addressed at the point of emission, this activity is reduced considerably, saving maintenance time and protecting valuable equipment.

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 47 SAFETY & COMPLIANCE precise aiming of a powerful dust-capturing mist, which is comprised of millions of droplets per minute in the range of 50-200 microns. There had been zero dust-related complaints from neighbors and local businesses. This has had a positive impact on the general contractor’s impression—as well as the local environmental inspector’s assessment—of East Coast Demolition.

“From a perception standpoint, when the public and the city observe these DustBoss units in operation, they are immediately more at ease seeing that the dust is being properly contained,” Webb says. “From a business perspective, general contractors know we have the equipment, safety and compliance measures in place to do the job properly.”Byhaving a versatile, hands-free dust control unit, sites are safer and more compliant, while reducing the cost of operation. The compact, diesel-powered DustBoss Atom takes up little room, is useful on any site, and is easily maneuverable by a single worker on flat surfaces. “It was great working with the BossTek team to get us exactly the machine we needed to do the job right,” Webb says. “This equipment has actually helped us capture new business; that’s how much value they bring to our company.” ET Rick Felde is the owner of FelCom, LLC, and represents BossTek in industry-leading marketing and communications efforts.

GOT CPM-8HAZARDS?TRIP CRETE-PLANER® Milling Machine Available in Gas, Electric, and Propane CPM-8 + VAC 200 + GENERATOR = PROBLEM SOLVED! edcostore.com • sales@edcostore.com • edcoinc.com VAC 200 The system is fitted with a Cat Pumps 56G1 water pump that requires just 40 PSI (0.344 BAR) minimum inlet pressure, connected by a 1-in. camand-groove quick-disconnect fitting. Construction of luxury senior apartments for the location, which opened June 2022. DemolitionCoastEastDemolitionCoastEast East Coast Demolition

HIPOWER SYSTEMS HNI Series HIPOWER SYSTEMS has added new models to the Heavy Duty Industrial Natural Gas (HNI) Series: HNI-80, HNI-100, HNI125 and HNI-150. The natural gas ratings are 80 kW, 100 kW, 125 kW and 150 kW respectively. The HNI series is specifically designed for use with data management, healthcare, construction or any other critical installation that requires a standby generator. Available in voltages ranging from singlephase 240/120 to three-phase 600/347, the HNI series supports low voltage stationary applications. The HNI series is designed to be used in stationary and specific markets with options ranging from fuel types, enclosures, enclosure accessories, I/O expansions and breaker types to meet various engineering specifications. Read more https://eqtoday.co/HNIat: Lincoln Electric VIKING 2450 ADV Series

The first rollout of the BuildWitt Training platform offers bite-size training videos on five critical construction jobs: laborer, grade checker, pipelayer, operator (with instructions for 10 machines), and field supervisor or foreman. The platform launched this summer and has more than 350 video lessons that go over industry basics, safety, roles and responsibilities, and tips and tricks, among other topics. Another several hundred video lessons will be available by the end of the year. The microlearning app-based format delivers short videos, assessments and quizzes. Read more

48 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment SAFETY & COMPLIANCE Products

Operators can activate or deactivate the light using a low-profile external control. When activated, the light illuminates the work area for workspace visibility during arc-off time. To save power and increase battery life when welding, the LED light automatically turns off when the operator strikes an arc and turns back on when the arc is extinguished. The light also features a removable battery pack powered by a AA battery.

Read more InTempohttps://eqtoday.co/TennaCamat:Software

Replacements can be conducted without interfering with the helmet’s primary functions. Read more

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TENNA, a construction fleet technology platform, announces the launch of TennaCAM 2.0. TennaCAM 2.0 is a dash camera with AI technology for its construction-focused equipment fleet management platform. TennaCAM 2.0 is an upgrade to Tenna’s existing TennaCAM safety camera. TennaCAM 2.0 features dual-facing HD cameras with AI capabilities on the interior-facing camera. Paired with a TennaFLEET tracker, TennaCAM 2.0 supplies context to GPS-based alerts for hard braking, rapid acceleration, speeding and more, as well as provides invaluable evidence after accidents or unexpected events. A driver event/panic button allows drivers to trigger the capture of events in real-time and immediately alert managers.

BuildWitthttps://eqtoday.co/arcflashat:ConstructionTraining Software

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2022 Master Lock Co. is providing Arc Flash and Electrical Safety Services, an end-toend offering that helps companies of all sizes mitigate electrical hazards and achieve regulatory compliance. The end-to-end services include arc flash assessments, infrared (IR) scanning, electrical safety training and auditing. The assessment includes collecting data to create an accurate one-line diagram representing the electrical distribution system for the entire plant or facility. Master Lock enhances its arc flash risk assessment with evaluation and guidance to implement effective electrical safety programs. Services include electrical safety policy development, IR thermography inspection, electrical audits and NFPA 70E compliance training. Read more

The HIPOWER SYSTEMS Tier 4 Final generators are available with 25-1,375 kVA capacities. All HIPOWER T4F rental generators come standard with manual/ auto start digital control panels for accurate readings and protection. The ComAp InteliGen NT Base box paralleling controller is standard for 125 kVA models and above, allowing up to 32 individual controllers to be paralleled together. Additionally, the ComAp IG-NT-BB controller has the ability to shut down individual gensets based on load demand to help reduce fuel consumption, emissions and run hours while extending autonomy. HIPOWER T4F rental generators are designed with an integral fuel tank with standard 110% fluid containment for any potential diesel, fuel, coolant or oil spills.

Tenna Announces New Dash Camera

InTempo Software’s newest offering, a realtime payment processing module for InTempo Enterprise, allows users to securely process credit and debit cards without leaving their rental software. With Curbstone, rental companies can keep cards on file, reduce their PCI compliance obligations, and save money on their payment processing fees. Full support for rental-specific transactions–such as cash customers and cycle billing–make payment processing simple. Read more https://eqtoday.co/InTempoat: Makita LED Flashlight

The DML816 is designed for use in tight areas or when a more focused light source is needed. The flashlight operates in three modes offering 500 lumens on high, 250 lumens on medium and 100 lumens on low. It can offer up to 75 hours of continuous light when powered by an 18V LXT 6.0Ah battery. The flashlight features a compact and ergonomic design that measures only 15 3/4 in. when fully extended and can be used as either a handheld light or a stationary light that is set on a work surface. The rubberized soft grip handle provides increased user comfort. For flashlight head folds up and down with seven positive stops and rotates left to right for multiple lighting angles. Read more https://eqtoday.co/jjwqj5at:

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“Construction employment has stalled in many states, even though contractors have plenty of projects needing more employees, due to a dearth of qualified workers,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), regarding an analysis of federal employment data the AGC released in late July 2022. “Only half the states had an increase in construction employment last month.”Inthis recurring Bridging the Gap series, experts have covered simulators to help new employees get to know their future jobs better, the concept of investing in training new and current employees and the idea of spinning construction as a technology job for Gen Z workers. This column touched Construction industry hiring managers should seek engaged employees from many different facets and backgrounds. adobe.stock.com

August 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 49www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment BRIDGING THE GAP | By Erica Floyd, Editor-in-Chief, Equipment Today

Say This, Not That: Changing the ConversationAround Construction Careers to Lure Labor With construction employment stalling in many states, many projects are slowing or stalling.

A s prices for materials, equipment, labor and shipping continue to increase due to unprecedented inflation in the United States, as well as various supply chain crises, both nonresidential and residential construction timelines continue to lengthen. In general, a universal truth when analyzing a labor shortage: productivity declines when the labor supply is tight. In short, projects are more expensive and taking way longer than they should to complete.

Buy and Sell Nationwide! (34) EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE CATEGORIES! (909) 908-9663 on automation of subcontractor tasks, such as scheduling, payments and documentation. It has touted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) as an excellent opportunity for job building in the United States. It’s also given out practical tips for outreach to potential employees—from offering part-time work to retirees to oldschool paper job postings at local haunts.What it has not touched on as much is revolutionizing a work culture through destigmatizing the preconceived notion of construction as a dirty, undesirable or dead-end job. This month, here are some backto-basics tips for changing the oft-negative conversation around construction as a career into a positive dialogue: SAY THIS: “This is an active and rewarding job. You can be outside and work while being physically active, while still getting the intellectual stimulation of analyzing jobsites, problem solving on the fly and being detail oriented.” Not: “This is a hard job, and you’ll need to be comfortable with grime, dirt and possible injuries.”Theworld needs buildings and roads for infrastructure, as well as multi-family residential buildings to solve a nationwide housing crisis and affordability problem. Construction workers are vital to that progress. What’s more, many people in the U.S. workforce are not meant to sit at a computer, hammer-typing out thousands of chats or emails daily; their skills are better suited to hands-on work and building, whether fine-tuning jobsite plans or running high-tech equipment. The physical satisfaction of these opportunities is what construction hiring managers should tout. SAY THIS: “You’ll get to know and operate incredible equipment, and increased technology has made these machines comfortable, efficient and much safer.” Not: “Anyone can be an operator.”While it may be true that most inexperienced new employees can be trained to become excellent operators, the emphasis during the interview and onboarding process should be on the career opportunity and workplace environment. New employees will be paid somewhere between 3.4 to 4.17% more than employees hired before 2022, according to the latest (CCQ)CompensationContractorQuarterlypublishedbyPAS, Inc., as reported by more than 340 companies in the 40th edition of the Construction / Construction Management Staff Salary Survey. These higher-paid employees are eager for increased autonomy, work-life balance, and a safe, comfortable, positive work environment, according to a March 2022 McKinsey report, “Bridging the Labor Mismatch in U.S. Construction.” The implication that they are expendable or disposable as employees will not work in hiring managers’ favors. A hiring manager should aim to seek employees who fit well within the workplace culture, rather than simply a warm body to run equipment.

SAY THIS: “Training for a construction career can be an excellent alternative to traditional four-year college or university. And it can be like a tech job on certain jobsites, due to the automation of high-level machines.” Not: “If you don’t have a degree, you might as well get a job in construction and make someMakingmoney.”aliving wage is important, but upward mobility and feeling valued at a company matter to most people. Rather than phrase recruitment advertising with an “oh well” tone that indicates HR believes construction is a dead-end job, focus on the benefits, both intellectual and monetary. The lack of student loan debt alone can place young construction workers far ahead of their Gen Z peers financially. Additionally, those higher-paying jobs, with more disposable income available sans student loan debt, are also safer and more engaging than in the past. The increased automation and machine control of higher-tech equipment, from 3D guidance to automated dozers to coldframed steel (CFS) automations and prefabricated options, allow new employees to learn both the technology and the trade, resulting in an ultimately more robust, educated workforce.

SAY THIS: “If you like statistics, estimating is a great way to break into the construction industry.” Not: “There aren’t opportunities in construction for people who don’t want to work on Therejobsites.”are ample opportunities for those interested in the administrative, accounting and other office-based tasks of construction, too. SAY THIS: “The U.S. government is actively working with construction associations and companies to provide pathways into the construction industry for women, people of color and immigrants.” Not: “You might feel left out in thisCurrently,industry.”88% of the construction sector’s workforce is white and 89% is male, according to the March 2022 McKinsey report, “Bridging Recent U.S. government initiatives aim to hire more women for vital construction industry jobs.

@peopleimages.com - adobe.stock.com the labor mismatch in U.S. construction.” Attracting more diverse talent as quickly as possible is imperative, and employers should consider working with nontraditional sources of talent, according to McKinsey, like veteran-transition programs, much-neededpossible,articulatedonboardingandcommunications,needRecruitersworkforcemuchcreatinggrowingnontraditionalindividualsformerly-incarceratedandimmigrants.AGCofficialsrecentlycalledontheU.S.governmenttoallowemployerstosponsormoreforeign-bornworkersandsupportincreasedcareerandtechnicaleducationtobroadenoptionsforworkerstohoneconstructionskills.Similarly,thefederalgovernment’sIIJAshouldspurtrainingpartnershipswithintherecentlyannouncedTalentPipelineChallenge,whichtheWhiteHouseaimstousetobuildpathwaystoqualityjobsforwomen,peopleofcolorandunderservedworkers—includingthosefromruralandtribalcommunitiesandpeoplewholiveinconsistentpoverty.ChristopherHerbert,themanagingdirectorforHarvardUniversity’sJointCenterforHousingStudies,toldtheU.S.HouseofRepresentativesWaysandMeanscommitteeatitsJuly13hearingthattheconstructionindustrytalentpoolmustexpandtoincludemorewomenandimmigrants.In2021,approximately25%ofallU.S.-basedconstructionworkerswereimmigrants,accordingtotheNationalAssociationofHomebuilders.Immigrationreform,Herbertsaid,wouldbeawaytoampupthesupplyofworkersavailableforbuilderstohireandspeedupthecurrentlyway-overdueconstructiontimelinesintheUnitedStates.Theopportunitiesforemployeesareatanexponentialrate,thepotentialforamorediverseconstructionthaneverbefore.andemployersnowtoensuretheirrecruitmentinterviewhiringtechniques,andprocessesarefullyandasinclusiveasastheymakethesenew,hires.

BRIDGING THE GAP 50 EQUIPMENT TODAY | August 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

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85G75G35G $915 OWN IT 310L310SL318G317G ¹Offer valid on qualifying purchases of new equipment made between 1 May 2022 to 31 October 2022. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial, for commercial use only. Down payment may be required. Average down payment is 10%. Taxes, freight, setup, delivery charges and optional features could increase monthly payment. Available at participating U.S. dealers. Prices and available models may vary by dealer. Offers available on qualifying purchases of new equipment purchased in the U.S. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars. 2Qualified equipment includes the 317G canopy package (0730) or cab package (0735) with 12.6” offset block lug tracks, vinyl mechanical suspension seat, 3” seat belt, and 66” construction bucket. 3Qualified equipment includes the PA30B planetary driver auger with skid steer mounting bracket (1008) and a 12 in. Heavy-Duty bit. 4Qualified equipment includes the MP72B Multi-Purpose bucket. 5Qualified equipment includes the GR72B Rock/Brush Grapple bucket. 6Qualified equipment includes the TC36 Trencher with 36 in. by 6 wide standard cup every station. Pricing varies based on attachment. Machine icons are representations of qualified equipment. JohnDeere.com/OwnIt Choose your attachment. AUGER 1,2,3 GRAPPLE1,2,5 TRENCHER1,2,6MULTIPURPOSE BUCKET1,2,4 Complete your fleet with special savings on select models and attachments. Because now’s the time to OWN IT and make your dream lineup a reality. Contact your dealer today. 317G $989 WITH CAB PER MONTH 1,2