46 minute read
IN-CAB TECHNOLOGY DRIVES SAFETY
Discourage distracted driving and monitor driver behavior with driver apps and dash cam technology.
While mobile devices can help us a lot, they’re leading to some very unfortunate unintended consequences. For example, 40% of commercial driving accidents are being caused by device distraction.
Distracted and inattentive driving are leading causes of vehicle-related accidents as the influx of mobile technologies competes for drivers’ attention. There are in-cab solutions that not only help minimize multi-tasking during critical drive time, but also detect drowsy driving, aggressive driving and threats from other vehicles on the road.
Solutions exist that can help manage mobile technology use while behind the wheel. One example is TRUCE Software.
“TRUCE is all about providing employees with the right mobile features and functionality at the right time,” says Joseph Boyle, TRUCE CEO. “It all boils down to the individual employee’s context, such as their proximity to heavy equipment, work group and time of day, for example. Mobile device permissions adjust automatically and in real time as the employee’s environment changes throughout a shift.”
What is okay for an employee to do with a device while in the break room, for example, is different from what might be considered appropriate use when driving a vehicle. The company sets its mobile use policy and TRUCE simply helps to enforce that from a tech standpoint. No monitoring or manual intervention is involved.
“Dynamic enforcement of an employer’s mobile device policy based on each employee’s real-time context helps ensure workers are safe and productive, while still giving them the freedom to keep their mobile device on them throughout a shift,” explains Boyle. “At TRUCE, we don’t believe phone bans in work environments are the answer.”
SITUATIONAL APP USE DRIVES SAFETY
Trying to limit use through broad company policies has not proven very effective. “A flexible solution is needed that allows you to understand, define and enforce different use policies for different environments,” says Boyle.
For example, when an employee is on a jobsite, they may need access to certain applications. When that employee is in a vehicle, access to most applications, except hands-free calling, can be temporarily restricted. “You can use turn-by-turn directions as long as you’re not typing in the address while you are driving,” notes Boyle. “And you can listen to your music and podcasts, for example, but your ability to check emails or work orders while driving is withheld until the employee is no longer driving.”
The use will be determined by the employer policy. “It’s all about your acceptable use policy,” says Boyle. “How does that change situationally? You define those policies in [TRUCE’s} application and then we bring them to life.”
The technology relies on contextual indicators. It is more about context than location. “We are not interested in monitoring where people are. There are tracking technology companies that do that,” Boyle states. “We are interested in making sure employees are getting safe and productive use out of their technology. It’s about getting what you want out of the mobile device and not having the by-products.
“We go after the root cause of the issue, which is we’re addicted to our devices. We stare at them constantly — most of the time not even realizing that we’re doing it,” he comments. When employees can’t access unnecessary apps, that behavior changes. “They put the phone away and focus on the task at hand.”
The results speak for themselves. “Our customers typically see between a 30% to 40% reduction in accidents after deploying TRUCE,” says Boyle.
DASH CAM TECHNOLOGY KEEP DRIVERS ALERT
Beyond mobile technology distractions, there are other factors such as driver fatigue and aggressive driving habits that can lead to increased risk. In-cab camera technologies have proven an effective solution to address these issues, as well as protect drivers and companies from liability from accidents caused by other roads users.
“Camera technology has been around for some time,” says Mayank Sharma, head of global product management and UX, Teletrac Navman. “With the advent of the smartphone, it’s become mainstream on the consumer side and it is everywhere. Obviously, there is overflow into the commercial side.”
It started with recording videos on SD cards and has progressed to connected dash cams that give real-time access to video data in the cloud using mobile apps or the web. “The benefits are that you can see all the way from prevention of accidents to reducing accidents,” says Sharma.
On one side, this technology proactively reduces accidents. “The other side is more incident management or incident capture so that you can coach drivers, which will ultimately results in safer driving and on-road behavior,” Sharma explains. “Those are the two spectrums, but in the middle there are a ton of other benefits for the fleet manager.”
Driver retention is among these benefits. “If your fleets are generally safer you can retain drivers longer,” notes Sharma.
Insurance is another benefit. “There is actually a connection between using this data and going to your insurance company to say my fleet is safer and my premiums should be lower based on how my drivers drive,” Sharma points out.
Maintenance costs can also be reduced. “How you drive safer is by not braking too much, not cornering too harshly,” says Sharma. “That helps you with maintenance costs, which is sort of an implicit benefit, as well as fuel reduction cost. So, today there are a whole host of benefits that come from adopting dash cams, and especially connected dash cams, in your fleets.”
Dash cam technology presents a clear picture of driving events. “First of all, video provides visual proof and context around telematics-triggered events,” says Andrew Rybak, business development manager, marketplace, Geotab. “For example, it can reveal what the driver was doing when a harsh braking event occurred. Also, the dash cam can be used to exonerate a driver. Video captured by dash cam can be used as evidence when a driver is incorrectly deemed at fault for an accident.”
Omnitracs reports that 85% of collisions are not the fault of the commercial driver.
But dash cam technology does increase safe driving behaviors, as well. “The installation of a dash cam can immediately reduce accidents or close calls through alerts for unsafe behavior,” says Rybak. “Some drivers will also be more mindful knowing that a camera is monitoring their driving.”
Not all dash cams are the same. “There are wide varieties
Walsh Construction uses the Contextual Mobility Management administrative portal to design policies and view insights into the types of activities being managed and blocked by the system.
of technologies that range from dash cams that simply record audio and video to capture information in and around the vehicle, to more proactive safety systems that are integrated with the vehicle,” says Jason Palmer, GM of transportation intelligence, Omnitracs. “These safety systems will alert the driver if they are distracted, fatigued, following too close or unsafely maneuvering the vehicle. Events from the advanced systems can then be analyzed by driving experts to determine if the driver needs additional training.”
There are reactive and proactive systems. “Reactive systems that simply record what is happening in and around the vehicle are primarily focused on recording situations for exonerating the driver,” notes Palmer. “For those systems that are more proactive in measuring driving performance and alerting the driver, they can have an immediate impact in reducing collisions.”
The driver-facing camera is important for implementation of proactive systems. “Dash cam technology can provide proactive driver alerts for distracted or drowsy driving as long as there is a driver-facing lens and the driver system monitoring (DSM) is enabled,” says Rybak. “For fleets unwilling to capture what is going on inside the cabin, they do have options. They may install a road facing-only dash cam, block the driver-facing camera or use the driver-facing camera as a sensor that does not capture video. However, the most effective approach to keeping everyone safe usually includes a road- and driver-facing camera.”
The inward-facing camera is very focused on driver behavior. According to Sharma, phone usage is the most commonly recorded violation captured, followed by seat belt use. The camera is able to detect if the driver is wearing the seat belt or not.
The return on investment in dash cam technology should be immediate. “We expect our customers to realize immediate results when deploying video-based AI (artificial intelligence) technology,” says Rybak. “For example, AI-based video telematics can recognize when a driver is doing something risky, such as using their cell phone or following too closely, and immediately alert the driver.”
RECORDED INFRACTIONS DRIVE IMPROVEMENT
Cameras will give you a true picture of what is happening in the fleet. “With cabin-facing dashboard cameras, the most common events typically captured are cell phone use, drowsy driving, eating or drinking distractions, improper seat belt use and tampering with the camera,” says Rybak. “With road-facing cams, they can capture forward-collision warnings, stop sign violations, risky lane departures and unsafe following distance.”
Systems are becoming more sophisticated. “The most basic triggers are based on hard braking, cornering and speeding,” says Palmer. “More sophisticated systems will leverage computer vision and AI to measure driver inattention, fatigue, following distance, collision warning, U-turns and speeding.
“Safety systems are now also leveraging streaming data in real time to measure impending inclement weather and can advise the driver when they may need to reduce speed,” he adds. “It can also monitor vehicle health and the location of a vehicle to dispatch maintenance when there is an issue where they are parked unsafely, ultimately to quickly intervene to get the driver to a safe location.”
AI technology can gauge the condition of the driver, as well. “We are able to track the iris, the eyeball direction where you are looking,” says Sharma. “Those technologies are available and they’re pretty mature. You are able to pretty accurately detect if the driver is distracted; it’s called engaged tracking. But there is also head tilt tracking. If your head is tilted down, you really can’t focus on the road. You are focusing on something else.” Audible alerts are used to get the driver re-focused. Walsh Construction is requiring use of TRUCE Software’s Contextual Mobility Management for anyone with a company-issued vehicle. The goal is to reduce driving distractions that can lead to vehicular incidents.
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Teletrac Navman
The Teletrac Navman DIRECTOR Event Viewer feature, paired with dashboard camera footage, can be used for a full view of unsafe driving events to coach drivers on driving behavior or acquit the driver of being at fault.
The Lytx DriveCam device mounted on the windscreen contains a forward-looking lens and a lens focused on the interior of the cab. It also contains an accelerometer and other components to record data.
Lytx DriveCam Event Recorders detect risk using a combination of sensors such as accelerometers, machine vision and artificial intelligence. “Accelerometers allow us to capture unsafe driving events such as hard acceleration, braking, speeding, cornering and high G-force events,” says Ofelia Chernock, senior product marketing manager, Lytx. “Machine vision and AI provide additional vehicle and driver movements that can help identify risky and distracted driving.
“Traditional sensors capture risky and inefficient driving.
Lytx technology monitors for patterns of persistent driving behavior and selects representative highlights of video
that users can use as coaching opportunities,” Chernock explains. “Events are triggered when the DriveCam Event Recorder sensors detect certain behaviors, unusual or abrupt movement or when prompted by third-party ADAS signals.”
The results again speak for themselves. “Typically, a Lytx client will see results within the first few weeks of implementing the video-based safety technology,” says Chernock. “In a recent study conducted with more than 1,500 vehicles this year, fleets saw a 50% reduction in handheld use within days of implementing our technology, a result that was sustained for more than 29 weeks.
“By addressing the root causes of collisions and near collisions, our clients have seen substantial reductions in claims, with many seeing up to 80% reduction in claims costs within a year of installing our system,” she adds. “Our clients can see a 300% ROI and up to 50% reduction in collisions.”
Dash cams can serve as a deterrent simply by their presence. “Drivers are more cautious,” says Sharma. “The dash cam is right there. There is an immediate drop in risky behavior.” But in order for successful implementation, you need to communicate with drivers. “It is just transparency. You need to be open with your drivers about what you are actually recording and for what purposes.”
Many of the concerns drivers express about this technology are the same expressed 15 or 20 years ago surrounding GPS tracking technology. “That concern is still there, but I think largely now people understand the benefit,” Sharma comments. “I think camera technology is going down the same path.
“It is really about using coaching and transparency with your employees,” he continues. Explain the purpose and use examples. “Show examples where it actually prevented an accident or it saved somebody after the accident.” Also demonstrate cases where the driver is exonerated because the video shows the driver was not at fault.
DASH CAMS ENHANCE TELEMATICS DATA
Dash cam technology adds a new level of capability to telematics data.
“Traditional telematics software that merely identifies G-force triggers, such as excessive braking or swerving, produces results that do not tell the whole story. Video evidence from dash cam technology exposes more than regular telematics could ever do,” says Chernock. “This is where we have seen big gains in safety and productivity over the past 20 years. Once you layer on technologies like machine vision and AI, the value of video grows exponentially. We can now identify whether a driver is distracted by their phone, drives through a stop sign, forgets to fasten their seat belt, is smoking while transporting hazardous or combustible cargo and so much more.
“In addition, understanding what happened in the leadup to an unsafe or risky event, for example, enables fleet safety managers to paint a complete picture of the driver’s risk profile as well as the fleet’s risk profile — all the while, moving toward an improved safety culture,” she notes. “With precise, accurate data, fleet safety managers can proactively detect risky driving habits and correct them through personalized or self-coaching, reducing the likelihood of potentially dangerous road incidents.”
Real-time monitoring through integrated technologies can proactively prevent accidents. “Only advanced safety systems that incorporate computer vision, telematics and sensors can consistently measure driver alertness,” says Palmer. “The (Omnitracs) SmartRecorder4 or SR4, our 2nd-generation system, measures driver distraction to alert drivers in real time, as well as notify the driving expert if the situation persists so that they can proactively manage the situation.”
But there is a balancing act. Too many alerts coming from multiple devices can actually cause the warning devices to become the distraction.
“Because we are starting to see a breadth of safety alerts in the vehicle, it is important to integrate with the vehicle to only alert the driver from one system,” Palmer acknowledges. “For example, if the vehicle has a forward collision warning system, the dash cam will not confuse the driver by offering up duplicate alerts at the same time. With the growing breadth of potential alerts that may be given to the driver at any time, visual or text to speech alerting ensures that the driver clearly understands what they are being asked to do at that time.”
Dash cam technology is available for all fleets. “Every fleet can benefit from dash cam technology since there is not a fleet that is 100% risk-free,” says Rybak. ROI varies with each client’s unique situation. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dash cams or video telematics. “We have seen interest from some fleets that are prone to legal or reputational risk, such as those with branded trucks. Another group of companies that realize the biggest return on investment are the self-insured vehicle fleets, as they pay the full cost of each and every accident.”
Dash cam technology helps reinforce a safety culture. “It becomes part of the larger story and safety culture for the organization,” says Chernock. “Many of our clients find both hard ROI in the form of fewer claims, lower vehicle maintenance costs, better fuel efficiency and reduced workers’ compensation claims. But they have also found ‘soft’ returns as well, such as a stronger safety culture where workers do the right thing even when no one is watching or better communication and trust between drivers and fleet managers.”
There are many distractions as today’s drivers attempt to multi-task, and mobile technologies often compete for attention. In addition, drivers often face tight deadlines, which can lead to aggressive driving. As we have shown, there are in-cab technology solutions that can help discourage aggressive driving while keeping your drivers focused on the road. ET
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— Brian Screeton, Bendix
Adashboard warning light can send a simple and clear message: Something on your truck needs to be checked. But on today’s complex vehicles — and particularly when it comes to their increasingly interconnected safety systems — knowing exactly how and what to check can mean the difference between hours and days of costly downtime.
“Sometimes the first response to an indicated electronics problem within collision mitigation systems may be to start removing and replacing components,” says TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions - controls. “But there are plenty of times when a component isn’t the issue, so we recommend starting by running a diagnostic software tool that shows a system view of what’s on the vehicle that includes key vehicle components, as well.”
This assessment can give the technician a quick overview of what’s going on, especially when more than one component shows similar active Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), such as J1939 communication errors. The technician can look for frayed wires, corroded connectors or blown fuses. Equipment such as cameras and radar should also be checked to make sure they’re not obstructed by things like road debris, snow and ice.
Some DTCs are self-clearing.
How to minimize vehicle downtime in the maintenance bay.
“This means that simply by fixing the situation — removing the obstructing debris, for instance — the indicator lights and associated fault codes will be deactivated,” says Thomas. Service data sheets should call out these types of DTCs so the technician can be aware of what kinds of conditions generate them.
If this initial approach comes up empty and it looks like the problem is something a bit deeper, then having the right tools and the know-how to use them is the key to getting trucks back on the road and in good working order as quickly as possible.
IT’S ALL CONNECTED
More than ever, the various systems across a commercial vehicle are intertwined, with multiple electronic control units (ECUs) sharing necessary information over the J1939 network. For example, automated transmissions depend upon information from the engines to operate properly and at their highest efficiency.
“The best tip we can give for diagnosing faults in higher-level safety systems like adaptive cruise control is to make sure you’re looking at the entire truck first,” says Brian Screeton, Bendix supervisor - technical service training. “If a driver reports an adaptive cruise fault, then a technician might connect the diagnosing tool just to the radar. There may not be an active fault there, but they wind up going down a rabbit hole and spending time trying to troubleshoot inactive faults when really it turns out there’s an engine problem driving the whole thing. Faults in one system can be driven by a completely separate system component.”
Because of that possibility, Screeton recommends that technicians run a comprehensive DTC report as a benchmark to know the vehicle’s full status before making any changes to the truck.
THE RIGHT TOOLS
Before assuming that an advanced safety system active DTC means something is wrong with that system, technicians should make sure they’re using a tool that gives them visibility to any active DTCs being broadcast on the vehicle’s J1939 network. Bendix ACom PRO is one such tool. But the important thing is having a diagnostic tool that shows DTCs of the full vehicle.
“A tool that shows you an active DTC on the engine retarder, for instance, tells you that you need to troubleshoot that issue first because it may be the cause of your adaptive cruise control DTC,” Screeton points out. “In fact, we recommend technicians always troubleshoot any active engine faults first because of the way they impact other system faults.” ADDRESSING ADAS
Advanced driver assistance systems are deeply integrated through their communications with systems like the brakes, engine and transmission. They include their own ECUs and sensors such as camera and radar units — components that require an extra degree of caution.
“Physical components of stability and collision mitigation systems generally require maintenance only if changes have been made to certain parts of a vehicle. If you do a front-end alignment or work on the steering linkage, for example, then you’ll need to recalibrate the steering angle sensor according to the manufacturer’s guidelines,” says Thomas. “Before a technician adjusts a camera or radar, we stress that they address any J1939 faults or engine faults first. You don’t want to have to take time replacing or realigning a sensor if it’s not necessary.”
Modern diagnostic tools increasingly have the ability to make changes to systems, from calibration to reconfiguration. Bendix strongly recommends that any individual technician confirm with maintenance or fleet management before making any performance changes to ensure the result will be consistent with what the fleet wants. ET
Bosch PROFACTOR 18V 3/4-in. Impact Wrench
The cordless PROFACTOR 18V 3/4-in. impact wrench with Friction Ring and Thru-Hole features BITURBO Brushless technology, a high-performance motor and a drivetrain system engineered to take full advantage of the batteries’ power.
•Delivers up to 770 ft.-lbs. of fastening torque and 1,250 ft.-lbs. of max breakaway torque •3/4-in. friction ring and thru hole enable fast socket changes and a more secure fit •Compatible and optimized for use with CORE18V 8.0ah PROFACTOR Performance and 12.0Ah PROFACTOR Exclusive batteries •Feature ergonomically designed soft grip for comfort and better tool handling www.forconstructionpros.com/21627710
JAX Bio-Guard Lubricants
The Bio-Guard line of technologically advanced lubricants is designed to maximize operational efficiencies with environmentally acceptable formulations.
•Meet EPA technical definitions and requirements for biodegradability, toxicity and bioaccumulation •Include oils, fluids and greases suited for the specific challenges encountered in wire rope, gearbox, bearing and hydraulic system applications •Provide reliability in harsh environments www.forconstructionpros.com/21940131
Bendix ACom PRO Diagnostic Software
ACom PRO diagnostic software now includes an integrated “Bendix Demo Truck” mode that adds a new level of training capability to help technicians get up to speed with the full suite of capabilities as quickly as possible.
•Automatically detects and gathers active and inactive diagnostic troubleshooting codes (DTCs) from all Bendix and other key vehicle ECUs •Uses internet connectivity to display schematics and related information specific to a particular system fault via Noregon’s Fault Guidance feature •Service Data Sheets available offline •Subscription-based tool regularly updated to keep pace with diagnostic needs www.forconstructionpros.com/21772128
TVH Track Bar Systems
Track bar solutions for light construction equipment enable a single technician to reinstall a rubber track that slides off the idler whether in the shop or on a jobsite.
•Can also be used to completely remove a track if needed •Include three track bar pieces that are lightweight, portable and easy to store •All three track bars can be left on the rubber track for one full rotation without damaging the machine •One size fits multiple types of compact track loaders www.forconstructionpros.com/21927902
Graco Pulse Level Tank Monitoring System
The Pulse Level Tank Monitoring system includes a choice of multiple tank-level monitoring technologies, including a system that runs entirely on WiFi.
•Measures amount of fluid in a tank for more visibility over inventory levels and dispensed fluids •Data can be used to simplify procurement, improve profitability and assess the overall performance of crews and technicians •Compatible with LTE networks, available in WiFi configurations and designed to be easy to use www.forconstructionpros.com/21940105
Chicago Pneumatic CP86 Cordless Connected Nutrunner
The CP86 series nutrunner is available with the CPLinQ app to provide instant real-time performance feedback on tool status and job performance data.
•Four models offer torque levels from 170 to 5,975 ft.-lbs. and come in a standalone CP86 variant and connected C and CQ variants with dedicated CPLinQ app •Provide a constant tightening speed of up to 10 rpm and high precision to ensure bolts are tightened correctly •Compact, long-lasting 36V/2.5-Ah battery enables extended use •Include a second start button as well as swiveling with an ergonomic handle www.forconstructionpros.com/21940099
BKT EARTHMAX SR 51
The 875/65 R 29 L-5 size of EARTHMAX SR 51 with extra-deep L-5 tread offers greater cut and puncture protection and longer wear life to wheel loaders in aggressive applications.
•Features extra sidewall protection for enhanced traction and durability •All-steel structure and cut-resistant compounds help increase productivity and operating hours •Low-profile design and reinforced beads offer more stability •Square-shaped shoulder laterally ejects gravel and reduces the risk of punctures •Also available in 17.5 R 25, 20.5 R 25, 23.5 R 25, 29.5 R 29, 35/65 R 29 and 35/65 R 3 with L-5 class tread www.forconstructionpros.com/21927892
World of Concrete returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center in its traditional time frame from January 17 to 20, 2022. It will host approximately 1,500 exhibiting companies occupying more than 700,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor exhibit space. Here are products from select exhibiting companies, in addition to others found throughout this issue. Find the full list of exhibitors at www.worldofconcrete.com, and be sure to follow our exclusive show coverage at www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete.
Kato CL35 Compact Track Loader
The CL35 has a rated operating capacity of 2,458.2 lbs. (50% tipping load).
•62-hp Kubota V2403 engine •Offers a 6,475-lb. breakout force, 7-ft. 9-in. dump height and 38° dump angle •5.6-psi minimum ground pressure •Comes in open canopy or fully enclosed cabin with heat and A/C •Comfortable interior with adjustable seat and easy to operate pilot controls •Rubber inner running surface of tracks reduces roller wear from contact with core metal while minimizing vibration and noise •Two-part track sprocket for quicker, easier maintenance •Easy to service with minimal downtime www.forconstructionpros.com/10079761
Multiquip LD6 Hydrostatic Ride-on Trowel
The 6-ft. model LD6 ride-on power trowel features a fully hydrostatic drive system and utilizes proven design concepts taken from larger ride-on models.
•Standard 24-hp Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine direct coupled to a servo-controlled hydraulic pump and hightorque drive motors •Available accessories include a six-LED light kit for illumination, retardant spray system, arm rests and an edging kit that enables finishing closely against walls •Each accessory kit designed for quick field installation www.forconstructionpros.com/21112985
GOMACO High-production Screed
This high-production truss-mounted screed for paving bridge decks, flat slabs and floors can advance up to 4 ft. in a single pass, reducing finishing time and costs.
•5.7-ft.-long leading auger offers a highproduction strike-off action that reduces the number of puddlers needed out front •5-ft.-long finishing cylinder directly behind auger compacts and finishes the concrete in a single pass •6-ft. trailing screed provides final finish to the surface with the GOMACOdesigned vibratory system •Mounted to the C-450 truss system, which allows finishing of city streets, concrete floors, bridge decks, tunnels and canals at widths up to 104 ft. www.forconstructionpros.com/21112378
Freightliner 114SD with Cummins X12
The 2,050-lb. Cummins X12 engine can be spec’d in the Freightliner 114SD, delivering up to 500 hp and 1,700 lbs.-ft. of torque.
•Engine offers a low-friction design for improved efficiency and is compatible with fully automatic, AMT and manual transmissions •Features a GVW up to 92,000 lbs. and has a clear back of cab for easy upfit •Available as set-forward front or set-back axle and with a wide range of vocational rear suspensions and frame options up to 5 million RBM •114-in. BBC steel-reinforced aluminum cab features a 2,500-sq.-in windshield and contoured hood slope for maximum visibility www.forconstructionpros.com/21046598
Wirtgen WPS 62i Concrete Placer/Spreader
The WPS 62i/WPS 62 two-track placer/spreader is designed to efficiently feed concrete from the side and spread it homogeneously in front of the slipform paver.
•Trucks feed concrete from the side which is then evenly distributed over the entire working surface •Two working widths between 12 ft. and 24 ft. can both lay concrete up to 20 in. thick •Hydraulically telescoping machine frame and concrete scraper unit enable easy adaptation to the jobsite •Fully modular design with standard hydraulic quick-change couplings enable unit to be easily converted and quickly prepared for transport www.forconstructionpros.com/21115736
The SmartGrade grade control solution is now offered on the 210G LC and 350G LC excavators, with four grade management options to choose from.
•Options include SmartGrade, SmartGrade-Ready with 2D, 3D Grade Guidance and 2D Grade Guidance •GNSS positioning technology allows for accurate horizontal and vertical positioning of boom and bucket movements to a precise design target •Selectable bucket control feature automatically maintains a user-defined bucket angle throughout grading passes •Precision technology features include Virtual Front, Over-dig protect feature and virtual fence technology •Upgrade kits also available www.forconstructionpros.com/21366838
Somero S-22EZ Laser Screed Machine
The S-22EZ features 360° machine rotation, a 20-ft. telescopic boom and a choice of pivoting screed heads.
•Offers zero-turn drive capability with a 360° steering angle •Customized OASIS laser control system •Comes with a full-color LCD display with integrated diagnostics, Quick GradeSet System, automatic throttle and Programmable Quick Pass •EZ Clean Head reduces cleanup time and improves long-term maintenance •Options include a 12- or 14-ft. head width, roller plow, onboard pressure washer with hose reel, operator heat, spray bar and Floor Levelness System www.forconstructionpros.com/21136302
Kubota Next-generation R540 and R640 Wheel Loaders
The updated R540 and R640 models are available in canopy and cab models and feature redesigned arms offering better visibility for connecting attachments without leaving the cab.
•R640 boasts an operating weight of 11,563 lbs., 64-hp Tier 4 Final engine, a maximum breakout force of 9,869 lbs. and 8,161 lbs. of lifting capacity •R540 has a 10,285-lb. operating weight, a 54-hp Tier 4 Final engine, a maximum breakout force of 8,183 lbs. and 6,767 lbs. of lifting capacity •High-visibility cabin with 360° panoramic view and standard multifunction control lever •Standard LED working lights www.forconstructionpros.com/21283915
Power Curbers 5700-D Slipform Curb Machine
The 5700-D features the SlipSmart Control System, simple and accurate controls that come ready to interface with Topcon, Leica and Trimble 3D stringless systems.
•“All up” jog switch raises or lowers all crawler posts simultaneously •Vibrator master scaling knob allows user to increase or decrease vibration across all vibrators while individual vibrator adjustments remain relative to each other •Features improved cross-slope control, auto-calibration for the radius steer sensor, fine scaling of speed pots, an easypivot conveyor and more www.forconstructionpros.com/21096387
Minnich A-4SCW Dowel Pin Drill with I-QAN System
The A-4SCW on-slab self-propelled wireless dowel pin drill features the I-QAN remote communication system, which offers drill monitoring, diagnostics and remote access to Minnich field support through an iPad tablet, iPhone or Android device.
•Offers a service weight of 3,260 lbs. and a maximum hole depth of 18 in. •Drills automatically retract and shut off when the hole depth has been reached •Remote control with joystick controls speed, steering, direction of travel and a dust collection on/off switch •Magnetic feed sensor prevents the drill from traveling if the slider is not completely retracted due to the drill steel becoming stuck in the concrete www.forconstructionpros.com/21121079
Earthwave FleetWatcher Construction Management Solution (CMS)
The FleetWatcher CMS collects data from all equipment assets regardless of class or manufacturer, and presents the maintenance due report with color-coded entries for “at a glance” status.
•Shows equipment within 36 hours of required maintenance in yellow and any at or past due date in red •Works across entire fleet with a single login and data can be shared via cell phone, tablet or computer •Specific and customized data delivered through a Daily Snapshot in the specific format users select •Reports available online or in MS Excel format with over 20 reports and hundreds of filtering options available www.forconstructionpros.com/21808921
2022 Chevrolet Silverado
Added for 2022 is the Silverado ZR2, which delivers enhanced off-road capability with front and rear e-lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers.
•Fully redesigned premium interior on LT trims and above with standard 13.4-in. diagonal color touchscreen and elevated exterior design refresh across the lineup •Available Super Cruise driver-assistance technology on High Country with available trailering and standard Chevy Safety Assist on enhanced trims •2.7L Turbo High-Output engine delivers 20% more torque and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel offers max towing, increased to 13,300 lbs. •Fully redesigned interior for LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ and High Country trims www.forconstructionpros.com/21772249
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Vibratory Screed
The 37-lb. MX FUEL Vibratory Screed delivers the power to pull a 16-ft. bar and offers two hours of run time per charge with a 12-ft. bar.
•Powered by the MX FUEL Battery Type: Lithium-Ion System •4- to 16-ft. bar capacity •Generates 4,000 to 9,000 vpm •Includes push-button start and a variablespeed trigger •ONE-KEY Compatible •Kit includes screed (MXF381-2CP), two MX FUEL REDLITHIUM CP203 Battery Packs and MX FUEL Charger www.forconstructionpros.com/21903037
Kohler KDI 3404TCR Diesel Engine
The 74-hp KDI 3404TCR is a four-stroke in-line diesel engine with high-pressure injection (29,000 psi), a turbocharger and up to 280.2 ft.-lbs. of torque.
•205cc displacement •Includes a cast iron block, high-pressure common rail and waste gate turbocharger •Optimized combustion system helps achieve Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards with no DPF required •Heavy-duty construction for demanding applications •Low noise and low vibration www.forconstructionpros.com/21259535
Caterpillar Next Generation 966 and 972 Wheel Loaders
The 321-hp 966 and 339-hp 972 have 51,124- and 54,858-lb. operating weights, offer 3.75- to 18.25-cu.-yd. Performance Series buckets and deliver 38,999- and 44,072-lbf. breakout force
•Continuous variable transmission (CVT) of the 966 XE and 972 XE improves fuel efficiencies up to 35% •Feature standard Cat Payload with Assist •Cat Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers high bucket fill factors and promotes proper loading techniques to reduce tire slip and wear •Application Profiles sets multiple machine parameters at a press of a button •Standard seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering system or optional HMU steering wheel www.forconstructionpros.com/21833428
Wacker Neuson QuietPower Mobile Generators
The QuietPower G25, G35 and G50 generators offer a compact cabinet with updated colors and styling and an integrated trailer with folding tongue.
•Range from 22 kW/27 kVA to 42 kW/52 kVA standby output and from 20 kW/25 kVA to 38 kW/48 kVA prime power •Powered by Kohler turbocharged diesel engines •Mecc Alte alternator and Deep Sea controller provide reliable performance under harsh conditions •Rated at 63 dBA when combined with optional variable-speed fan •Separate excitation windings and Automatic Voltage Regulation provide enhanced motor starting and ability to run non-linear loads www.forconstructionpros.com/21808647
ANA AIRMAN PDS400SC-6E1 Air Compressor
The AIRMAN 400-cfm portable air compressor has a built-in aftercooler that cools the discharge air through a radiator and removes 70% of the water and oil from it.
•Standard powder-coat paint, stainless steel hardware, corrosion-proof air intakes and an anti-water intrusion door seal keep water and debris out and noise in •Curbside service and maintenance with convenient external fluid drains provide ease of service and safe operation www.forconstructionpros.com/21203803
International MV Series Medium-duty Vehicles
The MV Series medium-duty vehicles have an aerodynamic hood and breakaway mirrors to provide enhanced visibility for drivers.
•Smart chassis packaging changes allow for improved body integration and improved operating costs for a variety of applications •Engine options include the Cummins B6.7 and L9 with increased fuel efficiency and extended and aligned maintenance intervals •Several optional collision mitigation enhancements available including the Bendix Wingman Fusion System •High-efficiency cooling module •Diamond Logic electrical system standard www.forconstructionpros.com/21772156
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 400 Propane Engine
The Vanguard 400 single-cylinder engine, when converted to run on propane using a propane conversion kit from Propane Power Systems, is certified as EPA compliant with Clean Air Act emissions standards.
•Kits specifically developed for Vanguard and include a three-year limited commercial warranty •Catalyst muffler and engine tuning reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 80% to 95% •Safety devices on all kits include special lock-offs that block fuel when the engine is idle, an engine data analyzer that records emissions levels and monitors that record carbon monoxide levels www.forconstructionpros.com/21796474
AMS-Merlo DBM 3500 Cement Mixers
The compact, self-contained DBM 3500 has a 1,321-gal. drum that delivers 4.6 cu. yds. of concrete, plus a self-loading bucket that handles up to 25 cu. ft. of aggregate at each load cycle.
•Pump moves 66 gpm of water into drum, enabling up to 37.7 sq. ft. of concrete to be made in less than 15 minutes •Can discharge concrete up to 330° around the machine •Features a 100-hp Tier 4 engine, 4WD with three steering modes and a hydrostatic transmission •Spacious, ROPS-certified cab with front controls for driving and a seat that spins 180° to access the rear controls to manage the mixing drum and bucket www.forconstructionpros.com/21549889
Hilti DD 250-CA Diamond Core Drill
The DD 250-CA diamond core drill is paired with the Cut Assist Auto Feed unit to give operators an assisted experience by intuitively guiding the drill through the entire drilling process.
•Intelligent features include automatic surface detection, tracking of drilling depth, water management and hole starting and through-hole detection •Integrated technology provides operator guidance for proper drill setup, real-time drilling feedback and productivity data once drilling is completed •Capable of drilling penetrations for ducts, pipes and cables, as well as blind holes for setting anchors or post-installed rebar •DD AF-CA H auto feed unit can be used to assist with the drilling process www.forconstructionpros.com/21627647
Honda eGX Electrified Power Unit
The eGX advanced electrified power unit is designed to be incorporated into commercial OEM power equipment products such as concrete trowels, rammers and vibratory plate compactors.
•High-power, three-phase brushless DC motor powered by a lithium ion battery •Provides efficient operation for existing or new applications in 100- to 120cc displacement category •Net power output of 2.4 hp at 3,600 rpm •Quick charging of lithium ion battery ensures maximum operating time www.forconstructionpros.com/21497035
Tenna TennaBLE Beacon Steel Puck
The TennaBLE Beacon Steel Puck is suited for autonomously tracking the location of equipment parts, attachments, tools, trench boxes and more that get aggressive, high-impact use.
•Encased in steel and welded to asset for extra ruggedness •Sends out regular “heartbeats” that are recognized by the company’s mobile asset tracking apps for iOS and Android •App downloaded on smart device automatically identifies and records location of tagged assets when in range (approximately 100 ft.) and stores data •Non-rechargeable lithium metal battery provides long life (up to three years) even in extreme temperatures www.forconstructionpros.com/21354432
Vermeer ATX720 Compact Articulated Loader
The ATX720 compact articulated loader has a telescopic boom that extends 29.1 in. for loading materials to a dump height of 114 in. (hinge pin height).
•Rated operating capacity of 2,155 lbs. •Measures 44.5 in. wide with narrow tires or 50.4 in. wide with the wider tires •25-hp Kubota D1305 Tier 4 Final diesel engine •Multi-tool attachment plate www.forconstructionpros.com/21772039
The lightweight, economical Model 75 Triple Roller Tube Paver is powered by a 22-hp Honda IGX700 air-cooled gasoline engine with electric start.
•Available in tube lengths from 14 to 24 ft. (2-ft. increments) •6- or 8-in. roller tube diameter options •Holds a 50-gal. water tank www.forconstructionpros.com/21627973
Ligchine SCREEDSAVER MAX PLUS
The 4,800-lb. SCREEDSAVER MAX PLUS screed features the SwingBoom pivoting frame that enables up to 5 ft. 3 in. of side-to-side screed head movement with a pivoting boom member.
•17-ft. boom extension with a 10-ft. highperformance screed head •Standard Topcon LS-B110 2D laser leveling system or available Topcon 3D mmGPS satellite control or LPS robotic 3D system •24.9-hp Honda iGX800 gasoline engine •Two-wheel proportional hydraulic drive system and 90° manual pivoting undercarriage drive frame enable parallelto-the-pour driving capability •Revised wireless remote control system www.forconstructionpros.com/21497280
Trimble Construction One Platform
Trimble Construction One is a connected, cloud-based construction management platform that drives speed, efficiency and accuracy at each phase of the construction project life cycle.
•Connect data from the planning phases of a project to the project actuals for more predictable construction outcomes •Lets user more efficiently do actual project work and map that data back to the project for optimal resource utilization and cost savings •Brings financial management, business operations management, job costing, payroll and procurement together with ongoing project completion rates to ensure greater overall efficiency and project profitability www.forconstructionpros.com/21722810
Verizon Connect Asset Tracker for Reveal
Designed for customers running their mobile business on the Verizon Connect Reveal fleet management platform, this asset tracker device offers a compact, discreet solution that is easy to conceal, self-install and self-manage.
•Helps to reduce theft, improve equipment utilization and billing and reduce equipment downtime •Replaceable battery extends the life of the device and its value •Enables users to locate and manage equipment as well as vehicles, drivers and jobs online through the Reveal fleet management platform or Spotlight app www.forconstructionpros.com/21497181
Husqvarna K1 PACE Battery-powered Cut-off Saw
The K1 PACE high-power battery cutter is designed to handle heavy-duty jobs with the power and performance equivalent to gasoline-powered cutters.
•Diamond blades in 12 and 14 in. (300 and 350 mm) optimized for battery operation •Equipped with X-Halt brake function capable of stopping the rotation of a blade in a fraction of a second for enhanced safety •Provides lower vibrations, smoother cutting, a low weight and optimal center of gravity www.forconstructionpros.com/21508855
SOFTWARE CUTS COSTS AND ACCELERATES SITE CONTRACTOR’S GROWTH
Technology-based cost control encouraged bold expansion in uncertain times while helping to grow revenue 10% annually.
Dan Vallencourt, thirdgeneration leader of family-owned Vallencourt Construction, says its field peoples’ ready adoption of new project management software in 2019 powered the biggest steps in the company’s climb to doubling its revenue over the past five years.
“At 10% growth per year when you’re around $60 million (where his company was in 2016), that’s $6 million. Ten percent growth at $115 million (as seen in 2019 and 2020) was almost $12 million,” Vallencourt notes. “The percentage is important but so is the overall dollar amount. You have to be able to finance that work to eat until you get paid for it.
“It certainly helps to be able to decide we can handle this extra work because I know what’s going on,” he adds. “I have a very clear picture, good data and I know I can control my costs.”
INNOVATION IN THE NICK OF TIME
Demand for the Green Cove Springs, FL (just south of Jacksonville) sitework contractor’s services has been strong for more than five years. About 85% of the company’s business is for residential developers, and Vallencourt has been letting the company gallop. But the COVID-induced residential run, in the face of all the pandemic’s other construction impacts, introduced the kind of uncertainty that caused many business owners to tighten up on the reins.
Coincidentally, Vallencourt Construction was replacing a homegrown time tracking software system about the time the pandemic broke, and the firm’s rapid switch to the Track, Maintain and Estimate modules of B2W’s One Platform construction enterprise software expanded its command of
operating costs. The company quickly got a second wind. After no significant change in 2020 when most of its projects were shut down for weeks, Vallencourt expects $130 million in 2021 revenue.
Fast adoption of the new software results from a culture of innovation that had already been demonstrated by Vallencourt Construction’s field people in adopting automatic grade con-
trol systems nearly 20 years ago, as well with the development and use of its homegrown field cost tracker. In 2006, the company discovered that one of its equipment operators had a talent for programming. He wrote a timesheet-managing web app, and for 14 years, Vallencourt Construction could easily export not only employee and machine time but also pipe quantities and production that project managers
submitted daily from the field to the accounting system.
Advancing computer operating systems threatened to render the timesheet manager obsolete, so the B2W One Platform was chosen to extend and integrate the company’s cost control. Field personnel’s experience with daily data collection made a big difference in getting the platform up and running quickly when the going got tough in 2020.
“We had a big benefit that our culture was already halfway there; they had basically already been doing what Track does,” says Vallencourt. “We did a twoweek trial run starting in March of 2020. We did two weeks of ‘submit your time through B2W
Vallencourt Construction is primarily a residential sitework contractor with 55 crews and more than 400 pieces of equipment working in northeast Florida.
All photos courtesy Vallencourt Construction
and submit your time through our old system.’ They had to do double duty, but we just wanted to make sure all the kinks were ironed out and knock out any questions.
“It was almost universally accepted immediately. We issued everybody an iPad and gave them a tool to do their work so much easier,” he adds.
Vallencourt cites three major advantages to the software shift: ˜ Tactical: “You’re able to copy field logs from one day to the next. You select all your jobs, select all your employees and your equipment and Track will automatically populate into the next day if you want it to,” he points out. “You can do multiple jobs in one field log.” ˜ Time management: “On an iPad, it’s web based and it’s
syncing throughout the day.
So, they can start their field log in the morning, add to it throughout the day and then submit it at the end of the day,” he explains. ˜ Integration: “In Schedule, if we move a piece of equipment, it updates the entire system,” he notes. The machine moves to the new job’s fleet in Track and shows up in the correct location when accessed from Maintain.
BIG SAVINGS MANAGING MAINTENANCE
Managing equipment costs turned out to be a significant attraction. The company had always kept track of big categories of costs such as parts, service calls, repairing equipment damage and the like. “But it was just one big blob — a black hole of money,” says Vallencourt. “We had no idea how much each piece of equipment was costing us.
“Through exploring Maintain, we realized we can get what we want from the mainte-
nance side and the One Platform integrates all the pieces together,” he points out. “People in the field can request repairs through Track, we can schedule the work done with Schedule and everybody sees it on one database.” All the B2W modules access the same repair request, service schedule and cost record information.
Vallencourt Construction owns virtually all of the equipment it uses — about 400 pieces of heavy equipment and 120 licensed vehicles. Without better records of individual machine costs, it would have been cycling machines out of the fleet based on simple hour meter standards. “Okay, this machine has this many hours on it, time to go,” says Vallencourt. “But now that I have the data, I can look at these pieces of equipment and see if they’ve had some kind of a big expense — maybe an undercarriage job or something.”
The company can decide to make such a machine last a little longer on the jobsite to recoup some of that investment, or if a particular machine has a poor
reliability record, choose to move on. “Instead of waiting another year, let’s get rid of it now so we don’t spend any more money on it,” says Vallencourt.
“There are two places where Maintain saved us probably the most money that are easily identifiable,” says Vallencourt. “One is warranty tracking. We buy extended warranties with all of our equipment. With Maintain, I started catching invoices for repairs that were on a machine that’s still under warranty. I can’t tell you how many invoices, especially in the early days. The dealer is not doing it on purpose; it’s just their processes aren’t that great for checking it.
“I got everybody tightened up now, so I don’t see as many. I don’t know exactly how much we saved, but it’s hundreds of thousands of dollars just from warranty catching,” he states.
VALLENCOURT CONSTRUCTION PROFILE
Vallencourt Construction is a sitework contractor with about 85% of its work coming from single-family residential home developers in about a 100-mile radius around Jacksonville, FL. “We clear raw land, lay the storm drain, water main, refuse main — any kind of underground utilities except for electric – grade the lots, and build the roads,” says Dan Vallencourt, the family-owned company’s thirdgeneration leader. The company has approximately 440 employees, 55 crews, 400 pieces of heavy equipment and 120 vehicles. IMPROVED UTILIZATION SAVES MILLIONS
Another easily identifiable savings was in improved machine utilization.
“With a company our size, it was really difficult to know if a machine was being utilized at a jobsite, so we would rely heavily on our foreman to let us know if a machine that we have a need for elsewhere was being used. Well, human nature in the construction industry is that nobody likes to give up their equipment,” Vallencourt acknowledges. “If I take something from their site, they don’t believe it’s ever coming back. But they don’t know the bigger picture. I need this machine for another jobsite and I don’t have anything else available.
“When we first started with B2W, we would have things on rent that weren’t being used enough, and I’d also have my own equipment that wasn’t being used enough. It was just a disaster,” he says. “We’re trying to get to where every single thing we have is being utilized as efficiently as possible.
“With the tracking of the hours, I can run a report in two seconds and see, ‘Hey, this machine had 10 hours on it last week.’ It could have been down, the operator could have been out, the job could have just been in a transitional point or it could have rained four days. All it means is that if a need arises for a machine like that on another jobsite... I can say, ‘I know you’re going to need it in a little while, but this other job needs it now. I can bring it back as easy as I can take it,’” Vallencourt explains.
Fleet utilization improved so much with about a year of these kinds of conversations that Vallencourt figured he could cut his annual machine purchasing in half. In a 2021 in which the company is on track to grow more than 10%, they expect to save about $10 million buying less equipment. And the One Platform makes it easy to track how equipment spending relates to project performance.
“B2W gives us the tool to actually see in real time exactly what is going on,” says Vallencourt. “We can run a quick report that tells us the ratio of how much we have invested in equipment vs. how much revenue we made. And we track that through the years to see how it is trending.”
Controlling capital expenditure on equipment is crucial to Vallencourt Construction, particularly in the company’s growth phase. Halving that budget is a bit of a stretch. But as Vallencourt points out, “That’s how you go out of business, right there — you grow too fast and you can’t pay your bills.” ET
