Equipment Today September 2022 by ForConstructionPros.com

PROTECTING YOUR REPUTATION AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc.

Our

A thousand factors impact your bottom line every day. Some in your control, some well beyond it. thing you have the power to choose is who you work with. job is to keep you moving forward. Our machines are engineered with a “get it done” mentality and our After Sales Solutions are designed to keep you up and running. tougher your job gets, the easier it is to see we’re here when you need us most.

The

Explore the latest innovations like the new ZX210LC-6 high performance construction excavator. ® Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment SEPTEMBER 2022

One

PROTECTING YOUR REPUTATION AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc.

A thousand factors impact your bottom line every day. Some in your control, some well beyond it. One thing you have the power to choose is who you work with. Our job is to keep you moving forward. Our machines are engineered with a “get it done” mentality and our After Sales Solutions are designed to keep you up and running. The tougher your job gets, the easier it is to see we’re here when you need us most. Explore the latest innovations like the new ZX210LC-6 high performance construction excavator.

® Helping you optimize ROI on your construction equipment SEPTEMBER 2022 #1 Market Leaders UNDERGROUND UTILITIES Mapping and other technology improves worksite safety ATTACHMENTS Optimizedemolitionremoteequipmentefficiency Earthmoving Trends : Increasing Excavator Fuel Efficiency DO THE BEST WORK WITH THE CONTRACTORS’ TOP NEW PRODUCTS ELEVATING SAFETY INTERNATIONAL POWERED ACCESS FEDERATION Fall 2022 An AC Business Media Supplement, 2022 CAN WE FALLS?ERADICATE  Page 8 Experts discuss whether powered access can eliminate this type of work at height accident. IPAF READ BONUS ISSUE OF SAFETYELEVATINGIPAFHERE

Clients don’t care about the rising cost of fuel, operator shortages or weather delays. They depend on you to get the job done right—on time and on budget. You need equipment you can count on to deliver. EVERY DAY YOU DIG DEEP TO GET THE JOB DONE. MAKE SURE YOUR EQUIPMENT IS READY TO DO THE SAME. CHOOSE DELO® . Chevron Delo engine oils are formulated with advanced technology to protect engine and oil life in the most extreme conditions. Our line of heavy-duty diesel engine oils provides options to meet the unique needs of your ﬂeet. Whether you’re looking for longer engine life, increased DPF service life, extended drain intervals or improved fuel economy, there’s a Delo oil that’s right for your business. Find the Delo oil that’s right for your ﬂeet at choosedelo.com © 2022 Chevron. All rights reserved. All trademarks are property of Chevron Intellectual Property LLC or their respective owners.

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS Sensors,

TECHNOLOGY

WORKSITE EQUIPMENT Generators, welders,

PREMIUM CONTENT eqtoday.co/9pd73s DIGGING DEEPER PODCAST eqtoday.co/s7sfkm VIDEO NETWORK eqtoday.co/k2p285

BREAKING GROUND Introducing Winners of Newly Revamped Top Products Award

EARTHMOVING TRENDS

This Ohio Design-Builder Relies on Construction ERP for Double Digit Growth Marous Brothers Construction wins repeat business by delivering as promised thanks to a tech stack that includes solutions from Sage, Trimble, Oracle and others.

To help excavator owners and operators lower their fuel usage, manufacturers are offering a variety of innovative features.

Solar Panels Ensure Financial Windfall, Maturation of Mobile Solar Light Tower Technology Solar panels and batteries removed the largest operating cost and manpower needs associated with using mobile light towers.

jobsite

WEB EXCLUSIVES

The September issue of Equipment Today features 51 top new construction products that received glowing nominations.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

Weighing Your Mini Options: Selecting the Right Mini Excavator for Your Business As technology and engineering improve, these machines offer greater productivity and ROI for businesses of all sizes.

PROFIT MATTERS

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

How to Know What Non-Destructive Testing Techniques to Use and When During In-Service Bridge Inspections Visual inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT) tools are both key to ensuring bridge safety during routine inspections.

EARTHMOVING TRENDS

FLEET MANAGEMENT Take on Any Task: Demolition Attachment Guide to Optimize Efficiency From planers and descalers to rock drills, demolition robots can be truly multipurpose machines.

4032 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 12 38 ©MiaStendal – stock.adobe.com COVER STORY 2022 Awards Winners: Contractors’ Top New Products Choose

equipment

make

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Vol. 58 No. 9. Published and copyrighted 2022 by AC Business Media Equipment Today makes every effort 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 influence in the construction equipment industry. Subscribe online at www.ForConstructionPros. com. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscribers. One year subscription to non-qualified 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 offices. 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.

September New Product Launches Crawler excavators, cranes and telehandlers are among the new products in this month’s issue.

FLEET MANAGEMENT Selecting and Operating the Right Forklift for Your Jobsite Consider forklift capacity, dimension and functional capabilities when selecting forklifts for a construction worksite.

Improve Cross-Team Construction In

the 2022 Contractors’ Top New Products.

44428650 PRODUCT

THE GAP 5

Overcome the Unpredictability of Fuel Prices

RUNNING THE BUSINESS Max Cash From Your Operation Columnist Garry Bartecki advises readers that cash is king, but more cash is even better.

New Technologies Improve Underground Utility Safety Eight damage prevention applications drive practical success and increase safety in underground utility construction.

BRIDGING Ways to order to outpace competitors, construction businesses need to turn to new technologies to close skills gaps and manage projects. ROUNDUPS equipment to help contractors and construction companies manage their fleets and employees. workwear and more for the up-to-date construction jobsite. remote asset technology and software for a connected project site. the best to the most efficient from

EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTIONS

4 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.ForConstructionPros.com Contents September 2022 forconstructionpros.com/equipment

FLEET MANAGEMENT New

construction

©2022 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

The new

POWER STRENGTHIS

comes standard

lift/bucket

hydraulic power to handle heavy-duty attachments, outstanding rated

CASE

features. Experience peak performance

capacity (ROC) and greater connectivity. With you

helm, you’ll perform like a rock star on every jobsite. Dig in at CaseCE.com/TV620B

THE STRONGEST* IS THE CASE TV620B fully-loaded TV620B with industry-leading package of with best-in-class breakout auxiliary operating at its

force, impressive

met at a manufacturer’s product launch gushed about how clean and strategic the initial execution of IRONPROS was. It is not every day you receive a lavish compliment from one of the big gest construction equipment companies around, so we blushed and accepted it. Targeted to the desired audience, well-stocked with immediately useful, accurate specifications, and available to use now: IRONPROS. In the meantime, I hope our read ers find the products they seek to best support their fleets among the 2022 Contractors’ Top Products Awards in this issue, from compact excavators to cranes to portable compressors. Have a great start to fall, whether you are prepping overwinter storage for equipment, put ting the garden to bed, or both of these autumnal activities. Until October. ET

Erica Floyd Editor-in-Chief Equipment efloyd@ACBusinessmedia.comToday

TodayDidreaders!youknow that most manufacturers of construction equipment, technology and workwear can access their own pro files on our newly launched IRONPROS showroom and product database? If you are a manufactur er reading this and have not yet claimed your free IRONPROS profile to make updates to products, I recommend that you do so now.IRONPROS offers a showroom experience, a veritable combination of Edmunds and CNET, but for construction equipment and products. Contractors can have fun and explore equipment to buy on IRONPROS. Trade journalists can use it for product research. If you have cre ated an IRONPROS profile already, get used to seeing product specs, images and even 3D video as part of your IRONPROS experience. If you are a manufacturer, you can enroll in an IRONPROS profile subscription service and receive the follow ing benefits: ˜ Content building like product walkthroughs, premium video and specification updates ˜ Lead nurturing and generation ˜ Press release distribution and integration, connections with buyers, profile traffic statistics and management dashboards behind the scenes

LIST RENTAL Sr. Account Manager Bart Piccirillo, Data Axle 402-836-2768 | bart.piccirillo@data-axle.com

6 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment BREAKING GROUND | By Erica Floyd, Editor-in-Chief Equipment Today E @EquipmentToday D @EquipmentToday C @equipment-today-magazine-official Q @equipmenttoday Editor-in-ChiefEDITORIAL Erica efloyd@acbusinessmedia.comFloyd Managing Editor Gigi gwood@acbusinessmedia.comWood Technology Editor Charles crathmann@acbusinessmedia.comRathmann AudienceAUDIENCEDevelopment Manager Angela Franks SeniorPRODUCTIONProduction Manger Cindy crusch@acbusinessmedia.comRusch Art Director Dave Haglund BrandADVERTISING/SALESDirector Sean sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.comDunphy Sales Representative Nikki nlawson@acbusinessmedia.comLawson Sales Representative Kris kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.comFlitcroft Sales Representative Tadashi tsoma@acbusinessmedia.comSoma Sales Representative Kristin kpride@acbusinessmedia.comPride AC BUSINESS MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Ron Spink Chief Financial Officer JoAnn Breuchel Chief Revenue Officer Amy Schwandt Chief Digital Officer Kris Heineman VP, Audience Development Ronda Hughes VP, Operations & IT Nick Raether Content Director Marina Mayer GM, Online & Marketing Services Bethany Chambers Content Director, Marketing Services Jess Lombardo Director, Demand Generation & Education Jim Bagan Director, Enterprise Sales Kay Ross-Baker CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS PO Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: circ.EquipmentToday@omeda.com(847)-291-4816

All this Equipmentsaid,Today

REPRINTS & LICENSING Sales Representative Greg Schulz 920-542-1239 gschulz@ACBusinessMedia.com

In the coming months, Equipment Today magazine products will pull from manufacturer profiles on IRONPROS

othermanufacturerscontractors,andEquipment

The fast-paced construction industry is always changing, and this publication needs to evolve with it. IRONPROS will help. Aside from providing Equipment Today magazine with a pow erful product database from which to pull equipment specs and deeper information, IRONPROS will become an integral part of this magazine over the next year. Annual product guides, like Equipment Today’s Annual Showcase, Excavator Guide and Skid Steer Guide, will pull product information directly from the IRONPROS database to showcase in these pages. Similarly, products with Bl.ink QR codes, which readers can find sprin kled throughout the magazine now, will link directly to the product on IRONPROS.com in the coming months. This link ing process will enhance and enrich the way Equipment Today readers experience the magazine’s product roundups from a mobile device.

finestjustEquipmentForConstructionPros.com/andwillremainthat–featuresoftheequipmentoftodayandwell-honed,researchedcoverageofthemostpressingissuesattopofmindforcontractorsandconstructioncompanies.WhileEquipmentTodayandForConstructionPros.com/Equipmentintendtomaketheirreadersbetterprofessionals,IRONPROSaimstomakeitsusersbetterbuyers.IRONPROSwillhousetheproductinformationinitsever-sharpeningandexpandingdatabaseandconsumerexperiencecenter.Thiswebsiteissosharpandwell-executedthatseveralPRcontactsIrecently

Published and copyrighted 2022 by AC Business Media Equipment Today makes every effort 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.

Introducing IRONPROS

G reetings, fleet man agers,

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 influence in the construction equipment industry. Subscribe online at www.ForConstructionPros.com. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscribers. One year subscription to non-qualified 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 offices. 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. ® Published by AC Business Media 201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) www.IronPros.comwww.ForConstructionPros.com/equipmentwww.ACBusinessMedia.com538-5544

© 2022 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

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MAKE

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NEXT GENERATION CAT® EXCAVATORS Size up your job needs and cost targets, then choose exactly what you need from our line of Next Generation Cat® Excavators. The next generation lineup delivers dependable uptime at the lowest cost per hour. Cat excavators give you first-pass accuracy with the industry’s highest level of standard technology. Cabs include more productive features an adjustable seat, rearview camera, touchscreen monitor and outstanding visibility. Synchronized, extended intervals and grouped filter locations save you time and money. Get the details on the entire lineup at Cat.com/ExcavatorChoices or talk to your Cat dealer. PROFITSGROWCHOICEYOURYOUR

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“These new Grove cranes deliver a level of performance that was not previously thought possible from cranes in this class, and we can’t wait to get the first orders to our customers,” said Andreas Cremer, vice president product management mobile cranes. “It was wonderful to finally be able to welcome so many valued customers and friends back to Wilhelmshaven, show them these exciting new cranes and hear such positive feedback – especially when our Voice of the Customer program plays such an important role in how we design our cranes.”

8 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.ForConstructionPros.com

BIG JOE PTT60 PEDESTRIAN TOW TRACTOR

The Big Joe PTT60 pedestrian tow tractor features electronic power steering to put 6,000 lbs. of con trol towing capacity in the palm of your hand. Its compact size maneuvers through aisles or around machinery and represents a safe option for congested areas where people are working when compared to ride-on machines. The PTT60 has an onboard lithium power supply and integrated 120V AC opportu nity charger. An optional 240V external charger is available to support longer duty cycles. This machine is equipped with a hydraulically powered hitch that comes complete with a standard pin style connector with both custom and optional hitch tools available to support the needs of most users. Standard features include an hour meter, key switch, dual butterfly controls for infinitely variable speed control and horn. “These new purpose-built lithium machines couldn’t be better timed to meet the needs of our custom ers”, said Bill Pedriana, chief marketing officer of Big Joe. “Across the board we see continuing trends in material handling to move from human power to elec tric, walkies to riders and riders to autonomous machines. These compact machines with all their capability stand as great examples of how new technologies can help us create new form factors that help empower workers and drive operational efficiency for all sorts of operations both big and small.” Read More https://eqtoday.co/bigjoeat

Two material handling machines featuring integrated lithium power supplies are now available from Big Joe. The RPL44 rider pallet truck and PTT60 pedestrian tow tractor feature compact chassis designs and power steering that support operations in material handling applications. These new additions to the Big Joe line-up include onboard 120V AC chargers and several attributes that address today’s com mon material handling challenges, while including support for future autonomous development.

Read more https://eqtoday.co/TB20eat:

The Control Speed Vibrator (CSV) is a lightweight, durable, electric flex shaft concrete vibrator controlled through connectivity. Operator can use Bluetooth and the Minnich app on an iOS or Android device to choose between set speeds of 6,000, 8,000, 10,500 and open vpm Maintains preset speed as the concrete load changes 15-amp (115-volt) universal motor drives a full line of the company’s shafts and heads and comes with a quick disconnect to adapt to many other vibrator brands Frame-handle position offers many ergonomic user features and comes with a shoulder harness Read more https://eqtoday.co/96myt3at: 22V Nuron Cordless Battery Platform

• Capable of powering more than 70 different tools • All battery packs and chargers work interchangeably under a single ecosystem to help reduce complexity • Redesigned battery interface allows a significantly higher power transfer • Reengineered Nuron batteries with a robust fiberglass-reinforced housing and external shock-absorbing bumpers • All tool data stored on the battery and sent securely to the

22 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 CONTRACTORS’ TOP 50 New Products REDUCE >> REUSE >> RECYCLE See the whole product range on: infoMBCRUSHER.COM @mbcrusher.com SAVEANDMONEYTIME CRUSHER BUCKET The crusher buckets for skid steers and backhoe loaders. When installed on your machine, the unit crushes any type of inert material. WORLD OF CONCRETE Silver Lot Booth S 29967 Case TV620B Compact Track Loader The 114-hp TV620B has a 6,200-lb. rated operating capacity, a bucket breakout force of 12,084 lbs. and 74 in. of track on the ground. • Heavy-duty undercarriage and 17.7-in. rubber tracks allow for 6.1-psi ground pressure • Standard adjustable electrohydraulic controls, high-flow hydraulics, auto ride control, one-way self-leveling, hydraulic coupler, auto-reversing fan and LED light • Cab features a redesigned operator interface, 360° visibility and an 8-in. LCD multifunction display • Rear view camera visible in a split-screen display with machine data Read more https://eqtoday.co/TV620Bat:

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during every charge without any operator interaction Read

https://eqtoday.co/hiltiat:

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Takeuchi TB20e Electric Compact Excavator

Mini excavator models play a key role in any jobsite, large and small. The nextgeneration SK55SRX-7 Mini Excavator from KOBELCO Construction Machinery USA packs more digging power and practical performance features into a small package while maintaining a short tail swing. A new hydraulic system shortens the digging cycle by 7% and travel speed is faster by 12% empowering operators to get tough jobs done faster and easier. And with the continued Performance X Design concept for enhanced design and operator comfort, KOBELCO is proud to design smaller machines with the same quality, feel and comfort as large excavators. Read more https://eqtoday.co/SK55SRX7at:

These inverter generators range from 2,000 to 8,000 watts and come with a carbon monoxide (CO) detector and auto shutdown if CO levels become unsafe.

The MB-HDS523 is compatible with excavators ranging from 30- to 45-ton operating weights and features five shafts positioned to ensure a greater production rate and processing speed.

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• Light package produces 192,000 lumens 5K color

• Minimum run time of 48 hours with 27 kW of continuous power

• 3,500-watt model comes with an open frame design for easy accessibility and portability • 4,000- and 8,000-watt versions include recoil and electric start with a sealed battery, handles and wheels for portability and digital displays with LED lighting

September 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 23 CONTRACTORS’ TOP 50 New Products Find Your Solution at VMACAIR.com/10days Supply chain shortages are causing signiﬁcant deck mounted air compressor delays. We have a vehicle integrated solution for your entire ﬂeet, shipping in 10 days. Available for Ford, RAM, GMC/Chevrolet, International, Mercedes/Freightliner. *Maximum CFM output of the air compressor varies by vehicle application. VMAC air compressors ship in 10 days. Frustrated with long lead times? UNDERHOOD 40 Van & Truck Series 30-40 CFM* UNDERHOOD 70 60-70 CFM* DTM70 60-70 CFM* UNDERHOOD 150 90-140 CFM*

versatility Read

• V Shaft System design creates a simultaneous dual screening effect

GeneratorsMi-T-Mhttps://eqtoday.co/HDS523at:Inverter

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• Compact, powerful and quiet units suited for charging tools and powering sensitive equipment Read more https://eqtoday.co/invertergensat:

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• Powered by two motors for consistent and quick performance

• Rotors can be easily extracted and repositioned Read more

• Shafts can be easily switched out and replaced on site in minutes

• Concealed comb allows material to enter and flow through rotors without jamming

Wacker Neuson SM100 Utility Track Loader Powered by a 24.7-hp Yanmar turbocharged diesel engine, the SM100 has a 1,000-lb. rated operating capacity at 35% of its 2,857-lb. tipping load. Optimized radial lift path enables a hinge pin height of 85.7 in. Undercarriage includes 9-in.-wide tracks for low ground pressure and triple-flanged rollers to reduce wear, de-tracking and maintenance Large, spring-suspended operator platform with ergonomic padding and an operator presence system 35.5-in. width allows access in confined spaces and 3,300-lb. weight enables easy transport Common industry attachment interface expands attachment more https://eqtoday.co/z8vh1aat: KOBELCO Next-generation SK55SRX-7 Compact Excavator

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• 2,000- and 2,500-watt models feature GFCI-protected receptacles, lightweight frames and are designed for easy hand carrying

Thermal BasecampIntelligence

MB Crusher MB-HDS523 Shafts Screener Bucket

The Basecamp green-certified heater, light tower and generator delivers efficiency as a flameless heater plus provides a 360° LED lighting package and 27 kW of available power.

• SmartTalk IoT technology monitors and controls heater 24/7 and alerts via SMS or email before there’s a problem

• Kubota 2.4-Liter, electronic Tier 4 Final engine

• 119-gal. fuel tank capacity Read more https://eqtoday.co/basecampat:

one time •

Volvo CE entered the 50-ton excavator class with the EC530E and EC550E, which feature the speed and power normally found in 60-ton machines, making them perfect for heavy-duty digging, mass excavation and large-scale site preparation. These models feature the highest engine power in their class, providing high tractive force and swing torque. When coupled with a large bucket, the EC530E and EC550E are perfectly suited to fill 30- to 40-ton haulers, requiring fewer passes and reducing cycle times. This combination can boost productivity by up to 20%. The optional Dig Assist machine control system and On-Board Weighing function improve efficiency and help operators monitor load per bucket, truck or day.

Liebherr R 928 G8 Crawler Excavator

Thunder Creek

The Service

24 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment CONTRACTORS’ TOP 50 New Products

• Pneumatic pumping system powered by a built-in VMAC air compressor • All fluid maintenance systems plumbed into the truck’s Utility Box,

•

and improved inertia

an optimized

been increased • Features

The R 928 G8 crawler excavator has a total weight of less than 30 tonnes in various configurations and is characterized by high drawbar pull, enhanced load-bearing capacity and a large bucket. weight allows for easier transport higher tear and breakout forces, plus the torque of the superstructure has include load curve in X-form undercarriage a spacious, air conditioned cab with fully retractable front window, seat and high-resolution more https://eqtoday.co/R928G8at: Service and Lube Upfit Platform and Lube Upfit Platform (SLU) the precision of Lube Trailer with the nimbleness of medium-duty body. with a total capacity of 690 gal. with a streamlined control match nozzles more

• Develops

the

panel color coded to

and hoses • No CDL or a HAZMAT endorsement required for operation Read

https://eqtoday.co/upfitat:

combines

• DX50Z-7 comes has a standard enclosed cab with heat and A/C with optional heated adjustable seat and steel tracks Read more https://eqtoday.co/doosanminisat:

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.

the rotary drive • Robust

• Uses triple carbide teeth for reliable performance in even the toughest operating conditions Read more https://eqtoday.co/HSeriesat:

The

Volvo EC530E and EC550E Excavators

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

Utility

• Includes

• Equipped with twin hydraulic motors

Attachment The Battle Ax Extreme horizontal

service

pneumatic

Read more https://eqtoday.co/ECExcavatorsat: Mulching drum mulcher is designed for prime movers up to 375 hp. Rotor features built-in depth gauges to prevent the attachment from engaging too much material at Two-stage cutting chamber processes material more thoroughly by cutting material twice

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

Yanmar Stowable Hook topositionprovidingmachinepointengineeredprovidesUtilityStowableHookoptionadedicated,liftingbuiltintothelinkage,astrongerfromwhichliftheavyobjects. https://eqtoday.co/3pz5laat:

Loftness Battle Ax Extreme

the Service and

• Can be configured to carry up to eight oils or maintenance fluids, plus diesel, diesel exhaust fluid, grease and compressed air • Fluid volumes configurable in 115-, 55-, and 25-gal. tanks

touchscreen Read

• Optimized

Doosan Next-generation Miniexcavators

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• direction,todesignMulti-directionalallowsitswingineachaswell as 360° swivel movement for optimal positioning of lift and load • Stows out of the way with an easy-to-operate lock pin when not in use • Single recessed zerk fitting for ease of maintenance • Can be retrofitted onto all Yanmar compact excavator models from the ViO25 up to the SV100 in as little as 20 minutes Read more

Loved for the features. Trusted for the performance. “ We have a Hyundai 290 excavator with well over 17,000 hours on it, and it’s still running like a dream. It’s a prime example of the longevity of this equipment. It’s built right.” Ryan Owner,WilliamsFullCircle Aggregates DOER’STHEDREAMSeetheHyundaidifferenceyourselfatyourlocaldealerorhceamericas.com

EARTHMOVING TRENDS

Offering users high power and speed, HCMA’s ZX210LC-6 HP

“Operators have all the power they need, but automatically burn less fuel in less demanding applications,” Stellbrink said. “In some lighter applications, this can translate to up to 15% less fuel consumption without any compromise, in regards to finish ing the job at hand.”

UTILIZE FEATURESMACHINEFULLY

Overcome the Unpredictability of FUEL PRICES

HCMA’s TRIAS II hydraulic system, featured on the ZX210LC-6, uses three pumps to supply the perfect amount of pressurized oil to each actuator.

For example, as recently as April, the average retail price for a gallon of ultra-low-sulfur die sel was $5.12, a 63% increase when compared to April 2021’s average. And on Aug. 1, onhighway diesel fuel cost as much as $6.26 per gallon in California, on average, which is the high est aggregate in the U.S. As evidence of the steady rise in prices, this average is nearly $2 higher per gallon than the total recorded a year ago, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Althoughdiesel fuel prices are beginning to decline through out the country, the expense is still influencing excavator own ers’ bottom lines substantially, leading them to consider new methods for enhancing their excavators’ fuel efficiency. By implementing the following advice, provided by indus try experts from Caterpillar, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. (HCMA) and Volvo Construction Equipment, excavator owners can overcome the challenges of fuel cost insta bility and, in turn, receive a higher ROI for their equipment short and long term.

At the same time, owners and operators can also uti lize telematics to remotely monitor their fleet, while also better understanding the ways in which they can decrease their fuel consumption by review ing equipment utilization and idle time data. Furthermore, they can use the excavators’ stan dard onboard technology to reduce their fuel usage or uti lize their Grade Control with Assist, which enables operators to quickly get on grade and then stay there, leading to fewer pass es, rework and fuel usage. And, of equal importance, they can utilize the excavators’ onboard payload systems that prevent truck overloading (resulting in expensive fines) and underload ing (leading operators to use more trucks—to transport the same amount of material off a job—than they would have oth erwise“Dueutilized).tothese features, many of our latest excavators are dem onstrating fuel efficiency gains of up to 25%, when compared to their respective prior mod els,” Stellbrink said. “By utilizing these features, owners and oper ators will increase their fuel efficiency and, in turn, decrease their operating costs as fuel pric es continue to fluctuate.”

As a result, excavators can achieve high hydraulic efficiency.

excavator has various fuel saving features, including what Patrick Baker, HCMA excavator product manager, product management and engineering, considers a game changer in the excavator industry—the TRIAS II hydrau lic system. A three-pump system, it’s able to supply a precise amount of pressurized oil to each actuator. And, as a result of the system’s precision, the excavator achieves high hydraulic efficien cy, leading to high performance and decreased fuel consumption. “It provides better attach ment controllability too, leading to an increase in production, along with a further reduction in fuel consumption as operators can finish their jobs quicker and more efficiently,” Baker said.

To help excavator owners and operators lower their fuel usage, manufacturers are offering a variety of innovative features.

To save fuel and lower their operating costs, Brian Stellbrink, excavator market profession al at Caterpillar, recommends that excavator owners and oper ators completely understand their equipment’s features and then fully utilize them to their advantage.Asanexample, Caterpillar Next Gen Excavators feature Automatic Engine Shutdown, which helps prevent unneces sary, unproductive idling (a key challenge that many owners and operators are currently encoun tering), as it shuts off the engine after a certain amount of idling occurs without any hydraulic engagement. Additionally, the excavators have Smart Mode, a power management feature that adjusts power automatically, according to operators’ demands.

26 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

W ithout question, fuel is one of excavator own ers’ and operators’ most considerable operat ing expenses—an expense that’s become even more significant in recent months.

IMPLEMENT A GAME CHANGER

stock.adobe.com–©michelaubryphoto

Meanwhile, the enhanced Boom Recirculating system circulates pressurized oil in the boom cylinder whenever the boom is lowered, thereby enabling the pump’s pressur ized oil to be delivered directly to the stick, resulting in more efficient and responsive control for operators. Due to this rise in controllability, operators are able to be more productive as they complete their jobs faster, lead ing to a reduction in fuel usage.

“Lastly, the ZX210LC-6 HP features Arm Recirculation and Hydraulic Boost systems, HCMA

HERE FOR ANY JOB. ANYTIME.

“If owners and managers can take a little time to go over work modes and other helpful features with their opera tors, they’ll not only gain fuel efficiency, but they’ll also have operators that are better prepared for the future,” Ko said. “It may seem like an inconvenience in the moment, but it’s a worthwhile investment of time. And, if owners and managers simply don’t have enough time to train their operators, they can also utilize their OEMs or dealerships too, which may offer more formalized training.”

800.538.1447 / www.KATOCES.com

EARTHMOVING TRENDS

fingertips.operators’Stressingthesignificanceofautoidle,Kohasillustratedacomparisonbetweentwoexca

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. which increase arm speed,” Baker added.

EquipmentConstructionVolvo

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.

FEATURES REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTION

AUTO IDLING IS KEY Aside from high fuel costs, excava tor owners are currently encountering a variety of challenges, according to Sejong Ko, product manager, excava tors, Volvo Construction Equipment.

One primary feature of Volvo exca vators that Ko believes operators must fully understand is the auto idle, which automatically reduces excavators’ rpms after a certain period of inactivity, gen erally ranging from less than 10 seconds, all the way up to 30 sec onds. To turn the feature on or off, some exca vators also feature a switch that’s avail able at

“Consequently, operators have yet another means to finish their jobs fast er, thereby minimizing their operational time and fuel consumption.”

“This could equate to a $20,000 dif ference in resale value, depending on class size, along with the countless gallons of fuel Excavator A would utilize during those additional 2,500 hours,” Ko added.

To enhance their environmental footprint while decreasing fuel consumption, Volvo excavator owners and operators can also uti lize an Engine Auto Shut Down feature, which enables their engines to be set to five-minute timers. After the engine’s con trol lockout lever has been down for four

HERE FOR ANY JOB. ANYTIME.

800.538.1447 / www.KATOCES.com

First, some operators have less experi ence on excavators than they previously had. And, oftentimes, owners have fewer resources to conduct the same amount of work they once did, so it’s difficult for them to find the time they need to train their operators exactly as they’d prefer to. As a result, it’s vital for own ers to ensure operators understand their excavators’ features.

vators: one that has 50% idle time (Excavator A) and another that has 25% idle time (Excavator B). Due to idle time differences, Excavator A will run for about 2,000 hours annually, while Excavator B will only run for 1,500 hours each year. Within five years, Excavator A will run for 10,000 hours, roughly 2,500 hours less than Excavator B. Not to mention, Excavator B will require five fewer 500-hour service intervals during the five-year period.

“It can also be used for truck loading, as the boom float will reallocate pump flow to the engines’ bucket and arm cylin ders, resulting in improved cycle times whenever hard digging isn’t required,” Ko said. Aside from enhancing grading accuracy and cycle time speed, operators can also increase power and controllability, while improv ing their fuel efficiency even further, by utilizing the correct work mode for their respec tive excavator. According to Ko, operators often select the high est work mode setting available, regardless of the tasks. However, some tasks can be achieved at much lower rpms without any loss in cycle times or performanc es being noticed at all. In fact, operators could lower their fuel consumption by 10% for each excavator, as long as they run every one at 200 to 300 rpms less than they previously did.

TRENDS

EARTHMOVING minutes, a 60-second warning will begin. Once the 60 seconds have passed and the engine still hasn’t been utilized, the excavator will shut off completely. Therefore, the excavator will no longer idle for 40% to 60% of its operator time, which is often the norm for this type of equipment. Hours will no longer be added to the machine either and, above else, fuel won’t be wasted anymore.

ENHANCE ACCURACY, POWER AND CONTROLLABILITY

Furthermore, operators can use Volvo excavators’ ECO Mode feature too, particular ly as they conduct light duty work like digging soft materi al and grading. Able to control fuel pump flow, in order to avoid inertia whenever overload relief valves are overflowing, the feature also maintains digging power, along with maximum swing“Operatorsefficiency.must ensure they know how the ECO Mode fea ture works on their respective excavators, as it can reduce rpms by approximately 10% on some models,” Ko said. “In addition to decreasing rpms, it also improves fuel efficiency by 5%.”

“It should be as simple as possible to balance engine rpm with hydraulic flow, which is why everything is integrated into a single dial on Volvo exca vators,” Ko said. “By moving this dial, operators can change the pump flow, along with the engine speed.” Idle modes are available in two options: I1 for 800 rpm, which saves the most fuel of the two, and I2 for 1,000 rpm, which enables faster warm-up times. Meanwhile, fine modes, which increase hydraulic lifting power by 10%, are available in two options as well—F1 (partic ularly ideal for finish work like grading) and F2 (ideal for tasks like setting culvert or large pipes in trenches, as it has full power, along with a marginally higher pump flow). In addition, operators can uti lize four general modes, known as G1, G2, G3 and G4, for con ventional digging and excavation projects, along with a heavy mode (known simply as H) that offers maximum power, as it’s especially useful for digging in extremely hard terrain.

“We have some of the bright est engineers in the industry working hard every day to con tinue to lower operating costs for excavator owners, while also increasing excavators’ jobsite efficiencies and production capa bilities,” he said. “These are very exciting times ahead!” Baker adds that HCMA will continue to conduct research regarding new excavator features that not only save fuel, but also offer enhanced performance and productivity.“Machine matched hydrau lics, high power and speed, serviceability and, of course, fuel efficiency will remain HCMA’s primary goals,” he said. “And, with this in mind, the com pany will continue to conduct fuel reduction measures, while also keeping the total cost of ownership low for owners and operators alike.” As fuel efficiency remains a key issue for excavators for the foreseeable future, Ko also believes alternative power sourc es will develop rather quickly. For instance, Volvo Construction Equipment is focused on con tinuing to improve its traditional powertrain and hydraulic control systems, as recent offerings like the EC530EL and EC550EL are increasing fuel efficiency by 10%, when compared to the pre vious generation of systems. Yet, at the same time, the company is also overseeing advancements of alternative power sources, such as hydrogen fuel cells. “These developments take time though, as many gov ernments are regulating these efforts and companies are set ting their own standards too,” Ko said. “Therefore, diesel will remain in the mix for a while, while internal combustion tech nology continues to progress as well, including features that will enhance fuel efficiency.” He added, “There is no sin gle solution. With this in mind, excavator owners will need to find the best mix of chang es that’s the most suitable for their own unique operations as they look ahead to the coming months and years.” ET Chris Lewis is a freelance writ er covering the construction and related industries. Read more https://eqtoday.co/f8nyjzat:

Capable of relieving pump pres sure from Volvo excavators’ engines’ cylinders whenever booms are lowered, a boom float feature, in turn, improves grad ing accuracy, increases the speed of cycle times and enhances fuel efficiency. Utilized, in particu lar, for leveling and compacting soil, the feature allows free upand-down movement of booms, enabling it to effortlessly follow the contours of the ground, as operators never have to worry about adjusting heights regularly.

Caterpillar Next-Gen Excavators have Smart Mode, a power management feature that adjusts power operators’ demands. Caterpillar

automatically, according to

THE FUTURE OF FUEL EFFICIENCY As Stellbrink prepares for the future, he’s confident the exca vator industry will continue to achieve further significant gains, with regards to fuel efficiency.

EquipmentConstructionVolvo

28 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

Operators can use Volvo excavators’ ECO Mode feature too, particularly as they conduct light duty work like digging soft material and grading.

RIGHT MINI EXCAVATOR for Your Business

PERFORMANCE FACTORS

Size and performance typi cally go theityunderstandingpossibletypeormovetorwillstructionsize.whenthetion,WhatevermunicipalsuchmusttheButwhenforce,erexcavatorsationsshouldhorsepower—butmachineshand-in-hand—largertendtooffermorecontractorsnottakesizeconsiderforgranted.Largerminitypicallyoffergreatdiggingdepthandbreakoutcriticalperformancespecsthejobrequiresthem.sizingdowncouldalsobeproperstrategyifoperatorsnavigatetighterjobsites,asinresidentialareasorroadorutilitywork.acontractor’ssituamatchingthemachinetoworkisthegeneralprincipleconsideringminiexcavatorForexample,manyconorutilitycontractorsrelyontheirminiexcavato,amongothertasks,lift,andplaceconcretebarrierspipes.Theymayassumethisofworkrequiresthelargestmachines,butinreality,theliftcapacisthekeytosuccess.Doesminiexcavatorhaveahook

This will eliminate the extra weight of the bucket itself and allow the opera tor to lift more and save power. In addition to machine size and weight, another major design feature to consider for a high performing machine is excavator tail swing. Tail swing refers to how far the rear upper structure overhangs beyond the tracks when it rotates. Options range from conventional tail swing, which is usually 18-inches or more of overhang depend ing on machine size, to zero tail swing with no overhang. Between the two extremes are machines with minimal—some times called ultra-tight—tail swing. The tail swing configura tion contractors should look for depends on the applications in which they’ll use the mini exca vator. For open jobsites with few obstructions, standard tail swing models may be just fine, even sometimes offering better lift capacity thanks to the extra weight on the back. Jobsites with less room to spare or contrac tors looking for a more versatile machine may be better suited for ultra-tight or zero tail swing machines. Operators working in residential areas next to homes or on roadways have a higher risk of accidentally causing dam age to a structure, road barrier, or—worse yet—a passing vehicle with tail overhang. Less over hang means operators have less to worry about while focusing on the work in front of them. Second auxiliary hydraulics is another feature contractors might want to look for as stan dard, or at least an optional addition, on their mini excava tor. As the industry gets more and more attachments-driven, a second PTO has become indis pensable for contractors running attachments with extra function ality, such as a grapple requiring one line for grappling and anoth er for rotation and tilt. A relatively new feature on the mini excavator scene, the six-way blade, is a compelling

Selecting

All photos courtesy Yanmar M ore and more contrac tors are adopting mini excavators for use on the jobsite. As the tech nology and engineering that go into these machines continue to improve, mini excavators offer greater promise of productiv ity and return on investment for contracting businesses of all sizes. It’s a best-of-both-worlds scenar io: the utility of an excavator in a compact package capable of effi cient work on tight jobsites. The problem—and this, as they say, is a good problem to have—is selecting the mini excavator that’s right for your business from among the many options available today. With any number of features and con figurations to choose from, what factors should contractors con sider when looking to invest in a mini excavator?

or suspension system?

With today’s technology, even the smallest mini excavators can offer surprising levels of power and reliability.

Machine size and weight are primary considerations when determining which mini excavator is the right fit. These factors affect everything from power and performance to transportation costs and maneu verability, so it’s important to choose wisely. Transportation weight can affect whether the machine is able to make it to the jobsite without hassle. Contractors should consider their trailer size and how much weight it can safely handle. Understanding local laws and licensing requirements should also be a consideration. Staying small can often help avoid spe cial licensing and ease transport. Many contractors look at the tough jobs in front of them and prematurely eliminate the pos sibility that a small-class mini excavator can handle them. But with today’s technology, even the smallest mini excavators can offer surprising levels of power and reliability, so it’s worth tak ing a realistic look at the job that needs to be done and con sider how much machine is truly required to manage it effectively.

30 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment EARTHMOVING TRENDS

Weighing Your Mini Options: the

Whatever a contractor’s situation, matching the machine to the work is the general principle when considering mini excavator size.

TECHNOLOGY

Sizing down could be the proper strategy if operators must navigate tighter jobsites, such as in residential areas or municipal road work. Less overhang means operators have less to worry about while focusing on the work in front of them.

Many mini excavators today can take advantage of advanced technology, such as telematics systems that offer contractors greater convenience and more control over their machines.

Features range from error detec tion and notification to real-time operational status updates and daily work reports. Some telematics systems come with integrated theft protection, allowing the machine’s owner to set a range from a specific loca tion and trigger an alert if that range is exceeded. Telematics features can vary from manu facturer to manufacturer, so it comes down to which functions the contractor feels are most crit ical, as well as the cost/benefit value of the system. The cost for these systems can vary, but some manufacturers offer them free for as many as five years with the purchase of a new machine.

FINDING THE ONE Selecting a mini excavator can seem daunting, especially with all the features and options avail able on the market today. But the upside is that with a little research and planning, contrac tors have a better opportunity than ever before to maximize their investment by finding the mini excavator that’s perfect for their business. ET Jeff Pate is director of sales for Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. Read more https://eqtoday.co/28t5zvat: AMERICA Call: 800-365-7260 Visit: morookacarriers.com

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY

September 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 31 EARTHMOVING TRENDS

WE KEEP ON TRACK

Most contractors would say they are looking for a reliable, highquality mini excavator. Knowing what you want in this arena is one thing but determining exact ly which machine meets these criteria is quite another. There are many ways to approach the question and, depending on who you ask, you may get varying answers. There are few meth ods contractors can use to sift through the Contractorsdata.can start by investigating a manufacturer’s reputation for quality. A reli able manufacturer will have a meticulous manufacturing pro cess, executing regular checks and audits on the quality of their components. The more frequent the checks, the more stringent the quality control. Checks that occur every day show a stron ger commitment to quality than audits that happen only one time perAnotheryear. important check point for evaluating quality and reliability is looking for a man ufacturer that handles as much of its processes in-house as pos sible. The more internal control the manufacturer retains, the less chance for inconsistencies or errors. For example, by build ing both the engine and chassis of the machine, manufacturers maintain experience and insight into the porting process that could otherwise lead to inconsis tencies or shortcuts that inhibit performance.Thewarranty offered by the manufacturer can be an indica tor of their confidence in the quality and reliability of their equipment. Some warranties are at a level nearly double what would be considered standard in the industry. Anything above a two-year/2,000-hour warranty would be considered above aver age. Some manufacturers offer as high as doorcatedandaccesslocatedlevels,oneasysightforturesAdditionalnanceforeasiersignificantlytiltfacturersSomeminitheestateasize,theirothers.worktorsminimaketuresfeweaseingwarranties.four-year/4,000-hourFinally,forcontractorsseekmaximumserviceabilityandofmaintenance,thereareadesignfeathatcansomeexcavaeasiertoonthanGivencompactthereisn’tlotofrealunderhoodofaexcavator.manuofferupcabsforaccessmaintetasks.featolookincludeglassesforreferencereservoirfiltersclosetodoors,adediaccessforthe

battery, allowing the individual to stand nearer the battery when lifting or placing it—a life saver for those accustomed to working on machines with cumbersome and difficult-to-access battery locations.

option to consider for con tractors who will rely on their machine for grading or back filling. Adding utility to the previously leading-edge four-way blade, which supports both verti cal and horizontal movement, a six-way blade introduces tilting capabilities. This option is espe cially useful for landscaping and road work, where contouring to the terrain or a crowned road is crucial for a high-quality finished product.

•

Yanmar Compact Equipment has released its maintenance kits for service interval maintenance of Yanmar machines. Available for all current and many legacy models, the maintenance kits are available exclusively through Yanmar Compact Equipment dealers and come personalized with items such as filters and fluids for Yanmar mini excavators, wheel loaders and tracked carriers. All of the included components are genuine Yanmar OEM parts, ensuring quality system performance for customers.

FLEET MANAGEMENT Products 32 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

All Mazio breakers come with a five-year warranty. The products are available with the company’s vibration-activated digital hour meter, which measures the tool’s operational hours, differentiating from the carrier hours. The meter provides tracking for preventative maintenance activities and billable hours. A 12-year integrated, sealed battery powers the meter as it automatically and autonomously tracks the tool’s impulse during operation, calculating its true work hours. A fiberglass-reinforced heavy-duty rubber case protects the meter from harsh working environments. Mazio offers six XL breaker models for 30-ton to 140-ton mining-duty excavators, with tools ranging from 3.4 tons (3 metric tons) in weight and 9.8 feet (2,980 mm) in length to 11 tons (10 metric tons) in weight and 16.4 feet (5,000 mm) in length. For excavators 11 to 36 tons, five breaker models range from 1 ton (0.9 metric tons) and 6.7 feet (2,050 mm) to 2.6 tons (2.4 metric tons) and 8.7 feet (2,650 mm). For compact carriers, there are six breaker models available from 287 lbs. (130 kgs) and 3.2 feet (990 mm) to 1,279 lbs. (580 kgs) and 5.9 feet (1800 mm).

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 dealers. HAULMAAX EX supports trucks that operate both on- and off-highway. The suspension’s equalizing beam distributes the load equally between both axles in offroad 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-in. steel wheels, while continuing to meet the SAE standard for tire chain clearance.

The 23.5R25 adds to the Bridgestone VSWAS line of OTR radial snow tires that includes the 14.00R24, the 17.5R25 and the 20.5R25. Bridgestone also offers the VSW, a V-Steel Snow Wedge radial for icy or packed snow surfaces. The Bridgestone OTR line has tread patterns and compounds designed for various surfaces and applications, providing performance on the jobsite.

Read More https://eqtoday.co/digiat

The Digi XBee Intelligent Edge Controller (IEC) delivers a comprehensive networking architecture to close the gap between field devices and the cloud and provide asset monitoring and control. In combination with Digi X-ON cloud, the Digi XBee IEC helps companies monitor sensors or remote-control assets over long-range, low-power wide area networks, including LoRaWAN, CAT-M1 and NB-IoT. Industrial devices can be monitored with sub-second latency with alarms and data wirelessly delivered through the Digi X-ON cloud.

Virtual Technology Simplified (VTS) announces the launch of 360Capture, a data service that enables reality capture of buildings and structures with an iPad or iPhone, to populate a digital representation (digital twin) of assets. The app captures spaces to transform data, from a property or asset, into actionable information for customers managing large scale infrastructure in telecommunications and utilities. 360Capture produces reality information with results comparable to traditional laser scanning devices.

The beta release of 360Capture is being integrated into existing workflows with VTS capture teams and clients. Companies interested in being part of the beta can sign up. The public launch will begin in the first quarter of 2023. The 360Capture data service is designed for telecommunications and infrastructure professionals.

Digi International Digi International showcases its latest hardware and software solutions for industrial, transportation, agriculture and manufacturing. The products are capable of accelerating time-to-market requirements, as well as facilitating remote asset monitoring and control.

The Digi ConnectCore MP1 family of systemon-modules (SOMs) features the industry’s smallest STM32MP1 SOM that integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and wired connectivity. The solution also features its connected device platform, development tools and design support. Digi ConnectCore MP1 SOMs offer a cost-effective wireless solution for OEMs seeking to reduce product-development risk and effort.

Virtual Technology Simplified 360Capture

DIGI CONNECTCORE VOICE CONTROL SOFTWARE

Producedprocess.by

˜ Encroachment: Detection of when/where excavation activ ity is getting close to buried lines. Examples include geofencing, thermal imaging, vacuum excavation.

BARRIERS TO ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Within the new Technology Hub, case studies will iden tify the stakeholder group(s) the technology is intended for, using the same icons in CGA’s Best Practices Guide. The site will also give users the ability to search and filter by stakeholder, and by key terms and phrases. Many case studies will fit mul tiple stakeholder groups and categories. This new hub will allow stakeholders to quickly identify the technologies and case studies of greatest relevance to them. It will also pro vide more visibility and access to the case studies beyond the initial publication of the annual Technology Reports.

˜ Positioning: Incorporating GPS/GNSS satellites to iden tify the position of buried lines and/ or other items such as excavation equipment, locating devices, persons, vehicles, etc.

˜ Peoples Gas / North Shore Gas: Ultra-high frequen cy EM safety sweep and its effect on damage prevention ˜ Exodigo, Inc.: Introducing non-intrusive subsurface mapping ˜ ULC Technologies –Improving underground locating and surveying using a robotic vehicle ˜ Alliance Water Resources, of Columbia, Mo./Public Water Supply District #6 of Clay County, Mo.: QGIS water mains and services mapping ˜ Skipper NDT: Droneenabled, gymagnetichigh-precisionmappingtechnoloforburiedpipelines

˜ Facility Installation: Reducing chance of damage to other buried utilities during instal lation or making new facilities locatable. Examples include slot trenching, RFID tags, marker balls, coated/ embedded tracer wire in plas tic pipe.

The case studies featured in the report are industry-submit ted examples of technologies that are improving inefficiencies and/ or a preview of what is being developed to address persistent challenges along the damage pre vention CGA’s Technology Committee, the report seeks to raise the level of industry knowledge by shar ing emerging technologies that address challenges in the dam age prevention system. The report details case studies of damage prevention technolo gies submitted by stakeholders, the barriers to the widespread adoption of new technologies and opportunities for technology development across the damage prevention process.

˜ Locating: netic,ExamplestechniquesEquipment,andtraining.includeelectromagRFID,GPR,Sondes.

˜ KCI Technologies: ProStar PointMan Solution

“More widespread adoption of proven, leading-edge tech nologies, along with improved integration and data-shar ing among damage prevention stakeholders, are critical to addressing the persistent chal lenges in our industry that are contributing to rising damages to buried infrastructure,” said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, presi dent and CEO of CGA. “We truly appreciate the hard work and commitment of CGA’s Technology Committee in writ ing this Report to help the industry better utilize new and emerging technologies.”

CGA members and indus try stakeholders can access the content at categories:classifiesventiongroundalliance.com.technology.commonCGA’sdigitaldamagepreTechnologyHubinformationintoseven

September 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 41www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment TECHNOLOGY | By Gigi Wood, Managing Editor, Equipment Today

“The technology case stud ies highlighted in this year’s report are just some examples of the innovations being adopted by our industry, which show case how effective and efficient the damage prevention pro cess can be with strong industry buy-in,” said Nick Starke, CGA Technology Committee co-chair. “As damage prevention stake holders, we have to prioritize technology investment and view innovation as a key pathway to our goal of zero damages.”

Cases studies included in the report: ˜ 811 Spotter: Streamlines the 811 ticketing process for excavators

˜ Hammerhead: SAME PATH trenchless technology

˜ Pipeline MaintainingIntegrity:pipeline integ rity, including detection and mitigation of cross bores.

˜ Software: Incorporating software to enable digital col lection, storage and sharing of data, use on mobile devic es, desktops, etc. Examples include artificial intelligence, risk assessments, electronic white-lining, data collection, enhanced positive response.

The Locator White Paper published in 2021 focused on outdated/inaccurate maps as one of the top challenges to accu rate and ontime locating, and updated maps as one of the top leading actions for improvement. Along the same lines, the Next Practices Report to the Industry listed a GIS-based mapping sys tem/ database as an opportunity for systemic improvement, stat ing “a comprehensive national GIS map of buried infrastructure would make the locating pro cess drastically more efficient and accurate, and identify abandoned facilities.”TheNext Practices Status Report identified several barriers to creating and/or sharing GIS facility maps, including a lack of willingness to share information, upfront costs, technology devel opment and lack of a centralized body or stakeholder to own or operate a GIS database. ET Image credit goes here In addition to the report, CGA is launching a new, searchable Technology Hub, where users can access damage prevention case studies.

NEW TECH highlightsUndergroundImprovesUtilitySafetyThe2022TechnologyReporteightdamagepreventiontechnologyapplicationsdrivingpracticalsuccesses.

˜ Mapping: Increased accu racy, accessibility, and/or reducing cost or time to com plete mapping, etc. Examples include LIDAR, RTK, GNSS, SLAM.

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

With the report, CGA is also launching a new search able Technology Hub that will provide users with access to all damage prevention technology case studies, including the abil ity to filter by stakeholder group and technology. The hub also features a collection form for submission of new case studies and will continue to be updat ed as additional studies are approved for publication.

Addressing technology gaps is made more difficult by persis tent obstacles, according to the CGA. The organization has pub lished multiple reports in recent years that outline key barriers to addressing some of the most pressing damage prevention chal lenges, many of which include barriers in data integration, data portability and other technolo gy-driven issues. Inaccurate maps and gaps in GIS-mapping sys tems were a specific area of focus in both the Locator White Paper and Next Practices Report.

ommon Ground Alliance (CGA), a national trade association for protect ing underground utility lines and people who dig near them, has published its fifth annual Technology Report, “Technology Advancements and Gaps in Underground Safety 2022,” which serves as a record of progress in technology for the damage prevention industry, as well as a source of inspiration for new technology applications and development.Thisisan important topic, especially on the jobsite, not only to keep workers safe, but as safety increasingly becomes a benchmark for construction bids. According to CGA, during the past 20 years, underground util ity strikes caused 1,906 injuries, 421 deaths and more than $1.7 billion in damages.

OMNI

W inning work based on bidding is dependsenough—successhardonsolidesti mating, performance against the project plan and good communi cation. Design-builders have an even more complex task, as they start not at a set of plans, but with the project owner’s broad wishes and expectations. They must guide the owner toward a vision, and then successfully exe cute against that vison. This is the challenge faced by Willloughby, Ohio-based Marous Brothers Construction, which delivers work through multiple project delivery systems, including design-build and con struction management across sectors including multi-family, commercial, office, industrial, education, senior living, health care, retail and others. The company employs about 200, self-performing essential portions of projects including sitework, excavating, carpentry and inte rior finishes. Its focus on quality, on-time delivery and transpar ency have been essential tools to support growth, and accord ing to Marous Brothers’ Director of Business Development Arne Goldman, more than 90% of the contractors’ projects come from repeat“Wecustomers.arehaving our biggest year ever,” Goldman said. “We are now about 20% over last year, and grew 10% the year before and 5% the year before that,” Goldman said. “We negotiate 90% of our work, so we are not running a customer relationship management (CRM) software tool because our clients find us. We are often involved in projects before the architect is selected.” This approachrelationship-centrictoconstructionhas made Marous Brothers a con tractor of choice for customers including Caterpillar, which has worked with them on multiple projects, including their Ohio Cat Headquarters in Broadview Heights, Ohio. The 62,250-sq.ft. project includes shop space, a parts warehouse and office space. Marous Brothers has built Cat rental stores in the state as well, and coincidentally, relies on an all-Caterpillar, heavy-equip ment fleet that makes heavy use of equipment guidance tech nologies to increase quality and consistency.Thecompany also relies on drones to survey larger greenfield construction projects, mostly to determine logistical tactics— including the ideal approach for truck access, traffic patterns in nearby intersections and where a job trailer should be positioned. But the most powerful take aways from Marous Brothers’ approach to construction tech nology is in the back office.

PROFIT MATTERS | By

Ohio Design-Builder

42 EQUIPMENT TODAY | September 2022 www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment

BrothersMarous

CONSTRUCTION SOFTWAREENABLED WORKFLOW

Technology Editor

The Marous Brothers Site Group has been installing detention system at Senior Living Center in Solon, Ohio. The total installed system volume for this project is 56,229 cubic feet.

the new stormwater

Once an owner engages with this design-build contractor, Marous Brothers relies on a portfolio of enterprise tools to support operations and facili tate good communication with project owners. The contrac tor uses a cloud-based instance of Viewpoint, now owned by Trimble as part of Trimble Construction One—for project management.“Yearsago, we used (Meridian Systems) Prolog and other soft ware products,” Goldman said. “But we have found that as a contractor with large projects in the area of hundreds of millions of dollars in multiple states, it became very important to have the ability to have our account ing and project management software talk to each other.” Marous’s instance of Viewpoint is paired with a cloud instance of Sage 100 Contractor, formerly Master Builder, which is used for estimating and financials. An instance of the On-Center Software’s On Screen desktop takeoff prod uct is integrated with Sage 100 Contractor, driving the takeoff data into the start of the process. Other applications includ ing the company’s instance of Autodesk Revit for building information modeling and an on-premise instance of Oracle Primavera P6, are stand alone. More integration would help eliminate manual steps accord ing to Goldman, but the current process flow has been supporting the company’s growth trajectory. “Sage Timberline ties into our database of historical cost, and On Screen is the software solu tion that allows us to make a digital capture of drawings for instantaneous takeoffs and esti mates,” Goldman said. “The takeoffs seed the Sage system, and we can then make adjust ments to the estimates in that application. Sage is working very well for our 35 estimators.” Once an estimate is accepted, Marous Brothers uses Primavera for scheduling.

This Relies on Construction ERP for DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH

“Primavera is not integrated,” Goldman said. “I wish it was. But it is good with resource loading, scheduling and help ing us identify the critical tasks required for the critical path method (CPM) of project management.”Oracledoes offer a number of ways to integrate Primavera P6 with other softwares, but the preferred method for inte gration has changed. For years, Primavera P6 users would pull data into the application using the P6 SDK to import a work breakdown structure, but Oracle says this technique should no longer be used to sup port integrations. Primavera P6 users can also leverage the P6 Professional API, which provides access to a functionality inside of Primavera, but this method has been deprecated in favor of newer technology. Oracle now pushes customers like Marous toward Primavera Web Services and encourages them to move to Oracle Primavera Cloud, which has its own Integration App. For a company like Marous Brothers, using any of these would likely require the work of a systems integrator, but Agave, an tems.coverhaveuctson-premisecificHH2—theyfromsaidAgaveandtionalitfromwhichHH2offeringssingle,siblealllistitswellandConstruction100by100coversandportfolioViewpointworkingas-a-serviceintegration-platform-(iPaaS)company,isonaddingPrimaveraP6,VisaandSagetoitsofstandardintegrations,competitorRyvitalreadyViewpointVistaandSageContractor.HH2washiredSagetobuildAPIsintoSageContractorandSage300andRealEstate,includestheseproducts,asastheViewpointproductsinplatform.OnceaddedtotheofiPaaS-supportedproducts,threesolutionswillbeaccesandinteroperableunderastandardAPI.TheseiPaaSfromAgave,RyvitandareakintoaRosettaStone,translatesdataformatsoneapplicationandmapstofieldsinanotherforbidirecintegrations.“Weareanewercompanyfocusondifferentsoftware,”Co-FounderTomRenotocontrasthiscompanyothersinthespace.“Ryvit,focusonveryspesystems,morelegacyandsystems.Thoseprodareverywidelyused,andlargemarketshare.We100%cloud-basedsysWearedevelopingaway Charles Rathmann,

TOWARD SOFTWARECONSTRUCTIONINTEROPERABILITY

From the front office functions that customers see directly, such as estimates to financial reporting to renderings to the back office func tions like accounting and takeoffs, Marous Brothers has a thoughtful approach that has supported rapid growth. Theirs is not a technologycentric strategy—their processes are not completely digitized and there is room for growth. Their strategy is a customer-centric one that prioritizes clear and transparent communica tion and reliable delivery. ET

September 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 43www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment PROFIT MATTERS Read More https://eqtoday.co/marousatnot to integrate with on-premise systems. So, if you are a general con tractor and your accounting system lives within your firewall, but you need to connect with other systems for cloud-based purchase orders or payments, that is a hard problem to solve.”Because scheduling in Primavera is stand-alone, Goldman said Marous Brothers employees need to manual ly input data and then handle rework if they make changes to materials or other project variables in Sage in order to see how it affects the schedule. Most of the time, Marous Brothers enters into a preconstruc tion agreement before they begin delivering any services, so generally they are not providing a bid against a plan. Actions in their various sys tems of record are triggered by this Instrument of Service, including an initial project meeting where meeting minutes are captured in Viewpoint. “At the initial project meeting, we would try to get information about the client budget and expecta tions—and test that with an initial project schedule,” Goldman said. Then, they engage with the project owner’s design team or with their internal staff that creat ed the design in Revit to generate a baseline budget using Sage 100 Contractor and On Screen to cap ture concept drawings for takeoff. Using the takeoff and Sage esti mating, Marous Brothers models a broad project schedule in Primavera, making sure it reflects any precon struction activities, entitlements and other critical elements. “We try to model a reasonable duration,” Goldman said. “When you do negotiated work, clients want a very early recognition of cost, very early recognition of sched ule and clear integration of quality andOncescope.”aproject is underway, Sage 100 Contractor generates project data in real time to support timely decisions.“Forevery estimate in Sage 100 Contractor, the software divides reporting components and assem bly,” Goldman said. “We have a way of constantly delivering delivery estimating and capturing new infor mation. Once a project is underway, transparency and communication become even more essential, and that is what we strive to deliver.”

Brothers has to, on the other hand, massage and work around the way Primavera presents the project plan so it can be easily digestible.“Unless you know how to read a schedule output, it is not exactly friendly,” Goldman said. “Sometimes in PowerPoint presen tations, while we will have issued to the client a P6 schedule, we often use an Excel bar chart because the Primavera output is a little too technical.”Trimble Viewpoint, used for meeting minutes, is also used by the Marous Brothers team for project financials, including outputs shared with project owners. “We use Viewpoint for meet ing minutes and financial reports,” Goldman said. “Even when we are working as a constructionmanager-at-risk and we have specific fiduciary duties to our clients, Viewpoint is able to pro duce pretty good deliverables in terms of project costs. The prod uct has gotten better at this as a matter of fact, and we are able to share these outputs without hav ing to decipher them or repackage them in a more readable matter. The output can be streamlined to make it easier for our customers to comprehend.”

Estimating, planning and sound execution are critical to delivering a positive owner experience and achieving project outcomes, but Marous Brothers also leverages its construction software tech stack for softer skills, including project com munication with the owner. “We use technology in our design-build projects often times to do initial drawings,” Goldman said. “This may be something we execute in Revit, and in some cases we opt for some rendering in col ors or textures or maybe a 3D walkthrough.”MarousBrothers’ leadership is sensitive to the needs and capacities of the owner personnel in deter mining how they package project materials for ease of comprehension. “A lot depends on how graphical ly literate the clients are—whether they are comfortable with schemat ics and blueprints,” Goldman said. “We work hard to figure out the graphic and plan reading ability of our clients. The less graphically lit erate they are, the more important it is for us to do a 3D rendering or other visualizations. At the end of the day, we use technology to help us manage and deliver on expec tations—our whole business is about managing and delivering on expectations.”MarousBrothers also focuses on the usability and readability of proj ect plans and estimates, and goes out of their way to ensure own ers can easily grasp the content of documents.“Ithink we have gotten great feedback on how easy our Sage out put is for clients to understand,” Goldman said. “Sometimes, esti mating software spits out a lot of numbers and other information that is undecipherable unless you know what you are doing. But even our layperson customers can under stand that. We are able to customize things in Sage to make things easy for the owner—we can do a sum mary and Sage will spit out that summary based on the param eters we put in. Looking at that, the owner can quickly grasp the essentials like cost per square foot, whether there is a contingency and what our fees are. Sage does a more than decent job presenting things likeMarousthis.”

TECHNOLOGY FOR PROJECT COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY FOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Marous Brothers relies heavily on repeat business, and has completed multiple projects for Caterpillar including the Ohio Cat headquarters in Broadview Heights, Ohio. Marous Brothers

Remember,yourself. “Cash is king!” But more cash is even better. ET

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

MAXBUSINESSCASH From Your Operation

HOMEWORK FOR YOU ˜ Put cash on a worksheet by week including payment due dates. ˜ Prioritize cash so you make the right payments at the right time. ˜ Review the billing process to see if you can speed up invoices by a week or two.

˜ Pay internal payroll. ˜ Pay occupancy costs. ˜ Pay operating costs. ˜ Pay interest cost. Pay note payments due. Pay any taxes due. ˜ Last but not least, pay Noticeyourself!you get paid last, after other operating expenses, debt service and taxes are paid. Your normal payroll is covered but anything more than that has to be determined based on company needs going forward.Putall the steps on the list above together for a day, a week or a month, and you are on your way to better under stand your cash position. We will then start with your open ing cash balance, add the cash receipts, subtract cash disburse ments and wind up with your ending cash balance. Hopefully, this ending balance plus your anticipated receipts and disburse ments for the next period allow you to duplicate this process for the entire year and wind up with a reasonable balance on Dec. 31 for the year in question. Sounds simple. Make your deposits and pay the bills and you wind up with a reasonable cash balance to work with. Not so fast, ladies and gentle man. That only works if your receipts exceed disbursements or where disbursements exceed receipts, but not to the point where you eat into your opening balance to any great extent. I think we can all agree that it would be prudent to have the ability to project your cash balance on a weekly basis. To do this, management needs a tool to assist with this process. The tool should contain weekly data regarding estimated cash receipts, any payroll that falls into that week, a list of fixed monthly payments, including monthly debt service and any other significant payments that need to be paid in the week. Using this tool allows you to stay ahead of the game should you start running short of cash. If at all possible, you want to avoid cash shortages because doing so leads to nothing but additional problems you real ly do not have time for at this point in the fiscal year. I guess you could approach your bank for an increased line of credit. You could stretch out vendor payments. You could cut costs and find other ways to increase cash flow to make up for the shortfall. I might adopt all of these ideas, but spend most of my time trying to find ways to increase cash flow that cost me nothing, except for the time it takes to implement changes to my daily processing that will increase my cash bal ance, hopefully to the extent where I make up the shortfall thatManydeveloped.short-term assets on our balance sheet get convert ed to cash. The lengthy amount of time that takes is the issue. Accounts receivable, notes receivable, work-in-progress (WIP) and any hard-asset sales all convert to cash receipts. Start with the WIP, which has to be converted to invoices as soon as possible! The cost account ing needs to be current. All waivers must be received and reviewed against invoices being billed. Any cost or billing issues must be resolved before the invoice is prepared, or they must be removed from the current invoice if finalizing open items will take too long to resolve.

˜ Calculate the days of sales outstanding and review monthly.

˜ Assign responsibility for these tasks, if not doing them

you get a check, it must be deposited that day. It does you no good to speed up the billing by a week if you let the check sit on your desk for three days. Other assets you can covert to cash would consist of parts and equipment no longer needed. If you do not use the equipment any longer nor have a need for parts sitting in part bins, get rid of them and covert those assets to cash. No matter what you get for them, it is a plus if the equip ment or parts in question are otherwise just taking up space. If you have enough old stuff to sell, you may be able to reduce your line of credit with sales proceeds and lower interest in the process. There are many other areas we can explore to improve your cash position. Most center around disbursements. We will do that next month and maybe even the month after to tie up all the loose ends.

˜ Track days it takes to collect (30-40 day range).

The invoice has to be problem free with all required back-up so that you can get an anticipated payment date. Every day you gain converting WIP to cash makes a big differ ence. whenAnd

˜ Know which checks or pay ments came in that day and whether they have been deposited. ˜ Actively chase your money. ˜ Immediately resolve any bill ing issues.

ou have seen me write, “Cash is king!” probably 50 times if you have been reading my columns for any length of time. And that statement is true even more so during these confusing times. A simple example we can use spell ing out how cash is generated follows:

˜ Bill for your products and services. ˜ Collect your billing dollars outstanding. Pay for your materials and services related to job costs including payroll costs.

RUNNING THE

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˜ Tools to calculate power bal ance of solar, batteries, and light power consumption by zip code are mature and able to prevent under spec purchases. ˜ Autonomous year-round operation as far north as Canada on only solar is viable with proper specs.

Progress Solar Solutions Progress Solar Solutions

˜ “Set it and forget it” light sensors coupled with adequate specifications to allow nearly zero logistics support after setup for yearround operation.

˜ Improved controls, user inter faces, and manufacturing lessons learned. Whether you are an outright owner or renter, mobile solar light towers have large cost sav ings in fuel and logistics when compared to using diesel light towers. The maturity of the tech nology also has provided a much better user experience, much like the evolution of most new inven tions in the industry.

3. Equipment lasts longer. Few moving parts, main tenance schedules, etc. Well-maintained batteries should last five years. 4. In most cases, the cost savings of running AC power to a more per manent light pole. No electricians, permits, etc. Roll it in, and set it and forget it.

ntroduction of solar pan els as the power source and batteries for storage about 10 years ago removed the single largest operating cost and manpower needs associated with using mobile light tow ers. Over the last decade, the technology has matured and experience on how to use it has grown. There were first-of-akind issues, some under-spec versions of these products, and a few people had some bad experiences. Just like a first-gen eration iPhone, the technology has greatly improved, as well as industry experience in manufacturing.Youmayhave skepti cal thoughts when seeing solar power being incorporated into use of everyday products.

The front-end equipment capital cost or rental rate is more than a diesel light tower for sure, but not so much more that it does not produce sig nificant and immediate savings and a much lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). TCO over five years is around $20,000 for a standard solar light tower and over $100,000 for a die sel light tower. That’s well over $1,000 per month per unit sav ings when running each night. With regular use, return on investment is less than one year. We used $5 per gallon for diesel in this Rentalversion.rate savings is about half of the total cost of a diesel light tower when fuel is consid ered into the equation and also just under $1,000 per month in savings per unit when run everyWenight.canrun a custom sav ings scenario for many different use cases and adjust for the cost of diesel and runtime, but even with more conservative numbers the cost savings is large.

Thoughts of it being a feel-good product for the environment and not what you want to rely on for your company’s operations are not uncommon. If you buy them now, you’re no early adopter, that is for sure. They are simpler to maintain, operate and support than a typical diesel light tower. With minimal training of your team, you will be ready to ben efit from this next generation product and realize some major cost savings. This doesn’t mean you don’t get what you pay for. There are low-cost providers that cut corners on their specs and more premium brands just like any other product out there, but this is not a new, environmental feel-good product any longer. Major technology improve ments over the first 10 years: ˜ Solar panel efficiency of around 7% with our first gen eration and over 20% now. ˜ LED efficiency of 80 lumens/ watt with our first generation and 180 lumens/watt now.

1. “Set it and forget it” controls. Since it doesn’t need fuel, you can use a light sensor or timer to have the unit turn on and off automatical ly. Rarely does a person need to touch it, if set up correctly.

2. Silent operation, great for placing in and amongst an event or work place without adding unneces sary noise.

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PANELS Ensure Financial Windfall, Maturation of Mobile Solar Light Tower Technology

Other benefits include:

SAFETY & SOLARCOMPLIANCE

5. Environmental benefits per light tower shown in table. The cost savings can be stagger ing when multiplied out over a fleet. Ten units x $1000 in sav ings each per month is $10,000 per month or $120,000 per year. That is a lot of money, no matter who you are. Is it time to give a few of these a try in your fleet as a late adopter and start saving your company some money? You can always take some credit for being environ mentally friendly, too. ET Dan McKenzie is the president of Progress Solar Solutions. Read more https://eqtoday.co/solartowersat:

AVOIDING CATASTROPHE

TESTING AND INSPECTION Inspection is an effective way for project owners and decision makers to ensure infrastructure is built to code and to ensure great er project quality. Inspection is also mandated on federal and state levels to uncover flaws or possible problems with the struc ture, with a goal of identifying problems now so they can be ameliorated.Whilevisual inspection and examination is technically an NDT method, too often more advanced NDT tools and tech nology are implemented in its place. You don’t want to order NDT tools for something that should be a visual inspection; when you need enhancement to your visuals, these tools become valuable, but a whole sale employment of NDT is not appropriate.Decisionmakers must ask, is a battery of NDT testing going to be valuable, and is it going to provide information that is going to be worth the time and money spent to obtain it? If there is no real reason for it, it probably is not necessary or well advised. A qualified NDT partner will be able to iden tify which parts of the project require more in-depth NDT tools and which do not.

Visual inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT) tools are both key to ensuring bridge safety during routine inspections.

L ike an X-ray is used to see inside the human body, non-destructive testing (NDT) can be a pow erful and effective means of understanding a bridge’s struc tural integrity without damaging the structure—and the key to achieving greater structural health, efficiency and safety on large-scale projects. But sometimes, common NDT tools–from ultrasound and dye penetrant, to eddy cur rent and magnetic particle testing, can be a “knee jerk” reaction—and get misapplied by those not as familiar or con versant with these tools and their purpose. When it comes to bridge safety, here’s how to know what NDT techniques to use and when.

Nondestructive testing can pro vide critical evaluation and inspection insights for most, but not all, bridge projects. The following are three of the most significant highway bridge col lapse events that have occurred in recent history. First, the I-35w Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minn., August 2007. The bridge was eight lanes wide, and approximately 1,000 ft. of the total 1,907-ft. length of the structure collapsed, 456 ft. of which fell over 100 ft. into the Mississippi River below. As a result of accident reconstruction and analysis, investigators recommended the “use of nondestructive evaluation

How to Know What NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING TECHNIQUES to Use and When During In-Service Bridge Inspections September 2022 | EQUIPMENT TODAY 47www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

PERIODIC INSPECTIONSIN-SERVICE

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), there are more than 617,000 bridges across the United States, 42% of them over 50 years old, and 46,154, or 7.5% are structurally deficient.

The ASCE estimates there are 178 million trips over structur ally-deficient bridges every day. Bridges can deteriorate if not maintained and tested regularly. Fatigue failure, or propagation of cracks due to a repetitive load, is the most common rea son. The ongoing stress levels induce imperfections in the bridge structure, which grow into cracks. These cracks increase in size over time and can result in structural failure. The cost to conduct inves tigations on bridges can be substantial, and even with an estimated $27 billion of the recent infrastructure bill going toward bridges, there will still be significant budgetary constraints.

Oftentimes, visual inspection is enough to determine the struc tural health of a bridge.

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at locations where visual inspections may be inadequate to assess and quanti fy such conditions as section loss due to corrosion.”Second, the I-95 Bridge over the Mianus River, in Greenwich, Conn., June 1983. The 100-ft-long suspended span of the eastbound traffic lanes of the Interstate Route 95 (I-95) highway bridge collapsed and fell 70 ft. into the river below. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause of the collapse was the undetected later al displacement of the hangers of the pin and hanger suspension assembly in the southeast corner of the span, by the cor rosion-induced forces. It was noted that this was exacerbated by deficiencies in the bridge inspection and maintenance.

Federal and state law mandates that bridges must be inspected at least once every 24 months, and that defects be repaired. Routine in-service bridge inspections include visual inspec tions, which often focus on areas where there is significant potential for flaws or cracks to develop. Technicians will review these areas, and the entirety of the bridge structure, visu ally to check for flaws, cracks and imperfections of any kind.

disaster. However, the specter of another structural failure is always lurking, and the elimi nation of further catastrophic events remains elusive. With more recent bridge failures, from the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse in Pittsburgh to the Hernando De Soto bro ken steel structural member, in-service inspections are vitally important to ensuring a bridge’s safety and avoid catastrophe.

Third, the Silver Bridge over the Ohio River, in Point Pleasant, W.V./Gallipolis, Ohio, December 1967. The safety board determined the bridge collapse was the cleavage fracture in the lower limb of the north eyebar suspension chain. The frac ture was caused by the development of a critical-size flaw over the 40-year life of the structure as the result of the joint action of stress corrosion and corrosion fatigue. It was concluded that the loca tion of the flaw was inaccessible to visual inspection; and the flaw could not have been detected by any inspection method known without disassembly of the eye bar joint. The disastrous collapse of the Silver Bridge highlighted the dangers of not having a comprehensive and standard ized bridge inspection system. In 1968, the U.S. Congress revised the Federal Highway Act of 1968 to establish a National Bridge Inspection Standard and create a program to train bridge inspectors. As a result of the post-event inves tigations, there have been numerous recommendations proffered with the intent of preventing any future catastrophic fail ures, many of which have been codified. There have no doubt been many situa tions where these measures have identified a problem and perhaps helped to avert a

Using both visual and nonde structive inspection methods, cracks and other areas of concern may be uncovered. Inspection results help us understand which areas of the bridge need main tenance, as well as remaining service life. Inspection helps to determine the overall bridge condition, enabling informed decisions about bridge replace ment or rehabilitation. The engineer of record is responsible for determining the severity of cracks. If, for exam ple, a crack has propagated through 10% of the material thickness versus 50% or more. If it’s only propagated through 10% of the material thickness, we may have time to come back and measure it later and see if it has advanced. If it has propagat ed 50%-60%, it may need to be replaced. NDT tools show the severity of a crack or flaw, and how urgently it must be repaired. In addition to visual inspec tion, the most common NDT tools for bridge testing include ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant, magnetic particle testing and in many cases, eddy current. These techniques help us determine if there are cracks present.

WHERE DO BRIDGE DEFECTS COME FROM?

SAFETY COMPLIANCE

UNDERSTANDING NDT TOOLS

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Cost effectiveness with govern mental bridge owners is still a bigCivildeal. engineers know enough to design things and under stand bridge behavior under load, but when further investi gation of a potential problem appears necessary, the selection of ancillary NDT methods is often beyond the purview of design professionals. Always take the risk of erring on the side of being cautious. 23 CFR 650 is the nation al bridge inspection standard, and each state must conform to this code, with 23 different met rics they must follow. Safety is a hugely important part of meet ing federal bridgeGovernmentrequirements.groupsanddecision-makerswant to get the most bang for their buck with bridge inspections, and nondestructive testing is an effec tive means to inspect and assess the condition of structures. But like so many other pow erful tools, NDT must be used appropriately and not reactively for it to be effective. When used properly, NDT can be one of the most powerful tools in the inspection toolbox. ET Nagesh Goel is president and Rich Pimpinella is a technical advisor at AEIS. Read more https://eqtoday.co/3nebl9at:

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Besides staying on top of essen tial deadlines and project status, construction managers are also tasked with mitigating risk and helping their employees stay safe. Typically, incident management has been handled on spread sheets, which can amalgamate data well, but are still largely manual and offer no insights into the data itself.

Management of mega construc tion projects is difficult–there’s a variety of players and pieces to keep tabs on, and it can be dif ficult to have a single view of all the moving parts. No two proj ects are the same, which makes it hard, even for project managers, to ensure each team member and the many moving pieces fit into one cohesive puzzle.

ADDRESSING LABOR GAPS

Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions are common in con struction, but they can’t offer the same flexibility that agile solu tions like no-code do, and are typically introduced to solve just one specific issue. These solu tions can help manage projects, but usually they only perform one element of them well. These solutions are limited in scope and make it difficult to stream line all the connected processes.

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An example is software original ly built for accounting that then attempts to include project man agement as an tionEasy-to-useadd-on.construcmanagementsoftware

is therefore crucial in order for managers to instantly share valuable information on dead line, track the budget, and stay on top of requests for infor mation, change logs, punch lists and other tasks. The col laborative and centralized nature of no-code enables proj ect managers to create exactly the workflows they need for their complex projects, stream lining manual tasks like calling and mailing contrac tors, reviewing project timelines and coordinating employee workload.

One of no-code’s major strengths is that crucial data becomes cen tralized. Regardless of where a contractor, manager or executive is, all of the necessary employees have access to the right informa tion at the right time. Data is not in Excel on jobsite silos that are hard to find or share. On the flipside, the effort to create those apps (and therefore crucial data) is decentralized. No-code enables construction teams to merge schedules, share contacts of the various subs involved, man age change orders and store cost analysis.Self-service is crucial for teams that work in a historical ly disparate industry, and agile technology offers a chance for everyone on the job to act as their own project manager. Project management is diffi cult, especially on large projects, but it’s so important for those in the construction space to get right. Without complete insight into the status of a job, business es risk falling behind, missing deadlines and losing out on futureThebids.operational agility offered through no-code technologies gives construction companies a shot to create a wave of appli cation builders amidst an IT labor shortage, and a chance to stay one step ahead of the com petition–especially as projects continue rolling in. ET Read more https://eqtoday.co/98jy1xat:

SAFETY AND INCIDENT TRACKING

BRIDGING THE GAP

Improving Cross-Team ProjectConstructionTeamwork

Jacob MacIntyre is director of the customer acceleration group at Quickbase..

IMPROVED COLLABORATION

CENTRALIZED DECENTRALIZEDDATA,EFFORTS

A s the labor shortage con tinues to impact the construction industry, management of mega projects and meeting critical deadlines are becoming wor risome challenges for many companies. Recent infrastruc ture legislation has created a situation where projects are lined up, but there’s a gulf of talent to keep up with the jobs. In order to outpace competitors, construction businesses need to turn to new technologies to close skills gaps and manage these new projects. The issue, however, is in the fact that the construction indus try has been historically slow to adopt new technologies, relying on legacy solutions and, in many cases, spreadsheets or manual forms. This creates a situation in which data and systems crucial to tracking the status of projects are both hard to reach and con currently shared with teams that typically are split between the jobsite and the office. Many organizations have taken steps to adopt some form of technology to help inno vate through these challenges, but lack the talent needed to properly implement it. What’s needed is access to agile digi tal solutions that don’t require extensive IT backgrounds and traditional technical training to deploy. One type of software offers this capability: no-code technology, enabling those clos est to the problems the chance to develop the solution to it. Here, we’ll take a look at some ways this technology can increase collaboration across teams and act as a tool to smaller IT teams and employees in both the field and the office.

Designed to help construction managers better mitigate con struction site risks, no-code tools enable users to easily collect data from safety tasks such as on-site walkthroughs and production reports. From there, managers can create solutions that not only read the data, but leverage auto mation to generate insights on it, inform next steps and disperse that data across teams. The more often the right leading indicators can be clearly communicated, the safer the jobsite becomes. Additionally, agile solutions can help managers keep track of new and updated guide lines from regulatory bodies like OSHA. Tracking requirements, ensuring facilities are up to code, and ensuring that everyone is trained to the same standards can all be placed on a central appli cation, putting manager–mindsemployee–andatease.

Making sure teams both on-site and in the office are not only communicating, but doing so in a way that conveys the status of projects in a crystal-clear way, is one of the biggest challeng es faced within the construction industry today. Managing proj ects as they scale is difficult, but ineffective communication makes it even more difficult, especially when trying to man age multiple subcontractors and vendors.Asthese technologies enable anyone in the organization the ability to come up with solutions to the problems they’re facing, it can be leveraged to create a onestop shop for communication on job status. This centralization enables anyone with their device to effectively check in on the sta tus of other teams, regardless of which site they’re on. This helps clients, consultants, contractors and project managers all stay on the same page.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Labor gaps in all industries have hindered the ability of many organizations to effectively handle their digital transforma tions–the construction industry is no different. The resistance to adopt innovation can be directly solved through agile technology, by opening up development and creation of systems to non-IT folks. This enables anyone in the business to help push the needle forward on digital transforma tionThisefforts.reskilling of employ ees to become problem-solvers bridges the gap between IT teams and field workers, helping to foster a culture of innovation. This creates a situation where employees, regardless of back ground, are empowered through technology daily, helping reduce the resistance towards adopting new technologies.

Our digital capabilities simplify account management, deliver insights to any device and help you more proactively manage your fleet with Total Control®. Call 800.UR.RENTS or visit UnitedRentals.com Delivering Results with Digital © 2022 United Rentals, Inc.

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