Rental May 2022 by ForConstructionPros.com

May 2022

POWERED UP

A LOOK AT RECENT AND UPCOMING TRENDS IN THE POWER GENERATION INDUSTRY

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

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VOLUME 43 ISSUE 4

MAY 2022

Experts share the top trends in the power generation segment and weigh in on what’s next for the industry.

COVER: POWERED UP

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

ARA Talks Workforce Development The American Rental Association (ARA) discusses promoting the rental industry as a viable career path and describes workforce development initiatives it has implemented.

IN EVERY ISSUE

04 Everybody’s Business

PORTABLE POWER

Monetize Sustainable Power

08 Market Watch

Top 10 reasons why hybrid power is quickly becoming a more mainstream item and how it’s a successful rental asset.

The latest news from around the industry

28 Rental Snapshot

Tom Butts, owner, Nor-Cal Equipment

38 New Products

SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY

Power generation equipment

42 Eye on Rental How to maintain a professional image

24 www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

Electrification of Forklifts

The inside scoop on why the rental industry may move toward the electrification of forklifts.

18 MAY 2022

EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS // BY SARAH WEBB swebb@ACBusinessMedia.com

POWER

™

YOU’VE GOT THE

his past month, I had the chance to travel on behalf of Rental magazine to the Atlas Copco facility in Rock Hill, S.C., for the company’s sustainability product launch. Trips like these are a breath of fresh air for me—and not just because the temperature in South Carolina that day was double the temperature I had left behind in snowy Cleveland—it’s more about the chance to get out of my (home) office, meet key players in the industry and learn more about the problems facing the rental industry and the unique solutions those in it have come up with. While the theme of this particular trip was sustainability as it related to power generation equipment and pump systems, one of the presenter’s words struck me as applicable to a wider range of topics: “It’s not about whether it’s coming, but rather when you jump on the train and which horses you bet on.” While the “it” in this case refers to sustainability initiatives and alternative power sources, it seems to me that change is imminent on several fronts in the rental industry, whether that means finding ways to retain good labor, incorporating new technology and yes, integrating sustainability initiatives— mandated by regulations or not.

MAY 2022

Fittingly, these themes come up more than once in this issue. On page 12, you can find more on the latest power generation trends and what rental companies can do to get on board with them, and page 38 includes a roundup of power equipment—this is the power generation issue after all! On page 18, you can learn about what your rental company can do to attract the next generation of workers. The stories on pages 24 and 26 focus on the new technology available to assist companies in meeting their environmental goals. To round out the issue, our columnist Dick Detmer details how rental companies can attract more customers by maintaining a professional staff and showroom, and I spoke with Tom Butts, owner of Nor-Cal Equipment in Sacramento, Calif., about how he got into the business, his favorite part of the job, what he likes to do for fun and more. Sergey Nivens (By the way, if you are interested in having your company profiled, let us know—we would love to include you in an upcoming issue.) So, which “horses” are you betting on? Pardon the pun, but you’ve got the “power” to decide. Please feel free to share your thoughts via email at swebb@acbusinessmedia.com or reach out via LinkedIn at sarah-webb1ba8b2109/. Until next time!

PRODUCT NEWS INSIGHT ■

■

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL Published by AC Business Media 201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 www.ACBusinessMedia.com

Publication Staff Publisher.................................................................... Sean Dunphy sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com Editor...........................................................................Sarah Webb swebb@ACbusinessMedia.com Senior Production Manager........................................Cindy Rusch Art Director.................................................................... Willard Kill Audience Development Manager..................................Angela Franks

Advertising Sales (800) 538-5544 Kris Flitcroft.................................kflitcroft@ACBusinessMedia.com Sean Dunphy............................... sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com Nikki Lawson............................... nlawson@ACBusinessMedia.com Megan Perleberg..........................mperleberg@ACBusinessMedia.com Tadashi Soma.................................... tsoma@ACBusinessMedia.com Circulation & Subscriptions PO Box 3605, | Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 | Fax: (847) 291-4816 circ.rpn@omeda.com List Rental Sr. Account Manager...........................................Bart Piccirillo | Data Axle (518) 339 4511 | bart.piccirillo@infogroup.com Reprints Megan Perleberg, mperleberg@ACBusinessMedia.com

AC Business Media Chief Executive Officer................................................ Ron Spink Chief Financial Officer......................................... JoAnn Breuchel Chief Digital Officer............................................. Kris Heineman Chief Revenue Officer......................................... Amy Schwandt VP ofOperations & IT .............................................. Nick Raether VP Audience Development .................................. Ronda Hughes Director, Demand generation & Education .................. Jim Bagan GM Online & Marketing Services....................Bethany Chambers Group Content Director ....................................... Marina Mayer Published and copyrighted 2022 by AC Business Media. 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. to rental centers, equipment distributors, and other businesses with rental departments. To subscribe please visit www.ForConstructionPros.com. Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualified subscribers. One year subscriptions for nonqualified individuals: U.S. $35.00; Canada and Mexico $60.00; and $85.00 all other countries (payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank). Single issues available (prepaid only) $10.00 each. Rental (ISSN 2375-9925, Print | ISSN 2471-7657, online | USPS 686-370) is published eight times per year: 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 Rental, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Printed in the USA. Vol. 43, Issue 3, May 2022

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PRODUCT NEWS INSIGHT ■

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As activity in the rental industry ramps up, Rental magazine wants to highlight your rental company, digging into your successes, challenges you’ve faced along the way and how you’ve overcome them. What are you most proud of? What would you do differently? What advice would you give to other rental company owners or those just starting out in the industry? We want to hear it all and feature you in an upcoming Rental Spotlight article. If you would like to share your story with the readers of Rental and your professional peers, reach out to Editor Sarah Webb at swebb@acbusinessmedia.com today.

With labor a pressing concern in the rental industry, James Auerbach, vice president of The American Rental Association (ARA), sat down with Rental Editor Sarah Webb to talk about fostering careers in the rental industry and the ARA’s initiatives to promote workforce development. Do you have an interesting story that you’d like to talk about on a podcast? Email your ideas to Rental Editor Sarah Webb at swebb@ acbusinessmedia.com, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode of The Bottom Line podcast.

To stay up to date on the latest happenings around the rental industry, be sure to follow Rental’s social media channels: @Syifa5610.adobe.stock.com

MAY 2022

@RentalMagazine

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Rental Magazine

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MARKET WATCH // TOP CONCERNS OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS IN 2022

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Ongoing supply chain issues and operational disruptions are the main concerns across the global construction industry, according to respondents from the sector in the latest Allianz Risk Barometer. Business interruption ranks as the top threat for construction companies worldwide (43 percent of responses), with the consequences of a natural catastrophe event ranking a close second (42 percent). The Allianz Risk Barometer 2022 features the insights of 2,650 experts in 89 countries and territories. Last year, surges in demand were accompanied by disruptions in production and logistics when factories were forced to close following COVID-19 outbreaks, while there was also record congestion at key container shipping ports. The expected shortage of skilled workers could ultimately affect the quality of workmanship and maintenance levels in construction and increase the susceptibility to errors.

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CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE DRUG-TEST POSITIVITY REACHES 20-YEAR HIGH

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Positivity for cocaine and marijuana is climbing among federally mandated testing of safety-sensitive workers. Positives are rising faster in post-accident tests than preemployment for cocaine, marijuana, opiates and oxycodones. After holding steady between 2017 and 2020, positive results for drug tests of construction workers increased more than 12 percent in 2021, according to the 2022 Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index (DTI). The study was based on more than 11 million de-identified urine, hair and oral fluid drug test results collected between January and December 2021. The Quest Diagnostics DTI provides insights into trends in workforce drug use based on positivity rates of de-identified laboratory tests performed by Quest Diagnostics.

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POINT OF RENTAL CELEBRATES 40 YEARS For 40 years, Point of Rental Software has provided softwarebased solutions to the problems rental companies face. Founded in 1982 as part of Overland Rentals, Point of Rental was built by three former NASA engineers who wanted to start their own small general rental business. CEO Wayne Harris joined the organization in 1993 as the company’s head programmer.

Since becoming CEO in 2011, Harris has overseen the company’s international expansion. The company has grown from its Fort Worth, Texas, location to employ more than 300 people in six offices, serving more than 5,000 rental businesses throughout the world. The company will celebrate throughout April by conducting several charitable endeavors from each of its offices. Users and industry experts are encouraged to join the company in donating to their region’s fundraising efforts. In addition, Point of Rental is also offering software deals throughout the month to both prospective and current software users, including savings on conversions and additional apps. The company has also extended the “early bird” rate for would-be attendees of its International Conference in October. Point of Rental

MAY 2022

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MARKET WATCH // BIGRENTZ RELEASES NEW WEBSITE BigRentz launched a streamlined website that offers more consistent functionality in an easily accessible format. Customers can quickly navigate and find the equipment they need with the pricing readily apparent. To develop stronger customer relationships and deliver better service, BigRentz has also unveiled a program called Lift Up, which includes the new website with its contemporary design and more engaging content and increases customer surveying and metrics. BigRentz utilizes surveys like net promoter score, a metric that measures customer experience and propensity to do business with a company again. It gives daily insight into areas where improvements can be made and allows agility to make quick corrections. BigRentz takes the viewpoint of customers as partners and conducts quarterly business reviews to ensure the company is aligned with their needs. As the Lift Up team collects data, they get a better understanding of customer needs, renting habits and insight on equipment and company technology. The team is transparent with the results and openly works to address areas where feedback indicates they have fallen short of expectations.

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JLG FINANCIAL EXPANDS LENDING TO MORE BUYERS JLG Financial is extending its lending program to more equipment buyers, distributors and rental houses, including end users and contractors. Available in the U.S. and Canada, the program finances $3,000 and more on new and used equipment. According to JLG, business owners and end users can directly apply for financing through JLG Financial by filling out an online application. Once an application is submitted for approval, customers can receive credit decisions via text, email or phone in 90 minutes or less in most cases. JLG Financial has processed 1,850 applications for more than 100 equipment brands and 250-plus unique equipment models and attachments. Once approved, the JLG financial lending team customizes financing options and payment structures. JLG

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SUNBELT RENTALS TO INCORPORATE 700 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING TRUCKS INTO FLEET

Ford Motor Company

In an effort to reduce emissions, Sunbelt Rentals has ordered 700 electric trucks to add to its fleet. The much-anticipated Ford F-150 Lightning, due out this year, will be added to the rental company’s fleet in order to help Sunbelt reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. For practical purposes, Sunbelt will install Level 2 wall-mount electric chargers in employees’ homes to keep the pickups charged. A fully charged battery on the F-150 Lightning is expected to be able to haul 1,000 pounds of payload for 230 miles before needing a recharge. “The demand in the market already exceeds supply for the next few years for these electric vehicles, so we are incredibly excited to be receiving the first shipment of these groundbreaking trucks this summer,” said Eric Jahnsen, director of transportation management at Sunbelt Rentals. “This initiative aligns with the commitment we make to our customers and team members through the power of Sunbelt—prioritizing continuous innovation among the key values of doing business.”

MAY 2022

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POWERED UP Industry experts share the latest power generation trends and predict what’s on the horizon. 12

MAY 2022

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ising gas prices, supply chain pressure, a tight labor market, increased regulations—what do these items have in common? All areas of concern within the rental industry, these factors are driving the power equipment sector toward change. “Customers are willing to look at other solutions because they’re realizing the solutions that they rely on are not available or are no longer meeting their needs,” says Ryan Crampton, sustainability and innovations manager for Sunbelt Rentals. Power generation experts weigh in on the latest trends and shed light on where the power generation industry is going.

The Trends 1. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

Buzzwords among companies, sustainability and “being green” often refer to incorporating alternate fuels and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and battery power. Aaron LaCroix, product manager of mobile energy at Generac Mobile Products North America, says rising cost of fuels, increased emissions regulations and higher pressure on companies to make sustainability pledges have driven the trend toward alternative power options. Maarten Vermeiren, product marketing manager of sustainability and digitalization for Atlas Copco, agrees that the industry is leaning that way. “We need to change the way we think. It’s not only to safeguard the planet, but we also have influences like the next generation of employees who are very aware of what’s going on,” Vermeiren says. “It’s not us sitting in the comfortable seats anymore. It’s (potential employees), and they are selecting the best employer, so if you have something to do with diesel, it’s already a point against you. Yes, sustainability is a huge trend that is a buzzword. Are we there? Not yet, but the road map and portfolio are set.” Vermeiren says the power segment is starting to shift from diesel to electrification, and down the road, hydrogen will become a factor as well. “If there is electricity available, it’s a no-brainer,” Vermeiren adds. “For diesel versus electric, it’s the efficiency of the combustion engine itself. The combustion engine has been around for more than 100 years, and the setup has not changed. You turn, on average, one-third (of its power)

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MAY 2022

COVER STORY // into mechanical energy, and you lose two-thirds in heat. The electric motor, on the other hand, reaches 80 to 90 percent efficiency.” While some end users scoff at electric or battery power, they often come around after hearing about the savings or being subject to regulations, says Barbara Gregorio, product marketing manager for new energies of the power and flow division at Atlas Copco. “In some cases, customers say ‘no way’ to hybrid or battery power, but after two or three months, they knock on our door saying, ‘I have my end customers requesting to use alternative energy sources,’” Gregorio says. “Customers also need time to get there. Not all of us are early adopters, but society and the environmental concept of a green mind will bring us there.” 2. HYBRID SYSTEMS

In cases where completely eliminating diesel isn’t feasible, hybrid systems and energy storage systems come in to play. “Energy storage systems can work independently or in a hybrid mode for the generator,” says Mark Wilton, director of sales—power and HVAC at Sunbelt Rentals. “That can improve performance and reduce emissions.” Users can implement the battery storage to power the load for some time with lower load conditions, and the generator then turns on to recharge the batteries and helps supply power for those peak loads. “This is something

Sunbelt Rentals

that works well with a diesel generator on the worksite,” LaCroix says. “You’re going to see a gradual move toward these sustainable options, and the merging of this technology allows users to be smarter about how the products are used and how they work together.” Gregorio notes that working with a hybrid solution saves on fuel, reduces carbon dioxide emissions and increases the health of the genset. “For example, 7,000 cycles can mean 30 years of life of one machine, so the resale value becomes important for customers moving to the second life selling of machinery,” she says. Crampton agrees that a mix-andmatch approach to power sources will become popular. “Companies are trying to broaden their sustainability side and mix in alternative sources,” Crampton says. 3. CONNECTIVITY

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As technology becomes more sophisticated, data collection and

management propel decision-making for rental companies and their customers. “We can use that data to optimize the solution itself and offer our customers reporting by tracking carbon output, run time and noise or whether they are meeting their requirements from their contractors,” Crampton says. “They don’t just want to see (the savings) on the quote. They want to keep track throughout the project and know how they have improved.” Data collection also includes how machines are used, the loads they are carrying and maintenance intervals. “You can get predictive analytics developed from that data,” LaCroix says. “It’s about being able to resolve problems easily and remotely, so you don’t always have to send a technician out to the field. You can just instruct the end user on how to resolve that.” Applying connectivity to rental applications is not all that much of a leap, according to LaCroix. “Everybody has a smartphone these days,” LaCroix says. “It’s the same with equipment for large companies that have large fleets to manage. They are making use of that mobile communication to monitor their equipment.

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COVER STORY // We will see a greater emphasis on that telematics capability and see that filtering down to smaller units as the technology advances, becomes more affordable and easier to implement.”

the operator. 5. LOAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Diesel power and improper proper load Easy maintenance and usage is another management pose the big talking point, LaCroix says. risk for wet stacking, “It has become more difficult to according to LaCroix. find skilled technicians to maintain “Tier Four final equipment, and wages are going up, so diesel emission require- Sunbelt it’s about whatever can be done to simments are in effect for plify that maintenance and make it all new generators, and that’s led to easier to troubleshoot, diagnose and updates to product design,” LaCroix complete,” LaCroix says. says. “When you have these generators For customers opting to change subjected to low load conditions, where from one power solution to another— they might require heavy loads during for example, from diesel fuel to battery a very short period of time, but then power—many companies work to keep they are underloaded, that underloadthe interface and control systems the ing can result in wet stacking, where same, so there is less mental strain on the components clog and result in machines shutdown. So, you’re seeing this new desire for load management systems that will SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS alleviate that.” John Dotto, product application and training specialist, Wacker Neuson, agrees. “On a mobile generator, the amount of work you ask the engine to do, thus creORDER BY 6 PM FOR ating heat, is SAME DAY SHIPPING dependent on the amount of power you are putting out to the consumer,” Dotto says. “In an underloadCOMPLETE CATALOG ed condition, a 1-800-295-5510 uline.com 4. SERVICEABILITY

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system that does not get hot enough for the aftertreatment system to work properly will create wet stacking. It’s really the issue of maintaining proper temperatures for optimal performance of the aftertreatment system elements.”

Additional Insights MOBILE GENERATORS

“We are seeing a lot of mobile equipment. Before, it was more standby for emergency use, but now it’s about the equipment being right here, right now. Some users can’t wait for the permanent installation of a unit, so they will just rent the unit so they can have whatever they need right now.” — Rino Sbriglia, vice president of sales and client experience for HIPOWER SYSTEMS PARALLELING GENERATORS

“Paralleling generators means putting two or more generators in sequence. It has a benefit of performance of the equipment while in use, and it can significantly reduce diesel burn. That means not only are we producing less emissions, but we’re also being more efficient with our energy usage. That means we’re repairing equipment less and techs are on-site less.” — Mark Wilton, director of sales, power and HVAC at Sunbelt Rentals

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT //

BY SARAH WEBB

ARA TALKS CAREER

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The American Rental Association discusses the importance of promoting the rental industry as a viable career path and describes initiatives it has implemented to encourage the development of those already working in the industry.

ith labor being such a pressing concern in the rental industry, James Auerbach, vice president at The American Rental Association (ARA), discusses ways to foster careers in the rental industry and lays out initiatives the ARA has in place to promote workforce development. Rental: What was the motivation behind the ARA’s workforce development initiative? How did this effort get started? Auerbach: We regularly poll our members and are in constant contact with them. We started hearing pretty regular feedback about challenges they were experiencing both with sourcing and hiring labor. This was pre-COVID, but then you fast-forward a year, and the situation only got worse. Rental: How is the ARA addressing workforce challenges facing the rental industry? Auerbach: When we started hearing this feedback, we tried

MAY 2022

to look at how we can be targeted with our efforts. We broke it down into three main components. The first component is the job portal we’ve created exclusively for ARA members, which allows members to post all of their open positions in one place, and then those positions are automatically shared over 20 national job boards. We found that when our members were posting in 20 different places, it took them a tremendous amount of time and a high cost. We tried to really create a one-stop portal for them to post and get a much wider reach, and it saves them both time and money by consolidating everything in one place. The second thing was developing a hub where both members and nonmembers, candidate students and educators could go to have greater awareness about what is available. The careers in rental are vast, and there is a general lack of awareness about them. This year, we’ll be launching the recruitment tools for our members to use in the local

www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

markets, which is a place where rental companies can go and download a wide range of templates like brochures, posters, different signage, handouts, ad templates, postcards and other materials when they’re visiting schools, career fairs or technical schools. The last pillar is the introduction of student memberships. ARA launched a student membership this year. It’s a free membership and allows students to have access to thousands of jobs. We have training certificates we’ve created for intro to rental networking opportunities, and they have access to a lot of our educational pieces. The hope is to introduce students earlier in the process to what’s available and provide

“Bob, you look a bit shaken today.”

them with some relevant training that our members will be able to see they’ve completed. We’re working hard to increase awareness that there are lucrative careers to work in; it’s a $61 billion industry that’s growing every year, and average salaries are $65,000 and up. There are hundreds of thousands of jobs created every year and, most importantly, there are real career paths. You can come in at different entry points and advance all the way up to some very high leadership positions. The awareness piece really does start earlier. High schools and local technical schools regularly have career fairs, where operators can recruit, and

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we need to be attending those career fairs. Students need to understand that that local rental operation is hiring. Schools also welcome local business owners to come speak to full classrooms or assembly halls about careers or different career paths, and we need to be taking advantage of that. The last piece is the local advisory boards, regional advisory boards, committees, and many of these schools; you’re seeing more and more involvement by these local operators who are members on these advisory boards in these committees. And again, it’s just giving us more opportunity to talk directly to the students who are looking for a career and who are entering the workforce. Rental: Beyond raising awareness, are there other factors that are influencing the rental workforce? Auerbach: We’ve partnered with 10 diversity and inclusion job boards as part of the national network I mentioned earlier. We also internally have a diversity task force that’s currently looking at different ways to increase inclusion and representation of people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. There are lots of people who have not been exposed to these opportunities, so it’s about finding ways to diversify who knows about these jobs to make them more accessible to a wider range of people. Culture is also important. It’s something that we’re always working hard on, and we see positive results. We have to continue to work hard to show the diversity, inclusion, culture and career path and why the careers in the rental industry are desirable. From there, we bring as many of those folks as we can into our businesses. Rental: What is the top action that rental companies can be taking to help with the labor challenges? Auerbach: Getting involved at the local high schools and colleges and technical training schools—this type of recruiting and outreach needs to be a regular part of every business recruitment plan. Recruitment has become a 12-month effort. With a lack of available workers and the competitive market, we have to be much more proactive. We need to really raise the voice of the types of careers and the types of specific jobs that are available in these different businesses where you can advance from an entry level position up to a manager or even higher, making six figures or more. There are many of these jobs available. We just have to make more people aware that they exist.

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Find the full conversation here: https://bit.ly/3xCYgUG.

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ALL THE POWER YOU NEED, WHERE AND WHEN YOU NEED IT

f the power stops, everything stops. Wacker Neuson’s mobile generators are engineered to reliably power your application while protecting your team, your equipment and working environment. Including events, disaster recovery, mining, roadwork and large industrial facilities, Wacker Neuson’s extensive line of generators is performance driven. This includes use in extreme conditions. That’s why we’ve become the preferred supplier of mobile generators with optional cold-weather packages. Our complete range delivers when it counts most with a host of benefits for rental fleets and end users, including: • A user-friendly design with simple operation. • With sound output as low as 63 dBA on the G25, Wacker Neuson generators deliver quiet power for sound sensitive applications. • An easy-to-read control panel that features intuitive diagnostics capability. • Custom factory-installed options, including positive air shutoff for oil and gas and three-way fuel valve for auxiliary fuel tanks and cam locks. • Low cost of ownership and longer uptime is a result of service efficiency, better fuel economy and long service intervals. • Level Load Logic (L3) is available as an effective and

economical solution to wet stacking and generator reliability in light load conditions. The L3 is automatically activated when it senses a less than 30-percent load and low coolant temperature. The system improves cold weather performance, protecting your capital investment and reducing repair and maintenance costs. Wacker Neuson’s mobile generators range from 25 kVA (20kW) to 150 kVA (121 kW) and are designed and manufactured in the company’s Wisconsin facility. All models offer the durability and reliability rental center operators and users depend on to meet serious power needs.

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WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TODAY?

When powering up your rental fleet is on your to-do list, Wacker Neuson has all it takes. From mobile generators that supply serious power to portable generators with unmatched tool starting capabilities and light towers that provide lighting and auxiliary power, we have the reliable equipment you need.

Looking for powerful solutions? Contact us today.

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PORTABLE POWER //

How Rental Companies Can

MONETIZE SUSTAINABLE POWER PRODUCTS

ustainable power products can be a conundrum for many rental companies. While having obvious environmental and operational benefits, they also create the risk of diluting other revenue streams. For this article’, we will focus on battery energy storage systems. For those unfamiliar with the product, they are essentially large battery banks that sit between a diesel generator and the load. At times of low load, the

POWR2

battery supports the power requirements from its stored energy. When the battery is depleted or when the load spikes, it automatically turns the generator on. Manufacturers of these products boldly but accurately claim reductions in fuel and emissions of up to 80 percent. The number of hours on the generator and frequency of service visits in the field are reduced in accordance with the lower run time. On top of these benefits, wet stacking of generators, or having to add parasitic loads to prevent wet stacking, is no longer a worry. So, with these benefits, why POWR2 is this a problematic product for rental companies? With most rentals of a generator, there are three or four revenue streams: • Basic rental rate • Additional shift rental for running longer than eight hours • Additional service charges for maintenance • Revenue from fuel supply When adding a hybrid power unit, you almost always reduce or eliminate three of these four revenue streams. For example: I rent a generator for $1,500 a month. The client wants to run it 24/7, so I double the rental rate to $3,000. As he is running it 24/7, I will need to service it twice a month at a cost of $250 each time. I will also be selling him fuel at $3.50 a gallon at

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a burn rate of 1 gallon an hour on average. This will allow me to bill $2,352 in fuel. So, my total income will be $5,852. If I add the hybrid, the generator run time will only be four hours a day instead of 24, so I can only charge a single shift. I will now only need to service the generator every two months, and the fuel burn will be lower at 2.5 gallons for four hours. So, the new revenue looks like this: $1,500 (rental rate) + $125 (servicing) + $980 (fuel) for a total of $2,605, a reduction of $3,247 in revenue from my previous rental. How can I justify that reduction in revenue to my shareholders? Can the rental revenue that I get from the hybrid replace what I have lost? Below, we will address these questions and give you 10 reasons why hybrid power is a successful rental asset and becoming more of a mainstream item. • D on’t underestimate the climate change movement. Love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. The UN Global Climate Compact has 13,760 members and is growing fast. Included in the membership are construction giants Fluor, Skanska and Aecom, among others. These companies have sustainability targets to meet and are looking for ways to reduce carbon on construction sites. The ability to harvest renewable energy has lots of event organizers and large constructors looking for ways to use sources to further reduce their carbon footprint.

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• C harging a rental rate for the battery equivalent or greater than what you are losing in other revenue is possible as the client gets the additional environmental benefits. • Revenue from fuel is typically low margin and can look poor on a rental company’s financials—so much so that some rental companies avoid selling fuel altogether. So, the hybrid can be rented like any other asset. • The battery has a lower total cost of ownership as it is largely maintenance free. By using battery cells rated for 6,000 discharges, the asset life is well over 10 years. • Revenue from servicing is not always profitable and can be difficult to maintain the correct service intervals if the generator is in a remote location. Skilled service labor is getting harder to find too, so any reduction in servicing is an

operational benefit. • The resale value and life of your generator increases as it will be running for fewer hours. • Wet stacking issues and servicing downtime on the site are eliminated. • The battery supplies uninterrupted power supply for critical applications. • The power provided is almost silent, which is ideal for certain environments and locations, events and nighttime work. • By offering battery energy products, you are showing your clients that you align with their visions for a sustainable planet and that you care. The battery energy system is becoming the new normal POWR2 in power rental, and just like the wave of electric cars, buses and trucks, it’s the look of the future. Prove this for yourself by: • Identifying applications where the generator is running for long periods of time and see if hybrid power could reduce that run time. • Talking to clients about sustainability. • Adding the hybrid to quotes as standard and start the conversation. One final note here: beware of greenwashing. As the sustainable/ green products gain traction, clients are on the lookout for misinformation or so-called “greenwashing.” Ensure any claims you make can be backed by performance data.

Tim Doling Director – Global Sales & Business Development Powr2

MAY 2022

SOFTWARE & TECH //

THE ELECTRIFICATION OF FORKLIFTS The inside scoop on why the rental industry may move toward the electrification of forklifts.

verything is going electric likely sooner than you might think, especially forklifts for the rental market. Similar to the trend in the automotive industry of moving away from gasoline-powered cars toward electric cars, the forklift industry is also in the middle of an electrification transformation that will impact the rental industry. Although electric counterbalanced forklifts have been around for more than 50 years, they have generally been limited to indoor applications and have not been practical for the wide range of rental applications. Rental forklifts have generally been powered by diesel, liquid petroleum gas or a gasoline engine. However, that is changing rapidly due primarily to three contributing factors: advancements in technology, regulatory changes and zero-emission initiatives.

percent state of charge in less than 30 minutes. Lithium-ion batteries have two to three times the lifespan of leadacid batteries, and they do not require any maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries eliminate the need for battery changing, storage equipment, personnel to maintain/change batteries and other such operational costs required for lead-acid batteries that have made electric forklifts impractical for many rental applications. High utilization is key in the rental industry, and electric forklifts with lead-acid batteries just can’t achieve utilization requirements. Additionally, lead-acid batteries are generally limited in their ability to provide the high instantaneous power needed to match performance of internal combustion powered forklifts, which has

been another limiting factor in the use of electric forklifts in rental applications. However, lithium-ion batteries are capable of delivering more power to forklift’s electric motors, and therefore, the travel and lift speed performance can match that of internal combustion forklifts. New electric forklifts powered by lithium-ion batteries that are integrated into the design of the forklift are entering the market with similar performance to internal combustion forklifts, while maintaining the same dimensional footprint and load capacities. Opportunity and the fast charging of lithium-ion batteries can be achieved at 220 VAC or 440 VAC. Additionally, it’s important to note that charger solutions are now available for outdoor applications that require weather protection. For off-grid applications, new stationary backup energy products are emerging that provide quick access for recharging lithium-ion batteries on the jobsite.

Technology

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Toyota Material Handling

The advancements in lithium-ion battery technology and increasing demands for higher energy efficiency in forklifts, coupled with lowering costs, indicate that lithium-ion battery technology will likely be the predominate energy solution in the near future for the forklift industry, replacing traditional lead-acid batteries. Fast charging is possible with lithium technology where batteries can be recharged from 20 percent to 70

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Regulatory Environment The second contributing factor to the shift toward electric forklifts is the regulatory environment. A number of states are considering new zero-emission legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which, if enacted, will accelerate the shift to electric forklifts. California leads the way, and the California Air Resources Board is currently developing regulations that will eliminate the sale of large spark-ignition (LSI) forklifts, up to and including 12,000 pounds beginning in 2026, and restrict the use of existing LSI forklifts for rental applications. This includes liquid propane gas and gasoline-powered forklifts. Additional states are following

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California’s lead, with New York recently enacting a zero emissions by 2035 initiative. Several other states are working with private utility companies to offer rebates and incentives to encourage the shift to electric forklifts, speeding up adoption.

Zero-Emission Initiatives Similarly, zero-emission initiatives are impacting the shift to electric in the material handling industry. Companies of all sizes are all rapidly implementing new sustainability initiatives. They are looking for solutions in their operations that will contribute to these objectives, and electrifying their fleet of forklifts is one solution that can provide an immediate benefit.

Although the acquisition costs of electric forklifts with lithium-ion batteries and chargers are higher than internal combustion engine forklifts, the annual operating costs are significantly lower, often as much as 60 percent lower for energy and 40 percent lower maintenance costs. These annual operating cost reductions help in providing a total cost of ownership that can be used to meet sustainability initiatives.

Cesar Jimenez Director of Product Planning Toyota Material Handling

MAY 2022

RENTAL SNAPSHOT //

BY SARAH WEBB

TOM BUTTS

of Nor-Cal Equipment Tom Butts, owner of Nor-Cal Equipment in Sacramento, Calif., discusses what got him into the business, his favorite part of the job and more. Rental: How did you first get your start in the rental industry? Tom Butts: My buddy’s dad owned a rental equipment company. One of my friends needed to get a promotion, and the way you could get a promotion

was to find somebody to take his spot, so they grabbed me. As soon as I got working in it, it immediately reminded me of my childhood because my grandfather drove a Peterbilt truck, and I immediately fell in love with the business. I’ve been in this since 1988 now,

and it’s just been one of those situations where I started as a yard man from the very bottom up to the president of my own company now, which I started back in 2004. Rental: Can you give us some insight on your current company? Butts: We do everything from weed eaters up to excavators and water trucks. We started in May 2004, so we’re about 18 years old now. We have 15 employees total.

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Rental: What have been some of the challenges and successes you’ve had within those 18 years in business?

Photos: Nor-Cal Equipment

Butts: We survived the recession in the 2007 to 2010 era, which was tough. We don’t have cash flow problems, we don’t have problems with customers and we don’t have problems with the federal government. If anything, COVID probably helped us because our numbers have gone up every year because people decided to stay home and invest in their homes. We’ve seen the numbers shoot through the roof for the rental business, helped by the fact that manufacturers are behind and can’t produce stuff. It’s been a combination for us to be very busy We had just a record year from 2019. We were up 60 percent, which is not even healthy. And then in 2021, we beat that by 37 percent. This year, we’re already up 40 something percent compared to this time last year, so our growth is going out of control. We need to expand and open other yards, but the main thing preventing me from doing that is the fact that we can’t find people on the lowest level, let alone management and things of that nature. Rental: What would you say is your favorite part of the job? Butts: My favorite part of the job right now is advertising our social media. We’ve gotten a lot of great reception from that stuff. We are trying to do the rental equipment business with some style like a Gas Monkey Garage, like some of those hotrod shops. We have old school neon signs, and we have a lot of hoodies and stickers and stuff. It’s really my fun thing. We try to do themed equipment. We did a big Evel Knievel one, and that was a massive hit for us. People come in and they want to rent that machine if it’s there. We try to really spend some time on our image and what we’re doing, and it has paid off. Rental: With so much experience in the rental industry, what advice might you give someone who is just starting out?

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Butts: If you love this, this can be a really fulfilling and fun business. If you are just putting your toe in the bathtub, this is not going to be for you. If you love this business, though, you can build something, and it can go on with your family for generations. We’re very proud of what we’re doing. For somebody stepping into this, know that you’re going to work long hours. I would keep as much money as close to you as possible. I see a lot of people wanting to spend all their money on certain things, and you’re going to need that cash flow at some point. Use the manufacturer interest rates; usually, they offer real good, low interest with different brands. Rental: Switching to a personal level, what kind of things do you like to do outside of work? Butts: My wife and I have a blended family, so we have five kids together, and I’m a family guy, to be honest. I have started to travel a little bit and enjoy some of the fruits of the labor, so to speak. I love sports, NFL, football and NASCAR, so we go to football games and races.

MAY 2022

INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS

What trends are you seeing in the rental market? We have seen the rental industry moving towards aging of fleet. In the difficult times during the pandemic, companies switched their focus to positive cash flow which meant minimizing their fleet purchases. The average fleet age rose to 33 to 43 months and even longer. Having high quality durable equipment, as well as having access to plenty customercentric support are essential to the health of the rental fleet.

How do the solutions your company provide address those trends? ANA’s patent pending SmartLoad was designed for load optimization and durability. The SmartLoad™ System monitors electrical loads from the generator and automatically engages if the load is 30% or less. The SmartLoad System adds 33-40% load to the generator (Up to 75% max.) and

Alicia Waineo,

With

ANA Inc.

will instantaneously shut off when a load inrush is detected or 75% load is exceeded. ANA’s Smartload technology helps to prevent downtime and maintain power reliability, providing protection against engine damage. The cost for replacing an injectors or engine could be from $3,000 to $100,000. ANA’s Smartload system will help to prevent wet stacking, nuisance shutdowns and issues created by light loading, avoiding service calls to diagnosing problems. For example, the cost to have an engine dealer or trained tech to check on Re-gen lockouts issue can range from $600 to $2,700. With ANA SmartLoad, these issues can be avoided from the start,

saving maintenance cost and providing peace of mind for the owner and their customers.

What innovations do you see coming down the line in the industry? Solutions and technology that provide cleaner energy and reduce CO2 continues to be the drive for innovation in the rental industry.

Supply Chain seems to be the biggest challenge in doing business right now, how has your company been able to overcome this challenge? We have had to be creative with our supplies. Thankfully we have been able to secure supply for our critical products. Having transparent, cooperative relationship with our vendors has been the key to overcoming this challenge.

Is there anything new and exciting on the horizon for your company that you can share with us? ANA is excited to introduce our next generation Power System during Powergen in Dallas May 23-25. We will be showcasing the new ANA storage technology together with ANA SDG25, SDG 65 and SDG400 generators. We look forward to sharing more on the new product at Powergen.

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INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS

Dylan Rewoldt,

With

Sales Manager, Commercial Power

What trends are you seeing in the rental market? Anticipation around stricter emission requirements is causing our OEM stakeholders to explore battery power. Another trend is that Tier 4 diesel engines have become increasingly expensive so a lot of customers are moving toward smaller displacement engines to help reduce their carbon footprint and plan for tighter emissions regulations. Last, there continues to be a focus on connectivity for better equipment analytics.

How do the solutions your company provides address those trends?

Vanguard has made a significant investment in

advancing electronic fuel injection (EFI) and electronic throttle control (ETC) technology, which help reduce emissions and make engines smarter with additional insights and analytics that come from the electrified components. In 2019, Vanguard launched a full line of fixed-interface lithium-ion batteries. Building on our growing expertise in electrification, Vanguard is launching the Si1.5 Swappable Battery Pack in early 2023 to help eliminate range and run time anxiety. We are placing a huge emphasis on lowering maintenance intervals as we know skilled labor shortages will continue to be a challenge. We’re also investing heavily in battery recycling to ensure our customers have a sustainable way to manage the end of life for batteries. Finally, we’ve made sure all Vanguard engines can be converted to propane by partnering with Propane Power Systems to offer simple, effective Propane Conversion Kits.

What innovations do you see coming down the line in the industry? We anticipate advancements in hybrid technology. There will also be an emphasis on streamlining and electrifying the entire driveline to improve efficiencies in hydraulic

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systems and use more brushless drive line motors. As battery power becomes more mainstream, we may see the rental market create new streams of revenue centered around tracking how products are used in the field. There will also need to be significant advancement in charging systems.

How has your company been able to combat supply chain issues? We are sourcing as many components within the U.S. as possible while setting up additional freight contracts. We’ve made multimillion dollar investments in our U.S.-based manufacturing facilities to improve efficiencies—like additional diecast machines and streamlining our assembly lines where possible.

Is there anything new on the horizon for your company? We’re excited to launch the new Vanguard 400 EFI/ETC single-cylinder engine this year. It’s a smart, electrified engine and is the cleanest engine that Vanguard has ever built from an emissions standpoint. Vanguard will continue to offer a growing range of battery packs. Vanguard is also engineering faster charging solutions to help keep end users on the jobsite longer and limit downtime.

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INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS

With

Justin Kabakjian

Equipter Rental Specialist

What trends are you seeing in the rental market? People are more hesitant to buy, and there’s a bigger trend to rent. One part of that trend is that contractors renting the Equipter RB4000 are including the rental cost right into their quotes, so their customers are completely paying for the equipment.

How do the solutions your company provides address those trends?

different dump containers, because they function well together. I’ve had conversations with customers about maximizing their investments by creating package deals to get more of their equipment to contractors who can use them together. That also helps build awareness of additional equipment and increases individual rental opportunities for our customers down the line.

How has your company been able to overcome supply chain challenges? Thanks to the relationships Equipter has built with vendors, our purchasing and engineering teams have taken a more aggressive approach to identify and gain access to harder-to-acquire parts.

Is there anything new and exciting on the horizon for your company that you can share with us? Innovation is at the core of who we are. We’re always working on new ways to enhance what we build and how we build it. We recently updated the rental page on our website to educate contractors interested in renting Equipter’s equipment so they know what to expect when they contact our third-party rental partners. We’re also creating new brochures and mailers to help our rental partners better market the equipment they purchase from us. Visit www.equipter.com to learn more.

The multipurpose equipment we offer doesn’t just work for roofing. Contractors use it for general construction, fire and water restoration and more. Homeowners rent it for moving. Equipter products help contractors assure their customers that their properties will be better protected and that the jobs will be done sooner. That also makes it easier for contractors to justify including rental costs in bids.

What innovations do you see coming down the line in the industry? Pairing products that make sense and making package deals, like dumpster rentals that pair with Equipter’s

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INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS

Dave Dunbar,

With

General Pipe Cleaners

they are much more likely to succeed at the task they are attempting and much less likely to hurt themselves, or damage the tool, in the process.

What trends are you seeing in the rental market? Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a far greater emphasis on training and safety. Rental stores that encourage walk-in traffic found that in order to broaden their customer base and to increase revenues, training was key. DIY customers appreciate the opportunity to receive instruction from professionals, be it via a five-minute video or through hands-on testing. When they receive adequate training,

How do the solutions your company provides address those trends? We include QR code labels on all our drain cleaning machines that are linked to training videos. General has short, comprehensive training videos for all our machines that are available on the video gallery page of our website. Also, more of the General Pipe Cleaners drain cleaning machines sold to the rental industry use a modern, automatic feed feature that separates the customer from the drain cleaning cable, increasing the safety of the machines.

What innovations do you see coming down the line in the industry? We expect that the drain cleaning segment of the rental industry will see safer, lighter and more effective drain cleaning machines, greater acceptance of high-pressure water jetters and more emphasis on video pipe inspection and location equipment. We expect technological advances to make drain cleaning and pipe inspection more accessible to the DIY customer.

How has your company been able to overcome supply chain challenges? General Pipe Cleaners had the foresight to shorten our supply chains several years ago, so our exposure has been lessened.

Is there anything exciting on the horizon for your company that you can share? We foresee an accelerated period of innovation over the next five years that will introduce safer, lighter and more effective drain cleaning equipment to the rental industry.

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INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS

With

Ben Taft, Spimerica Access Solutions

What trends are you seeing in the rental market? We are seeing new products being introduced to customers that effectively keep production high but safety as a key contributor.

How do the solutions your company provides address those trends? The products we offer to our clients provide the safest solutions for doing work at heights, in unique access situations, and now with our glass specialty equipment from TGT we offer even more solutions.

What innovations do you see coming down the line in the industry? I believe VR will help drive new trainings for operators, technicians, and other positions. The reality and simulations of VR is expanding rapidly.

Supply Chain seems to be the biggest challenge in doing business right now, how has your company been able to overcome this challenge? Supply chains is always a challenge, what has separated us in our segment MEWPs has been the forward thinking of preorders we did several months back. Keeping the pipeline of equipment flowing and servicing our customers to the highest level is our focus.

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What superpower would you choose for yourself? Well, since we’re in the aerial business : ) I would love the ability to FLY!!!

Cats or Dogs? Dog Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

Bacon or Sausage? Bacon

Is there anything new and exciting on the horizon for your company that you can share with us?

America’s Got Talent or American Idol? Idol

Palazzani / Spimerica will be introducing the largest Spider lift in the world at BAUMA this year, with a reach of over 185ft!!!

Trip or Staycation? Staycation

Marvel or DC Comics? Marvel

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INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS

With

Jeff Stewart, President Takeuchi US

more in line with traditional diesel and gas engines, this sector will grow.

What trends are you seeing in the rental market? First is the demand for low cost of ownership and the durability of the machines, which increase production and ROI for the customers. Second is the demand for machines to be able to be used in multiple applications. Third is the development of electric-powered machines.

How do the solutions your company provides address those trends?

What innovations do you see coming down the line in the industry? Total electric machines are coming faster each day, moving us to a more “green” industry solution. Machines are more connected with telematics devices to keep owners and renters more informed of the machine and its status.

How has your company been able to overcome supply chain challenges? Takeuchi Japan has continued to run the production line while missing

components are sourced and shipped directly to our distribution partners. This has allowed us to keep machines coming out of the factories. We have adapted to the new production environment and are sourcing more broadly and deeply for key machine components.

Is there anything new and exciting on the horizon for your company that you can share with us? Yes, Takeuchi U.S. is set to close on our first U.S. production facility located in Moore, SC. We are excited to bring this 77-acre campus online and start track loader production there later in 2022.

Our focus on producing machines with the highest-quality components that last in the construction environment prove beneficial for all our customers, especially in the rental market. Takeuchi offers a full line of attachments that are designed and built to last in the rental environment. When they are coupled with our mini excavators and track loaders, the combination provides a lot of versatility and solutions to rental demands that drive return on investment. We currently are producing an electric mini excavator and have several other models being developed; that should come into production in the next 12 to 24 months. This technology will continue to evolve, and as the cost of components and production come

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INDUSTRY CONVERSATIONS

With

Jay Thaker,

Marketing Manager, Toro

What trends are you seeing in the rental market? As emissions regulations continue to evolve, many contractors are looking for ways to meet environmental regulations, and battery-powered equipment is often the answer. Having battery-powered equipment as part of a rental store’s offerings also increases the options available to contractors working on unique jobsites, such as in highly populated urban areas with noise ordinances and indoor applications. For these types of jobs, battery-powered equipment offers contractors more flexibility and easily increases productivity and efficiency when compared with manual hauling or demolition work.

How do the solutions your company provides address those trends? Through continuous equipment innovations and product development, Toro works to provide solutions for any application the end user might encounter on-site. As the industry looks to the future of the jobsite, rugged battery-powered equipment is certainly a part of the picture. Toro has introduced battery power across its offerings, and we launched

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the revolutionary e-Dingo 500® in 2020. It provides an unprecedented combination of power, versatility and durability, and it’s safe to say that this battery-powered e-Dingo doesn’t sacrifice quality or performance. Our engineers wanted to build the e-Dingo to allow contractors and construction professionals to reap all the benefits and power of a standard CUL with zero exhaust emissions.

What innovations do you see coming down the line in the industry? We hear repeatedly from rental stores and their customers that they’re looking for three things: durability, versatility and ease of use. In addition, we consistently hear from contractors that they are looking for products designed for their application in mind, such as demolition, that help improve productivity. Toro is constantly working to design new equipment that meets those expectations to make our customers’ jobs easier. Whether that means updating a tried-andtested machine with new features that improve efficiency or designing entirely new equipment that can increase productivity on the jobsite, we strive to deliver innovative solutions our channel partners and end users rely on day in and day out.

We recently added to our batterypowered offerings and introduced the new Toro® Ultra Buggy™ at World of Concrete 2022. After a decade in the buggy business, we’re excited to explore what we believe is the next evolution in material handling: battery power. The new Ultra Buggy builds on Toro’s success with its popular and innovative line of Material Buggies by offering operators a battery-powered solution that will open the door to new and previously underserved jobsites, like areas that require zero exhaust emissions. The Toro Ultra Buggy can carry up to 16 cubic feet or 2,500 pounds of material and delivers an exceptional eight-hour continuous run time to handle even the most challenging material handling applications. Additionally, the mounted directional and dump switches ensure stable movement. The new Ultra Buggy will be available in fall 2022.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Indiana Jones.

Is there anything new and exciting on the horizon for your company that you can share with us? www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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PRODUCTS

Caterpillar XQ230 Mobile Diesel Generator Set The 60-Hz XQ230 is a Tier 4 Final mobile diesel generator set rated at 182 kW and equipped with heaters, a battery charger and a permanent magnet generator. • Optional 600-volt generator available • Capable of producing power at 600, 480, 240 and 208 volts • Standard EMCP 4.2B control panel • Automatic paralleling controls available with optional EMCP 4.4 • Cat Connect technology available to track and monitor machine remotely www.forconstructionpros.com/21061213

Atlas Copco E-Air Electric Compressors

Thermal Intelligence Basecamp

The Atlas Copco E-Air Electric Compressor Range produces no emissions and low noise. According to Atlas Copco, other benefits of the product line include:

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

• A plug and play solution, so users only have to plug in the socket to start working

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

• U p to 65 percent in fuel savings

• Light package produces 192,000 lumens 5K color

• M aintenance is only needed every 2,000 hours instead of every 500 hours

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

• A side from their markedly lower noise levels, they can operate in a wider range of tough working conditions, including from -25 degrees C to +50 degrees C

• Kubota 2.4-liter, electronic Tier 4 Final engine • 119-gallon fuel tank capacity https://myfc.pro/xbnfru

• The lack of an ICE engine means that the E-Air is physically much smaller than an equivalent dieselpowered compressor– they are half the size

forconstructionpros.com/ 22210835

Generac MDE330 and MDE570 Diesel Generator Sets The MDE330 features a Perkins 9.3-L Tier 4 Final-certified engine, and the MDE570 utilizes a Perkins 18.1-L Tier 4 Final-certified engine. • The exhaust temperature load management technology is designed to eliminate wet stacking risk • Standard PowerZone Pro Sync controller with touchscreen display allows users to easily monitor performance and perform diagnostics • Rugged steel design and construction with wide-opening removable doors allow for easier access to all service points • Large-capacity fuel and DEF tanks allow for a run time of at least 25 hours before refueling • Can be configured for paralleling https://myfc.pro/h8xebe

MAY 2022

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Mi-T-M Inverter Generators These inverter generators range from 2,000 to 8,000 watts and come with a carbon monoxide (CO) detector and automatically shut down if CO levels become unsafe. • 2,000- and 2,500-watt models feature GFCI-protected receptacles, lightweight frames and are designed for easy hand carrying • The 3,500-watt model comes with an open frame design for easy accessibility and BI_Rental_HIPPO_2022.psd @ 100% (MECHANX 185 The MechanX 185 designed portability

to provide big air and e, RGB/8) * • 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 • Compact, powerful and quiet units suited for charging tools and powering sensitive equipment https://myfc.pro/geqkvh

Vanair Lincoln Electric Air N Arc 330 Diesel All-InOne Power System Vanair Manufacturing and Lincoln Electric unveiled their first collaborative solution: the Vanair Lincoln Electric Air N Arc 330 Diesel All-In-One Power System, a welder/ generator with enhanced multiprocess capability. The collaboration combines Lincoln Electric’s 127 years in welding technology with Vanair’s 50 years of engineering expertise in mobile air compressors, engine-starting and multifunction load management technology. The first product of this collaborative endeavor, the Air N Arc 330 Diesel will have 50 percent more air power, 43 percent more electric power, improved jump starting performance, enhanced features and substantially increased multiprocess weld capability, all in an attractive, quieter compact package. Automatic start/stop and engine speed control for fuel savings are other enhanced features of the unit. The new Air N Arc 330 Diesel All-In-One Power System will be available in December 2022. www.forconstructionpros.com/22118482

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MAY 2022

H E AT

P OW E R

L I G H TS

BASECAMP IS YOUR ESG SOLUTION! GREEN CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATIVE PRODUCT LOWEST OPERATING COSTS CERTIFIED EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS



SMART



CONNECTED



CLEAN TECH

HEAT  POWER  LIGHTS

HIPOWER SYSTEMS Portable Diesel HRVW-1250 and HRVW-1375 Gensets HIPOWER SYSTEMS’ new portable diesel HRVW-1250 and HRVW1375 gensets are 1250 and 1375 kVA twin paralleled gensets mounted on a single DOT-approved 53-foot triple-axle trailer designed for rental and prime power applications with the flexibility to be used in standby applications as well. The Twin Packs are specifically designed for use with equipment rental companies, emergency response or any other critical application with the need for large-scale prime power or portable standby requirements, featuring fast and easy servicing. The individual genset has six access doors and a quick-access hatch for the SCR, allowing the service technicians access to standard service points as well as external oil and coolant drains. Due to the dual enclosure design, technicians can safely service on one of the gensets while the other is in full operation without the concern of rotating machinery as a distraction. As a package, HIPOWER can deliver 1,000 kW and 1,100 KW of prime power. HIPOWER is offering a standard two years or 3,500 hours (whichever occurs first) parts and labor limited warranty. www.forconstructionpros.com/22159341

Boss BA440 Air Compressor The next-generation Boss BA440 hydraulically driven piston air compressor features a smaller overall footprint and is lighter and more efficient. • Single-stage piston air compressor enables up to 40 cfm at 100 psig (150 psig max) • Flexible hydraulic requirements from 8 to 12 gpm

1 (855) 554 4344 thermalintelligence.com/Rental

• Direct coupled to a gear-type, hydraulic-driven motor • Designed for ease of operation and ready maintenance access • Canopy design improves cooling and makes servicing easier https://myfc.pro/bebyfe

MAY 2022

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Jenny GT Series Portable Compressors Jenny Products’ line of GT Series gas-powered, two-stage wheeledportable compressors is designed for professional contractors. The GT Series consists of four reliable compressor models that can be easily maneuvered. All models feature the “GT” pump, a heavy-duty, twostage cast-iron compressor pump powered by an 8-hp Honda GX Series OHV gasoline engine with standard recoil start and optional electric start. Special unloading valves assist with engine starting. GT Series compressors deliver up to 15.7 CFM at 100 PSI or 15.4 CFM at 175 PSI for quick recovery. Four air tank configurations are available: 8- and 15-gallon tanks, which are low-profile powder-coated twin-tank receivers, and 17- and 30-gallon tanks, which are powder coated and ASME certified. Professional-duty Jenny “Ultimate Blue” compressor-pump oil and a splash lubricating system protect the pistons, crankshaft, bearings, rings and cylinders. The units are belt driven with a large flywheel for easy startups and extra cooling. www.forconstructionpros.com/22198046

APPLICATIONS: > Calipers > Lugnuts > Rusted Bolts > Vinyl Graphics > and 100’s more!

Mini-Ductor® Venom® HP The Venom HP is the highest powered Mini-Ductor handheld induction heater available at 1800 watts of power. Allows users to heat metal components faster than ever before! Manufactured in the USA with genuine OEM parts. Available through your local tool distributor. More precise, safe and reliable than a torch.

www.theinductor.com 877-688-9633

CONTRACTOR’S HOSE & ASSEMBLIES Curb Roller Manufacturing Hydra-Pack HP1300 Curb Roller Manufacturing’s Hydra-Pack HP1300 is a portable heavyduty hydraulic power unit with a powerful 13-hp Honda GX390 engine and a 5-8 gpm hydraulic flow, providing power to operate the company’s Curb Roller CM4000 and Hydra-Screed HS3000 systems. It can also be used to power additional hydraulic hand tools or equipment for extended periods of time, providing flexibility in tight spaces or remote locations that larger hydraulic power sources can’t access. The Hydra-Pack delivers two-way directional flow with up to 2,250 psi. It features an 11-gallon, 12-gauge steel reservoir to provide plenty of hydraulic fluid and cooling capacity to power tools for building renovation, highway maintenance and utility work. Thirteen-inch, puncture-proof, flat-free tires and a compact size allow operators to navigate even the most congested jobsites with ease. Its compact size, the same as a standard generator, means it easily fits in the back of a pickup or job trailer for stressfree transport to and from the jobsite. www.forconstructionpros.com/22198048

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• • • •

Air Hose Water Hose Suction Hose Discharge Hose

• • • •

Hydraulic Hose Pressure Washer Hose Plaster/Grout Hose Sand Blast Hose

World Class Solutions

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M E M B E R

MAY 2022

EYE ON RENTAL //

BY DICK DETMER

CREATING

a Professional Image Columnist Dick Detmer explains how rental companies can put forth a professional image by sprucing up their showroom and educating employees. @theevening.stock.adobe.com

think this month’s focus on power generation equipment highlights the importance of educating employees. Employees need to know more than just a few simple basics to effectively recommend the power generating equipment and accessories needed by customers. Employees should not solely hope that customers know what they need or assume that customers don’t need any helpful information from rental company employees. You want your company to have the professional image of employing staff members who are very knowledgeable, especially involving technical equipment like power generation. Your company will tend to rent more of this equipment and have fewer service road calls. Speaking of creating an even more professional image, I want to focus attention on what may be a neglected, but very important topic: the visual image of your showroom. Now that the pandemic lockdowns appear in the rearview mirror and more and more customers feel comfortable going into businesses, this could be an excellent time to plan a significant showroom upgrade. I have always suggested that modernizing the visual image of your showroom should be done at least every five years, but I assist some of my customers in doing this every two to three years. Designing and laying out

MAY 2022

your showroom requires careful consideration. Your showroom sets the stage for the customer experience. The rental business showroom gives many impressions not just about what your rental company offers in the way of equipment, accessories and related retail merchandise, but it also tells the customer what type of service they are likely to receive, and it should build confidence that they will be receiving quality information, service and equipment. If your design and implementation is professional, it builds trust and respect. Certainly, the internet has helped to transform how customers view rental companies in their market area. Perhaps in this age of online shopping, advertising and searches, some rental companies may feel that having an attractive, customer-friendly and well-designed showroom may not be necessary, but I still believe that a rental company’s showroom’s visuals, signage and store exterior presentation are as important as ever. Speaking about deliveries, take a fresh look at your trucks and trailers to be sure they have professional signage and generally look sharp. Remember, little things mean a lot, so keeping your

vehicles clean should be a priority. Below are a couple additional elements of an effective showroom: ■ Traffic flow includes the organization of equipment and merchandise, aisle configuration, etc., and involves how customers are led through the showroom. In most cases, customers come in to rent something, not to shop, so they tend to make a beeline for the counter. Slow them down a bit and show them the possibilities. It’s a great way to plant seeds in their minds for their next project or job, which creates repeat business. ■ Lighting and color make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your showroom. Most rental showrooms are too dark. The light fixtures are old and inferior, and the lighting is far too dim. It’s like walking into a cave. One of my strategies is to begin with very light-colored walls, which provide a great contrast to equipment and allows it to stand out. I recommend having an almost-white floor that is kept clean and shiny, and ceiling tiles should be clean and white.

Dick Detmer is a nationally recognized consultant, lecturer and writer with 40+ years of experience in the equipment rental industry. In 2018, he celebrated the 30th anniversary of his business, Detmer Consulting Inc., and his column in Rental. Dick can be contacted at dick@detmerconsulting.com, (309) 781-3451 or by visiting his website www.detmerconsulting.com.

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ZERO DOWNTIME The SmartLoad™ System from ANA automatically optimizes the load on the generator for maximum operating efﬁciency and reliability. The patent pending system monitors electrical loads from the generator and automatically engages if the load is 30% or less. The SmartLoad System adds 33-40% load to the generator (Up to 75% max.) and will instantaneously shut off when a load inrush is detected or 75% load is exceeded. Maintain power reliability, reduce maintenance and prevent wet stacking with the SmartLoad Fully Automatic Load Bank System from ANA.

PREVENTS DOWNTIME, COSTLY MAINTENANCE AND THESE TIER 4 DIESEL GENERATOR ISSUES:

Rental May 2022

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