Equipment World January 2020

equipmentworld.com | January 2020

P.18

®

INNOVATIVE EXCAVATORS

SEE THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN MIDTO FULL-SIZE MODELS

P. 25

CONTRACTORS PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE 2020

Compare the models, see the rankings, get buying tips

P. 55

CONEXPO 2020 OEMs offer a peek at their displays

Vol. 32 Number 1 |

Cover Story

table of contents | January 2020

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Machine Matters:

EXCAVATION INNOVATION

“New and improved” is a trite marketing phrase, but it really does apply to the current crop of mid- to full-sized excavators.

Equipment 13

Marketplace

New equipment from Bobcat, Manitou, LiuGong, Ditch Witch, Power Curbers and Atlas Copco

53

Product Report

Cat’s new D5 strikes balance between heavy dozing and finish grading

67

Demolition Attachments

Hammer, crush and cut with these demolition tools

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020

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table of contents | continued

Features 25 Contractors Pickup Truck Guide 2020

Details on each new half-ton and one-ton truck on the market, along with photos, spec breakdowns and rankings

60 Contractor of the Year Finalist

Ken and Kellie Cooley, K-Co Enterprises, Piedmont, South Carolina

63 Road Works

What contractors should look for when buying a concrete slipform paver

®

equipmentworld.com facebook.com/EquipmentWorld twitter.com/Equipment_World Editorial Director: Marcia Gruver Doyle Executive Editor: Tom Jackson Online Editor: Wayne Grayson Senior Editor: Don McLoud Contributing Writer: Richard Ries editorial@equipmentworld.com Media Sales Geoffrey Love: gdlove@randallreilly.com Pete Austin: paustin@randallreilly.com Drew Ingram: drewingram@randallreilly.com Patsy Adams: padams@randallreilly.com Jordan Arsenault: jordanarsenault@randallreilly.com Michael Newman: mnewman@randallreilly.com Art Director: Tony Brock Advertising Production Manager: Leah Boyd production@equipmentworld.com

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Departments 7 On Record

Whither thou goest, 2020?

9 Reporter

Tech colleges look to VR simulators, OEMs to aid future techs. Ex-controller embezzles $8.7 million from construction firm, buys classic cars.

55 ConExpo 2020

ConExpo preview: What you’ll see

66 Quick Data Dozers

74 Final Word

A New Year’s suggestion: Master some aspect of technology

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January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

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on record | by Marcia Doyle MarciaDoyle@randallreilly.com

Whither thou goest, 2020?

’T

is the forecast season and the general feeling is muted hope – except if you talk to contractors.

First, a look at 2019. When the final tallies come in, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers expects the construction equipment industry to have grown 3.9 percent – not bad, but definitely not the gangbuster 12 percent growth of 2018.

“In our informal snapshot surveys of the membership, we have seen overall indications of stability to slight growth in 2019 as well as in 2020, though there is little consensus,” says Dennis Slater, AEM president.

“Most optimism that occurred in 2017 and 2018 seems to have evaporated.” The major concerns for the coming year: tariffs and infrastructure spending.

Alex Carrick, ConstructConnect’s chief economist, expects total construction activity to be negatively affected to some degree by a slowing U.S. economy in 2020. Even in a slowing economy, however, construction activity will continue to receive support from large projects already initiated and well underway.

Despite all this caution tape, the results of a survey released mid-December by the Associated General Contractors indicates that contractors are in a full-steam-ahead mindset.

Contractors told AGC they expected project value increases ranging from 8 to 25 percent in all 13 industry segments included in the survey.

“The bottom line is most contractors expect demand to remain strong, and in many cases

strengthen, in 2020 despite signs the overall economy may slow or stall,” said AGC CEO Steve Sandherr during the release of the survey.

Although much more muted, the Associated Builders and Contractors’ forecast is also positive, saying there is continued momentum for construction next year, especially in public spending. Still, ABC is advising a wait-and-see approach because of “leading and lagging indicators and economic uncertainties.” The association’s Construction Backlog Indicator – which reflects projects under contract but not executed – remained virtually unchanged at 8.9 months from September to October, something that ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu says is significant in light of these uncertainties.

On the transportation side, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association weighs in on the sunny part of the equation, predicting 5 percent growth in the transportation infrastructure market, fueled by government spending. The growth rate, however, will be less than 2019, which ARTBA says grew by 8 percent compared to 2018.

The big 2020 transportation question will, of course, be the reauthorization of the FAST Act, which expires on Sept. 30th. Jaded pundits predict time in Extension Limbo before the next version gets passed.

All this hemming and hawing means the inevitable ConExpo pulse-taking takes on even more significance: will they or won’t they buy? Let’s revisit that question at midyear.

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 7

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reporter

| staff report

Tech colleges look to VR simulators, OEMs to aid future technicians

T

echnical colleges are keeping an eye on the changes in machine technology and what the future holds by working with their industry partners to help prepare their students.

“This is a high-tech industry and that is becoming more apparent every day,” says Craig Kuehl, instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

The college’s diesel technician program relies on equipment manufacturers to help stay abreast of new machine technology.

“We have several OEMs that support our program by allowing us access to their online training and service information,” he says. “We try to support them in return by producing entry-level technicians for the dealer body as well as the fleets that service their vehicles.”

State University of New York at Cobleskill relies on

High school students compete for prizes in equipmentoperation contests, among other activities, at the annual High School Day put on by SUNY Cobleskill. The event allows dealers to connect with prospective diesel techs before they enter the college’s diesel technology program. similar partnerships. Doug Hammond, chairman of the Agricultural Engineering Technology Department, says John Deere has provided the college with assistance for teaching grade control and hybrid technology. Caterpillar and Trimble have provided the school with loaner equipment for learning about grade control. They also send representatives to talk to students about the future of the industry and potential career paths.

SUNY Cobbleskill also recently won a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to create a moEquipmentWorld.com | January 2020

9

reporter |

continued

bile training unit for student training and recruitment.

“We’re taking it on the road,” Hammond says.

The college plans to buy virtual-reality simulators for excavator and motor grader operation, as well as a welding simulator and training tools for electro-hydraulic equipment.

“It’s a tool that allows us to get the students that we have coming in that don’t have a lot of exposure to the equipment,” Hammond says of the equipment simulators. “They can get into that piece of equipment and operate it safely and start to realize they can do this, and they actually can see how a system functions. …

They do that safely before we actually put them in the seat.”

A big part of the grant is outreach to the high schools, and bringing in the simulators, other technology and equipment will help not only attract students but inform teachers about the industry, he says. Dealers will also be involved and possibly bring in equipment, with the ultimate goal of matching future employers with future technicians.

“We’re trying to change the image of what the tech-

nician is seen as,” Hammond says. “…I think if they actually saw who we were and what we do and what the modern shop looks like today, they would be very impressed, and when I say ‘they,’ I mean the parents, the teachers and the students.”

The college has been aggressively reaching out to schools over the years, but he believes the new grant initiative will provide the needed boost to take recruitment to a higher level.

“We haven’t gone out to work with the teachers and brought them the tools that they need to help prepare the students to be with us … something that will help the students see the pathway toward being a technician and what the potential can be there,” he says.

“This isn’t just a mobile outreach,” he adds.

“We’re trying to also develop the big pathway.”

For more on the diesel technician shortage and how it’s affecting the construction industry, as well as what can be done to address it, check out Equipment World’s special report at http://bit.ly/Techshort.

–Don McLoud

Ex-controller embezzles $8.7M from construction firm, buys classic cars

A

pparently a 1969 Ford Shelby GT500 is a necessary addition to a contractor’s fleet.

Two Shelbys – a convertible and a twodoor, both valued at $160,000 – were part of the loot purchased by a controller who set up a residential construction company to bilk Pittsburgharea Marco Contractors out of $8.7 million. Seemingly fans of classic cars, Sue O’Neill, 55, and her unidentified business partner used the stolen funds to buy a 1953 Mercury Monterey, 1966 Pontiac two-door GTO, 1969 Ford Mustang and 1978 Chevy 2T Corvette.

Along the way, they managed to buy some more traditional construction equipment, including a couple of trailers, a compact track loader and compact excavator.

O’Neill pleaded guilty in September and will pay mandatory restitution as directed by the court, including $428,710 in back taxes and fines. She is subject to up to 20 years in prison; sentencing is scheduled for March 26th.

According to an October 31st court filing, O’Neill started embezzling from the commercial general 10 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

JohnDeere.com/Vegas2020

03.10.20 CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 || LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER || EXHIBIT N12525

reporter |

continued

contracting firm in 2009. Over the years, she issued $6.7 million in checks from Marco that were directly deposited into the account of Bulldog Contractors, a firm O’Neill owned with another person. Another $2 million went into O’Neill’s personal bank account, according to the Western District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The additional person was not identified in court documents beyond the initials “R.G.” O’Neill also defrauded Marco’s concrete flooring subsidiary, Rockerz Incorporated. She is liable for $8.5 million in restitution to Marco Contractors and $215,000 in restitution to Rockerz.

For the Top 10 signs embezzlement may be occurring at your company, go to http://bit. ly/EmbTips.

–Marcia Doyle

Briefs Doosan Bobcat is building a $26 million expansion to its attachments manufacturing plant in Litchfield, Minnesota. The company plans to add 200 workers after its completion, planned in September.

Epiroc AB has appointed Helena Hedblom president and CEO, effective March 1st. Hedblom will replace Per Lindberg, who is leaving the company. She is currently senior executive vice president of the company’s Mining and Infrastructure division.

Mary Andringa, Vermeer board chair, has been inducted into the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Hall of Fame. Andringa led Vermeer’s lean manufacturing approach and became a leading advocate of lean practices.

LDJ Manufacturing, parent of Thunder Creek Equipment, has named Brad Jungling as its president. Jungling was the director of operations for building products manufacturer Pella Corporation.

For more on each of these stories go to equipmentworld.com.

Correction There was an error in our October 2019 Machine Matters feature on compact excavators. Due to a miscommunication with our sources, we reported that none of the six Hitachi models used aftertreatment. The correct statement is that the ZX50 and ZX60 use DPF and DOC but no SCR and hence no DEF. Our thanks to reader John Fischer for calling this to our attention.

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12 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

marketplace

S OR’ T I ED ICK P

| by Don McLoud |

DonMcLoud@randallreilly.com

NEW BOBCAT EXCAVATOR BRINGS POWER TO TIGHT SPACES

Bobcat’s E50 compact excavator is designed to work in confined areas without sacrificing digging performance. Part of the recently unveiled R2 series, with new fuel, cooling and hydraulic systems, the E50 is a zero tail-swing model with 19.5 feet of reach. It runs on a 49.8-horsepower turbocharged Bobcat engine and weighs 10,677 pounds. Bucket digging force is 8,977 foot-pounds. The new cooling system is designed to improve performance, protect engine life and make service easier. A new tailgate protects engine components and reduces noise and vibration. A new joystick reduces operator fatigue. The cab offers heat and air conditioning, a heated seat, easier entry and exit and improved visibility.

The cab also features a Bluetooth audio system for handsfree phone calls and music.

Telehandler with 72,750pound lift capacity

Retract undercarriage 12 inches

The smallest of LiuGong’s new F-series excavators has arrived in the United States. The 1.8-metricton 9018F features a retractable undercarriage width from 51 to 39 inches for working in tight spaces and for fitting through bay doors. It also features reduced tail swing. The narrower width, along with a low height of 7 feet 9 inches, makes it easier to transport.

The compact excavator runs on an 18-horsepower Yanmar engine. The hydraulic system is designed to save fuel by using 15 to 20 percent less engine power than its predecessor.

Manitou has unveiled its largest telehandler – one of the largest on the market – with its new MHT 12330, which has a lift capacity of 72,750 pounds.

Manitou designed the telehandler for moving industrial equipment in areas where cranes can’t go. That includes infrastructure projects and bridge construction. Along with high lifting capacity – it can also hoist 80,000 pounds with a lift hook – the MHT 12330 is designed to tackle tough jobs and be easy to maneuver. Max lift height is 39 feet 1 inch, and max reach is 21 feet 8 inches.

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 13

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marketplace | continued Trench in narrow spaces Ditch Witch has redesigned its RT80 ride-on trencher for narrower spaces on urban and rural jobsites where larger trenchers can’t go. The mid-sized trencher can also be moved from job to job easier with a modular design for quickly changing between tracks and tires. It can be transported with a standard drop-deck trailer when it’s equipped with tracks. The RT80 is 6.5 feet wide. The company says that gives it plenty of work room, as the standard residential lane is 11 feet. Its uses include heavy-duty trenching, vibratory plowing and microtrenching.

27 hours of power on 1 tank

Atlas Copco Power Technique has introduced the QAS 625, its largest mobile generator. The generator features a power rating of 500 kilowatts with a 724-horsepower Volvo Penta diesel engine.

Atlas Copco designed the new QAS 625 for construction, as well as a variety of other uses, such as mining, disaster recovery and general rental.

The company describes it as compact, light and fuel-efficient. The 700-gallon fuel tank enables 27 hours of continuous operation. The QAS’s controller with touchscreen allows for parallel linkage of 32 generators.

Making it easier to go stringless Power Curbers is rolling out its 5700-D curb and gutter concrete slipform paver with an eye toward making it easier for contractors to go to stringless 3D paving if they so choose. The 5700-D, which replaces the 5700-C, will come ready to be quickly connected to 3D stringless systems from Leica, Topcon and Trimble. Contractors who aren’t ready to cut the string need not fear, as the 5700-D is mainly designed to work with stringline. It can operate in tight spots, including parking lot corners, islands and cul-de-sacs. It can do barrier, sidewalk and irrigation ditch work.

These product introductions are just a few of the many featured regularly on equipmentworld.com.

16 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

machine matters

| by Richard Ries

EXCAVATION INNOVATION

“New and improved� is a trite marketing phrase, but it really does apply to the current crop of midto full-sized excavators.

Features on the 18-metric-ton JCB 150X include the spacious CommandPlus cab with Grammar seating and a fully welded X-frame undercarriage. The most popular configuration includes 24-inch steel tracks, a 9-foot-10-inch thumbready mono boom and a 109-horsepower JCB EcoMAX engine.

18 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

A robust economy and a strong construction market have sent manufacturers racing to deliver the latest and greatest in excavators of 10 metric tons and above. Here’s an overview: Biggest Bobcat Bobcat’s largest excavator, the E145, was introduced in September. With 115 horsepower, the E145 is designed for heavier digging and lifting operations, such as commercial and residential building sites, underground utility work and road and bridge projects.

“The E145 nicely complements our 700- and 800-frame size compact track and skid steer loaders,” says Jason Boerger, marketing manager.

“It’s also common for contractors to use a 14- to 16-ton excavator with smaller excavators on the same jobsite.”

The upper structure features a D-channel design. Wear plates at the attachment-connecting pins eliminate side play for extended service intervals at pin-up points. Every major pin joint on the arm and boom is cast, and reinforced cast-steel pin bosses provide extra strength.

Long-reach machine Andrew Dagartz, product marketing manager, Case Construction Equipment, says the new

CX350D “is our most fully featured, powerful and efficient long-reach machine to date.”

The Case Intelligent Hydraulic System balances hydraulic performance with demand and machine movement. Its electronically controlled pump, larger control valve and multiple sensors improve power, speed and accuracy. The system’s Boom Economy Control reduces engine speed during gravity-assisted functions, such as boom down and swing.

Dagartz notes that D Series machines have greater standardization than previous Case excavators. This makes ordering parts easier, providing familiarity to both operators and service personnel.

Next-gen Cat offers two levels Ryan Neal, product application specialist at Caterpillar, says the new 330, 330GC, 336 and 336GC illustrate the plan behind Cat’s next-generation excavators.

The GC machines are intended for light-tomedium duty and as support machines, and Cat

The largest of Hitachi’s reducedtail-swing excavators, the ZX345USLC-6 is powered by an Isuzu 6-cylinder engine rated at 249 net horsepower at 1,900 rpm. Operating weight is 35.7 metric tons.

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 19

machine matters

| continued

The Kobelco SK300LC-10 (long-arm version shown) has an operating weight of 31.2 metric tons. Power comes from a 268-horsepower Hino engine.

Maximum torque is 729 pound-feet.

Maximum reach is 35 feet 8 inches, and maximum dig depth is 23 feet 7 inches.

Reduced tail swing makes the Bobcat E145 work in tight jobsites, while its 115 horsepower and 15.8-metric-ton operating weight suit it for infrastructure work. Variable Speed Control improves fuel efficiency by automatically reducing engine speed during lighter work.

The 330 GC features customizable joysticks, an 8-inch touchscreen monitor, keyless push-to-start and Bluetoothintegrated radio as standard.

Also standard are an ROPS cab and ground-level daily maintenance points.

20 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

considers them the “standard” model with fewer features and a lower initial cost. For example, while both 330 models come with Cat C7.1 engines, the 330GC is rated at 204 horsepower, and the 330 at 275.

Neal hastens to point out that “GC models are not minimalist machines. The GC cab, for example, is still best-in-class in terms of comfort and amenities.”

The non-GC models are designed for production work and other high-demand applications. They come standard with a technology package that includes Cat Grade with 2D, Cat Grade with Assist and Cat Payload.

Doosan power management Advances continue in how machine systems communicate, and Doosan has two features that make this clear. Smart Power Control, or SPC, “helps reduce fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent,” says Aaron Kleingartner, marketing manager, Doosan Infracore North America.

SPC matches outputs from the engine and hydraulic pump so they complement each other and respond in unison to changes in workload. Even though both systems are being manipulated during this process, response time is less than 1 second, says the company.

Doosan’s D-Ecopower further improves performance and fuel economy, representing additional refinement of SPC. It is available only on the DX350LC-5, but is being considered for other models.

Hitachi Solution Linkage and TRIAS II In 2019, Hitachi announced the launch of Hitachi Solution Linkage, a factory-integrated grade reference system developed with Topcon. Solution Linkage is an available option on the ZX210-6, ZX210LC-6 and ZX350LC-6 models and comes fully integrated into the cab and structure to shield wiring and sensors from damage. “Hitachi Solution Linkage takes the guesswork out of achieving the right grade and monitors digging in real time so jobs can be completed quickly,” says Jonny Spendlove, product marketing manager, excavators.

The ZX345USLC-6, introduced in 2018, features Hitachi’s TRIAS II three-pump hydraulic system to meet varied hydraulic demand. The third pump provides addi-

tional oil to the swing circuit without stealing oil or speed from the other circuits. “This maximizes productivity without sacrificing fuel economy,” says Spendlove.

Hyundai’s customer-centric moves In 2019, Hyundai introduced the HX140LC, with the “C” designating a Cummins engine, specifically a QSF3.8 inline 4 with a rating of 130 gross horsepower. The excavator is a sister to the Perkins-powered HX140L. “By offering a Cummins engine in our 16-ton excavators, Hyundai provides customers with another proven option for achieving dependability and durability,” says Rodolfo “Tito” Sosa, product specialist and sales trainer.

Hyundai also introduced its largest excavator in 2019, the HX900L, a 100-ton machine powered by a Scania engine rated at 615 net horsepower.

JCB’s X Series JCB’s X Series, debuted in 2018 with the 220X. Since then, the 131X and 150X have replaced the JS131 and JS145, respectively.

These new machines are clean-sheet designs and feature CommandPlus cabs that are 15 percent larger than previous models and have a 67-decibel sound pressure level. The 7-inch monitor has a rotary control dial.

JCB also upgraded the hydraulic system.

Bucket breakout force is up 11 percent, and all bay access doors are double-skinned for durability.

The Yellow Series of the 131X, 150X and 220X excavators are thumb-ready and include an advanced tool selector to tailor machine performance to specific attachments, upgraded seating and bi-directional hydraulic flow. “Our Yellow Series program is designed to offer premium stock machines factory-equipped with the most popular features,” says Patrick Baker, product manager for large excavators.

John Deere 2D and 3D move up John Deere recently introduced factoryintegrated 2D and 3D Grade Guidance as an option on the 470G LC excavator, “the largest excavator to feature this solution,” says Jonny Spendlove, excavator product marketing manager.

The system provides operators with the elevation and position of the bucket cutting

The Doosan DX170-5 has bucket breakout force of 25,794 pound-feet and arm breakout force of 18,078 pound-feet. Factory-installed options include a two-way auxiliary hydraulic pedal to complement joystick control and an intelligent floating boom feature.

A key feature of the Gradall XL 4300 V on/off-pavement excavator is the ability to work front, rear or to either side without outriggers.

While maintaining a stable platform, this allows faster repositioning and lowers space requirements.

At 93.7 metric tons, the HX900L is Hyundai’s largest excavator. The standard bucket is 5.6 cubic yards. Safety features include All Around View Monitoring and an auto-travel alarm that sounds as soon as travel is engaged either forward or backward (and can be toggled off).

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 21

machine matters

| continued The 22.2-metric-ton Link-Belt 210 X4 is powered by a 160-net-horsepower Isuzu engine and has three power modes.

Maximum dig depth is 21 feet 10 inches. Link-Belt 2D Machine Guidance and 2D Machine Control are options.

The John Deere 470G LC is powered by a Deere Power Tech 13.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine rated at 367 horsepower at 2,000 rpm.

Operating weight is 112.9 metric tons. Along with Grade Guidance options, production enhancements include a slew speed of 9.5 rpm, 70 percent gradeability and maximum main pumps flow of 212 gallons per minute.

The Komatsu PC290LCi-11 is powered by a Komatsu engine rated at 213 gross horsepower.

The main pump is a variable-displacement piston type providing up to 126.5 gallons per minute.

22 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

edge relative to the target plane with 2D, or to the design surface with 3D. Grade Guidance is ideal for precision excavation projects, such as digging trenches for pipes, shaping ditches or slopes or digging structural foundations.

6 new models from Kobelco Last year was a busy one for Kobelco, which unveiled six new excavators. George Lumpkins, general manager of marketing, and Dave Donneral, specialized machinery sales, outline the machines’ highlights: The SK390LC-10 satisfies a market need between 35 and 50 tons.

It’s big enough to lift pipe and trench boxes yet can be transported with the counterweight in place. The SK500LC-10 High & Wide has an extended width of 13 feet, and retracted width is 12 feet.

To ensure the SK300LC-10 Long Reach can handle the stress associated with its 62-foot reach, Kobelco gave it additional strength and stability. The SK400DLC-10 and SK550DLC-10 are for demolition and can handle tools from 2.6 to 5 tons. And the SK140SRD-5 is a specialty model for the auto-dismantling and recycling market.

Komatsu intros 3 models Komatsu’s medium-sized PC290LCi-11, introduced in March, is the fifth in the company’s line of intelligent excavators. While it can dig straight to grade, the PC290LCi-11 also offers an offset function to dig below the finished grade specified in the plan, as when extra depth is required to place crushed stone bedding. Andrew Earing, product manager, excavators, points out that while digging straight to grade improves productivity, “customers also appreciate the reduced wear and tear on the machine and the reduced operating hours accrued over their ownership of the machine.”

Komatsu’s new large excavators, the PC1250SP-11 and PC1250LC-11, feature a 13 percent boost in horsepower to 758 and deliver a 9 percent increase in production, according to Kurt Moncini, senior product manager of tracked products. The PC1250SP-11 has

The E-Series from LiuGong consists of five models. All have ROPS cabs meeting ISO 12117-2 safety standards.

Six selectable working modes and auto-idle improve performance and optimize fuel consumption. A turbocharged Cummins engine provides up to 290 horsepower in the 936E. a shorter carriage and arm. Komtrax Plus is standard on both, and the Iridium Communications platform provides richer information.

Link-Belt Precision Grade Powered by Trimble Earthworks, Link-Belt’s Precision Grade on its 210 X4 model offers two levels of performance: machine guidance and machine control. The former gives real-time location and positioning of the bucket relative to a benchmark set by the operator. The latter is a semiautonomous feature that controls boom and bucket functions.

Adam Woods, product manager, says Precision Grade can increase productivity up to 50 percent.

The need for fill material can be decreased by 60 percent by reducing over- and under-cutting. Less rework can lead to fuel savings up to 28 percent.

Mecalac three-piece boom and stick Mecalac’s three-piece boom and stick design provides flexibility in reach and depth while still yielding high lift capacities, says the company.

Its Connect reversible quick-hitch allows both digging and lifting as well as loading. “Mecalac excavators are designed as premium-quality machines,” says Peter Bigwood, general manager of Mecalac North America.

With its contoured exterior and three-piece boom and arm design, the Mecalac 15MC is distinctive from any angle. Operating weight is up to 15.4 metric tons. Overall width is 98 inches, and tail-swing radius is 61 inches.

The TB2150 is the largest, most powerful excavator in the U.S. Takeuchi line. Standard features include a pivot boom and dozer blade. Maximum reach at ground level is 28 feet 1 inch.

Maximum digging depth is 18 feet. It runs on a 114-horsepower Deutz engine. Hydraulic flow is 78.9 gallons per minute.

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 23

machine matters

| continued

The Volvo EC200E is designed for medium-duty applications. Operating weights are up to 24.6 metric tons, and bucket capacities up to 1.44 cubic yards. Gross engine horsepower is 154. Breakout force is 29,675 pound-feet in boost mode. Maximum digging depth is 22 feet 3 inches.

Mecalac also offers four models of wheeled excavators and three models of high-speed crawler-skid excavators (think skid steers with excavator arms and a 360-degree rotating upper structure). All high-speed models boast travel speeds of 6.2 mph.

Wheeled models include the 11-metric-ton 11MWR and 15-metric-ton 15MWR.

Takeuchi Fleet Management Introduced in 2016, the 34,646-pound TB2150 features Takeuchi Fleet Management, as does all of the company’s excavators. “TFM allows customers to connect remotely with their Takeuchi machines and provides alerts and machine information, including location, performance and maintenance insights,” says Lee Padgett, product manager at Takeuchi-US. TFM provides information in real 24 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

Wacker Neuson brought features from its compact excavators into the design of its largest model, the 14-metric-ton ET145.

Those features include rubber or hybrid tracks for minimal impact on finished surfaces, with steel tracks available; a full-sized dozer blade for backfilling; and a 127-degree boom swing for precision digging in tight spaces.

time and can be used to reduce owning and operating costs in a number of ways, including reducing downtime through better management of maintenance and repair schedules, Padgett says.

Volvo high-reach model, standard Dig Assist Start The EC750E HR from Volvo was launched in March and is based on the EC750E, but the high-reach model, with a maximum pin height of 118 feet, has been re-engineered for large-scale, high-reach demolition work. Three boom options are offered: two high-reach demolition sets and one digging boom set with an extension.

Also in 2019 Volvo made Dig Assist Start standard on all excavators, from the EC220E through the EC480E. Dig Assist Start makes excavating easier and faster, thanks to sensors that calculate depth and

slope levels, Volvo says.

The company extended the Volvo Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty to include Volvo demolition and wheeled excavators. “This covers the frame, boom and arm for the entirety of the initial ownership period,” says Matthew McLean, product manager, excavators.

Wacker Neuson mixes large, small features Wacker Neuson’s ET145 conventional tail-swing model has operating weights in excess of 16 metric tons, depending on the configuration. It retains some features of a compact machine, including a swing boom, switchable ISO and SAE control patterns and a standard dozer blade. But it also has features found in larger excavators, such as a standard cab with heating and air conditioning and dual variable hydraulic pumps.

2020 CONTRACTORS

PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

GMC Sierra HD

46

26

GMC Sierra 1500

47

Ford F150

36

Nissan Titan/Titan HD

48

Ford Super Duty

38

Toyota Tundra

49

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

42

Ram 1500

50

Chevrolet Silverado HD

44

Ram HD

52

How to get a great deal on the truck you actually want

HOW TO GET A GREAT DEAL ON THE TRUCK YOU ACTUALLY WANT

By Wayne Grayson

I

f you’re like most folks after a vehicle purchase, you’ve probably left the dealership with mixed feelings. On one hand, this new truck smells and feels amazing. On the other, you may be thinking, “How much money did that salesman squeeze out of me?”

The barrage of trim choices, options, paperwork, up-selling and all the waiting for the salesperson to return from “one more” talk with the manager quickly turns what was intended to be a negotiation into feeling something more like being held hostage.

Which is why it’s surprising to find a guy out there whose job it is to buy trucks. It can be a miserable experience, but Tom McParland, owner of Automatch Consulting, has been doing the dirty work of car and truck buying for customers since 2013.

So we gave McParland a call to get his advice on buying your next truck. After all, trucks are typically a trickier purchase than a car or SUV due to the many configurations you can come up with between multiple trim levels, engines, transmissions, technology and other features.

BEST HALF-TON DIESEL TOWING Ram 1500: Ford F-150:

BEST MAX HALF-TON TOWING

Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6:

2. 13,200 lbs.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500: GMC Sierra:

“A lot of customers think they’re going after a basic truck with cloth seats and a couple of extras, and then they go into the online configuration and all of a sudden that’s a $48,000 truck,” McParland says.

What would be worse is receiving that sticker shock on the lot. It can put you off balance right off the bat, immediately calling into question whatever

1. 13,400 lbs.

2. 11,400 lbs.

4. 9,100 lbs.

Avoid sticker shock and buy the truck you actually want

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 6.2L V8:

1. 12,560 lbs.

3. 9,300 lbs.

Plus, trucks are more expensive than they ever have been, making it harder to leave the lot happy. “What has happened is trucks have supplanted luxury cars for a lot of people,” McParland says. “You can get a GMC Sierra Denali or a fully loaded F-150 Limited, and they have similar features and feel and comfort to European luxury cars. But with the truck, you have all the features of a pickup combined with that, and, for the most part, more durability.”

So, if you want to leave your next truck buying experience with confidence, here’s what McParland suggests you do.

Ram 1500 with 5.7L HEMI V8:

3. 12,750 lbs.

GMC Sierra with 6.2L V8:

4. 12,100 lbs.

To download the complete 2020 Contractors Pickup Truck guide, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 26 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

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plan you had going in. And once the salesperson shows up, the added pressure could mean you walk off the lot with a truck you can’t afford.

“Do your research,” McParland says. “There’s a lot of math in making sure you’re not getting in over your head. One of the best defenses against getting ripped off is an online loan calculator. Do those calculations before you even walk into the dealership.”

McParland advises customers to figure out what they can afford in a truck payment every month, and then plug that amount into a vehicle loan calculator at 5 percent interest. (You will likely do better than 5 percent, but McParland says it’s a safe number for this type of estimation.) The calculator will then tell you the max price you can spend on a new vehicle.

“Too many people go to the dealer with a monthly payment. They go in and say, ‘I need to pay X amount of dollars each month,’ and all of a sudden they’re signed up for an 84-month loan,” McParland says. “And with a long-term loan, you might be under water immediately.”

Once you have your max price for your vehicle, head into the online configuration of the truck brand or brands you’re considering and find the trim and options that fit that max price. Even at this

BEST HD TOWING (CLASSES 2 AND 3)

point, McParland still advises against going into a dealership.

“You’re on their turf there. These guys make car deals every single day. This is what they do. They want you to go through the marathon and the back and forth and to get you to the point where after four or five hours you’re saying ‘Just give me the truck and get me the heck out of here,’” he says.

“Once you decide on the truck, your options, your features and colors, contact dealers by phone or by email and say, ‘Hey I’m looking for this truck with these features. Send me a window sticker or send me a link to the vehicle online, and then I need you to send me your best price. I need to know the sale price of the vehicle, the rebates, the taxes, the fees and the total.’ A full itemized breakdown.

“You want to get everything in writing and all laid

MOST HD POWER AND TORQUE POWER: Ford Super Duty 1. with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel: 475 hp at 2,800 rpm Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD

2. with 6.6L Duramax diesel: 445 hp at 2,800 rpm

Ford F-350:

1. 35,750 lbs.

Ford Super Duty with 7.3L V8:

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500HD:

3. 430 hp at 4,500 rpm

Ram 3500:

4. 410 hp at 4,600 rpm

2. 35,500 lbs.

Ram 2500 and 3500 with 6.4L HEMI V8:

3. 35,100 lbs.

TORQUE:

BEST HALF-TON DIESEL FUEL ECONOMY

1. with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel:

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x2: 1. 33 mpg highway, 23 mpg city, 27 mpg combined Ram 1500 4x2:

2. 32 mpg highway, 22 mpg city, 26 mpg combined Ford: 3. 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city, 25 mpg combined.

Ford Super Duty

1,050 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm Ram 2500 and 3500

2. with 6.7L High-Output Cummins diesel: 1,000 lb-ft at 1,356 rpm

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD 3. with 6.6L Duramax diesel: 910 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm

2020 CONTRACTORS 31 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

out in black in white, before you walk in and start signing papers.”

McParland advises strongly that you send this request to multiple dealers. The reason? On any given vehicle, dealers can arrive to a final price in different ways.

Finding the right path You might be feeling pretty good at this point.

You’ve done the homework, you’ve avoided the dealership trap. Unfortunately, this is where the hard work in getting a good deal on a vehicle begins, McParland says.

Where things can get really confusing in this whole process is how rebate programs work. As McParland explains, there’s often multiple “pathways” you can take based on how you pay for the vehicle and what kinds of discounts the dealer or manufacturer is offering. Each pathway can lead to different prices, so it’s important to look closely at what a dealer is offering McParland gave us three potential pathways you could encounter: Cash Buyers: “By cash buyer, dealers don’t mean pulling money out of the bank. They mean you’re simply not using manufacturer financing. Cash buyers will get a certain rebate tier, maybe a couple of grand off the truck.”

APR Special: “When you choose to finance at a low APR, you save over the life of the loan, but up front you give up some rebates.”

Advertised Rebates: “This is where dealer advertisements get – I wouldn’t call it sneaky – but you want to take a lot of these advertised prices with a grain of salt. On these, you’ll get the maximum amount in rebates, maybe $4,000 or $5,000 off the truck from the factory before any dealer discount.

But the caveat here usually is that you have to take the manufacturer’s loan at a high interest rate, usually 6.25 to 6.5 percent. So when you look at the loan math over time, that interest completely neutralizes the rebates they gave you.”

With this in mind, it’s important to understand that the prices you solicited from multiple dealerships are hardly ever apples-to-apples.

“That’s why getting the itemized breakdown is crucial. The out-the-door price matters, but one of the other pieces is the gap between the MSRP and

MOST HALF-TON POWER AND TORQUE POWER: Ford F-150 Limited with

1. High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 450 hp Chevy Silverado 1500 and

2. GMC Sierra 1500 with 6.2L V8: 420 hp Nissan Titan and Titan XD:

3. 400 hp

Ram 1500 with 5.7L HEMI V8:

4. 395 hp

Toyota Tundra with 5.7L V8:

5. 381 hp TORQUE:

Ford F-150 Limited

1. with High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 510 lb-ft

Ram 1500 with 3.0L EcoDiesel:

2. 480 lb-ft

Ford F-150 3. with Standard-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 470 lb-ft Chevy Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 4. with 6.2L V8 or 3.0L diesel: 460 lb-ft Ford F-150 with 3.0L diesel:

5. 440 lb-ft

Nissan Titan and Titan XD:

6. 413 lb-ft

Ram 1500 with 5.7L HEMI V8:

7. 410 lb-ft

Toyota Tundra with 5.7L V8:

8. 401 lb-ft

2020 CONTRACTORS 32 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

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the dealer sale price prior to any rebates,” McParland explains.

“Because the rebates are going to come from the factory no matter which pathway you take. So it just depends on what’s most advantageous for the customer based on their financing situation.”

McParland gives the following example to explain what this could look like: Dealer A has a $54,000 truck that it is selling for $50,000 before rebates. That’s $4,000 out of its pocket right off the top. Dealer B, on the other hand, has a $54,000 truck selling for $52,000 before rebates. “So even though Dealer B might be using a stronger rebate program, it’s not offering as aggressive a deal off the top,” McParland says.

After receiving your pricing breakdowns from the dealers you contacted, carefully review how each dealer is getting to a final price.

Those truck buyers interested in a Toyota or Nissan can have an easier time with all of these pathways, McParland says, as import automakers tend to be more straightforward with their rebate programs.

Buy your truck Once you’ve landed on a truck deal you’re happy with, head into the dealership with all of your paperwork and buy your truck, McParland says.

If this sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is. After all, McParland has built a career out of it. He says he and his staff earn most of their pay after the dealer prices start rolling in as they try to figure out what buying pathway is most advantageous for a particular customer.

TRUCK BUYING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT Tom McParland also offers these tips to truck buyers: Be open minded: If you’re a loyal Ford or Chevy customer, do your thing. Just be aware that switching things up could save you some money depending on when you’re in the market.

Do a test drive: The look of a truck can be different from the feel.

Make sure you like the truck’s interior, its ergonomics, center stack and sight lines.

Be honest with yourself about what you need: “You might not have to jump all the way down to a base work truck, but if you’re torn between, say, an F-150 Lariat or an XLT and you decide you can sacrifice some of the options on the Lariat and get the cheaper XLT and be in a better financial position, that’s a conversation you should definitely have,” says McParland.

Beware advertised prices: “Often, those advertisements have discounts built in that you are not qualified for, or they have a high APR,” McParland says. “They’re designed like lures on a hook.”

Tom McParland is the owner and operator of Automatch Consulting. You can contact him at tom@automatchconsulting.com or at 609-798-1601.

You can visit the company online at automatchconsulting.com.

2020 CONTRACTORS 34 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

Experience the Progress.

The new Liebherr crawler excavator generation The generation 8 of Liebherr crawler excavators is a look into the future. Liebherr completely revised the basic concept of the machines in order to offer customers even higher performance and more comfortable products. The highlights of the new crawler excavator include the higher engine power, the heavier counterweight for higher bucket capacities and minimal fuel consumption.

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2020 FORD F-150 SPECS ENGINES: 3.3L V6 2.7L EcoBoost V6 5.0L V8 3.5L EcoBoost V6 High-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6

2020 FORD F-150

Ford adds long list of driver-assistance features to its latest F-150

By Wayne Grayson

3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 POWER: 3.3L V6: 290 hp at 6,500 rpm 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 325 hp at 5,000 rpm 5.0L V8: 395 hp at 5,750 rpm 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 375 hp at 5,000 rpm

For 2020, Ford hasn’t made any performance or design changes to its bestselling pickup. Instead, everything new about the truck is tied to technology.

The standard engine is still the 3.3-liter V6 paired to a 6-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and the 3.0L Power Stroke V6 diesel remain options for the fuel-conscious. The diesel is rated at 30 mpg highway, 22 mpg city and 25 mpg combined. Those numbers will depend on how you spec the truck out, as 4x4 models take a hit, and you lose a few more mpg once you throw in different wheels, heavier tires, etc.

(For reference, GM’s 3.0L Duramax diesel is rated at 33 mpg for Chevy half-tons and 30 mpg on GMC’s. The new 3.0L Ram Eco-Diesel is rated at 32 mpg highway.)

And for those who need the most performance, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0L V8 are there. Both EcoBoost engines and the 3.0L Power Stroke are mated to a 10-speed transmission.

A high-output version of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 powers both the F-150 Raptor and the F-150 Limited models. The high-output EcoBoost V6 increases horsepower by 20 percent over the standard-output to 450 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Torque increases by 8.5 percent to 510 pound-feet at 3,500 rpm.

As far as specs and interior comforts, everything is the same as it was in 2019. New for 2020 is standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features for those who opt for a Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum or Limited Trim.

Co-Pilot360 features include: • Auto-high beam headlamps • A blind-spot information system with cross traffic alert and trailer tow monitoring • Lane-keeping alerts • Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking • Rear view camera If you opt for the Platinum or Limited models, you also get these Co-Pilot360 Assist features: • Adaptive cruise control that can bring the car to a complete stop and, if traffic in front of you resumes in less than 3 seconds, can resume driving.

• Touchscreen with voice-activation

High-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 450 hp at 5,000 rpm 3.0L diesel V6: 250 hp at 3,250 rpm TORQUE: 3.3L V6: 265 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 400 lb-ft at 2,750 5.0L V8: 400 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 470 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm High-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 510 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm 3.0L diesel V6: 440 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed automatic 10-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: 3,270 lbs. (5.0L V8, 4x2, Reg. cab w/ 141” wheel base) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: 3.3L V6: 7,700 lbs. (4x2, Reg. cab) 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 8,500 lbs. (4x2, Reg. cab) 5.0L V8: 11,600 lbs. (4x4, Supercrew) 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 13,200 lbs. (4x2, Supercrew) High-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 11,100 lbs. (4x2, Supercrew, Limited trim) 3.0L diesel V6: 11,400 lbs. (4x2, Supercab)

2020 CONTRACTORS 36 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

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JALTEST DIAGNOSTICS INCREASES UPTIME AND DECREASES COSTLY REPAIR HASSLES

A

s technology evolves and machines gain more advanced features, the repair process for that equipment becomes more complex. Long gone are the days where you would listen in, hear a rattle, grab a wrench and fix the problem. Today, there are multiple connected systems, and the newer and more evolved the vehicle, the more elaborate the system. Just take the John Deere 9R Series: It has more than 10 different electronic control modules that require reading codes, clearing codes, calibrations and so much more if the owner wants to keep the equipment in top condition.

In the heavy-duty trucking world, owning your own diagnostics equipment has been the norm for well over 15 years, but in the off-highway sector (ag and yellow irons), the only option was to work with a dealer. Every problem that the dash shot out required a dealer visit because there was no possible way to connect to diagnose or fix the problem. In addition to frustration, this dealer dependence brought challenges such as increased downtime, project delays and added costs.

But things have changed: There is now an aftermarket solution that will return control of maintenance and repairs back to the owner and technician. With Jaltest Diagnostics, you have the power to fix your own equipment. Got a dash light on? Read it, fix it and clear it so you can get back to work. It doesn’t matter what the

make is because Jaltest Diagnostics covers all equipment makes and models.

To use Jaltest Diagnostics, all you need is your PC and a Jaltest communicator link. With an easy-to-use and intuitive interface, Jaltest Diagnostics allows you to become a pro at diagnostics, regardless of the equipment type or who made it. It’s more than just codes too: It allows you to perform preventive maintenance, set parameters, modify implements and what seems most important these days, launch a forced regen on a DPF filter.

As Bruno Gattamorta, Vice President of Sales for Cojali USA, puts it, “Our most common scenario is the operator overlooking the indications on the dash. Let’s say we are talking about a Volvo excavator. After X hours of operation and ignoring the automatic regen 10 times, the machine goes into limp mode, reducing the power output. Until now, you would have to call the dealer, wait for them to open and then pay a bill of several thousand dollars, plus an average of two days of lost work. When you have Jaltest, your technician hooks up the tool, identifies the issue, launches the regen, and you are back at work within a couple of hours making your money.”

Jaltest Diagnostics allows you to regain control of your machinery. Run it, repair it and maintain it, all on your clock!

2020 FORD SUPER DUTY

With new model, Ford lays best-in-class claim to just about every major HD benchmark

By Jason Cannon Ford‘s heavy truck lineup will see several upgrades for the 2020 model year as the HD pickup market leader works to keep rivals GM and Ram at bay.

Changes under the hood include an all-new Ford-designed and built 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine that will serve as a second option to the standard 6.2-liter gasser in 2020 Super Duty pickups. A third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 with more power and torque will also debut.

The new 7.3L V8 will deliver 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, best-in-class for heavy-duty trucks over 8,500 pounds. The updated Power Stroke will produce 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque, also bestin-class.

In October, Ford laid claim to the following best-in-class benchmark titles for heavy-duty trucks over 8,500 pounds: • Best-in-class maximum available diesel gooseneck towing of up to 37,000 pounds • Best-in-class maximum available diesel fifth-wheel towing of 32,500 pounds • Best-in-class maximum available diesel conventional towing of 24,200 pounds • Best-in-class maximum payload capacity of 7,850 pounds with standard 6.2-liter gas engine Both the diesel and the new 7.3L V8 will be paired with an all-new 10-speed heavy-duty TorqShift automatic transmission. The new gearbox is fundamentally similar to the 10-speed that debuted on F-150 last year, but according to the manager of Ford’s transmission systems, Greg Stout, it was a “clean sheet design” that produced “a very beefy, very capable transmission.”

2020 FORD SUPER DUTY SPECS ENGINES: 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8 7.3L gas V8 6.2L gas V8 POWER: 6.7L diesel: 475 hp at 2,800 rpm 7.3L gas V8: 430 hp at 5,500 rpm 6.2L gas V8: 385 hp at 5,750 rpm TORQUE: 6.7L diesel: 1,050 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm 7.3L gas V8: 475 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm 6.2L gas V8: 430 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm TRANSMISSIONS: 10-speed automatic 6-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: F-250: 4,260 lbs. (Reg. cab, 4x2, long box) F-350: 7,850 lbs. (Reg. cab, 4x2, long box) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: F-250: 20,000 lbs. (7.3L gas V8, 4x4) F-350: 21,200 lbs. (6.7L diesel, 4x4) F-450: 24,200 lbs. (6.7L diesel, 4x2 or 4x4) MAX TOWING, FIFTH WHEEL/GOOSENECK: F-250: 22,800 lbs. (6.7L diesel, 4x2) F-350: 35,750 lbs. (6.7L diesel, 4x2) F-450: 37,000 lbs (6.7L diesel, 4x2)

For more on the 2020 Ford F150 and Ford Super Duty, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 38 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

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2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO SPECS ENGINES: 6.2L gas V8 4.3L gas V6 5.3L gas V8 2.7L Turbocharged gas I-4 3.0L diesel I-6 POWER:

2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500

Chevy keeps the changes simple on 2020 Silverado 1500

By Wayne Grayson and Tom Quimby Engine options and increased power are the primary changes for the 2020 model year on Chevrolet’s 1500 Silverado trucks.

More than half of all 2020 Silverado 1500 trim levels will be available with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, Chevy says. That engine will be paired with a 10-speed transmission.

The 6.2L V8 will also be available on the Silverado RST when equipped with four-wheel-drive. With that combination, the 2020 RST trim will be capable of a class-leading 13,400 pounds of maximum towing capacity, Chevy says.

A performance upgrade package will also be available for the 6.2L V8, raising output to 428 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque.

The LT, RST, LTZ and High Country models will also be available with the 3.0L Duramax diesel for the first time in 2020. This 3.0L diesel provides 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm. Torque tops out at 460 pound-feet at 1,500 rpm.

At 33 mpg highway and 23 in the city on rear-wheel-drive models, the 3.0L Duramax gives Chevy the crown for best fuel economy in a half-ton pickup. Four-wheel-drive models come in at 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg city.

6.2L V8: 420 at 5,600 rpm 4.3L V6: 285 hp at 5,300 rpm 5.3L V8: 355 hp at 5,600 rpm 2.7L I-4: 310 hp at 5,600 rpm 3.0L diesel I-6: 277 hp at 3,750 rpm TORQUE: 6.2L V8: 460 at 4,100 rpm 4.3L V6: 305 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm 5.3L V8: 383 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm 2.7L I-4: 348 lb-ft at 1,500-4,000 rpm 3.0L diesel I-6: 460 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm TRANSMISSIONS: 10-speed automatic: 8-speed automatic 6-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: 2,250 lbs. (4x2, Reg. cab) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: 6.2L V8: 13,400 lbs. (4x4, Double cab) 4.3L V6: 7,900 lbs. (4x2, Reg. cab) 5.3L V8: 11,600 lbs. (4x2 Double cab) 2.7L V4: 7,000 lbs. (4x2, Double cab) 3.0L diesel I-6: 9,300 lbs. (4x4, Double or Crew cab)

For more on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 42 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

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2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD

As the HD engine arms race rages, Chevy beefs up its chassis and transmission

By Wayne Grayson

2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD SPECS ENGINES: 6.6L Duramax diesel New 6.6L gas V8 POWER: 6.6L diesel V8: 445 hp at 2,800 rpm 6.6L gas V8: 401 hp at 5,200 rpm

For the 2020 model year, Chevrolet has made some sizable changes to its heavy-duty pickups, headlined by a drastically different look and a whopping 52 percent increase in max towing capacity.

Chevy’s 2020 2500HD and 3500HD will be offered with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel first introduced in 2016, with that engine still delivering 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. And while that massive torque number has fallen behind the 1,000+ pound-feet delivered by Ford’s new Power Stroke diesel and the new 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel on Ram’s HD lineup, Chevy has still figured out a way to top Ram’s towing numbers: a new 10-speed Allison transmission.

“Yes, some other manufacturers offer more torque,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, chief engineer for GM’s nextgeneration heavy-duty trucks. “But that’s academic if you can’t put all of that torque to the ground.”

The major element to Chevy’s big HD towing increase is the new 10-speed Allison transmission mated to that 6.6L Duramax – a duo that can now pull up to 35,500 pounds. That’s 400 pounds more than the 2019 Ram 3500 equipped with the 6.7L Cummins, but 1,500 pounds less than the 2020 Super Duty.

For more on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

TORQUE: 6.6L diesel V8: 910 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm 6.6L gas V8: 464 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm TRANSMISSIONS: New Allison 10-speed automatic 6-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: 2500HD: 3,979 lbs. (Gas V8, 4x2, Reg. cab) 3500HD: 7,442 lbs. (Gas V8, 4x2, Reg. cab) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: 2500HD: 18,500 lbs.

(Diesel V8, 4x4 or 4x2, Crew cab) 3500HD: 20,000 lbs.

(Diesel V8; 4x4 or 4x2; Reg., Double or Crew cabs) MAX TOWING, FIFTH WHEEL/GOOSENECK: 2500HD: 18,510 lbs. (Diesel V8; 4x2, Reg. cab) 3500HD: 35,500 lbs. (Diesel V8; 4x2, Reg. cab)

2020 CONTRACTORS 44 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

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2020 GMC SIERRA HD New towing tech features headline GMC’s 2020 model year

By Wayne Grayson

Most of the new features GMC is touting on these new pickups have to do with towing, but there are a couple other notable differences between these and the 2019 Sierra HD models.

First, the 2020 Sierra HD trucks mark the introduction of an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission from Allison. GM says this is the first 10-speed to be offered in the HD segment, noting that the closer gear spacing allows the engine to operate in an optimal range at all times through varying load and terrain conditions.

The 10-speed gearbox will be paired to the 6.6-liter Duramax introduced in 2016. The powertrain is rated at 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque.

Second, like the new Chevy HD models, the 2020 Sierra HD trucks feature a new design that incorporates a taller hood line and roof along with a longer wheelbase.

The grille on these new trucks is larger as well, featuring the functional hood scoop introduced on last year’s HD models.

With the larger design, GMC says, the 2020 Sierra HD Crew Cab models will have best-in-class front headroom and legroom. To get your eyes over that taller hood, the seating has also been raised.

The Denali model of these trucks will feature exclusive interior details like premium leather seating, wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor.

For more on the 2020 GMC Sierra HD, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 GMC SIERRA HD SPECS ENGINES: 6.6L Duramax diesel New 6.6L gas V8 POWER: 6.6L diesel V8: 445 hp at 2,800 rpm 6.6L gas V8: 401 hp at 5,200 rpm TORQUE: 6.6L diesel V8: 910 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm 6.6L gas V8: 464 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm TRANSMISSIONS: New Allison 10-speed automatic 6-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: 2500HD: 3,979 lbs. (Gas V8, 4x2, Reg. cab) 3500HD: 7,442 lbs. (Gas V8, 4x2, Reg. cab) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: 2500HD: 18,500 lbs.

(Diesel V8, 4x4 or 4x2, Crew cab) 3500HD: 20,000 lbs.

(Diesel V8; 4x4 or 4x2; Reg., Double or Crew cabs) MAX TOWING, FIFTH WHEEL/GOOSENECK: 2500HD: 18,510 lbs. (Diesel V8; 4x2, Reg. cab) 3500HD: 35,500 lbs. (Diesel V8; 4x2, Reg. cab)

2020 CONTRACTORS 46 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 SPECS ENGINES: 6.2L gas V8 4.3L gas V6 5.3L gas V8 2.7L Turbocharged gas I-4 3.0L diesel I-6 POWER: 6.2L V8: 420 at 5,600 rpm 4.3L V6: 285 hp at 5,300 rpm 5.3L V8: 355 hp at 5,600 rpm 2.7L I-4: 310 hp at 5,600 rpm 3.0L diesel I-6: 277 hp at 3,750 rpm TORQUE: 6.2L V8: 460 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm

2020 SIERRA 1500

Feature expansion, new 10-speed, 3.0L diesel

4.3L V6: 305 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm

By Wayne Grayson

5.3L V8: 383 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm 2.7L I-4: 348 lb-ft at 1,500-4,000 rpm 3.0L diesel I-6: 460 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm TRANSMISSIONS: 10-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 6-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: 2,240 lbs. (4x2, Reg. cab) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: 6.2L V8: 12,100 lbs. (4x4, Double cab) 4.3L V6: 7,900 lbs. (4x2, Reg. cab) 5.3L V8: 11,300 lbs. (4x2 Double cab, or 4x2 Crew cab)

While the latest Sierra 1500 carries on the design language introduced for the 2019 model, several updates for the 2020 model year might make this a more attractive truck for some customers.

For 2020, GMC is expanding the availability of certain premium features to a wider swath of its Sierra 1500 lineup, while also bringing over trailering technology previously only found on its Heavy Duty trucks.

GMC is expanding the availability of its 10-speed automatic transmission. It says the 10-speed will be standard on the Sierra Denali and the Sierra AT4 and will also be an available option on all four-wheel-drive Sierras with the SLE trim level and above.

New for 2020 is the availability of the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. The engine is the first inline-six turbo diesel GM has ever offered in a half-ton truck. Fuel economy is an estimated 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

2.7L V4: 6,900 lbs. (4x2, Double cab) 3.0L diesel I-6: 9,100 lbs. (4x4, Double cab)

For more on the 2020 Sierra 1500, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 47 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

2020 NISSAN TITAN AND TITAN XD New look, more tech, one engine

By Wayne Grayson

2020 NISSAN TITAN AND TITAN XD SPECS ENGINES: 5.6L Endurance V8 POWER: 400 hp TORQUE:

It was 12 long years between the first and second generation Nissan Titan. It only took another three for them to deliver the third generation, but based on the automaker’s position in the light-duty truck market, it would not be accurate to call them a “short” three years.

But the Titan team isn’t giving up. They’re changing the approach a bit – in August we learned the next Titan XD will not have what was in 2016 a blockbuster feature in a Cummins diesel engine. The design team, including designers who worked on the original 2004 Titan, also came up with a new look for the 2020 Titan trucks, one they say conveys power and all the technology the truck packs.

The 2020 Titan will be offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations and five trim levels: S, SV, PRO4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. The new Titan XD will only be offered in a Crew Cab body with a 6.5-foot bed and four-wheel drive.

413 lb-ft TRANSMISSIONS: 9-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: (No 2020 numbers as of publishing.)

2019 Titan: 1,930 lbs.

MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: (No 2020 numbers as of publishing.)

2019 Titan: 9,660 lbs.

MAX TOWING, FIFTH WHEEL/GOOSENECK: (No 2020 numbers as of publishing.)

2019 Titan XD: 13,000 lbs.

For more on the 2020 Nissan Titan/Titan XD, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 48 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

2020 TOYOTA TUNDRA

New tech on the same tried, tested foundation

2020 TOYOTA TUNDRA SPECS

By Wayne Grayson

ENGINES: 5.7L i-FORCE V8 POWER: 381 hp at 5,600 rpm TORQUE: 401 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed automatic MAX PAYLOAD: 1,730 lbs. (4x2, Double cab) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: 10,200 lbs. (4x2, Double cab)

While the American OEMs scramble to add more and more possible powertrain configruations, Toyota, like its Japanese counterpart Nissan, has actually reduced its available engine options to just one. Gone is the standard 4.6-liter V8. Now, every Toyota Tundra, regardless of trim level or package, will be powered by the aging 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8.

The 2020 Tundra delivers up to 10,200 pounds of towing capacity and 1,730 pounds of payload. The V8 is rated at 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

For those who plan to trailer with these new Tundras, a tow hitch receiver, backup camera and an integrated trailer brake controller are standard, while the available Tow Package has a selectable tow/haul mode and features trailer sway control.

For more on the 2020 Toyota Tundra, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 49 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

2020 RAM 1500 SPECS ENGINES: 5.7L HEMI V8 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque mild hybrid system 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid system 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 POWER: 5.7L HEMI: 395 hp at 5,600 rpm 5.7L HEMI with eTorque: 395 hp at 5,600 rpm

2020 RAM 1500

With return of EcoDiesel, Ram takes half-ton torque crown

By Wayne Grayson

3.6L V6 with eTorque: 305 hp at 6,400 rpm 3.0L EcoDiesel: 260 hp at 3,600 rpm TORQUE: 5.7L HEMI: 410 lb-ft at 3,950 rpm 5.7L HEMI with eTorque: 410 lb-ft at 3,950 rpm 3.6L V6 with eTorque: 269 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm 3.0L EcoDiesel: 480 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm

With Nissan ending its partnership with Cummins for the 2020 Titan, the race for the best diesel half-ton pickup is down to three players: GM, Ford and Ram. After a few years of absence due to EPA allegations of emissions cheating, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine is back for the Ram 1500’s 2020 model year – and it will hold the crown for most available torque in a diesel half-ton.

FCA says the all-new engine delivers 260 horsepower, an 8 percent increase, while making a class-leading 480 pound-feet of torque. The torque increase is 14 percent higher than the previous EcoDiesel and allows this engine to pull 12,560 pounds.

The EcoDiesel will be EPA-rated at 32 mpg highway, 22 mpg city for 4×2 models; 29 mpg highway, 21 mpg city for 4×4 models.

Max towing weight for the 2020 1500 is 12,750 pounds and is possible with the 5.7L HEMI on a 4x2 Quad Cab Tradesman. Max payload is 2,300 pounds.

TRANSMISSIONS: 845RE 8-speed automatic (Standard on 3.6L V6) 8HP75 8-speed automatic (Standard on 3.0L EcoDiesel and 5.7L HEMI with or without eTorque) MAX PAYLOAD: 2,300 lbs. (3.6L V6, Tradesman, 4x2, 6’,4” box) MAX TOWING, CONVENTIONAL: 5.7L HEMI V8: 12,750 lbs.

(4x2, Quad cab, Tradesman, 6’4” box) 3.6L V6 with eTorque: 7,710 lbs.

(4x2, Quad cab, Tradesman, 6’4” box) 3.0L EcoDiesel: 12,560 lbs.

(4x2, Quad cab, Tradesman, 6’4” box)

For more on the 2020 Ram 1500, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 50 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 WINNER Nick Georgelos, the owner of Geo Contracting has been selected as the winner of the 2019 Contractor’s Dream Package. Based in Girdwood Alaska, Nick is involved in excavation services for residential, commercial and government clients in the state of Alaska. Nick is a long-time subscriber and registered for the Contractor’s Dream Package on the Equipment World website.

The awards presentation was hosted by Kendall Ford of Anchorage. Nick was very appreciative to all the sponsors of this great program.

Visit www.ContractorsDreamPackage.com for your chance to win!

Michael Newman (R) presenting Nick and Lauren Georgelos with the Contractor’s Dream Package.

Sponsors for the 2019 Contractor’s Dream Package:

2020 RAM HD SPECS ENGINES: 6.7L Cummins Standard-Output diesel 6.7L Cummins High-Output diesel 6.4L HEMI V8 POWER: 6.7L Cummins Standard-Output: 370 hp at 2,800 rpm 6.7L Cummins High-Output: 400 hp at 2,800 rpm 6.4L HEMI V8: 410 hp at 5,600 rpm

2020 RAM HD

TORQUE: 6.7L Cummins Standard-Output: 850 lb-ft at 1,152 rpm

Small changes, same big power and luxurious interiors

6.7L Cummins High-Output: 1,000 lb-ft at 1,356 rpm

By Wayne Grayson

6.4L HEMI V8: 429 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm TRANSMISSIONS:

Not much has changed for 2020 on Ram’s heavy dutypickups. The highlights of this lineup remain the excellent interiors and the available high-output Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel.

That high-output Cummins delivers 400 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmission. Ram says this gear box is engineered specifically for the torque output from the 6.7L Cummins and increased vehicle weight ratings. Thanks to a new transmission controller, Ram says the transmission “delivers faster, more precise shifts” in all conditions.

From what we can tell, because the powertrain options haven’t changed from 2019, payload and towing figures remain the same on the 2020 models. Max towing capacity is 35,100 pounds while max payload is 7,680 pounds.

Both figures are accomplished with a 3500 model.

The Ram 2500 offers two segment-exclusive rear suspensions: a five-link coil system and an air suspension system. The Ram 3500 continues to use the rear Hotchkiss leaf spring system and offers an exclusive supplemental air suspension system.

Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic on trucks with 6.7L high-output Cummins 68RFE 6-speed automatic on 6.7L standard-output Cummins 8-speed automatic on trucks with the 6.4L HEMI MAX PAYLOAD: 2500 Box Delete: 4,520 lbs. (6.4L HEMI, 4x2) 2500: 4,050 lbs. (6.4L HEMI, 4x2, Reg. cab) 3500 Box Delete: 5,190 lbs. (6.4L HEMI, 4x2) 3500: 7,680 lbs. (6.4L HEMI, 4x2, Reg. cab) MAX TOWING CAPACITY: 2500: 19,780 lbs.

(Standard-output Cummins; 4x2, Reg. cab) 3500: 35,100 lbs.

(High-output Cummins; 4x2, Reg. cab)

For more on the 2020 Ram HD, go to http://bit.ly/2020pickups

2020 CONTRACTORS 52 PICKUP TRUCK GUIDE

product report

| by Tom Jackson |

TJackson@randallreilly.com

Cat’s new D5 strikes balance between heavy dozing and finish grading The GPS system has been hidden, save for an antenna on the top of the cab, safe from damage and thieves.

The machine and blade orientations are calculated by inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors on the blade and the body of the machine.

T

he dozer and its design defined Cat, and the latest edition to the family, the D5, inherits all the technological DNA of previous dozers plus a couple of new GPS-driven features and more weight and horsepower. The goal is to make this dozer equally capable at heavy dozing and finish grading.

The GPS technology is built in at the factory and referred to as Cat Grade with 3D. There are no masts or cables to deal with – inertial measurement units (IMUs) have replaced all those. The antennas are integrated into the roof, and the receivers are mounted securely inside the cab. The operator interface on the monitor works like a smartphone with touchscreen-style pinching and swiping functionality.

The 10-inch monitor for GPS operations is separate from the main machine monitor, in the center of the console.

But the GPS technology does

more than cut to a designated digital plan. The Blade Load Monitor and Traction Control features tap into information coming from an additional GPS sensor.

The Blade Load Monitor detects sudden changes in speed and/ or track slippage and shifts down to keep the load under power. In similar fashion, the Traction Control temporarily reduces track power when slippage is detected, so you can adjust the blade load to prevent productivity-robbing slippage.

Auto Carry is included in the Grade with 3D package and automates blade lift to maintain the desired blade load for consistency and reduced track slip. The visual indicators that guide the operator are gamified – you see a green/yellow/red bar and just keep it in the green for the optimal traction.

Slope Assist automatically maintains blade-slope setting when you don’t have a GPS signal or laser to guide you. It basically does the

same thing as the old gravity-based angle indicator gauges except you don’t have to eyeball the gauge on the back of the blade. With Slope Assist, your fore-aft tilt and side-to-side blade angle show up on a monitor in the cab. You can program the values you want on the screen and even let go of the joystick, and the machine will continue on the slope parameters set on the screen.

The Stable Blade feature has been around a while but has been improved for the new D5. “It’s a little more accurate and faster and significantly easier to use,” says Sam Meeker, Cat product application specialist. It also uses bladepositioning information from the IMUs to detect sudden or jerky blade movements. When it senses them, it instructs the hydraulics to even out abrupt variations, resulting in smooth, gradual transitions from one blade height to the next. This helps produce a smoother surface EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 53

product report

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Cat put a D6 size cab on the new D5. Visibility is improved by moving the exhaust stack to the side and integrating the A-pillar into the ROPS. A steeper slant over the hood improves blade visibility. ally weighs 500 pounds more than the D6N in the XL package and 18,000 pounds extra in the low ground pressure (LGP) configuration. The engine was bumped up 4 horsepower to 170 ponies. The extra weight and power Hill Descent Control maintains speed when cresting a hill add up to a 4.5 and when heading down without the need to jump on the percent increase in service brake. Hill Hold automatically engages the brakes drawbar pull and a to hold you in position while in neutral.

2.5 percent improvement in productivity, says Meeker.

A fully automatic, and eliminates washboarding, makthree-speed transmission shifts ing – as the saying goes – good opgears seamlessly, allowing for erators better and novice operators smoother acceleration and faster good. All these small efficiencies cycle time. over the course of a day add up to The D5 is available in standard improved productivity. or LGP configurations with either a push arm/SU blade (semi-U Power and productivity shaped) or a variable pitch angle The D5 will replace the D6N in tilt (VPAT) blade. To meet rethe family for now, but it actu54 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

gional transport requirements, a folding VPAT blade is available.

The new purpose-built push arm configuration for the SU blade puts the center of gravity farther forward for better cutting and penetration.

What’s in a name?

The D5, in replacing the D6N, reflects Caterpillar’s plan to make dozer model names simpler. The D6K will become the D4; the D5K will become the D3; D4K will become the D2; and D3K will become the D1. Eventually the dozers will be known by just their size class, D5, D6, D11 and so forth. Cat started the nomenclature changes last year, with full transition planned by the end of next year.

Quick specs: Cat D5 track type tractor Horsepower: 170 Weight: 37,875 to 42,263 pounds Blade capacities: 4.6 to 5.6 cubic yards

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020

| by Marcia Doyle |

MarciaDoyle@randallreilly.com

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 When: March 10-14, 2020 Where: Las Vegas Convention Center Conexpoconagg.com Registration: $149 through Jan. 17; $196 from Jan. 18-Mar. 9; $249 at the show.

CONEXPO PREVIEW: WHAT YOU’LL SEE

Here’s a quick overview of what exhibitors are showcasing at the show. A much more comprehensive – and ever evolving – list can be found at equipmentworld.com.

Volvo plans largest-ever booth Volvo Construction Equipment will present its largest-ever ConExpo booth experience across 60,000 square feet of outdoor show space in the new Festival Grounds at booth F3432. Front and center in the booth will be Volvo CE’s electric compact machines, introduced at the Bauma trade show in Germany in April. Also on display will be “several major new equipment debuts and related uptime and productivity services,” says the

company. The show also marks the final stop for the Gold Rush Excavator, accompanied by meet-and-greets with the “Gold Rush” crew. Volvo CE will be joined in the booth by sister companies Volvo Penta, Volvo Trucks and Volvo Financial Services.

Volvo CE’s other equipment brands, Terex Trucks and SDLG (Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery) will also be in the space.

show opening at its Festival Grounds booth, F4455. (The photo in the center column was taken during a North American event in the overall challenge.) During the challenge, one participant will be named the Global Operator Challenge Champion based on overall performance and time. In addition, more than 30 machines will be on display, including nine new products.

Operator Stadium takes center stage in Cat booth Cat will host its Global Operator Challenge finals immediately after the

Tear down and dismantle multi-story buildings The Kobelco SK550DLC-10 will be among several machines on display at Kobelco Construction Machinery USA’s N10037 North Hall EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 55

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020

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exhibit. Purpose-built to tear down and dismantle multi-story buildings, it has a maximum reach of 90 feet and three-piece separate boom demolition front and high-reach front options. The separate boom simplifies the demolition of lower and underground levels, while the ultra-long attachment allows the unit to demolish levels up to nine stories high. In addition, a 3-ton crusher tool on the ultra-long attachment and 5.3-ton crusher tool on the separate boom can be added.

North America will show ConExpo visitors its lineup of excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks. Concept X – an autonomous excavator under development – will be in the spotlight, along with the new Doosan DA45-5 ADT, the DL580-5 wheel loader and the DX800LC-5 crawler excavator, Doosan’s largest machine yet. Also on display will be the current DX35-5 compact excavator and DX170LC-5 crawler excavator, which were both introduced in 2019.

solutions connections it has with its dealers and customers and how those solutions leverage digitalization to control costs and timelines.

Solutions explored will include Smart Construction 2.0 and MyKomatsu, along with offerings from the company’s Business Solutions Group, Komatsu Financial, remarketing and training. New and current machines on display will include the D51i24, D61i-24, D155AX-8 LGP dozers; PC238USLC-11, PC210LCi-11, PC290LCi-11, PC360LCi-121, PC490LCi-11, PC1250-11 excavators; HM4005, HD605-8 trucks; WA320-8, WA480-8, WA500-8 wheel loaders; and GD655-7 motor grader.

Concept-X autonomous loader Located in the North Hall in booth N10001, Doosan Infracore

Komatsu debuts Smart Construction 2.0 In North Hall booth N10825, Komatsu America will demonstrate the

1945 model pairs with virtual reality simulator Gradall will merge the old and the new at parent Alamo Group’s N10801

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North Hall booth – bringing one of its first truck-mounted excavators from 1945 and a virtual reality simulator for training operators. The No. 3 Gradall still runs, with 90 percent of its parts original. The showcasing of No. 3 is part of the company’s 75th anniversary celebration. Visitors at the booth will also be able to try out the new Gradall Virtual Reality Simulator, designed to train operators, giving them a working feel of an excavator boom’s telescoping and tilting movements.

Takeuchi demos electric excavator Takeuchi-US will demo its new electric TB220e compact excavator (photo currently unavailable) hourly at its ConExpo booth C20653 in

the Central Hall. In addition, the company will showcase two other new compact excavators, the TB225 and the TB257FR, along with a new compact track loader (TL8R2) and a new TW80 Series 3 wheel loader.

Current products on display at the booth will include the 5-ton TB250-2 (pictured at left). Weighing just over 10,957 pounds (canopy version), the 12-foot, 4.8-inch max dig depth machine has an integrated thumb mount and features the Takeuchi Fleet Management telematics system.

100 percent watertight seal Philippi-Hagenbuch’s (PHIL) new Positive Seal Autogate Tailgate is designed for off-highway trucks and

roll-off containers that require a 100 percent seal. Paired with PHIL’s fluidic seal material, the tailgate creates a watertight seal to contain liquids, a feature that can be critical in environmentally sensitive areas. The tailgate, which can be designed for most sizes of off-highway trucks and roll-off containers, will be featured in the company’s ConExpo booth in the North Hall, N11067.

Real-time actionable data on shear condition, activity The new Stanley Infrastructure company – which incorporates the Stanley, Paladin, LaBounty and Pengo brands – will debut at its North Hall ConExpo booth, N11101.

Included in the display will be the LaBounty Legend Series shears,

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ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 featuring the next generation of the InSite telematics platform and app, which provides real-time actionable data on the shear’s condition and activity. This includes job tracking, jobsite mapping and remote diagnostics. The LaBounty MSD Legend Series shears have Dual-Max Indexable Protection, designed to defend the shear from wear, preventing downtime.

Balanced traction on all ground conditions Fecon will introduce its FTX200 Mulching Tractor and will have two booths, at C20654 in the Central Hall and S5944 in the South Hall. Taking design cues from the FTX600, the 4.2 psi ground pressure FTX200 has an oscillating undercarriage with 20-inch track shoes, providing balanced traction on all ground conditions. The machine is designed for right-of-way, urban interface and land-improvement projects. The cab features a touchscreen IQAN display – a large rearview camera display mounted in the line-of-sight on the front grid window – and a keyless ignition.

Remove stumps without leaving grindings In the Central Hall at booth C20771, Leading Edge Attachments will showcase three new attachments, including the Wolverine Stump Ripper, which provides a way to remove stumps without leaving grindings or stump remains, says the company. Using a pin or a quick coupler, users can attach the ripper to an excavator or backhoe weighing more than 6,000 58 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

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pounds. The curved vertical blades have no cross members to impede ripping action. When used with thumb, the stump can be grabbed and pulled out, removing the stump completely and leaving only the ends of its roots.

Wireless drill uses ICAN technology Minnich Manufacturing’s A4SCW

on-slab self-propelled wireless drill will be on display with a new remote-control ICAN communication system.

The Minnich booth is in South Hall, booth S60933. Minnich says its ICAN system advances drilling technology by allowing users to diagnose problems and communicate with the manufacturer through a mobile device, eliminating costly service calls. The system is compatible with most large air compressors and runs on 24 volts.

The system also features remote control, using a joystick to control speed, steering and direction of travel.

How to get around this year’s show At more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, ConExpo-Con/Agg can present a daunting challenge to the show-goer. Adding to the complexity is the fact that the former handy, across-the-street Gold Lot is being transformed into a 600,000-square-foot exhibit hall that won’t be completed until December 2020.

That means many of the former Gold Lot exhibitors – including Caterpillar, Volvo and Manitowoc Cranes – will be at the Festival Grounds about a mile away from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

To get around, the show is offering various options: • Mini shuttle buses will travel between the Festival Grounds and the Las Vegas Convention Center • Three Las Vegas Monorail stops are near the show: outside the Silver Lot, at the neighboring Westgate Hotel and at the Sahara Hotel. (A Monorail pass is included in show registration.)

• Golf cart and pedicab services will be available throughout in both general areas. Since they are not street legal, they can only be used within the confines of either the convention center or Festival Grounds.

CONGRATULATIONS

to the 2019 Contractor of the Year winner and finalists

IN

R

E

N

W

Joseph Shrock

Todd Eichholz, Bob Olson

John Kovacs

Dean Evans, Craig Evans

Shrock Premier Custom Construction Loudonville, OH

Diamond Construction Brick, NJ

Rita Lawrence L & L Asphalt Phoenix, AZ

A&A Paving Contractors Roselle, IL

Jason, Jami, Tyler & Mike Jackson Deming Excavating Deming, NM

James K. (Ken) & Kellie Cooley

Evans Construction Greentown, OH

Don Logan

Logan Excavating Rock Spring, GA

K-Co Enterprises Piedmont, SC

Michel Noury

Noury Construction Coral Springs, FL

Robert & Joyce Oliver Total Asphalt Paving Washington, MI

Sponsored by:

Greg and Jodee Huylar Tri-Valley Construction Yakima, WA

Jim Davis, Terry Davis, Jim Davis Sr. Whirl Construction Port Monmouth, NJ

contractor of the year finalist

| by Don McLoud | DonMcLoud@randallreilly.com

Kellie and Ken Cooley launched K-Co Enterprises in 2007 from scratch, building the company into a multimillion-dollar business.

Couple combine talents, find niche building cell towers throughout Southeast

K

en and Kellie Cooley made the perfect match for life – and for business.

Before they met, Kellie had spent most of her career in the communications business, as an employee and a business owner. Ken had worked in the construction side of the industry, building cell towers and other com60 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

munications infrastructure.

In 2007, they formed K-Co Enterprises in Piedmont, South Carolina.

Starting with three workers, the company has grown to an average of 35 employees, serving the communications tower industry throughout the country, as well as other industries that need specialty concrete work.

With Ken’s engineering and construction knowledge, and Kellie’s business acumen and sales skills, they found their niche, providing services few companies can. They not only construct cell tower foundations, but build the access roads to them and continue to service them after they have been built.

“K-Co is one of the few compa-

nies that does most of the work in-house,” Kellie says. “We’re one of the few full-service, turnkey companies that’s still in this industry.”

He does construction; she does business Ken has spent most of his life working in construction. His father was a homebuilder. He worked for him during the summers and went full-time with the company after high school.

His dad wanted him to get a real estate license, and he did. He wasn’t happy.

“I’m not a real estate salesman,” he says.

He later branched out into running his own homebuilding business, but again, it wasn’t for him.

“I really don’t like dealing with the general public,” he says. He found that he liked commercial construction much better.

He worked for a variety of construction companies and rose through the ranks. Then one day, a neighbor stopped him. He had been offered work erecting a cell tower but didn’t know anything about construction.

Ken and the neighbor, along with another partner, went into business together. After 15 years, they parted ways, and Ken went off on his own.

Kellie also got her career start while working for her father. He owned a two-way radio shop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned an accounting degree at High Point University and stayed with her father’s business until his retirement.

She then managed her brother’s tower construction business. In 1992, she started a retail paging services business and evolved with the industry to become a cellular and wireless reseller.

Ken and Kellie met in 2003. They married in 2005 and started K-Co Enterprises in 2007.

“It’s a match made in heaven, I tell you,” says Ken. “She knows what she’s doing when

K-Co distinguishes itself by being a full-service, turnkey construction company. Its workers can do everything from constructing the tower foundation (pictured above) to building the access road and serving the tower after its built. it comes to business, and I trust her.

And she trusts me with construction.”

“We both knew a lot of people in the industry,” Kellie adds. “As an experienced general contractor, we were able to get approved by a lot of the major carriers and tower owners.”

Finding their niche The company started small and steadily grew. They started as a Ken and Kellie Cooley, K-Co Enterprises City, State:

Piedmont, South Carolina

Year Started:

2007

Number of employees:

35

Annual revenue: $7 million to $10 million Markets served: General utility contractor specializing in cell tower construction, drilled caisson installation, and commercial concrete construction

subcontractor and moved up to being hired directly by national tower companies and mobile-phone carriers.

They carved out their niche in the industry by being able to do all their work in-house. Their specialty is concrete work for footings, tower foundations, utility substations, as well as other areas, such as retaining walls and site access.

“We specialize in so much of what we do,” Ken says. “Nobody else does it.”

Most of the other contractors hire subcontractors for their work after they win a contract. K-Co is licensed and authorized to work in most of the Southeastern United States. They have worked as far west as New Mexico.

“We get asked to do work all over the country,” Ken says. “We’re one of the few general contractors that has the manpower and equipment necessary to complete the work on schedule, without relying on subcontractors or rental equipment.”

They can handle the toughest jobs, including erecting towers on mountainsides and other sites with difficult access.

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 61

contractor of the year finalist | “We’ve done jobs they say couldn’t be done,” Ken says.

“We’ve done a lot of hard sites,” agrees Kellie.

Kellie says Ken often helps with designing tower compounds and access, drawing on his decades of construction experience. “He works with engineers a lot of the time to try to figure out how we’re going to make it work,” she says. “They rely on him.

It’s amazing how much design he actually does.”

“You can draw anything,” Ken adds, “but making it work is the hard part.”

Evan Sowell of Langston Construction, who has worked with Ken for the past 20 years, agrees with that assessment of Ken’s abilities.

“There are a lot of professional engineers that can draw it on paper, but it may not work in the field,” Sowell says. “And Ken seems to always be able to figure out a solution to a problem.”

Staying in-house K-Co owns all its equipment, worth about $2.5 million. It has a maintenance shop and a mechanic to keep it running. That can be a challenge when it comes to preventive maintenance, as most of the company’s equipment and work teams are traveling from job to job.

“We might be on one job for three weeks and then on to another job for three weeks, and all of a sudden it’s been out for three months and you need to get it in to get serviced,” Ken says.

To help keep up with the maintenance, the company installed software to track its equipment and maintenance schedules. Superintendents in the field can use an app to put in work orders for equipment coming back to the shop for maintenance.

Ken believes owning equipment helps the company stay strong, and he rarely rents. “You get two weeks of rain, and you’ve got equipment you’re paying for sitting in the rain,” he says.

The company buys new equip62 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

continued

Jose Rodriguez inputs settings into the coil form machine, as he and Matt Kobukowski fabricate rebar for K-Co projects.

ment each year and takes advantage of the bonus depreciation, which is allowed at 100 percent for the first year of purchase under tax legislation passed in 2017.

About three years ago, Ken also decided the company should make its own rebar.

“We were using 800,000 pounds of rebar a year and to me that’s a lot of rebar, but to the local manufacturer that wasn’t much,” he says.

Deliveries were often delayed, and there were fabrication errors, making it difficult to remain on schedule.

The venture has gone so well that the rebar shop has become a separate business entity called 4 C’s Rebar LLC that also sells to the public. It’s also given Ken’s son, Devan, an opportunity to get in on a business at the ground floor. Devan oversees the rebar shop, along with serving as a project manager and as a climbing trainer for K-Co.

Family enterprise Devan is among other relatives Ken and Kellie have brought on

board at K-Co. Ken’s oldest son, Jason Ellis, works as a field superintendent.

And Kellie’s uncle, Ron Prescott, is the safety director.

The Cooleys have now reached a point where they want to spend more time with their eight grandchildren and are looking to the next generation to one day take the reins.

But they’re not ready to retire just yet, especially not Ken. “I love to be out there,” he says of working in the field.

He’s been trying to loosen the reins and leave day-to-day tasks to the project managers.

“Despite Ken’s hands-on approach, recently he’s been able to limit the phone calls in the evenings by delegating the construction management responsibilities to the project managers,” Kellie says, “and he’s been able to turn loose and rely on the experience of the superintendents he has spent a good bit of time training.”

It hasn’t been an easy transition, Ken says. “But you kind of have to let them grow up.”

road works

| by Don McLoud |

DonMcLoud@randallreilly.com

What contractors should look for when buying a concrete slipform paver

C

ontractors in the market for a concrete slipform paver with a 20- to 53-foot maximum width have a lot to consider beyond how much it’s going to set them back financially.

“Far too often contractors ask only the price of the machine,” says Stephen Bullock, president of Power Curbers Companies. “Total cost of ownership – which includes parts and service, transport and resale value – is a more important, relevant question.”

Contractors also should have clear expectations of what they need and let the dealer know those requirements, so they can get the right model, size and attachments, says Tim Nash, director of concrete products for Wirtgen America.

“I would also encourage equipment buyers to focus attention on the key areas of a slipform paver,” he says. That includes mold and frame design, material flow concept, how quickly paving widths

can be changed and whether the paver is compatible with 3D control and which suppliers are certified for the machine.

Roger Bockes, founder and CEO of Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, also recommends focusing on durability and dependability.

“You want a machine that’s going to last and be able to perform in all types of conditions, without worrying that the machine will break down in the field, and you are forced to wait on a manufacturer’s technician for repairs,” Bockes says.

“Another factor that you definitely want to consider when looking at different concrete paving equipment is the ease of operation and field maintenance.”

What contractors want Contractors’ preferences for specific paver features are varied, ranging from basic to high-tech, but certain themes typically come up in dealer discussions.

Stringless 3D paving is one of the

top interests, due to the cost-savings.

“Stringless controls have gone from cutting-edge to common in recent years,” says Bullock. “Eliminating stringline saves labor and opens up the jobsite to allow more room for equipment mobility.”

But the high cost of the equipment gives many contractors pause.

“Some are interested in stringless paving and are ready for it,” Bockes says, “but the majority want to know if they can add it at a later date without having to spend the money for the systems now.”

The difficulty in hiring experienced operators is also influencing buying decisions.

“All customers want to know about the ease of width changes and the level of experience and expertise required to operate the paving equipment,” Bockes says.

“Given the limited supply of skilled labor in our industry,” Bullock adds, “finding a machine that’s simple to set up and run is a must for most contractors.”

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 63

road works

| continued

POPULAR CONCRETE SLIPFORM PAVERS Manufacturers of 20- to 53-foot-maximum-width concrete slipform pavers highlight some of their most popular models.

Wirtgen SP 64i Nash names Wirtgen’s SP 64i as the company’s most popular inset concrete slipform paver.

At 12 to 25 feet, the SP 64i’s “paving footprint hits the majority of the work in the market,” he says.

He says contractors also like that it’s a multiapplication machine – able to perform barrier, curb and mainline paving – that can reach out to 25 feet.

It features the lowest fuel consumption available with its Eco Mode, he says. It also can be transitioned quickly from paving mode to transport mode and back. For transport,

Power Paver SF-1700 “Our SF-1700 is compact and simple but robust and equipped with the latest technology, including 3D stringless controls,” Bullock says.

It is designed for half-width paving and roads up 64 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

the mold or super smoother does not have to be removed, which means no need for additional trucks or lifting equipment to haul the paver and less work to make the move.

Intelligent steering and control systems are designed to provide smooth operation and precision. The machine’s interface is compatible with 3D control systems from leading aftermarket suppliers.

Other features include 90-degree track turn, dual hydraulic telescoping frame, standard front spreading plow, hydraulic edge slump adjustment and an auto-lift mold feature that mitigates stop/start bumps.

to 24 feet wide. It has a minimum paving width of 10 feet.

Contractors can choose from a 160-horsepower Tier 3 or 165-horsepower Tier 4 Final Cummins engine.

It has two 12-foot heavy-duty track systems with

12-inch-wide steel track pads. Track components have sealed links and lifetime lubricated rollers.

Paving speeds are 0 to 30 feet per minute, and travel speeds are 0 to 60 feet per minute.

The paver can be towed without having to be disassembled, and it can be easily loaded and unloaded with side ramps.

The SF-1700 features a low-profile design for operator visibility to the front and rear, with no main frame to block the view. The operator can see into the vibration chamber, to the back of the paving pan, and to the finished product, the company says.

It needs only 26 inches of side clearance, allowing it to pave close to obstacles.

HEM SFP 8-15, SFP 12-27 Bockes says HEM’s SFP 8-15 and SFP 12-27 are nearly equal in popularity.

The SFP 8-15 can pave 8-footwide bike paths and trails, as well as perform street and highway paving up to 26 feet wide with an extension kit. He recommends the paver for companies new to slipform paving or those working on small to mid-range projects, because of its versatility.

The SFP 12-27 can perform single-lane paving as well as jobs up to 35 feet wide. “This machine, with its wide range of paving widths, has been popular with contractors for over two decades,” Bockes says, “and can be equipped with many options for concrete delivery, dowel bar insertion, custom curb applications and stringless capabilities at the time of purchase or later, depending upon the needs of the contractor.”

He adds that HEM’s pavers do not require a heavily trained technician to operate them. “Our machines are intuitive, easy to understand, and they’re built with rock-solid durability.” And they all use common parts, “so the customer is not held to using proprietary parts when you need them.”

For a detailed, comprehensive view of available concrete slipform pavers, as well as other major types of construction equipment, check out Equipment World’s 2019-2020 Spec Guide & Yearbook. You can compare machine specs online at http://bit.ly/onlinespec. Or to view a digital copy of the print version of this guide, go to http://bit.ly/digitalEWspecs.

GOMACO GP4 GOMACO’s GP4 paver can pave up to 40 feet wide and at varying lower widths. It is available in two- and four-track versions.

Its roller frame has dual-telescoping capabilities of up to 7 feet on each side. The company says it easily turns radii with smart leg positioning and smart track rotation. It can be switched to transport mode by driving the legs around to the transport position.

The paver is compatible with GOMACO’s G+ control system, designed to provide quiet running technology and load-sensed hydraulics. G+ Connect enables interface with the company’s smart accessories and guidance system.

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 65

| by Marcia Doyle |

quick data

Dozers $

495,000

A snapshot of new and used sales trends from Randall-Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data and TopBid auction price service.

Top auction price paid for a 2016 Cat D8T with 1,418 hours at a Ritchie Bros. sale Jun. 27 in Columbus, Ohio.

390,000

$

OTHER TOP BID:

MarciaDoyle@randallreilly.com

Top three states for dozer buyers*

5

HIGH

,59 $ 100

,00 $495

0

Brand market share for new, used financed dozers* New machines* Brand

Brand

Cat

49%

Cat

46%

25%

Deere

28%

Komatsu

22%

Komatsu

13%

Case

3%

Case

9%

Others

1%

Others

4%

*In terms of number of new and used financed units sold Nov. 1, 2018 to Oct. 31, 2019. Source: EDA, edadata.com (Note: EDA reports are continually updated.)

New

Dozer new, used sales trends, 2009-2018*

UNITS

Used

New high: 2018, 4,762 units New low: 2010, 1,061 units

2010

450

Florida

189

Mississippi

175

Used State

# of buyers

Texas

1,107

Oklahoma

514

Mississippi

491

Cat D5K2 LGP, 392 units Other top selling new machine:

Used low: 2009, 8,808 units

2009

# of buyers

Texas

% of financed total

Deere

14,000 13,000 12,000 11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0

State

Top financed new dozer*

Used machines* % of financed total

USED: DOWN 6%

New

AVERAGE

LOW

0 0 5 , $ 28

NEW: DOWN 4%

*Comparison of number of dozers financed Nov. 1, 2018 to Oct. 31, 2019, and Nov. 1, 2017 to Oct. 31, 2018.

Source: EDA, edadata.com

for a 2014 Cat D8T with 5,336 hours at a Blackmon Auctions sale Mar. 7 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Final bids unit count: 480 Dec. 1, 2018 – Nov. 30, 2019; prices for dozers 5 years old and newer, U.S. sales only. Only includes bids $5,000 and above.

Source: TopBid, topbid.com

Year-over-year change*

2011

Used high: 2011, 10,081 units

Top financed used machine* Cat D6N LGP, 241 units

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

*Financed equipment, 2009-2018, number of units sold by sale or lease. Includes both standard and LGP models.

Source: EDA, edadata.com 66 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

Deere 700K, 228 units

2018

*In terms of number of new and used financed units sold Nov. 1, 2018 to Oct. 31, 2019. Source: EDA, edadata.com (Note: EDA reports are continually updated.)

demolition attachments

| by Don McLoud |

DonMcLoud@randallreilly.com

Separate rebar from concrete

The MCP1000 fixed-head hydraulic pulverizer from BTI Breaker Technology is designed for secondary demolition. Its strategically placed teeth enable fast fragmentation and separation of rebar from concrete.

The teeth are also designed for easy replacement. The pulverizer’s speed valve alternates between power and speed, depending on the load, for faster cycle times. The openings of the fixed body make unloading of demolished material easier while maintaining the attachment’s performance and productivity.

Isolating blows from the carrier

Case’s hydraulic hammers come with easy-toinstall kits with fully configured and preassembled hoses, as well as service tools, for attachment to the company’s backhoes, excavators, compact track loaders and skid steers.

The hammers have just two moving parts. The cushion chamber isolates every blow from the carrier machine and recycles the energy for the next blow.

The long-stroke piston efficiently transfers energy and reduces recoil.

The hammers come with a gas recharge kit. Case offers a three-year warranty on the hammers.

Open-close cycle time of 1.6 seconds

Epiroc’s multipurpose Combi Cutter hydraulic attachments are designed for primary demolition, as well as secondary reduction of concrete structures and cutting steel structures at demolition sites. Two hydraulic cylinders deliver constant closing forces to the material, and open-close cycle times are as fast as 1.6 seconds. The cutters feature 360-degree rotation and jaws that can be switched to accommodate varied tasks. The CC 2300 and CC 7000 models are available in universal and steel-cutting versions, and the CC 3100 has an optional pulverizer jaw.

EquipmentWorld.com | January 2020 67

demolition attachments

| continued

Crush through reinforced concrete

NPK Concrete Crushers for excavators in the 21- to 50-ton range are designed to crush through reinforced concrete for faster, more efficient separation of concrete and steel rebar on primary and secondary demolition and recycling operations. The crushers feature abrasion-resistant, high-strength, alloy steel teeth and a bolt-on replaceable tooth plate on the movable jaw.

Power rotation of 360 degrees is optional. NPK’s hydraulic intensifier system provides faster cycle times when compared to crushers with larger cylinders, the company says.

More strike power, less stress

Kinshofer’s KSB-Series hydraulic breakers feature a monobloc design to resist linkage strain during operation. The design also reduces maintenance and increases productivity for construction, demolition and recycling jobs. The KSB-Series is composed of eight models for excavators from .5 to 12 tons. The breakers are equipped with a nitrogen inertial energy recovery system to increase strike power and reduce stress on the excavator arm. Kinshofer says it boosted nitrogen charge life by 300 percent.

68 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

Remove curbs, foundations, walls

The BR Series Breakers from Kubota by Land Pride are designed for demolition and frozen ground and can be used with compact excavators, compact track loaders and skid steers. The series includes six models – BR310, BR360, BR460, BR510, BR560 and BR860. They can perform such tasks as removing curbs, foundations and concrete walls. They are designed for reduced noise. They come with a moil point and a chisel point that can be changed out quickly.

Change jaw set without leaving the cab

The Razer X Multi-Jaw Demolition Tool (GRX) from Genesis Attachments enables excavator operators to change jaw sets in less than 2 minutes without leaving the cab. They can do this by controlling hydraulically actuated pins that connect to the cylinder and jaw set.

The Razer X is available with cracker and shear jaws to process a variety of materials, and each GRX jaw set comes with its own stand that is designed for correct positioning and efficient handling. The demo tool also has bolt-on and reversible wear parts for simpler maintenance.

Automatically adjusts to demo material

Montabert’s V7000 hydraulic breaker fits in the 20,000-foot-pound impact-energy class and features automatic variable energy technology that adjusts to material hardness. An automatic pressure regulator guarantees optimum performance regardless of oil temperature or hydraulic conditions, the company says.

Blank fire protection reduces the energy exerted by the strike piston to limit wear on key components. The energy recovery valve captures recoil and converts it to additional energy. The breaker also has an automatic lubrication system.

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demolition attachments

| continued

Break walls, sidewalks, foundations

The Toro Dingo hydraulic breaker delivers 180 foot-pounds of force and up to 1,250 blows per minute to handle a variety of applications, including breaking concrete, asphalt, rock or brick during demolition, renovation or replacement jobs. It can also be configured horizontally for breaking walls. The breaker comes in handy when demolishing footings, sidewalks, foundations and other structures. The standard conical tool bit breaks down to a 10-inch depth. Other bits are available, such as line, moil point, chisel and an 8-inch tamper.

Reduces shock loads and vibrations

The 15 models in Okada America’s TOP Series hydraulic breakers range in energy classes of 150 to 15,000 foot-pounds.

They fit skid steers, compact excavators, track loaders, backhoes and excavators.

They feature a large-capacity accumulator to protect the carrier’s hydraulic system from pressure strikes, and nitrogen gas cushions the pistons on the upstroke and increases the downstroke force. A central grease port allows the breaker to adapt to most auto-lube systems. And the piston’s long stroke design reduces shock loads and vibration.

Check out Equipment World’s new Attachments Yearbook, which can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/attachments2019. The eBook features attachments for: • Earthmoving • Landscaping • Lifting • Landclearing • Cleanup/Snow Removal • Asphalt/Concrete • Excavators • Skid steers 70 January 2020 | EquipmentWorld.com

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equipment information

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final word | by Tom Jackson

TomJackson@randallreilly.com

A New Year’s suggestion: Master some aspect of technology

T

his time of year people are thinking about starting a diet and exercise program, understandably. But instead of self-improvement, what about making a resolution to improve your business or your craft?

If you are in the construction business and looking for an edge, there is no better time to start than now and no better year than 2020. I’m talking about learning more about construction technology and doing so at this year’s two major trade shows: the World of Concrete, February 2 to 7; and ConExpo, March 10 to 14. Both shows are in Las Vegas.

At the last ConExpo (2017), I was shocked at how big the booths were and how much space construction software companies occupied in the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall. Less than 10 years ago most of these companies didn’t exist and the ones that did typically worked out of those tiny 10-by-10-foot booths on the margins of the show. Today they are major players at the show and in this industry.

Since ConExpo only comes around every three years, this is a major opportunity for anybody who wants to get better organized, more efficient, more profitable and improve their business.

But a software shopping trip to Las Vegas once every three years is not enough when it comes to learning more about technology to improve your business. The late Pettus Randall Jr., who founded the company that publishes Equipment World, once told us that if you read for an hour every day consistent-

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ly on one subject, at the end of a year, you’ll be knowledgeable, if not an expert. Don’t believe me? Do the math. An hour a day, five days a week, 50 weeks a year equals 250 hours of study.

James Clear in his book “Atomic Habits” and Charles Duhigg in “The Power of Habit” have written about how tiny changes in habits over a long period create big results.

Don’t try to lose weight, learn Spanish and memorize the Constitution all at once. Just dedicate 30 or 60 minutes a day to learning more about a certain technology or software platform – online, in books or magazines, through YouTube, whatever media floats your boat – but do it every day.

And incidentally, something I discovered to improve retention is to spend the last five minutes of that time writing down what you learned that day. Keep a dated journal of the knowledge acquired. You don’t have to write an essay. One sentence is sufficient. Three sentences is more than enough. This is just to jog your memory. Repetition is the key to learning.

But make it a resolution. Spend time researching and gathering information at the technology booths at the trade shows this spring. And also note that Trimble hosts its Dimensions Conference this fall; Topcon has contractor events planned for this year, and most construction software companies offer user conferences as well. 2020 is the best opportunity you will have in a long time to improve your game. Make it a habit.

WITNESS THE FUTURE AT CONEXPO BOOTH #F5324 Be there as JLG unveils the next generation of the access industry at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020.

Productivity, technology, safety – it’s time to rise above, to look beyond the cutting edge, to do more on the job site of tomorrow – today.

It’s time to ELEVATE ACCESS.

Visit our booth every day for the chance to win Apple® AirPods® Pro or an Apple® iPhone® 11 Pro grand prize

elevatingaccess.com

Wacker Neuson excavators, skid steers and compact track loaders are working their way across more and more job sites in North America. Designed to provide outstanding performance, comfort and reliability, Wacker Neuson equipment saves time and money by offering excellent service accessibility and the best warranties in the industry. So, no matter what the task, Wacker Neuson has all it takes to gain traction on your next job.

Contact your local Wacker Neuson dealer or schedule a demo today at www.wackerneuson.com/request-a-demo

Visit us at Booth F2548

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