Equipment World July 2019 by Tony Brock

equipmentworld.com | July 2019

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Tips, instructions and advice for contractors on maintenance, business, safety and other topics

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“WE PUSH EVERYTHING TO THE LIMITS.” MORE RELIABLE. “How does Komatsu work for our construction business? First it’s their reliable, quality designed and built equipment. We can’t afford downtime, and Komatsu’s products are number one in our book. The support we receive from our dealer is outstanding as well. Training, parts, financing–we have experienced the best personal care with Komatsu. They just work best for us!”

Hunter and Clint Shackelford Shackelford Construction / Yazoo City, MS

That’s why I am Komatsu komatsuamerica.com

Vol. 31 Number 7 |

Cover Story

table of contents | July 2019

HOW TO DO EVERYTHING

BETTER

Check out these tips, instructions and advice for contractors on maintenance, business, safety and other topics

Equipment 13

Marketplace

New wheel loader from Hitachi, excavator from Volvo, track loader from Gehl, along with intros from Genie, Pettibone and Fontaine

Road Works

Stringline or stringless? Curb and gutter pavers give operators choice

Landclearing Attachments

Mow through brush, cut down trees, grade, mulch and more with these equipment add-ons

EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019

table of contents | continued

Features 28 Machine Matters

Articulated dump trucks make steady-as-she-goes advancements

41 Contractor of the Year Finalist

Robert and Joyce Oliver, Total Asphalt Paving, Washington, Michigan

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 Art Director: Tony Brock Advertising Production Manager: Leah Boyd production@equipmentworld.com

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Departments

Editorial Awards:

7 On Record

Azbee Award of Excellence, Special Section National Gold Award, 2019 American Society of Business Publication Editors

9 Reporter How Cat intends to double its parts and service sales by 2026

Jesse H. Neal Award, Best Single Issue of a Tabloid/Newspaper/Magazine, 2019, American Business Media

Saying “stop”

51 Quick Data

Compact excavators

55 Technology Built Robotics bringing aftermarket robotics to dozers, excavators 59 Safety Watch High-pressure blowout

66 Final Word

The power of habits

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July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

Jesse H. Neal Award finalist, Best Subject-Related Package, 2019, American Business Media Best Editorial Series, 2018, Construction Media Alliance Eddie award for B-to-B Series of Articles, 2016 Highways 2.0, Folio: magazine Editorial Excellence, Original Research, Silver Award, 2016 American Society of Business Publication Editors Jesse H. Neal Award, Better Roads, 2011 American Business Media Robert F. Boger Award for Special Reports, 2006, 2007, 2008 Construction Writers Association Jesse H. Neal Award, Best Subject-Related Series of Articles, 2006 American Business Media Editorial Excellence Special Section Gold Award, 2006 Midwest-South Region, American Society of Business Publication Editors

“We need to buy equipment without breaking the bank.”

But did you check eBay?

For new, used and refurbished. Visit ebay.com/construction

business supply

on record | by Marcia Doyle MarciaDoyle@randallreilly.com

Saying “stop”

s you read through the OSHA Office of Engineering’s report on the Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse, there’s a true sense of “if only.” If only the construction engineer and inspector had recognized the bridge was in danger of collapsing and recommended that the street below be closed, regardless of the opinion of the engineer of record (EOR). If only the design-build contractor had relied on its extensive years of concrete construction experience and not deferred to the EOR’s opinion that there wasn’t a safety issue. If only the EOR had truly listened to team concerns. According to the report, underlining the failure to communicate and acknowledge the true scope of safety concerns was a hesitancy to challenge those in charge. This, despite the veteran experience of the people who circled up the morning of March 15, 2018, the day of the collapse, to discuss how to deal with the lengthening structural cracks on the bridge. If this expert team hesitated to confront the EOR on critical safety concerns, what does that say about the newbie wanting to raise his or her hand to a production-distracted supervisor? Even though I’m comparing a peer-topeer situation with employee-to-supervisor, many of the dynamics are the same. Someone has decision power, others not as much. Something was clearly of concern, yet no one said “stop.” When contractors talk to me about their safety programs, a common refrain is that “we tell our people they can stop things at

any time to point out a problem.” Communicating that sentiment through an orientation session is one thing. Practicing it every day is another. Jobsite dynamics, especially the pecking order, get in the way. Get-by practices sneak in. No one wants to get a coworker in trouble. “We tell employees that if they see something, it’s their responsibility to say something,” says Zach Knoop, Cat Safety Services manager. “But the truth is, they’re not prepared to have that conversation.” Preparing teams to have that oh-so-critical talk is the idea behind Caterpillar’s Speak Up!/Listen Up! program and others like it. Cat created the program after collaborating with 16 contractors, including Atkinson Construction, Granite and Kiewit. Knoop says these conversations need to move beyond the common “Get your safety glasses on, now!” type of communication. “We’ve found that when you break ‘speaking up’ to three simple steps – ask, get a commitment and follow-up – and everyone is trained on it, you can start to overcome existing barriers,” Knoop says. The Listen Up component is about how to receive feedback (by focusing on the message and not the messenger) and again committing to a safe outcome. “Although these steps are not hard to understand, they’re not necessarily easy to implement,” Knoop says. “But when you combine the two pieces – speak up and listen up – you have a culture where it doesn’t matter who you are, you can step out and talk about something you see is unsafe.” For more on Speak Up!/Listen Up! go to bit.ly/speakup-listenup.

EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019 7

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| staff report

How Cat intends to double its parts and service sales by 2026 Briefs

aterpillar has set a 10-year “aspirational target” to double its parts and service revenues from 2016 levels. That means the company intends for all service, aftermarket parts and other service-related sales to be $28 billion by 2026, up from $14 billion in 2016, according to Jim Umpleby, Caterpillar chairman and CEO, speaking at the company’s 2019 Investor Day. “We believe tremendous opportunities exist to continue to grow service revenues by working with our dealers to find new ways to increase the value we provide to customers,” Umpleby said, pointing to Cat’s now two-year-old Operating & Execution model as undergirding the anticipated growth. This service growth will not be a straight trajectory, Umpleby warned. “When market demand is high for new equipment, services tend to be 30 percent of our machine, energy and transportation sales,” he said. During down markets, that percentage moves closer to 40 percent. Cat estimates that 95 percent of the service opportunity comes after a machine has accumulated 5,000 hours, said Bob De Lange, group president of services, distribution and digital. Cat Financial, although not counted in the anticipated service sales growth, will still play a key role in this effort, assisting as the company transitions from customer service agreements to what it calls “customer value agreements.” These CVAs will take advantage of Cat’s

machine telematics – the company says it will have close to 1 million connected assets by the end of 2019 — and digital capabilities. Dealers now have access to several digital tools, including Cat’s Service Information System, Parts Inventory Optimization Tool, and its recently introduced Remote Flash and Remote Troubleshoot, which allows dealer technicians to access live machine diagnostics and remotely identify problems. “Cat Financial is actually one of the greatest marketing tools we have,” De Lange said, adding that the division has more than 11,000 direct customer contacts per day. And CVAs can be included in the Cat Finance monthly payment. “We have a very large installed base, over 2 million active assets in the field,” De Lange said. This base gives Cat engineers critical information when designing the next generation of equipment. One example: Cat’s coming next-generation air filter, designed to have twice the service life of the standard filter. “The air cleaner body is equipped with temperature and pressure sensors to provide the operator with an accurate measurement of the remaining useful life of the filter element,” said Denise C. Johnson, group president of resource industries. “And it does it in real time. The filters are launching now, Johnson says, and will be “available in full force on our next-generation machines in 2020.” –By Marcia Doyle

John Deere has launched the Connected Support service for its dealers to proactively provide service and support on the company’s machines. Using JDLink telematics, Deere dealers can remotely monitor machines on customers’ jobsites and “act quickly to avoid or reduce machine downtime.” Deere has also reduced the price of a subscription to JDLink Ultimate telematics service for construction equipment. The service now costs $200 per year, while a subscription to JDLink Ultimate Dual will be $630. German engine manufacturer Deutz and Chinese equipment manufacturer Sany have entered a joint venture agreement for around 75,000 new diesel engines by 2022 for the China market. Deutz will take over production of Sany’s current engine range and produce engines that meet China’s emissions standards.

(Continued on next page)

EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019

reporter |

continued

OSHA changes will save some contractors money N ew changes to federal rules that affect the construction industry should save contractors money – in some cases. The biggest money-saving change eliminates the requirement that employers post maximum safe-load limits of floors in storage areas when “constructing single-family dwellings or wood-framed multi-family structures.” The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says this will result in total savings of $5.8 million a year to the construction industry. OSHA said posting safe-load limits was

not needed in residential construction “because employers do not place heavy materials in storage areas above floor or slab on grade.” Another rule change that should save money: OSHA eliminated requirements that employers provide periodic chest X-rays to screen for lung cancer. OSHA says studies have shown X-ray screening does not reduce lung cancer incident or death. These and other rule changes took effect July 15. For more on the changes, go to bit. ly/OSHARules. –Don Mcloud

Report: Construction remains deadliest industrial sector

he construction sector had 971 worker deaths in fiscal year 2017, a drop from 991 deaths the previous year, according to the annual AFL-CIO report “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect.” Despite the decline in fatalities, construction had the most deaths of any other industrial sector. Construction was followed by transportation and warehousing (882 deaths) and agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (581 deaths) for FY2017. According to the report, transportation

10 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

incidents, in particular roadway crashes, continued to be the leading cause of all workplace deaths, responsible for 40 percent of all fatalities in FY2017, followed by deaths from falls, slips and trips, at 887. Workplace violence is the third-leading cause of job death, at 807. Unintentional drug overdose at work increased by 29 percent from 203 deaths in 2016 to 262 deaths in 2017. That marked the fifth consecutive year overdose deaths increased by at least 25 percent. –Marcia Doyle

Briefs

Shawn Boone has been promoted to general manager for Haulotte’s U.S. subsidiary. Boone previously served as the company’s independent representative firm manager. Epiroc USA has named company veteran Jon Torpy general manager and president. Torpy has 15 years of experience with both Epiroc and its predecessor company Atlas Copco. Takeuchi-US has named Henry Lawson its national dealer sales manager. Lawson will be responsible for all sales activity through the company’s North American dealer sales channel.

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

B O B C A T. C O M / T O U G H C O N S T R U C T I O N

Everything we put into Bobcat ® equipment is designed to make more of whatever you bring to the job. Whether it’s strength, versatility, speed or agility, it’s built around you.

Bobcat is a Doosan company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power and water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2019 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1372

JohnDeere.com/850L

TURN PUSHING MATCHES INTO TOTAL BEATDOWNS. EARN UP TO $60 AN HOUR MORE WITH THE ALL-NEW 850L DOZER. By moving 30% more cubic yards per hour than its leading competitor in a grading application, the new 850L can add three, crisp twenty-dollar bills to your revenue line every hour.* Add in longer, 4,000-hour hydraulic and transmission oil change intervals, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why the 850L is a more profitable way to Run Your World.

*Based on internal test results assuming $200/hour dirt-work revenue with 850L LGP Dozer with PAT blade and 30-inch (762 mm) tracks versus Cat D6T LGP VPAT with 4-speed transmission and 31-inch (790 mm) tracks.

marketplace

| by Don McLoud |

DonMcLoud@randallreilly.com

A LOADER FOR THE TOUGHEST, HEAVIEST JOBS R’S O T EDI ICK P

For handling those tall demo jobs

Volvo Construction Equipment’s new EC750E HR excavator is designed for heavy-duty demolition, with a pin height of 118 feet. The new excavator is based on the EC750E but as a highreach version – hence the “HR” in its name – for demolishing tall buildings and other applications where high reach is needed. It is the company’s largest high-reach excavator model in North America. Volvo also designed the machine for versatility with extensions and different boom settings, so it can be used for standard digging operations when the additional reach is not needed.

Hitachi’s ZW550-6 wheel loader is designed for the heaviest applications, including tough rock and high volumes of dirt. The 104,000-pound loader runs on a 512-horsepower Isuzu engine that meets Tier 4 Final requirements with no diesel particulate filter and is designed to reduce fuel consumption. Operators can further save on fuel with auto-shutdown and the lockup transmission. A new Power Mode boosts engine rpms by 10 percent with the flip of a switch on the steering joystick for extra rimpull and breakout force when digging in heavy piles, as well as extra power for climbing steep grades with a full load, faster bucket lifts and faster acceleration on flat surfaces.

Joystick mounted to the seat for comfort

Gehl has brought its largest radial-lift track loader and the newest addition to its Pilot Series, the RT255, to North America. The track loader features the industry’s first seat-mounted joystick, the company says. The hydraulic pilot control joystick is designed to move with the seat to reduce operator fatigue, provide a smoother ride and give the operator more legroom. The RT255 runs on a 74.4-horsepower Deutz diesel engine, has an operating capacity of 2,550 pounds at 35 percent tipping load, and height to hinge pin of 10 feet 8 inches. EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019 13

marketplace

| continued

Stretching forward reach

Pettibone’s new Traverse T1258X becomes the company’s farthest-reaching traversing boom carriage telehandler. Powered by a 117-horsepower Cummins Tier 4 Final diesel engine, the telehandler has a maximum forward reach of nearly 48 feet. It has a specified lift height of 58.5 feet. Pettibone designed the T1258X so its landing height is identical to its lift height, and it can move loads closer to a landing area while the machine stays in place due to its boom slides that can move forward and backward up to 70 inches. It also offers full-time fourwheel-drive.

Ditch the ladder with micro scissor lift

Add a ton without spread axle

Fontaine Heavy-Haul’s new Magnitude 55L lowbed trailer can carry additional payload without a spread-axle configuration, the company says. The Springville, Alabama-based company’s close-coupled-only design allows a hauler that only needs three or four axles close-coupled to carry an additional ton. The 55L can handle 55 tons in 13 feet on its 26-foot deck length. It has a loaded deck height of 18 inches and 6 inches of ground clearance. The hydraulic gooseneck can be quickly connected and disconnected.

Genie’s two-person, 500-pound capacity GS-1330m “micro-sized” scissor lift offers low-level access to areas that may have traditionally been accessed by ladders. The 1,950-pound lift has a maximum platform height of 12.8 feet and maximum working height of 18.8 feet. Equipped with an allelectric DC drive system, the GS-1330m can be driven at full height, and, in a stowed position, climb 25 percent grade slopes. The unit’s low weight also gives it the ability to be on jobs that were previously off limits to heavier slab scissor and vertical mast lifts.

These product introductions are just a few of the many featured regularly on equipmentworld.com. 14 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

IT MAY BE COMPACT, BUT ITS REACH IS WORLDWIDE.

Step into a Kubota excavator and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why it earned the title of #1 selling compact excavator in the world*. Six heating and cooling vents and an easy-open front window provide the kind of comfort that keeps operators in the cab and getting the work done. Minimum tail swing, industry-leading bucket breakout force and an optional quick coupler are just some of the additional features that give the Kubota compact excavator such a huge reputation. Locate your dealer at KubotaUSA.com. *According to 2016 OEM Off-Highway Research, Kubota has the largest compact excavator market share in the world. ÂŠ Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2019.

HOW TO DO EVERYTHING

BETTER Staff report

hether you’re a construction novice or veteran, you’re always looking for ways to do things better. Toward that end, the Equipment World staff has compiled this broad range of tips, instructions and advice from experts on technical, business, safety and other topics to help you grow your business or become more proficient in your current position. From what to know before an equipment auction to how to adjust track tension – and even clues you might have a strange intruder on your jobsite – we hope this guide helps you boost performance on the job. To add some sizzle to the steak, we’ve also thrown in some fun stuff. Enjoy!

Machine operation

How to stop operators from idling too much This tip came from a 2014 Equipment World Contractor of the Year finalist Landon Floyd of Precision Pipeline in Cedar City, Utah: Have all your guys park their personal vehicles in the yard one day and drive them out to the site in a van or have them carpool. Make them leave their keys at the office. Before they come back, go out and start all their trucks and let them idle for an hour or so. When they see their vehicles running and their fuel gauges falling, explain to them that’s how you feel every time you see a piece of your equipment idling in the field for no good reason. Problem solved. July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

TOP WEB POST

These tips are reader favorites, generating year-overyear top pageview counts on equipmentworld.com.

7 tips for jumpstarting heavy-duty equipment

A quick primer on GPS The GPS you get in your car is accurate down to about 10 meters. How then can you get a dozer, excavator, rover or survey instrument to record GPS points down to within a few centimeters? The secret is in the base station for the site. This is set up on a surveyed and known spot on the site, and when it receives the 10-meter signals everybody else gets, it compares that signal with what it knows is its highly accurate surveyed position and sends out a corrected signal to all the machines and rovers on the site. Receivers on the machines pick up that adjusted signal and compare it to a digital map of the site that is preloaded into the machine’s computer. When the corrected signal and the position of the machine’s bucket or blade agree, you’re on target, and that typically turns the image of the area on the monitor green. High or low spots are shown in red or another contrasting color. In the “indicate” mode, you see the GPS-determined position of the machine on the screen but manipulate the controls yourself. In the “fully automatic” mode, the differences between the machine position and the digital plans will send a signal to the hydraulics to raise or lower the blade accordingly, so the operator doesn’t have to raise or lower the blade manually. TOP WEB POST

When the mercury drops, equipment can sometimes get cantankerous when TOP WEB POST starting. Clore Automotive says these tips will get your engine humming again: 1. Make sure you use a jumpstarter that can be used on heavy equipment. 2. Keep your jumpstarter charged, especially during extreme temperatures, which are hard on a battery. If possible, store it above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Find a good vehicle ground for your negative clamp, such as a heavy-gauge metal part of the equipment chassis or engine block that’s away from the battery. A complete conductive circuit is crucial to jumpstarting success. Never connect to a carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body parts. 4. Check the water level on a traditional flooded battery to make sure it meets manufacturer’s guidelines. If the water level is low, add distilled water as directed. Never overfill, which could cause leakage and other problems. And never attempt to jumpstart a frozen battery. 5. On vehicles with multiple batteries, the condition and conductivity of the battery connections is critical. Check that all battery connections are tight and secure and inspect them for signs of deterioration or other problems. 6. If the machine has multiple batteries, always connect to the battery closest to the starter. This will ensure that the maximum power available from the jumpstarter is transferred to the starting system, not depleted by the battery bank. 7. On larger vehicles, such as off-highway haulers, first take a few minutes to light the glow plugs. Properly connect the jumpstarter, put the vehicle’s key into the accessory position and light the glow plugs, which should take 20 to 40 seconds. Then turn the vehicle’s key to the off position and allow the jumpstarter to recover for 2 to 3 minutes. Then attempt to jumpstart the vehicle. (To view the entire article, go to bit.ly/equipmentstart.) EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019

HOW TO DO EVERYTHING

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Know your limits: towing more than 5,000 pounds with a half-ton pickup is against the law That commercial showing a pickup taking on a heavy load sure does look good. But you first need to read the small print in the manufacturer’s owner manual. Half-ton pickups have a 5,000-pound towing capacity, period. This can be problematic when you just want to haul your compact machine to the next jobsite. The weight of the towed equipment alone – such as most 2- to 3-ton compact excavators – can be more than 5,000 pounds. To take on extra weight, you’ll need to either replace the standard ball/shank with a special weight-distributing hitch-head assembly, or on 3/4-ton pickups and up, use a gooseneck/5th wheel hitch. You’ll also need to discover what the manufacturer requires to tow to the max, including the specific engine, transmission, bed, cab and axle ratio. Manufacturers call this “properly equipped.” Towing beyond the vehicle’s maximum trailered weight as set by the manufacturer is driver negligence. Don’t give a lawyer an easy win. For more info, go to: bit.ly/towingmorethan5K.

TOP WEB POST

This information brought to you by July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

Make sure your load is secure Moving heavy equipment safely is no small task. If not done properly, the results can be disastrous. During loading, keep the following in mind: • Do not operate or load equipment that you do not know how to safely operate. • When possible, place the equipment against a vehicle structure to help prevent forward movement – unless the weight distribution or securement considerations will not allow. • Be cautious when attaching securement devices over brake or hydraulic hoses or cylinders to avoid damage to those components. • Use edge protection to prevent damage to the tiedowns or to the equipment. • Whenever possible, use the equipment manufacturer’s designated attachment points and follow the manufacturer’s securement recommendations. • Do not use any attachment point that is of questionable strength or suitability. • Chain is the preferred tiedown for heavy equipment and machinery. • Use direct tiedowns whenever possible, but keep in mind that direct tiedowns require the use of more tiedowns than when using indirect. • Use chocks, cradles, wedges, or other means placed against the wheels to prevent rolling of wheeled vehicles. These devices need their own securement. For more tips, go to bit.ly/loadtrailer.

A demanding load never stands in your way. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why you pull the Transcraft Eagle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the trailer as hardworking and reliable as you are. When your reputation is on the line, count on the Eagle to deliver.

Find a dealer near you at transcraft.com

HOW TO DO EVERYTHING

BETTER

Maintenance/Management

7 things to do before an equipment auction If you want to get a good deal buying heavy equipment at auction, doing your homework – hours of homework – is essential. Things happen fast at these auctions and you can miss out on great opportunities or overplay your hand if you’re not ready. Here are some tips:

How to calculate O&O costs Owning costs = purchase price of machine + financing + taxes – disposal price (what you get for that machine when you resell it). Operating costs = labor + fuel + maintenance + replacement costs of tires, tracks and other components + overhead. Add the owning to the operating costs and you have your O&O costs. At first, you’ll have to estimate these numbers, like how long you’ll keep the machine, how much it will bring at resale, what the future maintenance or component replacement costs will be. If you bought the machine from a dealer, they should be able to help you calculate a lot of these long-term costs. The more experience you have at this, though, the more accurate your estimates become. The magic starts to happen when you boil it down to costs per hour. With that you can set your hourly equipment rates and turn in razor sharp bids on any project. Don’t be surprised to find labor and fuel are your two biggest costs. The actual price of the machine over time, by comparison, is small. So it behooves you to invest in any machine technology that conserves fuel or increases the productivity or both.

1. Identify your needs. Make a list or spreadsheet of specific machines you want to add to your fleet. If they’re essential machines, you’ll want low-hour, good-condition machines. For a backup or lightly used machine, you might find value in an older, less expensive model. 2. Determine a good price range for these machines. You can use pricing guides like Randall-Reilly’s TopBid product (www.topbid.com), and some auction companies keep their own databases you can research. (Note: Equipment World is produced by Randall-Reilly.) 3. If possible, inspect the machine beforehand to determine its condition. 4. Get your ducks in a row. Register with the auction company. Have financing available or credit with the auction company. Have your insurance company phone number handy so your purchases will be covered immediately. Develop a plan for transportation so you can ship the machine to your place of business. 5. If you’re at a live auction, keep your phone handy so if something unexpected shows up you can do some quick research. 6. Investigate online opportunities. Many of the major auction houses now have some sort of online bidding process. You can save a lot of time and see a lot more equipment this way, especially if the auctioneers offer alerts and other useful online services. 7. Whether attending a live or online auction, stick to your plan. Don’t be drawn into a bidding war. There is more used equipment being sold at auction today than ever before, so additional opportunities will arise.

July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

At Progressive, we’re proud to offer truckers the kind of coverage and service that helps them drive progress. Call your local agent or visit ProgressiveCommercial.com

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates.

BEHIND EVERYTHING GREAT IN AMERICA, THERE’S A TRUCK.

HOW TO DO EVERYTHING

BETTER

When the grease won’t flow How to get a good oil sample According to Dan Arcy, global OEM technical manager for Shell Lubricants, an engine oil analysis program requires users to follow a few fundamental procedures that often don’t get the attention they deserve. Some tips: • Provide a proper oil sample to the lab. If you take your sample when the oil is being drained, catch it midstream by waiting at least 5 seconds. That way, you won’t collect heavy metals or other deposits from the bottom of the pan. Take a hot sample after the engine has been operating for 15 minutes. Clean the area where you insert the probe or sampling tube. Use a clean container. Withdrawing oil through the dipstick opening is another good method. Take each sample in the same manner each time, to keep your results consistent. • Provide all information needed by the lab. You’d be amazed at how many oil samples are provided without completed labels or forms, says Arcy. For many labs, necessary information includes engine type, total engine miles (on-highway) or hours (off-highway), how many miles or hours on the oil itself, oil type, viscosity grade and oil manufacturer. • Send the sample in immediately. Don’t let it sit in the shop for a month.

When a grease zerk won’t accept grease from your grease gun, the simplest solution is to unscrew the zerk, clean it out with a wire, brake cleaner or compressed air, reinstall the zerk and try it again. If it still won’t work, you have bigger problems and may need to call in a mechanic. As a precaution and to avoid the downtime, put a few spare zerks in your machine’s glove box or storage compartment, and always wipe off the nipple of the zerk before greasing. The likely cause of the blockage is grit or dust that accumulated on the outside of the zerk and got forced inside when someone forgot to wipe it clean before greasing.

How to adjust the tension on your tracks Almost all tracks are tensioned by pumping grease into a piston. The grease fitting is typically located behind a cover plate in the center of the undercarriage. This extends the piston and stretches the tracks. (You let grease out of the fitting to reduce tension on the tracks.) Your owner’s manual will give you specs on how to measure track tension. Follow them religiously. Grease is cheap, but improper tension can work the engine and drivetrain harder than necessary and/or accelerate wear on the undercarriage. For a video on track tension, go to bit.ly/tracktension.

July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

Calculate your DEF use Running out of diesel exhaust fluid is about as dumb as running out of diesel fuel. Engine manufacturers set DEF burn rates at about 2 to 5 percent of fuel burned. (For every 100 gallons of diesel a machine consumes, it will burn 2 to 5 gallons of DEF.) So multiply the fuel consumption of a machine over a period of time by 0.03 to 0.05 to estimate how many gallons of DEF to have on hand. Dealers can give you some preliminary DEF burn rates, and you can do your own tests on a new machine. Just don’t run out.

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Business

8 marketing tips for every excavating contractor Marketing isn’t just for big companies and consumer products, says Alisa Bennett, vice president of Bennett Contracting in Bradenton, Florida, and former Equipment World Contractor of the Year finalist. These eight tips will help position your company in the marketplace. (For more details, go to bit.ly/8contractormarketing): 1. Clear, concise and consistent branding enhances your reputation: It’s critical to create a professional and consistent look in every aspect of your business to ensure your team, your vehicles and your equipment are instantly recognizable. Think of every vehicle and staff as moving advertisements or billboards. 2. Network, network…and then network some more: Knowing the right people can lead to inside information and possibly provide a shot at a project before it goes out to bid. Meeting and getting to know the decision makers in your area will help you find out about upcoming projects well in advance. 3. Communicate milestones and news in your local market: Writing and distributing simple news releases announcing new hires, company milestones and other newsworthy items will keep your business “top of mind” in your market. 4. A great website is your best sales tool, and a bad website could be damaging your company’s reputation: Many excavation contractors are late to the digital age and either don’t have an online presence or have an outdated, unprofessional website. General contractors and developers use websites to assess potential partners, and if your site doesn’t clearly and professionally communicate your company’s capabilities, your potential customer may not invite your firm to bid a project.

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5. Connect with business associates and customers on a regular basis: Once you have an awesome logo and polished new website in place, it’s time to expand your reach and communicate with your important contacts on a regular basis. Create a quarterly newsletter, Facebook page, Pinterest board or Twitter feed to provide a forum to keep your customers, vendors, associates and media contacts updated about happenings in your company. 6. Tap into today’s trends and pop culture: Track trends and pop culture and find simple inexpensive ways to use them to promote your company. Tie-ins to events or trends currently part of the national dialogue are a great way to bring attention to your excavation company. 7. Make friends with those in the newsroom: Editors and writers need sources. National stories are often localized by television stations and print media in your local market. If a national story about crumbling infrastructure is getting attention and you have firsthand knowledge about projects that have recently helped to improve local road and utility conditions, call the publication and help them localize the story. 8. Do good/feel good: Community involvement can pay big dividends: Give back to your community through involvement on boards, donations to high-profile organizations or, perhaps most effectively, performing pro-bono projects, such as services at no cost for a nonprofit organization. Don’t forget to promote your goodwill through media contacts, your new newsletter and Facebook page.

6 habits of successful construction contractors 1. They spend more time in the office than the field. 2. They’ve got an eye for talent. 3. They take care of their people. 4. They go above and beyond the specifics of a contract to fix problems for customers. 5. They embrace technology. 6. They are leaders. Dwight Eisenhower put it succinctly: Leadership is getting extraordinary results from ordinary people. EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019

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TOP 10 SIGNS OF AN

especially true if your business takes service calls. One person may be handling the incoming calls and dispatching a service technician. When the technician offers a cash discount to the client, the two pocket and split the cash, and no record of the service call exists. 7. Disgruntled: They have a “poor me” attitude. They gripe to you or to others about being underpaid and underappreciated. Additionally, you could be seeing: 8. In the red: You’re not making the money you know you should be making. Things aren’t adding up. Expected profits aren’t there. There are unexplained losses on a job or a spike in material prices. 9. Vanishing act: Records disappear. Bank statements, permit receipts, invoices and other financial records just can’t be located when you need them. 10. Low morale: Employee morale is low. If you’ve enabled an embezzler – either by turning a blind eye to their actions or not being open to other employees’ complaints – you could be contributing to an atmosphere of distrust.

You may want to take a closer look if the person who handles your finances shows the following behavior: 1. Territorial: They are defensive about “their area,” including their desk, computer and the work they handle for you. No one can do what they do. 2. Workaholic: They refuse to take vacations. Extended time off means someone will likely have to do their job in their absence, perhaps leading to discovery. 3. Extravagance: They start buying things you know are beyond their income level. If they show up to work with a tricked-out SUV or start displaying expensive tastes, pay attention. 4. Over familiarity: They are unusually close to a vendor or client. If they always insist that a business get front-of-the-line treatment, it could be a red flag. 5. Money problems: They are having financial difficulties. They’re asking for advances and complaining about making ends meet. They may have gambling issues. If they can’t handle their own finances, is it wise to trust them with yours? 6. Professional “coziness”: They have a field/office friendship that’s just a little too cozy. This could be

Safety

How to safely manage a burn pile • Check with local authorities. You may need a permit. • Wait for the right weather conditions. It should not be windy, and the area and vegetation should not be too dry. • The site must be flat and free from overhanging trees or vegetation and well away from vehicles, homes, powerlines or other structures. • Build the pile wider than it is tall to ensure stability. Put your large logs and stumps low in the pile so they can’t roll out as it burns down and shifts. But leave a pocket in the middle for kindling to get the fire started and pile up smaller limbs around the July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

larger pieces so they generate enough heat to get the big pieces burning. • Encircle the pile with a shallow trench about 10 feet wide or scrape the vegetation down to bare soil around the pile to provide a fire break. • If you need an accelerant, use a 50/50 mixture of diesel and gasoline. Use more diesel in hot weather, 60/40 or 70/30. Never use pure gasoline. It will explode. • Monitor the pile throughout the burn. When it is done, douse the remains with water and check back the following day to ensure the ashes are cool.

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How to avoid caught-between accidents OSHA says caught-between accidents are the fourth leading cause of death on construction sites. You can help prevent these accidents by taking the following precautions: • Hazard recognition. Have your OSHA competent person do a hazard analysis and communicate the results to all crews. • Equipment functionality. Make sure all machines are in good working order, all guards are in place and that parking brakes, backup alarms and lockouts are all functional. • Make sure everybody wears PPE, especially their highvisibility vests and clothing. • Keep your distance. Train crews on how to stay a safe distance from mobile equipment and trucks, including the entire swing radius of excavators. • Install backup cameras on machines with rear or side blind spots. • Use barricades when possible to keep workers out of danger zones. • Train crews to avoid walking between machinery or trucks and structures such as trees, walls or stacks or stockpiles of material.

Personal See ya tomorrow, Phil!

5 tips for staying cool in the heat When the temperature and humidity rise, so do the risks of heat-related illnesses and even death. In fact, heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 39 workers died of heat-related illnesses in 2016. Here’s what you can do to stay cool in the heat, according to OSHA and the Center for Construction Research and Training: • Drink 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. • Take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area. • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing. • Consider cooling vests, bandanas, hats and other personal protective equipment that reduce heat stress. • Get trained on heat hazards and heatillness prevention (your employer should provide this) and keep an eye out for coworkers showing signs of heat stress.

You may have a Sasquatch working on your crew if... 1. Instead of jumping in a truck and driving off at the end of the day, he just kind of fades into the woods. 2. Instead of packing a lunch, he kills a squirrel and roasts it on a stick over the burn pile. 3. Instead of using the ladder, he places tools and materials on the roof by hand. July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

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TOP WEB POST

Why turning your truck bed into a pool is a terrible idea The physics are clear: the density of water makes it much heavier by the square foot than the materials you’re used to hauling in your truck bed. Put a tarp in your truck bed, fill it with water, then add some people, and you’ve quickly exceeded your pickup’s max payload capacity. This is even true if you only fill up your truck bed halfway, bedliner manufacturer DualLiner says. “This is one of the reasons that truck beds have drain holes – not only do they help prevent rust and moisture buildup, but they help protect your truck’s suspension.” And with the cost of pickups these days, putting in a pool at your house is probably cheaper. Here are the details: bit.ly/noswimming.

Make sure your porta-potty meets OSHA regs Yes, OSHA has regulations even for that, and if you pride yourself on following the letter and spirit of the agency’s law, here are the most important details: • One toilet for 20 or fewer employees. • If you have more than 20 employees, one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 employees. • One seat and one urinal per 50 workers, if you have 200 or more employees on site. • Toilets must be within a 10-minute walk. • Key-only toilet access is not permitted without good reason. • Portable toilets must be gender specific. There is also an “interpretation” in the standard that states that your portable toilets must be “sanitary.” OSHA doesn’t define this specifically or do germ counts, but err on the side of caution. Fines for first violations could cost $12,675. It’s all spelled out in OSHA Standard 1926.51, which you can read about using this link: bit.ly/oshapotty. Your crews will thank you.

How to not tick off the old guys Are you a young man or woman new to the wonderful world of construction? You may have noticed there are a lot of older guys working in this field. To stay on their good side, we offer the following advice: • Show up early – 15 minutes will do the trick. Remember: Early is on time, and on time is late. • Always be doing something. If the old guys don’t have you doing something, look around for something to do. Stack lumber, clean up, but always be moving and improving. Don’t be leaning when you could be cleaning. • Learn with your eyes. Construction is complicated. Few veterans have the time to explain everything to you. Watch what they do, think about why they do things certain ways and keep thinking. This isn’t school, you’re not going to get spoon-fed assignments. • Pack a lunch, at least on your first day. Maybe there will be a lunch wagon, maybe not. Don’t risk it until you know. You can’t go a day in construction without calories. • Dress appropriately to the season, carry some leather gloves, wear sturdy boots and bring your own hard hat if these are required. • Always be safe. This goes back to always be thinking. If you’re unsure, this is the one exception where you’re allowed to ask anybody for clarification. EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019

machine matters

| by Richard Ries

ARTICULATED

DUMP TRUCKS POPULAR ADTs MAKE STEADY-AS-SHE-GOES ADVANCEMENTS

28 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

The Volvo A45G has a 45-ton capacity and volume of 32.8 cubic yards, heaped. Power comes from a Volvo D16J engine rated at 469 gross horsepower and 1,862 pound-feet of torque. Onboard weighing is optional. A dynamic Volvo engine brake and retarders are standard.

rticulated dump trucks, with their ability to efficiently move dirt throughout the jobsite, are in high demand these days. Dealers report they can’t keep them in their rental fleets, and customers are scrambling to find someone, anyone, who can meet their need for artics. While there have been steady technological advancements, the “wow” factor isn’t as high with ADTs. They keep doing what they’re doing, and contractors keep using them. “Other equipment has apparent technology,” says Scott Thomas, product application specialist, Caterpillar. “With ADTs it’s, ‘Yeah, OK, so it has payload,’ and the conversation ends there. With ADTs, most of the technology is behind the scenes.” Thomas says Cat has had traction control since 2011; six sensors monitor wheel slip and adjust torque accordingly. Cat also has stability control on all but the 725C2, their smallest model. Autoretarding has multiple levels and

will also apply the service brakes if additional braking is needed. Lift assist gives fingertip control to the dump cycle. Hit the switch when traveling under 4 mph in either forward or reverse and the system shifts to neutral, applies the service brakes for a controlled stop, raises engine rpm and raises the bed.

brakes at individual wheels to limit tire slip. The operator can lock the center differential for a 50/50 front/ rear torque split. Power and Economy work modes emphasize either power or efficiency as conditions require. Likewise, the operator can adjust the transmission logic to start in first or second forward gear

While there have been steady technological advancements, the “wow” factor isn’t as high with ADTs. They keep doing what they’re doing, and contractors keep using them. The switch is on the joystick right next to the transmission controller to minimize operator distraction. “It’s as simple as raising a power window in a pickup truck,” says Thomas. Komatsu also provides a host of advanced technology. Komatsu’s traction control system monitors wheel speed and automatically engages and disengages the service

to match conditions. Some technological advances have been small but steady, explains Mark Shea, product consultant, ADTs, John Deere. “Our telematics system, JDLink, is fully configured as it is but still sees regular, incremental advances.” Mostly this means acquiring more data more often and doing more with it. “We want to provide our

Powered by a 9-liter John Deere PowerTech PSS 6090 engine, the Deere 310E has eight forward and four reverse gears. An interaxle differential lock transmits 50 percent of available torque to the front axle and 50 percent to the two rear axles to simplify operation, or the diff lock can be engaged on the fly to match conditions. EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019 29

machine matters

customers with the best usable data to help them make decisions and minimize downtime,” says Shea. Other behind-the-scenes technology includes axle temperature monitoring and flow control to cool only the axles that need it and a hydraulically driven cooling fan with a reversing option that responds to the demands of the cooling system. Bell is anticipating the intelligent worksite. “There’s growing demand for an interconnected worksite where machines communicate with a centralized point and eventually with each other,” says Neville Paynter, president, Bell Equipment North America. He says the evolving field of the Internet of Things (IoT) helps advance both interest and the enabling technology. The ability to follow a GNSS course without a driver and brandneutral communication are essential parts of this, says Paynter, but there 30 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

| continued

The Bell B45E has a Mercedes-Benz off-highway engine rated at 523 horsepower and 1,814 pound-feet of torque. Default tipping angle is 70 degrees and can be set to any angle less than that. Rated payload is 45.2 tons. Struck capacity is 25.5 cubic yards and heaped is 33 cubic yards. are some safety fundamentals that must come first. “The first commercially practical step for Bell ADT operations in this regard is in the area of Pedestrian Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) where the truck’s brake system is electronically activated should there be a risk of collision.” One challenge will be designing brake systems to meet these needs without affecting the systems’ ISO certifications.

Whoa Manufacturers have put a lot of work into slowing and stopping ADTs.

Deere E Series trucks began arriving in 2012. The large frame trucks (370E, 410E and 460E), which use Deere axles, have inboard-mounted brakes. The 260E and 310E, which use ZF axles, retain outboard brakes. All axles offer pressurized lubrication along with cooling and individual filtration systems. Deere opted for a transmission retarder rather than engine braking; the retarder offers consistent performance at all engine speeds and can be set for 10 to 100 percent application in 10 percent increments. Stepping on the brake pedal automatically engages 100 percent operation of the retarder to reduce wear on the service brakes. Hill descent control is infinitely variable and serves to maintain truck speed when the operator’s foot is off the brake and accelerator. The Doosan DA30-5 had its retarder preset available through the

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contractor of the year finalist

| by Marcia Doyle |

MarciaDoyle@randallreilly.com

Family firm leverages experience, problem-solving to double size Robert and Joyce Oliver, Total Asphalt Paving City, State: Washington, Michigan Year Started: 1982 Number of 25 employees: Annual revenue: $3 million to $5 million Markets served: Asphalt paving and maintenance

Bob and Joyce Oliver co-own Total Asphalt Paving

hen Bob Oliver joined his brother-in-law’s paving firm in 1997, it wasn’t his first rodeo. He had 11 years of experience with another asphalt firm, including work as an asphalt paving foreman. “It really helped Total Asphalt when Bob came over because the company had primarily worked on smaller driveways and parking lots and he had more experience with larger jobs,” says Joyce Oliver, co-owner.

From the beginning, Bob’s joining the firm was his brother-in-law Ben Daveluy’s succession plan. It turned out to be a great plan. Bob pitched in immediately, doing whatever needed to be done, including sales and equipment maintenance. Bob’s expertise helped grow the company from $2 million to more than $4 million and from placing 10,000 tons of asphalt a year to 35,000 tons.

“The recession never really slowed us down,” says Bob, who credits the firm’s tight hold on financials and the company’s good name as reasons why. “We powered right through it.” There was another reason that the company’s course stayed steady, Joyce says: “Bob is a problem-solver. If there’s an issue with anything, he will figure out how to make it right.” EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019 41

contractor of the year finalist |

continued

Total Asphalt Paving offers full commercial and residential paving services, from demolition and repairs to sealcoating from its Fresh Look division.

Sealcoating addition In 2010, Bob and Joyce also started Fresh Look Sealcoating, and Joyce looked after that part of the business with the couple’s younger son, Brian, 26. “Brian’s been here from the start of Fresh Look and has done everything, including handling sales and running the crews,” Joyce says. “Fresh Look takes on the smaller work that most contractors don’t want to be bothered with, but because of that, you can make money,” Joyce adds, crediting Bob for recognizing the market potential for a sealcoating business. Having the two businesses put them in a great position, since each could refer clients to the other company when dealing with requests that were too big or too small to be in their wheelhouse. Fresh Look has now been combined with Total Asphalt Paving and after a stint as a tire store sales manager, Bob and Joyce’s other son, Rob, 28, has joined them and is now working in sales. “He’s got a lot of good sales skills, so he’s on the sales calls and involved in bidding,” Bob says. Joyce is in charge of running the combined office of Total Asphalt Paving and Fresh Look. “We can now be that one company they can go to, even if they just need maintenance,” Bob says, noting that the firm now does about 50 percent commercial paving and 50 percent driveways in the northern metro Detroit area. 42 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

Shared knowledge Most of Total Asphalt Paving’s crew has been with the company for 10 to 12 years. Joyce says: “Our company is based on everybody knowing how to do pretty much everything, so the paving foreman may be wrenching at the end of the day.” And everyone takes responsibility for everyone else’s safety. “They take safety seriously and call each other out on it,” Bob says, “We don’t play around here.” In addition to two asphalt pavers, Total Asphalt Paving has six dump trucks, four that can pull short double trailers, two stake trucks for hauling tools and six rollers. The company’s fleet includes a variety of earthmoving equipment, including four skid steers, two dozers and a grader, backhoe and excavator. Those machines are tasked with ripping out old pavement and curbs, prepping the site to place new asphalt and loading stone and other materials. The company subs out any needed curb work. As with many contractors who deal with winter temperatures that curtail work, Total Asphalt Paving crews spend the downtime in the shop making sure the equipment is ready for the next paving season, which starts around mid-April. And now, needing more office and shop space, Bob and Joyce are planning to move next year to a new 22-acre location down the road from their current one. The move will help them combine the two separate

From left to right are Ernesto Lopez, Mark Appling, Rob Oliver Jr., Brian Oliver, Tina Briggs, Joyce and Robert Oliver. shops for Total Asphalt and Fresh Look that now exist and grow to an anticipated $5 million in annual volume within a few years. Another part of their growth strategy is building up their website and social media presence, primarily as a marketing tool. The company uses an outside marketing firm to help with these efforts. “It has to be done, because people look up everything on their phone these days,” Joyce says. After each project, the company also sends a thank you card to the client, offering a small rebate for an online review.

Dedicated crews Bob and Joyce take pride in the people on Total Asphalt and Fresh Look’s crews. “Our foremen, Mark Appling, Ernesto Lopez and Nick Reeves, are really on top of making sure everything is flowing correctly,” Bob says. “Our crews are dedicated. Our office staff is on the ball as well. The girls are efficient and friendly when it comes to details and customer service. Everyone takes pride in their job and maintains a great reputation for Total Asphalt and Fresh Look.”

The couple’s approach to meeting customer needs gets quick praise. “I deal with hundreds of vendors, and there are few that I have such high regard for,” says Loretta Adams with real estate development firm Adams Associates. “They are great in making sure they have experienced leadership onsite, and they have maintained their quality and safety values in both lean and boom times.” “They could teach other contractors how to research their markets, check out their competition and how to sustain a business,” says Brian Borich with supplier Ajax Asphalt. “Bob’s got a lot of experience, and he’s been there and done that.” “They are top quality people, the best in their field,” says Tom Weitor with Michigan Cat. “They know exactly what they are doing.” “We’re just trying to build a business that looks out for our employees and looks out for our customers, and do what’s right for them,” Bob says. “We want to grow a nice business and go home at night and sleep and know you did the best you could.” EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019 43

road works

| by Don McLoud |

DonMcLoudl@randallreilly.com

Stringline or stringless? MANUFACTURERS OF CURB AND GUTTER PAVERS LET OPERATORS DECIDE

hen it comes to curb and gutter concrete slipform pavers, one word tends to crop up. “It’s very unusual to go into a sales call and walk out without having spoken about ‘stringless,’” says Wade Bowman, Wirtgen product manager for concrete slipform paving. “Even if the contractor doesn’t think he’s ready for it quite yet, he’s thinking about it.” Though paving contractors might be thinking about it, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to cut the stringline and go to 3D control. “We’ve gotten more requests and quotes, but we haven’t really gotten that many actual orders,” says Tim

Messinger, Curb Fox president. “It’s a very expensive add-on.” For larger paving machines, 3D control accounts for a smaller percentage of the overall machine price, but not so for curb and gutter pavers. Adding stringless control can potentially cost as much as the machine itself, Bowman says. Some smaller manufacturers have steered away from adding stringless systems. “We do not want to add the additional cost for GPS,” says Joe Angeles, MBW international sales manager. “We try to keep it affordable.” But contractors who take the leap and learn to use the stringless systems efficiently can eventually save

money and increase productivity and accuracy, Bowman says. “They don’t have to haul all the stringline gear around, and that’s a real hassle,” Bowman says. “And especially with the tight labor market, it’s tough to find people who want to go out and pound pins in and yank pins out at the end of the day.” Manufacturers say they see no signs of prices for 3D systems for curb and gutter pavers dropping significantly any time soon. But luckily for contractors, manufacturers of curb and gutter pavers offer plenty of options for those who want to go stringless, those who prefer the stringline and those who haven’t made up their minds.

Wirtgen SP15i/SP25i Wirtgen has integrated its own 3D stringless control, called AutoPilot 2.0, for its curb and gutter slipform pavers. The system allows the operator to either import an existing 3D model or use the company’s Field Rover survey pole to create a virtual stringline for the machine to follow. “The cost per foot can go down once the contrac44 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

tor gets good with this,” Bowman says. “Depending on the job, the system will pay for itself over time as long as they’re efficient with it.” The pavers are also equipped to use aftermarket 3D systems. The systems can be plugged into an interface box, allowing contractors who have already set up aftermarket 3D control on their equipment to continue using that provider. Operators can also continue using stringline if they choose. The SP 15i is Wirtgen’s smallest slipform paver, with a maximum paving width of 6 feet, max curb/ barrier height of 4 feet 3 inches and a 28,500-pound operating weight. Next in the company lineup is the SP 25i, which can pave up to 12 feet wide and up to 6.5 feet high. It has a max operating weight of 44,000 pounds. It offers both inset and offset paving. Both pavers can pour on the left or right side and are designed for easy mold attachment and removal. Bowman says the pavers are equipped with high-end components and undergo a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. He says he’s often asked if Wirtgen is new to the slipform business, but he explains that though the company’s machines were introduced to North America in 2010, they have been in operation for decades internationally.

Curb Fox 5000-T About eight years ago, Curb Fox decided to manufacture a track curb and gutter paver after hearing concerns from its customers.

“In the U.S., the curb and gutter contractor is expected to go in there on just about any type of grade condition and get his job done,” Messinger says. “In most of the country, a curb machine really has to be a track machine.” The company’s 5000-T, weighing in at 8,000 pounds, is the smallest all-track paver on the market, allowing it to operate in any subgrade conditions, according to Messinger. The company still makes rubber-tire models for areas where the grade is smooth and compacted. The 5000-T has the same automatic control systems as larger pavers, Messinger says. The company integrates an electronic-over-hydraulic control system that causes the paver to rise and lower to the proper elevation and adjust for turns. It can also be equipped with aftermarket 3D stringless systems. The paver can slipform sections up to 10 feet wide and barriers up to 42 inches high. It can pave a zeroclearance sidewalk of up to 7 feet wide. Messinger says the zero-clearance ability is being requested more often, especially in cities where sidewalks need to be rebuilt in narrow areas with obstructions on both sides. Another perk for the 5000-T is it can be hauled behind a medium-sized pickup without the need for a lowboy trailer. Messinger says Curb Fox strives to keep its machines simple. “A certain part of the market wants the technology and others do not,” he says. “The simpler side fits our niche better.”

MBW Simplicity is also the focus at MBW. Angeles says that at times over the years the company has discussed EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019 45

road works

| continued

adding features, but those discussions typically end up with the question: “Do we want to keep adding costs?” “The more things and gadgets you add to it, the more difficult it becomes,” he says. “We just want to make it simple and affordable for the contractor.” Though its pavers have automatic grade adjustment and steering to follow a stringline, the machines are not equipped for stringless 3D control. And there are no intentions to add it. “It’s really catered to the smaller contractors who don’t want to do the bigger jobs,” Angeles says. “This is more for shopping malls, gas stations and neighborhoods.” MBW has three models that are based on a modular system in which larger components are added to meet the contractor’s needs. The C101 is the main unit with a 12-inch hopper able to slipform curbs to 18 inches high and 12 inches wide. It can be easily converted into a C101-18 model, with an 18-inch hopper for paving up to 18 inches wide and high, and into a GC200, with hoppers of 24 to 48 inches for paving up to 4 feet wide and 18 inches high. The models range in operating weight from 2,590 to 3,395 pounds. The pavers can be easily transported with no need for permits. Their rubber tires are foam-filled to reduce bounce, eliminate flats and provide good traction, he says.

mated guidance system. The company has seen an increase in its pavers leaving the factory 3D ready, says Daniel Milam, Power Curbers marketing coordinator. “Some of those are expected to begin stringless pours right away, but other customers are simply leaving the option open in case they want to take that step in the future,” he says. Contractors using the 3D stringless system have been pleased, he says. “Most companies using the technology report significant time and labor savings to the point that the technology can pay for itself rapidly.” The company says its goal with 3D is to allow contractors as much flexibility as possible. “We didn’t want to dictate to the customer that they had to accept a singular supplier that Power Curbers has designated,” says Chief Operating Officer Stephen Bullock. The 5700-C can work in tight spots, including parking lot corners, islands and cul-de-sacs. It can also do barrier, sidewalk and irrigation ditch work. It has a maximum paving height of 5 feet and width of 7 feet in the offset position and 10 feet wide in the center pour position. Those widths can be extended with the company’s Max package. The paver has an operating weight of 24,700 pounds and can be towed without the need for a lowboy trailer.

Power Curbers 5700-C Power Curbers has used Topcon and Leica 3D stringless systems for years on its pavers and recently announced that its 5700-C curb and gutter machine is now also compatible with Trimble’s PCS900 auto-

GOMACO Xtreme GT-3600 GOMACO unveiled its newest curb and gutter paver, the Xtreme GT-3600, at this year’s World of Concrete. GOMACO equipped the GT-3600 with its G-plus radius software with slew drives and smart-sensor

46 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

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road works

| continued

hydraulics for All-Track Steering and All-Track Positioning. The system controls each of the three tracks for increased rotating ability – up to 90 degrees – and tight-radius paving when using stringline or a 3D guidance system. The Xtreme can pour a 24-inch radius. The operator inputs the size of the radius into the controller, and the paver automatically does the rest of the work, including setting track angles and individual variable track speeds. As the paver slipforms around the radius, the individual track-speed control delivers smooth travel, the company says. The G-plus system also achieves the same smooth paving while interfacing with the major 3D guidance systems. The smart hydraulics also come into play when telescoping and side shifting the mold system during offset paving, and the G-plus can deliver repeatable mold offset. The trimmer head and mold have independent adjustments for raising and lowering. The G-plus system is also integrated into the paver’s new Tier 4 Final engine, automatically setting the hydraulic fan to the jobsite conditions. GOMACO increased the engine’s fuel efficiency and added enough fuel capacity to run all day without interruption. The operator platform is designed to reduce vibration. A wireless remote-control option is available so the operator can move around the machine during operations.

Miller Formless M-1000 Miller Formless says its M-100 can pour a 24-inch radius or a sidewalk up to 5 feet wide. Its MFS Control 48 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

System includes sensors and handheld remote and is 3D ready. The compact paver features four tracks with independent steering, giving it the ability for quick turnaround and maneuvering. It has three vibrators, a heavy-duty sectional auger and a high-volume washdown system. The M-1000 can be ordered for left or right side pouring, and it is designed to give the operator visibility over the entire slipform process. It has a transport width of 8 feet 6 inches and an operating weight of 21,000 pounds. Options include an umbrella assembly, auxiliary 12-volt work LED lighting kit, trimmer with carbide teeth, high-pressure water pump and telematics.

Curb-Tec CT-3000 Curb-Tec calls the CT-3000 its flagship curb machine. The 1,050-pound paver can slipform an 18inch paving width and a 16-inch curb height. It features a hydraulic system that enables the operator to raise or lower the jack through rough places and a rear wheel power system in which the paver runs on its own power at the push of a button. The paver has a 1/3-cubic-yard hopper with removable door for wheelbarrow access. It runs on a 25-horsepower Kohler gas engine. Its reverse-auger quickly frees jams, and a lift-off hopper makes it easy to access the auger for cleaning, the company says. The base machine extrudes curbing up to 13 by 13 inches, with available custom widths of over 18 inches by 30 inches.

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quick data

MarciaDoyle@randallreilly.com

Compact excavators

A snapshot of new and used sales trends from Randall-Reillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EDA equipment financing data and TopBid auction price service. Year-over-year change*

Auctions

NEW: UP 3%

Compact excavator auction prices, June 2018 - May 2019

USED: UP 7%

$27,000 $26,000 $25,000

*Comparison of number of compact excavators financed May 1, 2018 to Apr. 30, 2019, and May 1, 2017 to Apr. 30, 2018. Source: EDA, edadata.com

$24,000 $23,000 $22,000 $21,000 $20,000

1-year average: $

Low: $21,635

$19,000

Sept. 2018

$18,000

Top three states for compact excavator buyers*

High and current: $25,635 May 2019

23,830

New

$17,000 $16,000 $15,000

May average auction prices for compact excavators were at a 12-month high, tracking 8 percent above the average price for the top 10 models during this time period.

$14,000

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

2018 2019 Trend prices for the top 10 models of compact excavators sold at auction, not seasonally adjusted.

95,000

OTHER TOP BID:

Top auction price paid for a 2017 Caterpillar 308E2 CR with 344 hours at a Hunyady Auction sale Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington, Pennsylvania.

91,000

# of buyers

Texas

1,588

California

1,387

Florida

1,162

Used

PRICE

State

# of buyers

Texas

552

New York

414

Pennsylvania

389

Top financed new compact excavator*

2017 Mecalac 8MCR with 131 hours, Hunyady Auction, May 2, 2019, in Flemington, New Jersey.

8 8 6 , $33

HIGH

5 $6 , 2

AVERAGE

Jun. 1, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 31, 2019; prices for compact excavators 5 years old and newer, U.S. sales only. Only includes bids $5,000 and above. Source: TopBid, topbid.com

LOW

Final bids unit count: 716

New

Compact excavator new, used sales trends, 2009-2018* 24,000 22,000 20,000 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000

Used low: 2009, 5,147 units

0 0 0 , $95 Used

New high: 2018, 22,488 units Used high: 2018, 9,090 units

New low: 2010, 2,440 units

UNITS 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 *Financed equipment, 2009-2018, number of units sold by sale or lease. Source: EDA, edadata.com

2016

2017

2018

Kubota KX040-4, 1,667 units

Other top selling new machine: Deere 33G, 1,163 units

Top financed used machine* Cat 308E2 CR SB, 325 units *In terms of number of new and used financed units sold May 1, 2018 to Apr. 30, 2019. Source: EDA, edadata.com (Note: EDA reports are continually updated.) EquipmentWorld.com | July 2019 51

PARTNER SOLUTIONS | HITACHI

NEW HITACHI ZW220-6 PUTS POWER AND AGILITY INTO THE HANDS OF LOADER OPERATORS

esigners of the new Dash-6 Hitachi wheel loaders understand that, for equipment owners to get more out their machines, the machines have to let them get more from their operators. With the launch of the ZW220-6 articulated loader, Hitachi delivers a machine that’s built to get the best from today’s best operators. The ZW220-6 is Hitachi’s mid-sized “do-it-all” loader in the new generation Dash-6 Series. A tough, agile machine designed to thrive in demanding work environments, the ZW220-6 tips the scale at 38,910 pounds, with a highly efficient 200 hp Cummins power plant generating 34,170 pounds of breakout force. The heaped bucket capacity of 4.2-4.7 cubic yards can reach loading heights up to 13.5 feet. Dash-6 models offer a range of advanced features that target the needs of premium operators for responsive power and control.

Cab comfort and control

The first thing operators will notice is the fully updated comfort and convenience features of the Dash-6 pressurized cab (virtually airtight to keep out dust and dirt), along with the tilt/telescoping steering pedestal, fully automatic A/C, excellent ventilation, and a new sound system with roof-mounted speakers. A pop-up pedal returns the steering pedestal to its start position in a snap. The ZW220-6 operator really gets down to business with the new range of controls for power, steering and loading functions. The Dash-6 transmission comes standard with two auto modes and one manual mode to adapt to the day’s applications. At the flick of a switch, conveniently mounted at your fingertip, you get an instant power boost with a 10% burst in engine rpm. This new Power Mode is available in both

A solid producer all day, every day

auto and manual ranges, providing immediate access to extra rim-pull and breakout force for digging into heavy piles or for climbing grades with a full load onboard. Power Mode also provides a faster hydraulic speed to allow quicker bucket lifts, and does it all without limiting the loader’s top speed. Power Mode lets you dig deeper, faster, and deliver more payload in every cycle! A shift-to-hold switch overrides automatic settings to hold the transmission in its current gear until the operator presses it again or changes direction, giving it the extra traction or torque required at that time. Hitachi’s parallel/tandem hydraulic circuit makes load lifting and dumping even more efficient. The Parallel Tilt & Lift movement smooths out digging operations while the Tandem function prioritizes the bucket while dumping, as an automatic return-to-dig function resets the bucket for the next load.

The ZW220-6 is all about working hard for long shifts. Hitachi has given due attention to its expected working conditions with a beefed-up structure, high ground clearance and a resilient cooling package. Standard equipment includes a reversible hydraulic on-demand cooling fan, which can be activated automatically or manually. Optional aluminum wide-fin cooling cores ensure high cooling efficiency as well as extending the service life free of corrosion. A new rear grill prevents raw material from entering the radiator compartment and protects it from debris. An exhaust-aspirated air cleaner and integrated precleaner removes large particulate matter from the air inlet, eliminating the need for turbine-type pre-cleaner. The loading arm on the ZW220-6 features a more robust cross-tube design to resist torsional stresses. A belly guard is also available to prevent damage to the powertrain and driveshaft in the most rugged terrain.

Fingertip steering with EStick

Goodbye DPF – hello SCR

Offered as an option, Hitachi’s new EStick steering system is an electric control over hydraulic steering system. Steering is operated by a fingertip lever that’s mounted just in front of the armrest. The EStick lever takes over from the steering wheel to give the operator effortless fine control of the machine’s movements. The electric drive does the work, while the operator can focus comfortably on positioning and moving the machine while maximizing productivity.

The best visibility in the business

A seamless front window, rounded engine cowling and redesigned ROPS frames allows Hitachi to claim the best visibility in the business. The clean 360º lines-of-sight highlighted in Dash-6 models are especially welcome on mid-size machines like this that often spend a lot of time in traffic. The exhaust and intake stacks of the ZW220-6 are relocated to the far rear end of the engine cover, minimizing their profile in the operator’s view. The rear pillars of the ROPS frame struts are mounted forward away from the rounded corners of the cab. An optional proximity detection system provides audible and visual alerts for stationary and moving objects up to 20 feet from the loader.

By eliminating DPF and its attendant regen cycles from the ZW220-6 power system, Hitachi now takes the industry lead in Tier 4 Final solutions for wheel loaders. Hitachi Dash-6 machines introduce a clean SCR system using a simple DEF system, designed to run efficiently without high engine temperatures and removing any concerns about idle times. Fleet managers can look forward to less downtime for engine maintenance and extended engine life to overhaul. The SCR opens up space in the engine compartment, too, to make life a little easier for service techs. An auto shutdown feature provides further savings on fuel and emissions, adding up to nearly 7% reduction in fuel cost during load-and-carry operations. Telematics with Hitachi’s Global e-Service allows ZW220-6 owners to monitor their loaders remotely for machine performance, daily operational reports, and remote diagnosis, as well as schedule maintenance dates. The results are also provided automatically in monthly email summaries, with Hitachi’s ConSite program. If this is what you are looking for from your next machine, talk to your local Hitachi dealer. For more information, visit hitachiwheelloaders.us

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| by Wayne Grayson |

WayneGrayson@randallreilly.com

Built Robotics bringing aftermarket robotics to dozers, excavators

fter unveiling a fully autonomous compact track loader in 2017, Built Robotics is now bringing full machine autonomy to bulldozers and excavators. The new products, which are undergoing testing, were developed as an answer to the worsening shortage of skilled equipment operators. The goal is to build robotic heavy equipment that can handle easier earthmoving tasks, freeing up experienced operators to handle more challenging ones around the jobsite, says Built founder and CEO Noah Ready-Campbell. The company’s R&D test fleet of about eight machines is made up of various models from different manufacturers. Built will sell an aftermarket kit that, once installed, can turn just about any modern CTL, dozer or excavator into an earthmoving robot. Despite the differences and challenges between the CTL, dozer and excavator, Ready-Campbell says that 55 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

much of Built’s code written for the respective autonomous systems is shared across all three machines. “[The CTL] almost became a test bed where we could test so many different activities,” Ready-Campbell says. “We put a dozer blade on it, an auger, a trencher, a bucket, forks, everything.” The company’s engineers approached the dozer and excavator with a defined set of tasks each machine should do on its own. The Built autonomous dozer can handle finish grading, spreading and pushing material, ripping and track walking. On the excavator, the primary jobs are foundation excavation, trenching and loading trucks. “Those are the main activities where we’ve gotten some hours in,” Ready-Campbell says. “And what stands out is the consistency.” He says that on a finish grading job the company’s autonomous dozer achieved the same amount of graded square footage each day.

Plus, Built has found across all its test projects that its autonomous machines use less fuel than human operators, Ready-Campbell says. With the dozer and excavator still in the testing phase on customer jobsites, Built plans to expand the list of supported machines to compactors and motor graders. Just don’t expect jobsites to start crawling with robotic machines anytime soon. Ready-Campbell says there’s at least another year or two for autonomous technology to reach scale on heavy equipment, and even then, he says, the robotic machines won’t outnumber their manned counterparts. Instead, you’ll have specialized robotic machines performing specific jobs and only in certain situations and environments. “Everybody has seen ‘Star Wars’ and they think you’re going to have all these droids running around,” he says. “As an engineer, I can tell you that’s not how it’s going to go down.”

landclearing attachments

| by Don McLoud |

DonMcLoud@randallreilly.com

Crush stone, mulch stumps

Seppiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supersoil forestry tiller and soil stabilizer can not only till the soil but crush rock as large as 16 inches and mulch stumps and roots up to 20 inches. It can till as deep as 12 inches and crush surface objects into a fine mulch to decompose. It comes in widths of 89 and 98 inches. The tractor attachment can also be used for creating and maintaining gravel roads, grinding building rubble on construction sites and clearing forests after wood has been harvested. Using the tiller, contractors were able to return 10 acres in Switzerland covered by a deadly rockslide in 2017 into arable land, according to the company.

Featured Partner

56 July 2019 | EquipmentWorld.com

Saw trees with rotating blade

Sidneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Power Tilt Tree Saw for skid steers can cut trees up to 2 feet in diameter along with brush. It can rotate 90 degrees to prune or cut down trees and is compatible with low- and high-flow skid steers. The saw can cut up the trees into manageable sizes. Its steel sawmill blade is designed for fast cutting. Eight Kodiak carbide teeth are held in place by rivets; Sidney provides a tool for their replacement. The blade is designed to eliminate pinching and binding. The saw is engineered to reduce heat and noise, as well as hose and gear box losses. It weighs about 950 pounds and has a universal quick attach mount.