Pit & Quarry articles from April 2005

Pit & Quarry archives from April 2005

From the road.(Out in Front: CRITICAL TRENDS AND TOPICS FROM PIT & QUARRY)
April 1, 2005... The crew at Orange County Choppers built this bike for Caterpillar Inc. Cat displayed the cycle at its booth during ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 in Las Vegas last month. The show spanned a record-breaking 1.88 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space by...

Stock watch.(Out in front: CRITICAL TRENDS AND TOPICS FROM PIT & QUARRY)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... STOCK WATCH (AT PRESS TIME) THIS MONTH LAST MONTH Cemex SA f 37.64 38.79 Eagle Materials d 82.50 78.30 Florida Rock Industries d 61.94 60.00...

Essential economics.(Out in front: CRITICAL TRENDS AND TOPICS FROM PIT & QUARRY)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The value of new construction starts in January retreated 2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $572.4 billion, reports McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Nonbuilding construction, at $90.8 billion...

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005.(Top News)
April 1, 2005... More than 124,220 industry professionals attend ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 March 15-19 in Las Vegas. The show featured the latest equipment and technology in the construction industries.

Tire Manufacturers.(Top News)
April 1, 2005... Tire Manufacturers at ConExpo-Con/Agg say they are working at full capacity as the demand for tires continues to exceed supply.

USGS.(Top News)
April 1, 2005... USGS says an estimated 2.86 billion metric tons of total aggregates are produced for consumption in 2004 - the highest production ever recorded in the United States.

Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA LU).(Top News)
April 1, 2005... The House passes the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA LU) by a vote of 417-9. The bill provides $284 billion in guaranteed funding for highways, transit and safety programs over the six-year term of the bill, FY 2004 to FY...

Survey says.(Out in Front: CRITICAL TRENDS AND TOPICS FROM PIT & QUARRY)
April 1, 2005... Have cell phones replaced radio communication between employees at your work site? Somewhat, we use both: 48% No, we still use radio communication: 35% Yes, we use cell phones only: 18%

Opening salvo.(building materials industry)(Editorial)
April 1, 2005... I've just returned from Con-Expo-ConAgg 2005, and 1.9-million sq. ft. and 125,000 people later, I can say without hesitation that equipment and technology; engineering and innovation; ideas and ingenuity were the highlights of the show. I never...

Wheel loaders.(Brand New: JUST RELEASED TO THE MARKET)
April 1, 2005... The Liebherr wheel loader series consists of the L 580, L 564, L 544 and the smallest of the wheel loaders, the L 524. The L 524 weighs 22,266 lb. and is powered by a 110-hp engine. The L 544 is equipped with a 3.93-cu.-yd. bucket, weighs...

Carbide insert.(Brand New: JUST RELEASED TO THE MARKET)
April 1, 2005... The new Marthon carbide insert for button bits offered by Rockmore International combines higher hardness properties with longer-lasting performance to handle extreme, abrasive rock-drilling conditions. This advanced carbide grade uses a newly...

Coupling guard.(Brand New: JUST RELEASED TO THE MARKET)
April 1, 2005... Orange Peel Type PCG pump coupling guards are now available from Falk Corp. for ANS and ISO pump connections. The company says Type PCG offers "trim & fit" convenience, low initial cost, safety compliance, simplified installation and reduced...

Oldcastle Mid-Atlantic names new president.(Stockpile: THE LATEST PRODUCER NEWS)(Randy G. Lake appointed)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Randy G. Lake was named president of Oldcastle Materials' Mid-Atlantic Group, comprised of Pennsy Supply, West Hazelton, Pa.; Slusser Brothers, Harrisburg, Pa.; and Tilcon-Delaware, Dover, Del. The Mid-Atlantic group serves Pennsylvania,...

Reedy named president of Hanson's Southwest region.(Stockpile)(Jon A. Reedy promoted)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Jim Kitzmiller, president of Hanson Aggregates, announced the promotion of Jon A. Reedy to the position of Southwest (SW) region president. The SW region encompasses various product lines, such as aggregates, sand and gravel, ready-mix concrete...

Rogers Group names new vice president.(Stockpile)(Steve Masie appointed)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Steve Masie was promoted to vice president of business development at Rogers Group. Masie will partner with division vice presidents to lead the company's business development initiatives, providing focused leadership in the areas of new...

Glenn Martin named recipient of Wendt Memorial Award.(Stockpile)
April 1, 2005... The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) has named Glenn L. Martin, president of Martin Stone Quarries Inc. of Bechtelsville, Pa., recipient of the eighth annual Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award for his dedication to the...

NSSGA to honor Luck Stone Corp.(Stockpile)(National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) honored the Luck Stone Corporation of Richmond, Va. at its annual convention in March in Las Vegas. The company received three major awards for its significant achievements in 2004. ...

Vulcan Materials Co.(A Closer Look)
April 1, 2005... Already the largest producer of aggregate in the United States, Vulcan Materials Co. took major steps in 2004 and early 2005 to strengthen its market focus, reserve base and cost structure. Vulcan agreed in the fourth quarter of 2004 to sell...

Events.(Stockpile)(Calendar)
April 1, 2005... April 29-May 2, 2005 NSSGA Young Leaders Council Annual Meeting Hilton Head, S.C. 800-342-1415 www.nssga.org May 15-20, 2005 IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Industry Technical Conference Kansas City, Mo. 610-264-6992...

Increased fuel efficiency by managing engine idle.(TechWatch: CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS)
April 1, 2005... Caterpillar Inc. has released a new engine idle software package to help maximize fuel efficiency and allow customer flexibility in managing work idle speeds. The new Engine Idle Management System (EIMS) is available for five Cat wheel loader...

Know the maximum lump size conveyed.
April 1, 2005... When choosing a proper belt width, it's imperative to consider the maximum lump size conveyed--not merely the average lump size--in order to ensure reliable, cost-efficient and safe operation. The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association...

MegaProducers 2005.(E&T: TOP PRODUCERS)
April 1, 2005... Following is Pit & Quarry's 2005 top producers list. This annual listing of high-volume producers is an enhanced and updated version of the list released by the U.S. Geological Survey. The list does not reflect changes in corporate ownership...

Rolling on: as they try to keep up with growing demand, tire manufacturers introduce new products and use new technology to help aggregate producers get the most out of the tires they have.(E&T: TIRES)(Cover Story)
April 1, 2005... A hot topic of conversation at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 was the limited supply of off-road tires, and tire manufacturers say there is no quick fix. Producers can expect to wait months to receive tire orders. In the meantime, tire manufacturers are...

A look inside: the benefits of proper maintenance, oil analysis and quality motor oil are revealed in an engine teardown conducted at Dolomite Products, the largest rock quarry in New York.(E&T: ENGINE MAINTENACE)
April 1, 2005... Dolomite Products Corp. was founded in 1920, originating from a single quarry in Rochester, N.Y., and over the years has grown rapidly to include six separate but cohesive divisions. Today, the corporation known as The Dolomite Group has more...

Hydraulic breakers.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... Atlas Copco Construction Tools Inc. introduces the HB 5800 hydraulic breaker attachment. Featuring Krupp percussion technology, the HB 5800 has a service weight of more than 6 tons and is ideal for primary and secondary quarry breaking....

Extended life coolant.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... ChevronTexaco Products Co.'s FleetFix Conversion Pack contains all the materials needed to convert conventional coolant currently being used in heavy-duty vehicles and stationary equipment to an extended life coolant (ELC) without having to...

Hydraulic coupler.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... John Deere's new Worksite Pro Hydraulic Quick Coupler is designed to allow users to quickly pick up and switch between backhoe loader attachments so they can get the job done faster than ever before. This coupler is designed for Deere's 310G,...

Suspension kit.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... Ridewell Corp. has developed a new air control kit for its RLT-230 Light-Trac air-ride/air-lift self-steering integrated suspension, as well as a tall-mount version of the suspension. The kit includes the control panel, brake pressure...

Air plasma cutting.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... Designed for superior cutting and gouging, the new Spectrum 1000 air plasma cutting and gouging system from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. offers increased flexibility with Auto-Line primary power management technology. Auto-Line allows automatic...

Pressure washers.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... Water Cannon announces a new line of mobile hot water pressure washers that are completely self-contained and turnkey. The line is revolutionary in design with a complete roll cage to protect its parts and allow for total mobility so it can go...

Motorized pulleys.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... Rulmeca Corp. produced a movie explaining the company's motorized pulleys. The second in a series of movies, this five-minute presentation explains how Rulmeca motorized pulleys offer superior performance in abrasive and corrosive environments....

Grease.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... BP Lubricants Americas introduced Castrol Pyroplex Protection ES, an anti-corrosion formula, extended service grease designed to shield against salt-related corrosion. Castrol Pyroplex Protection ES is a synthetic, lithium complex grease...

Hard surfacing wire.(Equipment Showcase: YOUR PRODUCTIVITY MARKETPLACE)
April 1, 2005... To improve resistance against adhesive (metal-to-metal) wear, abrasion and impact, Hobart Brothers introduces McKay ArmorWear open-arc, or self-shielded, flux-cored hard surfacing wire. As an overlay for carbon and low alloy steels on mining...

Suspension system.(Product Highlight)
April 1, 2005... The new AB-D suspension system from Lovejoy helps meet the challenge in a lighter duty operation that calls for the same type of shock absorption as in a larger-load operation, yet requires greater economies of scale. Compared to common...

Dust suppression equipment.(Product Highlight)
April 1, 2005... DustPro Spray Systems knock down airborne dust at the source and prevent dust generation at downstream screening, conveying and stacking operations using less than a gallon of water per ton. The DustPro features a 200 psi pump module, remote...

House passes TEA LU; state funding apportionments omitted.(National Affairs)(Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... On March 10, the House overwhelmingly passed the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA LU), H.R. 3, by a vote of 417-9. The bill provides $284 billion in guaranteed funding for highways, transit and safety programs over the...

OMB report details benefits of environmental rules.(National Affairs)
April 1, 2005... According to a March 9 draft report to Congress by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), major Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations imposed between $21 billion and $23 billion in annual compliance costs but provided at least...

Senate committee passes highway reauthorization bill.(National Affairs)
April 1, 2005... On March 16 and 17, the Senate Environment and Public Works and Banking Committees respectively passed a TEA-21 reauthorization bill with guaranteed funding of $284 billion for highways and mass transit. Environment Committee Chairman Jim...

Senate approves 'Reserve Fund' amendment to FY 2006 budget.(National Affairs)
April 1, 2005... The Senate budget resolution for fiscal year 2006 passed by a close vote of 52-48. Among the amendments debated were two noteworthy to the reauthorization of TEA 21. The Senate defeated an amendment (for budgetary purposes) to increase to $318...

Report Card for America's Infrastructure released.(National Affairs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, issued March 9 by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), assigned a cumulative grade of "D" for the nation's infrastructure. The report card found no improvement since the nation's...

Newborns spawn need for more mining.(National Affairs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The average American born last year will have a life span of 77.3 years and will need the mining of nearly 3.6 million lb. of minerals and metals to sustain the standard of living during their lifetime. According to the Mineral Information...

Pennsylvania.(Northeast)
April 1, 2005... The Paradise Watchdogs has formed a medical advisory board that the group hopes will uncover evidence linking the emission of fine dust from quarries to lung damage. The Paradise Watchdogs is a group of citizens opposed to the operation of a...

Georgia.(Southeast)(quarrying hours)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... For the second time, the Hall County Board of Commissioners postponed a decision to extend operating hours for a South Hall quarry, disappointing some 30 residents who showed up to protest. LaFarge Aggregates Southeast Inc., which owns the...

Kentucky.(Southeast)(Sand and gravel mining)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Before the Kentucky House voted to legalize overweight gravel trucks on the state's roads, joining the overweight coal trucks already allowed, lawmakers heard the same dire warning time and again throughout a long debate. The survival of the...

North Carolina.(Southeast)(permit for rock quarry)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The N.C. Division of Air Quality has scheduled a public hearing on an air quality permit for a proposed Rutherford County rock quarry. Florida Rock Industries Inc. has applied for a permit to build and operate a new rock quarry off Flat Rock...

Michigan.(North Central)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... With assurances that stockpiled sand and dirt will be stabilized to prevent blowing, Riverfront Sand and Gravel gained approval for a major change to its sand-mining operation in Byron Township. The change allows the company to open more of the...

Ohio.(North Central)(Ohio Drilling and Blasting Conference )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The Ohio Drilling and Blasting Conference was held February 24 and 25 at the Holiday Inn East in Columbus. The featured speaker was Jeff Hermanson, explosives engineer and mountain carver with Crazy Horse Memorial. Several other seminars and...

Wisconsin.(North Central)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The board of directors of the Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin (APW) recently announced their Legislator of the Year awards. The awards are presented each year to one legislator from the State Assembly and one from the State Senate who best...

Alabama.(South Central)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Most opponents of a proposed limestone quarry in Gurley got what they wanted recently when the Planning Commission voted to recommend the Town Council adopt "agricultural" zoning for the site, which does not, itself, allow the quarry to operate...

Arkansas.(South Central)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The state Department of Environmental Quality has issued a notice of its intent to deny a permit for a proposed in-stream gravel-mining operation on South Sylamore Creek in Stone County. Mountain View Ready Mix Inc. wants permission to...

Texas.(South Central)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A proposed rock quarry in Austin is stirring up opposition from Coalby Canyon residents, many of them retired, who are concerned about daylong noise, dust, visual impacts and traffic in their quiet, tucked-away, low-density neighborhood. The...

Kansas.(Mountain)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... For the fourth time since August 2004, Johnson County commissioners have delayed action on a limestone quarry near De Soto. Commissioners recently agreed to table the to give land reclamation experts hired by the board and the mining company...

California.(Pacific)
April 1, 2005... Southern California air quality regulators have adopted new rules they say will reduce the amount of dust in the air. The South Coast Air Quality Management District last week introduced a host of new regulations for sand and gravel mining...

Washington.(Pacific)
April 1, 2005... Big trucks loaded with rock and gravel pass through Duvall, on a schedule sometimes clocked in minutes, from a pair of quarries just over the line in Snohomish County and from three more up in Monroe. Nearby residents have often complained of...

Major Wire Industries, Ltd.(PRODUCT PROFILES)
April 1, 2005... The Flex-Mat revolution continues with Flex-Mat 3 For more than 120 years, Major Wire has made more than screen media in one of the largest dedicated manufacturing facilities in the industry. We have created screening solutions to generate...

Unseen + unsuspected x unevaluated = trouble.(Safety: KEY ISSUES)
April 1, 2005... Cosmologists agree that there is a great deal of invisible or dark matter in the universe. The counter cook who fries my Saturday morning eggs at the local Waffle House, upon being informed of this profound fact, asked if it would affect the...

Deadly shovel.(moving machinery safety standards)
April 1, 2005... In past articles, I have mentioned that MSHA regulations requiring protective guarding of moving machinery are cited more than any other standard at surface metal and nonmetal plants. The basic purpose of guards, of course, is to prevent...

Supreme Court will review injured miners' claim against MSHA.(Legal Highlights: KEY ISSUES)(Mine Safety and Health Administration)
April 1, 2005... The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a federal court ruling allowing two miners seriously injured in a rock fall at an Asarco Mine to sue MSHA under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The high court granted the government's petition...

Industry keeps eye on oil prices, highway bill.(Economics: KEY ISSUES)(House transportation bill)
April 1, 2005... Key Points * Industry groups have applauded a House transportation proposal that would peg funding at nearly $284 billion over six years. Trade representatives and lawmakers have been doing considerable handholding, and the industry is...

January construction slides 2 percent.(Economics)
April 1, 2005... The value of new construction starts in January retreated 2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $572.4 billion, reports McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. The pattern of activity by major sector was...

Road construction expected to gain in 2005.(Economics)
April 1, 2005... In its "2005 U.S. Markets Construction Overview," management consulting firm FMI Corp. has an optimistic view for highway and road construction. FMI says despite several obstacles and market uncertainties over the past 12 months, the U.S....

Lafarge's McClain is safety pro of the year.(Stockpile)
April 1, 2005... Dan McClain, director of training and program development for Lafarge Construction Materials has been named the 2004 National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association James M. Christie Safety and Health Professional of the Year. The award was...

NRMCA unveils new logo at ConExpo-Con/Agg.(Stockpile)
April 1, 2005... The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) has unveiled a new logo as part of its 75th anniversary celebration. The logo was shown for the first time during the association's annual convention during ConExpo-Con/Agg. The green...

Looking to buy? Contact these advertisers for your equipment and service needs.(Directory)
April 1, 2005... Associations/Shows/Auctions Coal Prep Show 800-927-5007 www.coalprepshow.com Hillhead 2005 +44 (0) 115-941-1315 www.hillhead.com National Stone, Sand and...