Construction Equipment articles from January 2006

Construction Equipment archives from January 2006

Firm Foundation.
January 1, 2006... By Rod Sutton, Editor in Chief In reviewing Construction Equipment 's Annual Report & Forecasts from the past few years, we realize just how much the process of renewing the Federal transportation funding bill has affected the industry....

Construction Expands, Project Mix Changes.
January 1, 2006... By Jim Haughey, Director of Economics Real construction spending after inflation will grow about 3 percent in 2006, slightly slower than the overall economy for the second year in a row. Including inflation, spending will increase 6 percent...

Ready to Go to Work.
January 1, 2006... By Rod Sutton, Editor in Chief Last year, we reported contractors' penchant for patience in forecasting business performance for 2005. A delayed Federal transportation bill and a contentious Presidential election were keeping a lid on...

Even Better than Expected.
January 1, 2006... Staff Nonconstruction firms outperformed expectations in 2005 and will carry forward these levels into 2006. Utilities and mining and energy fleets show the strongest performance, returning to the high levels of business not seen for...

Battered Fleet Budgets.
January 1, 2006... Staff For the third consecutive year, fleet funding has plummeted for many government agencies. Although the total net (the percent reporting increases minus the percent reporting decreases) was flat in 2005, state fleets continue to fight...

All Cylinders Firing.
January 1, 2006... Staff Not only did rental dealers exceed their high expectations for 2005 and have an "excellent" year, but they also increased margins and rental rates. In our survey of members of the American Rental Association, we found an...

Back at the Top?
January 1, 2006... Staff A cursory glance at the business year trends for distributors shows a steep drop culminating in the lowest possible rating in 2002. But the recovery has been dramatic, with distributors' rating rebounding from "poor" in 2003 to...

High-Tech Grade Control Hits Slipform Pavers.
January 1, 2006... By Larry Stewart, Executive Editor Paver manufacturers haven't stopped selling easy transportation and width changes, but paving without stringline may become the next big market driver Meeting the challenges of moving a concrete paver...

Buying File Gallery.
January 1, 2006... By Staff GOMACO Larry Stewart Wired for Stringless Paving GOMACO combines its G21 electronic controller and the Leica three-dimensional grading system to control a paver's direction and grade without stringline. Stringless...

New "Double Barrel" Is Cat's Big Gun.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The 657G scraper provides fast cycle times, ease of service and operator comfort Caterpillar's 657G waits on the sprawling shore of the Pacific. Operated by Sukut Construction, one of...

Excavator Makeover Reshapes Doosan Daewoo's Value.
January 1, 2006... By Larry Stewart, Executive Editor 21st-Century engines, electronics and structure designs transform a price leader into a technology contender Daewoo's new owner, Doosan Infracore, aims at lofty sales growth in North America with its...

Fiscal Responsibility.
January 1, 2006... Rod Sutton, Editor in Chief Damage done by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita requires massive rebuilding, and the effort to accomplish these tasks has pulled equipment out of the North American distribution channel. Equipment managers in all the...

Three Ways to Account for Undercarriage Costs.
January 1, 2006... By Mike Vorster, Contributing Editor Track maintenance is infrequent, yet expensive, so the budget process must be well considered Undercarriage costs deserve special attention for two reasons. First, advances in crawler-tractor design...

Rewarding Teamwork Turns a Shop Around.
January 1, 2006... By Larry Stewart, Executive Editor Incentives and recognition programs motivate shop employees to balance a budget that had been running at $1.5-million deficits Marilyn Rawlings was senior budget analyst with the Lee County...

Chrome Glints from Mack's Rawhide Tractor.
January 1, 2006... By Tom Berg, Truck Editor Attention-grabbing trim boosts egos but doesn't tarnish this rig's basic toughness Can you say chrome? Here's another way: "Rawhide." That's the latest iteration of Mack Trucks' CH highway tractor, available...

Koerhing's Answer To Wheel Loaders.
January 1, 2006... By Keith Haddock, Contributing Editor Skooper attachment to cable excavator increases dipper capacity four-fold In the late 1950s and early 1960s, cable-shovel manufacturers began to feel threatened by developments in competitive types...

Volvo.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor Models ECR28, ECR38, ECR58 and ECR88 excavators have a special swing system rear frame and counterweight design that allows high maneuverability and enhanced safety. New generation direct-injection Volvo...

Link-Belt.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor The RTC-8065 Series II rough-terrain crane was introduced earlier this year as a 60-ton-capacity model, but now has a base rating of 65 tons. It has a fully rigged and transport weight of less than 90,000...

Manitou.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor With a rated operating capacity of 6,000 pounds, the MT 6034 telehandler has a lift height of 34 feet 3 inches. It has a welded box-section design boom and is available with either a 99- or 115-hp John...

Vermeer.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor RT950 and RT1250 trenchers feature upgrades including more horsepower. RT950 replaces Vermeer's V8550A and has a 99-hp Cummins B4.5T turbocharged engine. The trencher works to depths of 72 inches with...

Genie.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor The GS-68 RT scissor lifts now have traction-control drive systems that allow each wheel to work independently of the others. If one tire loses contact, the unit maintains 75 percent of its power, the...

Champion.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor Next-generation motor graders -- C80 C and C86 C -- offer a complete redesign of the front axle that provides 50 degrees of steering angle left and right, compared to 35 degrees on its predecessor. The...

Gehl.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor E-Series consists of six skid-steer loaders with rated operating loads from 1,175 to 2,900 pounds (when optional counterweights are used). Horsepower ranges from 46 to 82. On the 4640E and 4840E, Gehl...

Terex Roadbuilding.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor Terex reentered the barrier, curb-and-gutter paver market with the Terex A* CMI three-track BCG3303. Narrow transport width enables the unit to be quickly transported without disassembly. The modular curb...

Load Lifter.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor Open-center (no through axle), hydraulic lift carriers include the T-24 with standard bed length of 28 feet and 30,000-pound capacity, and the T-40 with a 60-foot standard bed length and 50,000-pound...

Doosan Infracore.
January 1, 2006... By Katie Weiler, Managing Editor Daewoo's new Korean owner aims at lofty sales growth in North America with its new DX Series excavators branded Doosan Daewoo. Four models, spanning 66,000 to 105,000 pounds, are expected to be available in...

Volvo's 70-ton Excavators Set to Arrive in North American Market.
January 1, 2006... Staff Having introduced its 70-ton excavator last March during Conexpo/Con-Agg, Volvo Construction Equipment is ready to deliver the machine into North American markets. Production of the machine began in October 2005, with field...

Hertz Division Expands to Four More Locations.
January 1, 2006... Staff Hertz Equipment Rental's Power Generation Services provides portable power solutions and power-distribution products for rental or sale. Originally launched in 2004 at the Hertz Equipment Rental facility in Atlanta, the division has...

Smoother Roads on the Way.
January 1, 2006... Staff Roadtec has announced a series of workshops designed to increase the skill levels of employees of asphalt-paving companies -- the very people responsible for the quality and smoothness of the country's pavements. Both classroom...

AEM Elects New Officers.
January 1, 2006... Staff The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has elected Gerald Shaheen (pictured), group president of Caterpillar, to be its 2006 Chairman. Additional elected officers for 2006 include: First Vice Chairman Dennis Eagan,...

Eliminate Hose-Maintenance Guesswork.
January 1, 2006... Staff Goodyear Engineered Products has a new online tracking system (Goodyear Hose Trakker Online) that monitors hose assemblies from pre-installation through the life of the product. This Web-based tool is available only to Goodyear Star...

World of Asphalt Growing Strong.
January 1, 2006... Staff The World of Asphalt 2006 Show and Conference set a new exhibit-space record, with more than 135 companies reserving more than 56,000 square feet of exhibit space. The show will be held March 13 through 16, 2006, at the Orange County...

Status and Forecast.
January 1, 2006... Staff Construction-Equipment Price Index Staff Construction-equipment prices have been nearly steady after a 3-percent price increase last spring. Credit the end of the price spurt to steady to slightly lower steel prices due to...

Atlas Copco.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The HB4200 breaker has a service weight of more than 4 tons. It accepts a maximum hydraulic flow of 84 gpm at 2,610 psi of pressure and delivers an impact rate to 530 bpm. AutoControl monitors...

Bomag.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The ProTack TW500 tack wagon features a heavy-duty 12-gpm direct-drive asphalt pump powered by a 5.5-hp Honda engine. An adjustable relief valve allows maximum control of pressure and volume,...

Michelin.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Two new tires are available: XZSL Stabil'X for skid-steers and the XM37 for backhoe-loaders and material handlers. XZSL steel-belted radial has a steel casing and special rubber compounds to...

TransTech Systems.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The Shoulder Wedge Maker (SWM) shapes the edge of an HMA mat on shoulderless roads. It mounts on the screed extension face against the end gate of any asphalt paver and develops a 30-degree...

Miller Electric.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The Bobcat 250 welding generator is driven by a Kubota diesel that produces 19 hp at 3,600 rpm. Fully enclosed, the generator provides 10,000 watts of useable peak power and 9,500 watts of...

ConocoPhillips.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Kendall Super Three Star Synthetic Gear Lubricant and 76 Triton SynLube LDO are formulated for extended-drain service in automotive differentials, such as line-haul trucks and other commercial...

Parker Hannifin.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Designed to replace the existing 301 Series hose, Parker Hannifin's 302/301 hose features a universal two-wire construction hose to meet global customer requirements. The new hose offers...

Mechanical Advantage.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The Drum Doctor reshapes damaged traffic barrels onsite or offsite. It accommodates all standard makes of round channelizer drums. No heating is required for repair. The Drum Doctor can be...

Bernard.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The Q-Gun line of MIG guns have upgraded back end assemblies. Models range from 150- to 600-amp units with five handle designs, multiple trigger options, and a rotating or fixed neck. For...

Dana.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Three Dana Spicer tridem drive axles are designed to reduce lifecycle costs and improve reliability. The T69-170HP Series is rated to 200,000 pounds GCWR and is ideal for construction,...

Fecon.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Ideal for clearing brush and removing debris and logs, the HD60 Root Grapple for skid-steer loaders is designed with a ridged frame and serrated front tines for ripping and grabbing. The...

Dynamic Power Source.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Two new versions of the PowerBox 3-in-1 welder/generator/compressor are available. The PowerBox 280MP features an 18-hp gasoline engine. A 20-cfm compressor and 200-amp/5,500-watt...

Trimble.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The Spectra Precision HV401 Horizontal Vertical Laser features one-button self-leveling and long-range remote control. The new dustproof, waterproof laser is designed for...

Weldcraft.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor WP17 and WP17V 150-amp TIG torches are air-cooled. Torches measure 7.75 inches and weigh 6 ounces. Ribbed handles allow for cool operation and operator comfort. They are available with 12.5-...

Multiquip.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The DLW-300ES welder/generator delivers premium productivity at half the rpm, the company says, while using half the fuel of its predecessor. The unit is a midsize 300-amp welder and 10kW...

Subaru Robin.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The 2-inch PKX201T trash pump is rated at 6 horsepower and offers a delivery volume of 185 gpm. The 3-inch PTV305T trash pump features an 8.5-hp engine and a delivery volume of 343 gpm. At 11...

AIM Attachments.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The company has introduced a new line of skid-steer-loader attachments that includes a low-profile bucket. The buckets have a durable, compact design for visibility of the cutting edge. A low...

PWCE.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor An 8-foot jib attachment for the bucket end of wheel loaders features a 36-inch magnet for unloading materials. For more information, visit ConstructionEquipment.com/info

Drill Doctor.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The upgraded 750X drill-bit sharpener features a more streamlined profile for easier handling and durability. The user can create a custom variable-point angle between 115 and 140 degrees. The...

Toro.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The Dingo 323 mini-skid-steer now offers 10.8 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow at 3,250 psi. Independent four-wheel-drive system directs hydraulic flow and pressure to all four wheels for...

TrynEx.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The SnowEx Vee Pro 3000 bulk spreader has a corrosion-resistant hopper and fits intermediate/import trucks and heavy-duty utility vehicles. The inverted V-style hopper carries a 0.5-cubic-yard...

Lincoln Electric.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Housed in a compact, corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel case, the Vantage 400 welder/generator features Lincoln Chopper Technology that delivers great starts and a smooth arc for stick,...

Weldcraft.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor WP-20 and WP-20P water-cooled TIG torches have compact, lightweight designs and provide 250 and 225 amps, respectively. Around-the-head cooling design reduces weld discontinuities caused by...

Bernard.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Compatible with the company's Q-gun for MIG welding, Jump Liners connect with standard liners at the base of the Q-gun's rotating neck, then run through the most common wear points to the...

Ridewell.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor The RCA-215 Flex-Mount Auxiliary Axle Suspension for vocational trucks is a non-steerable, air-ride/air-lift unit that offers weight savings of 50 to 72 pounds compared to Ridewell's Model...

Multiquip.
January 1, 2006... By Heather Burlingame, Senior Production Editor Single-speed CDM-1H core drill is for wet-drilling applications up to 3 inches in diameter, or it can be used with Multiquip's Cobra dry-drilling bits up to 5 inches. The 11-amp, 115-v...

How to Analyze Oil Analysis.
January 1, 2006... By G.C. Skipper, Contributing Editor You have the report, but it's what you do with the information that keeps the machines operating It has been said that oil analysis is 85 percent science and 15 percent art. The science part applies...

What Speed Bump?
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor ASV's new SR-Series rubber-track loaders -- so freshly designed that they share just a handful of part numbers with the company's other models -- feature a supple new undercarriage that soaks up obstacles in...

Briggs & Stratton.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor Briggs & Stratton's new gasoline-powered 2200 pressure washer delivers a flow volume of 2.2 gpm at 2,200 psi maximum pressure. The unit is equipped with four nozzles, which are designed to automatically adjust...

Hotsy.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor The Hotsy 1200-Series includes eight models of self-contained, gasoline-powered (either Honda or Briggs & Stratton Vanguard), hot-water pressure washers that feature an integral roll cage that secures the...

Coleman.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor The extensive line of Coleman pressure washers includes the model PW0933501, which can operate at 3,500 psi and supply a flow of 4 gpm. The machine is powered by a commercial-grade EH41 Robin engine rated at...

Mi-T-M.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor Mi-T-M manufactures a wide range of pressure washers, including gasoline-powered direct-drive and belt-drive models, electric direct-drive and belt-drive models, diesel-powered belt-drive models,...

Landa.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor The gasoline-powered, diesel-heated PGHW Series from Landa includes four models with flow volumes from 3.5 to 4.8 gpm and pressures from 3,000 to 4,000 psi. All four models are skid-mounted and encased in a...

Campbell Hausfeld.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor A gas-powered, 9-hp Robin Subaru engine allows the Maxus PW3005 pressure washer from Campbell Hausfeld to deliver 4.0 gpm at 3,000 psi. The PW3005 features fully adjustable pressure settings and quick-connect...

Sioux.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor The Dakota Series from Sioux Steam Cleaner features hot pressure washers and steam cleaner models designed for the construction industry. Model H4D2000 delivers 4 gpm of 200F water at 2,000 psi, and can be...

Graco.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor Graco's G-Force selection of pressure washers includes nine gasoline-powered models, which range in horsepower from 6.5 to 16, in flow volumes from 2.7 to 6 gpm, and in pressure from 2,700 to 4,000 psi. The...

Delco.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor The RK-43 hot, high-pressure washer from Delco Cleaning Systems of Ft. Worth features an 18-hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine with a 16-gallon fuel tank, and also a 16-gallon diesel tank for the hot-water...

Karcher.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor Karcher's range of pressure washers includes 12 models -- eight gasoline-powered and four diesel-powered -- with cleaning power ranging from 3.9 to 5.6 gpm at pressures from 3,000 to 3,500 psi. The model HDS...

Hydro Tek.
January 1, 2006... By Walt Moore, Senior Editor The HX Series models, says Hydro Tek, "combine the cleaning power of high-pressure with the grease-cutting effectiveness of hot water." The HX Series uses a high-output diesel-fired burner and features the...

Mack Announces New MP Engines, Roomier Granite.
January 1, 2006... By Tom Berg, Truck Editor A new engine family will replace current ASET engines by January '07; an extra 4 inches in Granite cab provides more leg and belly room Mack Trucks says its anticipated new engine family will begin production...

What's New In Concrete?
January 1, 2006... By Diana Granitto, Contributing Editor You'll find out in the following equipment round-up from World of Concrete exhibitors Case Diana Granitto K Series crawler dozers offer a quiet, high-visibility cab, powerful dual-path...