Compact Equipment Blog

There is an ongoing debate about what solution is best to make new diesel engines comply with the U.S. EPA’s Interim Tier 4 (IT4) emissions regulations for 2011: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Both have their merits, and customers need to determine which technology bests meets their needs.

Let’s compare the two technologies for the new off-road diesel-powered equipment you may be considering for 2011.

“Cooled” EGR is not new. But for IT4, EGR engines will have exhaust filters, consisting of a diesel oxidation catalyst/diesel particulate filter, added in place of a muffler. It will use one fluid – diesel fuel, making it a simple, operator-friendly solution. John Deere believes this IT4 solution is the right technology, right now, and has chosen this technology path to meet IT4 requirements. Many other construction equipment manufacturers have chosen EGR, as well.

Deere has already proven the performance and reliability of EGR technology on its Tier 3 engines in demanding off-highway applications such as construction, agriculture and forestry. Also, Deere has successfully completed testing of IT4 EGR engines in the 744K 4WD loader, the company’s first IT4 machine over 175 hp, in temperature extremes from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Laredo, Texas, and at altitudes to 10,500 ft.

The diesel particulate filter does require periodic cleaning, known as regeneration, to burn up accumulated soot. During most operating conditions, regeneration occurs automatically and does not impact machine operation.

In contrast, SCR is much different, requiring the use of a second fluid, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), in the machine.

SCR does allow a manufacturer to use lower base-engine technology; however, it requires other unique parts and components for the system. These include an SCR Catalyst, SCR decomposition tube, a DEF-fluid storage tank, anti-tampering devices, a DEF-tank-level indicator, DEF tank filter and DEF tank heater (as DEF can freeze in cold weather), as well as heated lines between the tank, a control unit and dosage regulator.

A number of on-highway truck diesel engine makers have embraced this technology, with the promise of DEF being available at truck stops just like diesel fuel. But what if your off-highway equipment is scattered across jobsites and it’s inconvenient or impossible to take it over-the-road?

Overall, you need to consider the availability, cost and storage concerns associated with the second fluid required for SCR, in addition to greater total fluid consumption compared to EGR.

It’s also a good idea to look for a proven, simple solution that’s integrated into an engine from the design stage, supported by a manufacturer who makes both the engine and the iron it powers. That way, the complete equipment package is built to maximize performance, operator convenience, fuel economy and overall value.

Check John Deere's Sustainability Tip One, Two, Three and Four.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is giving three cheers for the U.S. Senate. Yesterday, the ABC applauded the U.S. Senate’s July 27 rejection to debate the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act (S. 3628.) This legislation was designed to offset the effects of a January Supreme Court decision lifting many of the restrictions on corporate political campaign contributions. However, it would adversely impact the free speech rights of ABC and its members in the political process.

“The DISCLOSE Act is a direct attack on ABC members, and the association as a whole,” said 2010 ABC national chairman Jim Elmer, founder and president of James W. Elmer Construction Co., Spokane, Wash. “We will fight every attempt by this Congress and the president to silence our voices in the political process as guaranteed under the First Amendment.”

The DISCLOSE Act would have banned certain campaign-related activity by businesses with government contracts, but no similar restrictions are imposed on labor unions that receive federal grants or negotiate collective bargaining agreements with the federal government. The legislation also would have required businesses and trade associations to disclose donors who gave $600 or more towards a candidate without placing the same requirement on labor unions. In addition, the DISCLOSE Act would have imposed onerous mandatory disclosures for political television and radio advertisements that would use nearly half the time available for a :30 second ad.

Preceding the vote, ABC sent a letter to members of the U.S. Senate expressing strong opposition to the legislation. In addition, ABC is counting votes on the DISCLOSE Act as “key votes” for its 111th Congressional Scorecard.

To travel through 100 mph winds and softball-size hail, tornado chaser Tim Samaras, star of the hit television show "Storm Chasers" on Discovery Channel, needed a dependable truck he could drive into the eye of the storm. So he turned to leading truck cap manufacturer A.R.E. to help him create the ultimate tornado-chasing vehicle: The A.R.E. TWISTEX Probe. 
     
The TWISTEX Probe is a 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 outfitted with A.R.E.'s Deluxe Commercial Unit (DCU) Series truck cap and numerous aftermarket accessories designed to increase the vehicle's functionality in severe weather. Samaras is the principal investigator for TWISTEX -- a Tactical Weather Instrumented Sampling in-near Tornados Experiment team that measures wind speed, direction, temperature and other variables to help meteorologists understand why twisters form and how they become so powerful.
     
"I started scientific storm chasing about 10 years ago when I developed the next generation of tornado probes that our team deploys into the path of oncoming tornados," Samaras said. "Because these instruments weigh more than 400 lbs. each and measure about 3 feet high when stored, a traditional truck cap wouldn't work. We needed a durable shell that could keep this equipment safe, so we enlisted the help of A.R.E. who manufactured a 44-inch tall truck cap specifically for our needs."
     
A.R.E. also retrofitted the DCU truck cap with side toolboxes to fit Samaras' smaller probes and customized it to accommodate a 1,500-lb Tommy Gate Lift Gate on the rear of the truck. Manufactured from .035 aluminum, the DCU features Strattec lock cylinders in folding t-handles on all doors for added security, as well as Suspa gas props on all doors.
     
"We are very excited to partner with Samaras to develop a rugged, highly efficient truck that his team can use to chase tornados across the Midwest," said Bryan Baker, director of marketing, A.R.E. "The TWISTEX Probe and our Deluxe Commercial Unit truck cap have been completely coated with Line-X Spray-On Protectant to shield it from intense weather and hail damage."
     
In addition to the cap and spray-on liner, a variety of accessories have been added to enhance the truck's overall functionality, including Pilot Automotive aluminum floor mats; laptop holders and accessories from Jotto Desk; a Hellwig Products suspension system; the Warn Industries Power Plant HD with winch, air compressor and grill guard; Luverne Grip Step side entry steps; a back-up camera and LCD monitor from SPAL USA; Goodyear Silent Armour tires; auxiliary lighting from Hella Automotive Lighting. 
     
A.R.E. dealer Suburban Toppers (Denver, Colo.) installed the truck cap for Samaras, while Line-X of South Metro (Littleton, Colo.) provided the spray-on liner application and Mastercraft Truck Equipment (Englewood, Colo.) installed the Tommy Gate and other equipment.
     
Samaras is currently using the A.R.E. TWISTEX Probe on tornado-chasing missions from the team's home base in Colorado all the way to Texas, Indiana and even Canada, covering nearly 30,000 miles in the next two months.  Footage from these trips will be featured in Season 4 of "Storm Chasers," which premieres this fall on Discovery Channel. 

Doosan Portable Power has included Central Diesel Inc. of Richmond, Va., as an authorized retail dealer of its Ingersoll Rand-branded line of mobile generators and light towers for the central and Tidewater regions of Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

Central Diesel is a full-service company specializing in fuel injection and diesel engine systems. The company was founded in 1972 by Martin Wittersheim and services the marine, construction, mining, rental and industrial markets, as well as the military and government agencies. Central Diesel provides sales and support of diesel engines from five to 5,000 horsepower. The addition of mobile generators complements the company’s portfolio and positions Central Diesel as a solutions provider for its current customer base.

“We wanted a proven product for our customers,” said Bill Oehlschlager, president of Central Diesel Inc. “We looked for a brand of generators with an excellent reputation and long history for quality products, leading us to Doosan Portable Power. We believe in long lasting relationships with our customers and will only sell and service quality products that enhance our business relationships.”

Central Diesel will offer the 10 models of mobile generators from Doosan Portable Power ranging from 25 kVA to 570 kVA. All models are suited for use in construction, rental and specialty applications, with features that include a rugged enclosure ensuring noise levels as low as 66 dB(A), and an innovative environmental containment system that can contain and prevent spillage of 110 percent of all fuel, oil and coolant volume.

“We are pleased that Central Diesel recognizes Doosan Portable Power as a leader in the generator market, and we will provide full support in their efforts to expand into power generation,” said Rita Moore, director of sales, North America, Doosan Portable Power.

Please visit Doosan Portable Power's website for more information. You can also follow the company on Twitter and become their Facebook fan.

The Robert A. Young building in St. Louis, Mo. has been standing for nearly 80 years, but it is the first construction site in the U.S. that has been designated 100 percent AWPT-trained. AWPT (American Work Platform Training) is the North American subsidiary of IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) that manages the training program in the North American market.

AWPT-trained employees from access specialists Goedecke planned the 20-story building project. AWPT-trained installers erected the mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs). AWPT-certified instructor, Bobby Reese from Mastclimbers LLC, trained 56 employees of contractor Superior Waterproofing as the first MCWP operators to hold the PAL Card (Powered Access Licensed-Registration).

The building was originally built in 1931 as a railroad warehouse and is being restored and repaired. Acquired by the federal government in 1941, the building is now eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It houses many government departments, including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

MCWP operator training is new for the industry and is composed of modules that cover regulations, safe use, daily and weekly inspections, practical use, and understanding of operating instructions and load charts. After being trained, an operator needs to be familiarized on the site-specific MCWP that he or she is going to use.

“The new operator card will make the MCWP industry in the U.S. a lot safer in all aspects,” said Kevin O’Shea of Mastclimbers LLC, who is also chairman of IPAF’s International Mast Climbing Work Platform Committee. O’Shea was instrumental in starting up the new MCWP operator course.

MCWP training covers the categories: Operator, Demonstrator, Installer, Advanced Installer and Instructor. Successful completion of training leads to the award of the PAL Card as proof of training. The PAL Card is recognized by the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA), which also offers the MCWP training program through SIA accredited training institutes.

For more information, visit the IPAF website.

JCB has launched new smartphone-friendly mobile websites for all dealers participating in the JCB Dealer Website Program. The new mobile sites are designed to provide an optimal browsing experience and easy site navigation for on-the-go customers.
 
JCB has worked with Equipment Web Services, a division of Dominion Enterprises headquartered in Norfolk, Va., to develop the sites. The mobile websites can automatically detect if a visitor is using a mobile device and seamlessly adjust the content format to fit smartphones including the iPhone, BlackBerry, Droid and EVO. Mobile customers are now able to search for inventory, promotions, store hours and directions to the dealership as well as submit contact information directly through the mobile website.
 
“We are thrilled to have this new mobile capability,” said Tracy Clark, vice president of JCB of Milwaukee. “This site is an awesome tool for our salesmen. Now they have access to information anytime, anywhere without having to get onto a laptop or notebook.”
 
“We are excited to provide this new technology to the JCB Dealer Website Program,” said Jennie Davis, OEM relationship manager for Equipment Web Services. “The mobile websites will not only increase JCB’s ever-growing footprint in North America, but will also ultimately provide yet another avenue of additional revenue for JCB website program dealers.”
 
With more than 30 dealers enrolled in the JCB Dealer Website Program, it will now be even easier for customers and prospects to interact with their JCB dealers. For more information about JCB’s industry-leading equipment for the construction, agriculture, industrial and waste/recycling markets, call JCB’s North American Headquarters in Savannah at (912) 447-2000 or visit www.jcbna.com. To find a JCB dealer in your area, visit www.jcbna.com/find_dealer.htm.

The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration July 8 issued an interim final rule requiring federal contractors to report first-tier contracts once they are awarded and the compensation amounts for the five top-earning executives of their first-tier subcontractor. 

The rule implements a section of the Government Funding Transparency Act of 2008, which amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA). FFATA required the Office of Management and Budget to create a public website containing information about government contracts when they are awarded. 

The contract reporting requirements apply to federal contractors who had a gross revenue of at least $300,000 in the preceding tax year. These requirements also dictate that all first-tier subcontracts worth at least $25,000, including options, be reported. The compensation reporting requirements apply to contractors and subcontractors that received at least 80 percent of their annual gross revenue totaling at least $25 million from federal contracts, loans, grants or cooperative agreements, and do not already report that information in other filings with the Securities Exchange Commission or the Internal Revenue Service. 

Although the compensation rule is effective immediately, the subcontract reporting rule will be phased in. Starting immediately, the subcontract reporting requirements apply to prime contracts of at least $20 million. Beginning Oct. 1, the rule will apply to prime contracts worth at least $550,000, and on March 1, 2011, the full rule will kick in and apply to all contracts worth $25,000 or more.  

Contractors can report the required information by using the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Sub-award Reporting System (FSRS) and the information will be available to the public at USASpending.gov. 

Wacker Neuson is seeing green after a successful and profitable second quarter. According to provisional figures, the company managed as expected to increase Q2 revenue relative to both the first quarter of the current fiscal year and the same quarter last year and post positive earnings once again. In addition, the Wacker Neuson Group reports a healthy revival of order intake. Order backlog for compact equipment at the end of June 2010 was 350 percent higher than the corresponding figure for the same period last year.

Further Increase in Revenue and Earnings in Q2
Although sales in the first quarter were squeezed by a harsh winter in the United States and Europe, demand in the second quarter picked up further as expected and as indicated at the world’s largest construction fair Bauma in April. According to provisional figures, quarterly revenue for the Wacker Neuson Group is expected to reach EUR 205.3 million, up 36.6 percent on the first quarter and 31.2 percent on the same period last year (Q1 2010: EUR 150.3 million; Q2 2009: EUR 156.5 million). These figures reflect the positive trend in the light equipment segment in particular. The forward-looking cost-efficiency measures introduced back at the end of 2008 also contributed — as anticipated — to the results. The provisional Q2 profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounts to around EUR 27 million (previous year: EUR 13.4 million). Provisional earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) are posted at around EUR 17.2 million (previous year: EUR 3.2 million) with provisional Q2 profit for the period after tax and minority interests set at around EUR 10.9 million (previous year: EUR 1.4 million). The Wacker Neuson Group was thus able to more than compensate for Q1 losses (posted at EUR 5.7 million) and has returned to profit as planned in the first half year. The company remains on a strong financial footing with an equity quota of 79 percent and a low net financial debt.

Order Backlog Up 350 Percent on Previous Year’s Figure
Accumulated order income for compact equipment — fuelled by the construction and agricultural industries — almost doubled in the first half-year of 2010 relative to the same period last year. By the end of June 2010, order backlog was even 350 percent higher than the figure reported for 2009. This upturn was, however, also accompanied by delivery bottlenecks among certain suppliers and this affected the entire industry. Wacker Neuson assumes that pressure will ease further and products will increasingly be ready for delivery on time.

“Our production facilities for light and compact equipment such as wheel loaders, dumpers and excavators show a healthy level of capacity utilization. In addition, our recent alliance with Caterpillar has the effect of accelerating construction plans for our new production facility in Hörsching, near Linz in Austria,” explained Dr. Georg Sick, CEO of Wacker Neuson SE. Additional reasons for the company to feel optimistic for fiscal 2010 overall is the demand for light equipment that remains strong in Europe, the United States and Asia.

Global Perspective Underpins Future Prospects
Under the umbrella of a strategic alliance recently concluded between Wacker Neuson and Caterpillar Inc., based in Peoria, Ill., both companies have agreed to collaborate over the next 20 years. Starting in 2011, Wacker Neuson will exclusively develop mini excavators up to a total weight of three tons and manufacture these at its plant in Austria. Caterpillar will use these machines to meet worldwide demand for its mini excavators (with the exception of Japan).

“Caterpillar has the world’s strongest distribution network. This strategic alliance allows us to increase production volumes, reduce manufacturing costs and strengthen the competitive positions of both companies in what is a highly fragmented market,” continued Sick. The Group is looking to the future with optimism. “Mid-term, we are planning to more than double unit production in this product class. And this strategic alliance will also impact positively on our development and manufacturing competencies," he concluded.

The full half-year report will be published on August 13, 2010.

Buying any piece of equipment is no easy matter -- espeically when it comes to the dig and load operations of a backhoe loader. How can a new buyer judge a quality new or used compact backhoe? What types of design and operational features should new buyers look for? How can you judge size and power? Well, Bud Martin, field sales manager for TerraQuip Construction Products (the Terramite brand), gives us five essential tips for buying a nice backhoe.

1. History is important. How long has the manufacturer been marketing their product? And secondly, are there enough of the manufacturer’s machines out there working to evaluate their performance, support and durability?

2. Initial cost is important, but how well do competitive products hold their resale value over time? Will it last if used every day as a loader backhoe

3. Is the machine built as a dedicated compact tractor loader backhoe or is it a machine with a loader and backhoe attachment? Machines built as backhoe loader are generally more rugged and last over time. Their built to handle the tough jobs of loading, excavating and backfilling. With these machines power is matched to the size and weight of the machine as well as the loader and backhoe functions. These are real issues when buying a loader backhoe.

4. You need to look at what you will be doing with the machine. Things like how deep will I be digging and how much weight will I be lifting is important? Does the machine meet my requirements?

5. You need to determine how you will be transporting the machine. Staying under the CDL requirements may be very important. Is your truck heavy enough to transport the machine you will be buying or will you need to make an additional investment to transport the machine?

Learn more at http://www.terramite.com/.

Mosquito Control Officer, Tar Pit Cleaner and Lava Evaluator are just a few notches on Mike Rowe’s seemingly endless resumé. As host of the Discovery Channel hit TV show “Dirty Jobs,” Rowe gets himself into some stick (not to mention smelly) situations, but his latest gig as a partner with Caterpillar will cause less of a mess. The partnership will have Rowe highlighting the important and essential work Caterpillar customers perform everyday.

Rowe will be spending time with Caterpillar customers and dealers to get a real world perspective on their jobs and how the two partner to be successful. These encounters will be featured on cat.com and at Cat Dealerships across the country and will be used to demonstrate the solutions that Cat Dealers provide their customers throughout the lifecycle of their equipment, highlighting their superior parts and service support.

“When hard work is being performed and progress is being made, Mike wants to be in the thick of it, so teaming with him is an absolute perfect fit,” said Denny Vosberg, Caterpillar parts and service support manager. “Our dealer personnel are the best in the world and have been supporting our customers with their critical work for generations. Now is the time to shine a light on it and Mike is going to help us with that.”

Rowe, who calls himself a perpetual apprentice, has performed more than 300 jobs in locations around the country via his show. Mike is also the creator of mikeroweWORKS.com, a website dedicated to and for people in the trades to meet, to discuss relevant topics. He says his partnership with Caterpillar was “inevitable” because the two share the same work philosophy.

“I see Cat equipment and the hard working people operating it around the world, building and creating infrastructure,” said Rowe. “I’m excited to go beyond the machine and talk with the people who are actually making it happen.”