The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has set a full slate of industry education sessions for 2011 to provide off-road equipment manufacturing professionals with best-practices information and tools they can use to become more efficient and productive.

AEM is certified to distribute CEU - Continuing Education Credits for association educational programming. CEUs help ensure that AEM education continues at its high quality level, assisting members to remain current on industry and business issues.

AEM face-to-face professional-development seminars will examine industry trends in areas including:

-Noise and vibration control - April 6-7, 2011 in Chicago/O’Hare (Four Points Sheraton)

-Product safety and compliance - May 2-4, 2011 in Bloomingdale, Illinois (Hilton Indian Lakes Resort)

-Product liability - May 5, 2011 in Bloomingdale, Illinois (Hilton Indian Lakes Resort)

-Marketing (products/company) - May 16-17, 2011 in Austin, Texas (Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel)

-Customer support - October 3-6, 2011 in Bettendorf, Iowa (Isle Hotel)

AEM e-learning options provide educational programming direct to industry professionals from the convenience of their offices or homes. AEM webinars include real-time interaction with the speakers, and its prerecorded webcasts can be downloaded anytime for convenient listening.

Plus:

-AEM Annual Conference of Member Companies – November 2 -5, 2011 in Miami, Florida (Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort), with sessions geared to presidents, chairmen and other upper-management professionals

-"High Performance Sales College" – June 13-14, 2011 in Chicago/O’Hare (Four Points Sheraton), an intensive course which targets manufacturer district managers (AEM provides customized in-company sales college programs upon request.)

-AEM also conducts an Ag Executive Forum, and in 2011 it was held Jan. 8 in Atlanta, Georgia in conjunction with AEM’s AG CONNECT Expo show.

Full details on all AEM education sessions, as well as registration information and forms, are online at www.aem.org in the Education section. 

After two years of bad news of cost cutting and disappointing sales, John Deere is reporting increases in the first quarter income, coming in at $513.7 million, or $1.20 per share, for the first quarter ended January 31, compared with $243.2 million, or $0.57 per share, for the same period last year.

Worldwide net sales and revenues for the first quarter increased 27 percent, to $6.119 billion, compared with $4.835 billion last year. Net sales of the equipment operations were $5.514 billion for the quarter compared with $4.237 billion a year ago.

"John Deere's first-quarter results reflect improving demand for our innovative lines of equipment coupled with the skillful execution of our business plans," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our actions are helping attract customers through advanced new products and technologies." Sales of large farm machinery, particularly in the United States and Canada, are continuing to make a major impact, while construction equipment shipments are experiencing some degree of recovery, Allen noted. "Our record first-quarter performance is especially gratifying in light of market conditions that remain below normal levels in certain key sectors."

Company Outlook and Summary
Company equipment sales now are projected to be up 18 to 20 percent for fiscal 2011 and up about 25 percent for the second quarter compared with the same periods of the previous year. Included is a favorable currency-translation impact of about 2 percent for the year and the quarter. Net income attributable to Deere & Company is anticipated to be approximately $2.5 billion for the full year.

With Deere's strong first-quarter performance and positive outlook for 2011, the company remains well-positioned to capitalize on positive global economic trends while providing significant value to investors, Allen said. "Our balanced approach to cash flow management means we will continue setting the stage for future sales and earnings gains through the aggressive funding of organic growth while also remaining focused on returning cash directly to shareholders," noted Allen. "We're confident this approach will produce solid value for our customers, investors and other constituents over the long term."

Equipment Division Performance
Agriculture and Turf: Sales increased 21 percent for the quarter largely due to higher shipment volumes and improved price realization. Operating profit was $558 million compared with $352 million for the quarter last year. The improvement was primarily due to higher shipment and production volumes as well as improved price realization, partially offset by increased raw-material costs and higher incentive-compensation expenses.

Construction and Forestry: Construction and forestry sales climbed 81 percent, resulting in operating profit of $88 million. Last year the division had an operating loss of $37 million for the quarter. Contributing to the increase were significantly higher shipment and production volumes as well as improved price realization, partially offset by increased raw-material costs and higher incentive-compensation expenses.

Industry professionals will get a number of chances this year to simulate real welding experiences in virtual environments with the VRTEX 360 virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) training solution from Lincoln Electric. The company will feature this realistic welder training system at seven global conferences and trade shows throughout the year to better acquaint welders with the benefits of virtual hands-on training.

The VRTEX 360 is an educational training tool that is designed to accelerate welding training through the utilization of virtual reality. The VRTEX 360 System can be used to simulate SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG) and FCAW (flux-cored) welding processes, multiple weld joint configurations and welding positions and a variety of welding environments, including construction sites and welding school booths.

“By implementing VRAW training into traditional welding training programs, students learn more quickly,” said Deanna Postlethwaite, marketing manager, Lincoln Electric Automation Division. “This increases welding school throughput and opens up more time to teach additional topics. Skilled welders cannot be trained on simulators alone and need real arc time to fine tune their welding skills. This training solution can provide a fun and beneficial educational experience. We’re taking the system on the road to show the industry just how fun – and effective – virtual reality training can be.”

It offers a combination of realistic puddle simulation and arc welding sound tied to a welder’s movements, providing a hands-on training experience. The system assists in training skilled welders faster with lower training costs and allows shops to easily integrate high-tech training tools into their in-house curriculum. It also serves as an excellent way to recruit new welders.

The VRTEX will be on display, for hands-on use, at the following conferences in 2011:

ConExpo-Con/AGG, March 22-26, Las Vegas
OTC: Offshore Technology Conference, May 2-5, Houston
NASCC: The Steel Conference, May 11-15, Pittsburgh
World Skills 2011, Oct. 5-8, London
SEMA, Nov. 1-4, Las Vegas
FABTECH, Nov. 14-17, Chicago
PRI: Performance Racing Industry, Dec. 1-4, Orlando, Fla.
Power-GEN International, Dec. 13-15, Las Vegas

The songs of Rodney Atkins’ speak of the endurance of the working class, the unassuming folks who make up the fabric of America. The man whom penned the song, “Man on a Tractor,” shares those same fundamental ideals with a company that boasts more tractors on the job worldwide than any other brand.

In 2011, Massey Ferguson will proudly be the “official tractor” of Rodney Atkins. A platinum-album-producing star who earned the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award in 2006, Atkins recorded five Number One hits that year including “If You’re Going Through Hell.” His latest hit “Farmer’s Daughter” is a chart favorite. He has toured with the likes of Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride and ZZ Top. The partnership between this native of a small town in East Tennessee and a tractor brand steeped in traditional rural values is a perfect fit.

“I’ve never been one to stray far from my roots on the farm,” said Atkins. “And hard work and love of the land are a big part of that. I was raised with a love and devotion for this country and the principles it was founded upon. I’m proud to share the stage with a brand like Massey Ferguson that embodies those same core values.”

Throughout the year, Atkins will be involved in activities ranging from national advertising to dealer tie-ins, social media campaigns, contests and national Farm Shows bringing this ball-cap-donning “regular guy” who just happens to rack up a slew of country hits among the hardworking farmers who share his ideals. One of his first projects is “Rodney Atkins' Official Tractor: Massey Ferguson” a new YouTube music video where he talks about his ideals.

“It is a tremendous honor to have Rodney Atkins as a face of this brand,” said Meghann McNally brand marketing manager for Massey Ferguson. “His songs connect to those close to the land, who take pride in and know the value of a hard-day’s work. Those are the same standards that this company was founded on and the standards by which we work today.”

Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution is sponsoring a new documentary titled “Project Sno Fighter,” which will highlight the lives and jobs of snow removal contractors. Filming is scheduled to take place through March 2011, and the documentary will debut at the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) Symposium held this year in Schaumburg, Ill.

“Project Sno Fighter” will feature five snow removal contactors located throughout the U.S. and Canada. “We want to show what happens behind the scenes, as well as the long, hard hours of battling a winter storm,” said Mike Holihan, director of marketing for Pro-Tech. “The film is intended to pay homage to all contractors, both large and small, who often go unnoticed and underappreciated.”

Participants selected for the documentary include Kyle Stevens of Stonewood and Waters Landscape Craftsmen in Rush, N.Y.; Mike Merrill of North Country Snow and Ice Management in Glens Falls, N.Y.; Collin Corso of Terra Lawns Landscaping in Newburyport, Mass.; Nicholas Staloch of Smithco Inc in Fargo, N.D.; and Paul Vanderzon of Amengagements Paysagers Vanderzon Inc in St. Bruno, Quebec. To participate in the film, the contractors underwent an application process and were carefully chosen based on their abilities to depict a diverse and accurate picture of the snow and ice management industry.

All attendees of the SIMA Symposium are invited to attend the documentary’s debut, which will take place at the welcoming reception on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011, from 8 to 10 p.m. Following the Symposium, the documentary will be available for viewing on Pro-Tech’s website at www.protechcorp.com.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) for the fourth quarter of 2010 averaged 7.1 months, up from 7 months in the third quarter of last year – an improvement of 1.4 percent. In addition, CBI is up 21.3 percent from a low of 5.8 months in the fourth quarter of 2009. CBI is a forward-looking indicator that measures the amount of construction work under contract to be completed in the future.

"Today’s backlog numbers are consistent with the pace of recovery in overall nonresidential construction activity,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “However, what we are seeing from the fourth quarter 2010 data is a recovery in the construction industry that is more gradual than the rate of expansion in financial markets and the broader economy."

Regional Analysis
With investment in power generation and natural resource exploration increasingly taking center stage in the nation’s economic expansion, regions that are more natural resource intensive are likely to experience increases in construction backlog, and eventually in construction spending. This appears to be precisely what is occurring in the South and Middle States.

In contrast, much of the western United States is associated with unemployment and vacancy rates above national averages. Ongoing and serious fiscal issues in a handful of key states also are suppressing nonresidential construction recovery in much of the West, explaining at least in part the sluggish nature of the construction recovery there to date.

Regional highlights include:

- During the past year, construction backlog expanded in all major regions of the country except the West, which posted the smallest average backlog at 5.8 months in the fourth quarter of 2010.

- The South, which includes states such as Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, continues to support the largest average construction backlog. In the fourth quarter of 2010, regional backlog averaged 7.8 months, and it is expanding briskly.

- Construction backlog is improving in the Middle States, which include Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Average backlog has returned to levels above six months.

"The fourth quarter 2010 data shows that the economy is increasingly shifting toward private sector momentum and away from public sector dependence. Though the recovery remains well short of two years in duration, its positive impact on construction is becoming increasingly apparent,” Basu said. “Unfortunately, the outlook is not as bright for contractors that primarily work in the infrastructure segment. As federal stimulus-financed projects wind toward their inevitable conclusion, the expectation is that construction backlog in this category is likely to fall, bolstered by ongoing issues in state and local government finances, which hamstring capital spending."

Going to CONEXPO next month? Be sure to stop by the Terex booth, as the manufacturing giant is planning to exhibit more than 50 machines -- including it's brand new line of skid steers -- at the ConExpo 2011 tradeshow in Las Vegas March 22-26, 2011. Visitors to the Terex booth #140 in the Gold Lot will see new product launches, significant equipment improvements and demonstrations.

For compact machine enthusiasts, the skid steers will be the Pièce de résistance! With eight models ranging from 50 to 83 hp, Terex skid steer loaders are designed to be productive thanks to their high ground clearances and rear angles of departure, high travel speeds, increased fuel capacities, strong tractive effort and mechanical-faced axle seals.

Also check out the The new Terex TLB840 backhoe loader has been engineered to excel in digging, reaching, lifting and loading applications. The TLB840, the ninth generation of backhoe loaders offered by Terex, boasts an 88-hp Perkins engine and is powered by an optional four-speed servo power syncro transmission with automatic shifting, delivering fuel efficiency and high tractive effort.

“The opportunity to visit with our customers at ConExpo 2011 is energizing to all of us at Terex. We hope to share exciting new developments and showcase the power of our team that ‘Works for You’ wherever and whenever we’re needed,” said Ron DeFeo, Terex Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This is an exciting time for Terex and the industry. As the economy improves, we will be ready to deliver products and services that make money for our customers. We look forward to welcoming our customers, thanking them for their business and asking how we can help.”

Whether it’s welding in the field, in the shop or in a garage, you have to look good. That's why Lincoln Electric’s new personal protection clothing line, Red Line Welding Apparel, offers the ideal gear for every application.
 
“Whether someone welds for a living or is an occasional backyard welder, safety is always at the forefront, and that especially includes body and eye protection,” says Jamy Bulan, Lincoln Electric product manager. “They demand rugged, proven clothing, designed for their body type, application and environment. Red Line delivers that protection.”
 
The new Red Line apparel product group includes gloves, jackets, caps and safety glasses.
 
Red Line apparel includes five types of welding gloves – premium leather MIG/stick, traditional MIG/stick, leather TIG, heat-resistant and full leather Steel Worker gloves. So whether it’s MIG, TIG or stick welding, or working with hot or rusty metal, Red Line welding gear includes a set of gloves designed to handle the rigors of the task at hand.
 
Four jacket options effectively protect the arms and upper body. They offer flame retardant cloth panels to keep the welder cool, as well as heavy-duty leather panels in high spatter exposure, high wear areas. Customers can choose from cloth, heavy duty leather or hybrid cloth/ leather jackets.
 
For wearing under the welding helmet, the product group includes doo rags, beanies and caps that stylishly and effectively protect the top of the head. Made from flame retardant material, they are comfortable, include athletic mesh lining for fast sweat evaporation and are machine washable.
 
Additionally, four pairs of indoor safety glasses and four for outdoor applications round out the Red Line personal protection welding apparel line. Welders can choose from clear, shaded and mirrored lenses that offer maximum protection and comfort. All eyewear meet ANSI Z87.1+ and CSA Z94.3 standards and offer 99.9 percent UV-A, UV-B and UV-C protection.
 
“In today’s market, there should be no one size fits all when it comes to welding apparel. It’s about providing technical garments and accessories for specialized tasks,” Bulan explains. “Every piece in the Red Line welding gear group was designed to work hard while providing the right protection for the right job.”
 
Red Line personal protection apparel is designed to work in tandem with the comprehensive line of Lincoln Electric VIKING™ auto-darkening welding helmets, including the new 1840 and 2450 series.
 
For more information on Lincoln Electric’s Red Line Welding Apparel and VIKING welding helmets, call (888) 355-3213 or visit www.lincolnelectric.com to obtain bulletin E12.250.

Wacker Neuson has announced the creation of a Technical Academy.  The Wacker Neuson Technical Academy is a new endeavor by the compact and light construction equipment manufacturer to ensure contractors are up-to-date on the latest industry processes and techniques. 

The Technical Academy’s first class is scheduled for March 24 and March 25, 2011 at Wacker Neuson’s training facility in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (just outside of Milwaukee, WI).  This inaugural Technical Academy curriculum is a prep course for the ACI Specialty Commercial/Industrial Concrete Floor Finishers certification.  The course will be conducted by 17-time Golden Trowel Award winner, Bryan Birdwell.  Birdwell has proven his expertise in producing the flattest, most level concrete floors in the world. He will join Wacker Neuson’s Technical Academy to teach contractors his best practices and give them the technical skills they need to pass the highest level industrial/commercial certification exams.

The concrete prep course is a complete two-day session that includes classroom and hands on training.  All participants will leave being fully prepared to complete the written and skills portions of an official ACI Specialty Commercial/Industrial Concrete Floor Finisher certification test.  Day one will contain classroom seminars focusing on constructing concrete floors with topics including F-number system, random and defined traffic floors, constructing proper sub-grade, mix designs, hand tools, bull floats, check rods, bump cutters, machine patterns and troubleshooting.  Day two is hands-on training in the placing and finishing of high tolerance F-number floors. Class participants will prep the sub-grade, verify the mix design and receive expert training in placing and finishing superflat and high tolerance floors.

Wacker Neuson is offering this special prep course for an introductory price of only $250.00 per person.  This course fee includes two nights hotel accommodation, transportation to/from the airport, course materials and lunch.  Participants are responsible for transportation to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information and to register, please visit www.wackerneusontech.com.

Wacker Neuson has been training dealers in its state-of-the-art training facility in Menomonee Falls for many years, and the Technical Academy takes training to a new level to reach contractors. The Academy courses will be lead by industry experts, associations and facilitated by Wacker Neuson training professionals. Wacker Neuson will continue to expand its curriculum to include Academy sessions on the latest compaction and concrete consolidation techniques.

Gehl, a leading manufacturer of compact equipment for agriculture and construction markets, has introduced its new V330 skid steer loader with more than 131 inches of near-vertical lift height. With a powerful 84- horsepower turbo-diesel engine and a rated operating capacity of 3,300 lbs., the V330 skid steer is among the strongest in its class.

“This loader provides the exceptional lift height and performance customers demand from a machine this size,” remarks Kelly Moore, Product Manager for Gehl skid steers.

The V330 skid steer achieves near-vertical lift with a state-of-the-art lift arm design that provides extended reach and lift height for easy truck and material loading. With over 131 in. of lift height, this loader this loader makes material handling and truck loading simple. The lift arm design provides optimal views to the sides of the loader and a direct line-of-sight to the bucket cutting edge. Thick steel plating braces the lift arm, providing additional strength and durability.

The new V330 skid steer features a powerful Yanmar turbocharged diesel engine with 215 lb-ft. peak torque. Horsepower and torque are enhanced with a high-performance drive train. Equipped with electronic engine control and a foot throttle, the V330 can be operated at partial throttle as the workload allows for lower sound levels and reduced fuel consumption.

Superior comfort is provided in an all-new, ergonomic cab design for the V330 skid steer. The optional, pressurized sealed cab enclosure provides a cleaner and quieter operating environment. Fully adjustable joystick controls and an optional air-ride seat deliver outstanding operator comfort.

Extra-large side screens and an optional wide-view front glass door provide unsurpassed visibility to the bucket cutting edge and front work area. The new side-folding restraint bar and armrests feature multiple adjustments to enhance operator comfort and safety.

When maximum power is needed to run demanding attachments, the V330 skid steer is equipped with the tools to get the job done right.

The infinitely adjustable proportional auxiliary hydraulic control gives the operator the ability to adjust attachment speeds for optimum performance and efficiency. The system detent allows the operator to set the system for continuous flow. A 36.3-gpm high-flow auxiliary hydraulics option is designed to handle virtually every high-performance attachment. And unique to the V330 skid steer, the Hydraglide ride control system is featured as standard equipment.

Serviceability on the new V330 skid steer is a snap. The large engine cover is hinged and positioned by a gas-spring to assist lifting and holding it in place, and easily returns to the closed/operating position. The large rear door opens on hinges on the right side, allowing full access to regular maintenance points. The entire ROPS/FOPS assembly on the V330 skid steer tips rearward on a hydraulic lift for easy internal service access.