JLG Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telescopic material handlers, recently announced the availability of the JLG Mobile Analyzer — a first of its kind in the industry. The new tool combines a free mobile application and a wireless access module to provide technicians with remote access to program, troubleshoot, calibrate or customize JLG equipment performance.

“The JLG Mobile Analyzer is a Wi-Fi-enabled evolution of the JLG Analyzer Kit, allowing technicians to do the same analysis they are currently doing with the handheld kit,” explained Chris Mellott, JLG vice president, customer support and aftermarket development. “However, this new tool for Apple or Google operating system devices, allows for an extended operating range of up to 150 ft. Continuing to introduce new technologies that help our customers do their jobs more efficiently is a key priority at JLG. We believe this app provides the flexibility our customers need.”

To support the current North American introduction, the JLG Mobile Analyzer communicates in English and Spanish. Eleven additional languages will be available by the end of 2013, coinciding with the product’s global distribution and providing a consistent user interface to JLG customers around the world. These languages include International French, Dutch, German, Italian, International Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Japanese and Korean.

Users can download the app at no charge on mobile devices compatible with Apple iOS 5.0 and up, as well as Android API 8 and up, through Apple iTunes and Google Play stores. Regular software updates ensure compatibility to mobile devices. The app works with the JLG Mobile Wireless Access Module, which can be ordered through JLG’s Online Express or a JLG representative.

The access module plugs into a port on JLG products that are currently compatible with the JLG Analyzer Kit, as well as all new JLG products with Advance Design Electronics (ADE), and uses the app to transmit equipment performance data to a mobile device. Although the module is interchangeable among machines, it can only be connected to one mobile device at a time. To enhance functionality, technicians can make phone calls while using the JLG Mobile Analyzer, enabling them to talk with factory support representatives as they work on machines. And because technicians are not limited by connections to equipment by cables attached to handheld devices, they have greater mobility around equipment and can seek shelter in trucks or other protective cover during inclement weather, while continuing to receive and analyze data.

The JLG Mobile Analyzer delivers information in full description read-outs, which are easier to understand than the abbreviated scrolling text associated with the Analyzer Kit. However, the tool operates the same as the traditional Analyzer Kit, and training is included as part of all JLG factory training. In addition, e-learning for the Mobile Analyzer is currently under development and will be available through JLG University by the end of 2013.

For more information about the JLG Mobile Analyzer, please visit www.jlg.com/mobile-analyzer-app or talk with your JLG representative. For more information about JLG, visit the company's website at www.jlg.com.

CNH Parts & Service, the product support division of agricultural and construction equipment maker CNH Global N.V. , has announced plans to invest more than $13 million to equip and lease a new facility at 210 South Enterprise Drive in Lebanon, Ind., in the Lebanon Business Park. Once fully operational and staffed, the new facility is expected to support 100 new area jobs.

Known as the Special Processing Center, the new facility will be the company’s third location in the Lebanon Business Park. The CNH North American Master Depot and its Centralized Receiving and Packaging Center currently employ nearly 500 full-time and an additional 200 contract workers in the area, and serve 11 regional parts distribution facilities that supply daily parts to New Holland, Case IH and Case Construction dealerships throughout North America.

“This new Special Processing Center will significantly enhance and expand the overall capabilities of our North American parts operations,” according to Scott Harris, vice president of CNH Parts & Service for North America. “Its mission is to provide new and highly specialized services that will help our dealers grow their parts sales, even in the most highly competitive segments of our business.”

As an incentive for CNH to move forward with its plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has offered CNH up to $650,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. In addition, the City of Lebanon is providing tax credits of up to $285,000, for a total incentive package in excess of $1 million. The company will be eligible to receive incentives as the new local jobs are filled and investments implemented.

The company’s central parts distribution hub for North America is strategically located in Lebanon because it is within a one-day drive of more than 75 percent of the company’s North American supply base. The well-established interstate highway system also provides CNH with excellent access to its regional parts distribution facilities in other U.S. and Canadian markets that are critical to the company.

In addition, the Lebanon facilities are just 30 minutes away from the Indianapolis airport, which is home to one of FedEx’s largest operations — a company that CNH relies on to expedite parts throughout the world. A total of 10 major airlines serve the Indianapolis airport connecting to the domestic U.S. markets and international destinations.

“The Special Processing Center will have several unique capabilities, such as a specialized warehousing center dedicated to supporting our import and export operations, and a new logistics command and control operation for our extensive parts delivery system that will now deliver both depot stocked and vendor ship-direct parts via our Daily Stock Order delivery system,” notes Keith Shadrick, Senior Director of Operations and Logistics for CNH Parts & Service in North America.

“We’ll also assemble and package repair and maintenance kits in our new state-of-the-art kitting center, put protective finishes on parts in our new paint booth, and protect parts during shipment with the new facility’s specialized packaging capabilities.”

“We’re excited,” concludes Harris. “We want our New Holland, Case IH and Case Construction dealers and customers to have the best parts and service support in our industry. The addition of our new Special Processing Center clearly demonstrates our commitment.” 

Victor Technologies has launched two contests as part of its celebration of the 100th anniversary of its Victor brand of cutting and gas control equipment.

The “A Cut Above” contest is open to students in cutting, welding and related programs at secondary and post-secondary schools and will award more than $30,000 in equipment and
cash prizes. Beginner students will write a 500-word essay supporting the contest theme, while advanced students will submit a team metal fabrication project that incorporates an oxy-fuel, air-fuel or plasma cutting process.

The “Show Us Your Innovations” 2014 calendar contest will award 12 Victor Medalist 250 Cutting Outfits and — a Victor Thermal Dynamics CUTMASTER 42 plasma cutter as the Grand Prize — for the best photos and associated captions of the entrant using any Victor or Victor Thermal Dynamics cutting equipment.

“These contests celebrate the spirit of our end users who have used Victor equipment for over the past 100 years,” says Martin Quinn, CEO, Victor Technologies. “Winners will demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship and an appreciation for quality tools that enable them to shape their world.”

Both contests started May 10 and run through September, with winners announced at the Victor Technologies booth at FABTECH 2013 Expo in Chicago. Contests are open to individuals with a passion for cutting and welding who are residents of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). Visit www.victortechnologies.com/victor100 for contest details, entry forms and other 100th anniversary news.

Today, YES JCB is hosting the ground breaking of its new Madison, Wis., branch location. Located at 7001 Manufacturers Dr., the 17,300-sq ft dealership will house the YES JCB division for sales, parts, service and rentals, as well as Yale Fork Lift sales, service, parts and rentals. According to YES JCB CEO Cliff Anglewicz, the new, larger dealership will better serve the Madison area.

“Opening a larger location in Madison allows us to offer our renowned YES JCB sales, parts and service to even more customers,” Anglewicz said. “JCB offers the world’s safest skid steer with a single arm ‘Powerboom’ and unique side-door entry. Both the skid steers and JCB’s telescopic handlers with capacities up to 14,000 lbs and lift heights up to 66 ft are ideal matches for both construction and agriculture professionals throughout the Madison area. Our new facility will allow us to better serve current customers and introduce new ones to these quality products.”

For more than 15 years, YES JCB has served the Madison area from a small office on Hasse Rd. with eight employees. Construction on the new building will begin on Monday, May 13 with an anticipated completion date of September 1, 2013. YES JCB plans to hire at least four more people to staff the larger facility. 

 “Now, our customers here won’t have to travel all the way to our Milwaukee location for sales, parts and service,” Anglewicz added. “By building this new facility, we’re making it easier and more convenient to access the many great products that JCB has to offer, as well as the excellent service YES JCB can provide.”

To learn more about YES JCB, visit www.buyjcb.com or call 888-276-4365. For more information about JCB, visit www.jcbna.com.

Thanks to a three-year, $42 million investment, AGCO is continuing the expansion of its Jackson, Minn., manufacturing center. During the next three years, AGCO will invest an estimated $42 million in infrastructure, increasing production capacity and efficiency in order to help meet growing demand for the tractors and application equipment built there. Eric Fisher, AGCO director of operations in Jackson, was joined by city of Jackson Mayor Wayne Walter in a groundbreaking ceremony at the site May 7, 2013, to mark the start of the facility improvement project.

The three-year endeavor is made up of seven phases affecting all areas of the campus, including component manufacturing, the tractor assembly line and the application equipment assembly line. Once completed, the expansion will create 75 additional permanent jobs at the facility, bringing the total number of employees to more than 1,200. The project will increase production capacity by 25 percent for both the tractor and sprayer assembly lines while maintaining best-in-class product quality.

The first phase, scheduled to be complete fall 2013, includes a 30,000-sq-ft expansion of the component manufacturing area, which will increase capacity by 20 percent and improve efficiency by reengineering the flow of materials to assembly stations. The installation of an additional robotic welder and a sheet laser will improve productivity and positively impact all equipment built in Jackson.

“This expansion builds on the excitement that began in 2011 when AGCO chose Jackson as the location where high-horsepower wheeled tractors for North America would be built,” said Fisher. “Continuing to invest here reinforces AGCO’s commitment to bringing our North American customers high-quality tractors and application equipment built how the customer wants them and delivered on time.”

Remaining phases include expanding the tractor assembly line for increased production capacity, an in-line paint system for the application assembly line and cutting-edge testing capability of AGCO’s finished products. 

For more information about the facility or schedule a tour, click here.  

Looking for a new tractor? Well, now’s the time to buy with a special spring promotion from KIOTI. The company recently announced a special spring promotion on its CK Series tractors from April 15-May 31, 2013,* on new purchases of select CK series model KIOTI tractors. For as low as $16,999** (USD) or $17,999** (CAD), you can purchase a new CK30 HST KIOTI tractor featuring the rugged 30-hp Daedong diesel engine, hydrostatic transmission, industrial tires and front end loader. Special pricing is also available on other CK models as well.
 
The CK Series brings power, performance, convenience and simple maintenance together in one compact tractor series. KIOTI tractors, including the CK series, are known for their heavyweight construction. This increased weight translates into improved traction and ultimately superior lift capacity. KIOTI’s advanced 3-point hitch design includes an adjustable lift rod, top link and telescopic lower link for easy implement changes. Position control is standard on the CK Series, which allows smooth and consistent 3-point implement performance. KIOTI’s position control lever is designed to allow for an infinite number of position heights and comes with a convenient stop feature for applications that require a fixed lift point.
 
The CK series offers models ranging from 28-34 hp and a choice of hydrostatic or manual transmission. The CK Series also features convenient removable engine panels, and the front hood allows easy access for daily service checks and maintenance. The series is also backed by the industry-leading KIOTI warranty, so you can be confident that you have one of the best-built machines in the field.

Special pricing is offered on these KIOTI CK models:
 
·      CK27 HST: engine power of 28 hp (20.9 kW), hydrostatic transmission
·      CK30: engine power of 30 hp (22.4 kW), manual transmission
·      CK30 HST: engine power of 30 hp (22.4 kW), hydrostatic transmission
·      CK35: engine power of 34 hp (25.4 kW), manual transmission
·      CK35 HST: engine power of 34 hp (25.4 kW), hydrostatic transmission

All HST models offer hydrostatic transmission that are equipped with a heavy-duty HST drive unit for high horsepower handling, cruise control, hands-free steering and implement control. The HST models also provide single pedal traveling speed/direction control and clutch-free forward and reverse movement.
 
To learn more about the CK Series, see your local Authorized KIOTI Tractor Dealer or click here.

Happy Monday! To kick off the week, we wanted to dig into two new excavators from Case Construction Equipment. The company recently introduced the new Tier 4 interim (Tier 4i) CX130C and CX160C excavators to its C Series product line, offering customers fuel economy increases of up to 8 percent and 5 percent, respectively, versus previous B Series models. This results in increased productivity, along with lower overall owning and operating costs facilitated through easier maintenance.

“The power and efficiency of the new C Series excavators, due in part from the optimization of their hydraulics system, makes them ideally suited for utility projects and road projects,” said Rob Marringa, brand manager, Case Construction Equipment. “In addition the CX130C and CX160C have been designed for easier transport at the end of the day for secure storage.”

Both the CX130C and CX160C excavators achieve 100/124 net hp using Tier 4i-certified cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) technology that burns cleaner while delivering superior horsepower.

“On top of the power of these new Case excavators, both of them stretch fuel dollars while delivering the higher productivity that contractors expect,” said Marringa. He cited for the CX130C a 4-percent lift capacity increase among crucial product improvements. For the CX160C, Case has engineered a 3-percent cycle time reduction and a 2-percent lift capacity increase.

“Advancements made in the Case Intelligent Hydraulic System technology reduce total fuel consumption and improves performance,” Marringa said.

Boom Economy Control lowers engine RPMs during the boom down and swing operation, while the Auto Economy Control lowers RPMs when the joysticks are inactive. Swing Relief Control technology manages the hydraulic power allotted at the start of the swing operation, and Spool Stroke Control creates an automatic pressure adjustment during digging operations. Blended hydraulic functions provide faster transition for lift/dump movements to dig/curl, improving truck-loading time and jobsite efficiency.

He continued, “Because excavators run with little change to engine speed, CEGR technology was the best choice for efficiency and convenience.”

With 3-percent faster cycle times than previous models, the new Case CX160C excavator can load more trucks or trench further during every work shift than its predecessor model. Both of these new Case excavators offer operators smoother and easier control and maneuverability. The CX130C/CX160C provide 4-percent/2-percent more lift capacity and boast a 440-lb increase in operating weight to tackle bigger jobs.

The new excavator offers three power modes — SP (speed priority), H (heavy duty) and A (automatic) — to allow operators to choose the best mix of power and fuel efficiency. The throttle settings also adjust the hydraulic settings for further tailoring to specific tasks.

Case offers a range of attachments for the CX130C and CX160C and other C Series excavators, including Case Smart Digging Systems components such as pin-on buckets, coupler buckets, the Case Multi-Fit Coupler and the SmartFit bucket tooth system.

For more information, visit www.CASEce.com.

Hundreds of JCB employees today joined in the celebrations to mark the production of the company’s one millionth machine — enough diggers to stretch from the U.K. to Australia.

The landmark is being marked in vivid style with the whole of the glass frontage of the World HQ at Rocester, Staffordshire, England, being encased in a graphic wrap marking the achievement. The picture covers an area of more than 9,700 sq ft and a total of 207 windows have each been individually covered with a section of the print — evolving like a giant jigsaw puzzle over a total of 50 hours as five people pieced it together.

Nestled behind the glass in the reception area is the actual one millionth machine, a 22-ton JS220 tracked excavator in shimmering silver. Staggeringly, if all of the one million machines made by JCB were laid out end-to-end they would stretch from the U.K. to Australia.

“It’s taken JCB more than 67 years to produce its millionth machine,” said JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford. “Incredibly, one third of those machines has been produced in the last six years. Reaching the million milestone is the result of a huge effort by the JCB team past and present and it’s an achievement everyone can be justifiably proud of. Given our continuing growth, JCB’s two millionth machine will be produced in considerably less time.”

More than 2,500 JCB dealers and customers worldwide will be joining in the celebrations in the next five weeks as the company embarks on the next phase of its global growth program by staging the biggest ever product conference in its 67-year history. The event in Staffordshire is showcasing all the latest machines in JCB’s construction, agricultural and industrial ranges.

As JCB worldwide celebrates the one millionth machine, JCB’s North American headquarters reached a milestone of its own on April 5, 2013, when the Savannah, Ga., facility produced the 6,000th JCB skid steer loader. 

“We are extremely pleased to have reached such a milestone here in Savannah,” said John Patterson, Chairman and CEO of JCB Inc. “The production of the 6,000th skid steer marks a particularly proud accomplishment for the team in Savannah, as it is the first machine to be designed, engineered and manufactured here. With the increasing demand for the world’s safest JCB skid steers, we look forward to hitting more production milestones at an even quicker pace.”

The 500,000-sq ft, Savannah facility built in 2000 produces JCB’s full range of 17 models of the skid steer loaders and compact track loaders for worldwide distribution.

Today, Case Construction Equipment introduced ProCare, its comprehensive factory-provided heavy machinery coverage that will come standard on Case heavy machines built with factory-installed SiteWatch telematics.

ProCare is a suite of product assurances, including a three-year Advanced Case SiteWatch telematics subscription, a three-year/3,000-hour full-machine factory warranty, and a three-year/3,000-hour planned maintenance contract on heavy Case machines built with SiteWatch telematics, including full-size excavators, crawler dozers, full-size wheel loaders and motor graders.

“ProCare is a game changer. There’s no better factory-provided support program for heavy equipment in the industry today,” says Jim Hasler, vice president, Case Construction-North America. “We know that our customers are still navigating a challenging marketplace, and ProCare provides them with a distinct advantage over their competition by offering predictable operating costs and factory service and support, at no extra cost or time investment.”

ProCare’s three-year/3,000-hour full-machine factory warranty is industry leading, and a three-year/3,000-hour planned maintenance contract means a factory-trained dealer technician will be monitoring customers’ machines and servicing them at all the right times. Combined with the Case Advanced SiteWatch subscription, no other manufacturer offers a better bundle to every customer.

Case SiteWatch is a telematics, remote monitoring and data reporting solution that tracks machine maintenance, health and utilization so customers can simply and easily manage their fleets and optimize machine performance and utilization throughout the work cycle.

Regardless of fleet size or number of units purchased, ProCare offers all customers the highest level of support in the industry for increased uptime, lower operating expenses and improved life cycle costs.

According to Brad Stemper, solutions marketing manager for Case Construction, ProCare significantly lowers a customer’s total cost of ownership for a heavy machine.

“Customers can more effectively budget their operating expenses over the next three years because warranty items and all scheduled maintenance costs are covered,” Stemper says. “In addition, SiteWatch helps them monitor their machine for optimum performance.”

Stemper explains how ProCare offers customers of all sizes confidence in purchasing and managing heavy equipment to grow their business.

“ProCare gives Case customers peace of mind so they can focus on their business. Along with their Case dealer to help monitor machine health and schedule maintenance, ProCare gives customers everything they need to maintain a profitable operation,” Stemper says.

ProCare coverage will be rolling out in phases when factory-fit telematics is introduced on each of Case’s heavy product lines, including F Series wheel loaders, C Series excavators and B Series motor graders. Crawler dozers will be included later this year. ProCare is transferable on machines owned by commercial end users. Case full-line construction dealers can provide details on individual model availability and timing.

To find a full-line dealer, visit www.casece.com/dealerlocator. For additional information on ProCare, please visit www.casece.com/ProCare.

To coincide with the Electric Utility Lineman Day in Virginia, Terex Utilities sponsored the 11th annual Gaff-n-Go Lineman’s Rodeo and the Terex Equipment Operator’s Rodeo April 5-6, at the Caroline County Agricultural Fairgrounds in Ruther Glen, Va. Terex supplied the utility trucks, including: two Terex Commander 4047 digger derricks; one Commander 4047 digger derrick with the Terex X-Boost system; two TC55 material handlers; one Hi-Ranger HRX55 overcenter aerial device with the Terex HyPower Hybrid System; one Hi-Ranger TCX55 non-overcenter aerial device with the Terex HyPower Hybrid System; and one Hi-Ranger LTM40 telescopic aerial device with the Terex HyPower Hybrid System for operators to compete on and demo during the two-day event.

“Sponsoring these rodeos gives Terex Utilities yet another opportunity to grow and nurture relationships with our current customers, as well as increases our visibility with new customers and allows us to position our value as a supplier,” said Jim Lohan, Terex vice president of sales and marketing. “Our sponsorship of this event signals our ongoing commitment to be a vital partner and resource to customers in the electric utilities market.”

During the two-day event, more than 120 electric linemen from nine states demonstrated their skills operating Terex utility trucks and equipment. Friday’s competitions showcased operators’ abilities maneuvering Terex bucket trucks and digger derricks used to maintain electric distribution systems. Saturday’s competitions featured individual and team events in a variety of timed and scored tasks using Terex utility equipment. The rodeos were presented by the consumer-owned Electric Cooperatives of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

For more information about the Gaff-n-Go Lineman’s Rodeo, including 2013 scores and pictures from the event, click here. 

For more information about Terex Utilities products and services, visit www.terexutilities.com.