Author: David Oliver

Construction Blogs

All About Your Dormer Roof

David Oliver

Homes come in all shapes and sizes. Many families choose their homes based on the overall aesthetic rather than focusing on particular features. Though this is perfectly fine, it does reduce one’s ability to appreciate the finer details that go into a beautiful home. When it comes to roofing, it’s not uncommon to overlook design even further. When homeowners consider their roofs, it’s often in relation to their condition rather than their architectural design. This puts many people at a disadvantage when purchasing a new home or building a new construction. The architectural design of your roof can have a significant impact on the roof’s functionality and can be a benefit or a hindrance, depending on where you live. There are many distinct styles of roofs, but the dormer style is absolutely one of the most unique.

What is a dormer roof?

It’s probable that you’ve seen a dormer roof before but didn’t realize that it was a distinct style unto itself. These roofs are characterized by dormer windows, which are windows that stick out from vaulted roofs and have roofing that is separate from the rest of the home’s roof slope. This provides additional space into interior rooms that have vaulted ceilings and can create nooks that are great for beds and other uses. This style dates all the way back to the 1500s in Great Britain, but variations of this style were used as early as the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, this style has been used to bring additional space and light into attic areas that previously had very little. Now that electricity is the standard, they are generally added for additional natural light or to compliment the home’s overall shape and aesthetic.

Types of dormer roofs

The dormer genre has several subcategories that are each a little bit different but still classify as dormer roofs. Remember, these classifications refer to the dormer itself, not necessarily the overall roof. The dormer often has a different shape than the larger roof. Here are a few types of dormer roofs that you may find:

Gabled. This style involves a dormer that has two slopes and one peak on top.

Shed. The shed style is a simple, one-slope roof from the larger roof over the window. There is no roof slope on the sides. Despite the name, this style is often found on homes and not on garden sheds.

Arched. On these dormers, the roof over the window is curved. This style has a French history and has a distinctly European look.

Pedimented. The pedimented roofs have a similar shape to the gabled style but involve a crossbeam that creates a triangle at the top of the window. This detail may seem small, but its roots come from Greek architecture, and this small variation can have a big impact.

Wall. While most dormers exist entirely on the roof of a home, wall dormers exist at least partially on a wall of the home. These can be more aesthetically pleasing for homes that have relatively small roofs. A wall dormer’s roof can be altered, as this style is not defined by the roof shape.

There are several other styles of dormers that are possible for a home. However, these are the most commonly found styles and represent the basics of a dormer roof.

Dormer roof considerations

When looking at a home with a dormer roof, or if you are considering adding one to your home, there are several things you’ll want to think about. As with any home feature, the dormer roof has pros and cons that may sway you in one way or another.

dvantages:

Dormer roofs increase airflow. With the added window, you can get fresh air in attics or upstairs rooms that were previously blocked in by your roof.

Additional light. Dormer roofs create natural light in attics and upstairs spaces, which makes them more livable.

Added space. A dormer may seem like a small feature, but it can bring a significant amount of space into a room. Many people choose to put their bed or a reading area in the space a dormer roof provides.

Curb appeal. Dormer roofs are a desirable commodity for a home and add increased curb appeal to your property.

Disadvantages

Leak risks. Naturally, adding more roofing and window seams raises your chances of leaking. This risk can be mitigated by investing in a quality roofer to install and maintain your dormer roof.

Price. Dormer roofs can be expensive to install. Depending on the style, one window could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000.

You can’t do it alone. Even the most experienced DIYers won’t be able to install a dormer window by themselves and will need to call a professional.

Interior uses for dormer roofs

Dormer roofs don’t just make your home’s exterior look nice, but they add a significant amount of space and variation to inside rooms as well. There are several types of rooms that dormer roofs typically benefit from, and an endless amount of possibility for how to arrange and decorate each one.

Bathrooms. Attic bathrooms are a great way to turn the space from a living space into a master suite or private living quarters. Dormer roofs add enough headspace to move around comfortably and stand at a bathroom sink.

Bedrooms. Adding a window to your attic space can make it an official bedroom on the housing market and makes it more pleasant for you as well.

Living areas. You may choose to continue to use your attic space for a general living area. The natural light helps to make it a desirable place to read, play games, or sip coffee.

Of course, there are an infinite amount of possibilities of what you could do with your dormer roof space. With the additional light, you can customize your attic to function however you’d like.

Contact Mr. Roof

Whether you have an existing dormer or want to install one, the experts at Mr. Roof are here to help. For over 50 years, our professionals have been helping families create and maintain their dream homes. Whether you have a question or want a job done fast, we are always here for you.Contact us today for a free estimate. 

The post All About Your Dormer Roof appeared first on Mr Roof.

Construction Blogs

How to Prepare Your Roof for Tornado Season

David Oliver

Spring brings with it lots of happy events. The flowers start to bloom, the sun feels warmer, and the summer months are almost in reach. Though spring is generally a happy time of year, it is worth remembering that it also brings an increased risk of severe weather. Tornado season extends from March to June in most parts of the Midwest and plains areas. During this time, it’s important to be as prepared as possible in case an emergency does occur. Many people stock up on bottled water and flashlights in case of outages, and many families and schools make a plan in case a tornado strikes. As you are making these plans, it’s beneficial to remember to keep your home safe too. There are several things you can do to protect your home from a tornado and minimize the damage to your roof.

Have your trees trimmed

Maintaining your trees is a common task in the springtime for most homeowners, whether they live in a tornado-prone area or not. Trees that are especially old or tall fracture easily under the pressure of wind and flying debris. Have a landscaper inspect your tree and remove any dead branches or excess twigs that could easily fly off in a storm. By eliminating weak spots, you lower the chances of parts of your tree flying into your home. It’s best to inspect your trees in the spring, even if you had them pruned in the fall, as the weight of snow may have caused new damage to occur.

Secure outdoor furniture

It’s very important to have a plan for patio furniture. In the case of inclement weather or a storm in the forecast, secure your patio furniture or bring it inside. Though patio furniture is sturdier than indoor couches and chairs, it can still be swept up in tornado winds. If your patio furniture is projected into the air, it can crash into your home and cause damage to your walls and roof. The best course of action to avoid extra damage later is to put such items in a secure location.

Clean your gutters

Gutters are a natural gathering spot for debris in the springtime. As the snow melts, it brings every object from your roof down into your gutters. This debris can prevent water from effectively draining off of your roof, which becomes a problem in a storm. Without a clear gutter to direct it, the water can leak into your home, flood your yard or pool on your roof. All of these possibilities have expensive consequences. Clean gutters will direct the water away from your home and into the sewers where it belongs. While the gutters are being cleaned, make sure to secure any loose screws that are holding the metal to your roof. This small detail can prevent your gutters from being torn off by wind gusts.

Have your roof inspected

Tornado season is a perfect excuse to have your roof inspected. This should be done regularly anyway, and having it done in the springtime helps to ensure that your home is prepared for a storm. An expert will be able to tell you if there are any areas of concern or issues that make you particularly vulnerable to storm damages. Some examples of problems are:

Roof deterioration or rot. Excess moisture will eat away at your roofing materials. If left unchecked, these spots are extremely vulnerable to breakage during storms.

Loose nails. As with your gutters, securing all parts of your roof can help to ensure that nothing flies off during periods of strong wind.

Leaks. If there is a leak in your roof, there is the possibility of flooding and excess damage. Sealing leaks ensures that the inside of your home stays dry and protected.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible problems. A professional roofer will be able to thoroughly assess your roof and give you a detailed list of possible weak spots.

Contact Mr. Roof

In situations of extreme weather and potential damage, you need a roofing company you can trust. At Mr. Roof, we have over 50 years of experience in the roofing industry and understand the volatile nature of the Midwest tornado season. We have helped countless families avoid massive damage to their homes and have helped repair roofs for families who got hit especially hard. We give you as much peace of mind as possible during the spring storm season and do quality work on which you can rely. To begin your storm preparations, or for a free estimate on any other roofing or exterior home project,contact us today.

The post How to Prepare Your Roof for Tornado Season appeared first on Mr Roof.

Construction Services

All About Your Gable Roof

David Oliver

Unbeknownst to many homeowners, the style of your roof can have a large impact on the functionality of your home. While aesthetics generally drive home purchases, it’s important to know how the details of your home may benefit or hinder your family’s wellbeing. When it comes to roofs, many people understand that having a well-made roof is essential to protecting the home as a whole and that replacing your roof is essential every 15 years or so. What some homeowners don’t realize is that the shape of the roof itself may affect how effective your roof is at protecting your family. Discovering the style of roof on your home allows you to look for common issues that crop up with that type of roof and may even affect what kinds of homes you look for in the future. A main category of roofing is the gable roof. You’ve undoubtedly seen this roof style before, though it’s common not to know much about it.

What is a gable roof?

Gable roofs are fairly basic. They consist of two roof slopes that meet at a single seam on the top of the house. This seam runs the length of the home, and there are no slopes on the other two sides of the house. If a child were to draw a simple picture of a house, they would likely draw one with a gable style roof, specifically a side gable. This style is common all over the world, with a particular presence in East Asian architecture. Many Gothic-style homes utilize gable roofs as part of their design as well. There are several subcategories of gable roofs that still fit the general description of a gable roof but with a different twist. These are some examples:

Front gable. In this style, rather than having the roof slopes cover the left and right sides of the home, the slopes come down the front and the back sides instead.

Crossed gable. In these homes, there are several gable roofs whose seams intersect. In the case of a crossed gable home with four peaks, the seams would make a cross shape from the top.

L-Shaped gable. On these homes, the roof comes down farther on one part of one side than it does anywhere else. The low part creates almost an A-Frame style, but only on one portion of the home. It is distinct, but it does happen.

Box gable. In this iteration of the gable roof, there is a crossbeam that goes from one of the eaves to the other. Essentially, this simply completes a triangle on the sides without eaves. It often indicates a distinct attic area rather than a full floor.

Gable roofs do not have to only involve straight edges, but many do. Some gable roofs have curved lines, and they can also have dormers of any kind.

Considerations about gable roofs

As with any home feature or style, gable roofing has some pros and cons. Depending on your family, lifestyle, and the climate in your area, a gable roof may not work. Before making any new home purchases, or before designing a new construction, consider these advantages and disadvantages of gable roofs:

dvantages:

They are effective at removing snow and rain. Because of the steep slope of most gable roofs, snow and rain easily run down the eaves and into the gutters. There is little risk of pooling or accumulation under normal weather circumstances.

They’re easy to make. Because of their basic design, gable roofs are fairly easy to build. This often makes them a less expensive option when building a new construction.

They’re affordable to maintain. For similar reasons, gable roofs are easy to maintain because they are so common. Most roofers will know how to work well with gable roofs.

Disadvantages:

They don’t stand up well to high winds. In weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes, Gable roofs often don’t do well. In many cases, builders omit adding additional support to a gable roof to maximize living space. In the event of severe weather, a gable roof can easily collapse.

There is the potential for updraft damage. If there is a significant overhang on a gable roof, a strong gust of wind can catch under the lip of the roof and remove the roof from the rest of the home.

They aren’t always well made. Many DIY homeowners try to replace or install their own gable roofs. Because of the simplistic design, many amateur craftsmen believe that they can save money by doing the job themselves. However, this often leads to ill-fitting parts and unreliable support, only adding to the dangers. If you are buying a home with a gable roof, be sure to have it inspected by a professional to identify any homemade roof fixes.

For some people, the advantages of a gable roof far outweigh the disadvantages. For areas of the world that don’t receive hurricanes or lots of snow, gable roofs are an absolutely wonderful choice. For others, a different roofing option may be a better fit and provide more peace of mind.

Differences between a gable, mansard, and hip-style roof

The two other main categories of roofs that you will encounter are mansard and hip. The difference between these types is fairly simple to understand and can help you determine what style to look for. While a gable roof only has slopes on two sides of the home, a hip roof has slopes on all four sides. Other than the number of slopes, the possibilities for customization in hip and gable roofs are the same. A mansard roof is a little bit different. Mansard roofs have slopes on all four sides as well, but each side has two different slopes. The top slope of each side has a more gradual incline downwards, whereas the second portion of the slope is significantly steeper. This creates an angle on the sides of the home, giving it a distinct appearance.

Contact Mr. Roof

It’s never a good idea to attempt roofing projects without a professional to help. The experts at Mr. Roof have been serving American homeowners for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on creating quality, well-built roofs that are dependable and give our customers peace of mind. For any questions about roofing styles, to find a location near you, or to request a free estimate, contact Mr. Roof today.

The post All About Your Gable Roof appeared first on Mr Roof.

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Construction Blogs

Benefits of Owens Corning Roofing Systems

David Oliver

Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or replacing your home’s roof, it’s important to know your options regarding the roofing system you select because it provides the performance and reliability you expect to help protect your home.

Mr. Roof wants to be sure our customers have the information they need to make an informed decision. And a critical part of our roofing systems are shingles from Owens Corning® Roofing.  Owens Corning® is a leading brand among roofing manufacturers in the United States and offers a wide variety of shingle styles and colors to fit any home.

Owens Corning® Roofing Shingles

While a complete roofing system has many components working together to help protect your home, shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. In addition to the long-lasting protection they provide, they also offer curb appeal.

Versatile Design Options: exterior design considerations are important when making any major repairs or upgrades to your home. Owens Corning® architectural shingles have multiple granule colors blended together to add texture, in addition to shadow lines that give them depth and dimension on the roof. These ceramic-coated colored granules also help protect your shingle from UV degradation – damage caused by ultraviolet light from the sun.Superior Moisture Protection: One of your roof’s most important functions is protecting the inside of your home from water damage. A professionally installed roof should provide you the confidence that your home is protected. Owens Corning® shingles feature fiberglass mat at the core saturated with weathering-grade asphalt and are covered with colorful mineral granules to provide a water-shedding barrier to your home.  And Owens Corning® roofing shingles have a proprietary heat-activated sealant on each shingle that bonds the shingles together into a watertight unit.Patented Technology for Advanced Performance: Duration® Series shingles from Owens Corning® feature their patented technology called SureNail®^ , which is a fabric reinforcement in the nailing area to help protect against shingle blow offs.

Roofing System Options From Able Roof 

Every aspect of an Mr. Roof roofing system revolves around protecting your home from water damage and other elements. Mr. Roof offers three roofing system packages, which all include asphalt roofing shingles from Owens Corning®.

RoofGuard Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Oakridge® Shingles>Up to 2x better nail pull-resistance++Limited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡110 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*Available in popular colors

RoofGuard+ Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles>Up to 2.5x better nail-pull resistance++Patented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

ThunderGuard® Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration FLEX® Shingles>SBS modified asphalt that makes the shingles pliable and gives them greater flexibility and toughness42% better nail-pull resistance against the wind versus standard shinglesPatented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

Duration FLEX® shingles are the most durable and reliable shingles if you are concerned about having the best possible moisture protection in your roof.

Choose The Best Roofing System For Your Home 

A roof repair or replacement is a big investment for a homeowner. It’s essential to choose a reliable roofing system that offers the value and performance you expect for many years to come. Mr. Roof proudly offers Owens Corning® shingles as part of Mr. Roof roofing systems.  Together we offer you high-quality roofing products and installation of your new roofing system. Contact us today for more information.

*see actual Owens Corning warranty for details, requirements and limitations.

++Owens Corning testing against competing shingles with a wide single-layer nailing zone when following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and nailed through the middle of the allowable nail zone.

^For patent information, please visit www.owenscorning.com/patents. SureNail® Technology is available only on Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles. SureNail® Technology is not a guarantee of performance in all weather conditions.

‡‡ For single family residences. 40-Year Limited Warranty on all other projects

The post Benefits of Owens Corning Roofing Systems appeared first on Mr Roof.

Construction Services

How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Your Roof

David Oliver

Most of us understand basic science concepts whether we explicitly learned them in school or simply encounter them in day-to-day life. You don’t have to be an expert to understand most of these topics, and many times they are so integrated into our daily lives we barely notice how much we know about them. One of these topics is the concept of freezing water. Many of us have ice in our drinking water, use a freezer regularly, or live in an area where winter gets below freezing temperatures. In all of these situations, we have a basic understanding of the science behind water temperatures. As water freezes, it expands. This is why you can’t put cans of sparkling water or soda in the freezer — the expansion of the drink as it freezes will cause the can to explode. If you thaw an ice cube, it contracts and enters its liquid form — water. What many people don’t realize is that this very concept occurs outside naturally, and the effects of it can wreak havoc on your roof.

How freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage

Water and moisture are always in the air. That moisture finds its way into anything it can as a gas or a liquid in the atmosphere. Then, when temperatures drop, the water molecules start to expand. As the water expands, it puts pressure on the object it is inside of. In some cases, like basketballs or plastic buckets, the material that contains the moisture can stretch to accommodate the expansion. However, in things such as concrete or roofing tiles, there is no give in the material to allow it to expand. This means that the freezing water can cause cracks and breakages in the rigid object as it expands. This pressure is created multiple times per week as temperatures rise and fall above and below freezing levels. This cycle puts significant stress on your roof’s shingles and can cause lasting damage.

Signs of roofing freeze-thaw damage

Freeze-thaw cycles can create several problems for your roof, but they don’t all look the same. Here are some signs that your roof is taking a beating from freeze-thaw cycles:

Uneven or small space between shingles. Shingles should be evenly spaced. If they have moved or seem uneven, the expansion and contraction process has moved them loose.Ice Dams. Ice dams happen when the heating on your roof is not uniform or when the freeze-thaw cycle happens with greater frequency. In these instances, snow melts and runs down the roof as water. The water then gets stuck behind shingles and causes pressure beneath the shingles when it freezes again.Flashing is out of place. Roofs have metal flashing sheets that seal the cracks on the sides and seams of a roof. If the flashing on your eaves, peak, chimney, etc., has separated from an area, ice dams have likely created damage. These gaps can easily allow further moisture to enter your home and can even cause flooding if not addressed swiftly.

Though these situations can seem frightening, it’s possible to mitigate the damage they cause by addressing the issue early.

Long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle

There are other ways in which the freeze-thaw cycle can create long-term damage to your home, investment, and even your family’s health. Here are some long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle:

The freeze-thaw cycle brings moisture under your shingles and into your home. This moisture generally collects in the attic but can spread from there. The water that condenses inside is not clean and brings mold and bacteria with it. As these germs reach the warmth of your home, they are free to grow and spread, causing breathing problems, heightened allergies, and other serious health issues.The freeze-thaw cycle speeds up the damage process to your roof. Though all roofs go through wear and tear, if left untreated, the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle could leave you with repairs for which you were not prepared.Ice dams easily damage gutters or even remove them from the sides of the roof. When this happens, runoff cannot be directed to the gutters and often pools in your yard or basement.

How to protect your roof

The effects of the freeze-thaw cycle are extreme, and many people stress after discovering what it can do to their home. Fear not. There are steps you can take to protect your roof from significant damage. Follow these steps to protect your home this winter:

Remove the snow from your roof as soon as you can. Many people call a professional to handle this job safely. This process prevents ice dams.If an ice dam has already occurred, call a professional right away to have it removed. The longer you leave it, the more damage you can cause.The best thing you can do for your roof in the long term is to make sure that your attic is well ventilated. This airflow keeps the temperature of your roof even and keeps ice from forming.Schedule regular roofing inspections. It never hurts to have a professional inspect the state of your roof once or twice a year. If you catch roofing problems early, they are often far easier and less stressful to fix.

Hire a professional

Though technically you can remove ice dams and repair your roof on your own, we really don’t recommend doing so. It is easy to fall and injure yourself or even die when trying to work on a roof without proper equipment and experience. Even ground-based methods such as roof rakes don’t work well and often just create further damage to your shingles. It’s best to call a local, trusted roofer to help you maintain your roof and create a plan for dealing with any issues.

Contact Mr. Roof

For roofers who know all of the ins and outs of the freeze-thaw cycle,contact Mr. Roof. We have been battling ice dams and roofing problems for over 50 years, and there truly isn’t a situation we haven’t seen before. Our number one mission is to give you peace of mind with our craftsmanship and standout customer service. When you hire Mr. Roof, you know that the job will be done correctly and honestly and that the issue was fully resolved. Don’t wait on freeze-thaw cycle issues — call us today.

The post How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Your Roof appeared first on Mr Roof.

Construction Services

2021 Equipment Rentals Up 3%, But Hang On for Big Growth Next Year

David Oliver

Rental equipment revenue will grow a moderate 3% over 2020 through the remainder of 2021 – but hang on in 2022.

The American Rental Association says it now expects the combined construction/industrial and general tool rental revenue to grow by almost 10% next year, reaching a record $52.4 billion. That number even tops the rental industry’s 2019 height of $50.9 billion.

The news is even brighter for the construction equipment segment, which ARA forecasts will grow 12.3% in 2022, reaching $38.7 billion. ARA says it did not include the impact of the proposed infrastructure bill now making a tortuous path through Congress  in its calculations.


American Rental AssociationJohn McClelland, ARA vice president for government affairs and chief economist, says most of the benefits of increased infrastructure spending will not occur next year since it takes time for projects to be approved and funding obligated. IHS Markit, which produces the ARA forecast, will incorporate the infrastructure spending “once we have a clear indication of final passage” of the bill, McClelland says.

IHS is monitoring the market to see to what degree inflation which has not been an issue for more than a decade is inflected in rental-rate increases.

ARA also issues a five-year projection with each forecast. It now projects rental revenues to grow 5.5% in 2023, 2.5% in 2024, and 3.3% in 2025 to reach $58.6 billion.

ARA says rental companies slashed construction equipment and general tool capital expenditures by 44.4% in 2020, dropping equipment investment to $7.64 billion. Now on the rebound, ARA predicts equipment investment will grow by 36.2% this year to $10.4 billion, followed by another 36% increase to $14.2 billion in 2022. Additionally, this investment will grow by 10.9% in 2023, 2.3% in 2024 and 3.8% in 2025 to total more than $16.6 billion, according to ARA.

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Construction Services

Cat 578 Forest Machine Boosts Operator Comfort, Productivity

David Oliver

Caterpillar upgraded its 568 Forest Machine with new features to boost productivity, comfort and safety and reduce maintenance time and cost.

With a 347-horsepower Cat 9.3B diesel engine, the 568’s electrohydraulic control system puts out 10% more swing torque and 14% more drawbar pull, which makes grabbing and moving heavy logs faster. Smart mode controls match engine output and hydraulic power to the load resulting in 5% lower fuel consumption.

The reinforced certified forestry cab structure and 1.25-inch-thick polycarbonate windshield protects you from logs and limbs that may break loose while loading. The interior of the heated and cooled cab has been increased 25%, which allows most operators to stand up without hitting their head. Cat also narrowed the cab pillars and added larger panoramic windows and a flat hood to give you 50% more visibility. For cab access, you have the option of side or rear entry. A rearview camera comes standard, and three cab riser heights are available: 22, 48 and 72 inches. For easy transport, the cab tilts with hydraulic assist.

The new electrohydraulic control system eliminates the need for a pilot filter and pilot oil. Fuel-filter change intervals have been pushed out to 1,000 hours, double the life of the previous model. And the hydraulic-oil return filter offers a 3,000-hour service life, 50% longer than the previous forest machine. The on-demand cooling fan works only when needed, and the fan reversal can be programmed to come on at different intervals to clean out debris.

If you’ve grown to like push-button start on your truck, you’ll appreciate the same option on the revamped 568. Starting can also be accomplished with Bluetooth key fob or a unique operator ID function. With the operator ID, you can program the machine to remember individual settings and attachment preferences using the 10-inch-high resolution touchscreen.

If you’ve had trouble locating attachments in the past, Cat’s PL161 Attachment Locator can help you find where you last put your work tool, even if it’s overgrown with debris or vegetation.

Given that many forestry operations are in extreme cold or hot weather, the Cat 568 boasts a cold-start capability down to minus-32 degrees Fahrenheit and in hot weather up to 126 degrees. And should your contract call for cutting trees high up in the mountains, the 568 will operate without derating at altitudes up to 9,842 feet above sea level.

Cat 568 Quick Specs>

Engine: 347 hp>Operating weight, forestry:  104,280 lbs.>Operating weight, log loader:  105,380 lbs.Max reach, forestry: 38 ft. 4-in.Max reach, log loader: 2 ft. 5 in.Drawbar pull: 84,978 lb.-ft.Swing torque: 120,222 lb.-ft.

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Construction Blogs

Apply Now: 2022 Contractor of the Year Contest Accepting Nominations

David Oliver

Equipment World is now accepting nominations for its 2022 Contractor of the Year program.

Twelve finalists chosen by Equipment World editors will receive a four-day expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to participate in the Contractor of the Year event next spring. During the event, finalists will participate in roundtable discussions and an awards banquet, where each finalist will be honored and the 2022 Contractor of the Year will be named.

To access the COY application, click here

Designed to honor contractors who have excelled in their local markets, the contest recognizes contractors who display the highest standards of business acumen, equipment management expertise, attention to safety and community involvement.

The contest is open to construction firm owners who:

Have been in business 10 years or more.Have between $3 million and $15 million in annual revenues.Have an excellent safety record.Represent the construction industry in a positive way.

The Contractor of the Year program has been sponsored by Caterpillar since its inception in 2000. The winner and each finalist will be featured on the Equipment World website.

The deadline for applying for the 2022 contest is November 19. Applicants can either be self-nominated or nominated by others. Applicants have the choice of filling out an online form, or downloading a form to fill out at their leisure.

To get a taste of the Contractor of the Year event, check out this articlethat celebrates the naming of our 2021 Contractor of the Year, Matt Pruss of Pruss Excavation, Dodge, Nebraska.

The first 50 contractors to send a completed application will receive a Cat hat, courtesy of Caterpillar. To apply, click here

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Construction Blogs

Snyder Wins AEMP Technician of the Year: “He’s motivated by big jobs and challenges.”

David Oliver

Chase Snyder of Manatee County, Florida, has been named the 2021 Technician of the Year by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals Education Foundation.

Coworkers and supervisors at Manatee County government described Snyder as always willing to tackle the big mechanical problems, having a strong work ethic and constantly looking for ways to save taxpayers’ money.

Snyder is a senior fleet technician for Manatee County’s landfill shop, where he has worked for three years.

“The bigger the job, the better. The bigger the equipment, the better,” said Tracy Brooks, maintenance operations chief for the Manatee County Fleet Department, in describing Snyder’s attitude. “Given the choice of a light-duty repair or going to a call-out on a hill for a broken down compactor, he will choose standing ankle-deep in trash sludge every single time.”

Speaking during the awards ceremony Wednesday at the AEMP EquipmentShift Conference in Savannah, Georgia, Brooks added:

“It’s in his blood and he just enjoys it. Because he enjoys his job so much, it makes him better at what he does.”


Chase Snyder, AEMP tech of the year, enjoys working on heavy equipment, like this large mower attachment.Manatee CountyThe county’s landfill shop tracks and keeps running more than 170 pieces of equipment, everything from golf carts to heavy-duty construction equipment. Snyder can fix and maintain it all, but his favorite is the yellow iron: excavators, landfill compactors, dozers and motor graders.

He’s always been fascinated by the heavy construction equipment, but the local trade school, Manatee Technical College, offered a degree in general automotive maintenance, not heavy diesel equipment. So he got his start on the automotive side in college and worked full time during the day on transit buses for a nearby municipality. After college, he landed at Manatee County.

His supervisor, David Alligood, remembers the job interview with Snyder at Manatee County. “We knew then that we had someone special,” he says.

Alligood should know. He was the 2020 AEMP Technician of the Year.

“He has a very strong work ethic,” Alligood adds. “He’s motivated by big jobs and challenges. His focus on the county’s budget and smart spending makes him an asset to our team. He is constantly self-educating.”

Coworker Christopher Brooks described Snyder as easy to get along with, smart and a talented technician. “He’s a go-getter – never says no to anything. If you ever need a hand, he’s willing to help you. He knows the equipment very well.”

Another colleague, who also worked with Snyder at the transit bus shop, says Snyder is always available to lend a guiding hand. “If I have a question, he always takes a few minutes to explain…how something works. He also keeps a great attitude, not only helping me but everyone in the shop.”

The Technician of the Year Award by the AEMP Education Foundation has been presented each year since 1989 to “the individual who exemplifies the heavy equipment profession’s best technician.” The award seeks candidates who constantly update their education, demonstrate a strong safety record, improve fleet operations and are always professional.

As this year’s winner, Snyder will receive a custom-built John Deere toolbox and merchandise and complimentary one-year membership to AEMP. He will also be the subject of an in-depth cover story on equipmentworld.com.

Deere has sponsored the award for 32 years.

 

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Construction Management

Loftness debuts Battle Ax H Series mulcher for skid steers, CTLs, tractors

David Oliver

Today’s skid steers and compact track loaders crank out lots of hydraulic horsepower, and Loftness is taking advantage of that with its new Battle Ax H Series mulching attachments.

Designed for machines with 33 to 62.9 gallons per minute and 50 to 150 hydraulic horsepower, these heavy-duty models chew up the brush with an 88-inch cutting width. The H series has a V-drive variable displacement piston motor that automatically shifts the rotor rpm from high to low for increased torque as needed. The result is less stalling and a shorter recovery time, which allows you to concentrate on the work instead of the power settings and repositioning the head.

A two-stage cutting chamber processes material thoroughly, and the primary shear bar is adjustable for controlling particle size. Other standard features include a synchronous belt drive, bearing anti-wrap protection, adjustable skid shoes and an on-board pressure gauge. Options include hydraulic or manual adjusting push bars, custom mounts and universal skid steer mounts, a hydraulic or manually adjustable tree pusher bar, and a trap door to help prevent the attachment from throwing material underneath the tractor.

The Battle Ax models feature a rotor with built-in depth gauges that function like the raker on a chain saw, preventing the cutting teeth from engaging too much material at one time. The mulchers can be used with reversible planer knives, hard-surfaced planer knives or double-edged carbide teeth. Single-bolt mounting allows the blades to be reversed or replaced on the jobsite with a hex socket and wrench.

And if you don’t have a skid steer or CTL, Loftness also introduced a new Battle Ax attachment for compact tractors. Designed for tractors with a 540 rpm PTO and 36 to 70 PTO horsepower, the PTO Battle Ax has a 61-inch cutting width and comes with a Category I hitch, but is adaptable to Category II, free-link or quick hitch.     


Loftness Battle Ax attachment for tractors with PTOs.Loftness   

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