Author: David Oliver

Construction Management

Work Set to Begin on Widening Section of National Freight Highway in Illinois

David Oliver

Work is expected to begin in January on widening a major freight highway in southern Illinois.

The $67.6 million project will expand 9 miles of Interstate 57 from four to six lanes between state highways 149 and 154. This is the next phase of a $264 million plan to widen I-57 in southern Illinois.

The interstate is part of the National Highway Freight Network. The southern Illinois section handles 40,000 vehicles a day, 14,000 of which are trucks. The widening announcement follows advance construction beginning on another major freight corridor through Illinois. The $1.2 billion I-80 reconstruction project will rebuild 16 miles of the interstate, which leads to the largest inland port in North America.

Governor JB Pritzker called the widening project “the most significant investment in I-57 since its original development.” He said it would improve safety and the reliability of the freight network, create jobs and support regional economic development.

The next widening phase follows the expansion of I-57 by 4.5 miles south of West Frankfort, completed in 2020, and the ongoing widening north for 3.5 miles. The construction is being funded by the $33.2 billion Rebuild Illinois program enacted in 2019 with a doubling of the state’s gas tax and with federal funds.

The upcoming project will occur near Benton and also includes installing median barrier, resurfacing the existing lanes, updating deficient guardrail, and adding rumble strips, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The bridges over the Big Muddy River will be replaced. The phase is expected to be completed in 2025.

Future phases will eventually widen I-57 to Mt. Vernon, reconstruct the I-57/64 interchange with Illinois 15 and replace three bridges, at an estimated cost of $164 million, also to be paid for by Rebuild Illinois.

“The I-57 corridor is one of the most important in our system, but it’s prone to backups and congestion that can spill over into neighboring communities,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker, we are transforming I-57 to accommodate 21st century transportation, as we are doing throughout Southern Illinois and the entire state.”

 

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Construction Blogs

12th Day of Construction Gifts: A Heavy-Duty Tool Backpack

David Oliver

Editor’s note: Each day until Christmas, Equipment World is featuring a new gift idea for the construction enthusiast in your life. Check back each day to our Gear section or subscribe to our Equipment World Daily newsletter to see each day’s new idea.

Reinforced for more wear and tear, this heavy-duty tool backpack from Custom Leathercraft is a solid alternative to the standard toolbox.

Constructed with 1680D ballistic polyester and extra webbing around the pockets and handles, it’s strong and large enough to hold heavy tools. The backpack features two large zipper compartments, 38 reinforced pockets, a cell phone holder, tape measure clip and a padded compartment to store electronics or valuables.

The molded base on the backpack has a square bottom allowing it to lay flat when placed on the ground and consists of soft material for extra back comfort. Three large foam back pads and a 2-way adjustable sternum strap offer support and comfort.

The double-stitched tape binding helps keep tools safe and dry, while remaining light enough to carry fully loaded to the jobsite. 

The molded base tool backpack can be purchased on CLC’s website for $139.00. 

Construction Blogs

XL Specialized Trailers’ launches XL Side Dump featuring crack resistant tub

David Oliver

Available in two- and three-axle designs, XL Specialized Trailers’ says its new XL Side Dump is built to handle the toughest materials the aggregate industry can throw at it.

The two-axle XL 60 SD2-37 has an overall length of 39 feet 8 inches, while the three-axle XL 60 SD3-37 comes in at 41 feet 9 inches. Both trailers measure 102 inches wide and feature a capacity of 60,000 pounds.

“The aggregate industry works with tough materials — and needs a tough product to handle them,” says Tom Hiatt, director of sales at XL. “Our team invested significant research and development efforts into designing the new XL Side Dump. The result is a durable product that incorporates no-nonsense safety measures to ensure productivity on the job site.”

The XL Side Dump’s tub – made from ¼ inch AR450 steel – is designed to be crack resistant. It offers a capacity of 23 cubic yards water level and 33 cubic yards strike-off. Easy-to-use tub hooks are located on each side of the trailer.

When one side is disengaged, the other side automatically engages, ensuring the tub is always secure. The electric mesh tarp system also prevents the tub from dumping when it is covered.

The trailer has six lights per side, rubber mounted LED lights and dual intensity center cluster lights.

Color options include black, International Harvester red or Caterpillar yellow. 

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Construction Blogs

GMC Teases All-Electric Sierra Pickup Truck

David Oliver

GMC continues its march to truck electrification with a sneak peek at its all-electric Sierra pickup.

While the front shot of the truck doesn’t reveal much, it does show an eye-catching lighting sequence across the grille.

The electric Sierra, which will launch only in the Denali trim, will be the third all-electric vehicle in GMC’s portfolio after the GMC Hummer EV Pickup and GMC Hummer EV SUV.

“Sierra Denali holds tremendous equity for GMC and our customers,” said Duncan Aldred, GMC vice president. “We now have an opportunity to evolve Sierra’s capabilities and technologies, as afforded by transitioning to an all-electric propulsion while also elevating the luxurious design and comfort associated with Denali.”

Like the GMC Hummer EV, the electric Sierra will be purposefully built on the Ultium Platform with the premium materials and capability customers have come to expect from GMC trucks, the company says.

The truck will be revealed next year and will be assembled in General Motors’ Factory ZERO Assembly Plant in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan.  

Construction Management

Tadano names Barley president

David Oliver

Effective January 1, Dean Barley will take the helm as president and COO of Tadano America Corp., succeeding Ingo Schiller.

Barley currently serves as vice president of customer service and general manager of Latin America sales. He initially joined Tadano in 2019 following the acquisition of Demag to run Demag as a separate division before integrating Demag cranes into Tadano’s portfolio. Before joining Tadano, he worked at Terex for more than two decades in a variety of capacities.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to follow Ingo in this role. He has been instrumental in developing Tadano America to the great company it is today and the Pan-America Region into the success that we are now enjoying,” says Barley.

Schiller has been promoted to chief marketing officer of Tadano Ltd. He will be responsible for all global marketing activities for the Tadano Group of companies, as well as the director of the US entity that holds both Tadano America Corp. and Tadano Mantis Corp.

Schiller joined Tadano America in 2016, becoming its president and CEO the following year. He led Tadano America through the integration of Demag Mobile Cranes into the company’s portfolio and several crane model lineup expansions for the region.

“I could not be happier with the news that Dean Barley will succeed me as I know that he brings the right talents that will help the continued growth and success of the Pan-America team. He is the right person to take this business to the next level,” says Schiller.

Along with this change, Shinichi Iimura, a long-time veteran of Tadano, will become chairman and CEO.

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Construction Management

Product Roundup: JLG analyzer capabilities now available for phones, tablets

David Oliver

JLG analyzer capabilities now available for phones, tablets

The same functionality you find on JLG’s Handheld Analyzer is now available on customers’ mobile devices. The new JLG BluetoothAnalyzer and Bluetooth Analyzer Reader feature in the JLG Mobile Control App allows users to troubleshoot, calibrate or customize their JLG mobile control equipped scissors with a smartphone or tablet, says Ara Eckel, director of product management for JLG connected solutions.

The new Bluetooth Analyzer feature allows users to view and edit machine parameters via their mobile device through an interface that’s similar to the physical analyzer. The Bluetooth Analyzer Reader enables users to view a summary of requested machine analyzer menus, as well as the ability to download and share files through a user’s smart device.

Both new Bluetooth-enabled features are supplemental to the Remote Analyzer tool, which is currently available as an option on JLG CAN-enabled ES and R Series scissor lifts equipped with the JLG Mobile Control module. These new Bluetooth features will be available on JLG RT and ERT rough terrain models in the near future.


Kohler’s KSD engines offer multiple fuel options including diesel, gasoline and propane.KohlerNew Kohler engine family aims for small displacement applications

Today’s sophisticated machines require engines that can integrate with complex control systems, and that’s the need Kohler addressed with the launch of its new KSD series engines.

There are three basic models in the lineup with more to come in the next few years:

KSD 1403NA, naturally aspiratedKSD 1403TC, turbocharged KSD 1403TCA, turbocharged with aftercooler

As to performance, the Kohler KSD engines develop 24 horsepower (18 kW) at 1,800 rpm and peak torque of 88.5 foot-pounds (120 Nm) at 1,400 rpm. At low speed, the KSD series offer 70 foot-pounds (95 Nm) at 1,000 rpm. In this horsepower range, the KSD engines comply with all global emissions standards and fuels. Multi-fuel solutions including diesel, gasoline and propane, are available.

According to the company, the new electronically controlled engines can be easily integrated with the more complex electronic systems of today’s machines without modifying the machine. Electronic controls allow the engine to maintain performance at high altitudes and optimize fuel consumption by matching the hydraulics to the engine load and speed. Engines can be set up for any duty cycle and can exchange data with the machine using minimal physical connections.

Dual side service access and flexibility in fan positioning enables these engines to fit a wide range of OEM machines. Remote monitoring for diagnostics and geo-location help customers stay on top of maintenance requirements. The engines are aimed at applications such as generators ag tractors, excavators, loaders, forklifts, compressors, dumpers, and mowers.

Demarec grapple with Steelwrist SQ coupler on an excavator.
Demarec grapple with Steelwrist SQ coupler.SteelwristDemarec, Steelwrist sign cooperation agreement for quick couplers

Demand for quick couplers that enable operators to change attachments from the convenience of their cabs is growing. Demarec is jumping on the bandwagon with their agreement to use factory-installed Steelwrist automatic quick couplers.

The Steelwrist lineup adheres to the Open-S industry standard and includes the SQ60, SQ65, SQ70, SQ70/55, SQ80 and the recently introduced SQ90 — the biggest model to date. Demarec is one of the leading manufacturers of hydraulic attachments for the demolition and recycling industry with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro in the extended mode.
Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro in the extended mode.HIABNew super-heavy loader crane from HIAB

Hiab has launched the 110-tonne-meter ™ super heavy loader crane, the Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro with the company’s new control system to deliver new productivity and safety benefits. The new generation of loader cranes is based the SPACEevo system paired with the CombiDrive 4 remote control that is used for the first time on the Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro. Hiab is part of the Finnish company Cargotec, based in Helsinki.

The Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro is the company’s largest crane to date, offering long reach and significant lifting capacity in a lightweight, compact package. It delivers the performance of a 110-tm loader crane but is similar in size to a 90-tm model. This means it can be installed easily on four-axle vehicles, leaving room for payload, and reducing costs and fuel consumption.

The new SPACEevo control system allows the crane to be operated precisely at high speeds. The CombiDrive 4 control system provides more information, with bigger color screens, haptic feedback (vibrations) and increased battery life. Operators can personalize settings like speed and crane reaction. A new Confirm View feature increases safety by identifying the position of the operator compared to the stabilizers, so the stabilizers only open if the operator is positioned to see their movement.

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Construction Management

Process More in Less Time with Cat’s New MH3026 Material Handler

David Oliver

An advanced electrohydraulic system for Cat’s new MH3026 material handler gives you a balance of power and efficiency to improve cycle times. The result is more material processed in less time, and that spells better ROI for waste and scrap metal applications.

A Cat C7.1 engine cranks out 128 horsepower and can operate on B20 biodiesel. The maintenance-free exhaust aftertreatment system maximizes uptime and lowers operating costs. Power and economy mode choices mean you only burn the amount of fuel needed to do the job, resulting in 10% lower fuel use compared to previous models, says the company.

Stronger swing torque

A new front linkage on the MH3026 reaches up to 42 feet 8 inches. The swing torque is 20% greater to move material faster. A heavy-lift mode gives you extra capacity when you need it, and Cat’s SmartBoom can travel up and down without using pump flow. This adds additional fuel efficiency and allows the operator to focus on grapple control for smoother operation.

For safety, Cat’s E-fence system comes standard and prevents the machine and attachment from moving outside parameters set by the operator in the cab. This can eliminate the possibility of hitting the cab with the attachment or running into adjacent structures in a tight work envelope. A pin code prevents unauthorized operation of the machine.

Multiple cameras

Large tempered glass windows with small pillars on the re-engineered cab protect the operator and enhance all-around visibility and operating safety. Standard right-side and rearview cameras, upgradable to 360-degree vision, display video feed on the large in-cab touchscreen monitor to further enhance work area visibility. Thicker impact-resistant windshields and roof windows meet EN356, P8B and P5A standards.

Another important safety feature, standard boom and stick lowering check valves, reverse oil flow in the event of an unexpected loss of hydraulic pressure keeping the front linkage secure in place. All daily maintenance points are quickly accessed from ground level, while a new service platform with steps provides safe and quick access to the upper service area. 

Easy access

For creature comforts, Cat is offering a choice between deluxe and premium designs. A joystick option eliminates the steering column and improves forward visibility, legroom and ease of entry. The left-hand console tilts up for exiting.

A 10-inch, high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog dial offers easy navigation of the operator controls. Different machine operators can store their specific joystick and preferred power mode settings, and the machine automatically recalls the settings based on the operator ID. The cab sits tops out at 18 feet 10 inches to improve visibility for loading and material handling.

All engine filters and the new air-intake filter are coordinated to be changed at 1,000 hours. The hydraulic oil-filter change interval has been extended to 3,000 hours, and new anti-drain values keep hydraulic fluid clean during replacement.

Quick specs:

Engine: 128 horsepowerOperating Weight: 55,601-57,651 lbs.Maximum Travel Speed:16 mph
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Construction Blogs

Monk JCB Opens New Houston Facility

David Oliver

JCB North America recently opened the doors on a new $8 million, 13,000 square foot sales, service and parts facility in Houston, Texas, named Monk JCB.

Alice Bamford, daughter of JCB Chairman Lord Bamford and granddaughter of company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford, officiated the ceremony for the facility, which is part of the JCB Sponsored Dealer Program. The program includes the investment in the facility leased to the dealer.

“Where else would you get this with a major manufacturer?” says Bryan Monk, dealer principal and owner, Monk JCB. “We are excited to welcome the public to our new Houston showroom. The quality and innovation put into JCB equipment makes us a perfect fit for the needs of the Houston heavy construction equipment market. A facility like this serves to help us support our customers in even more ways.” Monk has over three decades of experience in the industry.

“The opening of Monk JCB is an important part of JCB North America’s growth strategy which includes sponsoring dealerships in key market areas,” says Richard Fox-Marrs, President & CEO of JCB North America. “In addition to Monk JCB, we also have sponsored facilities in Dallas and southern California and will continue to add dealerships in other metro areas.”

Here’s a look at the new 5-acre facility:

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Construction Blogs

11th Day of Construction Gifts: Durable Work Pants with Stretch

David Oliver

Editor’s note: Each day until Christmas, Equipment World is featuring a new gift idea for the construction enthusiast in your life. Check back each day to our Gear section or subscribe to our Equipment World Daily newsletter to see each day’s new idea.

“Unprecedented comfort and maneuverability.” 

That’s how Blaklader describes its service pants with stretch.

The 65% polyester/ 35% cotton material blend helps keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while maintaining maximum durability and no shrinkage. Plus, it’s more oil and water repellent than cotton alone.

The pants feature a stretch panel in the crotch, on the knees and rear. Pre-bent knees provide added flexibility and comfort when crouching or kneeling.

Generously sized utility pockets, including an inner telephone pocket, are perfect for carrying tools and parts.

Men’s service pants with stretch can be purchased for $79.95 on the Blaklader website or at specialty retailers.

The women’s cut features a narrower fit, elastic waist and fast-drying material. The women’s service stretch pant is available for $69.95.

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Construction Services

Manitou’s Tallest Articulated Boom in U.S., the ATJ60E, Goes All Electric

David Oliver

Manitou launched its tallest articulated boom lift for North America last year, and now the company has rolled out an all-electric version.

The new ATJ60E runs on lead-acid batteries, instead of the 42.9-horsepower diesel engine in its ATJ60 articulated boom work platform.

With far fewer components than a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, the electric-drive ATJ60E substantially reduces maintenance costs, the company says.

Two asynchronous, maintenance-free motors drive the ATJ60E. An integral charger is located on the turret, and the machine recharges on a standard 230-volt plug. Manitou said it chose lead-acid batteries due to their low replacement cost and recyclability. According to the company, the batteries can be cycled and recharged up to 1,500 times.

The ATJ60E offers a basket capacity of 507 pounds, a working height of 65 feet 7 inches and a platform height of 59 feet 7 inches. Up-and-over reach measures 26 feet 3 inches.

It comes with solid, non-marking tires and weighs 15,653 pounds. The axles offer a maximum tilt of 4 degrees longitudinally and laterally. High ground clearance, four-wheel drive and the active oscillating axle enable stability off road and over uneven terrain.

In the front of the basket, a large color monitor displays information. Basket-overload and tilt sensors provide audible and visual warnings when operators push the machine past safe operating parameters. The monitor also gives the operator a reading on how much time is left on the battery. A one-point slinging design without a spreader bar makes loading and transport faster and easier, the company says.

The galvanized finish on the basket resists rust, while the removable mesh floor adds visibility beneath the operator. Easy access to hydraulic cables, hoses and batteries and to centralized fill ports further reduce routine maintenance.

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