Category: Construction Blogs

You can’t get to work with your compact track loader until you effectively haul it to the jobsite. Here are some tips for correct trailering.

Weight Matters: If you haven’t already chosen a trailer, the operating weight of the loader should be your first consideration. Also, make sure your tow vehicle is rated for pulling weights equal to or exceeding the trailer’s rating. Keep in mind that the trailer’s rating often includes the trailer weight, so you may have to deduct the weight of the trailer itself to get the actual load capacity. Finally, choose a trailer type. Gooseneck trailers offer high capacities, but flat decks may accommodate more vehicles.

Loading & Unloading: Park on a level surface and lock the parking brake. Slowly maneuver off or onto the trailer, being alert to the point when the loader rocks onto and off the trailer ramps. If available, a spotter can help guide you to make the process easier.

Got Attachments? You should typically place the machine with the center of gravity slightly ahead of the axles. Evenly balance the attachments on either side to distribute the weight.

Before Hitting the Road: Tape or plug the loader’s exhaust outlet if it’s facing the tow vehicle to prevent damage to the exhaust or turbocharger. Stop and check chains and tie devices occasionally to make sure nothing has moved during hauling.

Ease-of-Use Features: Some loaders have design features to make your job easier. For example, some equipment features built-in tie-downs on the outside of the machine. Some other loaders have tie-downs under the loader, which are useless unless the bucket is detached.

Hauling can be even easier with some of today’s smallest sit-in compact track loaders, which are light enough to be loaded on a trailer and pulled by a ½-ton pickup. Use these tips for effective hauling so you can focus on the job at hand.

Buck Storlie is the product manager at ASV Holdings Inc. ASV Holdings Inc., a Yanmar Compact Equipment company, designs and manufactures compact track and skid-steer loaders primarily for the construction, landscaping and forestry markets.

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It may look small, but Wacker Neuson’s new DW30 wheeled dumper can carry a 3-ton payload.

The DW30’s compact design and articulated pivot point enable you to scoot around tight jobsites and rough terrain that might frustrate or stop bigger loaders. With its 45.3-horsepower Perkins engine, this machine reaches speeds of up to 15.5 mph, and its hydrostatic all-wheel drive eliminates gear changes for easy operation.

A single joystick controls all the DW30’s functions. The toggle auto-stop switch shuts down the engine after five minutes of idling,  which saves fuel during loading and wait times on the jobsite.

The DW30 is available in ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and enclosed cab versions with construction or turf tires. The ROPS is designed to be quickly folded down for transportation and low-clearance situations. The cab models feature high-performance air conditioning as standard. For safety, additional standard details include high-visibility, red-painted steps and handrails, rearview mirrors, reverse alarm and road lights.

Compared to other types of machines for moving materials, the DW30 gives you an excellent forward view of the load and jobsite. This visibility is particularly useful when loading into a dump truck.

The 180-degree swivel skip enables the load to be precisely placed where needed, a useful feature when backfilling trenches and working along the shoulder of a highway in a single lane of traffic. 

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What started as LEGO Technic model is now a real machine. Volvo recently unveiled a fully autonomous, battery-electric prototype, the LX03.

Formerly referred to as ZEUX, the in-development machine is the first real-world example of a self-learning concept wheel loader with the “brains” to make decisions, perform tasks and interact with humans.

The collaborative effort between Volvo and LEGO began in 2018, as the companies set to explore the potential future for construction. “Our two companies have enjoyed an extremely successful partnership over the years in which we have collaborated on several LEGO Technic models,” LEGO Group’s head of product for LEGO Technic, Niels Henrik Horsted, says. “But this is the first time we are making a real machine based on a model and not the other way around – and that is what makes this a truly unique project.” Even more remarkable – many of the original design elements were dreamed up by a team of kids.

Borrowing from Volvo’s already robust EV offering, the 5-ton LX03 shares its driveline with the L25 electric wheel loader. The zero-emission, low-noise machine offers up to eight hours of runtime, depending on the application. It can be programmed to complete heavy, repetitive or dangerous tasks, reducing the need for a human on site.

“We need to transform the construction industry with smart and more sustainable solutions that will have an impact on a global scale,” Volvo CE President Milker Jernberg says. “The unveiling of the LX03 prototype today represents just that – and is testament to the incredible expertise of our engineers and our united commitment towards positive change. Together with the LEGO Group, we are pushing the boundaries of both technology and imagination,  and the result is beyond anything the world has seen before.”

While the machine won’t be commercially available anytime soon, or maybe ever, it sets the stage for future concept machines for Volvo.

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Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, a Deere & Company executive said its second offer to UAW strikers was its best and final offer.

Strikers are still on the picket lines at 12 Deere plants after UAW members this week voted down the second Deere offer by 55%. The strike impacts the production of several types of construction products, including wheel loaders, graders and articulated trucks made at its Davenport, Iowa, plant. 

Mark Howze, Deere chief executive officer, told WSJ, “There’s not more bargaining to be done. We’ve done all we can do. We don’t have a better offer to provide. This is it.” Howze went on to say its second, now rejected, offer would have cost Deere an additional $3.5 billion over the contract life.

Howze told Fox Business that the company plans to take its case directly to workers in the hopes they will accept the deal.

The WSJ article said that the UAW had no specific response to Howze’s comments. UAW’s posted statement after the vote said, “The strike against John Deere and Company will continue as we discuss next steps with the company. Pickets will continue and any updates will be provided through the local union.”

Howze told the WSJ that “some U.S. employees are working around the clock at some sites.”

Working under what it calls the “next phase” of its Customer Service Continuation Plan, Deere says it will use salaried “employees and others” to enter factories and keep operations going. At the beginning of the strike, Deere said, “Our immediate concern is meeting the needs of our customers, who work in time-sensitive and critical industries such as agriculture and construction.”

After the second offer was rejected by union members, Deere pointed out, “Employees at parts facilities in Denver and Atlanta have voted in support of a separate agreement with identical economic terms.”

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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.

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.

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.

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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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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Aside from being the original robotic machine, Brokk’s remote-controlled loaders/toolcarriers have provided demolition contractors a safe way to work in dangerous places where you wouldn’t want a worker to venture. The company is also now offering a range of attachments for shaft and tunneling in underground and confined-space work.

The attachments include Brokk’s BHB hydraulic breaker series, as well as drum cutters, buckets, TEI Rock Drills and C20 Rock Splitters. With them, contractors can do things like open a tunnel face, installing rock bolts and other applications necessary for the tunnel development process.

The BHB series includes eight breaker models starting with the 110-pound BHB 55 breaker up to the 3,307-pound BHB 1500 for the new Brokk 900, which is suited for heavy-duty tunnel and demolition applications.

For excavation applications such as contouring and trenching, Brokk’s drum cutters include the BDC 40 with a 15.2-inch cutting width and the  RT 15-40 model with a cutting width of just 4.7 inches. The BDC 50 pairs with the Brokk 110120DII and 170 robots to provide a cutting depth of up to 1.2 inches at a width of 18.9 inches. At 24-inches wide and a cutting depth of up to 2.6 inches, the BDC 100 works with larger Brokk models — the 200300500520D and 900R.

The TEI Rock Drill series is a collaboration between Brokk and TEI Rock Drills. The offerings include six drills with diameters from 1.3-1.7 inches up to 1.7-3 inches. Drill controls are integrated into Brokk’s ergonomic remote one button operation. At just under 26 inches long, the TE160-100 is the smallest drill attachment and delivers 35 to 60 foot-pounds of impact energy at 5,000 to 6,500 blows per minute. The drill also produces 100 pound-feet of torque and reaches rotation speeds of up to 250 rpm.

The C20 Rock Splitter series provides contractors with safe and quiet alternatives to explosives and hydraulic breakers. The series works with Brokk 300 and larger models to break up big boulders and solid rock in mining and shaft sinking applications as well as cross passage work in tunneling. For vertical applications, contractors can choose between the C20 C and C20 V. The C20 H can be used in horizontal applications, while the C20 J works in both horizontal and vertical applications.

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