Category: Construction Services

Machine data is more useful when it can be pulled together for analysis and viewed across a mixed-fleet worksite, and that’s the thinking behind Topcon’s new MC-Max platform.

Designed to adapt to contractors’ machine control and data integration needs as their fleets and workflows expand, the new Topcon MC-Max increases processing power, speed, accuracy, reliability in GPS/GNSS guided earthmoving and sitework, says the company.

Backed by Sitelink3D, MC-Max can be installed on a full range of dozers and excavators. The MC-Max is based on Topcon’s MC-X platform and offers flexible mounting solutions, as well as optional automatic blade and bucket control. The system also provides a full range of positioning technologies from slope control to laser, multi-constellation GNSS*, robotic total station and Millimeter GPS systems. With it, you get a live view of machine positions, activities and onsite progress. MC-Max is also compatible with a wide range of jobsite communication systems.

“With MC-Max, we’ve created a solution that is flexible and can continue to grow as a contractor’s needs and capabilities expand,” says Jamie Williamson, executive vice president, Topcon Positioning Group. “This new solution provides improved scalability and precision in the field and offers business owners real-time data integration, connectivity and resource management capabilities across their entire workflow.”

Topcon positions the MC-X Platform as an easy-to-use and affordable machine control solution. The platform provides seamless data with mixed fleets by interacting with multiple versions of 3D-MC. Sitelink3D is the company’s real-time, cloud-based data management system.

*Multi-constellation GNSS systems are machine control platforms that receive positioning signals from multiple satellites in orbit around the earth. The more satellites a system can “see” the better the data and the less likely a system will lose the satellite connection.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=650

To the contractors asking for a compact paver from Caterpillar: your wish has been granted.

Cat has filled the gap in its product offering with a new line of 8-foot size-class paver and screed combinations. The AP400, AP455, AP500 and AP555 asphalt pavers, along with the SE47 V and SE47 FM asphalt screeds, are designed for small, tight jobs such as narrow streets, driveways and small parking lots.

“Compact pavers and screeds offer opportunity to both large and small contractors,” says Cat sales consultant Jon Anderson. “For large contractors doing pullouts and shoulders, this is the perfect machine for that at a lower cost point. For smaller customers, it gives them the opportunity to move up and do some bigger jobs that they’ve always wanted to bid on but didn’t feel they had the equipment for.”

The SE47 V screed can be extended to any width between 8 and 15 feet 6 inches, with a maximum width of 20 feet. The SE47 FM screed offers a standard paving range between 8 feet and 15 feet 6 inches, with a maximum width of 20 feet 6 inches. Both screeds offer paving depths up to 10 inches.

“One of the hardest things is to do a job where the paver is too big and you’ve got to do everything at the very minimum width,” says Anderson. “It’s a real challenge, so this provides new opportunities.”

Easy to load or road

When moving between multiple jobs per day, equipment must be easy to haul. Cat says these 13- to 15-ton size-class machines don’t require special permits for transport and have convenient tie-down locations.  

With a length of less than 18 feet 6 inches and width of 8 feet 6 inches, the pavers easily fit on trailers and can be hauled with other equipment. In addition, the front-loading angle of 17 degrees and high bumper clearance simplifies loading without the need for additional blocking material.

Roading it rather than loading it? Anderson says the versatile undercarriage design delivers “excellent traction and speed for traveling to the next starting point.”

The Cat Mobil-trac undercarriage design used on the AP455 and AP555 features a unique four-bogie system with self-tensioning accumulators and center guide blocks. This helps prevent slippage and reduce wear, while the oscillating bogie wheels help deliver smooth transitions when exiting the cut over transverse joints of mill and fill applications.

A simple wheel undercarriage design is also available with sand-rib or radial drive tire options. The AP400 can be equipped with a front-wheel assist option, while the AP500 can be equipped with front-wheel assist or the all-wheel drive option for increased performance on soft base materials or when pushing heavy loads.

Simple, intuitive operation

Simplified menu structures offer touch-screen activation from the main screen.Equipment WorldStandardized controls across the Cat paving product line make it easier to move crew members between machines and train new hires.

“We have some new, simplified menu structures that make it easier to make changes and a single-touch activation for the feeder system,” says Anderson. “The new display has fantastic visibility even in bright sunlight.”

The screed heat, fumes ventilation, vibration settings and the washdown system are all accessible with the touch of a button from the main menu, helping operators start faster and increase productivity.

Versatile new screeds

Screeds with rear or front-mounted extenders enable contractors to match their application needs. The SE47 V is a rear-mounted screed, meaning hydraulic extenders are behind the main screed. This design enables material to naturally flow out to the end-gates for smooth, stable performance.

The SE47 V and SE47 FM offer efficient heating and simple adjustments.Equipment WorldRear-mount screeds are typically chosen by 25 percent of customers, and Pennsylvania-based Schlouch Incorporated is one of them. “Over the years our employees have consistently given us the feedback that the rear-mount screed works the best for them,” says Glen Powell, Schlouch paving department coordinator and project manager.

The crew at Schlouch has been field testing the AP455 with the SE47 V for the past year. Here are some of the reasons why they prefer the rear-mount screed:

Full catwalk: “It has a full catwalk. When you run the extensions out, the catwalk extends with it so they can continue to walk out to the end of the extension,” says Powell. This allows for excellent visibility when paving in neighborhoods around stormwater inlets. Durability, rigidity and weight: The setup is also well-suited for high-tolerance applications such as sport courts. “The added weight of the screed behind the machine gives us a nicer mat coming out from behind, gives us a little better compaction right behind the screed and allows us to achieve good results,” says Powell.  

A front-mounted system may be a better option for contractors who frequently need to maneuver around obstacles like curbs and light poles. The SE47 FM is equipped with hydraulic extenders in front of the main screed and offers a smaller footprint that reduces handwork at the start of the paving pass. When the paving width is reduced, material is quickly drawn back into the auger chamber.

For contractors requiring wider paving capability, optional extension packages, as well as berm attachments, are available for the SE 47 FM.

Fuel-efficient power

Cat designed the new pavers with an eco-mode feature that pairs with automatic speed control to reduce fuel consumption. In most conditions, the engine can operate at a lower rpm and still deliver the required power to meet performance requirements. If needed, the engine will automatically adjust to a higher engine speed if certain load conditions are met.

The AP400 and AP455 have a 120-horsepower Cat C3.6 engine, and the AP500 and AP555 run on a 148-horsepower Cat C4.4 engine. Both engines meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards.

Enhanced visibility

Operators will immediately appreciate the enhanced visibility into the hopper and unrestricted forward view on these compact machines. The exhaust stack has been integrated into the new hood design and does not extend upward as it does on other Cat paver models. The pavers’ small footprint delivers excellent mobility in tight spaces and low-clearance applications.

“A few of the things we noticed right off the bat was the visibility around this machine,” says Powell. “Most notably, the elimination of a stack in front of the engine compartment. That now allows the operator to really see what’s in front of him, as well as a little bit lower hopper size on the machine. When you’re dumping trucks into the paver, the spotter that stands next to the machine can see in the hopper, see when it’s filled, see when the truck is empty and has better visibility into that area.”

Smooth material flow

Smaller augers deliver smooth material flow at narrow widths, helping contractors achieve quality targets. The 14-inch diameter augers efficiently move material through the auger chamber. Operators can control each material feed sensor when using cut-off shoes or when paving at narrow widths. Simply switch to manual and use the proportional control dial for the feed system.  

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=646

As the weather gets colder and we move toward huddling up inside for a few months, we have an opportunity to inspect our houses and make sure that our family stays happy, healthy, and well throughout the cold months. There’s a lot to do, but we have time to do it if we put our minds to it. So, in these last dry days, when it’s still easy to jaunt around outside the house, it’s a good idea to inspect every inch of the place so that if something’s wrong, you find it when it’s easy to fix.

Electrical and heating—consider energy audit now

Before we enter the coldest months, you should consider an energy audit while you can still get it done. You’re about to use a lot of energy to keep your house warm, and having someone come by to help you minimize that is not a bad idea.

During an audit, you can also check your heating and air conditioning systems for function and leaking and flip your filters so that you know everything is in order to keep you warm and toasty. There is nothing worse than finding out that your furnace is broken on the first morning that’s cold enough for you to want it. 

Make sure your chimney is clean

You’re also about to use your chimney for the first time in months, so you should make sure it’s clean and order firewood because it’ll be harder to get in the midst of winter.

The change of the seasons is also time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only is it good to regularly check them, but you’re also going to be burning a lot more material this season if you have a fireplace or woodstove.

Check the outside of the house next

Outdoors you want to go around your house and check your paint, caulk, and the seals on your exterior wood, as it’s all about to be much wetter for a few months. If you see anything that’s crumbling or gapping, just scrape off that paint or caulk and apply fresh.

You should also check your decks, concrete, or asphalt on your patio, driveway, or walkway. You have time now to seal it and let it cure, but waiting till later will have an entire season of damage with minimal opportunity to fix it. Just apply some water to the surfaces and see if it soaks in. If it does, it’s time to reseal them.

Your drains in your gutters and your foundation also need some care. Any pooling or settling around your foundation can be filled with soil before the spring floods. Check the downspouts to make sure they point away from the foundation. Gutters should be securely fastened and freely draining as they’re about to get burdened with snow, and that could bring them right down.

Any sad-looking trees around your house should also be cut down before they get loaded with snow and come down on their own. Getting a tree removed in the fall is much easier than trying to drag it out in the dead of winter. It’s a good idea to get ahead of the curve wherever you can. Might even get some firewood out of it!

Stow your stuff

Last, make sure that your outside amenities are all properly treated for the season. For example, all of your outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, or pools should be drained and turned off to make sure that they don’t freeze and burst on the first big one.

Your lawn care equipment that uses gas will be happier in the spring if you drain the gas out of them. Similarly, you might consider testing the snowblower and filling it up before you need it on a cold morning. At the very least, you should bring your snow shovels out into an easily accessible place.

When you find you haven’t been out on the patio for a week or so, you should cover the furniture to prevent damage from the snow and leaves over the winter. Of course, it doesn’t all have to come inside, but you can save yourself some heartache come spring just by giving it a nice cover-up layer.

Enjoy your holidays

Now that that’s all done, you can settle into the holidays with a massive weight off your mind and a feeling of peace in your heart. Of course, every season, there is a list of things to do to prepare, but once it’s done, you can truly relax and let your home be a place of peace rather than a place of concern.

The post A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather appeared first on Mr Roof.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=625

A four-year, $1.2 billion project to build a new I-74 bridge over the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa is finally finished.

The new bridge features two stunning basket-handle arches, and it will be twice as wide, with four lanes in each direction, as the old bridge, which will be demolished.

The Bettendorf, Iowa-bound (westbound) bridge opened in November 2020. On December 1, the Moline, Illinois-bound bridge is scheduled to open.

The bridges’ first 236-high arch was completed in May 2020. Check out this time-lapse video of its construction below:

CMSBrowserComponents.load({ el: ‘#vue-1637849722865-92’, name: ‘OEmbed’, props: {“mountPoint”:”/__oembed”,”url”:”https://youtu.be/LkmPVJtFLY0″,”attrs”:{“type”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://youtu.be/LkmPVJtFLY0″,”element”:”aside”}}, hydrate: false });

Construction began in 2017 on the $1.2 billion project to replace the old bridge, which was overcapacity and frequently required repairs. The new bridge is designed to last 100 years, according to the Iowa DOT.

The project involved constructing the two bridges, with main spans of 795 feet, east of the current bridge. The bridges also provide pedestrian and bicycle access to 14-foot-wide paths. An elevator will be built on the Bettendorf side of the Illinois-bound bridge for walkers and bikers to get to the path. The path will also have a glass bottom at the center of the bridge for people to see the water.

The new bridge is designed to improve rush-hour traffic flow, replacing the narrow width and shoulders of the old bridge that contributed to congestion. Improvements to interchanges and intersections were also part of the project, as well as new landscaping and lighting.

The old bridge also has two spans. The westbound bridge was opened in 1935, and the eastbound bridge opened in 1960. It had exceeded average daily traffic counts of 74,000 vehicles. It is estimated the new bridge will see 100,000 vehicles a day by 2035.

The Illinois and Iowa departments of transportation collaborated on the project, with Lunda Construction of Wisconsin as the contractor.  

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=619

As gas prices continue to rise, Ford’s hybrid 2022 Maverick pickup truck can offer some relief with an impressive EPA-estimated 42 mpg city.

Ford announced that its 2.5-liter hybrid Maverick also delivers 37 mpg combined and 33 mpg highway, which adds up to more than 500 miles on a single tank of gas.

“Our team set out to redefine what a truck could be with Maverick, and we’ve done that with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city that beats the 2022 Honda Civic 1.5-liter 4-cylinder automatic (variable gear ratio) gasoline engine,” said Chris Mazur, Ford Maverick chief engineer.

“At the same time, Maverick offers room for five and plenty of towing and hauling for weekend trips or do-it-yourself projects,” Mazur continued.

Maverick uses Ford’s fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which includes an all-new 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and electronic continuously variable transmission. Its briefcase-size, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is packaged below the second-row seats rather than occupying a significant portion of the cargo area.

Maverick Hybrid is expected to start shipping in December with the first customer deliveries expected in January 2022, allowing time for state and federal emissions certifications.

Due to high demand, all Maverick Hybrid production for the 2022 model year is expected to be fully reserved by early November. Once all 2022 Maverick Hybrids have been reserved, ordering for Maverick Hybrid will close until reopening next summer.

Customers are still able to place orders for the non-hybrid Maverick with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine which is already on sale with more on the way to dealers and customers nationwide.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=616

West Side Tractor Sales, headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, has been named the 2021 Equipment World Big Iron Dealer of the Year. 

“The fact that West Side was nominated by a customer is no surprise when you examine their absolute commitment to customer service,” says Jordanne Waldschmidt, Equipment World chief editor. “Our editorial team was impressed with how West Side’s family leadership  stays ahead of changing customer needs and yet remains focused on developing deep relationships.”

Established in 1962 by Rich and Mary Benck, West Side now serves as the John Deere dealer in more than 80 counties with 11 locations in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Six second- and third-generation owners – all deeply ingrained in the company’s day-to-day operations – now carry on the legacy: children Steve, Diane and Tom Benck and grandchildren Brian Benck, Jen Snow and Lauren Coffaro. 

Equipment World will profile West Side in a coming article, detailing how its customer service focus has translated into its new headquarters and shop design, how it has developed technology solutions and positioned itself against supply chain disruptions.

Now in its fourth year, the Big Iron Dealer of the Year award recognizes dealers for excellence in meeting customer needs, employing technology and addressing parts and service requirements. 

West Side is one of four dealers named finalists in the 2021 Big Iron Dealer of the Year Award. The following three finalists will also be featured in profiles throughout the coming weeks:

In 1926, 4Rivers Equipment began as Romer Mercantile, a small John Deere agriculture equipment dealer in Holly, Colorado. Through partnership and acquisition, the company has expanded to 18 locations covering Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Wyoming. The company, still owned by the Romer family, now features agriculture and construction locations and has more than 400 employees. Key brands include John Deere, Wirtgen and Topcon. 

Founded in 1983 with 28 employees, RECO Equipment now covers Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida. Brands include Bobcat (including Bobcat of Pittsburgh), Allied, Hyundai, Hitachi Loaders America, LBX Excavators, LaBounty, Liebherr and Terex. The company now has more than 200 employees. The company is owned by partners Paul DiTullio, president, and Josh Gasber, vice president.

Butler Machinery started in 1955 when founder Francis J. Butler, a contractor, was selected to be a Caterpillar dealer. The company has since expanded to 18 locations across North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska with 850 associates. Twylah (Butler) Blotsky serves as the company’s president, the second person from the third generation of the Butler family to lead the company.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=613

Cat has unveiled a new demolition excavator, the Cat 340 UHD – as in, Ultra High Demolition.

The new tall boy boasts a pin height 13 percent higher than the 340F UHD, giving it the ability to perform demolition on buildings as high  as eight stories. Another plus: the 340 UHD has a coupling system that enables you to switch between two UHD fronts and the shorter retrofit booms and sticks with no special tools in as little as 15 minutes.

“This is a purpose-built, dedicated demolition machine,” says James Cole, product application specialist. “We are not just throwing a long front on a standard excavator. It has a reinforced frame, a heavier counterweight and the best working weight in the industry in its size class.”

Cat also spent time engineering the new demolition excavator to be easier to transport. A hydraulically actuated variable gauge undercarriage extends from 9 feet 10 inches in the transport mode to 13 feet 4 inches for stability in the working configuration. And an optional one-piece cradle for the boom can be used to reduce the UHD boom transport height to less than 9 feet 10 inches.

Multiple Boom, Stick options

The new 340 UHD allows for the sticks to be configured with Cat couplers to optimize machine versatility and productivity. There are two front options available:

The 72-foot 2-inch front offers a maximum 8,160-pound capacity (3.7 tons) at stick pin and maximum horizontal reach of 44 feet 5 inches  at stick nose over the front and side of the machine. Working with a 7,280-pound maximum weight at stick pin, the 82-foot front offers a 43-foot 9-inch maximum reach at stick nose over the front and side of the machine. It matches the Cat MP332 and MP324 multi-processors.

Three stick options are available in lengths of 9 feet 2 inches, 10 feet 6 inches, and 12 feet 10 inches. The maximum digging depth for the machine is 24 feet 3 inches.

Hydraulic Quick Connect

The UHD’s hydraulic boom lines are quickly connected and disconnected by hand and without special tools. Contractors can choose between one- or two-piece boom options for high-productivity truck loading or low-level demolition work.

Standard Cat Payload provides on-the-go weighing and real-time estimates of the payload, so operators can achieve precise load targets when working with the one-piece retrofit boom.

The power for this demolition excavator comes from a Cat C9.3 engine rated at 311 horsepower that can run on diesel or B20 biodiesel. Three power modes — power, smart and eco — match the engine and hydraulic output to job needs to lower fuel consumption. A new high-efficiency hydraulic reversing fan cools the engine on demand to also help with fuel efficiency.

Safety alerts warn the operator when the machine is getting close to its operating limits.CaterpillarSafety alerts

The new 10-inch touchscreen monitor in the 340 UHD displays Cat’s active stability monitoring system. This continuously informs operators if the work tool is positioned within the safe working range and provides audible and visual warning alerts when approaching the stability limit.

Cat increased the seat size by 5 percent and included a left-hand tilt-up console for easier entry and exit. Customized, programmable settings and joystick button controls can be stored on the monitor based on operator ID.

No neck strain

A 30-degree tilt-up cab gives you a comfortable sight line without neck strain when working on tall structures and buildings. And to better help you see that work tool eight stories up in the air, the UHD front is work-tool camera ready.

Cat E-fence and Cat Grade with 2D automatically guide depth, slope and horizontal distance to grade through the monitor. And the machine automatically compensates for excavator pitch and roll caused by sloping ground conditions through use of GPS and GLONASS systems. 

Quick Specs

Engine: Cat C9.3BNet power – ISO 14396: 311 hpOperating weight: 122,400 lbs. (2); 130,600 lbs. (1)Max. weight at stick nose: 7,289 lbs. (2); 8,160 lbs. (1)Max. pin height at stick nose: 82′ (2);  72’ 2” (1)Max. digging depth (3): 24’ 3” 

*Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan at minimum speed, air intake system, exhaust system, and alternator, and tested per the specified standard in effect at the time of manufacture.

22-m UHD front25-m UHD front1-piece Retrofit boom bent and R 12’10” (3.9 m) stick
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=610

Financing companies talk about partnering with clients. They all say it matters. They all say they’re really good at forming solid relationships. But does finding and selecting the right financing partner really matter to construction businesses?

The short answer is a resounding “yes.” Selecting the right financing partner can make or break a business.

The right financing partner will have the resources and expertise in construction equipment the business needs. That partner will integrate into and be committed to the success of their client. This isn’t just for altruistic reasons; when both the client and partner realize success, they both achieve more and grow more.

5 points to consider when choosing a financing partner

Choosing the right financing partner can make a measurable difference in the life of your company. Every business and every financing company is different, but the points below are good indications that you are on the right track in choosing an effective partner.

It’s not all about pricing. A true partner is in it for the long term – literally, in good times and in bad – and is looking for a long-run relationship rather than a one-time transaction. Moreover, you typically will be working with a finance company for a long time – hopefully, for the life of your business. For that reason, you need a relationship that’s more than transactional.It is about information. Good partners will have in-depth questions about your business, your equipment, your goals and your process. They will want to meet in person, in a Zoom meeting and/or over the phone – on an ongoing basis. Keeping up-to-date with you and your business should be a commitment you hear early on from any financing company you meet with.They will push to talk with the right people. A partner that wants to understand your business will work to make sure they meet with the people within your organization who know your processes and who make decisions. They will spend time learning your business, while valuing your time and their own.The average tenure of a business relationship with clients is measured in years. A partner that approaches business from a long-term perspective, versus one that is based on volume and quotas, often works in the best interest of not only itself, but its clients. Ask about the financing partner’s average tenure with clients. Good ones may be three times the industry mean.They won’t be afraid to call out problems or concerns, and challenge decisions. Remember that a real partner is as committed to your success as you are. It’s not about being a “yes man.” They want to learn about your business challenges and then identify financing solutions that can help solve said challenges. Financing is not a one-size-fits-all product; make sure any financing company is tailoring its offerings to meet your needs.

The consultative approach

Companies may hear about financing companies taking a “consultative approach.”  But what does that really mean? And is it the best approach?

The consultative approach to business engagement refers to the commitment to learning about clients’ businesses and business models before ever suggesting a financing method or program. Instead of a commodity solution, a consultative approach will result in recommendations that help you achieve your short-term as well as long-term goals.

The approach also works from a position of expertise. A consultant, by nature, is someone with expertise and experience in their field. Working with a financing partner who has experience working in the construction industry, and/or running, a business means they can think like you do. It also means they can think ahead and know the likely challenges you will face. That external perspective – a hallmark of the consultative approach – contributes important knowledge that can help a business stay on track or pivot when needed.

As the financing partner becomes more and more knowledgeable about your company, they can become an extension of your business. In return, you will gain more and more confidence that they’ll deliver what and when they say.

Partner resources

Most of the time, a financing partner will be able to provide financing solutions for your business. However, there are times when a company needs other resources. A good financing partner can be invaluable in these situations, which could include:

 Personnel, experts: Perhaps what a business really needs is an interim CFO, a CPA with international experience or a strategic advisory board. A good partner with deep connections in the industry will be able to help with strong referrals and connections.Customized financing programs: Many financing companies will work with generic rates for different industries. While that can be a good place to start, a partner will determine what’s really right for your business and suggested a specific, often-customized, program.Business financing: As economies work to recover from the pandemic, many businesses are finding they need different and additional help to fund the growth they’re experiencing from pent-up demand. A strong financing partner could analyze and provide alternatives, whether it’s a line of credit supported by account receivables, equipment refinance or funding the ramp-up of inventory.

Often, the partner will be able to identify a company’s real needs, looking at a situation through the lens of experience and expertise. Other times, the business will know its needs, but not realize that a financing partner – versus a commodity lender or bank – can help. In times like those, working with a knowledgeable partner makes running and growing the business much easier.

Ivan Franklin, vice president – construction, vendor services, Mitsubishi HC Capital AmericaMitsubishi HC Capital AmericaShared vision, shared success

Solid financing partners are committed to a shared vision and shared success, and to building trust. Any of us who can surround ourselves with people as committed to our success should count ourselves as fortunate. In choosing the right financing partner, a construction business will find additional expertise, resources and flexibility to grow their business efficiently and effectively. 

Ivan Franklin is Vice President – Construction, Vendor Services, at Mitsubishi HC Capital America, a provider of financing solutions that are tailor-made for the construction industry. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=601

How do you make a popular design even better? Genie set out three goals to meet with its new GTH-1056 telehandler. It had to deliver a lower cost of ownership, more lift capacity and a stronger design.

Based on the features found in the older GTH-636 and GTH-846 models, the GTH-1056 offers a boom and chassis that is 30 percent stronger than previous models. The boom’s mid-point pivot uses a single lift cylinder combined with a wider, stiffer horsehead to efficiently transfer weight in high-stress applications, such as handling pipe or suspended loads.

The GTH-1056 lifts up to 5,000 pounds to a height of 56 feet 7 inches and 3,000 pounds at a maximum reach of 42 feet. A 120-horsepower Deutz engine and four-speed transmission serve as the muscle behind this machine. The combo gives you 23,110 pounds of drawbar pull and a top speed of 18 mph.

There’s also a 74-horsepower Deutz engine option with a three-speed powershift transmission or continuously variable transmission. According to the company, the 74-horsepower version delivers performance on par with the larger engine but offers a lower cost and better fuel efficiency. And because it runs without the need for regular refills of diesel exhaust fluid, the 74-horsepower version reduces maintenance time.

Large tread bars in the middle add durability and aggressive tread blocks on the edges improve traction with Genie’s A/T hybrid tires.GenieTo keep you moving through wet or muddy soil conditions, the GTH-1056 delivers power to the wheels through limited slip differentials on both the front and rear axles that automatically deliver torque to the wheels that are slipping. 

Tires are always a big part of the operating costs of any machine. To help keep this cost low, Genie developed a new Enduro A/T hybrid tread design for the GTH-1056. The tread pattern on the tire combines the best characteristics of rock lug tires and conventional rough-terrain tires. A wide center bar resists wear on hard surfaces, and self-cleaning outer lugs power through soft, muddy ground without becoming clogged. According to the company, its Enduro A/T tires also provide one-third longer wear before replacement is needed.

Improved hose routing, chain retention, slide-in wear pads and hydraulics-free axles also reduce maintenance costs.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=598

Bryn Fosburgh, senior vice president of Trimble, has been inducted into the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Hall of Fame.

Fosburg is recognized for several achievements at Trimble, including the creation of the SITECH network, the first fully dedicated global construction technology distribution network to sell, install and support 3D machine control systems for mixed equipment fleets.

On the Ground Floor of GPS

During his tenure at Trimble, Fosburgh has spearheaded major projects advancing the field of GPS technology. He led Trimble’s first joint development project with Caterpillar called CAES, a 3D grade control system for ore mining machines.

Fosburgh was also part of a team that pioneered the development and validation of high-accuracy, low-latency GPS systems, including real-time kinematic (RTK) technology, for mining and construction machine control. RTK significantly improves the accuracy of a GPS receiver for precision applications including surveying and heavy equipment operations in construction and agriculture.

In addition, Fosburgh served as a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) RTK Team, working with Ben Remondi, a GPS RTK pioneer. He began his work in GPS technology and theory as a graduate student in civil engineering at Purdue University.

“I am honored and humbled to stand alongside so many of the true pillars of our industry,” said Fosburgh. “I have had the good fortune to work with great teams at Trimble as well as collaborate with very talented industry peers who are dedicated to solving some of our biggest challenges. Together, we can continue to move our industry forward.”

Fosburgh joins a class of more than 65 industry leaders “whose inventions, ideas, leadership and courage have contributed to the industry and our community’s quality of life,” says AEM.

Learn more about Bryn’s career in technology in the video below:

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=592