Tudor Van Hampton Contractors glimpse free-trade Website. The construction industry loves free trade. Freedom to buy from a wide range of suppliers around the world keeps prices low and options flexible. That freedom also can open up buyers to scams and stomach aches. One such place where the industry comes together to make wholesale deals is www.alibaba.com, a China-based Website that has increasingly gained popularity as people look to source global supplies of just about everything, from steel conduit to earthmoving machines. Representatives from Alibaba Group, partly owned by Yahoo and whose stock went public on the Hong Kong exchange
Tudor Van Hampton Coomer's shoes cut pesky footprints. Rodney Coomer didn't whack any wise guys with a pair of cement overshoes at this year's World of Concrete in Las Vegas. But he and his newly-formed footgear company did get sunk with more orders than it could handle during the four-day construction show. "We sold out the first day," says the Campbellsville, Ky.-based inventor of "Finishing Slicks," an injection-molded, polymer-rubber overshoe that keeps workers from leaving behind pesky footprints as they finish fresh concrete. ENR spoke with him on Jan. 23, the second day of the annual show, as a small
Epoxy Anchor: Powerful Adhesive The HIT RE 500-SD Epoxy Adhesive Anchor System is intended for securing standard threaded rods in cracked concrete applications. The system meets the 2003 and 2006 International Building Code standards for strength in post-installed anchors. Able to work in a wide range of temperatures and in any seismic design category, the HIT RE-500 SD can be used in many different hole conditions, including hammer-drilled, diamond-cored, water-saturated, water-filled and underwater holes. Hilti; 800-879-8000; www.us.hilti.com Air Filter: Reduces Energy Costs Filtrete Commercial HVAC air filters are intended for commercial construction applications. According to the manufacturer, the filter’s low
Hydraulic Crane: Fits Dodge and Sterling Chassis The Dominator line of truck cranes now includes hydraulic telescoping cranes with air compressors that can be integrated into the new Dodge 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis as well as the Sterling Bullet chassis. Unlike truck-mounted electrical cranes, the hydraulic Dominator can lift more than 6,000 lb and can be used repeatedly without straining the vehicle. Features remote start/stop and high-idle operation. Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc.; 800-554-4421; www.imt.com Engine Usage Monitor: Wireless Once installed, the ST-550 can monitor the usage, idle time, fuel consumption and service alerts of any diesel engine. The
Riding Trowel: For Finishing Concrete The Mechanical Super Pro 425 Rider is a riding trowel intended for concrete finishing. Powered by a liquid-cooled, 34-hp gasoline engine with a torque converter clutch, the Rider’s two 46-in.-dia, 5-blade rotors can achieve speeds of up to 170 rpm. It features manual steering and pitch controls for finer control of movements and has an electrically powered spray system for the application of retardant. The flip-up seat and removable screens allow for better access to the engine, clutch and drive-line during maintenance. Allen Engineering Corp.; 870-236-7751; www.allenconquip.com Mini Skid: Able to Take the Weight The
Accurate grading: Laser Precision The Power Blade unit (right) works in conjunction with laser sensors to give clear readings of grade conditions on a bright LED display. Compatible with a wide range of lasers, it can be used on scrapers, dozers, agricultural tractors and similar machines. In addition to basic grade monitoring, the Power Blade can be combined with a MCP700 Panel and hydraulic valve package for automatic grade control. Grade changes from the cab and additional land-leveling functions can be made when the optional MPM700 electric mast (top-right) is added to the unit. Leica Geosystems; 770-326-9500; www.leica-geosystems.us. Strong Wall
Pipeline Inspection: Digital Video The Pearpoint P330+ flexiprobe control module allows for the video monitoring of internal pipeline conditions, and features recordable VGA digital video output with a bright 8” TFT screen, compact flash card storage up to 8GB, and integrated Bluetooth support. The module also comes with an easy-install brush skid steer set for different pipe diameters. Radiodetection; 877-247-3797; www.radiodetection.com Lift Trucks: Suited to the Task at Hand Fortis counterbalanced lift trucks have capacities ranging from 2,000 lb to 15,500 lb, and offers a variety of engine and electronic powertrain configurations designed for various lifting applications. Available equipment options
Interchangeable Parts: Versatile Lifts The M-450 HEK Modular System consists of a mast, ground frame and basic drive unit, which can be combined with various adapters to make mast-climbing platforms, transport platforms and material hoists. The twin mast-climbing platform configuration seen above and at right has a payload capacity of 2,970 kg and a length of 30 m. The twin-mast transport setup (left) has four different platform sizes with capacities ranging from 900 kg to 2,000 kg. Alimak Hek; 713-640-8500; www.alimakhek.com Concrete Primer: Getting Paint to Stick LOCK-DOWN is a water-based, low-VOC epoxy-bonding primer intended for concrete surfaces. The manufacturer
Multi-talented Utility Machine: Better Handling The D-Series 5600 Toolcat Utility Work Machine is a tool carrier capable of using a wide variety of hydraulically powered attachments. Features include true four-wheel suspension and four-wheel drive, allowing the utility work machine greater maneuverability when carrying heavy loads. It has a 1,500-lb operating weight and a 4,000-lb towing capacity with the standard 2-in. hitch. The hydraulic dump cargo box features a 2,000 lb payload capacity. The cab sports an automotive-style tilt steering wheel and drive pedals, as well as keyless start. Bobcat Co.; 701-241-8700; www.bobcat.com Air Monitor: Watching Out for Toxic Fumes The
Rugged Meters: Tough, Waterproof The IQ170 (left) is capable of accurately measuring pH, conductivity, temperature, ORP, TDS and salinity in water. The meter features a stainless-steel probe, extra-large backlit LCD and an optional shock-resistant carrying case and calibration kit. The IQ340 (right) is a waterproof, non-glass water-conductivity meter. It can measure temperature and conductivity, and has a rugged solid-state four cell conductivity electrode. IQ Scientific Instruments; 760-930-6501; www.phmeters.com Low Profile: Versatile Dump Trailer The Rascal LP Series of dump trailers feature a low-profile design suitable for a wide range of transport applications. The trailer bed is 6 ft x 10
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