Hydraulic Power Pack: Rugged Design The LP 13-20 DEL hydraulic power pack offers a hydraulic flow of 5.3 gallons per minute at a maximum pressure of 2,175 psi and a 1.3-gallon oil capacity. The power pack is powered by an air-cooled, 10-hp Lombardini series 15LD diesel engine, which the manufacturer claims has a reduced engine load compared to similar models. A thermostat-controlled cooler on the power pack protects hydraulic oil from overheating. The reinforced chassis is integrated with the tank and fan housing to reduce vibrations. Atlas Copco Construction Tools; 413-746-0020; www.atlascopco.us Protection Against Falling: No Strings Attached The Fall-Ban
Water Conservation Is Key In EPA's WaterSense Program EPA has certified 35 toilets. First it was electricity, now it’s water. Taking a cue from its Energy Star program, the Environmental Protection Agency now is implementing the WaterSense water-conservation program to identify and certify products such as toilets, faucets, showerheads and irrigation equipment based on their water-conserving performance. EPA estimates that use of WaterSense products could save 128 billion gallons of water per year in the U.S., enough to supply 3.5 million people. Announced last summer, the program currently lists high-efficiency toilets (HETs) certified by EPA, which reduce water use by
Showering: Conserving Water The FloWise 3 Function Water Saving Showerhead exceeds current water conservation standards and may provide up to 40% water savings. The device has a default setting of 1.5 gallons per minute along with with a sperate setting for the traditional 2.5 gpm. The showerhead has three spray settings in all, including a combination spray and also features an adjustable angle. American Standard; 800-422-1902; www.americanstandard-us.com. Sleek Sink: Unified Design The 700 series SloanStone solid-surface lavatory system features true point-of-use sensor systems for accurate, water-conserving hand washing. Integrated overflows and grit strainers separate waste lines and protect against clogging.
click to purchase Not A Drop To Drink, America’s Water Crisis, By Ken Midkiff New World Library Novato, Calif., 2007, 196 pages ISBN 978-1-930722-68-2 (Reviewed By William J. Angelo) Picture a mass migration of people, lines of modern Conestoga wagons—SUVs, RVs, crew-cabs and cars—moving from the western U.S. to the East in the coming decades and you may have a disturbing vision of America’s looming water crisis. Residents west of the 100th meridian are living on borrowed time by creating a new Dust Bowl built on federal farm subsidies, cheap water and bad attitude, according to author Ken Midkiff. Midkiff
Attachments: Plate Compactors Intended for carriers 3,000 lb to 60,000 lb, the PAC series of plate compactors is able to not only compact soil and construction materials but pound sheet pile into the ground and drive signposts into granular soils. The plate compactor’s oversized eccentric transmits powerful vibrations through the baseplate into the soil, while isolators minimize the vibration transmitted to the carrier’s boom. The tool features fully enclosed bearings that require no greasing, and the baseplate and eccentric housing are integrally mounted, with no bolts to tighten. With an operating pressure of 2,300 psi and maximum back pressure of
Handheld Measuring: Temperature and Airspeed The AS-202A model Articulating Thermal Anemometer and Air Velocity Probe measures and logs airspeed, temperature and volume flow when connected to any Windows Mobile PDA or Windows computer. With a sensitivity range of 0 to 6,000 ft/min, the probe features a telescoping shaft that extends from 21 in. to 37 in., with a 6-in. articulated tip that can bend at 90 and 45 degrees for greater access to tight spaces. An optional 186-in. telescopic extension rod can be attached. The included WolfSense software can log detailed reports with text and audio notes, as well as
Smoother Ride: Comfortable Hauling The E Series of articulated haulers feature a new suspension system that has automatic leveling and stability control on all four wheels, allowing better handling at higher speeds and in off–road conditions. Hydraulic cylinders attached to each wheel are controlled by a system that monitors ground conditions, making adjustments as needed. The suspension system also reduces the vibrations felt by the driver. Volvo Construction Equipment; 322–482–502; www.volvo.com Cutting Stone: Reinforced Diamond Blades The SHOXX X20 diamond blade has a 20–mm segment height and is designed to cut a wide variety of materials, including reinforced concrete, brick
Stopping Falls: Locking Machinery The Traffic Vest Harness (left) is intended to arrest falls and aid work positioning. The FPD700/3D nylon vest–style, sized harness is built into a lightweight mesh traffic vest. The Cable Lockout (right) allows for the securing of single or multiple gate valves or circuit breaker boxes, as well as for the immobilizing of large or awkwardly shaped machinery. The hasp can accomidate up to six padlocks, preventing accidental startup. North Safety Products; 888–422–3798; www.northsafety.com First Line of Defense: Jobsite Alarm The SonoBlaster Work Zone Intrusion Alarm is intended to provide a clear, audible warning when a
Class 5 truck: Classy Design The Peterbilt Model 325 is the manufacturer's first ever Class 5 truck, intended for uses such as vehicle recovery and landscaping/construction. The truck is rated at 19,500 lb in a straight truck configuration, and its engine is available in 200–hp, 240–hp and 300–hp versions, with torque ratings up to 620 lb–ft. The truck features an all–aluminum cab, distinctive stainless steel grille and scratch–and–dent–resistant fenders and hood. Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes and a 6–speed manual transmission are standard, while an automatic transmission option is available. Peterbilt Motors Company, a division of PACCAR Inc; 800–473–8372;
Snow Guards: Winter Dangers A new line of pad and pipe-style snow guards deals with the threats of rooftop snow loads. The 2.5-in. snow guards are made of Kynar-coated aluminum and come in nine different shades to match the Ecostar tile product line. The snow guards have a wide face to deflect snow loads and are specially designed for steep-slope roofing systems. Installation consists solely of driving two roofing nails through the predrilled holes in the snow guards directly into the roof deck. EcoStar, a division of Carlisle SynTec Inc.; 800-211-7170; www.ecostar.carlisle.com Long Exposure: 36 Months The new Polystick TU