Multimedia Bendix Safety Vehicles in Action: Windows Media, 1MB Quicktime, 1MB Electronic stability control is becoming a popular safety option on heavy commercial trucks after several years of success on passenger cars and SUVs. This year, ESC will be offered on some models of construction trucks as well. It doesn’t take much to roll over a highway tractor, and concrete mixers are especially at risk due to their high center of gravity and dynamic loads. Surprisingly, few rollovers occur. “It is not a prevalent problem, however, the consequences can be severe,” says Robert Garbini, executive director of the National Ready
Multimedia AccuGrade Controls in Action: Windows Media, 1MB Quicktime, 1MB The loader backhoe is the latest machine to get digital earthmoving controls, and one manufacturer thinks that contractors will be willing to pay more for the added intelligence. While updating performance on its line of loader backhoes, Caterpillar Inc. couldn’t resist offering new “E” series models with optional boom sensors and a cab-mounted LCD panel. Together, the “AccuGrade” controls will allow operators to program digging depths into the system and follow the computer’s guidance as they dig. New Tool. Controls speed digging cycles. Loader backhoes haven’t changed all that much
Upgraded Nail Technology Withstands Destructive Forces The new HurriQuake nail is the next generation design of a previous hurricane/earthquake nail called Sheather Plus. This enhanced nail design provides added security when storms threaten a structure. Two independent laboratory tests have concluded that the new HurriQuake nail can withstand uplift forces of over 271 lb/sq ft (depending on nail pattern and shank diameter) against hurricane and earthquake conditions. Enhancements include a stiffer plastic collation formula that breaks away more effectively as the nail is driven as well as a high-tech nail design with a 30% larger head that produces a dramatic
Welder-Generator Improved Fuel Economy The new 10,000-watt, diesel-powered DLW-300ES is an upgraded model that combines a 300-amp welder and a 10-kW generator with a 100% duty cycle at 280 amps. The unit operates at idle up to 160 amps and uses only 0.39 gallons of fuel per hour at 120 amps and only 1.1 gallons per hour at full load. In addition to lowering fuel costs, the welder�s arc force dial allows operators to fine tune the arc to the desired quality while lower noise levels help make operating the welder more comfortable, the maker says. Multiquip Inc.; 800/421-1244; www.multiquip.com
New Books Engineering Legends: Great American Civil Engineers Nearly one-fourth of the world's engineers work or live in the U.S., and more than its share of outstanding engineers are among those in the pantheon of civil engineering legends. In this book, 32 among the �best of the best� are spotlighted and many others are cited. These mentors and role models have helped define the profession as it is today. Engineering Legends is a very entertaining effort to remedy the fact that most of the general public and media remain unaware and uninformed about engineering accomplishments. It introduces a broad cross-section
Hammer Time. Afghanistan project is the largest of its kind in the world, experts say. (Photos courtesy of Louis Berger Group) Rubblization—or the process of breaking up an old portland cement concrete highway into aggregate-sized chunks, compacting it and paving over the newly created �base� with asphalt concrete—is quickly becoming a hot rehabilitation tool around the world. In just the past few months, several of the world�s largest rubblization projects are shaping up from Middle America to the Middle East. The Illinois Tollway just completed a 31-mile improvement project along Interstate 88 last month, near the Iowa border. As part
The trusty backhoe loader is next to join today's list of high-tech earthmovers. Top: New loader can be ordered with advanced electronics. (Photo by Tudor Hampton for ENR.) Soon, Caterpillar Inc. will begin shipping new "E" series backhoes to local dealers. In addition to upping performance since the "D" series was introduced several years ago, the company couldn't resist adding an extra twist: Some of the new units will be equipped with optional hydraulic sensors that tell the operator how deep the bucket needs to go before it has reached a desired elevation. With all those touchy electronics, will these
One-Ton Bags For Transporting Bulk Quantities of Material A new line of one-ton bags provides contractors with the capability to transport up to 2,000 lb of bulk material from the warehouse or stockyard to remote areas on any job site. The bags are constructed from high-quality, tightly woven polypropylene and can be used for transporting sand, mulch or construction debris. Four reinforced lift loops are permanently attached, allowing the 35 x 35 x 47-in. bags to be top-lifted by crane or forklift. The bags are packaged in bundles of 20. They are easy to store and handle with standard equipment.
Telehandler Four-Wheel Steering A new telehandler, to be introduced at the 2006 World of Concrete, is designed with features for use in a variety of applications where compact size and maneuverability are highly valued, says the manufacturer. It has a lifting height up to 23 ft with a maximum capacity of 6,600 lb and a forward reach of 12.8 ft. For maneuverability on crowded or unimproved job sites, the four-wheel steering can be used for circle steer or crab steer, or the machine can be steered with the front wheels alone. JLG Industries Inc.; 240/420-8726; www.jlg.com Tractor-Scraper Dual Power Manufacturer
Engine Oil Blended with a Partial Synthetic Base Stock Castrol Hypuron S is a high-performance partial synthetic diesel engine oil designed for heavy-duty engines. It provides good performance and protection for engines while enhancing component and equipment life, lowering maintenance costs and increasing profitability. The progressive formulation of Castrol Hypuron S meets the newest specifications from both Mack and Caterpillar. Formulated with low ash technology, it minimizes oil consumption, reduces piston deposit formation and increases oil film strength. BP Lubricants USA Inc.; 800/777-1466; www.castrol.com/us Product Trowels Operator Comfort In Mind Two ride-on power trowels, the Bartell HS90 and Bartell LP95,
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