Work Area Vision System Improves Worksite Safety A new machine-mounted closed-circuit vision system helps improve productivity as well as safety on the jobsite. While it is not intended to be used in place of direct views or installed mirrors, the Work Area Vision System enhances awareness of surroundings, work tool activity and changing conditions in the work area, the maker says. The system includes a 7-in. color thin-film-transistor LCD display that gives the operator an increased field of vision in the cab. The camera provides two offerings, panoramic (115�) or narrow (78�). Caterpillar Electronics and Electrical Systems; 309/578-3985; www.catelectronics.com Core
Momentum. Field-forced automation is driving construction "backwards," Bradshaw explains. Like the border of a giant jigsaw puzzle, global positioning systems are starting to bring together electronic management tools. The complete picture won't be clear though until all the pieces fit. Engineers can expect the puzzle to remain on the kitchen table for a few more years, perhaps decades, as the industry works out the kinks. For one, construction moves at a snail's pace, technologically speaking. Firms have been slow to incorporate GPS into survey, design and project delivery because of its complexity. (related ENR cover story Oct. 3, 2005 3D
Dealers size up variable geometry turbocharger, new for Mack's MP series engines. (Photo by Tudor Hampton for ENR.) Clean diesel engines that power construction trucks are making considerable gains in fuel economy, but maintenance issues are still up in the air. Mack Trucks� latest round of low-emission engines, available starting next year, are at least 2% to 3% more fuel-efficient than previous powertrains. For some construction work, where older, heavy-duty engines have a thirst for fuel, users may even see double-digit percent gains, the manufacturer claims. The new "MackPower" series represents the Allentown, Pa.-based supplier's most-extensive engine rollout in 40
Tack Wagon Direct Drive Asphalt Pump The ProTack TW500 tack wagon can be used for heating and spraying emulsified asphalt in a variety of municipal and residential projects. It features a large 500-gallon capacity tank as well as a heavy-duty 12-gallon per minute direct drive asphalt pump powered by an efficient 5.5-hp Honda engine. This model also comes with an adjustable hitch with a swivel tongue-mounted jack that makes the trailer adaptable to a variety of vehicles. BOMAG Americas Inc.; 309/853-3571; www.bomag-americas.com Water Pump Compact and Lightweight Weighing only 23 lb, the new LWP 2 submersible water pump is designed
Infrared Spot Heaters Propane or Natural Gas Models The heavy-duty RCH Series spot heaters do not use electricity and can heat an enclosed area of up to 2,500 sq ft without using fans or moving parts. They are designed for hard-to-heat areas such as construction sites, unheated work areas, thawing applications and more. The series includes four models that are CSA design certified and have a compact 14-in.-dia base and a stainless steel emitter. The heaters come in propane gas or natural gas models. SunStar Heating Products Inc.; 888/778-6782; www.sunstarheaters.com MIG Gun Upgraded Back End The Q-Gun line of MIG
Circular Saw Eight-Position Adjustable Handle The 71/4-in. Tilt-Lok circular saw, with its exclusive eight-position adjustable handle, lasts up to eight times longer than competitive models, claims the maker. With a 3.25 Max HP motor, it delivers up to 25% more power, cuts faster and deeper at 45� and 90�. The saw weighs 10.4 lb and features the manufacturer’s 15-amp, 3.25 peak motors. It also has a full 50� bevel capacity for cutting extreme angles as well as cushion grip front and rear handles. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.; 800/729-3878; www.milwaukeetool.com Curing and Sealing Compound Transparent The CS-309-25 acrylic curing and sealing
Up There. Equipment manufacturers enjoyed a record turnout at this year’s Kentucky utility show. (Photo by Tudor Hampton for ENR) Inventories for many types of construction materials and off-road machines are dwindling as emergency crews along a battered Gulf Coast continue to suck up items needed to repair downed power lines and other infrastructure. Suppliers are upping production, but thick backlogs are delaying the arrival of items elsewhere in the U.S. The shortfall could slip well into early next year. "All of our inventory for distribution materials is gone," says Tim Hughes, vice president of Hughes Bros. Inc., Seward, Neb.
Wireless Onboard Scale With Handheld Receiver Smart Scale, the next generation of the company’s wireless onboard weigh scale, is designed for trucks, tractors and trailers with air suspensions. It uses sensors to measure temperature and pressure changes in a vehicle’s air suspension and wirelessly relays the data to a handheld receiver using a low-powered radio transmitter. Smart Scale provides a reading from the cab, the loader or within 100 ft of the vehicle. Truck Weight Inc.; 877/757-7888; www.truckweight.com Wheel Loaders Easy Service Access The WA65-5 and the WA70-5 are the latest additions to the manufacturer’s Dash-5 line of wheel
Barrier System Improves Plant Safety The GuardRite EX3 Barrier System, which provides clear separation for pedestrian walkways, work areas and storage areas, is the subject of this new full-color brochure. It illustrates the safety hazards created when a physical barrier is not installed in a facility. The two-page brochure also shows the features and benefits of the EX3 system with easy-to-read bullet points that highlight the features of the product. The final page provides specifications and drawings that can be used for application and installation purposes. Rite-Hite Corp.; 800/465-0600; www.ritehite.com Cone Crushers High-Performance A 16-page brochure highlights the improved SBS
Tight Fit. Scaffold firms are consolidating. (Photo courtesy of Brand Services Inc.) The barriers for firms that erect scaffolding are getting higher in a business often weighed down with inventory, debt and liability. But private investors are attracted to the high cash flow and local brand recognition. "The scaffold industry is doing very well," says Howard Schapira, president of Action Scaffold Manufacturing Co., Phoenix. Operators are prospering from a strong demand for access equipment while confronting growing restraints, such as transportation, labor, engineering and material costs. Firms looking to economize are getting acquisitive. Managers at Waco Scaffolding & Equipment Co.
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