Cable Push System Push/Pull Action A new air-assisted cable push system, called Air-Trak MD, allows contractors to make quick installations of mini ducts and micro fiber cables, says the maker. Features such as its patented load-sensing system, which monitors and controls the push force during installation, helps prevent duct or cable damage. Available as a mini duct/micro cable-ready system, the Air-Trak MD can easily be converted into a traditional HD system for installing conventional optical fiber cables into larger HDPE duct systems. Arnco Corp.; 800/321-7914; www.arncocorp.com Wire Feeder Suitcase Design Weighing 35 lb, the new SuitCase X-Treme 12 VS Voltage-sensing
Model RXT (top left) is a basic, 4x2 version of the CXT. A CDL is not required to operate these trucks. (Photo top courtesy of International Truck and Engine Corp. Photo bottom by Tudor Hampton for ENR) The mother of all pick-up trucks has a new child. But don't underestimate its size, because this toddler makes a Dodge Durango look like a Mini Cooper. Some call it overindulgence. Others recognize it as the latest in an "XT" series of monster-size work trucks. The vehicles have attracted upwardly-mobile general contractors and Hollywood celebrities since prototypes were unveiled early last year. The
Masonry Wall Chaser Cuts Utility Chases The new MFE30 wall chaser is designed for cutting channels or chases in masonry for electrical and other utilities. It delivers 1,400 Watts of power with 31-in. lb of torque. The MFE30 is a dustless tool, with a vacuum port at the top of the handle and is furnished with two vacuum adapters. It uses 5-in. diamond blades to cut chase widths of 3/8-in., 5/8-in., 7/8-in. and 1 3/16-in., with a depth up to 1 3/16 in. The masonry wall chaser offers clean cuts and weighs 8.6 lb. Its 12-amp motor delivers a load-rated
Tagged. Radio-frequency chips hide inside power tools and track usage. (Photos by Tudor Hampton for ENR) Breaches in jobsite security are expensive annoyances and two power-tool makers are blazing the trail for anti-theft devices. Robert Bosch Tool Corp., Mount Prospect, Ill., has partnered with ToolWatch Corp., Englewood, Colo., for a new security system that uses tiny, radio frequency tags to track small tools. Another new sentry comes from DeWalt, Towson, Md. Its cellular-based "Sitelock" monitor uses jobsite sensors that superintendents switch on after workers have gone home for the day. Placed inside tool housings, Bosch’s RFID tags feed information to
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.) When it comes to cordless tools, power is the name of the game and a Wisconsin-based tool manufacturer has upped the ante significantly. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., Brookfield, Wis., has ripped through the popular, 18-Volt cordless tool category with a new, 28-V battery pack. The platform uses lithium-ion storage cells that weigh "slightly less" than comparable 18-V nickel batteries and run up to two-and-a-half times longer, according to Gary Meyer, Milwaukee manager of research and development. A first round of 28-V tools, costing about 40% more than 18-V models, will start shipping in
Work Glove Redesign Three New Styles The redesign of the META-MINER Metacarpal gloves makes them suitable for use on construction sites. Each glove comes with a thick, flexible foam padded back and a reinforced leather palm and stitching for maximum protection. It has a cotton lining to wick away moisture and a knit wrist to keep out debris. An Amerglo strip comes standard on all new styles, reflecting up to 300 ft for additional safety. New styles include a rugged suede cowhide design, a half-finger first finger and thumb combination and a new XXL size. Illinois Glove Co.; 800/342-5458; www/illinoisglove.com
Circular Saw Two-Point Cutting Angle Lock The new WSC 267-E circular saw features a 13.5-amp motor and six speed settings. It is equipped with Smart Power and a two-point cutting angle lock to keep the blade securely in place. The Smart Power system allows the circular saw to maintain constant blade speed under load. Positioned on the top of the tool, the lower blade guard release is designed to be operated in one fluid motion and keeps hands away from the blade. For added comfort, the front hand grip islocated on the base. Hilti Inc.; 800/879-8000; www.ushilti.com Double Wall Piping
Glare-Free Light Towers Water-Resistant Balloons GloBug light towers are designed for use on construction job sites and at a wide variety of entertainment and special events. They illuminate to distances in excess of 150 ft and are offered as a stand-alone unit, or with a cart for an optional generator. The light towers have maximum mast heights of 13 ft and 16 ft, respectively, and come standard with a water-resistant balloon. The 9.5-amp units use 120-volt power and come standard with a protective canvas cover to protect the GloBug when it is not in use. A 1,000-Watt metal halide lamp
Diamond Saw Blades Laser-Generated Manufacturer announces the official launch of the new Diamond Saw Blade line. More than 60 blades of all sizes compile the line. These include 37 segmented, 11 turbo and 14 continuous rim blade designs. Combining Bosch patented manufacturing processes such as laser fusion, the new line offers up to 30% faster cut times, the company says. The blade line can be used in a broad range of applications for cutting concrete, rebar, brick pavers, marble, slate, ceramic tile and more. Bosch Power Tools and Accessories, division of Robert Bosch Tool Corp.; 877/267-2499; www.boschtools.com Control System For
Grinder Paddle-Style Switch A new 6-in. right angle grinder, model 6160-20, is equipped with a 1.9-maximum horsepower, 11.0 amp motor. It weighs 6.6 lb and is designed for use by mechanical contractors, boilermakers, pipe/steam fitters, welders and metal fabricators and general and heavy contractors. The tool features a tachometer feedback that provides constant speed and power under load to optimize cutting and grinding. It also has a paddle-style switch that provides comfort and operator control. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.; 800/729-3878; www.milwaukeetool.com GPS Supports Tilt-Bucket Excavator Manufacturer introduces a new version of its SiteVision GPS system. Version 5.5 uses GPS and
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