Material Lifting System Converts to Personnel Use The Max Climber 2000 rack-and-pinion lifting system provides an easier and safer method to lift general building materials, says the manufacturer. It features 5-ft, 95-lb galvanized mast sections and a basket size of 57 in. x 52 in. The basket can be customized to fit the customer’s size requirements. To ensure safety, the Max Climber 2000 is equipped with emergency upper and lower limit devices and a separate emergency overspeed brake to prevent free-falling. The system easily converts between material and personnel and may also be field upgraded for passenger use. Beta Max
Welding System Compact Inverter Package Manufacturer offers its new Ready-Pak welding system that includes a Power Wave 355 inverter power supply, Power Feed 10 wire feeder, MSP2 control panel, Magnum 400 welding gun, Harris flowmeter regulator, welding cart and some accessories. The Power Wave 355 unit weighs 81.5 lb and is capable of multiple welding modes. It carries a 350-amp output rating at 60% duty cycle and a 300-amp rating at 100% duty cycle. Consumable items, such as wire and safety gear, are not included. Lincoln Electric Co.; 888/355-3213; www.lincolnelectric.com Vapor Barrier Applications in 25°F Building-product manufacturer introduces the new
MR. ROBOTO Remote-controlled cyborg can drive mini excavators. A consortium of researchers in Japan believes firms performing unusually dangerous work could benefit from robots that operate heavy equipment. It may sound like a science fiction story, but the team's engineers say they already have demonstrated a prototype with potential for use on hazardous construction and cleanup sites. In cooperation with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the research and development team comprises a partnership between Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Construction Co. and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). In March, they wrapped a five-year, $38.2-million
JOHN L. GROVE Few people can claim one major equipment brand was named after them, but John Landis Grove had two. A prominent engineer, visionary, businessman and philanthropist, Grove died June 16 in Greencastle, Pa. He was 82 years old. According to colleagues, Grove was responsible for popularizing telescoping cranes in North America and is called the father of the elevating work platform. "I doubt that the boom lift would exist today without him," says equipment consultant Guy Ramsey of Scottsdale, Ariz. STARTUP Dwight and John Grove's first plant. Grove and his brother, Dwight, started building cranes shortly after establishing
Power Hammer More Breakout Force The new H140D, 103.9-in. hydraulic-hammer attachment is 30% more productive and energy efficient than previous models from the manufacturer. It produces 350-600 blows per minute with an impact energy rating of 3,155 ft-lb and has an operating weight of 5,182 lb. According to the manufacturer, the redesigned hammer attachment is best matched with CAT excavator models 322C, 325C, 330C, as well as other comparably sized machines. Caterpillar Inc.; 309/675-1000; www.cat.com Articulated Hauler Compact Wheelbase The new A25D 4x4 articulated dump truck sports a payload capacity of 26.5 tons and top speed of 32.9 mph. Its
Gas Cut-Off Saws MultiPurpose Tools Side Winder gas cut-off saws are designed for concrete and masonry cutting applications. They also can be used to cut through piping and ceramics, the maker says. Both models feature 12 and 14-in. blade capacities and are powered by EPA-approved two-cycle gasoline engines. Additional features include an infinitely adjustable blade guard, reversible cutting arm for close-in cutting and a sturdy roller bar assembly. Multiquip: 800/421-1244; www.multiquip.com Paving Reconstruction Package High-Drive Track Manufacturer introduces a reconstruction package for the four-track new generation Commander III slipform paver. The package gives contractors another option to save time and
Gypsum Panels Moisture Control SheetRock brand Humitek gypsum panels are designed to help the building industry face one of its most difficult issues–moisture build-up. The panels are designed for interior areas and utilize a proprietary technology that makes them moisture and mold-resistant from front to back. They are available initially in 5/8-in. thickness and 8-, 10- and 12-ft lengths. United States Gypsum Co.; 800/874-4968; www.usg.com sponsored link: Gypsum Panels on Sweets.com (Sponsored Content) Single-Drum Rollers Mid-Size Models The BOMAG BW145-3 series includes three single-drum vibratory rollers that feature 56-in.-wide drums, making them suitable for a range of jobs, from utility
Pavement Grinders/Groovers Compact Design Manufacturer introduces a line of pavement groovers and grinders that includes three models. Each machine offers a 12-in. blade capacity and a 3/4-in. maximum cutting depth combined with a self-propelled design. Model PG 6522 is equipped with a 65-hp Wisconsin engine and a 21 3/4-in. cutting head, while the PG 3514 can be fitted with a 35-hp Wisconsin gas engine or optional 30-hp Baldor electric motor. Model PG 1608 is the most compact, featuring a cutting head width of 8 in. and a 16-hp Briggs Vanguard engine. Dimas, a div. of the Electrolux Group; 800/845-1312; www.dimas.com
STEEL PRODUCTS ANGLE GRINDERS More Torque and Power The 9-in. D28494N, operating at 6,000 RPM with 125 in./lb of torque, is one model in a new line-up of four 7 and 9-in. large angle grinders. Welders, structural steel fabricators and other tradespeople can choose from grinders with different ranges of torque and RPM for fast material removal. Each model is built around a 15-amp AC/DC motor with 4-hp maximum motor output and 3,084 maximum watts output. With AC/DC switches, the grinders can operate from welding machines and generators. DEWALT; 800/433-9258; www.DeWALT.com HAND TORCH Total Gas Management Design New SL100 hand
EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT Machines Changed Construction Practices Civil engineer chronicles earthmoving equipment in North America The development of mechanized earthmoving equipment, particularly over the last 100 years, has drastically reduced grueling hand labor and has changed the way we sculpt the earth. "The need to reshape Mother Earth goes back almost as far as civilization itself," writes author Keith Haddock in The Earthmover Encyclopedia (Motorbooks International, $44.95). "After the steam shovel was established, steam power gradually progressed to other types of earthmoving equipment formerly powered by teams of horses and mules." A civil engineer and mining veteran of 40 years, Haddock
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