Separated At Birth: Two-Piece Tire Assembly Comes Apart at the Tread By Tudor Hampton Akron, Ohio-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has rolled out a package that some claim is the most innovative creation in the company's 105-year history. Product engineers say the new two-piece tire assembly grew out of a need in the mining business to cut the time it takes mechanics to change tires on off-road trucks, a process that often consumes a grueling eight or nine hours per wheel. In development for five years, the tire assembly is now available in a 45R57, 57-in. configuration and more
Portable Work Light: Repositions Itself The 36-in.-tall, 20-lb Wobble Light is a new product that features an impact-resistant body and counterweighted hemispherical base that quickly returns the light upright if knocked over, the manufacturer says. Protected by a floating shock system and bulletproof dome, the 500-watt halogen bulb produces 360� light. Each unit also incorporates an internal cooling system that allows the end user to safely touch the dome anytime during or after use. Wobble Light L.L.C; 773/463-5900; www.wobblelight.com Breaker: Skid-Steer Attachment Designed to be more powerful with less weight, these breaker models range in weight from 430 lb to
Suspended Scaffold Hoist Motorized Manufacturer introduces its new suspended scaffolding hoist to the construction industry. Designated Tirak L-500 Series, the scaffold hoist has a 1,000-lb rated load capacity and is fitted with a three-phase electric motor. Weighing only 84 lb (pneumatic hoist even less), the new series incorporates the latest technology, says the maker. In addition, the Tirak L-500 model is equipped with only 6.8-amp draw, voltage indicator light, optional hour meter and quiet operation. It also is UL classified. Tractel Group, Griphoist division; www.tractel.com; 800/421-0246 Work Platform Double Tower System Mast climbing work platform, the Max Climber 5700, can
Hydrostatic-Drive Truck Compact Design This all-new 39X hydrostatic drive 5,000-lb capacity truck is compact on the outside yet very spacious inside with sophisticated ergonomics, says the manufacturer. It is equipped with new hydrostatic wheel motors that are built to operate at low speed and higher oil volume per revolution, making the planetary reduction gears at both drive wheels unnecessary. Also, a new low-profile operator station provides easy on/off access. Linde Lift Truck Corp., 843/875-8319; www.lindelifttruck.com Joint Maker Adjustable Device The Notched Wedge joint maker is designed to help solve longitudinal joint density problems on asphalt surfaces. The device mounts on
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
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