INTERNATIONAL EQUIPMENT Manitowoc Builds Digital Design 3-D modeling cuts lead times By Tudor Hampton in Paris Global manufacturer Manitowoc Co. Inc. has pushed its computer-aided designs higher with the Model 18000, a new 660-ton crawler crane. Designers believe it is the first of its size to be built and tested entirely on computer in what engineers are calling "virtual prototyping." The machine costs up to $6.5 million, but the manufacturer believes it will have lucrative payoffs in the petrochemical and power-generation sectors. "These days, lifts are getting heavier, and users are working in more confined spaces," says Steven Lohr, project
Elton Long (Photo courtesy of Case Corp.) Elton Long, mechanical engineer who lead the design team that developed the first American-made, integrated loader backhoe, died April 6 in Burlington, Iowa. He was 81 years old. Early in his career, Long designed heavy equipment for American Tractor Co. of Churubusco, Ind. When Case Corp., Racine, Wis., acquired ATC in 1957, Long and his colleagues were in the midst of designing a new type of machine that would eventually become the bread and butter of contractor fleets around the world. After joining Case, Long rivaled the efforts of Joseph Cyril Bamford, founder
Mini Hydraulic Excavator Designed for Space-Restricted Areas The new 304CR can be equipped with a variety of buckets and work tools to handle a wide range of applications. It delivers 36 net hp and accommodates two stick sizes. When fitted with the optional long stick, the excavator provides a maximum digging depth of 12 ft, 4 in. The 304CR is powered by a naturally aspirated, water-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder diesel engine, which meets Tier 2 and State II emissions requirements. Caterpillar Inc.; 309/675-8995; www.cat.com Tuckpointing Grinder New Guard and Enlarged View Window This 5-in. grinder, model 1775E, is designed for concrete
Retail products, including scale models, are becoming profit centers for equipment manufacturers, dealers and collectors around the globe. Several construction equipment producers experiencing dips in demand have resorted to creative measures in order to boost revenue and spread brand equity. Logo merchandising, common to manufacturers’ promotional budgets for decades, is working its way more and more into the retail side of the business, and the numbers are staggering. "Margins in the retail sector can be very good. If you get it right, it is far more profitable than manufacturing a wheel loader," says David Phillips, managing director of analyst firm
Recent economic fallout in equipment markets has drifted from North America into Europe, according to bargain hunters and equipment manufacturer representatives who made a trek to Paris for Intermat 2003, touted as the world's largest heavy equipment show of the year. THIN CROWD: Weeklong Metro strikes leave many attendees stuck in hotel rooms. The May 13-17, 320,000-square-meter exhibition got off to a quieter start than usual, as corporate financial concerns, a pervasive glut of new and used machinery on the market, continued international conflict and the SARS epidemic forced many firms to stay at home. Likewise, Intermat officials lost key
Outdoor Lighting Fixture Protective Powder Coating A new line of UL-listed weatherproof incandescent fixtures offers bright lighting in areas where moisture, dirt or corrosion is a problem. WFA incandescent fixtures are rated at 120v and suited for such locations as construction, tunnels, bridges and subways. Designed for use with 150v supply wire, the models can be direct- mounted to walls, ceilings or structural members, in part because no separate outlet box is required. Fixtures are factory-assembled and fully gasketed for easy installation. Appleton, part of the EGS Electrical Group; 847/679-7800; Fax: 847/763-6002 sponsored link: Outdoor Lighting on Sweets.com (Sponsored Content)
SEALANTS New Group Attacks Floor Moisture Issues Concrete flooring failure costs at least $1 billion annually By Tudor Hampton in Chicago (Photo courtesy of CDL) A new task force of 40 members including contractors, architects, engineers, scientists, sealant manufacturers and flooring producers convened for the first time April 17-18 in Chicago in order to better understand how moisture develops on concrete floors and how it can be controlled. "These issues are starting to cost concrete guys a lot of money," says Tommy Ruttura, president of Ruttura & Sons Construction Co., Farmingdale, N.Y., and president of American Society of Concrete Contractors.
ASPHALT U.S. Studies "Warm-Mix" Asphalt Methods NAPA, European producers to sponsor laboratory-research effort By Tudor Hampton Hot-mix asphalt may be due for a cool change as the National Center for Asphalt Technology gears up a research program to look at European methods allowing temperatures 50° F lower than normal. According to experts, "warm-mix" asphalt may improve paving performance and at the same time reduce emissions and odor. "We have known for a long time that if we could reduce temperature then we could reduce emissions," says E. Ray Brown, NCAT director at Auburn University, Auburn, Ala. He says North American
TRACKING SYSTEM FOR SKID-STEERS Steel- or Soft-Bottom Urethane A line of specially designed steel- and soft-bottom urethane tracks is designed to provide all major skid-steer brands with more traction and floatation while allowing operators to work on finished surfaces without causing damage. The tracks feature hammer-forged steel pads, which are the most wear-resistant, the maker claims. The replaceable v-shaped pads are self-cleaning and offer better control. Tracks attach quickly and easily with a customized installation tool. They are fully adjustable and rebuildable. Loegering; 800/373-5441; www.loegering.com WHEEL SAWS Road Repairs or Utility Trench Cutting Two new wheel saws, models SW45 and
Building mega-supplier Home Depot says it will pump $4 billion this year into its operations in a desperate attempt to regain Wall Street stature and lure contractors into its stores. The action comes after Atlanta-based Home Depot's stock plummeted more than 50% over the past year. Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and chief executive officer brought in to be the company's "officer of change" in 2000, says that he recognizes a "challenging economic environment," but plans to open stores in "under-served markets." He expects sales to grow 9 to 12% by the end of the year. BOXED? Home Depot thinks tool
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