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
The difficult heavy crane market is continuing, but recent acquisitions to diversify its product line is helping The Manitowoc Co., Manitowoc, Wis., weather the storm, according to a financial report by the firm. The market for cranes used to erect industrial plants and nonresidential buildings is still weak, with some suppliers, such as rental firm Maxim Crane Works, teetering on the verge of bankruptcy (ENR 4/7 p. 9). Nonetheless, Manitowoc says that its 2002 revenue was 34% higher than in 2001 and revenue from its crane division increased 70% to $233 million. The outlook for the remainder of 2003 is
A manufacturer known for its brush-cutting and trenching equipment is entering the compact excavator market with seven new machines. Libra Compact Technologies SA, San Marino, Italy, is supplying the machines to Vermeer Manufacturing Co., Pella, Iowa, under an exclusive supply agreement. Vermeer says it is offering the equipment because operators want their machines to perform more functions and a number of customers have been switching from trenchers to compact excavators. This is the second time Libra has secured a North American importer. In 2001, it dissolved a four-year supply agreement with equipment manufacturer OmniQuip Textron, Port Washington, Wis., a move
LIFT EQUIPMENT Rental Company Designs Water-Treading Access Machines Specialized lifts help engineers reduce traffic-lane closures By Tudor Hampton An equipment rental firm specializing in bridge inspection gear and having a "zero-lane-closure" policy has developed two unusual-looking tracked and floating devices to make bridge inspections easier. The two units have been operating in the field for roughly a year following an earlier design that was a telescopic aerial lift mounted on a Hummer civilian chassis. "We can go in during some inclement weather and without having lane closures," says Harry Stoltzfus, owner of Paradise, Pa.-based Harcon Corp. The firm’s "Bridge Tracker"
The Internal Revenue Service will present to Congress the controversial excise tax amendment for jobsite equipment published last June in the Federal Register (ENR 8/19/02 p. 9), to be discussed along with highway fund reauthorization in September, say IRS officials. The proposed amendment would delete a "mobile machinery exception" that currently excludes heavy mobile equipment, such as cranes and aerial devices, from excise and fuel taxes under the Highway Trust Fund. Officials of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, one of several associations involved in the debate, believe the IRS proposal would cost the roadbuilding segment of the industry
Barrier Wall Lifter Automatic or Semi-Automatic Models This attachment is designed to safely lift and install low-profile barrier walls. It is available in both 12,000 and 20,000-lb lifting capacities and is engineered to fit the inverted contour of the wall. According to the manufacturer, the barrier lifter is equipped with urethane pads that provide the operator with better grip action, even on a wet surface, without damaging the wall. In addition, grease fittings help ensure that the unit has years of service. These low-profile lifters come in both automatic and semi-automatic models. Kenco Corp.; 724-238-3387; www.kenco.com Diamond Drill Bit Built-In
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