CLEAN SHAVE Nordstrom first conceived the cutter in 1991, after logging efforts declined. A Kingston, Idaho, logger once blamed environmentalists for timber work shortages. Now, he can thank them for opportunities in a more prosperous career in brush and shrub clearance. In 1991, when the local logging market deteriorated, Dick Nordstrom developed a mechanical brush-cutter bearing his name. There are three units now in his fleet. Starting with a Caterpillar excavator 322BFC base, Nordstrom replaced the factory bucket with a custom-designed, 3-ton cutting head. Attached to the excavator's 35-ft boom, the work-tool attachment includes a 480-rpm, 1,100-lb disc with 24
The National Equipment Register, National Insurance Crime Bureau and Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a nationwide case of stolen skid-steers. So far, 33 units valued at a total of $350,000 have been recovered. According to the report, in July, a buyer in rural Lancaster County, Pa., called police when he received a suspicious sale offer. After first discovering 30 stolen vehicles on a nearby farm, officials are contacting owners by searching NER's database of 25,000 loss reports and eight million preregistered vehicles. A spokesman for NICB says the main suspect in question has a prior history of equipment theft. Robert
A worldwide capital-spending slowdown in October hit Japanese equipment makers hard, with a 4.1% monthly drop in orders from September. According to research recently released by Nikko Salomon Smith Barney, the date reconfirms a fast-slipping GDP trend in Japan, which is expected to deteriorate well into the second quarter of 2003. "Japan has a lot of influence," says equipment analyst Charles R. Yengst, president of Wilton, Conn.-based Yengst Associates. "For example, when an equipment company uses engines from one Japanese supplier, what happens to customers when that supplier goes bankrupt? There's an effect on everyone when Japan begins to shut
WHEEL LOADER Electronic Monitoring System Model 530E is the manufacturer's first wheel loader to feature the cab mounted on the rear frame. It is powered by a 195-hp Komatsu four-cycle turbocharged diesel engine and has an electronically controlled powershift transmission that can also be operated as an automatic with the flip of a rocker switch. The 530E is a versatile machine and can be equipped with various buckets from 3.7 to 5.9 cu yd capacities. It is also designed for easy maintenance with an electronic monitoring system that assists the operator with maintenance decisions and improves machine availability. Dressta North
WORK ENVELOPE MANGEMENT Monitors Outrigger Settings Truck-mounted aerial work platforms are now available with the new Bronto 2+ work envelope management system. It is designed to monitor the outrigger settings and platform load, which can be up to 1,000 lb and automatically keep platform movement within a safe operating work envelope. The system's display panel shows the maximum possible outreach in all directions for a given platform load both graphically and numerically. Duplicate display panels describing the activity are mounted on the platform and at the ground control. Bronto Skylift; 352/895-1109; e-mail: rstar1103@aol.com SURVEY CONTROLLER SOFTWARE Operates on Attachable Control
GUARD RAIL Lift-Out Rail Feature Barrier Rail guard rail with a new lift-out rail feature allows easy access to machinery or facility areas that need protection from traffic hazards or for personnel safety. The system can be installed along aisleways, around in-plant offices and within storage areas. Heavy- and standard-duty models are available in single, double or triple rail configurations. Posts are fabricated from 6x6-in. ASTM A-36 structural steel tube with 1/2-in. thick welded baseplates. Rail lengths come in standard 2-ft increments from 4 to 10 ft. W.A. Schmidt Inc.; 800/523-6719; www.waschmidt.com TOWER LIGHTING KITS Night Paving Operations New on-board,
ELECTRIC CRANE Heavy-Duty 12-Volt Electric Hoist Winch Model EC2K-P, a 6,500-ft-lb power rotation electric crane, is designed for public utilities, municipalities, water works and any other situation requiring a crane in the light lifting range. It has a maximum lifting capacity of 930 lb at 7 ft and uses a 12-volt electric hoist winch with a 9.5-ft- per-minute winch speed. The crane is available by itself or in a state-of-the-art complete turnkey package that includes a chassis of the operator's choice, the T1-9 heavy-duty 9-ft steel body and more. Stellar Industries Inc.; 800/321-3741; www.stellar-industries.com FLARED-END CONCRETE PUMP LINE Alternative to
HANDRAIL SYSTEM Sleek Look This handrail system, made from a variety of materials including schedule 40 steel pipe sleeved in HDPE thermoplastic tube, aluminum, stainless steel and welded steel, is available in sections as well as continuous units. It has a sleek look and is capable of withstanding a concentrated load of 200 lb. Users can build completely new railing systems or expand their current system. The railing system is offered in a variety of styles and installation options. It meets OSHA, BOCA, SBC and UBC standards. Ideal Shield; 800/731-1722; www.idealshield.com SOIL CONDITIONER ATTACHMENT Auxiliary Hydraulics Circuit An 84-in. attachment
WHEEL LOADER Full-Vision Steel Cab The new SKL873 SP wheel loader has an operating weight of 29,767 lb and a maximum breakout force of 24,425 lb. Tipping load capacity while fully articulated is 25,247 lb, with a turning radius of 18 ft, 9 in. The machine's high-performance parallel bar linkage is powered by a Perkins 140-hp, 1006-6T 6-cylinder turbo diesel and a hydrostatic, two-stage drive transmission. Additional features include a 2.87-cu-yd bucket and a removable, rubber-insulated full-vision steel cab that is accessible from both sides. Terex Construction Americas, a div. of Terex Corp.; 662/393-1209; www.terex.com TIGHT-TAIL-SWING EXCAVATOR Load Sensing Hydraulic
PEDESTAL Holds Mixer Shipped complete in one package, the Little Champ 2-cu-ft concrete mixer is now available in an easy-to-assemble, three-part breakaway pedestal. The 25CMPT features a tilt pole that sets snuggly inside the two leg components, which is designed to hold the mixer and allow it to dump. The unit can be assembled and disassembled quickly providing for easy transport and storage, according to the manufacturer. The pedestal and mixer are shipped complete in one package. Stone Construction Equipment Inc.; 585/229-5141; www.stone-equip.com BARRIER LIFTER UPGRADE Automatic Actuator Improvements to Kenco's line of barrier lifters now include an automatic actuator
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