The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is probing allegations that some heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers may be encouraging customers to "pre-buy" engines before new clean air regulations take effect in October. The agency is requesting marketing information from key players to see whether they are adhering to the noncircumvention provisions of a 1998 consent decree. NEW RULES Cleanup in October. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar) The largest heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers, including Cummins Inc., Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel Corp., Mack Trucks and Volvo, signed the consent decree with EPA stating that they would meet the new emission standards. They require a 40% reduction
The U.S. Customs Service has seized $500,000 of counterfeit equipment and arrested an executive from an India-based engineering firm for selling counterfeit copies of Caterpillar engine parts and software in Columbia, S.C. CHEEKY Fake parts were found at CONEXPO. (Photo courtesy of Janice L. Tuchman for ENR) The May 28 raid followed over a year of undercover investigation and is "one of the largest in the history of the heavy equipment industry," says Robert M. Gattison, U.S. Customs Special Agent in Charge, in Atlanta. Aarkay Engineering Corp. manufactured engine cylinder liners in India, wrapping some in packaging made to look
OIL-INJECTED RAMMERS Uses A Two-Cycle Engine New oil-injected rammer series feature a patented oil-injection system. The system is available on the BS 500, BS 600 and BS 700 series, which range in weight from 115 to 159 lb and offer 2,695 to 3,375 lb per blow. They are powered by the maker's exclusive WM 80 engine, the only two-cycle engine in the industry designed especially to withstand tough rammer applications. The oil-injection system is designed directly into the WM 80 and eliminates the need for premixing gas and oil. WACKER; 262/257-4131; email:julie.shuster@am.wackergroup.com VERTICAL-LIFT SKID STEER LOADERS Expanded Height and Lift
SELF-SHIELD FLUX CORED WIRE For Welders In EarthQuake-Prone Areas Coreshield 6, an E70T-6 self-shielded flux cored wire, classified under AWS A 5.20-95, meets FEMA 353 specifications for welding in earthquake-prone regions. It is designed especially for bridge and structural applications in seismic areas. According to the maker, welders using the product are noticing better characteristics such as a smooth and stable arc, low spatter, easy-to-remove-slag and a lower fume generation level. Coreshield 6 is suitable for all-position welding and can be used for applications in the field including retrofit work. ESAB WELDING & CUTTING PRODUCTS; 800/933-7070; www.esab.com HANDHELD LASER RECEIVER
PLATE New Control Manufacturer adds a new vibration-free forward and reverse control as an integral part of the handle on its reversible plate-model RP850G. The reversible plate retains an impact force of 8,500 lb at a working width of 24 in. and features a 9-hp Honda engine. The RP850 combination of over 8,500 lb of impact force and speeds up to 85 ft per minute delivers maximum productivity of over 10,200 sq ft per hour with compaction lifts of up to 20 in., according to the maker. The unit is suitable for compaction of sand, gravel, aggregate and mixed soils.
WORKSTATION IN THE SKY LIGHTING Accessory Packages For Boom Lifts New accessory packages turn boom lifts into light towers for nighttime work in tunnels or in other applications. They fit JLG's boom lifts with platform heights ranging from 60 to 135 ft. The Sky Bright package uses four or six lights, turning a boom lift into a 6,000-watt light tower. Nite Bright has four 40-watt lights mounted on the chassis and two 40-watt lights mounted on the platform for more efficient work in low light conditions. JLG INDUSTRIES INC.; 240/420-8721; www.jlg.com HOISTS Low Voltage Indicator Light This Pocket Climber (PC-1)
HYDRAULIC POWER PUMP Two-Speed Operation The new Pow'r-Buddy 10 Series is a lightweight, portable 10,000-psi power pump that is designed for a broad range of industrial and construction applications. It weighs 29 lb and also can be used for projects that require long extension cords and/or power from portable generators, the maker says. Features include a 115 VAC universal motor capable of operating on as low as 60 volts, yet powerful enough to start under full load. Its two-speed operation provides for faster advances, making this unit appropriate for use with small to medium-size hydraulic cylinders and tools. The integrated
Skid steer loaders are finding a new life, sort of, as mine-clearing robots in Afghanistan. ON DUTY Standard issue skid steer (top) is beefed up for mine detection in Afghanistan. An Ocala, Fla., company, Marion Metal Works Inc., is working on a $1.2-million contract to convert six LS125 units from New Holland Construction Co., Carrol Stream, Ill., into military machines called Enhanced Mini-Flails. The modified machines feature a rotating drum with flapping chains in place of a bucket, armor plating, foam-filled tires, steel treads and remote control. Its job is to give new definition to "the beaten path" by slapping
Terex Corp., Westport, Conn., announced May 16 that it will buy the $365-million-a-year Demag mobile crane business of Germany's Siemens A.G., Munich. As part of the $145-million deal, Terex will acquire the two production plants of Demag Mobile Cranes GmbH & Co. KG, at its headquarters in Zweibrücken, and its Pec, Hungary plant. Siemens acquired Demag and other crane companies when it bought Mannesmann Dematic A.G. in April 2001, targeting its automation and electronic assembly systems. Siemans says it never integrated the cranes into its business.
Construction equipment prices are slowly recovering from a beating they took at the end of last year. Last December, the producer price index for construction equipment fell 0.3% to its lowest level since July 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since then, prices have averaged monthly increases of 0.1%, finally pulling ahead of last November's price level in April. The modest four-month price rally accounts for virtually all of the annual increase, with the index now standing just 0.3% above April 2001's level. Portable air compressors are being priced 1.3% lower than a year ago, while prices for
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