STAIN-RESISTANT JOINT SEALANT For Aesthetically Sensitive Buildings Dow Corning 991 is a one-component silicone joint sealant with proprietary stain-resistant technology. It is now offered in North America as an alternative to the two-part Dow Corning 756 Silicone Building Sealant-H.P., due to industry's demand for weatherproofing sealants that resist staining of sensitive substrates and streaking on glass and metal curtain wall panels. The 991 sealant is a ready-to-use version that cures to a traditional semi-gloss finish. Its rapid tack-free time helps reduce dirt pickup, the company says. Dow Corning Corp.; 800/637-5377; www.dowcorning.com/construction SPEED STRIPS Part of Three-Step Top of Wall Firestop
SINGLE-DRUM ROLLER SERIES Hydrostatic Travel Hypac's new C840C single-drum vibratory roller series includes the 22,928-lb C840C, a smooth drum model for granular, mixed and semi-cohesive soils, and the 25,089-lb C842C, which features 150 individual contact pads for better performance on cohesive soils. The rollers are equipped with 144-hp Perkins 1006-60T water-cooled diesel engines and fully hydrostatic travel and vibration drives. Both rollers offer dual amplitudes and operating frequencies of 2,160 and 1,800 vpm. The maximum working speed for both units is 8.4 mph. Compaction America Inc.; 309/853-3571; www.hypac.com ALL-IN-ONE CONCRETE PREP MACHINE Interchangeable Heads Called the Cobra, this multiprep machine
After discovering mechanical defects, two power tool manufacturers have urged end-users to return a total of 204,000 circular saws and electric grinders. Makita USA Inc., La Mirada, Calif., recalled its model 5740NB circular saw with 71/4-in. blade. The manufacturer says that the lower blade guard can become jammed. About 180,000 units exist in the field today. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., Brookfield, Wis., has similarly recalled its 15-amp electric grinders with 7- and 9-in. discs. According to the manufacturer, the "on/off" switch can become stuck in the "on" position. The manufacturer estimates that 24,000 of these grinders currently are in use.
BUSINESS TOOL Punch List represents new direction. (Photo courtesy of the Robert Bosch Tool Corp.) In what may be the first move of its kind, a major international tool manufacturer now is offering its customers digital management tools in addition to its traditional power tool product line. Robert Bosch Tool Corp., Chicago, launched its new Bosch Digital Power Tool line and unveiled its first offering, Punch List, at the International Builder Show Jan. 21-24 in Las Vegas. "This is the first of a series of products" to help the productivity of field project managers and building and remodeling superintendents, says
UTILITY TILT TAG TRAILER With 20-Ft-Long Deck A new line of 18,350-lb GVWR utility tilt tag trailers is now available. The units feature a 14,000-lb payload capacity as well as two 8,000-lb axles with 215/75R 17.5 tires supporting a heavy-duty frame for maximum strength and payload. The tilt deck ground loads at a low load angle of just 10°, the maker says. Additional features such as its 20-ft-long deck allow for extra-long loads or multi-unit hauls. The company also has maximized the width between the fenders to 82.5 in. to accommodate larger and wider equipment. Landoll Corp.; 800/428-5655; www.landoll.com BATCH
Manitowoc is one of two firms that recently sold product lines to private equity investors. (Photo courtesy The Manitowoc Co.) Two lifting equipment manufacturers have recently sold major product segments to private investors. OmniQuip Textron Inc., Port Washington, Wis., has sold its aerial work platform business Snorkel International, and The Manitowoc Co., Manitowoc, Wis., has sold its Manitowoc Boom Truck division of Georgetown, Texas. Even though Snorkel had reported $37 million in earnings for 2002, company reports say it was not enough to keep the business up and scissor lifts in June 2002. Elwood Holdings LLC, St. Joseph, Mo., recently
CONCRETE PUMPING EQUIPMENT Overhead Roll-and-Fold Boom The new S61SX concrete pump features 198 ft of reach. The manufacturer claims it to be the longest boom pump in the industry. The four-section, overhead roll-and-fold boom is capable of reaching out, up and below grade with no dead spots. Because the boom's first section can be angled back, the other three sections can be guided into enclosed decks with ease. With the patented telescoping Super X outriggers, the reach and versatility of the equipment is capable even on a crowded jobsite. It maintains up to 1,169 psi for concrete. Schwing America Inc.;
ROCK DRILLING TOOL Specially Designed Outer Housing This patented RS8 rock drilling tool, 57.5 in. in length, is designed for use with the manufacturer's Navigator 50x100A, D55x100, D80x100 and D80x120 horizontal directional drills. It is a steerable rock drilling head that uses an 8.75-in.-dia Tri Cone Bit that can tackle medium to hard rock formations up to and over 15,000 psi. Steering is achieved with a specially designed outer housing that allows operation of the tool with any standard drill. Vermeer manufacturing Co.; 888/837-6337; www.vermeer.com MIXING AND FLUSHING UNIT Eliminates Manual Cleanup Designated as the Flygt Hydroejector, this mixing and
INTACT New ballpark (left) was protected from implosion. (Photo courtesy of Jack Curran/ implosionworld.com) When baseball season begins this spring, Cincinnati Reds fans will enjoy a new $290-million stadium left unscathed from the implosion of its predecessor, only feet away. In 37 seconds on Dec. 23, contractors imploded Cinergy Field, formerly called Riverfront Stadium. After salvaging seats and other removable items, workers triggered the second step in a three-phase "green" demolition and environmental salvage operation. But they had to be mindful of the neighboring Great American Ballpark, under construction. Before the event, demolition workers protected the new park from projectile
Photo courtesy of Komatsu With product lines for hydraulic excavators well developed in medium-size classes, more buyers and manufacturers are exploring machines in the light and heavy ends of the spectrum. Komatsu America Corp. is no exception, replacing its 110-ton P1100 series with a new 125-ton PC1250 series of crawler excavators. Komatsu, Vernon Hills, Ill., considers the PC1250LC-7 its "flagship" construction excavator. Standard tracked, the manufacturer mounts the machine on a long-track carriage for increased floatation. The softer the ground conditions, the more need for high floatation, says Lee Haak, Komatsu product manager for large hydraulic excavators. The machines are
RSS