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Test Drive: Mack’s Return to Medium-Duty Trucks Doesn’t Disappoint

Mack’s MD Series is a rebirth of sorts for a company whose mantra is “Born Ready.”

Mack exited the medium-duty segment almost 20 years ago with the retirement of the Freedom, which was mostly a rebadged Americanized Renault. The Freedom concluded Mack’s 20-plus-year run with its medium-duty Mid-Liner.

The MD entered production just 13 months ago at the company’s new 280,000-square-foot Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) facility in Roanoke Valley, Virginia. Mack announced its re-entry into the medium-duty market in January 2020, but COVID protocols delayed production from July to September 2020.

Targeting medium-duty trucking vocations with frequent urban stop-and-go cycles like dry van/refrigerated, stake/flatbed, dump and tank, the 25,995-pound gross vehicle weight rating MD6 and 33,000-pound GVWR MD7 are both exempt from the 12% federal excise tax, and the MD6 model slides in just under the cutoff for requiring a commercial driver’s license for non-hazardous payloads.

Nextran Truck Centers Sales Manager Bruce Graham said the bulk of the units moving through his Birmingham, Alabama, dealership have been spec’d with flatbeds, but service bodies have become increasingly more common, with some vans mixed in.

Bruce and his team at Nextran loaned me an MD6 to shuttle around the greater Birmingham-area – a Glacier White Class 6 outfitted with a Lyncoach box. This is a fairly standard configuration for a local-route beverage hauler, which is exactly where this unit was headed.

Mack didn’t have to look far for inspiration for its MD Series. There’s no denying the influence of Mack’s on-highway flagship Anthem. The squared-off nose; the grille; the body lines; a wrap-around dash with ergonomic controls; a tilt telescopic steering column with flat-bottomed steering wheel; power windows and door locks; cruise control and a driver air-ride seat are all regular long-haul driver comforts found in the MD Model. Anthem’s paw prints are all over the MD inside and out.

The MD6 and MD7 models feature a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability, and their air-suspended steel cab features an industry-best bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement of 103 inches. Eight wheelbase lengths will support typical bodies from 10 to 26 feet. My test drive model was a 270-inch wheelbase.

The wheels are a standard 22.5 inches, but 19.5-inch wheels are available. Other standard features include the basics like power windows and locks, cruise control and air conditioning. An optional two-passenger bench seat allows fleets to deploy crews of three, and a flip-up bottom grants access to a large bin for storage.

MD’s turning radius was tight, making navigating crowded surface streets easy and safe when coupled with the shorter nose and improved visibility.

The view from the standard air-ride driver’s seat is commanding, and the air-suspension cab is comfortable. Base models get a spring rear suspension, but Mack’s Maxlite air suspension is available. My test unit had air.

It would be easy to assign a lot of the truck’s pleasant on-road manners to the air system, but that would overlook the durable yet lightweight chassis (7mm thickness for the MD6 and 8mm thickness for the MD7), constructed to an industry standard 34-inch frame width using 120,000 psi steel rails – a considerable bump from an industry standard 80,000 psi.

The MD is Mack’s first all-new truck model since the 2017 debut of Anthem. It’s also one of very few bulldogs to offer a non-Mack powertrain. Both MD models are equipped with an inline 6-cylinder Cummins B6.7 engine, making up to 300 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque.

The B6.7 is the most popular diesel engine Cummins builds, and its B Series has been on the market for nearly 40 years in various iterations. It’s pretty much the ubiquitous medium-duty engine. Cummins’ Single Module aftertreatment bundles the diesel particulate filter, selective catalytic reduction and diesel exhaust fluid doser into one unit.

In the MD, the B6.7 is matched with an Allison 2500HS transmission and Meritor axles. An Allison 2500RDS is available for applications needing a PTO.

My drive around Birmingham covered a little less than 100 miles, not an uncommon daily trip shunting around Coca-Cola products, and the truck felt just as at home at 70 mph pulling a grade as it was at 15 mph navigating a loading zone, or low-speed in a crowded Buc-ee’s parking lot. Yeah, I know. Buc-ee’s isn’t truck-friendly, but sometimes, when you want a Coke Icee, you have to take matters into your own hands.

Now that a formal infrastructure plan has finally passed, Mack couldn’t have picked a better time to get back into medium duty – especially with a model as versatile as MD.

In all, the MD Series is a comfortable and capable traffic fighter with plenty of workhorse capabilities and flexibility that both fleets and drivers will love, especially if you need to make a black-ops Icee run.

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Yanmar’s First Electric Prototype: the SV17e Compact Excavator (Video)

Is it too soon to talk about Bauma, the big European equipment show held every three years in Munich?

We think not, especially when the previews demonstrate what is arguably the biggest and most significant trend in heavy equipment — electrification.

In this particular case, Yanmar gave the press a preshow preview of its first electric mini excavator prototype: the new SV17e. The company positions this machine as an important strategic step in the transformation for Yanmar Compact Equipment and indicative of the direction of the company.

“Our transformation will embrace our entire business and will encompass new products with alternative-fuel technologies,” says Giuliano Parodi, CEO of Yanmar. “The SV17e prototype is a demonstration of our intent to build a sustainable business for our customers and dealer partners.”


Without a diesel engine the overall size and weight of this excavator can be greatly reduced.YanmarThe SV17e mini excavator is aimed at customers in the European market and plays in the 1.5- to 2-metric-ton segment. It is powered by an electric drive with 48-volt batteries and fast charging capability. At zero emissions it not only passes the greenhouse gas test but is also quiet and suitable for indoor and confined-space operations where diesel exhaust emissions pose health hazards to workers.

“The operator is at the heart of this machine, and we have challenged ourselves to deliver the comfort, power, control and precision which we believe will surpass the expectations of professional operators,” says Cedric Durand, director product management.

In preparation for its sales start at Bauma 2022 (October 24 – 30), the prototype SV17e is currently undergoing a product testing regime including field tests.

If you don’t want to wait until Bauma to see the new SV17e in action, Yanmar Compact Equipment has prepared a short film. Watch the SV17e video here:

And Yanmar isn’t alone in this race to electrification. Check out our other reporting on this topic at the links below:

Cat on electric construction equipment: “We are ready.”Bauma Preview: Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe to show company’s first electric compact excavatorKomatsu, Honda Team Up to Build Micro Electric ExcavatorsJCB, Takeuchi, Ditch Witch and Toro show off electric compact construction equipment at rental show

GMC’s Canyon AT4 Pickup Truck Has Almost Everything – Even a Kitchenette

Guy lines to keep branches from striking the windshield? Yep. GMC wants to know what you think about the branch-battling wires and several other off-road features found on its new Canyon AT4 Concept truck.

There’s not much this factory-lifted truck doesn’t have, including a kitchenette, roof-mounted tent, 270-degree awning and even a solar panel.

It also features an AEV off-road bumper, stainless-steel truck-bed cap, Jerry cans for gas and water, traction boards, off-road jack and mount, cooler and truck bed storage systems.


Everything including the kitchenette on the GMC AT4 Concept.GMCAnd yes, there’s more: a wide off-road chassis with enhanced underbody coverage, Off-road rocker panel protectors, cast-iron control arms, heavy-duty front bumper with winch, integrated front recovery points, front and rear electronic locking differentials, wheel flares with integrated task lamps, multimatic DSSV dampers, and a spare-tire mount on the back of the truck that can swivel out of the way of the tailgate when bed access is needed.

“We wanted to showcase GMC Canyon with this concept and punctuate GMC’s commitment to premium, off-road capable vehicles,” said Buick and GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred. “Consumer reaction to this concept’s design will help us further serve the growing market of buyers leading authentic outdoor lifestyles.”

GMC Canyon AT4 Concept pickup truck tent
Stay a while with roff-mounted tent and 270-degree awning on the GMC Canyon AT4.GMCThe AT4 Concept truck, which was unveiled at Overland Expo Mountain West 2021, is powered by GMC’s 3.6L V-6 engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s designed to confidently handle a variety of obstacles with a 27.7-degree approach angle and a ground clearance of 10 inches, boosted by 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels. The vehicle could engage in water fording up to 32.1 inches, and its custom-tailored snorkel could allow for filtered and cooler air intake.

And because it’s a GMC, premium design cues are found throughout, including a unique grille and headlamp finishes, distinct AT4 badges and an exclusive, leather-wrapped interior.

GMC Canyon AT4 Concept interior
GMC’s Canyon concept pickup is built for the rugged outdoors and for driver comfort.GMC“The Canyon AT4 Concept truck was designed to balance functionality with aesthetics. When you’re overlanding, capability is an important factor, but doing it with premium style and comfort elevates the experience even further for customers who truly want zero compromises,” said John Owens, lead creative designer for the concept truck.

Let GMC know what you think on its social media channels. 

GMC Canyon AT4 Concept pickup truck tailgate
The Canyon AT4 Concept provides storage space at the tailgate.GMC

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Kentucky Deere Dealer Suffers Severe Tornado Damage

Hutson Inc.’s flagship location in Mayfield, Kentucky sustained major damage after a tornado tore through the rural community on late Friday, according to the Deere dealer’s Facebook page.

“As an organization, we are fortunate. Our flagship location in Mayfield, Kentucky was destroyed by one of the worst natural disasters to ever hit the state last night, but our team is healthy and accounted for,” said Huston Inc. president Josh Waggener in a LinkedIn post on Sunday.

The town of Mayfield suffered some of the most extensive damage on the tornado’s path. Hutson Inc. is located next door to a candle factory where multiple casualties occurred.

“We had heroes show up from our team in the middle of the night (you know who you are). They waded through debris and used what equipment they could salvage to assist with rescue efforts at a candle plant located next to us that had mass casualties. It’s the very foundation of expectations the Hutson Culture is proudly built upon,” said Waggener.

As of Tuesday, the death toll for the state of Kentucky had reached 74 and at least 109 people remain unaccounted for, according to a report by CNBC. The National Guard and FEMA have been deployed. President Biden plans to visit the state on Wednesday.

You can see the destruction in the video below.

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Waggener said that the company will rebuild the flagship location “bigger, stronger, and better than ever.” Hutson Inc. has 29 locations in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan.

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Crush, Dig, Lift – 11 Attachments to Do More with Your Excavator

These 11 attachments can add a new dimension to your excavators, enabling them to be more productive on demolition jobs, site work and a variety of other tasks.

These tools can separate rebar from concrete, enable buckets and other attachments to rotate and tilt, or boost your excavator’s lifting power, among other capabilities.

Demolition

Epiroc Bulk Pulverizers are designed for secondary demolition and reduction of reinforced concrete elements. (Photo shown at the top of this story.) Featuring an angled shape and broad jaw, the pulverizers help speed up work to enable clean separation of rebar and concrete. Epiroc’s range includes two bulk pulverizers for carriers from 18 to 40 tons. They can reduce material into grain sizes suitable for crushing or use as backfill. The pulverizers’ cutting blades are replaceable and reversible. A 360-degree hydraulic rotation device is optional.


NPK Concrete CrusherNPKFor excavators in the 21- to 50-ton range, NPK Concrete Crushers are designed to crush through reinforced concrete to separate concrete and steel rebar. They are designed for primary and secondary demolition and recycling. Features include abrasion-resistant, high-strength, alloy steel teeth, optional 360-degree hydraulic rotation, NPK’s Hydraulic Intensifier System for faster cycle times, and a bolt-on replaceable tooth plate on the movable jaw. The “A” model also uses a bolt-on tooth plate on the fixed jaw.

Komatsu JMHB-V breaker series excavator breaking rock
Komatsu JMHB-V breakerKomatsuKomatsu’s new JMHB-V breakers are designed for rock and concrete demolition. The hydraulic breakers modulate their impact force and frequency with up to 16 working positions to match the task. They are also fitted with a recovery valve that recuperates energy to drive efficiency. Depending on the application’s hardness, V-series breakers automatically select the best piston stroke length and speed, the company says. Standard features include automatic greasing, advanced blank firing protection, swivel hose couplings and heavy-duty housing.

RJB Hydraulic Hammers HK45 breaker with combo bracket
RJB Hydraulic Hammers’ HK45 breaker with combo bracketRJB Hydraulic HammersRJB Hydraulic Hammers has designed a combination mini-excavator/skid steer bracket for its HK45 Hydraulic Hammer for carrier machines of 3.5 to 6 metric tons. The company says it produced the bracket in response to feedback from rental yards where the HK45 is the company’s most popular hammer for short-term rentals. The HK45 is a 1,000-foot-pound impact class hydraulic hammer. It can handle larger concrete jobs. It comes with a tool diameter of almost 3 inches. 

Tiltrotators

Caterpillar Tiltrotator Excavator attachment
Caterpillar TiltrotatorCaterpillarCaterpillar says its Tilt Rotate Systems are an industry-first with fully integrated technology for its Next Generation 306 CR, 307.5, 308, 308.5, 309 or 310 compact excavators. The tiltrotators can tilt left and right 40 degrees and rotate 360 degrees, allowing work at various angles without the need to reposition the machine. The devices help improve productivity. Models come with pin-on or S-type coupler top interfaces and S-type coupler bottom interfaces. An optional grapple module allows the operator to move materials out of the way.

Takeuchi Tiltrotator excavator attachment grabbing log
Takeuchi TiltrotatorTakeuchiTakeuchi’s new tiltrotator line consists of the DF4, DF10 and the Prop Plus models. The Prop Plus can run both tilt and rotate functions as well as a hydraulic coupler and multiple auxiliary functions using only the excavator’s primary circuit without a separate control box. It comes with two joysticks and a monitor. It can work with a grading system. The DF4 runs tilt and rotate functions with two hydraulic circuits and a control box in the cab. The DF10 can run the same functions as the DF4 without a control box but requires a separate hydraulic circuit for each function. 

Buckets and such

Werk-Brau Skeleton Rock Bucket excavator attachment
Werk-Brau Skeleton Rock BucketWerk-BrauWerk-Brau’s new Skeleton Rock Buckets are designed to separate large rock and other debris from smaller loose materials. They are available in various widths and sizes for excavators or loaders. They are manufactured with high-strength T-1 steel in all critical wear points, with abrasion-resistant wear straps to reinforce the bucket bottom. Tapered side plates reduce wear on the bucket and allow for easier dumping. The buckets are ideal for quarry work and anywhere that larger materials are sorted from smaller loose materials.

Yanmar Stowable Utility Hook excavator lifting
Yanmar Stowable Utility HookYanmarYanmar’s Stowable Utility Hook provides a factory-designed lifting point for the company’s compact excavators, from ViO25 up to the SV100, without the need to use an attachment. It reduces the risk of damage to the machine, buckets or other attachments resulting from attempts to lift heavy objects with a strap or chain connected to areas not intended to be lifting points, the company says. The hook features a multi-directional design that allows it to swing in each direction and swivel 360 degrees. The swivel hook stows out of the way with a lock pin.

Bedrock Attachments Excavator Long Reach attachment
Bedrock Attachments’ Long ReachBedrock AttachmentsBedrock Attachments says it has a warehouse full of long reach booms and sticks for excavators. The long reaches range from 18 to 22.86 meters long for various Caterpillar, John Deere and Hitachi  models. Bedrock uses computerized analysis for the stress distribution of the long reach and to optimize the design. It uses large milling equipment to improve welding. The hydraulic-oil pipes are made of cold-rolled precision steel and are finished by phosphoric acid washing to make the pipes smoother for reduced flow resistance and oil circuit pollution.  

Danuser EP Auger System with Stump Auger excavator
Danuser EP Auger System with Stump AugerDanuserDanuser’s EP Auger System for excavators features a planetary gear drive with greater torque for drilling through hard surfaces. The system is compatible with Danuser’s new Stump Auger, which planes away stumps. A threaded pilot digs into the stump, and large cutting blades shave the stump away. The blades are reversible. EP Auger System models range from 6 to 35 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow and from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds per square inch of pressure. The stump auger is available in 10- and 16-inch diameters.

TVH Americas bucket Cutting Edge excavator
TVH Americas bucket cutting edgeTVH AmericasTVH Americas offers a selection of reversible, double-bevel, bolt-on cutting edges to help extend the life of buckets for light construction equipment. The edges are made of high-quality steel and come in an assortment of widths and lengths. The bolt-on cutting edges can be rotated or replaced in less than an hour with basic hand tools. A double-sided, or reversal, blade can be rotated to give users essentially two blades in one. The blade also lifts the bottom up off the ground slightly, reducing the amount of drag and wear on the bucket.

 

Hy-Brid Lifts Names Jay Sugar President and CEO

Jay Sugar has been named president and CEO of Hy-Brid Lifts, an electric self-propelled and push-around scissor lift manufacturer owned by Custom Equipment.

Sugar brings more than 20 years of industrial manufacturing experience to the role, holding positions of increasing responsibility from shop floor to executive vice president. In his new role, Sugar will lead the overall direction and strategy of the Richfield, Wisconsin-based company.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Jay Sugar back to Custom Equipment, now in the role of president and CEO,” says Steve Ellis, Custom Equipment chairman of the board. “Jay is an accomplished leader, and with his background in both engineering and operations, Jay brings a wide skillset to drive Custom Equipment forward in value creation and performance.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the strong leadership team at Custom Equipment again to help position the company for future growth,” says Sugar. “Strategically expanding our product offerings and introducing new products will reinforce our commitment to implementing customer feedback and increase market share.”

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Benefits of Stamped Concrete

One of the benefits of stamped concrete is the realistic appearance it gives. A simple border or running bond brick will give your home a more natural look. Even if your home is not large, a simple border will add an authentic appearance. When it comes to stamping, a random patterning will help ensure that the final result looks as realistic as possible. You can use different types of stamps for other applications, and you can even mix and match patterns to create a unique look for your home. Click Here for more style and designs. stamped concrete

Another benefit of stamped concrete is that it is durable. Unlike other paving materials, this material requires less maintenance than other types of materials. The amount of maintenance required varies depending on the usage, weather, and chemicals. A simple cleaning and resealing of your stamped concrete surface is all that’s required. Sealers help to protect your investment and make the surface of your home more durable against water, dirt, and stains.

While many do-it-yourselfers will try to install a new floor with stamped concrete, it’s better to call a professional. There are several reasons why you should choose a professional. A good way to save money is to use a contractor who can do it for you. If you don’t have the expertise to install it yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you. And if you don’t have the time, you can save money by hiring someone else. The installation process is easy and requires no special skills.

If you’re considering a stamped concrete project, it’s important to understand how the process works. Before hiring a professional, it’s important to know what you’re doing. This will help you avoid any issues with the installation. The contractors should have the necessary experience and training to provide you with the finished product. You should also be aware of the limitations of doing it yourself. If you’re not sure about your skills, consult a professional to get the best result.

A good professional will be able to tell you exactly what to do. It’s a good idea to hire a contractor to take care of the work for you. An experienced contractor will be able to give you the perfect look for your home. The process of installing stamped concrete is simple and will last for many years. A do-it-yourselfer should not have any problem with this type of project. And remember to keep in mind that it’s not always possible to find a professional who can do it for you.

While stamped concrete can be installed on existing or new floors, it may be difficult to install on your own. It’s not a good idea to do it yourself because the concrete will crack, which can cause problems. You should hire a professional if you don’t have the necessary experience. In addition, if you’re doing it yourself, you should hire a contractor who knows what he or she is doing. Once you have the right experience, you’ll be amazed at the results.

Stamped concrete is a great option for residential or commercial properties. This material is durable and can withstand any weather condition. It is ideal for exterior surfaces because it will never need resetting or replacement. Despite its attractiveness, stamped concrete isn’t suitable for indoors. As the name implies, it’s more durable than any other surface material. It’s a great choice for outdoor spaces and driveways. But it’s important to hire a professional if you’re planning to do it yourself.

In addition to being durable, stamped concrete is also cost effective. It’s a good option for homeowners who aren’t in a hurry to redo their driveways and sidewalks. In addition, it’s more affordable than other hard surfaces and can be refinished and renovated. With the right tools, you can achieve the look you’ve always wanted. However, you should consult a professional if you’re unsure about what type of concrete you want.

Once your home is ready for the concrete, it is time to design your stamped concrete patterns. There are countless ways to choose a pattern and color for your stamped concrete surfaces. You can also use a pattern you’ve already painted. For example, if you’re a fan of bricks, you can opt for a brick-patterned border for your driveway. This can tie into the landscape surrounding your home. In short, you’ll have a unique and beautiful flooring option that matches the style of your home.

Two States Race to Build First Wireless-Charging Road for Electric Vehicles

Michigan and Indiana are leading the charge to build a road that would wirelessly power electric vehicles, with each claiming they will be the first to do it.

That means no stopping to plug in to a power source. The pavement would be electrified to do the charging automatically.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced in July it was partnering with Purdue University to develop what it says would be “the world’s first contactless wireless-charging concrete pavement highway segment.”

The project involves “magnetizable concrete” that would charge electric vehicles as they travel across it. The technology is being developed by German startup company Magment.

The project will span three phases. The first two will focus on pavement testing, analysis and research at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. For the third phase, INDOT will build a quarter-mile test bed of the magnetizable concrete to gauge its ability to charge heavy trucks at high power.

If all goes well, INDOT says, it will deploy the innovating pavement to a section of interstate somewhere in the state.

Just a few months after INDOT’s announcement, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her state would be the first to build a wireless EV charging road.

The Michigan DOT sent out a request for proposals September 28 for the pilot program on a one-mile road, the location of which is to be determined but would be somewhere on a state-maintained segment in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties.

The goal is to “deploy an electrified roadway system that allows electric buses, shuttles and vehicles to charge while driving, enabling electric vehicles to operate continuously without stopping to charge,” according to the governor’s office.

The entity whose proposal is accepted will work with MDOT, the state’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and other state agencies. MDOT set an October 25 deadline for the proposals.

It’s not clear yet what technology Michigan’s project will rely on, but INDOT has settled on Magment’s magnetizable concrete, which is a mixture of cement and recycled magnetic particles called ferrite, which can come from electronic-waste recyclers, according to the company. It says its “proprietary blend of concrete and magnetic particles is easy to integrate into existing concrete processes.”

Ferrite is a ceramic material made by mixing iron-oxide with metals, such as nickel, zinc, manganese, barium and/or strontium. It is used in electronic inductors, transformers and electromagnets.

A coil assembly is also integrated into the concrete to transfer electric power to moving vehicles above. The company says the coil assemblies can withstand heavy loads.

The magnetizable concrete is still undergoing research “to improve magnetics performance and to facilitate mass production,” the company says.

Product Roundup: Komatsu harvester and forwarder feature ground-gripping traction

There is probably no tougher environment for equipment than forestry, and Komatsu’s two new purpose-built machines, the 931XC-3 harvester and 855-3 forwarder, are made to stand up to these gnarly conditions.

Designed for maneuverability in everything from thinning operations to felling big timber, the 931XC-3 harvester balances power, torque and fuel economy to optimize low-speed operation with a high torque backup when needed. The machine’s eight-wheel-drive traction and smooth ride come courtesy of what Komatsu calls its “Comfort Bogie” drive system. The bogies oscillate to keep tires on the ground, following the terrain closely while maintaining a high clearance. Additionally, a fixed rear-axle design reduces rear ground pressure.

The harvester’s automatic cab/crane leveling system keeps your operator in the best possible position to work comfortably throughout the day. An automotive-quality cab features heated and cooled meal storage, a big front window for visibility, an ergonomic seat and climate control.


Designed with a high departure angle for climbing obstacles, the Komatsu 855-3 forwarder offers an optional blade for stump removal.KomatsuThe 14-metric-ton Komatsu 855-3 forwarder also operates on Komatsu Comfort Bogie axles with a high portal offset and V-shaped frame for ground clearance. For ground or stump leveling, an optional heavy-duty stacked blade is available. Mounted with a high angle of departure for climbing obstacles, there’s no interference between blade, battery boxes or hood guard. Operators can monitor and control everything from the engine and crane to the transmission and service ladders with the MaxiXT system. And operator-specific controls can be fine-tuned to achieve the finesse and speed each operator prefers.

AUSA has announced the global launch of its AUSAnow fleet manager.
Keep tabs on your AUSA machines with cloud-based monitoring.AUSANew software gives customers telematics info for AUSA vehicles

AUSA has announced the global launch of its AUSAnow fleet manager, an online fleet control solution. With this new digital service, AUSA is offering its customers a product to improve their efficiency and profitability by monitoring their machines with mobile phones or computers.

The new software communicates real-time information about maintenance requirements, technical and performance issues and any unexpected movement of machines.

Machine information is stored in the cloud, so AUSAnow can be accessed anywhere you can connect to the internet. The new system will allow users to view and create their own personalized charts, obtain in-depth information about the operation of their machines and make decisions that are based on detailed information.

Mecalac 156MRail
Mecalac 156MRailMecalacMecalac debuts new MRail-Series, a dedicated line of machines for the rail industry

Purpose-built for right-of-way maintenance or the construction of new tracks, Mecalac’s four new MRail-Series machines offer advanced safety features and performance tailored to meet the requirements and track sizes of public and private railways, light rail and subway networks.

The two tracked models, 106MRail and 136MRail, are based on the MCR crawler skid excavator concept. The 10-ton 106MRail can travel up to 6.2 mph on ground and 14.3 mph on rails. The 13-ton 136MRail offers ground speeds up to 5.6 mph and rail speeds as high as 12.4 mph.

Both models offer 360-degree rotation. Optional rear and side cameras provide extra safety, visibility and precision when working in-between tracks, in tunnels or confined spaces.

Based on the MWR wheeled excavator, the 156MRail and 216MRail models provide solutions tailored to rail networks, different track sizes and available workspace. The 156MRail is ideal for users looking for a machine to work on subways or private tracks without the expensive features required by rail regulations. The 156MRail’s compact design provides good visibility for work in hard-to-reach places. It boasts travel speeds up to 21 mph on the ground and 18.6 mph on rails.

Built for the toughest rail jobs, the 216MRail model brings agility and maneuverability to users looking to complete projects on national and urban railways. With the greatest boom reach of the MRail models, the 216MRail can reach up to 24 feet 7 inches. It travels at speeds up to 18.5 mph on both ground and rails.

GPS Trackit's GL500MG protects unpowered assets including construction equipment.
The hidden installation and a tamper-proof design of GPS Trackit’s monitoring system enables you to keep tabs on unpowered equipment.GPS TrackitStop trailer theft with GPS Trackit monitoring

According to the International Risk Management Institute, only 10 to 15 percent of stolen equipment is ever recovered. One solution is GPS-enabled electronic monitoring. The recently announced GL500MG tracker from GPS Trackit monitors truck trailers and cargo to deter theft and assist in asset recovery.

GPS Trackit’s GL500MG protects unpowered assets including construction equipment, freight trailers, flatbed trailers, freight containers, generators, tool storage boxes, and recreational equipment.

The device features a five-year, onboard battery and durable housing to help construction companies, carriers and trucking companies locate and control their trailers around the clock. Geofences provide alerts whenever an asset leaves a pre-set area. A user update button immediately shares the GL500MG’s GPS coordinates to help you and law enforcement find the stolen asset.

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Back on Track(-ish): 2022 Construction Equipment Trade Shows and Events

After two years of disrupted industry events, construction equipment trade shows and conferences will be making their (somewhat normal) return in 2022.

Earlier this year, Bauma announced it would be pushing show dates from April to October 2022, citing ongoing uncertainties due to the global pandemic. Some major OEMs have since pulled out of the show, including Volvo Construction Equipment and JLG. Caterpillar corporate announced German dealer Zeppelin would exhibit in its place.

The American Rental Association will not hold a traditional 2022 ARA Show due to the proximity of its 2021 event, which was pushed from February to October. Show organizers have instead announced an innovation and technology adoption conference with exhibits. 

Mark your calendars. Here is the slate of construction industry events for 2022:

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Summit

Location: Orlando, Florida

Dates: January 17-19, 2022

World of Concrete

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates: January 18-20, 2022

National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Annual Meeting

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Dates: January 23 – 26, 2022

Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exposition

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Dates: January 25-27, 2022

Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) 2022 Winter Convention

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Dates: February 15 – 19, 2022

National Pavement Expo 

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Dates: February 23 – 25, 2022

National Demolition Association (NDA) Annual Convention & Expo

Location: San Diego, California

Dates: February 26 – March 1, 2022

American Rental Association Innovation Conference & Exhibits

Location: Dallas, Texas

Dates: March 9-10, 2022

National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Annual Convention

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Dates: March 15 – 18, 2022

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 2022 Convention

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Dates: March 15 – 17, 2022

Equipment World’s Contractor of the Year Awards

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates: March 17-20, 2022

World of Asphalt

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Dates: March 29-31, 2022

AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Dates: March 29-31, 2022

North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) 2022 No-Dig Show 

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dates: April 10 – 13, 2022

Equip Expo (formerly GIE + Expo)

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Dates: October 19 – 21, 2022

Bauma

Location: Munich, Germany

Dates: October 24 – October 30, 2022

Trimble Dimensions

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates: November 7-9, 2022

Did you miss our previous article…
https://constructionosa.org/?p=1048