Equipment & Products

WALK-BEHIND TROWELS For smoother and faster finishes, the manufacturer notes, new four-blade B and J Series walk-behind power trowels include more powerful

WALK-BEHIND TROWELS

For smoother and faster finishes, the manufacturer notes, new four-blade B and J Series walk-behind power trowels include more powerful engines to generate improved rotor speeds between 60 to 155 rpm. The 10 new models are offered with Honda and Robin engine options, ranging from 5.5 to 11 hp.

The four B Series models (with 46-in. ring diameters) and six (36-in.) J Series models also feature an ergonomic throttle control, lifting bail, and rugged spider assembly for extended life. The trowels also include a height-adjustable, 2-in.-diameter tubular steel handle for improved operator comfort and workability, as well as a throttle control with detent settings for easy selection of operating speed. A centrifugal shutdown switch protected by steel housing provides durability. Multiquip Inc.
www.multiquip.com

DECK-FORM CLEANER

The Flat Deck Cleaner has been introduced to ease what the manufacturer notes is the time-consuming, labor-intensive operation involved in preparing steel forms for a new production shift. Featuring completely hydraulic operation and a 24-hp motor, the cleaner incorporates a 24-in.-diameter, 58-in.-wide brush that cleans the surface of the form as it pushes debris in front of the machine. Operators can use forward or reverse motion, besides adjusting speed and brush rotation. Designed specifically for cleaning flat deck steel forms in precast plants, company representatives affirm, the unit is easy to operate and saves time and labor for clean forms that produce a better quality finish on concrete products. Notes user Kevin Gladis, production manager at Conewago Building Systems in Hanover, Pa., The Flat Deck Cleaner is easy to maneuver Û we’ve cut our cleaning time in half. Hamilton Form Co.
www.hamiltonform.com

PORTABLE TRANSIT MIX BATCH PLANT

The LoGo 10 portable transit mix batch plant features a hinged 440-bbl. gravity feed silo that delivers faster, more accurate batching, company representatives affirm, while load cells on all batchers assure precise measurement of materials. A 66-ton, four-compartment aggregate bin is standard equipment on the LoGo 10, with either in-line or cross bin configuration. A 100-ton aggregate bin extension is also available for additional storage.

The single-trailer configuration with a fifth wheel hitch ensures ease of transport. The batch plant can be erected in mere hours, according to the manufacturer, as the self-contained hinged cement section allows fast installation. Moreover, the LoGo 10 comes to the job site prewired and preplumbed from the factory.

The portable batch plant comes standard with 10-yd. batchers and a 30-in.-wide batch belt. Optional equipment includes the 103 ME manual control with electronic push buttons or RC3 computer batch controls. A complete ladder and platform assembly enables greater accessibility to the batch plant. RexCon LLC
www.rexcon.com

TIER 3 ENGINE-EQUIPPED WHEEL LOADERS

The 444J, 544J, 624J and 644J among J-Series wheel loader models have been updated to feature Tier 3-compliant PowerTech engines, a Quad-Cool cooling system, and other enhancements for improved productivity, uptime and low daily operating costs, the manufacturer notes. Providing strong power and torque for performance in any loader application, the company affirms, PowerTech engines deliver fuel efficiency, wet sleeve cylinders for long life, and an electronically controlled fuel system for precise injections.

The 644J now features a Quad-Cool cooling system, already a feature on the 444J, 544J and 624J. Said by product developers to be the easiest cooling system to clean, as well as the most resistant to plugging, Quad-Cool units are mounted on four sides for cleaning access to both sides of each cooler, rather than stacked (as in the case of traditional cooling systems). With a bulkhead separating the engine from the Quad-Cool compartment, the cooling system receives fresh air and is unaffected by engine heat. Large air intake areas keep air velocity low, which attracts less airborne debris; and, inlet air is prescreened through 3-mm openings in the side shields Û smaller openings than in the fin spacing of the coolers, helping to minimize accumulated debris.

Additional enhancements to the 544J, 624J, 644J and 724J models include new Teammate IV front and rear axles, comprising inboard planetary final drives, a standard front differential lock, and self-adjusting, wet disk brakes. A self-bleeding feature makes brake bleeding more convenient for technicians. Moreover, the axles feature new, heavier axle housings and shafts, plus integral axle seal guards for enhanced reliability and uptime. Wheel spin control to eliminate tire spin for maximum production on slippery surfaces Û already an option provided on the 644J through the 844J Û is now available for the 444J, 544J, and 624J. Deere & Co.
www.johndeere.com

DUST SUPPRESSION

By reducing particulate matter released when demolition hammers are in use, EnviroBoot technology reportedly protects workers and creates a cleaner surrounding environment, effectively reducing preparation and clean up costs as well. Used with a HEPA-filtered vacuum unit, the EnviroBoot EB-1 dust-suppression accessory creates a vacuum chamber surrounding the hammer chisel, which serves to draw away and reduce harmful respiratory dust and other airborne contaminants released during hammering of concrete surfaces and masonry products. Initial testing has found that the Enviroboot accessory used in conjunction with the HEPA-filtered vacuum reduces particulate matter, such as crystalline silica dust, in excess of 80 percent, company officials note. Environmental Safety Solutions
www.enviroboot.com

RADIANT SLAB HEATING

Manufacturer bills SnowClear as an electronic snow and ice removal system offering simple and efficient installation; preassembled cable and PLC-based control panels, and temperature/moisture sensors. Three components are key, product engineers contend: 1) easy-to-install, sized-to-fit heating panels; 2) sensors that automatically turn the system on and off (manual controls are also included); and, 3) an electronic energy management system. Total cost of ownership is thereby reduced up to 50 percent, as compared to traditional snow and ice melting technologies, the manufacturer contends.

SnowClear panels are available in various sizes that can be rolled out into any area or concrete form. The panels incorporate SureMelt snow-dissolving cables, preattached to a strong, but flexible plastic mesh. In addition, the panels are engineered to provide even heating across their entire area.

Independent sensors mounted either aerially and/or embedded in the pavement constantly monitor environmental conditions, reporting back to the energy management system. When snow or freezing rain occurs, the energy management system energizes the SnowClear heating panels before any snow or ice accumulates. EverClear Radiant Systems
www.everclearradiantsystems.com

VIBRATOR

Company affirms that its hydraulic concrete vibrator is designed to meet industry requirements for air-void standards compliance and efficient paver operations. An exclusive hydraulic gear motor reportedly maintains reliable operating speeds throughout the life of the vibrator. For easy mounting, a lightweight, compact, single-isolator bracket features a new claw clamp; and, the single-isolator design eliminates concrete build-up, offering better performance and reduced maintenance, as it directs vibration away from the paving machine and into the mix. The high-impact rotor offers the highest force available, the manufacturer notes, while a patented Square Head provides faster compaction for improved paver speed with reduced risk of vibrator trails.

Also available is the company’s smart vibrator system, a PC application for continuous vibrator monitoring on hydraulic pavers. It provides a user-friendly, touch-screen graphic display of current speeds for each vibrator with high- and low-alarm speed settings, plus date, time, station track speed, air temperature, and air relative humidity. All data is downloadable to a variety of spreadsheet programs.
www.wycotool.com

PORTABLE MIXING BAG

The Reusable Concrete Mixing Bag enables users to mix dry concrete and water without tools or a bucket. Widely available through Ace and Grainger locations, the large, 7-mil-thick plastic bag reportedly can be reused 30 to 40 times.

The manufacturer provides users these steps to expedite mixing and cleanup: (1) After cutting a slit in the top of a packaged mix, the concrete mixing bag is placed upside down over the full, upright bag; (2) Invert both bags and pull the paper ready mixed bag out of the plastic bag as its contents are emptied; (3) Add water and tie off the top of the sack (using the Hook & Loop Strap); (4) Roll the bag, rocking back and forth for 60 seconds, to mix the ingredients; and, (5) Pour the mixed concrete and rinse out the bag. Cement Solution Co.
www.thecementsolution.com

GROUT PUMP

The PG-21 PumpMaster self-propelled model is useful for slabjacking/mudjacking, pressure grouting and low-volume plaster spraying. It includes a single 5-in. hard-chrome material cylinder, 5-cu.-ft. hopper and exclusive wireless remote. Maximum aggregate size is ?-in.-minus, and production capacity is up to 210 cu. ft. per hour. Among other features of the PG-21 are a 20-hp gasoline engine; sloped ball seat for optimal flow; variable speed self-propulsion; auxiliary hydraulics; steep hopper for material intake; and, hinged engine cover. Airplaco Equipment
www.airplaco.com

WIRELESS SCALE MEASURES LOADS VIA SUSPENSIONS

Now an installed option on Benson International trailers, TruckWeight Inc.’s wireless Smart Scale for commercial vehicles measures temperature and pressure changes in a vehicle’s air suspension and relays this data to a handheld receiver using a low-powered radio transmitter. The resulting axle-weight and gross vehicle-weight measurement falls within 0.3 percent of the actual gross vehicle weight, TruckWeight representatives affirm. Because the wireless reader has a range of 500 feet line-of-sight, it can deliver measurements to the truck cab or the seat of a loading machine as needed.

Smart Scale features waterproof, weatherproof, shock-resistant, and noncorrosive housing that requires no regular maintenance. The sensors are accurate in temperature extremes ranging from -40_C to 70_C (-40_F to 158_F) and use common AA batteries.

The wireless scale also is available for sale and aftermarket installation through company dealers. Benson products are designed for flatdeck loads, construction material, and other weight-sensitive trucking applications. Û www.truckweight.com, 877/757-7888

SICOMA DOUBLES UP MIXER DISCHARGE

Now available for the first time on the manufacturer’s line of twin shaft mixers, double discharge doors are said by product engineers to improve plant efficiency and reduce costs in precast and ready-mixed operations. To date, the only twin shaft mixer option providing two discharge streams was a door that could rotate in either direction to feed two separate chutes. While conventional, symmetrical twin shaft mixer doors suit bidirectional action, the rubber seals in contact with the door during opening and closing result in what company engineers note are high wear and the need for frequent replacement. By contrast, the new double discharge doors are mounted on offset shafts that provide an eccentric action, separating the door and seal as it opens. The result, the manufacturer asserts, is reduced wear and minimal maintenance, plus a watertight seal throughout the unit’s service life.

A recent patented innovation, the company’s Reduced Discharge Door, reportedly has been proven to discharge almost as quickly as a full-width door, due to the greater number of paddles and their spiral action. The same principle allows two doors to be fitted, with separate chutes to different operations; for example, two sets of traveling hopper rails can be channeled under the mixer for high-volume delivery. In ready mixed operations, the mechanism allows trucks to back in from both sides and eliminate waiting between loads. A secondary advantage of the smaller chute is its lower headroom requirement, which lowers the mixer platform by up to 4 ft. for the same delivery height. Chutes are fitted with a water spray bar for cleaning, and a pressure washing accessory is also available. Û Sicoma North America, www.sicoma.biz

ARCHITECT INVENTS CRACKLESS CONCRETE

Denver architect Bob Melland has invented a plastic clip designed to suppress random cracks in newly poured concrete slabs. Potentially a contractor’s nightmare, Melland asserts, cracks can lead to owner dissatisfaction, callbacks, and sometimes expensive slab replacement.

Bond-Clip is designed to attach a concrete topping to the substrate on which it is poured, so that the two materials form a composite. It is during hydration, when the concrete begins to set, that internal stresses start to develop, Melland explains. In a regular floor slab lacking anchorage to the subfloor, tension stresses will usually cause concrete cracking. With a composite floor slab, tension stresses no longer reside in the concrete.

Melland’s company, ThinCrete Flooring, reportedly has been placing decorative concrete floors for 10 years without a single callback. Typically, the decorative floors are poured seamlessly over Bond-Clips anchored to any substrate at a spacing of about 16 in. on center. Thickness of the floor topping is about 34 in. Melland emphasizes that ThinCrete Flooring is a total solutions provider, offering Bond Clips, installation instructions, and expert advice for eliminating concrete cracks. Û 303/753-1646; [email protected]