PIPELAYING EQUIPMENT Anticipating availability for the North American market in the second quarter of 2008, the manufacturer announces a new class of
PIPELAYING EQUIPMENT
Anticipating availability for the North American market in the second quarter of 2008, the manufacturer announces a new class of pipelaying equipment, said to represent the first major technical advance over traditional pipelaying dozers in nearly 80 years. The purpose-built pipelayers Û comprising PL4611C, PL4608C, PL2904C, PL7015C, and PL2102C models Û originate from a patented adaptation of Volvo excavators combined with modern lifting technology. Accordingly, load positioning is achieved (like an excavator) by swinging the upper structure for increased productivity and safety. A 360-degree swing provides full lifting performance and functionality at all radius positions. The excavator undercarriage system reportedly allows for counter-rotation of the tracks for positioning and directional changes. Single and double grouser shoes are available to ensure solid footing in most conditions.
Lift capacities range from 20 to 150 metric tons. Compared to conventional pipelaying machines, company representatives note, the new pipelayer has a wider gauge, lower center of gravity, and a lifting platform where the boom is mounted inboard of the track frame and closer to the machine’s centerline, offering stability and up to 29 percent higher lift capacities.
In addition, significantly longer booms offer higher hook height for better positioning or working further away from the trench to avoid cave in. Boom lengths range from 30 feet to 38 feet, depending on model size, compared to typical dozer side-based booms of 20 feet to 28 feet. Moreover, an on-board Load Management System (LMS) is designed to enable operators to accurately determine what can be safely picked up, depending on boom angle, the cab’s position relative to the tracks, and the incline on which the machine is operating. Volvo Construction Equipment
www.volvo.com
runover
ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS
An electronic version of the ProSpec architectural products binder has been released. The CD contains product catalogs, technical data sheets, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) covering ProSpec’s major product lines: (1) concrete repair and restoration, (2) floor repair and rehabilitation, and (3) tile and stone installation.
The CDs are shipped in a cardboard box manufactured from recycled fibers and, thus, can be easily and visibly stored on a desk or bookshelf. In addition to providing an environmentally friendly alternative to the print binder, the CD contains an update feature, which allows the user to pull current information from ProSpec.com as long as the user is connected to the Internet. ProSpec
www.prospec.com
PROTECTIVE SLEEVE
According to the manufacturer, the Dyneema sleeve is the industry’s first cut level 5 arm protection, offering the highest standard for cut resistance. The NorthFlex NFDS16 C5 sleeve is said by product developers to be comfortably form-fitting to avoid getting in the way and tear resistant to reduce snag hazards. Moreover, they add, the finely knit Dyneema/fiber glass blend is not bulky, and it vents heat to remain cool to the touch. While its gray color hides dirt, the C5 Sleeve is launderable and can be dry cleaned. North Safety Products
www.northsafety.com
LOADER RADIO REMOTE CONTROL
System extends the capabilities of Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders with selectable joystick controls and Bobcat all-wheel steer loaders. Operators can start the loader engine and operate the drive, lift, tilt and auxiliary hydraulic functions from approximately 1,500 feet away with the radio remote control transmitter. The loader’s joystick controls are activated in the ISO control pattern by transmitter joystick controls; and, the system can be used for up to 15 hours on a rechargeable battery. In addition to functionality in a wide range of climatic conditions, the system offers both remote control and machine/direct control modes.
Operators can implement the system on remote control-ready loaders by attaching the receiver and E-stop box to the machine using (factory-included) magnets; connecting the harness; removing the rear window (or installing the Rear Window External Removal Kit); and, attaching the Remote Ready Identification Tag. The loader radio remote control system is portable, allowing customers with multiple machines to transfer the system from one loader to another. The loader’s internal controllers must be programmed with the correct software version for the radio remote control system to function correctly.
Û Bobcat
www.bobcat.com
[DEC e]
ELECTRONIC FILE MANAGEMENT, DELIVERY
On Center Software, a provider of electronic plan viewing, takeoff, estimating and production-tracking software for the construction industry, has partnered with YouSendIt, Inc., a global player in digital content delivery. Through the partnership, YouSendIt’s file delivery service has been integrated into Takeoff 3.6, the forthcoming version of On Center Software’s takeoff program. The Project Express service will enable supported users of On-Screen Takeoff 3.6 to instantly send, receive and track large takeoff and project files Û up to 100 MB in size with a bandwidth limit of 3GB per month Û to other supported users at no cost. Clients with more extensive file delivery needs can upgrade to YouSendIt Business Plus, which enables delivery of files up to 2 GB in size with a 200 GB bandwidth limit per month.
Scheduled for a December 2007 release, On-Screen Takeoff 3.6 is part of the On Center ProfitBuilding Suite of products, which also includes Quick Bid and Digital Production Control. The integration of YouSendIt’s file delivery service in On-Screen Takeoff 3.6 as Project Express is one of multiple enhancements to this latest version of the software, which reportedly provides even greater speed and accuracy than prior releases. On Center Software
www.oncenter.com
[DEC j]
CONTRACTOR DETAILS CRANE OFFERINGS
All Erection & Crane Rental Corp. has published a full-color, 20-page brochure with a foldout section and complete listing and specs for the entire company fleet, plus on-the-job photos and information on all equipment and services offered. Equipment categories include hydraulic all-terrain and truck cranes, hydraulic rough-terrain cranes, tower cranes, crawler cranes, industrial and carrydeck cranes, aerial telescopic booms, aerial articulating booms, aerial scissor lifts, forklifts, and boom trucks. Also outlined in the brochure is All’s complete service model encompassing lift planning, logistics, transport and heavy hauling, trained operators, disassembly, and 24/7 service from yards strategically located throughout North America.
Û www.allcrane.com
[DEC – l]
LIFT TRUCKS
The S80-120FT and H80-120FT Fortis lines of sit-down, counterbalanced lift trucks feature what the manufacturer notes are durable power-train design; industrial-strength electronics; performance cooling system and enhanced hydraulics. Both cushion tire (S80-120FT) and pneumatic tire (H80-120FT) configurations are available. The Fortis line is offered in three preconfigured power train bundles. Powered by a GM 4.3L V6 engine, the lift truck’s onboard Pacesetter VSM computers and patented DuraMatch transmission and Auto Deceleration systems optimize lift truck performance and reliability, the manufacturer asserts.
Additionally, Fortis lift trucks minimize maintenance time with a CANbus communication system, designed to provide real-time diagnostics and reduce wiring and electrical connections. Onboard diagnostics and easy access to serviceable parts reduce repair time and extensive part swapping. Hyster Co.
www.hysteramericas.com
[DEC n, o, p]
D-I-Y PATIO PRODUCTS
For Îdo-it-yourselfÌ projects, Patio Pal Brick Laying Guide takes the guesswork out of brick laying by providing an easy-to-use template that assures proper alignment of brick or block rows. No concrete mixing is required.
The versatile design reportedly enables a user to construct a brick pathway, patio or driveway. Once a chosen area has been measured, framed with wood and leveled with sand, interlocking Patio Pal sections are set in place. Bricks are then positioned in the template sections to ensure proper spacing. A quick topping of commercial sand or dry mortar spread over the top and between the units, followed by a brief water misting, secures the installation. Patio Pal blocks out any weed growth between pavers, yet allows for complete drainage.
The patented product is available in four sizes to accommodate any choice of brick; and, sturdy templates allow for several brick patterns designs. One Patio Pal package includes 10 ÎpalsÌ and covers approximately 20 square feet.
Offering solar-powered lighting in plastic brick edging, Let’s Edge It simplifies landscaping projects by providing edging and lighting for yards, gardens and walkways in one Îno-tools-required’ product. The kit comprises a set of realistic plastic bricks with built-in solar-powered lights, eliminating the need for electrical wiring. Swivel-action connectors used to snap units together allow straight or curved installation to encircle a flowerbed, tree or follow a curved pathway. Let’s Edge It features spikes on the bottom of the bricks to hold them in place. Thus, installation requires no digging, no mortar, and no heavy lifting: User simply snap it together and press in place, the product developer asserts.
The system is available in a 25-ft. section of unlighted plastic brick edging; a 20-ft. kit of edging bricks and four solar lights; and, a 40-ft. kit with six solar lights. It is offered in Terra Cotta and Grey colors.
Û www.argeecorp.com, 800/449-3030
[DEC q]
REMOTE RELEASING HOOK
For improved rigging safety, the Rig-Release Remote Releasing Hook features a patent-pending design that allows operators to release the load sling at a safe distance from the load. It can be used with either a basket or choker hitch. Capacities are available from 1 to 15 tons, and all units conform to ASME standards.
Construction Lifters
www.ConstructionLifters.com
MACHINE GUARDING
Partnering to develop the next generation of machine guarding systems, Castell and Newton Research Labs, Inc., aim to incorporate three-dimensional imaging technology and redundant system components to provide an efficient and cost-effective means of protecting personnel and property. Castell offers products designed to eliminate human error in widely ranging fields. Newton Research Labs is a manufacturer of machine vision, robotics, and optical automation whose product portfolio applies the precision, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of computer technology to diverse industrial uses. A combination of time-tested experience and new vision technology, Castell and Newton Labs affirm, will enable the two firms to finalize a high-quality imaging system that offers both an economical and fail-safe solution to machine guarding.
Û www.Castell.com or www.Newtonlabs.com
SIKA TECHNOLOGY CROSSES SF-OAKLAND BAY BRIDGE
An Octobe 1989 earthquake severely damaged the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge’s double-decker truss structure east of Yerba Buena Island, knocking down a portion of the upper deck. When Caltrans determined that building a new eastern span would be safer and more cost-effective than retrofitting the structure, a bridge design was developed to meet current seismic codes as well as specifications pertaining to roadway shoulders, lane widths, stopping sight distances, and other factors enhancing public safety.
The Skyway portion connecting the Oakland Touchdown structure to the Suspension Section just east of Yerba Buena Island is the longest component of the East span. At $1.04 billion Û the largest Caltrans contract Û the Skyway section of the new East Span comprises a westbound and eastbound deck over one-mile long; the two roadways each have five lanes of traffic, emergency shoulders, and 15-ft.-wide pedestrian/bike paths. Its construction entails the use of multiple Sika products by the joint venture builder, KFM (Kiewit Pacific, FCI Constuctors and Manson Construction Co.).
A total of 452 precast roadway sections was cast in Stockton, Calif. (about 100 miles from the project), then shipped on barges to the site. Prior to shipping, transverse cables were tensioned and the ducts grouted with SikaGrout 300PT. In addition, more than 16,000 gal. of Sikadur 31 SBA were applied to each side of the precast components prior to final placement and tensioning; this provided lubrication to facilitate adjustments during segment erection and joint waterproofing.
Û www.sikaconstruction.com
COATINGS HALT GRAFFITI
Population growth in Brentwood, Calif. Û about 45 miles east of San Francisco Û challenges city officials with providing essential structures for residents without creating blight. Thus, hiding the city’s reservoir and keeping it graffiti-free were a priority when the Department of Public Works chose to have an architectural rock wall fa¡ade erected to conceal the large concrete structure located above a residential neighborhood and in view of a major highway.
We considered various options to handle graffiti, recalls Paul Eldredge, assistant director of Brentwood Public Works, and saw it as a Îpay-nowÌ or Îpay-laterÌ situation. Success stories regarding the SEI line of anti-graffiti formulations presented a possible solution, he adds.
Nonetheless, we anticipated having to apply the initial coating and then periodically reapply the product, he says, plus the inevitable cleaning when taggers do have a modicum of success Û an expensive, rigorous and a never-ending task.
However, because of the durability of the coating Û more than two years now Û and our ability to rid the wall of any near-successes by taggers, the project has been a roaring success, affirms Eldredge. While the coatings typically provide a deterrent to graffiti, he adds, when it does take, removal is no problem.
Sold under the name GPA-200 [Graffiti Proofer Anti-Stick], the product is a high-performance, highly fluorinated and durable clear-gloss coating formulated for applications requiring extremely high-slip characteristics and chemical resistance. Additionally, the manufacturer offers distinct types of graffiti-deterrent coatings, since special formulations are required for different materials (smooth or porous) to make paint, lacquers, enamels and adhesives crawl together and run off the surface, thus discouraging further vandalism.
Û www.seichemical.com