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Industry News - September, 2020 - Page 5 of 6

  • CP Completes Biggest-Ever Canadian Crop-Year Haul

    CP Completes Biggest-Ever Canadian Crop-Year Haul, Stands Ready For 2020-2021 Harvest

    Canadian Pacific has announced it hauled more Canadian grain and grain products in the 2019-2020 crop production year than any in its 139-year history. In total, CP moved 29.52 million metric tonnes (MMT) this crop year, exceeding last year's record of 26.77 MMT by 2.75 MMT, or 10 percent.
    "The world depends on Canadian farmers for food and we understand the important role CP and the grain supply chain play in getting crops to market," said Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer. "In this banner crop year, the men and women of CP proved again they're more than ready for the task. I am immensely proud of the CP family and the entire grain supply chain in delivering a second consecutive crop-year record, and by such a significant margin. This truly shows the value of CP's capacity for the movement of grain." 
    In addition to the record crop year, CP announced today its best-ever July for transporting Canadian grain and grain products, with 2.58 MMT hauled. The July record is CP's ninth monthly record set during the 2019-2020 crop year. 
    This year's successes are a testament to the efficiency of the 8,500-foot High Efficiency Product (HEP) train model. An 8,500-foot HEP train can carry in excess of 40 percent more grain than the 7,000-foot train model when combined with the additional capacity of CP's new high-efficiency hopper cars. Customers are actively investing in their elevator networks to accommodate 8,500-foot trains. By year-end, more than 30 percent of the CP-served unit train loaders will be 8,500-foot HEP qualified, increasing capacity and efficiency in the grain supply chain for customers and stakeholders.
    Shipping containers also played an important role in exporting Canada's crop. This year, CP moved more than 650,000 metric tonnes of western Canadian grain to export markets in containers. With containerized grain included in the total, CP transported more than 30 MMT during the crop year. 
    "Viterra depends on efficient, reliable transportation year-round," said Kyle Jeworski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viterra. "With CP's 8,500-foot HEP train model, Viterra can move more grain with each train, creating efficiencies for the whole supply chain. And CP's reliable service throughout the crop year helped enable Viterra to meet our customers' needs. I look forward to CP's and Viterra's shared success in meeting the demands of our Canadian farmers and global customers in the coming crop year."  
    CP continues to take delivery of high-capacity grain hopper cars as part of a half-billion-dollar commitment in 2018 to purchase 5,900 of the newest-generation railcars. The new cars can carry 10 percent more grain by weight and 15 percent more by volume than the older Government of Canada cars they are replacing; more than 2,900 are now in service. As a result of this capacity upgrade, the amount of grain CP was able to transport in each railcar increased by 1 metric tonne from a year earlier. 
    "Today's announcement of CP's biggest-ever crop-year haul is a bright spot for Canada's agricultural sector," said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "I want to congratulate CP for reaching this historic milestone, which would not have been possible without their strategic investments into the future, including their upgraded hopper car fleet. Our Government knows just how important grain farmers are to Canada's food supply and our economy, which is why we continue to open new markets and make improvements to our rail transportation system. While COVID-19 has affected many areas of the economy and many individual farmers, today's announcement demonstrates how our agriculture sector is well positioned to lead our nation's economic restart."
    As the 2020 crop continues to mature, CP is watching carefully and assessing resource requirements in terms of personnel, locomotives and railcars to meet the challenge. To find out more about CP's preparations for the new crop year, visit https://www.cpr.ca/en/about-cp-site/Documents/Grain-Report-2020-21.pdf. 

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    Sep 8, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Dana Unveils New Electric Motor, Drive Axle For Lift Trucks

    Dana Unveils New Electric Motor, Drive Axle For Lift Trucks

    Dana Incorporated has  introduced new drive technologies for material-handling vehicles, including a low-voltage, high-efficiency motor for electric-powered applications, as well as a new series of modular, high-efficiency drive axles for Class I, IV, and V industrial lift trucks.
    The new technologies demonstrate how Dana offers modular systems that support both bolt-on and fully integrated approaches to vehicle design.  Dana's flexibility helps manufacturers reduce system complexity, shorten the time to develop and introduce new products, and facilitate the introduction of innovations into the vehicle life cycle.
    Dana has a deep portfolio of Spicer axles, transmissions, and driveshafts for traditional applications driven by internal-combustion engines, as well as a full range of electric motors, inverters, and controllers for low- and high-voltage applications ranging from 24 to 800 volts.
    Additionally, Dana supplies motion systems for work functions as well as advanced sensors and controls developed to optimize productivity, maximize life, and reduce maintenance. 
    "Performance, efficiency, and modularity are the top needs for manufacturers of material-handling equipment," said Aziz Aghili, president of Dana Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems.  "Dana's new generation of innovations provide the lowest total cost of ownership by helping equipment buyers navigate the challenges of Industry 4.0, human-to-machine communication, autonomous vehicle operation, Big Data, and the end-to-end digitization of supply chain processes."

    New Low-Voltage, High-Efficiency Motor
    Dana has launched a new 48- to 120/144-volt synchronous reluctance internal permanent magnet (SRIPM) motor targeted for Class I electric lift trucks, sideloaders, and mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs).  Delivering up to 95 percent efficiency, the motor prolongs battery life and extends duty cycles by delivering higher power density than the AC motors typically used in these applications. 
    Currently available for field testing by equipment manufacturers, the motor offers continuous power from 20 kW to 60 kW, and peak power from 30 kW to 70 kW.  It is scheduled for production in late 2020.
    The new motor joins the wide breadth of technologies from Dana that allow manufacturers to address the specific performance, power, torque, and NVH requirements of any given material-handling application. Dana offers low- and high-voltage solutions including SRIPM, synchronous reluctance (SR), internal permanent magnet (IPM), and AC induction motors.
    The motors can be combined with Dana's inverter, controller, software, and drive products to deliver a comprehensive system solution for original-equipment manufacturers.

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    Sep 8, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • AG Trucking Maintains High Driver Satisfaction With Kenworth T880s

    AG Trucking Maintains High Driver Satisfaction With Kenworth T880s

    Spending 35 years with one company is impressive. For a driver to accomplish that with a transportation company, now that’s almost unheard of.
    “I got the sense right away when I started with AG Trucking in 1984 that they were a family-oriented company that truly cared about its drivers,” said Rick Miller, who drove for the company for 25 years prior to transitioning to his current role as a recruiter for AG Trucking. “The company always had us in well-maintained, quality equipment and made a point to make life easier for us drivers on the road. I actually encouraged my dad to come work for the company, and he did. He spent 20 years driving for AG.”
    According to Casey Stump, AG Trucking vice president and general manager, maintaining a high level of driver satisfaction is a key component to AG Trucking’s success. The Goshen, Indiana-based company specializes in hauling food grade liquid and material, such as sand and limestone, in all 48 continental states and in Canada. AG Trucking also has a small regional division dedicated to hauling dry bulk commodities throughout the Midwest.
    “We’ve worked hard at establishing a company culture where drivers want to be,” said Stump. “We have several driver-focused programs in place and provide our drivers with Kenworth T880s that are spec’d to maximize driver comfort. We have a number of drivers who have spent more than 15 years driving for us – some eclipsing more than 30.”
    AG Trucking operates 157 company-owned Kenworth trucks, including 120 Kenworth T880s purchased since 2017 from Palmer Trucks – Fort Wayne in Indiana. The majority of the T880s are spec’d with 76-inch mid-roof sleepers, 450 hp engines, and 9-speed manual transmissions. 
    According to Tim Boehlke, AG Trucking president and founder, Kenworth vocational trucks have long been a part of the company’s operation.
    “Kenworth trucks have played a large role in our business since the very beginning,” said Boehlke, who founded AG Trucking in 1978. “We’ve operated other truck makes in the past, primarily trucks that we’ve acquired through business deals with companies, but we have always found trucks manufactured by Kenworth to be the best. It’s why our fleet is now made up of all Kenworth trucks. The quality, reliability, and creature comforts Kenworth trucks provide combine on-road performance with high driver acceptance.”
    AG Trucking specs all of its Kenworth T880 76-inch mid-roof sleeper units with refrigerators, inverters, TV mounts, Kenworth Diamond VIT interior trim packages, and other driver-centric options to enhance the over-the-road experience, according to Stump.
    “We’re always looking for the latest features and amenities we can spec our trucks with so that our drivers are as comfortable as they can be on the road,” said Stump. “Aside from what we’ve added to our trucks, our drivers have mentioned how much storage space they have in their sleepers. The designers at Kenworth did a great job maximizing the amount of space drivers are able to use on-board. It’s something our drivers are finding to be useful.”
    While providing drivers with amenities that allow for a more comfortable stay on the road is key to maintaining high driver acceptance of the trucks in the fleet, Stump acknowledged that operating reliable equipment is just as important. The more the company maximizes its uptime, the more profitable its drivers and the company are. Drivers in the company’s food grade liquid and pneumatic divisions easily exceed 100,000 miles per year on the road.
    “At the end of the day, our drivers want to be in equipment that they like driving and that is reliable. The more uninterrupted time our drivers are able to spend on the road, the more money they are able to make. Drivers don’t want to be in equipment that breaks down all the time, and we don’t want to accrue the costs associated with that. The Kenworth T880 has been a dependable truck for us.”
    According to Stump, the Kenworth T880s enhanced visibility, smoother handling, and quiet cab were a few reasons the company decided to transition into the new vocational model.
    With driver turnover a top concern fleets are faced with, Stump said that providing drivers with high quality equipment, combined with other driver-focused programs has helped the company stay well below the industry turnover rate.
    “Our Kenworth trucks play a major role in keeping our turnover low and they also assist us in our recruiting efforts,” said Stump. “By providing drivers with high-performing and comfortable trucks, not only are we able to better retain our top drivers, we’re also able to recruit and gain the attention of quality candidates,” said Stump. “We are able to reduce the costs involved with onboarding new drivers. And when we do need to hire new drivers, we’re able add experienced and safe drivers who will fit right in.”
    AG Trucking is on a four-year, or 450,000-mile trade in cycle with Palmer Trucks – Fort Wayne and according to Boehlke, it won’t be long before the company completes its transition to all Kenworth T880s.
    “We’re getting close to phasing out the rest of our T800s,” said Boehlke. “They’ve been great trucks for us, and it set us up to make the transition to the T880. We’ve always received high resale value for the trucks we’ve traded in with Palmer Trucks, and our relationship with the dealership is strong. They’re a great partner, and always put us in trucks that provide us and our drivers the best equipment available.” 

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    Sep 8, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Takeuchi Announces TB225 Compact Excavator

    Takeuchi Announces TB225 Compact Excavator

    Takeuchi-US, an innovative global leader in compact equipment has launched the TB225 compact hydraulic excavator. The brand new TB225 features all steel construction, and provides the operator with the best in class engine output that provides more power to increase productivity. 
    With an operating weight of 4,993 lb, a dig depth of 8’ 5.5”, maximum reach of 14’ 4.2”, and a bucket breakout force of 4,339 lb this machine will add efficiency to any job site. The retractable undercarriage on the TB225 allows the machine to easily navigate job sites with limited access, making virtually no job site unreachable.
    The automatic fuel priming system, auto deceleration, and dual element air cleaner that are standard features for the 19.6 hp US EPA Final Tier 4 Yanmar engine, ensures that the machine will always be operating the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible.
    The TB225 has many features to make any job site efficient and productive. Standard equipment includes a LCD multi-informational display, automatic load sensing two speed travel, pilot operated joystick controls, and a back fill blade with pin-on extensions. The large engine hoods provide ease of access for routine maintenance points.
    The operator’s station of the TB225 features a ROPS/TOPS/OPG protective structure, along with a suspension seat and adjustable arm rests, designed to keep the operator safe and comfortable on any job site.
    “Takeuchi is excited to add the TB225 to our lineup” says Keith Kramlich, National Product & Training Manager of Takeuchi US. “Takeuchi is dedicated to innovation and advancing technology, and we believe the TB225 is a perfect example of that. This machine allows operators to navigate job sites with limited access providing our clients with a more versatile machine, expanding their capabilities as well as their profits.”
    The TB225 Compact Excavator is now available at Takeuchi dealers across North America. To learn more about the TB225 – or any piece of Takeuchi equipment – visit www.takeuchi-us.com.  

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    Sep 8, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • Doosan Bobcat And Green Machine Partner To Produce Electric Compact Excavators

    Doosan Bobcat And Green Machine Partner To Produce Electric Compact Excavators

    Doosan Bobcat North America, a global leader in compact equipment, and Green Machine Equipment, Inc., a manufacturer of renewable power drive systems, announced today a strategic partnership to produce electric/hydraulic Bobcat compact excavators. 
    Green Machine will custom retrofit Bobcat excavators with their proprietary battery technology to replace the standard diesel power source and will sell the machines in select markets beginning this year. These electric/hydraulic machines will provide the power and performance equivalent to diesel-powered models, along with considerably lower daily operating costs, zero emissions, reduced noise and minimal maintenance. The electric/hydraulic compact excavators will be beneficial to operators working in urban environments, such as working close to other buildings or in public spaces.
    “This strategic partnership marks another key milestone in our drive to bring the latest technologies to our customers and accelerate electrification in our industry,” said Joel Honeyman, vice president of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “Doosan Bobcat is excited to partner with Green Machine as part of our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
    Launched in 2010, New York-based Green Machine is a wholly owned subsidiary of alternative energy company Viridi Parente, Inc. Viridi Parente is revolutionizing the future of distributed energy products. The company’s high-tech, clean, safe and sustainable battery pack has already begun displacing energy systems in a vast array of markets.  
    “At Green Machine, we are changing the way the world uses energy,” said Jon M. Williams, CEO. “By teaming up with a global leader like Doosan Bobcat, we can further advance our technology and the benefits of electrification through the power and performance for which Bobcat machines are known.  Through this partnership, we will deliver safer, more cost-effective machines that can provide construction support in nearly any project environment, indoors, outdoors, confined spaces and other applications that traditional fossil-fuel-powered equipment cannot support.”  
    Doosan Bobcat is constantly exploring new ways to advance the compact equipment industry with new technologies, services and products. Through its partnership with Green Machine, the company can continue to produce innovative products and solutions to help lead the compact equipment industry forward.
    “We make innovation a part of every product we produce at Bobcat,” said Honeyman. “Electrification is another step forward in our commitment to sustainability, as well as a technology that will allow our customers to work more productively, efficiently and cost-effectively. This is why we continue to seek breakthrough innovations to empower people to accomplish more today and in the future.” 

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    Sep 8, 2020 - 4 years ago

  • DTNA Announces Winners of Annual Technician Skills Competition

    DTNA Announces Winners of Annual Technician Skills Competition

    Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) recently hosted its annual Technician Skills Competition, which tests the abilities of technicians from Freightliner and Western Star dealerships and Detroit distributors in the United States and Canada to diagnose and repair a variety of DTNA’s vehicle and engine products.
    Out of the 1073 participants who entered this year’s virtual competition and from the group of 28 finalists, Kyle Siebert from Northwest Trucks Inc. in Palatine, Illinois was the winner of the vehicle category; and Ryan Picken from Metro Freightliner Hamilton Inc. in Stoney Creek, Ontario won the engine category. The winners will receive a diagnostic laptop, electrical tools, branded items, and select merchandise of their choice for their entire shop.
    This year’s competition began with a written exam in June, and culminated with the virtual “hands-on” round, with finalists completing the challenges at their respective locations. The Portland, Detroit, and Cleveland, North Carolina-based judges walked the finalists through different stations where they were evaluated on how accurately they were able to troubleshoot problems.
    “It required a lot of creativity to translate what normally would have been a hands-on and in-person event into a virtual competition,” said Mike Mallett, Training Programs Manager for DTNA. “Because the technicians had to verbalize their rationale for all proposed actions, the virtual format afforded the judges fantastic insight into the diagnostics and troubleshooting approaches of those competing. Congratulations to Kyle and Ryan for winning this year’s competition and thank you to all of our engine and vehicle technicians who continually provide our customers with the highest level of efficiency and expertise to maximize uptime.”
    With a service network spanning the U.S. and Canada, DTNA and its affiliated service locations invest more than $20 million in technician training and development annually. 

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    Sep 8, 2020 - 4 years ago

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