Industry News - 2020 - Page 15 of 51

Tigercat Releases Highly Anticipated H-Series Skidders

Tigercat’s advanced, efficient and refined skidders just got a whole lot better with a completely redesigned operator station and numerous advancements to boost productivity and minimize downtime.
Tigercat H-series skidders introduce a new, larger cab, while improving serviceability, reliability, and efficiency. The new skidder line includes the release of the 620H, 630H, and 632H four-wheel models, as well as the 625H and 635H six-wheel models.
The redesigned operator station provides 20% more cab space than the previous E-series design. Window area has increased by 19% offering superior forward and rear visibility. Additional low side windows allow for better sightlines to all tires.
A new and improved Turnaround® system lets the operator rotate the seat 220°. Effortless pushbutton controls lock and unlock the seat in any position in the range. The operator has full control of all machine functions including drive controls. The 220° seat rotation improves operator visibility, greatly reduces neck strain, and allows the operator to easily exit either side of the cab.
A durable, heavy duty air ride suspension seat with heating and cooling keeps the operator comfortable all day long. The reclining seat is fully adjustable with seat angle and seat extension adjustment. Tilt up adjustable armrests along with adjustable lumbar support all contribute to operator comfort. A secure five-point harness comes standard for improved safety.
A completely redesigned HVAC system provides more efficient cooling capacity, 50% more air vents, infinitely variable fan speed, and an automatic defrost option. A ventilated cup holder with adjustable airflow keeps your drink hot or cold. Dedicated storage locations are set aside with space for a lunch box, hooks for a hardhat and jacket, along with a sturdy cell phone holder and convenient charging port.
The interior finish includes a state-of-the-art LCD touchscreen display. Interior walls are made of molded plastics and removable steel panels making cleaning a breeze. On the floor you will find an easy-clean rubber floor mat with checkered aluminum plates at high touch points for added durability.
Operator controls are now located on the armrests and include several new features. Independent differential lock buttons are easily accessible on the joystick with the ability to engage the front and rear separately. LED lights above the buttons illuminate making it crystal clear when they are active. A cruise control button is also available to maintain the drive command for the operator.
All H-series skidders feature load-sensing hydraulics with larger, more efficient valves. Hydraulic tank capacity has increased 20% for improved steep slope performance, along with improved level detection and more robust mounting. Horsepower has increased on the 620H, 630H, 632H, and 635H models. The 620H and 630H are now equipped with larger arch and boom cylinders. The 625H is equipped with larger arch and boom cylinders, along with larger steer and dozer cylinders – all to maximize productivity.
Engine enclosure doors have been reinforced to resist impacts. T-style compression latches ensure they stay securely closed. Belly doors now use pivot bolts to effortlessly swing open and a new smaller door makes accessing the fluid drain plugs a breeze. When tilting the cab is necessary, new ‘quarter turn’ locking pins, adjustable sweep brackets, and a larger tilt cylinder make the job much simpler. Batteries, drain hoses and fill hoses are now easily accessible within the left side step. A robust tire pressure monitoring system now comes standard on all models.

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago
Carli Trucking Builds Up Fleet with Kenworth T880S Dump Trucks

Chelsy Looker, owner of Carli Trucking

From owning a fitness and yoga studio to owning and operating a successful trucking company that serves contractors in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, Chelsy Looker is proving to be a talented entrepreneur.
“When I was young, I was a flagger for my dad’s asphalt company (Asphalt Patch Systems), so I was always around heavy equipment,” Looker recalled. “My dad owns several Kenworth vocational trucks and so does my uncle, who owns Looker Asphalt in Tacoma. Kenworth has been the truck make of choice for both of them for years, so I became quite familiar with the brand. As a flagger, my curiosity of what it would be like to drive a big rig began to grow. I ended up having a successful career in fitness for several years, but eventually I had a change of heart and wanted to try my hand at trucking." After driving for Asphalt Patch Systems to gain valuable industry experience, Looker became confident that she would have what it takes to own her own trucking company. In 2018, Looker established Carli Trucking.
“When I felt that I was ready to go off on my own, my dad set me up with Rick Barry, who is the new truck salesman for Papé Kenworth Northwest in Lakewood (Wash.),” said Looker. “My dad and uncle have worked with Rick since the ‘90s, so they knew he’d help me out.
“I knew I wanted a Kenworth T880 equipped with an OSW Super Dump body. That was never in question – it’s the most productive dump truck out there and what many asphalt contractors are looking to hire. I wanted to start my company off on the right foot with the best equipment.”
According to Looker, the seven-axle Kenworth T880 is a popular truck in the asphalt business because the combination distributes weight to be compliant with bridge laws so that truck operators with super dump bodies can haul a maximum payload – typically 25 tons.
“Not only is the T880 a luxury truck by way of appearance and in-cab comforts, it’s also the most efficient when it comes to laying asphalt, especially when paired with the OSW dump body,” Looker said. “It takes less time for me to complete the load.”
When Looker first began driving for herself, she initially delivered asphalt exclusively for Looker Asphalt. But, that didn’t last long. Looker quickly made connections with other contractors in the area, and began delivering all sorts of material such as dirt, crushed rock, asphalt, among other aggregates. When road building subsides in the winter, Looker stays busy hauling dirt for other construction projects.
In two short years, Looker has added three new seven-axle Kenworth T880S trucks with OSW Super Dump bodies – purchased through Papé Kenworth Northwest – Lakewood. According to Looker, Barry suggested that a transition to the T880S could add an additional 1,000 pounds to her payload. The T880S with the set-forward front axle is the go-to configuration for Kenworth customers whose vocational trucks need to meet the federal bridge formula. Looker’s T880S trucks are equipped with 510-hp PACCAR MX-13 engines and Allison automatic transmissions.
Looker said her trucks typically average 45,000 miles per year. The most recent projects the company has worked on include re-paving city roads in Tacoma and sections of Interstate 5, just south of Tacoma.
According to Looker, her drive to deliver quality and on-time service is backed by operating reliable and efficient equipment, which has been key in the company’s sustained growth.

“It’s all about establishing trust and providing consistent quality services to the contractors we work with,” said Looker. “And running trucks that are well-built and stay on the road and out of the shop is an important component to that.”
As a woman in the trucking industry’s vocational segment, Looker acknowledged she often draws notice while she’s on the job site. According to Looker, since there are not many women in the industry pulling up in a dump truck, she feels even more driven to prove that she is just as capable as anyone else in the business.
“The reality is, there aren’t many of us, but I’d like to see that change and I think that it eventually will,” said Looker. “Because there are few women driving vocational trucks, let alone owning their own trucking business, I feel an added weight on my shoulders. But, I believe the reputation the company has earned the past few years is a testament to the hard work we’ve put in.”
As an owner of a transportation company who continues to drive herself, Looker finds it challenging at times to balance driver schedules, manage equipment, along with all the other tasks associated with a business. However, that does not prevent her from pursuing her ultimate goal of owning a fleet of more than 10 trucks.
“I think with the number of trucks we have now, we’re just getting started,” said Looker. “A fleet of 10-15 total trucks is my goal and they will all be Kenworth T880S OSW dump trucks. That’s the winning combination for us, and it will continue to be.”

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago
Doosan Introduces Updated Mini Excavators

Doosan Infracore North America, LLC, introduces the new DX42-5K and the DX50-5K mini excavators. The excavators are updates to the prior iterations, featuring new innovations to increase machine performance, versatility, operator comfort and reliability.
The Doosan® DX42-5K and DX50-5K mini excavators demonstrate the company’s continued dedication to innovation. These models in the 4- to 5-metric-ton size class serve customers in various industries. The excavators’ compact size and mobility make them valuable for commercial and residential developments and landscape projects. In addition, the machines’ versatility makes them perfect for utility companies that perform underground construction tasks.

Performance
A new dual-flange track roller system works in tandem with an enhanced counterweight for better over-the-side digging and lifting capabilities. An integrated lift eye allows for easier craning and lifting. Operators now have the option to remove the bucket when lifting to maximize capacity with the new secure lifting point. The new DX42-5K and DX50-5K excavators have a high-performing 3-cylinder Doosan diesel engine that is more fuel-efficient. Four new tie-downs — for a total of six — provide extra security during transport. For additional dig depth and reach, a long-arm option is available for the DX42-5K and DX50-5K.

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago
New Holland Construction Releases Updated Fleetforce Telematics Platform

New Holland Construction Equipment launches the next generation of its FleetForce telematics platform with an all-new dashboard, more intuitive navigation and new overview sections that spotlight critical information without requiring the user to search extensively for the data. FleetForce is offered as factory fit or by aftermarket kits, with subscription plans of 1 to 5 years and two different data coverage options.
FleetForce complies with the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) 2.0 telematics standard, ensuring that the solution is compatible with mixed fleets.
“Telematics data from construction equipment only helps if it’s easy to engage with and easy to understand when it’s presented to you,” says Luke Zerby, precision marketing manager for New Holland North America. “The new FleetForce telematics platform presents users with a high level of critical data on a very clear and intuitive dashboard, and then puts all critical machine and performance data within just a click or two, whether you’re at your desk or on your tablet in the field.”
The new dashboard features an easy-to-read horizontal menu at the top of the screen above five widgets that focus on core operating information such as an equipment summary, equipment search, fuel level reports and alarm status. An easy dropdown menu makes critical reports on factors such as equipment utilization, fuel consumption and maintenance just a click away, and topline menu buttons take users immediately to fleet and maintenance overviews. Additional reports highlighting specific alerts and fault codes are also available.
For a smooth transition, New Holland Construction has made it possible for a short period to switch from the new FleetForce version to the previous one with a dedicated icon in the top right corner. The switch is meant to simplify the adoption of the new interface and to reassure regular users.
FleetForce telematics help fleets of all sizes work more efficiently in many ways, including:
•   Simplified fleet management: Always know where each machine is, what its working status is and if maintenance or service is required.
•   Understanding equipment utilization: Your foreman on one job tells you that he needs to rent a mini excavator, but maybe you have a mini excavator on another job that’s not being used? Knowing when and how equipment is being used can improve profitability/total cost of ownership for the equipment you already own, and help you make smarter equipment buying/renting decisions.
•   Analyzing workload and productivity: Telematics gives fleet managers and business owners excellent perspective into how equipment is operating, and whether they are getting the most out of their equipment and crew on each project.
•   Real-time alerts/alarms: Time for an oil change? Engine temps running outside of the preferred operating range? Did a machine move outside of a geofence on a Sunday? Fleet managers and business owners receive alerts in real time to make them aware of machine conditions that require attention.
•   Partner with dealer on preventive maintenance: As the equipment owner, we believe that you own your data — you can, however, grant your local New Holland Construction dealer access to your telematics data to more proactively partner with you on preventive maintenance and other service items, such as planned maintenance scheduling, or monitoring machine parameters and identifying issues that may need addressing.
•   Improved billing and estimating: FleetForce provides users with an accurate historical view into the amount of time/hours each machine is used on each job, which can proactively help you bid and estimate jobs more accurately, and retroactively assist in billing.
•   Improve record keeping and analysis: Whether it replaces the old service whiteboard in the shop or simply gives you new perspective into how your equipment is used every day, the reporting menu in FleetForce presents users with data in a way that is intuitive and brings actionable data to the forefront for more intelligent business decision making and management.
•   Locate equipment: Not sure which crew has a skid steer, or which jobsite the wheel loader is on? FleetForce will tell you.
•   Prevent unauthorized use: The unauthorized use of construction equipment opens its owners up to liability, not to mention the added wear and tear that unauthorized use puts on a machine. Whether geofenced with alerts, or simply identified through retrospective reporting, FleetForce identifies and alerts equipment owners to the unauthorized use of valuable assets.
•   Equipment security: Telematics helps locate stolen equipment — which, if recovered and returned by the authorities, is much less expensive than the resulting downtime and replacement costs.
These are just a few ways that the new FleetForce telematics platform helps improve your equipment operations. Contact your local New Holland Construction dealer for more details, or visit NewHolland.com for more information. b

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago
The Government Of Canada Helps Grassroots Communities Put Business Ideas Into Action

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency invests more than $4.2 million to spark rural innovation across Nova Scotia.
Atlantic Canada’s Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) help small and medium-sized businesses in grassroots communities cultivate big success. This local support can help create entirely new industries and give existing industries a new lease on life by making them more productive and efficient. Good ideas happen everywhere.

Federal government supports strong rural economies
The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets, announces on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, more than $4.2 million in federal investments to strengthen business services for people in rural communities across Nova Scotia.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is contributing $958,865 to the Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs to deliver the province-wide Spark Innovation Challenge over the next two years. The Spark Innovation Challenge offers early-stage seed financing for new technology start-ups in rural areas of Nova Scotia. The program provides mentorship, resources and financing to winning businesses and promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in locations outside of urban centres. The Challenge is designed to lead to new job opportunities and sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
ACOA is also providing nearly $3.3 million to Nova Scotia’s network of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) to cover operating costs related to the delivery of the Community Futures Program, which provides small business loans, tools, training and events for people who want to start, expand, franchise or sell a business.
Today’s investments further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting Atlantic businesses through this difficult time. ACOA continues to work with partners such as Atlantic Canada’s CBDCs to grow vibrant rural communities.

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago
Alberta Investing In Jobs, Innovation For Natural Gas Sector

Alberta’s government is investing in 20 new projects that will create more than 750 jobs while reducing emissions in the natural gas sector.
In October 2019, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) launched the Natural Gas Challenge and invited technology developers to share project concepts for innovation opportunities in Alberta’s natural gas industry. Alberta’s government is providing $58 million through ERA to support this opportunity to create jobs in the natural gas sector.
Funding recipients include a project that uses artificial intelligence to locate and measure methane emissions, and a project to produce renewable natural gas from biogas at an agricultural facility that will be the first of its kind in Alberta.
The 20 new projects have the potential to reduce a combined one million tonnes of emissions by 2030 – the same as taking about 750,000 cars off Alberta’s roads. These projects will also get Albertans back to work by creating more than 750 new jobs when they are needed most.
“Investing in innovation and technology gets Albertans back to work, while ensuring the resilience of our responsible natural resource sector. We’re telling the world that Alberta is open for business. As we move forward with Alberta’s Recovery Plan, we will continue to invest and build partnerships that help get our province back on track. Alberta is already a leader when it comes to our environmental footprint, and our ongoing work with Emissions Reduction Alberta will help us become even better. Congratulations to the successful Natural Gas Challenge funding recipients. We look forward to watching these exciting projects take shape,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks.
Projects were selected through ERA’s competitive review process. Experts in science, engineering, business development, commercialization, financing, and greenhouse gas quantification reviewed 117 submissions and chose projects based on the strongest potential for success.
“Unlocking innovation across our natural gas sector will create jobs while helping industry become more efficient. With Alberta’s 300-year supply of affordable natural gas, a technically skilled workforce and world-class environmentally responsible facilities, there is tremendous opportunity for Alberta to compete with international markets. Funding opportunities like this, in partnership with Emissions Reduction Alberta, are critical to attracting investments that will grow Alberta’s economy by reducing upfront costs, while reducing our province’s share of global emissions,” quoted Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity.
Government funds ERA through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system. TIER is an improved system to help energy-intensive facilities find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology to stay competitive and save money. Facilities can pay into a TIER Fund, which is used for innovative and cleaner Alberta-based projects like those selected under the Natural Gas Challenge.
ERA’s funding model requires that every dollar committed to an initiative is matched or exceeded by additional investments, which ensures there is a market demand for the technology. Government’s $58-million investment through ERA has been more than doubled by private and public investment to stimulate the economy, lower emissions and create jobs, leading to a total of $155 million in funding.
“Investing in the next wave of technological advancements will help Canada’s natural gas industry achieve new efficiencies, reduce costs, and continue to drive world-leading environmental performance,” said Steve MacDonald, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta.
“We are grateful for the ERA’s support to help advance Canadian Natural’s Alternative Fugitive Emissions Management Program. Through working together, results from the pilot will accelerate industry reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through cost-effective methods. These performance improvements play an important role in supporting industry competitiveness and a sustainable industry that meets Canada’s and the world’s long-term energy needs,” stated Joy Romero, vice-president of technology and innovation, Canadian Natural Resources Limited.
“Hydrogen can play a central role in affordably decarbonizing the production of heat in our homes and businesses, while also supporting economic growth and diversification across our province. The funding received from ERA will enable ATCO to pursue this low-carbon option for our customers, starting with a pilot project in Fort Saskatchewan. This project is an important first step for Alberta, which has all the ingredients to be a leader in the hydrogen economy – including the ability to produce a near zero-emission hydrogen at a lower cost than most jurisdictions in the world,” said George Lidgett, executive vice-president and general manager, Canadian Utilities Inc.
"ERA is making an instrumental contribution to Ekona’s product development process. ERA’s financial contribution and reporting requirements will enable Ekona to move quicker by leveraging our equity investments and providing additional project oversight, helping to foster even greater focus on key progress milestones. Without ERA’s support, Ekona would not be able to progress to the field trial stage in a time frame commensurate with customer expectation," quoted Chris Reid, chief executive officer, Ekona Power.

Quick facts
•   In 2018, Alberta produced almost 70 per cent of the marketable natural gas in Canada.
•   ERA works with government, industry and innovators to support technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
•   Since 2009, ERA has committed $607 million in funds from industrial carbon pricing toward 183 projects worth $4.1 billion that are reducing emissions, keeping industries competitive, and leading to new investment opportunities.
•   These 183 projects are estimated to deliver cumulative reductions of 34.8 million tonnes of emissions by 2030.

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago