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Industry News - 2020 - Page 6 of 51

  • Remote-Controlled Construction Equipment Offers Flexible Operation

    Remote-Controlled Construction Equipment Offers Flexible Operation

    Brokk Demolition RobotRemote control technology is gaining momentum across the construction industry. The ability to operate machines remotely has significant benefits, especially in applications that can be dangerous to the operator or that require precision tool use in areas not visible from the cab. With remote operation, operators can position themselves for optimal viewing of the work area and away from jobsite risks.
    "Increased safety and increased productivity are two of the greatest benefits to remote operation,” says Mike Martin, Vice President of Operations, Brokk, Inc. “And some contractors report, depending on application, they are able to complete work up to seven times faster with remote-controlled machines compared to using crews with handheld equipment.”

    Remote-Controlled Solutions On Display
    Remote control has been popular in demolition applications for many years, however, the number of machines that come equipped—not just remote-control ready, but—with full remote-control operation is growing.
    For example, at the last CONEXPO-CON/AGG, several dozen machines on display were remote control.
    Brokk displayed several of their next generation radio remote control demolition robots, including their new Brokk 70—the smallest machine in their line. Each machine features the company’s proprietary SmartRemote remote control technology. “To avoid unintentional operator strain, the remote uses a wide adjustable belt that holds the control box comfortably around the operator’s waist, away from the upper back. In addition, intuitive controls allow the operator to work the machine without having to look down at the display,” says Martin.
    Fecon displayed the remote-control FRC70 carrier (sometimes called a prime mover); it is designed for mulching and can traverse slopes up to 55 degrees. By taking the operator out of the cab, the operator need not experience the rigors of working at steep angles.
    Husqvarna DXR 300
    Husqvarna displayed their new remote-control LP 9505 trench compactor. Operating in and around trenches is risky so, by taking the operator away from the machine, you decrease the risk of injury or death from trench collapse. The company also displayed their DXR 300 demoltion robot. Together with the SB 302 hammer, it has the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class on the market, enabling a high workload.
    Hyundai Construction Equipment introduced the remote-control HL960A wheel loader; the company expects this machine to serve in severe- or hazardous-duty applications once it becomes commercially available.
    ScanReco reports the company has seen an explosion of electronic control of flatbed trucks in the past year and touts of the productivity gains when using remote control on truck-mounted cranes. “Truck mounted cranes require the operator to precisely locate the crane on the jobsite. After an operator parks the truck and exits the cab, they check the position of the crane again from outside of the cab. Oftentimes, they have to get back into the cab to move the crane into a better position.  With remote control, they can find a safe spot onsite that provides an optimal view for positioning the crane. They can even set the outriggers with the remote control,” says Jason Looman, President, ScanReco.  
     
    Increased Equipment Functionality
    At the show, ScanReco introduced several updates to their existing G2 (Gen 2) and G3 (Gen 3) product lines. Most notable is the inclusion of a global 2.4 GHz frequency. Already available in North America for a few years, this new global standard offers a longer range than other products on the market.
    “Because of the higher bandwidth on 2.4 GHz, more data can be transferred in a shorter period and thereby reducing the duty cycle. This reduces the power consumption of the transmitters, giving the operators approximately 50 percent longer operational time per charge of the battery. The increased bandwidth also boosts the update rate of the graphics in the 4.3-inch color display by a factor of four times, allowing for more advanced graphics to be presented to the operator without any delays,” says Looman.
    Also, by combining the 2.4 GHz radio signal with a 4.3-inch color display allows many users to increase the amount of data and visualizations on their Personal Control Unit (PCU / transmitter), thereby allowing an operator to see the same indicators and feedback as are available inside the cab. In addition, the new color display can be integrated with a WiFi camera system. This allows operators to see the jobsite in a whole new way. 
    As the number of cameras, sensors and other feedback devices on construction equipment increases, more equipment is being equipped with radio remote controls that have displays.
    “As more equipment becomes autonomous, many original equipment manufacturers are removing the traditional cab from their equipment and are relying on remote controls to operate the equipment in service modes, or to simply bring the equipment to a starting position before the it runs automatically,” says Looman. “We believe this will be a trend going forward as equipment becomes more autonomous.” 

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    Nov 16, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • CCA Launches Talent Fits Here Campaign To Attract A New Generation To Join The Construction Industry

    CCA Launches Talent Fits Here Campaign To Attract A New Generation To Join The Construction Industry

    The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has launched Talent Fits Here, a campaign designed to encourage more Canadians to consider a career in construction.
    “For the first time in decades, the industry has more projects than people,” says Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “And our industry is not alone – there is competition for talent across sectors due to shifting demographics and baby boomer retirements, and it is fierce.”
    Talent Fits Here is a national public awareness campaign designed to shift some of the traditional perceptions around working in construction by showcasing a collection of stories and experiences from real people working in different roles, on different projects and from different backgrounds – all within the diverse field of construction.
    “One significant opportunity we have identified is for individuals from traditionally under-represented segments, such as women, youth, Indigenous and new Canadians, to view working in the industry as a career of first choice, including those who graduate from science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs,” says Van Buren.
    While conceived prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign is even more meaningful as our industry is positioned to absorb some of those who have been displaced from harder-hit sectors. With our strong safety culture, our construction industry has demonstrated its resilience to work in all kinds of conditions.
    Visit talentfitshere.ca for more information and to view our real-life stories.

    About CCA
    Across Canada, CCA represents more than 20,000 member firms drawn from 63 local and provincial integrated partner associations. CCA gives voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada’s institutional, commercial and industrial (ICI) construction industry.
    The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers and a major contributor to the country’s economic success. The industry, 70 per cent of which is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employs more than 1.5 million Canadians and contributes 7 per cent towards Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

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    Nov 13, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • Gaining Job Experience In Invasive Species Management

    Gaining Job Experience In Invasive Species Management
    Warning: Giant hogweed stem hairs and leaves contain a clear, highly toxic sap that, when in contact with the skin, can cause burns, blisters and scarring. WorkSafe BC has issued a Toxic Plant Warning for Giant Hogweed that requires workers to wear heavy, water-resistant gloves and water-resistant coveralls that completely covers skin while handling the plants. Eye protection is also recommended.

    Workers in Williams Lake, Ashcroft and Salmon Arm who were affected by mill curtailments will have the opportunity to gain skills and work in invasive species management and awareness.
    The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) will receive over $550,000 from the Province’s Community and Employer Partnerships program (CEP) to provide on-site work experience to at least nine people in Williams Lake, Ashcroft and Salmon Arm. The ISCBC is a non-profit society that works to prevent the spread of invasive species in B.C. The project is designed to train participants in invasive species identification, management and monitoring. It will also train for rehabilitation and site restoration, including reseeding and invasive plant management. The project runs from July 2020 to March 2021. 
    “Workers affected by mill curtailments have a lot of transferable skills and deserve the opportunity to put them to use,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This invasive species project is a great opportunity to provide important and meaningful work for people who need it, while reducing the spread and impact of invasive species in B.C.”
    The participants will complete a minimum of 150 site visits combined in Ashcroft, Salmon Arm and Williams Lake to increase protection of extensive agricultural and natural lands and aquatic systems from over 40 invasive species. Program participants will also be involved in presentations to increase awareness and education on invasive species in outreach events throughout the communities.
    “The ISCBC works with many partners to reduce the impact of invasive species and increase awareness about healthy landscapes,” said Gail Wallin, executive director, ISCBC. “Providing much-needed practical skills and experience for people who used to work in the forestry sector and in rural communities is a natural fit with what the ISCBC does and provides individuals with the chance to access key work opportunities.”

    Quick Facts:

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    Nov 12, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • National Remembrance Day Ceremony 2020: A more intimate commemoration

    National Remembrance Day Ceremony 2020
    Spectators encouraged to watch from home this year

    The global pandemic has directly affected the execution of tomorrow's National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. However, The Royal Canadian Legion is still planning for a much smaller yet heartfelt ceremony, which will include a maximum of 100 participants. 

    “The importance of a live ceremony honouring our Veterans and their sacrifices is considered paramount by the Legion, especially during the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War,” says Danny Martin, National Ceremony Director. “At a time when we have all been isolated for months by the pandemic, ensuring the symbolism of the Legion and community leaders paying homage to our Veterans is more important than ever.”

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    Nov 10, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • Growing Alberta’s Forest Industry

    Growing Alberta’s Forest Industry

    Alberta’s government is implementing the Forest Jobs Action Plan, helping to create opportunities for more investment and jobs in our forest industry.
    The Government of Alberta is assigning more forest tenure through an open, competitive process that maximizes economic, environmental and community benefits, as well as benefits to local Indigenous communities.
    “We know that forests need to be managed to remain healthy. Through our Forest Jobs Action Plan, we will keep forests healthy and help create jobs by reducing wildfire risk and pest infestations. This transparent, open competition will find the best fit for the needs of the area and create jobs right here in Alberta,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
    The new timber quotas will allocate timber that is part of the annual allowable cut (AAC) in forest management units, but has not yet been issued to a holder or operator. There is currently about 51,000 cubic metres of unallocated deciduous AAC within Forest Management Unit G16, about 70 kilometres northwest of Grande Prairie. There is an additional 21,000 cubic metres of unallocated coniferous AAC within Forest Management Unit S22, about 300 kilometres north of Edmonton.
    Allocating this tenure for sustainable timber harvesting and reforestation will support public safety, reducing the risk of wildfire and growing younger forests that are more resistant to disease and insect outbreaks, including mountain pine beetle.
    Access to a secure wood fibre supply supports investment in the province’s forest sector and supports stable, good-paying jobs for Albertans.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta’s forest industry directly employs 19,500 people and supports more than 25,000 additional jobs in Alberta, contributing $1.7 billion in salaries and wages in 2019.
    • Alberta owns all timber located on provincial public lands. Under Alberta's Forests Act, the right to harvest Crown timber is allocated to companies and individuals through forest tenures.
    • Alberta’s government does not transfer land ownership rights through these forest tenures. Each forest tenure gives the holder specific rights and responsibilities to manage the forest and harvest timber for either short or long periods of time.
    • Under the authority of the Forests Act, Alberta has developed strict standards for forest management planning. 
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    Nov 9, 2020 - 5 years ago

  • John Deere Expands Excavator Lineup With New 200G Model

    New John Deere 200G Excavator

    New for 2020, John Deere introduces the 200G model to its excavator lineup. Designed to decrease the amount of fuel burn without sacrificing power or productivity, the 200G Excavator enables operators to quickly complete tough jobs while also lowering overall operation costs. Combined with John Deere’s broad bucket portfolio, coupler options and attachments, and accelerated swing speed, the 200G machine is ideal for many applications, including site development, roadbuilding, earthmoving and irrigation work.
    The 200G machine features a 145-horsepower (108 kW) Final Tier 4 John Deere PowerTech™ PSS 4.5-liter engine. One of the most notable features on the 200G model is the low fuel burn: 11% less than the 210G. Adjustable power modes, including ECO and POWER settings, can be set by the operator based on the job, engaging the machine to automatically change engine rpm and hydraulic pump calibration. With fuel savings in mind, the ECO mode setting allows the machine to automatically adjust to arrive at the best balance of fuel consumption and productivity.
    “Many of our customers are balancing tight budgets with the need for maximum power and productivity on the job,” said Jonny Spendlove, excavator product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “With the new 200G Excavator, we are giving our customers the best of both worlds. This machine is built with fuel saving at the forefront of its design, while also incorporating several productivity-boosting features to help operators efficiently complete jobs.”
    The 200G boasts a faster swing speed due to efficiencies with the hydraulic system. As a result, productivity is increased in applications that require swing movements, such as truck loading and trenching operations. Additionally, this machine is compatible with a broad portfolio of bucket options, enabling it to meet the demands of several different applications. With options ranging from 0.55 cubic yards to 1.34 cubic yards, the bucket design allows any operator to maximize productivity, regardless of the type of job. Additionally, customers can opt for a hydraulic coupler to quickly change between attachments for even more versatility.

    New John Deere 200G Excavator
    The design of the 200G machine focuses on increased uptime. The John Deere-exclusive double-sealed swing bearing system has enhanced internal grease retention, improving the machine’s overall reliability. This helps to reduce the risk of contamination by materials like dust and water. Additionally, reinforced arm-to-bucket joints maximize front-joint durability and reduce maintenance intervals for axial clearance adjustment. The tungsten carbide-coated ear flanges provide high-wear resistance and long service life, while steel bushings with grease groove channels increase resistance to abrasion and reduce pin wear.
    Finally, similar to the rest of the G-Series Excavator line, the 200G features ground-level service access. This design ensures most filters can be accessed from the ground, allowing periodic maintenance  to be completed with ease and reducing unwanted downtime.
    To learn more about the 200G Excavator, as well as the entire John Deere excavator lineup, visit www.JohnDeere.com or contact your local dealer. 

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    Nov 6, 2020 - 5 years ago

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