Industry News - Page 422 of 695

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
New Support Ships For The Royal Canadian Navy

Through Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government is ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is well equipped with the modern ships it needs to support current and future operations while supporting well-paying middle class jobs across Canada.
Today, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, joined by the Honourable Johnathan Wilkinson, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour, and John McCarthy, Chief Program Officer of Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards, highlighted the importance of the recent contract award for the full construction of Canada’s two new Joint Support Ships (JSS) to both the RCN and to the Canadian economy. Valued at $2.4 billion (including taxes), this contract supports the ongoing construction of the ship’s early blocks, which began in June 2018, as well as construction of the newly designed blocks for the remainder of the ships.
By investing the entire value of the contract in to the Canadian economy, work on these ships will create an estimated 1,000 jobs across Canada. The work being done by Seaspan, its hard working employees and workers from companies across Canada will make sure that the RCN is well equipped for the future by being able to provide at-sea replenishment and supporting critical humanitarian and disaster-relief missions, both at home and abroad.
The first new JSS, the future HMCS Protecteur, is expected to be delivered in 2023, followed by the second JSS, HMCS Preserver, in 2025. This contract award is bringing the RCN one step closer to the arrival of its future fleet of ships. Built through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the new JSS will replace the RCN’s former Protecteur-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels, which were retired from service in 2014.

Quotes
“By investing right here at home, Canadian workers are helping to build the fleet of the future to equip the Royal Canadian Navy and our members in uniform with modern and versatile ships they need for Canada’s important contributions to peace and security at home, and abroad. This work will create about a 1,000 jobs right here in Vancouver and across Canada, supporting local economies from coast to coast. Today, we are one step closer to an exciting new chapter in Canada’s proud naval history,” said The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence.
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are honouring our commitment to equip the Royal Canadian Navy with the critical equipment they need, while supporting Canadian jobs. The dedicated team at Seaspan has already made good progress on the Joint Support Ships project. This contract award brings us one step closer to delivering these world-class vessels to the Royal Canadian Navy,” stated The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
“The National Shipbuilding Strategy is generating more jobs and strengthening our domestic shipbuilding industry, while growing Canada’s economy. As we navigate this unprecedented time, it is reassuring that through this contract the workers at Seaspan and their suppliers will have good opportunities and lasting jobs,” quoted The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“I am pleased to see yet another milestone happen this year for our future Joint Support Ships. With these warships, the Royal Canadian Navy will be able to operate with even greater flexibility and endurance. Not only will these ships form part of the core of our Naval Task Groups, they represent a vital and strategic national asset which will enable the Navy to maintain its global reach and staying power,” said Vice-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
“Today’s event honours our Government’s commitment to strengthening our shipbuilding industry, and equipping our sailors with state of the art equipment they need to keep Canadians safe. It will also create good local jobs for people right here in North Vancouver. This is a tangible investment in our community, and I look forward to seeing the ongoing progress and future results of these two new Joint Support Ships,” stated The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver.

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago
Haulin' Heavy

Front Page Story: Henderson Heavy Haul Reaps Enhanced Performance, Fuel Economy and Driver Comfort with Kenworth W990.

When Mark Weisgerber, Henderson Heavy Haul’s operations manager, drove a new Kenworth W990 transporting a 211,000-pound GCW crawler crane to the top of Montana’s Big Sky Resort at 11,100-feet elevation, the performance validated the decision to add more of Kenworth’s newest model.
“In the heavy-haul business, our greatest concern is overheating during a transport, especially since we operate out of the Rocky Mountains. The transport to Big Sky Resort was the first time we got to see how our new Kenworth W990 would perform when put to the test. We especially were curious to see if the W990’s larger radiator and enhanced cooling package would make a difference,” Weisgerber said.
“We climbed more than 11,000 vertical feet that day and the truck handled the steep grade with ease. When we reached the top of the mountain, we saw no signs of overheating – in fact, it ran cooler than other trucks in our fleet. I was more than impressed. The Kenworth W990 performed flawlessly that day. From that day on, I knew the W990 would be a great addition to the fleet,” Weisgerber said.
Henderson Heavy Haul, a transportation company based in Fruita, Colorado, specializes in transporting heavy equipment. But, its mainstay business is hauling oversized components used to construct wind turbines, such as wind towers and wind blades to create wind energy throughout the continental 48 states. The company relies on its fleet of 37 trucks, primarily Kenworth long-hood and vocational trucks, to make deliveries. The fleet includes four Kenworth W990s – one with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, two with 40-inch FlatTop sleepers and a day cab – all spec’d with 565 hp engines and 18-speed transmissions.
“Since the company started 35 years ago, we’ve run Kenworth trucks. We continued to purchase Kenworths because they’re high quality trucks that have performed well for us over the years,” said Weisgerber. “We’ve always been a fan of the traditional long-hood look, and our drivers like driving them. Plus, they appreciate the creature comforts inside the cabs. For our W990s, we spec’d the cabs with the Limited Edition interior package, which our drivers are loving.”
The Kenworth W990 Limited Edition interior comes in midnight black with glossy Ravenwood door and dash trim accents. The special interior features rich black leather, embroidered W990 logo, Royal Blue double-stitched diamond door pads, black leather wrapped steering wheel with Royal Blue stitching, and driver and passenger seats with suede charcoal inserts and perforated leather with Royal Blue backing.
Weisgerber, who on occasion drives locally for Henderson Heavy Haul, has seen key improvements in the Kenworth W990 when compared to other long hoods in the fleet.
“Henderson Heavy Haul is located roughly 250 miles from Salt Lake City and Denver, and we provide services in both cities. When needed, I’ll get behind the wheel and make these day trips. From my time driving the W990, two things have really caught my attention – no driver fatigue and enhanced fuel economy,” Weisgerber said.
“I’ve always thought Kenworth makes a driver-friendly truck, but I’ve noticed that even after driving all day, I feel great. The ride is that smooth,” he said.
“In addition, the fuel savings helps us out. In a recent trip, I noticed that the W990 consumed 15 less gallons of fuel over the course of a 500-mile trip when directly compared to another truck in our fleet. That trip wasn’t a fluke. We consistently see better fuel economy in our W990s and we’ll save thousands of dollars each year,” Weisgerber said.
When it comes to providing service for wind energy customers, the company utilizes its 40-inch FlatTop Kenworth W990s to transport wind turbine components from rail stations to its customers. Since ‘wind farms’ are typically located in rural parts of the country, Henderson Heavy Haul assigns drivers to work with a specific customer for up to three months. In this application, drivers will often transfer loads that weigh up to 265,000 pounds GCW and travel up to 250 miles to the customer from the rail station.
“For our drivers who work with customers long-term, we’ll typically find a hotel for them to stay in,” said Weisgerber. “The W990 with the 40-inch sleeper is a great fit for us in this division because it allows our drivers to store personal belongings or catch up on sleep in-between transports. From an over-the-road standpoint, our drivers have mentioned how well the truck handles and corners, even when pulling a lot of weight.”
The 76-inch mid-roof Kenworth W990 serves in the company’s long-haul division, which transports heavy equipment as well as wind turbine components that are unable to be delivered closer to a customer location via rail. Drivers typically spend up to three days on the road when making these deliveries.
“Our Kenworth W990 with the 76-inch sleeper provides a nice combination of driver comforts and performance. The W990 has been a great truck for all our divisions so far, but in the near-future we’ll be looking to add more trucks to our long-haul division,” Weisgerber said.
Henderson Heavy Haul will soon take delivery of three more 76-inch mid-roof Kenworth W990s, along with one 40-inch FlatTop Kenworth T880, purchased through MHC Kenworth – Grand Junction. The T880 will provide long-term services for wind energy customers.
According to Weisgerber, the company has worked with Jordan Bogue, new truck salesman with MHC Kenworth – Grand Junction for nearly a decade. Weisgerber says Bogue’s understanding of Henderson Heavy Haul’s operation, industry knowledge and progressive spec’ing ideas are an asset to the company.
“Jordan is great to work with. He’s really knowledgeable on how to spec our trucks so that they’ll work well in our operation. We place a lot of trust in him to make decisions when it comes to truck orders and he always comes through for us,” Weisgerber said. “When the Kenworth W990 was introduced, Jordan told us we needed to add that truck. At first, we didn’t think we needed to because we were happy with the long hoods in our fleet. But he was persistent. We trusted him and decided to purchase one Kenworth W990 day cab first to see how it would perform. It didn’t take long for us to see the benefits in upgrading to the new long-hood truck, so we’ve continued to add W990s since. We’re glad Jordan turned us to the W990.”

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Aug 20, 2020 - 5 years ago