Equipment and products for the masonry industry

By Masonry

Cat TH514 Telehandler

Cat
Peoria, Ill.

With a capacity of 11,000 pounds and a lift height of 45 feet, the Cat TH514 telehandler is ideal for construction, oil rigging and wind farming applications. A limited slip differential in the front axle provides added traction and allows the machine to work effectively in harsh terrain. The telehandler reduces both fuel consumption and heat generation, with a load-sensing variable displacement piston pump that delivers flow on demand. The side-mounted, turbo-charged C4.4 DITAAC mechanical control engine with 101 hp reduces emissions and runs cleaner. A transmission disconnect button on the joystick delivers full engine power to the hydraulics without manually disconnecting the drive.

www.cat-telehandlers.com/th514

Gehl Telescopic Handler Receives Engine Upgrade

Gehl
West Bend, Wis.

Gehl has implemented an engine upgrade on the RS5-19 Telescopic Handler. The EPA certified Interim Tier IV Yanmar 68 hp naturally aspirated engine provides reduced fuel consumption. The upgraded Interim Tier IV engine meets the latest emissions standards. The Gehl RS5-19 is designed with a compact frame and tight turning radius of 11 feet, allowing it to maneuver in low buildings and confined job sites. The RS5-19 is a low-profile machine with an overall height of six feet, four inches, making operating in buildings, under parking garages and in confined areas easy. The boom reaches to a height of 19 feet, one inch, and features the same welded box-section design that is on the proven Gehl Dynalift telescopic handlers.

www.gehl.com

Hyster Unveils Updated H190-H360HD₂ Series

Hyster Co.
Danville, Ill.

Hyster Co. has unveiled its revamped H190-360HD¬¬¬¬¬2 heavy duty pneumatic lift truck series. The series, with lifting capacities of 19,000 to 36,000 pounds, is ideal for precast, concrete and warehouse applications. The series features a standard low-emission Cummins QSB 6.7 Tier 3 industrial diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler. Adding to the series’ advanced dependability, the Hyster three-speed autoshift transmission allows for precise inching and smooth shifting. The Load Sensing Hydraulic System dramatically reduces fuel consumption by optimizing hydraulic flow to specific need. Hyster’s exclusive VISTA masts and updated right-side dash display optimize operators’ visibility. A multifunction display panel offers 16 warning lights, five gauges and a dual function LCD.

www.hyster.com

KNAACK Lift Kit

Knaack LLC
Crystal Lake, Ill.

Knaack LLC introduces a new Crane Lift Accessory Kit (Model #497) to improve the mobility of jobsite storage equipment. The kit works with the full KNAACK product line to provide secure attachment points, enabling quick and easy strapping and hoisting of jobsite boxes. After the one-time installation, the lift bracket system takes the guesswork out of tying and untying loads for moving, increasing productivity. Storage equipment weighing up to 2,500 pounds can be lifted and carried safely with this tested and secure system. The kit features four heavy-duty carbon steel lift brackets, mounting hardware, and installation instructions. Durability is enhanced with a weather-resistant, black enamel paint finish.

www.knaack.com

Lull 1044C-54 Series II

Lull
McConnellsburg, Pa.

The Lull 1044C-54 Series II telehandler is ideal for general construction, steel erection, masonry or general applications. With a 10,000-pound capacity and 54 feet of lift height, the 1044C-54 Series II delivers fast and easy load placement with the exclusive horizontal load placement system. The telehandler has three steering modes: four-wheel circle, four-wheel crab and two-wheel front, which allows workers to navigate the job site according to terrain conditions. In addition, standard front outriggers provide added operator confidence with increased stability and extra lifting capacity. This telehandler has a variety of attachments for high versatility in handling job site challenges.

www.jlg.com/en-US

Mustang 519 Telehandler Engine Upgraded to Interim Tier IV

Mustang
West Bend, Wis.

Mustang has improved its 519 Telehandler, which now features a powerful Yanmar Interim Tier IV compliant engine. The new 68 hp, naturally aspirated diesel engine meets the latest emission standards. Owners of the Mustang 519 telehandler also will note the upgraded engine uses less fuel, providing a significant overall cost savings. Key features of this upgraded model include a super-compact design and tight turning radius of 11 feet; a strong, welded box-section boom that reaches up to 19 feet, one inch; ability to move more material with a lift capacity up to 5,500 lbs.; and an internal wet disc service brakes and Spring –Applied, Hydraulic-Release parking brakes.

www.mustangmfg.com

Nissan Forklift’s QX Series of Electric Lift Trucks

Nissan Forklift Corp.
Marengo, Ill.

Nissan Forklift Corp.’s QX Series offers safety, efficiency and value. The QX Series of 80-volt electric lift trucks, featuring four models ranging from 4,000- to 6,000-pound capacities, use 80-volt, 100 percent AC power, resulting in fast travel and lift speeds with lower operating costs than comparably sized engine-powered forklifts. The series features a tight turning radius for enhanced maneuverability and low center of gravity for greater capacity retention. The standard regenerative braking system reduces power consumption, allowing for longer operating hours for increased efficiency. Features include programmable PIN access to help prevent unauthorized use; an automatic mast-lock system that prevents mast or fork movement when an operator is not in the seat; and controlled rollback.

www.nissanforklift.com

Scanclimber Mast Climbing Work Platform SC8000

Scanclimber Oy
Pirkkala, Finland

Scanclimber launched the SC8000 mast climbing work platform, which climbs steplessly up the mast to a maximum height of 1,000 feet, using a heavy duty rack-and-pinion system of high-grade steel. It is supported at all four corners of the mast structure, for phenomenal torque resistance. Using “sandwich” construction, the drive unit for the SC8000 is strong, while weighing 850 lbs. The drive unit runs on 19 sets of tandem rollers, evenly spreading the loads into the mast structure through all four corners of the frame. A secondary support frame attached to the top of the drive unit provides for the massive loads and deck lengths.

www.scanclimber.com

About the Author

Masonry magazine is the official monthly publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). The periodical covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession, from equipment and techniques to building codes and standards, training the future masonry labor force, business planning, promoting your business, job interviewing, negotiation and legal issues. Masonry magazine’s content is of interest to anyone involved in masonry, such as management personnel, architects, engineers, building design professionals, construction equipment manufacturers and distributors, brick and masonry dealers, researchers and educators, and allied industries concerned with masonry construction. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.

Construction employment remains below peak levels in 329 out of 337 metro areas, according to a new analysis released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Given the continued weakness in construction employment, the association urged Congress to pass years-late infrastructure measures, including legislation to fund highway, transit and aviation construction work.

“What makes these job losses even more frustrating is the fact that many of them could have been avoided,” said the association’s chief executive officer, Stephen E. Sandherr. “Thousands more construction workers would be employed today if Congress wasn’t years late in passing measures like the highway and transit bill.”

Sandherr noted that the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, Ariz. area lost more construction jobs since its peak employment (down 93,600 jobs compared to December 2006, a 53 percent drop) than any other metro area. Other areas experiencing large declines in construction employment compared to peak levels included Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. (down 73,700 jobs compared to December 2005, a 57 percent drop); Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev. (down 65,900 jobs compared to December 2005, a 62 percent drop) and Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, Ill. (down 64,800 jobs, a 35 percent drop). Lake Havasu City-Kingman, Ariz. lost the highest percentage of jobs (70 percent, a decline of 5,300 jobs compared to December 2005).

In contrast, only six areas have more people working in construction than ever before: Bismarck, N.D. (up 400 jobs compared to December 2010, an 11 percent increase); Lawton, Okla. (up 100 jobs since December 2010, a 5 percent increase); Longview, Texas (up 600 jobs compared to December 2010, a 4 percent increase); Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, La. (up 100 jobs compared to December 2010, a 2 percent increase); Waco, Texas (up 100 jobs compared to December 2008, a 2 percent increase); and El Paso, Texas (up 100 jobs compared to December 2009, a 1 percent increase).

The construction official noted that the employment figures would have been higher had Congress not been years late in passing a range of key infrastructure investment bills, including a multiyear surface transportation bill that funds highway and transit construction projects nationwide. Sandherr said that the association is working with groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to push for passage of a new, fully-funded surface transportation bill as part of an effort called “Make Transportation Job #1.”

He also encouraged public officials to consider many of the measures the association outlined in its construction industry recovery plan, “Building a Stronger Future,” designed to boost private sector demand. “Our economy will never truly bounce back until construction employment begins to approach peak levels in most of our communities.”

View the new construction employment figures by state or by rank.

Note: Comparisons are between December 2011 and previous December data to avoid distortions caused by seasonal variations due to weather or holidays. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide seasonally adjusted data for metro areas. Construction is combined with mining and logging in most metros to prevent disclosure of data about industries with few employers.

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The cost of construction materials is showing signs of accelerating after moderating in January, according to an analysis of producer price index figures and recent market information released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Ongoing price increases underscore the urgency of funding public construction projects promptly, association officials said.

“Cost increases have slowed in recent months but haven’t disappeared,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In fact, today’s producer price index report may be the low point, as manufacturers and commodities markets are signaling that bigger increases may be just around the bend.”

Simonson noted that the price index for construction inputs

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— a weighted average of all materials used in construction plus items consumed by contractors, such as diesel fuel and tires on equipment

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— rose 0.4 percent from December to January and 4.5 percent over the past 12 months. Those increases were slightly higher than the rise in the overall producer price index for finished goods and the smallest year-over-year change for construction materials since 2010.

“Unfortunately, this slowdown has already ended for some key materials,” Simonson warned. “Crude oil and diesel prices have moved up significantly since the January price index data were collected. Producers of plastic pipe have notified customers of 8 percent increases, effective March 1. And copper futures have jumped from levels of a few weeks ago, making increases in pipe and wiring prices likely.”

Association officials said the acceleration in materials costs adds to the urgency of getting a long-term federal highway and transit funding bill enacted. They said Congress and federal officials should join the contractors association and others concerned about transportation infrastructure in making transportation job #1.

“Each month that Congress puts off providing long-term funding for needed infrastructure projects costs taxpayers double,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “They pay now in congested and deteriorated roads, and they’ll pay more when materials are finally purchased. Congress should get a bill to the president without further short-term extensions, and he should sign it.”

iQ Power Tools to provide a strong name to represent an already successful foundation

By Paul Guth

Masonry Tec Products (MTP) is pleased to announce its recent alignment with new strategic partners and the debut of its new company name iQ Power Tools. Masonry Tec Products was founded in 2003, by third generation masons Joel and Paul Guth. After owning and operating large concrete masonry companies for the past 20 years, their hands-on experience led them to develop safer and smarter tools for the construction industry. MTP’s plan to expand their product line into global markets will be realized with the alignment of their new strategic partners in 2012.

“iQ Power Tools will provide a strong name to represent an already successful foundation of award winning and intelligent life-saving power tools,” says Joel Guth, President of iQ Power Tools. “It is crucial we stop ignoring the life-threatening and irreversible affects of inhaling crystalline silica dust.”

It is estimated that more than 2 million workers in the United States alone are exposed to crystalline silica each year, while an estimated 100,000 are at high risk to develop Silicosis. Silicosis is an incurable and irreversible lung disease, yet it is 100% preventable.

Since 2003, Joel and Paul Guth have been committed to designing intelligent tools that significantly decrease exposure to silica dust when dry cutting masonry products such as Stone, Brick, Block, Pavers and Tile. iQ’s product line includes award winning masonry power tools that feature fully integrated dust collection systems, eliminating on average 99.5% of the dust!

In 2012, iQ Power Tools will pursue an aggressive national sales and educational training plan to reach over 15,000 contractors directly. By partnering with brand alliances such as Belgard, Techo Bloc, ICPI and others … iQ intends to bring awareness and solutions to prevent Silicosis and most importantly protect the future of contractors the world over.

About the Author

Paul Guth is the Vice President of Product Development for IQ Power Tools.

Ideal for use on building and construction materials

By Metabo USA

Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, now offers two new 1/2” hammer drills that increase productivity. The SBE710 and the SBE 1100 Plus can be used on various construction materials, including concrete block, solid concrete and brick.

The SBE710 1/2” hammer drill features Metabo’s Variospeed electronic speed control that allows the user to easily regulate the speed from the lowest value to the highest. This new hammer drill has a maximum impact rate of 59,000 bmp, is rated at 5.8 amps and provides a maximum drilling diameter of 3/4” concrete, 1/2” mild steel and 1 9/16” softwood.

The 2-speed aluminum die cast gear box in the hammer drill offers a no-load speed of 0 rpm to 1,000 rpm in first gear and 0 rpm to 3,100 rpm in second gear with a maximum tightening torque of 248 inch-lbs. The tool features a 1/2” geared chuck.

The SBE710 weighs 6.8 lbs and features a 710 watt motor. The ‘LongLife’ motor design withstands abuse from dust and overload conditions, resulting in the tool’s long service life.

The SBE 1100 Plus 1/2″ hammer drill features Metabo’s Vario Tacho Constamatic (VTC) speed stabilization that increases efficiency by working at nearly 100 percent of the no-load speed right up to the full rated amp load of 9.6 amps. The tool’s ‘LongLife’ motor has 1,100 watts of power.

This new hammer drill also has a 2-speed die cast aluminum gear box and offers a no-load speed of 0 rpm to 900 rpm in first gear and 0 rpm to 2,800 rpm in second gear with a maximum tightening torque of 389 inch-lbs.

The 1/2” Futuro Top keyless chuck on the SBE 1100 makes bit changes quick and easy and ensures secure bit clamping. The hammer drill also features an electronic soft start, current interruption protection, maintenance reminder light, electronic winding-temperature monitor and an adjustable dial to control speed.

The SBE 1100 has a maximum impact rate of 53,000 bmp and provides a maximum drilling diameter of 3/4” concrete, 5/8” mild steel and 1 9/16” softwood.

Safety features for both tools include a rubber coated grip, safety non-slip side handle, Metabo’s safety slip clutch, auto-stop carbon brushes and winding protection grid. Both tools also feature a swivel cord connection which extends the service life and reversing switch.

About the Author

Metabo USA sells power tools built by professionals for professionals. Learn more about Metabo USA at www.metabo.us.

Update on possible pension reform will be given

By Jeff Buczkiewicz

The Mason Contractors Association of America is holding a union conference call for all MCAA members who are signatory to union contracts.

An update on possible pension reform will be given.

The call will be held Tuesday, February 21, at 10:00 AM CST. Please contact Jeff Buczkiewicz at 800-536-2225 or via email at jeffb@masoncontractors.org if you would like to participate.

About the Author

Jeff Buczkiewicz is the President and CEO of the Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has worked in the masonry industry for several years as the Executive Vice President of the Building Stone Institute and the Director of Marketing and Membership for the Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has also served as Secretary on the Board of the Natural Stone Council and is a former Board Member of the StonExpo Federation.

New initiative to showcase the company’s expanded clay lightweight aggregate

By Jeff Speck

Big River Industries announced a new branding initiative to showcase the company’s expanded clay lightweight aggregate spanning six applications, including Masonry, Concrete, Geotechnical, Asphalt, Horticulture, and Storm Water Management. The initiative features a new brand name called Riverlite, which is being implemented to consolidate three previous brands, Gravelite, Livlite, and Arkalite.

“Current growth shifts led us to the decision to incorporate our three previous brands into a new, unified brand trademark,” says Jeff Speck, vice president of sales and marketing for Big River Industries.

Part of Oldcastle Architectural since 1987, the company began in 1954 with the production of Gravelite, a rotary kiln expanded clay lightweight aggregate produced near Baton Rouge, La. In 1984, a second expanded clay lightweight aggregate, Livlite, was added with the acquisition of the Tombigbee Lightweight Aggregate Company in Livingston, Ala. Growth continued in 2005 when the company purchased its Arkalite plant near West Memphis, Ark., making Big River Industries the nation’s largest producer of expanded clay lightweight aggregate. Today, Big River’s annual production capacity exceeds 2.5 million cubic yards.

Each of the facilities is purposely located on a river, allowing for barge shipments to customers in other states and regions. From inception, the intentional proximity to the rivers led to the company name of Big River Industries. The company namesake combined with the lightweight characteristic of its aggregate products incited the new Riverlite brand name.

The consolidation of the former three brands to Riverlite was based upon market research involving an evaluation of the construction, engineering and other relative industries in the Southeast and Midwest, where Big River’s products are distributed. “The new Riverlite designation signifies the quality of the expanded clay lightweight aggregates we offer, and the logistical benefits the rivers afford us,” says Speck.

A marketing campaign is being executed to communicate information about the new brand and the products that come under its auspices. The promotion is intended to make the information easy to access for engineers, architects, contractors, landscapers, urban planners, and storm water management professionals. Elements of the campaign will include a new logo, advertisements, tradeshow signage, website enhancements, and a press campaign.

Big River’s lightweight aggregates are used in a variety of concrete products including concrete masonry units and structural lightweight concrete for buildings and highway bridge decks. Other applications include precast / prestressed concrete, skid-resistant asphalt paving, geotechnical fill, and specialty products such as adhered manufactured stone masonry veneers. The aggregates are also integrated with organic matter to create living soils for horticulture uses, and used as part of manufactured media for self-contained storm water systems.

About the Author

Jeff Speck is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Big River Industries, Inc. Contact Jeff at Jeff.Speck@BigRiverInd.com or 800-342-5483.

Safety savings for February 2012

By Kevin Holden

Custom printed safety vests and custom printed hard hats are the MCAA Safety Savings of the Month. MCAA members can receive special discounts on these items throughout the month.

Custom Printed Safety Vests

Includes one color logo. Choose from black, white, red, blue, green or reflective. Unlike screen printing, vinyl lays over the mesh on a vest allowing for more accuracy and precision. 12 piece minimum.

Custom Printed Hard Hats

Includes one color logo. 48 piece minimum.

To order or for more information, contact Kevin Holden, Managing Partner at Beeline Purchasing LLC, via e-mail at kevin@beelinepurchasing.com or by phone at 513-607-5955.

About the Author

Kevin Holden is the Managing Partner at Beeline Purchasing LLC. He can be contacted via e-mail at kevin@beelinepurchasing.com or by phone at 513-607-5955.

Based on OSHA 1910.146 standards

By Tim O’Toole

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) now offers on demand training for confined space entry.

The Confined Space Entry Training course is based on the OSHA 1910.146 permit-required confined space standards for general industry. Objectives of this course are for the student to:

• Understand the scope and application of OSHA’s various confined space entry standards
• Identify “Confined Spaces”, then determine if they are “Permit Required”
• Understand OSHA requirements for developing and maintaining a “Permit-required confined space entry program” / permit
• Know responsibilities of entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, contractors
• Identify when you may utilize OSHA’s “Alternate Entry” and “Reclassification” procedures
• Understand the requirements for “Rescue Emergency Services”
• Have a basic knowledge of the general use and limitations of related equipment

Students completing the course are eligible to take the final exam online. A score of 80% on the final exam is necessary to print your personalized certificate of completion. The student gets three (3) attempts to pass the course.

Mason contractors registered for Masonry Certification will receive eight credits in the safety discipline upon completion of this course.

For more information or to register please visit the MCAA Virtual University.

About the Author

Tim O’Toole is the Director of Marketing, Education, and Information Technology for the MCAA. He has a Masters in Business Administration from Webster University and has worked in the masonry industry for nine years.