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Hire Show Review: Show of enthusiasm Many suppliers launched new products and services at The Hire Show. EHN provides an in-depth assessment. Fairport shows wider product range As previewed in our last issue, Fairport Construction Equipment launched a significant number of products at the Show. Fairport is the new branding for equipment previously sold under the Warsop and Metrix names, and the range is now being widened considerably. The latest additions include the ‘F’ range of flexible shaft pokers, the Cobra electric high frequency poker and a line-up of hand-held electric pokers. New concreting equipment includes the Hurricane screed and 600mm, 900mm and 1200mm power trowels. Fairport unveiled the FPM136 concrete mixer in electric and petrol versions, along with a 25kg tub mixer, a mortar mixer, paddle mixers and towable machines. New centrifugal pumps were displayed together with rammers and plate compactors designed for low HAV. Tile cutters, tile saws, large bridge saws and masonry saws have also been introduced. T
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7921 Milwaukee makes the big screen A towering bank of plasma screens on the Milwaukee Electric Tool stand gave visitors no excuse for being unaware of the company’s V28 cordless products, which utilise the latest 28V lithium-ion technology. “Hirers have been impressed by the low weight of these tools, together with their fade-free performance, similar to that of corded equipment,” contended Brand Manager Peter Storr. “The battery’s in-built gauge shows when charging is needed, and the cells have no memory effect whatsoever.” V28 tools available include a band saw, hammer drill, circular saw, impact wrench and a reciprocating saw. Also in attendance on the stand throughout the Show was Dr David Edwards of OPERC (www.operc.com), based at Loughborough University, which is undertaking the vibration testing of power tools to BS 5349 (see EHN, November 2005). “Many hirers have been asking what advice they should be giving customers regarding HAV. I’m advising them to liaise with reputable tool manufacturers and relay information in an easily understood, but accurate, way. It’s also important to ensure users are trained to operate equipment properly so as to minimise risk.” T
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258346 Hire Supply targets grounds care New machines targeted at the grounds care and landscaping market had pride of place on the Hire Supply Company (HSC) stand. These include 9hp and 13hp stump grinders with easily replaceable teeth, and a small 5.5hp cultivator, complementing the larger Barreto machines that are already in the HSC portfolio. All the new units have Honda petrol engines and have folding handles to enable them to be transported in a car boot. T
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0707 EHN’s Dutch treat EHN’s stand at the heart of the Show provided an invaluable refreshment stop for 55 Dutch hirers who flew in to attend. Their trip, which also included visits to HSS and Speedy depots in Hackney, was organised by Verhuurnet of The Hague. Verhuurnet provides an internet based service enabling people in Holland and Belgium to find their nearest equipment hire outlet.It also provides news and product information from suppliers. “The Hire Show was excellent,” states Managing Director Ron van Es. “It is a specialised event for our market. Hirers on our trip made good contacts with suppliers.” Verhuurnet has also helped develop CrimiMail, a database that enables hirers to check potential customers’ creditworthiness and any dubious details regarding their previous hire history. “The ideal opportunity” One of the many hire executives EHN spotted at the Show was Paul Green, Supply Chain Director, Speedy Hire plc. “Having just joined Speedy Hire, I am on a steep learning curve to understand both the business and the industry. The Hire Show gave me the ideal opportunity to meet with a number of our suppliers in order for me to both view the products and to start the process of setting out our vision for the world class supply chain that we want to establish. “Going forward, it is necessary for the Show to attract a wider number of exhibitors, particularly those that offer global sourcing opportunities. I would also welcome a greater focus on the legislative issues facing the industry such as vibration, noise, Working at Height and the like, within the overall context of Health & Safety. It might also be interesting to run a number of seminars with examples of industry-leading best practice presented by key stakeholders in the industry.” Eurofloor’s quick success It took Eurofloor just 15 minutes from the time the Hire Show opened to secure a significant order from a brand new customer. “The deal included Portanailer wood floor installation equipment and Clarke American floor sanders,” states Divisional Manager, Russell Cooper, pictured (right) with Sales Manager Mark Radcliffe. “During the Show, we had an excellent level of enquiries and orders.” The company reported considerable interest in the expandable drum version of the Clarke EZ-8 floor sander. It is designed to enable faster changing of abrasives without the need for tools. “We have had a tremendous number of enquiries from hirers who appreciate the user-friendliness of the machine, which will help their customers,” says Russell, who adds that new products will be introduced to the Eurofloor line-up shortly. T
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3120 Belle highlights new trowels Belle Group launched new power trowels designed to meet the requirements of operators who use such equipment for extended periods. They are designed for low levels of HAV and the throttle is configured to give smooth, jerk-free operation. The working angle can be altered quickly so that the user can adapt to different levels of dryness on the same concrete slab. A balanced central lifting points aids mobility and the lifting handle can be stowed integrally on the trowel. T
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84606 Tornado enjoys “best ever” Show Tornado Fixings describes the Hire Show as the best exhibition it has ever attended. “Our stand was always busy with regular and potential customers,” states Director Bill McGrogan. "The Show was an ideal opportunity to meet a considerable number of new, high-level contacts in the hire industry. Our EXP88 cartridge tool system, which uses the NK type nail and red and black cartridges, attracted attention and many visitors took advantage of our special Show offers. Our ability to supply products in either Tornado branding or own-brand packaging aroused great interest, particularly our new range of competitively priced SDS-Plus drill bits.” Tornado has booked for a bigger stand next year. T
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4342 Tracked loaders from Takeuchi Takeuchi’s new TL130 compact tracked loader weighs 3400kg, has a 67hp Yanmar engine and its wider boom design gives room for more powerful hydraulics. The cab is nearly 1m wide and 320mm-wide rubber tracks give stability and traction on various ground surfaces. The operating compartment tilts back to facilitate maintenance. Takeuchi recently announced several new appointments, including Tom Armstrong, who joins as National Accounts Manager. Based at the company’s Thatcham facility, he has previously worked with GAP, Speedy and Hewden. Chris Bushell has joined the sales team at the organisation’s Rochdale headquarters. T
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657722 Higher Concept attracts larger hirers Higher Concept Software reported keen interest in its Syrinx program, especially from larger hire companies. The package enables sales invoices and customer details to be transferred to Sage at the click of a button. A recent addition is integration with Microsoft Word for letters and faxes. Any number of documents can be generated and then filed automatically for quick retrieval. On its own stand, Orogeny Technologies (www.orogenygroup.com), which is a re-seller of Syrinx, promoted its BlueRidge extranet system, a web module that makes a hire company’s database available on-line. It enables customers to view equipment on hire, contracts and outstanding invoices. By mid-2006, BlueRidge will be upgraded for the capture of delivery note signatures via PDA. T
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6669 Hirers secure with Kosran Diesel plant immobilisation specialist, Kosran, says more contractors are only hiring machines secured against theft. The company’s system, which has Thatcham Category P2 approval, has been adopted by Gamble Jarvis, HSS, Jewson Hire Point and Selwood. Thirty seconds after a machine’s engine is switched off, the system automatically protects the diesel supply and locks the hydraulic and electrical circuits. To restart, the operator enters a code on a keypad. A ‘valet’ mode enables hirers to choose if they want to charge customers for anti-theft protection. Users then receive a personal code, valid only during the hire period. T
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5687 Hiretech at the right speed Hiretech claimed a world first with its HT8 Multi-Speed 200mm drum floor sander. One of four drum speeds can be selected to match the operator’s level of experience. The machine can sand all wooden floors, fibreboard, cork, composition floors and some types of decking. The HT8 breaks down into three components for transport and a patented reversible clamp bar facilitates quick fitting of abrasives. The speed control has lights that illuminate to alert hire shop service staff when maintenence is required. A Multi-Speed upgrade kit is available for existing Hiretech HT8 and DU8 sanders. T
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332424 Gray Campling’s versatile sprayer Included in the Titan range of spraying equipment shown on the Gray Campling stand was the PowRTwin 6900GHD. Its heavy-duty pump can be operated by a petrol engine or by an electric motor, and the machine can be used to apply common contractor coatings, as well as heavier materials such as intumescents and fire retardants. The AHR 24 battery powered mixer was also on display. T
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291828 Compact illumination from Arc-Gen Arc-Gen’s new Mini Tower is targeted at people needing equipment for illumination in confined locations or areas with limited access. The machine is mounted on a steerable, wheeled trolley for manoeuvrability, and the 4m mast can be fitted with four 400W metal halide lamps. The 3kVA super silent generator can be separated so that it can be used for dedicated power generation requirements. Arc-Gen says that the Mini Tower’s small footprint facilitates storage at hirers’ premises. T
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790824 Cleaner power from Briggs & Stratton Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power reports that it is steadily raising its profile within the hire industry. Paul Bramhall, Product Category Manager - Commercial Power, contends that more OEMs are choosing its engines and that hirers are benefiting from its comprehensive training packages and after sales support. “We see a particularly strong opportunity in the LPG engine market. We supply engines that have been converted by ourselves at our factories, so warranties are unaffected.” Harrington Generators has fitted a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard LPG engine to one of its machines, backed up by a hydrogen fuel cell, to power a remote telephone mast. T
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335600 Bobcat unveiled its 319 mini excavator, a 1.3 tonne class machine that has an expandable undercarriage as standard. Weighing 1271kg with a canopy and 1400kg with a cab, it can be towed on a trailer behind a small truck or a suitable car. When retracted, the undercarriage is 980mm wide, enabling access through doorways and narrow openings. It expands to 1363mm for maximum stability during operation. The rear tailgate is designed to offer easy engine access, and the cylinder is mounted on top of the boom for greater strength. Parent company Ingersoll Rand launched the 7/26E and 7/31E portable compressors, replacing the 7/26 and 7/31 models. Principal features include a 50-litre fuel tank and a bunded base. An optional electric generator can be incorporated. T
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0161 Bavtrak proves popular for Cautrac The Bavtrak compact crusher aroused considerable interest on the Cautrac stand. Cautrac distributes the machine, which is made by Digbits. It is designed for the on-site reduction of broken concrete and bricks into useable hardcore. The unit is mounted on the undercarriage of a Yamaguchi tracked carrier and it can produce material from 20-70mm in size. “We have welcomed visitors to the stand from the Continent and even Australia,” stated Digbits Director Marcus Clay. “Several major UK hirers have also expressed interest in the Bavtrak. As the manufacturers, we have been able to discuss possible adaptations we can make to fine-tune the machine to their particular requirements.” The company also reports on-going interest in its Boom Broom brush accessory for mini excavators, and it has also introduced a rake attachment. T
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273111 Sebach targets the construction market Sebach’s new Starlight re-circulating portable toilet features a smooth internal finish that is easily cleaned. It also has hidden internal rivets and toughened corners to withstand rough handling. “It is a chunky, solid unit designed specifically for the demanding construction market,” states Managing Director Richard Crawford. “It is also very competitively priced.” Sebach has teamed up with temporary surface protection specialist, Rola-Trac, to offer products relevant to the construction industry. These include the new I-Trac trackway system comprising interlocking composite panels, which create a contiguous surface that can withstand the weight of articulated lorries. Components have no scrap value, require no special tools and one person can install up to 100m2 in an hour. T
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6560 JCB highlights new compaction range Included on a packed JCB stand were examples from the company’s new Vibromax compaction product range, which was previewed in the January issue of EHN. The line-up, which received its official UK launch at the Hire Show, includes self-propelled single drum compactors, tandem compactors, rammers, forward plate compactors, reversible plate compactors, double drum vibrating walk-behind compactors, multi-purpose compactors and towed vibrating compactors. Also shown were machines from JCB’s substantial compact equipment range, including the 801 series of 1.5 tonne mini excavators, the Micro excavator which fits through a 750mm doorway, the Mini CX backhoe loader and a Dumpster tracked dumper. Examples from the JCB hydraulic power pack range were also promoted at the Show. T
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581761 Marcrist shows its speed At certain times on both days of the Hire Show, visitors could be seen hurriedly leaving the Marcrist stand. This was not for any negative reason, but simply because they wanted to see the company’s demonstration area just outside the ExCel complex, where its new Mi850 diamond blade was being put through its paces. Marcrist says it combines real diamond for cutting speed and synthetic diamond for longevity, and that specially designed M-segments keep the blade cooler. The Mi850 is designed to cut all common building materials. With each blade, Marcrist is supplying a diamond blade of the same diameter, but without the M-segment technology, so that users can assess the difference in performance. T
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890888 MBW’s ScreeDemon power screed is designed to maintain consistent vibration across its beam length, for a uniform action. Power comes from a 1.5hp Honda engine and the throttle control is located on the handle of the machine for quick and precise adjustment. A simple rubber isolator drives the eccentric, and this is said to give reliability and to facilitate cleaning. The company’s GP plate compactors are now available with optional transporter wheels, to reduce risks associated with manual handling. They also help to protect vulnerable surfaces like newly laid block paving while they are moved on and off site. The range includes models with plate sizes from 300-450mm wide and each is designed for low levels of hand arm vibration (HAV). T
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387784 GenSet boasts larger line-up With many new or up-rated products, GenSet took a considerably larger stand at this year’s Hire Show, with all its divisions being represented. Pride of place went to the redesigned Hireman range of generators, for use at events, film sets, exhibitions and utilities applications. They feature Tier 2 emissions compliant engines and are designed for low noise levels, with ‘super silent’ and ‘ultra silent’ specifications being offered. Many options are available, enabling hirers and end-users to specify units that meet their particular requirements. These include long-run fuel tanks, electronic governor systems and synchronising capabilities. The generators can also be fitted inside GenSet’s PowACcomm secure units. Sister company GenQuip showed its comprehensive range of towable Groundhog mobile welfare units which are designed to be fully compliant with HSE regulations. GenSet also promoted a new 6kVA diesel generator, a 360° balloon light for the VT-1 lighting tower giving shadow-free illumination, and a new 1,500rpm 320A diesel welding set. T
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777000 Imer’s routes to profit Imer Direct (GB) displayed a selection of smaller equipment from its extensive portfolio, designed to offer good returns for tool hirers. This included spraying machines for applying paint, plaster, insulation and other materials. The range starts with the Small 50, which pumps to a distance of up to 25m. The Koine 5 model can deliver materials over 50m. Also on show were powered stirrers, including the hand-held Mix 25 and the small Mix 35, together with paddles and accessories. The Rollbeta cement mixer with a plastic drum was prominent on the stand, alongside Imer floor saws, tile saws and masonry saws. T
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5930 Customer care with MCS MCS gave visitors a preview of its new CRM (client relationship management) module for the MCS-rm application. Called MCS-crm, it is designed to allow hire personnel to gain a deeper insight into customers’ needs and preferences, with readily available information such as agreed pricing and discount details, opportunities and quotes pending, and status of current hire contracts. The software can be used to share information across sales teams, to rapidly create customer quotes, and to enhance after-sales service and support. The module allows users to search and report on any field, and enables synchronisation of data with Microsoft Outlook. Templates are provided for letters, mailshots and e-mailshots. MCS believes that more hirers are seeking to gain a competitive edge through better utilisation of the information held in its computer system, and that MCS-crm is one means of achieving this. T
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491000 Hot lead for Freeze Master Freeze Master reported a very successful Hire Show. “Amongst visitors to the stand, we met technical staff from a major national hire group, who showed great interest in the advanced components at the heart of our electric pipe freezing machines,” stated Managing Director Trevor Hallett. A patented active-capillary microprocessor control is designed to achieve lower head pressures, resulting in rapid decrease of temperature. The control unit enables the operator to freeze hot and cold pipes simultaneously, without the risk of forming a concentration of refrigerant in the freeze head attached to the cooler pipe, says Freeze Master. The company says that the design also means that the system keeps water frozen for longer in the event of a power failure. T
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7672 Camon launches smaller rotavator The latest addition to the Camon line-up of garden machinery, manufactured by Tracmaster, is the C6 rotavator, a smaller 5.5hp machine derived from the popular C8 model. Featuring a Honda engine, it has a 51cm working width and has forward and reverse speeds. Managing Director Stephen Pitt contends that the C6 “is very easy to operate and provides superb results for both professional and DIY hirers.” Other machines on show included the LA20 lawn aerator, the C50 chipper, the LS17 lawn scarifier, the C2000 tiller and the TC turf cutter. Camon equipment now carries a two-year warranty. Tracmaster is currently preparing a promotional DVD containing working demonstrations of the Camon range. Hire shops will be able to play it in their showrooms to illustrate what the equipment can do. Tracmaster has also appointed John Bates as UK Sales Manager, with specific responsibility for the hire industry. T
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247689 Hanix makes Hire Show debut Exhibiting for the first time at the Hire Show, Hanix featured its H15B Plus-2 mini excavator, which weighs 1630kg with cab. Designed for easy operation and quick access for service, it has a 17hp Mitsubishi engine and provides a maximum digging depth of 2350mm, with a maximum digging radius of 3920mm. The tracks can be adjusted hydraulically for optimum stability. Hanix has launched a finance package on an H15B Plus-2 with 12in and 24in ditching buckets, together with a dedicated trailer, backed by a three-year warranty. K9 has Universal appeal The versatility of the K9 hydraulic power plant was the message emphasised by Universal Hydraulic System Ltd, which has been established in Warwick by Dingo Mini Diggers Pty to distribute the Australian machine in the UK and Eire. Measuring 780mm wide and having the ability to turn within its own radius, the manoeuvrable unit can accept 70 different attachments for a variety of construction, grounds care and landscaping tasks. Featured on the stand was the K9-4 model. It has two hydraulic pumps with a flow divider, producing 47 litres/minute, and has a 3,400psi auxiliary circuit. The operator can fine-tune the delivery of power between the drive wheels and the attachments for optimum performance in varying ground conditions. The machine can drive items like a trencher, post hole borer, forks, various buckets, rotary hoe, stump grinder, a digger attachment, core drill, turf cutter and a hand held hammer, amongst others. T
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620256 Executive Hire News › Archives › Feb/March 2006 › Hire Show Review › Show of enthusiasm
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