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Executive Hire Show Review: Ricoh review EHN assesses the innovative products that were unveiled at the Executive Hire Show. HSC demonstrates latest dust solutions Equipment
to
tackle
workplace
dust
hazards
featured
prominently
on
The
Hire
Supply
Company’s
(HSC)
stand.
In
a
specially
built
cubicle,
demonstrations
were
given
of
the
Enviroboot
EB1
and
EBCH-1
dust
extraction
accessories
that
fit
round
the
chisel
of
breakers
and
chipping
hammers
to
draw
away
respirable
particles,
and
which
can
be
connected
to
a
suitable
HEPA-filtered
vacuum.
A
new
addition
to
the
HSC
line-up
is
a
range
of
equipment
from
Dustless
Technologies
of
the
US.
This
includes
the
Dustless
Wet/Dry
vacuum,
which
has
a
72-litre
capacity
drum
and
incorporates
twin
filters,
as
well
as
a
pre-filter,
for
optimum
collection
and
easy
cleaning.
Attachments
are
available
that
allow
the
machine
to
be
connected
to
cut-off
saws,
circular
saws,
sanders,
angle
grinders
and
other
power
tools. Terex launches latest mini The Terex TC25 mini excavator made its UK debut at the Executive Hire Show. Sitting between the existing 2 tonne TC20 and 2.9 tonne TC29, it is targeted at hirers needing a powerful machine that can be towed on a standard trailer behind a pickup or 4-wheel drive vehicle. It has a transport weight of 2.6 tonnes, overall width of 1500mm and overall clearance height of 2400mm. Due to a compact rear turning radius of only 1100mm, when fitted on the standard 250 mm rubber tracks, the TC25 has a short tail swing with only 375mm overhang, and there is no front overhang when the machine is slewed at 45°, enabling it to trench close to walls and obstacles. The manufacturer’s Knickmatik system is incorporated, to allow a lateral offset of 710mm to the right and 570mm to the left to be achieved at full digging depth. Terex also highlighted its new TA2E site dumper, a high discharge, forward tip machine with a 2-tonne capacity. It weighs 2100kg, measures 1492mm wide and can be towed behind a pickup or four-wheel drive vehicle on a standard plant trailer. Also new is the TA2SE swivel-tip model. T
02476
339400 GenSet’s great success GenSet launched two new products at the Show, namely the PAC80 mini paving breaker/compressor and the Tri-Lynx welder/electrofusion unit. The company also announced two strategic alliances, one with the specialist road plate manufacturer, Trenchlink, and the other with the portable message signage firm, PWS Ireland. “We received a confirmed order for the Trenchlink product from the ground protection hirer, GT Trax, and a substantial order for the new PAC80 breaker from Supply UK,” states GenSet’s Ray Caulfield. The company reports that it engaged with most of its key account customers, as many senior executives from the leading hire organisations were in attendance. Consequently, this offered the south Wales based supplier the chance to display its expanding product range to a wide audience. “This was a very good Show for us,” says Marketing Manager, Paul Hay. “Our stand was busy right through the two days, and we are working hard following up all the enquiries we received.” T
01639
777000 Arc-Gen welder wins Green Zone Award Arc-Gen’s new Weldmaker 300AVC was the winning product in the Green Zone at the Show, highlighting equipment designed to help hirers and their customers take a step change in their commitment to a sustainable environment, and the company was presented with the Speedy Award for Environmental Innovation. The super-silent welder is designed to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% against earlier models and an IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) microprocessor optimises engine speed for the required welding and auxiliary output level. At an average of 60db(A) at 7m, noise levels are said to easily meet the latest European legislation. Welding output is from 30-300A, and an auto shutdown system operates in the event of low oil pressure, high water temperature or thermal overload. T
01902
790824 Demon’s sales successes Demon International successfully launched its 4-Hire range of pressure washers, and took many orders at the Show. “Kentec from Tonbridge bought the new Storm 4-Hire models, Traction Equipment of Stafford took advantage of our Show offer and bought Hurricane 4-Hire models, and Alide Plant of Bristol bought a bowser washer,” states Managing Director Andrew Walke. “YHC of Yeovil placed the largest order at the Show for a complete range of pressure washers to strengthen its fleet, while Kent-based TSM, which had bought a Tempest two weeks before the Show, then purchased four more at the exhibition! Another bowser washer is on its way to Project Hire of Guernsey, and we had visitors from as far afield as Gibraltar.” T
01752
690690 Dustcontrol attracts independents Dustcontrol reported keen interest in its dust extraction products at the Show, particularly from independent hirers. “Until recently, dust extraction vacuums were perceived as specialist hire products, but now they are considered mainstream,” states Brian Smith, Construction Industry Sales Manager. “Two models have become particularly popular. The DC2800 is suitable for use with mini grinders, woodworking equipment and drills. Its manoeuvrability makes it ideal for contractors working in shops and offices, and the effectiveness of the HEPA filtration system means their customers can appreciate a dust-free environment. “The larger DC3800 Twin, also fitted with HEPA filtration as standard, is suitable for use with floor grinders and surface preparation tools where high volumes of dust are produced. In a hire fleet, these two products can cover most eventualities.” T
01327
858001 erento announces HAE partnership erento demonstrated its on-line service that lists products available from subscribing hirers, and allows potential customers to search on the web for what they require. Leads are then forwarded to the hirer to follow up. The system is designed to enable all hirers to compete on equal terms, since search findings are generated purely according to the provider’s proximity to the customer. At the Show, erento announced a formal partnership with HAE, which will promote the service to members at a discounted rate, to enable companies to establish an on-line presence. Managing Director Graham Arundell says “erento takes away the hassle of maintaining a successful e-commerce site. It also operates performance-based billing, so it only profits if its customers do.” T
020
7099
8797 Seddons goes green with Honda Seddons (Plant & Engineers), which is Honda’s largest UK power equipment dealer, promoted the popular GX series of four-stroke overhead valve engines. They are to be found on many types of equipment in a typical hire fleet and are designed for easy starting, fuel efficiency and reliability. The latest models include horizontal and vertical shaft designs and meet the strictest CARB and EPA standards. The manufacturer is committed to lowering hydrocarbon emissions, which are a known cause of urban ozone, and reports that it has achieved reductions in levels of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide by 17%. Seddons entered the GX range for the Green Zone at the Show, and it achieved third place. T
01204
854600 Timberwolf increases production Proving the high level of interest there is in equipment for recycling materials, Timberwolf took several orders and many demonstration enquiries at the Show for its S426 shredder, which can process material such as green waste, timber and plastic with a throughput of up to 3 tonnes/hour. “More and more hirers are adding this kind of machinery to their fleets,” said Managing Director Richard Marshall. “We opened our expanded factory last October, which has more than quadrupled our production capacity. We now employ 48 people, putting us amongst the top ten largest employers in Stowmarket.” T
01449
765800 SPE grinds out quick returns SPE International reports a steady increase in the number of hirers offering specialist surface preparation equipment, such as its recently introduced DFG 700 triple head planetary grinder. It can be used to grind large areas to a fine finish without risk of swirl marks being created. The main drive plate is powered through a heavy-duty gearbox and each grinding tool is then turned independently at an increased speed. An adjustable extraction skirt reduces dust during dry operation and a facility for using water for wet grinding is incorporated. The DFG 700 can be powered by petrol or diesel engines, or by 3-phase electricity, and operating speed can be altered to suit specific applications. Paul Mansfield, Sales Director for UK & Ireland, contends that “owing to the specialist nature of such machines, pro-active hirers can achieve sensible hire rates and a quick return on investment.” T
01673
860709 MCS launches new module Software specialist MCS highlighted the new CRM (customer relationship management) module developed for its MCS-rm Windows-based hire application, which enables users to compile and share customer details and prospects across departments, as well as facilitating marketing activities. Called MCS-crm, it incorporates various searching and reporting functions, links with MS Outlook and incorporates a diary and scheduler. T
01628
828000 Husqvarna’s one-stop solution Husqvarna’s impressive stand was designed to resemble a typical hire shop, complete with counter, themed equipment displays and a retail area. “We are showing that we are a single source of supply for hirers, offering specialist cutting and drilling equipment, consumables, workwear and accessories,” said Managing Director Marc Segers. “We have generated a lot of interest at the Show.” New products included the versatile MT65+ diamond blade, designed to cut concrete, asphalt, iron, steel and other materials, and featuring high segments with under-cut protection. An area of the stand devoted to deep cutting and drilling equipment included the K960 power cutter, which accepts 14in and 16in blades, and its engine features similar dual-charge technology as on the K750 model, to reduce HAV, noise and emissions. The DM 230 drill motor, introduced as a prototype last year, is now available. Its three-speed gearbox is water cooled and an electronic system senses if the motor is over-stressed. Also shown was the DMS 160 drill motor and stand, which has ‘traffic light’ sensors to show how hard it is being worked. On a special workshop area of the company’s display, Husqvarna technicians demonstrated how easily machines could be serviced. T
0870
850
1394 Castle meter monitors noise The pocket sized GA113 meter from Castle Group measures average sound levels and acts as a personal ‘dosemeter’. It is designed for straightforward operation and is housed in a durable plastic case. It can capture daily exposure and C-peak readings for assessment of noise at work risks, and it can be adapted to become a personal noise exposure meter by replacing the microphone with the appropriate dosemeter cable. T
01723
584250 Briggs & Stratton shows service initiatives Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power announced several initiatives to facilitate engine servicing. Paul Bramhall, Product Category Manager for Commercial Power states “A common complaint from the field is that users cannot find the equipment model details easily. All our dealers have now been issued with data tags made from durable vinyl, which simply require the dealer to record the engine and equipment model numbers on them and place them in a clearly visible position. Users or workshop staff simply quote the information and the dealer will be able to provide the correct parts quickly.” The engine manufacturer, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, has also produced a pocket sized Equipment Service Guide giving recommendations for general maintenance. Record tags can also be attached to machinery with details of each service, when it was carried and the date of the next service. T
01606
862182 Hanix unveils new mini Hanix
gave
the
first
public
showing
of
its
new
H55DR
zero
tail
swing
mini
excavator,
previously
seen
only
as
a
prototype.
A
floating
cabin
is
incorporated
on
the
5.5-tonne
machine
for
minimal
internal
noise
and
reduced
vibration,
and
the
cab
is
said
to
have
the
same
dimensions
as
that
of
a
standard
excavator.
Joystick
controls
are
fitted
for
precise
operation
and
to
increase
floor
space,
T
0161
335
2331 Complete set from HTC HTC
promoted
what
it
described
as
a
complete
grinding
set
for
removing
different
floor
coverings,
as
well
as
for
grinding
and
polishing
concrete,
terrazzo
and
natural
stone.
An additional upgrade kit for wooden floors is also available, including an abrasive holder and paper, and a grinding head for lacquer removal. “This grinding set is an ideal starter system for hirers who want to target the growing floor preparation market, owing to its versatility and performance,” says Managing Director Mitchell Comer. T
0845
460
2500 inspHire launches CRM module inspHire launched its CRM (customer relationship management) hire software module at the Executive Hire Show. “It is the result of a year’s development,” states Managing Director, Chris Branson. “Our normal route would be to try to incorporate a solution from our ‘best of breed’ office systems partners, but those available were simply too broad in scope and not focused on hirers’ needs, so we established a dedicated team to develop one. “Great care has been taken to make the interface attractive and easy to use, and it integrates seamlessly with our existing products. Interest has been considerable at the Show, as hirers seek to do more with their systems than simply manage day-to-day business transactions. The CRM module enables them to actively manage customer relationships, giving staff information such as contact details, when a company was last approached, reminders of future opportunities, comprehensive diary functions, mail merge and reporting capability.” inspHire also promoted its Mobile Working technologies, giving clients access to real-time information from GPRS enabled hand-held devices, and its WebPortal, designed to provide hire customers with up-to-the-minute information round the clock about their hire activities. T
0115
979
3377 Low-vibration Belle breakers Belle launched a revised range of hydraulic breakers, comprising four standard models weighing 12, 23, 25 and 27kg. Also available is the BHB2025X, a 25kg low-HAV machine with a quoted vibration level of 7.1m/s2 and which is said to deliver twice the breakout force than the company’s existing low-HAV model, offering significant productivity increases. All the machines can be used with Belle’s hydraulic power pack range, including the Cub 20-90, Midi 20-140 and Major 30-140. Belle also showed the new PCEL320X, a sub-50kg compaction plate designed specifically for two-man lifting. Developed jointly with Tarmac and Balfour Beatty, it is a specialist asphalt patching plate but can also be used on other materials. Measuring 590mm long, 320mm wide and 525mm without the removable handle in place, it has a low-emission Honda engine and is designed for low HAV. T
01298
84606 Takeuchi rolls out new range Takeuchi Mfg UK launched the TR260 tandem roller, the first in a new range that will be introduced during 2008, together with loading shovels, to complement the company’s mini excavators and tracked loaders. The roller is designed for construction tasks such as compacting gravel and road beds, as well as for landscaping and horticultural work on sand or topsoil. Weighing 2650kg and measuring 1200mm wide, it features hydrostatic drive and single or double drum vibration to suit the application. The machine is designed to isolate the operator from vibration and to offer good visibility. Later this year, Takeuchi will move to a new purpose-built facility offering increased warehousing and office space to meet growing product demand. T
01706
657722 Low-noise Norton blades As previewed in our January/February issue, Norton, a brand of Saint-Gobain Abrasives, introduced the Silencio range of noise-dampened diamond blades. They are claimed to reduce sound levels by up to 15dBA, making them particularly suitable for use on equipment in sensitive locations such as residential areas, hospitals and schools. The laser welded blades have 15mm segments and are available in three different specifications, for petrol hand-held saws, floor saws and masonry saws respectively. Also on display was the new Clipper CS 451 floor saw, designed to give a 30% reduction in vibration compared with its predecessor, the C99. Designed for the wet or dry cutting of asphalt or concrete, its 25-litre water tank is positioned so as to add weight bearing down on to the blade, and to provide good visibility. A hand wheel adjusts the cutting depth, which is indicated on a gauge. T
0845
602
6222 Towable mixer from Imer Amongst its comprehensive selection of cutting, mixing and lifting equipment on show, Imer Direct (GB) promoted the Syntesi 350 road-towable mixer, fitted with a Yanmar LT75 super silent air-cooled diesel engine incorporating electric start. All moving parts are contained in the support arm of the drum or inside the gearbox, and the mixing drum is made of thick pressed steel for durability. The transmission system is configured for low noise during operation, and the patented geared motor unit is designed with the steel gears in an oil bath for reliability and reduced maintenance. A gear reduction is fitted on the tilting mechanism to enable precise and effortless discharging. Imer Direct Managing Director, Bob Hughes, believes the towable nature of the high-capacity machine makes it ideal for hirers and customers who do not operate extensive fleets of large vehicles. T
0121
522
5930 Freeze Master’s cool newcomer The new 420D electric pipe freezing machine from Freeze Master supersedes the company’s established 350D model. Managing Director Trevor Hallett says the product has been completely re-designed with a silver cabinet and new components, including an enhanced refrigerant delivery system. The freezer heads are designed so that they will fit straight on to 42mm pipes, with reducers available if needed. The product’s casing provides integral storage for various reducers and accessories, and it has convenient apertures through which the mains lead and hoses can be fed, so the machine can be left running with the lid closed. A more comfortable carrying handle is incorporated. T
020
8205
7672 Customised vehicles from Gordons Gordons Ford Business Centre of Bolton promoted the customised commercial vehicles it can offer, tailored to meet the specific needs of hirers, particularly with regard to Health & Safety considerations such as manual handling. Working in conjunction with PPS Tail Lifts, trucks can be fitted with a 500kg column tail lift with built-in safety gates for safer loading and unloading of equipment. A purpose-designed securing device with integral winding gear can be incorporated for over-cab loads such as ladders and staging boards, and multi-point ratchet securing points are fitted on the bulkhead. Tool boxes and tow hitches can also be included. On the company’s stand at the Show, a range of the options available were displayed on a 3.5 tonne Transit chassis. T
01204
524474 Low-vibration Makita hammer Makita promoted its new HR4511C 8kg rotary demolition hammer drill that is claimed to provide more than double the impact power of its predecessor and which incorporates the manufacturer’s Anti Vibration Technology (AVT) to reduce the vibration rating by more than 50%. In rotary hammer mode the tool is rated at 7.5m/s2, and in hammer-only breaking mode with the “D” side handle fitted, quoted vibration is 7.0m/s2. The machine has an SDS Max drive chuck system. It delivers 13 joules of impact energy and, with up to 2,750 blows/minute available, will drive a 45mm drill bit or 125mm diameter TCT core into concrete and masonry. A torque limiter system is designed to instantly disconnect the drive if the drill or core jams. Powered by a 1350watt motor in 110v or 240v format, the 4511C has a no-load speed range of 130-280rpm and weighs just 8.4kg. T
01908
211678 Extensive range from SDMO SDMO Energy highlighted its newly re-branded power products targeted at the hire industry, in a range that extends from 2.75kVA-2.5mW and includes generators, welding sets and lighting towers for industrial, event and construction markets. The recently launched T16K IV is a 16kVA generator that can provide outputs of 115V, 230V and 415V. Earth fault protection is incorporated on the machine, which has a stated noise output level of 70dBA at 1m and can be supplied on a braked trailer. Director Wayne Steel also says that a new range of generators designed specifically for use in site welfare units will be available shortly. T
01606
838120 Digbits forecasts high demand Digbits reported an “incredibly busy” Show. The company had two Bavtrak 025 mobile crushers on display, one on its stand in the main hall and the other as a finalist in the Green Zone area. Both machines were sold during the first day. A hydrostatic crushing mechanism is incorporated to give more reliable operation than belt-driven machines, and the 630mm by 330mm jaw feed area enables larger material to be processed. A twin-jaw mechanism is designed to give faster throughput. Managing Director Marcus Clay states that “demand for this equipment can only grow as the construction industry complies with the EU Directive on recycling and waste. Waste production must be stabilised at 2008 levels within four years, and in April DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) will enforce the need for all construction sites of more than £250,000 in value to implement Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs), at the same time as both the aggregate levy and landfill tax are increased.” SWMPs aim to reduce the amount of waste products and to prevent fly-tipping. T
01889
503020 Pike’s green traffic lights Pike Signals’ Tandem Duo radio controlled traffic light system was a runner-up in the Green Zone at the Show. It is designed to combine the benefits of battery powered, cable-less radio technology with a fuel-efficient bio-diesel compliant engine. Low-power LED optics and night-time dimmers are fitted to improve running time between charges and an in-built monitoring system automatically starts the engine when the battery level becomes low. The engine then charges the battery while powering the lights, turning itself off when appropriate. Pike says that the running hours on the engine are reduced from 672 to 96/month, and that the oil only needs to be changed every ten months, as opposed to every three weeks with a standard tandem unit. T
0121
359
4034 Stihl saw cuts a dash Prominent on Stihl’s stand was the TS 410 cut-off saw, launched last year as the successor to the popular TS 400, and which has been developed for high levels of performance and efficiency. The air filter system is designed to extend filter life and to do away with the need for regular cleaning, which simplifies maintenance. The engine gives reduced fuel consumption by up to 20% compared with its predecessors, and emission levels have been reduced, in line with future EU guidelines. Vibration levels have been lowered on the TS 410, with a quoted HAV figure of 3.9m/s2. Stihl says this has been achieved without compromising the handling, balance and performance of the machine. Marketing Manager Richard White states that demand for the TS 410 has significantly exceeded expectations, and that the TS 400 will be phased out this year. T
0800
137574 JCB displays new 2-tonne mini JCB’s 8020 mini excavator made its UK debut at the Show. Based on the 801 series of machines, the 2-tonne model is positioned between the company’s existing 8018 and 8025 models. Offering reduced rather than full zero tail swing, the 8020 specifically targets the European market where recent towing regulations and the increased popularity of ‘crew cab’ style pick up trucks makes machine of this weight the largest that can be legally towed behind such vehicles. The cab is designed for low noise and all-round visibility, and controls are configured to give easy and precise operation. The manufacturer also previewed the new HM25LV hand-held breaker that is designed for low HAV without affecting performance. Instead of reducing vibration by conventional springs and rubber bushes, the handles on the active head of the breaker are supported by hydraulic pressure, resulting in a quoted tri-axial vibration measurement of 3.2m/s2. T
01889
590312 Camon’s compact workhorses Tracmaster had two stands promoting its Camon equipment line-up at the Show, one dedicated to its recently introduced range of compact, tracked skid steer machines, which can accept attachments such as a trencher, forks, dozer blades, a breaker or a post hole borer. Honda engines are incorporated and the machines have a high-tip capability. Included in the display of gardening and grounds care equipment on the company’s other stand was the TC07 turf cutter, which incorporates a positive gear drive for traction and an anti-vibration system to reduce HAV. For simple operation, independent levers engage the 30cm reversible cutting blade and the drive to the rear wheels, with operating depth adjustable between 20-40mm. T
01444
247689 RAISING
FUNDS
FOR
MARIE
CURIE
CANCER
CARE “This
is
the
biggest
single
amount
ever
raised
for
our
region,”
says
Lynn
Wood,
Area
Fundraising
Manager
for
the
Marie
Curie
Cancer
Care
hospice
in
Solihull,
one
of
ten
that
the
charity
operates
throughout
the
country.
“It
seemed
as
though
everyone
at
the
Party
was
working
together
for
a
common
cause,
and
it
was
like
being
part
of
one
big
team.
We
really
are
so
grateful.”
Executive Hire News › Archives › March 2008 › Executive Hire Show Review › Ricoh review
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