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Market Report: Green Zone Latest products WorkPoint system gains acceptance WorkPoint Environments says that its innovative AirBench is quickly gaining acceptance amongst hirers as a means of capturing the dust clouds that can be created when servicing returned off-hire power tools, as well as from equipment such as vacuum cleaner filters, plant air filters and floor sanders. The product is a robust, self-contained dust extractor and workbench combination, complete with filters, a powerful 240V fan set, and a three-sided enclosure to aid the capture of airborne dust. Delivered ready to use, T 01206 791191 Lombardini's triple focus Engine manufacturer Lombardini says that its new product development focuses on three key areas, namely noise abatement, emissions and fuel consumption. The manufacturer's FOCS Plus and CHD Plus water-cooled engines comply with EPA and EU emission standards, and give low oil consumption. The recently introduced Sileo series comprises diesel engines from 26.5-51.7hp and are designed to offer low-noise solutions for manufacturers of equipment in many different markets. They are up to 6dBA quieter than standard FOCS and CHD power units. T 01865 793299 Smith vehicles offer advantages Smith Electric Vehicles' line-up includes vans that produce zero emissions and are immune to rising fuel costs. They are suitable for lower mileage, urban transport applications. Smith, which is Ford's electric commercial vehicle partner in the UK, produces 100% battery powered versions of the Ford Transit (Edison) and Ford Transit Connect (Ampere). The Edison is available as a panel van or chassis cab, from 3.5-4.6 tonne. It has a top speed of 50mph, with a range of approximately 100 miles and payload of up to 1400kg (3.5 tonne version) or 2,300kg (4.6 tonne). The smaller Ampere has a top speed of 70mph, payload in excess of 800kg and a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles. While the initial purchase price is higher, energy costs are said to be a little over 1p/mile for the Ampere and 3p for the Edison. The vehicles qualify for a free road fund licence and are exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Smith's customers include A-Plant. Shaun Winstanley, the hirer's Director of Transport, says, "Electric vehicles such as the Smith Edison have the potential to significantly lower the environmental impact of our equipment deliveries and collections, while also providing a benefit to our bottom line." T 0845 1557 755 Stihl targets fuel efficiency Stihl has launched four new blowers and the same number of vacuum shredders for the autumn. All feature a new engine design with Stihl's 'stratified charge' technology for low emissions, fast acceleration and a 25% reduction in fuel usage compared with their predecessors. The products also include a simplified starting system, reducing the number of stages in the procedure from eight to four. The BG 86 blower has a quoted vibration level of 1.7m/s2, achieved by incorporating four steel springs to isolate the engine. It also has a throttle speed lock for long periods of operation, and a built-in stop switch is fitted, which automatically re-sets the controls for ignition after breaks in work. T 0800 137574 Norton's cut above Norton's recently introduced CS451 floor saw, which replaces the popular Clipper C99, incorporates a 25-litre water tank for dust suppression. Its positioning also adds weight above the blade for better cutting performance. Designed for wet or dry cutting of asphalt or concrete, the petrol-driven machine has a quoted vibration level of 2.5m/s2, achieved by the use of a heavy-duty steel frame and vibration absorbing mounts in the handlebars. Two blade guides are mounted on the blade guard, and a patented depth gauge on the machine enables the blade height to be adjusted quickly via a hand wheel. T 01785 279550 Bradfords chooses TCP crusher The builders' merchant, Bradfords, which has 12 tool hire outlets in the south west of England, has bought a Hi-C40 compact crusher from Taylor Construction Products (TCP). This will meet demand for recycling machinery created by rising landfill taxes and the introduction of Site Waste Management Plans. The machine fits through standard doorways and its 60-tonne crushing force produces output material that can be adjusted in size from 20-70mm. Group Tool Hire Manager, Keith Hallam, who is pictured (left) with Tool Hire Supervisor Phil Collins (centre) and Fitter, Simon Leach at the Sidmouth branch, says the machine is ideal for builders, landscapers and homeowners undertaking smaller projects. TCP also offers the Ecolite lighting tower, designed to reduce fuel usage by up to 80% compared with similar machines, and giving up to 200 hours' running time on a tank of fuel. Its hydraulic mast extends to its full 9.1m height in under a minute. T 01621 850777 Timberwolf goes Orange Orange Plant, the UK's biggest specialist hirer of woodchippers, has enlarged its fleet with 12 new Timberwolf S426 multi-purpose shredders to meet rapidly growing demand for a cost-effective, mobile machine. It has a throughput of up to 3 tonne/hour. The company is also making them available for crosshire from its branches in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York, Haydock, Cannock and Kirkintilloch. The hirer says the potential demand is massive, given the restrictions on burning or dumping waste and the obligations to recycle where possible. This, the company adds, represents a lucrative hire opportunity to combat any downturn in the economy, for hirers who are willing to target a new customer base in a pro-active manner. T 0845 838 6337 Dustcontrol gets closer Dustcontrol offers a wide range of equipment and accessories for the collection of dust as close as possible to the source of its production. As well as giving Health & Safety advantages, this can reduce the need for secondary air cleaning and clearance of debris after work has finished, as well as prolonging the life of tools and machinery. The company offers suction cases to fit equipment ranging from hand-held machinery to factory production lines. It also supplies industrial grade vacuums, such as the DC 2800c, that can be attached to products like twin wall blade chasers that incorporate integral enclosures, helping operators comply with their EH40 obligations, the Health and Safety Executive's list of occupational exposure limits. T 01327 858001 Husqvarna sensor cuts damage Husqvarna Construction Products has developed OilGuard, an engine function safety system, for its K750 power cutter. If the integral optical sensor and LED system detects that no oil, or the wrong oil, is being used, they activate an electronic circuit breaker, causing the engine to idle until petrol with the correct two-stroke lubricant is added. The system, which was reviewed in the July issue of EHN, works with special OilGuard oil containing a pigment, which is detected by the sensor. The K750 incorporates Husqvarna's DualCharge engine technology, designed for low emissions and good fuel economy. A large muffler to reduce noise is incorporated, as well as a vibration dampening system. Husqvarna reports that it is currently working with Speedy Hire on an initiative whereby future deliveries of cut-off saws will be delivered in boxes of 14, rather than single boxes. This is being undertaken in order to reduce packaging and the transport required to deliver them individually to depots. T 0870 850 1394 Arc-Gen's silent performers Arc-Gen claims that its two recently introduced DCA Ultra Silent generators are amongst the quietest models of their kind available on the European market. The machines provide outputs of 22 and 40kVA respectively, and have noise levels that are up to 15dBA quieter than similar machines. Seven other DCA models are offered, ranging from 14-100kVA and rated as 'super silent'. The company's Weldmaker series, which includes the 300AVC model that won the Green Zone Award at this year's Executive Hire Show, was recently augmented by the 400 and 500 SSD 'super silent' models. T 01902 790824 Less noise from Makita Makita's new GSE2400 shredder has a maximum noise output of 83.7dBA, making it suitable for use in sensitive environments. Powered by a 2,400watt, 240V motor, the machine's heavy-duty toothed grinding cylinder runs at only 42rpm, contributing to the reduced noise levels. The unit can process material of up to 40mm in diameter, and it incorporates an electronic brake that stops the cylinder rotating within three seconds. Low noise is also a feature of the new EBH341R backpack brushcutter. Power comes from a 33.5cc four-stroke petrol engine that delivers 1.43hp and is rated at 1,070watts. The power unit is designed for low emissions and incorporates anti-vibration mountings to reduce HAV. T 01908 211678 Absorbing products from Parker Parker Merchanting's Liquid Hammer, which was voted as Best New Product at this year's Executive Hire Show, is an environmentally friendly, acid-free cleaner for removing concrete from equipment. It is diluted with water for application and can be jet washed off after 20 minutes. A spray can version is under development. The company has just introduced the Aqua-Sac, designed as an alternative to sandbags. It comprises a biodegradable jute sack filled with absorbent material. After five minutes' soaking in water, it swells significantly to become an effective flood defence. T 0845 120 2454 Digbits crusher provides hire opportunities To meet increasing demand for the hire of mobile crushers, Ledbury-based Roam Construction Restoration and Demolition has bought a Bavtrak 025, made by Digbits. The machine features a large 630 by 330mm jaw feed area and can process concrete, rubble and reinforcing wire into usable hard core. Roam Construction's Managing Director, Richard Tasker, detected an opportunity following the introduction of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP) in April. "Builders and contractors now have no other option but to address on-site recycling," he says. "Customers began making bookings for the 025 within days of us investing in it." T 01889 503020 Tuffa storage solutions The new Petrol Caddy from Tuffa is a 200-litre steel tank, fully bunded and fireproof, designed for the storage and transportation of petrol or diesel fuel. It has UN approval and can be fitted to pickups and similar work vehicles. The company also offers its Easi-fill fuel station range, comprising units with capacities of 1,350-15,000 litres, which can be used for filling and dispensing petrol and diesel. T 0870 756 7700 Efficiencies from Wacker Neuson Wacker Neuson Light Equipment has launched an entirely re-engineered version of its popular WM80 two-stroke rammer. The engine delivers significantly lower emission levels, meeting all current EU emission standards, and a new cylinder design is claimed to reduce hydrocarbon emissions by over 70% and carbon monoxide by more than 50%. Combustion efficiency is enhanced, increasing performance by approximately 10%, Fuel efficiency is a feature of the CRT48-35L ride on trowel, which was launched at the Executive Hire Show in February. Derived from the company's existing 122cm twin rotor petrol-driven machine, its diesel engine is said to be up to 80% more economical. The range also includes the DPU100-70 triple set vibrating plate. By combining three machines, its 3.5m working width provides a compaction rate of nearly 4500m2/hour. The increased vibration energy gives greater efficiency, reducing engine running time and lowering emissions. T 01992 707200 HSC's dust solutions The Hire Supply Company's (HSC) Enviroboot is a dust suppression accessory designed to fit industrial demolition breakers and chipping hammers. The 385mm tall product weighs 1.1kg and fits round the chisel end of the machine, to trap dust particles for collection in a suitable vacuum. The company also offers the Dustless Technology HEPA vacuum, designed to gather very fine particles of stone, glass fibre and dry wall panelling, down to 0.3 microns. It can be fitted with various accessories including kits for sanding and mortar raking tasks. T 0845 309 0707 Executive Hire News › Archives › September 2008 › Market Report › Latest products
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