Executive Hire News › Archives › January/February 2009 › Executive Report : All the latest kit on show

Executive Report : All the latest kit on show

EHN's comprehensive Executive Hire Show preview confirms that, with so many new products being unveiled, hirers must not miss any of the action at the Ricoh Arena on 11 and 12 February.

Arc-Gen’s green commitment

Arc-Gen Hilta is demonstrating its environmental awareness by pledging to buy a tree for the National Forest for every order taken on its stand. The company’s Weldmaker 300AVC welder generator was the winning product in the Green Zone at last year’s Show, and Chief Executive Mark Hodgkins says, “Over the last 12 months we have built on this success. By supporting the National Forest initiative we will be off-setting some of the carbon footprint used in the manufacture and subsequent use of our machines.”
With a larger stand at this year’s Show, the company will display several new products, including the Weldmaker 165SP2, as well as the popular Powermaker 15MVK and Weldmaker 200SSD models. Also on view will be Arc-Gen Hilta pumps, including the Drysite D5 diaphragm model, and the Bowser pressure washer, suitable for site applications where a mains water supply is not available. Carrying 250 gallons of water, the diesel powered, road towable machine can deliver pressure at 3000psi and 15 litres/minute,
with a noise output of 82dBA at 7m.

HCS to hold Syrinx workshops

Hirers using Syrinx software have an extra incentive for visiting the Executive Hire Show this year, as Higher Concept Software (HCS)
will be running complimentary intensive workshops on the product. The company says that, as so many people have visited its stand in previous years, it will also have a dedicated area manned by HCS trainers with experience of working directly in the tool hire industry. Topics covered will include customer relationship management, workshop, purchasing, stock management and customer servicing.
In one of the sessions, Mark Newell, Director, and Alan Ball, Workshop Manager of Mark 1 Hire, will talk on the implementation of the Fleet Servicing part of Syrinx, how the company uses it and the resultant benefits. It will be held on Wednesday 11 February at 10am and will last approximately 30 minutes. Sales and Marketing Director Katy Williams says, “These workshops will help our customers maximise the return from the investment they have made in IT, and hopefully strengthen and drive their business forward in 2009.” To attend a session, contact Katy on 0118 947 6669.

Innovation from Wacker Neuson

Wacker Neuson’s stand will feature several innovations, such as the IRFU high-frequency poker for compacting wet concrete, which has an additional Body Guard electronic safety feature. The company expects its new 91cm double rotor, petrol-engined ride-on trowel to be of particular interest, owing to its compact design and built-in wheels for easy site movement.
From the manufacturer’s compact equipment range, the VDS system for mini excavators will be available for inspection, offering the ability to dig vertical walled trenches on slopes of up to 15%. This is claimed to result in 25% less soil removal, reduced site disturbance and resultant cost benefits.

Parker Merchanting’s treasure chest of products

Parker Merchanting promises a ‘treasure chest’ of new products at this year’s Show, including a safety barrier system with non-protruding feet, designed to meet particular Health & Safety requirements in the utility and construction markets. Other launches include a new range of flood management products.
Dave Cureton, National Account Manager, adds, “For those that remember Liquid Hammer, which won the Best New Product Award at last year’s Show, we have now developed an aerosol version of the equipment cleaning solution, which will be demonstrated during the exhibition.” A competition will also be held to win an iPod or SatNav.

Broendum cleans up

Broendum of Denmark will promote its Ronda heavy-duty vacuum cleaners designed for the hire industry, with particular emphasis being placed on models for collecting fine and hazardous dust within the European dust class H. Newly launched is the 200 Green Tech, derived from the existing 200 unit. This latest version is equipped with innovative motor technology, designed to give increased suction capacity, greater efficiency and reduced power consumption.
Also being targeted at hire is the 350 model for handling larger volumes of water and sludge. Its heavy-duty pump enables continuous operation, transferring up to 300 litres/minute, and it can handle abrasive particles like cement sludge from drilling or cutting operations. A washable M-class polyester filter protects both the working environment and the motor of the machine.

New Thwaites power swivel model

Thwaites will launch its new power swivel 1.5-tonne capacity hydrostatic dumper at the exhibition, joining other models in the popular Hi-Tip range. The machine is powered by a Yanmar water-cooled engine. The company believes the dumper is particularly suited to use in the hire industry, being easy to operate and designed to require minimal maintenance.

Good vibrations with Real Edge

First-time exhibitor, Real Edge, will unveil its compact, battery powered HAVi meter for monitoring hand arm vibration exposure. It attaches to hand-held tools using a Velcro strip or cable tie and indicates when permitted limits are reached or exceeded.
An LCD screen alerts the operator via warning lights, which can express exposure in terms of the ‘traffic light’ system. It also displays the vibration level of the equipment defined in m/s2, actual tool time in use, and the user’s dosage under the HSE’s points value system.

Kranlyft highlights compact cranes

Kranlyft UK will exhibit three machines from the Maeda mini crane range. On display will be a MC104 model with electric/LPG options, along with two MC285s. Kranlyft is the master European distributor for these machines and reports considerable success supplying them to many diverse industries, with the hire market being a major target. Models are designed for reliability, toughness and ease of use.

Satellite-Thal makes its debut

Satellite-Thal is exhibiting for the first time at the Executive Hire Show. Three re-circulating toilets will have pride of place on the stand, comprising a Thal Mondo unit fitted with a hot wash facility, as well as a Satellite Maxim 3000 and a Satellite Tufway toilet, both fitted with sinks that enable the user’s whole forearm to be immersed. They are designed to fully comply with HSE sanitation requirements on UK construction sites, and to provide high-quality facilities.
Also on display will be a new service tank suitable for mounting on a pick-up type vehicle weighing less than 3.5 tonne, plus a range of Satellite’s sanitisation chemicals.

Groundsman Industries launches turf cutter

The new TMC2 turf cutter from Groundsman Industries has been designed to address demand from hirers for a product that gives high performance, reliability, simple and safe operation and low running costs with a good return on investment. The machine incorporates a specially designed, sealed oil-filled clutch-gear drive and is available in 30, 35 40 or 45cm cutting widths, adjustable to a maximum 6cm depth. The machine also accepts mole drain and de-compaction blades.

JCB previews new floor saw

JCB will preview its VFS 450 floor saw. Designed for low HAV levels, it features a 170mm depth of cut, a depth gauge, handle-operated throttle, 20-litre water tank, and adjustable handlebars. Power comes from a 13p Honda engine, and a version with a Hatz diesel engine will be available.
The operator has the choice of using 400 or 450mm blades. The HM25LV hand-held breaker, also designed for low vibration, will be included in the company’s stand display, and this product has been selected as one of the ‘finalists’ in the New Product Zone at the Show.

More power from Avant Tecno

At this year’s Show, Avant Tecno will introduce its new 700 Series of multi-purpose machines, which offer greater lift capacity, increased drive speed and more power to drive attachments. They can be used for safely lifting and transporting kerbs, pallets of stones, large bags of materials and other heavy loads that have stretched the capability of some other models.
The company believes that the increased drive speed gives the 700 Series appeal for more applications. Greater power means more oil flow to the attachments and increased horsepower to run the oil pumps. New attachments will also be displayed.
Avant will introduce the new Leguan 160 boom lift, in addition to Leguan 4WD all terrain platforms. A new design gives shorter dimensions for transportation and decreased weight without affecting the stability of the machine.

Hot additions from Thermobile

New from Thermobile are two additional models in its IMA range of indirect oil-fired mobile heaters. The IMA 150 units are available in 230 and 400V and provide a nett output of 470,000 Btu/hour, equating to 92% efficiency. Heated airflow is 9,000 m3/hour for the 230V model and 11,000 m3/hour for the 400V version. Featuring protective bars all around, they are designed for use on construction sites and in event hire.
Dual voltage 110/230V direct-fired propane heaters will be featured on the stand, consisting of four models with outputs varying from 99,000-275,000 Btu. These are unbranded for hire companies to add their own logos. Coolmobile portable air conditioning units will also be on show.

HSC keeps it simple

Featured on the Hire Supply Company (HSC) stand will be the new Dustless Technologies wet and dry dust extraction vacuum, designed to enable users to switch straight from dry to wet work without changinge filters. Accessories are available for the extraction of dust at source for applications such as floor grinding, sanding, mortar raking, core drilling, paint scraping and dry wall sanding.
Also on show will be HSC’s Elite range of site lighting and electrical equipment, along with Barreto rotovators and a new 13hp Hawk root and stump grinder. Another introduction is a beam lifter machine, designed to lift up to 600kg in weight and 3m high. Levpano plasterboard lifters will also be on displayed. In addition, in more offbeat vein, visitors can participate in a customer interaction zone on the stand.

Precise cutting with DeWalt

DeWalt will unveil its DW717XPS 250mm dual bevel sliding mitre saw. It features a new crosscut positioning system (XPS) that uses LED technology to not only illuminate the work area, but also to cast a shadow of the blade showing exactly where the cut will be, with no need for calibration.
The machine also has a patented precise mitre system, which allows users to make repeatable and accurate cuts. A machined base fence support system increases rigidity and ensures the fence remains perpendicular to the blade. Additionally, the stainless steel mitre detent plate has ten positive detents for quick and easy adjustment. Users can cut a 320mm x 76mm piece of material at 0° and 226mm x 76mm materials at 45°. Maximum depth of cut is 155mm, allowing skirting to be cut vertically against the back fence.

Seddons plays its part

Seddons (Plant & Engineers) will showcase its Parts & Engines Handbook, containing details of parts for products from brands including Honda, Stihl, Yanmar, Hatz and Winget. It was created in response to the increase in demand from cost-conscious companies for parts to maintain equipment.
“The Handbook has been carefully devised in a way that it is easy to understand and follow,” explains Sales and Marketing Director, Phil Winnington. “It contains a reference guide to fast moving part numbers, and diagrams with technical information. Armed with this data, many test-and-run personnel can undertake repairs themselves, without having to send equipment away to a central workshop or dealership, enabling them to return it to the fleet more quickly.”

DTAS becomes Duro

Duro UK is the new name for the Sheffield-based diamond tool and abrasives specialist, DTAS. Products have always been sold under the Duro name since the organisation’s formation five years ago, and MD Paul Morewood says that their impact has resulted in the brand becoming better known than the company’s name leading to the change of identity.
New at the Show will be a second-generation Duro Ultra Rippa, the welded-tip, tungsten carbide blade that enables a standard petrol saw to undertake tasks such as removing tree roots while still in the ground, cutting plastics and metals, and work involved in house demolition.

Stihl shows latest technology

Stihl will showcase its latest generation of cut-off saws, including the popular TS 410. They incorporate specially developed engine technology to deliver maximum power and environment-friendly characteristics in terms of decreased emissions and low fuel consumption. Long-life air filter systems reduce maintenance and help contribute to cost-efficient running, and the tools are designed for low levels of vibration.
Visitors to the stand will also be able to discuss the extensive range of supporting accessories like dust suppression kits, as well as new grounds care products designed to be eco-friendly, efficient and simple to use.

Keep cool with Scotts

Scott Brothers will exhibit its energy-efficient evaporative coolers for the first time at the Executive Hire Show. On display will be the Seeley Convair series of portable machines, including the Magicool, Mastercool and Commander, suitable for rooms and offices from 15-30m2.
In addition, the recently launched mobile Breezair EA120SVM will be shown, which enables areas up to 120m2 to be cooled. Bioclimatic models are designed to provide a high cooling effect whilst utilising little energy, and they use no refrigerant chemicals.
Duncan Pratt-Thompson, Head of Sales, says, “Demonstrations of the Magicool will take place over the course of the two days. We are focused on developing widespread adoption of these machines in the hire industry, and they are suitable for cooling facilities such as homes, offices, factories, warehouses, shops and marquees.”

Indespension launches plant trailers

Indespension will promote a new range of plant trailers with low deck heights, enabling a shorter ramp to be fitted. This leads to a 30% reduction in the loading angle which, together with 13in wheels, increases stability.
The trailers offer a greater carrying capacity, making them suitable for use with a far wider range of plant, particularly mini excavators. The reduced unladen weight improves fuel consumption, and the coupling allows the jockey wheel to be fully retracted to avoid damage from ground contact when travelling over rough terrain or speed bumps.

inspHire’s easy solutions

inspHire will demonstrate its Windows-based hire management solutions. Utilising the Microsoft SQL database, the software is designed to suit businesses of all sizes. Employees performing on/off hires at the hire desk are presented with easy to use procedures to facilitate administrative tasks, whilst extensive ‘data mining’ capabilities allow management to extract business information.
With more than 700 installations to date, inspHire integrates with popular accounting systems including Microsoft and Sage Quickbooks. Latest developments include a Vista-certified CRM (customer relationship management) module, and MobileWorking which frees up staff to process orders more efficiently with barcode or RFID (radio frequency identification) functionality, and includes features like on-site signature capture.

TCP’s towering innovation

Innovation will be the hallmark of the Taylor Construction Products (TCP) stand, in the shape of the environmentally friendly Ecolite lighting tower and a compact derivative, the Ecolite-P.
The Ecolite results from several years’ research and development. “At the heart of the machine is a special luminaire, for which we have global exclusivity,” TCP Managing Director, Andrew Barker, told EHN. “It requires less energy, enabling us to incorporate a smaller engine and reducing fuel consumption by up to 85% compared with some other mobile lighting towers.
“The ceramic discharge lamps produce flicker-free light of a quality that best suits the human eye in darkness or poor light conditions, with reduced glare. The reflector is shaped so as to direct most light on to the ground, where it is needed,” he said.
The Ecolite, which can be towed behind a car, has a fully hydraulic mast that extends to 9.1m. A safety system prevents movement of the machine with the mast raised, and the Hatz 1B20engine consumes only 0.5 litres of diesel/hour, giving up to 170 hours’ continuous running time. Equipment like security cameras can be mounted to the mast and the controls stowed within the base of the machine, which is fully bunded to prevent fluid leakage.
The Ecolite-P, which is being officially launched to the hire industry at the Show, has an identical specification. It differs in having the same 1200mm square dimensions as a Euro format pallet, enabling up to 20 to be loaded two abreast on a standard lorry. It can be manoeuvred into position using a forklift or Hiab, making it less prone to theft.

Makita unveils new hammers

The Executive Hire Show will be the launch pad for a new generation of high-performance rotary hammer drills from Makita. The latest addition to the 2-30kg range is the HR3541, an SDS Max 850watt, three-function machine with torque limiter protection that will drill 35mm in concrete and drive a 90mm TCT core. It runs at up to 630rpm without load and delivers up to 3,300 blows/minute with 6.3joules of impact power.
The three functions provide full hammer action, rotary mode for plain drilling and rotary with hammer action. Soft start is incorporated, together with constant speed control. An AVT (anti-vibration technology) version of the tool is available, with a quoted maximum HAV level of 11.9m/s2. The stand display will also include the new GN900SE gas nailer, which uses Makita’s Lithium-ion 7.2V battery system that has a 30-minute recharge time.

POD scanning system from MCS

MCS will launch its Proof of Delivery (POD) software solution, developed to streamline the process by which hirers record and file documentation such as delivery notes other documentation, increasing business efficiency and enhancing cash flow.
The system works by using barcode technology. Documents previously integrated with a barcode are batched and scanned. The scanner
interprets the code detailing contract number, document type and version number. PDF documents and digital photographs, such as images showing damaged equipment, can be imported and uploaded to the relevant contract or equipment code in the MCS-rm hire management software. Hire customers can also retrieve the information via MCS Extranet.

Platform trio from Hanix

Hanix Europe will launch three tracked aerial platforms, comprising the 9m HA09ZA, 12m HA12A, and 18m HA18JA models for work on demanding terrain. The HA09ZA has a large basket which can be collapsed quickly for easy transportation.
Its 600kg-capacity basket is designed to accommodate three people and rotates through 360?. Hanix says the machine’s manoeuvrability makes it suitable for tasks such as fitting panels, heat insulation, ducting, signs and steel frames, and for construction and demolition work.

More services from WLA

Will Leftwich Associates provides management consultancy services to help hirers to grow their businesses and deliver high operational standards. It offers advice on management skills, Health & Safety matters and preparing for expansion both organically and by acquisition.
New for 2009 is WLA Hireweb, which creates dedicated, branded web sites with an on-line generic catalogue, and WLA Recruitment, which helps companies find the right staff and assists people with their next career move. Also new is WLA Startup, supporting those establishing a brand new hire business, and WLA Hireability, which helps suppliers maximise market penetration in the hire industry.

Special Demon attractions

Demon International will offer its latest pressure washers and accessories at special Show prices, along with established machines such as the Hurricane and Storm 4 Hire. Showcasing this year will be the new 150-litre capacity Tornado Mini-Bowser, which is proving popular with hire companies throughout the country for tasks ranging from small garden cleaning operations to larger projects.
Displayed for the first time will be the Tempest Cabinet Washer targeted at hire depot workshops seeking a cleaning solution for equipment coming off hire. It has been developed following specific demand for a static hot wash system.

Datatag to launch smaller Cesar

Datatag ID will promote the Cesar (Construction Equipment Security and Registration) scheme, which it manages on behalf of the Construction Equipment Association and allows the police to check a machine in the same way as they would a car. A plant registration number, which appears on two tamper-proof registration plates, is registered on the DVLA computer along with owners’ details. The 20,000th registered machine will be revealed at the Show on the opening morning.
The company will also launch a new, smaller Cesar registration plate for use with equipment such as mini excavators and hand-held tools like breakers and tampers.

Camon launches new scarifier

Tracmaster will launch the new Camon LS42 lawn scarifier. It supersedes the LS17 model and offers enhancements such as heavy-duty wheels, long-life blades, a strengthened chassis and axles, and reduced vibration levels. Other Camon grounds care machines displayed on the stand will include rotavators, chippers and shredders, and a self-propelled turf cutter.

Clear the air with WorkPoint

WorkPoint Environments’ AirBench enables workshop staff to clean off-hired power tools without creating clouds of potentially harmful dust in the depot. It comprises a workbench with an integral, self-contained dust extraction system. Dust blown or brushed from equipment is drawn down through the perforated surface, cleaned by internal filters and is exhausted back into the workroom as fresh air.
No installation is required and the product runs from a standard 13A socket. Extraction is claimed to be effective even when cleaning floor sanders and other bulky items.

Cautrac on track

Cautrac will highlight its rubber tracks and pads for mini excavators and compact dumpers. Last year, these were re-branded under the Cautrac name to reflect the fact that the company now deals with the manufacturers directly, with products being made to their exact specifications.
Parts Manager, Mark Kent, says, “An independent company oversees production, checking the vulcanisation and Mooney testing the rubber’s composition. Steel parts are analysed with a spectrometer and checked for tensile strength.” Cautrac says it specifies the heaviest weight for its tracked dumper rubber tracks, and that excavator tracks benefit from a continuous link design for strength. The rubber pad range includes widths from 300-700mm.

Husqvarna’s electric innovations

Husqvarna Construction Products will showcase the K3000 Wet power cutter and K3000 Cut-n-Break. Both are electric machines and incorporate a specially developed direct water supply to minimise dust and slurry. The K3000 Cut-n-Break is derived from the petrol powered K650 model and follows demand for an electric version for indoor use. It can be used to cut up to 400mm deep when making smaller openings and is also suitable for crack chasing, conventional chasing and loop sawing.
The K3000 Wet, which accepts a 350mm blade and cuts to depths of 125mm, has been selected as one of the ‘finalists’ in the New Product Zone at the Show.