act_nov_08

BUT THE DIGITAL ACT OFFERS FAR MORE: With a simple click you can turn pages Click on the contents page and be transferred straight to the chosen editorial section Click on advertisements to go direct to advertisers websites Word-searchable, giving you even faster access to the information you need.

W E L C O M E T O T H E D I G I T A L I S S U E

Thank you for downloading this

electronic version of American Cranes & Transport.

It is identical to the printed act, cover-to-cover, editorial and

advertising, but it is now all on your computer screen.

Cranes&TransportAMERICANwww.khl.com/actA KHL Group Publication

The magazine for the crane, lifting and transport industry

Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA (Specialized Carriers &

Rigging Association)

November 2008Volume 4 Issue 11

19

44

40

The place to buy &sell cranes, lifting and transportation equipment

products, parts 55& accessoriesequipment for 64sale or rentcrane & 84lifting servicestransport & 86heavy haul

$

marketplace

www.khl.com

Welcome pages ACT ALH pages.indd4 4Welcome pages ACT ALH pages.indd4 4 17/10/2008 09:36:4817/10/2008 09:36:48

INFORMATION LITERALLY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

M O R E T H A N A M A G A Z I N E !

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN UTILISE THIS DIGITAL MAGAZINE IN MANY MORE WAYS THAN THE TRADITIONAL PAPER VERSION OF THE MAGAZINE.

Try clicking your way through this issue. The information made available to you could be surprising!

LSEARCHINGBy clicking on the search button at the top of your screen

(usually the binoculars icon) you can search the whole magazine for keywords.

SEARCHING ARCHIVED MAGAZINESif you have Adobe Reader version 6 or 7 you can also

search across all the digital magazines that you have

saved over the months!

DIRECT ACCESS TO A WHOLE WORLD OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONBut perhaps the most powerful information source the e-magazine provides is

the direct click-through to advertisers web sites. Just click on any advert in this

magazine and you will be taken directly to that companys web site where there

will be a mass of additional, useful information at your ngertips.

www.khl.com

Welcome pages ACT ALH pages.indd5 5Welcome pages ACT ALH pages.indd5 5 17/10/2008 09:37:0217/10/2008 09:37:02






19

44

40



$

marketplace

ACT 1108 Cover.indd 1ACT 1108 Cover.indd 1 13/10/2008 10:23:4013/10/2008 10:23:40

ACT full page.indd 1ACT full page.indd 1 14/10/2008 14:18:4614/10/2008 14:18:46

A s we were putting the nishing touches on the November issue, the US stock market is making its downward spiral. Th e forecasts of gloom and doom further dampened the economic mood around the world. Th e American crane and transport sector has taken notice, but continues to persevere getting the jobs done that need to be performed.

We dont see anyone pulling in the horns, says Jack Fendrick, vice president of Kobelco Cranes North America, as we discussed the demand for crawler cranes across the country. Optimistic, Fendrick pointed to the extension of the alternative energy tax credit that was tacked on to the $700 billion bail out package passed by Congress as good news for companies in the crane and transport business. Th at means further investment in wind farms will likely continue.

Th is time last year we were reporting on the surge of crane and transport companies that were working on building ethanol plants. Today this sector is no longer much of a niche as planned plants are being scrapped and demand for this type of fuel has waned, perhaps temporarily, but still an economic red ag.

In our Regional Report on Western Canada, on page 19, Hal Lundgren reports on how companies in that region have begun to diversify in order to keep their businesses a oat, literally. Th ree years ago, Amix launched a new business segment, cranes on barges. Th e company deployed a 600-ton and a 250-ton Manitowoc crawler on barges to simplify waterfront projects. With the barges on cranes, Ed Jackson, president of the company, says that they have lifted large boats, prepared shipments and set steel for Vancouvers convention center.

Confronting these challenging economic times will require these types of approaches. As with all booms, this one has been a very nice ride, and it may not be over yet. We look forward to hearing about your companys cranes, projects and solutions to the economic strains you are facing.

And nally, as the calendar turns to November, we are reminded of all the good amid the bad. Happy Th anksgiving!

Nerve-wrackingEditorialEditor: D.Ann Slayton Shiffler E-mail: [email protected] editor: Alex Dahm E-mail: [email protected] editor: Lindsey Anderson E-mail: [email protected] writers: Lindsay Gale, Maria Hadlow, Richard High, Patrick Hill, Murray Pollok, Chris Sleight, Euan Youdale, Becca WilkinsSC&RA CorrespondentTerry WhiteEditorial director: Paul Marsden E-mail: [email protected]

ProductionProduction director: Saara Rootes E-mail: [email protected] manager: Ross Dickson E-mail: [email protected] production assistants: Philippa Douglas, Pippa Smith E-mail: [email protected] manager: Jeff Gilbert Designer: Gary BrinklowDigital production assistant: Jamie Melville

CirculationCirculation manager: Siobhan Hanley E-mail: [email protected] executive: Hayley Coulson E-mail: [email protected] development director: Peter Watkinson E-mail: [email protected] and bookshop manager: Katy Storvik E-mail: [email protected]

PublisherJames King

Vice presidentTREVOR PEASEKHL Group USA LLC 3726 E. Ember Glow WayPhoenix, AZ 85050Ph: 480-659-0578Fax: 480-659-0678E-mail: [email protected]

SalesNational sales managerPAT SHARKEY1902 15th Avenue NorthFort Dodge, IA 50501Ph: 515-573-8684Fax: 515-573-4991Cell: 515-570-8763E-mail: [email protected]

National account executiveBEV ODELL1427 N. Aztec AvenueIndependence, MO 64056Ph: 816-886-1858 Fax: 816-886-1884Cell: 816-582-5253E-mail: [email protected]

International sales executiveJOHN AUSTIN KHL Group, Southfields, Southview Road, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6TP, UK.Ph: +44-1892-784088Fax: +44-1892-784086E-mail: [email protected]

Accounts assistantEmily RobertsAdministrative assistantBrandy Erisman

e whos who at KHL

D.ANN SLAYTON SHIFFLEREditorKHL Group USA LLC, 30325 Oak Tree Drive, Georgetown TX 78268.Ph: 512-869-8838, E-mail: [email protected]

3NOVEMBER 2008 American Cranes & Transport

comment

ACT 1108 Comment.indd 3ACT 1108 Comment.indd 3 15/10/2008 09:22:3715/10/2008 09:22:37

ManitexBetter Product . . . Better Payback . . .

General ContractingFleet OperatorsHVACRoong

Power Line ConstructionResidential ConstructionGeneral ContractingRoong

Sign ConstructionSign MaintenanceAerial Platform FleetsMining

Oil Field Taxi ServiceMiningand much more . . .

C

SX

SC

S the new Model 50110S

Offering the best choices for your applications

3000 South Austin AvenueGeorgetown, Texas [email protected]

www.manitex.comContacts: Norm Burch (817) 705-9444 Marvin Faulk (214) 502-6357 Bruce Steele (330) 284-2541 Main Office (512) 942-3000


news 6Ohio changes permit regulations, City of Orlando adopts crane operator certi cation, Grove plant expansions opened and Liebherr introduces new AT

business news 10Septembers string of banking collapses and botched bailouts shattered con dence in an already fragile market. Chris Sleight reports

international news 11Crane and transport news from around the globe. Euan Youdale reports

safety 12Jobsites need to be assessed for personal protective equipment needs. Terry Young reports

certi cation news 14Pennsylvania legislature requires crane operator certi cation

product news 17Pal nger unveils high performance loaders, and the latest from Nicolas, Goldhofer and Constructer Lifters

regional report: 19Western CanadaCrane and transport companies look to niche markets to boost bottom lines. Hal Lundgren reports

pro le 24Who would have imaged that the little business Gordon and Shirley Th omsen started from their home in 1974 would evolve into what is now known as Trail King Industries? Hal Lundgren reports

crawler cranes 28With the economic crisis looming, crawler cranes are still in top demand. D.Ann Shi er reports

Industry focus: 33biodieselIn a once hot market, ethanol and other biodiesels were leading the way for crane companies. But due to recent economic slowdowns, construction of these plants has slowed, if not all together stopped. Lindsey Anderson reports

component round up 37ACT o ers the latest and greatest components for the crane and transport sector


products, parts & accessories

equipment for sale or rent

crane & lifting services

55

64

84

marketplace

Member of

Produced in cooperation with the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators)

Th e most comprehensive listing of crane and transport services and equipment in North America

ISSN 1555-1830

Copyright KHL Group USA LLC 2008All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Published by

American Cranes & Transport makes every e ort to ensure that editorial and advertising information carried in the magazine is true and accurate, but KHL Group USA LLC cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and the views expressed throughout the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. KHL Group USA LLC cannot be held liable for any matters resulting from the use of information held in the magazine. Th e publisher is not liable for any costs or damages should advertisement material not be published.

American Cranes & Transport is published 12 times a year by KHL Group USA LLC, 3726 East Ember Glow Way, Phoenix, AZ 85050. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Annual subscription rate is $250. Free subscriptions are given on a controlled circulation basis to readers who fully complete a Reader Subscription Form and qualify under our terms of control. Th e publisher reserves the right to refuse subscription to non-quali ed readers.

Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA (Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association)

product support 40Whether ordering after-market products online or calling a company directly, support teams focus strongly on getting customers what they want, when they want it. Lindsey Anderson reports

site report: rigging 44Milwaukee-based Hennes Services recently lifted and moved into place an old, but hazardous, New York City subway recti er for recycling. ACT reports

www.khl.com

transport & heavy haul86

Oklahoma City-based Northwest Cranes Liebherr LR1600/2 working on a wind farm in Oregon






19

44

40



$

marketplace

Circulation is audited by BPA Worldwide

SC&RA comment 47During tough times, the SC&RA can

be an asset. By Joel Dandrea

SC&RA news 48Th e SC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop in Toronto was a huge success. Terry White reports

SC&RA risk management 50Tim Hillegonds reports on the economic woes of the 2000s compared to highlights of the 1960s.

contents e on the cover

people and events 52AmQuip appoints national crawler manager; Link-Belt names new marketing specialist; Kirby-Smith adds to sales team; Southern Crane receives award

ACT 1108 Contents.indd 5ACT 1108 Contents.indd 5 15/10/2008 09:25:0115/10/2008 09:25:01

6 In metropolitan Washington, D.C., trucks with loads wider than 8-1/2 feet will not be allowed to use the ramp from I-495/95 south to I-395 north, Exit 170B, for the next five months while the Virginia Department of Transportation repairs a bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. Wide-load trucks from the direction of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge bound for I-395 north will be detoured on I-95/495 west to the Braddock Road exit, back to I-495 south and to I-395 north.

Driver turnover rates continued to fall during the second quarter of 2008, according to the American Trucking Associations. Turnover at large-truckload carriers with more than $30 million in revenue declined from 103 percent in the first quarter to 85 percent. That is the lowest rate since the first quarter of 1998. The turnover rate at large-truckload companies peaked at 136 percent in the fourth quarters of 2004 and 2005.

Great Plains Equipment, based in Omaha, NE, is a new dealer for Abbotsford, British Columbia-based Eagle West Equipment Inc. The company will represent the entire Eagle West Equipment product line including San Marco self erecting, city and tower cranes; Koenig self erecting cranes; Wilbert tower cranes; BOSCARO crane and material handling accessories; HMT crane and material handling accessories; and Magnum generators and tower light systems.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division announced it will ramp up inspection of tower cranes. Previously, the state inspected tower cranes only if it was already reviewing a construction site or had received a complaint, according to news reports.

highlights

American Cranes & Transport NOVEMBER 2008

news

Handrails now standard onUS Liebherr Nenzing cranesLiebherr Nenzing Crane Co. has announced it is now fitting handrails as standard on top of crawler cranes delivered to US customers to reduce the risk of operators falling while climbing over the crane.

C r a n e o p e r a t o r s a n d maintenance technicians are periodically required to climb over the top of cranes to access the engine or to inspect winches, ropes and other components. As it is not always practical to connect a harness to a tie-off point, the addition of handrails is designed to improve worker safety by helping to prevent fa l l s ,

according to the company.Handrails were previously

an option on Liebherr cranes but demand for them has risen due to crane safety concerns. It is an OSHA requirement that fall protection measures are adopted in the construction industry for any work at a height of six feet or more.

Liebherr has always set out to pioneer safety initiatives in the crane industry and we are very aware of the OSHA statistics relating to falls from height, said Scott Moreland, vice president of Liebherr Nenzing Crane Co. The introduction of hand-rails on our cranes is a simple measure for us to take to help promote safe working at height and further design-out slip and trip hazards.

A retrofit package for the handrails is also available for owners of cranes produced by Liebherr Nenzing. The

handrails are designed in accordance with OSHAs Fall Protection Standard 1926.502. They are made of hot dipped galvanized steel for a long maintenance-free life.

On the Liebherr LR series cranes the handrai l s can be quick ly fo lded down to facil itate low-overhead transport by just releasing a couple of pins. On the Liebherr HS series the handrails can be simply pulled out and removed for transport.

A T-340 Terex truck crane owned and operated by Mostert Cranes and Equipment, Inc. of Prescott Valley, AZ recently installed an emergency warning system at the Yavapai Community College campus. On the project, steel framework was fabricated and installed by Crossbow Enterprises, a local steel supplier and custom fabricator. A large loudspeaker capable of booming out pre-recorded messages campus wide in emergency situations was placed on the tubular framework. The work was completed in only a few hours time according to Chuck Mostert, owner.

Installing emergency warning system

A heavy-duty 230-ton Liebherr HS 895 HD Litronic crawler crane tted with galvanized steel handrails to promote the safety of operators and maintenance technicians when climbing over the machine. Handrails can be pulled out and removed when transporting the crane if required

ACT 1108 News.indd 6ACT 1108 News.indd 6 15/10/2008 09:25:5915/10/2008 09:25:59

7news news

NOVEMBER 2008 American Cranes & Transport

At long last: OSHA publishes cranes and derricks proposed ruleThe Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) published the proposed Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule in the October 9, 2008 edition of the Federal Register.

Copies of the proposed rule can be obtained at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/p d f / E 8 - 2 1 9 9 3 . p d f . A l l comments are due December 8,2008.

SC&RA is currently reviewing the proposed rule and will be p rov id ing add i t iona l

information to members in the coming weeks via the newsletter and website. SC&RA members from the original C-DAC will be working with staff over the coming weeks to evaluate the proposed rule against the direction originally established during the advisory committee process.

Questions or comments can be directed to Beth OQuinn, v i ce pre s ident , c rane & rigging, at (703) 698-0291 or [email protected].

Manitowoc inaugurates expanded Shady Grove, PA facility

Manitowoc of cially introduced expansions to its Shady Grove crane manufacturing plant during a special ceremony for employees and management in Pennsylvania in late September. The expansion includes two additions: a 50,000 square foot area in the nal assembly building and a 10,000 square foot addition in the boom assembly area.

Glen Tellock, president and CEO of The Manitowoc Company, Inc., was keynote speaker for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. We want to show our customers that with the changes in Shady Grove, and in our other factories, we are demonstrating Manitowocs commitment to this industry and building for the future, he said. We will show that we can build cranes faster and improve quality at the same time.

Manitowoc said the expansion has added 170 new jobs to the facility.

BELOW: Taking part in the ribbon cutting at the expanded Manitowoc plant in Shady Grove, PA were (from left) Craig Rockwell, Rockwell Construction; Glen Tellock, The Manitowoc Company; and Eric Etchart, Bud Hay, and Larry Weyers, Manitowoc Crane

Ohio DOT changes permit policies, feesThe Ohio Department of Transportation is modernizing and standardizing many aspects of its permit process for vehicles carrying oversize, overweight and over-dimensional loads. Among the rules that were modified include allowance of three steel coil permits for single trips up to 120,000 pounds GVW; minimum liability insurance coverage requirement is increased to $500,000; formalization of the marina permit allowing movement of boats to and from a point of storage, repair, or launch not to exceed a 10 mile radius; allowing re-transmission of a permit; allowance of 60,000 pounds on tridem axle; and a host of other changes.

The fees for permits have been modified and include a basic processing charge and units of surcharge, where applicable. Additional information on these permit rule changes can be obtained by contacting the Special Hauling Permits Section of ODOTs Division of Highway Operations at (614) 351-2300 or by visiting ODOTs website.

The states new rules were

developed in consultation with several entities, including the Ohio Trucking Association,

the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association, the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the Ohio Contractors Association, and the Ohio Rail Association.

Georgetown, TX-based Manitex is exporting boom trucks to Russia. Manitexs Randy Robertson said the ConExpo Russia tradeshow in late September was a worthwhile event. Back in May 2008 Manitex announced that it had developed a relationship with Russia-based Dostavka-Service Corp. Ltd. and that the company would begin distribution of Manitex 50 and 60 ton boom trucks. ConExpo Russia was a success, said Robertson. We had a lot of interest from the Russian crane users.

Marino Crane has been acquired by Barnhart Crane & Rigging and is now a division of Barnhart Northeast, Inc., a subsidiary of Barnhart Crane and Rigging Company.

For more than 55 years, Marino Crane has provided crane service, heavy lifting, heavy transportation and specialized rigging throughout the US. The combined capabilities of Marino and Barnhart now include more than 225 operated cranes, heavy lift cranes to 1,760 tons, slide systems, hydraulic gantries, Goldholfer PSTe platform trailers, modular lift Towers and other unique lifting and transportation tools, according to the company.

Barnhart rst established its presence in the northeastern US in 2005 with the acquisition of the original Hake Rigging Company in Philadelphia. The addition of Marino to the Barnhart team will strengthen its commitment to the region and adds capability across the country, according to Barnhart. Established in 1969, Barnhart has 19 branches across the US.

Barnhart acquires Marino


8 American Cranes & Transport NOVEMBER 2008

news

City of Orlando approvesCrane Safety OrdinanceIn a unanimous vote on October 06, 2008, the Orlando City Council approved a new crane safety ordinance initiated by the City of Orlando, FL. The ordinance was drafted after City of Orlando building department officials met with and solicited input from such organizations as the Florida Crane Owner s Counc i l , the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, the Associated General Contractors of Florida, the Construction

company representatives at workshops hosted by the building department.

FCOC cha i rman Bruce Witten said, Finally some c o h e s i v e l a n g u a g e w a s reached and the Ci ty o f Orlando has done something that no other entity in Florida has been able to do to initiate a sensible Crane Safety Ordinance.

Both the FCOC and the ABC of Florida have tried to bring a crane safety bill to the state legislature in the past to no avail.

Ritchie Bros. rolls out Wiki website

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers recently rolled out a free online reference website for the equipment industry at www.RitchieWiki.com. Using the software provided by Wikipedia, Ritchie Bros. has created a one-stop public resource for construction equipment information. Information can be constantly added, elaborated, and updated democratically by thousands of individual contributors that all have different information to share.

The RitchieWiki, has reference-quality material on equipment, manufacturers, people, uses, projects and history. There are also specifications for more than 9,200 different machines and growing. The free public site is sponsored by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, and will be moderated by the company after the roll-out with rules in place to only allow reference-quality, encyclopedic material. No promotional, libelous or self-serving writing will be allowed on the site.

The new 100 metric ton capacity Liebherr LTM 1100-4.2 all terrain replaces the LTM 1100-4.1 launched at the Intermat exhibition in 2003.

The cranes 60 meter boom exceeds its predecessors by 8 meters. The new crane is also stronger, especially with the

boom fully telescoped and in a steep position, where increases are about 30%, the manufacturer said.

Capacity with the boom fully extended is 10.2 metric tons and the strongest four axle crane in the market, Liebherr said.

Buyers bewareBuyers of used cranes should check the authenticity of what they are being offered prior sale. At least two instances have been documented of crawler cranes being labeled as Liebherr LR 1280 crawler cranes and offered for sale when neither crane was built by Liebherr, according to exclusive information obtained by ACTs sister publication International Cranes and Specialized Transport.

Scott Moreland, vice president of Liebherr Nenzing Crane Co., told IC that a used crane was sold as a Liebherr LR 1280 to a customer in India who paid for it and had it shipped from the seller in China. Upon arrival, a Liebherr technician, who had been called to inspect and recommend any necessary repairs, broke the news to the customer that it was not a Liebherr machine.

Reportedly, the a serial number plate from a Liebherr LR 1280 had either been stolen or forged and screwed to a crawler crane built by Chinese manufacturer XCMG, Moreland said. The serial number on the plate suggested it was an LR 1280 sold to a company in China in 2003, Moreland said. A grey, yellow and white paint scheme had been applied to the crane as well as Liebherr lettering.

Manitex International, parent company of Georgetown, TX-based Manitex Inc., has acquired the assets of Crane and Machinery Inc., and Schaeff, Inc. for $3.7 million. Both companies were previously owned by GT Distribution and had combined 2007 revenues of $21 million.

Crane and Machinery is an authorized dealer for Terex rough terrain and truck cranes, Fuchs material handlers as well as Manitex boom trucks and sign cranes. The company is also a supplier of second hand equipment, replacement crane and equipment parts and repair and maintenance services. Schaeff designs, manufactures and sells a line of indoor electric sit-down and standup forklifts.

Andrew Rooke, president and CEO of Manitex International, said the acquisition supports the companys diversification strategy into international markets and strengthens its replacement parts business. We expect Crane and Machinerys distribution network to accelerate our penetration into international markets, which is a key part of our growth strategy, he said in a press release. The Schaeff electric forklift is a niche product that will complement our material handling offering.

Manitex Intl. acquires distributor

Liebherr launches LTM 1100-4.2 AT

Association of South Florida and the Amer i can Sub-Contractors Association. The language for the ordinance was further reviewed by individual


If youre in New York or New Jersey, call W. Kerry Mach at 877-877-9989 to nd out more. Outside of New York and New Jersey, call Rick Kurz at 800-632-5118.

Our opinion:When the IRS gives you a break,

take it.The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 gives businesses a unique opportunity to:

Write off 50% of depreciation on qualifying new equipment purchases in addition to the standard 20% depreciation write-off.

Potentially expense up to $250,000 (under tax code Section 179) if your business spends less than $800,000 per year on equipment purchases.

Youll nd no better partner to help you take advantage of this incredible incentive than Capital One Equipment Leasing & Finance. We have

the experience and the speed to help you seize this opportunity before it expires. And since Uncle Sams generous offer is only good until the

end of the year, you should act soon.

Middle Market | Commercial Real Estate | Equipment Leasing & Finance | Oil & Gas | Leverage Finance | Municipal & Tax Exempt

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor. Capital One Equipment Leasing & Finance is a trade name of All Points Capital Corp., a subsidiary of Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC. Capital One Bank is a trade name of Capital One, N.A., and does not refer to a separately insured institution. 2008 Capital One. Capital One is a federally registered service mark. All rights reserved.


CHRIS SLEIGHT is one of the worlds most internationally renowned construction business writers, with specialist expertise in nancial markets and stock market analysis. He is editor of KHLs market-leading International Construction and Construction

Europe magazines, and is a regular contributor to ACTs sister publication, International Cranes

and Specialized Transport


business news about the authoreSeptembers string of banking collapses and botchedbailouts shattered con dence in an already fragile market. Above all, this caused massive volatility on the markets, but the net effect was, of course, sharp share price falls. Chris Sleight reports

Now its a crisis

DISCLOSURE: Chris Sleight does not own shares in any of the companies named in this column.

act ACTs Heavy Equipment Index (HEI) tracks the performance of 10 of Americas most signi cant, publicly-traded construction equipment manufacturers Astec Industries, Bucyrus, Caterpillar, CNH, Deere & Company, Gehl, Ingersoll Rand, JLG, Joy Global, Manitowoc and Terex.

about the indexs

!#4(EAVY%QUIPMENT)NDEX(%) $/7 .!3$!130

% c

hang

e

57 weeks October 2008E ven if you live on a rock in the far reaches of solar system, you cannot have failed to be aware of the di culties in the global banking sector that reached crisis point in September. With the normal system of inter-bank lending seized-up, numerous nancial institutions on both sides of the Atlantic that rely on borrowing from the wholesale money markets to top-up their capital hit the brick wall of insolvency.

Th is has been a major problem for more than the year now, but with the credit crunch claiming such esteemed names as Lehman Brothers and Washington Mutual, along with several European retail banks, the time to use the word crisis had clearly arrived.

Th ese and other extraordinary events were of course followed by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson $700 billion proposal to nationalize the banking sectors bad debts, which was subsequently thrown out by the House of Representatives.

Th e daily swings between extremely good news and extremely bad news brought an unprecedented level of volatility to the markets. For example, the collapse of Lehman Brothers knocked 4.4% o the Dow in a day, but the announcement of the Paulson Plan saw the Dow rise more than 7% over the course of September 18 and 19.

Th ese were remarkable moves for an index that rarely event

moves even 2% either way in a day. But most striking of all was the 6.98% collapse that came on September 29 following the Houses rejection of the Paulson Plan, the biggest one-day fall in the Dow since the Wall Street crash of October 1929.

Markets can deal with good or bad news, which can be priced-in to share prices. But it is this kind of day-to-day uncertainty that is di cult to cope with. Sudden bad news tends to lead to panic selling as seen on September 29 and what good news there has been in recent months has seen short periods of heavy buying.

Equipment sharesAs cyclical equities, shares in heavy equipment manufacturers have su ered more than the mainstream indicators during the turmoil. As our graph shows, the ACT Heavy Equipment Index sunk like a stone in September, with falls that coincided with the main markets losses. However, the sectors losses were generally much deeper, and the recoveries less pronounced. Th e ACT HEIs drop on September 29 was, for example, 7.46%, compared to the Dows 6.98%.

As a result the ACT HEI nished September some 35% lower than it was 12 months previously. In comparison, the mainstream Dow, NASDAQ and S&P 500 benchmarks were between 20% and 23% lower.

Th e falls in September took the ACT HEI back down to just 115.58 points, the lowest it has been since January 2006, and

some 43% o the record high of 202.14 points seen as recently as April this year.

Time to buyAlthough it would be a brave soul who tried it in the current environment, the fact remains that by any conventional measure, shares in the heavy equipment sector our now massively undervalued. When there is more certainty and stability in the markets, the rally could therefore be sharp, and that could be soon if a decisive rescue plan is launched. Timing will be everything, but after more than a year of mini rallies followed by even steeper losses, an eventual cautious recovery seems the best-case scenario at the moment

ACT 1108 Business.indd 10ACT 1108 Business.indd 10 15/10/2008 09:27:1915/10/2008 09:27:19

11

international news


GERMANY: Tower crane manufacturer Wilbert Turmkrane has opened its new 20 million ($30 million) production plant in Waldlaubersheim, Germany.

Hundreds of customers and industry professionals gathered at the 144,000 square meter (1.6 million square foot) factory for a celebration event.

In his speech Franz-Rudolf Wilbert described how the company moved into the premises in the second quarter of 2008, following a year-long build. We finally decided to go for Germany. We are a family concern and rooted to our native soil and did not wish to inflict a change of location on our highly motivated staff who have been with us for many years. In this rural area where the infrastructure is not as well developed as in major industrial cities, newly qualified staff are easier to find.

AUSTRALIA: A 90% stake in Australian crane company LCR Lindores has been acquired by Champ Private Equity. The value of the sale to Sydney-based Champ was undisclosed. LCR Lindores has annual revenue around AUD$120 million ($100 million), largely from mining and infrastructure. The remaining 10% is held by an LCR Lindores management team, which includes Col Partington, chief executive officer.

SINGAPORE: Tiong Woon Corporation Holding Ltd (TWC) announced a record net profit after tax and minority interest of S$28million ($19.7 million) for the full year ending 30 June 2008. This represented an increase of 24% over the S$22.5 million ($15.9 million) it made in the same period the previous year.

Its turnover was at a record high, up 58% to S$157.8 million ($111.3 million) from S$99.8 million ($70.4 million). The increase in the Groups turnover was mainly attributed to the increase in contributions from its Heavy Lift and Haulage and Fabrication segments.

11

international news world highlightsHistory in the making

act

FRANCE: Mani towoc has installed a new Potain MD 1100 special application crane at the Port Autonome De Dunkerque facility in Dunkirk, northern France. The crane is on site to lift heavy components as part of the facilitys ongoing ship repair work.

Manitowoc engineers designed the crane around the exact specifications of the shipyard that repairs approximately 250 ships a year, each taking around 100 hours to complete.

The MD 1100 belongs to the Port Autonome De Dunkerque, a government-owned entity. It is used by private company ARNO, a subcont rac tor employed specifically to carry out all ship repair work at the yard.

Design specifications for the shipyard have more in common with US shipyards than those in Europe. The Dunkirk facility

was built after World War II with assistance from the US-lead Marshall Plan.

As a result, Manitowoc needed to adjust the design with the most significant change being the construction of a 35 by 35 foot traveling portal. This

portal allows the crane to travel on the 500 meter (1,640 foot) dockside track.

Gerard Vezant, sales director for special application cranes at Manitowoc, said the design changes on this MD 1100 were more than are typically required.

Each special application crane we build is adjusted to specific requirements, but on this crane we made more changes than ever before. Our ability to deliver to the clients needs within a relatively short timeframe helped us win this contract. Didier Delorme, our business manager, was in constant communication with the people in Dunkirk making sure every commitment was met. And at our design office, Jean Claude Gateau oversaw all technical changes.

High diveUK: A base jumping group has used a fully rigged 200 metric ton (220 ton) capacity all terrain to carry out their daring leaps.

UK Pro Base is the company behind the UK base jumping championships in which competitors parachuted from NMT Crane and Plant Hires Terex Demag AC 200 all terrain crane. Fully rigged, the crane lifted the participants to more than 90 meters (295 feet) in a metal cage. The aim is to jump out holding the parachute in one hand before releasing it and trying to land on a target the size of a tennis ball.

The first round took place at the Bedford River Festival in July, (see pictures). Round two of the Whos the Daddy? championship took place in August, when NMT operated its newest addition to its fleet, a Terex Demag AC 250. The machine provided the parachutists with a more than 100 meter jump (328 feet), and the increased load capacity meant more jumpers could be taken on each lift.

We always understood the industrys reluctance to get involved with anything as unusual as our sport, and found very few people willing to even listen to our plans and proposals. NMT were different in that they were happy to give us the time to explain our methods and procedures, and then work with us to establish good working practices to allow the events to go ahead safely, said Dave Moores, UK Pro Base director.

NMT Crane and Plant Hire Ltd, based in Bedfordshire, has provided cranes and lifting equipment to the TV and film world for many years.

EUROPE: European distributor of mini cranes, Unic Cranes Europe, has appointed three new distributors in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. Unic Cranes Europe is the European distributor for Japanese crane manufacturer, Furukawa Unic. Furukawa Unic manufactures mini crawler cranes for lifting in confined working environments. Six models are offered in a range of lifting heights, working radii and capacities.

world highlightact

ACT 1108 IntNews.indd 11ACT 1108 IntNews.indd 11 15/10/2008 09:27:5315/10/2008 09:27:53

I t is an OSHA requirement that employers conduct an assessment of the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present. Th e results of this assessment could necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) on site.

One of the key factors in PPE effectiveness is the employers communication with affected employees good communication is crucial in establishing guidelines and procedures when using PPE.

Types of personal protective equipment include: head protection, eye protection, hear ing protect ion, foot protection, hand protection, high-visibility vests, appropriate c lothing and respi ra tory protection.

M H e a d p r o t e c t i o n includes ANSI Z89.1 type one top impact only class E (electrical), class G (general), and class C (conductive) head gear. Employers must remember that proper selection

is necessary depending on the work hazards assessment. Care and maintenance procedures for head protection include: inspecting for defects (and replacing if there are any signs of loss of surface gloss nicks, cracks, fading, flaking, stiff or brittle surface), electrical contact, strike by a falling object or any deformations of the hard hat. Do not paint, store in direct sunlight, sit on, modify the shell or suspension, or ever use solvents or cleaners on hard hats.

IEye protection includes ANSI Z87.1 eye glasses, mono goggles, face shields, and shaded eyewear. Selection criteria to be considered are work tasks such as chipping, grinding, machining, sawing, fastening, chiseling, welding, cutting, wood working, and handling chemicals and acids. Employers and employees must keep the equipment clean and inspect it for defects, cracks, scratches, broken or bent frames or damage form impact.

N Hear ing protect ion includes Niosh-approved ear-muffs or ear-plugs to protect from noise sources such as crane, heavy equipment, chipping, grinding, machining, sawing, power fastening, drilling, and industrial machinery. Users should clean their hands and the hearing protection equipment before each use and replace plugs when they are no longer pliable. Reducing noise levels below 80 decibels is best practice.

KFoot protection includes ANSI-approved footwear to protect against falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole and exposure to electrical hazards. This includes protect ion f rom impact , compression, cuts or puncture injuries.

JH a n d p r o t e c t i o n i n c l u d e s O S H A -approved gloves that are appropriate for a particular application. Gloves may be selected based on exposure to skin absorption of harmful chemicals, or substances, sever cuts, lacerations, abrasions, punctures, thermal or chemical burns or extreme temperatures.

High visibility protection includes ANSI-approved high-visibility vests that are marked with or made of reflective or high-visibility materials. The conspicuity classes are: Class one, two, and three. All three classes require 360-degree visibility, meaning the wearer can be seen from all sides.

Class one vests are used when workers can give their undivided attention to approaching traffic; there is ample separation between the worker and vehicular traffic; and vehicle

Ensure that all PPE is of safe design and construction and is suitable for the work performed

Select and have each identi ed employee use the proper PPE Explain the limitations, proper care, maintenance, useful life and

disposal procedure of the PPE Show employees how to don, remove, adjust and wear PPE Make sure the PPE selected ts properly Train employees to a level where they can demonstrate an

understanding of the training and show the ability to use PPE properly

Keep accurate certi cation and records of all training required by OSHA

Always follow the OSHA, ANSI, NIOSH and manufacturers guidelines when selecting, using, maintaining and caring for PPE.

e PPE guidelines for employers

act

12


TERRY YOUNG is president of Construction Safety Experts Inc.

and a member of the board of directors of the SC&RA. He can be contacted at 919-632-3068 or e-mail: [email protected]

safety about the authore

Assessing your PPE needs

Jobsites need to be assessed for personalprotective equipment needs. Terry Young reports

speeds are 25 mph or less.Class two vests are used

to achieve great visibility. They are recommended in inclement weather; when employees perform tasks that divert attention away from approaching traffic; when vehicles speeds are between 25 and 50 mph; or when workers are in or near the vehicle traffic space.

Class three vests are used when vehicle speeds exceed 50 mph, or when workers and vehicle operators have demanding task requirements. The wearer must be visible from one-quarter mile and must be recognizable as a person.

L As far as respiratory protection is concerned, both OSHA and NIOSH require that a contractors program be administered by a trained program administrator. A hazard analysis must be per formed to de te rmine exposure levels, and eliminating or controlling the exposure should always be considered before opting for respiratory protection. A written program, including employee medical evaluations, fit testing, training, selection criteria and identifying the program administrator is required.

Appropriate clothing includes OSHA standards that require shirts with minimum four inch sleeves, long-sleeved, heavy duty shirts for hot work or special conditions, pants with no cuffs and fire resistant clothing for working in hot environments. Ap p ro p r i a t e h e a d , e y e , foot, cold weather and hot weather clothing must also be considered.

ACT 1108 Safety.indd 12ACT 1108 Safety.indd 12 15/10/2008 09:29:4615/10/2008 09:29:46

Maxim Crane Works

was acquired by

With over $3 bil l ion of newly raised equity capital, Platinum Equity is aggressively seeking acquisit ion oppor tunities in the crane rental

industry and related sectors. All inquiries should be directed to Louis Samson at (212) 865-7332 . www.platinumequity.com


Cr a n e o p e r a t o r s i n Pennsylvania wi l l be required to be licensed by the state under the provisions of a bill approved by the legislature, October 8, 2008. Crane operators would have until 2010 to comply with the new law.

House Bi l l 647 cover s operators of most mobile cranes of 15 tons capacity and above, as well as tower cranes of 10 meter tons or more. Under the terms of the rule, an individual may not operate a crane, nor offer himself for employment as a crane operator, unless licensed by the state.

A central requirement for licensure is certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane

Operators (NCCCO) or other organization meeting the applicable ASME standard and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Nat iona l Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Crane licensing categories include, but are not limited to, tower crane, lattice boom crawler, lattice boom truck, telescopic boom (rotating control station), and telescopic boom (fixed control station).

Un l i k e c r ane ope r a to r r e q u i r e m e n t s i n m a n y other states, Pennsylvanias licensing law is not limited to construction activities. However, excluded are cranes used in coal mining, longshoring or manufacturing operations. Also

not covered are digger derricks, forklifts, bucket trucks and tow trucks.

The new law will establish a Board of Crane Operators within the Department of State consisting of the Commissioner o f P r o f e s s i o n a l a n d Occupational Affairs, two public

Pennsylvania to require crane operators to be licensed

certi cation news


members and four professional members. Professional members must have been actively engaged in crane-related operations in Pennsylvania for at least five years immediately preceding appointment.

Trainees may operate cranes so long as they have passed a written examination by an organization such as NCCCO and are under the immediate supervision of a crane operator. For a one-year period only, individuals may be licensed if they pass the NCCCO practical exam or can document to the Boards satisfaction at least five years experience specific to the type of crane for which they are seeking licensure.

The new rule provides for reciprocity with other states, as well as with Canada. However, only individuals who also hold CCO certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) may be issued a license to work in Pennsylvania.

The passage of the Pennsylvania law brings to a close a four-year journey for a bill which survived numerous hearings and rewrites before consensus was achieved among all interested parties last month. It also brings to sixteen (16) the number of states with certification and/or licensing requirements for crane operators. Full information can be found at http://www.nccco.org/licensing/index.html

New York City Buildings Commissioner, Robert LiMandri, announced strict new criteria last month for individuals seeking licenses to operate certain mobile cranes in the city.

New applicants for Class C cranes (i.e. mobile cranes of 50 tons capacity or less, and 200 ft. of boom or less) must now obtain certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). They must also undergo a criminal background check, demonstrate physical fitness and comply with a substance abuse policy.

Individuals who currently hold active Class C operator licenses must meet the new requirements and obtain NCCCO certification by September 30, 2009, to retain their licenses.

These new requirements will better ensure individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate the most advanced mobile cranes available, said Commissioner LiMandri. Any type of crane is a complex piece of machinery that requires a unique set of skills, and these modernized tests accurately measure ones ability for the cranes being used today.

To obtain a Class C license, an applicant must also have at least two years of experience within the three years prior to application.

Applicants must pass NCCCO written and practical exams specific to the equipment for which the New York City Class C license is to be issued. Certification by NCCCO will demonstrate that an applicant has adequate knowledge and experience using the appropriate crane model, New York Citys Buildings Department stated.

The Department will periodically audit a random sample of the applications submitted and work with the Citys Department of Investigation (DOI) to pursue disciplinary action against those found to have submitted fraudulent information, or who do not otherwise meet the necessary requirements.

The need for this licensing overhaul comes after DOIs arrest in June of the Departments senior crane inspector, following which the testing process was halted on allegations that the testing had been compromised. To ensure the integrity of the process, the Department is now working with NCCCO to begin administering the NCCCO exams, a Buildings Department statement noted. NCCCO has established a dedicated resource page on its web site at http://www.nccco.org/licensing/NewYorkCityCentral.htm or go to www.nyc.gov/buildings.

act

Unlike crane

operator requirements

in many other states,

Pennsylvanias

licensing law is not

limited to construction

activities

Certi cation

by NCCCO will

demonstrate that

an applicant has

adequate knowledge

and experience using

the appropriate crane

model

New York Citys Buildings Department

New York City overhauls operator licensing rules

ACT 1108 Cert News.indd 14ACT 1108 Cert News.indd 14 15/10/2008 09:30:1615/10/2008 09:30:16

Maximum Lifting Capacity 35t

Maximum Lifting Capacity 20t Maximum Lifting Capacity 10t

Rear tandem mount available

Visit us at www.tadanoamerica.com to nd local dealers and machine speci cationshttp://www.tadanoamerica.com/ E-mail : [email protected]

TADANO AMERICA CORPORATION4242 WEST GREENS ROADHOUSTON, TEXAS 77066 U.S.A.PHONE: (281)869-0055 FAX: (281)869-0040

Radio Remote Controls Model : RCS-F

Non CDL truck mount available

NEW Mounting in Houston is now available!!


Terex Corporation 2008 Terex is a registered trademark of Terex Corporation in the United States of America and many other countries

Flat Top Tower CranesSelf-Erecting Cranes Luffing Jib Tower Cranes

WE FOCUS ON OUR CUSTOMERS.Ready for action whatever youre planning were there for you.

We have been industry pioneers for decades not only when it comes to flat top cranes.We are driven by our aim to reduce complexity, to create a working tool that combines highest productivity levelswith optimum safety. This made us design tower cranes that put our customers in a global top position through enormous lifting capacity, long reach, high flexibility and safe operation.

Terex Cranes Wilmington Operations Wilmington, NC phone 910-395-8500 www.terex-cranes.com [email protected]


17

product news product news


The leveling pipe lifter from Construction Lifters has a leveling bail that adjusts for various pipe lengths. The leveler has a laser target holder that eliminates the need to manually place a laser target inside the pipe. Features include: replaceable urethane lifting saddle and positioning handle. It is available in standard capacities from 1.5 to 15 tons and custom sizes are available upon request.

ConstructionLifters new product features laser leveling

Pal nger unveils high performance loadersTh ree new loader cranes have joined Pal ngers High Performance range in the 6.6 to 7.7 ton class.

Th e PK 6501 and PK 7001 EH have up to four hydraulic

extensions and a hydraulic outreach of 36.7 feet. Th e PK 6501 has a 6.5 ton capacity, while the PK 7001 EH is rated at 7.2 tons.

Th e PK 7001 K is equipped

with up to two hydraulic extensions and has a hydraulic outreach of 22 feet and a lifting moment of 6.7 tons.

Th e EH-version model is equipped with HPLS

technology. Electronic regulation of the high-end control valve also means several crane functions can be performed at once, according to the company.

Th e K-version model is distinguished by a shorter, weight-optimized boom system. Hydraulic

outriggers give a supporting width of up to 16 feet.

Th e models synthetic and steel control panel also o ers increased functionality, adds Pal nger, with the option of LEDs which backlight the instrument.

Huge new truck tractors by Nicolas being delivered to South Africa

The Tractomas TR is a truck tractor from French manufacturer Nicolas Industrie. The units feature a weight of around 36 tons with a vehicle total weight of 59 tons (tractor with ballast container box). The Tractomas TR 8 x 8 can move a convoy weight (tractor plus trailer with load) of nearly 826 tons. This allows the tractor to transport heavy equipment across distances ranging from 180 miles to 2,485 miles. They work well in coal, gas and nuclear power plants, the company says. The truck is powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine and a power-shift transmission from Dana Spicer. The drivers cab features ergonomic touches for long-distance hauling.

UK-based Abnormal Load Engineering has 64 axle lines of Goldhofer heavy-duty series THP/SL, one low pro le deck, gooseneck and one vessel deck.

Th e 64 axle lines are modular heavy-duty combinations with a technical axle load

of 39 tons per line. Th ey can be combined in any

order one behind the other

or, in parallel, for maximum exibility. Using the low pro le deck and vessel deck allows ALE to keep the transportation height of increasingly large cargo to a minimum. Th e THP/SL vehicle type is the most common combination system around the world, according to its manufacturer, so ALE can increase capacity

by co-operating with other companies without needing to buy additional equipment for special jobs.

RIGHT: Pal ngers PK 6501 High Performance loader.

BELOW: Pal ngers PK 7001 EH High Performance crane is

equipped with HPLS technology

Transport specialist ALE Ltd invests in Goldhofer

ACT 1108 Product news.indd 17ACT 1108 Product news.indd 17 15/10/2008 09:30:5715/10/2008 09:30:57

Specialized trailers represent a sizeable

investment; so choosing the right

manufacturer is key. Contact us today to

learn why a growing number of

companies are choosingAspen.

Heavy Haul Industry



regional report: western canada

A growing source of British Columbia power has sparked greater demand for Apex Industrial Movers services.Its water.BC Hydro, one of Canadas largest

electricity providers, relies on small rivers and large creeks as its power source. BC Hydro establishes a power-generation facility, and Burnaby, British Columbia-based Apex is BC Hydros partner in delivering, placing and removing site transformers in the 90-ton range.

or transformer. Th e manufacturer will deliver the product to a pad. Sometimes, the transformer or generator might arrive at a railroad siding 50 miles from the project. Th en Apex people put the equipment in place for BC Hydro to operate.

Apex now averages one transformer installation for BC Hydro each week, and at least one generator installation per month.

Adjusting to slumpsAs Apex cultivates a newer opportunity in western Canada, Eagle West Cranes is adjusting to a recent slump in one of its primary markets. Eagle West entered the tower crane business about six years

BC Hydro is a Crown corporation responsible to the provincial government. Th e utility has committed to delivering cleaner, green power, and Apex has been just the right partner to help achieve the objective.

According to David Stroud, manager of estimating at Apex, Th e sites are often in remote areas of British Columbia. Th ere are few roads to many of those locations. BC Hydro has continued to rely on our company to do the work at those sites.

BC Hydro is not interested in fossil-fuel generation, says Stroud. Wind generation is part of the future in the province. But right now, BC Hydro is focused on water for power. We are fortunate to wind up doing the big jobs for them.

Apex works just as closely with the manufacturer of a generator

Crane and transport companies

in Western Canadahave dealt with a slowing market

by diversifying into niche markets

that offer healthier bottom lines.

Hal Lundgren reports

Branching out

BC Hydros commitment to green energy keeps prospects bright for Apex Industrial Movers, says David Stroud, manager of estimating

Apex Industrial Movers positions a 1,200-ton private yacht into a oating dry dock prior to launch

Apex Industrial Movers transported a 1,300-ton module by barge from Vancouver Island to a mainland pulp and paper mill

Burnaby, British Columbia-based Apex Industrial Movers delivers a 120-ton transformer to

British Columbias Kootenay region

ACT 1108 Regional Western Canada19 19ACT 1108 Regional Western Canada19 19 15/10/2008 09:32:0615/10/2008 09:32:06


ago from its base in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

According to Ryan Burton, who serves the tower crane division both as general manager and sales manager, Tower cranes were strong for us for about 5 years. Th en, about six months ago, the market turned (down). We expect much of the same in 2009, but we hope business will be a bit better.

Burton added, In recent months, things got a little tougher when people began to believe that the U.S. was headed into a recession.

Signs of the slowdown appeared when developers discovered a tighter loan market, Burton explains. All at once, banks were unwilling to make loaning money easy, he says. You just didnt start a new building and borrow money to build it. If you didnt have the building 60% or 70% sold with tenants, the bank wouldnt loan the money. We even had purchase orders written, on our desks, when projects would be put on inde nite hold.

Burtons says that when Europe started to slip this year Spain, Italy, Germany that really sent people scrambling. After the market turned, we continued to look for slow, steady growth, he says We moved (sales e orts) eastward, trying to take advantage of the need for tower cranes in

Alberta. Eagle West also acquired three smaller companies.

Burton found only a few bene ts in the slowdown, explaining, We learned how to build with fewer people. We also learned to be e ective in tougher times.

Avoiding tough timesNanaimo, British Columbia-based Nickel Bros. House Moving seems to be avoiding tough times. Nickel Bros. has made lots of smart choices in its 52 years. Innovating the buy-and-sell home program was among its best decisions.

We noticed that too many homes were being demolished, says Jeremy Nickel, who, with brothers Murray and Allan, now heads the company his father founded in 1956. We realized that we could rescue those homes.

So they did.Today, if a developer decides to wipe

homes o a site, Nickel Bros. often steps in to purchase the homes. Even without immediate buyers, Nickel Bros. will complete the purchase, then move a home to one of its four B.C. staging areas. Because brick homes cost far more to transport, about 95% of Nickel purchases are wood structures. Th e company transports two-thirds of its purchased homes by land. With the Strait of Georgia separating the

B.C. mainland from Vancouver Island, the company relies on contracted barge operators for the other one-third.

Nickel Bros. was among the pioneers in buy-sell, and that early jump has seen the program gain about one-half of the companys business. (Industrial work accounts for 30% and service contracts another 20%.) Several trends seem to favor a rise beyond 50%.

Jeremy Nickel has observed a softening economy in B.C. and the northwest US during recent months. Placing an existing home on someones lot, rather than building one, o ers signi cant savings.

Like most provinces and territories, B.C. keeps an environmental focus. Large-scale


Denis Prevost, vice president of national accounts for Ritchie Bros., considers

the crane markets immunity from future downturns unlikely. Potential

softness always awaits, despite Ritchies recent success in selling many cranes for high sales prices

Vancouver-based Ritchie Bros. auctions off hundreds of cranes each year at equipment auctions around the world


22



reselling of homes in the way of a new project instead of tearing them down is kind to forests. In Jeremy Nickels words, Th is program is a green alternative. Why build a home when you can adopt one?

An economic hedgeOne of western Canadas most stunning business successes, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers appears less susceptible to normal ups and downs. Th e company continues its worldwide growth, always seeming to nd areas of demand.

Th e worlds largest heavy-equipment auctioneer, Vancouver-based Ritchie Bros. now operates from more than 100 o ces in 25 countries, covering the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. Somewhere on the globe, theres a Ritchie Bros. auction almost every other day.

Denis Prevost, vice president of Richie Bros. national accounts, observes, We nd the crane market is still strong. Pipelines, mines and re neries keep it strong. We auction hundreds of cranes every year.

Prevost says his company sees demand still there in 2009 and 2010. Supply is still catching up, he says. Prices are high because everyone expects them to remain high. Lots of companies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are bidding. Th at keeps prices higher for US and Canadian bidders. Prices are still way up for

higher-capacity mobile cranes and for other models.

Prevost, a 35-year industry veteran with 20 years at Ritchie Bros., considers the crane markets immunity from future downturns unlikely. Potential softness always awaits, despite the companys recent success in selling many cranes for high sales prices.

Th ere can always be problems, he says, citing the current downturn in housing and concerns that prices for some of the heavy equipment Ritchie Bros. sells could cycle down.

Fortunately for Ritchie Bros., there is always a need to buy and sell equipment, and our global auction process is becoming an industry standard for moving equipment pro tably, says Prevost.

Barging aheadA company with deep roots in recycling and barge work, Amix Heavy Lift, has made a pro table discovery. To procure a water lift in the Vancouver area, a company would have to procure services from Seattle or even a more distant city. Th e crane would have to be towed to the lift site at about 10 mph. Extended service time made the lift more costly.

So, in 2005, Amix decided to launch a new business segment. It would deploy a 600-ton Manitowoc 4600 and a 250-ton Manitowoc 4000 on barges to simplify waterfront projects. Most lifts have been in

the Vancouver area.Th e cranes have done

construction work, says Ed Jackson, president of Amix and veteran of the scrap

metal and barge businesses. Weve lifted large boats. Weve prepared shipments. Weve set steel for Vancouvers convention center.

Although Jacksons company has discovered consistent demand for the new service, he says that demand gives him no clear picture of western Canadas economic outlook.

Th at would be hard for me to predict, he says. We see a need for this service, but its just a niche market. Were fortunate to have created that niche, and to be tting into it.

Why would a customer call on Amix to bring in one of its oating cranes?

To save money, says Amix vice president Shaun Ritchie. Customers used to have to do this work piece by piece. Now, with our cranes on the water, we give them the opportunity to build with large modules. Its far more economical that way. Th at was what we had in mind when we started this business -- providing a service that no one else can deliver. Unless, of course, you go to Seattle for a competitor.

A customer might spend months preparing for an Amix cranes arrival. When it reaches the project, work begins immediately.

We own our boats and barges, Ritchie says. So were in and were out quickly.

When the idea of this service rst came up, we considered it a good way to diversify, says Ritchie. A few people disagreed. Th ey thought we were crazy. Th e new business has been steady, so the idea was good. If we had to do this again, wed make the same choice. We have lots of con dence in our skills. act

Amix Heavy Lifts crane barge Arctic Tuk lifting precast concrete deck beams at the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project in Vancouver, BC. The panels were loaded onto the Arctic Tuk at the concrete plant and transported to the jobsite, taking advantage of the Arctic Tuks combination of deck space and reach with heavy loads

Amix Heavy Lift crane barge Arctic Tuk lifting yachts for overseas transport at

Nanaimo Harbor, BC


Superior capacities, outstanding mobility 287 hp Tier III Isuzu CHK1X engine Cutting edge winch package with wet brake design

and matching front & rear drums 3-piece counterweight system and innovative removal system 40' to 200' (12.19 - 60.96 m) tubular boom Optional 40' to 150' angle boom HSL capacity limiter with high visibility color graphic display Superior capacities Dual swing drive provides

smooth swing control Transport complete crane

with base section, drums with rope and self-assembly device, less counterweight, at under 90,000 lbs

Optional 3rd & 4th drum

LINK-BELT CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT COMPANYLexington, Kentucky | www.linkbelt.com

7110-08 569


pro le


pro le

An American Who would have imagined that

the little business Gordonand Shirley Thomsen

started from their home in

1974 would evolve into what

is known as Trail King Industries? They did. Hal

Lundgren reports

T he windswept prairies of eastern South Dakota might seem like the last place a person would expect to nd one of North Americas leading trailer manufacturers.

And yet, as anybody who has been looking for a trailer that is engineered and manufactured to meet the most demanding specialized hauling needs can tell you, over the past 25 years it has become the rst place to look.

Th at is because Mitchell, SD, is home and headquarters to Trail King Industries, Inc.

And with three manufacturing facilities and more than 300 dealer locations across the US and Canada, Trail King has become a leader in the trailer industry.

In fact, no other US trailer manufacturer

o ers a more extensive line than Trail King, whose trailers range in load capacities from 6,000 pounds to 1 million pounds, serving a variety of applications in markets as diverse as construction, agriculture, transportation, waste and recycling, and specialized hauling.

Of course, all of this did not just happen overnight.

Th e Trail King story began in 1974, when Gordon and Shirley Th omsen founded Western Ag Sales. During the rst few years, the company was primarily a distributor and sales representative for manufacturers of agricultural equipment. However, in 1978, Western Ag Sales purchased another Mitchell-based manufacturing company, Plains Industries, and moved into their manufacturing facility. With this purchase, Western Ag not only added 13 former employees of Plains Industries to their payroll, but they added a new product line as well a line of trailers called Trail King.

During the next few years, Western Ag expanded this line to include trailers with many enhanced features, such as hydraulic tails and detachable goosenecks, to better meet customers speci c hauling needs. Probably most notable of these was Trail Kings development of what many at the time considered the best hydraulic detachable gooseneck in the industry a system that made hooking up and unhooking a simple, one-person 60-second connection.

Of the 13 Plains Industries employees who joined Trail King in 1978, 10 have either

remained on staff or have retired as Trail King employees

Trail King company headquarters, circa 1975

Trail King has three manufacturing locations: Brookville, PA; West Fargo, ND; and two facilities in Mitchell, SD (Mitchell West Plant pictured here)

ACT 1108 Interview.indd 24ACT 1108 Interview.indd 24 15/10/2008 09:34:0515/10/2008 09:34:05

25 NOVEMBER 2008 American Cranes & Transport

pro le

interview pro le

success story

As the 1970s drew to a close, the companys emphasis shifted away from the distribution of agriculture-related equipment in order to focus exclusively on the manufacture of Trail King trailers. And to re ect this commitment to the manufacture of trailers only, in 1983, Western Ag Sales o cially changed its name to Trail King Industries.

Th is focus on trailers, and trailers only, led to an expanded product line that included trailers designed not only to address construction-related applications, but to meet the needs of the commercial and specialized hauling markets as well.

Th is expanded product line led to increased sales which, naturally, required increased production capacity and capabilities in order to keep pace with orders. To address this need, Trail King built a new manufacturing plant in 1987, right down the road from its

existing facility. At 67,500 square feet, this new plant went a long way toward meeting the ever-increasing demand for Trail King trailers.

But not for long.So, in 1992, as Trail King sales continued

to grow and strain production capacity at the seams, the plant was expanded. And, only two years later, it was expanded again.

By 2008, the square footage for all three Trail King locations totaled almost 670,000 square feet, providing state-of-the-art production capabilities for a workforce of over 900 employees.

AcquiredIn June of 1995, Trail King was acquired by Carlisle Companies, Inc. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carlisle Companies, Inc. employs more than 11,000 people in nine

operating companies around the world, and its stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CSL. It is comprised of three operating segments: general industry, construction materials and transportation products, of which Trail King became the newest member.

Up to this time, Trail King had manufactured, almost exclusively, open deck trailers. But that all changed when, in 1995, it acquired the assets of Ti-Brook, Inc. As a respected manufacturer of aluminum dump bodies and end dump trailers, Ti-Brook brought a new materials hauling dimension to Trail Kings product line. Whats more, its facilities in Brookville, PA added an important Eastern U.S. presence to Trail Kings manufacturing capabilities not only for materials hauling trailers, but lowbed and specialized trailers as well.

In 2000, Trail King further expanded its product o erings with the purchase of Red River Manufacturing, based in West Fargo, ND. Red River had a well-deserved reputation for manufacturing outstanding live bottom and bottom dump trailers for the agricultural, waste, and construction industries. Th e 2007 construction of a brand new 160,000-square-foot facility has further increased Trail Kings ability to meet ever-increasing market demand in an even more timely, e cient, and quality-enhanced way.

Continued prosperityGordon and Shirley Th omsen are no longer involved with the company today, but Trail King has continued to prosper under the leadership of their son, Jerry.

LEFT: Attention to detail is a hallmark of all Trail King trailersincluding those of mammoth proportions

Trail King designs custom trailers, like this 85-ton low-pro le 13-axle trailer, to meet the speci c hauling requirements of its customers

ABOVE: Trail King suspension beam trailers can haul extremely heavy loads with some models capable of carrying up to 1 million pounds


pro le


pro leThis profile was excerpted from Lifting & Moving the World, a coffee table book published by KHL Group USA to commemorate the 60th anniversary in 2008 of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association. To purchase a copy of the book, e-mail: [email protected]

SC&RA history book

,IFTING-OVING

THE7ORLD#ELEBRATINGTHETHANNIVERSARYOFTHE3PECIALIZED#ARRIERS2IGGING!SSOCIATION

Th e younger Th omsen still recalls that, as a start-up company, Trail King was a constant intrusion in his boyhood home life. When my parents started the company, it was nothing much more than desks in the upstairs hallway of our home, Th omsen recalls. If you went upstairs to your bedroom, you had to walk around desks.

His parents astutely guided Trail King from a small start-up operation to a successful mid-size company. When the operation relocated from the upstairs hallway of the Th omsen home to a new 67,500-square-foot manufacturing facility, Th omsen remembers that there was so much space, all the employees could park their cars inside.

Of course, Jerry Th omsen was actively involved with the company right from the start, even as a teenager. At the end of each week he worked, Jerry would mark his time card and submit it to his boss his father, Gordon Th omsen. After one particularly demanding week when he had worked 82 hours, the young Th omsen handed his card in as usual. Th e elder Th omsen eyed the time card, and acknowledged that the 82 hours were, indeed, legitimate. Th ere was only one problem, he told his son, Th eres no way I can a ord to pay you that much.

So that week, the younger Th omsen once again settled for his standard, 40-hour check.

Looking back, Th omsen identi es the decision to shift from agriculture to the

construction market as one of the companys key milestones. Before that change in strategy, company o cials were uncertain about just how much they would be able to grow the business.

But, after the direction of the company changed, we took o , Th omsen says. It worked out pretty well.

Another take-o moment came in 1995, when Carlisle acquired Trail King. Becoming a division of a large public company accelerated growth. Trail King not only discovered more expansion opportunities, Th omsen says, but those opportunities came even quicker.

Sense of familyDespite broader horizons that the Carlisle acquisition opened, there is still a certain old-fashioned sense of family that pervades the atmosphere at Trail King. In fact, of those 13 employees who joined the company in 1978 after the purchase of Plains Industries, 10 of them have either remained on sta to this day or retired as Trail King employees.

To be sure, change has been a part of Trail Kings history. From Western Ag Sales to present day Trail King Industries, Inc. From agricultural products distributor to trailer industry leader. From the rst Trail King trailer to todays specialized multi-axle behemoths. Yet, despite all this growth and change in Trail Kings past and all that surely lies in its future - there are some things that will always remain constant: Trail King will always strive to lead the way in the trailer industry, delivering trailers that are engineered and manufactured to the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability. Trail King will continue to actively participate in organizations whose missions are to elevate the trailer industry and its related industries to new levels of innovation, professionalism, and integrity.

And, as it has through all these years, Trail King will continue to value the human element of doing business: Treating employees, dealers, customers, vendors, and, yes, competitors, too, with respect, honesty and good will.

LEFT: Specialized haulers in the wind energy market rely on Trail King 19-axle trailers to deliver heavy components to tower sites, even over rough terrain in remote areas

To haul wind tower turbine blades measuring over 150 feet long, Trail King manufactures specially designed extendable trailers.

Trail Kings Schnable neck and steering dolly design makes it possible to maneuver wind tower sections with relative ease, even at tight, crowded worksites

act


The Group

Experience the Progress.

Liebherr Nenzing Crane Co.7075 Bennington StreetHouston, TX 77028-5812Phone: +1 713 636 4050Fax: +1 713 636 4051www.liebherr.com

Experience the Progress with Liebherr: Crawler Cranes featuring high capaci-ties, impressive boom configurations and a new standard in safety. Advanced Technologies are our Business.



crawler cranes

H as the market for crawler cranes been a ected by the Wall Street nancial crisis? Not really. Not yet, anyway.Demand for crawler cranes, especially in

the heavier class ranges, continues at a steady click with many crane rental companies wishing they had more of these mammoth machines in their eets. Manufacturer order boards have not been a ected, with most reporting that their crawler crane inventories are sold out well into 2009 and even 2010.

We cant build enough of them, says Jack Fendrick, vice president of Kobelco Cranes North America. We are not the only manufacturer sold out [of crawler cranes] through 2009. At this point, no one seems to be saying Hey, we are not sure we want these machines.

Th e market for crawlers is stable, if not bullish, Fendrick says. Th e reason for the heightened demand is two-fold: remaining pent-up demand and large-scale re nery, power plant and wind farm projects coming on line.

One of the things that was a big deal for this market was that the alternative energy tax credits were extended as a part of the [government bail-out] legislation, Fendrick says. Th at will help keep the market strong for crawlers, especially those in the 250-ton plus capacity.

Th e extension of the tax credit bodes well for Kobelco, which produces the 600-ton

capacity SL6000 crawler, and which has been a big hit on wind farms and for heavy power plant and re nery work. First introduced to the US market in mid 2007, the newcomer SL6000 has garnered a strong reception. Th ere are six SL6000s currently working in the US. Fendrick says if he had more he could sell more.

Our problem is we cant get enough product, he says. Right now in the US we have six SL 6000s working and were sold out on this machine into the third quarter of 2010.

While all of Kobelcos crawler crane models are in high demand, Fendrick says the SL6000 continues to lead the pack.

All manufacturers are watching their order boards very closely, but Fendrick says thus far none of Kobelcos customers have inquired about pushing back or canceling an order.

Uncertainty loomsI think the overall thing is no one knows how this economic problem will a ect the crane market, he says. We are all watching

Financial crisis. Government bail out. Stock markettumble. Is there still a market for crawler

cranes? You betcha! D.Ann Shif er reports

Carrying on

AmQuips newest LR1400 is working for Bechtel in Trimble County, KY. The machine is con gured with full superlift, making lifts in excess of 390,000 pounds

Northwest Cranes Liebherr LR1400/2-W Narrow Track has been ideal for the narrow roadways at a wind farm in New Hampshire. The narrow track is also less damaging to the terrain

Marco Crane & Riggings two crawlers working together a Link-Belt 348 Hylab and a Link-Belt 298HSL

ACT 1108 Crawler Cranes.indd 28ACT 1108 Crawler Cranes.indd 28 15/10/2008 09:37:1515/10/2008 09:37:15


crawler cranes

things very closely.While the market for other classes of cranes

may have dipped, Fendrick says the crawler market is better insulated for a number of reasons.

With power plant and re nery work, these guys dont need a credit line to expand, he says. Th e boys at Exxon Mobile dont need nancing. We dont see the credit crunch a ecting the oil or power plant business.

However, rental companies do have to front money to buy cranes. Th us far, Fendrick says he hasnt heard of any real problems related to the credit crunch but that he imagines getting credit could be a problem for the smaller companies.

Th e residential and commercial building market has slowed, but that slowdown has been absorbed by the market previously.

It could be that this credit crunch will further erode the commercial building market, he says. We de nitely saw slowing in the areas where large crawlers are used to build condominiums. And with the housing slowdown, without new neighborhoods

there are not as many new Wal-Marts and McDonalds being built. But again with the crawler, the majority of the business is on the power and infrastructure side, and that remains strong.

Busy and booked out. Th ats how Andy Hodges, owner, of Oklahoma City-based Northwest Cranes describes the market for his companys crawler cranes. Our business is steady and continuing, he says.

Wind workA few years back, Hodges and his team made the decision to go after the wind farm market. We have focused on wind regionally in our area, he says. Th ats what were geared up to do and its going very well for us. Our crawlers are working in various parts of the country on wind farms.

Most of Northwest Cranes crawler eet are Liebherr brand cranes. Absolutely, these machines have been great for our market and our business, Hodges says. We have a very good relationship with Liebherr and support from Liebherr. We have very few issues and if we do have one, whether its our problem or a crane problem, it is always taken care of very quickly.

Hodges says that the current economic problems have created an air of uncertainty throughout the crane and transport industry. Everyone is uncertain as to what a ect the nancial market will have on their business or their customers, he says. Our business

doesnt run on that type of credit so were not a ected. Th e times are quite unusual but its not a ecting our business, or the demand for our crawlers.

He concurs with Fendrick that energy-related work is fairly well insulated from recessionary times.

Earlier in the year, Northwest took delivery of its rst Liebherr LR1400-2/W Narrow Track crawler crane. Th e machine began its rst rig up in the US on a wind turbine construction site in Lempster, NH. Northwest is providing crane and rigging services for the erection of 12 wind turbines.

Demand still strongWith likely the largest eet of crawler cranes of any rental company in the US, Essex Crane Rentals management team scrutinizes the market closely and often. William

At Con-Expo, Link-Belt added the 550-ton Link-Belt 548 to its crawler range. Marco Crane & Rigging of Phoenix, AZ purchased the rst and fth units of this new machine. Delivery is expected early in 2009

Essex has seen strong demand for its duty cycle units, including this 115 ton capacity Liebherr HS855-SX digging a 100 to 150 foot deep trench on a Geo-Solutions project in Lansing, MI

In June 2008, Essex Crane Rentals Manitowoc 16000 sets the top tower section on a wind turbine project for Milco Constructors

ACT 1108 Crawler Cranes.indd 29ACT 1108 Crawler Cranes.indd 29 15/10/2008 09:38:3515/10/2008 09:38:35

ORourke, vice president for the Chicago-area based company, says, Were still seeing very strong demand for crawlers, especially in the 200-ton plus cranes. Primarily were putting these cranes in the power sector and the petrochemical and re ning sectors.

ORourke says they have seen some softness in the heavy civil construction and roadwork, but that is mainly due to funding issues. Essex is not extremely active in the commercial or general construction area, so that slowdown hasnt made a big impact. We havent focused on that area but we do have some business in that sector, he says. Again, the 200 through 600 ton class of crawlers is still very strong. We see softness in the under 200 ton primarily the 100 through 150 ton ranges is a little softer.

Th e Essex eet, primarily comprised of Manitowoc crawlers, although ORourke says the company has invested in several Liebherr duty cycle cranes, and those machines are always busy.

Based in Bensalem, PA, AmQuip recently hired Guy Erwin to head up its national crawler crane division. AmQuip dispatches cranes throughout the US, and Erwin says the market for crawlers remains steady, although demand is progressively slowing down as the economy is starting to slow.

In the 300-, 400-, 500- and 600-ton plus classes, the crawler is still a highly utilized machine by the wind and power markets, Erwin says. We have cranes on wind farms, at power plants and on large-scale bridge projects. Were seeing a strong

act_nov_08

Documents