What's new in this issue:Machine Matters: Excavators
Although the 20-metric-ton segment is still the best seller, excavator introductions lately have included several 35 to 50 metric ton machines. Is there a movement toward heavier excavators in the mid-size category? Also, a discussion of new features and benefits. For example, Case’s new D Series has hydraulic finesses designed to allow for faster cycle times.
Highway Contractor: Geosynthetics
Update on research and development from association and company perspectives, a look at the performance of roadway projects using geosynthetics, and a quick look at other supplemental and additive materials being used in pavements.
Maintenance: Extended-life coolants
Organic acid coolants; long life coolants are the standard factory fill coolants in most heavy duty diesel engines today. Many are guaranteed for the life of the engine, as long as your maintenance people or crews don’t inadvertently top off their radiators with non ELC coolants.
Road Science: Reclaimed asphalt pavement and recycled asphalt shingles
The widespread acceptance of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) as additions to asphalt mixes has transformed the asphalt paving industry. As reported late last year by the National Asphalt Pavement Association, for the first time 100 percent of contractors/branches reported using RAP in 2013. But more widespread use -- combined with with years of performance experience in the field -- reveal problems that must be solved before RAP and RAS can attain optimal performance.
Quick Data: Wheel loaders
In this one-page summary of wheel loader purchase trends from Randall-Reilly’s TopBid and EDA divisions, we’ll look at average auction prices for the top 10 models of wheel loaders sold at auction, plus examine new and used financed equipment sales trends.
Safety Watch: Demolition
Our tear-out, bilingual safety article looks at an actual accident and determines ways to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
What's new in this issue:Plant Profile: Dolese Brothers
Dolese Bros. Co. was founded near Chicago by four brothers. When the company’s focus changed from public works construction to providing railroad ballast, the company followed the railroads, opening quarries in Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Now, almost all of Dolese’s quarries and cement plants are located in Oklahoma, including Davis Quarry, one of the company’s largest crushed stone operations. Roger Dolese, son of one of the original founders, had the foresight to design Davis Quarry with room to grow.
Mine Management: Fuel Consumption
Fuel expenses can account for nearly half of the operating costs of mobile equipment. By understanding factors that can influence this variable—including idle time, operator technique, operation set-up, equipment selection and configuration, and technology—operators can lower their outlay at the pump and add to their bottom line.
Supply Lines: Portable Crushers
As the number of options and capabilities for portable crushers continues to grow, this round-up will some of the newest choices for aggregates producers who need the flexibility they offer.
Equipment Management: Dewatering Screens
When it comes to getting the water out of fine aggregates, be sure to avoid common operating and maintenance missteps that can hamper optimal dewatering screen performance and affect your ability to meet product specifications.
Operations Illustrated: Reclamation
As the follow-up to the www.aggman.com reclamation photo contest, this article will highlight interesting and unique projects from operators around the United States. From underground recreational facilities to parks to wildlife habitats to water stations, aggregate producers throughout the nation have turned former quarries and sand and gravel pits into assets for their communities.
The Three C’s of Community Relations: Cookies, Cake, and Coffee
Establishing a regular dialogue with a neighborhood council helps one operator maintain good relationships, streamline permitting efforts, and expand its business. Learn what lessons the operator gained from the experience.
Business Bests: Top Apps
Update on a range of applications targeting landscapers, from a couple that have been around a while (management tools such as GPS-based fleet control, for example) to some that are pretty new, such as software for handheld devices that quickly turns two-dimensional sketches into 3-D renderings. In a sidebar, we’ll look at the connection between technology and the idea of sustainability – i.e., how technology is used to minimize waste.
How To: Repair Trailer
We’ll talk to makers of some of the more popular trailers used in the landscaping business about when to fix and when to replace. Then we’ll run that assessment past the folks who fix the things. In short, we want to provide good information on when one more welding job to keep a trailer in service may be compromising safety vs. when a repair job is a sound (not just money-saving) choice. And of course, we’ll provide straightforward guidance on how to repair a trailer that’s worth repairing.
Design/Build: Vertical Gardens
When a landscape designer has no room to work his or her magic, there’s only one way to go: up. In a survey earlier this year, more than 60 percent of landscape architects responding said vertical gardens are among the top 10 most popular landscape elements among clients today. That’s been the case in Europe for some time, but what is fueling the trend in this country? U.S. landscapers may want to consider whether the design and construction of vertical plantings is a niche worth exploring.
Foliage: Native Plants
Not surprisingly, native plants aren’t always the most attractive choice from an aesthetic viewpoint. What’s odd, though, is that native species sometimes “don’t work” from a practical viewpoint either. According to people who study these things, it’s not especially unusual to find native plants that are altogether inappropriate for the environment and soil conditions they call home.
Safety Watch: Lifting
Good advice on how and how not to lift, as well as a look at some of the equipment – both wearable and not – that makes it safer and easier.