What's new in this issue:Machine Matters: Articulated Dump Trucks
We’ll look at the “bigger is better” thinking that is shaping this market. EDA data shows the largest number of unit sales in 40-ton trucks, a continuation of the move up from 25-, 30-, and 35-ton trucks over recent decades. And machines are getting even larger, with new 60-ton models becoming available later this year, aimed at the quarry and heavy haul markets.
Maintenance: Operator care programs
What goes into putting together an operator care program? Machines last a lot longer if the operators know how to take care of them and watch out for signs of premature failure. The best people to teach this to operators are fleet managers and shop personnel.
QuickData: Skid steers
We’ll examine the latest data from Randall-Reilly’s Equipment Data Associates and TopBid auction price guide, looking at auction price trends, new and used financed equipment unit sales and the top financed new and used models.
GPS/GNSS 101: Excavator setup
After examining the basics of GPS technology in June, in July we’ll look specifically at how to set up an excavator for GPS-guided 2D and 3D digging and what the advantages they can bring.
Highway Contractor: Pothole repair innovations
A look at innovations in pothole repair equipment and applications and successful implementation and use by municipalities. We’ll also explore new ways state departments of transportation and municipalities are getting the public’s help in reporting and cataloguing potholes, primarily through mobile applications.
Road Science: PCC pavers with stringless controls
In the seventh installment in our Winning the Bonus series, we’ll investigate stringless controls for slipform pavers, which rely on GPS/GNSS systems for guidance. These systems simplify the paving process and offer increased flexibility and accuracy over using stringline references.
Safety Watch
We’ll examine what happens when the brakes fail on a wheel loader being driven downhill by an inexperienced operator not wearing his seat belt.
Also in this issue
The latest in construction equipment technology, new products, pickups and heavy trucks.
What's new in this issue:Plant Profile: Rogers Group’s Rutherford Quarry
Rogers Group’s Rutherford Quarry in Murfreesboro, Tenn., was a highlight of AGG1 this spring when it opened its gates to offer show attendees a tour of its operation. Now, take a closer, in-depth look at the quarry to see what it does to maintain order and a great safety record when it’s one of the busiest quarries in the area.
Operations Illustrated: Community Relations
Top entries in our Community Relations photo contest outline various events and programs that help operators build better relationships within their communities.
Equipment Management: Overland Conveyors
Factors such as component spacing, accessibility, and the belt’s match to an operation’s material characteristics are all part of good conveyor system management. This article reviews critical considerations for your system.
Supply Lines: Excavators
A growing number of operators are upgrading their excavators. At the same time, many equipment manufacturers are offering new alternatives for this aggregates industry veteran. Find out what machines may best suit your needs.
Mine Management: What’s Your Mine Worth?
To develop a fair market value for a quarry or sand and gravel operation, one of three primary approaches is often used: an asset-based approach, a market-based approach, or an income approach. Learn which one is right for your operation.
Aggregates Industry Outlook
Each month, Aggregates Manager surveys aggregates executives to assess product demand and market conditions and reports the results in our exclusive outlook report.
Business Bests: Subcontracting
On jobs involving new construction, landscape professionals are far more likely to be acting as subcontractors than using them. But, use them they do, and TLC will provide an overview in July of the advantages – for example, scaling up your business geographically without a major capital investment – as well as the potential pitfalls of doing so. We’ll address both the practical and legal questions landscape contractors should answer before hiring a sub.
How To: Green Roof/Rooftop Gardens
The popularity of green roofs and rooftop gardens has grown steadily since the Great Recession began to ease in late 2009 and continues to gain momentum. Along the way, advances in the design and construction of green roofs have reinforced their key benefits: the reduction of urban heat islands, more effective stormwater management and significant improvements in air quality. We’ll look at the state of the art – and science – of green roofs as summertime takes hold.
Safety Watch: Fire!
In an industry that routinely carries gasoline to virtually every job, the basics of fire safety are worth repeating – and reviewing – regularly. We’ll provide a reminder our readers can use to do just that, outlining the fundamentals of working with and transporting flammable liquids safely.
Design/Build: Holiday Lighting
Particularly for thousands of landscape professionals across the South, where boosting off-season revenue with snow and ice management is off the table, holiday lighting services represent a lucrative opportunity. Many have already made it their business to develop that expertise. For those who haven’t, now’s the time to get started. TLC will talk to landscape contractors who have built successful holiday lighting businesses, sharing the do’s and don’ts of tapping this lucrative market.
Plants: Drought-Tolerant Perennials
With drought conditions in the Southwest, both commercial and residential landscape contractors have been pushed to find creative ways to conserve water. More often than not, they turn to native perennials to achieve drought tolerance without sacrificing aesthetics. In July, we’ll look at how landscapers are using native perennials to reduce water use while providing splashes of color throughout much of the year.
Plus
Live web coverage of the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ annual “Renewal & Remembrance” day of service at Arlington National Cemetery.