LEDs boost light levels and run time on Generac’s new light tower

Generac announced a new mobile light tower, the GLT with LED light fixtures that offers up to 20 percent longer run time than previous models. The GLT’s flexible platform design enables you to use it as a mobile or stationary light tower.

With 48 gallons of fuel, the GLT will give you 200 hours of run time. The four Generac G4 LED lights provide maximum illumination while consuming less power to give you 200 hours of run time on a full (48-gallon) tank of fuel. The high-efficiency LED lights also allow for faster start-ups with no waiting for warm up or cool down.

A steel enclosure wraps around the unit to create an integrated fuel containment system that holds up to 110% of the unit’s fluids and thus prevents fluid spills. And the mast is available with hydraulic, electric or manual options. The GLT will be available for ordering in the first quarter of 2022.

The DeWalt Power Stack delivers 50-percent more power in a 25-percent smaller footprint.DeWalt

Smaller, more powerful and it fits on your old tools

The new 20-volt Max Power Stack is DeWalt’s most powerful, compact and lightweight lithium-ion battery platform to date. According to the company, it has twice the power and a 25 percent smaller footprint compared to DeWalt 2 amp-hour compact batteries. It is designed to fit with any of DeWalt’s 20-volt Max tools and chargers, and it features an impact-resistant, over-molded base with a non-marring material. The charger is also compatible with all DeWalt 12-volt Max, 20-volt Max and Flexvolt Batteries.

“Access Your World” provides JLG customers with information about products and services at any time and at their own pace.JLG

JLG adds new virtual-reality scenario to training platform

Virtual reality is a great way to train new operators, especially on machines where mistakes can be costly. JLG has been compiling a portfolio of telehandler training scenarios in its “Access Your World” platform, the latest of which is an indoor/outdoor retail complex that showcases detailed, 3-D equipment models being used in multiple stages of construction and experience using JLG equipment in these applications.

The company also has an augmented-reality app that includes five tools:

·        Machine Visualization

·         Kit visualization

·         Operation guidance

·         Decal viewer

·         Inspection assistance

Previous virtual reality scenarios include maintenance work, steel erection, and fit and finish work inside a stadium. You can read more about those here: Product Briefs: Explore Virtual Lift Scenarios with JLG’s Access Your World.

ccess tight spaces up high with Skyjack’s new XStep

In places where the full platform of your scissor lift is blocked from going higher, Skyjack’s XStep enables you to get 19 inches of additional work height. XStep is mounted on the mid-rail of the scissor lift. The top rail design and height provide operators with the same degree of security as a conventional platform, and the base swings down to save space when not in use. The XStep is retrofittable to previous Skyjack models without the need for tools, and one person can do the job. It is also available as a factor fit or field install option. XStep is the latest addition to Skyjack’s Accessoryzers line of accessories.

Users can see the real-time status of their Pettibone telehandler with X-Command.Pettibone

Pettibone telematics gives you real-time insights into machine health

A new telematics program from Pettibone called X-Command is designed for the company’s X-series telehandlers, Cary-Lift pipe and pole handlers, and Speed Swing rail maintenance machines. With the telematics you get real-time access to data such as machine location, fuel use, diesel exhaust fluid level, and battery voltage.

The information allows superintendents and maintenance personnel to diagnose machine performance and issues to increase uptime and reduce emergency repairs in the field. X-Command comes standard for two years on new Pettibone X-Series Extendo and Traverse telehandlers, and it is also available as a retrofit for existing X-Series models in the field. The system is optional on new sales of Cary-Lift material handlers and on Speed Swing.

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If you didn’t move fast enough on Ford’s new e-crate motor, you’re out of luck.

The all-electric powertrain featured in Ford’s F-100 Eluminator at SEMA sold out just four days following its debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 480-horsepower electric pickup truck based on a 1978 F-100 cranks out an impressive 634 pound-feet of torque, thanks to Ford Performance Parts’ very first e-crate motor.

“Ford owners have personalized, customized and enhanced their vehicles since the beginning – from changing looks to bringing the power,” said Eric Cin, global director of Ford’s vehicle personalization, accessories and licensing. “Our F-100 Eluminator concept is a preview of how we’re supporting customers as they go all-electric and embrace zero-tailpipe emissions performance, even for our heritage vehicles.”

Don’t be fooled by the e-crate motor’s small size. It puts out 480 horses and 634 pound-feet of torque.Ford Performance PartsThe all-electric F-100 Eluminator concept, designed and created by Ford Performance, was built in collaboration with MLe Racecars and sits on a custom chassis by the Roadster Shop.

It’s painted in Avalanche Gray with Cerakote Copper accents applied by Brand X Customs, while the interior features a billet aluminum dash by JJR Fabrication and avocado-tanned leather upholstery by MDM Upholstery. It’s fitted with custom 19×10-inch billet aluminum three-piece wheels by Forgeline wrapped in MichelinLatitudeSport 275/45-19 high-performance tires.

Part No. M-9000-MACH-E, the e-crate motor was available for a few short days at authorized Ford parts warehouse dealers or online at Ford Performance Parts. Retailing at $3,900, it is targeted for builders looking for a transverse-oriented powertrain to electrify a range of vehicles from modern to vintage cars, trucks and SUVs.

Each Eluminator e-crate motor produces 281 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque and is street-legal in all 50 states.

Bill Panunzio was employed by a construction firm and looking for his chance.

“I was running their jobs and thought, ‘If these guys can do it, why can’t I?’” Panunzio says. “So at 49 years old, I started all over again.”

Industry veterans Curtis Collard and Ryan Greenwood were also looking for new opportunities. Collard had been running FP Asphalt & Crack Sealing and Greenwood was running his sealcoating division. The three got together and formed Preferred Paving in 1997.

Wes Turner, project manager and estimator for the company, had joined Collard’s business before Preferred was formed. “At that time, we did primarily crack sealing and small patching,” Turner says. “When Bill came, we bought the paver and got after it.”

Combined they have more than 100 years of construction experience, and that showed in their results. The first year, the company had $1.7 million in revenues doing a combination of commercial and residential asphalt work.

“We all just worked our guts out,” Panunzio says bluntly.

Between them, Ryan Greenwood, Bill Panunzio and Curtis Collard (l. to r.) offer more than 100 years of construction experience.Preferred PavingPreferred Paving now has revenues between $10 million and $13 million, around 40 employees and specializes in commercial grading, site excavation, asphalt paving and maintenance.

“We have the luxury to choose to do the jobs we want to do and do them right,” Panunzio says. In fact, the company motto is “don’t just do it – do it the best.”

Preferred Paving at the High West Distillery.Equipment WorldAll three take a hands-on approach to the business. They have served various roles throughout their time together – basically whatever needs to be done.

Collard now serves as an estimator, project manager and oversees safety. Safety is an integral part of the tight weave that makes Preferred Paving’s jobs run smoothly.

Click here to enter this year’s Contractor of the Year contest. Hurry! The deadline for nominations is Nov. 19th.

Suzanna Allen, who has been with Preferred for more than 20 years, runs the company’s sealcoating division, which provides a variety of repair services. “She’s awesome,” Oredson says. “And at their core, the whole team is about doing things right. They’ve got a good transition team to perpetuate the company going forward.”

In the early days, the company created an accounting system that serves them today. After a general contractor required them to go through complicated invoicing hoops that delayed payment, Preferred Paving developed a work order system that included the job and invoice numbers that the GC signed on the spot.

“The way we do business is really simple,” Collard says. “Our work order is also our invoice number. We have a low percentage of uncollected invoices.”

Core and a spare

Preferred has a fleet of pavers, graders, excavators and rollers.

“The Cat 555-size pavers work out perfect for us because you do both big and small custom jobs,” Greenwood says. The company has four pavers, which usually translates to three out on jobs and one spare. “That spare has really helped us,” Panunzio says.

The Cat 120 grader is also a good fit. “It’s just versatile,” Greenwood says. “You can do both a subdivision with it and a custom driveway.” Same with utility rollers that can be pulled with a pickup and transported anywhere. 

“Very rarely is our equipment in our yard,” Panunzio says.

Heated driveways

Residential and commercial customers are now starting to request heated driveways. “They get so much snow up in areas like Park City, and they don’t want to shovel their driveways,” Turner says. “We’re paving asphalt over heat tubeing, and we’re one of the few companies in Utah that will do that.”

This work requires digging down around 10 inches and putting down the road base. Preferred then hires a firm to place the heat tubing that runs a mixture of heated water and antifreeze in a closed-loop system. The sub then connects it to a boiler located in a house or building and pressurizes the system.

Preferred Paving then comes back in, places sand around and above the piping, a job that requires hand placement. “You rake it out by hand, then you can water it and roll it,” Turner says. “At that point, you can put a paver and truck on it, but you can’t turn. You really have to pick your angle and then go straight out and pick another angle.”

Utah homeowners like that, even in a snowstorm, they’ll have a wet driveway with no accumulation.

dvice for those getting into construction

Equipment World

Collard warns contractors not to get too excited about their first big profit on a job. “Don’t make $10,000 and then buy a boat, jet skis and four wheelers,” he says. “If the next two jobs are losers, you’re trying to figure out how to pay for materials. Wait to buy the toys and make sure you have a good accounting system.”

“And don’t do it unless you have access to good people because people are everything,” Collard emphasizes. “You can buy all the equipment in the world, but if you don’t have good people, you won’t go far. If you don’t have experience, you must have people who have experience.”

“They are outstanding professionals,” says client Andrew Carlino with CR England. “They treat people like people and not like numbers, and they’re quick to get a job done. Everybody works hard and everyone works together as a team. In fact, I wish I could load them up and take them with me to the other states I cover.”

“We have plenty of options in the valley with paving contractors, and the fact that we use them almost exclusively speaks volumes,” says Tony Treasure with Noland & Son. “They do excellent work. They know it’s about more than being a contractor; it’s about being a craftsman and truly being bought in to the quality of work you’re putting out.”