Crime is on the rise everywhere and with so many construction companies powering down in winter, equipment theft is rising accordingly. Pandemic issues such as reduced staffing and unemployment also raise risks.

Equipment thieves strike fast. They bring their own trucks and lowboys and it takes them only minutes to get a dozer, excavator or backhoe onto a trailer and down the road. In many cases, these stolen machines are loaded into a cargo container before the sun comes up (making it all but invisible to law enforcement) and then put on a ship bound for a country where they can never be traced.

But there are a number of steps you can take to keep yourself from becoming a victim of equipment theft. Here’s a checklist of things you should do short term and long term to protect your iron this winter and all season long.

Short Term Precautions

Fully illuminate your shop building and equipment yard at night and eliminate any shadowed spots where thieves might hide. New LED bulbs cast a lot of light and use less electricity than traditional lights. Install security cameras and alarms. There are hundreds of these available today, so your best bet is to hire a security consultant to help you choose a robust and tamper-proof camera system. Some of today’s security cameras can distinguish between a raccoon and a human being, so you won’t be alerted every time the local wildlife comes searching for a free meal. The price of an expert consultation on these systems is well worth the money.Regularly test your alarms and cameras to make sure they are working properly and you’re getting good images in daylight and dark.Harden your perimeter. Fences should be at least eight feet high. Razor wire isn’t pretty, but it stops people from going over the top, and cutting through a fence is noisy and time consuming. Install tamper-proof bollards at gates, so even if thieves get over the fence, it will be almost impossible for them to drive a truck into the yard or equipment out.

Long Term Solutions

Telematics have made a huge difference in equipment security. These “black boxes” can be programmed to send you an alert anytime a machine moves outside of a “geofence” you designate on the software. The better systems are hidden out of sight and difficult to tamper with and can track the equipment as it’s being hauled down the road. Most OEMs now offer their own telematics systems, but there are plenty of aftermarket vendors as well. And theft prevention is just one of the things telematics are used for. They also provide diagnostic data and information about fuel use, DEF levels, driver monitoring and all sorts of other useful information.Simpler GPS tracking devices can be attached to non-mobile equipment such as generators, compressors, welders and light towers to give you alerts and position information without the full complement or expense of mobile equipment telematics.If you want to master theft prevention as well as you’ve mastered other aspects of your business, consider downloading and studying the National Equipment Register’s Annual Theft Report. Lots of useful information and good reading for these long winter nights: https://www.ner.net/annual-theft-report/When ordering new equipment consider spec’ing machines that have keypad-only access rather than physical keys. With these, the operator must enter his personal ID or pin number to start the machine. Attempts to tamper or circumvent the system on many will result in an alert. A bonus feature on some systems is that they will store operator preferences tied to the individual ID or pin number.As a company owner or equipment manager, make sure you have photos of all your equipment, serial numbers and complete documentation to share with police in case of a theft.On the jobsite or the yard never leave equipment parked on a trailer. That’s just making it too easy to steal.When you leave a jobsite on a weekend, park all your machines nose to tail so that thieves can’t move one machine without moving the others.

In Broad Daylight

While most theft occurs at night, our sources in law enforcement say there are enterprising thieves who concoct sophisticated schemes to steal equipment on the jobsite, right under the nose of your foreman.

The scam works like this. The thieves acquire a truck and trailer, slap a fake logo of some repair shop or hauling company on the side of the truck and drive to your jobsite. They ask for the foreman and then present him with a fake work order to take a piece of equipment in for repairs. The work order may even have the logo of a local repair shop or equipment dealer and forged signatures of people from your company.

The unsuspecting foreman assumes it’s all legit and might even help the thieves load the machine onto the trailer. An hour later, that $300,000 machine might be in a cargo container headed for a port or hidden in a barn down some rural road. The truck and trailer will be sold at auction and everybody in your company starts fighting over who screwed up.

This scam works best when the jobsite is being run by an inexperienced foreman. To prevent this from happening, brief all your managers and crew members on how the scam works. Make sure people in the field clear any transfer of equipment with the shop manager or office before they let go of it.

As an extra precaution ask for the truck driver’s license, make sure the photo matches and write down the number. Also get the truck and trailer tag numbers and DOT numbers, which may help, assuming they’re not stolen as well, lead back to the thieves.

Top States for Equipment Theft

According to National Equipment Register, the top five states for equipment theft are:

#1. Texas

#2 Georgia

#3 Florida

#4 California

#5 Missouri

Top Stolen Equipment

And the equipment most targeted for theft:

#1 Skid steer

#2 Mower

#3 Tractor, wheeled

 If you really want to get into this subject, take a read through our interviews with an actual equipment thief and law enforcement officers who specialize in this type of crime. Some of the technology discussed here is dated, but the insights gained are well worth your time.

And in case you missed it, take a look at this recent article we did about a guy in jail, who conned a dealership out of $2.8 million in equipment.

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https://www.cityheartsaberdeen.com/?p=1005

Duane Smith

www.cityheartsaberdeen.com

Brooks Tractor will now carry the entire line of Merlo telehandlers at each of its seven locations, which serve the major metropolitan areas of Wisconsin, and provide support to upper Michigan. The line covers all segments of material handling.

“Brooks Tractor is always looking for ways to diversify its fleet and add value to the customer experience,” said Truie Brobston, sales manager. “If we can be their one-stop shop, it helps us market the rest of our lineup. We were impressed with the technology the Merlo line has to offer and the overall fit and finish of their product.”

Brooks is also an authorized John Deere, Hitachi, Atlas Copco and Dynapac dealer.

The 20-year-old association has created a new program to support those working toward careers in the servicing and maintenance of construction equipment.Independent Equipment Dealers Association

Heavy Diesel Tech Students Earn $5,000 Scholarships

The Independent Equipment Dealers Association presented three, $5,000 scholarships to students at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin during a recent ceremony at the school’s heavy diesel program shop.

IEDA created the scholarship program this year for students enrolled in a heavy equipment diesel program who are pursuing careers as construction equipment technicians.

Recipients were selected based on academic merit, personal character, and demonstrated financial need. Two $5,000 scholarships funded by the association were presented to David Roberts and Natasha Normand. An additional $5,000 scholarship was donated by Rick Newman, owner of Newman Tractor, which was awarded to Jacob Evers.

MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS

Palfinger and Sany End Cross-Shareholding Agreement

Palfinger and Sany have agreed to reverse their cross-shareholding agreement that began in 2012. The companies say the restructuring will allow each entity to react more efficiently to volatile market conditions.

“Following years of constructive and successful cooperation on the operational joint ventures, the cross-holding is no longer necessary,” says Andreas Klauser, CEO of Palfinger. “In addition, the complexity of our partnership is reduced.”

The operational cooperation will be expanded to support the sales structure and access to the Chinese construction industry.

Berlon Industries to acquire Lowe Manufacturing

Berlon Industries, a manufacturer of buckets and attachments, is set to acquire Lowe Manufacturing, a supplier of auger, trenching and grapple attachments, the first week of January 2022.

The Wisconsin-based manufacturers have complementary offerings for the construction, utility, landscaping, rental and agricultural markets. Dealers will benefit from a broader selection of buckets and attachments available from the combined business.

Richard Lowe will retire from Lowe Manufacturing, while Mary Lowe will remain with the business. Terms of the acquisition transaction were not released.

Genie Racks Up 12 Industry Awards in 2021

Genie brought home twelve industry awards for its innovative aerial equipment in 2021. 

Keys awards included:

Highest Retained Value – EquipmentWatchLowest Cost of Ownership – EquipmentWatchLowest Total Cost of Ownership – Genie Z articulating boom lifts – EquipmentWatchIntelligent Product Award – China Machinery Industry Internet ConferenceTechnical Committee Award – European Rental Association

“For 55 years, the Genie® team has been committed to delivering equipment and solutions that provide the quality and reliability equipment owners need, as well as performance and durability to get the job done on even the most challenging jobsites,” says Genie President Simon Meester. “The recognition we’ve received throughout 2021 validates that we are living up to our commitments, and we are honored to be recognized by so many associations and publications.”

XCMG Named One of the World’s Most Influential Brands

XCMG has been named one of the World’s 500 Most Influential Brands by World Brand Lab. XCMG is the only Chinese construction machinery manufacturer to receive the accolade three years in a row, with a new 2021 ranking of 395, up 14 places from last year.

The rankings take into account the brand influence, market share, brand loyalty and global leadership. More than 15,000 notable brands worldwide are reviewed to select the most influential 500 annually.

Terex Expands S.D. Facility

Terex Utilities is adding 11,400 square feet of additional fabrication, machining and welding space to its aerial device and digger derrick manufacturing facility located in Huron, South Dakota. The upgrade also includes investment in new machining and welding equipment, modernized ventilation systems and remodeled office space.

“This expansion enables Terex Utilities to increase vertical integration of its supply chain for the best lead time and flexibility of key components such as booms, turntables, and pedestals,” says Darryl Niven, vice president and general manager of Terex Utilities.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Topcon Expands Global Headquarters

Topcon Positioning Group has expanded its Livermore, California-based global headquarters with the opening of a newly constructed training facility and the purchase of a 31,000-square-foot building and 60 acres of land nearby.

“The continued expansion of our Livermore headquarters is in direct response to a global increase in digitalization and technology adoption throughout the construction and agricultural industries,” said O’Connor. “This investment not only demonstrates our commitment to supporting the ever-growing demand for technology in the geospatial, construction and agricultural industries, it also shows our dedication to our local economy in a time when so many companies are choosing to leave the State of California.”

The additions bring the total of land owned in the Tri-Valley area to nearly 80 acres at an investment exceeding $20 million.

Doxel adds Chief Revenue Officer, Head of Commercial Sales

Garrick Ballantine has been appointed chief revenue officer at Doxel, an AI-powered project controls solution that helps contractors avoid delays and cost overruns.

Ballantine brings almost two decades of sales experience, spanning multiple high-growth technology organizations, such as Ouster, Autodesk and Planet Labs.  

In addition, Mike Almeida has joined as head of commercial sales, with a focus on general contractors. Almeida was previously head of sales at StructionSite and has also led sales teams at Procore.

Duane Smith

www.cityheartsaberdeen.com

EquipmentShare is branching out with the acquisition of six Trekker Tractor locations in Florida.

At its new locations in Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa and Fort Myers, EquipmentShare will offer a full line of Case Construction Equipment under the name Case Power & Equipment of Florida, as well as equipment rental and service solutions.

“It’s an honor to be able to join forces with these team members and build upon the outstanding reputation they’ve created in Florida,” says EquipmentShare CEO and Co-founder Jabbok Schlacks. “This expansion will support the growing demand that we are experiencing in the region. A readily available fleet combined with a knowledgeable hardworking team already on the ground will accelerate our ability to bring a new tech-powered rental experience to more customers in the area. And we look forward to supporting the existing network of Trekker Tractor customers in the region with their equipment and service needs.”

Case Power & Equipment of Florida will operate independently of EquipmentShare’s rental operations in the state. The assets and operations at these locations will be integrated into EquipmentShare’s technology platform, T3. The platform helps contractors track equipment location and health, monitor spending for accurate invoicing, and manage staff scheduling, compliance, labor costs and service work integration.

“The Florida construction market is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse in North America, and the new Case Power & Equipment of Florida locations operated by EquipmentShare bring a whole new approach and dedication to construction equipment in the region,” says Terry Dolan, vice president — North America, Case Construction Equipment. “The company brings a fresh, technology-driven approach to equipment sales and service that will highlight the innovative solutions Case is bringing to market, while also supporting the uptime and productivity of existing Case customers in Florida.”

“The well-established brand and history that Case brings to the table paired with our innovative approach to solving contractor problems make Case Power & Equipment of Florida the source for construction equipment,” says Schlacks. “We also share a commitment to supporting and giving back to the communities we work in — we look forward to working with businesses all throughout the state of Florida to deliver equipment solutions and service that will take the local construction market to the next level.”

The name “Trekker Tractor” will remain with the Trekker Group. The services, sales and rental company, which was founded by Puerto Rico Wire Group’s leadership in 2010, also serves the southeastern region of the United States.

“For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding individuals at Trekker Tractor,” Jose Cestero Ramirez, CEO of Puerto Rico Wire Group, said. “We have developed close relationships with our partners, brands and each other for the past 60 years. I have full confidence that those relationships will continue to flourish with this acquisition. Our employees have a long history of providing our customers with the absolute best experience possible, and now, our employees can help make history with a growing business forging a new path in the equipment industry.”

The acquisition and name change are effective immediately, bringing EquipmentShare’s Florida presence to nine locations.

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Duane Smith

www.cityheartsaberdeen.com

JLG analyzer capabilities now available for phones, tablets

The same functionality you find on JLG’s Handheld Analyzer is now available on customers’ mobile devices. The new JLG BluetoothAnalyzer and Bluetooth Analyzer Reader feature in the JLG Mobile Control App allows users to troubleshoot, calibrate or customize their JLG mobile control equipped scissors with a smartphone or tablet, says Ara Eckel, director of product management for JLG connected solutions.

The new Bluetooth Analyzer feature allows users to view and edit machine parameters via their mobile device through an interface that’s similar to the physical analyzer. The Bluetooth Analyzer Reader enables users to view a summary of requested machine analyzer menus, as well as the ability to download and share files through a user’s smart device.

Both new Bluetooth-enabled features are supplemental to the Remote Analyzer tool, which is currently available as an option on JLG CAN-enabled ES and R Series scissor lifts equipped with the JLG Mobile Control module. These new Bluetooth features will be available on JLG RT and ERT rough terrain models in the near future.

Kohler’s KSD engines offer multiple fuel options including diesel, gasoline and propane.KohlerNew Kohler engine family aims for small displacement applications

Today’s sophisticated machines require engines that can integrate with complex control systems, and that’s the need Kohler addressed with the launch of its new KSD series engines.

There are three basic models in the lineup with more to come in the next few years:

KSD 1403NA, naturally aspiratedKSD 1403TC, turbocharged KSD 1403TCA, turbocharged with aftercooler

As to performance, the Kohler KSD engines develop 24 horsepower (18 kW) at 1,800 rpm and peak torque of 88.5 foot-pounds (120 Nm) at 1,400 rpm. At low speed, the KSD series offer 70 foot-pounds (95 Nm) at 1,000 rpm. In this horsepower range, the KSD engines comply with all global emissions standards and fuels. Multi-fuel solutions including diesel, gasoline and propane, are available.

According to the company, the new electronically controlled engines can be easily integrated with the more complex electronic systems of today’s machines without modifying the machine. Electronic controls allow the engine to maintain performance at high altitudes and optimize fuel consumption by matching the hydraulics to the engine load and speed. Engines can be set up for any duty cycle and can exchange data with the machine using minimal physical connections.

Dual side service access and flexibility in fan positioning enables these engines to fit a wide range of OEM machines. Remote monitoring for diagnostics and geo-location help customers stay on top of maintenance requirements. The engines are aimed at applications such as generators ag tractors, excavators, loaders, forklifts, compressors, dumpers, and mowers.

Demarec grapple with Steelwrist SQ coupler.SteelwristDemarec, Steelwrist sign cooperation agreement for quick couplers

Demand for quick couplers that enable operators to change attachments from the convenience of their cabs is growing. Demarec is jumping on the bandwagon with their agreement to use factory-installed Steelwrist automatic quick couplers.

The Steelwrist lineup adheres to the Open-S industry standard and includes the SQ60, SQ65, SQ70, SQ70/55, SQ80 and the recently introduced SQ90 — the biggest model to date. Demarec is one of the leading manufacturers of hydraulic attachments for the demolition and recycling industry with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro in the extended mode.HIABNew super-heavy loader crane from HIAB

Hiab has launched the 110-tonne-meter ™ super heavy loader crane, the Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro with the company’s new control system to deliver new productivity and safety benefits. The new generation of loader cranes is based the SPACEevo system paired with the CombiDrive 4 remote control that is used for the first time on the Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro. Hiab is part of the Finnish company Cargotec, based in Helsinki.

The Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro is the company’s largest crane to date, offering long reach and significant lifting capacity in a lightweight, compact package. It delivers the performance of a 110-tm loader crane but is similar in size to a 90-tm model. This means it can be installed easily on four-axle vehicles, leaving room for payload, and reducing costs and fuel consumption.

The new SPACEevo control system allows the crane to be operated precisely at high speeds. The CombiDrive 4 control system provides more information, with bigger color screens, haptic feedback (vibrations) and increased battery life. Operators can personalize settings like speed and crane reaction. A new Confirm View feature increases safety by identifying the position of the operator compared to the stabilizers, so the stabilizers only open if the operator is positioned to see their movement.

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Duane Smith

www.cityheartsaberdeen.com

Given the versatility of attachments, you might say you can never have too many. To meet that need, the engineers at Caterpillar spent a good portion of the past year developing new and improved versions of their work tools. The media got their first look at the new designs in Peoria, Illinois, recently and here’s what we found:

Selectable frequency and power settings on Cat’s new hammers match the attack to the hardness of the material.CaterpillarHigh-performance, low-maintenance hammers

Two new Caterpillar Performance Series hammers, the H190 S and H215 S are designed for high production and low maintenance. The piston and tool mass on these hammers have been closely matched in diameter and weight to pack more punch. Operators have a choice of running in the high-frequency/low-power mode or low-frequency/high power to best suit the hardness of the material being broken.

Cat says a proprietary buffering material dampens vibration feedback. The automatic shut-off that prevents blank firing can be turned off for horizontal and overhead operation, but otherwise instantly stops the hammer motion when the tool breaks through the material, preventing damage to the carrier and hammer. Depending on your preference, these hammers can be configured for joystick or pedal control.

The new H190 S hammer is sized for operation on Cat 349 through 374 excavator models, while the larger H215 S is designed for the 374 and 395 excavators. The dimensions for both hammers are programmed into Cat’s E-Fence technology which will stop the carrier from positioning the tool outside of digital “fences” on the job.

All daily and routine maintenance on these hammers can be performed without removing them from the carrier. A field-serviceable and rotatable lower bushing increases service life and reduces parts costs. Standard auto-lube ensures that these hammers get continual doses of grease during operation. The operating weight of the H190 S is 11,440 to 12,430 pounds. The H215 S weighs 16,280 to 16,830 pounds. The H190 S hits with 13,000 foot-pounds of force and the H215 S pounds out 18,000 foot-pounds.

Six new, fast-cycling pulverizers

Cat has an interesting metric for its new line of pulverizers. With 52% faster cycle times these concrete demolition tools produce more tons of rubble per liter of fuel. And that matters when you have a lot of concrete to reduce.

The new line includes three rotatable primary models—the P318, P324 and P332–with 360- degree rotation, and three new fixed secondary models—P218, P224 and P232. Both series fit 18- to 50-ton machines.  Bidirectional 360-degree rotation for the P300 series models positions the jaw to grab material from any angle for producing material properly sized for further processing.

Wide jaw openings allow operators to grab more material from any angle, increasing processing speed and improving overall material throughput. Bolt-on wear components can be quickly replaced in the field with no hard-face welding required for maintenance. All hydraulic components are protected inside a housing with a bolt-on removable panel that provides complete access for servicing

Cat designed its new pulverizers around the SpeedBooster technology found in the company’s Multi-Processors. The SpeedBooster design quickly closes the jaws when there is no load. As soon as the jaw taps the material the hydraulic valve switches to power mode to crush the concrete. Integral rebar knives chop up pipes, rebar and other embedded metal debris for more efficient processing.

The new pulverizers also have integrated asset tracking to help you quickly locate these attachments and deter theft and unauthorized use when subscribed through Cat VisionLink with Product Link. Cat Next Gen excavators include pulverizer settings in the controls, allowing the excavator to quickly recognize the attachment and automatically establish the proper operating settings.

New tiltrotators from Cat feature an optional grapple module that lets you move debris out of the way before getting back to the main task.CaterpillarTiltrotators attack any job from any angle

American contractors have finally caught on to versatility of tiltrotators (long popular in Europe) and Cat has obliged with a full series of these multi-dimensional work tools. Sized for carrier machines from 11 to 30 metric tons, these tiltrotators have 360-degree bi-directional rotation and 40-degree left and right tilt. This allows you to attack the work from an almost unlimited number of angles without having to reposition your excavator.

The TRS10, 14, 18, and 23 models come with pin-on or S-type coupler top interfaces and S-type coupler bottom interfaces. Using a tiltrotator with a coupler top allows the operator to maximize the versatility of attachments by switching them out for application and task appropriate purposes. An optional grapple module allows the operator to move materials out of the way, such as large rocks or pipe, without switching attachments.

An oil-filled gear box and single point lubrication simplify your tiltrotator’s maintenance. A heavy-duty bolted joint secures the housing, rotator and coupler as a single unit. Wide bearing surfaces distribute excavation force in all directions. Pins, shafts and bushings feature heavy duty construction, and the hydraulic rotator motor is protected inside the cast housing.

Cat tiltrotator safety features include double-acting tilt cylinders that have built-in load holding valves to keep the attachment secure to the unit in the event of a pressure loss. Additionally, operators can remain inside the cab while switching to the optional grapple module to move heavy objects. 

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Duane Smith

www.cityheartsaberdeen.com