LAS VEGAS (February 26, 2013) - This year’s showroom floor was busy at World of Concrete, and contractors and exhibitors alike were buoyed by a renewed sense of optimism in the construction market. One theme remained constant from years past—every company is focused heavily on customer feedback to improve their offerings. 
The focus of many exhibitors was to demonstrate how their equipment, products and services increase productivity, eliminate downtime and offer increased insight into operations. Construction Business Owner was in attendance to meet with our readers and report news from the show. Here are some highlights:
Ram Trucks announced an official partnership with Bosch Tools. 
The goal of the partnership was driven by an understanding that contractors are often inefficient when they arrive at the jobsite because their tools are disorganized. His initiative is aimed at allowing consumers to have their Ram Trucks easily upfitted with Bosch Click & Go storage solutions and tools. CBO interviewed Robert Hegbloom, Director of Ram Brand Marketing, about the partnership. “The Ram truck is the biggest tool in their toolbox because if it’s down, they are losing money,” Hegbloom says. He explains why Ram Trucks and Bosch chose to partner: “It has to deliver. It has to be quality, and it has to be dependable. That’s the same attributes that Bosch Power Tools has.”
Ram also promoted a new commercial van that will round out their offering of commercial vehicles: the ProMaster, a Class 2 van, which will be available in late summer of 2013. “We’ll utilize that system with Bosch tools as well,” Hegbloom says. “So now you’ve got a mobile worksite that you can go anywhere with.”
Bosch introduced several new tools at the show, with a focus on how the new designs improve the operator experience. The new DH1020VC Demolition Hammer features a an in-line design, Bosch vibration control technology and what the company describes as “best-in-class” impact energy to maximize efficiency and productivity during demolition work. In addition, the longer in-line design of the DH1020VC provides improved weight distribution during both horizontal and vertical demo applications. Another debut was the RH850VC 1-7/8-inch SDS-max Rotary Hammer, delivering a total of 9.3 foot-pounds of impact energy. Optimized RPMs ranging from 150-305, BPMs from 1,380-2,760 and a 13.5-amp motor enable the RH850VC to enhance productivity during all-day use.
Gorman-Rupp displayed the Prime Aire Plus to showcase the enhancements it has undergone. Increased head, flow and enhanced maintenance features are additional benefits of this pump. All PAH Series pumps like this one are available coupled to the latest EPA Tier-compliant engines or premium efficiency electric motors. Priming-assisted pumps are popular with contractors as they offer time-saving features.
Case Construction Equipment introduced the Case 521F wheel loader, offering customers a 12- percent increase in fuel efficiency over the previous E Series model. The machine is available in standard Z-bar, extended reach and tool-carrier models and is the latest offering in the company’s F Series wheel loader line. Case chose selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology for the 521F to meet Tier 4 Interim emissions standards based on the machine’s application tasks and power demands. For more about the SCR technology, see this video interview with Robert Marringa.
Peterbilt displayed two Model 365 trucks. One featured a set-back front axle configuration and a McNeilus mixer. The other had a set-forward front axle configuration, the PACCAR MX engine and a Con-Tech mixer body. The Model 365 can be spec’d with a wide variety of heavy duty components to improve ride and handling and enhance weight distribution.
John Deere showcased the new E-Series line of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders. The new line includes five skid steer models and four new compact track loaders, each with Interim Tier Four or Final Tier Four engines and several improvements designed to enhance operator and machine productivity. For more information, see this video from their press conference.
In addition, Deere displayed the new 644K Hybrid Wheel Loader, which utilizes two sources of energy: diesel and electric. The 644K Hybrid is equipped with a John Deere PowerTech 6.8-L IT4/Stage IIIB engine that runs at an operator-selected constant speed from 900 to 1,800 rpm.
Topcon highlighted many new products, among which were software improvements that make it possible for real-time collaboration among the project manager, field crews, office personnel, engineers or consultants. The company announced updates to the MAGNET suite of productivity software products through new versions of MAGNET Field and MAGNET Office v1.2. MAGNET Enterprise is a cloud service that connects field and office products and provides a web-based interface to company data. MAGNET Field is software that runs on field controllers and onboard total stations, and MAGNET Office is a stand-alone office software for processing and modeling. 
Topcon also unveiled the first results of its collaboration with Autodesk Inc.: a direct link to AutoCAD WS within Topcon’s MAGNET Enterprise cloud service. This new capability will provide a direct path for field and office data to flow seamlessly from collection, design, review and adjustment between MAGNET Enterprise and AutoCAD WS, saving multiple steps and software conversions that have typically been required. The new capability is automatically available to all users of MAGNET Enterprise.
Maxwell Systems highlighted the ability of their software to “break down silos in construction,” according to CEO Jim Flynn. On display was ProContractor MX web-based construction project management software, which provides anytime-anywhere access to online scheduling, reporting, alerts, collaboration and document control. In addition to sharing several client testimonials, Maxwell announced that they will be working with customers to define a set of best practices based on customer feedback.
Viewpoint Construction Software announced the acquisition of project and BIM (building information modeling) collaboration software provider, 4Projects. CEO Jay Haladay remarked, “It’s part of our strategic growth plan.” He added that the company has 20 percent more customers now than they had at this time last year. The goal is to “marry BIM models with our costing capabilities,” Haladay said.
4Projects is a UK-based company that has 61 employees who will join the Viewpoint team and more than 40,000 unique monthly users. 4Project’s product portfolio will become available in Viewpoint’s existing markets in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Diverse project stakeholders and geographically dispersed construction team members can use 4Projects’ web-oriented, multitenant cloud-based product to access project-related information including the ability to manage, distribute, mark-up and audit drawings, submittals, RFIs, issues and other construction and pre-construction documents.
Trimble highlighted its newly formed Trimble Buildings group. The new group will leverage the Trimble Design-Build-Operate (DBO) platform of technologies to develop and bring to market a new portfolio of synergistic technologies for capital construction owners and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) service providers. Because design and construction professionals are increasingly engaged in multiple, complex projects simultaneously that often span industries, regions and cultures, the new group brings together teams of industry experts with a wide variety of hardware and software technologies to provide a comprehensive set of solutions focused on delivering virtual design and construction from the office to the field and back. Trimble Buildings will initially combine technology from the company’s former Building Construction Division with Accubid, Meridian Systems, Plancal, QuickPen, SketchUp, Tekla, Vico Software and WinEst.
Hilti demonstrated its new TE-CD and TE-YD hollow drill bits and VC 20/40 vacuum. Used in conjunction, the hollow drill bits and vacuum allow dust to be removed during the drilling process to minimize dust in the environment and avoid the need to clean holes after drilling. Additionally, the hollow nature of the bits allows them to remain cooler during prolonged use, thus extending their life.
The company also emphasized its movement toward cordless technology. On this front, they showed off the new TE 30-A36 cordless combihammer drill. The company claimed a 40-percent faster concrete drilling capability over large SDS corded tools and an extremely high capacity battery. Hilti reported that the new 36-volt, 6.0-amp hour battery allows for battery changes to be necessary approximately once per drill per work day.
Cummins showcased the next-generation QSB4.5 engine, which will meet Tier 4 Final near-zero emissions standards with top-rated power increased to 173 hp (129 kW) and a higher peak torque of 520 lb-ft (705 Nm). The 4-cylinder, 4.5-liter engine is performance enhanced with a Cummins VGT Variable Geometry Turbocharger, enabling the higher ratings of the QSB4.5 to reach performance levels previously associated with a larger 6-cylinder engine.
The news for Toro was the expansion of their product line, developed through the company’s recent acquisition of Stone Construction Equipment. For example, they have introduced a new line of specialized concrete and masonry equipment. Toro’s new line includes concrete mixers, mortar mixers, power trowels, concrete vibrators, screeds and concrete working tools. 
The company also offers contractors and rental professionals a new line of compaction equipment. This line was also developed through the company’s acquisition of products from Stone Construction Equipment and includes plate compactors, rammers and a trench roller. Toro continues to grow its commitment to the rental industry with the addition of several new rental representatives across North America. These Toro partner organizations will assist with sales and service support for Toro’s rental equipment.
Paladin showcased the Ground Shark, an extreme-duty brush cutter that can be mounted to a skid steer and used for site prep applications by utility contractors, state and municipalities and excavation contractors. The ¼-inch steel "clean deck" design with powder coat helps keep the deck clear of debris and is easy to maintain. The alternating bevel blade design provides a deep penetrating self-clearing cut. Blades are made of ¾-inch thick steel with a reversible design for added blade life.
Paladin also highlighted the Series II Mulchers, which can be mounted on excavators or skid steers. These attachments have the heaviest-duty hydraulic motor that can be used in this type of machine, according to Paladin, and are designed with a dual-speed motor.
Terex showed off the company’s front-discharge concrete mix trucks, which they claim to be more efficient than rear-discharge mixers. According to them, the front-discharge design also saves on labor, and they are seeing increased requests for these trucks, though they still comprise only a small segment of the market. To make their processes more efficient and to simplify options on the customer end, Terex has reduced their line of offerings from 13 models to 6.
Capital Safety introduced the improved DBI-SALA EZ-Stop Lanyard. Touted as the industry’s first modular lanyard, it is designed with components that can be replaced individually when worn or damaged, rather than having to purchase a new unit. Another advantage of the product is the small nature of the shock absorber, which the company proclaims is “the lightest and smallest in the world.”
Doosan showcased their DX140LC excavator and DL250 wheel loader. The emphasis for them was on improving fuel efficiency and achieving interim Tier 4 compliance, which they have done with both of the machines. The DX140LC water-cooled diesel engine features a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter to reduce nitrogen oxides.
The DL250 wheel loader, while also interim Tier 4-compliant, has 172 horsepower, an improvement of the previous design’s 163 horsepower. The machine also has an auto-idle feature, which reduces rpm from 950 to 750 when inactive, to reduce fuel consumption and noise.
Bobcat has been focusing on improving operator comfort and machine stability. They also had their new 500-series frame on display, which is now the company’s smallest family size (the S170 is smaller but is a standalone, non-family model). Though the equipment has not reached final Tier 4 compliance, the 500-series frame, which their current models are now equipped with, has been designed to accommodate the final Tier 4-compliant engines in future models.
Caterpillar’s newest piece of equipment was the 450F backhoe loader center pivot. The 450F is a successor to the 450E and features higher horsepower, electric hydraulic control and improved comfort and serviceability. The 450F is also interim Tier 4-compliant and has improvements in its digging capability and road speed.
Doosan Infracore Portable Power emphasized their Tier 4 interim compliance, too, in their generators and portable air compressors. The G25, the company’s smallest mobile generator, features a design aimed at improving voltage stability and reducing operating temperature, water ingression and noise levels. The P185 air compressor features a noise level reduced by half and fuel efficiency increased by 21 percent. Doosan claims that the machine has a “10-hour full load runtime” for one tank of fuel. General improvements for efficiency were also noted.
Dexter + Chaney unveiled the new release of their Spectrum Project Management software. The company’s goal with Spectrum was to incorporate capabilities that usually fall among multiple pieces of software into one system. This, they say, is to accommodate the philosophy that project management is a single function that encompasses a broad work flow and should not be divided into disparate parts. Spectrum, a web-based software solution, has the capability to manage job cost, document imaging, equipment management, fixed assets, resource scheduling, purchasing and inventory, human resources and payroll, materials and aggregate, project management, checks and forms, accounting, reporting and service management.
See the following video of Dexter + Chaney president John Chaney demonstrating the software for Construction Business Owner:
Sage is moving into operations and the field with its Sage 300 and Sage Construction Anywhere software. One of the company’s initiatives with their new products is to focus on providing subcontractor compliance solutions in order to minimize general contractor risk. The company has also incorporated field-based time capturing solutions into its software, and there has been a renewed focus on providing capabilities for superintendents in the field.
ExakTime was heavily promoting their Hornet time tracking device from 2012. Their message was that part of the recovery process for those construction organizations that survived the downturn should be to adopt new technology to improve efficiencies. The Hornet electronic time card system is their offering to improve employee job clocking—a process that, for many companies, is still vastly inefficient.
