Tire manufacturer BKT has rolled out a new website designed to provide an optimal experience on mobile devices such as tablet computers and smart phones.

M.bkt-tires.com is laid out to fit the formats of tablets and smart phones and designed to deliver improved content research and browsing.

Users can view technical data and tire features in either U.S. standard measurements or in the international metric system.

They can also currently choose from six languages: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. More languages will be coming soon, as BKT does business in 130 countries.  

In addition to technical data and tire features, the site also offers photos, videos, news, and other useful content.

Deutz Corporation will provide Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) Reconditioning Services with Deutz Xchange remanufactured engines for reconditioned Genie aerial equipment, including boom lifts, scissor lifts, and telehandlers.

"Terex was impressed with the three-year transferrable warranty that we offer with our Deutz Xchange engines," said Robert Mann, Deutz Corporation's president and CEO. "That warranty, our proven track record as a trusted supplier of quality product, and the fact Deutz remanufactured engines can be serviced by any Deutz distributor were critical factors in selecting Deutz for the business."

“Terex AWP Reconditioning Services provides customers with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new machines,” said Bob Bartley, Genie senior director of product support and reconditioning for Terex AWP. “The increasing popularity of reconditioned Genie aerial equipment is supported by a same-as-new warranty, short lead time and strong service network. Deutz Xchange engines mirror the fundamental qualities integral to these reconditioned units.

“Due to the rapid expansion of the reconditioning business, Terex needed to partner with a supplier that has a long, proven track record of supporting our operation’s growth. The reconditioning business is highly dynamic due to the wide variety of Genie aerial equipment models available. It would be challenging to grow this business without a flexible, capable supplier.”

Deutz's Pendergrass, GA. remanufacturing facility was able to ramp up supply to Terex within two weeks of receiving the initial order. Existing Terex production logistics channels were leveraged to smoothly add the incremental demand from the company’s reconditioning operations. Beyond engine supply, Deutz Xchange operations will provide a “plug-and-play” dressed engine including mounting components and ancillary system installed to minimize cycle time and manufacturing complexity for the Terex reconditioning facility.    

"We're honored to partner with Terex," said Steve Corley, chief sales officer for Deutz Corporation. "Our combined efforts with Terex will both grow and strengthen the relationship with our broad, shared, end-customer base.”

Load-weighing specialist Straightpoint has launched its new global product guide, both in print and as a PDF that can be downloaded from the company's website.

The new guide features all specifications in both metric and imperial measurements and is full of new and improved products:

1. In addition to Radiolink wireless compression loadcells, the company's load shackles, running-line tensiometer, and Loadpin products are now ATEX / IECEx approved with classification Ex ia II C T4 Ga and available for use in zones 0, 1, and 2 hazardous areas (gas).

2. Already an entertainment-industry favorite, the popular cabled Low Headroom loadlink is now available as a wireless load cell that can be connected to the multi-channel SW-MWLC software.

3. For the arborist, the guide offers the new wireless Impact Block load cell. Designed to be used with Straightpoint handheld displays or data logging software, the Impact Block provides high speed dynamic load data.

4. Wireless center-of-gravity software has been rewritten with ISO19901 in mind. It now allows up to 36 wireless compression loadcells to be used simultaneously and generates a full CG report with averaging, standard deviation, wind speed, and many other extras.

5. New software written for the load-testing industry – Proof Test plus allows real-time, wireless monitoring of a load test and lets the operator create real-time test certificates with full audit trail.

6. Straightpoint has added its SA700 wireless loadcell transmitter to the guide. The unique product may be connected to any manufacturer's cabled loadcell to convert it into a wireless loadcell that can be used with Straightpoint displays and software.

JCB has named Stuart Fox to the newly created position of West Coast product sales manager.

Fox has joined the field sales team and works with JCB regional sales managers, dealers, and customers as a technical resource and educator on all JCB products.

"I'm here to be an expert resource who can help all of the JCB regional sales managers, our dealers, customers, and potential customers throughout the West," said Fox.

He holds an engineering degree from the University of Georgia and has spent the previous four and a half years as JCB's as the company's product manager for telehandlers and vertical-mast forklifts.

Fox has relocated from JCB's North American headquarters in Savannah, Ga., to Temecula, Calif., for the new position. His territory includes New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington.

Investment in equipment and software is expected to contract -0.5%in 2016, according to the Q4 update to the 2016 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation.

The Foundation lowered its forecast to -0.5%, down from the 0.9% growth it forecast in its Q3 update to the 2016 Annual Outlook released in July.

After contracting during the first two quarters, the new report forecasts modest equipment and software investment growth for the rest of 2016, as economic headwinds continue to weigh on investment spending and confidence.

The Economic Outlook, which is focused on the $1-trillion equipment leasing and finance industry, highlights key trends in equipment investment and places them in the context of the broader U.S. economic climate.

Ralph Petta, president of the Foundation and president and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, said, “The softer growth numbers projected for 2016 reflect overall hesitancy on the part of business decision-makers to invest in equipment and software until the cloud that is the U.S. election cycle clears in November.  A potential wild card impacting 2017 investment growth is the Federal Reserve’s decision whether to increase short-term interest rates prior to year end.”

Highlights from the study:

•   Overall equipment and software investment is expected to contract -0.5% in 2016 after expanding by 3.8% in 2015. The report predicts that after a slow start to the year, there is potential for a modest rebound in the second half of the year. However, poor performance in Q1 and Q2 virtually guarantee that 2016 will be a disappointing year for growth in both the overall economy and business investment.

•   In 2016, the U.S. economy is likely to experience modest growth of 1.6% overall, as strong labor markets, consumer spending, housing growth, and a somewhat weaker dollar collectively drive growth, but are largely offset by weak business investment and government spending.

•   Business demand for credit remains generally weak but has not deteriorated significantly from last quarter. The Federal Reserve Board opted to delay an interest rate hike in September, but a rate increase is expected in late 2016.

•   The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is included in the report and tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals, forecasts that several equipment verticals should see an improvement in the investment climate through the end of the year and into next year. Over the next three to six months:
   o   Agriculture machinery investment growth will likely remain subdued.
   o   Construction machinery investment growth may rebound modestly.
   o   Materials handling equipment investment is likely to strengthen.
   o   All other industrial equipment investment growth is expected to rebound.
   o   Medical equipment investment should remain solid.
   o   Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth will likely remain sluggish.
   o   Aircraft investment growth is likely to strengthen.
   o   Ships and boats investment growth should remain muted.
   o   Railroad equipment investment growth is poised to rebound.
   o   Trucks investment growth should improve.
   o   Computers investment growth should remain modest.
   o   Software investment growth should remain solid.

The Foundation produces the Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook report in partnership with economics and public policy consulting firm Keybridge Research. The annual economic forecast provides a three-to-six month outlook for industry investment with data, including a summary of investment trends in key equipment markets, credit market conditions, the U.S. macroeconomic outlook and key economic indicators. The Q4 report is the third and final update to the 2016 Annual Outlook.

Download the full report at www.leasefoundation.org/research/eo/

More than 60 NCCCO commissioners, committee members, and guests are expected to attend the 41st Biannual NCCCO commissioner meeting hosted at Industrial Training International's Woodland, Wash., headquarters and training center, Oct. 18-21.

The week-long event will include the full commissioners' meeting, which will be highlighted by updates to the rule-making process for several pending OSHA regulations (including crane operator qualification and technical amendments), reports on recent action items from various NCCCO committees, and an update from the NCCCO board of directors. 

Non-NCCCO members are invited to attend, but ITI asks that interested attendees pre-register.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) was formed in January 1995, as a non-profit organization with it mission to develop effective performance standards for safe crane operation to assist all segments of general industry and construction. By providing thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills, NCCCO aims to enhance lifting equipment safety, reduce workplace risk, improve performance records, stimulate training, and give due recognition to the professionals who work in, with, and around cranes.

ITI participates formally on the Lift Director Committee with Joseph Kuzar, Assistant Technical Director, and the company has sponsored NCCCO events in the past.

ITI has invited local companies to participate in this meeting through sponsorships including Kiewit, West Coast Training, West Coast Wire Rope, and Samson Rope Technologies.

A special addition to the fall meeting is the ITI Virtual Reality (VR) Mobile Crane Simulator, which will be open for attendee demonstrations and feedback throughout the meeting. The VR Crane Simulator is scheduled for a March 2017 release, and will include a simulation course that serves as a preparation tool for national certification crane operator practical exams.

Anyone interested in attending the Oct. 18-21 meeting, should email info@iti.com or call 800.727.6355.

Bobcat Company has introduced the V519 VersaHANDLER telescopic tool carrier for applications that require a compact machine that can reach forward more than 10 ft., reach up 19 ft., and lift up to 5,500 lbs.

The V519 builds on the success of prior Bobcat telescopic tool carriers — also known as telehandlers — and features industry-leading performance, operator comfort, visibility, and controls, plus the exclusive Bob-Tach attachment-mounting system to increase utilization.

Designed with a standard two-speed hydrostatic drive system, the V519 is well suited to operate standard and hydraulically powered attachments.

As the operator lifts his or her foot off the pedal, the machine comes to a stop. In addition, the automatic parking brake engages anytime the engine idles when the machine is stopped (in neutral) — an exclusive feature of the V519 — to avoid unintentional movement.

When a task needs full auxiliary hydraulic flow but not full travel speed, the speed-management feature lets the operator dial in a percentage of the normal speed. The operator can adjust the travel speed with convenient plus and minus buttons on the joystick. The feature helps operators using hydraulically powered attachments, such as angle brooms and snowblowers.

The popular Bob-Tach attachment mounting system, available for the first time in a Bobcat telescopic tool carrier of this size, provides a mechanism for quick attachment changes.

An exclusive, full-function joystick sets the V519 apart from other telehandlers, allowing operators to stay focused on the task in front of them.

The V519 joystick features include:
Travel direction switch: Change direction with ease
Boom up and down: Adjust to meet height needs
Carriage tilt: Tilt a bucket or pallet fork frame
Auxiliary control: Fine-tune hydraulic flow with the outside thumb roller switch
Extension function: Telescope the two-stage boom in and out

Attachments increase versatility
Like other Bobcat compact equipment, the V519 is a versatile attachment carrier and is approved for use with a number of standard and hydraulically powered Bobcat attachments.

Bobcat attachments requiring auxiliary hydraulics easily connect to the V519 with a Bobcat loader-style hydraulic coupler block with an electrical connector.

The coupler block is well protected to minimize downtime and includes a seven-pin attachment-control harness to activate power and fingertip control functions.

The V519 can use these Bobcat attachments:
Angle boom
Auger mounting frame
Augers: direct drive and planetary drive
Bale fork
Buckets: 84- and 88-inch heavy-duty construction/industrial
Combination bucket
Flail cutter
Industrial fork and grapple
Pallet fork, floating
Pallet fork frame, heavy-duty
Rock bucket
Root grapple
Snow and light material bucket
Snow blade, heavy-duty
Snow bucket
Snow pusher
Snowblower
Soil conditioner
Sweeper
Truss boom

Cab comfort
An enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning is standard, minimizing dirt and dust inside the operating area and keeping the operator refreshed through the work day. Automotive-style vents enhance comfort by letting the operator point the air where he or she wants it.

Operators can adjust the steering column with the tilt steering feature to meet their desired height. In addition, the standard cloth-upholstered suspension seat adjusts three ways for maximum operator comfort.

A familiar Bobcat display panel resembles the panel in Bobcat compact loaders and compact excavators. The panel displays common items such as a job clock, fuel level, service clock, engine coolant temperature, and hour meter. An optional keyless start system (kit) is available for the V519 to deter theft and unauthorized use.

For enhanced performance and productivity, the V519 comes standard with turn signals, road lights, and work lights. Right and left side mirrors, as well as front, top and rear windshield wipers enhance visibility. A backup alarm is standard to alert workers and bystanders when the V519 is in reverse.

Market segments
Telescopic tool carriers are commonly found in a variety of market segments including agriculture, construction, grounds maintenance, landscaping, and rental.

In construction applications, the machines can lift and carry more material than smaller compact loaders. The machine’s forward reach and lifting height make it ideal for lifting and placing palletized building materials.

Grounds maintenance and landscaping professionals use telescopic tool carriers year-round, from removing snow in winter to lifting, carrying and placing landscaping materials in spring, summer, and fall. The 19-ft. lifting height makes the V519 an attractive machine for piling snow or loading it into trucks.

Ease of maintenance
V519 telescopic tool carrier operators can get easy access to routine maintenance items through the side engine cover and rear access panel, including engine oil and fuel filters, engine oil dipstick and drain, air cleaner, alternator, cooling system, air-conditioning compressor, starter, and battery.

V519 owners can lock the engine cover to prevent unauthorized access, and the engine cover is equipped to stay open during servicing. A screen in the engine cover helps prevent large debris from entering the engine basket and plugging the radiator.

The V519’s cooling system cores — radiator, charge air cooler, and hydraulic oil cooler — are mounted side by side for maximum flow-through, minimized cleaning, and increased protection. A reversing cooling fan kit is available for applications that may require removing debris more frequently from the cooling system.

Proven Bobcat diesel power
The 74-hp Bobcat D34 diesel engine meets Tier 4 emission standards without a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Similar to Bobcat compact loaders under 74 hp, the diesel engine utilizes a high-pressure common-rail fuel system and a maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). An economy mode or “eco-mode” is available to reduce fuel consumption in applications that do not require as much power, such as light grading.

Customization options
V519 operators can customize their telescopic tool carrier to fit their individual needs with up to eight kits available from local Bobcat compact equipment dealers:

Engine block heater kit
Fire extinguisher kit
Front and top window guard kit
Keyless start kit
Rear mirror kit
Reversing fan kit
Rotating beacon kit
Work light kit (boom-mounted)

Quick Specs:
Horsepower: 74 hp (55.2 kW) non-DPF turbocharged Bobcat diesel engine
Operating weight: 11,001 lb. (4,990 kg)
Maximum rated capacity: 5,500 lb. (2,495 kg)
Maximum load at full height: 5,500 lb. (2,495 kg)
Maximum load at full reach: 2,205 lb. (1,000 kg)
Maximum lift height (two-stage boom): 19 ft. (5,791 mm)
Maximum reach: 10 ft. 3 in. (3,124 mm)
Width: 6 ft. 10 in. (2,083 mm)
Height: 6 ft. 10 in. (2,083 mm)
Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 21.1 gpm (80 l/min)
Travel speeds (low / high): 4.7 / 18.3 mph (7.6 / 29.5 km/hr)
Three steering modes: Front wheel, all-wheel and crab

CVT Corp., Montreal, Quebec, a world leader in the advanced engineering, design, and manufacture of mechanical continuously variable transmissions (mCVT) has signed a distributor and service agreement with Great Lakes Power Service Co., of Mentor, Ohio, to represent them in the continental United States.

With the anticipated production launch in 2017 of the mCVT products in off-highway, ag, and industrial markets, CVT is gearing up to make sure customers and end users will have the support they expect.

Great Lakes Power will support all service and warranty activities for
CVT products and will also work to distribute some defined products in key market areas.

Great Lakes Power is a family owned business headquartered in Mentor, Ohio. With four operating entities (Great Lakes Power Products, Great Lakes Power Service, North Atlantic Power Products and
US Power), and working from 14 locations throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States, it serves a global market in the off-highway power transmission and drive-train industries.

With more than 100 employees, Great Lakes Power distributes, provides
aftermarket service support, supplies parts, manufactures, and remanufactures products and provides engineering support for a wide range of off-highway transmissions, axles , marine transmissions, power takeoffs, and other mechanical drive systems, electronic and mechanical
control systems, filtration and lubrication systems, and many other power transmission and drive train products and components.

Daniel Girard, CVT Corp. CEO and founder said: “We, at CVT Corp. are excited about partnering with the Great Lakes Power Group to support our current and future customers. Their national presence and knowledgeable workforce will ensure our customer base will have access to the best in class after sales support. In addition, they bring an extensive knowledge of the market and have a number of key contacts with potential customers that will aid us in continuing to develop new markets.”

Rick Pennza, Great Lakes Power’s president and CEO added: “For over 43 years, Great Lakes Power has been an industry leader in providing power transmission and drive train products and service to our customers and we are excited that CVT Corp. has called upon us to support their product offering in the US.”

After more than 41 years with Caterpillar Inc., chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman will retire, effective March 31, 2017.

During his time as chairman and CEO, Oberhelman has reinvigorated the company’s focus on serving customers while also driving a culture of quality and safety. He led the company to the highest sales and revenue peak in its 91-year history in 2012, and since then has successfully led the company through the unprecedented downturn affecting its key industries.

During Oberhelman’s tenure:

Product quality has reached historically high levels.
Market position for machines has increased significantly. 
New Lean Management processes have simplified and sped production, improving product availability for dealers and customers. 
The company has increased its quarterly dividend by 83% since 2010.
The balance sheet is strong, and at the end of the second quarter of 2016, Caterpillar’s Machinery Energy & Transportation debt-to-capital ratio was 39.0%,  with $6.764 billion in cash as of June 30, 2016.
Global safety metrics for employees have improved dramatically, with the Recordable Injury Frequency improving each year. 
Caterpillar has been granted nearly 7,300 patents worldwide.
The company dramatically expanded its commitment to lower owning and operating costs for customers by connecting new and existing equipment through digital technology and data analytics.

“Our people have heard me say many times that my greatest responsibility as chairman and CEO is to manage Caterpillar for today and position the company and its future leaders for long-term success,” Oberhelman said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this company, and I am confident in the choice of my successor, Jim Umpleby.”

“During the last four years, Caterpillar has faced unprecedented global economic conditions that have significantly impacted the industries served by our customers, as those industries and economic growth in many regions around the world have slowed or severely contracted," Oberhelman added. "Faced with these challenges, our employees have responded like champions. We have improved our market position and grown our field population. Our product quality is at historically high levels, and I believe we are leading the industry in digital capabilities."

Oberhelman further said: "I am confident that Caterpillar is stronger than ever, with product quality, power, technology and innovation that is the envy of our competitors. Add to that lean and agile manufacturing capabilities and an unrivaled global distribution channel. The future is bright.”

That future will be overseen by Oberhelman's hand-picked successor, Jim Umpleby.

Caterpillar's board of directors has elected Umpleby, currently Caterpillar Group President for Energy & Transportation, to succeed Oberhelman as CEO.

Umpleby, a 35-year veteran of the company, will join the Caterpillar board of directors and become CEO effective January 1, 2017.

His Caterpillar career began in 1980, when he joined Solar Turbines Incorporated in San Diego, California. Solar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. It is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial gas turbine systems.

Early in his career, he held numerous positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer services. Umpleby lived in Asia from 1984 to 1990, with assignments in Singapore and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Caterpillar Board of Directors elected Umpleby a Caterpillar vice president and president of Solar Turbines in 2010. He was named Group President and a member of Caterpillar’s Executive Office, effective January 2013.

“For more than 91 years, Caterpillar equipment has been renowned for its quality, durability, innovation and value,” Umpleby said. “I have been privileged to work with Caterpillar employees and dealers in supporting our customers as they develop the world’s infrastructure and improve standards of living and quality of life. I look forward to leading our dedicated team as we build upon the accomplishments of those that have come before us.”

Oberhelman will remain as executive chairman of Caterpillar until March 31, 2017, when he will retire.

Upon Oberhelman’s retirement, Dave Calhoun, a current member of the Caterpillar Board, will assume the role of non-executive chairman of the board. Calhoun is senior managing director and head of Private Equity Portfolio Operations at The Blackstone Group L.P.

Ed Rust, former chairman and CEO of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, and currently presiding director of the Caterpillar board, will remain on the board, but will no longer hold the title of presiding director once Calhoun assumes the role of non-executive chairman.

“The Board has a robust, best-in-class succession planning process for the critical roles of chairman of the board and chief executive officer as well as other top executive positions," Rust said. "One of our top priorities as a board is developing a strong pipeline of senior leaders. Discussions are held throughout each year, and today’s announcement is the result of these ongoing and deliberate board discussions.”

Rust added: “I am certain Jim will continue the superb leadership, which is the hallmark of Caterpillar, in the years to come. I especially want to thank Doug for his strong and outstanding leadership of the company throughout his tenure, particularly in the last four years, when the global economic environment has created unprecedented challenges for Caterpillar. We wish Doug all of the best for a successful retirement following a distinguished and successful 41-year career.”

Calhoun has been a member of the Caterpillar board of directors since 2011. In addition to his role with the Blackstone Group, he was previously executive chair of Nielsen Holdings N.V. (2014-2015), served as chairman of the executive board and CEO of The Nielsen Company B.V. (2006-2013), vice chairman of General Electric Company, and president and CEO of GE Infrastructure (2005-2006).

“I am honored to take on these new responsibilities with Caterpillar, an iconic and global leader,” Calhoun said. “Following a deliberate succession process, the board confidently elected Jim as Caterpillar’s next CEO. He reflects the best attributes of Caterpillar’s culture and leadership. I also want to compliment Doug for his outstanding leadership as Chairman and CEO, as the capstone to more than four decades of service. His leadership in the last four years has been remarkable as the company has successfully navigated an incredibly difficult cycle while positioning Caterpillar to take full advantage of the next upturn.”

The company will announce a replacement for Umpleby later.

Southeastern Equipment Co. Inc., Cambridge, Ohio, has promoted Heath Watton and Mickey Gourley to the position of vice president.

Watton and Gourley will now oversee the daily operations of all Southeastern Equipment locations.

“I am looking forward to seeing the contributions that Heath and Mickey will make in their new roles,” said Charlie Patterson, president of Southeastern Equipment. “Both are veterans of the company and will be charged with enhancing and growing our equipment sales efforts as well as improving our product support capabilities. We look forward totheir continued growth and leadership involvement with Southeastern.”

Gourley's 18 years of sales and customer-service experience began when he joined Southeastern Equipment in 1998 as an outside salesman after earning a bachelor's degree in business from Muskingum University. He quickly moved into increasing levels of management and responsibility, most recently serving as general manager.

Watton's 12-year career with the company began in 2003, when he was hired as a salesman. His experience and knowledge of equipment manufacturing helped him rise to regional manager for Southeast Ohio. Watton's promotion capitalizes on his unique understanding of operations in order to expand the company’s reach. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Muskingum University.

As part of their new responsibilities, Gourley and Watton will visit each company location in coming months to refine intracompany communications in order to provide continuity and coordination among all of the branches.

The Manitou Group, a world leader in all-terrain material handling trucks, has appointed Laurent Bonnaure as executive vice president, global sales and marketing, and also as a member of the company's executive committee.

Responsible for the group’s worldwide sales and marketing strategy, he oversees all of the Manitou Group distribution subsidiaries as well as the global sales and marketing teams. He will also manage the global dealer network.

Bonnaure will continue to develop of the Manitou group initiated under François-Frédéric Piffard, who will remain  head of sales and marketing until he retires at the end of 2016. 

Bonnaure holds a master's degree in engineering from the École Centrale Paris graduate school, as well as a DEA (master of advanced studies) in energetics, and a master of sciences degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA).

Both French and Canadian, he has held numerous senior management positions in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, spending 11 years at the Elis Group before taking on the role of deputy managing director and board member of the Fraikin Group for eight years. There, he also held the positions of executive vice president international, chief operating officer, and most recently chief executive development officer.

Piffard will officially hand over the reins to Bonnaure on Dec. 31, 2016, when the former retires after 26 years devoted to the global development of  Manitou Group. 

“Manitou is an extraordinary company that is expanding in global markets and territories that are still open to new growth opportunities thanks to its high-added-value products, the continued innovations in its products and services, and its employees and dealers who are proud of the company and its products," said Bonnaure. "Continuing to strengthen our global leadership and constantly improving our customers’ satisfaction are the main challenges for the coming years. Building on the remarkable work of François-Frédéric Piffard, I will be concentrating my efforts to accelerate Manitou’s development and taking on these new challenges, alongside our teams and our entire network.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2016, in Washington, D.C.

The agenda includes remarks from Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health; updates from the Directorate of Construction; clarification of requirements in the crane standard; updates from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management; updates on the National Safety Stand-Down; and public comment period.

The meeting will be held 1- 5 p.m. ET, November 30 and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, December 1 in Room N-3437 A-C at the U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20210. The meetings are open to the public. Comments and requests to speak may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, by mail, or by facsimile. See the Federal Register notice for details. Comments, requests to speak and requests for special accommodations must be submitted by Nov. 11, 2016.

Additionally, OSHA is accepting nominations for eight new members to serve on the 15-member committee. Nominations will be accepted from those interested in representing employee (3), employer (3), public (1) and state safety and health agency (1) groups. Nominations may be submitted at www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Submissions may also be sent by mail or facsimile. See the Federal Register notice for details. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 27, 2017.

ACCSH, established under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, advises the secretary of labor and assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health on construction standards and policy matters.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

Hirschmann MCS' recent conference in Chambersburg, Pa., educated about 25 dealers from the United States and Canada about the company's new products, including the PRS90 wireless indicator and qSCALE load-moment indicator. 

Participants learned about the features of the new products in relation to the variety of solutions they have to offer mobile machine applications in the aftermarket.

Attendees were also introduced to various container-weighing solutions currently available for port, harbor, and intermodal applications. 

Seventy-eight percent of respondents in a survey of businesses used at least one form of financing when acquiring equipment in FY 2015, according to the U.S. Equipment Finance Market Study:  2016-2017 released yesterday by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation.

That is up from 72% in the previous Foundation market study released in 2012. The 6% rise represents an increase in the overall propensity to finance.

The survey also shows that 68% of the total value of equipment and software acquired in 2015 was financed, a significant increase from the previous estimate of 55% forecast in the 2012 Foundation market study.

The new study, conducted by IHS Markit, predicts the U.S. equipment finance market will grow by 1.31% to reach $1.03 trillion in 2016.

Total public and private investment in equipment and software grew 4% in 2015, to $1.5 trillion, according to the study. In 2016, equipment and software investment is expected to be relatively flat, increasing by only 0.5%.

However, excess liquidity and strong competition have driven down the cost of borrowing, so finance volume is expected to outpace total investment in equipment and software.

The study cites excess global capacity, low commodity prices, a strong dollar, sluggish export markets, and the collapse in drilling for oil and natural gas as main factors holding back capital investment

Ralph Petta, president of the Foundation and president and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, said, “This invaluable research provides a comprehensive picture of the size and scope of the equipment finance sector.  In so doing, the analysis reaffirms the industry as an integral component of the U.S. economy, enabling firms—both large and small—to acquire capital assets to operate and grow their businesses.”

Key Findings
Highlights from the U.S. Equipment Finance Market Study 2016-2017 include:

•   Growth in investment in equipment and software is expected to accelerate slightly in 2017, growing at a 3.0 percent rate. By 2020, total investment in equipment and software is expected to reach $1.8 trillion.

•   The 2015 estimate for the equipment finance market (including software) is $1.02 trillion. The market for equipment and software financing is expected to grow to $1.03 trillion in 2016, and is projected to reach $1.24 trillion in 2020.

•   Sixty-eight percent of all equipment and software acquired in 2015 was financed. Of that, 39 percent was leased, 16% used a secured loan, and 13% used a line of credit. This represents a major shift toward the use of leases and secured loans, which accounted for only 17% and 9% of the total value of financing in 2011, respectively. This also marked a significant shift away from lines of credit, which accounted for 29% in 2012.

•   Bank financing accounted for 47% of financed purchases in 2015, compared to 57% in the 2012 Foundation market study. While banks share of financing activity has decreased, they remain the primary lenders across all equipment types in 2015. Non-bank lenders’ share of equipment financing includes 30% for manufacturers and vendors and 16% for non-bank independent financing companies.

•   Banks continue to focus their new financing efforts on companies with lower risk profiles. The share of bank financing of highly profitable companies (profit greater than 20% of sales) was 43% in 2015, compared to 47% in 2011. Meanwhile the share of bank lending to unprofitable companies declined from 53% to only 26%, as less profitable companies were forced to seek alternative financing options.

•   The share of cash purchases declined for companies of all sizes from 2011 to 2015. Low interest rates, strong competition among lenders and abundant liquidity have made financing equipment acquisitions especially attractive as lenders compete to offer the best rates to borrowers.

•   As in 2012 and a previous 2007 Foundation survey, the 2016 Foundation survey confirms that larger ticket purchases are financed to a greater degree than smaller ticket purchases.

•   The growth of fintech companies has been a major development in the equipment leasing and financing industry recently. Industry experts indicate that fintech companies have driven faster adoption of technology and have contributed to the “digitalization” of the lending process.

•   Executives with knowledge of the leasing and finance industry indicated that customers are increasingly asking for managed solutions or bundled services and usage-based products.

•   Most industry experts indicated that they expect very little impact on the demand for leasing from the introduction of new lease accounting standards in December 2018. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with terms of more than 12 months. As the new standards have been under discussion for many years, executives expressed that firms will be prepared for the changes.

About the Study
U.S. Equipment Finance Market Study: 2016-2017 was conducted by IHS Markit for the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation to provide comprehensive research on the size and expected growth of the U.S. equipment finance market. The study draws on data from a number of sources, including a custom Foundation borrower survey of businesses that acquired equipment in 2015, conducted in July and August 2016 by IHS Markit on behalf of the Foundation. Additional data sources include the Federal Reserve Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices, the Federal Reserve Flow of Funds, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s 2012 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity and the IHS Equipment Market Monitor. The financing market estimates reflect lending to businesses and government agencies. IHS conducted the previous Foundation market study in 2012.

How to Access the Study
The U.S. Equipment Finance Market Study: 2016-2017 is available for free download at www.leasefoundation.org/research/sefi. Key findings, a study results fact sheet and table of contents are also available for free download.

The Indiana Manufacturers Association recently honored gear and drive maker Oerlikon Fairfield by including it as part of the first group of to enter the Indiana Manufacturers' Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes Oerlikon's outstanding contributions to the development of a healthy, dynamic environment in Indiana, and to the state’s overall economic well-being.

“Oerlikon Fairfield is excited to be among the select group of
companies acknowledged at this first-of-its-kind event, and honored to have been selected as an inductee into the newly created Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame”, said David Evans,
president and CEO of Drive Systems Americas.

According to Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA) president Brian Burton, manufacturing represents 30% of Indiana’s gross domestic product. Burton cited Oerlikon Fairfield's long-term dedication to Indiana manufacturing and its continuing support of the IMA in his remarks.

“We are very proud and honored to be part of this select number of companies to enter the hall of fame. This award was made possible by the commitment and passion of the entire staff of the company, said Lou Gilbert, Oerlikon Fairfield director of sales.

The American Rental Association (ARA) board of directors has named Tony Conant as the organization's new executive vice president/CEO, effective mid-November. He succeeds Christine Wehrman, who is retiring after 16 years with the association.

Conant will become the fourth executive vice president/CEO of the ARA since its founding in 1955. He most recently served as chief operating officer (COO) at the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), headquartered in Phoenix. In that position, Conant has been responsible for enabling operational excellence across the company and building capabilities for ISM’s future growth.

ARA President Roger Vajgrt, owner of Home Rental Center & Sales Co., Marshalltown, Iowa, said, “The board of directors is pleased to have Tony join the ARA. We look forward to his leadership and contributions to advance the forward momentum of the association. His professional career experience and education is a definite asset to ARA as we look ahead to the future of the equipment rental industry.”

As ISM's leader of certification, publications, membership, research, finance, IT, and human resources, Conant managed project prioritization, decision ownership, effective resource alignment, measurement, and accountability across the company.

He has spent more than 20 years developing advanced practices in operations and supply chain at world-class companies, including Intel, BASF, Whirlpool, and Bank of America. He previously was the vice president of operations and share services at One Touch Direct, an innovative direct-marketing company, where he oversaw 200% revenue and headcount growth in five years.

“I welcome the opportunity to join such a dynamic organization and staff team,” said Conant. “Hallmarks of the organization are innovative and strategic thinking that represent the equipment rental industry very effectively. I look forward to building upon that ARA legacy with the volunteer leaders and staff members.”

Conant is a native of Detroit. He earned a bachelor's degree in operations management from Madonna University, Livonia, Mich., and an MBA in finance and international economics from the University of Florida, Gainesville. He also completed Six Sigma Black Belt certification from the University of California at San Diego.

IronPlanet, a leading online marketplace for selling and buying used equipment and other durable assets, has announced record-breaking results from its month-long September to remember auction events. Combining both online and on-site auctions, the company sold 9,890 items for more than $99 million in GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume), during 23 auctions in the month.

“September, 2016 was a record-breaking month, for the number of auctions that we held, the total number of bidders and buyers, as well as the total gross merchandise volume of over $99 million,” said Gregory J. Owens, IronPlanet chairman and CEO. “This is no doubt that we were able to achieve these stellar results due to our advanced data-drive technology platform, the power of our multiple online marketplaces, robust on-site auction events and the global reach of our more than 1.5 million registered users worldwide."

Owens went on to say that IronPlanet expects the rest of the fall auction season to be great, and that the company is also gearing up for its largest Florida auction ever in February 2017.

IronPlanet’s September highlights included: 

A total of 5,933 global bidders attending online and on site.

A total of 9,890 items sold, in categories that ranged from Humvees to quarry and mining equipment, classic cars, pump and power equipment, oilfield machinery, trucks, tractor crawlers, and many others.

The highest ticket item sold for $875,000, a 1999 Liebherr LR1400 lattice-boom crawler crane, located in Mississippi.

The most viewed items were excavators, while the item with the most bids was a Dodge Ram pickup truck.

The top five bid categories, in order, were oilfield equipment (10,231 bids), Humvees (9,060 bids), attachments (6,281 bids), excavators (6,070 bids), and tools (5,940 bids).

Participation from 84 countries, with 34% of the auction items receiving international bids, and 1,519 items being purchased by international buyers. After the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Great Britain was the most active bidding country. Two Cat crawler tractors located in the United States were purchased by a bidder in Mauritius, an island in the India Ocean nearly 10,451 miles away. Texas was the state that sold the most items as well as the state that bought the most.

IronPlanet’s Cat Auction Services sale in Dallas - Fort Worth, TX on September 14 featured the debut of IronPlanet LiveStream, the next generation in online bidding for live on-site auctions. IronPlanet LiveStream offers new auction features for buyers who need to stay in the field, on the job, or who prefer the convenience of buying online, and its Leaderboard technology also provides online bidders the same views, videos, and bidding experience as on-site bidders.

IronPlanet is already planning its largest unreserved public auction for Kissimmee, Fla., on February 13-17, 2017. Hosted by Ring Power Corporation, the five-day event will feature sellers Altorfer Inc., Blanchard Machinery, Carolina CAT, Cleveland Brothers, Fabick Cat, Foley, Inc., Louisiana Cat, Mustang Cat, Pipeline Machinery, Puckett Machinery, Ransome Cat, Riggs CAT, Ring Power Corporation, Thompson Machinery, Yancey Bros. Co., Ziegler CAT, and many more. For more information about the 2017 Florida auction, visit www.ironplanet.com/Florida.

Glen Barton, former Caterpillar Inc. chairman and chief executive officer, died on Oct. 24, 2016, in Peoria, Ill., at age 77. Barton retired in 2004 after serving Caterpillar for nearly 43 years, the last five as chairman and CEO.

"The Caterpillar family is extremely saddened by Glen's passing," said Caterpillar chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman. "Glen's legacy of leadership extends far beyond Caterpillar’s walls. His commitment to Peoria and our communities was remarkable. I'll start with his Caterpillar leadership. He rose through the Caterpillar ranks, starting in 1961 as a college graduate trainee. Under his leadership, Caterpillar fully embraced 6 Sigma. It brought remarkable improvements throughout the company, including an intense focus on quality and safety. We continue that focus today, and 6 Sigma remains our foundation for continuous improvement. We are forever indebted to him for his commitment to making Caterpillar a stronger company.

"And just as important is his unprecedented generosity to the Peoria area. Glen's dedication and hard work will continue to leave a positive impact for many, many future generations. Together with his wife Polly, Glen was the epitome of philanthropic leaders. He was the driving force behind Quest Charter Academy and a tireless leader and supporter of the Peoria Zoo, the Peoria Playhouse, WTVP and Illinois Central College. Our deepest condolences are extended to Polly and the entire Barton family."

Barton joined Caterpillar in 1961 and held numerous marketing and general management positions. After two tours with Caterpillar Overseas S.A. in Geneva, Switzerland, where he served in various marketing capacities from 1964 to 1968, and from 1972 to 1975, Barton became manager for South American Sales. In 1977, he became manager of Merchandising Division General Offices. Barton moved to Mentor, Ohio, in 1983 to become the U.S. sales and product support manager for the industrial lift truck division of Caterpillar. From 1984 through 1986, he was manager of Products Control, involved in product development and strategic planning. In 1987, he was elected a vice president of Caterpillar and president of Solar Turbines Incorporated, a wholly owned Caterpillar subsidiary in San Diego, California. In 1989, he became executive vice president with responsibility for worldwide marketing. Effective July 1, 1990, Barton became group president with responsibility for the design, development and production of most of Caterpillar's extensive line of forest, mining and construction equipment. His responsibilities also included marketing and sales operations in North America, South America, Latin America and Japan. On February 1, 1999, he was named chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Barton, a native of Alton, Mo., graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He completed the Stanford University Executive Program in 1977. He previously served on the Dean's Engineering Advisory Council at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the boards of directors for Inco Limited and Newmont Mining Corporation. He was also a global advisor to The Conference Board and a trustee of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Foundation. Barton also served as a member of the Business Roundtable, the Illinois Business Roundtable and the U.S. President's Export Council.

In 2012, Glen was recognized for helping pave the way for the company’s leadership in the global mining industry with his induction into the National Mining Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame credits Barton with the foresight to more heavily involve Caterpillar in mining: "Glen Barton’s passion changed the mining industry. His leadership made Caterpillar the world’s leading provider of mining equipment by creating the roots that support the organization today."

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), which reports economic activity from 25 companies representing a cross section of the $1-trillion equipment finance sector, showed their overall new business volume for September was $9.4 billion, up 12% year-over-year from September 2015. Month-over-month, volume was up 22% from $7.7 billion in August. Year to date, cumulative new business volume decreased 4% compared to 2015.

Receivables over 30 days were 1.31%, relatively unchanged from the previous month and up from 1.10% in the same period in 2015. Charge-offs were 0.46%, up from 0.44% the previous month.

Credit approvals totaled 76.6% in September, down slightly from 76.9% in August. Total headcount for equipment finance companies was up 3.8% year over year.

Separately, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index (MCI-EFI) for October is 56.0, an increase from the September index of 53.8.
 
ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta said: “September new business volume was strong, showing the first double-digit increase in many months.  Perhaps the Fed’s decision to keep interest rates low has contributed to this favorable environment for equipment investment by businesses. The uncertainty caused by the upcoming presidential election, which has acted as a drag on overall economic growth and low capital spending for most of this year, seems to have waned—at least in the short-term.  It will be interesting to see if this scenario continues into the final quarter of 2016.”

Stan Walker, managing director, JPMorgan Equipment Finance, said: “The September MILFI-25 data reflected a nice bump in volume activity, although it’s yet to be seen if this is a trend or an anomaly. The lingering uncertainty around interest rate hikes and the upcoming presidential election have left many companies reluctant to move forward on capex spend, so this is definitely welcome news. Despite the unclear environment, our firm has seen strong volume growth for the year and our portfolio credit metrics remain solid. As we head through the fourth quarter there’s definite pent up demand for capital equipment investment, but given the unpredictable domestic environment along with the economic headwinds internationally, we may continue to see this unevenness for several more months.”

About the ELFA’s MLFI-25

The MLFI-25 is the only index that reflects capex, or the volume of commercial equipment financed in the U.S. The MLFI-25 is released globally at 8 a.m. Eastern time from Washington, D.C., each month on the day before the U.S. Department of Commerce releases the durable goods report. The MLFI-25 is a financial indicator that complements the durable goods report and other economic indexes, including the Institute for Supply Management Index, which reports economic activity in the manufacturing sector. Together with the MLFI-25 these reports provide a complete view of the status of productive assets in the U.S. economy: equipment produced, acquired and financed.

The MLFI-25 is a time series that reflects two years of business activity for the 25 companies currently participating in the survey. The latest MLFI-25, including methodology and participants, is available at www.elfaonline.org/Data/MLFI/

This week, I visited Skyjack, where I learned that the company will be introducing an 80-something foot articulating boom lift, a 5,000-lb. telehandler, and a 12,000-lb. telehandler in the next few months. Although details about the new machines were not yet available, the news that they are coming is exciting.

While I was at Skyjack, I had the opportunity to operate one of the 74-hp TH telehandlers that the company introduced earlier this year. Although I  ran the 10,000-lb.-capacity, 56-ft. SJ1056 TH for less than half an hour on a paved lot, I felt that its 74 ponies delivered plenty of oomph. In third gear with the pedal to the metal, it zipped along as fast as you’d want to go on a construction site, especially one that is unimproved. 

That’s great news, since 1 to 2 mph of top-end speed is the only tradeoff for the fistful of benefits that the 74-hp engine delivers. 

The biggest of those benefits is that you avoid the exhaust-treatment complexities that come with a diesel engine of 75 hp or more. When you can stick to an engine of 74 hp or less, you don’t have to deal with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR), downtime for regeneration, or making sure your tank of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) stays filled and unfrozen.

I found the SJ1056 TH controls smooth, easy to become familiar with, and easy to use. Boom raising, extension, and retraction all seemed at least as quick as other machines I’ve had the opportunity to run, so the 74-hp engine worked as well as a higher-powered diesel on that score. 
After I’d run the machine, Skyjack’s senior project manager Barry Greenaway told me that a customer had challenged Skyjack to pit the 74-hp SJ1056 TH against a 9,000-lb. telehandler with an engine in the 100-hp range. The competition consisted of timed tests for boom extension and retraction, travel, and picking and placing loads.
Greenaway reported that although the results were close, the 74-hp 10,000-lb. Skyjack telehandler finished slightly ahead of the 100-hp 9,000-lb. unit overall.

My visit to Ontario included a stop at a construction site where a contractor was using a 74-hp SJ1056 TH on a fast-track project to build a big-box store. The job was nearly complete when I came on site, but the supervisor said the Skyjack had been the first telehandler on the job and would be the last of four to leave. He had used the machine to upright and set columns, place wall panels, set roof beams, and handle all kinds of material. The supervisor said the rig was just as fast as a higher-horsepower telehandler and the smoothest one on the job, to boot.

Skyjack was the first telehandler manufacturer to offer a 74-hp engine alternative, but other manufacturers, such as Genie and SkyTrak, now also offer telehandlers in the 8,000 – 10,000-lb. range with a diesel of that power output.

That kind of product advancement keeps the industry moving forward and offers users tools that help them do their jobs more efficiently. 

In this year’s Lift and Access Equipment Guide, you’ll notice several new or updated models of telehandler, as well as new scissor lifts, boom lifts, and compact lifts, too. The guide’s format is designed to give readers an instant overview of the offerings in major types of lifting and access equipment used in construction and material handling. We hope it makes your machinery comparisons quicker and easier.