When it was time to erect one of the world's most high-profile Christmas trees, a JCB Loadall telescopic handler was there to do the done.

The JCB 507-42 Loadall was called in to perform the honors of assisting with the installation of an 80-ft. Engelmann spruce on the lawn at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. 

The tree was transported from Payette National Forest in Idaho to stand in front of the world-famous landmark of the United States Congress building during the holiday season. The Loadall, which can lift 7,000 lbs. up to 37 ft. high, or 6,000 lbs. to 42 ft., is manufactured at JCB's world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. 

A JCB spokesman said: "This year has been a milestone one for JCB Loadalls, as the company celebrated the production of its 200,000th telescopic handler. We are delighted to end the year with a Loadall helping get Christmas celebrations underway in the American capital." 

Next year, JCB will mark another remarkable milestone — 40 years of making Loadall telescopic handlers, which have revolutionized how materials are handled on construction sites and farms.

Photo courtesy of Associated Press/Andrew Harnik.

Investment in equipment and software is expected to grow 3.0% in 2017, according to the Annual 2017 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation.

After a likely contraction in 2016, equipment and software investment is on track to improve in 2017. According to the outlook, while persistent global headwinds and policy uncertainty are ongoing concerns, the U.S. economy’s fundamentals are generally solid, and rising business confidence should lead to increased investment.

The Foundation’s report, 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. The report will be updated quarterly throughout 2017.

Ralph Petta, president of the Foundation and president and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, said, “With the elections over and key policy decisions beginning to take shape, the cloud of uncertainty hanging over businesses’ decisions to invest appears to be lifting. Business confidence in the future of the U.S. economy is on the rise. Unemployment is slowly decreasing, housing prices are improving, and the securities markets are in all-time record territory. This more positive economic news during the second half of 2016 seems to indicate that GDP is poised for solid, if unspectacular, growth. We are hoping that the spillover effect is a strong equipment finance industry in 2017.”   

Highlights from the study:

•   In 2017, the U.S. economy is poised to experience moderately strong growth of 2.7%.  After a growth pause during the first half of 2016 in which low energy and commodity prices contributed to weak business confidence and investment, the U.S. economy appears to be back on solid footing.
•   Credit market conditions are healthy and are not expected to inhibit business investment or the equipment finance industry.
•   Struggles for the energy, manufacturing and export sectors posed a major drag on business investment in 2016, but early indicators point to growth of 3.0% in equipment and software investment in 2017.
•   The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is included in the report, tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals. A number of verticals are primed to improve in the first half of 2017. Over the next three to six months:
   o   Agriculture machinery investment growth will likely remain negative.
   o   Construction machinery investment growth should improve.
   o   Materials handling equipment investment growth should remain stable.
   o   All other industrial equipment investment growth will likely rebound.
   o   Medical equipment investment growth should remain stable.
   o   Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth is expected to improve.
   o   Aircraft investment growth will likely strengthen.
   o   Ships and boats investment growth is set to improve.
   o   Railroad equipment investment growth should continue to strengthen.
   o   Trucks investment growth is poised to accelerate.
   o   Computers investment growth is likely to improve.
   o   Software investment growth should continue to strengthen.

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 report will be updated quarterly throughout 2017.

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

Professional inspectors from IronPlanet have evaluated more than 100,000 pieces of used heavy equipment in 2016 -- a new high for the online marketplace.

The cornerstone of IronPlanet’s inspection process is its IronClad Assurance equipment condition certification.

The process lets buyers know that one of the company's inspectors has personally visited the item, taken pictures and conducted a comprehensive inspection of key systems and components. What the buyer sees in the inspection report is what they get when they receive the equipment.

IronClad Assurance allows buyers to purchase with confidence knowing that the items have been given a full and detailed inspection by an industry expert. IronPlanet's team of more than 250 professional inspectors average more than 20 years of equipment experience and follow a standardized, reliable, and consistent method of evaluation.

“High quality, detailed, and meticulous equipment inspections are a core component of IronPlanet offerings to buyers and sellers alike and that is what differentiates us from all other marketplaces,” said Matt Ackley, IronPlanet chief marketing officer. “With over 100,000 trusted inspections conducted this year alone, IronPlanet's IronClad Assurance certification guarantees that buyers receive the equipment they expect, even if they haven’t visited the equipment in person. This inspires a level of satisfaction and trust that continues to drive the growth of our online, as well as onsite auctions around the country and the world.” 

IronPlanet’s 2016 inspection highlights:

Excavators were the most inspected items in 2016

The year’s most unusual item inspected was a suburban converted to a “mobile ice fishing house,” with a hole cut near the rear seats to drop the fishing line

In the U.S., California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania were the states where most inspections occurred

Africa, Indonesia and Australia were the farthest inspections from IronPlanet’s headquarters in California

IronPlanet inspections are comprehensive:

IronPlanet has more than 265 different inspection checklists
There are an average of 100 line items on an inspector’s checklist for each piece of equipment

IronPlanet conducts equipment inspections around the world with inspections in 24 countries globally this year

IronPlanet's inspection reports include ratings and comments for key systems and components, functional test results, videos, and many photos. For applicable equipment, IronPlanet will also include lab analysis of oil and fluids in major components and systems for contaminants and wear metals

IronPlanet Inspectors are highly trained:

IronPlanet’s professional inspectors undergo a rigorous five-phase inspection training process including: Initial assessment, online training and orientation, field training, monitoring phase with additional field training, review from QC team and final approval

Inspectors complete IronPlanet University training and take continuing education classes throughout their career

During any one month, a typical IronPlanet inspector will perform 70+ inspections, taking 80 photos of each item and spending 60-75 minutes inspecting each piece of equipment

IronPlanet inspectors use approximately 400 iPads globally to conduct inspections

Look for IronPlanet’s IronClad Assurance equipment condition certification on equipment listed on IronPlanet, TruckPlanet, GovPlanet, and catauctions.com. IronPlanet’s IronClad Assurance gives buyers the confidence to buy online knowing that they have an accurate representation of equipment condition. Equipment Protection Plans from Cat Financial may be available on qualified Cat® equipment selling in Cat Auction Services events, which will be noted in the auction catalogs.

The company is planning an Unreserved Public Auction event in Kissimmee, Fla., February 13-17, 2017.

Hosted by Ring Power Corporation, the five-day event will include 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 IronPlanet’s 2017 Florida auction, please visit www.ironplanet.com/Florida.        

HAWE Hydraulik has introduced the EV2S-BT, an electronic proportional amplifier that can be operated wirelessly from a smart phone to control all standard proportional solenoids, including those that control directional valves, pressure valves, and pumps.

The plug-in amplifier makes assembly and start-up
quick and easy.

The amplifier's Bluetooth interface lets it be installed in inaccessible places, since the amplifier is controlled wirelessly using the Hawe eControl App with a smartphone.

Pre-set parameters for the most common types of valves for mobile and industrial hydraulics simplify start-up. All common input signals 0-10V DC, 4-20 mA, and CANbus come standard.

The direct connection to the CAN network and a data within the device can also relieve the main machine control.

The EV2S-BT is ideal for valves that are hard to reach, like those in decentralized control on a crane boom or valves hidden deep inside the machine. The new Bluetooth interface communicates with a range of several meters. Gone are the days of crawling under a machine to reset parameters.

Nominal value, output current, and device temperature are displayed in real time. Also, storing, loading, and replication of configuration work can be done in no time, which is especially valuable for applications with series production.

The new EV2S-BT electronic amplifier is available through HAWE Hydraulik, and the HAWE eControl App can be downloaded, free, from the App Store or the Google Play store.

Fuel quality is critical to keep Tier 4 engines running smoothly, so the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has released a downloadable infographic to help equipment owners and users keep equipment up and running.

The AEM “Get CLEAN on Fuel” infographic outlines five key actions that help protect Tier 4 engines “because while the new engines reduce diesel emissions and protect our health and the environment, the fact is they are rather finicky about fuel,” said William “Bernie” Bernhard, AEM technical and safety services manager.

Bernhard explained that today’s Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is different from the diesel fuel of just a few years ago.

“Among other things, it is subject to change and contamination as it moves from the refinery to the engine, making storage, temperature, age and filtration, and related factors critical in maintaining fuel quality,” said Bernhard.

AEM member company experts came together through the association to develop the guidelines as a way to spread awareness of the importance of diesel fuel quality.

5 Steps to Maintain Fuel Quality

The new AEM fuel-quality infographic relays 5 quick tips using the CLEAN acronym, accompanied by actionable guidelines:

C - Commit to understanding your T4 engine
L - Learn the facts about today’s fuel
E - Evaluate your fuel source and fuel handling
A - Always follow manufacturer guidelines
N - Never take your role for granted

Download the complete infographic at aem.org/clean.

According to a recent survey of Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA) members, the EPA’s Tier 4 mandates are driving up demand for non-Tier-4 used construction equipment and predicts the trend will continue for several years.

For many equipment categories, used equipment availability is outpacing demand, but for other categories, including excavators, backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, dump trucks, dozers, and compact equipment, IEDA members are seeing resale pricing increase by as much as 20%. Also, more than 50% of survey respondents noted that high-quality used equipment is getting harder to find.

The IEDA membership comprises equipment dealers from around the world specializing in used construction and mining equipment. Since the EPA set new standards more than two decades ago, IEDA staff and members have kept a close eye to how used equipment availability and pricing would be affected by each new standard.

“Our members buy and sell used equipment globally, which makes them well aware of market trends,” says Drew Van Brunt, IEDA president and Owner of Global Tractor Company in Colleyville, Texas. “As a group, we make it a point to share trends we see in the market with each other, as well as with used equipment buyers and sellers. The current used equipment market is strong, but it will be affected by Tier 4 machines in the near future.”

The most recent survey shows that most members are still unsure how well Tier 4 machines will hold their value when they hit the used-equipment market.

Of the members surveyed, 37% believe Tier 4 machines will not retain their value as well as non-Tier-4 equipment, but many others believe Tier 4 machines will have better resale value because many projects demand Tier 4 compliant equipment. If more construction projects demand the use of Tier 4 machines, the residual value of non-tier-4 machines will drop significantly.

Currently, there are only a few Tier 4 machines in the used equipment market. IEDA members predict that the market is 4-8 years away from being dominated by the newer machines. At that point, non-tier-4 machines will be harder to come by, and pricing on Tier 4 machines will become more steady.

Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc. has appointed Woody Ferrell as account manager for its Pipeline Services Division. 

Ferrell will focus on developing relationships in the oil and gas pipeline construction industry, and represent Kirby-Smith nationally as the company expands its presence in the sector.

As account manager for Kirby-Smith’s newly dedicated pipeline division, Ferrell will work closely with customers to understand their needs and create effective solutions. Ferrell’s sharp understanding of pipeline equipment applications and tireless effort to see his customers succeed made him a natural fit for the position.

Joe Trapani, director of pipeline services, is confident that Ferrell will make an immediate impact on the division. “We are very excited Woody has joined our team.  His knowledge of the industry, applications and customers throughout North America adds value to our partners.  He is a customer-centric industry professional and his values, integrity, and trust are a perfect match for the pipeline industry and Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc.” 

Kirby-Smith’s Pipeline Services Division provides equipment and support nationwide to customers in the mainline, regional and local pipeline construction industry. Kirby-Smith’s goal is to provide a full service solution to customers offering a variety of equipment options such as dozers, excavators, pipelayers, wheel loaders, cranes, rubber track carriers, telehandlers, trailers and pipeline attachments such as hammers, pipe vacuum lifts, buckets, forks, quick couplers, and much more.

Ferrell is a Co-Chair of the membership committee of the (DCA) Distribution Contractors Association, and has more than 25 years’ experience in the construction equipment industry, bringing a wealth of sales and marketing expertise to his new position at Kirby-Smith.

He recently was director of national accounts - pipeline construction with Volvo CE, where he spent the last four years developing its pipeline division. During his time at Volvo, Ferrell was region manager, product manager, and vice president of remarketing.

Ferrell had previously worked with CNH, where he developed and launched the company's heavy compaction line for asphalt paving.

Ferrell's career also includes several years in the rental industry as a field representative and managing a location.

U.S. Battery Manufacturing’s new Endurance Plus deep-cycle batteries feature improved overall performance and higher ratings in an all-new red case and top.

The line-up includes US 2000XC2, US 8VGCXC2, and US 12VRXXC2 batteries that were re-designed to provide customers better value for higher performance batteries.

Manufactured in the U.S.A., Endurance Plus batteries feature molded-in UTL terminals that have torque values consistent with current burned-on UTL versions, with dual molded terminals available as an option.

According to the company, U.S. Battery’s exclusive XC2 formulation gives Endurance Plus batteries the highest initial capacity, fastest cycle-up time to full-rated capacity, improved recharging ability, and the highest total energy delivered of any battery in their class.

Snorkel and Xtreme Manufacturing have opened Ahern Chile, the new sales and service provider for the companies in Latin America.

Based in Santiago, Ahern Chile is the latest location in the Ahern International distribution group, which also includes Ahern Australia, Ahern Japan, Ahern Deutschland, and Ahern Canada.  

The Ahern International entities are focused on the distribution of Snorkel and Xtreme Manufacturing products, as well as the provision of spare parts and technical service. The Ahern International businesses do not offer equipment rental.

Led by Brody McFarland, VP of sales for Latin America for Xtreme Manufacturing and Snorkel, Ahern Chile made its first entry into the Latin American market at ConExpo Latin America in October 2015, where it showcased a range of Snorkel aerial work platforms and Xtreme telehandlers.

Following a strong level of interest at the show, Brody appointed Nicolas Pacifico as regional general operations manager in December 2015. Nicolas has a strong background in aerial work platform sales in the region, having previously led Haulotte's sales operations in Chile. That was followed by the appointment of Andre Mendonca as regional sales manager for Argentina, and Carlos Vegar as parts manager.

In March 2016, Ahern Chile made its first product sale to local customer Metalmar and leased a facility in Santiago on Chile Route 5, Chile’s longest highway. The facility includes more than 250sqm (2,690 sq. ft.) of modern office space, as well as 2,000sqm (21,527 sq. ft.) of workshop and warehouse space, including separate parts storage.

Following a short period of fit-out work, Ahern Chile opened the facility in June 2016, followed by the appointment of Matias Fuentas as office manager in October 2016, plus the investment in sales and service vehicles. The Ahern Chile warehouse is stocked with new Snorkel lifts and Xtreme telehandlers, ready for fast delivery to customers in Chile, and across Latin America.

Brody McFarland said: “Chile is the perfect location to establish our distribution for Latin America.  This is a stable market, with an open trade environment that makes it easy to do business. Our investment in this market has been very well received by customers so far, and we have many possibilities for expanding our business here into sectors beyond rental, including industrial and mining.”

McFarland added: “Snorkel is already reasonably well established in Latin America, thanks to the work of our independent distributors, however Xtreme Manufacturing is a new brand in the market. We are fortunate that some of the regions, such as Argentina, already understand the value of high-capacity telehandlers within oil applications, so we already seeing a lot of interest in the larger Xtreme models."

McFarland also said that lower-capacity telehandlers commonly used within construction and utilities are still a fairly new concept across Latin America, but Xtreme is already working with some existing customers to demonstrate the safety and productivity benefits that telehandlers offer over truck cranes.

Matthew Elvin, CEO for Snorkel and Xtreme Manufacturing said, “The opening of Ahern Chile follows our business philosophy of ‘think global, act local’.  This investment ensures that we are set up to not only sell the equipment, but also effectively support our Latin American customers on a local level.”

The grand opening event on Tuesday. Dec. 13, marked the official launch of Ahern Chile. More than 100 rental and end user customers from across Latin America traveled to Santiago for the event, which included machine demonstrations, an official ribbon cutting, and an evening of festivities.

Delta-Q Technologies (Delta-Q), a leader in battery charging solutions for electric vehicles and industrial machines, and ZAPI S.p.A. (ZAPI), an Italian manufacturer of electronic speed controllers, electric motors, battery chargers, and associated products for electric and hybrid vehicles, has  acquired all outstanding shares of Delta-Q, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, including those held by investor Tandem Expansion Fund. The transaction closed on November 30th, 2016.

“The acquisition of Delta-Q is a strong strategic fit for ZAPI Group, and will provide additional solutions that the combined customer base will benefit from”, said Giannino Zanichelli, president of ZAPI Group. “We are impressed with Delta-Q’s revenue growth, brand strength, and people. We look forward to supporting the Delta-Q management team and employees as they continue to execute their growth plans under the Delta-Q brand.”

After the acquisition, the group will employ over 1,200 people in its main facilities worldwide with a total revenue of more than 400 million US dollars.

“As a part of the ZAPI Group, we will be able to accelerate our market and geographic expansion,” said Ken Fielding, Delta-Q’s co-founder and CEO. “The capabilities of ZAPI allow us to strengthen the support and service we provide to our customers and partners. We are excited about where we can go next, building on the exceptional capabilities of our team, our strong core values and further leveraging the Delta-Q brand which is well recognized in our markets. As part of the ZAPI Group we look forward to continuing to drive our growth forward, leveraging their capabilities, complementary technologies, and global footprint.”

ZAPI is one of the main manufacturers of electronic speed controllers for application in electric and hybrid vehicles. ZAPI, founded in 1975, has focused its activity on development, innovation, design and manufacturing of a wide range of high quality low and high voltage electronic controllers and associated products, such as electric motors, battery chargers, and electric power steering solutions. Today, ZAPI is the recognized leader in advanced controller technology and electric power train systems throughout the world.

Mooreland Partners acted as financial advisor, and Stikeman Elliott LLP along with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP acted as legal counsel, to Delta-Q. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP along with Lawson Lundell LLP acted as legal counsel for ZAPI.


 

Conexpo-Con/Agg and IFPE  have named The Call of Duty Endowment as their official charitable partner for events slated for March 7-11, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nev.

The Call of Duty Endowment is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, to help veterans secure high-quality jobs after their military service and to raise awareness of the value vets bring to the workplace.

To date, the Endowment has placed more than 29,000 veterans in jobs finding and funding the country's best nonprofits.

“We’re so grateful for Conexpo-Con/Agg and IFPE’s remarkable support of our veterans,” said Dan Goldenberg, executive director of the Call of Duty Endowment. “Every dollar received by the endowment will go directly toward the most effective and efficient veteran job counseling services in America. These will be dollars well spent.”

Because unemployment among post-9/11 veterans is 2.6 times higher than the national average, the endowment has set a new goal of placing 50,000 veterans in jobs by 2019. Every dollar donated goes toward this important work, and just $600 helps a veteran find a high-quality job.

“We’ve already had our first major donation to help raise funds for the endowment,” said Sara Truesdale Mooney, show director. “We’re thrilled to announce that Terex Corporation has donated a benefit concert featuring multi-platinum rock band, Foreigner, for Wednesday, March 8, generously hosted by Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas.”

Attendees of the show will be allowed to make a donation to the endowment for entrance to the concert. Information and details will be available early 2017.

“Citizenship is one of our core values,” said John Garrison, CEO and president of Terex Corporation. “Joining forces with Conexpo-Con/Agg and the Call of Duty Endowment is a great way to live out that value by helping to create an enjoyable evening that will raise funds for a great cause benefiting our veterans.”

Additional fundraising events planned for the endowment include on-line silent and live auctions with 100% of auction proceeds aimed at helping military veterans find jobs. The benefit auction is presented with the support of J.J. Kane Auctioneers. Attendees or exhibitors wishing to donate an item to be auctioned can contact Grant Williams at 205-706-1389. All items up for bid will be available on the J.J. Kane online auction page, www.proxibid.com/ceca.

The online auction will run from January 1 to Saturday, March 11 at 3 p.m. The live auction will take place on Thursday, March 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Tech Experience and will not have minimums or reserves (all items will be sold).

Manitou Group, a leader in all-terrain handling, will introduce more than 24 new equipment models at the Conexpo-Con/Agg 2017 trade show March 7-11 in Las Vegas, Nev.,

Conexpo-Con/Agg is the world’s largest trade exhibition focusing on the construction industry – occurring in the United States every three years. The show represents more than 2,500 exhibitors and occupies more than 2.5 million sq. ft. of display space.

The Manitou Group, with its North American headquarters in West Bend, Wis., will showcase nine new Gehl models in the skid loader, track loader, articulated loader, excavator, and telescopic handler product lines; seven new Mustang models in the skid loader, track loader, articulated loader, and excavator product lines; and more than five new Manitou models in the rotating telescopic handler, heavy duty telescopic handler, and construction telescopic handler product lines. The 6,000-sq.-ft. Manitou, Gehl, and Mustang display will be located in the Gold Lot, Booth Number G4165.

“The Manitou Group is dedicated to the development of innovative products designed for the specific needs of the construction and rental markets. The number of new equipment offerings we have to unveil at the Conexpo-Con/Agg trade show illustrate this dedication to providing relevant machines for these markets,” said Dan Miller, CEO Manitou Americas, Inc. and president of the Manitou Group Compact Equipment Division. “The group has also increased its resources that focus on customer and aftermarket support to ensure our customers receive an excellent level of support during the entire life cycle of their Manitou, Gehl, and Mustang equipment.”

EquipmentWatch, a leader in data, software, and insights for the heavy equipment industry, has announced the finalists for the second annual Highest Retained Value Awards.

The awards recognize manufacturers in 28 heavy equipment categories – spanning construction, agriculture, and lift/access – for products that show the highest retained value over the last five years.

New categories in 2017 include electric scissor lifts and internal-combustion scissor lifts. John Deere leads all manufacturers with 28 nominations, followed by Caterpillar with 24, and Case (representing both the Case IH and Case Construction Equipment brands) with 18 nominations. First-time finalists include Bell, Claas, Custom Equipment, Haulotte, Kobelco, Kubota, Mayville, Takeuchi, and Terex.

“The ability of an asset to hold its value throughout its service life is, in many ways, the ultimate measure of worth,” says Garrett Schemmel, vice president and market leader, EquipmentWatch. “Now in its second year, the Highest Retained Value Awards are the only industry benchmark that relies on data-driven residual values to confirm and project an asset’s value. This increases confidence in new and used equipment purchases, and ensures buyers that they’re adding a piece of equipment that has historically proven performance and value.”        

Residual values are calculated according to market depreciation standards and proprietary algorithms, as well as fair market value (FMV) and forced liquidation value (FLV) records contained in EquipmentWatch Values. Analysts also examine-year-over-year depreciation for more than 12,000 models and up to 20 model years of values.  

A full list of categories and finalists – as well as the methodology that determines the winners – can be viewed at EquipmentWatch.com/residual-value-awards.

Winners will be announced February 20, 2017.

2017 Finalists
Each “Series” is defined by a specific model designation/family spanning numerous model years and is not attributed to one specific model.  

Lift/Access Equipment

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25) (MLFI-25) showed that November's overall new business volume for 25 companies representing a cross section of the $1-trillion equipment finance sector was $6.4 billion, up 5% year-over-year from new business volume in November 2015. Volume was down 22% month-to-month from $8.2 billion in October. Year-to-date cumulative new business volume decreased 2% from 2015.

Receivables over 30 days were 1.30%, down from 1.40% the previous month and up from 1.10% in the same period in 2015. Charge-offs were 0.40%, up from 0.37% the previous month.

Credit approvals totaled 76.0% in November, down from 77.3% in October. Total headcount for equipment finance companies was up 4.7%, year over year.

Separately, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index (MCI-EFI) for December is 67.5, a sharp increase from the November index of 54.6.
 
ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta said: “While down from the past couple months, new business volume for November is still holding up well going into the final business month of the year. With the elections now behind us, many business people, economists, analysts, business writers and others express varying degrees of optimism about the economy in the months ahead. Projections of higher-than-expected economic growth in 2017, continued low unemployment and an uptick in inflation have caused the Fed finally to increase interest rates 25 basis points at its December meeting, with guidance for another 75 bps before the end of 2017. Recent reports of forthcoming policy decisions by the new Trump Administration and Congress—reforming the tax code, easing regulatory compliance requirements, and the potential for infrastructure investment, for example—could be the ingredients necessary to boost U.S. economic performance. These policy considerations together with a renewed enthusiasm by business owners to invest in plant and equipment could be very good news for the equipment finance sector.”

Frank J. Campagna, group vice president, line of business manager, M&T Bank Commercial Equipment Finance, said: “Our 2016 business remained embedded in the commercial bank’s regional business strategy supporting clients in a seven-state region. Year over year, we have seen an 11% increase in volume. We have also grown silos in the rail, marine and renewable energy sectors that have a broader geographic reach and provide significant tax and like-kind exchange benefits to the bank. Looking forward, additional rate hikes should allow us to be paid more rationally for risk associated with credit and term. We are seeing a favorable shift in capex planning for 2017 pointing to pent-up demand, especially in the energy and transportation sectors. We do not see a return to prior levels in the near term, but see opportunity nonetheless.”

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/

The MLFI-25 measures monthly commercial equipment lease and loan activity as reported by participating ELFA member equipment finance companies representing a cross section of the equipment finance sector, including small ticket, middle-market, large ticket, bank, captive and independent leasing and finance companies. Based on hard survey data, the responses mirror the economic activity of the broader equipment finance sector and current business conditions nationally.

Magni Telescopic Handlers, Modena, Italy, has named Mardian Equipment as the exclusive distributor of Magni’s full line of RTH (Rotating Telehandler),  HTH (Heavy Telehandler) and TH (Standard Telehandler)  products for Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Southern California (counties: San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo).

Mardian Equipment now sells and rents Magni telescopic handlers along with its existing portfolio of equipment from several top-shelf manufacturers, including Link-Belt, Elliott, National, Manitex, Shuttlelift, Schwing, and Fassi.

All Magni telescopic handlers come standard with many new and innovative features that increase safety, boost productivity, reduce operator fatigue, raise efficiency, and maximize profitability.

The very intuitive Magni Combi Touch System display on all models lets the operator monitor and control the unit through an easy-to-use touchscreen display. The system works seamlessly with the load-moment indicator to keep the operator within safe operational limits. All Magni telescopic handlers come standard with a fully enclosed and pressurized full-visibility cab with standard AC and climate controls.

All models are extremely adaptable and can be equipped with remote controls, forks, and personnel baskets, 360° rotating forks, winches, jibs, hooks, and material buckets.  RFID tags on all attachments allow the machine to automatically recognize the fitted tool and then immediately configure the load limits for that specific attachment. All RTH and TH attachments can be shared between the two lines. 

The RTH line separates itself with a 360° rotating upper (boom and operator cab) that makes it extremely versatile. RTH models have strong lift charts with maximum capacities of 11,000 and 13,000 lbs. They outreach competitors with maximum working heights that start at 57 ft. and shoot all the way up to 127 ft.

The Magni HTH’s (Heavy Telehandler) are the big boys of the Magni telescopic handler family. The HTH line starts with the 22,000-lb.-capacity HTH 10.10 model and goes all the way up to the industry leading 99,000-lb.-capacity HTH 45.14.

Basic attachments for the HTH line include several sizes of forks and hooks.  The HTH line also targets the mining segment with tools for maintaining large mining equipment, such as tire changing, wheel hub removal, and suspension cylinder maintenance or replacement. 

The newest Magni telescopic handler is the TH 6.20. Mardian Equipment will take delivery of some of the first units to land in North America. These units are expected to hit Mardian dealerships in late January 2017. With maximum lifting capacity of more than 13,000 lbs. and a top working height of 63 ft., this fixed-body telehandler comes fully loaded at an extremely competitive price.

Premium tools for many trades, Magni telescopic handlers are ideal for work in construction, mining, facility maintenance, highway/bridge construction, rail work, manufacturing, marine work, and material handling.

Mardian Equipment has several units in stock for demo, sale, rental, long-term lease, and RPO. 

Several companies that have already used these machines praise the performance, quality, reliability, and versatility of Magni telescopic handlers.

Arriving soon to be showcased in the World of Concrete Show in Las Vegas, Nev., is the Magni RTH 5.35(11,000-lb. capacity, 127-ft. working height).

Arriving in late January 2017 are several Magni TH 6.20 (13,000-lb. capacity, 63-ft. working height) telescopic handlers.

With its headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz. and regional offices in Tucson, Ariz., Lakeside, Calif. and Salt Lake City, Utah, Mardian Equipment serves customers of all sizes, and has a client list that includes some of the largest and most significant companies throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

A third-generation ESOP family business, Mardian offers services ranging from equipment operator training and equipment service, to equipment rental, new- and used-equipment sales, parts sales, equipment re-marketing, fleet planning/equipment consulting, maintained and operated crane service, and concrete pumping.

Terry Dolan, president of U.S. and Latin American operations for Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc. will leave the company Dec. 31, 2016. 

"I would like to thank Terry for his contributions to the company and wish him much success in his future endeavors," said Ravi Saligram, Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Saligram will serve as interim president for the United States and Latin America until further notice.

The company intends to review its senior executive leadership structure in connection with its recently announced acquisition of IronPlanet, which, as previously communicated, is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2017. 

The company has also appointed Rob Whitsit, a former senior vice president of Ritchie Bros., as a senior advisor to Mr. Saligram during the interim. 

Mr. Whitsit brings a wealth of experience in the business and will provide additional support to the U.S. sales team as the new executive structure is finalized.

JLG Industries, Inc. will launch nine new products in the boom-lift, scissor-lift, and telehandler categories at ConExpo-Con/Agg from March 7-11, 2017, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

At the show, JLG will preview many industry-leading technologies in Gold Lot, Booth #G3946.

A variety of the company’s best-selling products, including the 400S boom lift, the SkyTrak 10054 telehandler, and the 1932R electric scissor lift, will be on display. JLG will also feature a new Jerr-Dan product at the show. 

Point of Rental Software is officially certified with Cayan credit card processing as of this week. The integration allows Point of Rental’s Rental Expert and Rental Elite customers to work with another leader in credit card processing.

Cayan’s EMV processing provides the security advantages of chip-card technology at a speed similar to traditional swipe-card transactions. In the past, slow processing platforms have created customer dissatisfaction, but Cayan’s system tests show retailers accepting EMV cards are averaging less than four seconds per transaction.

All three of Point of Rental’s North American products are now certified with Cayan for credit card processing. Rental Essentials, the company’s cloud-based rental software, had previously been integrated.

Point of Rental customers interested in learning more about Cayan’s pricing and Cayan’s Verifone products can contact Point of Rental’s support team at cayanorders@point-of-rental.com with their first and last name, business name, and address.

Lift and Access snoopers have spotted Skyjack's new SJ1256 TH telehandler. Based on Skyjack's naming system, it's safe to assume the new machine has a maximum capacity of 12,000 lbs. and a maximum lifting height of 56 ft. Rumor says the unit will debut at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas later this month.

Trojan Battery Co. LLC, has hired industry veteran John Getty as its new senior vice president of operations. 

Getty is responsible for manufacturing operations, environmental health and services, and lean-manufacturing initiatives for Trojan’s U.S. production facilities which manufacture one of the world’s leading brands of deep-cycle batteries.

“John’s expertise in manufacturing excellence uniquely qualifies him for this critical position and will play a key role in Trojan’s market and product development expansion strategies,” said John Beering, chief operating officer for Trojan Battery.  “To support Trojan’s large-scale growth agenda, the company has focused its efforts on adding leaders to its executive team who possess deep operating backgrounds, a track record of leading change resulting in superior outcomes, successful implementation of lean manufacturing initiatives, and management success aligned with Trojan’s corporate values.  John will be a key asset to our executive team and corporate vision.”

Before joining Trojan, Getty was vice president of operations at Eaton Corp., managing its $1.6-billion North American truck business. He oversaw production at the company’s six plants which produce medium- and heavy-duty truck transmissions and clutches. During his tenure at Eaton, Getty also served as vice president and general manager for the Electrical Sensing and Controls Division of Eaton Aerospace. 

Getty holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison.