JLG® announces Executive Leadership changes

Frank Nerenhausen Oshkosh Executive Vice President and President, JLG Industries headshot

Frank Nerenhausen to retire effective November 13, 2023. Mahesh Narang named successor. Tim Morris appointed Chief Commercial Officer JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business and global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers, has announced the retirement of Frank Nerenhausen, executive vice president of Oshkosh Corporation and president of its Access segment. Mahesh Narang will succeed Nerenhausen effective November 13, 2023. Nerenhausen will serve as an advisor to the company through August 2024. Nerenhausen is retiring after more than 37 years with Oshkosh Corporation. Since joining the company as an intern in 1986, his career has included a range of management and leadership assignments of increasing responsibility across business segments. He was named the company’s Access segment president in 2012. “Frank has built a world-class team, successfully leading JLG to great heights for more than a decade. During his tenure, the Access segment has achieved significant growth and profitability, while introducing progressive innovations that leave our business in an outstanding position with a bright future,” said John Pfeifer, president and chief executive officer of Oshkosh Corporation. Narang is an accomplished global executive. Most recently he served as vice president and president of Components at Cummins Inc., where he developed the strategic direction and led all operational aspects of the Components business. Further, he executed a forward-looking strategy to grow in core diesel markets while expanding into new and fuel agnostic adjacent markets. Narang also led the acquisition and integration of several companies, helping grow the Components business by over 50% and prepare for future technologies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Mumbai, India, as well as Master of Business Administration and Master of Engineering Management degrees from Northwestern University. Pfeifer continued, “In addition, we are taking this opportunity to align the commercial activities of JLG Americas to prepare for future growth.” Tim Morris, who has been with JLG since 1992, has been appointed chief commercial officer for JLG Americas. He will be responsible for overseeing all JLG whole goods and aftermarket commercial business initiatives in the Americas region. Pfeifer concluded “We have an exceptionally strong bench of talent at our Access segment. Mahesh’s diversified experience combined with the longevity of Tim’s experience and deep customer relationships will allow us to continue our growth trajectory and maintain our market leadership.”

Kito Crosby unveils new corporate brand

KITO Crosby Logo 2023

Kito Crosby, a global manufacturer of the lifting and securement industry, has  announced the launch of its new, unified corporate brand. The strategic business combination of KITO Corporation and The Crosby Group, announced in January this year, has combined the expertise and heritage of two industry leaders, creating a stronger organization equipped to further drive innovation and elevate industry standards. The Kito Crosby brand unites the best of both companies, amplifying their shared commitment to safety, quality, and technology advancements. “We are thrilled to unveil our new brand, a symbol of our two legacy businesses combining as one team with a single mission and vision,” said Robert Desel, CEO of Kito Crosby. “This corporate identity serves as the focal point for all of us as we come together to best serve our valued channel partners and end users.” The brand embodies a dedication to reliability, innovation, safety, and quality, serving as a hallmark for the industry. Kito Crosby supports customers with a wide range of products and services used to make lifting, rigging, transporting, and securing operations safer and more efficient. The new brand fortifies the company’s position as a one-stop solution provider for all lifting needs. While unveiling the new brand, Kito Crosby has also launched a new mission, vision, and corporate values for the company’s 4,000 employees. ​ The corporate brand serves as an umbrella for Kito Crosby’s leading product brands such as Kito, Crosby, Harrington, Gunnebo Industries, Peerless, and others. ​ The product brands remain unchanged and Kito Crosby will continue to invest in these for a safer and more productive lifting and securement industry. “The unveiling of our new brand, mission, vision, and values marks a pivotal moment in our journey,” continued Desel. “With this strong corporate identity, our portfolio of powerful product brands can flourish – continuing to build on our long-standing legacy of pioneering technologies and solutions. We are proud to join together with our employees, channel partners and the entire industry to ‘raise your world.’”

Hai Robotics launches new solutions aimed to heighten Warehouse Storage Density and real-time efficiency

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Hai Robotics (“Hai”), pioneer and provider in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) Systems, has announced the launch of the world’s first telescopic Grapple Hook ACR, the HaiPick A42T-E2, and the HaiPick System 3—two new innovations that address customer concerns around increasing storage density and performance at a smaller warehouse footprint. The telescopic Grapple Hook ACR can be integrated within HaiPick System 3, creating a nexus that facilitates higher performance while delivering enhanced storage density. The HaiPick A42T-E2—equipped with ChainPick technology—features a grappling hook with a picking speed of 2.7 seconds, quickly pulling totes one after another. Such ChainPick technology is key to enabling up to five-deep tote storage capacity, allowing shorter picking and placing time to further streamline the goods-to-person workflow. Horizontal space in between totes can be slashed by 60%, ensuring no space gap at the back and hence optimizing existing warehouse storage space. Businesses are also offered tailored solutions to scale up or down, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge without compromising on financial agility, while still achieving cost-efficiency. “Businesses nowadays are struggling to not only optimize their warehouse space, but also strike a balance between automation and leaving room for growth,” said Peter Guan, General Manager at Hai Robotics EMEA. “We are thrilled with the launch of the HaiPick A42T-E2. This project encapsulates our commitment to providing intelligent, flexible and efficient solutions for the modern warehousing industry, while keeping in mind the growing and dynamic needs of this market on a global scale.” The HaiPick System 3, on the other hand, is the latest solution in Hai’s portfolio, enabling ultra-high storage density up to 50 totes/㎡ and increasing worker efficiency up to six times. HaiPick System 3 is a highly standardized system incorporating Hai’s telescopic Grapple Hook ACRs and Fast-transit K50 autonomous mobile robots (AMR) running at a speed of 4m/s. HaiPick System 3 introduces fast deployment and efficient ACR-AMR collaboration: While ACRs handle totes from the top to the bottom of the racks, AMRs handle rack-bottom totes between racks and workstation swiftly. Additionally, the solution facilitates rack expansion by up to five-deep configuration, by using the telescopic Grapple Hook ACR, with a maximum picking height of up to 10 meters. “HaiPick System 3 is a high-performance and agile solution that scales alongside businesses to better achieve instantaneous customer satisfaction,” added Guan. “Combined with the telescopic Grapple Hook ACR, warehouses will be able to achieve a level of performance efficiency and ROI at new heights in both B2B and B2C operations, such as within 3PL and apparel industries.” Davide Tuzi, Country Manager of Italy at Hai Robotics, will discuss more details in the upcoming episode of HaiPulse webinar. The special edition, scheduled to air on October 20th, at 9:30 AM (CET), will cover an in-depth analysis of these two innovations. Sign up for this webinar here.

Combilift enters growing offshore wind sector

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Monaghan based manufacturing firm celebrates 25 years with three new product launches Combilift, largest global manufacturer of multidirectional, articulated forklifts and straddle carriers, has announced its move into the offshore wind sector with the launch of a new product designed to meet the load handling demands of largescale offshore wind manufacturers. As the green energy sector sees a surge in larger wind turbine components, including towers and blades, Combilift joined forces with industry leaders to engineer safe, stable, efficient, lifting and storage solutions across its supply chain. The Combi-LC, designed at Combilift’s HQ and Manufacturing plant in Ireland, in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, allows for the movement of wind turbine blades and towers – some as long as 115m and weighing in at around 70t, through production stages and on to storage locations – which can sometimes be as far as 5km apart. The concept of bespoke Load Carriers [patent pending design] is based on two fully customisable remote-control units with low-level chassis beds that can work in tandem master and slave operation, with dimensions and wheel configurations that vary according to load type and weight. Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest offshore wind suppliers, has become the first company to leverage the new technology by signing a multi-million order for a number of the bespoke Load Carriers, and Combilift is in active discussions with other offshore wind companies with similar demands. Combilift expects to generate over €50m in revenue per year in this market segment by 2026. Josh Moffett, Heavy Equipment Manager at Combilift, commented on the company’s move into the offshore wind sector: “We are thrilled to have launched this new product – The Combi-LC, and we hope it will act as a gateway for us to further progress within our venture into the wind energy sector. The scale of offshore wind projects around the world leads to a very unique set of challenges, one of which being the ability to transport the very large components that make up a wind turbine. We recognised this and used our expertise in load handling to develop a solution to support those in the industry. The product is specifically made to order and therefore can be uniquely customised to fit specific applications.”  Additionally, Combilift launched two other new products – the Combi-AGT, and Combi-Connect. Combi-AGT Already in operation at a number of leading steel service centres in the United States, Combilift’s Autonomous Guided Truck (Combi-AGT), designed specifically for the automated handling of long loads, boasts dual-control capability, enabling manual operation when necessary – a world first. Combined with its unique “natural feature navigation” this truck is a world-leader in autonomous material handling, with positive customer feedback from companies reporting staffing flexibility and utilization benefits.  Combi-Connect The third product launched by Combilift is Combi-Connect. It is a telematic software product that provides its customers with greater levels of insight into fleet management and utilization, providing real-time data on fleet performance, including location tracking, usage analytics, and maintenance alerts. With this invaluable information at their fingertips, businesses can optimise operations. Based on a subscription model, Combi-Connect offers fully transparent data analytics enabling not only dealers, but the customers themselves, to manage and make informed decisions. Speaking at Combilift’s 25th Anniversary event, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: “Over the past 25 years, Combilift has made a very important impact to the Irish economy. Combilift is a visionary company in every sense and I’m delighted that the Irish government, through Enterprise Ireland, has supported Combilift through its incredible 25-year journey. Martin McVicar – Managing Director of Combilift: “We have a track record of innovation at Combilift. We invest 7% of our revenue annually in R&D and today is the culmination of many years’ hard work. We are delighted to be continuing this tradition of innovation 25 years on. Now employing over 800 people in Monaghan and 200 people in other locations across the world, the success of Combilift is testament to our people, our customers and our supporting dealers around the world . We are looking forward to the next 25 years at Combilift.” Michael Woods – Head of Offshore Equipment Operations at Siemens Gamesa: “Seeing the new LC Blade mover in the flesh is impressive, it is fantastic to see it come from design to fruition, the manoeuvrability and functionality looks great, we can’t wait to see it onsite moving blades.”

Combilift Comb-LC crafted to cater to the intricate load handling demands of large-scale offshore wind turbine manufacturers

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The Combi-LC facilitates the transport of wind turbine components, handling lengths of up to 115m and weights of about 70t. This system streamlines the movement across production stages and to storage sites, even spanning distances of up to 5km. As the green energy sector continually pushes the boundaries of height and size for components like wind turbine towers and blades, there arises an ever-growing need for novel methods to transport these finished products from the manufacturing facility to the storage yard before dispatch to their intended destinations. Combilift has collaborated with industry giants in this sector to engineer stable and highly efficient lifting solutions for these challenging and exceptionally valuable loads, culminating in the creation of the Combi-LC. The Combi-LC carrier unit boasts a unique attachment designed to securely grip the substantial cylindrical end of the blade, firmly affixed to the generator hub. This robust machine, powered by a 75-ton capacity diesel engine and equipped with 12 wheels, offers versatile multidirectional steering with 6 wheels. What sets it apart is its “tip side” carrier unit, which smoothly maneuvers beneath the blade, supporting it via a hydraulic tilting table-mounted clamp toward its narrower tip. Notably, this root side unit represents the first Combi-LC iteration to feature a cab, a customization made at the request of our customers. This addition proves invaluable, especially when traversing the 5km distance to reach the storage yard. When not engaged in lifting duties, the cab-equipped Combi-LC can travel at an impressive 10km/h, significantly expediting the operator’s commute. It’s worth mentioning that these units often operate in demanding environments with less-than-ideal ground conditions, making their robust design and adaptability all the more essential.

Microcrane® integrates with pure cycle water’s new reclamation facility

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Microcranes, Inc., a portable mini crane producer in the USA, provides indoor and outdoor green energy lifting solutions to a variety of industries. Pure Cycle Water/Rangeview Metro District, located in Colorado, finds the battery powered Microcrane® unit useful for maintenance lifting tasks at their new state-of-the-art water reclamation facility serving Sky Ranch in Denver. Pure Cycle is a vertically integrated water and wastewater resource development company. As a vertically integrated company, they also own and manage a full ecosystem of facilities needed to withdraw, store, treat, deliver and collect water and wastewater. Their goal is to provide sustainable, high-quality water to their customers and make prudent use of reclaimed water for outdoor irrigation and industrial demands. Sky Ranch Water Reclamation Facility is their latest $10 million, state-of-the-art water reclamation facility completed in 2020, serving Sky Ranch, a master-planned community providing residential, commercial, retail, and light industrial lots along Denver’s booming I-70 corridor. The facility uses the latest green technology which includes dispensing highly treated reclaimed water for irrigation and other uses, active odor control technology; and green roofing will cover 90% of the main plant. Green energy is a constant theme, including within the maintenance department. The battery powered M1 Model Microcrane® is being used for maintaining Aerzen blowers, pulling pumps out of basins and preforming various lifting jobs throughout the plant. The compact, flexible mini crane requires no fuel, emits zero fumes and has low sound levels. “The tightness of the working areas make it difficult to get people in place safely for manual lifts. The Microcrane® allows us to accomplish maintenance tasks with ease and with only one person!” said Mike Dean of Pure Cycle Water.

OZ Lifting chain hoists, trolleys lift floating docks

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OZ Lifting Products LLC has provided two 1-ton capacity electric chain hoists and trolleys to lift floating docks, manufactured at a residential property. The Winona, Minnesota-based manufacturer provided the equipment via distributor Global Industrial, delivering it to the end user’s yard in Seattle, Washington. The hoists and trolleys were sourced along with a 2-ton capacity, adjustable aluminum gantry crane and lifting slings. The customer was looking for a method to lift, move and rotate 20 ft. by 8 ft. floating docks, which weigh between 600 lbs. and 1,600 lbs. He completed the material handling solution with a pair of aluminum lifting beams that he manufactured himself. He said: “The dock sections are too big and heavy to move, even with two people. Usually, I need six people to lift a single section and I don’t have that type of manpower readily available. The overall solution has proved to be very helpful; it is super easy to raise, lower and move my dock sections—and other heavy objects—around the property.” The hoists, operated by ergonomic pendant control, offer overload protection; a high-performance friction clutch is integrated with the load brake. Each hoist features a forged carbon steel load hook with a heavy-duty latch. The bottom hooks, meanwhile, feature a thrust bearing to allow 360-degree rotation to prevent twisting of the load chain; the top hook is rigid. The load sheave provides better distribution of the floating dock load, and smooth lifting with reduced vibration and wear, while the precision-machined gears are heat treated for strength and durability. Oil bath lubrication on all bearing rotating points presents the end user with quieter, smoother, and cooler operation, and 110v power (115/1/60) means the hoists can be used virtually anywhere. The trolleys boast lightweight robust construction, and fit most I-, S-, and W-beams. They are protected by baked enamel paint and feature precision ball bearing trolley wheels, anti-drop plate, and stainless steel identification tags. All OZ products are delivered with individual test certificate and serial number. The customer added: “I made the lifting beams from aluminum and included hooks for the lifting straps. I can use the gantry on wheels to move it around the property, but it can also transport the docks while under load. [The equipment] allows me to also upend and rotate the load.”

Kito Crosby announces 2023 ‘Lifting for the Troops’ campaign

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Kito Crosby, a manufacturer of lifting and securement solutions, has announced its Lifting for the Troops campaign for 2023, supporting the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational services to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. After government programs, the average shortfall in college funding for a student is $25,000. Supported by its loyal channel partners and end users throughout the United States, Kito Crosby looks to raise $50,000 this fall for the Fallen Patriots. From September 1 through October 31, 2023, Kito Crosby will donate $500 for every Crosby, Harrington, Acco, and Peerless training event the company hosts in the US. In addition, all proceeds from the popular Crosby User’s Guide for Lifting online training course during this time will be donated to this honorable cause. Private donations are also welcome. Gifts can be made at liftingforthetroops.com. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Fallen Patriots and help Kito Crosby reach its goal. Approximately 25,000 children have lost an active-duty parent in the military over the last 35 years. Of those, 96% of casualties are men, leaving behind single mothers to care for their families, and 60% report having trouble making ends meet. The foundation said that $625 million is needed nationwide to cover the gap between government assistance and the actual cost of a degree. Since 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided more than $70 million in total assistance to nearly 3,000 children, including almost 1,400 debt-free graduates. ​ Kito Crosby has trained more than 600,000 people in a wide range of industries since 1991. Every time a worker in the oil and gas, construction, heavy lift, transportation, manufacturing, wind energy, entertainment, and material handling industries attends a Crosby, Harrington, Acco, or Peerless training event, or completes Crosby’s online training course this fall, they can know that they are playing an important part to help secure a better future for military children who have lost a parent. With a US manufacturing footprint that includes plants in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Alabama, and Minnesota, Kito Crosby’s involvement with the country’s military stretches back to its earliest days, supplying lifting hardware for military equipment. Today, more than 50 Veterans work in the company’s facilities designing, manufacturing, and distributing the best rigging hardware and material handling equipment in the world. Melissa King Ruths, Kito Crosby’s senior vice president of marketing and training, said: “We are honored to partner with the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation again for now the fourth year. Together, with our distributors and end users, we are proud to support such an important cause and help raise enough this year to cover the cost of two college scholarships for young people who have been affected by military casualties.”

Seun Salami joins Terex Corporation Board of Directors

Seun Salami headshot

Terex Corporation has announced that Seun Salami has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Salami currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nuveen, a global asset management firm. Mr. Salami joined TIAA, Nuveen’s parent company, in May of 2018 as corporate controller, and later served as both TIAA’s chief accounting officer and principal financial officer of TIAA Real Estate Account. “Seun Salami will be an excellent addition to our Board of Directors,” commented John L. Garrison, Jr., Terex Chairman and CEO. “Seun is an executive with a successful track record of leading multifunctional teams from finance and operations to deliver strong results for global organizations.” Prior to joining TIAA/Nuveen, Mr. Salami was Executive Vice President and Global Controller, Corporate Solutions at Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL), a Fortune 500 global real estate company.  Prior to JLL, he spent over eleven years at Deloitte serving Fortune 500 clients. Mr. Salami holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Accountancy from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master’s degree in Financial Economics from Ohio University, and an executive management certificate from Columbia Business School. He is a chartered accountant and a certified public accountant, licensed in Illinois.

JLG® ClearSky Smart Fleet™ Turns Connectivity into Interactivity

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JLG Industries, Inc. now offers standard ClearSky Smart Fleet™ connectively on most new JLG® equipment. This breakthrough IoT (Internet of Things) technology launches with 25 unique features, including analyzers, telematics and productivity applications, into a single connectivity beacon on JLG machines for seamless back-and-forth interaction through a comprehensive ClearSky mobile app, a user-friendly web portal or an advanced API. Equipment owners and operators can send a prompt to the beacon to identify a machine’s status or perform diagnostics wirelessly through the mobile app. “ClearSky Smart Fleet is a bold, new frontier in fleet connectivity,” says Ara Eckel, director of product management for JLG’s connected solutions. “It’s a true, two-way fleet management and communication platform that turns yesterday’s one-way data transmission into two-way interactivity that gets JLG equipment fleets talking like never before.” According to Eckel, ClearSky Smart Fleet is more than yet another singular piece of software. It is built as a robust, constantly evolving IoT platform capable of delivering new functionality, new insights and new ways to run more efficient, cost-effective operations. Comprehensive Mobile App Developed from the ground up, the all-new ClearSky Smart Fleet app provides a modern mobile experience to manage data and machine interaction, even when cellular data and Wi-Fi are not available. For example, key features of the mobile app include: FIND MY MACHINE — This feature activates audible and visual cues from the machine to make equipment identification and location effortless. “With ClearSky Smart Fleet, equipment owners and operators can light a specific machine’s beacon or honk its horn with the tap of a screen,” says Eckel. MACHINE STATUS INDICATION — Visual cues from the machine allow equipment owners and operators to wirelessly identify a machine’s status, such as active diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s, battery or fuel level, ignition and more “…simply by looking at the color of the beacon,” says Eckel. DIGITAL ANALYZER — Perform diagnostics wirelessly with the built-in analyzer functionality that replaces the JLG wired handheld analyzer. DIGITIZED INFORMATION — Access to targeted information, such as parts and technical manuals, to help solve service issues without moving a step. COMING SOON: DIGITAL ANALYZER READER — A one-page summary shows a machine’s set-up, personalities, diagnostics and fault log data, which can be downloaded and shared. User-Friendly Web Portal The ClearSky Smart Fleet web portal delivers clear, efficient navigation and powerful features for immediate visibility into a fleet’s health and performance data. To help digitize daily processes, the web portal features include: DYNAMIC DASHBOARD — Display as much data as needed through a dynamic, action-oriented dashboard. “Whether a fleet view or individual model view is wanted, powerful filters and tailored customization, including drag-and-drop window widgets,” says Eckel, “allow any role to prioritize the actionable insights necessary to maximize productivity and ROI (return on investment).” MACHINE LEVEL DATA — Access to specific serial number and asset ID data, such as interactive schematics, knowledge articles, technical manuals and parts information, can be done in seconds. EXPORT — Generate reports and export the overview dashboard as a PDF or Excel file. UNIFIED LOGIN — ClearSky Smart Fleet is now part of Online Express, allowing for single sign-on and access using Online Express credentials. “By integrating ClearSky Smart Fleet into JLG’s Online Express service, equipment owners and operators can manage a fleet, troubleshoot machine issues and order parts — everything they need to keep a fleet in top shape — with a single login,” says Eckel. COMING SOON: AUTOMATIC SITE NETWORKS — Receive notifications when a machine arrives at or leaves a job site using the site network feature. “Site Networks act like automated geofences,” says Eckel, “when two or more machines are within range of a local connection, a site network is formed automatically, simplifying equipment tracking and reporting.” Advanced API Equipment owners and operators can effortlessly combine actionable, JLG-rich, ClearSky Smart Fleet data into a current telematics solution to manage an entire mixed fleet from a single screen, no matter where they are. “Our next-generation IoT platform offers an integrated, enhanced data feed to combine actionable, JLG-rich data into our customers’ in-house solution to manage their entire mixed fleet from a single screen, maximizing efficiencies and improving ROI,” finishes Eckel. ClearSky Smart Fleet is being introduced as a phased global rollout, starting July 2023. Customers with existing JLG products can continue to use the legacy ClearSky program for their connected needs. Both platforms are integrated into Online Express, JLG’s 24/7 e-Commerce site.

H&E opens new branch in Kings Mountain NC

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Effective August 14, 2023, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announces the opening of its Kings Mountain branch, its ninth rental location in the state of North Carolina and its fourth in the greater Charlotte vicinity.  Since the beginning of the second quarter of 2023, H&E has opened eight new branches across the country, with two of those in the Tar Heel State. The facility is located at 612 Canterbury Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086-9601, phone 980-341-1800. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “The Charlotte metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and we are bringing additional fleet and resources to serve customers there. Our existing North Charlotte, Charlotte and Statesville branches blanket the eastern and northern portions of the area, so we’ve strategically placed our new branch in Kings Mountain to reach farther west and southwest, including into upstate South Carolina,” says Branch Manager Rob Kendrick. “Our proximity to I-85 and Hwy. 74 is ideal and allows us to deliver equipment to job sites across the metro area quickly and efficiently.” The Kings Mountain branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers:  Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.

JLG publishes new Accessories Resource Guide on #DirectAccess

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JLG Industries, Inc., a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, has released its new resource guide Accessorized on #DirectAccess to provide customers with information about add-on JLG® accessories that can increase operators’ job site productivity, provide additional safety measures and/or extend the machine’s efficiency in certain applications. “When a crew needs to get work done at height, a JLG scissor lift or boom lift equipped with the right accessories can be one of the most effective tools to help them get the job done,” says Nancy DeZarn, Senior Marketing Manager – Aftermarket, JLG. “For example, some accessories are designed to conserve platform space, while others improve job site working conditions or help complete overhead work in welding, electrical, plumbing and maintenance applications.” In this whitepaper, JLG outlines the different options for accessories available for equipment owners and operators and provides information on how to purchase these equipment add-ons. Get your free copy of the Accessorized whitepaper, available for download now, on #DirectAccess by clicking here.

Skyjack announces retirement of President Ken McDougall and appoints Charlie Patterson

Skyjack division announce the retirement of Skyjack President Ken McDougall, and subsequent appointment of Charlie Patterson as President, effective January 1, 2024. The two will be working together over the next several months to ensure a seamless transition for the organization. McDougall started his career at Skyjack parent company Linamar in 1987 as a tool designer, moving up into various key roles including Global Sales and Estimating Manager, and Vice President of Operations. Two-time Skyjack president McDougall’s tenure also saw the acquisition of two telehander lines from Carelift/Zoom Boom and Volvo, a crucial foundation for the company’s existing telehandler line up. More recently, McDougall led Skyjack’s immense global capacity increases. Taking the number of manufacturing plants from two in Canada to five globally, Skyjack’s potential global unit capacity is expected to increase 235% when compared to 2022. McDougall’s tenure also saw a number of successful Skyjack product launches including ELEVATE, updated boom and vertical mast lines. “It has been an honor to serve as Skyjack President during this period of immense growth and transformation. 2023 marks my 36th anniversary with Linamar and Skyjack, and over those years I have had the great pleasure of working for and with countless talented and dedicated individuals,” shared McDougall. “It has been an honor to lead the Skyjack team and I am confident that with his experience, knowledge and leadership skills Charlie Patterson will do an outstanding job in moving Skyjack forward.” Current Vice President of International Operations, Charlie Patterson started with Skyjack in 2000 as UK Sales Manager and went on to head the UK and European operations for the organization. Patterson oversaw the opening of Skyjack offices in the UK, Germany, France, Sweden and Australia and previously led sales in Asia-Pacific. “I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role as Skyjack President,” shared Patterson. “Ken has done an exceptional job moving Skyjack forward to date, and I look forward to continuing to build upon that momentum. As always Skyjack will be dedicated to being easy to do business with, while developing simple and reliable solutions for rental companies worldwide.” Patterson’s title as Skyjack President will be effective January 1, 2024 as he and McDougall work together for the remainder of 2023 to facilitate a smooth transition.

Magni Telescopic Handlers adds Altorfer Rents to its dealer network

Magni Telescopic Handlers announced Altorfer Rents is now part of the Magni dealer network. Altorfer’s addition will bring Magni’s full line of telehandlers, including the rotating telehandler, heavy lift, and fixed boom telehandler models, to Altorfer’s rental customers in Illinois, eastern Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana. “We are delighted to welcome Altorfer to our esteemed dealer network,” said Joe Leinwol, chief sales officer, Magni America. “Altorfer’s reputation for outstanding service and expertise in the equipment industry makes them an ideal fit for Magni. Together we will continue to drive innovation and provide our customers with exceptional telehandler solutions.” “Altorfer Rents is excited to represent the Magni line of telehandlers as a great addition to our best-in-class fleet,” said sales manager Jon Hardy. “Our trained sales professionals are ready to show customers the benefits of lifting heavier loads to higher heights than traditional telehandlers, allowing them to complete jobs more safely, more efficiently and ahead of schedule.” With its extensive knowledge and expertise in the application, sales, parts, and service of Magni’s products, Altorfer is poised to deliver unparalleled value and support to its customers. “I am excited for Altorfer to become part of the Magni team and pair these exceptional machines with outstanding customer service in the heartland of the country,” said Jay Jude, regional sales manager, Magni America.

Big Joe releases new CB30 and CB35 Walkie Counterbalance Stackers

Big Joe CB30 Walkie Counterbalance Stacker image

Big Joe’s new CB30/CB35 Walkie Stackers offer a next-gen alternative to sit-down forklifts Big Joe Forklifts has officially introduced the new CB30 and CB35 Walkie Counterbalance Stackers as a productive and safe alternative to traditional rider forklifts. Available in 3,000 lb. (CB30) and 3,500 lb. (CB35) capacities, these new walkie stackers are ideal for smaller facilities as a one truck solution or as a supplemental piece of equipment in larger facilities. The CB30/CB35 vehicles are an excellent choice when high speed travel is not required or where the use of rider forklifts may pose a threat to pedestrians. The Big Joe CB30/CB35 stackers offer advanced load handling capabilities and maneuverability due to their updated controls and compact chassis design, which features a cast counterweight. With 4.6 inches of maximum ground clearance, these machines can easily traverse dock transitions, streamlining the process for unloading or loading trailers. New users will find the CB30/CB35 to be extremely nimble and able to make tight turns easily via standard electric power steering and a 180-degree steer arc. These compact machines are an asset in any general material handling applications, including warehouse, manufacturing and retail deliveries from ground level when a dock or lift gate is unavailable. Big Joe’s well-known, easy-to-use designs carry into the new CB30/CB35 stackers with its intuitive and simple operation handle controls for forward and reverse travel. Additional features include proportional lift and lower levers for find load control, mass tilt, horn and a reversing switch for optimal safety. Standard features include a battery discharge indicator, key switch, hour meter and non-marking tires to protect facility floors. “Our new CB30/CB35 Walkie Stackers are a great solution to handle loads over short distances,” said Big Joe’s Chief Marketing Officer, Bill Pedriana. “We designed these machines to provide exceptional value and flexibility in smaller facilities as a one truck solution or to supplement traditional rider equipment in the biggest of operations. The new CB30/35 are a fantastic alternative to traditional forklifts, and in operations a great answer to the question we often pose, which is, ‘Why Ride When You Can Walk?’” The CB series stackers offer a two or three-stage configuration for low- or high-level handling, reaching up to a 157-inch lift height. These machines provide hydraulic tilt both forward and back for efficient handling of various load sizes. The CB30/CB35 have advanced power systems, giving your facility the option to use an AGM battery pack, industrial lead acid batteries, or a 205ah UL recognized lithium battery. When opting for Big Joe’s lithium batteries, the integrated battery management system supports opportunity charging and has no need for special infrastructure such as eyewash stations or battery watering, ultimately saving facility space, reducing complexity and increasing up time.

High Torques thanks to compact bevel Gear Boxes and Worm Gear Reducers

High Torques Thanks to Compact Bevel Gear Boxes and Worm Gear Reducers image

JW Winco has expanded its product range with two compact and robust angular gear boxes that translate rotational movements by 90 degrees and transmit high torques with or without a gear ratio. They are suitable for applications such as handling systems, packaging machines, and conveyor technology. The bevel gear box GN 3971 is available in seven sizes with housing lengths between 1.26 and 2.36 in (32 and 60 mm) and widths between 0.71 and 1.38 in (18 and 35 mm). The gear ratio between the gear box shafts is always 1. The direction of rotation can be selected as desired. The gear shafts can receive axial and radial forces of 13.9 lbf (60 newtons) on the smallest model and 124 lbf (550 newtons) on the largest. The special tooth geometry of the bevel gears of case-hardened steel allows for particularly high torques relative to the size. This can be as high as 10 newton meters, depending on the operating speed. Thanks to small center distances, the worm gear reducer GN 3975 measures only 2.36 in (60 mm) on the sides and only 1.38 in (35 mm) in width. An internal hardened steel screw moves a worm gear made of special brass. Seven versions provide gear ratios between 1:13 and 1:65. The maximum radial and axial force ranges between 44.96 and 112 lbf (200 and 500 newtons) on the input side and is always 112 lbf (500 newtons) on the output side. Starting with a gear ratio of 1:18, a static self-locking mechanism prevents the rotation of the worm gear from the output side, offering improved safety in many applications. The encapsulated housings of anodized aluminum make both angular gears light and corrosion resistant. They also effectively dissipate the resulting frictional heat. Numerous fastening holes make it possible to mount the gear boxes in many positions. The shafts can be rotated in both directions and feature a threaded bore and parallel keys for a positive connection to the hub. The bevel gear boxes, and worm gear reducers have lifetime lubrication and therefore require no maintenance. The two gear boxes can also be combined, such as with the elastomer jaw coupling GN 2240.

DT Engineering seeks investment in EOT Crane Safety System

DT Digital Trident System

DT Engineering is a specialist manufacturer of overhead cranes and hoists. The DT Digital Trident System is a state-of-the-art product, designed to be installed onto existing overhead cranes or bolted onto new ones during installation. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, lasers, and camera technology, to create operator protection zones below-the-hook, true lifts, and ensure that best practice is always observed. The system is built around four pillars: Controlled lift protection zones: AI and camera technology facilitates variable operator protection zones below-the-hook. Crane intelligence: installed and wired into existing crane electrical circuits, it has a single source point of interface for the complete asset. A panel mounted on the crane bridge is tied into a programmable logic controller (PLC)-based system for total automation. Laser alignment technology: users eradicate load swing and snatch loading on initial lifting of a load. Controlled lifting height and load interrogation: ability to set variables for weight and height of initial lifting of a load. Load cell and pin integration creates a tool for providing critical crane disabling points in any final lifting process. Gerry Weston, managing director at DT Engineering Group, said: “To date, we have self-funded the R&D [research and development] to get where we currently hold a market position. “However, in order to take the next steps and realise product potential in international markets, we need investment. We are looking to give up some of the equity for a significant investment into the system and its development post MVP [minimal viable product].” Investment opportunity The company is looking for a profile of investor with industry knowledge and / or with health and safety at their core. The business unit will need to undergo a transformation from provider of a system for one-off crane-by-crane installation, to an out-of-the-box solution manufacturer. An investor that can empower rapid upscale with a global outlook would be welcome to make a proposal. “The offer is compelling,” said Weston. “The system can be utilised in all manufacturing or construction facilities where overhead cranes are used. It is compatible with all industries, especially those in specialist environments, such as sectors where explosive atmospheres are present. The core value proposition is that it will significantly reduce crane-related accidents, improve safety, and minimise downtime. Preliminary testing shows a potential 70% reduction in accidents with a 30% reduction in downtime.” The system prevents untrained personnel and unauthorised access to the crane; AI is used for human detection, recognition and disabling, while cloud-based software provides real-time crane asset data. Users have peace of mind that in the event of any unsafe practice, such as personnel in the lifting zone, the crane will be completely disabled until the risk is removed. Weston continued: “When there is a requirement to rig loads, near-misses are too commonplace, even today. Further, injury to personnel and damage due to misuse remain prevalent in industry. The DT Digital Trident System eradicates those possibilities, but it needs taking to the next level. Response times need improvement with software and hardware upgrades relative to the site asset, and a large scale prototype will need to be developed and tested in an industrial setting.” Potential investors should contact Gerry Weston, managing director at DT Engineering Group, on gerryweston@dtengineering.org.uk.

LEEA unveils #GLAD2023 Global Lifting Awareness Day schedule

GLAD horz 2023 logo

This year’s Global Lifting Awareness Day, which takes place on July 13th, will kick-off with an event at UK Parliament on the eve of #GLAD2023 and lead into a packed program of content, delivered by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). It will be an emphatic statement to industry that #GLAD2023 — and everything it stands for — is worthy of its place among policymakers. The parliamentary event is a focal point, but the association is in ongoing conversations with the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), principally regarding UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking. Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEA, said: “The event will be the de facto #GLAD2023 launch, demonstrating the increasing role LEEA plays in representing the voice of our members at the highest level by continuing a good relationship with government departments, and working alongside them to create constructive solutions to the issues faced by the lifting sector. We are a trusted voice to those in the corridors of power and the event should energise activities that begin as #GLAD2023 dawns only hours later in some parts of the world.” Now in its fourth year, #GLAD2023 harnesses the power of social media to promote videos, articles, and in-person activity, while pointing people to a dedicated website —  where information about apprenticeships, military recruitment, diversity, sustainability, and technology has been posted since the concept’s 2020 launch. Anyone with a stake in the industry can help, from individuals to the largest corporations. By participating on social media using the hashtag and sharing the rallying call, ‘We promote safe lifting, so we support GLAD’ — or holding in-person and digital events, it is easy to put your hand up and make the case for professionalisation and standards. LEEA’s #GLAD2023 program LEEA has announced a program of events — that includes webinars on the nuclear industry and accredited training; the official launch of a new Supporting Structures training course and LEEA Connect app 2.0; and a Digital Roundtable that will discuss the future of the industry. A guidance video on BS 7121 standards and an update from LEEA’s Technical Forum are just two other highlights. LEEA will reiterate that education about supporting structures in the lifting industry is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of heavy loads, assessing structural integrity, complying with regulations, and effectively managing risks associated with lifting operations. Students that successfully complete the course will acquire knowledge that will assist them to perform the thorough examination of supporting structures in service and validate or otherwise assess their fitness for a further period of service. Moloney added: “With live elements, such as the webinars and technical forum, in addition to scheduled announcements throughout the day and repeated references to ongoing military recruitment and apprenticeships, #GLAD2023 is primed to achieve its objective, chiefly to raise the profile of our industry by sharing material that promotes safe and high quality load lifting.” #GLAD2023 will also provide a platform for LEEA’s chosen charity, the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, as it continues to raise crucial funding to support research work and improve access to care for those people living with or affected by MND. The charity will attend LiftEx and the LEEA Awards in Liverpool later this year.

JLG® X660SJ Compact Crawler Boom Lift — Get Straight to Work

JLG X660SJ compact crawler boom lift image

The new straight-boom compact crawler lift model is now available JLG Industries, Inc. introduced its first straight-jib (SJ) compact crawler boom lift — the X660SJ. With 65-ft 7-in of platform height, 500 lbs of capacity for up to two workers, 39 ft of horizontal reach and indoor/outdoor versatility, the new JLG® X660SJ model is ideal for a wide range of applications, including arboriculture, painting, general maintenance, electrical, HVAC and window washing, on a variety of job sites, such as auditoriums, arenas, atriums and outdoor structures. “The X660SJ is designed with several unique features that are key to efficiently accessing work at height,” says Angela Patterson, JLG boom lift product management lead. “For example, the architecture of this new straight-boom compact crawler boom lift enables operators to reach full height more efficiently, while it’s crawler-mounted design and 40-percent gradeability mean the X660SJ can climb slopes with ease compared to standard lifts. And, its 2-ft 11-in profile and less than 7,400-lbs footprint allow operators to go more places around the job site, such as through gates and standard doorways to work in yards and public buildings.” Other performance-enhancing features the X660SJ is equipped with include: Envelope tracking operation for work alongside buildings, walls and other infrastructure. With a single control function, operators can boom up/down, while also telescoping out/in, so that the platform travels a path perpendicular to the ground Multiple position, one-touch self-leveling outriggers to provide flexibility to work in tight areas and to maximize the working envelope “Go Home” and “Back to Work” functions for ease of returning to stowed or recorded work position. Software optimizes the path to the stowed or saved work position based on machine stability The X660SJ comes standard with a Kubota® diesel engine, but an environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery and AC drive system option is available, as is JLG’s new bi-energy option. This alternative equips the JLG compact crawler boom lift with two (2) full-sized, independent power sources, combining an emissions-free lithium-ion battery pack with a dependable diesel engine, enabling operators to choose the best power source for the application — either the engine or the lithium-ion batteries. Common to all three power sources, all JLG compact crawler boom lifts available in North America, including the new X660SJ, come standard with fully synthetic biodegradable hydraulic fluid so it can be used with confidence in environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, like JLG’s other compact crawler boom lift models, forklift pockets for loading and unloading for transportation are standard. Air/water/power lines to the platform, non-marking tracks for work on sensitive flooring, integrated front and rear LED lights for visibility and SkyGuard SkyLine™ enhanced control panel protection also come standard on the X660SJ. This new model also has similar components and serviceability features to JLG’s entire compact crawler boom lift product family, including the enclosed powertrack design, which protects machine components by reducing debris impact. “With the X660SJ, productivity is a top priority,” concludes Patterson. “This compact, low-weight straight-jib model will transform how facility and construction professionals get work done at height, indoors and outdoors.”

H&E opens new Houston South branch

H&E South Houston branch image

Effective June 5, 2023, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announces the opening of its Houston South branch, its 22nd rental location in the state of Texas. The branch is located at 6100 Almeda Genoa Road, Houston, TX 77048-4539, phone 346 547-0300. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a separate repair shop and is capable of handling a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “Strategically positioned just north of Beltway 8 with quick access to I-610 and I-45, our new branch extends our reach across the large and continuously growing Houston market. With more Houston-area locations and added fleet inventory available, coverage now blankets all geographic corners of the metro area, and we can more efficiently serve job sites wherever they are located,” says Branch Manager Alex Soliman.  “Our Houston South team consists of equipment professionals who have worked with H&E in this area for a number of years, so we know the market. We can locate equipment from any number of facilities in the area and supply our customers quickly. We’re hitting the ground running.” The Houston South branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers:  Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Nissan, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.