JLG releases new Whitepaper on use cases for Augmented Reality
JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company and a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, has published a new whitepaper “Augmented Reality Solves Two Common Challenges on Construction Job Sites,” offering four use case scenarios that highlight how augmented reality (AR) can streamline project planning, simplify ordering/renting JLG® equipment and provide guidance on machine functions and proper usage. The whitepaper is now available for download on JLG® #DirectAccess. “JLG’s AR app is designed to help users find the answers to the questions they have,” says Ara Eckel, Director of Product Management – Connected Solutions, JLG, “but because this technology is still relatively new to the industry, many aren’t aware of how it can be used in everyday operations. This whitepaper provides an in-depth look at how augmented reality can assist with 1) Sizing and configuring equipment and 2) Helping operators better understand and use their machines.” Because JLG’s AR app is specifically designed for use on real-world job sites, the whitepaper walks through multiple scenarios to highlight how the JLG AR app saves users time and money by: Helping rental store branch managers identify the right machine for a renter’s project the first time, reducing guesswork and the duplication of logistics and rental paperwork. Enabling renters to quickly refresh operators on “how to operate” the machines by accessing relevant operational guidance right from their phones, rather than searching online or through equipment manuals. Having the decal viewer available in 20+ languages reduces the time for their service techs to identify what might be occurring with that specific machine when they arrive on a job site. “With the recent updates to the JLG AR app, we significantly evolved the tool to provide more value by increasing users’ productivity with it,” Eckel finishes. “This new whitepaper illustrates to our app users how they can confidently select the right machines and accessories for the job, navigate the virtual machines around their job sites to confirm planning, and access additional educational resources for more efficient machine operation.” To download a free copy of “Augmented Reality Solves Two Common Challenges on Construction Job Sites,” click here.
Gorbel® announces new Tractor Drive for motorized movement
Delivers industry-leading power and performance at a fraction of the size of traditional tractor drives Gorbel® has introduced a new tractor drive for the motorized movement of its cranes. The drive delivers industry leading power and performance while being a fraction of the size of other mass-produced tractor drives on the market. The combination of this tractor drive’s smaller size and proven Gorbel® quality enables customers to motorize their systems with full confidence. For both new and existing Work Station Cranes, this newly designed tractor drive by Gorbel® provides precise motorized movement. Its precision drive assembly and the specialized design of its drive wheel, which has a molded polyurethane thread, achieve a smooth acceleration and long life. The drive wheel also has a spring-loaded compression adjustment, allowing for constant pressure and smooth, responsive operation. With ⅓ HP and an 18000 RPM induction motor, this tractor drive is ideal for heavy and awkward-shaped loads, operations that require tall trolley saddle heights, as well as operations where the operator needs to maintain a safe distance from the load. Whatever the needs of your operation, the tractor drive can deliver peak performance, as its standard and fast options are both available with programmable speeds. Indeed, its Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Controller has both a soft start and soft stop and can be set for single, double, or triple speeds. Lightweight, with a modular drive design and bolt-on truck and trolley connections, the tractor drive provides considerable ease of installation. The standard drives are configured for 208-460 volt 3 phase power, and a 575 volt is also available. The tractor drive also comes with an industry-leading 2-year warranty.
The Manitowoc Company reports Second-Quarter 2022 results
Second-quarter 2022 Highlights Net sales of $497.2 million, up 7.2% year-over-year Adjusted EBITDA(1) margin of 7.3% Backlog of $947.8 million, up 28.8% year-over-year The Manitowoc Company, Inc., a global manufacturer of cranes and lifting solutions, today reported a second-quarter net income of $15.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share. Second-quarter adjusted net income(1) was $7.4 million, or $0.21 per diluted share. Net sales in the second quarter increased 7.2% year-over-year to $497.2 million and were unfavorably impacted by $27.9 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $36.4 million, a decrease of $4.3 million from the prior year, of which $2.7 million is related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Second-quarter orders were $434.0 million, a 19.2% decrease from the prior year. Orders were unfavorably impacted by $22.6 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Backlog ended the second quarter at $947.8 million, a decrease of 8.3% sequentially. Backlog was unfavorably impacted by $24.4 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. “Our second quarter results reflect our team’s solid operational performance and diligent cost management amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. While our backlog remains elevated due to continued supply chain constraints, order intake began to trend down. It is clear that ongoing global economic uncertainty is causing our customers to remain cautious when committing to future orders,” said Aaron H. Ravenscroft, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. “As we enter the second half of the year, inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions will continue to hinder customer confidence. Yet, we remain on track to deliver the low-end of our adjusted EBITDA guidance,” continued Ravenscroft. “Despite the challenging outlook, we are committed to our four breakthrough initiatives which enable our CRANES+50 strategy and position us to capitalize on the eventual crane renaissance. We look forward to showcasing our progress at the upcoming bauma trade show this October,” concluded Ravenscroft. (1)Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted net income per share (“Adjusted DEPS”), EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income, and free cash flows are financial measures that are not in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For definitions and a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP numbers, please see the schedule of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” at the end of this press release.
The Manitowoc Company appoints Jennifer L. Peterson as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
The Manitowoc Company, Inc., a global manufacturer of cranes and lifting solutions, today announced that Jennifer L. Peterson, currently the Company’s Interim General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, has been appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary effective immediately. “I am excited to have Jennifer take this key role for Manitowoc. I’ve worked closely with Jennifer for over four years, and her leadership and experience in leading the increasing demands from stakeholders on global legal, risk, and compliance programs makes her the ideal person to ensure our Company is positioned for long-term success in these areas,” commented Aaron H. Ravenscroft, President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Peterson joins the executive leadership team with more than 20 years of legal experience from both in-house and private practice. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Peterson served as Manitowoc’s Interim General Counsel and Assistant Secretary since May 2022, Vice President and Associate General Counsel since April 2021, and Associate General Counsel – Litigation and Product Safety since January 2018. She previously held in-house positions at Adient plc, Johnson Controls, and Journal Communications, Inc. Ms. Peterson has a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a B.A. in Public Communications from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
JLG names Andy Daw Vice President, Global Procurement & Supply Chain
JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company and a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, announces that industry-veteran Andy Daw is the new Vice President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain for the Oshkosh Access segment, which includes the JLG® aerial equipment and Jerr-Dan® towing and recovery equipment brands. In this role, Daw leads the brands’ global procurement and supply chain teams, providing a strategic vision for growth and implementing enterprise-wide initiatives to build and maintain a resilient supply chain for the company. Daw comes into this position with more than 20 years of working experience in the heavy equipment and engine industries. “The complementary combination of procurement and supply chain responsibilities in this role appealed to me because it allows me to use my understanding of how the market works and apply my knowledge of the industry’s supply chain dynamics to build healthy relationships with vendors. My emphasis is on fostering collaboration to increase efficiencies and drive growth — not just for the Access segment but also for our business partners,” says Daw. According to Daw, he will help JLG navigate the current market uncertainty by calling on both global and domestic suppliers to be part of the solution. He says it’s not about location but where the organization’s demands are best met. “Moving forward,” he adds, “the team’s continued focus will be on developing and supporting partnerships in the supply chain that will sustain JLG’s competitive advantage, enabling us to serve our customers better than anyone else in the industry by meeting their needs today and in the future.” Before joining the company, Daw built and led globally diverse supply chain and engineering teams for Caterpillar Inc. and Perkins Engines, Ltd. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Birmingham City University. “With JLG’s strong global brand presence and people-first culture, I look forward to leading procurement and supply chain efforts at a company of this caliber,” he finishes.
The Crane that helped avert a mining disaster
20 years ago this week, a 40-ton RT from ALL helped rescue nine trapped coal miners in Pennsylvania Twenty years ago this week, all eyes were on a farm in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, as a daring rescue took place for nine coal miners trapped 250 feet underground. On July 24, 2002, they had accidentally tapped into a poorly documented abandoned mine, flooding their own mine with water and blocking their exit. Cold, wet, and running out of air, for 77 hours spread across parts of five days, the nation was transfixed by the attempt to reach them, an event that came to be known as the Quecreek mine rescue. Somerset County had made news just 10 months earlier, for a completely different reason, and locals were hoping this might have a happier ending. The Quecreek mine rescue occurred less than a year after the 9/11 attacks, in the same Pennsylvania county where Flight 93 crashed into a field when passengers overpowered terrorist hijackers. When word spread of the trapped miners, hundreds of people sprang into action to assist in the rescue effort, including civil engineers, state government officials, local clergy, and the man who owned the farm. Also playing a role: a Link-Belt RTC-8040 rough terrain (RT) crane from ALL Crane Rental of Pennsylvania, a member of the ALL Family of Companies. The 40-ton capacity machine was used to lower the rescue capsule into the ground and retrieve the trapped miners, one at a time. At the time of the accident, the crane was in another part of Somerset County, working on improvements to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Their smaller size and easy mobility make RTs popular for road work, but this unit was destined for a greater task. With the water rising and fears the nine miners were down to their last hours, the timing was crucial, and the ALL RT was in the right place at the right time. It was commandeered for the rescue effort, with the full blessing of ALL and its customer. “In matters of life or death, priorities shift in an instant,” said Jason Wellington, general manager, ALL Crane Rental of Pennsylvania. “When we heard our crane might be able to help those trapped underground, we sent it on its way as soon as possible.” The unit was trucked the few miles to Dormel Farms, where the rescue shaft was already drilled. On July 28, 2002, at approximately 1 a.m., the first miner was lifted to safety. He was chosen to go first because he was experiencing chest pains. The remaining miners were taken out in order of weight, the heaviest first because the final man would have no one to help him get into the rescue capsule. In 15-minute increments, each was lifted out by the crane, the final man reaching the surface at 2:45 a.m. All the men were experiencing hypothermia from the days spent wet in the dark, but all were rescued alive. A ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the rescue was held July 22-23, 2022, at Dormel Farms, where a permanent tribute monument has been erected. The original rescue shaft and air shaft are preserved on the site as well. The ALL Family of Companies donated a Grove RT540E rough terrain crane, symbolic of the original 40-tonner that performed the rescue work, with an operator for this two-day event. Affixed to the crane for this visit was the U.S. flag flying at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks, on loan to celebrate Quecreek’s happier ending. In the years since the Quecreek mine rescue, analysts have posited that hundreds of small, correct decisions added up to result in the safe rescue of all nine miners. Some luck was involved, too. A little bit of that luck was that road construction was occurring just a few miles away, using a crane that was easily repurposed for lifting trapped, exhausted men out of a 250-foot rescue shaft.
More than two-dozen Manitowoc/Grove Cranes headed to ALL
Four MLC300, and two MLC650 highlight packages for 2022 Seven Manitowoc lattice boom crawlers highlight a package of more than two-dozen Manitowoc and Grove cranes being added to the fleet of the ALL Family of Companies. New equipment includes four from the MLC300 line (including MLC300 wide boom and MLC300VPC), and one each Manitowoc 14000, MLC650, and MLC650 rebuild. MLC300 and MLC650 cranes, offering base capacities of 330 tons and 717 tons respectively, are known for their exceptional ability to go where other lattice boom crawlers cannot while offering excellent reach and capacity. They’ve pulled off stunning lifting feats across a host of urban construction projects. The purchase also includes 16 Grove rough terrain (RT) cranes, with capacities ranging from 30 tons to 165 tons. These machines are in high demand for daily construction work as well as the thriving wind market. Rounding out the package is a 300-ton Grove GMK5250XL all-terrain crane and two truck cranes. Manitowoc, a key partner of ALL for decades, is known for high-performance equipment that offers intuitive operation and rugged reliability that has become a favorite of ALL’s customer base. “Equipment from Manitowoc and Grove are essential components of ALL’s product mix,” said Michael L. Liptak, CEO and president of ALL. “These new additions to the fleet will give our customers outstanding flexibility for projects from every day to their most challenging.” The 26 new Manitowoc and Grove cranes are part of 60 total new cranes being added to the ALL fleet in 2022. About half have already been delivered. The machines will be distributed across ALL’s 33 North American branches based on market demand.
OZ Lifting expands Industrial Lever Hoist range
OZ Lifting has expanded its industrial lever hoist range with 6- and 9-ton capacity versions Previously, the Winona, Minnesota-based manufacturer offered 0.25- to 3-ton capacity models, but the relaunched range will include 0.25-, 0.75, 1.5-, 3-, 6-, and 9-ton capacity versions. This closely matches the company’s premium (overload protected) and dynamometer-equipped (Dyno-Hoist) lever hoist lines. While the premium line of lever hoists is, and will likely remain, the most popular of these manual hoist options, it is important to cover the breadth of applications that place specific demands on this type of product. The industrial line of lever hoists will always be a good choice if users already know the weight of the load. The premium line, meanwhile, is based on the same hoist but has overload protection. This has proved useful if the load weight is unknown, as the overload protection will activate at approximately 50% above the load rating. Dyno-Hoist, which eliminates the need for a separate shackle, dynamometer, and hoist, is the most technologically advanced of the range. Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “We are confident that expanding the industrial line to match the other two products will give distributors and their end customers all the capacities and technology options they need. As such, we do not anticipate expanding the range in the foreseeable future.” The new industrial lever hoist range retains the features for which it has become renowned, including all-steel construction; 100% load-tested Grade 80 alloy chain; fully-enclosed gearing; long-lasting powder-coat finish; load sheave bearings; and more. Napieralski also pointed to the steel handle with rubber grip; forged alloy steel hooks; minimal load lifting effort; and heavy-duty latches. Custom options remain available. Napieralski added: “There is still a big market for manual lifting products that don’t include overload devices or dynamometers. An end user might make a purchasing decision based on budget or application nuances—or maybe a little bit of both—but they will likely already know the weight of their load, meaning a dyno[mometer] is a completely redundant addition.” The new 6-, and 9-ton capacity versions are already in stock and available for delivery. “Business is excellent,” added Napieralski. “We have seen significant growth in all our product offerings.
Michael C. Liptak, Co-Founder of ALL, dies at 91
The principal architect of the heavy-lift equipment rental category and driving force behind The ALL Family of Companies has passed away. Michael C. Liptak was 91. Together with his wife, Marvine, and brothers Lawrence and Jake, Michael founded ALL Erection & Crane Rental in Cleveland, Ohio, with just a single crane in 1964. Through the decades, it grew into the largest privately held crane rental company in North America, boasting 33 branches across the continent, a fleet of more than 3,500 cranes, and an employee roster totaling more than 1,500. At the time of ALL’s founding, most contractors had to purchase and maintain their own cranes. Michael and his inner circle saw a customer need, bought their own crane, and began renting it. In the process, they created a new category—crane rental—and backed it with hard work, reliable products, and outstanding customer service. In doing so, they laid the foundation for a company that would stand the test of time. Michael C. Liptak was a blue-collar guy from a blue-collar city, and he built his business through sweat, time, and a handshake that was his bond. In the world Mike and his brothers grew up in, nothing came easy, but he wanted to make life a little easier for the working people who relied on heavy lift equipment to do their jobs—because he was one of them. Up until his final days, Mike was still involved in daily life at ALL, visiting branches and offering his advice and expertise. He was well known to weigh in on critical—or even seemingly mundane—business issues, because even if he had handed off the mantle of responsibility, he never stopped carrying the weight of his life work. He pushed those around him to be the best they could be. And he could be that type of leader because there wasn’t a thing he hadn’t done. “Before there was an ALL Crane,” explained Mike’s son, Michael L. Liptak, current CEO and president of the company, “there was a man driving dump trucks in a quarry. He drove trucks, operated cranes, fixed cranes when they broke, and saved enough to buy new ones when they were needed. From that foundation, he built everything we know here at ALL.” Known to many as Big Mike, he never stopped being excited about the basics of the business, perhaps best characterized by the kid-like way he felt compelled to go out and operate any new crane the company had acquired. You can’t keep an operator out of the seat, and Mike was an operator at heart. From his blue-collar beginning to creating a business enterprise, from his charming smile to his ability to raise pulses, Mike was about balance. If you met him in a restaurant, casino, or auction, you felt his warmth and fun, and kindness pours over you. If you met the man who built the business, you know he was tough and strong and took creating an industry from nothing seriously. He was serious and challenged others to take this enterprise as seriously, simply because he knew it mattered. “Everything Dad did was for the thousands upon thousands for whom he provided jobs over the years,” said Michael. “That was never lost on me or the rest of the second and now third-generation family working at ALL. We were all lucky to have the shade of his mighty shadow.” Michael credits his father’s vision for helping to guide the company to its current success. Always about balance, Mike knew that steady growth coupled with impeccable quality were the keys to longevity. His instincts proved correct, as the company, he founded approached its 60th year. Liptak also recalls a driven man who always had time for family. “Everyone here is treated like family – and many actual families make ALL their life’s work. The family feeling extends to our customers and suppliers as well. That all started with Dad. He created a place where everyone was welcome, and the sky was the limit as far as advancement. He’s my inspiration, both as a leader and a person. To say he will be missed is a monumental understatement.” Mike, his brothers, and his earliest surrounding team worked 100-hour weeks to get the ALL Family of Companies up and running. He was Big Mike and he built North America’s largest privately-owned crane rental enterprise with a ton of heavy lifting and workaday sweat. Michael C. Liptak was preceded in death by his brother Jake, who died last year.
Doc Bailey Cranes & Equipment adds Merlo telehandlers to its fleet
Doc Bailey Cranes & Equipment is a full-service crane, boom truck, and bucket truck rental company. They recently added Merlo telehandlers to their fleet for rent and sale. Machine moving companies are a large part of Doc Bailey’s customer base. Along with cranes and truck-mounted lifts, customers have requested machinery that is not as large as a crane, with more nimbleness than the truck-mounted lift. In doing his research, Doc Bailey found the Merlo P120.10 was a good fit for the needs of his customer base. “It offers 26,500 lbs. maximum load capacity,” Doc Bailey said. “Something my typical competitor does not have. We are a lift specialty company and one of our goals is to be able to fill a niche for our customers. Merlo’s P120.10 is that machine.” “The particular machine-checked a number of boxes,” Bailey continued. “Its cab is larger than others. It is more ergonomic, which my customers like. It is easy to use, and the controls are responsive. Overall, it’s a very nice design. It’s small enough to be nimble, yet has the power needed to safely do what is asked.” Along with filling needs as they arise, Bailey said fairness is always at the top of the goal list. “We take care of our customers. Our primary goal is to save our customers money with products that deliver consistent efficiency and safety whether direct, through rent or re-rent. We both win when we deliver on all points.” Doc Bailey carries Link-Belt, RT cranes, bucket trucks, and mobile truck cranes. They offer rentals, sales, inspection, service work, and repairs on all their equipment. There are three Doc Bailey Cranes & Equipment locations in the USA: the main location in San Lorenzo, California; Las Vegas, NV, and Oahu, HI. All three will carry the P120.10. Vegas is primarily sales and has become “our epicenter for sales and training.” Bailey said. “We train on all the equipment we have. Merlo’s P120.10 is an easy machine to learn. It delivers consistent productivity. It will become a customer favorite.”
Leaf Lift LTD
Marine Travelift/Shuttlelift hires UWGB’s first Engineering Co-op Student
Marine Travelift, Inc. recently partnered with the Resch School of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay to bring the first engineering co-op student to the company for a seven-month hands-on experience. The company has found success with summer internships in the past within different departments including accounting, marketing, engineering, purchasing, even in our warehouse and on our assembly floor. “The biggest difference between an internship & a co-op is their duration. Students who participate in a co-op typically alternate semesters of academic study with longer periods of paid, full-time work. Internships, on the other hand, are typically short in duration.” – Michelle Waldinger, Director of HR, Marine Travelift/ExacTech Inc. Will Stuart of Peshtigo, WI, is the mechanical engineering major who was hired for this co-op opportunity which runs from June 2022 through December 2022. He will be working full-time hours for the entire duration. On his experience over the past few weeks, Will says: “My duties so far at Marine Travelift include working with the designers and engineers on multiple projects, including a custom spreader beam design for an industrial customer out of Tennessee.” Will has been able to apply several concepts from his classroom study at UWGB to the design process at Marine Travelift. These include static equilibrium equations that were taught in Statics I, beam loading fundamentals, and shear/moment diagrams from Statics I and Machine Component Design. In addition, SolidWorks is a huge part of the design process at Marine Travelift, and in his class on Parametric Modeling at UWGB, Will learned how to use this program. “The addition of a co-op option opens up a great opportunity for UW-Green Bay’s engineering students to immerse themselves into an industry for an extended time and work on meaningful projects to further their education. You don’t really know what an engineer does and how coursework is applied to real problems until you work in the industry. So, a co-op experience will enhance students’ understanding of the engineering field and make their classroom learning more meaningful. We are very pleased that Marine Travelift is providing this opportunity and that other regional industries are recruiting students for co-ops at their facilities. It is through these partnerships that UW-Green Bay’s engineering program is helping meet the needs of industries and businesses for a technically trained college graduate.” – Patricia Terry, Chair of Resch School of Engineering. Impact on Career Development When asked how this co-op experience will help him achieve his career goals, Will said: “It’s very early in my experience at Marine Travelift, but the engineering department has been very helpful at explaining the design process and challenges of these gantry cranes and marina forklifts which are all engineered in-house. I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to work with the tenured engineers and designers on real world projects that are being manufactured 20 steps from where the engineering department works. It’s been such a great experience to see the cranes we design being built at the same facility.” Matt Chike, Chief Engineer at Marine Travelift reflects on his own college co-op experience at Cummins Filtration in Stoughton, WI as a great building block in his engineering education. “A co-op is a great opportunity for both the student and the employer. Summer internships are great, but in a field as complicated as engineering it is difficult to make a lasting impact in one short summer. As soon as a student finds their footing in the company, they are on their way back to school for the fall. With a co-op, they can expand their engineering skills and work on high-level, meaningful projects for the company. An engineering co-op position is also one of the best ways to recruit local college talent to your company, and we want Marine Travelift to become a go-to company for young engineers in the area for a great co-op experience. By the end of Will’s seven months, he will have real industry engineering experience to add to his resume, and the opportunity to pursue a long-term career with the company,” Chike commented. This is the first engineering co-op for the UWGB campus, and it likely won’t be the last. “As the dean of CSET, I believe this is a great option for the hard-working students at UW-Green Bay and will provide a win-win for all involved. The co-op program will strengthen the partnerships between the University and the region, while also demonstrating to students that there are many great companies and family-sustaining career opportunities in the region.” – John Katers, Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
The Manitowoc Company withdraws from CONEXPO 2023
The Manitowoc Company, Inc., a global manufacturer of cranes and lifting solutions has announced its withdrawal from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 trade show. “Over the last 18 months, Manitowoc has taken a multitude of actions to manage inflation. Due to the several price increases that we’ve passed on to our customers, we do not believe it’s appropriate to invest in a second, large tradeshow at this time,” said President and Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Ravenscroft. “We continue to invest heavily in new products and look forward to showing our latest developments at the upcoming bauma show in October 2022. As an alternative to CONEXPO, we intend to host a Crane Days event at our Shady Grove, Pennsylvania location at a later date.”
Next generation of the JLG® Augmented Reality App now available
JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company and a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, announces updates to the JLG® Augmented Reality (AR) app, giving the innovative digital tool a facelift and expanding its capabilities to be even more useful to users on a day-to-day basis. The next-generation upgrades include an all-new interface and experience, new content, cloud-based and offline use, expanded machine inspections functionality, and a new “Fleet” feature. “This new, expanded version of the JLG AR app not only has a more modern look and feel, but it also operates more effectively and efficiently,” says Ara Eckel, director of product management for connected solutions, JLG. “Taking a machine-first approach, we have evolved this tool with very targeted enhancements and additional features that will improve users’ productivity. Its’ customer-centric design makes the app easier to navigate and more quickly connects our customers to the information they are looking for.” The JLG AR app continues to provide five important functions that increase safety, productivity, and efficiency on job sites: 1) Machine Visualization, 2) Accessory Visualization, 3) Operation Guidance, 4) Decal Viewer, and 5) Inspection Assistant. Upgrades to the app include several performance-enhancing capabilities to these functions, such as a refreshed mobile application interface and experience that starts at the machine level, allowing users to select a product and go directly into its content module from either the easy-to-use menu guide or through the app’s improved search functionality. New machines and content have also been added to the equipment modules offering users today more than 60 models to view and manipulate in 3-D. Content is now cloud-based, rather than native, to reduce the application’s size from 1.3 GB to 227 MB and enhance accessibility to new and updated content. And, the inspection assistance functionality has expanded to cover annual machine inspections, daily machine inspections, and pre-delivery inspections. The new “Fleet” feature helps JLG customers optimize their fleet management right from the app. Users can now add and store multiple assets for easy tracking by serial number/asset ID. And, users can save data on machines and access it instantly, regardless of connectivity. “Using the JLG AR app, users can get on-demand, digital access to information specific to a machine without ever leaving the job site,” says Eckel. Examples of this are: Project managers using the app’s machine visualization can make sure the equipment they’re ordering will fit in their workspace and reach the required areas without looking up dimensions in a manual or online. Rental companies using the app’s accessory visualization can be confident that they’re ordering the right accessories to fit the models they carry without referencing a parts manual to verify fit. Before machine use, operators using the app’s operation guidance can see an overlay of a machine’s control panel with explanations of control functions. And, using the decal viewer, operators can scan decals and read them in their native language. Technicians using their phones can walk through the inspection assistant to ensure they are following proper protocols and efficiently documenting every step. “There are a lot of added benefits and value for users in the updated JLG AR app,” finishes Eckel, “and the best part is that it is 100-percent free to download and does not require a login to use (some limitations may apply in select global markets).” The new JLG Augmented Reality app is now live in the Apple App Store and available for download. Current app users can easily update to the new version from the same download. The upgraded app will soon be available for download in the Google Play Store.
Ergodyne’s Aerial Bucket Series takes dangerously confined elevated worksites into a new class of safety, organization and efficiency
Ergodyne announced the launch of an all-new Aerial Bucket Series designed specifically for safer, easier work in bucket trucks and elevated work platforms. The collection features a tool board and tool bag—each engineered with extensive worker feedback and boasting a multitude of pockets and ANSI-approved tethering points for securely storing and safely accessing tools in confined work spaces. A durable aerial bucket hook for mounting the new solutions is also included. “For workers in bucket trucks and elevated worksites, every inch counts. But using a container that isn’t designed specifically for the space can actually cause more harm than good—creating a dangerous trip and drop hazards,” said Matt Hahn, Ergodyne Product Manager. “These solutions were made specifically with aerial buckets in mind, with ANSI 121-approved tethering points and durable easy-to-attach designs.” Adopted in 2018, the ANSI 121 standard is the first ever to establish best practices for tethering and transporting tools and equipment. Given their expertise in the category, Ergodyne worked closely with the International Safety Equipment Association on its development. “This new series is an opportunity for us to put our extensive knowledge of dropped object prevention toward helping an entire class of workers perform their jobs more safely and efficiently,” said Tom Votel, Ergodyne President & CEO. “There’s a lot more to come here, and we’re excited to continue bringing new innovations to this category.”
ALL Erection & Crane Rental receives Longevity Award from SC&RA
ALL Erection & Crane Rental, a member of the ALL Family of Companies, has been honored with the Longevity Award from the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), recognizing its decades of leadership. SC&RA is an international organization with more than 1,350 members from 46 nations serving all aspects of heavy industry including specialized transportation, lift equipment, machinery moving, maintenance, and more. SC&RA’s Longevity Awards are presented to member companies for their longtime support and dedication to the association and its mission. ALL was recognized with the 50 Years Award. ALL has a deep history with SC&RA. Its Dawes branches are among the seven founding companies that formed the association. More recently, Dawes general manager Steve Freckmann received the association’s Pinnacle Award in 2020 in recognition of his more than a decade and a half of involvement in leadership positions within the association. “The ALL Family believes in the power of our industry to move the world forward,” said Michael L. Liptak, CEO and president of ALL. “SC&RA is a vital organization to our industry, working hard to advocate for effective, prosperous operations that serve the needs of customers and projects all around the world.” Firms across the United States and around the world submit dozens of entries to the SC&RA Awards competition each year. The awards program recognizes worldwide excellence in the crane, rigging, and specialized transportation industry. “We’re proud to be recognized by SC&RA with this Longevity Award and to be aligned with an organization that does so much to further the interests of our industry and its constituencies,” said Liptak.
Mountainview Equipment Company with locations in ID and WA becomes Merlo Dealer
Mountainview Equipment Company with locations across ID and in WA is adding Merlo telehandlers to its product line. “In researching adding another line to Mountainview’s lineup, we found Merlo telehandlers to be the most complementary to our current equipment lineup.” Bill George, Sales Manager said. “We were looking for equipment that would make material handling for our customers easier and safer. Merlo’s Turbofarmer line of telehandlers packs a lot of power and nimbleness into every machine. Our customers will appreciate the versatility these machines will bring to their operations.” Mountainview Equipment Company chose the TF38.10 with a lift height of 31’ and max. the operating capacity of 8,400 lbs., the TF 42.7 with a lift height of 24’7” and max. the operating capacity of 9,250 lbs. They also added in the P27.6PLUS. Quite compact and easy to operate the P27.6PLUS may be the smallest of the Merlo telehandlers, but it supplies much versatility within its 19’4” lift and 6,000 lb. max. capacity. Along with expanding their Agriculture offerings, Mountainview has added the Merlo P40.17PLUS. A heavy-duty telehandler with independent front stabilizers. “While they are an agriculture-oriented dealership, Mountainview brought in the P40.17PLUS to take advantage of the need for construction telehandlers in all their markets, such as the booming city of Boise, Idaho,” said Austin Bailey, AMS-Merlo Sales Manager. “With the P40.17PLUS being one of the most popular models from both a sales and rental aspect, this model made the most sense for them to begin their expansion into the construction market.” For over 50 years, Mountain View Equipment Company has proven to be an award-winning full-service dealership in the hay and forage, and dairy markets. Delivering to customers the products they need to make their businesses successful, Mountainview takes great pride in also supplying outstanding service and parts supply. There are four locations: Meridan, Homedale, Jerome ID, and Sunnyside WA.
Cranes boost efficiency for innovative new factory
A unique factory that produces prefabricated homes is increasing efficiency thanks to overhead cranes from R&M Materials Handling, Inc. Boxabl uses assembly line principles and new building materials to produce upscale houses at a fast rate and low cost. Overhead crane and hoist manufacturer R&M Materials Handling, Inc. and their distributor American Equipment LLC partnered to deliver an overhead crane solution for Boxabl’s state-of-the-art facility, based in Las Vegas. Application Boxabl is a unique company, manufacturing high-quality homes which can be delivered on a flatbed truck and erected on the same day. Its Casita model includes a full-size kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom, and retails for just $49,500. Fully stackable and modifiable, Boxabl units can be configured for residential and commercial use. Its speed of construction optimizes cash flow for owners as it eradicates the long lead times normally associated with new home construction. This also makes Boxabl ideal for emergency responses to disasters, such as floods. Challenge With more than 47,000 people on its waiting list, Boxabl’s first factory had to be as efficient as possible, so that production could meet demand. Boxabl required an efficient overhead crane system to optimize its automated assembly line operations. On these assembly lines, Boxabl manufactures panels comprised of steel, insulation, and concrete, which become the walls, floor, and roof of the modular home. The cranes were needed to expedite the transportation, assembly, and folding of the Casita units. This includes moving different sized boards to be assembled into panels and then assembling larger panels into houses. In addition, the cranes needed to be reliable, safe, and easy to use. Solution American Equipment LLC recommended the installation of three 7.5-ton capacity top-running, single girder cranes from R&M Materials Handling, Inc. The cranes, which span 47ft 7ins and provide 25ft of lift, feature R&M’s SX low headroom wire rope hoists, which help to maximize the lifting height of each system. Working together, the companies won the contract with Boxabl by offering the best combination of features, safety, and service. Results The three new cranes were installed in October 2021. Josiah Fannon, production manager at Boxabl said: “The cranes have been a huge help and an absolute necessity for our production. They facilitate the transportation, assembly, and folding functionality of our units, even down to dropping a custom-built boat-wrap cover over the top of the units to protect them during shipping.” “They are used daily for a very large portion of each day. The controls are well marked and are easy to use, the crane itself is marked out with the directions of travel to make guiding it simple. It also has some great safety features such as a warning strobe light to alert when the crane is in motion and collision sensors to prevent any of the three units from colliding with one or another.”
Merlo P72.10Plus. The sweet spot in telehandlers
Merlo’s Heavy-Duty range of telehandlers, which includes the P72.10PLUS, is engineered to meet the needs of all industries required to move heavy loads under all conditions, safely. The user-friendly P72.10PLUS offers excellent telescopic performance without limiting the speed of work. The maximum load capacity is 15,800 lbs. The low pivot, the no-flex boom has a lift height up to 31’3”. Top load at full height is 9,000 lbs. Maximum reach of 17’1” easily manages 4,500 lbs. Power The P72.10PLUS is powered by a 115HP Perkins engine with Eco Power Drive (EPD). To maximize efficiency, the EPD automatically controls and adjusts engine speed, hydrostatic pump flow rate, and hydrostatic engine displacement according to operating conditions. EPD reduces RPM and ensures a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 18%. A load sensing hydraulic pump with a flow-sharing distributor supplies the P72.10PLUS with high efficiency, excellent performance, and smooth operation. The hydrostatic transmission, 4WD, 3 steering modes and speed up to 25 mph creates a very nimble machine. Safety Merlo’s adaptive stability control system (ASCS) recognizes the machine’s operating parameters in real-time. This includes attachments, load weight, and machine positioning. Depending on the implementation in use, the system can vary the response of the machine and the speed of movement. Machine safety also includes an automatic parking brake management system. The machine sets the brake automatically when the engine switches off to avoid unintentional movements. Every Merlo has a 3” solid ring of steel surrounding the machine. Along with increasing structural strength, the ring of steel eliminates the need for counterweights, making this a very compact telehandler (17’11” x 7’4” x 8’2”). The P72.10PLUS is equipped with frame leveling, boom side-shift, and an inching pedal for safe precision material placement. Control Center Designed for the operator, the cab sports automotive-style ergonomics while ensuring excellent protection for the operator. FOPS (Level II) and ROPS certified the 3’3” spacious cockpit and the expansive glass surface -front, back, sides, roof- of the cab ensures unparalleled comfort and full visibility. The reverse shuttle is on the steering column and joystick. The P70.10PLUS packages together everything needed for optimum job performance. For the operator: comfort, visibility, safety. For the job site: nimble performance, tight turning capabilities, attachment versatility, and overall excellence in performance and reliability.
The Crosby Group and KITO CORPORATION to combine businesses in 2nd half of 2022
The Crosby Group, a global provider in lifting and rigging, and KITO CORPORATION, a material handling manufacturer with 90 years of experience in the development and production of hoists and cranes, have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine both businesses. The business combination will be effected through a cash tender offer by The Crosby Group to acquire all of the outstanding shares of KITO CORPORATION for JPY 2,725 per share, which represents a premium of 64.3% compared to KITO CORPORATION’s undisturbed closing price on May 13, and a 61.0% premium to KITO CORPORATION’s three-month simple average closing price. The tender offer is expected to be completed in the second half of this year, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory clearances from relevant authorities. Until close, The Crosby Group and KITO CORPORATION will continue to operate as separate, independent companies. KITO CORPORATION also issued a press release statement of support for the planned transaction. The combined company will be better resourced, and ultimately better positioned to serve customers, team members, and communities globally through additional investment in products, people, and facilities. The combination will further foster innovation and enable customers to benefit from a broader portfolio of products across a global landscape as well as increased levels of service, support, and training. Additionally, the parties’ geographically complementary operations have the potential to accelerate growth through an expanded and diversified geographic footprint. Robert Desel, CEO of The Crosby Group, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring together two companies with differentiated, industry-leading capabilities, to create exceptional value for all stakeholders: team members, channel partners, end-users, and communities. We have long respected KITO CORPORATION as they exemplify our core values of safety, reliability, and innovation and are thrilled to combine with them to provide best-in-class products, solutions, and services for customers worldwide.” “The strategic wisdom and industrial logic of this combination are compelling. It will pair the highly complementary product portfolios of The Crosby Group and KITO CORPORATION and allow customers access to a broad selection of lifting and material handling solutions from one trusted manufacturer. Together, the companies will be able to accelerate innovation through increased investment in new product development and enable end-users to achieve higher levels of efficiency and safety through a better technical, application, and training support from a combined business.” Yoshio Kito, CEO of KITO CORPORATION said: “We believe this combination delivers tremendous value for all stakeholders. We couldn’t have imagined a better partner and we are confident that this combined business will build upon its great brands to best serve our customers, team members, and communities. We will work together to develop and expand our product offerings, differentiate ourselves based on our customer-first principle, and enhance our presence as a global leader.” SMBC Nikko served as lead financial advisor and Mizuho Securities USA LLC acted as a financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis and Mori Hamada & Matsumoto acted as legal advisors for The Crosby Group. Debt financing is being provided by UBS Investment Bank, KKR Capital Markets, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Nomura acted as financial advisor and Nishimura & Asahi acted as legal advisor for KITO CORPORATION.