Construction Attachments & Accessories Can Enhance A Machine’s Capabilities

Attachments & Accessories For Forklifts

Modern machines are capable of many different tasks and applications. Each of which can be enhanced with the use of construction attachments & accessories. When some equipment owners buy a new machine to perform a specific task, another machine owner will find an attachment or accessory, giving the same piece of machinery the extended ability to perform the additional required tasks.
For example, forklifts are capable of lifting, moving, and transporting a variety of materials on pallets. They can also lift equipment and machinery that is otherwise, too heavy to lift. However, a forklift can be much more than a transportation tool.

With an inexpensive attachment, you can turn most forklift trucks into a man lift that is just as safe and efficient as purchasing a scissor lift or any other style of man lift.

Another piece of machinery that could be purchased for use in an industrial facility would be an overhead crane. There are large-scale applications where a use of a crane is the best equipment for the job. Most indoor applications can be completed with the use of a boom attachment, which allows your forklift to reach farther than ever before and lift just about anything within the machine’s weight limitations with ease.

There are many other forklift attachments and accessories. Construction workers everywhere are utilizing a variety of different fork setups, sizes and shapes for specific applications and some with smaller boom attachments known as spears. Although, forklifts are not the only machines with useful accessories and attachment

Construction Attachments & Accessories For Skid Steer Loaders

Skid steer loaders are similar to forklifts in that they are capable of many different functions along with their originally designed purpose.

Skid steer loaders are equipped with a front bucket and are used to scoop, scrape, and transfer many different types of material. However, with the right attachment, these powerful machines are capable of so much more.

For example, if you attach a skid steer boom, the loader can lift and transport any machine or piece of equipment that is within its weight limit and can be attached from above.

Another accessory would allow the skid steer to rip up stumps out of the ground. This attachment is known as a stump grapple bucket. Other types of grapples are available which attach to the front of the skid steer and are designed with sharp grooved edges used to grab things like bushes or branches. These can also be used for pulling rooted plants from the ground as well as debris and clean up.

One more type of accessory available for most skid steer loaders is a hydraulic breaker attachment. There are a large variety of hydraulic breakers that can be used for chipping, chiseling, blunt impact, tamping, and cutting asphalt. This type of construction attachment is also available for compact excavators.

Other Construction Attachments & Accessories

Lift trucks, loaders, and excavators are not the only construction machines that benefit from the use of accessories or attachments. In fact, most machine tools on the market have some sort of optional hardware or attachment that will add to the machine’s capabilities.

When the cost of an additional piece of equipment seems to high, an attachment or accessory for the existing equipment can usually be found and purchased at a fraction of the cost.

Tier 4 Engine Standards: What It Means For Modern Machine Tools

Emission Standards For Diesel Machinery

Diesel engines have always been efficient and reliable, yet they have also been known in the past for producing exhaust with high levels of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Over the past 15 years diesel engines have been transformed into one of the cleanest machines available today thanks to emissions regulations.
Tier 4 engine standards are government-mandated reductions in harmful exhaust gases for diesel-powered machines. Tier 4 standards require a significant reduction in emissions, particularly particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). PM is the black smoke or soot found in diesel engine exhaust and NOx consists of both nitrogen monoxide and dioxide gasses.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first started enforcing diesel exhaust emission limitations on off-road machinery with diesel engines in 1996 and stationary diesel-engine generator machines in 2006.

The first stage of Tier 4 standards began in 2011 with Tier 4 interim and will conclude with Tier 4 Final in 2015.

These regulations have been implemented in a series of steps called Tier levels which have each introduced more strict limitations on carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC).

Machine Manufacturers Response To Emission Standards

Improvements made inside the engine were enough for machine manufacturers to achieve Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards. In fact, in-engine design changes have made off road diesel machinery the most fuel-efficient and perform better than ever before. These changes include:

  • High-pressure common-rail fuel injection
  • More precise fuel injection timing
  • Advanced electronic engine controls
  • Advanced turbocharging

Tier 4 standards, however, will require improvements to the exhaust aftermath systems to properly reduce NOx and PM levels.

The most practical and effective aftermath treatment technologies include selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to control NOx and diesel particulate filters (DPF), which capture the remaining particulate matter (PM).

Special Fuel Requirements

Machines that are fully compliant with Tier 4 standards will be required to use ultra low sulfur Fuel (ULSF) as well as CJ-4 low Ash oil. Keep in mind that CJ-4 low Ash oil can be used in all prior tier machines, which means that owners only need to keep one type of oil on hand.

The Future Of Construction Equipment: What To Expect

Construction Equipment Technology

An important part of many industrial operations over the past century has been construction equipment. Companies like Caterpillar, Case, Komatsu and Deere have made continuous advancements in the capabilities and safety features of these machines, making them the useful tools they are today.
These same heavy equipment manufacturers continue to develop new machines with improved features aimed at:

  • Lowering maintenance costs
  • Decreasing operation costs
  • Increasing machine versatility
  • Improving machine efficiency and reliability

In the years ahead, construction equipment manufacturers will likely be focusing more on improvements in areas like:

  • Increased fuel efficiency
  • Energy conservation
  • Decreased harmful emissions
  • Development and implementation of new machine technologies

Hydraulics – Construction equipment such as excavators, backhoes and loaders rely on hydraulics to lift, load / unload and move materials and objects. New hydraulic technologies are emerging, optimizing both hydraulic flow and pressure including the ability to modulate both. As these improvements are introduced, the efficiency and versatility of the equipment will continue to improve.

Engine – Many construction machines are equipped with diesel engines because they are efficient and reliable. Many improvements to engine controls, fuel injection systems and the engine combustion process are in the works and aim to increase fuel efficiency while decreasing the amount of harmful emissions released into the air.

Computer Systems – Computer systems are being integrated into some new models of construction equipment and will continue to be utilized even more in the future. Computer systems are being used to remotely monitor machine operation, analyze fuel efficiency, control hydraulics, report machine performance and more.

Hybrid Construction Equipment

Hybrid technology has come a long way since hybrid cars were first introduced. Similar hybrid technologies are being used for heavy equipment equipped with diesel engines.

We are already seeing the introduction of hybrid excavators and hybrid bulldozers. The released hybrids are the first and second generations of hybrid construction equipment and offer many advantages including:

  • Dramatically increased fuel efficiency
  • Fuel savings of a 20-ton machine reaching 25% as compared to non-hybrid models is not uncommon.
  • Recovery and reuse of energy
  • Reduction in carbon emissions
  • Decreased operating costs
  • Reduced maintenance
  • Increased machine life

The first hybrid-drive, heavy equipment, construction vehicle was released by Komatsu in 2008. The hybrid excavator was a huge success and many valuable lessons were learned, ushering in newer and improved generations of hybrid equipment.

The third generations of hybrids in the construction field are underway and will likely offer even more impressive advantages for hybrid machine owners.
Future of Construction Equipment
Hybrid technology will most likely be the most dramatic improvements made to construction equipment. However, technologies and advancements are being developed for individual equipment types.

For example, improved hydraulics for excavators and backhoes, which improve lifting capabilities and efficiency, or redesigned bulldozers with increased earth moving power.

The future of construction equipment will likely follow a theme. That theme being “environmentally friendly”, aided in part by emissions regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This means cleaner air, more cost efficient operation and improved fuel efficiency.

KOMATSU Introduces Environmentally Friendly Construction Equipment

Environmentally Friendly Construction Equipment

Heavy Machinery used in construction is constantly evolving. Along with the changes and improvements being made to construction equipment, we are seeing more powerful equipment, machines with more versatility, more features, and improved efficiency.

Komatsu America Corp., an industry leader, recently developed a new loader, known as the WA320-7 wheel loader, which offers many improvements including lower operating costs, lower emissions, and decreased fuel consumption among other things.

For the first time in construction machinery history, we are seeing improvements, which are aiming towards being more environmentally friendly or “Green”.

New Features Introduced With The WA320-7 Construction Loader

KOMTRAX® technology– Comes standard with the WA320-7 loader. This Tier 4 technology from Komatsu sends machine operation information such as location, fuel consumption, operating hours, and maintenance alerts wirelessly to a secure website.

Komtrax® is a registered trademark of Komatsu, Ltd.

Enhanced Machine Cab Environment– The cab is designed to be more comfortable and less noisy which allows for increased operator concentration for maximized productivity.

–       The dashboard has been redesigned and the front window lowered for increased visibility.

–       An operator console is mounted on the right side of the seat and equipped with a multi-function mono-lever with proportional control for the integrated 3rd spool.

–       An auxiliary input and two 12-volt ports have been added. The auxiliary input can be used to connect an MP3 player or other compatible device.

–       An LCD monitor that measures 7” offers a high-resolution display in 25 different languages for global support. It allows the operator to easily adjust settings, check operation records, monitor maintenance information, and view operation records.

–       Built-in back up camera provides a high resolution is always viewable from a separate monitor, which is mounted on the right side of the dashboard.

Improved Drivetrain Features – The Komatsu hydrostatic (HST) 3rd generation drive train is electronically controlled and offers new features including:

–       Pump capacity has been increased providing improved efficiency and responsiveness.

–       Self-braking feature slows down the machine whenever the accelerator is released which greatly reduces break wear.

–       Simplified traction controls manage machine operation on slippery and softer ground with 3 settings: MAX, AUTO, and S-Mode.

 

The Komatsu WA320-7 Wheel Loader Tier 4 Interim Engine Technology

–       Powered by the Komatsu SAA6D107E-2 engine together offering 165 HP which is EPA Tier 4 Interim and EU Stage 3B emission certified.

–       Built on a Tier 3 engine platform designed by Komatsu to increase fuel efficiency by up to 10% as compared to previous models.

–       Replaces both previous loader models: WA320PZ-6 and WA320-6

–       Komatsu, being a hydraulic technology leader, developed a Komatsu Variable Geometry Turbocharger (KVGT), which is hydraulically actuated and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, resulting in improved precision and management of air including longer component life.

–       The integrated design of the Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) is designed to not interfere with normal operation but makes the machines status available to the operator at all times.

–       Machine Weight: 33,731 lbs / 15,300 kg.

 

This new model of wheel loader not only offers lower fuel consumption, improved efficiency, and improved maintenance systems which aim to lower operating costs while maximizing productivity. Environmentally friendly construction equipment also aims to improve operator comfort and system controls, which always important when on the job all day.

The 2013 Toshiba Horizontal Milling and Boring Machine – Ascension Industries

Horizontal Milling and Boring Machines – Ascension Industries

Ascension Industries offers high quality turnkey manufacturing, machining and fabrication services with an array of top-of-the-line machine tools including two overhead 50-ton cranes.

In order to meet the needs of customers in the aerospace, metal-working, defense, automotive, turbo compressor, process equipment and automation industries, it’s important to have top notch machining centers and other machine tools.

For this reason, Ascension Industries recently decided to add the new Toshiba BF-130B horizontal milling and boring machine to their arsenal and replace the current Union machines throughout their facility.

More About Ascension Industries

Based in New York, Ascension Industries was founded in 1956. The provide high quality tooling, machining, automation systems and similar manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers and other precision metalworking capable users.
Over the years they have prospered and expanded to offer their services to users of machinery and fabrication equipment as well as OEM customers.

They currently operate in a 170,000 square foot manufacturing area fully equipped with dual overhead cranes making nothing too big or too small to be manufactured here. They offer additional services as well including filtration and separation, electrical, grinding, machining, and more.

The company’s goal is to work with clients and provide full support from their initial idea all the way to the final installation by providing immediate complementary technical assistance, supplying of all materials, tooling, machining, fabrication, assembly, inspection and testing to the user’s specifications.
Ascension Industries not only provides a variety of extremely valuable services, they are also manufacturers of their very own equipment lines. They are the sole manufacturer of genuine FSD, Durco/Duriron, AquaCare, and Enzinger brand equipment and replacement parts.

Toshiba BF-130B Horizontal Milling and Boring Machine Specs

• Maximum Travel: X Axis – 236” / Y Axis – 118”
• Maximum Travel Speed: Rapid positioning of X & Y Axis of up to 393” per minute
• Maximum Machining Speed: 160” pre minute
• Automatic Tool Changer: Holds up to 60 tools
• Computerized Numerical Controls: TOSNUC 999 CNC system including extensive

There are several new features included in this newest model of milling and boring machine from Toshiba that will not only enhance productivity, but also allow the company to handle jobs too big for their other machines to handle.
New Features:
• Increased spindle feed rate and speed
• Quill type spindle provides easy work piece access
Possibly the most amazing new feature is the ability to put a signal point tool in the spindle and actually create a 118″ diameter bore or turn grooves like you would on a lathe. For Ascension Industries, this is the single most important new feature of the new Milling and Boring Machine.
The combination of Ascension Industries more than 50 years of machining, production, and fabrication expertise in conjunction with their new Toshiba BF-130B Horizontal Milling and Boring Machines makes a truly unbeatable pair in the manufacturing industry.

The Single File Spiral Incline Conveyor Machine

Spiral Incline Conveyor Friction Top Plastic Belting

Belt conveyors for food product production lines come in a variety of styles for specific production purposes. Over time improvements are made to this type of transportation machine offering more versatility, smoother running operations, and decreased maintenance requirements.
Recently, a new spiral incline single file conveyor was created for the specific purpose of transporting bags of chips at an incline in single file using friction top plastic belting. It turns out that this new conveyor machinery has more practical applications than just foodstuff production.

The new conveyor can transport delicate products uphill at a high rate of speed and requires minimal maintenance. The friction top belt system offers additional gripping ability that virtually eliminates slippage of packages which prevents the inclined conveyor from getting backed up.
This ensures that the delicate packages are transported with ease while still maintaining a fast, continuous flow of products.

Single File Spiral Incline Conveyor Design

This amazing conveyor machine tool was created by the leading conveyor system company, Multi-Conveyor, L.L.C. It was created to overcome some of the common issues facing production facilities that produce food products and other products with soft or delicate packaging.

Aside from the amazing friction top belting system, the smooth surface of the conveyor belt is made of a wear resistant rubber that is sturdy and acts as a cushion for products being dropped onto the conveyor machine.

Another important feature of the spiral incline conveyor is the way the belting controls and stabilizes lightweight packages to eliminate shifting. This keeps packages or bags flowing inline at a high rate of speed.

Single File Spiral Incline Conveyor Advantages

The main advantages of this newly introduced conveyor system are in the elimination of product slippage – especially on an inclined slope, and very low maintenance requirements.
This FDA approved foodstuff production line can be used for a variety of food packaging applications, but has also been found to be useful for personal care products, household products, and more.

New Lighting Technology Uses LED LIghts

Light Tower From Larson Electronics

All jobs sites require certain types of reliable machinery to get the job done right; one piece of equipment that should not be overlooked is an efficient light tower. The right lighting machine tools can ensure that all areas of the job site, whether inside or outside, are well lit. Proper lighting will greatly reduce the risk of errors and accidents. Like most industrial machines, advancements in lighting technology have provided better options for more efficient industrial operation.

Larson Electronics, a leader in portable lighting systems, recently introduced 2 new light towers…

New Light Towers From Larson Electronics

The PLM-18-2X150W-LED Pneumatic Light Tower combines the power of LED lights with pneumatic lifting power to provide effective lighting coverage of large and small work areas.

PLM-18-3X1000W Pneumatic Light Tower offers 330,000 lumens of lighting, which provides an extensive range of illumination.

PLM-18-2X150W-LED Pneumatic Light Tower Features

The light tower is powered by dual 150 watt LED lights contained within each of the two light fixtures providing 29,850 lumens of light each.

The lamps are assembled from extruded aluminum and polycarbonate lenses which, together, provide a waterproof and weather proof structure within which the CREE LED lights are contained. The lamps are attached to the mast using a secure, but removable bracket allowing for easy removal of the entire lamp structure along with easy disassembly and relocation of the entire lighting structure.

The tower stands 8’ tall and is capable of extending up to 18’ tall pneumatically by controlling the air pressure from the attached air compressor that is also included with this light tower.

It also includes a 12” square mounting plate that is ½” thick designed to be used to mount the lighting system to a trailer.

PLM-18-3X1000W Pneumatic Light Tower Features

This tower consists of three circular metal 3,000 watt halide lamps housed within 16” aluminum and covered by heat treated glass lenses which provide 330,000 lumens of lighting power capable of illuminating more than 3 acres.

Each lamp can be adjusted independently, giving the operator complete control over which areas are illuminated. The fully assembled lamp structure is mounted to the top of the tower using a 24” long plate, which can be removed for easy transportation to a new location.

The height of this tower is also adjustable using air pressure which can be regulated using the included 1/3 HP air compressor. It can be adjusted from 8’ to as tall as 18’ and can be mounted to a trailer as well.

About Lighting Machinery From Larson Electronics

Both light towers offer superior illumination, portability, and offer many customization options. The pneumatic adjustment feature is a great feature and alternative to the old-fashioned cranking adjustment feature standard on older towers.

Larson Electronics can build entire light plants, but find that most clients use individual light towers such as these because of their illumination power and ease of use. There is no doubt that these systems have what it takes to light up any work area with ease.

What is ISO and why is it important?

What is ISO ?

ISO standards are used by businesses as a strategic tool to increase productivity. ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. They are the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards.

This means that companies have the choice whether or not to accept these standards. Many do simply because they are known to ensure the safety and quality of products and services.

These standards have been accepted worldwide to reduce waste, improve productivity, decrease accidents and more. The major advantage, however, is letting everyone know that you are ISO compliant. Customers and investors are far more likely to do business with a company who is ISO certified than do business with one that is not.

ISO Certification

Certification is never a requirement, although businesses often wish to become certified into ISO’s management system standards to prove their compliance. Other companies may need to become certified if it is required when trading internationally or to satisfy terms of a contract.

Some businesses may use it to motivate employees by setting goals for developing their management system. It can also be a great asset in developing a risk management system, which will lower potential downtime and company liability.

In order to become ISO certified, a company should contact an organization who has authorization to evaluate and provide an ISO certification certificate. The International Organization for Standardization does not personally provide ISO certification.

Common ISO Standards

ISO standards are numerous. Each is grouped into categories of different types. For example, ISO 9000 is the group that focuses on management systems. This is the most widely used set of standards used by businesses around the world. So, when a manufacturing firm claims to be ISO certified, it most likely means that they comply with ISO 9000 standards.

Other ISO standards include ISO 4000, which includes specifications for vehicle tires and rims. Another is ISO 7000, which focuses on standardized symbols for use on equipment and machinery.

ISO standards are constantly being updated and revised to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations. It is important for any company to routinely review these to ensure they are also compliant.

ISO 9000 – ISO 9001

ISO 9000, specifically ISO 9001, standards are used by millions of companies to ensure they comply with the highest management standards. Even so, some are against this certification.

Some would argue that ISO 9000 is not worth all of the paperwork, time and money required for registration. The same people say that the unnecessary paperwork is a burden and that ISO’s paperwork is excessive and inefficient.

Others would claim that this certification is solely for documentation. However, if a company properly documents its quality systems, then most of the paperwork is already completed.

Other arguments include that ISO should be used as more of a guideline and is less effective as a standard. They believe these standards may mislead companies into believing that certification means better quality.

Is ISO Certification Important?

More businesses in the world recognize ISO standards than any other. The ISO 9000 group provides efficient business management which has been proven by millions of companies around the world.

Despite those against it, it has been proven that clients and investors are more likely to engage with a business that complies with ISO 900 standards.

Universal Trolley Fits Most Pneumatic Hoists & Electric Hoists


Universal Trolley Fits Most CM Hoists

Hoist - lifting machine tool
The hoist is one of the most used lifting machine tools.

Hoists are an important lifting machine used in many industrial facilities. An essential component in the operation of many hoists is the trolley. The trolley is a piece of equipment that the hoist is attached to that allows the hoist to move horizontally along an elevated beam. Thanks to the overhead trolley, the hoist is allowed to lift and lower loads by acting as the base in which the chain or cable can move up and down.

There are many different types of hoists that can be used with trolleys including manual, air powered and electrically operated lifting systems. Each of these is considered to be a trolley hoist.

One issue commonly associated with Hoist trolleys is the simple fact that not all trolleys are compatible with all hoists.

Recently, Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CM) released a hoist trolley designed to solve this issue. Their universal trolley is designed to fit almost every Columbus McKinnon electric and air chain hoist.

While the trolley itself is nothing complicated, the simple fact that owners of various different CM hoists can use a single trolley is pretty useful. In fact, companies can save both time and money when they wish to use different sizes and styles of CM hoists.

About the Columbus McKinnon Corporation

The Columbus McKinnon Corporation is a leading manufacturer of material lifting products. Some equipment they have released includes hoists, rigging and cranes. Based in New York, they have been designing, manufacturing and marketing lifting machines since before the 20th century.

The introduction of the universal trolley is a great addition to the variety of hoist and trolley systems currently available. In fact, this new machinery will allow their clients to use most of their hoists without the need to buy several different trolleys.

Universal Trolley Specifications

The CM universal trolley can be converted from a plain trolley to a geared trolley. The plain configuration allows for manual positioning of the hoist and load. The geared configuration allows for mechanical movement of the trolley. This is the best option for applications where more precise load positioning is required.

The Universal trolley can handle most hoists with capacities up to 3 tons. It also includes an adjustable clamp designed to easily install and adjust to different styles of hoists. The clamp can be installed without the use of any tools.