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App opens door for digital stockpile measurements
Measuring stockpiles can be a complicated process, from accurately measuring the piles to recording and storing data. “Tracking inventory is a hard problem and an inexact science,” said David Boardman, CEO of URC Ventures, at a session during the 2014 Trimble Dimensions User Conference. After signing an agreement in August 2012 with Knife River Corp., a company with hundreds of sites across nine states, URC Ventures decided to create a solution for accurately measuring stockpiles. Boardman wanted to create an outlet for measuring stockpiles that required minimal training, was completely automated, and met accuracy and consistency requirements of the company. This outlet was the iPhone. Using its 3D computer vision technology, Boardman designed an iPhone application called Stockpiles, which allows users to determine stockpile volume data. In order for the app to work, users must place two solid orange traffic cones 25 ft. apart in front of the stockpile. Then they record the stockpile while walking the perimeter of it. Stockpile size doesn’t matter, Boardman said. Based on data, it takes… Keep Reading
Trimble showcases technologies at conference
Trimble Navigation introduced equipment technology for the aggregates industry at its 2014 Trimble Dimensions User Conference in Las Vegas. Trimble's technology stems from its June acquisition of Loadrite, a payload management company. The conference gave the company the opportunity to showcase its newly acquired products and recently developed operator technology, as well as educate attendees about them. Trimble discussed its entrance into the aggregates industry at the event. Guests had the opportunity to attend a number of educational sessions, browse a show floor, and travel to a demosite to see the technology and equipment in action. Trimble exhibited a number of aggregate equipment technologies, including Loadrite’s payload data scales, which allow operators to monitor daily machine activity. In conjunction with the scales, Trimble launched a new form of technology for aggregate equipment operators: Insight HQ. Insight HQ is a browser-based platform that serves as a consolidated platform in which operators can view the operational data of their equipment. The company also demonstrated GPS technology that can be applied to aggregate… Keep Reading
Trimble session sparks highway bill conversation
A federal gas and diesel tax increase. This solution to the highway bill often turns away politicians, but it’s the solution that U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) came up with to counteract the bill’s diminishing funds. It’s also the solution that the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) is working toward. “The Highway Trust Fund is broken,” said Michael Johnson, president and CEO of NSSGA, during a session at the 2014 Trimble Dimensions User Conference. The increase seems like a lot but it’s easier to grasp when put into perspective, Johnson said. A-12-cent increase could replace some of the smaller things that we purchase throughout a year’s time, like a small bag of Doritos or a McDonald’s cheeseburger with a large Coke. The average American driver pays $444 per year in car maintenance fees, Johnson said, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation is currently postponing $40 million in roadwork. The highway bill is set up for a $167 billion shortfall, Johnson added. “This (increase)… Keep Reading
Trimble Dimensions highlights integration of aggregate technology
As the use of integrated technology in the aggregates industry grows, companies are working to catch up with this fast-paced industry revolution. With its recent acquisition of Loadrite, Trimble kicked off the 2014 Trimble Dimensions User Conference with a newly established aggregates track focused on the technological revolution. The first session of the aggregates track, titled “Where to start? Technologies in the aggregates production and supply process,” keyed in on the company’s aggregate equipment and, more importantly, the integration of advanced technology. “The biggest step on a site that we could make is measuring nothing to measuring something,” said Elliot Chisholm, marketing manager for Trimble Loadrite, New Zealand. Integrating multiple types of technology at once is not an easy task, he said. Chisholm offered tips to incorporate technology onto a site, especially for a company that is not accustomed to using advanced technology with aggregate equipment. When it comes to first integrating technology, it’s imperative to follow three guidelines: start with a standalone system, get connected and get integrated. “I… Keep Reading
Cat showcases excavators, wheel loader at event in Peoria
Caterpillar rolled out some of its new equipment at a media event Oct. 28-30 at its headquarters in Peoria, Ill. At the company’s Edwards Demonstration & Learning Center, employees demonstrated Cat’s F-series hydraulic excavators, M950 wheel loader and CT681 vocational truck. 323F and 335F hydraulic excavators Cat’s 323F and 335F hydraulic tracked excavators were designed with two enhancements in mind: lower operating costs and enhanced performance. “We focused on reducing operating costs for our customers. We also focused on performance and job site versatility,” said Brian Stellbrink, product specialist at Caterpillar in Aurora, Ill. By reducing the engine speed and increasing the hydraulic pump displacement, they were able to accomplish both of those goals, he said. “At the end of the day, we’re seeing fuel consumption reduced up to 10 percent on the 323 compared to its predecessor (the E-series machines) and up to 17 percent on the 335.” The machines come standard and are equipped with Cat Grade Control, which is a slope and guiding system, and passive emissions… Keep Reading
LaHood weighs in on highway funding at Cat event
Built for it. Caterpillar’s new slogan raises a number of questions: Are we built to handle the new highway bill? Are we built to grow, despite the current depletion in government funding? These are questions Ray LaHood, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, addressed at Cat’s press event in Peoria, Ill. “America is one big pothole,” LaHood said. “We used to be number one in infrastructure. We’re number 16 now.” So, like America’s infrastructure, how do we come back from this economic downturn? LaHood suggested raising gas taxes by 10 cents and using the additional revenue to fund roads. Similar to that, the aggregates industry must raise its standards by boosting expectations, enhancing equipment and developing innovations. “When you think of a roadway, you think of it as a way for people to get from one place to another. But the other way to think about it is as an economic corridor,” LaHood said. Transportation advocates continuously say the highway bill is an economic corridor for the trailblazers… Keep Reading
Keeney Sand & Stone’s equipment in action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbpstH30Vkk Last month, Pit & Quarry toured Keeney Sand & Stone in Painesville, Ohio. We talked to Kevin Keeney, a third generation family member running the quarry, who told us a little bit about the history of Keeney Sand & Stone. Watch this video to learn more about the quarry and see some of their aggregate equipment in action. Keep Reading
Armstrong named new dealer for Terex MPS line
Armstrong Equipment has been named the new dealer for the Terex Minerals Processing Systems (MPS) line in Florida and the Bahamas. The company will be offering the full Terex MPS product range. Armstrong, based in Miami, has covered territories in both Central and South America, as well as in North America. Keep Reading
Martin Marietta unveils rebranded name, site
Martin Marietta has been rebranded, including a new name, logo and website, says Ward Nye, president, CEO and chairman at Martin Marietta. The company is now known as “Martin Marietta,” and its new site includes a product calculator, featured safety initiatives, the company’s latest news and other company information. Keep Reading
