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Second annual ‘Rally for Roads’ draws hundreds
More than a dozen construction-industry associations, including the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), went to Washington for the second annual Rally for Roads, the nation’s largest transportation funding advocacy rally. In his address to NSSGA’s board of directors on March 13, newly elected Chairman Ron Summers, senior vice president, Materials Group, CalPortland Co., Glendora, Calif., said that the number one challenge he plans to tackle during his tenure as chairman is the need for continued education of elected officials and voters. Rally for Roads is a one-day event designed to promote the importance of a fully-funded, multi-year transportation bill and the role it plays in stimulating the economy, maintaining the nation’s global competitiveness and, above all, creating American jobs. Keep Reading
Aggregate production down slightly in 2011
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released its full 2011 U.S. aggregate production numbers. An estimated 281 million metric tons (Mt) of crushed stone was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2011, a slight increase compared with that of the same period of 2010. The estimated annual output of crushed stone produced for consumption in 2011 was 1.14 billion metric tons (Gt), a slight decrease compared with that of 2010. The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the fourth quarter of 2010 was 197 Mt, an increase of 3.7 percent compared with that of the same period of 2010. The estimated annual output of construction sand and gravel produced for consumption in 2011 was 795 Mt, the same as that of 2010. An estimated 477 Mt of total aggregates was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of 2.4 percent compared with that of… Keep Reading
Cat, Terex introduce new haul trucks
Two of the world's largest manufacturers of construction and mining equipment have introduced new off-highway haulers. Caterpillar Inc. says its new 777G off-highway truck brings improved performance, production and fuel efficiency in the 100-short-ton size class. The 777 was first introduced by Caterpillar in 1977, and the 777G replaces the 777F. The 777G achieves greater production with seven percent more torque and new transmission controls that produce quick haul cycles with automotive quality shifting. The production increases are balanced with new fuel saving strategies that include configurable economy settings as well as an adaptive economy mode that automatically optimizes fuel consumption based on the user’s production baseline. The new Terex TA400 Generation 9 articulated truck is designed to keep productivity levels high, fuel consumption low and cycle times short. Boasting a 444 hp Tier 4 interim compliant Scania DC13 engine, the TA400 has a maximum payload of 41.9 tons and a heaped capacity of 30.3 cu. yd. A four-bar trailing arm suspension system contributes to this new Terex truck’s improved… Keep Reading
Ringspann relocates North American headquarters
Ringspann Corp., a supplier of backstops, freewheel clutches, caliper disc brakes and torque limiters, announced the relocation of its North American headquarters for sales and manufacturing. The company is moving to a 20,000-sq.-ft. facility in Franklin Park, Ill., just three miles from its present location. The new facility will expand office, manufacturing and warehousing capacity. Keep Reading
Powerscreen holds world dealer event in South Africa
Powerscreen recently hosted a World Dealer Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, the company announced. More than 300 dealers and customers traveled from around the world to attend the conference. The conference enabled Powerscreen to strengthen the relationship with its dealer network, gain significant insight into market trends and learn how it can better serve its customer base, the company said. An equipment demonstration was held at Portland Quarry, where 10 machines were operational. The first plant featured the large processing capacities of the XA750S jaw crusher with the Warrior 2400 screen. The second plant consisted of an XA400S jaw crusher, 1300 Maxtrak cone crusher, H6203 screen, 1000SR recirculating cone crusher and a Chieftain 2100X 3 Deck screen. Also, the XH320SR impact crusher worked alone. For the first time ever at a Powerscreen event, a working washing plant was on display: a Chieftain 1700 Rinser screen and a Finesmaster 120 Bucketwheel dewatering plant. Keep Reading
Atlas Copco strengthens surface drill rig
The Atlas Copco SmartROC D65 surface drill rig has been upgraded to enable direct communication with the rig control system (RCS) through a computer network. When the SmartROC D65 was first introduced in 2010, it was recognized for its power and productivity, but also for its intelligence and communications capability provided by its computer-based RCS. The 2010 model allowed drill plans from the office to be installed into the rig’s control system by a USB memory stick. Now the SmartROC can download data directly from the office computer from the worksite’s own local area network or wireless network. The new interface not only makes data transfer simpler and faster, but it is also user-friendlier since planners are able to make changes and last-minute adjustments. The new communication capability paves the way for mines and quarries to install wireless systems and also offers SmartROC D65 owner-contractors a competitive advantage in that they can “plug” into their customers’ networks, the company says. The SmartROC D65 is designed for drilling in the 4-1/3 in. to… Keep Reading
American Roller Bearing expands U.S. operations
American Roller Bearing Co. added a manufacturing facility in Morganton, N.C., the company announced. The 241,000-sq.-ft. site will allow for expansion of general capabilities, required volume increase, additional capacity to address growth in existing markets, as well as growth in new products and markets. The expansion has been supported with a job development investment grant from North Carolina. Over the next five years, the facility will create an estimated 231 new jobs in Burke and Alexander counties. Keep Reading
High demand forces 4B Components into new facility
4B Components, the U.S. division of the 4B Group, relocated to a new facility in Morton, Ill., the company announced. Its new building is a five-minute drive from the previous East Peoria location. The company said it had outgrown its existing facility. While 4B’s address has changed, the phone and fax numbers will remain the same. With branches and manufacturing facilities around the world, 4B intends to continue to strengthen its brand and help customers with their need for bulk material handling and electronic components. The new facility will bring 4B’s total worldwide manufacturing and distribution capacity to more than 400,000 sq. ft. Keep Reading
Highway bill extension likely as House puts plans on hold
House plans to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation program are on hold until at least mid-April, making another extension of the current program a necessity before the March 31 deadline, according to NSSGA. The length of that extension is not yet known. The Senate had passed a two-year, $109 billion bill on March 14, putting pressure on the House to strike a deal on the program that helps fund the repair of the nation’s roads and bridges. But the timing wasn’t right for the House, whose push for a five-year, $260 billion program was stymied in recent weeks after disagreement on funding provisions in its legislation. NSSGA continues to push for a multi-year bill that at least maintains level funding. Keep Reading
