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Nonresidential building growth highest in years, Index shows
The Dodge Momentum Index, a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, rose 2.8 percent in November compared with the previous month, McGraw Hill Construction says. November’s increase brought the momentum index to 117.9, as it regained upward movement after taking a sudden dip in October. This is the highest reading for the momentum index since March 2009, although the current level is still well below the peak readings from 2007 when it averaged 183. The November upturn in plans for new construction may be an indication that October’s uncertainty over the budget and debt ceiling impasse is now easing, at least until those issues are raised again in January and February, according to the company. The increase shown in November’s momentum index was driven by gains for both its commercial and institutional components, says McGraw Hill Construction. On the commercial side, the increases were widespread by project type, with the largest boost coming from a sharp gain in retail development. New retail projects entering… Keep Reading
National Miner’s Day: MSHA notes health, safety progress
Although the worst mining accident in American history occurred more than a century ago, the tragedy left its mark as Dec. 6 is now known as National Miner’s Day. A Congressional proclamation enacted in 2009 ensures the 362 miners who died in the 1907 Monongah coal mine disaster will not be forgotten. It chose this date “to honor the contributions of miners” and “encourages the people of the United States to participated in local and national activities celebrating and honoring the contributions of miners.” The proclamation also notes that this tragic accident launched safety efforts that remain in place to this day. In observance of National Miner’s Day, Joe Main, assistant secretary of labor, MSHA, issued a statement, which reads, in part: “American miners play a much larger role in our lives than most people realize. They extract a variety of raw materials, such as coal, copper, phosphate, silver, limestone, iron and zinc–ores that are essential components in the products we use every day. Coal, and the electricity generated by… Keep Reading
JCB: JS260XD
JCB is increasing the number of specialist booms and work equipment offerings available to demolition and recycling industry customers, including a straight boom for the JS260XD to provide increased horizontal and vertical reach. The straight boom offers an additional 13.8 in. of pin-to-pin distance, equating to more than 6.5 ft. of additional vertical reach. In addition, the JS360LC XD features additional machine and operator protection measures, including an XD cage for the cab, a heavy-duty undercarriage and side-impact protection. With a modular three-piece demolition rig, the machine offers 69 ft. of reach from the ground to the bucket pin. Furthermore, the modular boom construction allows customers to rapidly change from high-reach equipment to a standard digging boom for site clearance work. www.jcb.com Photo: JCB Keep Reading
NSSGA to sponsor NIOSH underground safety seminar
Underground safety is the subject of an upcoming seminar sponsored by the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) and presented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The 18th Annual Underground Stone Safety Seminar will be held Dec. 11 in Louisville, Ky. Regulatory developments will be included among the topics discussed, as well as the impact on the underground aggregates industry. The seminar will include presentations on mine rescue and annual refresher training strategies. Assistant deputy manager for MSHA's southeast district, Doniece Schlick, will be among the presenters. An Early Bird Workshop on Dec. 10 will address the subject of using a real-time diesel particulate monitor in limestone mines. The afternoon session features updates from MSHA on ground control practices and DPM controls as well as conveyor safety and laser techniques for ground control. For additional information, contact Joseph Casper at NSSGA or Lou Prosser at NIOSH. Keep Reading
Keep ’em movin’
Proper maintenance of tires and tracks will allow your operation’s mobile vehicles and mobile plants to stay on the go. With companies drilling down on all costs these days, every aspect of the operations and equipment is under close scrutiny. Saving money, in many instances, means looking at the total value proposition of the operations including maintenance practices and procedures. Tires and tire maintenance are aspects that can add significant savings to the bottom line. Proper selection and maintenance can also prevent expensive downtime. Here are a few tips, which should be considered to get the most out of the tire asset. Maintenance program Maintenance managers should always have a good written maintenance policy in place. This policy should be specific to the equipment, site conditions, operating conditions, loads carried and other pertinent factors. Once formulated, make sure to follow the recommended tire maintenance schedule. Safety is ultimately the number-one priority. The equipment maintenance manager needs to start with a comprehensive program. If it is not done by company personnel,… Keep Reading
MSHA investigation focus
MSHA conducts three major types of investigations: accident investigations, special investigations and discrimination investigations. Trends are changing, and MSHA is shifting its emphasis to certain areas over others. Regular inspectors who are assigned to investigate the specific incident conduct these investigations. They are assigned from a different local because there may be issues related to whether or not local inspectors were doing their job. MSHA’s district office and headquarters supervise the work of the investigators, and an official report is issued. The definition of “accident” in the Federal Mine Safety Act of 1977 is broader than fatalities. It includes “mine explosion, mine ignition, mine fire, or mine inundation, or injury to, or death of, any person.” By regulation, MSHA has broadened this definition to include such things as “entrapment,” rock outbursts, instability of impoundments and mine events that cause bodily injury or death to persons off mine property. MSHA rarely conducts formal investigations into non-fatal accidents. This can be attributed to limited resources because accident investigations can take more than… Keep Reading
IRock Crushers: RDS-15
The RDS-15 horizontal impact crusher is ideal for processing smaller materials such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), according to IRock Crushers. A 350-hp Caterpillar C-9 ACERT Tier 3 engine powers the unit, which can process up to 350 tph. The unit features three outlets for powering optional auxiliary conveyors to sort and stack processed materials. A closed-circuit design gives operators the option to recirculate material requiring further sizing. By closing the flop gate, the two decks can feed onto the 24-in. return conveyor, which drops the material back into the crusher. To reduce cleaning and maintenance requirements, the RDS-15 features a standard dust suppression system. www.irockcrushers.com Photo: IRock Crushers Keep Reading
Cardinal Scale 205 and 210 Storm Weight Indicators
Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Co.'s 205 and 210 Storm weight indicators offer four bi-directional serial ports, a standard USB-B and an optional USB-A for additional connectivity interfaces. In addition, the 210 Storm indicator features eight channel inputs/outputs, digital fill control, 25 IDs and an alphanumeric keypad. A function key replaced the count/sample key, which enables custom applications and greater operations flexibility. The alphanumeric keypad allows users to enter up to 25 IDs using a combination of letters and numbers. The 210 can provide time, date, ID, consecutive number and gross weight, and it supports single and dual-speed digital fill control operation. The 210 allows for a variety of discharge gate configurations and includes up to 25 stored preset/accumulators and remote inputs. www.cardinalscale.com Keep Reading
Liebherr
Liebherr's range of large wheel loaders comprises four models featuring tipping loads from 27,000 lbs. to 41,000 lbs., depending on model size. Liebherr says one of the loaders' key features is an innovative driveline concept that cuts fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent. The L 550 and L 556 models have a redesigned engine compartment with the diesel engine installed transversely. This gives the loaders an even more compact layout and makes primary maintenance points accessible from ground level, the company says. The engine output of the L 580 model has been increased, and Liebherr says all of the machines have an optimized tipping load limit. Liebherr supplies industrial lift arm in addition to the Z-bar linkage for standard operating tasks. www.liebherr.us Keep Reading
