Special Coverage: Public Works

ON THE COVER

Controlled-power rivet buster

Chicago Pneumatic’s rivet busters feature a controlled-power system that prevents blank firing when a unit’s bumpers are worn: the piston, which would otherwise fire excess energy to the front end of the cylinder, is stopped when air is allowed to rush out of the sleeve ports. Operators can continue to work with a worn bumper by applying pressure on the tool against the concrete surface; however, blank fires still are prevented. Models include the 8-inch-stroke CP 4608 and the 11-inch-stroke CP 4611, both of which have a teasing throttle for easy operator control of blow rate and blow energy.
Chicago Pneumatic, Westfield, Mass.
CIRCLE 165 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-165

Shoulder filler/mulcher

The Tiger Claw, consisting of 12 rotating disks on a steel frame, is designed to attach to any 70-horsepower or higher tractor. By using material already on the roadside to fill ruts caused by water runoff, it fills and contours hard-surface road shoulders and mulches gravel road-berm buildup. Only one person is needed to operate the Tiger Claw; it secures, folded up, with a transfer lock to the back of the tractor for transport.
Tiger, Sioux Falls, S.D.
CIRCLE 166 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-166

Stackable carts

Completely assembled carts — with wheels, stop bars, axles and lids in place — can be nested on top of one another at a minimum of five high, thereby reducing storage, fuel and delivery costs, with up to four times more carts per trip load. The carts are compatible with fully and semi-automated collection systems and are available in sizes ranging from 32 to 105 gallons.
Toter, Statesville, N.C.
CIRCLE 167 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-167

Organic-waste containers

Three different styles of containers collect and transport yard, kitchen and food waste for curbside collection. The yard-waste cart (available in 65- or 95-gallon sizes, for semi-automated or automated collection) features a ventilation system to stimulate aerobic decomposition. Because this process reduces odors and the weight and volume of organic wastes inside the container, recycling programs can financially benefit from reduced collection frequency. The manufacturer’s 10.5-gallon waste-recycling carts (shown) have multiple grab points and a rotating handle to make manual dumping efficient. The dishwasher-safe food-waste container holds smaller (2-gallon) quantities of kitchen waste between trips to the designated larger receptacle. All containers can be marked with logos, bar codes and/or sequential numbering if desired.
Rehrig Pacific, Los Angeles, Calif.
CIRCLE 168 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-168

Boring tool

The Grundomat piercing tool is constructed from durable hardened alloy steel and reliable machined components. It is equipped with an advanced reversing system as well as an in-line lubrication system. The tool has a reciprocating stepped-cone chisel-head to hammer away at solid obstacles. The Grundomat is available in 16 models ranging from 1¾ inches in diameter to 7 inches in diameter, for horizontal boring distances from 50 feet to 150 feet. It is easily configured to pull in a wide variety of new pipe materials, and ideal for water, sewer, landscape and irrigation, gas, electrical and plumbing contractors.
TT Technologies, Aurora, Ill.
CIRCLE 169 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-169

Leaf blower

Due to its patented swivel mechanism, the Whisper Twister can rotate 180 degrees with one hydraulic cylinder, thus enabling a single no-turn sweep so leaves can blow in one direction continuously without backing up. The blower can be front- or rear-mounted to twin-axle tractors with 25-horsepower or higher power outputs. A large stabilizer wheel allows the Whisper Twister to adapt to ground contours on uneven terrain.
Wiedenmann North America, Savannah, Ga.
CIRCLE 170 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-170

Aluminum geodesic roofs

The Ultradome’s weather-resistant surface and self-supporting, spherical structure provide a low-maintenance, protective roof with increased overhead space for water and wastewater treatment plants. Two different designs are available: The lapped design relies on gravity to dispel water, eliminating the need for rubber sealing strips and caulking compounds; the Batten Design, which features enclosed batten seams, is particularly effective for odor containment, according to the manufacturer. For square or rectangular basins, the Ultraflote Geotruss provides many of the benefits of the Ultradome. Various options, including skylights, walkways and dormers, are available, as is turnkey installation by the manufacturer.
Ultraflote, Houston, Texas
CIRCLE 171 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-171

Anti-microbial process media

KDF’s anti-microbial 55 process medium and 85 process medium are high-purity granulated copper and zinc-based alloys for water pretreatment, primary treatment and wastewater applications. They extend system life, lower total cost, decrease maintenance and reduce heavy metals, microorganisms and scale, according to the company. The media can remove up to 99 percent of water-soluble lead, mercury, nickel, chromium and other dissolved metals. They are effective in controlling buildup of bacteria, algae, fungi and scale. The media are used for both for point-of-entry and point-of-use water treatment systems.
KDF Fluid Treatment, Three Rivers, Mich.
CIRCLE 172 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-172

Street lighting

Sternberg’s 1914 Libertyville Series of lights and light fixtures is designed to facilitate assembly and maintenance and accommodate for widely varying aesthetic preferences. The fitter assembly of the light, with a Quick Disconnect feature, connects wiring easily to the ballast assembly, which drops into place and is locked into position with two thumbscrews. Fluorescent, halide, high- and low- pressure sodium and QL induction bulbs may be used; lenses come in tempered flat or sag glass as well as a glass or acrylic teardrop shape.
Sternberg Lighting, Roselle, Ill.
CIRCLE 173 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-173

Hinged manhole unit

The hinged design on East Jordan Iron Works’ recycled-material manhole unit is adaptable to currently installed infrastructure and enables it to open up to 120 degrees, where it can rest securely or be removed. If desired, an optional cam lock wrench (removable only when the cover is in the locked position) can be used to replace frequently loose or missing fasteners. An MPIC pickslot combines advantages of a pick bar and pick hole for improved stability and leverage when the cover is removed or replaced.
East Jordan Iron Works, East Jordan, Mich.
CIRCLE 174 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-174

Street sweeper

The Mark II Victory Sweeper features several unique hopper and hood characteristics, including a raised hopper body height; a fixed, non-adjustable main air chamber; and independent controls that clear buildup in the front of the hood to troubleshoot setbacks such as clogging, inconsistent airflow/sweeping performance and unwanted debris pickup. With joystick “feel” controls, operators can keep their eyes on the road while correctly identifying the function they need. All-LED lighting, which uses approximately one-third of the power needed for incandescent bulbs and eliminates filament breakage, ensures that the sweeper remains safely visible.
Victory Sweepers, Madison, Ala.
CIRCLE 175 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-175

Corrugated structures

Super-Cor, Big R Bridge’s lightweight galvanized steel corrugation profile, provides durability for structures such as bridges and vehicle and railway underpasses (properly designed and installed, a structure will last over 100 years, according to the manufacturer). Big R Bridge offers several different Super-Cor configurations for different applications: box culverts facilitate travel under and over low-rise, long-span areas, while arches are designed for highway-grade separations and installed with minimal environmental impact. In areas with poor foundations, Super-Cor rounds allow for a larger tunnel diameter than previous conventional structural plate pipe counterparts. Modular panels ship to sites economically, and once completed, require little maintenance.
Big R Bridge, Greeley, Colo.
CIRCLE 176 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-176

Grinders

DuraTech industrial grinders are designed to meet municipalities’ clearing and recycling needs. Grinders range from 325 to 950 horsepower. With its CAT C27 950-horsepower diesel engine, the new 9564 horizontal grinder can grind an entire tree. For smaller jobs, the 2009 tub grinder offers a 9-foot tub and a CAT C9 325-horsepower Tier III diesel engine. All grinders feature enclosed engine compartments with self-cleaning rotary screens on the air intake and HPTO microprocessor-controlled clutches.
DuraTech Industries, LaCrosse, Wis.
CIRCLE 177 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-177

Double-wall trench shields

Four-, 6- and 8-inch-wide double-wall trench shields, available in a wide variety of heights and lengths, feature a honeycomb-interior skeleton, high-tensile-strength spreader pins, stacking sockets and ½-inch wear plates to help maintain safety in the underground construction industry. Optional foam-filled panels and a heavy-duty knife edge are available.
SBH North America, Houston, Texas
CIRCLE 178 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-178

Small-frame skid steers

John Deere’s 313 and 315 skid-steer models feature 45-horsepower engines inside machines 59 inches wide to accomplish heavy lifting and compact maneuvering. Operating capacities for the 313 and 315 are 1,300 and 1,500 pounds; if desired, 7- by 15-inch tires can be installed on the machines to reduce their width to 56 inches.
John Deere, Moline, Ill.
CIRCLE 179 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-179

Portable heat pump

Using a large-coil system, the Mach 1811 1½-ton portable heat pump offers up to a 21,000-Btu heating capacity and 17,000-Btu cooling capacity for emergency heating and cooling in public works and other projects. The 115-volt heat pump also features electromechanical controls, an electrostatic filter for air cleaning and an advanced condensate removal system allowing for either condensate collection or pumping.
Atlas Sales & Rentals, Newark, Calif.
CIRCLE 180 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-180

Independent wing-pivot snowplow

The hydraulically powered MegaBlade Revolution snowplow, with its independently movable two-wing design, can rotate each wing from 0 to 150 degrees. The center moldboard can be configured to straight, scoop, box or compact positions for increased snow-carrying capacity. The blades are supported by an A-frame with a three-hole adjustment for blade leveling and a shock-absorbent swing frame; the plow’s Speed Lock mount system enables attachment to 1-ton or larger vehicles in 30 seconds or less. The MegaBlade Revolution’s hand-held operating system indicates current activity to the operator with a digital LCD.
Sno-Way, Hartford, Wis.
CIRCLE 181 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-181

Salt slurry generator (roller mill)

The salt slurry generator saves time and material by introducing liquid ingredients to general-purpose roadway rock salt. Partial breakdown of the salt inside the generator results in a 70:30 mixed slurry for direct application to both prevent and remove ice from roadways.
Monroe Snow & Ice Control, Monroe, Wis.
CIRCLE 182 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-182

Hybrid pothole patcher

The PB Hybrid Patcher’s electric generator and battery system improve fuel economy and reduce harmful emissions. Unlike conventional pothole patchers, which require a truck chassis engine that must run continually to power the patching equipment, the PB Hybrid utilizes battery power to reduce fuel consumption by 30 to 60 percent. An insulated, heated box keeps asphalt hot all day, so just one operator can repair potholes, road shoulders and utility cuts. The patcher is available in truck-mounted, trailer-mounted, hook-up and slip-in models.
PB Loader Corp., Fresno, Calif.
CIRCLE 183 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-183

Three-wheeled street sweeper

The Allianz 3000 three-wheeled sweeper integrates several features designed to promote safety, including a centralized, weatherproof systems locker for protecting hydraulic and electrical components; a center-mounted hopper for stability and even weight distribution; and a safety drive lock-out that engages when the hopper is raised. According to Allianz, the sweeper’s value is not compromised by high operation or maintenance costs.
Allianz Sweeper, Chino, Calif.
CIRCLE 184 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-184

Heavy-duty snow blades

Bobcat’s 86-, 96- and 108-inch series of snow blades attaches to a number of Bobcat skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders and utility work machines. Operators can angle each blade 30 degrees to the left or right while still retaining control over the loader steering levers; the blade will automatically oscillate 5 degrees to keep in contact with the ground, clearing snow in a single pass. The torsion-spring trip edge prevents damage from blade contact with raised concrete or other obstructions.
Bobcat, West Fargo, N.D.
CIRCLE 185 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-185

Wheel loaders

Separate hydraulic pumps for power steering and load sensing make it possible for L45F and L50F wheel loaders to retain full steering power without compromising lift ability. To conserve fuel, oil flow on the load-sensing pump is automatically adjusted to match work demand. Both loaders feature torque parallel linkage for smooth lifting and high rollback torque; a temperature-controlled cab to ensure operator comfort and productivity; and 100 percent axle differential locks to maximize tire traction.
Volvo, Asheville, N.C.
CIRCLE 186 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-186

Bulk spreader

A 1.4-cubic yard hopper, constructed of durable lightweight polyethylene, enables the V-Maxx SP-7550 bulk spreader to complete large road de-icing tasks that municipalities or professional contractors typically perform. Like other models in the V-Maxx spreader series, the fully electric SP-7550 features a multi-angle hopper and inverted-“V” salt/sand baffle design. Operators can access the receiver hitch by removing one pin to take off the spinner assembly, rather than unbolting the entire spreader from the truck’s bed, before being able to tow. The 7550’s independent spinner/auger control allows for smooth, continuous dispensing of materials in spread widths up to 40 feet.
TrynEx International, Warren, Mich.
CIRCLE 187 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-187

Zero-turn mowers

Models 729BT (29-horsepower) and 735BT (35-horsepower) FrontMount zero-turn mowers feature an engine and drive train isolated from the operator platform, so users feel no vibrations while mowing. Front-mounted decks, available in 48-, 52- and 61-inch widths, can be accessed for maintenance with an electric lift switch option. Due to a direct-coupled design, the mowers have fewer moving parts and thus decreased potential repairs. Operators can reconfigure the side discharge setting for mulching or PowerVac collection of clippings if desired.
Grasshopper, Moundbridge, Kan.
CIRCLE 188 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-188

Dissolved-oxygen sensor

The Triton DO8 detects and records water’s dissolved oxygen content in temperatures ranging from 20 F to 120 F and withstand a maximum of 10 bars of pressure for dependable function in water treatment-facility conditions. A fluorescence-quenching element is the key feature in a DO measurement system that requires no membranes to replace, electrolytes to refill or anode/cathode assemblies to replace. The sensor’s internal microprocessor-based storage system provides and retains data over long service intervals with an error rate of less than 2 percent.
Electro-Chemical Devices, Yorba Linda, Calif.
CIRCLE 189 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-189

Redesigned sweeper chassis

The Freightliner M2 chassis, designed for Elgin’s Eagle four-wheeled broom sweeper, features a relocated side toolbox and fuel tank, so the entire ensemble is no longer than a traditional cab-over-chassis sweeper. To further increase ease of operation, the high-angle steering axle allows for a short turning radius, and the side brooms have also been moved forward for visibility. The M2’s standard Cummins 200-horsepower engine produces low amounts of exhaust; an optional larger engine for mountainous regions is available.
Elgin Sweeper, Elgin, Ill.
CIRCLE 190 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-190

Skid-steer/tractor loader snow blades

Ninety-inch-wide steel blades with a 3/8- by 6-inch cutting edge attach to Worksaver’s SBS skid-steer and SBFL tractor loader lines to clear large areas of snow. Both configurations come standard with adjustable depth shoes and a free-floating blade to clean uneven surfaces; the skid-steer model’s built-in mounting system offers easy access to the operator’s seat.
Worksaver, Litchfield, Ill.
CIRCLE 191 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-191

Wastewater recycling system

Electrocoagulation and polymer injection work in tandem in the Water Maze EC1-300A to treat a broad range of waste stream components, including suspended solids, heavy metals and emulsified oils, resulting from pressure washing applications. When combined with the manufacturer’s all-steel, portable wash pad, the EC1-300A becomes a self-contained water treatment system.
C-Tech Industries, Camas, Wash.
CIRCLE 192 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-192

Electronic engine wheel loader

Designed for commercial construction, sewer/water and agricultural applications, the Case 521E is powered by an all-electronic 135-net horsepower engine; common-rail fuel injection allows for cleaner, more efficient operation by burning less fuel more thoroughly. The loader has an operating weight of 23,722 pounds and a bucket capacity of 2.5 cubic yards.
Case Construction, Fargo, N.D.
CIRCLE 193 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-193

Multi-position snowplow wing accessory

To install Meyer’s new multi-position EZ-Wing attachment, operators simply bolt the product to any Lot Pro contractor plow moldboard; the wings change angles with adjustment of a single quick disconnect pin. The EZ-Wing MP can be arranged in nine different plowing positions, including box, scoop and straight, and, according to the manufacturer, it eliminates snow trails with an adjustable reinforced rubber cutting edge.
Meyer Products, Cleveland, Ohio
CIRCLE 194 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-194

Sand/salt-spreader attachment

HTC’s Model 1218 road sander attachment adds to the hydraulic truck conveyor’s asphalt-spreading and pothole-filling applications to create a year-round tool capable of spreading both sand and salt over two lanes of highway. Operators can reduce costs resulting from separate single-use sand and salt hoppers, as well as time-consuming hand labor and vehicle changeover.
Hydraulic Truck Conveyors, Milford, Iowa
CIRCLE 195 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-195

Excavation safety training

National Trench Safety’s Competent Person Training Program, following National Underground Contractors Association (NUCA) guidelines, meets OSHA’s training requirements to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for all employees. Training includes a PowerPoint presentation in English or Spanish, an in-class workbook and take-home reference workbook and a completion-of-class certificate and wallet card from NUCA.
National Trench Safety, Houston, Texas
CIRCLE 197 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-197