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April

• Tadano’s Strategic Initiatives Are All Positive for Customers

  April 18, 2021 - On April 7, Tadano Ltd. announced a number of strategic initiatives that it believes will help transform the company into an even more prominent leader in the worldwide crane lifting industry.

  They include selling German-made models in Japan and selling Japanese-produced models in Europe, consolidating all crane products under just the Tadano brand, and combining essentially all of North, South, and Central America under one Pan-American sales and support organization.

  How will the changes affect customers in the United States and Canada?




• AED Leaders Embark on “Driving for Dealers 2.0” Tour

  April 22, 2021 - The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) executive team has embarked on a nine-day multi-city motorcoach tour to visit equipment dealers across the midwestern and south-central regions of the U.S. to underscore the need for a robust federal infrastructure bill.

  “Driving for Dealers 2.0” will travel about 2,800 mi. through Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Ohio before returning to AED headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, on April 30.

  “A new, long-term, sustainable federal infrastructure bill is critical to moving our nation forward,” said AED President & CEO Brian P. McGuire. “Infrastructure jobs will go a long way toward economic recovery as we begin to move past the pandemic. We know our members are looking to elected leaders in Washington to break the logjam and finally produce the bill America needs to ‘Build Back Better’.”




• Crosby Group Buys BlokCorp, Launches Technology Solutions Business Unit

  April 19, 2021 - The Crosby Group, Richardson, Texas, a global leader in lifting, rigging, and load securement hardware, has acquired BlokCorp Ltd.

  UK-based BlokCorp designs and manufactures innovative camera and alert systems for tower and mobile cranes.  These advanced systems provide crane operators with critical visual and audio capabilities that enable safer and more productive lifting operations.

  The transaction marks The Crosby Group’s fifth investment since 2019.




• A1A Software Names Lift Plan of Year Winners

  First Place, La Grange

  April 20, 2021 – A1A Software LLC has announced the winners with the best lift plans of 2020 in its Lift Plan of the Year competition. The three winners were selected from among five finalists by popular online voting.

  “Ironically, all three companies are based in Illinois and serve the Chicago metropolitan area, despite the fact that 3D Lift Plan is used by lift planners all over the world,” said Tawnia Weiss, president of A1A Software.




• Equipment and Software Investment Expected to Grow 11.2% This Year

  April 20, 2021 – With U.S. vaccination rates rising quickly and the end of the pandemic in sight, equipment and software investment growth is expected to be robust this year as businesses invest to adapt to a post-pandemic normal.

  Annual equipment and software investment growth of 11.2% is forecast for 2021. Annual U.S. GDP growth for 2021 is forecast at 5.7%, according to the Q2 update to the 2021 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation.




• Valla’s New Electric Pick-and-Carry Crane is 35” Wide, Can Lift 7,900 Lbs.

  April 18, 2021 – Crane users who want an exhaust-free compact crane that’s easy on flooring, fits through a single doorway, and can lift nearly 4 USt, should find the new Valla V36R very interesting.

  Last week, the Italian manufacturer, a subsidiary of Manitex International, which is headquartered in Bridgeview, Illinois, launched the newest battery-powered, remote-controlled compact crane in its R Series.

   




• Link-Belt Names Ureña as District Service Rep for Southeastern U.S.

  April 19, 2021 – Link-Belt has named Raul Ureña as district service representative for the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

  In that capacity, Ureña will serve both as a factory-expert resource for the region’s Link-Belt dealers and as a hands-on service person. He is based near Miami.




• Specialized Risks Require an Insurance Specialist

  The term “Generalist” is becoming a bit of a dirty word in the world of insurance. 

  Business owners are much more educated when it comes to their insurance

  and risk management needs, and expect a broker to be highly knowledgeable about their unique risks. 

  This is especially true in the Crane, Rigging, & Specialized Transportation industry … where the risks are like no other and require coverage tailored to it.  

  The industry of insurance is changing. Why? Because customers’ needs are changing!  




• ML Crane Group Adds Liebherr LR 1600/2 Crawler Crane to Fleet

  April 13, 2021 - ML Crane Group has added a new 660-USt Liebherr LR 1600/2 crawler crane to its fleet.

  The unit is the 28th Liebherr crane in ML Crane Group’s fleet. It will serve customers in the wind, construction, power, and petrochemical industries.

  The LR 1600/2 is part of Liebherr’s proven family of lattice-boom crawler cranes.

  The LR1600/2 provides outstanding lifting capacities, variable boom and derrick systems, and component weights and dimensions that allow low-cost transport.




• NCCER Launches Digital Credentials for Construction Craft Pros

  April 13, 2021 - Craft professionals can now display their industry knowledge and skills on social media, websites, online portfolios, and email signatures, thanks to a new program from training and credentialing specialist NCCER.

  “These badges are an innovative way for students, trainees, and craft professionals to build their career paths visually,” said Jennifer Wilkerson, vice president – innovation and advancement at NCCER, which has been in the business for 25 years.




• CPWR Offers Two Free Webinars About Avoiding Struck-By Accidents

  

  April 13, 2021 – On Monday, April 26, CPWR, the center for construction research, will offer two free webinars about avoiding under-hook struck-by accidents with cranes and lifting equipment.

  The first webinar, Cranes & Lifting – Avoiding Struck-By Incidents Under the Hook, starts at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

  The second webinar, Preventing Struck-By Incidents: Learning by Experience, starts at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.




• Leadership and Craft Training Experts Launch Workforce Development Program

  April 13, 2021 - Okos Partners LLC (Okos) and Crane Industry Services LLC (CIS) have launched TradeUp, a partnership program to provide workforce development services for employers seeking skilled craft professionals.

  “Traditionally, it takes four years, eight organizations, and a network of industry, education, community, and training organizations to get one person career ready,” said Peter Krammer, senior partner of Okos. “That process can be daunting for prospective employees and employers.”

  TradeUp’s fresh approach to the skill-gap problem helps employers to plan, create, and implement a solution that connects education and community funding sources directly with employers to help people move into skilled trades and management careers.




• CIS Case Study: How Technology can Help Develop Crane Operators from Existing Workforce

  April 13, 2021 - Debbie Dickinson, CEO of CIS, will participate in a panel discussion about workforce development during a virtual trade show hosted by CM Labs Simulations on April 20.

  The free event, April 20 and 21, features multiple sessions, demonstrations, and networking focused on new and emerging construction training technology.

  Dickinson and fellow panelist Dan Belcher, director of strategic partnerships for NCCER, will address “Using Innovative Technology for Workforce Development.”




• Industry Expert Joel Francis Joins Alatas

  April 10, 2021 - Joel K. Francis has joined crane parts and service provider Alatas Americas Inc. as senior business develop manager.

  In that role, Francis oversees the business development group for Alatas Americas, and is based in Manvel, Texas, near Houston.

  During his 15-year career in the heavy-equipment industry, Francis has developed extensive experience with crane-related electronics systems, technical support, sales, operations management, business development, and customer-focused support.




• Grove Teleboom Crawler Crane Helps Terra Tackle Ecologically Sensitive Job

  April 10, 2021 – A Grove GHC130 telescopic-boom crawler crane helped Wisconsin’s Terra Engineering & Construction meet the strict deadline for one of the company’s most recent and environmentally sensitive projects.

  The project came up when flooding collapsed the bank of a trout stream in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, exposing a gas line and requiring that the line be replaced.

  “The Department of Natural Resources presented us with a very tight timeline to do the work while causing the least amount of disturbance to the trout stream,” said Trevor Kauffeld, project manager/estimator at Terra. “This included installing sheet pile cofferdams in phases as the gas line was replaced and relaid through the stream bed.”




• ConExpo Management Offers Free Tech Talk About Telematics on April 22

  April 10, 2021 – ConExpo-Con/Agg management will offer a free Live Tech Talk session, Telematics: Diagnostics, Operational Efficiency & Training at 1:30 p.m. CDT/11:30 a.m. PDT April 22.

  The event will give an inside look at the operations centers of several contractors and companies who take advantage of telematics and equipment data to support their field and business operations.

  Registration for the event is open now.
  




• Steel Erectors Set 2021 Convention for October in Orlando

  April 10, 2021 - The Steel Erectors Association of America’s 48th convention and trade show will now take place Oct. 12-14, 2021, in Orlando, Florida.
  

  It originally was scheduled to take place in April in Orlando.

  The meeting will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal.




• AEM Invites Nominations for 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees

  April 10, 2021 - The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Hall of Fame is inviting nominations for potential inductees who have made an impact on the equipment manufacturing industry.

  Nominations may be submitted until June 11, 2021, and can be submitted online here.

  The AEM Hall of Fame (formerly CIMA Hall of Fame) recognizes the pioneers whose inventions, ideas, leadership, and courage have contributed to the industry and to quality of life.




• Strategic Initiatives will Transform Tadano

  Ujiie

  April 7, 2021 – In pursuit of becoming the worldwide leader in the lifting equipment industry, Tadano has aimed for strategic growth with milestones measured in decades rather than quarter by quarter.

  The company invested heavily in strategic acquisitions to bring the market’s leading equipment, technologies, and expertise under a unified structure to provide competitive lifting solutions to its global customers. The strategic additions of Tadano Faun, Tadano Mantis, Tadano Thailand, and Tadano Demag improved the Tadano Group’s core competencies and extended equipment production and sales reach.

  As the company’s next transformative step, Koichi Tadano ended his tenure as president, CEO, and representative director of Tadano Ltd. earlier this month and passed the torch to current executive vice president, Toshiaki Ujiie, who becomes the new president, CEO, and representative director.

   




• Essential Crane Camera Features to Focus On

  Watch Video

  Editor's Note: This article appeared in the April 2021 edition of Crane Hot Line. You can find a link to the current and past editions of Crane Hot Line on the homepage at www.cranehotline.com.
  

   

  April 9, 2021 - Jump into the driver’s seat of almost any newer piece of equipment and you’ll find a camera of some kind.

  However, you’ll also find a lot of variation in features, durability, and cost.

  How do you know if you have the right camera? What should your camera be doing for you?

  There is a wish list of things you, a construction manager, crane owner, or operator, might want from a camera. Here are three essential camera features to focus on when purchasing a camera system for a crane.




• Liebherr Invests Millions of Euros to Boost Efficiency, Flexibility at Ehingen

  Logistics Center

  April 6, 2021 – Liebherr is investing “in the high two-figure millions [of Euros]” to expand, modernize, and reorganize the already-huge factory in Ehingen, Germany, where it designs and manufactures mobile and crawler cranes that are used worldwide.

  The company says the changes will make operations more efficient, allow more innovation, provide better customer support, and even improve product quality.

  Some of the changes are already under way, with the entire reorganization and updating due for completion in 2024.




• U.S. Gov’t. Aims for 30 Gigawatts of Offshore Wind Power by 2030

  April 5, 2021 - In a roundtable meeting convened by the White House last week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced two new initiatives that will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s clean energy goals by harnessing the economic potential of offshore wind power generation to combat the climate crisis and create more clean energy jobs.

  “These actions illustrate the department’s commitment to innovative partnerships to advance the best science and data that will ensure the development of offshore wind is transparent and inclusive of all stakeholders,” said Secretary Raimondo. “We look forward to working across the public and private sectors to invest in clean energy solutions, like offshore wind, that will contribute to our whole-of-government approach to combat the climate emergency and create high-paying, high-skilled American jobs.”




• Härter is New Head of ZF’s Off-Highway Business

  April 5, 2021 – On April 1, Daniel Härter took over leadership of the Off-Highway and Test Systems Business Unit of ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

  That business unit is the largest in the Industrial Technology Division of ZF.

  Härter has held management positions for ZF since 2003.

  From 2004 to 2010, he managed the construction machinery axles product line, and then took over responsibility as head of materials management for the Industrial Technology Division. From 2014 to 2016 Härter headed the Marine product line. In 2017, he became head of the Marine and Special Driveline Technology Business Unit.




• Caldwell Rebrands, Launches New Website

  April 5, 2021 - The Caldwell Group Inc. has launched a new website at caldwellinc.com.
  

  The Rockford, Illinois, provider of standard and custom lifting equipment set out last spring to position the business even closer to end users, distributors, and potential partners. The new website reflects that and also captures Caldwell’s status as a provider of lifting solutions.

  At the heart of the site, powered by web developer WeCreate, is Caldwell’s full catalog of below-the-hook and other lifting equipment.

  It also features SmartSpec, a digital tool that allows distributors to configure products. SmartSpec resembles other advanced product configurators but is unique in giving customization options to dealers specifically looking for non-standard equipment.




• APEM’s New RT Joystick is Ergonomic, Can Incorporate Several Controls

  April 6, 2021 - APEM Inc. has launched its new RT handle, that offers an ergonomic grip and many combinations of pushbutton and Hall-effect thumbwheels. 

  Designed exclusively for APEM’s XD series joystick, the RT grip provides IP67 above-panel sealing and is suited for vehicle applications requiring dedicated right-hand operation. 

  Using detailed “voice of the customer” studies, APEM designed the RT handle to be ergonomic for optimal right-hand operation. Featuring both front- and rear-facing configuration plates, the handle lets users easily reach all forward-facing functions with an easy sweep of the thumb.




• Two Link-Belts Tandem-Lift Sand Bridge

  April 6, 2021 - Anglemyer Crane Rental, of Azusa, California, operated its 110-USt Link-Belt HTC-86110 hydraulic truck crane and 275-USt Link-Belt ATC-3275 all-terrain crane to make a tandem lift of a 155’ long, 60,000-lb. refurbished water bridge that circulates water in a sediment pond for the industrial production of sand.
  

  “It was a little bit of a unique setup,” said crane operator, Mike Norris, who ran the HTC-86110. “A temporary ramp was built for us to get the HTC-86110 down into the pond. Then we were set up along with the ATC-3275 so we could pick the bridge and set it into place.”




• Tadano Demag and Tadano Faun Reorganization Succeeds

  April 6, 2021 - Tadano Demag GmbH and Tadano Faun GmbH, manufacturers of all-terrain and crawler cranes, have successfully completed their protective shield proceedings.

  In less than half a year, the companies have completed restructuring measures and returned to regular operations. As a result of the process, Tadano Demag and Tadano Faun have ensured their long-term global competitiveness.

  By court order dated March 31, 2021, the Zweibrücken Local Court released the two companies from the proceedings after a successful reorganization in self-administration. The respective applications were initially filed in October 2020.




• Runnion Expands Sales Team

  Regnier

  April 5, 2021 - Runnion Equipment Company has added Jake Regnier to its sales team to serve customers in central and southern Indiana, and in central Illinois.

  Customers in those areas can take advantage of Regnier’s knowledge and experience in providing truck-mounted equipment to contractors and municipalities.




March

• Why Family Owned and Operated is Near and Dear to HFA

  Harry Fry & Associates knows the value, joy and stresses of a family owned and operated business, because they are one. Harry Fry & Associates was founded 26 years ago by Harry Fry but was quickly joined by Cheryl Fry, wife and wearer of all hats. HFA started out as a way that Harry could spend more time with his family, as his previous role at a large corporation proved to be travel heavy. Harry and Cheryl, confident in each other’s abilities decided to take the leap, and 26 years later are happy they did. 




• Nelson Upgrades Boom Launch Trailer and Remote Control

  March 31, 2021 - Nelson Manufacturing Co. now offers several upgrades to its boom launch trailer. 

  A new option can put controls for the hydraulic levelling legs on the wireless remote.

  Previously available only as  manual control, the new wireless control saves the operator time,  increases convenience, and makes operation safer by improving visibility.

  Combining the wireless remote with the “Boots on the Ground” option puts all hydraulic controls conveniently on the single remote-control unit.




• 2021 Safety Pro Conference Shifted to Austin in September

  March 31, 2021 - Prioritizing the safety and health of all attendees, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has moved its signature event to a new date and location and is making it a hybrid experience for the first time.

  The Safety 2021 Professional Development Conference and Exposition will take place Sept. 13-15 both online and in-person in Austin, Texas, enabling attendees to access continuing education like never before. The event was originally planned as an all-live gathering to be held in Denver, Colorado, in June.
  

  “It will be a dynamic occupational safety and health education and networking experience, and we are incorporating heightened safety and health measures to protect all attendees,” said ASSP President Deborah Roy, M.P.H., RN, COHN-S, CSP, CIT, FASSP, FAAOHN. “We are excited about what we have in store for industry professionals worldwide.”




• WIKA Names Crane Warning Systems Top Dealer of 2020

  Randy Dickinson, President Crane Warning Systems

  March 30, 2021 - WIKA Mobile Control (WMC), a manufacturer of operator aids and sensors for lifting equipment, has named Crane Warning Systems as its top dealer for 2020.

  This is the 12^th consecutive year that WIKA has recognized Crane Warning Systems as its Top Sales Distributor in North America. The award recognizes exceptional sales performance and dedication in promoting the WMC product line.




• Free Virtual Construction Show Will Spotlight Crane Training Innovations

  March 26, 2021 — CM Labs, developer of Vortex heavy-equipment training simulators, will host a virtual tradeshow April 20-21, 2021, to highlight new and emerging equipment operator training technology.

  The free event will give attendees the opportunity to experience new construction innovations, and to get actionable insights into the latest advances in operator assistance tools, new training capabilities, and award-winning simulation technology.

  Sessions will provide access to industry experts from around the world, product demonstrations, and thought leadership from representatives of organizations such as Manitowoc Cranes, NCCER, Crane Industry Services, John Deere, Conewago Enterprises, The American Line Builders Apprenticeship Training Center, SOMA College, and CM Labs.
  




• Former SC&RA VP of Transportation Doug Ball Passes

  March 30, 2021 - Doug Ball, former SC&RA vice president of transportation, passed away unexpectedly at age 77 on March 16 in St. James, North Carolina, from a stroke.

  Ball built a 13-year career at the SC&RA after he had retired from a long and distinguished career in the U.S. military and federal law enforcement.

  After graduating with ROTC from the University of Montana, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a company commander. He then joined the FBI as a special agent, and retired in 1995 as director of the National Drug Intelligence Center.




• Jaso Adds First Flat-Top Tower Cranes to Product Range

  

  March 30, 2021 - In response to market demand, Jaso has added flat top tower cranes to its model line up.

  The first two models in Jaso’s new flat-top family are the J200.12 and J200.10 with respective maximum capacities of 13.2 and 11.1 USt (12 and 10 metric tons). Both models have a maximum radius of 221.5’.

   

  The J200 was prototyped last month, and the J200.12 handled jib-tip loads of 1.87 USt with a single trolley and single reeving (ST-SR) and 1.65 USt at 221.5’ with single trolley and double reeving (ST-DR).




• Sarens Set to Play Big Role in North American Wind Energy

  March 24, 2021 – Sarens is looking to play a major role in wind-energy construction through the U.S. and Canada in coming years.

  The well-respected Belgian company has been involved in both onshore and offshore wind farm construction for decades.

  Its 60 years of experience in heavy lifting and transport includes more than a decade of wind installation projects, including construction of the world’s first offshore wind farm and having installed more than 5,000 wind turbine generators worldwide.




• Nelson’s New “Low Rider” Double-Drop Trailers are Light and Low

  March 23, 2021 - Nelson Manufacturing Company’s new “Low Rider” double-drop trailer is lighter and offers deck heights as low as 11”.

  The new sandwich-style main frame saves significant weight compared to a standard four-beam deck. It also reduces deflection. The center deck is coated with anti-slip paint.

  The new double-drop trailer comes in 25- and 30-ton capacities. The 25-ton version with mechanical neck, hydraulic lift tower, full-width front gooseneck, and a 53’ length weighs just 17,590 lbs., empty.
  




• Crane and Rigging Pro Raffle Benefits Technical Scholarship

   March 24, 2021 – The Association of Crane & Rigging Professionals (ACRP) is holding a raffle to benefit the ACRP technical scholarship program.

  Tickets cost $25 each and are on sale now. Only 300 will be sold.

  Winners will be drawn on May 15, 2021.

  First-draw prize is a die-cast crane model.

  Second-draw prize is an Apple i-Pad

  Third-draw prize is a $1,000 Visa gift card.

  To buy tickets, send email to tickets@acrp.net.




• Airpes Names Technical Director for the Americas

  March 24, 2021 - Airpes, a manufacturer of lifting, weighing, and below-the-hook equipment, has named Alex Lozano technical director for the Americas.

  Lozano has completed the transition from the company’s headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, to the U.S. He holds dual citizenship and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

  As the global pandemic eases, Lozano’s role will become more site based and customer facing.
  




• February Equipment Leasing and Financing Up 9% from 2020

  March 23, 2021 - The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25) showed overall new business volume for February was $7.4 billion, up 9% year-over-year from February 2020.

  Volume was down 9% month-to-month from $8.1 billion in January.

  Year-to-date cumulative new business volume was down almost 4% compared to 2020.