Construction Materials Prices, Nonresidential Buildings Rise in January

Prices for materials used in construction and for nonresidential building construction both increased more than overall prices for “final demand” in January, according to a new analysis of retooled federal data on producer prices released by the Associated General Contractors of America. As a result, margins remain very tight for most construction firms, even as private-sector demand for construction continues to grow. “Although contractors on average were able to raise bid prices in line with materials cost increases, the results varied widely by commodity, building type and specialty trade,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Several key construction materials, … Read more

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Turbo Precleaner Protects Precision Engines in Heavy-Duty Environments

Offering the lowest restriction and highest efficiency of any precleaner on the market, the Turbo Precleaner protects machinery from highly damaging micro-abrasive dust before it can enter the air filter, helping extend the life of expensive equipment. Unlike other precleaners that typically use “reverse axial” designs, the turbo brand employs a straight-through airflow path. This means dirty incoming air enters the top of the unit and flows directly into guide vanes. The air is directed into a high-velocity, air-powered rotor chamber powered by the machine's engine, and is rotating at about 10,000 rpm. Engineered blades create centrifugal force, spinning out … Read more

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Gehl Adds Compact Excavator to Product Line

Gehl has introduced the newest addition to its compact excavator product line: the 4.5 metric ton Z45 GEN:2. Built around its reliable Tier IV emissions-certified Yanmar engine, this new model provides excellent performance while lowering fuel consumption and operating costs. An all-new digital operator interface provides real-time system information, service reminders and 90 days of operating history. To receive additional information on this product, please click here.

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Trimble Unveils Spectra Universal Laser Layout Tool

Trimble introduced the new Spectra Precision LT56 Universal Laser Layout Tool. The LT56 is an easy-to-use, automatic self-leveling laser that projects three 360 degree planes of ultra-bright laser light. One horizontal plane is intersected by two vertical planes spaced 90 degrees apart. The laser planes provide reference for interior layout tasks including wall layout and installation, acoustic ceiling installation, point transfer, cabinet and chair rail installation, tile layout and horizontal and vertical alignment. To receive additional information on this product, please click here.

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Bosch Introduces Dust Extraction System

As the benchmark for jobsite dust and dirt collection standards continue to grow, Bosch introduces a portable solution with a new lineup of nine- and 14-gallon vacuums. The VAC090S and VAC090A nine-gallon vacuums and VAC140S and VAC140A 14-gallon vacuums increase dust extraction performance with best-in-class cubic feet of air-per-minute rate and suction power. In addition, the vacuums decrease the loss of suction by offering two options of on-board filter cleaning: semi-automatic and automatic. These features are especially important in applications that require premium dust extraction such as tuckpointing, concrete surfacing, concrete drilling and cutting and chipping concrete. To receive additional … Read more

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