IUV Technology Conference 2008:
Register by August 31 to Save $200!

Don't miss the 2008 IUV Technology Conference, taking place from September 16 - 17 at the Lincolnshire Marriott in Lincolnshire, IL. Register by August 31 for a $200 discount! Visit http://www.iuvconference.com/register.html for full details.

Two days filled with Keynote Speakers, Seminars, Presentations, Drivetrain Panel Discussion, and Exhibitors, presented by the publishers of Industry Utility Vehicle & Mobile Equipment Magazine. Take part in networking sessions, panel discussions, presentations, and visit the exhibitor booths. The conference rate also includes continental breakfast & luncheon daily plus first day cocktail reception.

The special $200 registration discount offer will expire on AUGUST 31 -- so don't miss your last chance to register for the IUV Technology 2008 Conference for only $795! And for a limited time, you can book your room at The Lincolnshire Marriott for September 16-17, 2008 for $149 per night (subject to availability). Visit our Accommodations page for more details.

A single-day Conference Pass (for the first day only) is now available for the special rate of $395. Looking for an even better deal? Don't miss the special 2-for-1 offer, and get a Single Day Conference Pass for Two for $695.

Full details are available on the IUV Tech Conference site. Visit http://www.iuvconference.com/register.html to sign up online and take advantage of these special rates for this important industry event!

ProLine Equipment Introduces New ProLinePotHandler

ProLine Equipment is pleased to introduce the next in a family of productivity-enhancing skid-steer attachments for garden center operators and landscapers.

The new ProLinePotHandler enables the skid-steer operator to quickly, easily, and safely pick up fragile items like terracotta pots or figurines and move them to another location on site.

The ProLinePotHandler is an accessory for the ProLineGRABBER and is pinned to the Grabber arms for quick and easy change-out. The ProLinePotHandler has soft, conformable, abrasion-resistant rubber pads to cushion the surface in contact with the fragile item. It will conform to sizes from 20 to 40 inches in diameter, and will fit all three models of ProLineGRABBER, including the walk-behind MINI! More at ProlineGrabber.com.

Revolutionary 2-Dimensional Encoder From Heidenhain

Introducing an exciting new dimension to measurement, HEIDENHAIN Corporation presents the 1Dplus encoder.  After much R&D, this uniquely innovative two-dimensional encoder was introduced in order to allow measurement of linear guiding and thermal drift errors during movements of a stage or machine, allowing the processing and immediate compensation of guiding and thermal drift errors.  This results in a system with very high accuracies with jobs done right the first time.  The most likely current applications include use in stacked stages, precise gantries, wafer processing, and in large flat panel display production and tests, though any motion stage user who wants to increase performance would benefit.

These truly revolutionary 1Dplus encoders are frictionless and have gratings in two dimensions, with models featuring two or three scanning units for simultaneous measurement of both the X and Y directions. Three scanning units allow the calculation of the angle of rotation of the bracket that houses the scanning units.  These orthogonal encoder graduations provide an exciting new dimension in precision as the encoder system measures left and right (X axis), the up-and-down
(Y axis) motion is measured (and compensated for by the control) as well.

HEIDENHAIN’s early and current 1Dplus encoders are in use as the HEIDENHAIN interferential-type linear encoder, the LIF 400 with 1Dplus (see image).  The measuring standard is DIADUR with a thermal expansion coefficient of 0 ppm/K.  Current measuring length is 300 x 2 mm, with plans to increase that dramatically.  The 1Dplus scale itself is 20 x 4.9 mm.

The X-axis measurement of the1Dplus has a current accuracy grade of ±1 µm and includes a reference mark.  The grating period of the encoder is 8 µm; the signal period is 4 µm.

More information is available by contacting HEIDENHAIN at (847) 490-1191 or HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION, 333 E. State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL  60173.  HEIDENHAIN can also be accessed directly via the web site at www.heidenhain.com or e-mail at info@heidenhain.com.

HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION is the North American subsidiary of DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH, a leading international manufacturer of precision measurement and control equipment.  Our product line includes linear scales, rotary and angular encoders, digital readouts, digital length gages, CNC controls and machine inspection equipment.

Hydro Aluminum Adds Capacity, Improves Quality of Drawn Tube Products at St. Augustine Plant

Hydro Aluminum’s Extrusion Americas unit expanded its drawn-tube manufacturing by adding two custom-made draw benches at its plant in St. Augustine, Fla.

The benches feature quick-loading mechanisms that allow for continuous output, which provides a significant increase in total capacity. The benches also improve the finish quality of bright draws, which are commonly used in applications such as lawn and garden equipment, recreational vehicles, and boats and marine accessories.

Drawn aluminum tube displays exceptional strength and can be produced to extremely precise tolerances. It is used in virtually all product manufacturing sectors, including recreational and home leisure products, automotive parts, electronics, healthcare products and industrial equipment.

About Hydro:

Extrusion Americas is a unit of Norsk Hydro, a Fortune Global 500 supplier of aluminum and aluminum products. Based in Oslo, Norway, the company employs 25,000 in more than 30 countries, and has activities on six continents. Hydro is the world’s third-largest aluminum supplier, the largest single manufacturer of primary metal and extruded aluminum products in Europe, and a leader in delivering innovative light metal solutions to the automotive and building industries worldwide.

In North America, Hydro provides aluminum solutions including supply sourcing, extrusion, finishing, and fabrication of components, as well as engineering and contract manufacturing services, for a variety of industries. Visit Hydro at http://www.hydro.com/northamerica.

IMI Sensors Launches Series 686B USB Programmable Smart Vibration Switch

The IMI Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has released Series 686B USB Programmable Smart Vibration Switch, designed for 24/7 continuous monitoring and protection of cooling towers, fin fans, pumps, HVAC systems, and other critical machinery.

Series 686B offers a smart alternative to unreliable mechanical switch technology. This electronic switch has much better accuracy and reliability than traditional mechanical switches, and is easily installed in place of existing mechanical switches, since it only requires two wires – and can replace legacy switches without the need for additional cable runs. Series 686B also offers a remote reset capability and USB programmable delays to avoid false trips. This universally powered unit is hermetically sealed for use in the harshest of environments, mounts with a single stud like a sensor, and is available for use in hazardous areas.

For additional information, contact the IMI Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics toll-free at 800-959-4464 (in the US and Canada) or 716-684-0003, email: imi@pcb.com, or visit www.pcb.com.

Raymond® Model 8900 Pallet Truck Increases Efficiency, Reduces Downtime

The Raymond Corporation’s new Model 8900 pallet truck is ideal for dock operations, loading and unloading trailers, and transporting pallets horizontally. The Model 8900 pallet truck features Raymond’s exclusive ACR System™ to facilitate productivity and comfort.

The Model 8900 uses Raymond’s ACR System for quicker acceleration, smooth operation and greater energy efficiency. AC motors deliver more run time per battery charge and experience less reduction in truck performance as the battery discharges, even with a fully loaded pallet. AC technology also minimizes downtime and reduces cost of ownership because it has fewer wearable parts and requires less maintenance than DC systems.

“The Model 8900 pallet truck is designed to enhance operator performance and reduce maintenance,” says Sue Rice, product manager, Class III products, for The Raymond Corporation. “It optimizes productivity while providing a lower cost of operation to our customers.”

The pallet truck is available in 6,000-lb. and 8,000-lb. capacities. The truck’s fork carriage design features new, exclusive long-wearing components for reduced downtime and maintenance costs.

The Model 8900 also is available with an optional operator compartment sensor system. This system uses multiple light beam sensors embedded in rear operator compartment housings. The sensors span the entry to the compartment. When the sensors are blocked or the beams are not seen or emitted, a tone sounds, a message scrolls on the operator display, and the truck will decelerate to a stop if traveling. If the truck is stationary, it will not allow travel until the object blocking the sensors is removed or the beam is seen or emitted.

For more information about the Raymond® Model 8900 or to locate a Raymond dealer, visit www.raymondcorp.com or call (800) 235-7200.

The Raymond Corporation is the leading global provider of material handling solutions that improve space utilization and productivity, with lower cost of operation and greater operator acceptance. Raymond offers the iWarehouse™ system, an enterprise fleet management solution for warehouse and distribution center managers to collect and analyze real-time lift truck data to maximize fleet productivity and reduce costs. High-performance, reliable, ergonomically designed Raymond lift trucks range from a full line of manual and electric pallet trucks and walkie stackers to counterbalanced trucks, Reach-Fork® trucks, orderpickers and dual-purpose (pallet handling/case picking) Swing-Reach® trucks.

For additional information about The Raymond Corporation or to locate a Raymond dealer, visit the company Web site at www.raymondcorp.com or call (800) 235-7200. Above. And beyond®, ACR System™, iWarehouse™, Raymond®, Reach-Fork®, and Swing-Reach® are U.S. trademarks of The Raymond Corporation.

New Terex PHEV System:
Simpler Way for Utility Companies to Go Green

Terex believes when it comes to green technology: the simplest solution is the best one.

That’s why the company announced the development of a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system at the Electric Utilities Fleet Managers Conference, Williamsburg, VA.

Terex and a major utility fleet are currently working together to optimize a new, easy-to-implement PHEV system for the utility industry. Simply put, this system will make it easier for all utility truck operators to “go green.”

Like other hybrid systems on the market, Terex’s new PHEV vehicle provides the ability to operate the aerial lift without running the engine to save fuel, reduce emissions, and eliminate noise in residential areas. But it offers many more unique advantages that are new to hybrids:

Self-contained simplicity

Terex’s hybrid system is self-contained and capable of working on virtually any stock chassis. Even old, faithful trucks that refuse to die can utilize this hybrid technology and drastically reduce fuel consumption. Because it doesn’t interface with the transmission, it won’t increase the engine load, reducing wear and tear and enabling fleet owners to use smaller, more fuel-efficient engines.

110V flexibility

Recharging the Terex system after hours is the easiest in the industry. All it takes is a standard 110V, 20-amp outlet. This safe, simple and convenient solution recharges the system’s Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery in eight hours – making it easy to use standard off-peak grid power.

Ease of implementation

The simplicity of the Terex PHEV system makes it far easier for utility trucks to utilize environmentally friendly hybrid technology. The entire system functions independently—so the mechanical integrity of the truck remains intact. Standard, “off the shelf” components like the PTO and pump are time-tested, reliable and safe to provide operators with peace of mind. The separate motor generator, from a very well-known hydraulic components company that also builds alternative hydraulic drive systems, adds to the simplicity and reduces the cost of the system. Altogether, the system is expected to add between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds of weight to the aerial device.

“Many hybrid vehicle technologies provide launch assist and interface with a transmission or chassis. These existing technologies add complexity that is better suited for public transportation or waste collection,” said George Ellis, Vice President and General Manager of Terex Utilities. “Terex Utilities designed this new plug-in technology from the bottom up, specifically for the utility vocation and its needs. We’re excited to deliver the first testing unit to a major utility fleet for further enhancements.”

Job-proven by a major utility fleet

This utility fleet is one of the largest combination natural gas and electric utilities in the United States and plays a critical role in the development of this system. This year, the first testing unit, an International 7300 with a Terex TL50 material handling aerial device and Terex utility body, will enter the fleet. The utility fleet will provide test data to Terex Utilities for the creation of two production models. These trucks will be delivered later in 2008. This system is the first plug-in hybrid aerial device that is being optimized by a major utility company before being brought to market.

About Terex

Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer with 2006 net sales of approximately $7.6 billion.  Terex operates in five business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes, Terex Materials Processing & Mining, and Terex Roadbuilding, Utility Products and Other.  Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, and utility industries.  Terex offers a complete line of financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services.  More information on Terex can be found at www.terex.com.
 

New John Deere 75D Excavator Great for Light Site and Underground Work, Landscaping

John Deere introduces the 75D mid-sized hydraulic excavator. This conventional boom, reduced tail swing unit weighs in at 17,637 pounds, has a 15-foot, 1-inch dig depth and is perfect for light residential, site development, underground and landscaping duties.

“This excavator’s reduced tail swing and 360-degree rotation enable it to get into tight spaces,” said Mark Wall, excavator product marketing manager for John Deere. “Once you’re there, its power and precision take over.”

Smart Productivity

The 75D has a 54-net hp diesel certified to EPA Interim Tier 4 emission standards and Deere’s exclusive Powerwise™ engine/hydraulic management system that maximizes power output, saves fuel and delivers smooth, multifunction operation just like the rest of John Deere’s D-Series excavators.

“If you’re a small contractor or landscaper who needs pinpoint metering for control yet a lot of production in a highly maneuverable, fuel-efficient package, the 75D is a great unit,” Wall said. “Generous hydraulic flow and increased swing torque will help you load more trucks and open more trench.”

Big productivity doesn’t mean more fuel consumption when you’re running a Deere. The excavator’s “E” working mode can save fuel by running more efficiently compared to the previous model’s “P” mode, while providing similar production. An auto-idle feature helps make the most out of every drop of fuel.

Exceptional drawbar pull delivers plenty of power for backfilling trenches or maneuvering around the jobsite. Plenty of lift height and reach make truck loading easy, even on trucks with high sideboards. An optional control pattern selector valve lets you go from backhoe- to excavator-style controls with just a twist, for the productivity you know best.
                                               

Optional rubber tracks let you cross driveways and sidewalks without damage, which is ideal for landscaping and utility jobs on existing properties.

A pilot-control operated box-constructed integral blade is a powerful performer for grading and backfilling.

Built for Comfort and Uptime

Operators can be more productive in the 75D excavator due to the easy-to-enter, comfortable cab. The spacious, isolation-mounted well-appointed cab offers substantial, virtually unrestricted visibility and ergonomically arranged controls. Machine operations can be monitored with ease on the intuitive, multifunction LCD screen. All the creature comforts are there as well, like automatic climate control, AM/FM radio, and a deluxe-suspension multi-position seat.

The 75D is engineered for long life. Tungsten-carbide coated surfaces and oil-impregnated boom, arm and bucket bushings deliver unsurpassed long-term durability. Large, easy-to-open service doors provide ample access to dipsticks, sight gauges, and spin-on vertical engine and hydraulic filters for simple daily and periodic servicing.

“When daily servicing is easy to do, that service is more likely to get done, leading to increased uptime and lower daily operating costs,” Wall said. “Large fuel tanks and 500- and 5,000-hour engine and hydraulic oil-service intervals enable the 75D to work longer between stops for scheduled service, too.”

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agricultural and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products. For more information, visit www.johndeere.com.