Walk-behind roller

Rammax’s new P33-HHMR-BD from Multiquip is the only walk-behind roller in the industry with a leveling blade, according to the company. The roller has dual compaction settings that allow the operator to easily change amplitude, frequency, and compaction force, and comes in two drum widths — 33 and 24 inches. The unit generates impact forces of 18,500 and 12,150 pounds, and frequency options are 1,800 and 2,500 vibrations per minute. The blade and roller can be controlled manually or remotely via an infrared control, and the fully hydrostatic operation eliminates maintenance on many components. The remote transmitter is housed in a concealed storage box for safety and security while allowing the operator to view the entire diagnostic control center.

Insulated precast concrete panels

VersaCore brand panels from Fabcon Inc. are manufactured using a new technology which solves the challenges of adding insulating foam to precast concrete panels. The new process puts insulating Expanded Polystyrene foam billets directly into the wet concrete. According to the company, the structural integrity of foam-core concrete panels improves sound absorption and increases a barrier’s ability to withstand extreme loads. The sound barriers are offered in 22 aggregate designs and 24 finishes.

Active traffic safety signs

Permanently mounted or portable Active Traffic Safety signs from Information Display Co. are ideal for areas where speed compliance is a serious and ongoing concern. The new Gen III technology incorporates high visibility and clarity, independent control of each segment of the display, a violation alert option, 100% electronic LED display with no moving parts, and ease of troubleshooting and field repair. Permanent signs include Voluntary Compliance displays, Changeable Speed signs, and Active Speed Limit signs. Portable mounting stands provide a simple portable solution for work-zone applications.

Stakeless earthwork

Trimble’s version 5.0 SiteVision System — a 3D machine guidance and control system for use on dozers, scrapers, motor graders, compactors, and excavators — offers a variety of new features designed to increase productivity of earthworks operations. Benefits include faster job cycles, lower labor costs, lower machine hours, less staking, and less rework.

The system uses GPS technology. A GPS receiver installed on the dozer or grader continually computes the exact position of GPS antennas installed on each end of the machine’s blade. An on-board computer determines the exact position of each blade tip and compares the positions to design elevation. It then computes the cut or fill to grade. This information is displayed on the in-cab screen, and the cut/fill data is passed to the SiteVision lightbars, which guide the operator up or down for grade and right or left of a defined alignment.

Additional features include cut/fill mapping, coverage mapping to keep track of the number of passes, terrain mapping, and enhanced avoidance zones to identify and avoid such areas as underground utilities.

Concrete pumps

Multiquip’s Mayco Concrete Division has three new ST-Series mid-range pump models — ST-45, ST-55, and ST-70 — that provide the performance and productivity demanded by concrete-pumping contractors, concrete contractors, and specialty contractors. The ST-45 (shown) mid-range structural pump is designed for 0.75-, 1.0-, and 1.5-inch aggregate and excels in handling tough concrete pump mixes. The ST-55 mid-range pump places 1.5-inch aggregate concrete pump mixes. The high-production ST-70 is the largest and pumps up to 70 cubic yards per hour to heights of 300 feet and depths of 150 feet. Only one person is needed to operate each pump.

Dust suppressant technologies

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology Verification Program just completed a 100-day study of the effectiveness of new dust suppressant technologies. The study found new technologies that controlled PM2.5, PM10, and total Particulate with control efficiencies of 100%. According to Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc., EnviroKleen and EK35 were among the products tested and are considered to be the newest and most advanced dust suppressant technologies introduced over the past 25 years. Complete study results can be found at www.midwestind.com/problemsolver/ productmaterials/RTIEK35.pdf and www.midwestind.com/problemsolver/productmaterials/RTI%20Report.pdf.

Glo Paint for warning signs

The new Glo Paint from Glo Paint, MPK Co. makes road signs easier to see. The paint applies off white in color and appears that color in the daylight, but at night the paint glows a neon green. After only 15 minutes of exposure to a light source such as sunlight, a light bulb, headlights, or a flashlight, the paint automatically refreshes its glow and will hold that glow for 24 hours. The paint is available in both aerosol cans or by the gallon, is easy to apply, and will adhere to most surfaces: metal, fiberglass, wood, plastic, glass, fabric, concrete, and properly prepared aluminum.

Sweeper package

Johnston Sweeper Co.’s new Heavy Sweep package for the J 3000 and J 4000 mechanical broom street sweepers delivers additional power to the main broom and elevator when sweeping in extreme conditions. Each system has its own individual, dedicated pump, doubling the power to both the elevator and the main broom and eliminating any slowing or stalling. An increased number of elevator flights, from seven to 11, ensures quick and efficient loading of the heaviest debris into the hopper.

Uninterruptible power supply for traffic applications

Myers PowerBack, a division of Myers Power Products, Inc., has introduced its new PBM-ITS Series Uninterruptible Power Supply for traffic applications. As part of a complete battery backup system for traffic signal intersections, the unit features advanced logging/programming capability, real-time status reporting, fully programmable dry contacts, and the ability to upgrade the power output in the field. The unit will operate traffic signals in either normal or flash mode for up to 24 hours, depending on traffic signal load and configuration of batteries. The unit is currently in use in many cities throughout the U.S.

Portable freestanding barrier

The new SafeGuard Link System by Barrier Systems Inc. uses a reinforced steel design to create a highly portable freestanding barrier for work zones that can be easily moved as the work zone moves. The barrier system consists of 28-foot sections that are linked together with a unique hinging system. The system can form a freestanding longitudinal barrier or be installed as flexible elements in conventional portable concrete barrier to provide a gate where access is needed. Individual sections can be loaded or unloaded without heavy equipment, and each has integrated wheel assemblies that can be lowered and raised by a built-in hand crank or optional compressed air system. With the wheels down, individual sections can be moved easily and linked sections can be towed or pulled down the roadway. The new system has been tested and approved to NCHRP Report 350 Test Levels 2 and 3.

Cut-off saws

The new Side Winder gas cut-off saws from Multiquip’s Diamond Back Diamond Cutting Division are high-speed, lightweight, and suited for concrete, masonry, pipes, and ceramics. Two models are offered — the HS62 and HS81 — both of which have 12- and 14-inch blade capacities, a triple air filtration system, and a reversible blade flange to handle both 20 mm and 1-inch blade arbors. The saws are powered by EPA-approved 2-cycle gasoline engines and boast an infinitely adjustable blade guard, reversible cutting arm for close-in cutting, a simple cam V-belt adjuster, and a sturdy roller bar assembly. The HS62 weighs 21 pounds and the HS 81 weighs 23 pounds.

Glow-in-the-dark marking paint

Fast Glo Acrylic Safety Marking Paint, new from Sherwin-Williams Industrial and Marine Coatings group, has a phosphorescent luminescent pigment that enables the paint to glow yellow/green in the dark for up to four hours. When exposed to artificial light, it can rejuvenate its glow-in-the-dark properties in 15 seconds. The paint can be applied by brush, roller, or spray and is packaged in quart and gallon containers. Its durability can be enhanced by applying protective coatings of clear acrylic, clear water-based epoxy, or clear moisture-cure urethane.

Fall protection

The new line of Miller HP Fall Protection Products from Bacou-Dalloz enhanced its most popular standard fall-protection harnesses and lanyards with added-value benefits. The new products offer a DuPont Teflon HT finish that resists dirt and grime from becoming embedded in harness and lanyard webbing, improving durability and extending the equipment’s performance life. Bright colors make them readily visible and easy to inspect.

Highway tape applicator

A new, lightweight, simple-to-use highway tape applicator from Advance Traffic Markings weighs only 36 pounds and is light enough for one person to easily load, unload, and operate. The Mini-Applicator is only 34-inches high, 13-inches wide, and fits in a pickup truck bed or the trunk of a car. The applicator accommodates a 360-foot roll of 4- or 6-inch- wide tape. The flip-down adapter wheel assembly provides flexibility for taping on curbs. The foot-operated cutting bar enables the operator to cut and continue taping without bending, providing greater efficiency and less worker fatigue. Welded steel construction assures trouble-free service.

Tire inflation system

Hendrickson recently introduced the HTIS-NG tire inflation system for Intraax and Vantraax trailer suspension systems. The patented system taps the trailer air supply to maintain tire inflation up to a preset level. When the system detects low tire pressure, it alerts the operator through a warning light and directs air to the tire. The air travels from the supply tank through air lines inside the axle to the wheel ends.

Lime-green lightstick

Omniglow has developed a new lime-green lightstick to provide increased visibility in the dark for DOTs, plant maintenance departments, and other safety-conscious professionals. The 10-inch Safety Glow Lightstick provides 360 degrees of illumination that glows brightly for up to two hours and keeps the roadside and/or work area visible and safe. Waterproof, windproof, non-toxic, and non-flammable, the lightstick is lightweight, requires no batteries, and emits no heat, sparks, or flames. Visible for up to 1 mile, the lightstick is ideal for traffic control; confined space work; tunnel lighting; and power outage emergencies of all types. Each lightstick comes with a self-standing holder and activates easily with a bend, snap, and shake.

Out-front 10.5-foot mower

Toro’s new Groundsmaster 4100-D is an all-out-front rotary mower that offers superior operator visibility with a 10.5-foot-wide cut. Features include a powerful 60-horsepower turbo-charged diesel engine; on-the-go flexibility of three cutting widths of 54, 89, and 124 inches; full-time bi-directional four-wheel drive; and the ability to mow a 0-inch uncut circle without the use of wheel brakes.

Ultra-silent generators

Multiquip Power’s Ultra-Silent Series generators have a patented soundproof housing that make it up to 11 dB quieter than the current line of MQ generators. The new WhisperWatts series features an upgraded environmental package with an integrated fuel tank and improved fuel efficiency. There are six single/three-phase models in the series, with outputs ranging from 25 to 150 kVA. All are engineered to ensure a minimum 24-hour run time. Each generator offers a diesel engine, a standard electric starting system, and improved frequency regulation to 0.25%.

Water wagon

Wylie Manufacturing Co. recently made design changes to its popular Express Water Wagon making it more functional and durable than ever. New features on the wagon include a galvanized steel spray bar with three brass nozzles covering a total swath width of 20 feet; a galvanized steel manifold on both the suction and discharge side of the pump to allow a variety of operations; and a rubber fire hose that can be quickly coupled to either side of the trailer for dust control. The wagon can be filled with the quick-coupled suction hose from ponds, water pits, or fire hydrants. An optional anti-siphon fill kit can be added.

Plastic drum mortar mixer

Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.’s Champion Mortar Mixer is now available in a plastic drum model. The 655PMP comes complete with a quick-clean, stress-resistant, heavy-duty, polyethylene drum. The 6-cubic-foot unit features a patented drum mounting system that has fewer working parts, which provide lower maintenance costs. A patented lift-away safety guard, safety chain attachment, front post hand clutch, and heavy-duty towpole are just a few of the standard features. Parts interchange easily with the steel model 655PM for easy maintenance and reduced stocking inventory.

High-traction footwear

IceGrips High Traction Footwear from Jordan David is designed to reduce slips and falls outdoors in winter’s harshest environments. IceGrips fit conveniently over work shoes and boots and feature 36 hex-head screws that bite into ice and snow. The footwear features patented Advanced Angle Tread design — angled grooves flared toward the outer edge of the sole in order to facilitate the flow of contaminants outward. The 36 hex-head screws are easily replaceable once they wear out, ensuring that each pair will last through several winter seasons. Although easy to put on and off, the exclusive patented tri-lateral toe strap and heel lock system provide a secure fit. IceGrips come in black and are available in sizes ranging from M to XXXL to fit over even the biggest winter boots.

Compact, low-profile saw

Dimas’ new flat saw features a compact, low-profile design and powerful diesel engine to easily tackle a variety of projects from service work to full-depth patching. The FS 3100 D features a hydrostatic transmission for infinitely variable travel speeds up to 220 feet per minute in both forward and reverse; an electro-hydraulic blade control equipped with positive depth stops for precise, accurate cutting; a maximum blade capacity of 30 inches capable of sawing a cut up to 12.5-inches deep; a single lever to control both forward and reverse travel as well as blade raise/lower functions; adjustable handlebars; a keyless starter; and an emergency stop switch that shuts down the engine.

Vibratory plow attachment for skid-steer loaders

WaterWick’s new vibratory plow attachment is designed specifically for use on skid-steer loaders. The attachment features optional blades that can slice to depths of 2 feet. The unit is designed to neatly pull pipe up to 2 inches in diameter or bury wire and cable. The unit can also be configured to install drainage with the patented WaterWick gravel injection system.

Traffic sensors for gravel roads

RoadRamp Systems’ rural sensors are specifically designed to be used for accurate, short-term data collection on unpaved, gravel or dirt roads and similar off-highway sites. The new RoadRamp Rural Axle Sensors consist of a tough, low-profile rubber ramp which protects an integrated road tube. They are covered along their entire length by a wear-resistant tape for even more protection against impact and abrasion from gravel and sharp stones. The 24- or 36-foot sensors are installed by stretching across the road and securing the unit between spikes driven into both shoulders, and can be repaired and reused many times. The sensors are suitable for volume, speed, and classification studies and can be used with all existing pneumatic traffic counters.

Broom attachment

Designed for cleanup of all wet or dry materials, the new SweepEx MegaPlus broom attachment series features task packages catering to multiple service vehicles and a two-year warranty covering the entire broom. The broom is packaged with the necessary attachment hardware and accessories ideal for a skid-steer broom, forklift broom, and three-point-hitch broom. The brooms are constructed of industrial-strength steel and protected with a heavy-duty powder coating. Eleven polypropylene brush rows offer a 72-inch working width for maximum cleaning power. Brush sections are easily replaced, rotated, or removed.

Concrete mixers

Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.’s new 2-cubic-foot concrete mixers in the Bantam Weight series are ideal for small mixing jobs. Modular, compact, and sturdy in design, the Little Champ offers versatility for a variety of mixing applications such as small jobs on the construction site. The 25CMP is a wheelbarrow-style mixer for easy transport and dumping — ideal where portability is a factor. The 25CMPT is a pedestal-style mixer which swivels for easy loading and dumping. Both models feature an easy-to-clean poly drum and steel mixing blades.

Waste materials recycling

Cypher International Ltd.’s technology recycles waste materials such as ground asphalt and tar, fly ash, sludge, and more. These materials, in combination with EarthZyme, can be converted from a high-cost liability that must be disposed of at great expense to an end product of considerable value. The EarthBlocks machine compresses the materials with screened clay-base soils and EarthZyme to make the EarthBlocks which can be used immediately or after air drying for 28 days.

Reprinted from the September 2003 issue Better Roads Magazine