GE Driver Development created a new Snowplow Package for the TranSim VS III that includes eight training scenarios and 10-vehicle combinations. The scenarios include two introductory, four intermediate, and two advanced scenarios in either a snowy freeway or mountain-driving environment. The snow is visually cleared from the road by the snowplow allowing the driver to check his progress. Two separate drivers can drive the advanced scenarios at the same time in separate simulators for coordination and communications training between the lead and following driver.

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Traffic channelizing device

The Cordonator, a traffic channelizing device from Cogent Enterprises, is the same size as conventional traffic barrels, but folds flat to 4.5-inches thick with lantern attached. This means less worker time in traffic during setup and retrieval. It can be ballasted with water, sand, conventional rings, or a custom base. Safety has been improved with flat surfaces and several reflective points, making it more visible than drums. Unlike conventional barrels, the device will not roll when it is hit.

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Truck-mounted brine dispensing system

The easy-to-install brine dispenser from Hayward Flow Control Systems fits onto any truck tailgate from pickups to equipment trucks. Solution is pumped from the tank at a predetermined flow rate into a header controlled by several electrically actuated ball valves. A series of five spray nozzles ensures uniform distribution across the entire road surface. Each unit includes six fan-spray nozzles, mag-drive pump, flow meter, easy clean-out port, and quick-disconnect wiring. An in-cab control box turns the system on and off, and controls the passing traffic nozzles to eliminate overspray.

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Cyber rain gauge

Durham Geo Slope Indicator’s TR-2000 Cyber Rain Gauge is inexpensive and lightweight, making it ideal for applications such as monitoring storm water runoff derived from major roads and related construction, erosion and sedimentation control, and more. The self-contained unit receives data from the self-emptying tipping-bucket rain gauge and automatically reports rainfall amounts to their secure Web site through a wireless, global satellite communications network. Data can be accessed by subscribing customers through a common Web browser at any time from any computer. From there, data can be downloaded to your desktop for manipulation and graphing, if desired. The gauge provides near real-time reporting and alert notifications.

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Elliptical salt brine tanks

The 2,600- and 3,400-gallon calcium chloride/salt brine tanks from Snyder Industries were built to be a perfect fit for mounting in dump truck beds. The horizontal tanks are elliptical in shape with molded in legs for stability. The tanks are made of high-density linear polyethylene and are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes. The large capacity allows more area to be covered before having to return for a refill.

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Warning material

Flint Trading’s TopMark is a preformed thermoplastic truncated dome material which adheres to any surface when heat is properly applied with a propane heat torch. It is suitable for use in the right-of-way, on curb ramps, blended transitions, rail-system platform edges, and more. An abrasive component is distributed evenly throughout the material providing slip resistance. TopMark complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.

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Crack-chaser saw

The Sawtec CC-100 crack-chaser is a walk-behind saw that cuts concrete or asphalt to a 1-inch depth. The unit cuts 6 to 8 feet per minute, or up to 3,000 linear feet a day, depending on the material being cut. The highly maneuverable saw features a swivel caster and a retractable control handle, and uses 6-inch-diameter dry diamond blades in 0,25-, 0.375-, or 0.5-inch widths. The saw is available in gasoline or electric models. Applications include crack repair or expansion joint cleanout on bridge decks and more.

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Road inspection and analysis

Geophysical Survey Systems has introduced a complete vehicle-mounted ground-penetrating radar system for road inspection and analysis. This system provides users with an effective tool for determining pavement layer thickness and evaluating base and sub-base layers. It can acquire data at highway speeds, eliminating the need for lane closures. The RoadScan system includes an SIR-20 data-acquisition system; wheel-mounted distance-measuring instrument; vehicle mounting kit; RADAN software with the Road Structure Module; and system accessories. Training is included.

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Modular-base portable crash cushion

Quixote Transportation Safety has added modular plate bases to its QuadGuard CZ portable crash cushion for work zones which reduce the need for anchorage and allows the system to be installed as a complete unit in about half the time. The new system requires 40% fewer anchor bolts which means increased speed and ease of installation. The system also has new built-in lifting chains and easier-access anchor holes and  is available in configurations ranging from three-bay up to nine-bay.

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Straight blade mower

The newly redesigned QA60 from U.S. Mower is a 60-inch straight blade mower that will cut up to 6-inch-thick material. The blade is designed to attach to a skid-steer compact loader and has a unique front high-rise push bumper to keep trees from falling on the machine while cutting.

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Green concrete saws

The new MG 8 and MG 10 green concrete saws from Target, a division of Electrolux, feature an easy-to-use control system, an ergonomic design and vibration-resistant frame, and a totally enclosed bladeshaft for reduced maintenance. The precision blade-control system allows the operator to preset the depth of cut quickly and easily. The patent-pending system includes a single lever to engage and disengage the blade to a predetermined position, providing an accurate cut. The saws offer either an 8- or 10-inch blade capacity allowing for up to a 30-inch depth of cut with a 10-inch blade and are designed with an up-cut blade rotation for clean cuts.

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Smart crash cushion

SCI Products’ new Smart Cushion Innovations crash cushion can vary stopping force to let lighter and slower moving vehicles have a longer ride-down distance. Unlike fixed force attenuators, this cushion does not reach maximum stopping force unless the vehicle is traveling at the maximum design speed. The cushion was designed for safety, reusability, and durability before, during, and after impact. The unit can be quickly reset and repaired which allows for less out-of-service time and less worker exposure.

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Lift-equipment safety kit

Rental Service Corporation is offering a new aerial lift kit to provide lift-equipment rental customers with added safety. The kit consists of a size-adjustable harness with an attached shock-absorbing lanyard and is housed in a small equipment bag.

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Portable weigh-in-motion system

The DAW 300PC Weigh-in-Motion system from International Road Dynamics is a completely portable screening system designed for mobile enforcement operations. It is easy to transport and set up and comes with a rugged carrying case for the electronics and laptop computer. The complete system can easily fit into an intermediate-sized car or small truck.

The system is designed to handle loads up to 44,000 pounds per axle and is rugged enough to withstand temperatures of -308 to 1588 degrees F. Limits for axle and gross vehicle weights can be programmed into the electronics so that an alarm will sound to notify the operator that the vehicle is overweight. A printer provides records of the measured loads.

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Stainless-steel spikes

The improved stainless-steel spike strips from Bird-X keep birds off ledges, beams, signs, and more. The spikes project from the base, creating a full 4.5-inch barrier so birds can’t land. The base is made of UV-inhibited polycarbonate, a heavy-duty plastic resistant to virtually all weather and harsh environments. The base is flexible and installs easily on regular linear surfaces plus concave or convex curves or irregular surfaces. Each unit is 2-feet long and locks seamlessly with the next one.

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Flexible foundation for traffic signs/posts

FundaFlex is a flexible foundation product ideally suited to the urban environment where sign posts on congested streets are often bent or knocked down by vehicles. It’s also well suited for those highway locations where mobilized repair crews would impede traffic flows by setting up replacement operations. The base permits signs subject to impact from plow-thrown snow to rebound and avoid damage. The base was developed in Norway and is available in the U.S. through Kaerntner Group.

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Polymer-modified cold patch material

Logan County Asphalt Company says its ProLine polymer-modified cold patch material works in all weather, has a long life and workability span, and can be used in all asphalt and most concrete repairs.

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Automated road marking

Industrial Automation Supply has developed an automated, weight-based road-marking vehicle using advanced control technology from Rockwell Automation. The painting system uses an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 programmable controller to assure that a constant ratio of paint is mixed with glass beads to deliver optimum reflectivity. The system employs special Rockwell software and can be linked to Microsoft Excel to create comprehensive reports for state inspectors, saving time and eliminating mistakes.

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50 years of loaders

Volvo began celebrating a half century of wheel-loader manufacturing last May on the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the company’s model H10 loader. The H10 was, in essence, an ordinary tractor redesigned so that the loader mounted over its larger rear wheels, rather than over the smaller front wheels. The new arrangement made it possible for the loader to handle larger, heavier loads, and by using the small rear wheels for steering, the unit was much more maneuverable than a conventional tractor with the front-mounted loader.

Volvo says the H10 also had the world’s first attachment bracket, parallel movement, and double-acting lift cylinders. The model was an immediate success and spawned five decades of innovation and development, culminating in today’s E-series Volvo loaders.

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Fast-cutting scarifier

Kut-Rite Tool Company says its new concrete/asphalt scarifier has three times as much carbide and three times the cutting power of traditional carbide scarifiers. The tool can be used for cleaning, grinding, or milling.

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Concrete/asphalt cut-off saw

The new Ingersoll-Rand CS-14 cut-off saw offers contractors power, durability, and versatility for light concrete cutting and asphalt work. The 14-inch gasoline-powered saw accepts 12- and 14-inch diameter blades and has a maximum cutting depth up to 5 inches. Less fatigue is experienced because of its anti-vibration system — the blade system is rubber mounted to the machine’s frame to absorb vibrations during operation. Other features include an electronic ignition for low maintenance and trouble-free starting, a 1-inch arbor and water kit, an enclosed transmission, and an easy-to-adjust blade guard. The saw complies with U.S./EPA emission requirements.

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Sidewing snowplow

The new Sidewing snowplow is completely self-contained, with independent control of all functions, and works well in combination with any brand of front plow. The Sidewing is mounted to the side of a pickup truck — the back cylinder attaches with a standard 2-inch trailer hitch and one pin in the front. The side-mounted plow clears any two-lane road, including shoulders, in just two passes without having to drive on the shoulder. Plowing force is transferred to the center of the truck.

With Sidewing installed and lifted in the transport position, a typical pickup truck measures approximately 96-inches wide, well under the legal maximum width of 102 inches.

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Hole cutters for sheet metal

Hougen Manufacturing has several design and construction enhancements to boost the performance of their 14,000-Series Holcutters for making large holes in sheet metal and other thin-gauge materials. Upgrades include the development of a single arbor size for all cutter diameters to make size changeovers fast and convenient; a new arbor-to-cutter mounting system that allows fast spin-on attachment and easy removal by preventing overtightening; and the incorporation of a shoulder on the outside diameter of the cutter to prevent the entire tool body from plunging through a completed hole.

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Road friction measuring device

The Roadway Grip Tester from Halliday Technologies and Asset Insight Technologies measures road-surface friction under winter conditions using an auxiliary wheel mounted beneath a maintenance vehicle. The driver deploys the measuring wheel with a switch in the cab; the in-cab display gives a continuous real-time reading of road-surface friction. The device causes no interference for normal operations of trucks and winter road-maintenance vehicles. The device is available in two forms: as an under-truck device and as a Reese hitch mount.

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Prepares large surfaces

Blastrac’s 2-4800DH Shot Blasting System is designed to strip, clean, and profile large concrete and steel surfaces, such as highways, airport runways, and bridge decks. With a travel speed of up to 300 feet per minute and a 48-inch blast pattern, the machine can prepare up to 30,000 square feet of concrete or 7,500 square feet of steel per hour, according to the company. It is powered by a 350-horsepower diesel engine and uses twin centrifugal blast wheels. An on-board dust collector gathers dust and debris.

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Vehicle lighting system

The new Enhanced Vehicle Lighting System from PFE Enterprizes enhances the safety of any piece of equipment operating day or night. This unit is easily installed on the back of any vehicle or equipment that has a trailer receiver, or the equipment can be altered to use the EVLS. Operation is simple and versatile: slide the unit into the trailer receiver and slide in the lock pin to secure it. Once plugged into the seven-blade trailer plug, the unit will illuminate two 55-watt halogen flood lights, providing enhanced visibility for the operator and alerting other vehicles of its operation.

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Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
September2004

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