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E DIToRIAL: out with the old Reflections on a year gone by. by Patrick Flannery
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Rental Mart update HGTV star Bryan Baeumler will appear at the Canadian Rental Mart.
20 Taking the helm Events are converging in a good way for C&T Rentals.
10
Rental Show preview Everything is new in New Orleans.
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Industry News
B.C. changes licensing regs, Caterpillar buys MWM, ARA publishes industry standards, AEM elects new board
12 CRA President’s Message One last thing… by Wayne Beckett
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Tech Tips
Ford’s 2011 F-150 with the EcoBoost V6 comes as close as it can to the Holy Grail of power and efficiency.
28
Generator showcase Our annual review of the quietly powerful.
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George’s Corner
Lobbying dos and don’ts
Out with the old
It’s our last issue of the year and all indications are it was a good year. I get a continuous flow of quarterly financial reports from the various publicly traded companies in our industry, both rental operations and suppliers, and the trend throughout the year has been double-digit growth figures, even “record” profits and revenues. Admittedly, these reports are skewed toward impressing potential investors, but even corporate bean counters cannot outright lie in numbers they release to the public.
Some other rental publications you may receive publish every single one of these reports as they come out. While I admire their thoroughness and do not criticize their editorial decision, I personally find the constant flood of quarterly numbers numbing and suspect that readers tune out after the 50th or 100th missive claiming “Q3 revenues strongest ever, CEO attributes growth to his own genius.” More to the point, I do not think quarterly financial reports are any kind of indication of the overall status of a company. Things change fast in business, but usually not that fast. If there is an alarming or interesting number in a quarterly financial report, chances are it is due to some one-off event that will not be repeated in subsequent quarters. We all remember Mark Twain’s saying about the fundamental dishonesty of statistics. If I am supposed
ON THE WEB:
Canadian Rental Business Leadership Program launched
The Canadian Rental Association has launched a new program, the Canadian Business Leadership Program. Through this program, CRA members will have a chance to travel to other rental businesses across the country and learn valuable leadership skills.
Safway buys Waco
Safway Services has announced the acquisition of Waco Scaffolding and Equipment, a major provider of scaffolding and access equipment and services. Safway acquired the company in an auction held Nov. 10 as part of Waco’s bankruptcy proceedings.
by Patrick Flannery
to give you information about industry companies that you can actually use to form an accurate picture of the business environment, it behooves me to filter these reports somewhat and present a balanced picture. That is why you will rarely read a quarterly financial report in either the Canadian Rental Service print or online edition. Instead, I will pass along the full-year reports that companies will start releasing next spring. Maybe I’ll even package them up into some kind of broad overview.
Speaking of reviews, you will find something a bit different on page 14. I recently obtained an excellent review of Ford’s 2011 F-150 with the EcoBoost V-6 engine and thought it was something you might find useful when thinking about vehicle purchases. Please let me know if reviews of this kind are something you would like to see more (or less) of.
The end of the year also brings us to the end of Wayne Beckett’s illustrious reign as CRA president. The CRA took great strides on Wayne’s watch, especially in the area of its public image and marketing efforts. A redesigned CRA website is due to be launched before the end of this year, and everyone has seen the higher profile and slick messaging that Bryan Baeumler has brought to the association. The CRA is now active on Facebook, as well. I want to personally thank Wayne for doing his very best to be on time with his columns, and for his valuable insights into the industry.
Which brings us to the not-so-new guy, Ed Dwyer. You can read all about him and his booming operation, C&T Rentals, on page 20. If Ed brings one tenth of the professionalism and drive to the CRA presidency that he has to his business, the association is in for a very strong 2012. Ed will be addressing you each issue in the CRA President’s Message column, starting with the January/February issue.
Here’s hoping that Santa either rewards you accordingly or overlooks your behaviour entirely, as you prefer. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. CRS
NEXT ISSUE: Your Canadian Rental Mart show issue will be chock full of maps, product previews, dates, times and everything else you need to get the most out of your national rental show.
PEaRT To PRESENT aT CaNadIaN RENTaL MaRT
The second seminar at the Canadian Rental Mart, March 6 and 7, 2012, at the Toronto Congress Centre, has been announced. Mark Peart, dealer sales representative for G.C. Duke Equipment, will discuss ways to make lawn and garden rentals more profitable through better promotion, training and customer service.
Peart has been selling lawn and garden equipment out of Burlington, Ont., for the last 15 years. He has also spent time in Western Canada representing the same type of products. He was instrumental in developing G.C. Duke’s Ontario and Western Canada dealer network for landscaping and rental equipment. His product lines include Ryan, Lawn Solutions, Brown and Giant Vac. Prior to joining G.C. Duke he managed a lawn care franchise in the Hamilton, Ont., area, and prior to that he worked in agricultural sales and marketing.
Peart’s seminar is entitled Enhancing Your Lawn and Garden Rental Profits. He presented this talk at the last Canadian Rental Mart to rave reviews. In it, he will cover ways to offer value-added products and services to lawn and garden equipment rental customers, including proper marketing of these services and training of staff. He will educate attendees on such areas as overseeding, aerating and topdressing. Peart will also look at financing options for lawn and garden equipment, telling attendees how they can keep the latest equipment in stock without breaking the bank.
Canadian Rental Mart seminars will take place in the conference rooms of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels across the road from the Congress Centre each morning before the show opens. All seminars are free with your Canadian Rental Mart registration.
Subaru changeS u.S. leaderShip
Subaru Industrial Power Products, with parent company Fuji Heavy Industries, has announced leadership changes to the U.S. corporate division. Casey Ishii will assume the role of president and CEO. Ken Hori has been named senior vice-president and CFO, and Brad Murphy has been appointed executive vice-president and COO.
In his new position, Ishii will oversee U.S. operations at the company’s headquarters in Lake Zurich, Ill. A 30-plus-year veteran of FHI, Ishii began as a design engineer with the industrial products division, and throughout the years has held various management roles in the areas of engineering, manufacturing, marketing, planning and sales. Most recently, he held the position of vice-president of the industrial products division at FHI.
Ishii is taking on the position previously held by the late Jay Peck, who was president of the company for the past 15 years. When discussing plans for assuming his new role, Ishii said, “Jay Peck was an amazing president and leader who established a vision and direction for this company. I am committed to building on his legacy, and seeing that we continue to raise the bar in innovation and design, and exceed customer expectations.”
As senior vice-president and CFO, Hori’s chief duty is leading the engineering department. He is also responsible for both the accounting and administrative departments. Hori has been with FHI and Subaru for more than 25 years, in that time holding various positions in the areas of engineering, manufacturing and sales. Recently, Hori held the position of department manager for FHI and was responsible for Subaru engine sales in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In assuming his new position, Hori is especially looking forward to working with the OEMs and engineers to continue the development of the company’s technologically advanced engines and power products.
“Subaru has always set a high standard in terms of the level of technology we incorporate into our products,” he said. “I’ve spent many years in the engineering department with Subaru, and I’m thrilled to now be leading this area to ensure we continue to deliver cutting-edge innovation for our customers.”
In his new role as executive vice-president and COO, Murphy is in charge of customer service, operations, sales and IT. Prior to his new appointment, Murphy held the position of vice-president of sales and marketing for the industrial power products division for 10 years. Murphy has been with the company for more than 15 years, and his experience working with customers and building relationships will ensure continued, strong support and service for OEMs, dealers and other partners.
“The strength of Subaru has always been in our innovation and quality, but we are equally focused on providing the highest in customer service and support,” he said. “In my years with Subaru, I’ve worked to develop a deep understanding of what our customers need, and am committed to upholding expectations on both sides.”
Murphy also gave further insight into this continued, elevated level of service, saying, “We will soon be announcing details of a new expansion and enhanced dealer support.”
CaTERPILLaR BUyS MWM
Caterpillar has announced it has finalized the purchase of MWM Holding from 3i for approximately $300 million. The action follows the European Commission’s recent clearance of the transaction. MWM is a global supplier of sustainable, natural gas and alternative-fuel engines.
Caterpillar hopes the acquisition of MWM will enable Caterpillar to significantly expand customer options for sustainable power generation solutions.
“The completion of the MWM acquisition represents the latest step in our strategic plan to aggressively grow our energy and power systems business,” said Gerard Vittecoq, Caterpillar energy and power systems group president. “More and more customers want a gas option for their engines. By combining our strengths in diesel and gas power generation with the technology and product strength of MWM, we are well positioned to be a lead provider in gas engine solutions for our customers.”
MWM will become part of Caterpillar’s electric power division, which supplies diesel and natural gas generator sets and integrated power systems involved in the generation, control and supply of electricity.
“The acquisition of MWM is a natural fit for Caterpillar and our electric power business,” said Bill Rohner, Caterpillar vicepresident of electric power. “With the combination of the two companies’ existing product ranges, Caterpillar is well positioned to meet our global customers’ gas engine and power system solutions needs. By joining MWM’s leading technology with Caterpillar’s product support, we are uniting two strong companies.”
“The integration of MWM into Caterpillar is a very positive step for the company’s future development, its employees, distributors and business partners,” said Peter Grosch, former MWM chairman. “Caterpillar provides the best prospects for MWM, given its worldwide network which will open up new distribution and growth opportunities. Conversely, MWM’s products and expertise in decentralized, efficient and sustainable power generation will also represent a major enrichment to Caterpillar.” Grosch has elected to step down as chairman of MWM, but will continue to support Caterpillar as an integration advisor.
“We thank Peter for his service to MWM and appreciate his extraordinary contributions as chairman over the last four years,” Rohner said. “We look forward to working with Peter in his role as integration advisor, which will be key as we work to ensure a successful integration of the two organizations.”
Willy Schumacher will assume responsibility for MWM as managing director, reporting to Rohner. MWM will remain headquartered in Mannheim, Germany.
cra b.c. winS changeS to Motor Vehicle act
Jim Clipperton, president of the CRA B.C., has announced that months of lobbying have paid off for B.C. rental operators in the form of changes to that province’s Motor Vehicle Act governing licensing and insurance requirements for motorized vehicles. An excerpt from Clipperton’s newsletter follows:
“After 1.5 years of travelling, e-mails and phone calls, the CRA B.C. has successfully changed the rules and regulations on our equipment with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), and here is the lowdown.
“On June 2, 2011 the B.C. government passed changes to the Motor Vehicle Act affecting mobile equipment and industrial utility vehicles. Mobile equipment is a new category and includes equipment that cannot travel faster than 10 kilometres per hour, such as scissor lifts, powered wheelbarrows and other self-propelled equipment. The key change to the Act is that mobile equipment is no longer considered to be a vehicle or motor vehicle. Among other things, this means that mobile equipment does not have to be licensed, registered or insured by ICBC even if it is operated in a parking lot or on other parts of a highway. These changes were in effect immediately once the amendments were passed on June 2.
“The changes to the Act also exempt “industrial utility vehicles” from the requirement to be licensed, registered and insured by ICBC if its operation is limited to incidental highway use only. This means that the industrial utility vehicle may only be operated in a parking lot, driveway or roadside ditch. It may cross the road to get to the other side, be loaded and unloaded on a highway beside the intended off-road worksite and be operated on a highway worksite to which the public does not have access. This exemption came into effect in July. The development of regulations is underway and may cover minimum insurance requirements and safety rules. The exemption does not include driving along a highway for any distance, as this is covered off in the restricted plate program in division 24 of the regulations (for 100 metres) or regular registration and licensing for longer distances.
“This summary is to help understand the nature of the changes. Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Act and regulations and to the recent changes in part 9 of Bill 13, 2011 the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (no. 2), 2011, to see the actual changes made to the Act.
“We are still working with ICBC and the Solicitor General’s office and will get the final parts of the Industrial Utility Vehicles Act finalized and will forward all safety and insurance requirements to all the members.
“I would like to send out a huge thank-you to all the rental stores and suppliers that have supported the B.C. local and helped us to fight for all the changes that have saved our members a lot of money and headaches.”
aRa PUBLIShES INdUSTRy PERfoRMaNCE
STaNdaRdS
The American Rental Association has announced the publication of ARA Rental Market Metrics, a white paper outlining industry standards for calculating and reporting equipment rental company performance metrics.
ARA Rental Market Metrics provides equipment rental companies a consistent way of calculating and reporting critical performance measures. It develops industry standards for the definition of a day, original equipment cost (OEC), and for the calculation of time of physical use of equipment, financial use, fleet age and percentage change in period-over-period rental rates.
“The development of rental performance metrics marks a new chapter in the equipment rental industry. Standardizing the methods equipment rental companies use to calculate performance measures will advance individual businesses and industry performance in a consistent manner. The ARA undertook this landmark initiative to further the growth and professionalism of the industry,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA CEO.
“Several key performance metrics for equipment rental businesses are unique to the equipment rental industry. Most of these metrics are associated with fleet efficiency and utilization. Consistency in reporting metrics was missing in our industry and made it virtually impossible for rental businesses to assess their performance relative to their peers, “says John McClelland, ARA’s vice president for government affairs, project leader and co-author of the white paper with Michael Graboski, an ARA consultant.
The ARA convened an industry-wide advisory group to lend counsel and advice during the development of the ARA Rental Market Metrics whitepaper.
“The industry took this initiative seriously and worked collaboratively in the formation of these metrics. I believe adopting the use of ARA rental market metrics will be of great benefit to the equipment rental industry,” says Wehrman.
VancouVer requireS dieSel engine regiStration
The city of Vancouver’s new Non-Road Diesel Emissions Regulation comes into force on Jan. 1, 2012. The regulation requires owners or operators of Tier 0 and Tier 1 diesel engines to register and pay fees when operating those engines within the Metro Vancouver city limits. The regulation also limits opacity in exhaust emissions and restricts idling of all diesel engines.
Tier 0 engines greater than 25 horsepower are affected in the first phase of the regulation, and Tier 1 engines greater than 25 horsepower come under the rules in 2014. Cars and trucks, recreational vehicles, farm equipment and emergency generators are exempt from this regulation.
Engines can be registered for use on a daily, monthly or yearly basis using a web-based system due to launch later in 2011. The dregistration site will include a fee calculator. Registering a 100-horsepower engine for a year will cost approximately $400. Monthly registration breaks even, with yearly registration at about eight months, and daily registration at 14 days.
Scott Brown, a regulation and enforcement officer with Metro Vancouver, says “The rationale for this is the health concern over diesel emissions. Diesel emissions are responsible for 70 per cent of the lifetime cancer risk that is associated with vehicle exhaust.”
The new regulation will include a rebate program allowing Tier 0 and Tier 1 engine owners to get back 80 per cent of their fees paid over the last three years when they provide proof that they have decommissioned their old engine, moved or sold it out of the Metro Vancouver area, or upgraded it to Tier 2 standards.
The new regulation prohibits using the engine if the exhaust exceeds 20 per cent opacity. Tier 0 and Tier 1 engines may not be idled for more than five minutes under the regulation except as necessary for operation of the equipment, maintenance or for emergency purposes.
More information about the new regulations is available at the Metro Vancouver website.
aEM ELECTS 2012 BoaRd of dIRECToRS
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has announced its newly elected 2012 officers. Russell Fowler, president and CEO of Krone NA in Memphis, Tenn., has been elected chair. Vice-chair is Stuart Levenick, group president of Caterpillar in Peoria, Ill. Brian Kober, vice-president of corporate planning and strategy for Komatsu America in Rolling Meadows, Ill., has been named treasurer. Dennis Slater, AEM’s full-time president out of Milwaukee, Wis., has taken over the duties of secretary. The agriculture sector board chair is Robert Kolb, vice-president of global business development for GEA Farm Technologies in Naperville, Ill. The construction equipment sector board chair is Richard Patek, president of Telsmith and vice-president of Astec Aggregate and Mining Group of Astec Industries in Mequon, Wis.
AEM’s board of directors, led by the officers, sets the guidelines and operating policies of AEM on behalf of members in areas including public policy, equipment statistics and market information, trade shows, technical and product safety support, global business development, education and training, workforce development, and worksite safety educational materials.
UNCOMPROMISING.
There’s no room for compromises. Not on the jobsite or on the home front. You demand rugged, reliable power and that’s exactly what Subaru delivers. Generators. Engines. Pumps. All with unrivaled OHC technology and an unbeatable 3-year warranty. We leave no room for compromises and neither will you.
Uncompromising as you. Insist on Subaru.
Learn more by visiting subarupower.com or calling 847.540.7300.
What’S ne W in
n e W O R lean S
North America’s biggest rental show kicks off Feb. 5.
As the Rental Show returns to New orleans for the first time in 10 years, the focus for 2012 is on the new. In addition to the new and innovative products available, the show will include new and expanded educational opportunities, new events such as an evening at Mardi Gras World and new inspiration from keynote speaker, Aron Ralston, the subject of the Academy Award-nominated film, 127 Hours.
by the AmericAn r entAl AssociAtion
The show takes place Feb. 5 to 7 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Show organizers are reporting the show 90 per cent sold, with hotels filling up quickly.
“It is fitting that the American Rental Association is having a brand-new show in a city that has achieved renewal,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA executive vice-president and CEO. “The association’s goal with the upcoming show is to provide an engaging celebration of the rental industry as we move into the pivotal year of 2012. Show attendees will be able to see, learn from and take advantage of everything the industry offers. Most of all, attendees and exhibitors alike can share in a vision for the renewed spirit of rental as we continue to define and build market opportunities – much like the spirit attendees will find in New Orleans. It is definitely a can’tmiss event for all within the industry.”
Some highlights of the 2012 show include:
• Keynote speaker Aron Ralston will share the account of his remarkable will to survive that was the basis for the movie 127 Hours. Ralston’s story made headlines worldwide in 2003 when he was pinned by a half-ton boulder for nearly a week while hiking in Utah. He narrowly escaped death by severing his right forearm with a dull pocketknife. After applying a tourniquet, he hiked and rappelled for five hours before searchers in a rescue helicopter rescued him.
• The Crescent City Carnival at Mardi Gras
World will take attendees on a tour of a local producer of floats, sculptures and props for the famous Mardi Gras parades. This fascinating behind-the-scenes look will show how the floats are created and offer live entertainment, networking, food and beverages.
• Returning events include Lunch with the ARA, the Next Generation Reception, regional receptions, the International Reception and the Reception with a Purpose featuring the ARA charity auction on Feb. 7.
EVENTS AND TENTS
Events and Tents will connect party rental operators with tools, people and ideas. The 2012 theme emphasizes a proactive approach to maximizing opportunity in today’s market. The workshop will be held Feb. 4 and 5. An optional industry tour will visit Event Rental and Event Restroom in Gretna, La., on Feb. 4. Those not attending the tour can participate in an optional brainstorming and sharing session, leading up to the welcome session for all Events and Tents attendees at 3:30 p.m. Four seminar options will be available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A networking reception at The Foundry from 6 to 8 p.m. concludes the day. The morning of Feb. 5 kicks off with a networking continental breakfast and presentation: “Colour Trends and Inspiration: From the Tried and True to Imagination and Beyond”
this will be the rental show’s seventh time in new orleans. there were nearly 40 per cent more attendees at the 2011 show than there were in 2010, and over 100 first-time exhibitors. there are 16 companies at the show that have exhibited for 50 years or more.
with Richard and Jordan Carbotti of Perfect Surroundings in Newport, R.I. Education comprises the rest of the morning, with six total seminars available in two time slots and a half-day indoor/outdoor product demonstration called “Secure Your Tents With Confidence” from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Advance registration is required for the product demonstration session.
R ENTAL ShoW GoLF Tou RNAMENT
Not sure you want to go to the Rental Show? Three words: golf in February. The Rental Show golf tournament tees off at 10 a.m. at the Audubon Park Golf Course on Feb. 5. The 2012 tournament will feature some new enhancements, including contests, a drive-through beverage tent and a raffle for a $500 Marriott gift certificate. Hole-in-one and
mulligan tickets will be available, with the hole-in-one prize set at $35,000. All funds raised will support ARAPAC, the ARA’s political action committee.
Audubon Park Golf Course is just minutes from downtown New Orleans. The Denis Griffiths design features contoured Bermuda fairways, manicured TifEagle greens, four lagoons and exquisite landscaping. The course is a par 62, 4,220-yard layout set among 100-yearold oak trees.
Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. Transportation will be provided from the convention centre. The registration fee is $125 and includes green fees, cart, transportation and a taste-of-New Orleans continental breakfast and lunch.
S EMINAR PRo GRAM
This year’s show education is all about delivering more. That means more semi-
nars, with a total of 30 available, more indepth learning, with new half-day sessions focused on financial planning and indoor/ outdoor product demonstrations, and more interaction with a new town hall on family business, plus roundtable discussions.
The schedule begins with a full day of seminars on Feb. 5. Morning sessions also are available on Feb. 7, and Feb. 8, before the trade show floor opens.
AbouT Th E R ENTAL ShoW
The Rental Show is the American Rental Association’s annual convention and trade show for the equipment rental industry. It features construction/industrial equipment, general tool/homeowner equipment and party/special event equipment, as well as rental-specific seminars and industry networking. Find out more at www.therentalshow.com. CRS
CRA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Renting, it’S SO ea Sy!
To stay on track, just go in a circle.
by WAyne Beckett, crA president
It really is quite simple, isn’t it? You buy some stuff, find somebody who needs to use it, give it to him to get his job done and then charge him for the use of it. Then the process starts all over again. What could be easier? Maybe winning the lottery. We know it is really not quite that simple but it is not rocket science either. It is called the rental circle.
If you start off with good-quality equipment, well-trained staff, a good service department and repair facility, and keep your tools and equipment clean and well maintained, then you have it figured out. If you take shortcuts or fail at any one of these steps in the circle, that is where the problems begin. As owners and managers, you have to make sure the policies and procedures are in place to keep the circle strong, valued and understood by your staff. There have been many, many articles written about this, but if you just think of it as this circle that you cannot get to the end of unless you go all the way around you will avoid many mistakes that can cause you to lose customers and money.
Our company recently conducted an in-house customer satisfaction survey by telephone to about 300 of our rental customers. Although the results were not very surprising, it does reinforce what I was talking about earlier. We did break the rental circle with some of our customers and now we know for sure it had an impact. It may not show up immediately but it will sooner or later. The telephone survey may be an old-fashioned way of getting information from your customers but it may also be the best. I think people like personal contact when it comes to surveys, especially if it is a local company where they know their opinions matter.
Beckett works for Flaman s ales & rentals in moosomin, s ask., a small community of 3, 000 and has been involved with the crA for 25 years. he can be reached at 306-435-4143.
Now the trick is to do something with this newfound information. We need to make sure it gets to those who make decisions and that it is followed through. Many companies use the Internet to conduct their surveys because it is quick, simple and inexpensive. The Canadian Rental Association is looking at doing just this. We want to find out your views or concerns so we can see what we can do better or what we can offer to make you feel better about your membership. When you see it, please take the time to fill it out and make your views known.
After being in the rental business for 25 years, I have often thought I should write a book titled Wayne’s World, the Rental School of Hard Knocks. I did seem to learn my lessons the hard and expensive way, but those are the ones that tend to stick with you better, especially when it is your time and money that you are wasting. I have tried to take in every meeting I could, stop at every rental store I came across, and read every one of the rental magazines that came to me. It is a never-ending education, I guess. If you have a passion for what you do, you will always want to learn more and be better at it. You can spot those people who have a passion for the rental industry, and you can also rest assured that we have many of them on our board representing you at the top level.
This is my final report for Canadian Rental Service magazine and I have enjoyed writing these articles each month. Even though Patrick’s deadlines got stretched most months I hope I have written something of interest in each issue and even stirred up some controversy on occasion. I have even thought about writing something really controversial just to see if anyone reads the columns, but, alas, I held back. I have always said that this magazine is one of the best values for your membership dollars in the CRA. Patrick and Ed do a great job of representing our industry in this publication and it is always worth your time to read it. CRS
[Editor’s note: Cheque is in the mail, Wayne.]
Wayne
P OW e R and e CO n O my
Canadian Rental Service reviews the new Ford Ecoboost
For 2011 Ford has made sure that every customer will find an engine they want in the F-150 pickup. Four in total — two V-8 power plants and two V-6 models — from mild to wild. Its newest 6.2-litre V-8 makes 411 horsepower and 434 foot-pounds of torque, which Ford says will tow 5,135 kilograms if so equipped.
by h oWArd e lmer
RIG hT: Ford showcased its V-6 ecoBoost equipped test truck at the texas state Fair. After putting the equivalent of over 250,000 kilometres on the engine, the engine components were still within factory specifications.
The other V-8 is a transplant from the Mustang. Having resurrected the famous 5-litre V-8 earlier this year, Mustang donates its 380 horsepower engine to the F-series. Third is a new base V-6 engine. This 3.7-litre engine is the least technically advanced of the four (and likely the cheapest), yet it too is working hard at what is obviously a very serious focus for Ford: fuel economy without the sacrifice of power. It makes 302 horsepower and 380 foot-pounds of torque (numbers that still put it in small V-8 territory), yet even it is rated to tow up to 2,667 kilograms. But the next engine in the lineup is the one that will probably raise the most eyebrows: the V-6 EcoBoost. Attempting to capture the holy grail of gas power, this 3.5-litre engine does
combine power and fuel economy in a single package. Each engine is now mated to a sixspeed automatic transmission. This gearbox saves fuel and is now standard equipment on the entire pickup line.
So, with fuel prices skyrocketing, it is a happy coincidence of timing that sees the V-6 EcoBoost engine available in the F-150 for the first time right now. It claims to have the power of a V-8 yet with fuel economy that surpasses even conventional V-6 engines. Sounds too good to be true? Sure it does and Ford knows it. By the numbers, here are Ford’s claims for the 3.5-litre V-6 EcoBoost. It makes 365 horsepower, 420 foot-pounds of torque and will tow 5,135 kilograms. Fuel mileage is stated as 13 litres per 100
It’s So Quiet Out-Of-The Box, You’ll Be Speechless!
Pssssssssst! Put your ear to this page and listen. What you’ll hear is the remarkable quiet of our Silent Pack engine. And it’s the only engine in its class (20 to 66 hp) that comes out of the box with a unique encapsulation that eliminates up to 90% of the engine noise.
Others are shipped as big boom boxes and it’s up to you to find a way to cut down the noise. Not good if you’re operating in residential areas, hospital or school zones. Because those walls have really big ears! So get Hatz Silent Pack and you’ll be seen and not heard.
kilometres average (14.7 litres in the city and 10.7 litres on the highway).
That’s why I was anxious to drive the EcoBoost powered F-150 at the Texas State Fair introduction of this engine in September 2010. That demonstration had us towing up to 3,000 kilograms and then running an empty fuel-consumption demonstration that netted me a figure of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres average.
Still, conventional wisdom suggests (among us suspicious truck buyers) that you just do not buy the first year’s production of any significant new technology – instead you wait to see how the recalls and warranty issues shake out.
But in a bid to speed sales, Ford is fighting back with a cross-country road show hoping to jump that consumer confidence gap that traditionally only time changes.
So right now Ford is faced with this uphill marketing task in regards to this new EcoBoost engine. I say now because while EcoBoost is already doing duty in vehicles like the Lincoln and Flex, its application is just now hitting the real mainstream with the introduction of the 3.5-litre V-6 in the 2011 F-series pickups. And with the price of fuel, what might have been a gradual ramp-up in sales suddenly has the potential to become a headlong rush. Since March that’s exactly what has happened – with Ford currently reporting that for the first time in decades V-6 engines are outselling V-8s in the F150.
b u ILDING E C o b oo ST
I recently had a chance to find out a little more about how this engine is built during a phone interview with Ford V-6 engine program manager, Jim Mazuchowski. This Dearborn, Mi.-based engineer explained the promises EcoBoost is making by breaking it down for me in plain-speak. So, what makes the EcoBoost as powerful and efficient as it is? In a word, said Mazuchowski, “power density.”
He explained it this way. “We achieve power density by coupling two technologies: forced air through twin turbos and second direct gas injection.
The turbos cool and compress the air, making it denser as it’s pushed into the engine. This charged air also cools the cylinder and injected fuel. The result is a dense mixture that burns fully. Also, fuel pressure in the injection process ranges from 65 to 2000 pounds per square inch during delivery, and the fuel/air mixture has a high rate of tumble through a new port design. It is also detonated in a cylinder with a new piston. We’ve used something like a diesel piston head with a bowl design.”
What I was surprised at was that the amount of power (just over 100 horsepower to a litre of displacement) that is made with a compression ratio of just 10:1. I thought it would be higher.
To further calm first-year-buyer jitters, Ford ran a program several months ago called “Hero engine.” In short, they ran a V-6 EcoBoost (picked randomly off the assembly line) the equivalent of 241,000 kilometres on a dynamometer, non-stop, then dropped it into a truck body and shipped it to four different companies who in turn worked it every day for weeks.
At that point, they pulled that motor (with 256,000 kilometres on it now) and transplanted it into a F150 race truck, which ran the Baja 1000 in just over 38 hours last December. Throughout this testing the engine suffered no breakdowns. Of course, all this means nothing unless we (the consumers) can somehow verify the results. Ford realized this too, so at this year’s Detroit International Auto Show in January they tore that engine down in front of a crowd of 1,000 journalists and industry people.
After having been run on the dyno, farmed out to industry and run through the desert, this motor had the equivalent of 10 years of wear on it. That equalled over 258,000 kilometres. As it was torn down the components were spread out for viewing by the crowd. What I saw last January was a block, pistons, turbos, crankshaft, valves and other internal parts of that engine, and they were all still within original factory specifications. There were no visual issues with the compressor or turbine, which rotated freely. The piston rings spun freely
and the pistons showed no obvious signs of wear. Carbon deposits were nominal, though they can vary based on quality of fuel used and when in the cycle the engine was stopped. In a cylinder leakdown test the engine’s cylinders were pressurized with 100 pounds of air to measure the sealing performance of the rings and valves. The test results ranged from six to 13 per cent, which is within manufacturing tolerances.
W RAP -u P
I found all this is pretty exciting, particularly when you consider that the cost of this optional engine is, although more than the naturally aspirated V-6, not prohibitive. The other alternative would be a small displacement diesel, say three litres. I know GM has one on the shelf that would match the EcoBoost in power and economy, but not price. Frankly the price would be higher even if Ford built it. Diesels are just more expensive to build, so for the half-ton I think Ford has hit on a good middle ground. This is the third time I’ve had a close look at the latest F-150 with the EcoBoost and I went back to see what I’d written the first time. Last September, after the initial EcoBoost introduction in Texas I wrote, “Truck sales in Canada are hot right now –north of 50 per cent of all new vehicle purchases. And while this is surely a sign of pent up demand and recovery, it’s heartening to see that the truck industry has recognized that they need to get ahead of the next fuel crisis and I think that is exactly what Ford’s EcoBoost engine is going to do. This new technology is good value today – but will score a direct hit on future high gas prices.”
Now this prediction doesn’t make me psychic, as rising gas prices were always an event that was going to be a “when” not “if.” However, the when is now. So is the marketing working? Sales of this engine in the F-series have been going strong since the March launch. CRS
Howard Elmer is a truck and ATV writer living in rural Ontario.
m eet B Ryan Baeumle R
big news! baeumler will visit the show and banquet.
The canadian rental mart and Canadian Rental Service magazine are excited to announce that Bryan Baeumler will make an appearance on the rental mart show floor and attend the crA ontario banquet held after the show on the evening of tuesday, march 6.
by pAtrick F lAnnery
RIG hT: Bryan Baeumler, host of Disaster DIY and House of Bryan II, will be on hand at the canadian rental mart and the crA ontario banquet.
The announcement follows the Canadian Rental Association’s renewal of Baeumler’s contract for 2012 and 2013. Baeumler has been acting as CRA spokesman since February of this year, but it was not until the CRA national meeting this fall that it was known if he would continue to work with the association next year. Baeumler has appeared in a series of short commercials telling viewers about RentalHQ, a portion of the CRA website where users can search for CRA members in their areas. He also plugs renting in his shows, Disaster DIY, last season’s House of Bryan and the upcoming House of Bryan II. In 2011, Baeumler made appearances at some association events and at the CRA’s booth at the ARA’s Rental Show. Baeumler’s shows are watched by over 200,000 Canadians each broadcast.
“One of our messages to people watching the show is, you do not have to own everything,”
Baeumler told Canadian Rental Service recently. “If you do a reno once or twice year, and if you need bigger equipment especially, you can rent it. A lot of people now live in downtown areas and they do not have storage for wheelbarrows and sledgehammers and jackhammers and that kind of stuff. It is so easy to go down and rent what you need and return it when you are done.”
“We are thrilled that Bryan is available to attend the Canadian Rental Mart, and grateful to the Canadian Rental Association for arranging it,” said show organizer, Ed Cosman. “Bryan has a lot of fans in the rental community, and I know they will have fun meeting him. Special guests like Bryan give the event a very high profile, which makes for a more successful show for everyone.”
Stay tuned for further announcements about Baeumler’s involvement. CRS
by Jim c hli B oyko
taking the helm
C&T Rentals sails past the 25-year mark.
If the sign outside says “Go Jets Go,” you must be in Winnipeg. That is what part of the digital scroll reads on a sign at C&T Rentals, the current (and temporary) headquarters of the 25-yearold company on Scurfield Road.
It is in a light industrial part of the Prairie City, just off the busy commercial strip of Kenaston Boulevard (where some of C&T’s equipment is being used to build the new Swiss Chalet restaurant), and just north of the new residential area of Waverley West. It is also close to C&T’s rental industry rivals Battlefield and Hertz.
It is also a place where C&T owner and operator Ed Dwyer is planning for the expansion of his independent rental empire. He has already got one place along an industrial/commercial strip on the eastern edge of the city, on busy Dugald Road, and he is planning another right in the middle of Winnipeg’s up-and-coming CentrePort development.
“This is a really big year for me,” said Dwyer regarding 2012. “It is the 25th anni -
versary of the company, it is the year I become president of the CRA, I open another branch office, and we’re going to have a board meeting here. The national board is going to be at the store.”
“Also, it is our 25th wedding anniversary [with wife, Diana]. A lot of things happened 25 years ago.”
It has also been a stretch of time in which many things have changed in the business.
“Twenty-five years ago, we did everything on a typewriter,” said Dwyer. “Now, we live and die by the computer. And I don’t even go to a hard copy [of documents] anymore. That’s the big thing, using computers for accounting, software, phones; you wonder how you used to get it all done.”
While a lot did happen 25 years ago, a lot is happening right now. Dwyer cites
RIG hT: ed dwyer has grown c&t rentals from one guy and a truck full of heaters into a full-service, full-line equipment rental operation, now opening its third location.
There’s forever ...and then there’s forever
Some things are meant to end. But your Weber MT walk-behind soil compactor isn’t one of them. We believe in our products so much, we offer up to a five-year warranty—so long, you’ll swear they last forever.
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local projects like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (currently under construction), the new James Armstrong Richardson International Airport terminal (finished), the new as-yet-unnamed Bomber and Bison football stadium at the University of Manitoba (under construction), the Manitoba Hydro building downtown (finished) and the new Ikea outlet (spring of 2012).
“The economy in Winnipeg has never been better,” said Dwyer, who adds that The Peg now feels the way Calgary used to. “It used to be a $2-million job was a big deal here. Now, it is nothing.”
Dwyer’s is very much a Manitoban story or, rather, a Winter-peg story. His business was initially focused solely on one product, renting out construction heaters during the winter, usually not a very busy time for builders. But there was enough work going on to justify the presence of a company renting out heaters. At one time, Dwyer was known simply as The Heater Guy, and would pile a bunch of heaters into his truck and hit the various active wintertime construction sites.
“Construction in the winter is a slow time. We were the opposite of that,” said Dwyer of his original niche. “It is a lot easier in the rental business to start off with one thing. If you have all the equipment, it is expensive. And hard to do.”
But once he developed a bit of a following on the heater side of things, Dwyer started to look for ways to branch out. Specifically, he was looking for a way to corner the business during the slow part of his year, the summertime.
“To make things go in the summer, we started with the compaction equipment,” he said. “I was renting heaters in the winter, and the first thing they want to do when the ground is thawed is to compact it. The business grew, but it got frustrating to keep changing the sign.”
So, the name changed instead. C&T stands for Compaction Equipment Rentals and Tempheat Construction Heater Rentals, his two former businesses. His daughters, Kelly and
Shawna, originally thought the company was named after the family cats, Crissy and Tiger. (Dwyer also has a son, Michael.)
Dwyer may be a Jets fan, but he has not lived here all his life. He is originally from Newfoundland, specifically a small Avalon Peninsula town called Northern Bay, on Conception Bay, where he still has a house and some family. He still speaks with a slight Newfoundland lilt and visits his old home once each summer. His office contains various subtle nods to the nautical side of his life, whether it’s the 1950s-style framed map of Newfoundland, or the sea-themed posters.
Dwyer joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a young man, serving on the Restigouche-class destroyer Terra Nova. From those decks he ended up seeing a good portion of the world, as well as the opposite coast of Canada. He got to know places like Halifax, Victoria and Hawaii. The ship was decommissioned in 1997, but apparently can be seen in the 2002 Harrison Ford movie K-19: The Widowmaker.
“My second home was San Diego,” said Dwyer. “I couldn’t believe they were actually paying me to do what I was doing.”
After he left the navy, Dwyer moved to the boomtown of Calgary in 1979, beginning his rental career with Tempheat. He eventually started to look eastward for better opportunities and a more profitable home for the firm’s excess equipment. The two men for whom he worked, Ralph Mitchell and Orval Grenon, had their sights set on Regina, but the way Ed tells it, he saw a better opportunity in Winnipeg, a city three times the size of The Queen City.
After a few years, in 1987, he bought the Winnipeg branch he had established, and added a few more carefully chosen offerings, such as propane and insulated tarpaulins, for which he saw a demand. He was just starting to branch out further from his very specific niche. So his business, along with the number of items he rented out, expanded. But it did so carefully.
The firm had a couple of physical moves over the following years, but Dwyer gradually settled on the Scurfield and Dugald locations in 2005. He figures he gets 85 per cent of his business from the construction sector and the rest from clients involved with home maintenance and renovation. He says he does not get much business from the residential neighbourhoods to the south. To attract the
weekend crowd, Dwyer has implemented a weekend special so folks can rent the equipment on a Friday, take it down to The Lake and bring it back on Monday. Winnipeg has a sizable population of people incredibly devoted to their summer cottages.
Dwyer always seems to be on the lookout for a way to extend his business, whether it is branching out into a newer line such as aerial lifts, or scouting out locations for future expansion. His next move will be a significant change. CentrePort is a massive project: the establishment of a 20,000acre development that will serve as an inland port situated very near the heart of the North American continent. Dwyer wants a piece of the action at the new place.
“We needed a new location for the aerial lifts. The big telehandlers weigh 20,000 pounds. You need almost an acre to turn these things around, or to load them up,” said Dwyer. “After aerial lifts, we’ll be a full-line rental company, which goes against everything I started with.”
But CentrePort is not a mere, local urban project. It is the focus of the provincial CentrePort Canada Act, establishing the project on a 20,000acre parcel of land to the northwest of the city, fairly near to the new, $500-million international airport terminal.
According to the website, “CentrePort Canada is the only inland port in the country to provide business with single-window access to free trade zone benefits, access to trimodal transportation and a gateway to key markets in North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe.”
CentrePort’s 20,000 acres are not actually in Winnipeg, rather the land is in the neighbouring rural municipality of Rosser. It is a refreshing site to build on, says Dwyer, due to the relative lack of red tape compared to Winnipeg, and the fact that the local administration seems to be more welcoming to business.
And Dwyer will be right in the middle of it, with his heaters, compactors and aerial lifts, as well as everything else he carries.
From left to right, even mohr, Brad soutter, ken pinder, darren desorcy and doug pinder.
KOSHIN GENERATORS
The new place will be multistorey, on 2.5 acres of land, in a 10,000-square-foot building. Dwyer will also be transferring his head office from the Scurfield location to the new CentrePort one. He does not see his workforce numbers changing much. He currently employs between 20 and 25 people, but will merely transfer a portion of his employees to the new place, leaving a few at the Scurfield and Dugald locations to man the forts there.
He will also have the added business of the Canadian Rental Association’s presidency to contend with. It is not a new thing for him; he has been the president of CRA Manitoba and the senior vice-president of the CRA. He’s also been involved in the American Rental Association. Dwyer envisions a term that is fairly packed with travel. He will be visiting all the trade shows he can. The day after his interview with Canadian Rental Service, he was off to Chicago to take part in a leadership course.
For Dwyer, being active in the organizations is not just about networking; these are organizations in which he genuinely believes.
“If you are not a member of the CRA, what can I say? My dues are the best dollars I have ever invested in my rental business. There are all the benefits, and we also have the trade shows. It is great for small, large and publicly traded companies. United Rentals just announced it would start tracking its business using the ARA’s Rental Market Metrics.”
The association is also planning a publicly push in the upcoming year. They have persuaded HGTV host Bryan Baeumler ( Disaster DYI ) to become the national spokesperson of the CRA, started a national advertising campaign and created a new CRA website.
“This is something new for the association. It takes a few years to get proper feedback.”
Dwyer also has some ideas for things he wants to tackle during his time as president of the CRA.
G ENERAToR S hoWCASE
Today’s generators help you ramp up the rental
hours.
PRO du Ct S h OWC a S e
VERSATILE
P oWER
Jenny Products 8www.jennyproductsinc.com
Jenny Products has introduced two compressor/ generator combination models, providing both portable air and a power source in one versatile machine for a variety of industrial, construction and do-it-yourself applications.
The K11HGA-17P-3000W features Jenny’s renowned K pump, a heavy-duty, singlestage, cast-iron compressor pump. The unit is powered by an 11-horsepower Honda GX series OHV engine with electric start and produces 8.9 cubic feet per minute at 100 pounds per square inch or 8.6 cubic feet per minute at 125 pounds per square inch for quick recovery. Featuring a G pump and a 13-horsepower, electric start Honda GX engine, the G13HGA-17P-3000W delivers 16.2 cubic feet per
minute at 100 pounds per square inch or 15.6 cubic feet per minute at 125 pounds per square inch.
Each model includes a 3,000-watt, 115-volt/230volt generator providing a convenient solution for powering electric tools, lighting or other jobsite equipment, or as a backup power source during instances of power failure.
The compressor/generator units are offered with 17-gallon, powder-coated, ASME-certified air tanks. Manoeuvring is simple with lifting handles integrated into opposite ends of the compressors’ frames, and pneumatic tires are included to further enhance portability.
Each compressor/ generator model is equipped with numerous standard features for increased uptime and reduced maintenance. The compressors are beltdriven with a large flywheel for easy startups and extra cooling, and a directional air shroud helps further reduce pump temperatures. Special unloading valves on the compressors also assist in engine starting. Additionally, the units come equipped with a totally enclosed, heavy-duty belt guard, anti-
vibration feet for smoother operation, a large canister intake filter with replaceable elements, manual tank drains, a stainless-steel braided discharge hose, pressure relief safety valve, regulator and outlet pressure safety gauges.
Each unit is filled with Jenny Ultimate Blue synthetic compressor-pump oil for its splash lubricating system, ensuring complete oil coverage on the pistons, crankshaft, bearings, rings and cylinders. The compressor/generator combination units also come with an optional lubricator, airline filter and oil-sight glass. Other engine and pressure options are available upon request.
ALLMAND MAx I-LITE E x S ERIES To FEATu RE VERTICAL ToWER ToWER INCLu DED
Allmand Bros. 8www.allmand.com
Allmand Bros. has introduced the V Series vertical light tower configuration as a standard feature for its Maxi-Lite EX Series light towers. The ML EX V Series offers the convenience of the vertical tower, a significantly extended run time, a larger,
wider, and more stable trailer and added auxiliary power. This multi-purpose unit brings extra versatility to construction, mining, oil and gas worksites, tent cities and event venues.
With the V Series design, the mast on the ML EX V Series vertically telescopes and retracts, resulting in easier setup, simplified shipping, towing and storage and reduced potential for damage. The V Series configuration features a hydraulic lift system, which allows the mast to be completely raised and lowered in less than 30 seconds. This design allows for more intuitive light fixture positioning for angle and direction. The tower is
Why
is this pump buried in sand?
it’s designed to!!
TSURUMI PUMP MODEL
still vertical when retracted, making accurate fixture adjustment fast and simple. Furthermore, the fixtures firmly hold their adjusted position as the tower is raised, and the lights can be operated at any height.
The ML EX V Series units deliver 20 and 30 kilowatts of three-phase power. This provides an additional electrical power source for powering temporary work trailers, pumps, additional lighting or other auxiliary equipment.
The standard 135-gallon fuel capacity on the ML EX V Series provides extended operation with less service expense, making it suitable for remote locations.
The trailer-integrated fluid containment system means the unit is more environmentally friendly than other standard light towers.
By utilizing Allmand’s proprietary SHO-HD 1,250watt lighting system, the ML EX V Series provides 150,000 lumens per lamp, a 36-per cent increase over some competitive light towers. An optional Saf-TVisor attachment directs previously wasted light onto the worksite.
Standard features include a modular engine/genset, which allows for simple engine/generator removal or changeout. Service is simplified with a hinged ballast panel, which only requires two bolts to be removed for full access. Captive latches on the tower support and outriggers eliminate the potential for lost pins. Optional inside lamp storage for both fourand six-light models allows for better security of the exclusive SHO lamp fixtures when the lighting system is not being used.
ADVANCED Du RAb ILIT y Subaru
8
www.subarupower.com
Subaru’s new line of SGX Generators offers high-quality features, durable construction and technologically advanced Subaru EX overhead cam engines, making them reliable, rugged and powerful choices. The commercial generators are available in three models to meet the needs of numerous users, from homeowners to professional contractors.
Delivering a maximum output of 3,500 watts, the SGX3500 uses Subaru’s EX21 seven-horsepower engine. The unit offers a fuel tank capacity of four gallons and provides a continuous runtime of eight hours at the rated load.
The SGX5000 utilizes the 9.5-horsepower EX30 engine and offers a maximum output of 4,900 watts. Fuel tank capacity is seven gallons and the unit’s continuous runtime is 9.4 hours at the rated load.
Featuring a 14-horsepower EX40 engine, the SGX7500E provides a maximum output of 7,300 watts. It offers a continuous run-time of seven hours at the rated load and a fuel tank capacity of eight gallons. Additionally, the SGX7500E includes an electric starting system with recoil backup.
Constructed of heavy-duty steel and equipped with
steel fuel tanks, the SGX units are designed for longevity and durability. Furthermore, the generators include high-performance copper windings with maximum surge capacity. The SGX line offers OSHA-compliant ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles, and twist lock receptacles are also included for enhanced safety.
Standard on all models, an automatic voltage regulator system provides a precise voltage control output, making the system appropriate for sensitive electronic equipment such as computers. Other standard features include low-tone muffler with U.S. Forestry-approved spark arrestors, low oil level sensor with automatic shutoff, easy-to-read fuel gauge, an hour meter and a two-wheel kit for enhanced portability. The SGX7500E includes a low oil alert light on the control panel.
The SGX generators are CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified to meet electrical safety standards. All models are backed by Subaru’s three-year warranty, which covers both engine and generator.
I NTu ITIVE GENERAToR
C oNTRoL
Wacker Neuson
8www.wackerneuson.com Wacker Neuson has taken reliability and performance to a new level with the addition of the Basler Controller System on its mobile generator line. Teaming up with Basler, one of the most respected names in industrial controls, Wacker Neuson’s mobile generators can achieve a high level of functionality and reliability.
To ensure reliable operation in the most demanding applications, Wacker Neuson has extensively tested the new controller system in both laboratory and real-world environments. Eight Wacker Neuson mobile generator
CANTHERM HEATERS
Phoen Series
Jumbo Series
EC Series
models ranging from 20 kilowatt/25 kilovolt-amps to 191 kilowatt/240 kilovoltamps have received the new controller system upgrade. The Basler controller is simple to operate and offers advanced diagnostic and control features, including the ability to track kilowatthours, making it the most intuitive and powerful generator controller on the market. Because the controller features a sealed front overlay and fully potted back, it virtually eliminates any problems with water dirt, making it extremely reliable. The one-key start and easy-to-read engine and generator operating information displays automatically, and when more in-depth service menus are needed, the keypad is easy to navigate by simply using the arrows to scroll through the displays. Should it be necessary, a red alert LED flashes for pre-alarm and is constant for alarm with a fault message that displays on the screen.
They have excellent load characteristics. Solid-state voltage regulation maintains excellent stability (less than five per cent) during changing load conditions. Its quick response automatically provides stable power to sensitive equipment.
Diesel engines selected to power the heavy-duty SQ series produce far less soot, hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide emissions thanks to Kubota’s original E-TVCS combustion. All engines for the North American and European markets have passed the latest EPA and Europe’s Emissions Regulations.
maintenance. Oil gauge, filter, oil replacement port, fuel filter, water reserve tank, battery and air filter are all located on one side for quick inspection and maintenance. The locking control panel door shields the instrument panel from the elements and permits observation of all key functions without opening the door.
Wacker Neuson is offering a four-year warranty with no hour limit on the new Basler Controller. Wacker Neuson compact and sound-attenuated generators provide singleand three-phase power for construction, commercial, industrial and special event applications where quiet, reliable power is needed.
STAb LE P oWER WITh MINIMAL LoSS
Kubota
8www.kubota.ca
Kubota’s SQ series generators are directcoupled to ensure a more reliable power supply with minimum power loss.
Noise within the generator unit has been lowered by improving the noise reduction enclosure and by adding a new noise-absorbing duct with three air-intake holes. The oversized muffler has lowered the sound level, as well. Kubota not only reduced fan-related noise with this larger-diameter, slower-speed fan, but also maintained the same cooling effect as one running at normal speed.
The advanced design and superior engineering minimizes both space and weight.
Transportability is improved with slots on each side of the machine for safe forklift truck transportation. Engine oil and coolant drain extensions are provided to ease regularly scheduled
Every time the engine key is turned on, air is automatically purged from the fuel system by the automatic air-bleed feature. The fully covered load centre houses all the outlets, compression terminals, and circuit breakers. To prevent inadvertent contact with the terminals, the receptacles are housed in a separate section. Safety door interlocks automatically shut down the engine if the load centre doors are opened during operation. For safe, unattended operation, even the maintenance doors are equipped with safety interlocks. The large, removable doors feature heavy-duty steel hinges and recessed locking door latches to safeguard against unauthorized use and to allow safe, unattended operation and easy maintenance.
manufacturer of pumps, has recently launched its new line of gas generators, powered by Honda. The generators range from 4.3 to 14 kilowatts, and feature an extended-run fuel tank, idle control, easy-access fuel valve, hour meter, hydraulic/ magnetic circuit breakers, and a premium brushless alternator. Furthermore, they are protected with a heavy-duty roll cage, and backed with a three-year warranty. Made in the U.S.A., these units are UL/ CSA/OSHA compliant and also offer optional wheel kits for easy transport. Koshin Generators are distributed by Rentquip Canada.
TIER 4 G EN-S ETS
Magnum has introduced the MMG 175 Interim Tier IV generator. The new MMG 175 is designed to meet the stringent 2011 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Interim Tier IV standards while providing lucrative operation and reliability.
PoWERED by hoNDA Koshin
8www.koshinamerica.com Koshin, a global
The MMG 175 generator is powered with the new John Deere PowerTech PVX 6068H Interim Tier IV engine delivering 217 horsepower at prime. The unit is constructed with an innovative approach to the cooling system and cabinet design to fit with the needs and function of the Interim Tier IV technology. The MMG 175 is completed with the collection of safety
features designed into every Magnum generator. The unit provides up to 153kW power output and over 24 hour of run time at full load; ideal for industry, building and road construction, mining and oil field operations, emergency back-up power for municipalities, industry, service and technical information systems and healthcare facilities.
DEPENDAb LE IN TouG h C oNDITIoNS
Multiquip
8www.multiquip.com
Multiquip WhisperWatt
Super Silent generators are engineered to operate in the most challenging environments and can be modified to meet any application. They are designed and built to withstand tough environments at construction sites and provide dependable temporary power at entertainment venues and disaster recovery operations.
The DCA220SSC offers a prime rating of 176 kilowatts (220 kilovolt-amps) and a standby rating of 194 kilowatts (242 kilovolt-amps). The patented open delta generator winding provides precise voltage control, allowing superior motor starting capability. An electronic governor maintains frequency to plus/minus 0.25 per cent from no load to full load. It features an auto start/stop that allows the generator to start from a remote location. The unit is equipped with a
powder-coated, weatherproof steel housing that allows a substantially low operating noise level of 75 decibels. Equipped with a durable and comprehensive digital control panel along with analog instrumentation, included is the AC ammeter, AC voltmeter, frequency meter, AC circuit breaker, engine gauges and much more.
R E b RANDED Mob ILE GENERAToRS
Doosan Portable Power
8www.doosanportablepower.com
Doosan Portable Power, a global provider of mobile power platforms, has completed the final stages of rebranding its mobile generator portfolio of ten models ranging from 25 to 570 kilovolt-amps from the previous Ingersoll Rand brand. These generators are designed with Canada’s unique market needs in mind.
An operator-preferred analog control panel is common across all models, which simplifies control and monitoring and features remote start/stop capability as standard. The G25 through G185 models feature a voltage selector switch for easy configuration to most common voltages and include Doosan’s signature protection feature that prevents operators from switching voltage during operation — a common cause of downtime.
Fuel tanks are available that comply with Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act for volumes over 450 litres. The
environmental containment system can contain and prevent spillage of 110 per cent of all fuel, oil and coolant volume.
A 600-volt dedicated alternator option is available on 240 kilovolt-amp models and larger, while a 600-volt step-up transformer option is available on 290-kilovoltamp models and smaller.
Cold weather options are available, including engine coolant heaters, battery pad heaters, battery chargers, oil pan heaters and crankcase breather hose heaters.
S ELECTIoN AND FLE x I b ILIT y
Sommers Generator Systems
8www.sommersgen.com Sommers Generator Systems may not be the biggest name in the Canadian rental equipment business, but Sommers is definitely a company that thinks big when it comes to meeting the mobile power needs of rental customers.
Known in Canada as a powerhouse in custom generator systems for more than 75 years, Sommers stocks a large private inventory of mobile generator systems. Based in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Sommers offers not only a big fleet, but delivers a range of systems right up to today’s largest rental units, including trailerized one-megawatt systems for industrial applications.
Sommers’ Power To Go plan offer rental stores flexible options to supply customers with the mobile power solutions they need.
Its fleet of in-stock units offers immediate availability to meet urgent short-term needs from 10 kilowatts to one megawatt. Customers can also purchase the same units to expand their own local fleet. On request, Sommers will custom build systems to meet any specific requirements.
Sommers equips all of its in-stock models to adapt to any application, including multiple voltage and frequency configurations with user-friendly controls and portable distribution panels for quick, easy setups. High-capacity, doublewall, sub-base fuel tanks provide ample running time and also comply with the latest Transport Canada regulations. Components and engines from leading brands ensure ready parts and easy servicing.
I NTELLIGENT IDLE
Hyundai
8www.hyundaipower.ca
The HCP9000 heavy duty generator is powered by a Hyundai HX420 15HP engine, producing a peak output of 9,000W. An intelligent Auto-Idle control system ensures maximum efficiency at any load, and a protective and versatile frame assembly provides maximum mobility on most terrains. The powerful 15-horsepower gasoline motor feeds a dual power source compatible with gasoline and propane. Recoil, electric and remote
Hilti. Outperform. Outlast.
Hilti (Canada)
control starting are available. A mass-centred crane hook makes moving the unit easy. A large anti-sink plate and rugged wheels allow for maximum portability and safe operation. The HCP9000 includes a digital LCD display and GFCI outlets with protective covers. An intuitive color-coded setup and control interface makes operation simple. The automatic low-oil shut down ensures engine safety. The HCP9000 comes with an intelligent auto-idle control system. Rubbermounted engine components reduce noise and vibration, and rugged never-flat independent wheels allow for on-the-spot rotation.
I NCREASED ouTP uT
Yamaha
8www.yamaha-motor.ca
Yamaha calls its EF12000DEX its Big Dog because it is its most powerful gasolione generator. It pumps out over eight hours of continuous, quiet operation without stopping to refuel. This machine is suitable for such heavy-load equipment as air compressors and table saws. A non-fused thermal breaker protects the AC circuit against overload, and for increased efficiency the automatic economy idle control reduces engine speed when it is not under load. It is all bundled in a rugged, wraparound frame for protection and a standard four-wheel kit. Trick it out with the optional remote starter and you’ve got extensive portable power. The rated
AC output is 9,500 watts with AC voltage of 120 240. The four -stroke, overhead valve, forced-air-cooled, twincylinder, gasoline engine produces 22-horsepower. Generator dimensions are 32.5 x 29.8 x 33.7 inches. The EF12000DEX weighs 328.5 pounds with the wheels. The gas tank holds 44.0 litres and can run for 8.2 hours between fills. WoR
The DG7000B 7,000-watt commercial generator from Dewalt includes an 18-volt battery start. The battery and charger come with the generator. The Dewalt 389 cubic centimetre, 13 horsepower, overhead valve engine provides enhanced worksite reliability. Dewalt says the DG7000B packs 20 per cent more starting watts than other generators in its class. Proper 120-volt and 240-volt outlets for jobsite applications make connections safer and easier. The worksite tested frame with panel protection bars increase durability. A muffler reduces engine noise to 72 decibels. The idle control saves fuel and reduces noise. Dewalt’s patent-pending low-oil shutoff provides greater pump protection. The DG7000B produces 7,000 watts AC at maximum output and 6,550 watts rated output. The fuel tank capacity is 4.8 gallons. Shipping weight is 261 pounds.
tigerfoam CRS mar 11.indd
“We are trying to get industry standards worldwide. We want everybody to be using the same common measurements. It is hard to measure one company against any others without one.”
And while the CRA is taking a focused look at itself, and how it can serve its members more effectively, Dwyer advises individual firms to be more reflective and more regimented in how they do view themselves.
“You have to set goals. I wish more companies would do that. If not, they are doomed. When they hand in their shoebox [of receipts and documents] over to the banker, he will know more about their business in 10 minutes than they do.”
“You have to know your debt-toequity ratio. In the future, it will all be about the numbers.”
The rental industry, Dwyer figures, is a healthy one and is right now in a good place. He sees several trends emerging for rental agencies.
“Twenty-five years ago, all the big guys were not here. But then the consolidators came in. Though I do see the independents coming back, as specialists. They will fill in the needs, like the party rental places. The people who rent tents generally do not
rent dishes.”
As well, Dwyer sees some specific economic trends taking place.
“These days, rental is the smart way to get things done. The equipment is so reliable, and the companies want the beaters off the job sites. The big companies buy the newest and best equipment. And the rental rates have also dropped a lot. I see that as a good thing. The rates have dropped, but we rent out more.”
Dwyer also sees GPS tracking of larger rental units becoming a larger trend. He recently had a 20-kilowatt generator stolen from a building site — something that does not really cost him, he just bills the renter. But having equipment stolen is a bother and tracking might help a company find greater efficiencies in its day-to-day business, like seeing how long a particular piece of equipment is stuck in traffic.
In addition to all this, Dwyer is dealing with the cost of doing 25 years of business, including having all the merchandise organizations offering to help him commemorate his anniversary.
“We are getting all these offers, like buying these 25th anniversary seals to put on your envelopes,” he says. “Twenty-five years flies by pretty quickly.” CRS
EvENTS
Jan. 13 - 14
B.C. Regional Trade Show
Surrey, B.C. 8 www.crarental.org
Feb. 5 - 8
The Rental Show
New Orleans, La. 8 www.therentalshow.com
Feb. 25
Atlantic Regional Trade Show
Moncton, N.B. 8 www.crarental.org
March 6 - 7
Canadian Rental Mart
Toronto, Ont. 8 www.canadianrentalmart.com
March 17
Prairie Regional Trade Show
Saskatoon, Sask. 8 www.crarental.org
March 27 - 28
Quebexpo St. Hyacinthe, Que. 8 www.crarental.org
April 13 - 14
Expo Grands Travaux Montreal, Que. 8 www.masterpromotions.ca
NEW SGX PORTABLE GENERATOR LINE
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The new SGX portable generator line is designed to extend the current Subaru RGX line. The SGX Series incorporate the most popular features, Subaru’s premium EX series Overhead Cam (OHC) engines and AVR/brush type technology but at a very new competitive price and includes a two-wheel kit with fold-down handles, 3 year limited warranty
HIPOWER GENERATING SETS
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ecosman@annexweb.com
lobbying dos and don’ts
by George Olah
Iam always impressed by the zeal of independent rental entrepreneurs. They are a group of special risk takers in our society. These are the trailblazers who present new products to the market when no one else dares or even thinks to do so. They serve thousands of customers with a hugely diverse inventory. Yet at the same time this group can be most exasperating regarding their level of knowledge about changes in government and influencing the regulations imposed upon the rental industry.
Governments and cabinets are forever changing. There are elections at given periods that bring in new administrations with different policy perspectives that impact all of us in one respect or another. And governments can change on three levels: federal, provincial and municipal. It seems like there is always some election at some level going on. Looking at governments in action is like viewing a three-ring circus presenting different acts happening independently of one another yet at the same time.
Civil servants do not change jobs as often, but many civil servants today are the victims of the numerous cost-cutting exercises experienced everywhere. Thin out and change the civil service and you change the policies they research and implement. When this happens, senior politicians get less professional support and advice. In turn, businesses, customers and even government field regulators are often confused regarding the myriad of government policies and concomitant regulations they must endure or enforce. Many issues are left to interpretation and to personal emotion. My own experience has been that you are bound to get at least a dozen different points of view from a small group of 10 rental industry stakeholders, and that’s just on the quality of the coffee being served.
So what can be done to get a level playing field?
The reality is that those with the greatest power to bring about change are often the least vociferous or known. Ironically, those who actually know the right government official to contact become just as sought after as the very government individuals with the power to effect change. One reason for their success, and there are many, is that they work very effectively behind the scenes.
There are several ways to try to influence regu-
latory change in government. Yes, you can hire the professional lobbyists. This is a service that quite often only larger businesses can afford. There are industry associations that can help promote an industry with similar issues by spreading and sharing the cost amongst their members for the necessary lobbying, meetings and writing of position papers. In most cases, an association is only as good as the association fees you remit.
Relying on volunteers in an association to do government relations is limited and often shortsighted. Remember what business you are really in. Use experts, not just talented amateurs. But do explore government contacts identified by your business peers who can advance your industry’s needs.
Don’t keep calling your friends and colleagues for advice. In most cases the advice you receive is the same you would give yourself. After all, you are in the same situation.
Do buy and read the acts and regulations to get your facts straight and verify the stories in the media. Having your own up-to-date manual of regulations will go a long way to help clarify many misconceptions and misinterpreted requirements leading to needless hand-wringing and sleepless nights.
Keep government contacts engaged with the real issues impacting the rental industry. Definitely promote the positives about our industry, not just the negatives.
Most entrepreneurs sorely underestimate how much time and energy it takes to influence governments and their agencies. In government relations, patience is truly a virtue. Never lose your temper or use threats that prove to be counterproductive.
Finally, no matter how eloquently your bartender may wax about the state of your industry, at the end of the evening he is still a bartender and not a political decision maker. CRS
George A. olah has more than 35 years of experience in the training, marketing, and renting of commercial appliances and equipment. he is presently the general manager of operations at AB co equipment & supplies, a family-owned rental company located in Weston, ont.
