CRS - June 2009

A new contribution to great compaction

Dynapac’s new line-up of tandem asphalt rollers includes 13 different models from 7 to 13 tons. All of them present the renowned Dynapac features that make compaction easier and more profitable. Modular design, extended vibration frequency range and operator efficiency provide the foundation for a profitable operation. A perfect end result is reached by using tools like real-time compaction analysis and optimization, in combination with Dynapac’s supreme visibility.

The new CC-series is simply a new level of cost-efficient high-quality compaction.

Want to know more? Read all about it at dynapac.com.

CONTENTS

Readers going green

Everybody’s doing it. Whether you are taking your grocery bags with you when you shop or turning out the lights on Earth Day, choosing green alternatives is becoming a norm for many people and businesses seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

For some, it only requires a small change in habits, a new way of doing something that we have previously taken for granted.

energy consumption and human effort it takes to get a printed publication to your doorstep considering the alternatives we now have.

This magazine has been publishing for more than 30 years. I’m sure Dorothy was getting the magazine when it was still being printed in black and white. Remember film?

Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. P.O. Box 530, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4N5 (800) 265-2827 or (519) 429-3966 Fax: (519) 429-3094

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Sales Assistant- Barb Comer bcomer@annexweb.com (519) 429-5176, (888) 599-2228, ext 235

Production Artist- Emily Sun

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Circulation

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From time to time, we at Canadian Rental Service make our subscription list available to reputable companies and organizations whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you do not want your name to be made available, contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above.

Serving the Canadian rental industry for 33 years.

I was reminded of this recently after receiving an e-mail from a reader. The sender, Dorothy Wellnitz, is a wellknown individual in the Canadian rental industry. She served as the executive director for the Canadian Rental Association (CRA) for 21 years before her retirement. Today, she is a full-time mother and grandmother who likes to keep in touch with the rental industry by reading Canadian Rental Service magazine. She writes: “I like getting the emagazine. I really think you could discontinue sending me the paper copy as I am able to read all the articles from my computer. I just think it is a waste of print and postage for me to get both.”

Since Canadian Rental Service launched a digital version of itself last year, along with a website and bi-weekly e-newsletter, I have received a handful of requests from readers asking to make sure that they keep receiving the printed version of the magazine. Of course they will, but Dorothy won’t, because she has chosen to make one of these small changes.

It’s costly to publish printed magazines and newspapers today. Look no further than the headlines earlier this year announcing a string of daily newspapers and well-known magazines in both Canada and the U.S. that have discontinued their printed versions to go entirely online.

The cost of paper, ink and postage have all risen. Think about the time,

NEXT ISSUE:

www.canadianrentalservice.com

Today, in addition to reading a printed version of Canadian Rental Service, you can also view it online, a complete digital image of the magazine just as it looks printed. Click the ‘next page’ tab and you will even hear the paper crumple as you flip virtual pages. You can check it out from our website at www.canadianrentalservice.com.

Having been a long-time subscriber to the magazine, I can imagine that cancelling that subscription, in favour of viewing the digital version on a computer monitor is a big change for Dorothy. Maybe it isn’t, but for the readers who called to keep their printed magazines coming, it is.

For readers like Dorothy, people who are going green, cancelling that subscription required a change in habit, a shift to a completely different medium; a small change with a larger purpose.

Compaction on demand

Compaction machinery is a bread and butter product for many rental companies and always a popular topic of conversation among rental operators.

This issue contains an extended section reviewing the latest compaction machinery and equipment for the rental market. I thank the suppliers and manufacturers who took the time to send me product literature and information about the compaction products they sell. These are the machines you profit from.

Enjoy this issue. n

-Editor, Chris Skalkos

One huge leap

By Chris Skalkos

From one skidsteer and a pick-up truck to a 30,000-square-foot multi-complex facility

Less than two years ago the owners of Stayner Rental, Paul and Edina Van Staveren, moved their rental company to a new location in Stayner, Ont. Although it was a short distance down the road from their previous location, the newly built multi-complex facility was a huge leap for their rental operation and testament to the company’s success in the industry.

Paul started the business 19 years ago while the economy was slipping into an economic recession. He left a promising career as a manager with the TD Bank to pursue his passion for machinery, something he developed while studying agricultural mechanization at the University of Guelph. “My manager at the bank used to call me a ‘machinery junkie’. To me it was common sense, if you love machinery the best business to be in is the rental business,” he says.

Stayner Rental opened its doors in 1990 operating in a 24- by 40-foot building stocked with a mix of small equipment, one mini-excavator and one skidsteer loader. “I sold all of my worldly assets to start this business. I bought one pick-up truck and did deliveries in the early morning. At first it was more of a side-business,” he says, adding that he was working as a water pump installer at nights to make ends meet. “I was committed to make this work and every dollar I made went back into the rental business.”

Paul is quick to credit his friend Kent Perry, the previous owner of Universal Rentals, and an experienced rental veteran, for helping him during the early stages.

“Kent took me to my first rental show and advised me on what equipment to buy. I piggy-backed off of his purchases for Universal Rentals. Kent would buy 10 of one item and add a few for me that he would sell to me at cost,” he explains. “I do that to help other companies now

who are in a similar position, bulk buying with friends.”

Devoted to his business, Paul kept up both jobs but rentals became his primary focus.

“I was single so working day and night was something I could do back then,” he says. That changed when he married his wife Edina who left her job as a teacher to become involved full time with the business, taking accounting courses, and now manages the company’s books.

What did not change was the couples’ commitment to their business. Soon little steps turned into big steps and Stayner Rental added another 1,200 square feet to the building and another 20 feet to the building on the property acquired next door. “The local economy was doing well and we kept buying equipment. I would personally buy every machine and make sure I knew how to operate it,” Paul says. “All of the small items were paid for in cash. Once I own a machine I will not refinance it. I don’t use credit to operate my business I use credit to expand it.”

With another move eminent the Van

Staverens planned their next rental facility from the ground up, designing and building much of it themselves. Completed a year and a half ago, in time for the company’s upcoming 20th anniversary, Stayner Rental now operates from three separate buildings combining 30,000 square feet under one roof.

The main building is 14,000 square feet and features a 60- by 40-foot showroom that is well lit from high overhead windows. Two shop areas, separated by a firewall, take up the other side and special item storage rooms and offices complete the second level.

Two more 8,000-square-foot buildings on the property are used for storage and are separate from the main building. One building houses seasonal equipment and lawn and garden machines while the other building is where larger machinery and equipment is kept. There is also a room inside dedicated to storing scaffold sections, something that is normally kept outdoors. “Have you ever tried pulling a section out of a snowbank?” asks Paul with a chuckle. He says one of the benefits of

Two 8,000-square-foot buildings on the property are used for storage and are separate from the main building. One building houses seasonal equipment and lawn and garden machines while the other building stores larger machinery and scaffolding.

constructing their own facility, other than digging the waterlines himself, was specifying what the storage buildings are made of.

“The buildings are constructed with wood to allow air flow and prevent rust on equipment. The 15-foot overhang keeps the snow off the equipment that is stored around the perimeter and the buildings are distanced far enough apart so if there is a fire in one it won’t spread to other buildings,” he says.

One of the luxuries of having so much property usable for a rental yard is that

the mini-excavators stored outside have their buckets and other attachments sitting directly opposite them to help match them up quickly for customers.

The company has an impressive fleet of 17 mini-excavators and 20 skidsteer loaders, consisting of just about every brand and model from several different manufacturers. “I always like to tell people that I have no brand loyalty, only dealer loyalty. In town we are lucky to have Kubota, John Deere and New Holland close by. When we first started we had to depend on suppliers

Stayner Rental has an extensive line of agricultural equipment such as a livestock trailer, rock pickers, windrowers, cultivators and seed drills. About eight per cent of the company’s business is for agricultural applications.

from Toronto to get parts out here,” he says. “When your service is based on the quality of equipment you need the same quality of service from product support to back it up especially with today’s computerized machinery.”

In addition to construction equipment Stayner Rental also has an extensive line of agricultural equipment

Paul’s son Peter, says the company offers unique items not traditionally found in rental yards such as a livestock trailer, rock pickers, windrowers, cultivators and seed drills. About eight per cent of the company’s business is for agricultural applications, two per cent is industrial, 60 per cent is contractor based and 30 per cent is from the homeowner market. The company employs between 15 and 20 people and

PROFILE

has 10 service trucks covering a 70kilometre radius. Most of the company’s trucks have a custom fabricated beaver tail fold-down ramp fitted onto a regular flatbed. “We like to build them for speed and efficiency, no hydraulics. We started with one truck in 1998, now all trucks have them except for one with a hydraulic system,” says Paul.

With such a large rental operation that has so much equipment to move it could be easily assumed that Stayner Rental has a team of sales representatives on

the road visiting job sites and project managers. “No, we don’t have any sales reps…not even one,” says Paul. “The equipment is my sales rep. Having a clean, properly serviced machine with your company name on it is the best sale rep a rental company can have,” he says. “We are in a small community and the company’s reputation sells itself based quality and service,” he says, adding that these are two essential elements in his business plan that never waiver. “If you offer this consistently you don’t have to

cut rates to be competitive. I refuse to enter into bidding wars and I don’t give price cuts. Once you start discounting you can’t go back because customers will come to expect it,” he says.

With the current economic downturn it is easy to understand that customers are trying to get more for their dollar, but Paul says there are other ways to give customers more without discounting.

“I believe in giving customers a little extra but in other ways. I might drop off a machine for free if we have a driver going by the area already, or throw in an extra attachment. Don’t cut rates! You can give them a little extra to give them a warm and fuzzy feeling, but get your price,” he says, adding this is the type of flexibility independent operators can take advantage of without a head office to answer to.

Summing up his company’s growth in this market, Paul says there is no secret recipe in the rental industry, citing that service and the quality of equipment has been the key to his company’s success; backed up of course with a good dose of self-determination.

“I remember the doubters and I heard a lot of people say that I wasn’t going to make it, but every time somebody told me ‘no’ I found another way to do it. I learned not to let anybody tell you what to do. I took my own steps in this industry and this is where I am now,” says Paul. “The family business is alive and well.” n

Small business capital gains exemption

By Mark Borkowski*

Iam constantly surprised that many small business owners I talk to are virtually unaware of the tax benefits when they are thinking of a succession plan or of selling the shares of their company.

In the 2007 federal budget, the lifetime capital gains exemption was hiked 50 per cent to $750,000, which means that the first $750,000 of the sale price of each shareholder’s company “shares” will have a capital gain that is exempt from all income taxes. Under Canadian tax laws, taxpayers bring only 50 per cent of the remaining gain into play as income and pay taxes only at their individual marginal tax rate. And, there’s some intriguing ways to further maximize the net gains in situations when a couple wants to pass on their business to their children. So, how does this work?

Well, under the “freeze,” the parents exchange their common shares in the enterprise for preferred shares frozen at the current value of their business. Let’s say it is $4 million. This means that the business’s future growth will flow to newly created common shares held in the trust that names the children as beneficiaries, and therefore from this point, only the children will benefit from future growth and capital gain.

Then, sometime in the future when the parents finally decide to sell for $7 million, the family trust would designate the capital gain to the children as named beneficiaries. So, if there were three offspring, each would receive $1 million. When each child claims their capital gains exemption of $750,000, they would therefore be liable to pay taxes on only $250,000 each. And the marginal tax rate for each child would, of course, depend on that child’s individual situation. In effect, this creates five different capital gains exemptions instead of the original two and that acts to considerably lower the tax liability for all concerned.

Often, when a small or medium-sized business owner sells, part or most of the purchase price is paid out over an extended period of time. This offers an opportunity to spread or defer the capital gains over several years. So, if the

balance of the purchase price is doled out in periodic payments, it is highly recommended that a maximum 20 per cent be paid each year for a period of five years.

It should be noted that if someone has already cashed in some of the entire previous capital gains exemption limit of $500,000, the $750,000 new limit would, of course, be accordingly reduced. Would you be surprised to learn that Canadian tax laws also offer restrictions that define how people can qualify for these exemptions? There are three basic tests.

One, taxpayers must have owned the enterprise more than 24 months before the sale. This is known as the “holding period.” Two, during this holding period, the business must have used more than half of the enterprise’s assets at current fair market value. Three, on the actual date of sale, the enterprise

must have been employing more than 90 per cent of these assets.

There can be other complications. If a Canadian company has an asset in the form of an American subsidiary, the U.S. asset would not be allowed to be included in calculating the capital gains and therefore the exemption totals. So, the highly recommended course of action would be to separate the two assets to be two separate entities.

How much can a seller of a small business enterprise save? It all depends on where a seller resides and their own individual marginal tax rate. But, the exemption can convert into significant savings. n

*Mark Borkowski is president of Mercantile Mergers & Acquisitions Corp. Mercantile specializes in the sale of privately owned mid market companies. E-mail: mark@mercantilema.com

Optimum vibration with total control and choice.

Productivity Partnership for a Lifetime.

This high performance series of compactors distinguishes themselves every day. Easy handling. Universal application. High maneuverability. Thanks to infinitely variable hydraulic forward and reverse action, this machine moves quickly on the job, even uphill.

Ideal for rental operators, the compact and foldable engine cover makes servicing easy and provides excellent protection, too. Although the AVP 5920, 4920 and 3920 stand head-and-shoulders above the competition, the price is reassuringly down-to-earth.

For Sales & Service:

Construction Equipment Solutions

Pickering, ON • tel: 905-420-2243 ceswiles@hotmail.com

CUBEX Ltd. Winnipeg, MB • tel: 204-336-0008 ammannsales@cubexltd.com

Hi-Way Service

High River, AB • tel: 403-652-7944 sales@hiwayservice.com

PSE Equipment Ltd.

(Paving Solutions Equipment) Langley, BC • tel: 604-857-1750 pavingsolutions@shaw.ca

Williamson Equipment Ltd. Edmonton, AB • tel: 780-450-0055 gwill@williamsonequipment.com

EQUIPMENT

The elephant in the rental room

By Rich Porayko*

Offshore products are making inroads and savvy rental operators need to recognize them as either an opportunity or a threat, or a hybrid of the two

Offshore made equipment is an elephant in the room. It is a very touchy subject in any industry, including the rental industry, where the mere mention of the topic is enough to spark heated debates across the continent.

Canadian business owners recognize the importance of “Buying North American” in order to help stop the bleeding of jobs and bankruptcies. Although this is the exception more than the rule, as many of the major manufacturers of rental products are based around the world particularly in Europe and Japan.

Seeking the best in quality, price and service in a global economy, owners often lean to the ABC purchasing strategy, Anything But Chinese. However, rental operators resist for as long as they can but often find the temptation of low price, ample supply and improving quality difficult to ignore. This is especially true if a competitor down the road has added offshore products to their fleet.

The big question is if you can’t beat them, do you join them? In a previous issue Canadian Rental Service magazine interviewed a handful of rental operators from across the country about the state of the economy. Here is what they had to say about offshore equipment.

“The business of small hand tools has gone by the wayside,” says John Dutton of Coquitlam, B.C.-based Austin Tool Rentals. “I can basically get rid of all that. Why would someone spend $16 a day for a reciprocating saw? I can go to Princess Auto and buy a new one for $29. So that business is gone. Customers will rent anything to do with concrete such as jackhammers or concrete drilling. They just aren’t going to go buy a jackhammer for $1,000 and use it once or twice.”

“I’ve tried some offshore equipment and so far I’ve been pretty lucky. I haven’t tried anything big, mostly smaller things.” Dutton continues “I bought 15 of their knock-off engines. I used to pay about $475 for a five-horse Honda engine; now I can buy a 6.5-horse Chinese engine for $96. If you go to an original equipment Honda dealer for a muffler for that equipment, it is going to cost you $118 for just the muffler. Gas tanks are $140. People say ‘offshore equipment doesn’t last as long,’ who cares, I can buy five to one and I can throw them away!”

A lot of guys aren’t buying the real expensive saws and stuff anymore either, so many of them get stolen. They are buying the middle of the road, the offshore stuff.”

“We’ve tried some of the offshore pumps and a few other little things,” says Rob Clark of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan’s Clark’s Supply & Service Ltd. “We haven’t had any of the big stuff, but it seems alright. We haven’t had any negative feedback from our customers. Everybody thinks that because it’s made it China it will be junk but it’s no different than 20 years ago when everything was made in Japan and everybody thought it was junk.”

Terry Morin of Able Rental & Supply from Sudbury, Ont., has resisted offshore equipment: “We haven’t had a lot of products from China. We’ve tried some of the cheaper salable merchandise, but not a lot.”

Roland Amirault of Kingston, Nova Scotia’s Greenwood Rent-All Inc sees another side. “Offshore products are inexpensive. You talk to any rental house and we’re all doing it, we’re buying these aftermarket motors for a fraction of the price that we’re used to paying, and I’ve had good luck with them. I tell my customers after the fact, when they get back, and they will tell me that they didn’t notice a difference.”

Ed Dwyer, general manager of C&T Rentals in Winnipeg, Man., doesn’t purchase offshore equipment but has noticed a ripple effect caused by the

increased availability of this equipment in the Canadian market. “We don’t buy the knock-offs. However, they have made everything else cheaper. Which is good for purchasing new products, but when we go to sell used equipment now, it’s a problem. Our used equipment is worth less. We can buy new machines now for less than the equipment we bought three or four years ago is worth.”

From a party rental perspective, Dave Higgins, vice-president of Higgins Event Rentals of Toronto and Oakville, Ont., shares his experience, “We’ve seen price increases from China; however, the quality is still suspect. It’s not perfect but it certainly has improved in the last five years.”

Jay Williams of St-Eustache, Que.based Location Deux-Montagnes Inc., has reluctantly yet successfully experimented with offshore products; however, he remains unimpressed. “I have bought some goods from China, but not that much, maybe two to four per cent. I’m not talking about tractors or scissor lifts, mostly small engines. I replaced about 20 small engines with a Chinese model as well as some other small equipment. I needed to buy the equipment quickly but the supplier was backordered and I was able to buy the Chinese engines right away. Am I going to switch? No, but they are there in case of emergencies,” he says.

“I try to buy based on service and parts. Most of the offshore stuff is cheap. When you look at a piece of equipment that normally sells for $2,000 and it’s $600, you can almost see the difference in quality by eye. If you buy it and it doesn’t work, you throw it away. I’m not into disposable equipment.”

Williams remains open minded. He has seen a lot of rental operators purchasing offshore equipment, however, he remains loyal to the original manufacturers, “Most of my big hammers are Bosch or Wacker and my plates are all Weber and Mikasa, which I would never buy from China. I did buy some small half inch drills but there isn’t

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

Redesigned for the user

Weber Machine will unveil its newly redesigned CR 5 compactor for the Canadian rental market after its debut this spring at Intermat in Paris, France.

“This is a world premier! This is the first introduction in North America. The machine will be available this summer already,” says company president Peter Witt.

The new version of the CR 5 reversible soil compactor has been designed for the compaction of sand, gravel and crushed aggregates, as well as for the compaction of interlocking paving stones. The new compactor replaces the previous CR 4 and CR 5 and is user friendly through its ease of operation.

The soil compactor features superior operating characteristics due to a new setting on the machine parameters. In addition, the machine’s speed and climbing ability have been increased considerably. Great progress has also been made in reducing the hand/arm vibrations. This allows fatigue-free work for many hours.

The CR 5 offers even more comfort to the user. For example, the throttle control lever is within the operator’s field of vision and is easily accessible. A self-adjusting centrifugal clutch eliminates the need to re-tension the Vbelt. The large lifting eye enables quick and safe loading. Finally, the noise level is considerably reduced by the engine cover in combination with the rugged protection frame.

The standard version is equipped with a Hatz Diesel engine with an electric starter and weighs 656 pounds. It is also available with a Honda gasoline engine weighing 600 pounds. Both options deliver an output of 10,125 pounds of

centrifugal force. The working width of 22 inches can be easily extended to 28 inches with extension plates. www.webermt.com

Environmentally friendly rammers

Wacker Neuson continues to succeed in its efforts to offer the most environmentally friendly rammers on the market.

New updates to its BS-2i series of twocycle rammers with the advanced injection system offer improved emissions, better fuel economy, easier starting as well as an updated branding appearance.

“Wacker Neuson’s rammers are the greenest units available on the market,” according to Dave Schulenberg, compaction product manager for

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

Wacker Neuson Corporation. “With an update to the engine cylinder, our engineers were able to further lower total emissions by 38 per cent!” This reduction in emissions places Wacker Neuson’s WM 80 two-cycle engine well below the Environmental Protection Agency’s emissions for both carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (HC+Nox) emissions.

Schulenberg says Wacker Neuson is the only manufacturer that has met and will continue to meet or exceed twocycle EPA regulations and is the only manufacturer that offers a two-cycle rammer. In addition to lower emissions, the new cylinder also reduces fuel consumption by 15 per cent, lowering overall operator costs.

The company says the rammers have proven themselves on the job site for more than 75 years as productive and durable machines and now they offer features that protect the environment, as well as the operator, while advancing the oil injection system in two-cycle technology.

Closer to structures

Wacker Neuson’s rammers have recently been outfitted with a new muffler and carburetor. The new integrated muffler actually wraps around the curved shape of the engine, bringing the muffler an additional one inch further away from the outside edge of the rammer. This allows the rammer to compact closer to structures such as trench walls and footings plus protects the muffler from any damaging impact. The muffler outlet is nestled under the engine so there is less chance that it can get plugged during operation. Wacker Neuson has also introduced a new carburetor for easier, faster starting with less effort. The new carburetor features a purge bulb that allows the operator to purge air out of the carburetor and replace the fuel. This system results in improved starting and no risk of flooding the engine.

Facelift

Wacker Neuson is introducing a new look to all its light equipment products.

The facelift for the company’s popular rammer line includes a change from the familiar green bellows and silencer cover to grey bellows and a yellow silencer cover. The very visible front crank case showcases the company’s new WN symbol and the Wacker Neuson name will appear on the sides. This new branding is just one of over 250 light equipment products that will receive a new look after the merger of Wacker Construction Equipment AG (Munich, Germany) and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG (Linz, Austria).

www.wackerneuson.com

Touch sensitive

Ammann has included semi-automatic “dead man’s handles” as a safety feature on its vibratory plates. The new Safe Touch feature is touch-sensitive and reacts directly to the operator’s touch on the split handlebar. Electronic sensors register when the operator lets go of the handle and it brings the vibratory plates to a halt, and the

CLAESSEN PUMPS PRESENTS A NEW INNOVATIVE WAY TO MEET YOUR PUMPING APPLICATIONS

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

machine to a complete standstill.

“Operator safety and comfort are important guidelines for all engineering and product development at Ammann, particularly on our hand-guided machines,” says Peter Price, Ammann area sales manager, Canada. “The optional Safe Touch feature on our vibratory plates addresses these two design philosophies.”

In the interests of productivity and fuel economy, the engine continues running after the operator lets go of the handle. It does not need to be restarted when the machine has come to a halt. “If the operator sees an obstacle, he releases the

handle, the machine stops, he removes the obstacle and then after grasping a hold of the handle he continues the job,” says Price.

According to Ammann engineer, Andreas Webster, “The system cannot be manipulated. With or without gloves, with just one finger or one hand, the system immediately influences the exciter via the hydraulics. Neither moisture nor cold will interfere with the sensors, which are securely embedded. The capacitance sensor technology used on this dead man’s handle only reacts to the mass of the body.”

“Safe Touch offers additional safety for every compaction assignment, but it is especially suitable for construction sites with limited space and trench work tasks,” adds Price. “Rental houses are finding this particularly helpful as some of the operators are not as familiar with the equipment as general contractors.”

The Safe Touch dead man’s switching device is available as an option on Ammann vibratory

plates models with E-Start, AVH 5020, AVH 5030 and AVH 6020.

Up to the edge

Also new from Ammann is its AV 70 X4 and AV 75 X4 tandem rollers that allow excellent compaction right up to the edge, due to its segmented drum and continuously selectable crab steering offset.

A direct drive system with two independent hydraulic pumps guarantees exceptional driving properties, while the rear-mounted Cummins

BTAA3.3C80 engine insulates operators from heat and vibration and allows for safe and convenient maintenance.

“These versatile machines are designed for compacting asphalt base, binding

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

and surface layers, as well as gravel and soil,” says Peter Price, Ammann area sales manager, Canada.

A number of performance-enhancing and safety options are available on the new X4 models, including an open ROPS cabin with handrails and antivandal protection, and an asphalt temperature measuring instrument. “The new X4 rollers offer contractors maximum versatility and performance on compaction surfaces,” says Price.

Finger Tip Steering

In addition, the company’s new twinarticulated roller, the AV 70-2, features three steering modes – front, rear and

crab, combined with an excellent turning radius and segmented drums to follow the tightest curves without damaging the uppermost surface.

Along with its leading edge manoeuvrability, its design allows the drum width to be extended through offsetting. Hydrostatic propulsion is featured on front and rear and the AV 70-2 also offers double vibration with two vibration modes (0.6 / 0.33 mm).

“The AV 70-2 is the successor to the AV 75 model,” says Peter Price, Ammann area sales manager, Canada. “Not only is this machine excellent for compacting asphalt layers, it is equally effective on mixed surfaces, sand, gravel

and stabilizing layers.”

A unique operating element of the AV 70-2 is its Finger Tip Steering (FTS) feature. Offering an unrestricted view of the material, as well as the drum surfaces and edges, Finger Tip Steering (FTS) allows operators to do continuous and accurate work without tiring.

www.ammann-group.com

On the spot compaction

Uniquip Canada has introduced the new RPC line of reversible plates from Belle Group.

The company says this new range of reversible plate compactors is setting new higher performance and reliability

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

standards throughout the world.

Belle Group has 11 machines in its reversible plate line, from 154 through to 522 kg machine weight with Honda, Robin gas engine or Hatz diesel engines. Some models are available with electric start.

The versatile range of RPC is ergonomically designed to suit all applications and is very easy to operate and maintain. Extremely comfortable to operate with very low hand arm vibration to the operator, these robust machines provide quality compaction.

Several models are available. The RPC 30/40 and 30/50 are the most compact machines in the range, with a centrifugal force of 30 kN at an amplitude of 95hz. A choice of two base plates separates these two machines, the 30/40 has a base plate of 40 cm and the 30/50 has a slightly heavier width base plate of 50 cm.

The RPC 45/60 is the next largest machine giving higher productivity with an impressive centrifugal force of 45 kN. It has two removable extension plates that are each 75 mm, giving it an overall base plate size of 60 cm. The RPC 60/80 design produces the maximum output to meet and exceed the most stringent operator standards worldwide while offering maximum operator comfort and control.

Providing 60 kN of centrifugal force, the RPC 60/80 is delivered as standard with two extension plates that are each 75 mm for an overall base plate size of 70 cm. The machine can have a base plate of 80 cm with two optional extension plates that are each 125 mm. All models not only compact in forward and reverse but also perform “on the spot” compaction.

www.uniquip.ca

No pipes, no sprinklers to clean

Dynapac has launched a new series of LF forward plates with unique features for improved speed, flexibility and performance. They are easily convertible from soil to asphalt work and a specially engineered bottom plate and a unique system for water distribution without pipes or sprinklers provide unequalled results for all types of asphalt jobs.

The Dynapac LF series for asphalt jobs comprises three models between 75 and 100 kg, available with a number of options to customize the plates. The new Dynapac LF forward plates are approximately 20 per cent faster than their predecessors. The plates are easily convertible from soil to asphalt version, simply by hooking on/ off a water tank. The large removable water tank allows longer stints, quicker refill and more output per day.

The Dynapac LF 75 (weight class 75 kg) is available with either a Honda or a Robin engine. It is available in two different plate widths of 420 or 500 mm.

The LF80 (weight class 80 kg), also available with Honda or Robin engine, has a working width of 420 mm.

The LF100 (weight class 100 kg) is available with three different engine options for petrol or Diesel and features a 500-mm-wide bottom plate.

With Dynapac’s new LF-series the entire bottom plate contact surface is watered uniformly. This is due to a unique patented water distribution system, integrated into the bottom plate. There are no pipes, and no sprinklers to clean. The water consumption is easily optimized by means of a flow adjustment valve, easily reached by the operator.

A large removable water tank, with a secured cap, makes refills swift, simple and less frequent. The bottom plate is

the most critical component of a forward plate for asphalt compaction. The new Dynapac LF series bottom plate has a unique design with edges giving a welldefined contact surface that will leave no marks on the surface.

For tight and complicated spaces the handle is aligned with the centre of the plate for effortless manoeuvrability, and it can even be raised to a vertical operational position. It is easily folded for transportation and storage

All units have a wide array of optional equipment such as a protection frame suitable for rental applications, lifting handles, block and paving kits making it possible to tailor-make the machine. www.dynapac.com

Well balanced, hard hitting

Doosan Infracore Portable Power features three models from its light compaction equipment line of RXSeries upright rammers. The RX-Series is built for the compaction of materials ranging from mixed and cohesive soils to heavy clay.

The company says these models are designed to provide compaction solutions for a wide array of applications, including backfilling and narrow trench compaction such as utility work, trenching, curbing, drainage work, and foundation and masonry base preparation.

The models in the RX-Series are the RX-264H, RX-304H, and RX-344H. This line comes standard with Honda recoilstart, four-cycle engines.

Impact force is applied to the compacted material by a durable

Mfg.RepsforWesternCanada: M.S.Salesltd.

Tel:1-800-451-2537(office)

FelixPasquaCell:604-351-9491

DrewWoodCell:604-760-9120

Fax:1-800-665-0597

E-Mail:mssales@telus.net

Mfg.RepsforEasternCanada:

EastcanMarketingLtd.

Tel:416-748-8045/877-748-1130

Tel:Quebec:514-217-6977

Fax:416-748-7922/800-748-9989

Email:eastcan@rogers.com

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

wooden foot-reinforced with a heavy steel plate for extended life. The average impact per blow varies on the RX-Series, ranging from 2,600 pounds on the RX264H to 3,000 pounds on the RX-304H, to 3,400 pounds on the RX-344H. The RX-Series operates at 600 – 750 blows per minute.

Featuring a low-profile, lightweight design, and a low centre of gravity, the RX-Series self-balances, providing greater manoeuvrability and control around jobsite obstacles. A four-point isolation and vibration-reducing grip, standard on the RX-Series, minimizes operator fatigue and prolongs the life of the rammer components. www.doosanportablepower.com

Real-time feedback

BOMAG’s exclusive Economizer system helps contractors complete compaction jobs quickly and effectively, saving time, fuel and money. The Economizer system is a standard feature on the BOMAG BPR100/80D reversible vibratory plate compactor. It is an option on the

BPR45/55D series, BPR55/65D and the BPR65/70D.

The company says the Economizer system provides continuous, real-time feedback of soil stiffness by means of an LED display on the engine hood. The display indicates to the operator the level of compaction achieved and also highlights any soft spots in the material. The Economizer consists of a vibration sensor, together with a computing and display unit. This allows jobs to be completed more quickly by avoiding unnecessary passes, reducing passes by as much as 25 per cent.

The system not only saves labour

costs, but also reduces fuel costs and machine wear. It also helps avoid overcompaction.

More importantly, the Economizer system helps the operator ensure the job is complete. It displays soft spots in the soil, allowing contractors to identify any problems in the sub-grade to ensure the job is done correctly.

www.bomag.com/canada

No oil bath

CM Equip has developed a 66 kg Vibratory Plate that does not have an oil bath. The company says it is lubricated by grease so oil changes are not needed. The plate compactor will be equipped with CM’s engine or a Subaru Robin engine. The warranty for this plate is one year for the vibratory plate, two

years for the exciter and three years for the Subaru Robin engine. www.cm-equip.com

Takes the strain out of compaction

Multiquip’s three new MTX-Series rammers take the tough work, the fatigue, and the strain out of compaction. Each model incorporates an exclusive anti-vibration system (AVS), which significantly cuts vibration to the user for greater productivity on the job site while reducing the risk of injury caused by operator fatigue.

The MTX-60, 70, 80 and MTX-90 gasoline-powered models deliver up to 3,710 pounds of impact force for effective compaction of cohesive and mixed soils. Each rammer excels in trench work, around retaining walls, when solidifying bases for concrete slabs and footings and in confined areas.

The MTX-60 delivers 3,060 pounds of impact force on 645-695 blows a minute. Fueled by a three-horsepower Honda GX100 engine, this model weighs 141 pounds.

The MTX-70 generates 3,350 pounds of centrifugal force and is driven by a 33-horsepower Honda GX100 engine. The rammer weighs 165 pounds.

The MTX-80 generates 3,510 pounds of centrifugal force and is driven by a 3.5 horsepower Robin EH122D engine. The rammer weighs 183 pounds.

The hardest hitter in the series is the MTX-90 which generates 3,710 pounds of impact force on 660-700 blows per minute. It weighs 196 pounds and is also powered by a Robin EH-122D engine. www.multiquip.com

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

High yardage compaction

Sakai America has introduced its 12 ton class soil rollers, the SV610-III Series, to help site-prep, roadbuilding and earthmoving contractors compact more material faster.

smooth drum shell that can be removed when working on cohesive soils. This series comes with an 84-inch drum width and is designed for high yardage compaction jobs on a wide range of soils and rockfill applications – highway and airport subbases, embankments, dams, reservoirs, and large commercial tracts.

The SV610-III Series compactors are powered by a fuel efficient, Tier III, Cummins QSB4.5, 148hp water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine. This engine fully complies with current EPA/CARB emission standards and is mounted on rubber isolators to provide added vibration protection.

a two brake, three-way failsafe system. A hydrostatic service brake is located at the forward-reverse lever. Switching of the wet disc, spring-applied, hydraulicallyreleased (SAHR) parking brake switch is located on the instrument panel. An emergency brake foot pedal activates both the hydrostatic and the SAHR brakes that will automatically apply in the event of an engine or hydraulic system failure. www.sakaiamerica.com

Attachments for compaction

The SV610-III Series comes in three model variations: the SV610D-III smooth drum model, weighing in at 27,555 lbs and designed for rock and granular materials; the SV610T-III 27,710 pound padfoot roller, for cohesive materials, silts and clays and the SV610TFIII model that weighs 32,560 pounds and includes a padfoot-smooth drum combination. The padfoot drum in the SV610TF-III is encased within a bolt-on

All models come standard with dual amplitude. The SV610TF-III offers amplitudes up to 0.06 inches while the SV610D-III and SV610T-III offer amplitudes up to 0.09 inches. All three models also offer high centrifugal forces up to 58,450 pounds. These features enable the SV610-III Series to make quick work of compaction on a variety of soils.

CEAttachments has several products for compaction applications. The company says compaction jobs get a smoother finish with the EDGE Vibratory Roller. Equipped with a choice of smooth or padded drums, Ebac_3.375x4.875 6/28/07 10:07 AM Page 1

The SV610-III Series is equipped with

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

skidsteer operators can quickly compact everything from clumpy, clay-type material to asphalt, dirt, sand, gravel or backfills. It has a specially designed scraper to ward off material buildup so there is no need to slow down. For optimum performance and minimum maintenance the heavy duty motor is mounted outside the drum. Additionally, a flow-control valve is standard equipment to prevent over-speeding of the eccentric shaft and extend bearing life. All models feature universal skidsteer loader mount, hoses and hydraulic flat-faced couplers. The vibratory roller is available in 73 and 84 inches sizes.

Rolling applications

The company’s Compaction Wheel reduces the time it takes to backfill and pack down loose soil by doing it all at once. It does not require hydraulic hook ups and uses a rolling

application to thoroughly compress soil while the hole is being backfilled.

The company says its high-strength, heavy-duty sealed bearings and hardened bushings allow long-lasting, productive operation in even tough soil conditions while its trouble-free design includes bars between the wheels to prevent the buildup of mud. The attachment is ideal for mid-size to larger compact excavators or backhoes.

Packs soil down tight

It is available in vibratory force ranges from 2,500 to 11,350 pounds and base plate widths from 11 to 27 inches to work effectively with any size compact excavator or backhoe up to 5,300 pounds. The Plate Compactor can be used for a variety of other jobs such as driving piles, fence posts, I-Beams, guardrails or pipe. www.ceattach.com

Exceptional productivity

Another product called the EDGE Plate Compactor packs loose soil down tight with little effort. It features a powerful direct drive gear motor to deliver maximum vibratory force on backfill lifts up to four feet, even on inclines. Its heavy-duty rubber mounted baseline isolates vibration while a four-corner suspension system reduces wear and tear on the attachment.

Experts at Work!

The Terex TV1000 and TV1200 Tandem Asphalt Rollers offers a host of standard features for exceptional productivity. A “6-in-1” joystick is well positioned to allow the operator to easily select all operational functions.

This unit’s dynamic braking system can be engaged when the joystick in neutral or when the unit is shut off. Plastic fuel, water and hydraulic tanks reduce condensation and are encased in steel for maximum protection. All tanks are removable for cleaning and positioned to avoid vandalism. The TV1000 has an operating weight of 5,644 pounds (2,560 kg), a centrifugal force

Quality can only be produced by those who focus on their strength and combine it with their know-how. Compactors by Weber MT mean innovative and dependable technology that is developed and manufactured so that you can work more efficiently. Hand-guided compactors are our specialty.

FOR THE RENTAL MARKET

of 5,397 pounds (24.0 kN) and a static linear load of 71.7 pounds/in (12.0 kg/cm).

The TV1200 has an operating weight of 6,382 pounds (2,895 kg), a centrifugal force of 6,776 pounds (30.4 kN) and a static linear load of 77.5 pounds/in (13.9 kg/cm).

www.terexamericas.com

Compaction-in-motion

Allied Construction Products, LLC has announced the addition of the Skid-Pac Model 1000 to its full product line of attachments.

The company says it has taken its Ho-Pac vibratory compactor technology and put it into “motion.”

Mounted on a skidsteer, the Model 1000 now travels quickly over soil in flatwork, delivers more impact energy, has an errorless four-function valve and maintenance-free oil splash bearing lubrication.

The new extreme Skid-Pacs include a larger eccentric with mass further away from shaft centerline to help increase impulse and compaction force. A nine foot square base plate covers the outside width of the skidsteer tires to eliminate marks in the soil; and an oil splash to provide maintenancefree (no greasing) bearing lubrication.

The Skid-Pacs fit on all skidsteers in the 4,000 to 14,000 pound weight range that use the universal mounting quickchange couplers.

www.alliedcp.com n

Continued from page 8

that much demand for them. It’s not my big market; it’s mostly to cover me.”

Whether your company purchases Chinese equipment or not, one thing is for certain, offshore products are making inroads in the Canadian rental industry and savvy operators need to recognize their low price and improved quality as either an opportunity or a threat, or a hybrid of the two.

It may be as simple as managing risk by supplementing your current offerings with a small sample of low end test products or as complicated as revamping your marketing strategy to address new markets or segments that aren’t affected by offshore products, yet. Either way, in a competitive market an elephant in the room should never be ignored. n

*Rich Porayko is a professional write and founding partner of Construction Creative, a marketing and communications company located in Metro Vancouver, B.C. richp@ constructioncreative.com.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Rental show wrap-up 2009

The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) closed its 2009 regional trade show program in April with a sold out exposition in Quebec.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, QUÉBEXPO, held in St-Hyacinthe, Que., from March 31 to April 1 marked the final leg of the trade show circuit with other events held in Surrey, B.C., on Jan. 16 -17; Moncton, N.B., on Feb. 2021; London, Ont., on Jan. 24; and Saskatoon, Sask., on March 14.

Mandy Maeren, the executive director of the Canadian Rental Association (CRA), says the economic slowdown did not dampen the spirits of the industry as exhibitor and attendee figures did not change much compared to last year. “Suppliers took their booths, rental operators were buying and the social programs were sold out,” she says, adding that all of the association’s shows were well supported across the country. She said support from exhibitors, critical to their success, was strong and several rental operators held off on seasonal equipment purchases to buy from exhibitors at the shows.

Maeren adds that the support they have received from association members was also encouraging, emphasizing that the trade shows are run by volunteers.

With approximately 500 visitors and 100 suppliers taking up 250 booths, the final show in Quebec did not reflect the discouraging numbers that other equipment trade shows have been seeing, especially in the United States.

Camil Rousseau from Joe Loue Tout won $180 at Rentquip Canada’s Spin-the-Wheel promotion held at the company’s booth. Rentquip won the National Supplier of the Year Award presented to the company at QUÉBEXPO as well as the Supplier of the Year Award for CRA Ontario.

March 23-24.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Tino Russo from Con X Equipment says he has attended several trade shows this year and notes that equipment expositions in Canada are not so bad compared to what’s going on south of the border. His company was exhibiting the new Merry Rear-Tine Tillers at the regional show in Quebec and he says that he was taking orders. “Exhibitors can’t have high expectations during tough times and they can’t spread themselves around the way they normally would but they still need a presence to keep their products in front of customers because they know things will get better,” he says, adding that it is still important to bring new products. “Rental operators might not be buying right away, but they still want to know what’s new and that’s what they are looking for. When the economy is bad people are more inclined to put off purchasing but they might need it tomorrow.”

John Ciaraldi from Tsurumi Canada was also exhibiting at QUÉBEXPO and says that during tough times backing up products with service becomes even more important as rental companies hold on to equipment longer. “But they are still buying. Being in the pump business is good, the next disaster is always right around the corner,” he says with a chuckle. The company is currently expanding opening new warehouse facilities to stock more products as part of that service. “Having what they need when they need is our focus.”

Ciaraldi says during a recession companies have two choices, to either cut back on spending or do something to keep your company growing. “If you do nothing then nothing happens.”

Brad Smith from S&S Supply based in Mount Pearl, N.L., says he hasn’t let the economy slow him down. His company recently purchased $200,000 in new products, many of which were on display at his booth. “In good times it’s an advantage for suppliers to exhibit at a trade show, in bad times it’s a disadvantage, but you need to keep a positive attitude and you still need to go to the shows to make sure customers don’t forget about you.” n

Show stopper

Rental operator Mario Labonté (left) from Les Petits Moteurs Laurent Boisvert in St. Lambert, Que., tries out the new Scorpion 600 from Groupe FCM with the assistance of company representative Sylvain Gagné (right). The four-wheel backhoe is an entirely dismountable general purpose excavator that can fit through a 28-inch wide door. The machine was attracting a steady crowd at the CRA regional trade show in St-Hyacinthe. Groupe FCM says the quick connect axle can come off so two people can dismantle and re-assemble the machine for interior compact demolition work. In one instance, it was used inside a small home to demolish a basement floor in a fraction of the time it would have taken to do the job with hand tools.

RENTAL RUMBLES

Golf and Tall Ships

The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) Ontario has already finalized the details for its upcoming golf tournament on September 15 and with good reason. This event will mark the tournament’s 40th anniversary.

Paul Everitt, one of the volunteer organizers of the tournament, says they will have a tough time matching the success of last year’s event but they might have a few surprises for golfers this fall.

The tournament will be hosted once again at Trehaven golf and Country Club between Orillia and Barrie. Registration is $135 which includes 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and a steak dinner. Prizes are available for ‘closest to the pin’ and for ‘longest drives.’ Hole in one holes are worth $10,000 each. Participants will also have a chance to win a trip for two to Orlando, Fla.

The golf tournament will coincide with the CRA’s national meeting which will take place two days prior. The CRA will spend a night on the waters of Lake Ontario during a social event planned for September 13. But this is not your ordinary boat ride. Members will board the Tall Ship Kajama, the same ship that has become a Toronto harbour landmark and was featured on the CBS program, The Amazing Race

Launched as the Wilfried in Rendsburg, Germany in 1930, the Kajama traded under sail for nearly 70 years. She was a familiar ship in ports from Northwest Spain, through Western Europe, and as far north as Norway and Russia. In 1999, Kajama was delivered transatlantic by Great Lakes Schooner Company and restored to her original profile.

The cost for this event is $60 per person and includes related cruise expenses and dinner.

James Morden, CRA Ontario president, recommends association members make reservations early.

“The Great Lakes Schooner Company and CRA Ontario are proud to offer this 164-foot three-masted gaff-rigged schooner, for this one-of-a-kind private sunset evening dinner cruise,” he says, adding that there will be a prepared meal in Kajama’s spacious single dining room; a 1006 square foot, open and airy venue that enjoys natural lighting and ventilation through massive skylights. “This is unique for us and it will certainly be one of the special occasions of the year,” says Morden.

IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman, left, congratulates United Rentals CEO Michael Kneeland on becoming an IPAF member, presenting him with a copy of the IPAF U.S. Powered Access Rental Report.

Seize market opportunities in difficult times

Access rental companies should face the current economic crisis with “open minds and open eyes” and dare to take strategic decisions, be it changing their sales structure or leveraging on size, said United Rentals CEO Michael Kneeland at the International Powered access Federation (IPAF) Summit in April.

RENTAL RUMBLES

The CEO of the world’s largest construction equipment rental company was addressing more than 200 delegates who had come to learn more about “Dynamic powered access solutions in difficult times.”

“Price is something we shouldn’t play with,” said Kneeland, highlighting recent research by United Rentals that showed customers putting price as their fifth priority. “Your best customer will pay a higher price, because you are giving them something they value. Go out and create value. Be good stewards of the industry.”

Industry appointments

BOMAG Canada has appointed Jean Lizotte as territory manager for both light and heavy equipment, responsible for all rental and distributor activities for Quebec, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Nova Scotia.

Jim Leech, who has been with the company for the past couple of years, is now responsible for all rental and distributor activities for Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories.

Carson Fyffe, who was previously Ontario manager for light rental equipment, has been promoted to territory manager responsible for rental and distributor activities for Ontario and Newfoundland. He will also take over

all sales activities with the company’s eastern distributors Nortrax and McDowell Equipment.

Darren Frew has also been appointed as territory manager for light and heavy equipment responsible for all rental and distributor activities for southern Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

Uniquip Canada has appointed Benoit Leroux to the new position of national field sales manager. Reporting to the general manager, he will supervise all sales activities, territory managers and sales agents in his new capacity.

Benoit started with Uniquip in 1992 as a member of the inside sales team. Since then, he has assisted and overseen much of Uniquip’s business operations, leading to his promotion in 1999 to become regional sales manager for Eastern Canada.

Using his depth of technical knowledge and business intelligence, Benoit has developed many strong relationships with clients, at both independent and national account levels. His leadership has led to the growth of the company in Eastern Canada and many of Uniquip’s strategic product lines.

“Little Beaver earth drills consistently rank in our ROI TOP TEN.”

Jeff Bevers has been renting equipment for more than 27 years, so he knows what works. After his customers rent Little Beaver earth drills, they know too. “We have a wide variety of soil conditions from, hard clays to hard rocky ground,” says Bevers. “But because of the torque tube design, our customers feel safe and comfortable operating the equipment. I had purchased several tow-behind machines from another manufacturer, but after purchasing the Little Beaver tow-behind, my customers only ask for the red one.”

“Customer satisfaction is one of the reasons we have rented Little Beaver equipment for over 27 years.”

COMING EVENTS

June 9

Canadian Rental Association Golf Tournament

Red Deer, Alta. www.crarental.org

June 18

Canadian Rental Association Golf Tournament

Elbow, Sask. www.crarental.org

August 18

Canadian Rental Association Golf Tournament

Bromont, Que. www.crarental.org

September 11

Canadian Rental Association Golf Tournament

Kelowna, B.C. www.crarental.org

September 13

Canadian Rental Association, Ontario, Night on the Water Tall Ship Kajama, Toronto, Ont. www.crarental.org

September 15

Canadian Rental Association Golf Tournament Barrie, Ont. www.crarental.org

October 20 - 21

Landscape Ontario Garden & Floral Expo

Toronto Congress Centre, Ont. www.gardenexpo.ca

October 21

Canadian Rental Association, Ontario, Meeting and Rental Tour

Vulcan Demolition Tools, Mississauga, Ont.

www.crarental.org , www.vulcandemo.com

October 29-31

The Green Industry and Equipment Expo Louisville, Ky. www.gie-expo.com

AD INDEX

The Summer of (my) Discontent

By Steve Milcik*

Financial vasectomy.

Now that I have the attention of all three of my loyal readers (hi Dad!), allow me to explain the meaning behind this statement. As most of you know, I have been blessed to have been shackled to a fine piece of womanhood named Sophie for over two decades, and for the most part, they have been happy and satisfying years. Early in our relationship, we (we being she) decided that the smartest course for us was to share financial responsibility for all our household expenses. We each had tasks assigned to us…she would pay the rent, I would pay the utilities, she would deal with the taxes and I would sign the checks for the car payments. This went well right up until the repo man showed up at our door and we didn’t answer because the power was shut off and the doorbell wasn’t working. After that, we had another family meeting and we (she) decided that it would be best if she took over the handling of our expenses. I graciously concurred.

To make up for the fact that her financial workload had now increased, I agreed to take a larger slice of the home duties under my wing. Grocery shopping became one of my new tasks, and I attacked it with relish. The start button on the dishwasher, no longer the elusive item it once was, became the target of my index finger. I navigated the technical dials, timers and flashing LED lights on the laundry machines, reading them as an astronaut would interpret the dashboard gadgets in a NASA space shuttle. I even mixed the bleach and soap with the precision of a chemist. Folding laundry now meant picking up my dirty socks and putting them in the laundry basket instead of back in the dresser drawer.

Vacuuming and dusting also fell under my purview, and though I had never been formally trained in these ancient mystical arts, I completed them with skill and grace. After the first week, Sophie called another meeting.

Apparently, vacuuming the cat was not considered as cleaning the house, and she was less than impressed with the $180 dollars worth of Choco-Puffs now stored in the cupboard. My explanation that I had a 1 in 50 chance of finding a Spongebob Squarepants action figure in each box and that I was weighing the odds in our favour did nothing to assuage her, and these responsibilities were quickly snatched away from me. Now, all that was left to me was the manly art of home-improvement, an area that I knew I excelled in, and that I was born to do.

Well…if you’ve read any of these columns, you know how that went. Flash-forward to today, a day like many others but one that was soon to turn dark. Sophie arrived home from work and I noticed a strange glow in her eyes, one that I had seen before. She pointed at a dining-room chair, ordering me to sit. With an evil grin she told me that she had been to the bank and spoken with our financial advisor, Julie. Together, they had arranged to refinance our mortgage and secure a large home renovation loan. Hope soared within me for a moment, the thought of having a thick budget to work my tool-magic with was causing my heart to flutter. I envisioned the bright and shiny rental equipment I would need and quickly made a list: nail gun, compressor, concrete saw, paint sprayer and a big sign that read: Man at Work! I quickly came crashing back to reality when I realized my role in this home-improvement scheme would consist of getting the hell out of the way. Sophie droned on about what she planned to do…tearing up the wall-to-wall carpet and replacing it with hardwood floors, a complete paint job which would include our cathedral ceilings, two new closets so that she could store her shoes and handbags in alphabetical order (Gucci comes before Prada), an Italian tile job around the fireplace…the list went on and on.

I snuck away as she began flipping

through architectural magazines to show me the colours she had picked. I slinked away to my only refuge, my personal zone of silence, to contemplate what this meant to us, and to me. Sitting in my car, I reflected on my life up to this point. Who was I in our relationship? Sure, I brought home the bacon every two weeks, but was that all I was, a cash-generator? Then it hit me, hard. While I was no longer the traditional male half of the marriage, the one who would put up shelves or knock down walls, the one who would do the taxes and deal with bankers, there was still one very important role that I not only was very good at, but one that would never be taken from me.

I was the STUD.

Yes…the bringer of pleasure, the bootylicious hunk of male passion that every woman dreamed of, and needed in their lives. I was her Harlequin romance, a combination of hormonal magnificence coupled with the allure of every erotic fantasy she had ever dreamed of. I was MAN, all-man, and no matter what, this was something she would never take away from me. Brimming with newfound confidence, I strode into the house, slamming the door behind me with reckless abandon. I walked up to Sophie, invading her space, and gathered her up in my strong arms. Pressing myself into the nape of her neck, I growled the poetic, almost Shakespearean words that I knew would allow me to once again take back a modicum of power in our relationship. “Howzabout a l’il nookiewookie, sweetcheeks?”

“Not this year dear…I have a headache.” n

*Steve Milcik writes from Montreal, Que., and when he isn’t on his knees begging for a bit, he sells rental software for Orion. Feel free to fill his in-box with spam at smilcik@ orion-soft.com.

T: 867-873-8760

F: 867-873-8768

Marindustrial Inc. 80 Harrisville Blvd, Unit A Moncton, NB E1H 3N4

T: 800-463-3332