World of Concrete 2012: Access, Lift & Handlers' show guide

Kicking off 2012 and the start of show season in the US, World of Concrete, Jan. 23-27 in Las Vegas, is set to unveil a smattering of new products, technologies and educational opportunities. With the 2011 event pulling in more than 55,000 registered attendees and 1,354 exhibits despite difficult market conditions, 2012 could see an uptick as the economy slowly crawls out from the depths of the recession. Here's what attendees can expect to see on stands across the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Mast climbers and scaffold

Beta Max is launching two new products at the show, including its new Maxial RP 450, which is a scaffold erection and dismantle tool that uses no wire rope. The rack and pinion motor system features a smaller footprint and track system that easily fits in "tight boiler access ports for boiler maintenance," the company says. Quick attachments connect to scaffolding with light-weight masts and the unit is self-contained with no individual pieces.

The company is also unveiling the new Max Climber 250 material and transport platform, which can be configured for the transport of both materials and trained personnel or for material applications only. The Max Climber 2500 can be loaded and unloaded from either side, features a lifting speed of 35 feet per minute or 70 feet per minute and features a lifting capacity of 2,500 pounds. Lastly, the unit is erected and dismantled crane-free, Beta Max says.

EZ Scaffold also will take the wraps off its new crane-up-style scaffold. Although Access, Lift & Handlers first heard of the product from Clint Bridges, EZ Scaffold's vice president, Bridges was keen to keep details under wraps. EZ Scaffold will be located both indoors near the World of Masonry section as well as outdoors at the Scaffold & Access Industry Association's (SAIA) Safety Boot Camp area.

Hydro Mobile is using World of Concrete to announce the launch of its first Used Hydro Certified Specialists (UHCS). UHCS is a center that will, on top of carrying the traditional rental, sales and support operations, specialize in refurbishing, maintenance, repair, re-certification and trade-in of used Hydro Mobile units. The first center to become a certified UHCS will be Leppo Rents which will serve Ohio and Michigan through its six locations. The second center will be located in the company's L'Assomption (Quebec) facility and will mainly serve eastern Canada.

"We have seen many of our users raise concerns about how and where they could have access to a one-stop shop that would maintain, inspect and refurbish platforms so they can have the certainty that their older units are in proper functioning condition and comply with the regulations in place," says Vincent Dequoy, general manager of Hydro Mobile. "In this mindset, it is in both the contractors' and our best interest to set up Used Hydro Certified Specialists that will provide such a service and even more."

Used Hydro Mobile Certified Specialists will be authorized to inspect all aspects of the platforms (hydraulic system, power pack, paint, welding, structural integrity and more) and can refurbish the equipment in order to have it recertified with Hydro Mobile's stamp of approval.

"Leppo Rents definitely has the profile that we were looking for," Dequoy says. "They have the resources, expertise and commitment to deliver high quality standards while being located in the Midwest."

Leppo Rents is a 65 year-old company that carries brands such as JLG, EZ Grout and Bobcat.

Universal Manufacturing Corporation's sales and marketing manager, Mike Bredl, says the company will have its range of scaffold products on hand at WoC, including frame scaffold and accessories, tube and clamp scaffold, ring lock system scaffold, cuplock system scaffold, shoring, steel planking and custom fabricated access equipment.

Another scaffold manufacturer, Layher, will feature several of its scaffold designs at its booth. Attendees can expect to see Layher's Keder Roof which is a sheet roof system that provides "economical weather protection with a lightweight design and attractive appearance," the company says.

Also on display will be the Protect system, which can be fitted to either Layher's SpeedyScaf or Allround scaffolding system. According to the company, Protect System cassettes have lightweight aluminum frames with either sheet steel or translucent plastic panels, depending on the requirement. "The Protect System provides environmental protection for a wide range of situations," Layher says.

There will also be heavy duty columns and falsework at Layher's stand.

Winsafe will have its new Outrigger Davit on display. The new Outrigger Davit provides "quick, easy clearance over tall parapets of up to 8 feet in height while keeping the outrigger beam, and more importantly the counterweights, at a safer and more manageable rooftop level," the company says.

Integrating seamlessly with Winsafe's modular outrigger beam system, the hinged vertical mast can be tilted and pinned into position, providing up to 4 feet of reach and 1,000 pounds of load capacity with a minimum 4:1 safety factor.

Lightweight and durable aluminum and galvanized steel construction ensures years of trouble-free operation, while the modular design offers superb ease of handling.

Telehandlers

Caterpillar will display its Cat TL1255C telehandler, the largest machine in the new C Series range. The TL1255C has a maximum lift capacity of 12,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 54.3 feet. The TL1255's Cat C4.4 ACERT engine, meets Tier 4i emissions standards while developing 142 horsepower. It is specially designed for telehandler applications and can accommodate B20 biofuel. The TL1255, with a top speed of 20.4 mph, features a simultaneously extending boom, new Cat 4F/3R powershift transmission with clutch modulation and a new styling and color scheme.

Manitou's MT 6034 telescopic handler will be on display. The unit has 34 feet, 3 inches of lift height and a rated operating capacity of 6,000 pounds. It features a welded box-section design boom and offers increased operating capacities without the use of stabilizers or fluid-filled tires; although for added stability stabilizers are an optional feature, the company says.

Rear axle stabilization is provided on the MT6034 model and other design features include a rugged frame with reinforced C-channels, internal wet disc brakes for longer life and better stopping capability and a negative (spring-applied, hydraulically-released) parking brake system. The negative parking brake applies automatically when the engine is shut off; or manually by pressing a rocker switch.

Manitou will also have its MT 10055 telehandler at the show and a Manitou M Series rough terrain masted forklift. The MT 10055 has a rated lift capacity of 10,000 pounds and a maximum lift height of 55 feet.

A rear axle stabilizer system improves stability by locking the rear axle in position in certain situations.

The company will also have a masted forklift from its M Series on stand. The entire M Series line includes the M 30, M 40 and M 50 which provide 6,000, 8,000 and 10,000-pound lift capacities respectively. Users have the option of two or four wheel drive; torque convertor or hydrostatic transmission; open, semi or fully enclosed cabs; and many Manitou manufactured mast height choices. A choice of a Perkins or Caterpillar 94 horsepower turbocharged engine provides power.

Xtreme Manufacturing, which will showcase its cube systems in its outdoor display, will also have the following telehandlers at World of Concrete: XR621, XR842, XR1045, XR1245, XR1255, XR1270, XR1534, XR1642, XR2034, XR2045, XR2450 and the XR3034.

Xtreme, which typically specializes in larger capacity telehandlers, also offers a line of compact units.

"Masonry contractors will like our compact units because they have frame leveling with high pivot booms," says Randy Reeves, mountain region sales manager.

Details

When: January 23-27

Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

Exhibit hours:

Tuesday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

More info: www.worldofconcrete.com