Carnegie Mellon is the Midwest’s think tank for visionary next-gen technologies. Since its inception in 1900, the private research university has grown into an internationally-renowned institution (based in Pittsburgh), with programs that are frequently ranked among the best in the world.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Defense is one of the university’s biggest research supporters. The Defense Department and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently sponsored a contest at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to develop a fleet of autonomous ground vehicles to improve troop safety.

The biggest brand name in construction equipment — Caterpillar Inc. — sponsored the robotic vehicle that was awarded first place at the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. The Urban Challenge featured autonomous ground vehicles maneuvering in a mock city environment, executing simulated military supply missions while merging into moving traffic, navigating traffic circles, negotiating busy intersections and avoiding obstacles. The teams had six hours to complete the 60-mile course.

“Team Caterpillar is tremendously proud to be involved as a sponsor of CMU’s Tartan Racing team. This victory represents what can happen when business and academia combine forces and work toward a shared goal of advancing technology,” said Tana Utley, vice president and chief technology officer of Caterpillar’s Technology and Solutions Division.

CMU received the $2 million cash prize along with the recognition as a national leader in robotic engineering. CMU’s Tartan Racing victory was based on three criteria: data collected during the competition, race time and its ability to comply with California traffic laws. As part of the sponsorship, Caterpillar provided advanced technologies such as drive-bywire steering, sensing and software. Additionally, Caterpillar has an embedded engineer working full-time with CMU’s Tartan Racing team. Electronics control the engines and Caterpillar’s MorElectric system generates the electrical power and air conditioning for the on-board navigation, control and guidance systems. The Tartan Racing team is led by Carnegie Mellon robotics professor William “Red” Whittaker.

“Because Caterpillar is in the business of developing innovative equipment to perform in rugged work conditions, this partnership made perfect sense,” said Whittaker. “Tartan Racing’s performance in the Urban Challenge left no questions unanswered. We out-performed everyone in the field with the best driving, maneuverability and speed.”

Nearly 60 participants applied for the event with the field narrowed to 11 following a series of qualifying events. Also receiving high honors was Caterpillar-sponsored Virginia Tech’s “Victor Tango” and Oshkosh Truck’s “TerraMax.” Virginia Tech was awarded third place with a cash prize of $500,000, and Oshkosh was one of the 11 finalists.

“By aligning ourselves with the best and the brightest minds in the fields of science and engineering, Caterpillar continues to make progress possible here and around the world,” said Utley.

The teams use a systems integration approach including: global positioning systems, sensors, lasers, radar and other technologies that feed information to computers to guide the robot through the course. The competition is an outgrowth of two previous DARPA autonomous vehicle competitions. The first Grand Challenge event was held in March 2004 and featured a 142-mile desert course. Fifteen autonomous ground vehicles attempted the course and no vehicle finished. In the 2005 Grand Challenge, four autonomous vehicles successfully completed a 132-mile desert route under the required 10hour limit.

Cat’s Excavator Mechanizations
By Darren Wilson, Cat North American Mini Hydraulic Excavator Industry Manager

1. What are the major technology trends in the compact excavator market today?

Zero tail swing or compact radius seems to be the way the industry is going for machines over 3 metric tons. Customers are finding new ways to use these machines every day, so any attachment that can expand the versatility of the machine is popular.

2. What advice would you give a contractor who is looking to purchase a compact excavator?

Choosing the right mini hydraulic involves taking a careful look at every aspect of the intended future applications. A contractor needs to know a lot more than just the dig depth. A contractor should ask things like what kind of work tools will be used? Are there any width restrictions for the machine? How about weight restrictions? What kind of trailer is already owned? And will the machine be in an application that may require steel tracks? Answering these questions up front can save a lot of heartache down the road.

3. What is your most popular compact excavator model?

The 3- to 4-metric ton size class is most popular in North America. Machines in this size class are well adapted to most jobsites with enough weight to exhibit strong digging forces while not exceeding the capacity of most pickup and trailer combinations. In addition, machines in this size are narrow enough to allow access in tight areas. Caterpillar’s 303C CR at 7,290 lbs and the 303.5C CR at 8,194 lbs compete in this size class.

4. In your opinion, how many compact excavators were sold in North America in 2005 and 2006?

In 2005 approximately 22,000 and 2006 approximately 26,000. 2007 should end slightly above 2006.

5. What’s the future of your compact excavator line? Do you have any new models coming out soon?

Caterpillar will continue to develop the current lineup of machines available to provide the best tool for the right job, regardless of the nature of the work. There will be three new machines available in Caterpillar’s lineup of mini hydraulic excavators, which will be launched at CONEXPO in Las Vegas in
March.

Doosan Establishes New Headquarters & Global Finance Group

Doosan continues to make its presence felt in the North American marketplace. In August 2007, Doosan announced its acquisition of Ingersoll Rand’s construction and attachments companies (which includes compact equipment innovator Bobcat Co.). Now the company is setting up shop for business.

The recently acquired Portable Power business unit of Doosan Infracore recently announced that it has acquired a manufacturing and office location in Statesville, N.C., where it intends to produce air compressors, light towers and portable generators to supply global markets. The location, which was purchased for an undisclosed amount, has 473,000 sq ft of manufacturing and office space built on approximately 97 acres of land. It is anticipated that the move will create 60 new jobs in Iredell County, N.C., with the overall number of employees at the site reaching close to 400.

“We are extremely excited by this acquisition,” said Larry Silber, president of Doosan Infracore Portable Power. “Once again, Doosan has demonstrated its commitment to our construction markets by investing in a world-class manufacturing location that will help Portable Power meet its aspirations to double our business by 2012.”

It is anticipated that the manufacturing operations will begin to transition from the current location in Mocksville, N.C., in April, with completion expected by 2008 fourth quarter. Additionally, the business will move its headquarters from Davidson, N.C., to the Statesville location, as well as incorporate a number of satellite distribution centers.

In Atlanta, on Jan. 3, Doosan Infracore America also announced that it has established Doosan Global Finance, which will serve as a single global finance provider for Doosan Infracore’s machine tool, forklift and construction equipment divisions. Doosan Global Finance will be committed to offering Doosan dealers and their customers tailored attention and unique finance programs with the same quality and level of service provided by Doosan Infracore.

“We anticipate that Doosan Global Finance will generate economies of scale that will result in improved rates, more competitive wholesale and retail financing programs and enhanced levels of service for our dealers and end-user customers,” said H.S. Lee, president of Doosan Infracore America.

“Our dealers will reap significant benefits,” said Rick Schulte, director of Doosan Global Finance. “We’re providing a one-stop shop financing product to our customers. Now that equipment financing is part of Doosan Infracore, we can leverage the vast knowledge of our dealers, customers and industries to ensure that we deliver unparalleled equipment and the financing options to match.”

American Concrete Institute Announces Spring 2008 Convention

Advancing the knowledge of concrete has been its credo since 1904, when the American Concrete Institute (ACI) was founded. Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., the ACI has been behind progressive concrete knowledge for over a century, conducting seminars, managing certification programs and publishing technical documents. The American Concrete Institute currently has 98 chapters and more than 18,000 members spanning 108 countries.

Advancing the applications and technologies behind cement and other cementitious materials, the ACI will conduct its upcoming Spring 2008 Convention in Los Angeles at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza — March 30 to April 3.

This spring’s convention, with the theme “Design and Construction Compatibility,” is sure to please all ACI attendees with countless opportunities to view exhibits, attend meetings and sessions, network with concrete professionals from all over the world, participate in competitions and, of course, see the sights of beautiful L.A.

The ACI Spring 2008 Convention will feature a Contractors Day, highlighting sessions such as “Know Before You Build,” a Student Concrete Competition where students will construct an Egg Protection Device and FRC Bowling Ball, as well as a Concrete Mixer with a “Tommy Bahama” theme. In addition, a new session, “Landmark Papers in Concrete Materials Research” is added to the agenda; a special publication based on this session will also be published.

For the first time, ACI will also be sponsoring a book drive at the convention to support education and literacy in local schools. All attendees are invited to bring any new or “gently used” children’s books to the convention. Attendees who register by Feb. 29, will enjoy a special discounted registration fee. In addition, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is offering convention attendees special rates for rooms reserved by March 14. For more information and to register for the ACI Spring 2008 Convention, call (248) 848-3800 or visit www.aciconvention.org.

Ditch Witch Organization Becomes “Bass Edge” Show Sponsor

Deep jigging for bass? Fly fi shing at a nasty river fork? Need the smart drop on angling for winter crappie? Just turn the channel to “Bass Edge” television (on the VERSUS Network — formerly the Outdoor Life Network) and find your onestop shop when it comes to the complex questions of rod, reel and fish.
Similarly, The Ditch Witch organization is accustomed to offering solutions to contractors who work beneath the ground in unseen murky waves of dirt and earth. As an industry leader in the design and manufacture of underground construction equipment, Ditch Witch creates trenchers, directional drills and unique utility machines aimed at fishing for underground utilities.

Finally joining forces, Ditch Witch recently signed on to become an offi cial sponsor of the “Bass Edge” television show when its second season began airing on Jan. 5. “Bass Edge” television can be seen Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. EST and re-airs on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. EST. Hosted by Aaron Martin, “Bass Edge” features interviews with top anglers from around the country and demonstrations of their techniques. The show also has segments dedicated to the mental approach to fishing (like have a beer), tips for beginning fi shermen (like don’t drink too much) and a feature on the latest industry-related equipment (like Ditch
Witch’s new Zahn).

“We are thrilled to have the Ditch Witch organization on board,” said Martin. “‘Bass Edge’ viewers are passionate about life and extremely loyal to supporters of their passion.”

Gehl Co. Strengthens Partnership with Milwaukee Brewers

The Brew Crew had their best year in the National League Central ever — two games out of fi rst place with those damn Cubbies barely beating them out for bragging rights. Such progress continues to please Gehl, the Wisconsin machine architect and maker of the biggest skid steer loader on the market. In fact, Gehl Co. showed its pleasure by loaning a new Gehl 6640E skid steer loader to the Milwaukee Brewers to assist with their snow removal and general maintenance at Miller Park.

“We are pleased to be able to assist Miller Park with Gehl equipment,” said Dan Keyes, Gehl vice president of sales and marketing. “With the record-breaking snow in Milwaukee already this year, we thought that this would be the perfect time to deliver a skid loader to assist the Brewers’ maintenance crew in clearing the parking lots and sidewalks for visitors to Miller Park during the holiday season and for their upcoming events.”

The skid loader loaner has a fully enclosed cab with heating and defrosting and the Gehl PowerView lift arm. Attachments included a 74-in. bucket and a 72-in. hydraulic-powered angle broom for cleaning sidewalks and parking lots.

“Not only will the Gehl equipment help us out through the heavy snowfall this holiday season, it will be an asset to our grounds crew all year long,” said Rick Schlesinger, executive vice president for business
operations for the Brewers. “We appreciate the Gehl partnership and look forward to a terrifi c 2008.”

Gehl Co. is a manufacturer of compact equipment used worldwide in construction and agricultural markets. Founded in 1859, the company is headquartered in West Bend, Wis., with manufacturing facilities in Madison and Yankton,S.D.

Letters to the Editor

Great Planer Piece — The Open and Closed Debate
I found the article on cold planer attachments quite interesting [Dec. 2007, “Nothing Plane About Them,” page 36].The difference between the open vs. closed drum performance was illustrated several years ago in a demonstration I made.

The City of Columbus, Ohio, Department of Street Maintenance planned to purchase a skid steer with a 24-in. planer attachment. It set up a demonstration for the local vendors to show their loaders and planers in a paved parking area with about 4 in. of asphalt over a gravel base to plane a 10-ft length.

The first demo was a Bobcat with a closed drum. The depth was set for 3 in. to allow grindings to pass. Within a few feet the grindings were building up in front of the drum with nowhere to go. At the end of the pass, there were grindings in the planed path, along side the path and in front of the planer drum.The result was “passable” performance down to 3 in.

I had arranged with Universal (before Coneqtec acquired them) to mount its open drum planer on a Komatsu model SK815-5 skid steer for the demo. As the second vendor to demo, an identical course was beside the first one.When the open drum was lowered into the asphalt, it proceeded to mill through the full 4 in. of asphalt and base to a 6-in. depth, leaving behind a smooth layer of grindings.There were no side windrows or front pile at the end of the strip.

After viewing the two demos, the other vendors declined to plane and all further time was devoted to the loader features. In the end, the city bid a skid steer with the Universal planer attachment. The unfortunate part was they purchased a low priced loader with inadequate hydraulic horsepower to get the performance benefit the planer could deliver.

Compact Equipment magazine is excellent and I look forward to many new items you feature.

Eric Tubbs | Contract Consultant | Columbus, Ohio

Construction Expo — Hartford Style
Hey, Keith. I want to thank you for including the 2008 Compact Equipment calendar with the December issue. I like it, but there is one thing missing in it. The calendar does not have the dates for Construction Expo in Hartford, Conn. Can you find out when they’re having it this year? Thank you. And I like the magazine. Keep up the good work.

Ronald Bangs | Ron’s Tight Fit Excavating | Deep River, Conn.

Previous Sound Off Questions:

Develop the Awareness of Danger
Any kind of rotating shaft spells danger. PTO shafts can grab faster than a human can react. One of my employees was caught in the shaft that runs from front to rear on the side of a manure spreader. It grabbed his scarf and strangled him so tightly that it stalled the tractor. By the time help came, he was blue and had to be life flighted. Fortunately, he recovered but he will not wear a scarf for any reason around equipment. Beware of any loose clothing and keep long hair under a hat. A neighbor of mine was caught in the rotating shafts of a forage wagon and was killed. Be especially wary of older equipment whose safety shields have rusted away or been removed.

Another safety issue involves unloading dump trailers on hillsides. I loaned my trailer to a high school-age employee to haul field rocks to his home for landscaping purposes. I assumed he was going to unload it on level ground but instead he put it in a neighbor’s yard that had a hillside.When he hoisted the load up, the hydraulic lift linkage bent and collapsed sideways and the wagon and its load barely missed hitting his two younger brothers who were standing beside the trailer watching. When I called the factory to order new parts I was stunned that they knew exactly what had happened before I told them. They said that young people have not developed the awareness that the situation is dangerous. It is something that is only developed by experience.

Daryl Bridenbaugh | Bridenbaugh Bros. Farms | Pandora, Ohio

Tractor Safety in the Real World
Oh yes safety is a big concern. The first thing that comes to mind is that terribly unsafe switch that shuts off the tractor when you leave the seat of most tractors. Kubota did get it right on the L48. It has no such unsafe switch. I recommend disabling that switch immediately [Editor’s Note: Please consult your manufacturer first, disabling the switch may void warranty or cause other issues]. It prevents you from standing to see if you can safely turn in tight quarters or seeing the bucket or tips of forks so you don’t damage surrounding items and the ground. It also promotes running over cans, sticks, rocks and other obstructions when mowing because you don’t want to have to wear out your PTO clutch disengaging the mower and re-engaging each time there is an obstruction that you need to move and it takes so much extra time. Flying cans, bottles, sticks and rocks are very dangerous. Need I say more about that terrible switch?

The second thing that comes to mind is counterweights. Now I know that OSHA and manufacturers would have us hire a crane with an inline scale to weigh each thing we may want to lift or scoop first to make sure it is within the rated operating capacity of our loader, but most of us are just too lazy and unsafe for this.Therefore, adding a large amount of counterweight is important because we all just try to lift whatever it is and see what happens. Ideally the tractor should run out of hydraulic capacity before the tractor tips over. This weight should be added on the rear wheels by filling them or having wheel weights; it doesn’t make the tractor any more likely to lift the front end and the weight is not carried directly by the axle and tractor, so some stress is reduced.

Third is the PTOs — get one that is old school, with a real manual clutch that can be feathered gently in with the tractor at an idle or just above. Foot or hand control — either is fine. The new Mom Cleaver PTO switches leave much to be desired. Maybe they are more idiot proof. Idiots should not be on tractors.They are a light switch Off or On all the way. Once they are switched, all power quickly goes to the PTO. If there is an obstruction, tangle, extremely large flywheel weight or malfunction in the implement, too bad, it is on. The tractor may stall or start burning the automatic clutches before the switch can be turned off. I don’t find that safe.

One last thought on safety: Buy a hydrostatic machine. I know there are some dinosaurs out there that refuse to admit hydrostatic is the best overall, but it is. They are the same ones that think petroleum oil is just as good as synthetic. Just look at every skid loader, compact track loader, modern dozer, track loader, track hoe and wheel loader. Almost all have hydrostatic or torque converters — no more clutch-only systems. When was the last skid loader made with a clutch, the 1960s? As far as safety, it is tops.

In a panic, bees are stinging, the tractor is pulling a wheelie because you hooked the load too high, just let go, jump off and it stops. Yes, if you have it in cruise control, it won’t stop! But you can also ease ever so gently into loads, around obstacles, etc. Also it prevents risking injury climbing on and off the tractor 10 times when hooking up a very heavy, immovable-by-hand, three-point attachment because you can just touch the hydro pedal while standing on the ground to inch the tractor forward or backward and align it perfectly. That is provided you took my first safety recommendation and fixed the seat switch.

This is safety in the real world, not some corporate politically correct fantasy world run by insurance companies willing to sacrifice the general safety of the masses to increase the catastrophic safety of the village idiot.

Howard Urbine | Triple-U Investments | Quarryville, Pa.

Sound Off Answer These Questions, Get It Printed and Win a Free Pair of CE Gloves and an Outerwears Pre-Filter
Spring is looming on the horizon, which means a bit of spring cleaning and seasonal maintenance for your compact machinery. What insights can you and your crews share when it comes to tuning up, cleaning out and preparing small machines like skid steers, mini excavators and tractors for the new season of work? What preseason preventative maintenance techniques keep your equipment rolling long into the working months? We here at Compact Equipment are always trying to get our readers more involved with the magazine. We’re interested in communicating your opinions and interests, so we can make a better publication. In hopes of creating a direct dialogue with our readership, we’ll be asking a question each month in our Letters to the Editor department. If you send a response to the questions above and it gets printed, we will send you a pair of Compact Equipment leather work gloves and a nice equipment pre-filter (courtesy of the fine folks at Outerwears) — along with an autographed copy of the magazine with your letter (signed by editors Keith Gribbins, Jason Morgan and Pam Stask). Send your responses directly to kgribbins@benjaminmedia.com.
	Left: Outerwears Pre-filters are designed to deflect dirt away from the air filter to enable the maximum amount of air to flow to the filter and allow the engine to run longer. Right: Be ready to tackle every day’s new challenges with a free pair of CE leather gloves — just send a response to our Sound Off column.