The Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) has released EGSA 200W-2009 Recommended Practice for Seismic and Wind Certification for compliance to the International Building Code (IBC).
The recommended practice was written to define a set of acceptable criteria in the power generation industry for suitable methods of analysis and testing of electrical and mechanical equipment when IBC certification is required.
Section 1708.5 of the IBC Code describes accepted methods for qualification, and EGSA 200W-2009 further defines those methods for the power generation industry.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Winter road restrictions now in effect
A reminder for truckers: Winter weights remain in effect for provincial roads until the last day of February, but may be restricted again from March 1 until March 14. As of March 15, the allowable weights will revert back down to normal summer weights or have a spring ban weight restriction, depending on current conditions.
Truckers can find the latest road restriction orders and related information online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/ or by calling the Highway Hotline as follows: Regina and area at 306-787-7623; Saskatoon and area at 306-933-8333; across Canada at 1-888-335-7623; and on the SaskTel Cellular Network at *ROAD.
Truckers can find the latest road restriction orders and related information online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/ or by calling the Highway Hotline as follows: Regina and area at 306-787-7623; Saskatoon and area at 306-933-8333; across Canada at 1-888-335-7623; and on the SaskTel Cellular Network at *ROAD.
Maintenance key to mine profitability
Your mine can’t make money if its machines aren’t working. The best way to keep equipment up and running—and to avoid unanticipated downtime—is to practice proper maintenance techniques. Another factor is what you put in your equipment, particularly in terms of oil and coolant.
Caterpillar offers a complete line of oil, coolant and filter options. We believe these products are the best matches for our machines—and those built by other manufacturers.
Oil
The first step is to use quality oil that meets manufacturers’ specifications. Next, follow change interval recommendations in your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM). Otherwise, contamination may develop. Oil life also is affected by operating conditions and numerous other factors.
Filters
Good maintenance begins with quality filters. Follow recommendations in your OMM for changing all filters.
What else do you need to know?
* Changing fuel filters at recommended intervals is critical to protecting engine components and fuel injectors from contamination.
* Handle filters carefully during removal so contaminants do not re-enter the system.
* Contaminants in fuel are controlled by installing new filters before plugging occurs, and by using high-efficiency secondary fuel filters.
* An air filter service indicator alerts you to the best time to change that filter.
Coolant
Select a quality coolant and perform checks periodically to ensure that your coolant:
* Has adequate coolant additives.
* Meets Caterpillar recommendations.
* Is kept topped off.
* Is not past its useful life.
Caterpillar offers a complete line of oil, coolant and filter options. We believe these products are the best matches for our machines—and those built by other manufacturers.
Oil
The first step is to use quality oil that meets manufacturers’ specifications. Next, follow change interval recommendations in your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM). Otherwise, contamination may develop. Oil life also is affected by operating conditions and numerous other factors.
Filters
Good maintenance begins with quality filters. Follow recommendations in your OMM for changing all filters.
What else do you need to know?
* Changing fuel filters at recommended intervals is critical to protecting engine components and fuel injectors from contamination.
* Handle filters carefully during removal so contaminants do not re-enter the system.
* Contaminants in fuel are controlled by installing new filters before plugging occurs, and by using high-efficiency secondary fuel filters.
* An air filter service indicator alerts you to the best time to change that filter.
Coolant
Select a quality coolant and perform checks periodically to ensure that your coolant:
* Has adequate coolant additives.
* Meets Caterpillar recommendations.
* Is kept topped off.
* Is not past its useful life.
Stretch your start-up financing dollars
Financing is often the biggest challenge a new business owner faces. There’s a good story on start-up financing basics on entrepreneur.com.
Seeking out information from a number of sources, including magazines such as Entrepreneur, is the smart thing for contractors to do. But don’t forget: We can help, too.
For example, you’ll have to make that cash last. At Kramer, we have rental, leasing and used programs that help contractors do exactly that. We also have Cat Financial, a great resource for existing and start-up contractors, standing behind us.
Raising cash is certainly a key step. But you also need to find affordable options that help you control cash flow—while putting you in quality equipment that enables you to succeed.
Seeking out information from a number of sources, including magazines such as Entrepreneur, is the smart thing for contractors to do. But don’t forget: We can help, too.
For example, you’ll have to make that cash last. At Kramer, we have rental, leasing and used programs that help contractors do exactly that. We also have Cat Financial, a great resource for existing and start-up contractors, standing behind us.
Raising cash is certainly a key step. But you also need to find affordable options that help you control cash flow—while putting you in quality equipment that enables you to succeed.
Governmental fleets may benefit from transfusion
If oil is the lifeblood of your governmental fleet’s engines, sluggish performance could mean it’s time for a transfusion. Switching to synthetic motor oil provides better engine performance and longer equipment life.
A lubricant that remains liquid and slippery under a wide range of temperatures, synthetic oil helps prevent wear, reduces friction, maintains viscosity and prevents rust.
Synthetic oil outperforms conventional oil in low temperatures, and also provides improved high-temperature oxidation stability. In extreme heat, synthetic oil doesn’t oxidize and break down, but retains high viscosity. That means your engine runs smoothly, no matter the temperature.
Cat DEO SYN is a full synthetic diesel engine oil developed, tested and approved by Caterpillar to exceed industry standards.
While Cat DEO SYN 5W-40 has the same high-temperature range as most SAE 15W-40 oils, its unique synthetic polyalpaolefin (PAO) molecular structure and higher viscosity provide a better protective film at high temperatures.
It also remains fluid at subzero temperatures, and provides rapid cold-engine start-ups at ambient temperatures as low as -30° C without loss of flow to critical engine parts.
A lubricant that remains liquid and slippery under a wide range of temperatures, synthetic oil helps prevent wear, reduces friction, maintains viscosity and prevents rust.
Synthetic oil outperforms conventional oil in low temperatures, and also provides improved high-temperature oxidation stability. In extreme heat, synthetic oil doesn’t oxidize and break down, but retains high viscosity. That means your engine runs smoothly, no matter the temperature.
Cat DEO SYN is a full synthetic diesel engine oil developed, tested and approved by Caterpillar to exceed industry standards.
While Cat DEO SYN 5W-40 has the same high-temperature range as most SAE 15W-40 oils, its unique synthetic polyalpaolefin (PAO) molecular structure and higher viscosity provide a better protective film at high temperatures.
It also remains fluid at subzero temperatures, and provides rapid cold-engine start-ups at ambient temperatures as low as -30° C without loss of flow to critical engine parts.
Keep machines safe in the mines
Keep yourself and your site safe after hours by making sure your heavy machinery stays put in the mine. In addition to setting the proper brake(s), consider these steps:
* Use tire chocks to keep vehicles from rolling
* Park vehicles so the front tires are in a shallow trench
* Turn the wheels into the rib, the berm or in the direction of the highwall face
* Lower the bucket or blade to the ground if applicable
* Never try to jump back in the cab to regain control of a runaway vehicle
* Use tire chocks to keep vehicles from rolling
* Park vehicles so the front tires are in a shallow trench
* Turn the wheels into the rib, the berm or in the direction of the highwall face
* Lower the bucket or blade to the ground if applicable
* Never try to jump back in the cab to regain control of a runaway vehicle
Hit asphalt paving compaction targets in cold weather
Cold weather is here and your asphalt paving crews are finding themselves in chilly conditions. Here are a few tips to help make sure they reach the targeted densities when the cold comes or when you get back to work in spring.
1. Reduce the width of paving passes. For example, one paving crew originally planned to place a 12 m wide mat in two passes—at a width of 6 m each. The crew previously has handled that width, using its Cat AP1055D Asphalt Paver, without a problem. But on this particular day, falling temperatures would cool the mix too fast for the rollers to achieve the proper compaction over the larger surface area. Instead, the crew made three, more narrow passes, allowing the compaction train to easily keep pace.
2. Watch the breakdown rollers. Make sure the water in your rollers is flowing before ordering the mix. If the mix starts arriving, and the water is frozen, you’ll have trucks full of asphalt idle—and cooling quickly.
3. Keep the pneumatic rollers warm. Make sure the front and rear skirts on pneumatic rollers are tight, which helps them retain warm air. And keep those pneumatics working at almost any cost. Otherwise, the rubber tires will cool quickly and you’ll likely have problems with pickup.
1. Reduce the width of paving passes. For example, one paving crew originally planned to place a 12 m wide mat in two passes—at a width of 6 m each. The crew previously has handled that width, using its Cat AP1055D Asphalt Paver, without a problem. But on this particular day, falling temperatures would cool the mix too fast for the rollers to achieve the proper compaction over the larger surface area. Instead, the crew made three, more narrow passes, allowing the compaction train to easily keep pace.
2. Watch the breakdown rollers. Make sure the water in your rollers is flowing before ordering the mix. If the mix starts arriving, and the water is frozen, you’ll have trucks full of asphalt idle—and cooling quickly.
3. Keep the pneumatic rollers warm. Make sure the front and rear skirts on pneumatic rollers are tight, which helps them retain warm air. And keep those pneumatics working at almost any cost. Otherwise, the rubber tires will cool quickly and you’ll likely have problems with pickup.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Ready your gen-set for winter’s worst
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your standby power generation ready for an emergency. Making sure your battery system is healthy should be a top concern. A depleted or dead battery will result in the failure of the gen-set to start, which could have critical consequences.
While most large gen-set installations incorporate automatic charging systems to help ensure peak battery efficiency, there are also several routine maintenance steps that should be taken to improve battery performance.
* First, be sure that the battery set is not undersized for the starting requirements of the engine. A newly installed undersized battery might work in the warmth of summer, but might fail when temperatures start to fall.
* Cable connections should be clean and tight, as battery problems are often caused by dirty and loose connections. Battery terminals can also be coated lightly with petroleum jelly to inhibit corrosion.
* In cold weather, keep the battery warm whenever possible. A deeply discharged battery can freeze solid in really cold weather.
* Use a mild detergent mixture to remove grease and dirt from the plastic surface of the battery. A layer of dirt can act as a conductive agent, causing the battery to discharge slightly.
* Check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the battery cells. A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity of 1.260.
* Check the electrolyte level in the battery and replace fluid with distilled water when necessary.
Depending upon the critical nature applications, there is always the option of installing a redundant set of batteries and even a redundant battery charger.
While most large gen-set installations incorporate automatic charging systems to help ensure peak battery efficiency, there are also several routine maintenance steps that should be taken to improve battery performance.
* First, be sure that the battery set is not undersized for the starting requirements of the engine. A newly installed undersized battery might work in the warmth of summer, but might fail when temperatures start to fall.
* Cable connections should be clean and tight, as battery problems are often caused by dirty and loose connections. Battery terminals can also be coated lightly with petroleum jelly to inhibit corrosion.
* In cold weather, keep the battery warm whenever possible. A deeply discharged battery can freeze solid in really cold weather.
* Use a mild detergent mixture to remove grease and dirt from the plastic surface of the battery. A layer of dirt can act as a conductive agent, causing the battery to discharge slightly.
* Check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the battery cells. A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity of 1.260.
* Check the electrolyte level in the battery and replace fluid with distilled water when necessary.
Depending upon the critical nature applications, there is always the option of installing a redundant set of batteries and even a redundant battery charger.
Excavators boast improved fuel economy
Caterpillar set out to build fuel savings into its excavators. Now, a few months after the launch of the same new models, the efforts are paying off in the field.
Cat 314D CR and 314D LCR (long undercarriage) excavators utilize a fuel-efficient engine that offers contractors like you big savings. In fact, Caterpillar engineers estimate fuel consumption for the 314D, when working in typical applications, use 5 percent to 10 percent less fuel than its predecessors.
Given the percentage of budgets that are devoted to fuel, the savings could make a huge impact on your bottom line.
Cat 314D CR and 314D LCR (long undercarriage) excavators utilize a fuel-efficient engine that offers contractors like you big savings. In fact, Caterpillar engineers estimate fuel consumption for the 314D, when working in typical applications, use 5 percent to 10 percent less fuel than its predecessors.
Given the percentage of budgets that are devoted to fuel, the savings could make a huge impact on your bottom line.
Night paving tips
Night paving is often required, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Here are a few things to consider before your crew turns the lights on:
1. Think about night paving when buying a machine. Does the paver have reliable and adequate generators?
2. Find a paver with enough lighting power so crewmembers can see each other, and so they can look back and accurately evaluate the mat. You can’t wait until morning to find some problems.
3. Work with an asphalt plan you can count on. It matters even more at night.
4. Keep the crew members working as closely together, where the lighting is brightest. It might mean going a bit slower, but it will be worth it.
5. Match newcomers with veterans. Veterans can pass along information during the course of the evening, making everyone safer.
1. Think about night paving when buying a machine. Does the paver have reliable and adequate generators?
2. Find a paver with enough lighting power so crewmembers can see each other, and so they can look back and accurately evaluate the mat. You can’t wait until morning to find some problems.
3. Work with an asphalt plan you can count on. It matters even more at night.
4. Keep the crew members working as closely together, where the lighting is brightest. It might mean going a bit slower, but it will be worth it.
5. Match newcomers with veterans. Veterans can pass along information during the course of the evening, making everyone safer.
Some tips on improving tire life in the mines
Sharp rock fragments on haul roads are bad news for your tires. Generally, as the material's abrasiveness increases, the wear life of the tire decreases. Rock cuts are the number one tire killer and decreasing those can greatly extend a tire’s life because every little hairline cut weakens the resilience of the tread and sidewalls. When a tire meets a rock, it becomes the only contact point between the ground and the weight of the vehicle.
Here are some tips to help keep your tires on the job.
Think slope
The slope of the road should be super-elevated. For instance, if there is a curve to the right, the left side of the road should be banked higher to remove some of the load from the outside tire. If a road is sloped the opposite way, more scrubbing will occur on one side than the other, and spillage also becomes an issue as the load shifts with the lean of the truck. Super-elevation also allows increased productivity because it allows the vehicle to take turns faster and more safely. Tire and original equipment manufacturers often provide consulting to optimize haul road configuration and operator behavior. Grade of 6 percent to 8 percent is ideal, and anything more than that causes tires to work harder.
An ounce of prevention
Tire experts advise not to allow production demands to eclipse an operator’s tire maintenance. There is a cost-benefit ratio, which is affected by multiple variables, that needs to be analyzed. Perhaps the production demands are costing money by accelerating tire wear, or the operator could be handling a face loader too aggressively. An operator’s behavior greatly affects tire life. A good loader operator knows how to properly control the hydraulics to fill a bucket rather than spinning the tires while attempting to lift the entire pile from the bottom. A good haul truck driver knows what speed to maintain based on the structure and curves of the road.
Watch the load
Proper loading is essential. Loads should be centered because a lopsided load will increase wear on the heavier side. This causes the tires’ sidewalls to bulge, increasing both the contact area with the ground and the risk of rock cuts. The added weight also makes tires more susceptible to punctures. An operation that is improperly loading trucks will likely pay for it in the long run. The vehicle itself is another determining factor. The more weight and torque a machine possesses, the faster its tires wear.
Water danger
Water drastically reduces the life of tires because it acts as a lubricant, which increases the risk of punctures, and wet tires are more likely to spin and generate heat. Water also causes the steel cords to rust, which can result in a premature failure. Also, exposed cords act as a wick for additional water absorption.
Here are some tips to help keep your tires on the job.
Think slope
The slope of the road should be super-elevated. For instance, if there is a curve to the right, the left side of the road should be banked higher to remove some of the load from the outside tire. If a road is sloped the opposite way, more scrubbing will occur on one side than the other, and spillage also becomes an issue as the load shifts with the lean of the truck. Super-elevation also allows increased productivity because it allows the vehicle to take turns faster and more safely. Tire and original equipment manufacturers often provide consulting to optimize haul road configuration and operator behavior. Grade of 6 percent to 8 percent is ideal, and anything more than that causes tires to work harder.
An ounce of prevention
Tire experts advise not to allow production demands to eclipse an operator’s tire maintenance. There is a cost-benefit ratio, which is affected by multiple variables, that needs to be analyzed. Perhaps the production demands are costing money by accelerating tire wear, or the operator could be handling a face loader too aggressively. An operator’s behavior greatly affects tire life. A good loader operator knows how to properly control the hydraulics to fill a bucket rather than spinning the tires while attempting to lift the entire pile from the bottom. A good haul truck driver knows what speed to maintain based on the structure and curves of the road.
Watch the load
Proper loading is essential. Loads should be centered because a lopsided load will increase wear on the heavier side. This causes the tires’ sidewalls to bulge, increasing both the contact area with the ground and the risk of rock cuts. The added weight also makes tires more susceptible to punctures. An operation that is improperly loading trucks will likely pay for it in the long run. The vehicle itself is another determining factor. The more weight and torque a machine possesses, the faster its tires wear.
Water danger
Water drastically reduces the life of tires because it acts as a lubricant, which increases the risk of punctures, and wet tires are more likely to spin and generate heat. Water also causes the steel cords to rust, which can result in a premature failure. Also, exposed cords act as a wick for additional water absorption.
Need equipment? Renting may be the best option
Just out of habit, many equipment owners think “purchase” first. If that describes you, you should consider another option—renting. Is renting a better choice? The answer depends on your needs and circumstances, but if you take a closer look, you might discover some opportunities.
Our rental programs offer many advantages, including:
* Contract periods provide great flexibility—as brief as a day, week or month or up to one year.
* Renting enables you to conserve working capital for your operation.
* Rental provides an inexpensive means to try a new piece of equipment without a long-term commitment. In effect, rental allows you to conduct your own performance evaluation for machines and work tools.
Our rental programs offer many advantages, including:
* Contract periods provide great flexibility—as brief as a day, week or month or up to one year.
* Renting enables you to conserve working capital for your operation.
* Rental provides an inexpensive means to try a new piece of equipment without a long-term commitment. In effect, rental allows you to conduct your own performance evaluation for machines and work tools.
Support agreements tailored to your needs
Versatility is one of the reasons compact equipment is so popular. One machine can perform multiple tasks, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of equipment. Versatility is also a key benefit of the Customer Support Agreements (CSA) provided by our dealership.
A CSA is any arrangement between your business and our dealership that helps you lower your cost per unit of production, with agreements tailored to fit your business’ specific needs. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
Your agreement can cover individual systems, single pieces of equipment or entire fleets. We’ll work with you to determine the best strategies to maximize equipment productivity and minimize operating costs.
The agreements aren’t just for new equipment; the need to get more work done at a lower cost is the same, regardless of machine age. Whether your machine is new, two years old or five years old, we’ll work with you to find a CSA that improves your bottom line.
A CSA is any arrangement between your business and our dealership that helps you lower your cost per unit of production, with agreements tailored to fit your business’ specific needs. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
Your agreement can cover individual systems, single pieces of equipment or entire fleets. We’ll work with you to determine the best strategies to maximize equipment productivity and minimize operating costs.
The agreements aren’t just for new equipment; the need to get more work done at a lower cost is the same, regardless of machine age. Whether your machine is new, two years old or five years old, we’ll work with you to find a CSA that improves your bottom line.
Caterpillar Certified Used Equipment can bring you peace of mind
When you buy a Caterpillar Certified Used Equipment or a Cat Dealer Certified Used machine, you can be assured that we stand behind it and will provide:
* A thorough inspection using the latest technology
* Unmatched knowledge of Cat machines
* The best parts availability in the industry
* Unbeatable service and product support
* Extended coverage in writing
* Machine maintenance history
* A thorough inspection using the latest technology
* Unmatched knowledge of Cat machines
* The best parts availability in the industry
* Unbeatable service and product support
* Extended coverage in writing
* Machine maintenance history
Our experts can spot troubles early
All equipment, both large and small, can benefit from the S•O•S Fluid Analysis program. It’s a great way to keep your compact equipment operating at peak efficiency, not to mention preventing costly breakdowns and avoiding unplanned repairs.
The Cat S•O•S Fluid Analysis program is designed to promote better performance, longer equipment life, and increased customer satisfaction.
No other fluid analysis program is as thorough or as reliable at predicting potential trouble early. Since its inception in 1971, the S•O•S program has added complete fluid analysis capabilities, and grown into the largest such program in the world.
Oil companies or independent labs may claim they can analyze used oil from Cat machines or engines as well as the S•O•S program. However, they lack the total understanding and thorough records of Cat machines and engines. Only Caterpillar engineers know exactly what metallurgical specifications were designed into each part and component.
The core tests for the S•O•S program consist of wear metal analysis; physical tests, such as fuel, water and glycol detection; and oil condition. And we don’t just conduct the tests. We accurately analyze the results, interpret the findings and make recommendations quickly.
The Cat S•O•S Fluid Analysis program is designed to promote better performance, longer equipment life, and increased customer satisfaction.
No other fluid analysis program is as thorough or as reliable at predicting potential trouble early. Since its inception in 1971, the S•O•S program has added complete fluid analysis capabilities, and grown into the largest such program in the world.
Oil companies or independent labs may claim they can analyze used oil from Cat machines or engines as well as the S•O•S program. However, they lack the total understanding and thorough records of Cat machines and engines. Only Caterpillar engineers know exactly what metallurgical specifications were designed into each part and component.
The core tests for the S•O•S program consist of wear metal analysis; physical tests, such as fuel, water and glycol detection; and oil condition. And we don’t just conduct the tests. We accurately analyze the results, interpret the findings and make recommendations quickly.
Mining operations getting bigger, more automated
A story at Mining-Technology.com has an interesting take on the future of mining trucks.
A push for efficiency and speed has meant bigger mining operations and a move to bigger haul trucks. Another change for the future: Automation. The story takes a look at what Caterpillar is developing under a 2008 partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute to develop automated versions of its large haul trucks. Those automated vehicles could haul 240 tons or more.
A push for efficiency and speed has meant bigger mining operations and a move to bigger haul trucks. Another change for the future: Automation. The story takes a look at what Caterpillar is developing under a 2008 partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute to develop automated versions of its large haul trucks. Those automated vehicles could haul 240 tons or more.
Paving equipment rental an option for many
Some paving customers are increasingly renting, and it has nothing to do with how much cash they have on hand, or whether they believe the economic recovery will continue. Among the reasons:
* Flexibility. Have the absolute perfect machine matched to the application.
* Test driving. Renting paving equipment gives owners a chance to see if the machine is the right one to do the job. It also gives operators an opportunity to evaluate the performance.
* Estimating. Including rental equipment is a great way to help estimate the costs associated with a job.
We can help you match the right paving machine for your job, whether you rent or buy.
Continued positive news for natural gas power generation sector
According to projections from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), continued declines in overall natural gas consumption should keep prices between $4 to $5 (U.S.) per Mcf going into 2010, which is good news for end users operating Cat natural gas-fueled generator sets for prime and peak-shaving applications.
EIA projects total natural gas consumption to decline by 1.9 percent in 2009 to 62.2 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day and by another 1.1 percent in 2010. While the broad economic downturn led to a drop in total consumption in 2009, low prices have contributed to a 2 percent increase in natural gas use in the electric power sector from January through August of this year compared with the same period in 2008.
The Henry Hub spot price averaged $4.12 per Mcf in October, $1.06 per Mcf higher than the average spot price in September. Although prices have more than doubled since reaching a low of $1.83 per Mcf on Sept. 4, EIA expects any further price run-up to be limited through the remainder of the year. High storage levels and resilient domestic production are expected to keep prices around $5 per Mcf in the coming months, even as space-heating demand increases and economic conditions improve. Beyond the winter, limited demand growth constrains price increases through the forecast. The projected Henry Hub spot price averages $4.03 (U.S.) per Mcf in 2009 and $5.01 (U.S.) per Mcf in 2010.
EIA projects total natural gas consumption to decline by 1.9 percent in 2009 to 62.2 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day and by another 1.1 percent in 2010. While the broad economic downturn led to a drop in total consumption in 2009, low prices have contributed to a 2 percent increase in natural gas use in the electric power sector from January through August of this year compared with the same period in 2008.
The Henry Hub spot price averaged $4.12 per Mcf in October, $1.06 per Mcf higher than the average spot price in September. Although prices have more than doubled since reaching a low of $1.83 per Mcf on Sept. 4, EIA expects any further price run-up to be limited through the remainder of the year. High storage levels and resilient domestic production are expected to keep prices around $5 per Mcf in the coming months, even as space-heating demand increases and economic conditions improve. Beyond the winter, limited demand growth constrains price increases through the forecast. The projected Henry Hub spot price averages $4.03 (U.S.) per Mcf in 2009 and $5.01 (U.S.) per Mcf in 2010.
Financing options to help your business
A wide range of financing packages offered through Cat Financial can be tailored to your specific needs. The result: predictable payments that don’t vary to help you budget your costs and operate high-quality, productive equipment.
Instead of taking a one-time hit on the purchase price of a machine, Cat Financial can help you spread that cost over time. And Cat Financial offers competitive rates and customized financing options to meet your unique needs.
Cat Financial, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., offers financing and leasing for the complete line of Cat equipment, with services available for each market that Caterpillar serves—including compact construction equipment.
Our dealership’s mission is to help our customers succeed through financial services excellence. This is accomplished by looking at financing from your perspective.
Whether you’ve been in business for several years or are just starting out, find out how easy it is to own top-quality Cat equipment at very favorable rates and terms.
Instead of taking a one-time hit on the purchase price of a machine, Cat Financial can help you spread that cost over time. And Cat Financial offers competitive rates and customized financing options to meet your unique needs.
Cat Financial, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., offers financing and leasing for the complete line of Cat equipment, with services available for each market that Caterpillar serves—including compact construction equipment.
Our dealership’s mission is to help our customers succeed through financial services excellence. This is accomplished by looking at financing from your perspective.
Whether you’ve been in business for several years or are just starting out, find out how easy it is to own top-quality Cat equipment at very favorable rates and terms.
New laser-based AccuGrade system offers extreme accuracy
Caterpillar released a new laser-based grading system that will interest a lot of contractors.
The AccuGrade grading system for Cat C-Series Skid-Steer Loaders, Multi-Terrain Loaders and Compact Track Loaders includes these benefits:
* Combines the capability of the Level Best Grading Box with the C-Series loader’s integral electro/hydraulic controls to create an automated grading system capable of extreme accuracy.
* Establishes flat or single-slope grades to within ± 0.635 centimeters without grade stakes or the expense of grade checkers and stake-setting surveyors.
* Machines grade more area per hour and are more fuel-efficient in the process.
* Eliminates the need for undercuts and overfills (no reworks).
Another plus? The system allows use of the loader’s existing controls, keeping the operator securely in the seat and protected by built-in safety features.
The AccuGrade grading system for Cat C-Series Skid-Steer Loaders, Multi-Terrain Loaders and Compact Track Loaders includes these benefits:
* Combines the capability of the Level Best Grading Box with the C-Series loader’s integral electro/hydraulic controls to create an automated grading system capable of extreme accuracy.
* Establishes flat or single-slope grades to within ± 0.635 centimeters without grade stakes or the expense of grade checkers and stake-setting surveyors.
* Machines grade more area per hour and are more fuel-efficient in the process.
* Eliminates the need for undercuts and overfills (no reworks).
Another plus? The system allows use of the loader’s existing controls, keeping the operator securely in the seat and protected by built-in safety features.
Five tips to make farming safer
Agriculture is a hazardous industry. Tractors and other farm machinery can cause serious injury if used improperly and workers must be constantly alert on the job. Here are five key tips to make your farm or ranch safer:
Inspect equipment routinely for problems that may cause accidents.
Discuss safety hazards and emergency procedures with your workers.
Make sure guards on farm equipment are replaced after maintenance.
Review and follow instructions in material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and on labels that come with chemical products and communicate information on these hazards to your workers.
Take precautions to prevent entrapment and suffocation caused by unstable surfaces of grain storage bins, silos, or hoppers. Never “walk the grain.”
Inspect equipment routinely for problems that may cause accidents.
Discuss safety hazards and emergency procedures with your workers.
Make sure guards on farm equipment are replaced after maintenance.
Review and follow instructions in material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and on labels that come with chemical products and communicate information on these hazards to your workers.
Take precautions to prevent entrapment and suffocation caused by unstable surfaces of grain storage bins, silos, or hoppers. Never “walk the grain.”
10 ways renting can help your bottom line
Our Cat Rental Store has the right equipment for whatever job you face. Here are 10 reasons to check us out:
Responsive Service. We have what you need or we’ll get it. We’re only a phone call away.
Complete Jobs More Efficiently. We rent Caterpillar and other top-quality brands utilizing today’s most innovative methods.
No Maintenance Costs. You eliminate costly service shops, service tooling, spare parts and cumbersome maintenance records.
Eliminate Storage Costs. Call us for quick pick-up or simply drop off the equipment at the nearest Cat Rental Store when you’re finished.
No Capital Investment. Renting frees up your business capital. An expense is only incurred for equipment needed on a particular job.
Increase Your Borrowing Power. Renting equipment does not appear as a liability on your balance sheet.
No Equipment Obsolescence. Renting from The Cat Rental Store allows you to use the latest equipment technology without costly depreciation.
Try It Before You Buy It. What better way to test equipment and work tools than to rent?
Supplement Your Core Fleet. Rely on The Cat Rental Store to quickly provide the equipment and work tools you don’t regularly need.
Minimize Costly Breakdowns. Our fleets are loaded with new, reliable equipment and work tools that are put through a rigorous maintenance routine by trained mechanics.
Responsive Service. We have what you need or we’ll get it. We’re only a phone call away.
Complete Jobs More Efficiently. We rent Caterpillar and other top-quality brands utilizing today’s most innovative methods.
No Maintenance Costs. You eliminate costly service shops, service tooling, spare parts and cumbersome maintenance records.
Eliminate Storage Costs. Call us for quick pick-up or simply drop off the equipment at the nearest Cat Rental Store when you’re finished.
No Capital Investment. Renting frees up your business capital. An expense is only incurred for equipment needed on a particular job.
Increase Your Borrowing Power. Renting equipment does not appear as a liability on your balance sheet.
No Equipment Obsolescence. Renting from The Cat Rental Store allows you to use the latest equipment technology without costly depreciation.
Try It Before You Buy It. What better way to test equipment and work tools than to rent?
Supplement Your Core Fleet. Rely on The Cat Rental Store to quickly provide the equipment and work tools you don’t regularly need.
Minimize Costly Breakdowns. Our fleets are loaded with new, reliable equipment and work tools that are put through a rigorous maintenance routine by trained mechanics.
Think smaller on haul road aggregate
The size of the aggregate used for the haul road base makes a big difference in tire wear and, ultimately, productivity.
Take this example: A site survey at one operation recommended they reduce the size of the aggregate from 7.6 centimeters to 3.8-centimeters. The change enabled the company to improve annual productivity by 2,500 hours per truck because they were able to run at higher speeds and the roads did less damage to the tires.
We’re your one-stop source for hydraulic answers
Whether in the mines or the farm fields, a complication with your hydraulic system can rob you of precious profits.
Kramer understands the cost of downtime. With state-of-the-art tooling, our highly-skilled technicians are able to quickly and professionally address your hydraulic equipment needs.
“Kramer can repair or rebuild not only Caterpillar equipment, but all other brands as well,” says Kramer Hydraulic Specialist Mike Stobbs. “Nothing is too big or too small, from excavating and mining equipment right down to a garden tractor.”
Along with diagnostics and repair, Kramer can design and build components for specific hydraulic needs. We also offer preventive maintenance programs that will save time and money by eliminating unscheduled repairs.
Kramer’s hydraulic team offers the following:
* The ability to machine parts in-house when needed
* Strong relationships with OEMs, enabling Kramer to quickly obtain needed parts
* A full array of testing equipment for field and in-house testing
* Technicians who are capable of designing hydraulic equipment for specific application
* Worry-free shipping. Just drop off your part at any of our seven branch locations and we’ll take care of getting that part to the shop and back to you. Or, if you prefer, we can come to your worksite and pick up the part.
* A warranty for work performed
Mike Stobbs goes on to say that, “Kramer is your one-stop hydraulic shop. We troubleshoot in-house or on-site, and our full machine shop can take care of your specific hydraulic needs.”
For more information about Kramer’s hydraulic services, contact Kramer Hydraulic Specialist Mike Stobbs (Work: 306.545.3311; Cell: 306.537.2285; E-mail: mas@kramer.ca).
Customer Support Agreements offer flexibility, peace of mind
Every piece of Caterpillar equipment is designed and built to provide maximum productivity and operating economy throughout its working life. We can help you maintain that built-in value through a Customer Support Agreement (CSA).
A CSA is any arrangement between you and us that helps you lower your cost per unit of production.
Agreements are tailored to fit your business needs and can range from simple Preventive Maintenance Kits to sophisticated Total Cost Performance Guarantees. No matter which option you choose, you can be assured that we will provide you with careful planning and ongoing attention that will help you succeed.
With CSAs, trained dealer technicians assist you by maintaining your equipment and driving down operating costs. In the end everyone’s goal is the same: helping you get more work done at a lower cost.
Perhaps the most important feature of any CSA is flexibility. There are no pre-set requirements or specific products and services that you must agree to buy. In every case and with every piece of equipment, a CSA is an individualized plan. Depending on your needs, your costs can be a flat monthly fee or some other arrangement based on actual production hours.
Your agreement may include as few or as many pieces of equipment as you wish. You can cover individual systems, single pieces of equipment, or entire fleets. We will work with you to determine the best strategies to maximize productivity and minimize costs for both your Cat and non Cat equipment.
A CSA is any arrangement between you and us that helps you lower your cost per unit of production.
Agreements are tailored to fit your business needs and can range from simple Preventive Maintenance Kits to sophisticated Total Cost Performance Guarantees. No matter which option you choose, you can be assured that we will provide you with careful planning and ongoing attention that will help you succeed.
With CSAs, trained dealer technicians assist you by maintaining your equipment and driving down operating costs. In the end everyone’s goal is the same: helping you get more work done at a lower cost.
Perhaps the most important feature of any CSA is flexibility. There are no pre-set requirements or specific products and services that you must agree to buy. In every case and with every piece of equipment, a CSA is an individualized plan. Depending on your needs, your costs can be a flat monthly fee or some other arrangement based on actual production hours.
Your agreement may include as few or as many pieces of equipment as you wish. You can cover individual systems, single pieces of equipment, or entire fleets. We will work with you to determine the best strategies to maximize productivity and minimize costs for both your Cat and non Cat equipment.
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