Be Prepared

Although this hurricane season has been a relatively tame one compared with recent years, rental companies such as Miami-based Neff Rental are making sure that clients are ready for the worst. Located on Neff Rental's homepage (www.neffcorp.com) is a tower banner advising visitors to reserve equipment in preparation for the 2007 hurricane season. According to Neff Rentals' 2007 hurricane predictions, there is a 74-percent chance that at least one major hurricane will hit somewhere on the U.S. coast.

To aid in preparation, Neff Rental encourages customers to register with the company for hurricane and power equipment before a storm hits. Registered customers, are granted first choice of preferred equipment, and will receive pre- and post-storm e-mails and phone calls for equipment rental availability and confirmation, as well as 24/7 service and support. Neff Rental branches will be open after hurricanes, and special telephone numbers are available for clients to contact their branch for post-storm equipment rental, and deliveries for clean-up and reconstruction. The company also has generators available from 6kW to 80kW.

Visual Training

Caterpillar introduces computer-based mini-hydraulic excavator operator training courses aimed at helping owners of these versatile compact machines prepare and retain operators and protect their investment.

The training program covers the fundamentals of daily maintenance, machine controls, safe operating practices, and operating techniques for Caterpillar mini-hydraulic excavators weighing up to 6 metric tons. The program incorporates video, sound and a series of knowledge checks to ensure comprehension. The training course will contain narration and text in both English and Spanish, and a DVD-ROM drive is required.

Estimate With Confidence

Maxwell Systems Inc. introduces Quest Estimator 7.6, the latest release of its takeoff and estimating software. Quest Estimator allows contractors to customize and create bids with increased speed and accuracy. The software includes proprietary 3-D Visual Assemblies, which are detailed computer takeoff images that enable an estimator to zoom, rotate, see inside, and separate the components of any structure. These help verify all components of a structure are in place, and provide customers with a picture of their investment.

The system also keeps track of all quantities and cost item specifications, providing a convenient audit trail for each job. It also provides a centralized storage location for historical pricing on each cost item.

Visitors to Maxwell Systems' website (http://www.maxwellsystems.com/) can not only learn more about the included components of the software, but also request a free CD-ROM of Estimating Technology for Contractors to try out before purchasing.

Submit new technology, computer products and websites for consideration in Megabytes to Katie Eagan Ernzen at keagan@rermag.com.