2006 RER Innovative Product Award
Category Co-winner
AutoCone130
Centreville Manufacturing introduces the AutoCone130 traffic cone management system. This machine automatically places up to 130 traffic cones and picks them up when the job is done. The AutoCone130 eliminates the danger of workers sitting on the tailgate picking up cones a few feet from speeding traffic. It works from either the driver or passenger side using 36- or 28-inch cones with weights. The AutoCone130 tows behind any standard ¾- or 1-ton pickup, eliminating the need for a special vehicle. Only one person is needed to drive the truck and operate the machine. The AutoCone130 is battery powered, making it both environmentally friendly and cost effective. Custom options are available for specific needs.
Category Co-winner
Remote boom control
Gehl Co. introduces its Radio Remote Control System, which allows a telescopic handler operator to control boom functions using a compact, wireless remote control pendant from outside the cab, or from within a personnel work platform. The hand-held pendant can be used to raise, lower, extend and retract the boom, and start and stop the engine. Designed as a time-saving option, especially for roofing and construction contractors, the system allows contractors to be more productive, by not requiring the operator to remain in the cab. The pendant/transmitter is waterproof and resistant to impacts encountered on jobsites. The solid-state unit has a proportional trigger control for controlling the speed of the boom.
Arctic Knight
Thompson Pump introduces the Arctic Knight cold weather diesel-driven pump package, which is designed to answer the call when pumps fail under rough weather conditions. The Arctic Knight consists of a dry-priming pump with cold weather enclosure and auto pump drain system. This revolutionary system is designed to set new standards for operations in frigid climates and allows a diesel-driven pump to be used in weather as cold as minus 40 C. The Arctic Knight is engineered to eliminate frozen liquids, engine starting problems and cracked pump casings. The efficient diesel-firing space heater and automatic louver system eliminate the need for block heaters, fuel heaters and thermal blankets while regulating the temperature inside the enclosure.
Franzen chain-sharpening machine
Stens is the North American distributor of the Franzen chain-sharpening machine, which is designed to perfectly sharpen saw chain within .100 of an inch. Since it is automated, the machine corrects depth gauge and sharpens cutting teeth in one precise, uniform operation. The Franzen reduces the time it takes to sharpen chain by 50 percent, requiring just four minutes to sharpen a standard chain. At 290 pounds, it is 25 inches in width and 75 inches tall and runs off 110V and 90 psi of air. The machine is designed for virtually unlimited applications, is maintenance free and easy to use and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Toka TS1100
The TS1100 is a programmable device that replaces the key switch in all equipment. It features 47, five-digit master codes and 124, four-digit user codes that can be added or deleted with just a few presses. Two models are available, one with start position for conventional machines and one with platform/ground for two-station machines, such as manlifts or crane applications. Features include anti-start, hot-wire detection and tamper notification using rapid flashes. Every master can read all users as well as the last 10 users for damage or user accountability.
Evertight Cable System
The Evertight Cable System is a gravity-powered machine that provides automatic, constant tensioning of perimeter safety cables on structural steel construction sites. Evertight is designed to easily create twice as much cable tension as turnbuckles. It also offers a "Quick Access Takedown" that allows cable to be lowered in a designated "load-in" area, while the rest of the perimeter cable remains tight — no more lowering the entire perimeter for material deliveries. Together with the company's Tough Guard Steel Guard Rails, the Evertight Cable System allows Safety First Guardrail Systems to offer a total perimeter safety solution to the commercial construction industry.
Automated Cone Truck (ACT)
The Automated Cone Truck (ACT) is fully automated to install and dismantle lane closures utilizing only a single in-can operator. Operations can be performed from both the driver side, and passenger side of the ACT. The Automated Cone Truck can help you maximize safety, increase reliability and lower the cost of operation. The standard 14-foot model can hold 240 cones and it can close up to 4 miles. The operator remains in the cab and no other employee is needed. ACT also retrieves knocked down cones regardless of their position on the roadway. The operator can automatically switch cone spacing during operation and ACT can be equipped with taper kits and custom racks.
