In this, RER’s 15th annual Innovative Product Award issue, there were more than 40 entries and some of the most interesting and different products that we’ve seen in a while. I’m always encouraged when we prepare this issue to see the level of innovation in the industry, and quite a few of our dozen rental industry judges commented on how difficult it was to pick one over others. Every one of the products in the IPA competition will be profiled in RER and on our website in the coming months and I hope we get to hear from you, our readers, about products that impress you as well.
I could easily go on for a few pages about some of the unique products, but I want to just mention a few that caught my attention, besides the top vote-getters which are profiled in this month’s cover story.
How about the MMD hybrid fuel system that uses a free by-product (natural gas) that is normally wasted, as a fuel source, reducing diesel fuel usage and extending maintenance intervals? Replacing up to 70 percent diesel fuel with clean burning natural gas can reduce fuel costs by up to 75 percent, says the MMD staff. By the way, MMD’s hybrid fuel system is the generator/welder category winner and actually finished fourth in the overall voting, ending up just short of the bronze.
How about Miller Electric’s ArcReach technology that allows welding operators to adjust and set voltage at the point of use – the weld joint – without the use of control cords, thus reducing downtime and improving safety by reducing exposure to tripping hazards and lessening operator fatigue associated with walking to and from the power source. Also in the generator/welder category Kohler’s mobile paralleling box allows users to combine different-sized mobile generators with different fuel types for greater flexibility.
There were more aerial products than any other category, including TNT Crane which developed a counterbalance beam for the installation and removal of components into or under structures with dimensional restrictions preventing the use of a crane or gantry system. JLG’s low-level Ecolift got attention for its patented stored power lift/lower system with reduced maintenance requirements.
Skyjack’s new TH telehandler series uses improved gearing, high-torque engines and a simplified hydraulics package to deliver the same performance with 74-hp engines as higher power units. JCB’s 508-66 Loadall telehandler is designed to do what cranes can do with a 66-foot height. The Charging Dock from Red-D Industries is a modular mobile power unit available in 10-foot and 20-foot lengths designed for the charging of equipment, fully weatherproof, placed at a jobsite or event site in a centralized location to keep charging needs organized and safe from hazards caused by excessive extension cords.
The GroundWorks Safety Systems’ self-descending high arch trench box assembly can be done in a matter of minutes rather than hours, and eliminates the use of ladders in set-up.
A mobile surveillance unit from ECAMSECURE is a self-contained hybrid unit with solar and diesel generator features for remote jobsites or properties with limited power availability.
In Thompson Pump’s new Environprime system, the OVT system offers lower maintenance and operating expenses because the system is dry running, with no recirculating oil is needed, eliminating possible pollution. The LINKTower light tower from Generac/Magnum can be used indoors or outdoors with no localized emissions. Users can link two LINKTowers together on a single 120V outlet. This enables a great deal of versatility in lighting jobsite and events. And because this light tower does not have an internal engine, it is silent; making it good for entertainment and other special events and jobsites in which sound is a major consideration. Additionally, LINKTower’s design with retractable handles and a third caster wheel allows it to be maneuvered by one person. It easily fits through a standard doorway.
Environmental sensibility is a constant theme with much of the new innovation. It’s not only because the EPA mandates it, but customers are also demanding it, municipalities are requiring lower noise and emissions, and awareness of the need for sustainability is increasingly part of the business and public consciousness in the world we live and work in.
We’ll tell you a lot more about these and other new products in the months to come. And since the holidays are just about on us, I and the rest of the RER staff wishes you all a very pleasant holiday season and new year.
