Nervous chatter about supply chain constraints and uncertainty about the post-Covid era was hard to come by among contractors, fabricators and masonry experts at the World of Concrete trade show held Jan. 23-25 in Las vegas Equipment manufacturers were filling order books and companies were looking to upgrade and expand their fleets as big spending from recent federal infrastructure initiatives begins to translate into real projects, even as private construction faces some economic headwinds.
“With a stronger-than-expected economy, inflation is not coming down as fast, and neither are interest rates and these sectors: residential and non-residential. [sectors] hurt,” said Ed Sullivan, chief economist at the Portland Cement Association. “But other non-interest-rate-sensitive sectors, such as infrastructure spending, are expected to show a more significantly this year and next,” he said, adding that a revitalized U.S. manufacturing sector, boosted by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, is another bright spot for construction.
Caterpillar’s new CTL 265 features a redesigned cab intended to make long shifts a little more comfortable. It is capable of handling high-demand hydraulic attachments, such as the PC306 crusher seen here.
Photo by Jeff Rubenstone
While PCA found a 2.9% decline in cement consumption in 2023, things are looking up slightly for 2024, with a forecast1.4% increase in consumption. “In our mind, the additional adverse impact that comes from higher interest rates is partially offset by stronger economic conditions,” Sullivan explained in a press briefing at the show.
More comfortable cabs to retain operators
On the show floor, attendees had a renewed sense that with supply chain issues mostly resolved and manufacturing up and running, new machines could be delivered quickly for the 2024 construction season. For Caterpillar, there there was a lot of attention and attention surrounding their new compact track loaders, the 255 mid-chassis and the larger 265. The new CTLs include automatic tool recognition and an operator cab with more amenities and features than found in previous models.
“[The new cab design] it is also motivated by the shortage of workers; if you can attract good talent and you want to retain them, one of the ways to do that is to provide them with good equipment that works but is also comfortable,” explains Kevin Coleman. , head of product with Caterpillar.
With a redesigned hydraulic system that allows CTLs to run larger tool attachments and power through tougher jobs, their role on site has slowly changed from an in-and-out equipment to a place where operators can spend your entire turn. And Cat is bringing features previously seen in the cabs of larger machines, such as optional ventilated seats with heating and air suspension, as well as rear and side-view cameras, to its smaller rigs.
The CTL 255 and 265 have 64 hp engines, to stay below the emissions after-treatment threshold, but their modern hydraulic systems allow them to run some of the most demanding attachments, such as shredders and other equipment foresters with a lot of energy. Both have 11-foot lift heights, allowing them to be loaded onto taller trucks.
A new era of battery wars
Recent innovations to push the limits of lithium-ion power have seen battery-powered tools take on many applications that used to call for corded or gas power.
New battery lines from Milwaukee Tool and DeWalt were on display and available for demos in the showroom, with concrete rammers, concrete vibrators and concrete cutting saws coming off new battery rigs. These tasks, which usually require gas tools, can now be done with batteries that can last the entire shift.
Milwaukee’s new MX FUEL REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries provide longer life and extra power for more demanding applications. “What’s really unique about these is that they’re really pushing the limits of capability,” explains Kelli Semon, Milwaukee Tool product manager.
Also new to the show was Milwaukee’s new Supercharger for FORGE batteries, which allowed two batteries to be charged at the same time off a standard 15 amp circuit. Using Milwaukee’s OneKey Bluetooth access, battery charger behavior can be adjusted via smartphone, allowing even more battery chargers to charge, albeit more slowly, on a single 15 amp circuit without triggering a switch. Semon says this flexibility allows for faster charging of one or two batteries during a single shift, while more batteries can be charged overnight in a tool cradle.
Milwaukee’s new 70kg Rammer was available for demonstration at the show. Powered by the new FORGE battery platform, it is designed to replace traditional gas rammers for site preparation.Photo by Jeff Rubenstone
One of the most demanding applications is the new MX FUEL 70kg Rammer, powered by the new FORGE HD12.0 battery, which offers up to 25 minutes of continuous run time. A tool that usually requires gas power, the 70kg Rammer also features a gyroscopic auto-off, instantly turning off the machine if it’s tilted beyond a certain angle.
Meanwhile, DeWalt debuted its rechargeable Powershift line of 554 Wh batteries and accompanying cordless concrete tools at World of Concrete. Each battery weighs 11.5 pounds, so while it’s heavier than a hand tool battery, it’s sized to fit concrete tools like screeds and concrete vibrators perfectly. DeWalt also had a new high-speed charger that can recharge the 554 Wh battery in less than an hour. DeWalt’s product team said two batteries could effectively replace a tank of gas to power these tools.
DeWalt had its new vibrating screed available for demonstration at the show, powered by its new Powershift battery platform. Photo by Jeff Rubenstone
Richard Cacchiotti, director of product management for the DeWalt line at Stanley Black & Decker, said 15,000 to 18,000 square feet can be smoothed on one battery-powered screed, and the line’s knapsack vibrator can consolidate concrete for four or five hours on a battery. . DeWalt also showed attendees an adapter that allows DeWalt Flexvolt 20-60V batteries to be used at 60V.
DeWalt doesn’t focus on the 60V capacity of the batteries and 554Wh is a 9.2Ah pack. The most powerful Flexvolt battery pack now available is 300Wh/5Ah (15Ah at 20V max), giving the PowerShift pack an 85% increase in capacity. DeWalt expects the new batteries and tools to be available this fall.
By Jeff Rubenstone in Las Vegas, with Jeff Yoders
