With the theme of Born to Do This, the American Rental Association (ARA) Show in February was a well-attended and informative event. Major trends that our team noticed during the event and while talking with exhibitors included focusing on operators and their comfort; listening to the customer; and providing flexible equipment and options such as attachment packages and extra batteries. While we talk about many assets and technologies, this post-show report’s main focus is on earthmoving equipment.
Opening Session & Keynote
Jon Taffer from Bar Rescue presented the keynote.Lori Ditoro
Conant indicated that the rental industry should seek the people who were born for the rental industry. People who will drive growth, safety and a sense of purpose in everything. He invited anyone who likes to have fun and get their hands dirty to join the industry. He also stated that the industry needs to engage with young people before they decide what they want to do. Before the main keynote, the outgoing President Steve Marr exchanged the gavel with the incoming President Jeff Crotto, CERP.
The Keynote address was presented by Jon Taffer from Bar Rescue. His main talking point was that teams should accelerate everything. There is not one thing that you can't accelerate. Accelerating the process is everything in increasing revenue.
Another point he made is that people must own failure and not make excuses. Excuses are the common denominator of failure. Excuses paralyze us. The five big excuses we use are:
- Fear of failure
- Don't have knowledge
- Don’t have time
- Circumstances, like a bad economy
- Scary: No money, little staff, no marketing resources or no sales training
To get away from making excuses, people should own the excuse and change their mindset.
Taffer’s final point was to let the listeners know what their true product is. It is not a machine or piece of equipment. Because people buy reactively and based on emotion, he said that the reaction is the product. To improve revenue, we must drive positive reactions. Our role is to manage the reactions of potential buyers and employees.
To gain positive and memorable reactions, we need a personality. We have to make what we do attractive. The industry needs reactions and connectivity more than ever before. The ARA Show provided the opportunity for attendees and exhibitors to connect. As witnessed on the floor, reactions were positive. Many companies were making sales during the event.
Trends & Conversations
Allmand launched its new hybrid LT Series during the show.Lori Ditoro
As we talked with the teams at each booth, they told us how they begin the design of equipment with the operator in mind. With workforce shortages, putting operators in comfortable environments with creature comfort goes beyond a comfy seat. It includes cool and heated seats, sealed cabs, quick couplers, Bluetooth connectivity, and cup holders. Beyond comfort, these former amenities (and now staples) encourage operators to spend more time in the cab and be more productive.
Another trend across the show was designing and updating equipment and tools because of the voice of the customer. Teams listen to their end users and design new models and make design changes based on customer needs.
For rental customers specifically, flexible equipment options are critical. When contractors rent equipment, they often need it to perform multiple tasks across a site. Offering packages that include attachments, extra batteries and other tools can also add to a rental company’s flexibility.
Allmand
Allmand, a Briggs & Stratton brand, had many light towers displayed at its ARA Show booth. Notably, it launched its new hybrid LT Series. According to the company, this is the first, hybrid light tower in the industry. The light tower is equipped with a 7-kilowatt-hour, Vanguard lithium-ion battery, allowing for all-night operation without noise pollution.
The hybrid LT Series also has a variable speed engine that charges the battery. The smart technology ensures that when the engine charges the system, it maintains the most fuel and emissions-efficient operating range. The advanced electronic controller gives users immediate runtime feedback, allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint through light-level settings.
Other equipment at the booth included:
- The liquid-cooled GR Series Mitelite
- Maxi-Power 8XR towable generator
CASE
According to the CASE team, the T100 is simple and intuitive for the operator.Lori Ditoro
The T100 mini-CTL was featured. It is ideal for rental companies, specifically for landscaping. It is small enough to fit through gates and was previewed during CONEXPO-CON/AGG (CONEXPO) 2023. According to the CASE team, the T100 is simple and intuitive for the operator with good visibility to the bucket. Dolan says that CASE starts their designs with the operator in mind, which has been a strong trend at this show.
The CASE Utility Plus backhoe loader is also popular in rental markets. It is a side-shift machine, and one operator can perform multiple jobs with it.
Also at the booth was the SL12 TR small articulated loader. It provides great visibility and can operate attachments like a CTL or skid steer, added benefit and versatility for this machine. Driving this machine is like driving a car.
The 588H Rough Terrain Forklift on display at the booth has a new factory cab with good visibility. The cab is a customer-based innovation. Again, the team listened to the operators. The forklift also has air conditioning and a sealed cab.
DEVELON
The DTL35 CTL is the first CTL for DEVELON in North America. It will be available for purchase soon.Lori Ditoro
The DTL35 will be able to operate using 13 DEVELON branded attachments with another phase of attachments coming later in 2024.
The CTL has two hydraulic packages available. The first is standard; the other is high flow. This 116-horsepower CTL is a vertical lift machine complemented with self-leveling. The bucket stays stable and has bucket shake.
Other features include:
- Custom configurations including operator profile
- Joystick sensitivity
- Air suspension seat
- Roomy cab
- One-piece tilt cab for maintenance
- LED lighting in the front and back
- Standard rearview camera and telematics
- Around view monitoring
- Reversible fan radiator for cleaning
- DEVELON engine with no diesel particulate filter needed
DYNAPAC Press Conference
Dynapac is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.Lori Ditoro
CA30D vibratory roller, launched year at ARA, provides a good ROI for rental companies, and the CC900G small asphalt roller is always a target for the rental audience. The CC900G is one of Dynapac’s bestselling asphalt rollers with a Honda gas engine and the largest water tank in the company’s line.
The CC1200 VI double drum vibratory roller has sliding seat controls and maximizes operator comfort. It also simplifies serviceability, and a manual, 2-inch, offset drum for operator visibility is standard on this machine.
We were thrilled to talk with the Dynapac team and Dormie Roberts and learn about all the equipment at the booth.Lori Ditoro
The team also shared its light compaction equipment, rammers and plate compactors. Those that are electrified use the Battery One system. These are industry-standardizing batteries. Several companies that offer smaller compaction or landscaping equipment, including Wacker Neuson and BOMAG. It is easy to change, charges in 1 hour and is interchangeable between the plates and rammers shown at that booth.
New for the ARA Show, the DRQ50D can operate at the same speed forward and in reverse. It has a Hatz engine. This new design was created because of demand from Dynapac’s customers and will be ideal in colder climates.
Other light compaction equipment featured included:
- D.One, remote-controlled utility roller
- DTR75 twin drum roller
- DR6X rammer
- DR7X rammer
- DR6Xe electric rammer
- DFP7AX forward plates
- DFP8X forward plates
- DFP9Xe electric forward plate
Genie
The Genie team had a fun setup at their booth this year, which included a game where 14 competitors vied for a GTH-5519 telehandler. At the show, they took their places around the telehandler. From there, it’s a test of endurance. Competitors racked up time by standing on their podiums. The individual who stood on a podium for the longest amount of time from the start of the competition to the end of the ARA Show on Wednesday, February 21, won the telehandler. The winner was Jared Hicks of Boot Heel Parts & Equipment Rental in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
The team launched several new attachments for its GTH telehandlers during the ARA Show.Lori Ditoro
In addition, the team launched several new attachments for its GTH telehandlers during the ARA Show. These included:
An augur for the GTH -5519 telehandler was developed with the voice of the customer in mind. It has a green and red light, with the green light letting the operators know that the augur is plumb so they don’t need a spotter. It is battery-operated and rechargeable. The battery magnetically attaches to the augur.
Adjustable truss boom has a 4,000-pound capacity and allows lifting up, over and onto roofs up to 8 feet to 13 feet.
Two new buckets are available for rubbish or recycling. One has a 1 cubic yard capacity. The other has a 1.25 cubic yard capacity. This allows teams to move materials that are not easy to pallet.
Two new carriages were also exhibited. A 48-inch side-shift carriage enables the operator to shift the load up to 8.25 inches without exiting the telehandler’s cab. This reduces the need to reposition the telehandler when picking up or placing the load. The most common pallet size is 40 x 48 inches, but not all loads are the same shape and size. To account for this difference in load shape and size, Genie’s new fork positioner carriage allows an operator to adjust the width of the forks from inside the telehandler’s cab.
Genie also had its new virtual reality (VR) training system available for attendees to experience, and it was an experience. I had never tried a true VR system, and it felt so real.
The Genie team uses the system in the classroom first and then moves operators to the machine. The VR training is a safety gauntlet. Trainees navigate around safety hazards on a construction site. It provides future operators with a lot of education before they ever touch a machine.
Link-Belt Excavators
Link-Belt Excavators featured the 170-X4S its the booth.Nikki Lawson
- New heavy counterweight options
- Increased fuel efficiency
- New ECO mode with 10 different engine rpm settings
- Customizable hydraulic flow balance
- Improved cab spacing
- Large 10-inch vertical LCD monitor
Hyundai
According to Adam Ford, product manager with Hyundai, compact excavators are important for the rental industry because they are used on virtually any jobsite and for many applications.
HX-A Series compact excavators’ versatility fits the needs of a vast demographic of applications.
HX-A Series compact excavators’ versatility fits the needs of a vast demographic of applications.Hyundai team member
The HX40A and HX48AZ offer standard load-sensing hydraulics, while the HX35AZ and HX48AZ incorporate zero-tail swing for operation in confined spaces. All three models include adjustable auxiliary flow; a 5-inch, full-color LCD monitor; and a new auto-safety-lock function preventing unintended use of a machine. All three new HX-A series compact excavators will be offered in both canopy or cabin versions along with the choice of standard or four-way dozer blade.
JCB North America
During our tour of the JCB booth at the show, we learned about the T65D Telescopic Boom Lift, a major launch for the company in North America.
The operator can use the control on the side of the machine, and the controls show the capacity. The machine has manual controls under the hood if needed.
At the show, the T65D Telescopic Boom Lift was a major launch for the company in North America.Lori Ditoro
The team also unveiled its new S1932ED Scissor Lift with an electric drive. It has been redesigned to prioritize transportability by reducing the weight by 250 pounds and has a 19-foot reach and 32-inch platform. The wider platform allows the machine to spread the counterweight while allowing the total weight to be 250 pounds lighter.
A leak containment system is standard preventing damage to flooring. A quick-folding rail system is also standard to allow the lift to move through doorways and other restricted spaces.
John Deere
The John Deere team discussed the 85-P excavator, which is popular rental equipment.Sean Dunphy
Specifically, the team discussed the 85-P excavator, which is popular rental equipment. It has a larger cab and more auxiliary hydraulic and engine power with multiple attachments. While the most popular configuration is rubber tracks it can be equipped with steel tracks.
Kubota
Our team was thrilled to talk with Bill Holton, Kubota product manager, construction equipment. He shared the 8-ton KX080-5 Compact Excavator, which was launched in January 2024. It includes:
Our team got an up-close look at the Kubota KX080-5.Bill Holton
- A roomy and quieter cab
- Tech in the cab: Full-color 7-in. LCD monitor with jog dial, standard telematics and standard keyless start
- Lots of power and reach
- LED work lights
- Kubota engine
- Angled and fixed blade options
- Standard rubber tracks with steel as an option
Looking at the cab in more detail, the bottom glass can be removed for better visibility of the work being done. Auxiliary hydraulic flow can be controlled from the monitor and no manual process is required. It has ergonomic joysticks, which are more comfortable for the operator. According to Holton, "A happy operator is a productive operator."
The cab is also quieter at 72 decibels and provides the operator with an overall comfortable experience. A rearview camera is standard.
Polaris Press Conference
During a press conference at the Polaris booth, Kyle Crosley detailed the All-Electric Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic UTV, which is Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Institute-designed with the jobsite in mind. The machine’s performance is supported by four pillars.
During the Polaris press conference, the team shared information about the All-Electric Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic UTV.Lori Ditoro
1. Safety
This vehicle can have its speed limited. It has a lower possible top speed of 40 miles per hour. The rental company or owner can limit the top possible speed down to 8 miles per hour. Orange seatbelts, vehicle decals and optional lighting accessories improve vehicle visibility, and a standard horn and backup alarm provide audible alerts for the operator and surrounding crew.
2. Durability
Kevlar backseat decreases wear from tool belts. The purpose-built UTV’s electric powertrain minimizes maintenance and limits any downtime.
3. Serviceability
With a 1,000-hour service interval, maintaining this equipment is easier for the technician. The all-electric powertrain removes the need for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs and clutch maintenance.
4. Sustainably
The All-Electric Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic UTV interiorLori Ditoro
- 2,500 pounds of towing
- Same payload
- Equal take-off acceleration (has a slow ramp up to top speed for safety on the jobsite)
Other features are fully enclosed cap windshield wipers, high-visibility safety belts, eight-ply tires and a back-hinged door that opens fully.
POWR2 Press Conference
POWR2 shared its battery energy storage systems at its ARA Show booth. End users can pair the power banks with a diesel engine. They take 3 hours or less to charge with a diesel engine. Once charged, the power banks’ operation is completely silent and produces zero emissions. They can handle peak loads and low loads.
Two power banks were discussed during the press conference. The first was the PowerBank Max for large-scale applications. It can charge in 1.5 hours with a diesel engine. In addition to fewer emissions, the decreased charging times also lower the wear and tear on the engine.
The PowerBank Max for large-scale applications and the new POWRBANK XPRO Plus were featured during the POWR2 press conference.Lori Ditoro
The return on investment can be realized in many ways. The main savings for contractors come from fuel reduction cost and engine wear and tear. With engine generator runtime of 3hours or less for charging, fuel is reduced 70. In addition, other than changing an air filter every two months, the power banks are maintenance-free. Also, the banks can charge with solar and wind power where they are available.
Skyjack Press Conference
During a welcoming press conference at the Skyjack booth, President Charlie Patterson introduced the company and its expansion to five global facilities. Then Corey Connelly on the Skyjack part management team introduced the new SJ3213 and SJ3219 micro scissor lifts. These battery-electric, zero-emission lifts feature e-drive technology and are ideal for indoor, low-level, tight spaces.
During the Skyjack press conference, the team announced the new SJ3213 and SJ3219 micro scissor lifts, which are battery-electric, zero-emission lifts that feature e-drive technology and are ideal for indoor, low-level, tight spaces.Lori Ditoro
- AC electric-drive motors (front-wheel, brushless drive motors)
- Drive and lift control: more efficiency and 25% gradability
- Large work area (20-inch extension deck)
- Full-height solid rails standard
- Multiple lanyard attachment types
- Compact dimensions (low gross vehicle weight and wide non-marking tires, 500-pound platform weight capacity)
- E-drive external display
- Open scissor design
- Common control box
- Integrated hydraulic power motor unit
- Two 12-volt batteries (standard)
- Integrated ladder entrance
- Onboard diagnostics
- Sustainable operation (12% carbon savings and zero emissions)
- Onboard diagnostics.
These scissor lifts are usable indoors and outdoors, and the 25% gradability means they can climb loading ramps easily. A swing-out trap for motors and batteries makes access simple. Convenient battery charging is at the lower back of the machine. Production of the SJ3213 and SJ3219 will begin production in May 2024.
Stellar Industries
A hooklift truck has many applications that rental companies and contractors can take advantage of.Stellar Industries team member
- Dumpster delivery
- Waste
- Recycling
- Delivering large dumpsters to construction sites
- Loading and delivering equipment
- Delivering concrete forms
Takeuchi
At the booth, Stephen Odum talked with us about the minimal tail swing TB350R Compact Excavator was announced during CONEXPO 2023 and is now available for purchase. As with other products at the ARA Show, it was designed because of the voice of the customer to improve serviceability and make it user friendly.
It has an oversized cooling package; steel sealed compartments; double-wrapped hydraulic hoses; and double-wall, rolled-steel back-fill blades. A lot of the options are standard. Odum said that the durability of the equipment with many of the options standard is one reason he’s proud to work with Takeuchi.
Stephen Odum gave our team a tour of the equipment at the Takeuchi booth.Takeuchi-US team member
- 480 volts
- 220 volts
- 110 volts
It can be tethered (plugged in to limp out of a location) and has a retractable undercarriage. Ideal in areas with noise regulations, the TB20e provides the same operation as diesel counterparts.
Volvo CE NA
Darren Ashton with Volvo Construction Equipment North America (Volvo CE NA) met with our team to discuss some of the equipment at the booth. The first was the ECR40 Excavator with reduced tail swing and extra counterweight. The team is adapting the machine for future electrification.
In addition, a lot of work went into making the cab comfortable for the operator. This includes:
- Cooling behind seat
- The eat and controls move together
- Removable bottom glass for better visibility (The glass clips into window for safe storage)
We got a chance to see the ECR40 from Volvo CE NA up close.Darren Ashton
In addition, maintenance has been simplified because many contractors who rent or own these are owner-operators and perform maintenance themselves. For convenience, a toolbox is located under the cab, and a ground-level filter and fuse panel cabin allows for easy access. The engine is also simple to reach for maintenance and checks before operation.
The ECR25 Excavator was another popular machine at the Volvo booth. It is fully electric and has been available for a couple years. It uses an AC, 120-volt or 240-volt charger. An optional DC charger is available for faster charging.
While some renters and other end users still have range anxiety, where the machines work, they work well. Any applications that require no emissions, like around livestock, or low noise are ideal for electric equipment. The electric machine has the same performance and physical footprint as the diesel counterpart. According to Ashton, renting an electric machine is a great way for operators to try out electric.
Darren Ashton with Volvo CE NA met with our team to discuss some of the equipment at the booth.Volvo CE team member
Wacker Neuson
While walking with Carrie Megal around the spacious Wacker Neuson booth, she first talked about the new EZ17e mini excavator. It will be released in the third quarter 2024, and the team is taking orders now. It is a fully electric, zero-tail mini excavator without rear projection. Because the operator is not exposed to any exhaust emissions or noise, the excavator is ideal for trenches, tunnels and work indoors.
This mini excavator also has the right connections for charging. This includes intelligent charge management. The excavator can be operated in battery mode or with a connection to the mains. In the latter mode, the battery is even simultaneously charged.
Carrie Megal gave our team a tour of the equipment at the Wacker Neuson boothWacker Neuson team member
- WPU1550e Reversible Plate Compactor (coming soon) provides the same performance as the diesel
- All LED LTT6 Light Tower (can fit 22 on a flatbed truck)
Learn more from this article by Rental magazine Editor Jonathan Kozlowski.
