CRA eJournal

CRA

February 2012
UPCOMING EVENTS

March 13-15, 2012
CRA Rental Rally Tradeshow - Pomona, CA. See http://www.rentalrally.com/ for more information
March 13 Opening Event
March 14-15 Exhibits

April 17-18
2012 CRA Board of Directors Meeting - San Diego, CA

July 17-18, 2012
CRA Board of Directors Meeting - Garden Grove, CA

See CRA's Calendar page for more information on CRA's upcoming events.

 
VENDOR NEWS
The Charles Machine Works (CMW), Inc., manufacturer of Ditch Witch® underground construction equipment, has introduced a new line of compact and powerful walk-behind trenchers, each of which is designed and manufactured to provide an exceptional return on investment for small business owners, particularly equipment rental companies.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167015&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Fuel begins degrading almost as soon as you pump it. As fuel breaks down, gums and varnishes are formed that can stick intake valves and clog fuel lines and carburetor jets, resulting in severe starting problems. Briggs & Stratton® Super Concentrated Formula Advanced Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer will keep freshly pumped fuel fit for duty up to 3 years — critical for engines that see intermittent or infrequent use, such as seasonal yard equipment or gas-powered generators. The Briggs & Stratton triple antioxidant formula inhibits fuel breakdown, dramatically slows the formation of gums and varnishes and helps prevent harmful deposits from sticking to engine parts.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167016&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
The Toro Company announced on February 10th that it has acquired certain utility and underground product assets of Astec Underground, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astec Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTE). Through the acquisition, Toro has acquired Astec Underground's equipment line of vibratory plows, trenchers and horizontal directional drills for the underground utilities market. Typically used in the installation, repair and replacement of utilities with minimal impact on surrounding landscapes or structures, these products are designed for power distribution, telecommunications, utility companies, and landscape and irrigation contractors.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167017&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Linamar Corporation announced the appointment of Brad Boehler as President of Skyjack Inc. on February 5th. Skyjack is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and support of self-propelled aerial work platforms. Its current product line includes DC electric scissor lifts, engine-powered rough-terrain scissor lifts, telescopic and articulated boom lifts, and telehandlers.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167018&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
According to a company press release of January 25, Atlas Copco has been ranked the world’s tenth most sustainable company in the annual Global 100 list, presented recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Atlas Copco is the highest ranked industrial company. The Global 100 list is presented annually at the World Economic Forum. It is based on a selection of 4,000 developed and emerging market companies, which are measured against key performance indicators such as revenues in relation to consumption of energy and water.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167019&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Cat® Dealer Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar and Caterpillar Inc. will be exhibiting at Middle East Electricity, February 7-9, 2012. Held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East Electricity is one of the region’s largest trade shows dedicated to the power sector. The Middle East Electricity exhibition will be an opportunity to reconnect with existing customers and consulting-specifying engineers, as well as to discuss future projects. Visitors to the booth will be able to view the Cat 3516B generator set, which generates between 2000 and 2500 kVA at 50 Hz, and a Cat 60 kVA UPS.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167058&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Construction equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson recorded all-time highs in revenue and earnings – a trend that confirms the company’s growth strategy. Wacker Neuson has set its sights on further expansion in 2012. Figures show that 2011 was the best fiscal year in Wacker's company history. Based on preliminary figures, Group revenue rose to EUR 991.6 million during fiscal 2011, up 31 percent on the previous year. This is an all-time high in the company’s history.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167075&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Doosan Portable Power has successfully completed its global transition to the final Doosan machine branding from its former Ingersoll Rand brand. The transition is complete for its entire line of Doosan Portable Power equipment, including portable air compressors, mobile generators, portable light towers, and light compaction equipment. Doosan Infracore acquired the Ingersoll Rand Utility Equipment business unit from Ingersoll Rand in 2007 to form Doosan Infracore Portable Power. The Ingersoll Rand brand has been in the forefront of technology, design, and manufacturing since the early 1900s. Now with the mark of Doosan, the product line will continue to offer best-in-class reliability and durability, highest quality parts, and an industry-leading commitment to service and support.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167185&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Roddy Yates, generator product manager at Baldor Electric Co., recently contributed the following information to Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine... When you see an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2200 mark on a completed genset system, is it fact or fiction? The natural response would be, well yes, it’s UL 2200—right? After all the time spent in researching and specifying the genset, mounting location, features and accessories, well yes, we specified UL 2200. Don’t be too sure.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167189&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Wacker Neuson’s new electric breaker offers a unique and powerful demolition tool to the US construction market. The EH 65/120 exceeds the leading competitor’s electric breaker in power to weight ratio and percussion rate. The EH 65/120 has first-class vibration dampening with hand arm vibration less than 5 m/s². The efficient full-hood vibration dampening system provides additional user comfort for all day applications.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167247&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
BUSINESS NEWS
According to the CalChamber February 10 Alert Newsletter, since January 1, California employers have been paying higher taxes because the state has not repaid money it borrowed from the federal government to pay unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Unless Congress takes action (which it is not expected to do), the higher tax will remain in effect through 2012 and then increase each year the state has an outstanding loan balance. California’s UI Trust Fund has been insolvent since 2009. By the end of 2012, the UI Fund deficit is projected to reach $10.7 billion, according to the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167020&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
The Calchamber ALERT newsletter provides information about recycling requirements: Starting July 1, businesses and public entities that generate four cubic yards or more of waste per week and multifamily units of five or more will be required to recycle. The requirement was contained in legislation signed into law last year, AB 341 (Chesbro; D-North Coast). The purpose of this new law, as stated by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting commercial solid waste to recycling efforts and expand opportunities for additional recycling services and recycling manufacturing facilities in California.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167021&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) recently posted "A Legal Reform Wish List" for the state of California. CALA is a nonpartisan grassroots movement of concerned citizens and businesses who are fighting against lawsuit abuse in California. CALA serves as a watchdog to challenge the abuse of our civil justice system, and engages the public and the media to deliver the message that lawsuit abuse is alive and well in California — and that all Californians are paying the price.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167022&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
The U.S. Energy Information Administration releases a weekly gasoline and fuel pricing update. This week's release for both prices was February 6, 2012. The next release date is scheduled for February 13, 2012.

Visit http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/ to view the full article online.

 
CARB
The Truck and Bus Regulation reporting deadline has been extended to March 30, 2012. Privately and publicly owned school buses have different requirements and do not need to be reported. Smaller fleets can enter their information directly online. Larger fleets can use an upload spreadsheet to report vehicle information in batches rather than one vehicle at a time. Fleet owners who already created an account with the Tractor Trailer GHG reporting or the Off-Road reporting sytems, can use the same user name and password.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167201&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
The Fleet Calculator is an Excel spreadsheet to assist fleet owners in evaluating various compliance strategies to comply with the Truck and Bus Rule. It allows the user to input the engine model year, and emission control technology assumptions to determine what compliance options may be available to comply with the regulation for each calendar year. Fleets can view automated compliance strategies for meeting the compliance schedule based on engine model year or can evaluate more flexible compliance strategies including the phase-in option, compliance credits and special provisions. The tool has been updated to reflect the amendments adopted by the Board in December 2010. An Excel compatible program is required. For help, please email ARB's Diesel Hotline or call (866) 634-3735.

Visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/compliancetool.htm to view the full article online.

 
On March 1, 2012, large fleets (those with off-road vehicles totaling over 5,000 horsepower) are required to submit a Responsible Official Affirmation of Reporting (ROAR) to ARB. The ROAR is a signed statement affirming that the fleet information reported is accurate and that the fleet is in compliance. Beginning in 2012 for large fleets, 2016 for medium fleets, and 2018 for small fleets, fleets must annually update and affirm their reporting information is correct. Log into your DOORS account and choose the button labeled "ROAR Forms" to print out the ROAR form, sign, and mail or email it to the ARB.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167029&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
The Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) is a voluntary statewide program to register portable equipment such as air compressors, generators, concrete pumps, tub grinders, wood chippers, water pumps, drill rigs, pile drivers, rock drills, abrasive blasters, aggregate screening, and crushing plants, concrete batch plants and welders. Portable equipment registered in PERP may operate throughout the state without obtaining permits from any of California's 35 air quality management or air pollution control districts (air districts).

Visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/portable/portable.htm to view the full article online.

 
The ARB's Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program and Periodic Smoke Inspection Programs were adopted in 1988. The HDVIP program requires heavy-duty trucks and buses to be inspected for excessive smoke and tampering, and engine certification label compliance. Any heavy-duty vehicle traveling in California, including vehicles registered in other states and foreign countries, may be tested. Tests are performed by ARB inspection teams at border crossings, CHP weigh stations, fleet facilities, and randomly selected roadside locations. Owners of trucks and buses found in violation are subject to minimum penalties starting at $300 per violation.

Visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/hdvip/hdvip.htm to view the full article online.

 
This area of the Off-Road Mobile Sources website pertains to off-road large spark-ignition (LSI) equipment greater than 25 horsepower, including farm, construction and industrial equipment, powered by gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other alternate fuels. Typical applications that use LSI engines include forklifts, specialty vehicles, airport service vehicles, large turf care equipment, portable generators, and a wide array of other agricultural, construction and general industrial equipment. The U.S. EPA has sole authority to control new farm and construction equipment under 175 horsepower. To find out more about the regulatory activities and related information, click on "Learn More."

Visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/orspark/orspark.htm#main_content to view the full article online.

 
The On-Road Light-Duty Certification Section is responsible for the certification and production audit of new passenger cars (PC), light-duty trucks (LDT), medium-duty vehicles(MDV), on-road motorcycles (ONMC), off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRV) including off-road motorcycles (OFMC), all-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-road utility vehicles (UV), off-road sport vehicles (SV), and cars (SCAR), and electric golf carts (eGC). The Compression Ignition and Heavy-Duty Certification Section is responsible for the certification and production audit of new heavy-duty engines (HDE) and vehicles (HDV), including urban buses (UB), and new off-road compression ignition (OFCI) engines. Vehicles and engines (hereinafter, vehicles) are not legal for sale in California until certified. Violation of the requirement for certification can subject the vehicle manufacturers and/or selling dealers to enforcement actions including a fine of up to $5,000 per vehicle.

Visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/cert.php#main_content to view the full article online.

 
Driving Toward a Cleaner California (DTCC) is a coalition of owners-operators, farmers, construction contractors and other business and community leaders committed to working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to craft a sensible truck and bus replacement rule that both cleans the air and keeps California's economy moving forward.

Visit https://swww.naylornetwork.com/ria-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=167033&issueID=23679 to view the full article online.

 
Naylor, LLC