Microsoft has a new initiative to help get broadband to 3 million people in rural areas in by 2022, it’s called Microsoft Airband Initiative.

This initiative uses TV white spaces technology combined with 4G, and “…traditional fiber-based connectivity, and satellite coverage to dramatically reduce the cost and time of extending broadband access to rural communities across America,” according to Microsoft.

According to a recent study, “96% of contractors and 70% of trade contractors report that site superintendents use mobile devices on work sites.” However, as you know many work sites are in areas with low or no connectivity, so we imagine that as this technology takes hold across the country it will make your job easier, more efficient, and safer.

California is one of the states is one of the states included in the initiative, with two startup companies, Tribal Digital Village and Numbers4Health awarded Airband Grant Fund dollars. Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia are also included bringing the total to 25 states served by this time next year.

Increased operational costs due to unexpected repairs and operator error along with machine downtime and poor utilization can greatly increase your total cost of ownership.

Two easy ways you can avoid both these issues and lower the Total Cost of Ownership of your JLG and Skytrak machines is to:

1. Know when to replace a damaged foam or pneumatic tire. It happens but keeping an eye on your tires and replacing them immediately when damaged, will maximize your machine uptime and improve job safety.

2. Avoid ruining sophisticated electronics when pressure washing. This will keep your machine out of the service department for costly repairs.

When To Replace a Damaged Tire

According to JLG, knowing when to replace a damaged tire is one of their most frequently asked questions.

The following guideline will help.

Pneumatic tires: If there are any cuts, rips or tears that expose sidewall or tread area cords in the tire, remove the tire from service immediately. Arrangements must be made for replacement of the tire or tire assembly.

Polyurethane foam filled tires: Remove the tire from service immediately and arrange replacement of the tire or tire assembly when any of the following conditions are discovered:

• A smooth, even cut through the cord plies which exceeds 3 inches (7.5 cm) in total length
• Any tears or rips (ragged edges) in the cord plies which exceed 1 inch (2.5 cm) in any direction
• Any punctures which exceed 1 inch in diameter
• Any damage to the bead area cords of the tire

If a tire is damaged but is within the above noted criteria, the tire must be inspected daily to ensure the damage has not expanded beyond the allowable criteria.

How to Safely Pressure Wash Your Machine

According to JLG it’s important when pressure washing your machine to:

• Use a maximum pressure of 750 psi (52 BAR)
• Maintain a minimum distance of 12 inches away from sensitive and sophisticated electrical components
• Avoid directly spraying components
• Limit any secondary water exposure to brief periods to avoid saturation

At West Coast Equipment we’re always on top of the latest equipment and upgrades. In fact, there’s no better time to buy.

New JLG X1000AJ Compact Crawler (CCB)

Key Specs
SEE ALL SPECS
Machine Width: 3 ft 11 in. / 1.19 m
Platform Capacity: 500 lb / 226.80 kg
Key Features

SEE ALL FEATURES
Enhanced Reach – Class-leading 56-ft up and over work envelope and 54-ft horizontal outreach
Improved Stability – One-touch, self-leveling, multi-position outriggers
More Power Options – 76V advanced technology 2.0 lithium-ion battery for quiet indoor operation or Kubota D902 diesel engine power for outdoor jobs

“The revolutionary X1000AJ demonstrates JLG’s continued commitment to delivering the industry’s broadest range of access equipment,” said Randy Marzicola, director, channel development for JLG Industries, Inc. “This newest addition to our CCB line allows operators to reach greater heights with increased machine flexibility to navigate more spaces safely.”

Non-Marking Tires

These tires are designed specifically for telehandlers and feature excellent wearing characteristics, while protecting sensitive surfaces from unwanted markings.

The new tires are available as air- or foam-filled and come with a center bar for better wear performance on abrasive surfaces. A non-directional tread means fewer assembly combinations and reduces carrying costs.

“Our new non-marking tires were specifically designed to help our customers do their job more effectively in the field, while lowering total cost of ownership,” said John Boehme, JLG senior product manager, telehandlers. “The tires’ performance characteristics provide superior protection against scuffing and marking on delicate surfaces.”

Additional features include a reinforced carcass to help protect from base lug cracking or shadowing, as well as a reinforced sidewall to protect from impact or puncture damage.

3-Foot Platform for all JLG Engine-Powered Boom Lifts

The 30-by-36-inch platform is available as an aftermarket purchase or on new whole goods orders.

“These new smaller platforms help JLG meet the growing market demand for compact platforms to complete work in tight spaces,” said Bill Dovey, senior product manager, booms, JLG Industries, Inc. “Smaller platforms allow workers to access work areas where traditional platforms wouldn’t fit.”

The JLG 3’ platform is ideal for a variety of applications including construction or repair of bridges. It allows for more precise navigation between the steel and concrete support structures. Additionally, the platform enables access to many applications notorious for challenging access such as those found in petrochemical plants or refineries, cogeneration facilities, stadiums, convention centers, or between spires in a chapel.

As with most JLG boom platforms, this product comes standard with JLG’s popular SkyGuard® enhanced control panel protection system.

Earlier this month CBS News reported that “…drone use in construction has skyrocketed by 239 percent year over year, according to a May report on commercial drone trends by DroneDeploy”.

Affordability has made them more accessible and high quality mapping data has made them almost indispensable for some large scale construction companies. In fact, drones are quickly replacing expensive airplanes that have done a similar job in the past, and with drones you get the added benefit of real-time analytic data.

Now drones are moving down market to small and midsized construction companies. So the question is, how can you best utilize this new hypermobile technology on your job site?

According to drone manufacturer, Precision Hawk,  drones along with the right software and analytics can help optimize jobsite reporting,  track jobsite progress and productivity, measure elevation, survey jobsites, and help with security and monitoring. So it’s not just about getting photos, it’s about optimizing your time, safety, and efficiency.

However, if you’re considering investing in a drone you’ll not only need commercial grade equipment, software, training, and licensing, you’ll also need insurance and adhere to compliance regulations.

If you’re a smaller company that could use the benefits of drones, you may want to consider hiring a professional FAA certified drone pilot. We found pilots on Droners.IO with hourly rates that start at $85 per hour.

Here’s to your success!

Technology can help mitigate worker shortages, improve on the job safety, and let’s face it, some of the new tech just makes life more interesting. This includes JLG entering in the BIM market with their downloadable BIM library for some of their Boom Lifts, Scissor Lifts, and Vertical Lifts.  Currently they offer two types of ISO compliant 3D BIM files (.rfa and .ifc formats).

BIM (building information modelling) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that will help you to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.

Here’s an example of the BIM content library for Boom Lifts from the PDF instruction guide that comes with the downloadable file:

• All JLG­® Boom Lifts components have been created to allow the height and horizontal reach of the platform; the swing angle, platform rotation, and job rotation to be changed.
• Visibility control: The visibility of the platform working area and turning radius can be toggled on or off. 
• Modify the platform height and reach. Within the height and reach combinations, you can select a ‘Transport Condition/Stowed Position.’ If selected the machine will move to its smallest and most suitable position for transportation.
  

To learn more visit https://www.jlg.com/en/resources/bim-library/bim-files

Meet Tony Cerone

Tony is an expert in parts, service, product support, and equipment sales. He is also a JLG certified AWP and Telehandler operator trainer. He is hardworking, helpful, conscientious and always puts the customer needs first.

There’s no competition when it comes to having a great team of dedicated professionals here at West Coast Equipment. Great employees have given us a competitive advantage since we opened in 1984.

We’re on a National Account. Call us first!

1. Bulk Tanks of Mobile 424 & 1540. We are on a national account and get great pricing. So call Many, our parts specialist first. You’ll be glad you did! Call direct at 951-256-2040.

2. Save big when you repower your older machine with a Tier 3 or 4 Engine. John Robidoux and his team of experts at West Coast Equipment will help your older JLG, Skytrak, or Gradall machine look and run like new. Meet the new CARB requirements and call today for a quote.

3. Extend the life of your machine and replace your conventional tires with JLG preferred Continental Solid Tires.  Click here to learn more.