| March 2013 | Past Issues/Subscribe | Printer-Friendly | Advertise |
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 16 - 18, 2013 July 16 - 17, 2013 January 13 - 15, 2014
January 21 - 24, 2014 VENDOR NEWS
 CRA is happy to announce that HG Makelim has reserved booth space for the CRA Rental Rally on January 14 and 15th, 2014, in Pomona, CA. H. G. Makelim represents many of the world's leading providers of engines and generators and is committed to supporting the business and service requirements of the rental industry. They supply commercial customers with a variety of products including industrial engines, diesel fuel injection products, diesel test equipment, rotating electrical products and generator sets. With a combination of their 24/7 online ordering system, three locations across the Western United States, and more than $4 million in inventory, H.G. Makelim Co. can ship service parts to customers quickly and efficiently. Click on "Learn More" to see a list of the companies they represent.
Learn More...  The Charles Machine Works (CMW®), Inc., manufacturer of Ditch Witch products, awarded its 10 top Ditch Witch dealerships in 2012 with its highest dealership honor, Crescent Club Top 10 membership. "This award is about individual customers and the personal commitments their local Ditch Witch dealership teams make to providing the products, service and application expertise that help them do and get more with their time," says Tiffany Sewell-Howard, chief executive officer, CMW. "Our Crescent Club Top 10 dealership members exemplify how we and our customers partner in this commitment together." Congratulations to CRA Member Ditch Witch of California, owned by Michael Anderson, one of the Top 10 winners!
Learn More...  Chicago Pneumatic, a quality leader in performance air tools since 1901, is announcing its new line of CP3850 industrial angle grinders and sanders which offer the highest power to weight ratio in their class. Available in both 7" and 9" wheels capacity, the CP3850 series are light in weight (less than 6 lbs) for easier handling as well as highly durable for a lower cost of operation. The CP3850 series grinders and sanders have been designed for aggressive use and engineered to be used with grinding, cutting wheels, flap wheels, and sanding pads. Operators will find the powerful 2.8 hp governed motor - with their choice of 7700 rpm for 7" abrasives or 6000 rpm for 9" abrasives - built to deliver superior torque for high productivity.
Learn More...  Genie has broadened its family of telehandlers with the new Genie® GTH™-1544 prototype. The new 15,000 lb (6,804 kg) capacity model is the largest Genie telehandler of the product line to be announced and offers qualities owners and end users will value through outstanding reliability, durability, performance and operator comfort. Production will begin in the second quarter 2013 with availability in ANSI and CSA marketplaces.
Learn More...  Bobcat Company is breaking new ground in the utility vehicle market with the superior performance and productivity of the new 3600 and 3650 hydrostatic drive utility vehicles. Continuing Bobcat's tradition of customer-driven advancements, the 3650 model will take attachment capabilities to a new level as the industry’s first utility vehicle with the capacity to operate front-mounted PTO attachments. Not only are the 3600 and 3650 utility vehicles designed to handle and haul more materials for grooming commercial buildings and grounds or maintaining personal properties, but they are the first utility vehicles in the Bobcat® lineup to offer cabs with heat and air conditioning, providing more comfort than a typical utility vehicle while transporting passengers and completing multiple work tasks, such as hauling, mowing, sweeping and snow removal.
Learn More...  Mission Linen Supply, a leader in textile rental and buy direct programs, recently announced that John Ross has been named Vice President Operations. "John Ross brings a background of experience and training that will help us continue to build a bigger and stronger company; moreover, his principles are a solid fit with our own," said Karl Willig, President and CEO.
Learn More...  For the seventh consecutive year, Deere & Company has been included on Ethisphere Institute's "World's Most Ethical Companies" list. The research-based Ethisphere Institute is dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. Deere was among 145 companies honored after evaluations were conducted of each company's corporate ethics and compliance program; overall reputation, leadership and innovation; corporate governance; corporate citizenship and responsibility; and company culture concerning ethics.
Learn More...  Hilti takes the lead as the No. 1 top manufacturing company to sell for in the latest edition of Selling Power Magazine. For the 12th year, the corporate research team at Selling Power has identified and ranked the best companies to sell for among the largest sales forces in the United States. Focusing on companies with sales forces of 500 or more, Selling Power's annual rankings identify companies with the most to offer salespeople. The rankings are based on scores in three key categories: compensation, training and career mobility.
Learn More...  Toro is proud to offer contractors and rental professionals a new line of compaction equipment. Toro's new line was developed through the company's acquisition of products from Stone Construction Equipment, Inc., and utilizes proven designs and quality to offer customers plate compactors, rammers and a trench roller. Designed to deliver maximum impact force without excess weight, Toro compaction equipment is built to last with precision components for maximum durability. "At Toro, we continue to look for ways to bring more job matched equipment solutions to our customers in the construction and rental industries," says Anna Foster, rental product marketing manager for Toro. "Our new line of compaction equipment not only delivers superior performance, they are easy to service, and extremely durable."
Learn More...  Vermeer has introduced a new model into its popular pedestrian trencher product line. The RTX250 is a rubber-tracked, steerable pedestrian trencher that is designed for the needs of rental businesses and utility contractors. The RTX250 uses a 27-horsepower (20.1 kW) Kohler electronic fuel-injected (EFI) gas engine that delivers more power over competitive models to dig 8-inch-wide (20.3 cm) trenches up to 48 inches (121.9 cm) in depth. This trencher is simple to operate with a two-handlebar VZ steering system that allows easy mobility and operation without the need for numerous joysticks or significant operator training. A dedicated platform means additional counterweights are not necessary in order for the unit to trench properly and maintain proper balance.
Learn More...  Dual pressure Tier 4i-compliant air compressors from Doosan Portable Power -- P425/HP375WCU, HP450/VHP400WCU and P600/XP535WCU -- are cutting fuel costs by an average of 10 percent over previous models. A thermostatically controlled clutch-driven cooling fan, which engages only when required by higher operating temperatures, helps maximize fuel efficiency on the new models.
Learn More... BUSINESS NEWS
The following information from FoxandHoundsdaily.com is provided by Tom Scott, executive director of California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA).
Scott notes, "The deadline for new bills in California’s legislature was February 23rd and we can now see some of the legislation related to legal reform that legislators have introduced." Scott points out that CALA is strictly a grassroots, nonpartisan, educational, nonprofit organization. They aren’t lobbyists, but do take positions on legislation and want people to know what is being debated in Sacramento when it comes to legal reform issues. Learn More... Joel Fox, editor of Fox & Hounds and president of the Small Business Action Committee, comments on what appear to be hopeful signs for the improvement of California's poor business environment. State government leaders seem to be taking notice of the state's poor reputation in this area. Fox gives several examples of proposals made and corrections offered to help improve the business environment. He notes, "One positive sign that business concerns are having an impact under the capitol dome – and I realize the following statement is premature and is bound to change – but so far the California Chamber of Commerce only lists one bill in its renowned Job Killer log – SB 626, which would undo parts of last year’s workers compensation reforms."
Learn More... CalChamber's March 15th Alert Newsletter reported that less than six months after Proposition 30 raised taxes by $7 billion, the Legislature is proposing higher taxes on business property, including a reassessment even when property doesn’t change hands. The proposal, AB 188 (Ammiano; D-San Francisco), has been identified by the California Chamber of Commerce as a "job killer." AB 188 unfairly targets commercial property by redefining "change of ownership" so such property is reassessed more frequently, which ultimately will lead to higher property tax. AB 188 completely alters the definition of "change of ownership" for commercial property for the purpose of increasing property taxes.
Learn More... Total crude oil production by members of OPEC averaged 30.3 million barrels per day (bbl/d) in fourth-quarter 2012, down from 31.1 million bbl/d in the prior quarter. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that OPEC will cut crude oil production from an average of 30.9 million bbl/d for full-year 2012 to 30.3 million bbl/d in 2013 in response to expected non-OPEC supply growth. With liquids production in the United States projected to rise by 835,000 bbl/d in 2013, and Saudi Arabia continuing in its traditional role as the main swing producer among the OPEC countries, it is likely that total U.S. liquids production will exceed that of Saudi Arabia this year; however, this depends upon the accounting conventions used to make the comparison. Regardless of how much the United States is able to reduce its reliance on imported liquid fuels, it will not be insulated from price shocks that affect the global oil market. And Saudi Arabia will likely continue in its unique role as the only holder of significant spare oil production capacity among world oil producers.
Learn More... Several measures have been introduced this year seeking constitutional changes to how local governments pass and levy special taxes for services and projects. For the most part, the handful of constitutional amendments all seek the same goal: lowering the current vote threshold for local voters to approve special taxes from two-thirds to a 55 percent majority. Legislative Democrats have introduced six Senate Constitutional Amendments (SCA) and two Assembly Constitutional Amendments (ACA). ACA and SCA measures must be passed by a two-thirds vote in the Legislature before being submitted to the election ballot and placed before voters for final approval.
Learn More... CARB
All diesel fueled trucks, buses, trailers and transportation refrigeration units operating in California, including those based out of state, have requirements to reduce air pollution and improve the state's overall air quality. Staff has summarized common reporting and rule issues on the Diesel Hotline's Frequently Asked Questions and for more specific help, see our Icon saying NEW example fleets for owners of 1 to 3 trucks page. If you continue to have difficulty, call the Diesel Hotline at 866-6DIESEL (866-634-3735) or send an email to 8666DIESEL@arb.ca.gov. In addition to English, our operators can answer questions in Spanish and Punjabi.
Learn More... What's New? By March 1, 2013, large fleets must submit a signed Responsible Official Affirmation of Reporting (ROAR) to ARB. By the same date, large fleets must designate appropriate vehicles as low-use for 2012, and submit hour meter readings. Also, as of March 1, 2013, fleets will no longer have the ability to use the "Oops Unsell", or "Oops Restore" features for vehicles and engines removed in 2012. Similarly, fleets will no longer be able to move vehicles among fleets in their DOORS account using the "Reassign Vehicle" function, nor to change how their fleet portions are aggregated using the "Aggregate Fleet" function. Fleets under common ownership or control must decide now if/how they want to apportion themselves, and ensure that parent fleets are reported properly.
Learn More... 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.
Learn More... The Truck and Bus regulation will reduce diesel exhaust emissions from privately owned and federal government diesel trucks and buses. Privately and publicly owned school buses have different requirements and do not need to be reported. This CARB site has the Truck Regulations Upload and Compliance Reporting System (TRUCRS) and was last reviewed February 8, 2013.
Learn More... Owners or operators of portable engines and certain other types of equipment can register their units under the Air Resources Board's (ARB) Statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) in order to operate their equipment throughout California without having to obtain individual permits from local air districts. For 2012, engine manufacturers are required to produce engines in all power categories that are certified to the Interim Tier 4 level. Engines that were produced under the "flex" provisions of either 40 CFR part 89.102 or 1039.625 will continue to be eligible for initial registration in PERP. On July 1, 2012, to apply for initial registration in PERP, all non-flex diesel engines rated 50 bhp and above must be certified to the interim Tier 4 emission standard. The fleet standards from the Portable Engine ATCM take effect January 1, 2013.
Learn More... The small off-road engine (SORE) category consists of off-road spark-ignition engines below 25 horsepower, including small utility equipment, lawn mowers and weed trimmers. This category does not include compression-ignition engines, watercraft, or recreational vehicles. ARB has a page on its website that includes general information regarding small off-road engines and ARB's SORE program. Click on "Learn more" to access this page.
Learn More... In December 2011, major amendments to the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation, which include delaying the first compliance date to no earlier than January 1, 2014, became effective. The changes to the regulation are reflected in the fact sheets, advisories, and answers to frequently asked questions available on...
Learn More... The regulation requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in California to be upgraded to reduce emissions. Heavier trucks must be retrofitted with PM filters beginning January 1, 2012, and older trucks must be replaced starting January 1, 2015. By January 1, 2023, nearly all trucks and buses will need to have 2010 model year engines or equivalent. The regulation applies to nearly all privately and federally owned diesel fueled trucks and buses and to privately and publicly owned school buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds. Small fleets with three or fewer diesel trucks can delay compliance for heavier trucks by reporting and there are a number of extensions for low-mileage construction trucks, early PM filter retrofits, adding cleaner vehicles and other situations.
Learn More... The ARB's Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program and Periodic Smoke Inspection Program were adopted into law in 1988 to control excessive smoke emissions and tampering from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses. The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (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. Owners of trucks and buses found in violation are subject to minimum penalties starting at $300 per violation. The Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) program requires that diesel and bus fleet owners conduct annual smoke opacity inspections of their vehicles and repair those with excessive smoke emissions to ensure compliance. All vehicles that do not pass the test must be repaired and retested. A fleet owner that neglects to perform the annual smoke opacity inspection on applicable vehicles is subject to a penalty of $500 per vehicle, per year.
Learn More...  Driving Toward a Cleaner California (DTCC) is a coalition of owner-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.
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