Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) and Kubota Manufacturing of America Corporation (KMA) recently announced plans to increase production capacity for Kubota equipment in the U.S. by building a new manufacturing plant and expanding its existing operations in Gainesville, Georgia. The company's expansion plans come on the heels of KTC's recent announcement that it will relocate its U.S. headquarters to Grapevine, Texas, in an effort to get closer to its major markets and customers. The new Georgia plant will be located on 180 acres at Gateway Industrial Centre, in Gainesville-Hall County, three miles from KMA's existing facilities. The new building will be an estimated 502,000 square feet. The existing KMA facility, which has been in operation since 1988 and employs approximately 1,300 people, will also undergo enhancements to increase its production capacity to support Kubota's growing turf business.
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Briggs & Stratton Corporation announced on May 20, that it has acquired U.S.-based Billy Goat Industries, Inc. Incorporated in 1969 and based in Lee's Summit, Missouri, Billy Goat is a leading manufacturer of specialty turf equipment, which includes: aerators, sod cutters, overseeders, power rakes, brush cutters, walk behind blowers, lawn vacuums, and debris loaders. Billy Goat has annual net sales of approximately $30 million. Briggs & Stratton has acquired all of the outstanding shares of Billy Goat for approximately $26 million in cash, subject to customary post-closing working capital adjustments. The transaction was effective on May 20.
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CRA's 2016 West Coast Rental Rally Tradeshow is scheduled for January 26-28 at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thank you to the 12 exhibitors who have signed up to exhibit at the show since you received CRA's May e-newsletter. See the following articles about each of these exhibitors and the products they offer. Click on "Learn More" for more information about the show and to see the complete list of exhibitors to date.
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Atlas Chairs and Tables (ACT) offers a variety of plastic, wood, and metal folding chairs; plastic and wood folding tables; and event merchandise at extremely low wholesale prices. If you are looking for high-quality merchandise, low prices and an array of styles, sizes and colors, then you have found the place. Contact them at 1-562-777-1051, ext. 103.
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Avant Tecno USA is the wholly owned U.S. division of Avant Tecno Oy, a designer and manufacturer of compact multi-functional Avant wheeled loaders and attachments. Avant products, available worldwide, are versatile, powerful, compact, innovative and durable in all working conditions. Manufacturing, product development, sales and marketing are located in Ylöjärvi, Finland. In the USA, products are available through their Arlington Heights, Illinois office. Avants can be found working almost anywhere in the world, and there are over 25,000 Avant loaders working all over the world.
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Chicago Pneumatic offers a wide range of pneumatic, hydraulic & gas-driven equipment, portable compressors & generators, light towers, rig-mounted attachments and compaction equipment for the construction & demolition industry. It is simple, really. You have work to do, customers to serve. CP is there to help you get the job done, without compromise.
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Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance, and private client services. EPIC currently ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States and is one of the top 50 brokers in the world. EPIC is also CRA's Service Valued Provider of insurance products for the rental industry.
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Whether it's a standby power system for a large data center, a backup generator powering the family home through an outage, portable generators powering tools at the job site, or the cleaning power of a pressure washer, Generac meets the power needs of consumers and businesses alike, across the country and around the world. Generac offers tier 4 diesel and solar powered light towers, tier 4 diesel generators, gaseous generators, containerized generators, tier 4 diesel trash pumps, water trailers, and combinations light, power and water units.
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Norwood Sales offers skid-lifts and skid steer mounted scissor manlifts. The company was founded by Bob Norwood with the goal of distributing high quality, reliable agricultural products to local farmers. Dan Norwood joined the company in 1992, working in sales and purchasing. Over the years, Norwood Sales has built a nationwide network of customers and dealers that have come to rely on the reputation and performance of their products. Customer satisfaction is a top priority, and Bob, Dan and their staff understand the need to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
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RGW Equipment has served Northern California as a dealer of light to heavy construction equipment since 1992. RGW Equipment' also has a service department to help owners avoid equipment downtime; 20 certified mechanics for all major brands have over 500 years of combined experience. Providing parts to customers in a timely manner is also a daily service at RGW Equipment. With over one million dollars in parts inventory, RGW Equipment carries all major brands, can order unique parts, and has drivers that cover Northern California to make sure parts are delivered on time.
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Robinson Oil Corporation has been helping fleets design and implement fuel purchasing policies and management systems designed to lower the total cost of fueling since 1938. They provide fuel management solutions for small to large business fleets, over-the-road transportation companies, and government agencies. Robinson Oil Corporation is a CRA Service Valued Provider, and CRA members consistently save 2 to 5 percent on fueling costs. Contact Debi Biggers at (916) 626-2210 for more information.
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Since 1979, SALSCO, Inc. has built its record on quality and service, providing products that last for golf course maintenance, turf and lawn care, rental, construction, tree care, wood processing, nursery, and farm industries The entire team at Salsco takes pride in producing equipment that allows customers to meet their goals more efficiently and with less down time. Solid, durable construction, quality components, and the standard features that should be standard, coupled with quality service and support is the hallmark of SALSCO equipment. All of their products are manufactured in Cheshire, Connecticut.
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Schaefer Ventilation offers circulation fans, evaporative coolers, and confined space ventilators, and is committed to providing the highest quality, highest performing products, and industry-leading customer service worldwide. With over 60 years of industry experience, Schaefer is a leader in the design and manufacture of ventilation equipment for agricultural, industrial and commercial markets. Products are distributed through dealers and resellers in the U.S. and abroad. Schaefer is a privately held company based in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, with sales offices in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Dubai, UAE, and distribution warehouses in California, Canada and the Netherlands.
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Shark offers commercial and industrial pressure washers, jetters, full-line parts and accessories, and floor care products. Their commercial and industrial-grade equipment is designed specifically for the rugged demands of industry and developed to withstand the demanding rental environment. Today, Shark's dominating reputation for ruggedness and safety in the rental market is recognized by a broad array of cleaning professionals and commercial contractors. The engineering and craftsmanship of the Shark pressure washer line are renowned thanks to the equipment's simple design, durability, over-sized components and many safety features.
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Western Tree Equipment & Repairs is the west coast dealer for Dosko brush chippers, stump grinders, log splitters and Iron Oak log splitters. West Coast has been providing quality equipment, tools and supplies for the green industry for over 20 years. They are an authorized dealer, warranty and repair facility for Dosko, Echo, Honda Engines and Kohler Engines. In addition, they also repair a variety of other small engines and equipment for the green industry. For current shop rates and other questions, please call them at 800-942-7267 or 916-852-8900.
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Two "job killers" failed to move off the Assembly Floor on June 4, missing Friday's deadline for bills to pass the house in which they were introduced. Of 19 "job killer" bills identified by the California Chamber of Commerce to date, just 10 remain active. Seven Senate "job killer" bills and three Assembly "job killer" bills remain alive. Two of the Senate bills and one Assembly bill still alive are tax measures and not subject to the house of origin deadline.
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Wednesday, June 10, was Small Business Day in Sacramento, and was acknowledged by many of the Legislature's members who attended the event put together by the California Small Business Association headed by Betty Jo Toccoli. Members of the Legislature recognized small businesses in their districts, from immigrants who started as dishwashers to owning their own restaurants, a bakery owner who makes treats for well-known athletes, to craft brewers, truckers, and other small business owners. All four legislative leaders, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, Senate President Kevin de León, Minority Senate Leader-to-be Jean Fuller, and Assembly Minority Leader Kristin Olsen spoke.
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Lawrence H. Easterling, Jr., administrator at Kettleman Pistachio Growers and director at American Pistachio Growers, commented on the status of California's water management in a recent article on foxandhoundsdaily.com. He stated, "We are witnessing the dismantling of the California water conveyance system that supplies drinking water for 25 million California residents and four million acres of prime farmland in the San Joaquin Valley. Our water resources are being "withheld" from the very people of this state who have shown what "free enterprise" can do not only for the well-being of all in California, but the entire nation. Unfortunately, several major environmental groups and complacent politicians are killing the freedoms that have been the bulwark of success in California..."
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The Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) released on June 9 forecasts the average price for North Sea Brent crude oil in 2016 at $67 per barrel (b), $3/b lower than projected in the May STEO. The 2015 Brent forecast remained unchanged at $61/b (Figure 1). Expectations of looser global balances in the latter portion of the forecast period drove the adjustment to the price outlook. WTI prices are expected to average $5/b below Brent in both 2015 and 2016. The current values of futures and options contracts continue to suggest high uncertainty in the price outlook. WTI futures contracts for September 2015 delivery traded during the five-day period ending June 4 averaged $60/b while implied volatility averaged 33 percent. These levels established the lower and upper limits of the 95 percent confidence interval for the market's expectations of monthly average WTI prices in September 2015 at $45/b and $81/b, respectively. The 95 percent confidence interval for WTI market expectations widens over time, with lower and upper boundaries of $40/b and $92/b for December 2015 prices, widening to $36/b and $109/b for December 2016 prices.
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The regulation requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in California to be upgraded to reduce emissions. Lighter and older, heavier trucks must be replaced starting Jan. 1, 2015. By Jan. 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.

What's New: Diesel Particulate Filter Evaluation (May 11, 2015)
In October 2013, the Board directed staff to investigate stakeholder concerns regarding the cost, reliability, and fire safety of diesel particulate filters in on-road applications. Staff provided an update to the Board in April 2014, and a report available online discusses findings from the completed evaluation.
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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. The following includes general information regarding small off-road engines and ARB's SORE program: Small Off-Road Engines Fact Sheet and Certification Guidelines – online access to relevant certification documents for manufacturers.
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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.

Portable Diesel Engine Airborne Toxic Control Measure
On Jan. 1, 2013, the Portable Engine Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) fleet emission standards went into effect. The ATCM required owners of portable engines to submit a Fleet Compliance Report to the Air Resources Board by March 1, 2013. The next Fleet Compliance Report will be due March 1, 2017.

CRITICAL ENGINE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
June 30, 2015: This will be the last day ARB will accept initial registration applications for Interim Tier 4 engines rated 75 bhp and above.

Effective July 1, 2015: For initial registration into PERP, all diesel engines must meet the Final Tier 4 certification tier level or be a Flex engine certified under the flexibility provisions of Federal 40 CFR 1039.625, or CFR 89.102, or California Code of Regulations section 2423 (d). The PERP eligibility requirements take effect six months after the federal and CARB non-road engine emission standards for engine manufacturers change.
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On July 26, 2007, the Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted a regulation to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from in-use (existing), off-road, heavy-duty diesel vehicles in California.

Posted Dec. 8, 2014: Fleet Average Calculator for Small Fleets has been made available for public use. The Small Fleet Average Calculator is for small-sized off-road fleets (2,500 or less total horsepower), and covers all compliance years. The calculator is available here. Fleet owners utilizing the calculator are advised to first read the User Guide in order to familiarize themselves with the calculator.
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Q: I heard that there is a new extension available that delays compliance until 2018, is this true?
A: No. However, the Board approved an option that, in specific situations, could delay compliance for up to three trucks until Jan. 1, 2017 for owners that can demonstrate they are financially unable to comply. This option is called the Economic Hardship Extension. The Economic Hardship Extension is a last resort for fleets that were out of compliance for 2014 and have exhausted all of their compliance options. Fleet owners will need to prove they are financially unable to comply with rule requirements.
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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).

The reporting period for 2015 compliance closed Jan. 31, 2015. Vehicle owners that already reported will need to update their vehicle and owner information as it changes. If you bought or sold vehicles from your fleet, installed filters or upgraded engines on any of your vehicles you must report that information within 30 days of the change. If you reported for a mileage-based extensions such as the low-mileage construction truck extension, the agricultural vehicle extension or the low-use exemption, you must report your vehicle's Jan. 1 odometer reading by Jan. 31 each year. Also, if you sell a vehicle that was using the extension, then you must report the ending odometer reading.
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In December 2011, major amendments to the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation became effective. The changes to the regulation are reflected in the fact sheets, advisories and answers to frequently asked questions available on the Knowledge Center for the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation Web page. Categories of information found on this page include: Requirements in Effect Now, Enforcement and Regulatory Advisories; Free Training Seminars; and Frequently Asked Questions.
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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.
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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 regulations Title 13 CCR, sections 2180-2189 for HDVIP and Title 13 CCR, sections 2190-2194 for PSIP, which govern these programs, were last amended in 2013.

The HDVIP program requires heavy-duty trucks and buses to be inspected for excessive smoke and tampering and for 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.
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