civetta cousins jv llc gregory`s sawmill

ADVANTAGE
A PUBLICATION FOR AND ABOUT EDWARD EHRBAR INC. CUSTOMERS • 2007 NO. 1
Featured in this issue:
CIVETTA COUSINS J.V. LLC
NYC excavation and foundation
work is the specialty of this
Bronx-based contracting firm
See article inside...
Featured in this issue:
GREGORY’S SAWMILL
150-year-old company attributes longevity
to hard work and good equipment
See article inside...
Taber Gregory,
Owner
A MESSAGE FROM
THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Since 1903
Dear Equipment User:
ADVANTAGE
Everyone
wants to be No. 1 — in business, that’s what we all strive for. So
when that No. 1 designation is made, it’s something to celebrate.
Matthew Ahern
That’s the case for Komatsu, where a leading economic and business daily
newspaper — Nihon Keizai Shimbun, published by Nikkei, Inc. — recently
named Komatsu as the top Japanese company, based on overall corporate
excellence. Komatsu won out over such perennial corporate powerhouses as
Canon and Toyota.
Komatsu’s heavy investment in research and development, which keeps it
on the cutting edge of the industry, was a strong factor cited in its success. That
R&D investment is especially apparent in innovations such as KOMTRAX and
Komatsu’s ecot3 Tier 3-compliant engine.
KOMTRAX is a remote equipment-monitoring and management system
that’s definitely the wave of the future. Komatsu factory installs this system
as standard equipment on virtually all new machines, and there are no
communications charges for the first five years. Other top brands charge you
for the system and the installation, then charge you a monthly communication
fee. Komatsu’s totally free system — versus the competitors’ cost of thousands
of dollars per machine — is a prime example of the Komatsu advantage.
Another advantage Komatsu offers is in the fuel efficiency of its new ecot3
engines. We have a good inventory of new Tier 3-compliant Komatsu machines,
all of which boost productivity while lowering fuel consumption.
As a Komatsu distributor, we’ve known for a long time that Komatsu
equipment is topnotch and the company is well run. Our customers, who use
the equipment every day, know that too. So, if you haven’t stopped by Ehrbar
for a while, we encourage you to do so. Or, call one of our sales representatives
to learn about what’s new, including our two new product lines — Terex Fuchs
material-handling machines and the Wirtgen Group of road-related equipment
(see article inside).
Since 1903
We look forward to the opportunity to prove we can and will do whatever it
takes to earn your business and a No. 1 ranking from you.
RELIABLE
EQUIPMENT
Sincerely, EDWARD EHRBAR INC.
RESPONSIVE
SERVICE
Matthew Ahern
Executive Vice President
ADVANTAGE
THE PRODUCTS PLUS
THE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU!
Corporate Administration
Chairman of the Board — Jeremiah F. Ahern
President — Patrick Ahern
Executive Vice President — Matthew Ahern
Secretary/Controller — Frank Dlugokencky
Vice President of Sales — Lawrence McCrann
Vice President of Operations — Chris Kohart
A PUBLICATION FOR AND ABOUT EDWARD EHRBAR INC. CUSTOMERS
ADVANTAGE
IN THIS ISSUE
CIVETTA COUSINS J.V. LLC
Find out why New York City excavation and foundation work is the
specialty of this Bronx-based contracting firm.
Sales & Marketing
Sales Manager — Stephen Schiavetta
Sales Administration — John Sotallaro
Sales Office Manager — Deborah Kelly
Rental Manager — Joseph Collins
Utility Sales Manager — Tim Scherer
GREGORY’S SAWMILL
This 150-year-old Connecticut company attributes its longevity to hard
work and good equipment.
NEW LINES
Product Support
Now you can turn to Edward Ehrbar Inc. for even more of the products
you need. Ehrbar now offers the Wirtgen Group of paving, compaction
and milling machines, as well as Terex Fuchs material handlers.
Product Support Manager — Christopher Kohart
Service Department
Field Service Manager — Ken Pectal
Warranty Administrator— Peter Sanchirico
GUEST OPINION
As Democrats take control of both legislative houses, there are bound to be changes that will affect the construction and equipment industries. Christian Klein, VP of Government Affairs for AED, provides his insights.
Parts Department
Parts Manager — John Barbuto
Parts Inventory Manager — Robert Murphy
EQUIPMENT DESIGN BENEFITS
Find out why Komatsu motor graders’ visibility, blade geometry and ease
of operation set them apart.
Accounting
Secretary/Controller — Frank Dlugokencky
Assistant Controller — Gina Serratore
M.I.S. Manager — Edward Ahern
Finance & Credit Manager — Harvey Levine
UTILITY MACHINES
Learn more about Komatsu compact excavators and how feedback from
contractors helped improve this popular product line.
NEW PRODUCTS
Branch Management
See how Komatsu’s new mid-size wheel loader, the WA430-6, can help
lower your fuel costs while improving productivity.
Holbrook — Hank Ruttura
Danbury — Anthony Olivieri
NEWS OF NOTE
Learn more about Ehrbar’s new Danbury branch and new branch
manager, as well as two other veteran staff members who recently
moved up the ranks within the company.
MISSION STATEMENT
Published by Construction Publications, Inc. for
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
Since 1903
HQ - YONKERS, NY
DANBURY, CT
HOLBROOK, L. I., NY
4 Executive Plaza
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 738-5100
42 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-0088
601 Coates Avenue
Holbrook, L. I., NY 11741
(631) 563-7600
ADVANTAGE
Our mission is to provide our customers
with quality construction equipment
products, to back our products with
unmatched product support, and to do
everything possible to contribute to our
customers’ success. Prompt, courteous and
respectful service from all of our employees
to all of our customers is our standard.
We strive to build long-term relationships
with our customers to gain their trust and
confidence whereby they seek our counsel
in their business endeavors.
Visit us at our Web site: www.ehrbar.com
Printed in U.S.A © 2007 Construction Publications, Inc.
Pantone 072 blue
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
A SALUTE TO AN EHRBAR CUSTOMER
ADVANTAGE
CIVETTA COUSINS J.V. LLC
NYC excavation and foundation work is the
specialty of this Bronx-based contracting firm
F
For visitors and residents alike, much of the
Manhattan mystique is in its buildings: the
small and the large, the old and the new, the
ornate and the functional. And most of all: the
way they’re all jammed together on this one
little island.
But the part of the buildings that people
don’t see — the part that’s underground — is
often just as impressive as what is above.
To build on Manhattan, especially to build
skyscrapers, you have to start with a solid
foundation. That’s where companies such as
Bronx-based Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC come
into the picture.
Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC is an excavation
and foundation company whose New
York City roots date back to the 1930s. John
Lombardi, a nephew of the original founder,
Corinno Civetta, estimates that in the last
36 years, Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC and its
Key employees of Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC include (L-R) Ram Narine, Alan Rothenberg,
Michele Castelli, Peter Ciregna, John Lombardi, John Leonard, Angelo Maiorano and
Nick Roselli.
predecessor, Corinno Civetta Construction,
have done 700 or more projects throughout the
city, the vast majority being in Manhattan.
“It’s interesting, to say the least,” observed
Lombardi. “Each job is unique. There is no
one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to
foundation work in Manhattan. Every project
stands on its own. And time is always of the
essence.”
Because of all the obstacles, and the expertise
required to overcome them, Civetta Cousins
J.V. LLC is one of only a handful of companies
that regularly bids deep foundation work in
the city.
“On every job, our goal at Civetta Cousins
is 100 percent customer satisfaction,” said
Lombardi. “The senior partners of the
company are men of integrity. If something
is wrong on a job and it’s our fault, we’re
going to make it right. We understand that the
owner needs to open his/her doors sooner
rather than later. Because of that philosophy,
we work for many of the same owners and
general contractors over and over again. We
don’t advertise, so we work hard to keep an
excellent reputation and respect in this field in
order to earn that repeat business.”
Whatever it takes
The senior principal partners of Civetta
Cousins J.V. LLC are Alan Rothenberg and
Peter Ciregna. Other key personnel, in
addition to John Lombardi, are Nick Roselli;
John Leonard; Joseph Kolacia; Gildo Caprara;
Ram Narine, P.E.; and Michele Castelli.
“On the management side, we’re actually
a fairly small, tight-knit organization,”
Lombardi pointed out. “We all have our roles,
This Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC operator uses a Komatsu
PC750 to hammer rock at a deep, difficult foundation job
at 67th Street, across from Sloan Kettering Hospital.
but the main goal for each of us is to get the
job done for our clients, so we all actually wear
many hats and do whatever it takes to move a
project forward.”
The Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC work force
fluctuates between 100 and 200 employees,
depending on work load.
“We have topnotch field supervisors,
operators, concrete workers, laborers, and
maintenance personnel,” said Lombardi.
“Most of the people who work here have
been here a long time, including multiple
generations of the same family. Our guys don’t
do a lot of bouncing around from company
to company. Once they’re with us, they tend
to stay with us and, coupled with our field
experience and expertise, help make Civetta
Cousins J.V. LLC a better company. Without
our personnel, we would just be an average
contractor.”
First, do no harm
Much of the challenge in the foundation
work that Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC does
stems from often being surrounded on three
sides by very large, and perhaps culturally or
historically significant buildings.
“Like a medical doctor, the first rule of
foundation work is to do no harm, so our job
consists of a substantial amount of shoring and
underpinning, in addition to digging,” noted
Roselli, who spends most of his days out in the
field. “We’re also always dealing with noise
limits, traffic flow, and underground utilities.
Then, when you add in AMTRAK and the
NYC subway system, you begin to get an idea
of what we’re up against on every job.”
The 67th Street job, which was for a residential high rise, required Civetta Cousins
J.V. LLC crews to go more than 70 feet deep. Civetta Cousins is one of just a handful of
contractors that do the large, deep foundation work in Manhattan.
The most difficult aspect of underground
work, according to Roselli, is dealing with
the unknown. “No matter how much boring
and exploration are done ahead of time, we
never know exactly what we’re going to find
once we start digging, and that makes it very
challenging.”
Big jobs
Because of its expertise, Civetta Cousins
J.V. LLC has been involved with some of
Manhattan’s landmark buildings. Recent
projects include One Bryant Park, which is the
new Bank of America headquarters; the new
New York Times building at Eighth Avenue
and West 41st Street; Clinton Green, which is
a Hell’s Kitchen redevelopment effort; New
York Presbyterian and Pierpont Morgan
Continued . . .
Since 1903
RELIABLE
EQUIPMENT
ADVANTAGE
RESPONSIVE
SERVICE
Equipment meets special jobsite challenges
. . . continued
Library. Back in the 1980s, Civetta also did the
foundation work for a majority of the original
buildings in Battery Park.
A typical Manhattan foundation today is
two to three stories deep, according to Roselli,
but many are much deeper. Such was the case
at a recent job on 67th Street, an excavation for
a residential high rise, where Civetta Cousins
had to dig 73 feet below ground level for a
building whose footprint would be 100 feet by
100 feet.
“In other words, the hole was almost as
deep as it was wide,” said Roselli. “On that
Deep excavation and foundation work in Manhattan is a specialty of Civetta Cousins J.V.
LLC. “The most difficult aspect of underground work in the city is that you never know
for sure what’s down there,” said Operations Manager Nick Roselli.
particular job, we were also surrounded on all
sides and we couldn’t get permits to occupy
the streets because it was across from SloanKettering and they needed to maintain traffic
flow to the hospital. So we built a platform on
the corner within the site and put a 130,000pound excavator with 50 feet of reach on
it to remove as much material as possible.
Eventually, we had to replace the excavator
with a crane and bucket to get down as deep
as we needed to go. We do whatever we have
to do to get the job done for our customers.”
Reliable equipment and
unmatched support
The Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC equipment,
which is managed by Gildo Caprara, includes
nine Komatsu hydraulic excavators from
Edward Ehrbar Inc. The Komatsu fleet consists
of two PC750s (175,000-pound machines), two
PC600s (130,000-pound machines), three tighttail-swing units (two PC228s and one PC128),
a PC200 and a compact PC50.
“They all have their applications,” outlined
Roselli. “The big ones, the PC750s and PC600s,
are our bulk excavators and they handle our
heaviest hydraulic hammers, which deal
fairly easily with the rock we encounter. The
zero-tail-swing units are great in tight-space
environments and greatly improve safety.
We use the PC50 for plumbing and electrical
trenches at the end of a job.”
“Our Komatsu machines are very
productive and very reliable,” asserted
Lombardi. “Everybody says they can’t afford
downtime, but let me tell you, it’s really true
on our jobs. The bills add up fast when you
have the project at a standstill, waiting for
a machine to be repaired. Our Komatsus
give us the uptime we’re looking for and the
performance we need to complete our jobs in a
timely, efficient manner.”
Lombardi says the service Civetta Cousins
J.V. LLC gets from Edward Ehrbar is at least as
important to the company as the equipment
itself. “In my opinion, Ehrbar is unmatched
in regard to product support. If we have a
problem, we call them and they get on it right
away. They’re a lot like us in that customer
Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC crews have been involved in many of Manhattan’s recent big digs, including this job at One Bryant Park for Bank of America
headquarters. One of the challenges of this job between 42nd and 43rd Streets on Sixth Avenue was that they had to make sure to preserve the nearby historic
Henry Miller Theatre building face. “Like a medical doctor, the first rule of foundation work is to do no harm, so our jobs often consist of a substantial amount
of shoring and underpinning,” said Operations Manager Nick Roselli.
service seems to be their top priority. We work
closely with our Ehrbar Sales Representative,
Chris Thompson, but we also know we can
call Pat or Matt Ahern and get personalized
service from them as well. It’s a topnotch
company and if we’re in a jam, we’re confident
they’re going to help get us out of it.”
Family atmosphere
Though Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC is a large
company that does large jobs, it has retained a
close family atmosphere.
“We like what we do and I think that comes
through,” reflected Lombardi. “Everybody
in a management position has been here for
a long time and we spend a lot of time out on
the jobs. As a result, we know our people, we
respect their opinions and we welcome their
input, which I think is a major reason that we
have no turnover and complete our projects in
a timely and professional manner.
“We’ll also definitely keep doing what
we’re doing,” he added. “The bottom line is
we like excavation and foundation work, and
we’re good at it. As long as there’s a demand
for difficult digs in the five boroughs, Civetta
Cousins J.V. LLC will be there to offer its
services.” n
A Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC crane lifts a Komatsu PC750 out of one of the company’s
recent foundation jobs.
Civetta Cousins J.V. LLC
CFO John Lombardi (center
left) and Service Manager
Gildo Caprara (center right)
work closely with Edward
Ehrbar personnel including
President Pat Ahern (left)
and Sales Representative
Chris Thompson (right)
for equipment and support
needs. “In my opinion,
Ehrbar is unmatched in
regard to product support,”
said Lombardi.
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
Since 1903
A SALUTE TO AN EHRBAR CUSTOMER
ADVANTAGE
GREGORY’S SAWMILL
150-year-old Connecticut company attributes longevity to hard work and good equipment
F
For more than 150 years, Gregory’s Sawmill
has been operating in Wilton, Conn. The
company is Wilton’s oldest family-owned
business and is operated today by Taber Gregory,
a member of the family’s fourth generation.
Taber’s great-grandfather, Charles Gregory,
started the business in the mid-1800s,
supplying lumber to neighboring farmers
for construction of barns and fences. The
old Gregory homestead, the 1790 Chichester
Gregory House, still stands just across the road
from the sawmill.
From the early 1920s to the 1970s, Taber’s
grandfather, David Gregory, ran the business.
John Gregory, Taber’s father, then took over
the business and ran it until the early 1990s.
Taber took over in 1992 after his father retired
and he and his wife, Roxanne, have been sole
owners since 2002. His stepson, James Ploizos,
is also a part of the company.
Custom mantels
mantels and
andmore
more
Custom
The business has changed somewhat since
its early days, but much remains the same,
according to Gregory, who has three full-time
employees on the payroll and several part-time
drivers.
“We do a large number of custom mantels,”
he noted. “We’ve always done mantels, either
rough-cut or finished wood. We also do
custom barn siding and beams.”
Gregory’s Sawmill, which sits on about an
acre of land, uses sources within a 100-mile
radius of Wilton for wood. Most of the wood
used in the operation is red oak, pine, some
spruce and occasionally black walnut or
cherry, although those woods are rarely found
in the area anymore.
An expansion Gregory brought to the
business in the late 1990s was the addition
of a line of mulches as well as landscape ties,
compost and topsoil. “A lot of construction was
going on at that time and there was a demand
for landscaping materials,” he explained.
Local
Local landscapers
landscapers
Customers today include landscapers as
well as the general public, all usually located
within Fairfield County. Local delivery
of products is available, although some
customers pick up material at the sawmill. The
business is open Monday through Friday, but
Gregory said it’s really a seven-day-a-week
operation during the season.
“There’s always something to do,” he
emphasized. “You really have to have a
passion for the business. You have to be
committed to putting in 60 to 70 hours a week
minimum from spring through fall.”
Continued . . .
Taber Gregory,
Owner
Although Gregory’s
Sawmill in Wilton,
Conn., is 150 years old,
it keeps its equipment
fleet updated. Here, a
Komatsu WA180-3 wheel
loader fills a delivery
truck with mulch.
Slow and steady success for Gregory’s Sawmill
. . continued
Updating
Updating equipment
equipment
When Gregory took over ownership of the
business, he saw the need to update some of
the equipment at the sawmill and turned to
Edward Ehrbar Inc. and Sales Representative
Don Stans.
“Dad had some older equipment that needed
replacing,” recalled Gregory. “I tried all lines of
machines and found that Komatsu was the best
as far as operating and having a good feel.”
Gregory purchased a low-hour Komatsu
WA180-3 loader in 2004 and a low-hour
Komatsu WB140 backhoe in late 2005. Both
machines came from Ehrbar’s rental fleet,
which allowed Gregory to use Komatsu
financing for the purchase. He also uses Ehrbar
to maintain and service the machines.
The Komatsu equipment has worked
out well for him, he reported. “I like the
loader because I can do everything in the
yard quickly. It has a lot of power and
great maneuverability. The backhoe is very
comfortable to operate, too. It has a one-yard
JRB bucket, so we can use it to fill smaller
pickups.”
The company uses both machines to load
mulch for customers, and the loader loads
mulches, topsoil and stone into landscape
trucks, as well as the company’s own trucks,
to make deliveries. A feature Gregory says he
appreciates on the WA180-3 is the JRB quick
coupler.
“It’s like flipping a switch,” he observed. “If
I have a trailer-load of ties come in, I can click
over to the forks. Then if a truck comes in for
mulch, I can click back to the bucket and load
him up.”
Gregory uses the backhoe for turning over
the compost pile and loading trucks with
compost and landscape ties.
Looking
Looking ahead
ahead
Taber Gregory (left), Owner of Gregory’s Sawmill, turns to Ehrbar Sales Representative
Don Stans to meet his equipment needs. His most recent purchases came from Ehrbar’s
rental fleet.
Gregory’s Sawmill uses its Komatsu WB140 backhoe for a variety of tasks, including
turning over the compost pile and loading smaller trucks. ”It’s very comfortable to
operate,” noted Owner Taber Gregory.
Looking ahead, Gregory doesn’t foresee
many changes in the business, except for the
possibility of adding firewood to the inventory
of products.
“I think we’ve been successful throughout
the years by not overdoing things,” he
reflected. “When we try something new, we
go slowly to see if it’s going to work. We keep
an eye on everything, try to control everything
and try to keep it as simple as possible.”
He said he appreciates the reputation that
the company has maintained throughout its
150 years of existence and is working hard to
continue it.
“I’m very proud of what my forefathers and
my father accomplished and I’d like to carry
the torch and keep it going as long as I can,”
he stated. “Keeping that good reputation and
serving the community here gives me great
satisfaction.” n
You never regret buying
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Milling - Cold Recycle
Soil - Asphalt Compactors
because you always get what you pay for.
Edward Ehrbar is proud to add the Wirtgen Group to its product lineup to help your business succeed. The Wirtgen Group includes a
full range of milling and cold-recycle equipment, soil and asphalt compactors and asphalt-paving equipment that is built to last, made
to perform and costs less to operate. Nothing’s built like a Wirtgen; that gives you the competitive edge. Winning by Design!
Since 1903
www.ehrbar.com
HQ - YONKERS, NY
DANBURY, CT
HOLBROOK, L. I., NY
4 Executive Plaza
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 738-5100
42 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-0088
601 Coates Avenue
Holbrook, L. I., NY 11741
(631) 563-7600
Serving the following areas: Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess,
Sullivan, Orange, Ulster & Rockland counties in New York and Fairfield County in Connecticut.
ADVANTAGE
NEW PRODUCT LINES
EHRBAR ADDS PRODUCT LINES
The Wirtgen Group, Terex Fuchs bring added
quality to the Ehrbar lineup
E
Edward Ehrbar Inc. has added two new
product lines in an effort to better serve
the needs of its customers. The Wirtgen
Group and Terex Fuchs bring added depth
and quality to Ehrbar’s lineup of industryleading manufacturers.
The Wirtgen Group focuses on equipment
for road construction, road rehabilitation
and material processing. Machines include
Wirtgen milling, cold recycling and stabilizer
equipment; Vögele asphalt pavers; and
Hamm soil and asphalt compactors. With
70 percent of all mills, 40 percent of all
stabilizers, 38 percent of all asphalt pavers
and more than 10 percent of all rollers sold
globally, The Wirtgen Group is the world’s
No. 1 producer of mobile road-construction
equipment.
The innovative products available through
the Wirtgen Group range from highwayclass paving machines to the Super 700
Vögele paver, built for tight quarters such
as trenchways, alleys and paths. Hamm
rollers offer the exclusive “oscillation
compaction” technique, in which the roller
drum maintains consistent contact with
the ground, as opposed to the traditional
pounding method.
Ehrbar’s territory for Wirtgen equipment
covers the following areas in New York:
Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten
Island, Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester,
Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan, Orange, Ulster
and Rockland counties. Also included is
Fairfield County, Conn.
Wirtgen milling machines, part of the Wirtgen Group, are now available through Edward Ehrbar Inc.
Vögele pavers (above) and Hamm rollers (right) are both
part of the Wirtgen Group, the world’s No. 1 producer of
mobile road-construction equipment.
“The Wirtgen Group is the clear-cut
leader when it comes to road construction
and road rehabilitation products,” said
Ehrbar President Patrick Ahern. “We are
very excited about being able to add these
product lines. When our customers see
for themselves the superior engineering
and productivity of these machines, we’re
convinced they will be extremely satisfied.”
featuringTerex
FuchsFuchs
Now featuring
Ehrbar is also adding the Terex Fuchs line
of material-handling machines. These highly
efficient and powerful machines provide
valuable production for the entire materialhandling industry.
Terex Fuchs offers a number of these
machines designed for scrap, portside
and recycling applications with operating
weights from 41,888 to 145,505 lbs.
Maximum reaches range from 30 feet to
more than 68 feet.
Terex Fuchs material-handling machines
are driven by powerful Duetz diesel engines
that offer fuel efficiency that is unsurpassed
in their class. Quiet, forward-elevating
cabins and proportional joystick steering
make these machines both productive and
comfortable.
“Customers don’t have far to go for
Terex Fuchs support,” said Executive Vice
President Matthew Ahern. “We are an
experienced New York distributor with a
proven industry track record in the metro
New York/Connecticut scrap and materials
handling markets. We believe Terex Fuchs is
a proven performer, and that’s why we are
so pleased to add this product to what we
already offer our customers.” n
Edward Ehrbar Inc. is also adding Terex Fuchs material-handling machines to its lineup.
YOUR NEW
Edward Ehrbar Inc. is pleased to announce they are the new dealer for the Terex Fuchs line of material handlers. These powerful machines
are designed for scrap, portside and recycling applications; have operating weights from 41,888 to 145,505 lbs.; and have maximum
reaches ranging from 30 feet to more than 68 feet. For more information on the efficient and productive Terex Fuchs line, contact your sales
representative, or stop by one of our branches.
Since 1903
www.ehrbar.com
HQ - YONKERS, NY
DANBURY, CT
HOLBROOK, L. I., NY
4 Executive Plaza
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 738-5100
42 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-0088
601 Coates Avenue
Holbrook, L. I., NY 11741
(631) 563-7600
Serving the following areas: Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten
Island, Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan,
Orange, Ulster & Rockland counties in New York and Fairfield, Litchfield,
ADVANTAGE
Hartford
and New Haven counties in Connecticut.
GUEST OPINION
NEW CONGRESS
What does the Democratic takeover mean
for the construction industry?
W
With Democrats in control of both the
House and Senate for the next two years,
there are bound to be some changes coming
out of Washington that will impact the
construction and equipment industries. Here
is some of what we think might happen.
Our association (Associated Equipment
Distributors or AED) has long been
recognized as a leading advocate for
increased highway, airport and water
infrastructure investment. Generally,
Democrats have been more willing than
Republicans across-the-board to support
infrastructure programs and the userfee increases necessary to pay for them.
Democratic control of Congress may present
an opportunity for an honest debate on
crafting a new user-fee structure to pay
for the highway system and to develop a
consistent funding mechanism for water
infrastructure, among other things.
Additionally, Democrats have generally
supported capital investment incentives such
as the depreciation bonus. If there is a dropoff in business investment in the next two
years, we may find Democratic support for
accelerated depreciation.
However, one of AED’s biggest issues,
the death tax, doesn’t face a bright future
under the new regime. Democrats have byand-large opposed efforts to permanently
repeal the death tax. While it is possible that
Democrats will accept scaled-back deathtax relief to take the issue off the table for
the 2008 elections, this is highly speculative.
Other industry-specific tax priorities are not
generally as partisan and will likely depend
on the desire of lawmakers to delve into
broader tax and budget issues.
Watching the “Blue Dogs”
There is much speculation about the role
the “Blue Dog” Democrats will play in the
new Congress. Blue Dogs generally support
pro-growth tax and regulatory policy,
limited government, fiscal responsibility and
infrastructure investment. During the last two
years, AED has worked aggressively to build
relationships with members of the Blue Dog
coalition.
We’re hopeful that given the relatively slim
Democratic margin of control on Capitol
Hill, Blue Dogs will be able to temper the
Democratic agenda and remind their colleagues
in leadership that policies that hurt America’s
family businesses ultimately wind up hurting
the people those companies employ. ■
Christian A. Klein
This Guest Opinion,
which first appeared in the
newsletter, Washington
Insights, was prepared
by Christian Klein, Vice
President of Government
Affairs for the Associated
Equipment Distributors.
Mr. Klein can be contacted at
[email protected].
Associated Equipment Distributors says Democratic control of Capitol Hill might mean
some good and some bad for the construction industry.
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
EQUIPMENT DESIGN BENEFITS
ADVANTAGE
TOP GRADES
Visibility, blade geometry and ease of operation
help set Komatsu motor graders apart
W
When it comes to operating heavy construction
equipment, proficiency does not happen
overnight. According to many industry experts,
that fact applies to motor graders more than any
other machine.
While wheel loaders and dozers use essentially
one control stick to manage all functions of the
machine, motor graders have more than a dozen
different controls to monitor while moving at
different speeds in forward and reverse.
“That’s why, for many contractors and many
government entities, getting a good blade man
is so important,” said Jenkins Davis, Director of
Sales & Marketing Development for Komatsu
America. “Many times, they will cater to grader
operators because they’re so valuable. It’s very
hard to replace somebody who’s a good blade
man, due to the operational skills it takes to do
the job.”
Direct drive and torque converter
With skilled operators in such demand, it
makes sense to reduce the complexity of motor
grader operation. Davis said the unique dual
transmission of Komatsu motor graders helps
do just that. At the flip of a switch, operators can
go from Mode One, which is the direct-drive
transmission, to Mode Two, which utilizes
Komatsu’s unique torque-converter transmission.
The top four gears in Mode Two offer automatic
shifting, making the machine easier to manage.
“It just simplifies the whole operating process,”
Davis described. “The best comparison I could
make would be the difference of going from a
stick shift to an automatic transmission in a car.
Using a clutch and shifting in a car is somewhat
similar to Mode One, which is the direct-drive
concept. Mode Two, which is a torque converter,
is similar to a regular power-shift car. It’s easier
to operate and that’s especially beneficial for
younger and less-experienced operators.”
The current dual-transmission line of Komatsu
motor graders has been out for several years now
and, according to Davis, is tested and proven.
“We were very successful with our previous
line of motor graders,” Davis noted, “but as
we looked at the evolution of the product, we
believed some major design changes would make
the product even better. That’s really what led to
the development of our current line of graders.”
Other Komatsu advantages
Jenkins Davis,
Director of Sales
& Marketing
Development,
Komatsu America
Corp.
In addition to easier operation, Davis said
Komatsu graders feature an advanced hydraulic
system, excellent visibility and superior blade
geometry, all of which combine to provide
improved power and performance at a jobsite.
The hydraulics help maximize speed and
responsiveness. A closed-center system of
valves allows fluid to flow to each individual
implement, providing outstanding operator
“feel” and unmatched implement control.
Continued . . .
The GD555-3, with a 140- to160-variable-horsepower engine, is Komatsu’s smallest motor grader.
Grader design features help boost productivity
. . continued
Model
“Operators want an instantaneous response
from the blade when they hit that lever,” Davis
explained. “We think the hydraulics on our
machine are superior to anything else on the
market.”
the visibility of Komatsu graders sets them apart
from competitors. The large front glass helps
provide an unobstructed view of the moldboard
and front tires. In addition, angled front and rear
glass prevents dust buildup.
The operator’s ability to clearly see the work
underway is essential in grade work, too, and
“The visibility to the blade is crucial,”
concurred Bob Lessner, Product Manager, Motor
Graders for Komatsu America. “That’s the
working end of the machine and our visibility
is probably equal to or better than any other
manufacturer in the market today.”
Brief specs on Komatsu Motor Graders
Operating weight
Output
Overall Length
GD555-3
(Tier 2)
30,950 lbs.
140-160 hp
30’10’’
GD655-3 (Tier 3)
33,069 lbs.
180-200 hp
32’4’’
GD675-3
(Tier 3)
34,855 lbs. 180-200 hp 32’4’’
Blade geometry is also an important design
advantage of Komatsu motor graders. The
unique blade-suspension system improves reach
and allows a wide working range, including true
90-degree bank sloping.
Another design feature is parts commonality.
“Many parts used in our excavators, wheel
loaders and dozers are incorporated into
Komatsu motor graders, so parts are readily
available and technicians are knowledgeable
about the product,” Davis pointed out. “That’s
a tremendous benefit if a part needs to be
replaced.”
Here’s another benefit of Komatsu motor
graders: the GD655-3 and the GD675-3 machines
are now equipped with a Tier 3 engine, which
offers greater horsepower and improved fuel
efficiency.
Bob Lessner, Product Manager, Motor Graders, Komatsu America Corp. (left) stands in front
of a Komatsu GD555-3 motor grader with Komatsu Motor Grader Consultant Jim Terrell.
The GD655 is slightly larger than the GD555 and is the biggest seller in Komatsu’s grader
line. The GD655 and the GD675 are now available with a Tier 3 engine.
“We increased engine horsepower slightly by
10 horsepower,” Lessner said of the GD655. “It
now has 180 to 200 horsepower with the Tier 3
engine. The other changes we made are in the cab.
We have an electronic hand throttle now, whereas
before it was a lever, so it’s more user-friendly.”
Operating options
Governmental work, including road
maintenance and repair jobs, ditching and slope
work, makes up 50 percent of motor grader
sales in some areas of the country. “We have a
motor grader to fit any job,” confirmed Davis.
“Komatsu is very committed to the North
American market and the motor graders are a
big part of our product line, along with dozers,
excavators and wheel loaders. We want to do
everything we can to promote this product line
because we think we’ve got something very
special here.” n
Since 1903
www.ehrbar.com
HQ - YONKERS, NY
4 Executive Plaza • (914) 738-5100
HOLBROOK,
L. I., NY
ADVANTAGE
601 Coates Avenue • (631) 563-7600
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
UTILITY MACHINES
ADVANTAGE
WORKING A NEW ANGLE
How feedback from contractors helped
improve these popular compact excavators
I
In the 21st century, compact excavators are
what skid steer loaders were in the late 20th
century: highly maneuverable and versatile
tools for the construction and landscape trades.
As is typically the case when a new piece
of machinery is introduced into the market,
contractors provide manufacturers with
feedback that makes the machines more user
friendly and productive. Komatsu relies
heavily on customer feedback to engineer
machines that meet the ever-expanding
requirements of its customers. The Komatsu
compact excavator line is no exception.
The market for compact excavators has
grown more than 250 percent since 2002, and
has exceeded the market for backhoe loaders.
Part of the increase is due to economics, but
a big part of the growth for these powerful
products is the recognition by contractors
that compact excavators are for real; they’re
productive, flexible and can do jobs and go
places that larger machines can’t.
A vast assortment of features
Komatsu compact excavators continue
to advance by introducing features that
contractors appreciate. To meet the wide range
of customer requirements, Komatsu offers 10
models ranging from the 1,960-pound PC09
to the nearly 18,000-pound PC78MR. Features
include:
•Pilot proportional joystick controls and load-sensing hydraulics that make operation smooth and effortless;
•Control-pattern changer that allows either
backhoe or excavator operators to use the operating pattern they’re most comfortable with;
•Boom offset that permits machines to work in very tight spaces;
•Three track options that allow customers to
choose what’s right for their business —
standard rubber tracks, optional steel tracks
for work in abrasive conditions, or optional
Komatsu Road-Liner tracks that are ideal for
work on pavement;
•A four-way, power-angle backfill blade option
on PC35MR-2 and PC50MR-2 models that
improves flexibility and backfilling productivity;
•A standard thumb-mounting bracket on the
dipper arm (available in early 2007) that allows
installation of a hydraulic thumb attachment
without the need to weld on the arm;
•A significantly expanded range of
attachments through a cooperation with
Werk-Brau, a major manufacturer of
excavator and backhoe attachments, will
also be available in 2007.
With everything they have to offer, there’s
another reason to check out the lineup of
Komatsu compact excavators. Now is the time
to take advantage of Komatsu’s zero-percent
retail finance plans. n
In 2006, Komatsu
introduced the fourway, power-angle blade
option on its PC35MR-2
and PC50MR-2 compact
excavators to improve
flexibility and backfilling
productivity. This year will
see the introduction of a
standard thumb-mounting
bracket on the dipper arm,
as well as an expanded
range of attachments.
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
NEW PRODUCTS
ADVANTAGE
NEW WHEEL LOADER
Mid-size WA430-6 offers better production
at a lower cost
L
Like most equipment users, you’re probably
looking for a way to lower your fuel costs
while maintaining or improving productivity.
Komatsu’s new WA430-6 wheel loader
delivers on both counts.
Rob Warden,
Product Manager
The WA430-6 replaces the WA400-5 in
Komatsu’s wheel loader lineup. Like Komatsu’s
other Dash-6 models (WA380, WA450, WA480,
WA500 and WA600), the WA430-6 is powered
by an ecot3, Tier 3-compliant engine.
“We’ve seen significant production and
fuel-efficiency increases with the WA430-6
compared to its predecessor,” said Rob Warden,
Komatsu Wheel Loaders Product Manager.
Comparative Specs for the Komatsu WA430-6
Model
Output
Bucket Capacity
Breakout Force
WA400-5
200 hp
4.1-5.6 cu. yds.
33,290 lbs.
WA430-6
231 hp
4.1-5.6 cu. yds.
40,333 lbs.
Komatsu’s new WA430-6 wheel loader, which replaces the WA400-5, provides increased
production and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. A large-capacity torque
converter gives added power for hill climbing and greater rimpull going into a pile.
“For example, this machine can use up to 15
percent less fuel to do the same amount of
work. Like the other Dash-6 models, it has a
large-capacity torque converter, so the user will
have a lot of power going up a hill and greater
rimpull going into a pile. It also has 21 percent
more breakout force than the WA400-5.”
The WA430-6 comes standard with a
variable-displacement piston pump that
works in combination with Komatsu’s Closedcenter Load Sensing System (CLSS) to deliver
only the necessary amount of flow needed
for hydraulic function. The design prevents
wasted hydraulic flow, which in turn provides
better fuel economy.
Pick the best mode
Fuel efficiency and power are enhanced
through several operation modes, including
the “E” (Economy) mode for general loading.
An automatic transmission with an “Auto
Low” mode is used for low-engine-speed
operations, and a “P” (Power) mode gives
the WA430-6 maximum digging power. An
“Eco” indicator informs the operator when the
machine is maximizing fuel efficiency.
Tracking utilization and machine condition
is easy with the KOMTRAX equipment
monitoring system that comes standard on the
WA430-6. The system allows users to monitor
machine location, meter reading and error
codes, as well as a host of other information.
“The WA400-5 was a great machine, so we
took its basics and made it better with the
WA430-6,” explained Warden. “We believe this
machine, like our other Dash-6 models, is an
industry leader that will improve performance
in a wide range of applications.” n
Since 1903
www.ehrbar.com
ADVANTAGE
HQ - YONKERS, NY
DANBURY, CT
HOLBROOK, L. I., NY
4 Executive Plaza
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 738-5100
42 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-0088
601 Coates Avenue
Holbrook, L. I., NY 11741
(631) 563-7600
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
Since 1903
MORE NEW PRODUCTS
ADVANTAGE
NEW “GO-TO” LARGE EXCAVATOR
The PC800LC-8 is bigger, faster and
more fuel-efficient than its predecessor
F
For large earthmoving jobs, as well as heavy
underground utility projects, the Komatsu
PC800LC-8 is the new “go-to” machine. The
PC800LC-8, which meets Tier 3 emissionsreduction standards, has replaced the
PC750LC-7 in Komatsu’s excavator lineup.
Weighing in at more than 180,000 pounds,
the PC800LC-8 is several thousand pounds
heavier than its predecessor and has a faster
cycle time.
“The additional weight gives the PC800
improved lift capacity and over-the-side
stability, which makes it ideal for lifting and
placing heavy pipe,” said Komatsu Hydraulic
Excavator Product Manager Peter Robson.
“The improved cycle time was achieved with
a quick arm-return circuit and a faster bucket
dump. The result is greater productivity in
truck loading.”
Like all Dash-8 excavators, the PC800
delivers outstanding fuel economy, especially
when run in the Economy working mode. The
machine also has a Heavy Lift mode which
delivers 10 percent more lifting force on the
boom whenever it’s needed.
The KOMTRAX monitoring system is
standard equipment on the PC800LC-8,
which also has a hydraulic fan with a Reverse
mode that operators can activate through the
monitor panel to help clean the radiator when
operating in particularly dusty conditions.
King of
of the
thehill
hill
The PC800LC-8 has 487 net horsepower,
which is 7 percent more than the PC750LC-7.
“That’s nice, but an excavator is not like a
dozer or a truck where you need raw horsepower
to pull up a hill,” Robson explained. “With an
excavator, it’s all about how fast you can dig, and
top digging performance is achieved through
precise engine and hydraulic management,
not higher horsepower. If you can use less
horsepower to get the production you need,
you’re king of the hill. And that’s what we’ve
done with the PC800LC-8. We’ve developed a
machine that digs faster but uses less fuel.”
Robson says the PC800LC-8 features the
durability and reliability that Komatsu excavators
are known for, and is also a very smooth machine
that operators will appreciate because it handles
like a much smaller excavator. n
Peter Robson,
Komatsu Hydraulic
Excavators Product
Manager
For more information on the PC800LC-8, contact your
sales representative, or call our nearest branch location.
Brief Specs on Komatsu PC800LC-8
Model
PC800LC-8
Flywheel horsepower
Operating weight
Bucket capacity
487 hp
182,980 lbs.
2.23-5.93 cu. yd.
If you're looking for a large excavator that digs faster and uses less fuel, the new Komatsu
PC800LC-8 is the answer. The massive 487-horsepower machine delivers outstanding fuel
economy and 10 percent more lifting force in the Heavy Lift mode.
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
PRODUCTIVITY POINTERS
ADVANTAGE
THE KOMTRAX ADVANTAGE
How Komatsu’s wireless equipment-monitoring system can help you improve productivity
C
Ken Calvert,
Director of IT Support
Chris Wasik,
Manager of Service
Support Programs
For more information
on how KOMTRAX can
work for you, contact our
service department today.
Chances are you’ve heard of KOMTRAX,
Komatsu’s wireless system that allows you
to monitor your equipment from your office
computer or laptop. You may know it provides
basic information, such as where a machine is
and how many hours are on it, which is useful
if a machine is stolen, and for service and
maintenance. What you may not realize is that
the new version of KOMTRAX can also be an
extremely useful tool in improving your field
productivity.
“Customers who use the full-range of
KOMTRAX services have a distinct advantage
over those who don’t. It’s really that simple,”
said Ken Calvert, Komatsu Director of IT
Support. “How? By providing details on asset
utilization. How many of your machines are
actually working at any given time? Do you
need more machines, or could you get by with
fewer? Is a machine working or idling? Is it
being run in Power mode or Economy mode;
and if it’s full power, is that really necessary or
By using all the capabilities of KOMTRAX, machine owners
can improve field productivity and improve profitability.
is it a waste of fuel? These are all money matters
that directly impact a contractor’s bottom line.”
“Of course, KOMTRAX is also still a valuable
tool for scheduled maintenance and helping
implement a repair-before-failure program
for major components,” added Chris Wasik,
Manager of Service Support Programs for
Komatsu. “But we believe KOMTRAX's
operational information will help a contractor
improve efficiencies, availability and profit.”
The KOMTRAX difference
difference
Komatsu is so convinced that wireless
equipment monitoring is a true difference maker
for equipment users that it’s taken unprecedented
steps to make the system available, affordable
and user-friendly. These steps include:
• Factory installing KOMTRAX as standard equipment on almost every new Komatsu machine, and making it totally free for five years (top competitors charge more than $2,000 for the hardware and installation, then also charge a monthly communication fee);
• Having a team of Komatsu and
distributor personnel dedicated solely to monitoring KOMTRAX, and communicating with customers to help them keep costs and downtime to a minimum;
• Making the information easy to use and understand, including, in the not-too-
distant-future, communicating KOMTRAX info to customers via e-mail.
“Right now, thousands of KOMTRAXequipped machines are out in the field, but only
a small percentage of customers actually use the
data,” observed Calvert. “We want to increase
that number because we’re convinced Komatsu
customers who use KOMTRAX properly will be
more productive and more profitable.” ■
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
KOMATSU & YOU
ADVANTAGE
MINIMIZING DOWNTIME
Regional Parts Depots and new Customer Support System help Komatsu meet customers’ expectations
Q
QUESTION: On the parts side, Frank, what is
Komatsu doing to ensure that customers get
the replacement parts they need in a timely
manner?
F: The most significant step we’ve taken is
to open six Regional Parts depots across the
country so we can warehouse parts closer to
our customers. Previously, all parts that weren’t
stocked at the distributorship had to come from
the Komatsu Parts Distribution Center in Ripley,
Tenn. Now with Regional Depots operational in
Portland, Ore., Las Vegas, Denver, Minneapolis
and Pittsburgh, and the last one to open in
Savannah, Ga., this summer, we’re in much better
position to get a needed part to a customer at the
start of business the next morning.
QUESTION: Do you work closely with
distributors to ensure that they’re carrying the
right parts inventory?
F: Very closely, because it’s important to
customers that they be able to come into a
distributorship to get all common wear parts, as
well as all oil and filters, that they might need.
They want to be able to replace whatever has to
be replaced, then immediately get back to work.
To not have those common parts is unacceptable,
so we are working with our distributors and
providing them with recommended stocking lists.
QUESTION: New machine models are coming
out much more frequently than they did in the
past. Is that a challenge for the Komatsu parts
department?
F: It’s a challenge on two fronts: one, having
replacement parts for all the new machines; and
two, having them for all the old machines that
are still in service. Generally speaking, it means
we and our distributors must carry a larger
parts inventory. But that’s okay. We take a lot of
pride in the fact that Komatsu equipment lasts a
Continued . . .
This is one of a series
of articles based on
interviews with key people
at Komatsu discussing the
company’s commitment
to its customers in the
construction and mining
industries — and their
visions for the future.
Frank Pagura,
VP, Parts
Mike Tajima,
VP, Service
Frank Pagura is Komatsu America Corp. Vice President, Parts
Operation. Mike Tajima is Vice President, Service. They work
closely together trying to improve the level of product support
that Komatsu equipment users receive.
Frank grew up in Yonkers, N.Y., and graduated from the
U.S. Naval Academy. After serving six years as an active-duty
officer in the Navy, he went to work for Varco International, an
offshore drilling equipment manufacturer, where he served in
various management capacities including parts purchasing and
parts planning. Frank joined Komatsu as Parts Planning and
Coordination Manager in 2004 and assumed his present position
as Vice President of Parts in December 2005.
Mike grew up in Nagoya, Japan, and joined Komatsu right out
of high school. He went to Komatsu Technical College for two
years, then in 1973, joined Komatsu’s Overseas Division as Service
Manager in Saudi Arabia. Eventually, he returned to Japan for
more education, then had overseas postings in Turkey, the United
States and Russia. In October 2006, Mike returned to Komatsu
America Corp. as Vice President of Service.
“Komatsu makes great equipment, which, of course, we think
is the best — but everybody in this business knows it takes a
support system (parts and service) to ensure that equipment users
get the most out of their machines,” said Frank. “That’s where our
departments come into the picture,” added Mike. “It’s our job to
see that machine downtime is kept to an absolute minimum so
customers can get the production they need to be successful.”
KOMTRAX is central to Customer Support System
. . continued
long time. We’re definitely committed to having
not only all the new machine parts that our
customers need to keep their equipment up and
running, but also all the parts they might need for
the older machines they have in their fleet.
he’s able to take with him the parts and tools
he’s going to need to make the repair on the first
trip. It’s much more efficient. The end result is
the customer is back up and operating sooner,
and often, the repair cost is less.
QUESTION: Mike, what is Komatsu doing
on the service side to improve customers’
operating experiences?
QUESTION: How does CSS accomplish that?
M: We’ve developed a total Customer Support
System (CSS). The purpose of CSS is to reduce
downtime and lower repair costs for Komatsu
customers by giving our distributors and
Komatsu fast access to needed information that
was previously not in a central location.
QUESTION: Give me an example of how CSS
will do that?
M: Before introducing CSS, when trouble
occurred with a machine out in the field, the
operator, equipment manager or owner called
the distributor’s service department, which sent
out a technician. The technician would typically
spend time diagnosing the problem, then
frequently had to go back to the shop to get the
needed parts and/or tools to make the repair.
With CSS, we’re able to streamline the process
and cut out the waste. Now, a technician knows
in advance what problem he’s going out to work
on. With that information, he not only spends
less time troubleshooting and diagnosing, but
Komatsu’s Customer Support
System uses KOMTRAX
data to reduce customer
downtime. With information
from KOMTRAX, Komatsu
distributor technicians are often
able to make faster field repairs
and, in doing so, help customers
keep downtime to a minimum.
Komatsu Regional Parts Depots, like this one in Las Vegas, are designed to help
distributors get most parts to the customer by 7 a.m. the next morning.
M: The key to CSS is machine information
generated by KOMTRAX, which is Komatsu’s
wireless equipment monitoring system.
KOMTRAX-generated information is available
to the customer, and with the customer’s
approval, to Komatsu and his Komatsu
distributor. With this information, we’re
able to generate a database so that when an
abnormality code is displayed, we’re literally
able to check across the world to see if the
problem has come up elsewhere, and what the
corrective action was.
The time and money savings for the
equipment owner is substantial. Sometimes,
CSS will even identify an issue before a
machine goes down. This repair-before-failure
scenario is ideal.
QUESTION: What has been the reaction of
customers to CSS?
M: Once we explain the benefits — specifically
how KOMTRAX helps us reduce their
downtime and improve their owning and
operating costs — they are very receptive to the
idea.
It’s really where we are right now in the
21st century. In the past, Komatsu supported
its equipment with the expertise and skill of
its distributors’ technicians. Of course, their
knowledge is still a vital part of the process, but
now, we can give them much more information,
enabling them to do their jobs more efficiently.
QUESTION: Is such a Customer Support
System unique to Komatsu?
M: All major manufacturers offer a KOMTRAXlike monitoring system. But Komatsu is the
only one currently installing it as standard
equipment on virtually all new machines, and
the only one providing free communication
services. So at this time, I’d say we’re far ahead
of the competition in being able to fully utilize
this important tool, which once again, is all
about helping Komatsu equipment users
improve productivity and profit by reducing
downtime and repair costs. n
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
Since 1903
NEWS OF NOTE
ADVANTAGE
THREE PROMOTED, BRANCH OPENS
Veteran staff members move up as Ehrbar
opens new Danbury branch facility
E
Edward Ehrbar Inc. recently announced
the promotions of Larry McCrann and Chris
Kohart to Vice President and named Anthony
Olivieri Branch Manager of the company’s new
full-service branch facility in Danbury, Conn.
new Danbury facility, which opened in late
spring 2007. He manages the 25,000-squarefoot facility, which is situated on four acres
located off lnterstate 84 between exits 2 and 3
in Fairfield County.
McCrann, now Vice President of Sales, has
worked for Ehrbar for more than 30 years.
He began as a Territory Sales Representative
and quickly rose to Field Sales Manager, the
position he held most recently.
Olivieri came to Ehrbar in 1999, starting
out as a Field Mechanic Dispatcher. He was
promoted to Field Service Manager and then
to Product Support Sales Manager.
“Larry has been our Field Sales Manager
since 1983, responsible for the day-to-day
activities of our field sales staff. I can’t think of
anyone more qualified than Larry to fill our VP
of Sales position, which encompasses a much
broader area of sales responsibilities,” said Pat
Ahern, Ehrbar President. “Larry has a peerless
reputation with our customers, an unyielding
work ethic and the tremendous respect of all
who work for him.”
Chris Kohart is the new Vice President of
Operations. Kohart started with Ehrbar in 1997
as Service Manager. Throughout the years, he
has held various product support positions
with the company, most recently as Product
Support Manager.
“Chris has more than 20 years of experience
in our industry, half of which were in product
support operations at Ehrbar. He is extremely
well-qualified to take over as Vice President of
Operations,” noted Ahern. “I look forward to
working with Chris as he continues overseeing
our product support operations and taking on
his new responsibilities with the company.”
New
Danbury branch
Anthony Olivieri was tapped to fill the
position of Branch Manager of Ehrbar’s
“Anthony has been with us for eight years
and has done an outstanding job in the
product support positions he has held,” said
Ahern. “He is extremely knowledgeable about
our equipment lines and has an infectious cando attitude. It is with great confidence that we
hand the reins of our newest branch over to
Anthony.” n
Larry McCrann,
Vice President
of Sales
Chris Kohart,
Vice President
of Operations
Anthony Olivieri,
Danbury Branch
Manager
Ehrbar’s new
Danbury branch,
opened in late
spring 2007, is a
25,000-square-foot,
full-service facility.
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
IN MEMORIAM
ADVANTAGE
REMEMBERING BOB FLANAGAN
Longtime Ehrbar CFO’s influence
and advice was invaluable
L
Longtime Edward Ehrbar Inc. Chief
Financial Officer Bob Flanagan passed away
March 10 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Services were held March 14 at St. Patrick’s
Church in Southold, with burial following at
Calverton National Cemetery.
“Bob was with Edward Ehrbar for more
than 30 years, and as CFO, his influence and
advice was invaluable,” said President Pat
Ahern. “He will be missed, not only by us,
but by the many people in our industry who
knew Bob well.”
He began his 32-year career with Ehrbar
in 1968, and retired in 2000, working his
way up in the company to CFO.
“Bob was a guiding hand to Ehrbar and
his family,” said Ahern. “His legacy with the
company is profound. Bob was instrumental
in the company’s growth and success
throughout the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.”
A native New Yorker,
friend to all
Bob was a native of New York City, born
and raised in Queens where he attended
Bayside High School. He earned his
bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University
and his C.P.A. from New York University.
He and his wife, Joan, and their sons,
Jimmy and Jeff, lived many years on Long
Island before relocating to a country home
in Connecticut. After Bob’s retirement, he
and Joan moved back to Long Island.
Bob Flanagan, retired Chief Financial Officer for Edward Ehrbar
Inc. and valued friend, recently passed away. He will be missed
by everyone at the company, as well as those in the construction
industry, which he served for more than 30 years.
Bob enjoyed boating on the north shore
of eastern Long Island with his family,
including his five granddaughters: Lara,
Melissa, Julie, Katie and Nicole. He also
enjoyed lively discussions about college
basketball.
“Bob was a friend to everyone he met, and
an excellent family man,” said Ahern. “All
of us at Edward Ehrbar mourn his passing
and send our condolences to his family.” ■
NEWS YOU CAN USE
EMISSIONS TESTING
T
EPA making sure that new engines are doing
what they’re supposed to do
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) recently announced it has completed an
initial batch of emissions testing for construction,
agricultural and industrial diesel-powered
engines to confirm that results supplied by
engine manufacturers are accurate, according to
the Diesel Progress Online Web site.
All non-road diesel engines tested at
EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions
Laboratory during the initial round met
their expected emissions limits, reported
Diesel Progress Online. The second round
of emissions testing is scheduled for this
spring.
The milestone, EPA said, marks the start of
a series of confirmatory emissions testing to
ensure these non-road diesel engines meet the
requirements of EPA’s Clean Air Non-Road
Diesel Fuel as early as 2008.
Non-road diesel engine testing is a part
of EPA’s commitment to ensuring that
the numerous public health benefits of
the Clean Air Non Road Diesel Rule are
achieved. ■
Quick
Couplers +
Durable
Attachments =
Increased
Paladin Heavy Construction manufactures a full line of couplers, buckets, forks and
specialty attachments for wheel loaders, wheel loader backhoes and excavators – precisely
the equipment you need for versatility and greater productivity. Because we offer brand
names you know and trust – like JRB, C&P and Badger – we’re sure to carry the right
attachments you need to achieve highest productivity at the lowest cost.
Contact us today at 1-800-4-BUCKET. We have the attachments and
couplers you need in stock and ready to go.
We invite you to learn more about our product offerings at
www.paladinbrands.com.
Available through Edward Ehrbar Inc.
Jobsite
Productivity
INDUSTRY NEWS
KNOW WHAT’S BELOW
New nationwide 811 “Call Before You Dig” number is now operational
W
Whether you’re breaking ground for a new
skyscraper or working in your backyard, you
need to know what’s under the surface before
you starting digging. Now, it’s easier than ever
before to get that information, thanks to a new
three-digit (811) number that connects you to
the local One Call Center nearest you.
The 811 number went into effect on May 1,
2007. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters
joined several industry leaders at the program
launch ceremony held on the National Mall in
Washington, D.C. Others in attendance included
Bob Kipp, President of the Common Ground
Alliance (CGA), a coalition of groups that
spearheaded establishment of the 811 number;
and Stephen Sandherr, Chief Executive Officer
of the Associated General Contractors (AGC),
one of the leading supporters of the CGA.
According to those involved, 811 is a
significant safety improvement for earthmoving
contractors as well as do-it-yourselfers.
The new three-digit (811) “Call Before You Dig” number will make it easier for contractors
and homeowners to reach the appropriate One Call Center to identify underground lines.
“AGC has the most comprehensive safety
program for the industry and our members
recognize that they have both a legal and moral
obligation to protect their employees, the
public, and public and private assets,” said the
AGC’s Sandherr. “Both a homeowner building
a deck in the back of his house and a large
national contractor building a new baseball
stadium in Washington begin with a shovel
piercing the dirt.”
Now, with 811, that piercing can be
accomplished more safely, as the 811 number
will make it much easier to contact the
appropriate One Call Center.
The new 811 number does not eliminate
local “Call Before You Dig” numbers. Rather,
it works in conjunction with them by quickly
and efficiently connecting callers to the
local One Call Center. One of the problems
previously was that not only did each local
area have a different number, but it also might
well have different listings, so looking up a
number in a phone book wasn’t always easy to
do.
Now, 811 will connect callers to the local One
Call Center, which notifies the appropriate
local utilities, which, in turn, send crews to
the requested site to mark the approximate
location of underground lines for free. Digging
without such an OK is not only dangerous, but
illegal.
Funding for the 811 number was included in
the Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Bill, signed
into law by President Bush last December. n
For more information about the 811 program and national
awareness campaign, visit www.call811.com.
Lots
Lots of
of Choices,
Choices, ONE Solution...
ONE Solution...
• Most Complete Line
in the Industry
• Complete Hydraulic Kits Designed
Specifically to Fit Your Carrier
• Industry’s Most Comprehensive
Field Service Corps
• Extensive Parts Distribution
System
• Network of Nearly 300
Distributor Outlets
npk construction equipment, inc.
7550 Independence Drive
Walton Hills, Ohio 44146-5541
Phone: 440-232-7900 or 800-225-4379
Fax: 440-232-4382
Internet: www.npkce.com
An experienced engineering and
service team is ready to
help you with special applications
and installation kits.
• Hammers •Compactors • Quick Attach Coupler Systems • Material Processors • Pedestal Booms • Secondary Crushers • Grapples
• Primary Crushers Please see the list below for a dealer in your area.
Since 1903
www.ehrbar.com
ADVANTAGE
HQ - YONKERS, NY
DANBURY, CT
HOLBROOK, L. I., NY
4 Executive Plaza
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 738-5100
42 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-0088
601 Coates Avenue
Holbrook, L. I., NY 11741
(631) 563-7600
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
PRODUCT SUPPORT
ADVANTAGE
CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Proactive product support can extend
equipment life and save you money
I
If you’re looking to get the most out of your
equipment for the longest time, you might
want to consider Komatsu Customer Support
Programs (CSP). Komatsu distributors offer
cost-effective CSPs to cover a full range of
maintenance services, all designed to improve
equipment productivity and reliability.
CSPs include Komatsu Oil & Wear Analysis
(KOWA), which uses independent labs to
test oil for wear metals and contaminants;
PM-PRO, which is a planned maintenance
program in which a distributor technician
comes to your jobsite to perform all routine
maintenance procedures including oil
Oil sampling through the Komatsu Oil & Wear Analysis (KOWA) Customer Support
Program is one of the best ways to reduce unexpected and costly equipment downtime
and repairs.
sampling; and Preventive Maintenance
Inspections (PMI), which consist of a walkaround inspection and diagnostic tests to
measure engine speed and hydraulic pressure
to ensure your machine is working up to its
capabilities.
Also offered is a repair and maintenance
(R&M) program that uses machine histories
and a proactive “before failure” approach to
changing out parts and components. With an
R&M agreement, you can schedule and budget
all repair and maintenance items in advance.
Komatsu’s Track Management System
(TMS) helps you get the most out of
your undercarriage. This CSP manages
undercarriage wear to help you maximize
usage and avoid costly downtime.
Also available is Komatsu ADVANTAGE
Extended Coverage, which is a warranty that
will take over when your initial new-machine
warranty expires. It allows you to choose from
full-machine or powertrain coverage, and
select from among a number of options for the
time period, hours and deductible.
Lower O&O costs
All Komatsu CSPs are designed to help
you lower your owning and operating costs,
improve equipment uptime and provide the
longest productive life for your Komatsu
machines. They also improve the resale value
of your equipment by providing proof that the
machine has been well maintained.
Feel free to talk to our service manager or a
product support representative to learn more
about Komatsu Customer Support Programs
and how they can help you benefit your
operation. n
MORE INDUSTRY NEWS
Healthcare
Insurance
Reform
T
The House Small Business Committee
recently held a hearing on the state
of healthcare for small business. The
committee acknowledged that rising
healthcare costs are one of the biggest
concerns for small businesses, and that
fewer entrepreneurs are able to provide
adequate health insurance to their
employees.
According to the committee, of the
46 million uninsured Americans, more
than half live in a household headed by
a small-business owner or employee.
While most businesses that employ more
than 200 provide health insurance to their
employees, less than half of small-business
employers offer coverage.
As House Small Business Committee
Chairman Nydia Velásquez (D-NY) noted,
“The high cost of healthcare is a serious
obstacle for small businesses that are trying
to compete in the global marketplace. We
know small firms pay more per employee
to provide health insurance than large firms
and that many of our nation’s main job
creators simply cannot afford it. Meaningful
reform that addresses these concerns is
a necessity, and this committee will be
working to find a solution to this ongoing
crisis.”
Possible solutions to the problem include
changing the tax treatment of health
insurance, exploring reinsurance options,
and expanding pooling options available
to small businesses. A recent AED survey
shows that members believe Congress
should enact legislation to reduce smallbusiness insurance costs, thus helping
members provide health insurance to their
employees. ■
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
THE PEOPLE INSIDE
ADVANTAGE
RICHARD OSTROWSKI
This parts counterman draws on years
of experience to find just the right part
A
Ask Rich Ostrowski to find a part for an
old 1950 International Harvester tractor, and
chances are he can track it down.
Richard Ostrowski
A parts counterman at Edward Ehrbar’s
Yonkers location, he’s been with the company
or its predecessor, which was an International
Harvester dealer, for 37 years, so he’s familiar
with all the older equipment as well as the
newer machines. It sometimes surprises him
how many old machines are still working in
the area.
“Believe it or not, a lot of older equipment
is still around,” he said. “Recently, I had a
customer looking for a bottom roller for an
IH T-5 vintage dozer (a mid- to late-’40s,
gas-powered crawler tractor), and I was able
to find him one. It’s nice to be able to find
parts for customers who are probably not
going to buy a replacement machine, they’re
just going to keep that machine going.
“But that’s getting harder to do,” he added.
“I have many contacts in the ‘bone yards,’
so I can usually find parts that people are
looking for,” he said. “But it’s getting harder
to find them because the bone yards are all
updating now and getting rid of a lot of that
old equipment.”
Rich started in the shipping and receiving
department of Ehrbar’s predecessor in 1970,
then worked the back parts counter for the
shop. He’s been on the parts counter since
1978 and says there’s a world of difference
today from the ’70s.
From the Internet to the phone
“We had to hand write everything when
I started,” he noted. “Today, we use the
computer and the Internet. I don't know how I
ever got along without a computer, it's a great
tool. Now, I can check Komatsu’s inventory
for availability and tell a customer where the
part is coming from and when it’s going to be
here if we don’t have it in stock. It’s that fast.
And it’s a great asset to have the Komatsu
regional parts depot in Pennsylvania.”
Besides taking care of walk-in customers,
Rich helps out in the warehouse and makes
hydraulic hoses. But 90 percent of the time,
he’s on the phone answering questions and
helping customers figure out what they need.
“We’re very successful at figuring things
out, and a very good percentage of the time,
people walk out of here with everything
they want,” he said. “The staff responsible
for stocking the parts shelves here does a
tremendous job.”
Challenging work
Although the job can be challenging,
especially when looking for parts for those
older machines, Rich says that’s what he likes
about it.
“I like the challenge,” he confirmed. “Every
phone call is different. Sometimes when
customers’ machines are down, they don’t
know what they’re looking for and I help
solve their problems. Getting a machine back
up that day or the next is great. I like that kind
of challenge. It keeps me mentally sharp.”
When Rich is away from the parts counter,
he enjoys relaxing by riding his Harley
Davidson “Road King” motorcycle. He
customized the bike himself and keeps it in
New Jersey. ■
If it can be measured,
we measure it!
Whether you’re looking for a highquality machine that will become part of
your fleet, or for a machine that will get you
through the busy season, Komatsu Distributor Certified Used Equipment is your best alternative to buying new.
If it can be measured, we measure it! Specially trained Komatsu Distributor Certified evaluators check, measure and diagnose
virtually every aspect of the machine. Once the machine meets Komatsu’s high performance standards, your local distributor
can tailor the machine for your site-specific needs. And to add to your peace of mind, most Komatsu Distributor Certified Used
Equipment is eligible for special financing and warranty.
Purchasing Komatsu Distributor Certified Used Equipment makes sound business sense. You’ll receive good value for
your money and a reliable and productive machine that will get the job done for years to come — we guarantee it!
To learn more about Komatsu ReMarketing’s Distributor Certified Used Equipment, contact your local Komatsu Distributor
or go to our Web site at www.equipmentcentral.com and click on “used equipment.”
Since 1903
Since 1903
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT
RESPONSIVE SERVICE
DISTRIBUTOR CERTIFIED
ADVANTAGE
QUALITY USED EQUIPMENT
How Komatsu Distributor Certified used machines have helped this utility contractor grow
S
Since starting an underground utility
company in Fort Myers, Fla., about ten years
ago, Jim Murphy has seen the firm grow
from a handful of people to about 60 today.
Certainly, some of that growth is attributable
to a Gulf Coast economy that boomed during
that period, but equally important is the
quality of work that J.P. Murphy, Inc. is known
for doing.
it’s commercial work, residential work or
municipal work, we believe in providing value
for the developer or municipality that hires
us.”
“Our philosophy is to get the work done
fast and give the customer top quality
for the dollar,” said Murphy. “Whether
“We probably have at least 15 Komatsu
Distributor Certified used machines,” reported
Murphy, whose fleet includes half a dozen
Komatsu WA320 wheel loaders, numerous
Komatsu excavators ranging up to a PC600,
and a couple of small dozers. “I’ve always
preferred to buy slightly used equipment to let
somebody else pay for the initial depreciation,
so the Komatsu Distributor Certified used
program was a perfect fit for us. We get highquality used equipment that’s been inspected
and certified, and because of that, we know
our Komatsu distributor is going to back it up.
Jim Murphy, Owner and
Founder of J.P. Murphy, Inc.,
owns more than a dozen
Komatsu Distributor Certified
used machines, including
numerous WA320 wheel
loaders. “With Komatsu
Distributor Certified Used
equipment, we get high-quality
used equipment that’s that been
inspected and certified, and we
know our Komatsu distributor
is going to back it up.”
Among J.P. Murphy’s Distributor Certified Used machines is this PC600LC-6, which is
the company’s mainline utility machine.
A perfect fit
As his company has grown, so has his
equipment fleet, most of which consists of
Komatsu Distributor Certified used machines.
“The other thing that’s important to me is
the Distributor Certified pieces we buy tend
to be very good, low-hour machines, so they
qualify for extended warranties and special
rates from Komatsu Financial,” he added.
“The low interest rates make an affordable
machine even more affordable, and as a result,
I’ve gotten some very good deals.”
Murphy says most of the Komatsu
Distributor Certified machines he owns were
less than a year old and had fewer than 3,000
hours when he bought them. “I believe in
buying good machines, maintaining them
well, and holding on to them for the long term.
With these Komatsu Distributor Certified
pieces, I expect to get five to eight years out of
them, at least.” ■
Quality Used Equipment
Since 1903
ADVANTAGE
Since 1903
Pantone 072 blue
C.P.I.
P.O. Box 1689
C.R., IA 52406-1689
Presorted Standard
US Postage Paid
C.P.I.
Change Service Requested
e
PROUDLY SERVING YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS FROM THREE LOCATIONS
www.ehrbar.com
HQ - YONKERS, NY
DANBURY, CT
HOLBROOK, L. I., NY
4 Executive Plaza
Yonkers, NY
(914) 738-5100
42 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT
(203) 743-0088
601 Coates Avenue
Holbrook, L. I., NY
(631) 563-7600
ALLU • BAGELA • BROCE • CARLSON • DOPPSTADT • ESCO • FELLING • HAMM • JCB • JRB • KLEEMANN
KOMATSU • LABOUNTY • LIEBHERR • MAULDIN • NPK • ROGERS BROS. • TEREX|FUCHS • TROUT RIVER • VÖGELE • WIRTGEN
(not all products represented in all areas served)