AdvantageAdvantageA publication for and about H&E construction equipment customers 2007 No. 2

Featured in this issue:

LARRY LOYDCONSTRUCTION

Quality work and a “customer-first”attitude lead to solid growth for this Mandeville, La., firm

See article inside...

Chad Hambacher, Owner/President

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John EngquistPresident, CEO

A MESSAGE FROMTHE PRESIDENT, CEO

DearEquipmentUser:

Asyoumightexpect,webelieveKomatsuequipmentistop-of-the-line.Decadesofexperienceintheearthmovingindustryhavelead to this conclusion. Top-to-bottom and across-the-board, you’re goingtobehard-pressedtocomeupwithamoresolidlineup— and with specific machines, you will find it difficult to even comeclosetotheperformanceyougetfromKomatsu.

If you’re in the market for a new machine, invest the time to thoroughlyinvestigateallyouroptions.Specthemachine—thentry it out. We’re confident that we can prove the difference Komatsu and H&E Equipment Services can make to your business.

Komatsuisdoingthingsnoothermanufacturerisdoing.Forexample,aremoteequipmentmonitoringandmanagementsystemis definitely the wave of the future. With Komatsu, the KOMTRAX systemisfactory-installedasstandardequipmentonvirtuallyallnewmachines,andtherearenocommunicationschargesforthefirst five years. Compare that with other top brands that charge youforthesystemandtheinstallation,thenchargeyouamonthlycommunication fee. Consider Komatsu’s totally free system versus the competitors’ cost of thousands of dollars per machine. That’s a primeexampleoftheKomatsuadvantage.

WestandreadytoshowyouallH&EandKomatsuhavetoofferto make equipment owning and operation a pleasant and profitable experience. Feel free to give us a call, or stop by any time. We look forwardtotheopportunitytoprovewecanandwilldowhateverittakes to earnyourbusiness. Sincerely,

JohnEngquist President,CEO H&EEquipmentServices

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AdvantageAdvantage

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THE PRODUCTS PLUS THE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU!

PrintedinU.S.A©2007ConstructionPublications,Inc.

PublishedbyConstructionPublications,Inc.for

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Sales • Parts • ServiceRentals • Training

KOMATSU LOCATIONSLittle Rock, AR •(501)568-7867Springdale, AR •(479)927-1672Alexandria, LA •(318)443-7173Baton Rouge, LA •(225)356-6113Gonzales, LA •(225)644-2328Kenner, LA •(504)467-5906Lafayette, LA •(800)249-8285Lake Charles, LA •(337)528-2661Shreveport, LA •(318)746-5272

OTHER LOCATIONSBirmingham, AL •(205)661-1323Phoenix, AZ •(602)232-0600Tucson, AZ •(520)770-1120Bakersfield, CA •(661)328-0219La Mirada, CA •(714)522-6590San Diego, CA •(619)297-1980Santa Fe Springs, CA •(562)926-0400Colorado Springs, CO •(719)393-1840Denver, CO •(303)289-2201Fort Myers, FL •(239)693-0003Jacksonville, FL •(904)739-7960Orlando, FL •(407)905-5344Tampa, FL •(813)635-9688Atlanta, GA •(678)418-0046Boise, ID •(208)388-3323Coeur d’Alene, ID •(208)664-1134Belle Chasse, LA •(504)394-7400Shreveport, LA •(318)683-3929Jackson, MS •(601)939-7777Belgrade, MT •(406)388-2308Billings, MT •(406)259-9720Missoula, MT •(406)728-4842Las Vegas, NV •(702)320-6500Reno/Sparks, NV •(775)358-3323Albuquerque, NM •(505)764-8100Charlotte, NC •(704)504-2870Oklahoma City, OK •(405)789-7368Tulsa, OK •(918)445-2666Memphis, TN • (901)375-4902Corpus Christi, TX •(361)241-9270Dallas, TX •(972)556-0910Dallas/Ft Worth, TX •(972)642-9766Houston, TX •(281)821-4600Houston, TX •(713)433-6411San Antonio, TX •(210)655-0048Ogden, UT •(801)612-0101Salt Lake City, UT •(801)974-0388St. George, UT •(435)674-2994

IN THIS ISSUE

RELIABLEEQUIPMENT RESPONSIVESERVICE

LARRY LOYD CONSTRUCTION ReadhowChadHambachergrewthecompanyheboughtbyusinga “customer-first”attitude.

PORT OF LAKE CHARLES ThisbustlingportreliesonabigKomatsudozertohandlebigjobs.

MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS Learnhowtakingaproactiveapproachtosafetycanleadtobetter productivityandhigherprofits.

NEW PRODUCTS FindoutwhytheKomatsuPC800LC-8isthenew“go-to”excavatorfor largejobs.

MORE NEW PRODUCTS SeehowKomatsu’snewmid-sizewheelloader,theWA430-6,canhelp loweryourfuelcostswhileimprovingproductivity.

NEW UTILITY PRODUCTS Ifyou’relookingforaneconomicalbackhoeloaderthatstilloffers excellentpowerandcomfort,Komatsu’snewWB142-5maybethe answer.

NEW QUARRY PRODUCTS Komatsubringsoutthebiggunswithitsnew100-tonHD785-7haul truckdesignedtolowercostpertoninquarryapplications.

GUEST OPINION ARTBAPresidentPeteRuanesharestheorganization’srecommendations oncreating“CriticalCommerceCorridors”tohelpmovefreightmore efficiently.

C ChadHambacheralwaysknewhewantedtoownhisownconstructioncompany.He’dworkedconstructionallhislife,includingthroughschool.Aftercollege,hemanagedprojectsanddivisionsforothercompaniesanddidwellwiththosecompanies.Butalways,inthebackofhismind,wasadreamtobehisownboss.Thedreamcametrueaboutthreeyearsago.

“IwenttoworkforLarryLoydConstructionaboutfiveyearsago,withtheplanbeingtoseehiscompanyfromtheinside—andifIlikedwhatIsaw,tobuyitfromhim,”Hambacherexplained.“Andthat’sexactlywhathappened.MygoalwastohavemyowncompanybythetimeIwas40,andIactuallydiditwhenIwas36.Ofcourse,onceyoureachagoal,youhavetosetanewone,andforus,thatgoalistogrowandbeprofitable.”

Hambacherhasalreadygrownthebusinesssubstantially.It’snowabouttwicethesizeitwaswhenheboughtit,partlyduetocircumstances.

“We’rebasedinMandevilleandworkthroughoutSt.TammanyParish,”saidHambacher.“Theregionhadbeengrowingsteadilyforyears,butsinceHurricaneKatrina,we’vereallyboomedasmoreandmoreNewOrleans-arearesidentslooktorelocatetotheNorthShoreofLakePontchartrain.”

Butcircumstancesdonotexplainallthegrowth.

“I’vetriedhardtobringmy‘customer-first’attitudetothebusiness,andIthinkthedevelopersIworkwithappreciatethat,”saidHambacher.“IalwaysanswermyphoneandI’malwaysaccessibletothem.Iftheywanttomeet,I’mavailable.Likemostguysinthisbusiness,Ienjoyrunningequipment,butthat’snotthebestuseofmytime.Ispendmytimemakingsuremyclientsarehappywiththeworkwe’redoingforthem—inhopesthatthey’llcallthenexttimetoo.”

One-stop shop for developers Sofar,thephilosophyisworking,asLarryLoydConstruction(Hambacherkeptthecompanynamebecauseitwaswell-knownthroughoutNorthShoredevelopmentcircles)doesrepeatworkformanyoftheleadingdevelopersinandaroundSt.TammanyParish.Today,thecompanydoessomeparishdrainagework,butthevastmajorityofitsworkisresidentialsubdivisions.

“I’dsayourspecialtyisconcretepaving,butwhenitcomestosubdivisionwork,wedoitall,”saidHambacher.“Wedoclearingand

Larry Loyd Construction specializes in building residential subdivisions on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, including this one, Grande Maison in Mandeville. The company uses Komatsu equipment and a Gomaco slipform paver to do the work quickly and efficiently.

LARRY LOYD CONSTRUCTION Quality work and a “customer-first” attitude lead to solid growth for this Mandeville, La., firm

A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMER

Chad Hambacher, Owner/President

RELIABLEEQUIPMENT RESPONSIVESERVICE

grading,pondbuilding,drainage,andsewerandwater,inadditiontothepaving.We’reliterallyaone-stopshopforapropertyownerordeveloper,whichiswhatmanyofthemarelookingforthesedaysasawaytosimplifytheirprojects.Theyhireusandwhenwe’redone,they’rereadytostartbuildinghouses.”

LarryLoydConstructionself-performstheworkasmuchaspossible.“Weprefertodoitallourselves,”Hambachernoted,“butifwe’reoverextended,wehiresubsandoverseetheiractivitiestomakesuretheworkisuptoourstandards.Eitherway,anowneronlyhastodealwithmeratherthantwo,threeorfourdifferentcontacts.I’mresponsibleforeverything,whetherit’smymendoingtheworkorsubsthatI’vehired.”

Work that stands the test of time Hambacher’scompanyworksformanyoftheleadingdevelopersintheSt.Tammanyarea,includingtheBennettBrothers,TimHennings,GaryIntravia,KellyMcHugh,andDonMcMath.

“Ithinkwe’reindemandbecausewe’reefficient,affordableanddoqualityworkonatimelybasis,”saidHambacher.“Wemeetandbeatdeadlines.Andmostimportant,ourworkholdsupovertime.Theroadsweputinaresmoothandtheylast.”

RecentdevelopmentsthecompanyhashadahandinincludeTallowCreekinCovington,VersaillesinCovington,andGrandeMaisoninMandeville.Thecompanyhasdonemanyofthenewsubdivisionsintheregion,bothhigh-endandmoreaffordableproperties.

“Tous,there’snodifferencebetweenasubdivisionwherethehousesaregoingtobe

inthe$150,000to$200,000range,oronewherethey’regoingtocost$400,000to$500,000,”Hambacherexplained.“Thegrading,theunderground,thepaving—wedothesamethingatbothproperties,andprovidethesamehighqualityoneveryjob.We’reveryproudofallourwork.”

Experienced crews LarryLoydConstructionhasabout25full-timeemployeesonstaffandHambacheroftenhasaboutthesamenumberofsubsworkingforhim.KeypersonnelincludeChad’swife,NancyHambacher,whoservesasSecretaryofthecompany;AdministrativeAssistantKristaLoyd;SuperintendentTimCalamusa;andForemenJerryBurkhartandDonHarb.

Continued . . .

This Larry Loyd operator uses a Komatsu D39 dozer to level land at the Coquille subdivision in Madisonville.

This operator uses a Komatsu GD530 motor grader to prepare for paving at the Versailles subdivision in Covington. “I like Komatsu equipment for its productivity and reliability,” said Larry Loyd Construction Owner Chad Hambacher. “The equipment is fast, long-lasting, and we have very few problems with it.”

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Larry Loyd Construction has done numerous subdivisions in St. Tammany Parish, including Tallow Creek in Covington, where this Komatsu PC200 was being used to clear ground in preparation for another phase of construction.

“MostoftheemployeeswereherebeforeIboughtthecompanyandtheystayedonwithme,”saidHambacher.“Wehavegoodcrewsandexcellentmanagersandthat’scertainlyoneofthebigreasonswe’vebeenabletogrowthewaywehave.”

Reliable equipment, responsive service WhenHambacherstartedworkingforLarryLoydConstructionwithaneyetowardbuyingthecompany,oneofthethingshewaslookingatwastheequipmentfleet,whichwasalmostexclusivelyKomatsumachinesfromH&EEquipmentServices.

“LarrysaidhepreferredKomatsuequipmentandreallylikedH&E,butheencouragedmetowatchthingsandjudgeformyself,”Hambacherrecalled.“Doingthat,IsawfirsthandhowreliabletheKomatsuequipmentwas,andhowwellH&Etookcareofus.”

LarryLoydConstructionhassixKomatsuexcavators,mostlyPC200LC-7s;twoKomatsuD39Pdozers;andaKomatsuGD530motorgrader.Thecompany’sGomacoslip-formpaverwasalsopurchasedthroughH&E.

“WegetexcellentproductivityfromallofourKomatsuequipmentandhaveveryfewproblems,”reportedHambacher.“Whenthereisanissue,IappreciatethattheKomatsumachinesarecomparativelyeasytoworkon.

“Butthemostimportantthingtomeisthatwhenweneedtheirhelp,H&Ereallyresponds.OurSalesRep,GaryEberhard,hasbeenexcellenttoworkwith.WhetherIcallGary,orcallthepartsorservicedepartmentinBatonRouge,IknowsomebodyatH&Eisgoingtotakecareofme.TheyunderstandwhatIneedandtheyactaccordingly.”

Branching out Despitepredictionsofahousingslowdown,Hambachersayshehasn’tseenanysignofit.“We’reaboutasbusyaswecanbeandit’sbeenthatwayforawhilenow.I’moptimisticthatwe’llcontinuetohavealotofsubdivisionworkfortheforeseeablefuture.

“Duetothehighcostoflandnearthelake,ourterritoryisexpandingfartherwestintoTangipahoaParish,”headded.“ThedevelopersweworkwitharedoingmoreinandaroundHammondandPonchatoula,wherethelandismoreaffordable—andwe’refollowingthemtodotheirworkinthoseareas.”

Inadditiontothesubdivisionwork,HambachersaysLarryLoydConstructionisalsolookingatbranchingoutintonewavenuesaswell.

“I’mgettingcallstodomoreparishworkincludingsomebigroad-repairjobs.WedidsomepavingworkforTulaneatthePrimateCenterandtheywantustodosomemoreworkthere.I’vealsobeenapproachedaboutdoingsomenewschools.So,we’redefinitelystillgrowing,butIwanttomakesurewedosoinacontrolledmannersowe’reabletomaintainquality,whichisthekeytolong-termsuccessinthisbusiness.”n

Growth continues for Larry Loyd Construction. . . continued

Larry Loyd Construction has done many of the North Shore developments in recent years, including high-end properties like Grande Maison in Mandeville.

Chad Hambacher (left) meets with H&E Sales Rep. Gary Eberhard. “Gary and

everybody at H&E have been excellent to work with,” said

Hambacher. “Because my business is built on being productive, I can’t afford

downtime. H&E understands that and acts accordingly.”

Tim Calamusa, Superintendent

S Since1926,thePortofLakeCharleshasbeenabustlinghubofactivityforsouthwestLouisiana.Today,theLakeCharlesHarbor&TerminalDistrict,whichoverseesthePortandtheCalcasieuShipCanal,amorethan30-mile-long,deep-waterchanneltotheGulfofMexico,handlesabout58millionmetrictonsofcargo,makingitthe12th-largestportinthenation.

“It’sdefinitelyaneconomicdevelopmenttoolforsouthwesternLouisiana,”saidDanielLoughney,DirectorofMarketingandTradeDevelopmentfortheHarbor&TerminalDistrict.“Wehandlealotofpetroleum,mineralandfoodproducts.We’realsothelargestliquidnaturalgasoperationintheU.S.”

ThePortitselfloadsandunloadsabout6milliontonsofcargoannually,muchofitpetroleumcoke,baritesandwoodchips.Tohelphandle,transportandstockpilethatmaterialonthedocks,thePortrecentlyboughtanewKomatsuD275dozerfromH&EEquipmentServicesinLakeCharlesandSalesRepresentativeDanLavoie.

“We’rea24/7,365-days-a-yearoperation,”saidPortofLakeCharlesDirectorofOperationsBillRase,who,withDeputyDirectorToddHenderson,overseestheshipandbargetraffic,aswellasthematerial-handlingoperations.“Whenashipcomesin,it’sallaboutgettingcargooffandonitasquicklyaspossible.That’sthedrivingforcebehindthisoperation,andequipmentsuchastheD275iscrucialtoourabilitytodothat.”

“Someofthematerialwehandle,bariteforexample,isverydenseandheavy,”addedHenderson.“Tomoveiteffectively,weneededabig,powerfulmachineliketheD275(410hpand110,000pounds),whichhastobeoneofthe

largerdozersinthispartofthestate.Itssizeandcapabilitiesgiveusagreatdealofversatilityinthetypeofproductswecanhandlehere.It’sbeenaveryeffectivemachineforus.”

Port growth continues Inanticipationofsignificantlyincreasedtrafficinthefuture,PortofLakeCharlesCommissionershaveauthorized$100millionincapitalimprovementsduringthenextfiveyears.Theimprovementswillincludetwonew100,000-square-footwarehousesandanewlooptrackforrailtransportation.

“Thewaywe’regrowing,wecouldwellbeatop-fiveportinthenextfiveyears,”saidLoughney.“Foracommunityoursize,thatwouldbeaverysignificantaccomplishment.”n

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PORT OF LAKE CHARLES New, large dozer helps move material at the nation’s 12th-largest port

A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMER

RELIABLEEQUIPMENT RESPONSIVESERVICE

Todd Henderson, Deputy Director

Bill Rase, Director of Operations

The Port of Lake Charles Bulk Terminal crew (above), headed by Darrell Pruitt and Junior Courville, poses in front of the new Komatsu D275, purchased to help stockpile and load material at the port (aerial photo at left).

T Throughtheyears,safetyhasbecomeoneofthemostimportantaspectsoftheconstructionindustry,ifnotthemostimportant.Legislationprotectingworkersfromharmisextensive,aslawmakersrequirebusinessestoputworkersafetyaheadofprofitability.Butthatdoesn’tnecessarilymeanyourbusinesswilllosemoneybyimplementingsoundpractices.

Asyouknow,OSHArequirescompaniestohaveasafetyprogramthatoutlinesgoodpracticesandpoliciesdesignedtokeeptheworkerfromharm.Theintentisforeveryoneinthecompany,fromthepresidentdowntothelaborer,tounderstandwhatconstitutessafety,howtoavoidpotentialhazardsandwhattodoinanemergency.It’softenageneraloutline,butcanbemorespecifictoyourbusiness.Forexample,anundergroundutilitycompanyshouldhaveagoodportiondedicatedtotrenchsafetyaswellasMaterialSafetyDataSheetsthatlistthehazardsofusingalltypesofpipesandglues.

Whiletheideaisasolidone,theimplementationoftheseprogramsisoftenlessthanideal.Forsmallbusinessesespecially,theideaofputtingtogetheramanualthatcoversnearlyeverypossiblesafetyscenariocanbedaunting.Largercompaniesoftenhavespecificsafetyexpertsonstaff,butsmallercompaniestypicallylacktheresourcesnecessarytohire,trainandmaintainthesespecialists.However,theyfacenolessriskandresponsibilitythantheirlargercounterpartsdo.

Sowhathappens?OftenbusinessescopyormodifyastandardOSHAorothersafetyplan,keepitonfileandforgetaboutit.Safetysometimesbecomessecondarytoproduction,andsafetymanualsareputontheshelftocollectdust.Somebusinessestendtotakeareactiveapproach,respondingafteranaccidenthashappened,ratherthanaproactiveapproachtopreventmishaps.

Ifthissoundsfamiliar,itmaybetimetorethinkwhatsafetycanmeantoyourbusinessanditsprofitability.Ifyou’renotalreadyfiguringhowsafetycanmakeyoumorecompetitive,you’rebehindthegame.Nolongerdoesthelowestbidalwayswinajob.Moreandmoreownersandmunicipalitiesarecheckingthesafetyrecordsofthecompanies,andfactoringinthosesafetyrecords,beforeawardingcontracts.Thosewithspottyrecordswilloftenfindthemselvesleftbehind,nomatterhowmuchlowertheirbidisthanthecompetition.

Focus your efforts Puttingsafetyfirstcanhelpyourcompanybemoreprofitableinanincreasinglycompetitiveconstructionmarket.Byfocusingonsafetyanddecreasingthenumberofincidentsyourbusinessfaces,youcanloweryourworkers’compensationandinsurancerates.Doingsocan

While many aspects of a good safety program are relatively simple to initiate, they can be very effective. A case in point: wearing hard hats on jobsites at all times.

MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS

SAFETY ECONOMICS A proactive approach to avoiding mishaps can lead to better productivity, higher profits

This report is based on information from a wide variety of sources serving the construction industry.

helpyouimprovethefinalfigureyousubmitonabid,increasingyourchancesforgettingajob.

Loweringthenumberofincidentsalsohasapositiveeffectonyourreputation.It’sintheowner’sbestinteresttohirecompaniesthathavegoodsafetyrecords,asitlowersthechancesofanaccidenthappeningontheirjobsite,therebyloweringthelikelihoodofbeingsuedbecauseofanaccident.That’swhymanyownersaretakingthesafetyrecordsofthecontractorstheyhireintoconsideration.Ifyouhaveareputationforunsafepractices,yourchancesofgettingajobdecreasedramatically. Ifyournumberofincidents,insuranceratesandworkers’compensationarehigh,youcandosomethingaboutitbychangingthewayyourcompanyviewssafety.Startingimmediately,makesafetyatoppriority,placingitaboveproductivityandprofitability.Bydoingso,yourproductivityandprofitabilityshouldincreaseastheamountoftimeandmoneylostbyaccidentsdecreases.

Start with a comprehensive program Gettingstartedisnotdifficult.Rememberthatsafetyprogram?Ifyoudon’thaveone,youneedoneimmediately.Ifyoudohaveoneandaren’tusingit,pullitoutandgothroughitthoroughly.Tailorittofitgeneralsafetypracticesandspecifically,yourtypeofbusiness.Spendtimemakingsureitthoroughlycoversallaspectsofyourbusiness,includingprocedurestofollowincaseofemergency.Seekinputfromemployeesatalllevelsofthecompanytoensureyoucoverscenariosandpotentialhazardoussituationsyoumaynothavethoughtof.

Thechiefconcernoftheprogramshouldbethatnoworkwillbeperformeduntilitcanbedonesafely.Otherpartsoftheprogramshouldincludeitemssuchasasafetyandhealthpolicyorphilosophy,safetyandhealthobjectives,howtoconductjobsiteinspections,safetyrulesanddiscipline.

Oncetheprogramisinplace,makesureeveryoneunderstandsthefullscopeofit.Whileitmayseemunproductive,holdameetingorseriesofmeetingswitheveryoneinthecompanytomakesureeachpersonhasacopyoftheprogramandunderstandsitscontents.Thetime

awayfromthejobtocoveritwilleasilybemadeupifmanagementandworkersunderstandsafetyandemploythepracticesoutlinedintheprogram.Thatwillleadtoalowernumberofincidents.

Ifyouhavetheresourcestohireasafetystafforsafetyexpert,youshould.Thoseexpertsaregenerallywell-versedinimplementinganddocumentingyoursafetyprogramand Continued . . .

Underground contractors know good practices in trench safety are extremely important, including trench shields or boxes for deep excavations, ladders for egress at proper intervals and hard harts and other safety gear to keep workers protected from potential falling objects.

Careful planning is necessary to set up and maintain a safe work environment. Everyone on the site should check often for potential safety hazards, and safety meetings should be mandatory.

chartingitsprogress.Theyalsoknowwaystodecreaseyourriskstoexposure.Ifyoucan’taffordtodothis,youcanstillplacesomeone—beitthepresident,vicepresident,generalsuperintendent,etc.—inchargeofoverseeingthesafetyoftheentirecompany.Itiftakesalittleextracompensationtodoit,it’swellworthitinthelongrun.

Whileeachemployeeshouldbetrainedinandheldaccountableforsafety,it’sstillthecompany’sresponsibilitytoprovideasafeworkenvironment.Inadditiontoanoverallsafetyexpert,eachjobsiteshouldhavesomeonewhoisresponsibleforconsistentlycheckinghazardousconditions.Thismeansbefore,duringandaftereachshift.Thispersonisgenerallyreferredtoasa“competentperson”byOSHAstandards.Inadditiontocheckingthesiteconditions,thispersonshouldalsoinspectworkers’gearsuchashardhats,safetyglassesandclothingforpotentialdefectsthatcouldcontributetoanincident.

Reviewyourplanoften.Youmaybelieveyouhaveeverypotentialsituationcovered,butthatcouldeasilybeamistake.Updatetheplanasoftenasnecessary,andinformemployeesofchanges.Listentoemployeeconcernsandadaptyourpolicies,ifnecessary,totakeintoconsiderationtheirideas.

Safetyprogramsarecomprehensiveandcovergeneralideas.Theyshouldbeusedas

ageneralguidelineforalljobs,buteachjobshouldbeconsideredindividuallyaswell.Whenestimatingandbiddingaproject,takeintoaccounthazardsspecifictothatjob,andbuildhowyouwilldealwiththoseintoyourbid.Byplanningahead,youwon’thavetodealwithunforseencircumstancesthatmaycostyouprofitsinthelongrun.Yourthoroughfocusonsafetymaywinyouthebidevenifyoursisn’tthelowest.

A “safety culture” Theseeffortsareallpartofacomprehensivemind-setthatsomecalla“safetyculture.”Thisculturetakesintoaccountmorethanjusthavingasafetyprogram.Itcallsintoplaygoalsthateachcompanyshouldsetforitselfandstrivetomaintain.Theyshouldbespecificandmeasurable,suchasincreasingthenumberofman-hoursworkedwithoutalost-timeaccident.

Oncethegoalsareinplace,makesureeveryoneunderstandsthemandworkstoachievethem.Don’teverforgetthem.Workhardtodocumenttheprogressofeachgoalandinformeveryoneinthecompanyofhowwelltheyaremeetingthestatedobjectives.Ifagoalismet,rewarditinsomemeaningfulway.

Makesafetytrainingapartofyourplan.Holdsafetymeetingsregularlyandmakesureeveryonefullyunderstandsthetopicsbeingdiscussed.OSHAandotherorganizationshaveliteratureandexpertsavailabletohelpinyourefforts,includingmaterialsinmultiplelanguages.

Thefuturewilllikelybringmoresafetyrulesandpotentiallegislationaimedatstiffeningpenaltiesforbusinessesthatfailtoputsafetyaheadofproductivity.Byimplementinggoodsafetypracticesnow,youcanputyourselfinpositiontobereadyforanypotentialincidentsaswellasstricterlegalguidelines.

Allthismayseemlikeoverkill,butit’snot.Byimplementingthesesafetypractices,youcuttheriskoflost-timeandcostlyaccidentssignificantly.Spendingthemoneytoprovidesafeworkenvironmentswillleadtobetterquality,betterproduction,lessturnoverandlowerinsuranceandworkers’compensationrates.Allwillputmoremoneyinyourpocketinthelongrun.n

Putting safety first benefits all. . . continued

Working in high places means extra safety equipment, such as safety harnesses, which should be tied off and checked often for proper fit and to ensure they’re securely fastened.

NEW PRODUCTS

RELIABLE EQUIPMENT RESPONSIVE SERVICE

NEW “GO-TO” LARGE EXCAVATOR ThePC800LC-8isbigger,fasterand morefuel-efficientthanitspredecessor

F Forlargeearthmovingjobs,aswellasheavyundergroundutilityprojects,theKomatsuPC800LC-8isthenew“go-to”machine.ThePC800LC-8,whichmeetsTier3emissions-reductionstandards,hasreplacedthePC750LC-7inKomatsu’sexcavatorlineup.

Weighinginatmorethan180,000pounds,thePC800LC-8isseveralthousandpoundsheavierthanitspredecessorandhasafastercycletime.

“TheadditionalweightgivesthePC800improvedliftcapacityandover-the-sidestability,whichmakesitidealforliftingandplacingheavypipe,”saidKomatsuHydraulicExcavatorProductManagerPeterRobson.“Theimprovedcycletimewasachievedwithaquickarm-returncircuitandafasterbucketdump.Theresultisgreaterproductivityintruckloading.”

LikeallDash-8excavators,thePC800deliversoutstandingfueleconomy,especiallywhenrunintheEconomyworkingmode.ThemachinealsohasaHeavyLiftmodewhichdelivers10percentmoreliftingforceontheboomwheneverit’sneeded. TheKOMTRAXmonitoringsystemisstandardequipmentonthePC800LC-8,whichalsohasahydraulicfanwithaReversemodethatoperatorscanactivatethroughthemonitorpaneltohelpcleantheradiatorwhenoperatinginparticularlydustyconditions.

King of the hill ThePC800LC-8has487nethorsepower,whichis7percentmorethanthePC750LC-7.

“That’snice,butanexcavatorisnotlikeadozeroratruckwhereyouneedrawhorsepowertopullupahill,”Robsonexplained.“Withan

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.

excavator,it’sallabouthowfastyoucandig,andtopdiggingperformanceisachievedthroughpreciseengineandhydraulicmanagement,nothigherhorsepower.Ifyoucanuselesshorsepowertogettheproductionyouneed,you’rekingofthehill.Andthat’swhatwe’vedonewiththePC800LC-8.We’vedevelopedamachinethatdigsfasterbutuseslessfuel.”

RobsonsaysthePC800LC-8featuresthedurabilityandreliabilitythatKomatsuexcavatorsareknownfor,andisalsoaverysmoothmachinethatoperatorswillappreciatebecauseithandleslikeamuchsmallerexcavator.n

For more information on the PC800LC-8, contact your sales representative, or call our nearest branch location.

Brief Specs on Komatsu PC800LC-8

Model Flywheel horsepower Operating weight Bucket capacity

PC800LC-8 487hp 182,980lbs. 2.23-5.93cu.yd.

Peter Robson,Komatsu Hydraulic Excavators Product

Manager

MORE NEW PRODUCTS

RELIABLE EQUIPMENT RESPONSIVE SERVICE

NEW WHEEL LOADER Mid-sizeWA430-6offersbetterproduction atalowercost

L Likemostequipmentusers,you’reprobablylookingforawaytoloweryourfuelcostswhilemaintainingorimprovingproductivity.Komatsu’snewWA430-6wheelloaderdeliversonbothcounts.

TheWA430-6replacestheWA400-5inKomatsu’swheelloaderlineup.LikeKomatsu’sotherDash-6models(WA380,WA450,WA480,WA500andWA600),theWA430-6ispoweredbyanecot3,Tier3-compliantengine.

“We’veseensignificantproductionandfuel-efficiencyincreaseswiththeWA430-6comparedtoitspredecessor,”saidRobWarden,KomatsuWheelLoadersProductManager.“Forexample,thismachinecanuseupto15percentlessfueltodothesameamountofwork.LiketheotherDash-6models,ithasalarge-capacitytorqueconverter,sotheuserwillhavealotofpowergoingupahillandgreaterrimpullgoingintoapile.Italsohas21percentmorebreakoutforcethantheWA400-5.”

TheWA430-6comesstandardwithavariable-displacementpistonpumpthatworksincombinationwithKomatsu’sClosed-centerLoadSensingSystem(CLSS)todeliveronlythenecessaryamountofflowneededforhydraulicfunction.Thedesignpreventswastedhydraulicflow,whichinturnprovidesbetterfueleconomy.

Pick the best mode Fuelefficiencyandpowerareenhancedthroughseveraloperationmodes,includingthe“E”(Economy)modeforgeneralloading.Anautomatictransmissionwithan“AutoLow”modeisusedforlow-engine-speedoperations,anda“P”(Power)modegivestheWA430-6maximumdiggingpower.An

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.

Rob Warden, Product Manager

“Eco”indicatorinformstheoperatorwhenthemachineismaximizingfuelefficiency.

TrackingutilizationandmachineconditioniseasywiththeKOMTRAXequipmentmonitoringsystemthatcomesstandardontheWA430-6.Thesystemallowsuserstomonitormachinelocation,meterreadinganderrorcodes,aswellasahostofotherinformation.

“TheWA400-5wasagreatmachine,sowetookitsbasicsandmadeitbetterwiththeWA430-6,”explainedWarden.“Webelievethismachine,likeourotherDash-6models,isanindustryleaderthatwillimproveperformanceinawiderangeofapplications.”n

Comparative Specs for the Komatsu WA430-6

Model Output Bucket Capacity Breakout Force

WA400-5 200hp 4.1-5.6cu.yds. 33,290lbs.

WA430-6 231hp 4.1-5.6cu.yds. 40,333lbs.

NEW UTILITY PRODUCTS

RELIABLE EQUIPMENT RESPONSIVE SERVICE

NEW BACKHOE LOADER Komatsu’sWB142-5offersexcellentproductivity inaneconomicalpackage

O Ownerslookingforasolidbackhoeloaderthat’seconomical,yetpowerfulenoughtotackleavarietyoftaskscanturntoKomatsu’snewWB142-5.

“TheWB142-5isthefifthmodelinanoutstandinglineofbackhoeloadersfromKomatsu,”saidJeffAubrey,ProductManagerBackhoeLoaders.“It’saimedatthecost-consciousbuyerwhowantsamachinewithlotsofperformanceinasimplepackage.Therefore,it’spricedlowerthanourhigh-specdeluxemodels.It’swhatwecallan'entry-level’backhoeloader,butithasmanyofthesamedesignfeaturesofitsbigbrother,theWB146-5.”

High production ProductioninbothloaderandbackhoeapplicationsisdrivenbyaKomatsu76-net-horsepowerdieselenginethat’shousedinaheavy-duty,castnoseguard,whichprovidesintegralcounterweightandfrontprotectiontotheengine.Standardfour-wheeldriveletsoperatorsworkondayswhenothermachinesareparked.

Unlikemanyunitsinitsclass,theWB142-5featuresahigh-output(37gpm),tandem-gear-pumphydraulicsystemdesignedformaximumspeed,powerandcontrol.Itevenhastwosettingsfortheloaderandthebackhoe,sotheoperatorcanchoosebetweenmaximumperformanceandmaximumfueleconomy.

Roomy work station KomatsukepttheoperatorinmindwiththenewWB142-5,whichfeaturesastate-of-theartinteriorthat’srugged,yetelegant.Asuspensionseatprovidesacomfortablefitforanysizeoperator.TheROPS/FOPScanopyhasatruedual-entryplatform.Controls,switchesand

Komatsu’s new WB142-5 offers many of the same benefits as larger Komatsu backhoe loader models — operator comfort, high value, high productivity, ease of service and security.

gaugesareclusteredtosimplifyoperationandvisibility.

Acorner-mountedexhaustallowstheoperatorafull360-degreeunobstructedview,includingaclearlookattheloaderbucket,evenatmaximumheight.Komatsu’snewS-boomdesignisnarrow,providingbettervisibilityinboththetrenchandinloadingtrucks.

TheoperatormaychoosefromeitherPowerorEconomymodewhenusingthe14-foot-classbackhoe.Aone-cubic-yardloaderbucketwithabolt-oncuttingedgeisstandard,asarereversiblestabilizerpads.A pleasure to own Dailyservicechecksaresimple.Justraisetheone-piece,tiltinghood,andalldailychecksaregroupedontheleftsideoftheengine.Greasepointsareconvenientlylocatedandfuelfillingisatgroundlevel.There’salsoastandardlockabletoolbox.AndlikeallKomatsumachines,theWB142-5usesO-ringface-sealhydraulicfittingsforleak-freeoperation.■

Brief specs on the WB142-5

ModelWB142-5

Output76hp

Operating Weight14,513lbs.

Bucket Capacity1.0cu.yd.(loader)

NEW QUARRY PRODUCTS

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HD785-7 Komatsu’snewhaultruckfeaturesadvantages designedtolowerusers’costperton

P Partofanyefficientquarryoperationinvolvesmovingmaterialsquicklyfromthegroundtothecrusheratthelowestcostpertonpossible.Komatsu’snewHD785-7haultruckwasdesignedwithmaximumefficiencyinmindtohelpyoumovemorematerialfasterwithlessfuelconsumption.

“Moreandmorequarriesaregoingtolarger-capacityhaultrucks,suchasthe100-tonHD785-7,”saidTomStedman,MarketingManager-MiningTrucks.“Ithasthetightestturningradiusofanytruckinitsclass.Inquarryoperations,wherespaceisoftenlimited,that’sabigadvantage.”

TheHD785-7hasseveralotherfeaturesthatmakeitadvantageous,includingahigh-performanceenginethatdeliversnearly10percentmorehorsepowerthanitspredecessor,theHD785-5.VariableHorsepowerControl(VHPC)allowsselectionoftwomodes,PowerandEconomy,whichcanbesetaccordingtoworkingconditions.Ineithermode,theVHPCsystemdetectswhetherthetruckisloadedoremptyandselectstheoptimumhorsepowerforproductionandfuelefficiency.

TrackingfuelefficiencyandmaintenanceiseasywiththeVehicleHealthManagementSystem(VHMS),afullyintegratedsystemthatcollectsdatathroughoutthetruck.“It’sagreattoolforlookingatlong-termtrends,”saidStedman.“VHMSprovidesdatagatheredfromallareasofthetruck,includingpressures,temperaturesandspeeds,tonamejustafew.Customerscanusethisinformationtocustomizetheirmaintenanceprogramsaccordingly.”

All-wheel, wet-disc brakes Komatsuworkedtolowermaintenancecostswiththeadditionofall-wheel,wet-discbrakes.Eachbrakeisfullysealedtokeepcontaminants

Komatsu’s new 785-7 100-ton haul truck offers 10 percent more horsepower than its predecessor, while lowering fuel consumption. Additional features include all-wheel, wet-disc brakes, Variable Horsepower Control and a Vehicle Health Management System.

out,reducewear,andrequirenoadjustments.“Theyaremuchmoreefficientthandry-discbrakes,”Stedmannoted.“Overthelonghaul,they’regoingtosavetheuserquiteabit.”

AnAutomaticRetardSpeedControl(ARSC)utilizesalarge-capacityretarderthatallowsoperatorstosetdownhilltravelspeedataconstantlevel,sotheoperatorcanconcentrateonsteering.“It’slikecruisecontrolfordownhilloperation,”explainedStedman.“Whentheoperatorreachesthespeedhe’scomfortablewith,heactivatesthesystemwiththepushofabutton,andthetruckwillmaintainthatspeed.It’sverygoodforareaswheretherearelongdownhillhauls.

“TheultimategoalofthenewHD785-7istosavetheusertimeandmoney,”headded.“Withmorehorsepowerandlowerfuelconsumption,thecostpertonisfantastic.We’llbebringingthesefeaturestomoreofourhaultrucksinthefuture.”n

Brief specs on the Komatsu HD785-7

Model Capacity Net Horsepower Vehicle Weight

785-7 100tons 1,178 366,000lbs.

Tom Stedman, Marketing Manager

Mining Trucks

T

CRITICAL COMMERCE CORRIDORS ARTBA proposes new highway program to move freight more efficiently in future years

linkandupgradethenation’smajorwaterports,airports,bordercrossingsandrailnetworkswithnationalintermodalfreighttransfercenters.Wherepossible,thenetworkwouldseparatecommercialtrafficfrompassengervehicles.

Thescheduled2009reauthorizationofthehighwayandtransitinvestmentlaw(SAFETEA-LU)providesameaningfulopportunityforCongresstodevelopanationalfreightstrategyandallowtheU.S.DepartmentofTransportationtoassumetheleadroleinidentifyinganddefininga“CriticalCommerceCorridors”system,accordingtoRuane.

“Theresultofthisinitiativewouldbeaclearandfocusedstrategydirectedatthegrowingdilemmaofefficientlymovingfreight,”Ruanesaid.“Thischallengeisaboutmorethancongestion,bottlenecksanddelayeddeliveries.ItisaboutsecuringAmerica’splaceintheglobalcompetitivemarket.TheAmericanpeopleandbusinesscommunitydeservenothingless.”■

GUEST OPINION

ThedevelopmentofanationalstrategytoimprovetheefficientmovementoffreightiscriticaltofutureU.S.economicproductivityandshouldbeatoppriorityforfederalpolicymakerschargedwithwritingthenexthighwayandtransitreauthorizationbillin2009.That’sthemessageAmericanRoad&TransportationBuildersAssociation(ARTBA)PresidentPeteRuanedeliveredatarecentU.S.ChamberofCommerceFoundationconference.

RuanecitedaFederalHighwayAdministration(FHWA)reportshowingthatfreightbottlenecksarecausingtrucksmorethan243millionhoursofdelayannually,atacostofnearly$8billion.“IftheU.S.economygrowsataconservativeannualrateof2.5to3percentoverthenext20years,domesticfreighttonnagewillalmostdoubleandthevolumeoffreightmovingthroughthelargestinternationalgatewaysmaytripleorquadruple,”theFHWAreportsays.“Withoutnewstrategiestoincreasecapacity,congestionatfreightbottlenecksonhighwaysmayimposeanunacceptablyhighcostonthenation’seconomy.”

Plan addresses future needs Inhisremarks,Ruaneoutlinedatwo-partplanapprovedbytheARTBABoardofDirectorsthatisaimedataddressingthenation’sfuturesurface-transportationneeds.Partoneoftheplanistocontinuethecurrenthighwayandtransitprograms,butwithbetterfundingtoaddressfuturesafetyandmobilitypriorities.

Parttwooftheplanestablishesanewfederalgovernmentprogramcalledthe“CriticalCommerceCorridors(3C)Program.”Fundedbyfreight-relateduserfees,itwouldimproveU.S.freightmovementandemergencyresponsecapabilities.Theprogramwouldstrategically

Pete Ruane, President, American Road

& Transportation Builders Association

(ARTBA)

ARTBA is proposing a new federal program to improve freight transportation by strategically linking and upgrading ports, airports, border crossings and rail networks — and separating commercial traffic from passenger vehicles where possible.

Q

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Serving customers better is the goal of V.P./General Manager of Construction Division

QUESTION: As someone relatively new to Komatsu, what are your initial thoughts on what the company does best?

ANSWER:Asoneofmyformerbossesusedtosay,“ProductisKing,”andoneofthethingsI’velearnedisthatKomatsuproductsareexcellent.Wemakeveryhigh-quality,technologicallyadvancedequipmentthat’sproductiveandreliable.Webelieveourproductsprovidethebestvalueintheindustrywhenyoutakeintoaccounttheperformance,theuptime,thelongevityandwhatyou’llgetinresaleortrade-in.

QUESTION: At the other end of the spectrum, where does Komatsu need to improve?

ANSWER:Thebiggestthingisproductsupport.Certainly,that’snotuniquetoKomatsu.Probablyeveryequipmentmanufacturerandeveryequipmentdealerinthecountrywouldsaytheywanttoimproveproductsupportbecausethat’swhereyoucreatecustomerloyalty.Fromwhatpeopletellme,Komatsuhasimprovedinthatareainrecentyears.Ibelievewe’redoingagoodjobsupportingourproductnow,butwe’restillnotasgoodaswewanttobeorneedtobe.Ourgoaliscontinuousimprovementthatresultsinevergreatercustomersatisfaction.

QUESTION: What steps is Komatsu taking to improve the level of support?

ANSWER:TheKomatsuTrainingandDemonstrationCenterinCartersville,Ga.,isagoodexampleofastepwe’vetakentoimprovethequalityofserviceweprovide.It’sastate-of-the-artfacilitythatofferstrainingfordistributors’technicians,theirin-housetrainersandtheircustomers.Onthepartssideofthesupportequation,wecontinuetoopenRegionalPartsDepotstoensurethatourdistributorscan

KOMATSU & YOU

AnativeofKnoxville,Tenn.,GregHewittgraduatedfromtheUniversityofTennesseewithabusinessdegree,thenjoinedtheMaytagCompany.UnliketheMaytagrepairmanofTVcommercialfame,GregwasnevertheloneliestguyintheworldwhileatMaytag.Hespent17yearsthere,whereheearnedanMBAandheldavarietyofincreasinglyimportantjobs.HeleftMaytagin2004tojoinTextron,alargemulti-industrycompany,asExecutiveVicePresidentoftheJacobsen(professionalmowers)Division.

LastNovember,GregwasrecruitedbyKomatsuAmericaCorp.tobecomeV.P.andGeneralManageroftheConstructionDivision.It’sanewpositioninwhichHewittoverseesallactivitiesassociatedwithplanning,operations,sellingandservicingKomatsu’sconstruction-sizeequipmentline,whichconsistsofD31toD275dozers;PC120toPC1250excavators;WA150toWA700wheelloaders;GD555toGD675motorgraders;articulatedtrucks;andrigidtruckslessthan715hp.

“EventhoughIhadneverworkedinheavyequipmentmanufacturing,IknewKomatsuwasagreatcompanyandthatthiswasagreatopportunity,”saidHewitt.“Havingbeenhereforawhilenow,I’mevenmoreexcitedabouttheprospects.OneofKomatsu’sstrengthsisaproductthat,inmyopinion,across-the-board,isequalorsuperiortoanythingelseoutthere.Ourgoalistobuildonthatstrengthtodeliveranunprecedentedlevelofsatisfactiontocustomers.”

Hewittismarriedwithtwodaughters,ages8and12.“Myworkdayscanbefairlylong.WhenI’mawayfromthejob,Ienjoyinvestingtimewithfamily,stayinginshape,readingandtraveling.”

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.

Greg Hewitt, V.P./General Manager Construction Division, Komatsu America Corp.

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getsame-dayorearlynext-morningdeliveryofvirtuallyanypart.Wenowhaveafillrateinthehigh90thpercentile,whichwe’llputupagainstanybodyintheworld.

QUESTION: Product-wise, what should Komatsu customers be excited about this year?

ANSWER:Ourbiglaunchin2007isanew,smalldozerline(machinesroughlyinthe75-to125-horsepowerrange).WebelieveourcurrentKomstatdozersareexcellent—highlyproductiveandreliable—andthatthenewmodelswillbebest-in-classbyalargemargin.

QUESTION: If you had one-on-one time with a contractor who’s trying to choose between a Komatsu machine and another leading brand, what would you tell him to convince him to buy Komatsu?

ANSWER:Iwouldjustgivehimthefacts.Factnumberone:ifproductionisimportant,examinehorsepower,diggingspeed,capacity,fuelefficiency,reliability—allofthosethings.Shopandcompare.Inmostcases,we’regoingtocomeoutontop.Factnumbertwo:dosomeresearchonresalevalue.DueinparttoourcommitmenttoR&Dandengineering,ourmachineslastalongtimeandholdtheirvaluebetterthanthecompetition.Factnumberthree:lookatthebigpicture.We’rea$16billionglobalcompany.WithKomatsuandourdistributors,yougetthekindofcradle-to-gravetotalsupportthatonlythelargestofcompaniescanprovide.

Lastly,I’dtellhimtolookforthebestvalue.Ifhestudiesthemachineowningandoperatingcosts,wefeelconfidentthatKomatsuwillbethechoicemoretimesthannot.

QUESTION: What is Komatsu expecting from the construction economy this year?

ANSWER:We’refairlypositiveabouttheconstructionmarket.Aseverybodyknows,housingisdown,buteverythingelseisholdingitsown.Theoverallindustryforecastisforaboutamid-tohigh-single-digitdecreaseinthetotalnumberofunitssoldthisyear.Onthefaceofit,thatdoesn’tsoundgreat,butwhenyouconsiderwe’recomingoffacoupleofall-time-recordyears,it’sreallynotbadatall.

Andfrankly,atKomatsu,wethinkthere’sapotentialforustogrowourbusinesseven

inaslightlyslowermarket.Intheoverheatedenvironmentwe’vebeenin,somemanufacturersdidwelllargelybecausetheyhadinventoryavailable.Now,withinventorymoreplentiful,customerswillprobablydomoreshoppingaroundlookingforthebestvalue.Wewelcomethatenvironmentasanopportunitytoproveourworthtoanequipmentuser.■

With a wide range of equipment from large mining machines to compact utility equipment, Komatsu produces high-quality, technologically advanced equipment that’s productive and reliable. “We believe it’s the best value in the industry,” stated Greg Hewitt, V.P. /General Manager Construction Division, Komatsu America Corp.

Komatsu’s focus on product support places an emphasis on training. The company’s state-of-the-art Training and Demonstration Center in Cartersville, Ga., provides training for distributors’ technicians and in-house trainers as well as customers.

To augment its larger dozer line, which includes machines such as this D155AX, Komatsu plans to introduce a new line of small dozers in 2007.

T Therehaslongbeenaperceptionthatworkingmorethan40hoursperweekadverselyaffectsthehealthandsafetyofworkers.Therewereevensomeresearchstudiesindicatingthatwasthecase.Butnow,anewstudyshowstheconnectionbetweenworkingovertimeandexperiencingsafetyandhealthproblemsmightbeoverstated.

Thestudy,publishedrecentlyintheJournalofOccupationalandEnvironmentalMedicine,foundthatpeoplewhoworkverylonghoursdoindeedhaveanincreasedlikelihoodofhealthandsafetyproblems—however,italsofoundthatotherfactors,suchasprevioushealth

LONG HOURS AND SAFETY New study indicates working overtime is not a major health or safety issue

problems,actuallyhaveamuchstrongereffectonoverallworkerhealth,safetyandproductivity.

“Ourresultschallengetheassumptionthateachhourofworkabove40hourssteadilyincreaseshealthandsafetyrisksandreducesproductivity,”saidAllenHarrisJr.,Ph.D.,leadauthorofthereport.“Infact,noadverseeffectswerefounduntilthe60-hour-per-weekmark.”

Evenwhenworkersreachedthe60-hour-per-weekmark,Allennotedthat“theeffectswerelimitedtoanincreasedriskofworkers’compensationepisodesforhourlyfemaleemployeeswithahistoryofworkers’compepisodes,andtoanincreasedriskofnewmusculoskeletaldiagnosesforolderworkers.”Peoplenotinthosecategoriesdidnotshowanyaddedrisk.

More emphasis on prior health Thestudywasbasedonasampleofnearly2,800peoplewhoworkataheavymanufacturingcompany.Presumably,theresultsarealsoapplicableforotherindustries,includingconstruction,wherelonghoursareoftenthenorm.

Accordingtotheresearchers,moderateovertime(48-59hoursperweek)hadnobearingonemployeehealthandsafety,regardlessoftheirjobordemographiccharacteristics.

“Althoughworkhoursareafactor,theyshouldbeconsideredalongsideprevioushealthandotherfactorsthatcomprisethelargercontextwithinwhichemployeehealth,productivityandsafetyoutcomesaredetermined,”saidWilliamBunn,M.D.,co-authorofthereport.“Onboththeresearchandpolicyfronts,moreemphasisneedstobefocusedonpriorhealthandotherantecedentstothenumberofhoursworkedthatbetterpredictemployeesafety,lostproductivityandfuturehealth.”n

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

It has long been speculated that working long hours, which is not unusual in the construction industry, might negatively impact the health and safety of workers.

However, a recent study by Allan Harris Jr., Ph.D., and William Bunn, M.D., indicates that may not be the case.

Today’s advanced equipment, such as this Komatsu excavator, is specifically designed for operator safety and comfort, which also makes construction safer.

Equipment Insurance

Rates start as low as $300/yr!You’ve bought the equipment. The financing is arranged.

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p

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C Chancesareyou’veheardofKOMTRAX,Komatsu’swirelesssystemthatallowsyoutomonitoryourequipmentfromyourofficecomputerorlaptop.Youmayknowitprovidesbasicinformation,suchaswhereamachineisandhowmanyhoursareonit,whichisusefulifamachineisstolen,andforserviceandmaintenance.WhatyoumaynotrealizeisthatthenewversionofKOMTRAXcanalsobeanextremelyusefultoolinimprovingyourfieldproductivity.

“Customerswhousethefull-rangeofKOMTRAXserviceshaveadistinctadvantageoverthosewhodon’t.It’sreallythatsimple,”saidKenCalvert,KomatsuDirectorofITSupport.“How?Byprovidingdetailsonassetutilization.Howmanyofyourmachinesareactuallyworkingatanygiventime?Doyouneedmoremachines,orcouldyougetbywithfewer?Isamachineworkingoridling?IsitbeingruninPowermodeorEconomymode;andifit’sfullpower,isthatreallynecessaryor

THE KOMTRAX ADVANTAGE How Komatsu’s wireless equipment-monitoring system can help you improve productivity

isitawasteoffuel?Theseareallmoneymattersthatdirectlyimpactacontractor’sbottomline.”

“Ofcourse,KOMTRAXisalsostillavaluabletoolforscheduledmaintenanceandhelpingimplementarepair-before-failureprogramformajorcomponents,”addedChrisWasik,ManagerofServiceSupportProgramsforKomatsu.“ButwebelieveKOMTRAX'soperationalinformationwillhelpacontractorimproveefficiencies,availabilityandprofit.”

The KOMTRAX difference Komatsuissoconvincedthatwirelessequipmentmonitoringisatruedifferencemakerforequipmentusersthatit’stakenunprecedentedstepstomakethesystemavailable,affordableanduser-friendly.Thesestepsinclude:

• FactoryinstallingKOMTRAXasstandard equipmentonalmosteverynewKomatsu machine,andmakingittotallyfreeforfive years(topcompetitorschargemorethan $2,000forthehardwareandinstallation,then alsochargeamonthlycommunicationfee);

• HavingateamofKomatsuand distributorpersonneldedicatedsolelyto monitoringKOMTRAX,andcommunicating withcustomerstohelpthemkeepcostsand downtimetoaminimum;

• Makingtheinformationeasytouseand understand,including,inthenot-too- distant-future,communicatingKOMTRAX infotocustomersviae-mail.

“Rightnow,thousandsofKOMTRAX-equippedmachinesareoutinthefield,butonlyasmallpercentageofcustomersactuallyusethedata,”observedCalvert.“Wewanttoincreasethatnumberbecausewe’reconvincedKomatsucustomerswhouseKOMTRAXproperlywillbemoreproductiveandmoreprofitable.”■

PRODUCTIVITY POINTERS

Ken Calvert,Director of IT Support

For more information on how KOMTRAX can work for you, contact our service department today.

Chris Wasik,Manager of Service Support Programs

By using all the capabilities of KOMTRAX, machine owners can improve field productivity and improve profitability.

RELIABLEEQUIPMENT RESPONSIVESERVICE

If it can be measured, we measure 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.”

Whether you’re looking for a high-quality 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!

B Backin1999,KomatsustartedcertifyingusedequipmentsobuyerswouldknowexactlywhattheyweregettingwhentheyboughtaKomatsuusedmachine.Nomoreguesswork.Nomorehopingyou’regettingagooddeal,butfearingyoumightbebuyingsomebodyelse’sproblem.WithKomatsu’sCertifiedUsedequipmentprogram,youcouldbuyusedwithconfidence.

Theprogramstartedwithjustahandfulofdistributortechnician-evaluatorstrainedtoinspectusedmachines.Today,therearemorethan600suchcertifiedinspectors.

“Thegrowthoftheprogramandthegrowthofthenumberoftrainedevaluatorsissignificantbecauseitensuresahighlevelof

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS How customers benefit from the growth of Komatsu’s Certified Used equipment program

consistencyfromcoast-to-coast,”saidKomatsuDirectorofReMarketingLeeHaak.“Allofourtechnician-evaluatorsaretrainedtothesamestandardsandcertifiedbythesameperson,KomatsuReMarketingTrainingManagerAlanChristensen.Theyallusethesameworksheetandthesamecriteria.WhereveryouareinNorthAmerica,ifyoubuyaKomatsuDistributorCertifiedusedmachine,you’reassuredofwhatyou’regettingandofwhatthemachineisgoingtodo.”

Full disclosure TheDistributorCertifiedevaluationprocessincludesdiagnostictestsandcoversallessentialaspectsofmachineoperation,fromtheengine,drivetrainandhydraulicstotheundercarriage,workequipmentandelectricalsystem.

“Theinspectionandresultingratingbasicallyconstitutea‘fulldisclosure’reporttothebuyerofthatpieceofequipment,”explainedChristensen.“We’reprovidinghonest,straight-forwardandfactualinformation.Sometimes,whenwefindissues,werepairthem.Butmostly,we’reheretogiveatrueassessmentofausedmachine’sstatus.”

Theinspection/assessmentissomethingeachevaluatortakesveryseriously,accordingtoChristensen.“Theevaluator’snameisonthatreport.Bysigningit,heis,inessence,lookingthesalesmanintheeyeandsaying,‘YoucantellyourcustomerhecanbuythiswithconfidencebecauseI’vegivenitathoroughinspection.’It’slikehisownpersonalsealofapproval.”

Becauseoftherigorousinspection,Komatsudistributorsarewillingtostandfirmlybehindtheproduct,whichisalsoofteneligibleforextendedwarrantiesandspecialratesfromKomatsuFinancial.■

DISTRIBUTOR CERTIFIED

For more information on Komatsu Distributor Certified used equipment, call our sales office today.

(Right) Following about five hours of classroom training, technicians are critiqued on

their practice evaluations.

(Below) Komatsu ReMarketing Training Manager Alan Christensen conducts a training session at a Komatsu distributor.

RELIABLEEQUIPMENT RESPONSIVESERVICE

Alexandria, LA (318) 443-7173Baton Rouge, LA (225) 356-6113Belle Chasse, LA (504) 394-7400

Gonzales, LA (225) 644-2328 Kenner, LA (504) 467-5906

Lake Charles, LA (337) 528-2661

Shreveport, LA (318) 746-5272Little Rock, AR (501) 568-7867Springdale, AR (479) 927-1672

Call one of our Louisiana or Arkansas Locations Near You!

Or Contact Used Equipment Manager Larry Levet (225) 298-5272 email: llevet@he-equipment.com www.he-equipment.com

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Your Source for Quality Used Equipment

CRAWLER TRACTORSKOMATSU D85PX-15, 2002, 4,462 hoursKOMATSU D65PX-12, 2003, 3,782 hoursKOMATSU D65PX-12, 2002, 5,733 hoursKOMATSU D65PX-12, 2002, 4,339 hoursKOMATSU D65PX-12, 2002, 5,848 hoursKOMATSU D65EX-12, 2001, 6,567 hoursKOMATSU D61PX-12, 2003, 2,932 hoursKOMATSU D61PX-12, 2003, 4,164 hoursKOMATSU D61PX, 2001, 6,345 hoursKOMATSU D61PX, 2000, 7,471 hoursKOMATSU D61EX-12, 2003, 2,802 hoursKOMATSU D41P-6C, 2006, 539 hoursKOMATSU D41P-6C, 2004, 2,226 hoursKOMATSU D41P, 2005, 649 hoursKOMATSU D41P, 2003, 3,463 hoursKOMATSU D41P, 2001, 3,580 hoursKOMATSU D41P, 2000, 3,550 hoursKOMATSU D41P, 2000, 3,505 hoursKOMATSU D41P, 1999, 4,429 hoursKOMATSU D39PX-21, 2005, 1,639 hoursKOMATSU D39PX-21, 2004, 1,751 hoursKOMATSU D39PX-21, 2003, 2,151 hoursKOMATSU D39PX-21, 2002, 3,366 hoursKOMATSU D39PX-21, 2002, 2,434 hoursKOMATSU D39PX-21, 2002, 3,364 hoursKOMATSU D39P, 2002, 4,656 hoursKOMATSU D39P, 1999, 3,000 hoursKOMATSU D39E, 2002, 2,459 hoursKOMATSU D37PX-21, 2005, 1,794 hoursKOMATSU D37PX-21, 2004, 2,250 hoursKOMATSU D37PX-21, 2003, 1,900 hoursKOMATSU D37PX-21, 2002, 2,720 hoursKOMATSU D37P-5A, 1999, 3,194 hoursKOMATSU D37EX-21A, 2004, 67 hoursKOMATSU D37EX-21, 2004, 1,500 hoursKOMATSU D37PX-21A, 2003, 2,530 hoursKOMATSU D37EX, 2003, 2,152 hoursKOMATSU D37EX, 2003, 1,553 hoursKOMATSU D37EX, 2002, 2,122 hours

KOMATSU D37EX, 2002, 2,648 hoursKOMATSU D31PX-21, 2005, 800 hoursKOMATSU D31PX-21, 2003, 1,967 hoursKOMATSU D31EX-21, 2005, 900 hoursCATERPILLAR D3GXL, 2004, 1,166 hoursDEERE 650H, 2004, 810 hours

HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORSKOMATSU PC400LC-6, 2002, 5,403 hoursKOMATSU PC300LC-7, 2004, 1,445 hoursKOMATSU PC300LC-7, 2004, 1,250 hoursKOMATSU PC300LC-7, 2004, 3,012 hoursKOMATSU PC300LC-7, 2003, 6,247 hoursKOMATSU PC300LC-6, 1999, 9,946 hoursKOMATSU PC250, 1998, 7,069 hoursKOMATSU PC220LC-7, 2003, 2,561 hoursKOMATSU PC220LC-7, 2003, 4,071 hoursKOMATSU PC220LC-6, 1998, 6,160 hoursKOMATSU PC220LC-6, 1996, 10,893 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-7L, 2004, 1,675 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-7L, 2004, 2,624 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-7L, 2003, 3,652 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-7L, 2002, 3,878 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-7, 2003, 3,652 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-7, 2002, 5,146 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 2002, 6,179 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 2001, 4,415 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 2001, 5,590 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 2000, 7,244 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 1999, 7,379 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 1998, 8,274 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 1998, 6,150 hoursKOMATSU PC200LC-6, 1997, 6,600 hoursKOMATSU PC150, 1997, 29 hoursKOMATSU PC150LC-6, 1997 KOMATSU PC130-7, 2006, 160 hoursKOMATSU PC130-7, 2006, 177 hoursKOMATSU PC130-7, 2006, 281 hoursKOMATSU PC130-7, 2006, 238 hoursKOMATSU PC130-7, 2006, 162 hours

KOMATSU PC130-7, 2005, 254 hoursKOMATSU PC128US, 2001, 3,390 hoursKOMATSU PC120LC-6E, 2005, 563 hoursKOMATSU PC120LC-6, 2003, 2,315 hoursKOMATSU PC120-6E, 2005, 460 hoursKOMATSU PC120-6E, 2003, 1,934 hoursKOMATSU PC120-6E, 2003, 1,381 hours

WHEEL LOADERSKOMATSU WA470-5, 2004, 4,669 hoursKOMATSU WA250PT-3, 2003, 2,821 hoursKOMATSU WA250-3MC, 2003, 3,677 hoursKOMATSU WA250, 2003

BACKHOE LOADERSKOMATSU WB140, 2003, 3,044 hoursKOMATSU WB140, 2002, 4,160 hours

UTILITY EXCAVATORSKOMATSU PC75UU-3C, 2000, 3,710 hoursKOMATSU PC45R-8E, 2003, 3,066 hoursKOMATSU PC45R-8E, 1999, 3,518 hoursKOMATSU PC35MR-2, 2004, 1,272 hoursKOMATSU PC30, 2002, 2,881 hoursKOBELCO SK35, 1998, 3,518 hoursBOBCAT 334, 2000, 1,805 hoursBOBCAT 331, 2000, 3,427 hoursBOBCAT 328D, 2003, 3,353 hoursBOBCAT 325, 1999, 1,687 hours

MOTOR GRADERSKOMATSU GD655-3C, 2004, 2,546 hoursKOMATSU GD655-3C, 2004, 1,883 hoursKOMATSU GD655-3C, 2004, 2,252 hoursKOMATSU GD655-3C, 2004, 2,609 hoursKOMATSU GD655-3C, 2004, 1,692 hours

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Excavators while supplies last.

Alexandria, LA318.443.7173

Baton Rouge, LA225.356.6113

Gonzales, LA225.644.2328

Kenner, LA504.467.5906

Lake Charles, LA337.528.2661

Shreveport, LA318.746.5272

Little Rock, AR501.568.7867

Springdale, AR479.927.1672

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