Equipment World Staff (EQW)HomeFMI predicts 5 percent 2012 construction growthConstruction consultant FMI‘s first-quarter 2012 Construction Outlook Report shows a 5 percent increase over 2011 for total construction put in place, or $826.3 billion. According to the report, in order for residential construction to achieve the 8 percent increase projected and top $264.4 billion in 2012, a number of factors still have to fall into […]March 19, 2012HomeHome builder confidence index remains flatBuilder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes was unchanged in March from a revised level of 28 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today. This means that following five consecutive months of gains, the HMI is now holding at its highest level since June of […]March 19, 2012TechnologyGranite JV with Yaquina River Contractors receives Notice of DefaultGranite Construction Inc.'s joint venture with Yaquina River Contractors (YRC) received a Notice of Default from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) relating to the US 20 project, according to a written statement issued by Granite on March 17.March 18, 2012BusinessCost of construction materials escalates dramaticallyThe cost of construction materials accelerated dramatically in February after moderating for several months, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. As a result, construction firms will be forced to pay more for key materials even as demand for construction remains weak. “Prices for […]March 15, 2012HomeSenate passes two-year transportation billIn an overwhelming show of support, the U.S. Senate today voted to pass a two-year transportation bill valued at $109 billion. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act, passed in a generally bipartisan 74-22 vote, reauthorizes federal highway and transit programs for fiscal years 2012 and 2013 at the 2011 investment […]March 14, 2012SafetyDowel bar retrofit process turns 30The concrete pavement restoration/preservation industry last year celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first high production, large scale dowel bar retrofit (DBR) project constructed by the Washington State Department of Transportation. This project utilized specially designed machines that allowed for the placement of hundreds, even thousands of DBR’s in a single day making it a cost effective and viable preservation treatment. What many people don’t know is that the DBR process was actually envisioned and developed nearly 10 years prior to its optimization in Washington. With early research in Georgia dating back to the 1980s, dowel bar retrofit (DBR) has reached its 30th anniversary as an essential pavement preservation tool.March 13, 2012WorkforcePerkins to build engines in IndiaStarting in 2013, Caterpillar subsidiary Perkins will manufacture 4000 Series engines at a new plant to be built in India. Initially, the facility to be located in Shendra industrial area in Aurangabad will turn out up to 3,000 engines per year, says Perkins, adding that capabilities for future expansion can increase output to 5,000 units. […]March 13, 2012Construction EquipmentRitchie Bros. sells more than $48 million of equipment in Texas auctionRitchie Bros. sells more than $48 million of equipment in Texas auctionMarch 13, 2012BusinessVolvo Rents acquires Great Plains Rent-All in OKVolvo Rents has acquired Great Plains Rent-All, a four-store equipment rental company based in Southern Oklahoma, with stores in Ada, Ardmore, Duncan and Durant. The company says this latest move is part of the company’s recent surge of more than 50 acquisitions in the last 12 months and comes at a time when more customers […]March 12, 2012BusinessMDU Resources reaches new Bakken field production record, acquires additional Bakken acreageMDU Resources reaches new Bakken field production record, acquires additional Bakken acreageMarch 12, 2012Previous PagePage 116 of 591Next PageTop StoriesExcavatorsCloser Look: Link-Belt's Smallest X4S Excavator, the 145The 15.4-metric-ton model is designed to move a lot of material in tight spaces with reduced tail swing, improved hydraulics and new tech.Graders/ScrapersCaterpillar Adds Joystick Option for Next-Generation 140 Motor GraderConstruction EquipmentCaterpillar Previews 5 Autonomous Equipment Lines at CES (Video)Compact TractorsCloser Look: Kubota’s New Grand L70 Tractors Completely Redesigned After 12 YearsFeatured SponsorWhat Every Shop and Fleet Should be Tracking
