While it seems natural and benign, dust can be harmful to your health and the health of your employees and citizens in the communities where you work. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, studies have shown an association between exposure to inhalable dust and reduced lung function, increased hospital admissions for respiratory distress and heart disease, and possibly even premature death.
Increased scrutiny by environmental agencies also is leading to more fines at construction sites – either for violating the Clean Air Act in areas that don’t meet federal guidelines or the Clean Water Act since loose dirt particles often end up in waterways.
The rules are changing
After almost a year of mulling new data and gathering more than 120,000 public comments, the EPA announced revisions September 27 to air-quality rules regarding dust at construction sites.
As of press time for this issue, the EPA was still deciding its course of action, but you can find the revised rules at www.epa.gov/air/particles/actions.html. They will take effect in late November. The proposed regulations, which were released to the public January 17, would have tightened restrictions in some areas while revoking the regulations in others.
Under the proposal, EPA would withdraw rules for coarse particulate matter – the category common jobsite dust falls under – in areas with populations of 100,000 or less. “Generally, the idea behind the proposal is to try to focus on the kinds of particles science is telling us are more toxic,” says Allison Davis, a spokeswoman for EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. Put simply, dirt in urban areas is different from dirt in rural regions, says John Bachmann, associate director of science policy at EPA. Vehicles and factories, among other things, emit harmful particles into the environment that rarely exist in rural areas. The soil in Gary, Indiana, for instance, is red with carbon dioxide from steel mills, Bachmann says.
Another reason for the proposal not to regulate coarse particles in rural areas is that most studies focusing on dust have taken place in densely populated regions so researchers could evaluate health effects on large numbers of people. EPA is not contending rural dust isn’t harmful; it just hasn’t been studied extensively, Bachmann says.
EPA set its rules for coarse particles, as opposed to smaller, fine particles, in 1987, and they consist of two parts – a 24-hour standard and an annual standard. Because it says today’s scientific data doesn’t show significant public health risks associated with long-term exposure to coarse particles, the agency proposed revoking the annual standard in all areas. Sources of coarse particulate matter include road shoulders, where vehicles kick up dust, fly ash, tire and brake wear, agricultural and mining activities – which are exempt from the rules – and construction sites.
The 24-hour standard for coarse particles would be stricter under the proposed regulations. The 1987 rules called for dust not to exceed 150 micrograms per cubic meter of air in a 24-hour period, and the proposed revision would change that to 70 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
But the mixed comments EPA received regarding its plan for coarse particle regulation left the proposed rules open to change.
How you can control dust
If you are tired of dedicating one employee and a water truck to the all-day task of wetting and re-wetting your jobsites or haul roads, some alternative products might interest you. Unlike water which can evaporate in minutes on a hot day, chemical treatments, polymers and organic fluids can suppress dust for up to a year. (See the sidebar at right for a list of some of these products.)
Water sounds cheap, says Larry Dolan, director of marketing and sales for DirtGlue Enterprises, but it is labor and equipment intensive. DirtGlue Enterprises makes two products – an acrylic polymer emulsion the company was named after and a new organic fluid called DustLess. DirtGlue bonds soil particles together, creating a flexible crust that can control dust for a year. Dolan recommends it for areas where there will be little or no driving because that can cause the coating to break up in a few weeks or months. DustLess is more appropriate for haul roads because it doesn’t create a crust and won’t evaporate, dry out or freeze.
You can apply both products using any pressurized tank with a hose. Hydroseeders are ideal because they have a boom sprayer, and water trucks work well for large areas, Dolan says. DirtGlue is diluted with five parts water and applied at a rate of 300 gallons per acre. You should apply 800 gallons of undiluted DustLess to each acre. Subsequent treatment requires less of the product because Dustless seeps into lower layers of the soil and remains there.
Julie Mamula, marketing manager for Midwest Industrial Supply, which makes a polymer emulsion called Soil-Sement, says the company’s California location has a lot of construction customers because of dry conditions in the western part of the country. “You can use Soil-Sement on unpaved roads, stockpiles, anything that has loose particles,” she says.
Polymer emulsions typically cost between $2.50 and $5 per gallon.
Midwest’s customers apply the product with water trucks or transportable spray systems hooked to large pickups. In areas with no traffic, Soil-Sement lasts up to six months, and on haul roads it usually has to be applied monthly.
You can also try some dust-repressing tricks that cost almost nothing. Davis says EPA recommends creating a 6-foot barrier of mulch between dirt jobsite surfaces and roadways to keep trucks from tracking dirt onto paved roads. Cleaning up sites after jobs are complete and sweeping roadways near jobsites can reduce dust as well.
Dust-suppression products
Salts
Dust-Off – www.cargillsalt.com
CaCl – www.genchem.com
DustGard MgCl – www.nasalt.com
Organics
Pine oil pitch emulsion – www.entacemulsions.com
DustLess – www.midwestind.com
Soyl (soybean oil) – www.dustpro.com
Polymers
DirtGlue – www.dirtglue.com
TerraBond – www.terrabond.net
Soil-Sement – www.midwestind.com
LDC – www.enviroseal.com/ldc.htm
SoilShield-LS – www.soil-shield.com
Lignin Sulfonate
Ligtac and Dustac – www.dustpro.com
Borregaard LignoTech – www.ltus.com
RB Ultra Plus – www.new-technologies.org
For a more extensive list of products, visit www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/dust_control.html.
Fecon to sell direct to U.S. government
Fecon has received a GSA contract number to sell its line of FTX track carriers, Bull Hog mulchers, tree shears, tree saws, grapples and stump grinders to the U.S. government. Military bases use Fecon track carriers for line-of-site clearing, trails and land-clearing applications. Also, the Division of Forestry uses Fecon’s Bull Hog mulchers, tree shears and grapples to create firebreaks and for fuel reduction.
Feller buncher has several new features
Tigercat has introduced the 822C series feller buncher, equipped with the new Cummins QSL9 Tier III engine and a common rail fuel system to improve engine reliability. The exhaust manifold hardware is rated for higher temperatures to prevent breakage and exhaust leaks. A thermostat control was added to improve the hydraulic-driven cooling fan, and the purge cycle frequency can now be varied depending on operating conditions. The heat exchanger size has been increased as well. The new 24-volt electrical system aids cranking in cold weather and provides better compatibility between the carrier and harvesting head attachments.
Hydraulic tilt bucket for ditching and excavating
Amulet’s hydraulic tilt bucket has twin heavy-duty, guarded double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The bucket attachment is able to tilt 45 degrees each way, with a full 90-degree range of tilt for ditching and excavating projects. Features include induction-hardened pivot pins and bushings to minimize wear, and tapered sides for easier release of material. Bolt-on edges are also available to increase bucket life. There are several bucket sizes to fit base machines from 9,000 pounds to
100,000 pounds.
Grease gun offers flow control, speed of lubrication
Lumax has introduced its patented Pneuluber, a dual-piston air-operated grease gun that cycles continuously with high-pressure delivery to dispense one tube of grease in less than a minute. The Pneuluber is able to work on small compressors and requires 40 to 60 pounds per square inch of pressure at 3.5 cubic feet per minute. Constant torque provided by the patented dual-piston gear motor enables you to speed up lubrication and control the volume of grease without lessening output pressure. The variable speed trigger allows you to control the flow, eliminate waste and avoid contamination as well as cleanup.
Hydraulic spin-on filters for medium-pressure systems
Baldwin Filters introduces the PureForce hydraulic filtration product line, including die cast aluminum bases, visual or electrical indicators and hydraulic spin-on filters featuring the L-Lock hem. PureForce filters are available in 4- and 5-inch diameters and rated with 350 and 500 pounds per square inch of pressure. The pressure capability makes these filters suitable for medium-pressure systems.
Eliminate pivot wear
Expander Americas’ Expander System eliminates pivot wear in machinery and equipment by expanding sleeves that lock into the worn pivot lugs. As the fasteners are tightened, the pressure washers press the slotted sleeves down over the tapered ends of the pin axle. Double-sided locking increases stability and safety. The sleeves expand parallel to the pin axle and lock the system in the pivot lugs, eliminating wear. Standard sleeves expand up to 80-thousandths of an inch and oversize sleeves expand up to 160-thousandths of an inch.
Mix, aerate and crush different materials
The Allu X 80 drum can separate contaminates and stones from soil resulting in 4-inch-or-less size. It can also crush construction and demolition materials, wallboards or pallets, and the largest particle size will be about 4 inches. The X 80 is also used in the composting industry to mix, aerate and crush different materials.
Ripper/bucket combo for excavation jobs
Leading Edge Attachments has introduced its single-pointed ripper bucket for excavators and backhoes. The ripper/bucket combination allows the operator to rip rock, coral shale, caliche, decomposed granite, limestone, sandstone, asphalt or frozen ground and rip V-shaped
trenches for utilities, or scoop and load material.
No tool or machine change is required to use another bucket.
Pipe lifter available in several capacities
Construction Lifters’ C-Hook Pipe Lifter eliminates the need to dig a hole under the pipe or roll it over a cable or chain for lifting. An adjustable lifting eye allows the hook to be carried level and it stands up for easy attachment. Sizes are available in six different capacities of up to 30,000 pounds to handle pre-cast pipe from 4 to 8 inches in length.
Line boring machine has remote option
The 4-14 Electronic Touch line boring machine from York Portable Machine Tools has a full function remote option. The 4-14 ET has a touch pad with LED indicators to help you with various functions. There are variable feed rates with rapid traverse, and automatic or manual feed for spot facing. The machine also has a double bearing mounting head for added rigidity. Boring diameters are from 1.5 to 16 inches.
Break down large materials quickly
Convert waste into quality uniform product with Bandit’s Beast Recycler. The Beast’s patented cuttermills cut and split to break down large materials fast, while consuming low amounts of energy and fuel. Reduce brush, trees, stumps, pallets and railroad ties into a dimensional product in one pass. Also acquire ground wood products for mulch, boiler fuel and pressed board. The four models range in power from 300 to 1,000 horsepower.
Excavator bucket designed for tough digging
The heavy-duty, high-capacity excavator bucket from Werk-Brau was designed for digging in tough clay and rock-scattered soil. T-1 steel is used in all critical or high-wear components. A reinforcing plate backs the cutting edge and straps protect the rest of the bottom. Side wear plates reinforce the sides for backfilling. The bucket is equipped with industry-standard teeth for durability and quality brand teeth are also available. Box rippers are also available for installation.
4X4 and low ground pressure brush cutter tractors
The Geo-Boy brush cutter tractor, powered by a Cummins diesel engine, provides cutting and clearing power for all site preparation, land clearing and right-of-way maintenance operations. The four-wheel-drive model features an articulated undercarriage that aids in control and movement, as well as low ground pressure rating. The low ground pressure track model has all-terrain mobility and a very low ground pressure rating.
Replacement parts for elevating scrapers
Ballantine offers a variety of replacement parts for elevating scrapers, including standard (OEM) replacement chains, heavy-duty chains and sealed joint chains. Sprockets, rollers, flights and cutting edges are also in stock. Parts are available for Caterpillar, Clark-Michigan, Fiat-Allis, Hancock, International Harvester, John Deere, Terex, Wabco
and others.
High frequency, high resolution concrete imaging with radar transducer
Mala Geo Sciences has developed the highest frequency radar transducer available for concrete imaging, according to the company. The ground penetrating radar transducer emits a 2.3 giga-hertz signal, producing the highest resolution concrete imaging of rebar, conduit, post tension cable and other features embedded in concrete structures with radar technology. Mala’s transducer is compatible with their CX10 and CX11 concrete imaging radars.
Wheel loader configurations cover several applications
Move greater amounts of material per hour with JCB’s 436 wheel loader, which has an increased payload capacity of 12 percent. The latest machines have increased departure angles of 28 degrees for better clearance at the rear. Loader end configurations are available to cover several applications. Options include HT high lift and ZX loader arms. The HT configuration offers better visibility of the loader end, allowing it to host a range of buckets and attachments, while the ZX option provides higher breakout forces and payload capacities for extractive duties and bulk handling tasks. The 436’s cab also has 50 percent more interior space.
Mulcher designed for tough land-clearing jobs
Barko’s 930 mulcher was designed for tough land-clearing jobs, and has 305 horsepower for fuel efficiency. It also has a 96-gallon-per-minute attachment flow, yielding 270 net hydraulic horsepower. The mulcher features a rugged tractor, 90-degree articulation and 360-degree view. The pressurized cab is sound insulated and has an ergonomic workstation for operator comfort.
Compactor has adaptable mount frame for carrier
Mid-Atlantic Hammer’s plate compactor/crusher has an adaptable mount frame that can be installed on any carrier using quick couplers and an adapter. Other features include a heavy-duty gear motor, self-aligning bearing, standard cross check valve and by-pass check valve. An optional valve pack with flow control valve, pressure relief valve and by-pass check valve is also available. There are four models ranging from 640 pounds to 3,300 pounds, and plate sizes from 400 by 600 millimeters to 800 by 1,100 millimeters. The plate compactor fits excavators from six to 36 tons.
Root grapple removes surface and sub-surface material
Crafted from abrasion resistant steel, Construction Attachments’ RG-Series root grapple handles the removal of surface and sub-surface material. A large grapple opening accommodates irregularly shaped objects, while providing the clamping force for safely removing and loading debris. An available slat kit provides smaller tine spaces when working with bricks and smaller rocks. The RG-Series is offered in 66-, 78- and 84-inch models.
Multipurpose attachment offers positioned and dangling rotators
Rotobec’s multipurpose power attachment is equipped with a dangling rotator that acts as a material-handling grapple. It can be used with scrap, mulch, branches, stumps, aggregate, logs and construction debris depending on its jaw configuration. The attachment also has a positioned rotator for versatility in landscaping, site preparation, light demolition, material compaction and some tree length handling. A saw is available for felling and land clearing. The power attachments are offered in sizes to match mini-excavators from 5 to 9 tons and full-size excavators from 20 to 50 tons.
Truck mount specifications for tree transplanter
Big John Tree Transplanter’s Model 90 has truck mount specifications of 10 to 12 inches
in nominal tree truck diameter and a transplanter weight of 15,000 pounds. The approximate height closed for transport is 13 feet and 6 inches, with a width of 8 feet and 53/4 inches. The nominal root ball width is 90 inches and is adjustable, and the root ball depth is also adjustable at 60 inches. The transplanter has a water tank capacity of 400 gallons, and a
45-gallon oil reservoir capacity.
Reduce oil spills and contamination
The 250 Series patented Sage Oil Vac fluid exchange systems use a vacuum and pressure process to exchange fluids and reduce engine downtime by cutting maintenance time in half. The enclosed system, with color-coded tanks and reels, also reduces spills and cross-contamination. The removal of contaminants prevents harmful bonding to engine parts, and a barrel straw aids with filling the new fluid tanks. Other features include two to six ASME rated tanks to transport 500 to 820 gallons of fluids, 6-inch channel frame and digital handheld meters.
Concrete screeding and base preparation systems
Set concrete screed precisely, accurately and efficiently with concrete screeding and base
preparation systems from Landre. Avoid costly errors associated with other screed methods.
The AccuScreed and MegaScreed systems aid contractors in a faster, flatter lay down of floors.
Clear brush from tight timber areas
The Extreme Duty Brush Cutter from Promac mounts on hydraulic excavators and uses its reaching ability to clear brush in constricted timber areas. The brush cutter is designed with a heavy-duty mulching disc and cutting bits. A shock-absorbing, “quick-flex” drive assembly helps protect both machine and operator from impact loads while a high-torque hydraulic motor boosts productivity.
Grade over embedded rock
Lower your haul road maintenance with a Roadrunner Grader-Maintainer. Owning and operating costs are 35 percent to 40 percent less, and there is also less capital investment than a complex motor grader. Lower fuel cost using a 90 to 100 horsepower tractor. The dual blades are angled to eliminate washboarding and adjustable skid bars assist in grading level. The angle of attack on cutting edges will grade over embedded rock to accomplish more work at a faster pace.
High horsepower options with transportability of smaller machine
With power options up to 860 horsepower and an increased tip swing speed, the Morbark 4600XL Track Wood Hog can power through the debris of the land clearing and storm cleanup industries. An infeed extension folds flat to assist in processing longer tree length material and folds up for containment in regrind applications. A standard Caterpillar undercarriage provides low ground pressures, reduced ground disturbance and increased stability for less damage to property. The Iqan Feed System is also standard on the 4600XL for consistent feed and to minimize downtime.
Site-prep tractors maneuver easily for clearing, landscaping
The Prentice 2764 and 2864 site-prep tractors are multipurpose power tool carriers with Tier 3 Cummins QSB 6.7-liter engines and 90-degree articulation for easy maneuvering around structures. The tractors’ load sensing hydraulic system is engineered to provide smooth hydraulic power while consuming less fuel. The Prentice Quik-Flow selection system allows the operator to install and operate a variety of attachments. The side-by-side radiator, hydraulic and charge air coolers keep everything cool in temperatures up to 115 degrees. Both tractors are well balanced over the 113-inch wheelbase for a stable ride.
Software aids in site preparation and excavation
Tally Systems EarthWorks software aids contractors in preparation and excavation of sites before construction begins. The software application calculates demolition material removal, topsoil strip and re-spread quantities and cut and fill volumes for the entire site. The software can measure site quantities from paper blueprints or digital blueprints provided on CD.
Increase productivity with compact grader
With its tight turning radius, the Champion C80C compact grader is able to complete the job of a full sized grader. The machine features an adjustable pedestal, sound suppression system, bolt-on cab and true all-wheel drive, in addition to being adaptable for more tasks with special purpose attachments and pre-engineered hook ups.
Low-flow mulcher for small skid steers
Gyro-Trac’s low-flow, fixed-tooth, planar-head Toma-Ax Cutter Head can clear small trees and shrubs while mounted on a small skid steer loader. The Toma-Ax attaches quickly to any small skid steer and its teeth can be removed and replaced easily. The high-flow 500HF cutter head mounts on skid steers and compact track loaders. It has the ability to mulch softwood trees up to 12 inches in diameter and hardwood trees up to 10 inches in diameter.
Enhance productivity, uptime
John Deere’s 950J crawler dozer provides ease of operation and precise maneuverability, while retaining features from the previous model. Deere’s Auto-Trac system keeps the machine tracking straight in forward or reverse and the DuraTrax undercarriage provides a smooth ride. A 10.5 liter in-line six-cylinder engine provides electronic fuel management, 247 net horsepower and six percent more torque than the previous engine. The drivetrain allows the 950J to deliver power turns, infinite speed control, power management and other productivity boosts. Changes to the track and blade enhance both productivity and uptime.
Clear lots with ax featuring alloy knives
Loftness’ Timber Ax for cutting and mulching unwanted trees and brush now has alloy Timber Ax knives, which reduce sharpening time and provide an increase of two to three times the normal wear. With fixed sharpened blades and upward rotor rotation, the Timber Ax tends to pick up material from the ground and process it between the blades and shear bar resulting in smaller particle size. The sharper blades can cut grass, weeds, vines and 6-inch-or-larger trees.
Cut through trees, roots and rocks
Iron Wolf’s Slasher SST churns through trees, frozen soil, stumps, roots and rocks. It features adjustable depth control to vary cutting depth from 0 to 8 inches, and a spilt hydraulic system. The variable pitch-cooling fan regulates airflow through the radiator, in addition to speeding up engine warm-up time. The Slasher also has a torsion tube frame and a drum rotation feature, which allows for control of drum speed to change cutting tools without an energizing auxiliary power pack.
Durable thumb attachment offers versatility
Increase your excavator’s productivity and versatility with a durable thumb attachment from Atco Equipment’s Blue Diamond line. The hydraulic thumb is 48 inches by 18 inches with four 1-inch tines and a 4-inch bore cylinder and helps you save time clearing land, laying pipe and working demolition projects.
Maximize efficiency with resource management software
Automate your operations management with The Dispatcher, a software system from HCSS. See where your resources are allocated with a magnet board, track your jobs with integrated mapping software and extend your resource look-ahead with scheduling tools. The Dispatcher resource management software offers more efficient control over your operations.
Bandit Beasts are hungrier than ever
Bandit Beasts Recyclers now have a stronger bite thanks to the Extender Teeth, or XT. The XT features a raker in front of the cutting device that pushes a higher volume of material through the recycler. The new teeth should last hundreds of hours under normal operating conditions.
Not only will the XT’s last longer, but they will also extend the life of the cutter-bodies, bolts and the mill. An added bonus is that they consume about 30 percent less fuel per cubic yard compared to conventional grinders, says the company. XT Teeth are now standard in all new Beast Recyclers, or Beast owners can purchase the teeth for their current machines.
