Capital Equipment News January 2022

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Material placement attachments can reduce maintenance by connecting to the engine and hydraulics of common, proven workhorses, such as skid steers and wheel loaders.

Reconstructing roadbuilding

Roads are perhaps the most crucial piece of infrastructure around the world and one of the greatest technological achievements of mankind. Ironically, the glistening asphalt of an open road cues daydreams of escaping technology: windows down, tyres humming and freedom. But trying to keep up with the billions of people using one of the world’s oldest industrial advancements to escape their modern technology tethers has left road crews in a scramble. By Lynn Marsh, president of Road Widener LLC.

T he rising demand placed on roads is steadily exceeding road crews’ capacity to maintain, let alone improve, roadways. Between 2008 and 2017, the United States highways in poor condition rose 25% which has significantly grown the demand to complete road repair projects year after year. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, vehicles travelled more than 5,1-trillion km on US roadways in 2019. Road repair projects are on the rise, but limited budgets require a re-evaluation of methods and efficiency to

ensure the available funds can stretch far enough. With crews facing a growing backlog of jobs, contractors are looking for ways to improve efficiency and get more done with the same amount of time and workers. However, some entities worry that learning new technology may result in lost time. That’s where equipment attachments come into play. Attachments provide a realistic, effective solution by utilising equipment that contractors are already familiar with. By changing workflow, minimising maintenance, lowering equipment cost, allowing for

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