Loading up on the Web: 3/22 – 3/27

Yet another productive week in the CE Machine Works Blog. The tireless efforts of the CE editors once againg combed the ‘Net, their inboxes and the minds of industry professions to get the latest bead on all things that effect the compact equipment industry. Here are biggest headlines from the past week.

President Signs Latest Jobs Bill, Includes Highway Funding Extension: The Senate passed and President Obama signed into law the HIRE Act. This bill offers the American construction sector some good incentives to hire new workers and extends the Highway Trust Fund so states can somewhat continue creating and sustaining transportation construction jobs The bill has many avenues that support the construction industry, specifically the extension of the highway program authorization through Dec. 31, 2010, at current funding levels – although we’d like to see a multi-year funding solution on that highway bill – this will have to do for now.

Support PAB Language in Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010: Every contractor is worried about their bottom line and where the next job is coming from, but the smart ones keep their ears to the ground to stay on top of the latest legislative events in Washington, D.C., that will effect the industry.The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) has sent out a signal, calling for contractors to sound off on the Small Business and Infrastructure Job Tax Act (HR 4849).

Terex Utilities Wins the Work Truck Show Green Award: Green machines are rolling efficient and large. Drawing big attention at the Work Truck Show (March 10-12, North America’s largest work truck event, held at the America’s Center in St. Louis this year), Terex Utilities (Watertown, S.D.) won the Work Truck Show Green Award for its HyPower Hybrid system. A panel of trade media editors selected the HyPower Hybrid system as the best new product that advances fuel utilization.

Kubota Releases Sweet New U55 Compact Excavator: Kubota continues to expand its big digs. The famous orange-colored manufacturer of construction, landscape and Ag equipment has just released its largest mini ex model in the Kubota U-Series, the U55. The new Kubota U55 5-ton tight tail swing compact excavator is designed to provide outstanding power while working in tight jobsites, where lifting capacity over the front is important. With a medium-length arm that enhances arm crowd force, a wide doorway and plenty of operator space, the U55 now replaces Kubota’s popular KX161 3 compact excavator.

Caterpillar Considers Shifting Excavator Production from Japan to U.S.: As part of a long-term strategic initiative, Caterpillar Inc. recently announced it has undertaken a study that could lead to a new hydraulic excavator facility being built in the United States. Such a move could triple the current capacity of hydraulic excavators now produced by the company in the United States, significantly increase Caterpillar’s employment in America dedicated to excavator production and further leverage excavator production in Japan to serve increasing demand in China and across Asia.

John Deere Tractor Sets Fuel Efficiency Records at Nebraska Test: Brand leader John Deere recently announced the results of a completed Nebraska Tractor Test Lab (NTTL) evaluation for its 8320R Tractor. The tests, which were conducted in October 2009, show the 320-rated engine hp John Deere 8320R providing greater fuel efficiency and higher PTO and drawbar horsepower ratings when compared to similar sized competitive tractor models.

That’ll just about wrap the week in news. Just one last thing — if you happened to miss Managing Editor Keith Gribbin’s excellent Ford Super Duty Diary, be sure to catch up on his latest tales of productivity adventure and new truck product excitement.