Loading up on the Web: 5/3 – 5/7

This past week, I had a chance to escape from the CE office on a top-secret equipment-recon mission in the dry heat of Phoenix, Ariz. The details have to remain under wraps for the time being, but it was great to be able to check up on the latest happenings in the Compact Equipment world while on the road. Here are the headlines that caught my attention and are worth a look if you missed them at any point this week.

 As always, we love to hear from our readers, so be sure to leave a comment or send us an e-mail. Until next week, have a great weekend.

First-Quarter 2010 GDP Rises 3.2 Percent: The U.S. gross domestic product rose at a 3.2 percent annual rate in the first quarter, the Commerce Department said last Friday. GDP rose at a 3.6 percent rate in the fourth quarter, and the two consecutive gains marked the economy’s best performance since the second half of 2003, Bloomberg reported.

First U.S. Demonstration of Honda U3-X Personal Mobility Prototype: In April, Honda held the first U.S. demonstration of the company’s U3-X personal mobility prototype at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. With U3-X Honda rethinks the concept of personal mobility, providing the rider with freedom of movement in any direction — forward, backward, sideways and diagonally — by simply leaning slightly in the desired direction. The lightweight and compact one-wheeled device also features a foldable seat and retractable footrests. A lithium-ion battery pack provides power for up to one-hour of use and can be recharged by plugging in to a conventional household or office 120-volt power outlet.

AEM Introduces Updated Hydraulic Excavator Safety Manual: The AEM hydraulic safety manual has expanded from 48 to 60 pages, and the enhancements include a new section on trenching safety. Expanded or additional material includes safe mounting and dismounting, utility locating practices, attachment installation, installation, use and maintenance of quick-couplers and use of newer safety design features such as gate or armrest-based hydraulic control locks.

AmeriGas Takes Delivery of Propane F-250 Pickup: Propane is a low-emission, economic and easily used fuel that can play an important role as an alternative, non-petroleum fuel for cars, trucks and equipment. ROUSH Performance Products is a company that specializes in an extensive line of aftermarket performance parts for vehicles, including propane-fueled trucks.

Chrysler Group LLC Announces May 2010 U.S. Incentives: Straight from Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC announced yesterday 0 percent financing on most its 2010 model year Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck vehicles when financed through GMAC Financial Services. Here’s the breakdown folks…