Brandt Tractor a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Brandt Group of Companies,  announced that it has successfully acquired Cervus Equipment Corp., following a 97.66% endorsement for the deal in an October 12, 2021 vote by Cervus shareholders. The transaction sees publicly-traded Cervus transition to 100% private ownership in an all-cash deal.

The landmark transaction creates Canada’s largest-ever equipment dealer network, adding 64 agriculture, transportation, and material handling equipment locations to Brandt’s existing John Deere Construction & Forestry dealerships across Canada. When fully integrated, it will give Cervus’ customers access to Brandt’s extensive national parts and technical support infrastructure.

The purchase further establishes the firm’s position as a premier privately held Canadian company and the largest John Deere dealership in the world.

“The addition of Cervus’ branch network is a big win for customers in all of the affected markets. We’ve got a lot to offer and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and earn the loyalty of our new customers through a combination of premium products and services and a consistent, high-quality customer support experience.”

says Brandt owner and CEO, Shaun Semple.

The deal gives Brandt unparalleled market penetration, expanding their geographical footprint and enabling the company to add, in select markets, John Deere agricultural equipment; Peterbilt transportation equipment; and Clark, Sellick, JLG, Baumann and other material handling equipment in addition to their already-impressive list of products and services.

With the acquisition of the Cervus locations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Brandt now owns and operates 120 full-service equipment dealerships with an additional 50+ service points and employs over 5100 people.

The transaction will make a significant impact across the industry as the company rolls out plans to introduce expanded parts inventories, service department capacities, and extended hours of operation at the former Cervus dealerships. As operations are integrated, staffing in these locations is expected to increase by up to 40% with significant new facility construction across the entire network.

“Cervus staff, customers, and their communities will all benefit from this acquisition through a stronger, more diversified network of support dealerships. Brandt is fully committed to ongoing investment in business infrastructure and community enhancement; there is a tremendous opportunity for everyone in this deal.”

concludes Semple.

The post Brandt Acquires Cervus Equipment Building Canada’s Largest-Ever Equipment Dealer Network appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

So in a nutshell, perfect and coordinated equipment for the field. To ensure that the highly equipped application tanker does not lose too much time, impact power, and thus money on the road in the case of longer farm-to-field distances, the slurry transport must be decoupled.

For this purpose, Fliegl offers the perfect vehicle for your slurry logistics with its new three-axle semi-trailer transport barrel STF 30000 Truck Line Top. Due to the special tank and chassis design, an unladen weight of approx. 5,900 kg can be achieved with high-standard equipment at the same time!

Due to the low dead weight, a volume of 30,000 liters can be transported in the stainless steel tank, while complying with the permissible total mass (depending on the tractor). The special tank design and the frame made of fine-grained steel contribute to the center of gravity that is shifted far down. Thanks to the stainless steel tank with an additional paint finish on the outside, a very long service life can be guaranteed.

Important with a transport tanker is on the one hand the driving and operating comfort, but also the maneuverability on the farm and in the field. The air suspension unit with disc brakes ensures high driving comfort and is equipped with an automatically lockable steering axle and a lift axle as standard. Less wear – more maneuverability!

To ensure that the saddle transport tanker does not lose unnecessary time during loading and unloading, various equipment variants are offered for this purpose. Externally, the tanker can be filled via the large-dimensioned 700 x 700 mm push cover. The filling of the application drum can be done via an 8″ or 10″ docking hopper at the top or via a suction quick coupler at the bottom at the rear.

Of course, the tanker can also fill itself; for this purpose, a powerful 6,000 L Vogelsang rotary lobe pump with a 180° swiveling 6″ quick-coupler connection at the rear is available as an option.

The fill level can always be conveniently checked via the display at the front and rear of the container. In the version with the pump, a fill level monitor and an automatic pump shutoff are integrated for safety.

A swiveling 6″ overloading arm with a length of 7,000mm is optionally available for overloading onto a spreading tanker, a field edge container, or for slurry transfer. This length means that even wide ditches can be negotiated, which is an important plus point, especially on dirt roads. The transfer arm is controlled via an external operation or via an optional radio remote control.

To ensure that the liquid fertilizer is still homogeneous at its destination, a hydraulic internal agitator or a flushing line is offered in conjunction with the rotary lobe pump.

The tanker offers many more exciting equipment options, but it’s best to see for yourself because this barrel with its wide range of options is sure to suit your business.

The post Slurry Logistics in a Class of its Own with the Fliegl STF 30000 Truck Line Top Semi-Trailer Transport Tanker appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Take one glance at Woody Weld’s eclectic office at ACME Lift Co. (ACME) in Mesa, Arizona, and it is impossible not to ask any questions. It resembles a museum, packed with memorabilia and artifacts – from photos and books to robots, car figurines, and a large dragon sculpture.

“My office is a reflection of the people I’ve known and all the things that have happened over 45 years in the business. They’re things people have given me or that have some story and connection to the business or my life,”

said Weld, president, CEO, and chairman of ACME.

Weld’s rental industry experience helped spur the idea for co-founding ACME in 1997.

“I worked for a big rental company and we would get a job to build a stadium. We would win the whole job – all the lifts, earthmoving equipment, cranes, everything they wanted. Then we’d run short of equipment. We couldn’t find any place for short-term, late-model equipment that we could give to our customers to retain our relationship with them and not give up that relationship to another rental company,”

he said.

After understanding the industry’s need for short-term rentals firsthand, Weld decided to offer a solution.

“We started with the idea that rental companies might share their infrastructure with us if we solve problems for them. We had maybe 40 machines and a couple hundred thousand dollars, and we built ACME up to where we are today,”

Weld said.

Partnering with Hitachi

Today, ACME is the world’s largest wholesale re-rental company, with a $450 million fleet including aerial lifts, telehandlers, portable air compressors, and earthmoving equipment, which most recently includes Hitachi excavators.

In March 2018, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM) acquired a 33.3 percent share of ACME. The joint venture allows retail construction equipment rental companies access to Hitachi excavators through ACME’s re-rental business. ACME serves large rental companies as well as small independents.

“I’ve had a lot of business partners and a lot of manufacturers in my life. Hitachi is the best I’ve ever done business with, in terms of how we work together and how well we accomplish the tasks they set forward,”

Weld said.

ACME’s Hitachi excavators range from the ZX130-6 up to the ZX470LC-6. The company also buys used Hitachi equipment through the Hitachi dealer network.

“Our customers have reacted very positively to us carrying the Hitachi brand. And the machines are excellent. Hitachi makes spectacularly good products. This year we are adding at least $40 million worth of Hitachi product into our fleet,”

Weld said.

The War Room

Although ACME’s fleet includes about 300 Hitachi excavators, you won’t see any of the machines if you visit the company’s headquarters. And that’s a good thing – all across the U.S., each excavator is where it needs to be when it needs to be there.

“The machinery doesn’t do much good sitting here. It’s in rental company yards or our local laydown yards in markets where we know there’s business and demand, so it can be delivered quickly,”

Weld said.

That timely distribution is thanks to ACME’s War Room. Instead of separate departments handling logistics, service, freight, parts, and sales, ACME has them housed at headquarters in one space called the War Room. The War Room functions as a streamlined operations center designed to provide real-time information about equipment and single-point customer support.

“The War Room is a little bit like an aquarium in that all of the different disciplines required to do our job exist in that one space. Everybody works together to solve customer problems in real-time. A customer can call ACME and rent a machine, repair a machine, get parts for a machine or move a machine with one phone call into one room,”

Weld said.

ACME’s entire fleet, including its Hitachi excavators, is equipped with telematics to monitor equipment availability and usage.

“We don’t get phone calls from people idly wondering what we have in inventory. Our customers call, and they need something right away. The War Room map is basically a heat map of where there’s work. If the Gulf is busy, the machines get drawn there. After the big fires in California, they needed earthmoving equipment for the clean-up. The machines migrate to wherever the work is,”

Weld continued.

Weld said the secret to ACME’s customer service is resourceful employees.

“One of the most important things I teach people when they start working at ACME isn’t that we know the answer to every question. What we know how to do is learn. ACME is about learning. It’s about finding the answer very quickly. The whole point of this place is to make customer problems disappear.”

An evolving industry

Weld’s success comes not only from his industry experience but also from his strength to continuously adapt. When he first entered the industry, the rental was a monthly business. A company would create a machinery list and bring all the equipment to the job on the first day. The equipment yard would be debited as work was carried out. This process has changed dramatically over the years, and by focusing on logistics, Weld ensures that ACME remains an industry leader.

“Now, there are algorithms, product management systems, and highly educated people coming out of construction management programs. Those people are managing down to the hour and the day and the week. Customers are saying, ‘I want it on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and I want it gone by Friday. And then I want it back again the following Thursday.’ That becomes more of a logistical business than it is a rental business,”

Weld said.

The charismatic Weld forges ahead, making sure he has the best people on his team.

“This company is about people. It’s about the relationships we have with our customers and the interrelationships with all the people on our team. And trying to make sure we do the right thing every day and we’re headed in the right direction.”

Weld also said it’s those relationships, along with the multi-faceted work, that keeps him coming back for more.

“I do this work because I passionately love to be involved. I guess the thing you think about as you age is that you want to remain relevant. I want to have a purpose and a meaning. I can teach young people about the business. Customers have problems we can solve. Manufacturers have issues; we can give them a solution. Maybe that’s why I’m passionate about it because it’s quite fulfilling.”

The article first appeared in Hitachi’s BREAKOUT magazine, Spring 2021 issue, and it was written by Kristin Stires

The post [Job Story] How Hitachi Excavators are Used by ACME Lift appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Schneider has been working with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) through the development and running of Freightliner’s Cascadia equipped with the DD15 Gen 5 engines in high-mileage operations. Through early tests, Schneider has noted significant improvements in both the efficiency and emissions reduction of its vehicles.

“We anticipate that the investment to DD15 Gen 5 engines in our Freightliner purchases will deliver positive fuel economy savings and are very important to reducing our carbon footprint. Schneider works closely with Daimler Trucks North America to test and develop new and innovative technologies. This is just one small example of the type of collaboration we have enjoyed for decades.”

said Rob Reich, Schneider executive vice president, and chief administrative officer.

Schneider worked closely with DTNA to test, validate, and implement the DD15 Gen 5 engine. The updated engine design has an all-new EPA GHG21-compliant after-treatment system, new ratings, and improvements such as increased down speeding, better combustion, and new swirl piston design – all of which contribute to fuel efficiency gains and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

“Sustainability is part of every strategic decision we make at Schneider. When DTNA moved forward with its plan to meet emission targets by a year early, it was further evidence to us that DTNA and Schneider are aligned on our approach to sustainability.”

said, Reich.

Added Len Copeland, product marketing manager, Detroit:

“We’re proud of our long-term collaboration with Schneider and we are pleased that our industry-leading innovations such as the DD15 Gen 5 engine contribute to our shared vision with Schneider of reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.”

The post Schneider Sees Fuel Efficiency Gains with New Detroit DD15 Gen 5 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The annual program recognizes outstanding suppliers that have received high scores based on their quality, delivery, technology, and cost performance as measured on a Balanced Scorecard basis. These suppliers demonstrate dedication to the continuous improvement of the quality of their products, support to DTNA, and overall performance.

“Our suppliers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality and service. We appreciate their ongoing partnership and support and are proud to recognize the 2019 Masters of Quality award recipients.”

said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of production, quality, and specialty vehicles, Daimler Trucks North America.

The complete list of Masters of Quality Supplier award winners is as follows:

The post Daimler Trucks Recognizes 55 Masters of Quality appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Portland General Electric and Daimler Trucks North America announced the co-development of “Electric Island,” a large public charging site for medium- and heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles expected to be the first of its kind in the United States. Electric Island will help accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of zero-emissions (tank-to-wheel) commercial vehicles.

The site is under construction now near DTNA headquarters in Portland and is designed to support up to nine vehicle charging stations with charging levels of up to greater than one megawatt by the spring of 2021. Electric Island will provide DTNA, PGE, and the public the opportunity to charge light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. Plans for more chargers, on-site energy storage, solar power generation, and a product and technology showcase building are currently being finalized.

Electric Island aims to address the intersection of vehicles and the grid, creating new opportunities for future EV drivers and utility customers. Powered by DTNA’s enrollment in PGE’s Green Future Impact renewable energy program, the site will be greenhouse gas emissions-free, including all vehicle charging.

Roger Nielsen, president, and CEO of DTNA said,

“In cooperation with PGE, and with the plan to expand electric vehicle charging right here in Portland to support not only our EV charging needs but those of other drivers in the area, we are paving the way to a brighter, cleaner CO₂-neutral future. As the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles, we can accelerate this shift and are excited to address, holistically, the complete EV ecosystem. Daimler Trucks has made Portland our home for the past 73 years and having been born and raised in Oregon, I am incredibly proud to help make Swan Island an Electric Island.”

Maria Pope, president, and CEO of PGE said,

“Oregon’s transportation future is electric, and with global leaders like Daimler Trucks North America right here in Portland, we have the opportunity to accelerate a clean energy transition. We are excited to launch this cutting-edge partnership with DTNA, demonstrating what is possible when utilities and the automotive industry collaborate and innovate.”

Electric Island is designed to inform both DTNA’s work in commercial electric vehicle development and PGE’s work in meeting customer charging needs. The project will inform each company’s efforts by studying the future of heavy-duty charging, including:

• Use of vehicle chargers featuring power delivery of up to over one megawatt (over 4 times faster than today’s fastest light-duty vehicle chargers), enabling PGE and DTNA to develop best practices for cost-effective future deployments;

• Integration of heavy-duty charging technology into PGE’s Smart Grid, such as vehicle-to-grid technologies, second-life use of Daimler’s battery packs, and onsite energy generation; and

• Testing information technology opportunities like fleet and energy management by captive solutions and services.

The post Daimler Trucks and Portland General Electric Announce Public Heavy-Duty Electric Truck Charging Site appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Miller Industries is a leading manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment based in Ooltewah, Tenn., and has been a Freightliner customer for more than 24 years. Miller Industries was founded in 1990, employs around 1,200 employees worldwide, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company has a total of three manufacturing facilities in the United States, one in England and one in France.

Guests of honor from Miller Industries included: Will Miller, president, and CEO; Vince Tiano, vice president of sales; Kipp Felice, vice president of marketing and business solutions; Billy Drane, director of heavy-duty equipment; and Greg Newman, the salesman at Allied Freightliner-Western Star.

DTNA works closely with the engineering and manufacturing teams at Miller Industries on chassis specifications to meet their needs and make body upfit seamless. For example, air tanks are located to spec on the chassis to eliminate any interference with body equipment, and clear electrical interfaces are provided for the PTO and lighting to reduce assembly time.

“We appreciate the continued support of our customers, suppliers, and employees, all of whom have contributed to our 41 years of success. Our team will continue its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers.”

said Craig Redshaw, general manager at the Mount Holly Truck Manufacturing plant.

More than 800 employees at the Mount Holly Truck Manufacturing plant produce the M2 106 – the industry’s best-selling class 6/7 vehicle – as well as Freightliner’s line of severe duty truck models.

The post DTNA’s Mount Holly Manufacturing Plant Marks Production of 700,000th Truck appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The 865 loggers can be configured as a loader with boom options for various grapple types, or as a high capacity processor, capable of running large harvesting heads in demanding duty cycles. Dual swing drives will provide ample torque and speed for high-performance loading or processing.

Service access has been carefully thought out with the ability to step down into the center of the machine for clear, unobstructed access to the engine and daily service points. Large enclosure doors and a spring assist side service platform to provide a large, stable work area for performing maintenance on hydraulic components and changing filters. A large cast counterweight provides excellent stability with a swing-out door that allows access to the engine from the rear of the machine.

The rear entry elevated cab, full-length front window, and additional floor windows provide superior visibility with clear sightlines. LED lighting and the rearVIEW camera system further augment operator visibility.

Source: Tigercat

The post Tigercat teases the Tigercat 865 Logger appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Ochsner comes to Claas North America with an extensive background in executive retail management. He has gained a reputation for developing effective strategic business and sales initiatives that have driven market share expansion and dealer profitability. He has spent the bulk of his career with companies such as RDO Equipment Company, Columbia Tractor Inc., Bushel Inc., and Titan Machinery Inc.

Magnusson explained:

“Over the last ten years, Claas has augmented our North American sales channel with a select number of company-owned, locally operated retail locations where a suitable dealership couldn’t be found. We’re very excited to have Mr. Ochsner overseeing the development and growth of such a critical part of our business.”

Ochsner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a minor in economics, from Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota. His extensive experience, education, and background will be key assets in his new position and will serve him well as he joins the Claas of America Management Team.

The post Claas Hires New Vice President Retail appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Väderstad is preparing for its upcoming CEO succession. In February 2022, Henrik Gilstring will take over as President and CEO. Henrik represents the third generation of the owner’s family and is currently part of Group Management.

Continuity, sustainability, and innovation have served as important guiding principles for Väderstad since the company’s inception almost 60 years ago. The company’s Board of Directors has now secured the CEO succession well in advance and preparations have begun for current CEO Mats Båverud to step down.

The Board of Directors and Group Management have clearly defined the direction forward through a well-planned CEO succession based on Väderstad’s strong values, says Crister Stark, Chair of the Board for Väderstad Group.

Through longstanding ownership and strong commitment, from both the owners and employees, we continue to create innovation, drive, and stability. The decision gives good conditions for an efficient and smooth handover, and a rejuvenation of the CEO role, says Crister Stark, Chairman of the Board of Väderstad Group.

Henrik Gilstring has previously been appointed deputy CEO of Väderstad Group and, from February 2022, he will take up his post as Group CEO.

I’m looking forward to continuing to drive Väderstad forward sustainably and to ensure that, as a company, we are able to adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead, both with regard to agricultural development in general and in terms of new political and global ground rules, says Henrik.

Väderstad has an acclaimed history of innovation, strong customer relationships, and growth. This is a very exciting journey and it is progressing towards new goals. We have every opportunity to continue growing and evolving as a company, as a partner to our customers, and as an employer.

Henrik Gilstring is 35 years old and represents the third generation of the owner’s family. He is the son of Christina Stark, owner of the second generation, and Gert Gilstring, who currently works as a senior design engineer at Väderstad. Among other things, Gert Gilstring is the brains behind “The Gilstring Seed Meter” – the unique metering system in Väderstad’s Tempo machines, which is a big part of the reason for Tempo’s huge sales success worldwide. He has also been involved in several of the company’s other success concepts.

Henrik Gilstring has worked at Väderstad since 2012 and currently serves as Vice President for Business Development and is a member of Group Management. Henrik has a background as an economist with a degree in business administration from the Stockholm School of Economics. Prior to his present role in Väderstad, Henrik served as a business controller of production, sales and marketing, and product development. He also worked on issues related to product management and strategy and served on the board. Before joining Väderstad, Henrik worked for Boston Consulting Group in Stockholm.

“I look forward to handing over the reins to Henrik, whose solid knowledge of the company’s business, products, and markets, along with extensive experience and understanding of diverse company operations, will make him an exemplary leader of Väderstad”,

says CEO Mats Båverud.

Source: Vaderstad

The post Väderstad Welcomes new CEO appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.