New Ideas

Software is versatile

Maxwell Systems Inc. has introduced American Contractor release 7.6, a construction business management software product that produces proposals, budgets and purchase orders.

American Contractor release 7.6 is integrated with Maxwell Systems' Quest Estimator software, which features takeoff and estimating capabilities with job-cost accounting and project-management processes. Additionally, American Contractor release 7.6 features automatic purchase order generation, proposal integration, a bid-command center and access to Maxwell Systems' Customer Zone.

Web site: www.maxwellsystems.com
Telephone: (800) 688-8226, ext. 1360

Hour meter reduces costs

Hyster® Co. has introduced its remote hour meter reading device, which remotely acquires and tracks lift truck run times.

The Hyster remote hour meter reading device is linked to a customizable digital paging network, allowing operators to select specific times for the device to submit truck run-time data. The hour meter reading system features a Web-based software interface and optional global positioning system and is said to reduce lift truck labor and maintenance costs.

Web site: www.hysteramericas.com
Telephone: (800) HYSTER-1 (497-8371)

Layout square identifies angles

C.H. Hanson® has introduced its Slide­Square,™ a layout square that features an anchor bolt locator and built-in sliding caliper.

SlideSquare reportedly can identify angles from zero to 90 degrees; mark all common hip and valley measurements; and mark anchor bolt locations on 2- by 4-foot or 2- by 6-foot sill plates. The layout square's sliding caliper is said to provide board measurements up to 4 3/4 inches.

Web site: www.chhanson.com
Telephone: (800) 827-3398

DVD provides building concepts

CertainTeed Corp. has introduced "Commercial Building Science Concepts and Practices," a self-study workshop DVD for builders, architects, designers, engineers and contractors.

The DVD focuses on building and outline strategies for achieving energy-efficient buildings; identifying trouble spots in construction; and planning for safety, comfort and convenience. It also contains seven learning modules, as well as 265 photographs, tables, schematics, diagrams, graphs, animations and cutaway views.

Web site: www.certainteed.com
Telephone: (800) 233-8990

Crane hoists material

MD Porta-Lift has introduced its Porta Crane, a material lift designed to hoist material onto truck beds and roofs.

Porta Crane is made from galvanized 12-gauge industrial-grade steel tubing and is available with 1/4-inch-thick plate steel accessories. The crane's legs adjust in 1-inch increments. Porta Crane weighs 225 pounds when assembled and is said to help decrease labor costs.

Web site: www.porta-crane.com
Telephone: (888) 742-8055

Jackets are water-resistant

Carhartt Inc. has introduced its line of nylon outerwear products, including its Carhartt® Soft Shell jacket, which is said to resist water, wind and abrasion.

The Carhartt Soft Shell jacket features a nylon shell bonded to a polyester fleece interior. The jacket reportedly is flexible and durable and can withstand various work environments.

The product line also includes Carhartt's insulated Waterproof Breathable Jacket and insulated water-repellant nylon jacket and vest.

Web site: www.carhartt.com
Telephone: (800) 833-3118

Goggles feature ventilation

Radians Inc. has introduced its DEWALT Concealer™ goggles, which reportedly provide fog control and ventilation.

Concealer goggles are available with two polycarbonate lens options—Clear Anti-Fog and Smoke Anti-Fog—and are said to be impact-resistant. The goggles feature a built-in ventilation channel and an adjustable cloth elastic head strap and are said to be durable and comfortable.

Web site: www.radians.com
Telephone: (877) 723-4267

Product line features copper

Southeastern Metals has introduced its line of products made with CopperXT, a composite alloy manufactured by bonding layers of copper with a stainless-steel core.

The CopperXT product line includes roof trims and flashings, which reportedly age and patina like solid copper. Their stainless-steel cores are said to be formable and durable, and they reportedly can withstand heavy wind, rain, hail, falling debris and salt water spray.

Web site: www.semetals.com
Telephone: (800) 874-0335

Infrared cameras are ergonomic

FLIR Systems Inc. has introduced its ThermaCAM® T-series infrared cameras, which feature an ergonomic design that is said to reduce back and arm strain.

ThermaCAM T-series infrared cameras feature simultaneous 1.3 megapixel visual cameras, isothermic thermal fusion and built-in ambient temperature control systems that are said to adjust automatically to temperature variations. Additionally, the cameras weigh less than 2 pounds and are Microsoft® Word-compatible.

Web site: www.goinfrared.com
Telephone: (800) 464-6372

Truck caps offer options

A.R.E. has expanded its Deluxe Commercial Unit truck cap product line to include the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

The truck caps are available in heights of 23, 26, 29 and 36 inches and reportedly can be painted to match any truck's color code. Several rear door configurations are available, as well as optional roof racks, various toolbox configurations, a selection of window and door sizes, and a polyester fabric liner.

Web site: www.4are.com
Telephone: (800) 649-4273

Ridge vent protects attics

Benjamin Obdyke Inc. has introduced its Xtractor Vent® XLP Turbo, an externally baffled tile over ridge vent. The ridge vent features 1/8-inch-wide vent holes, which are said to allow moist air to escape from attics while protecting against rain, snow and ice.

The Xtractor Vent XLP Turbo is available in 25-foot-long rolls and reportedly can be cut to any length and installed with a pneumatic nail gun. The vent is 5/8 of an inch high and 14 inches wide with 12 3/4 square inches per foot of net free area.

Web site: www.benjaminobdyke.com
Telephone: (800) 346-7655