Wakefield-based MTS Group has placed an order with Bobcat worth around £900,000 for a mixture of compact loaders and mini-excavators for the company’s hire fleet. At the core of the new investment comprising 54 machines, is a tranche of new Bobcat skid-steer and compact tracked loaders to meet continued high demand for this type of product from hire customers.
Peter Watson, Managing Director of MTS Group, said: “Our investment in the Bobcat brand and, in particular, the company’s market-leading skid-steer and compact tracked loaders recognises the excellent returns against capital employed for these machines, even in a recession that is one of the most difficult I have known in the 22 years I have been dealing with Bobcat equipment. I think the Bobcat skid-steer loader is a necessity in every hire company’s fleet.”
It is the diversity of applications in demolition, utilities, landscaping, groundcare, farming, foundry work, ship trimming and mining among many others that keeps the MTS fleet of Bobcat skid-steer and compact tracked loaders busy, with over 100 machines out on hire every day to all types of industry.
With the new order, the MTS skid-steer loader rental fleet has been enhanced with the very latest S70 and S330 skid-steer loader models. With a width of 901 mm, a height of 1814 mm, an overall length with standard bucket of 2553 mm and an operating weight of only 1291 kg, the new S70 skid-steer loader ticks all the boxes for compactness, transportability and manoeuvrability. The rated operating capacity of the S70 is 343 kg (ISO 14397-1). At the other end of the scale, the 4.2 tonne S330 is the highest performing skid-steer loader now offered by Bobcat, powered by a 62.5 kW (84 hp) Kubota liquid-cooled diesel engine and providing a rated operating capacity of more than 1.5 tonnes, or 1542 kg (ISO 14397-1).
The new ultra compact T110 compact tracked loader and the largest in the range, the T320 compact tracked loader are also now available for hire from MTS. At just 1.2 m wide and less than 2.3 m long without attachment, the new 2.3 tonne T110 will transform prospects for contractors, landscapers and a host of other users thanks to its ability to be transported on a light trailer towed by mid-sized vehicles. The T110 offers a rated operating capacity of 505 kg (ISO 14397-1) and a tipping load of 1443 kg. Driven by a powerful 67.6 kW Kubota V3800-DI-T turbo-charged, liquid-cooled diesel engine, the new T320 has the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. The 4401 kg T320 model is a vertical lift path loader offering a rated operating capacity of 1461 kg.
Complementing the skid-steer and compact tracked loaders, MTS has the largest fleet of Bobcat attachments for hire in the UK. The MTS range covers a wide selection of Bobcat attachments from standard and 4-in-1 buckets, hydraulic breakers and road planers to stump grinders, the latest tree transplanters and snow-clearing accessories.
Peter Watson continued: “The increasing number of Bobcat attachments continues to create new opportunities for the skid-steer and compact tracked loader markets, which we intend to fully serve throughout the UK. The utilisation of our rental fleet is a testament to how bullet-proof our investment in the skid-steer market has been in the face of the toughest of recessions.”
Cont…
Joining the mini-excavator fleet at MTS are the Bobcat E08 and E10 micro-excavators which, in the year since they were launched in the UK, have gained rapid market share and an enviable reputation for high performance and productivity.
The E08 micro-excavator is a conventional model with a machine weight of 1028 kg and a maximum digging depth of 1.82 m. The E10 model is a zero tail swing micro-excavator with a maximum digging depth of 1.82 m and a machine weight of 1066 kg.
Easy to transport, the E08 and E10 micro-excavators are the smallest models in the Bobcat range. Both have a retractable undercarriage that takes the width of the machine down to only 710 mm, allowing easy access through a standard pedestrian doorway for work inside buildings or entry into back yards and gardens through narrow gates. In addition, passage through low headroom openings is aided by the integrated foldable TOPS on both machines. The minimal width of the machines allows for excellent manoeuvrability in confined spaces, while the zero tail swing design of the E10 is an additional advantage when working in tight areas.
To complement the machines and attachments in the company’s hire fleet, MTS Group can offer full training for any product from the Bobcat range through its subsidiary, MTS Training. Nationally approved, MTS Training can provide training for operating Bobcat® skid-steers, excavators, compact tracked loaders and telehandlers as well as over 60 different types of Bobcat attachment for use with these machines.
The security of the equipment can be safeguarded by a satellite alarm system jointly developed by MTS, which protects the machines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Designed specifically for the plant market, the unit is very cost effective to use and is proving very popular with MTS Bobcat customers.
Mr Watson added: “This substantial investment is testimony to our close allegiance to the Bobcat brand. I believe that there has never been better value for Bobcat products on the basis of the price, reliability and the excellent residual values when you come to trade in for a new product.”
http://www.mhwmagazine.co.uk/LatestNews/MTS_Places
The word tractor comes originally from the Latin verb trahere meaning to pull, which is logical enough. The noun itself was first used with its current meaning in 1901, although prior to this date those traction engines that you can still see at old country fairs were already around. These were developed for agricultural use in about 1850, following on from portable steam engines that, from the beginning of the nineteenth century, had helped drive mechanical farm machinery.
The first gasoline-powered tractor with any practical purpose was built by John Froelich of Clayton County, Iowa in 1892 - but he only sold two of them. In the early 1900s, the Hart-Parr Company, also in Iowa, designed and built a tractor for use on farms to help with plowing, planting, tilling the earth, harrowing and disking. In Britain, there were early designs by Hornsby-Ackroyd in 1897 and a three-wheeled version by Dan Albone in 1902 but the first commercially successful tractor came from Saundersons of Bedford in 1908. In the USA, the Twin City Traction Engine Company brought out a successful gasoline-powered tractor in 1911.
When Henry Ford introduced the first, fully mass-produced tractor, the Fordson, in 1917, it was much smaller and more within the price range of ordinary farmers and so the American market began to really develop. Tractors began to make a significant impact on British farming because of the First World War, when there was a great need to increase food production.
In 1918, the John Deere Company - whose leaping deer trademark has been known for 120 years - bought Waterloo Boy Tractors; part of its journey from being a one-man blacksmith shop in 1837 to the global concern it is nowadays.
By 1923, Fordson - by then being manufactured in Ireland, England and Russia as well as back home in the USA, had 77% of the American market and a good foothold overseas. During the 1920s, tractors which had gasoline powered internal combustion engines were becoming standard everywhere. Cheaper manufacturing methods and design improvements led to tractors becoming essential requirements for farmers and, in the 1930s, when Harry Ferguson devised a hydraulic system for attaching implements to the tractors, the hi-tech, multi-functioning vehicle of today was becoming more of a reality.
Modern tractors are now employed in both field and farmyard operations, carrying, powering and using an enormous range of equipment. It’s possible for one man and his tractor to plow in excess of 10 hectares in a single day and it’s not unreasonable for a contemporary farmer to anticipate up to 8,000 hours of relatively trouble-free use from his machine.
Modern improvements in tractor technology have included the introduction of turbo chargers, more four-wheel drive tractors, front and rear mounted tools and attachments, vastly improved tire technology, chassis strength and weight distribution as well as significantly more comfortable cabins and seats for drivers.
Space technology has also found its way to tractors in the form of GPS devices. These devices come in handy when used in modern, precision farming techniques. They sure have come a long way in comfort, style and efficiency. Soon it will be “fashionable” to be seen in a tractor. Ok, maybe we’re not to that point, but tractors have and will continue to play a big role in agriculture and other industries. There will always be a need for farmers and where you find farmers, you’ll find a tractor.
The industrials sector of the stock market is where I am most involved nowadays. While the big names like General Electric (NYSE: GE) and Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) may not jump out at you as big gainers, plenty of these rock-solid companies have been hit unfairly, and I see value. As an added bonus, industrials companies often act as a hedge to thriving markets like agriculture. We’ve got some killer stock picks for this week, lets see what we can dig up.
Industrial Machinery - Harsco (NYSE: HSC)I may be a sucker for fallen stocks, but Harsco’s drop off their highs was especially unwarranted. You want proof? How about beating fourth-quarter earnings estimates of $0.70 with $0.74 and increasing 2008 guidance. How about topping revenue expectations by $75 million. Harsco manufactures in mill services and gas technologies.. they are the top dogs in a boring market, and I’m loving it. A whopping 70% of their sales are international, and even in a slowing world economy, an unusually high rate of recurring service revenues gives me confidence in Harsco’s ability to maintain earnings momentum. Don’t be concerned with rising costs and problems in home construction, Harsco’s end markets such as global steel production and non-residential construction are expected to remain firm in 2008.
Despite slight challenges in Mill Services in the most recent quarter, Harsco outperformed with strong gains in Rail & Mineral Technologies. I see nothing but upside in growth for 2008, and with a key acquisition possibility, Harsco could completely out-do themselves. Access Services has a nice hedge against a possible falling non-residential construction since about 25% of their industrial maintenance business is recurring. Very protected from a slow-down, and undervalued at $55 versus a target of $75… I put a purchase price at under $54 for Harsco. Conglomerates - 3M (NYSE: MMM)3M is big-time diversified, offering everything from scotch tape to respirator devices. After raising 2008 guidance, multiple firms have issued BUY upgrades from HOLD in January. Investment research firm Stern Agee believes that 10% EPS growth in 2008 appears done deal under virtually any scenario.” This kind up build-in security net from a further economic downturn is just what we want. 3M right now is the kind of excellent company that investors are a bit antsy about buying back into after a fall-off from previous highs of $95 to $75. I affirm that there is no problem here; get in now before the big movers start to buy the shares back up.
We love international growth in a bloated US market, and 3M has 65% growth overseas… 30% of that in high-growth emerging markets. They are the “no magic required” investment we want in 08′. None of their business segments should have ANY problem creating the level of growth built into current valuations, and Reuters has downside estimated at 5% compared to a 15%-17% upside. There certainly aren’t any bells and whistles about 3M, but their global footprint in emerging markets positions them well to benefit from steady business ventures with relatively low risk. With a target price at $95, and an appropriate purchase price at $77-$79, I feel that this conglomerate juggernaut is a winner.
Industrial Engineering - Jacobs Engineering Group (NYSE: JEC)In their most recent earnings release (January 21, 2008), management at Jacobs Engineering Group hinted toward strength in key end markets, such as energy, which leads me to believe they will be at least matching their 15% year-over-year growth initiative. Also in this call, they beat earnings estimates by a few cents and increased 2008 guidance, citing a favorable pricing environment among other factors. This positive outlook “includes variance in the U.S. Economy.” But what I like most about Jacobs is their visibility. Operating margins fared better than expected in a challenging environment, and backlogs increased to nearly $15 billion, yes billion. Granted, this stellar growth may be more of a challenge for the year, but I feel that they can at least produce strong gains in the second quarter. If guidance remains positive at this point, the sky is the limit.
JEC is undervalued in my opinion, and their continued performance hasn’t missed a beat. When the market turns, Jacobs should be ready to ride the bull. On top of a strong free cash flow position, they have virtually no debt. They operate in four sectors: oil & gas, chemicals, national government and infrastructure, each with plenty of potential. Energy seems to be their most anticipated gainer in 2008, suggesting that clients offer a “commitment to spending” amid low volatility incurred by oil prices. Add this in with a steady pipeline of products, and we see oil & gas well leveraged in the market. I target Jacobs at a one-year $96 tag, and feel an appropriate purchase price should be from $70-$73.
Ag. Machinery and Construction - Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW)I have been a fan of Manitowoc cranes for the past few quarters, now we finally have the market underpricing this company like we want. Manitowoc competes with Terex (NYSE: TEX), an excellent company by all marks with high growth potential. However, I feel that most analysts miss on the fact that Terex’s cranes are low quality… workers want Manitowoc! They have already capitalized on international demand, and smashed earnings estimates of 68 cents with 74 cents. Earnings reports also yielded that continuing operations performance rose 119% year-over-year and sales of cranes jumped 56%. Manitowoc’s management confirmed that despite worries about the housing construction market, MTW’s operations were indeed minimally exposed to the pain.
There is no reason for this trend to slow in 2008, and trading under $40 is just not fair. We all know that the agriculture market has been surging as of late. Manitowoc has a hand in producing related equipment, and is also a major player in the emerging Asian markets… where non-residential construction is constant. Management believes they can maintain strong growth by focusing on new product introductions, market share increases (achieved by cross-selling through its expanded distribution network), and improved penetration in Asia. Prior to the sell-off in late-2007/early-2008, the crane industry was seen as “in the middle of a multi-year up-cycle” in demand and production. I expect this trend to continue now that shares of Manitowoc have unprecedentedly been crushed off their highs. I can see them hitting $54 a share, with an appropriate purchase price just under $39 for optimal value.
Houston, Texas, is one of the world’s major oil centers. It is the industrial, commercial and financial hub of southwest America. Farming is a favorite career choice for many on the outskirts of Houston and the government also encourages it. The Implementation Group for Sustainable Farming and Food helps new entrants to farming under the name Defra. They offer a support package entitled ‘Fresh Start’ to the new entrants of farming community.
Starting a Farming Service In Houston:
Before venturing into the challenging job of farming, develop a business concept. Clarify in your mind why you want to do it and the impact of your decision on your family, your personal and family economy, and their relocation from a city to a farmland. Analyze the “what-if” factor for five years. A few issues relevant to the farming business are:
1. Business plan: It typically consists of summary of your business concept, background information and history, description of products, management structure and organization, marketing plan and financial plans. Use the various resources and tools to prepare a step-by-step business plan to guide you through the nitty-gritty’s of the business growth.
2. Business concept: Develop the business concept by asking your self honestly a few questions. This will help you in filling a specific niche for higher demand of the product. Ask yourself how will you make your farm different from other farms in the vicinity? What will be your produce marketing technique? Will your product be superior to the existing product in the market to grab customer’s attention? What will be your price line, lower or competitive? Who will you market through, self or state machinery? Since farming is not a 9-5 job, how will you balance time with work and family? Once you have answered these queries sincerely, proceed further.
3. Finances: Analyze the financial situation with state of art tools and stay up-to-date with real financial situation at all times. How will you start farming, by borrowing or taking loans? Draw a financial plan with income statement, cash flow analysis and balance sheet. Manage record keeping and accounting books meticulously.
4. Education and Experience: There is no need of any formal education for farming, but some experience in this field will stand you in good stead. Some classes and tools are specifically tailored to train new farmers. A few resources are specially targeted to farm ‘set-ups’. Attend new farmer classes, field days and meetings of agriculture industry groups to learn about the farm basics.
5. Mentor: Sources of support like family, friends, farming groups, agricultural service providers such as state university extension educators and farm related organizations would help in establishing you into farming community. Mentoring helps you respond better to the challenges of the new job.
6. Information: Search a few good websites to get more information on farming. Meet farmers to get first hand information of farming.
Starting a farming business in Houston, though challenging, is a very rewarding business. It not only has a huge profit margin but also gives better health outdoors.
http://www.machineryjunction.com/article_details.php?ART