Construction Equipment Owner

Caterpillar recently unveiled three new additions to its line of rubber-track loaders - 279C, 289C and 299C. These loaders feature a newly engineered suspension-type undercarriage, designed and built by Caterpillar, with the chassis of their multi terrain loader counterparts, the 277C, 287C and 297C. Joining the construction equipment podcast to discuss the new rubber-track loaders and where they fit into the product line are Pierre Verdon Industry Manager North America - skid steer loaders, multi-trerrian loaders and compact track loaders and Todd Lynnes, Product Marketing Manger - skid steer loaders, multi-train loaders and compact track loaders. Listen to the podcast at the bottom of this post.

Basic Specifications for 279C, 289C and 299C Compact Track Loaders

 Caterpillar's New Compact Track Loaders [12:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (592)

Barry LePatner - coauthor of Structural & Foundation Failures and author of Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets: How to Fix America’s Trillion-Dollar Construction Industry is the latest guest on the Construction Business Podcast. Barry shares his views on the current status of the nation’s infrastructure and offers his solutions on how will our nation can change its irresponsible ways in regard to its infrastructure needs.

 Three Actions Our Leaders Must Take in Order to Save America's Crumbling Infrastructure [11:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (281)

According to FMI’s Construction Outlook:

The outlook for 2008 has been revised downward for residential and upward for nonresidential construction. Nonresidential starts from 2007 will prop up put in place construction in 2008. The pain from decreasing starts in 2008 will not be felt until 2009. The outlook for 2009 has been revised downward for both residential and nonresidential construction.

Heather Jones, construction economist for FMI’s Research Services returns as a guest on the Construction Business Podcast to dig into the findings of the recent report and explain some of the indicators behind the outlooks.

 Construction Outlook 3Q 2008 [4:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (371)

Construction employers who fail to be in compliance with wage payment practices open themselves up to expensive litigation and fines. As this type of litigation appears to on the rise in the construction industry, it is important business owners are aware of wage and hour regulations. Martin Gringer, Partner with Franklin, Gringer & Cohen, P.C., discusses common wage and hour violations and how ways to help ensure compliance in this construction business podcast.

 Wage and Hour Issues [5:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (309)

Veteran commercial construction manager Joe McCarthy joins the construction business podcast to discuss common problems of commercial and industrial construction projects. McCarthy, who’s new book is “Choosing Project Success: A Guide for Building Professionals” also addresses the biggest challenges facing today’s contractors.

 Finding Success in the Construction Industry [10:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (403)

Jeff Wittenberg, Chief Leadership Officer with Kaye/Bassman International Corp. is our guest on this construction business podcast. Jeff discusses how businesses can avoid hiring the “least worst” candidate as well as resources to tap to find the next superstar hire.

 Identifying Top Talent [6:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (451)

Les McKeown, CEO of Predictable Success, is the latest guest on the construction business podcast. Les examines a couple of points from his series “The Eight Most Common Mistakes Managers Make.” He also gives some insight on how to manage the daily overload of information and how to create a common understanding of business goals throughout the company.

For more information on “The Eight Most Common Mistakes Managers Make” or Les McKeown’s Predictable Success system, visit www.getpredictablesuccess.com

 Common Mistakes Managers Make [13:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (468)

Probably the most pressing issues facing the heavy/highway construction industry have to deal with the need for increased funding for America’s infrastructure. If finances are not made available many upcoming projects will be delayed or even canceled all-together. Despite having a diverse impact on our road builders, this could have a crippling effect on our nation’s economic health. In the latest edition of this podcast series, Brian Moore discusses the shifting trends of the industry and how it will reshape the industry.

 State of the Infrastructure [15:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (468)

The latest edition of the Construction Equipment Owner’s Podcast takes a look at the construction industry forecast for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009. Heather Jones, construction economist for FMI’s Research Services, shares the findings of FMI’s Second Quarter 2008 Construction Outlook that points to construction for 2008 remaining much the same with the outlook for 2009 being revised down slightly because. Listen as Heather shares the indicators behind the forecast and provides some additional insights in to the non-residential segment.

If you would like to receive the quarterly Construction Outlook, e-mail Heather at hjones@fminet.com.

 Construction Outlook Second Quarter 2008 [5:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (495)

Fred Jacoby, Vice Chairman of Cozen O’Connor, shares his experiences on the recent shift in legal issues he views to be having a significant affect on contractors.

To follow up on these or other construction-related law items, you can e-mail Fred at fjacoby@cozen.com

 The Shift in Legal Issues Affecting Construction Contractors [8:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (485)