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Cendrex Access Panels

Access panels allow you to discretely hide unattractive pipes, valves, switches, and other components in the walls and ceilings. You can also use access doors on roofs and floors.

Unfortunately, poorly designed, and unattractive access panels are all too common in the construction and renovation sectors. It seems like they’re just an afterthought.

Instead of throwing together your own DIY version of an access panel, how about trying the panels from well-known access panel specialist Cendrex. Access doors and mailboxes are all that they do, and they have a dizzying array of sizes and options.

Working with a manufacturing specialist has many benefits:

  • Better quality
  • More attractive
  • Lower cost
  • Shorter installation time

This article discusses the access panels and hatches that make up the Cendrex equipment line.

Access Doors of Many Sizes and Types

Access doors can be used on ceilings and walls. Many of the different types shown are available in multiple sizes.

  • Fire-rated—Depending on what the access panel is protecting, a fire resistance can be a strict requirement. Cendrex makes both insulated and non-insulated panels.
  • Multipurpose—The term “multipurpose” covers a variety of installation options, such as installing the panel into plaster, drywall, masonry, paneling, and so forth. Other features include different latches, hinges, and flanges.
  • Recessed—The recessed door allows you to cover it with the same material in which its inset to help disguise it.
  • Security—Locks deter anyone other than maintenance workers from opening the door.
  • Specialty—Includes panels with unusual features, such as a Plexiglass door windows, draft stops, heavy duty doors for larger openings, and valve boxes.

Access Panels That Are Really Mailboxes

After you create an access panel, it’s not that much further to build a mailbox because the features are so similar. Cendrex makes many types of mailboxes.

Some of the mailboxes can endure tough outdoor conditions. Others are compact but functional for indoor lobby use in multi-family buildings.

Cendrex’s mailboxes have either a horizontal or vertical design:

  • Horizontal—The door is mounted on the short side of the rectangular mailbox.
  • Vertical—The door is mounted on the long side of the rectangular mailbox.

Strong, Quality Floor Hatches

The Cendrex floor hatches are made of aluminum and are available with a flush or recessed door. Their sizes are 24” x 24” or 24” by 36”.

To hold the weight of people, equipment, or other items, a floor-mounted access door must support significant weight. Cendrex’s floor hatches can support up to 300 pounds.

Reach for the Sky with Roof Hatches

Cendrex carries roof hatches in either 36” x 30” or 36” x 36”. The frame is 12” deep.

Other features of the roof hatch include:

  • Galvanneal steel material (see note)
  • White primer paint coating
  • Interior and exterior handle

Note: Galvanneal steel includes an additional high-temperature step, which yields better durability than galvanized steel.

 
Did You Know?
Cendrex is a leading access door manufacturer based in Canada. Over the past seven years, they have been the finalist or recipient of several awards for excellence in manufacturing, exporting, and management. 

Custom Access Panels in Days, Not Months

If you don’t see your desired size or features in an access panel—no worries! Cendrex can design and manufacture access panels in odd or custom sizes or with special features. Because they’ve specialized in access panels and hatches for so long, the additional time to make these customized panels is surprisingly reasonable.

We’re proud to provide this product from a leading, award-winning manufacturer. Pro Tool is standing by to answer your questions about the Cendrex equipment line or help you with a quote.

By October 28, 2021 0
Article

The Importance of Sheeting and Tarps on the Job Site

The construction industry has benefited enormously from the fabrication of many different types of construction tarps, snow tarps, and sheeting. Used to improve safety and protect from the elements, these products are a must-have for your construction equipment list.

This article describes the features of these different kinds of sheeting and tarps and how they are used on the job site.

Protect Workers and Passers-by with Debris Netting

High-density polyethylene material (HDPE) is a thermoplastic material known to be lightweight but also strong. For this reasons, it’s an excellent material to knit into a type of construction tarp—debris netting.

The Eagle Industries debris netting that Pro Tool stocks is tested to withstand rigorous conditions on a construction jobsite. Its UV protection prevents the material from degrading due to sunlight exposure.

The grommet edges and reinforced webbing make it easy for workers to install around multi-story buildings as well as floor and elevator openings. Your worksite is much safer when can prevent tools being dropped or equipment slipping over edges.

The debris netting mesh is available with either 1/16” holes (standard) or 1/32” (premium). You can also purchase it as flame-retardant per NFPA 701.

 Important!Debris netting is strong, but it’s not meant to prevent personnel from falling. For that function, look for personnel safety netting and safety nets. 

Scaffold Sheeting Shields Workers from Sun and Wind

When compared to working on the ground or inside a building, workers on a scaffold are more exposed to the elements. Therefore, it’s important to shelter them with a type of construction tarp called scaffold sheeting.

When adding to your construction equipment list, look for scaffold sheeting that has grommets along the edges, which makes it easier to attach the sheeting to the scaffold. Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may also need to use non-flammable sheeting.

Other uses for scaffold sheeting:

  • Surround and protect storage areas
  • Wrap site and work perimeters
  • Protect workers and public from debris

Pro Tool carries scaffold sheeting from several manufacturers. Two of them are Monarflex and Eagle Industries:

  • Monarflex Super T-Plus Flamesafe is made from Supertough LDPE:
    • 8-mil
    • Available in 7’4” X 137’ or 13’ X 157’
    • Flame-retardant polypropylene
    • Grommet system
  • Eagle Industries Scaf-Lite™ is a premium-grade, string-reinforced, polyethylene sheeting:
    • 6-mil or 12-mil
    • Available in 7’4” X 136’ (6 mil) or 13’ X 100’ (12 mil)
    • Eyelet bands on edges with reinforced holes spaced every 4”
    • Water and mildew resistant

Snow Tarps Simplify Snow Removal

When you live and work in cold-weather states, removing snow and ice from work areas and pathways wastes time and energy. To keep your work on schedule no matter the weather, use snow tarps.

Made from 18 oz. PVC-coated vinyl fabric, Eagle Industries snow tarps are reinforced with two-inch wide yellow webbing. Loops of the same webbing are spaced evenly around the perimeter (either four or eight loops).

Here’s how it works:

  1. At the end of the day, lay the tarps down over the areas you want to protect.
  2. In the morning, attach the loops of the tarps to a front loader or crane hook.
  3. Use the heavy equipment to lift the snow-laden tarps away.

Pro Tool carries this brand of snow tarp in 20’ x 20’ and 25’ × 25’ dimensions.

Complete Your Construction Equipment List with Sheeting and Tarps

Protect your workers, equipment, and storage items with debris netting, construction tarps, and snow tarps. Invest in long-lasting material for a safer and more comfortable worksite.

Let’s talk about your construction equipment needs:

  • Call Pro Tool at 1-844-671-2956
  • Contact us with questions
  • Request a quote

We look forward to hearing from you!

By September 29, 2021 0
Article

New Product Line From Blastrac

Blastrac equipment is an ideal solution for those whose daily work requires surface preparation of concrete and steel. This month, Pro Tool is highlighting two pieces of construction equipment from Blastrac: the 1-8DM shot blaster and the BDC-22 dust collector.

Depending on your industry, these two pieces of jobsite equipment can assist you with:

  • Bridges, highways, and airport runways
  • Concrete repair and restoration
  • Demolition and renovation
  • Flooring
  • General construction
  • Marine/shipyard work
  • Painting and coating
  • Remediation
  • Storage tank maintenance

Removing the top layer of hard surfaces like concrete and steel is tedious. It’s also potentially dangerous considering the amount of dust and other particles thrown into the air.

High-quality jobsite equipment gets the project done much more quickly and reliably. Compare this to what happens when you rely on cheap, poorly made products.

Blastrac Equipment Has a Long History

Blastrac began as the American Foundry Corporation in 1906. It now has branches and manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and beyond.

Here at Pro Tool, we’re pleased to have the Blastrac equipment in our line-up because of the company’s reputation and stability. The company has the largest range of surface preparation machines available on the market.

Where to Use Shot Blasters

Shot blasting equipment like the 1-8DM propels abrasive material (like steel shot) at a surface (like concrete or steel) using mechanical or centrifugal force. This process removes the top layer from a hard surface without damaging it.

The process may seem just like sand blasting. However, shot blasting (also known as “grit blasting”) uses a completely different pressurizing system. Additionally, shot blasting works better when you need deep abrasive penetration on dense materials.

Here are just a few of the ways you can use a shot blaster:

  • Clean and strip rust from metal
  • Prep floors for additional treatment
  • Remove greases and oil stains
  • Strip paint layers

Blastrac Equipment: 1-8DM Description and Details

Now that you know what a shot blaster does, let’s look at the specifics of the Blastrac 1-8DM:

  • Wheeled, manual push operation
  • 50-foot power cord
  • 2 horsepower (110V) or 3 horsepower (230V) motor

With the 110V motor, the 1-8DM can treat up to 350 square feet per hour. Using the 230V motor ups that capability to 450 square feet.

The 1-8DM blast width is 8.75”. By switching the wheel mounts and handles to the interior of the frame, you can marginally increase the blast width. This feature is especially helpful when working next to walls and edges.

Inhaling pollutants is always a concern in surface stripping. The 1-8DM can connect to a dust collector (like the BDC-22) with its own hose connection.

Dust Collectors on the Job Site

A portable dust collector (also known as a “dust extractor”), when hooked up to jobsite equipment like a shot blaster, keeps particulate and pollutants from being spewed into the air. This makes for a cleaner and safer worksite.

When compared to a vacuum, dust collectors have a higher horsepower and more powerful motorized system. These factors lead to a longer life, giving you more value for your money.

Tip: When researching portable dust collectors, look for:·        Wheels for easy maneuverability·        Dust bags for quick change-out and limited downtime·        Ability to use with other construction equipment, such as grinding, polishing, and scarifying machines

Blastrac Equipment: BDC-22 Dust Collector

The Blastrac BDC-22 dust collector has many features that ensure its dependability and longevity:

  • 2 independent motors – 110V (14.5 amp) 1Ø
  • 4 wheels with brake system
  • Air flow – 244 CFM
  • Longopac bagging system
  • HEPA filter – M-class star

The easy-to-replace HEPA filter and Longopac bagging system are especially important to note because they reduce workers’ exposure to particulates and pollutants to almost nil. This dust collector’s all-steel construction withstands the dings and dents of a busy jobsite. Also, its sealed internal components protect it from dust and debris that can shorten its working life.

Protect Your Workers and Your Reputation

With good, reliable workers getting harder to find, you need to protect the ones you have. They’ll appreciate that you have their safety in mind, and they’ll appreciate using machines that run reliably day after day.

Not only does high quality construction equipment help protect your workers from excessive noise and damaging air particles, but it can also keep your work schedule on track. In the long run, high quality equipment can protect your reputation as a contractor who always gets the job done on time.

For more information on either of these two pieces of Blastrac equipment or the other reliable brands we carry, contact us or give us a call at 1-844-671-2956.

By August 26, 2021 0
Article

Choosing The Right Heavy Duty Portable Construction Equipment

Portable construction equipment makes heavy lifting and dumping work safer and easier. Instead of using your muscles or scrambling around for workers, let electric equipment like skid-steer loaders, mini-dumpers, and conveyor belts do the work.

Types of Portable Construction Equipment

This month we’re looking at three different types of heavy-duty equipment:

  • Skid-steer loaders—Has a front bucket for both digging into and hauling away dirt and other debris.
  • Mini-dumpers—Like a wheelbarrow, it has a large bucket for holding debris. It mechanically lifts and tilts to dispose of its contents.
  • Conveyor belts—Carries away debris with a moving belt.

Where You Can Use Portable Construction Equipment

One huge benefit of the three pieces of heavy-duty equipment we’re highlighting is that they can be used indoors. Because this is electric equipment, they don’t emit fumes.

Additionally, these are small but mighty portable machines. They are scaled down to fit through doorways, into elevators, and even into basements and crawlspaces.

The type of indoor projects where you can use this equipment include:

  • Hauling demolition debris to a dumpster
  • Moving heavy supplies from the truck to the job site
  • Building rooftop gardens

Outdoor projects are completed faster and with less wear and tear on the body:

  • Landscaping
  • Loading firewood
  • Sand bagging
  • Disaster recovery
  • Dumpster loading
  • Trenching and excavating
For the superior reliability, look for manufacturers whose reputation is based on building high-quality equipment. This month we’re looking at equipment from Cratos and InterQuip.

Sherpa 100ECO Skid-Steer Loader

The Sherpa 100ECO electric skid-steer loader manufactured by Cratos is a powerful yet quiet machine. At just 31” wide, it can fit through all standard-width doors.

Attachments let you take advantage of the Sherpa’s multi-tasking functionality. Besides its regular front bucket, this piece of portable construction equipment accepts:

  • Grapple bucket
  • Vacuum system for suction lifting
  • Floor scraper
  • Pallet forks
  • Hydraulic hammer

Depending on the battery type (lead acid or lithium), the Sherpa’s battery life is 7 – 9 hours. You can recharge it using a standard 110V outlet.

Twinca ES800 Mini Dumper

The Twinca ES800 mini dumper, also known as an electric wheelbarrow, is also made by Cratos. Like the Sherpa, the Twinca is slim enough (35.5” wide) to fit through most doorways.

But the Twinca’s star feature is its 1,764 lbs. carrying capacity. Designed with a scissor lift, its dump height is 59”, so it can dump its debris over the edge of a 20-yard dumpster.

With an operating time of 8 to 10 hours, this piece of electric equipment can lift much more and for longer periods than workers. It takes just 5 – 6 hours to recharge.

LKS300 Series Portable Conveyer Belts

The three types of portable conveyer belts in the LKS300 series line-up are designed for working in tighter spaces. This piece of portable construction equipment is available in three lengths (10-foot, 14-foot, and 18-foot),

Indoors, the LKS300 conveyer belts are ideal for demo and remodeling projects. Use them outdoors in trenches as well as backyard hardscaping and landscaping projects.

Constructed of aluminum, the conveyers have vulcanized rubber belts and can operate at up to a 35-degree angle. Power is supplied via a three-foot power cord, with an additional three-foot cord available as an attachment.

Put Your Trust in Reliable, Reputable Brands

The Pro Group knows how important it is to have dependable heavy-duty equipment. You need to focus on getting the job done – not getting the equipment fixed!

We want you to stay a customer for life. That’s why carry portable construction equipment from reputable, dependable brands like Cratos and InterQuip.

Contact us for questions about the equipment mentioned in this article, or any of our many other top-notch equipment that’s available for rental or purchase.

By July 26, 2021 0
Uncategorized

OSHA’s Job Site Fatal Four

Naturally, construction safety is the primary focus during Construction Safety Week (May 3 – 7). This weeklong occasion emphasizes the importance of keeping yourself and your workers on and around the job site safe.

Construction Safety Is a Big Job Site Concern

Unfortunately, the construction sector remains one of the top 10 most dangerous workplaces. In 2019, it ranked among the top 5 for the highest incidence of workplace injuries. For this reason and many others, Construction Safety Week is a yearly reminder to:

  • Refresh what you know about safety best practices
  • Make sure your existing safety equipment is in good shape
  • Check out new safety equipment

But remember, if you’re serious about reducing the number of injuries on your worksite, you must keep safety at the forefront every single day—not just one week out of the year. To help you with this, our article discusses in-depth the four most common types of job site accidents, known as the fatal four.

Job Site Safety and the “Fatal Four”

Nearly every single construction job site accident you hear of or read about is preventable! To increase safety, you and your crew need to be aware of dangerous scenarios and behavior.

Let’s first see if you can remember what OSHA defines as the top “fatal four” accidents:

  • Falls
  • Caught-in or -between
  • Struck-by
  • Electrocution

Falls Are the Most Common Job Site Accident

We’re listing this first because construction falls contribute to more fatalities each year than all other Fatal Four hazards combined. This section deals with falls from different heights (as opposed to falling from a slip or trip.)

An injury from a fall can occur when working at a height of four feet or more. Areas to watch out for include:

  • Edges of roofs and stories
  • Floor openings (stairwells and skylights)
  • Makeshift scaffolds
  • Portable ladders

The best protection for workers is an awareness of where they are at all times. Every day, inform your workers of new areas around which to use caution.

The next level of protection is with job site safety gear and equipment. Workers can use harnesses, lifelines, anchors, and lanyards. Also, improve job site safety by marking dangerous edges with safety netting and perimeter warning lines.

Caught-In or -Between Job Site Accidents

The caught-in or -between accidents are not as obvious to spot and prevent as falls. These types of accidents occur when a person:

  • Is buried in a hole (or trench)
  • Is trapped between two objects (a wall and equipment)
  • Gets clothing or body parts caught in a piece of machinery or equipment

Job site areas to watch out for include:

  • Gaps between equipment and stationary objects (walls or other equipment)
  • Unsupported holes and trenches
  • Pinch points on machinery (running belts, unguarded saws, rotating parts)

Struck-By Involves Dropped or Collapsing Objects

Struck-by accidents occur when an object strikes a person. The object can be a construction tool or debris that falls onto a person. With a struck-by accident, even walls made of concrete or masonry blocks can fall on a worker.

What’s the difference?

This type of accident is different from the caught-in and -between accident because the person is not trapped between a moving object and a stationary one (or between two moving objects). Instead, something falls onto them.

To reduce struck-by accidents, use caution in the scenarios:

  • Near heavy machinery or equipment on inclines
  • Beneath overhead work or large loads of material
  • Near an edge while using tools and equipment
  • Around block walls that are actively being built

To reduce the potential for injury, all workers should wear hardhats to avoid being struck in the head. To further improve job site safety, use debris nets to catch falling objects. Even better, use toe boards and guardrails at the edges to catch objects before they fall.

Electrical Accidents Cause Burns, Shocks, and Worse

Electrical hazards put workers at risk for electrocution, burns, shocks, fire, explosions, and arc flashes and blasts.

Electrocution

A lethal dose of electricity to the human body causes a fatality.

Burns 

Serious burns can come from the shock itself, an arch/flash, or thermal contact.

Shocks

Although an electrical shock might not be lethal, the shock can cause the worker to fall from a height.

Fire

Sparks from electrical equipment can start a job site fire.

Explosions

Explosions can occur when a dangerous mix of material is in the air and a spark of electricity sets it off.

Arc Flashes and Blasts

These happen when electrical energy is suddenly released through the air. It gives off an extreme level of heat and intense, bright light that can cause burns.

To avoid electrical accidents, watch out for:

  • Overhead and buried power lines
  • Energized equipment or machinery with damaged/bare wires
  • Buildup of conductive dust/corrosion
  • Old wiring (or “fixed” wiring) and problems with plugs, receptacles, and switches
  • Power and extension cords used improperly

Construction Safety Is an Ongoing Choice

With so much happening on the job site, it takes extra effort to remain aware of the dangers. Being fully prepared on the job site is an everyday concern that ensures you and your workers will return home safe and sound at the end of the day.

Pro Tool is eager to help you make the right choices when it comes to the proper signage and protective equipment. Don’t wait for Construction Safety Week to ensure your job site’s safety.

To ensure you’re never short on the right kind of safety equipment, check out our list of 9 safety products to always have on hand. Also, we invite you to see how seriously we take safety at Pro Tool & Supply, as well as our full inventory of safety equipment.

By April 30, 2021 0
Article

9 Construction Safety Products to Always Have Available

Safety on the job site is more important than ever. To keep workers safe, you cannot overlook any precaution. All construction safety products play an equal part in keeping workers and civilians safe.

Hygiene

Keeping hands clean is the number one way to stop the spread of illness. These two construction safety products are great for cleaning hands on a construction job site:

  • Portable Sinks: No plumbing or running water? No problem! Portable sinks are available with or without a hot water heater and can hold up to 5 gallons of water. All that you need is a standard outlet to plug it into.
  • Hand Sanitizer Station: If portable sinks aren’t feasible, hand sanitizer stations are the next best thing. Look for a stable and easily movable design. The best places for hand sanitizer stations are by communal areas like entrances, exits, latrines, and break rooms.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safeguards workers from contagious illnesses as well as worker injury.

  • Head (hard hats, safety helmets)
  • Eyes (safety glasses, eye wear lanyards)
  • Ears (ear plugs, headphones)
  • Face (face shields, respirators, dust masks, welding and metal pouring masks)
  • Body (safety harnesses, hi-visibility vests and jackets)
  • Hands (gloves for welding, cut protection, and general protection)
  • Feet (boots)

Fire Protection

Fire extinguishers and detectors are well-known construction safety products. However, you may not know about material that is fire-resistant, such as:

  • Scaffold tarp
  • Reinforced woven poly
  • 4 mil poly

If your job site includes areas where sparks from welding and other equipment is common, these materials are worth looking into.

Gas Detection and Storage

Cabinets for storing gasoline are a must on the job site, both for security reasons and fire prevention. Besides being fire resistant, some cabinets are available with locks. Once they’re protected in a cabinet, you can store them in convenient areas, like next to where they are needed!

Another construction safety product, the fire extinguisher stand, prominently displays and lifts the flame retardant container, making it more visible and accessible. If you don’t use a stand, you can mount extinguishers vertically or horizontally on the wall to keep them in reach.

Also, if your work trailer or office is located close to heavy equipment, fire detectors that include a carbon monoxide alarm are recommended.

Ladders

At first, ladders might not seem like a construction safety product. However, they help workers reach the heights they need without stretching or getting off-balance. Make sure you get the right ladder for the task:

  • Step ladders: These A-shaped ladders are typically made of fiberglass. They’re non-conductive and safe for doing electrical work. Some ladders have slots at the top to hold your tools, which removes the need to wear a clunky toolbelt.
  • Twin-step ladders: A close cousin of the step ladder, the twin-step allows two people to climb at once from either side of the ladder. They are usually made of fiberglass.
  • Extension ladders: Taller extension ladders can reach up to 40 feet. Although this is quite long, the aluminum material keeps them durable and easy to carry. You can also find extension ladders made of fiberglass.
  • Podium ladders: The podium ladder has a large platform at the top, which makes it easier for standing for longer periods of time. Some are available with a safety rail to prevent falls or have slots to hold tools.

Safety Tip: Use construction storage to keep construction safety products secure and easily available. They’re available in many sizes to serve as simple tool storage areas or as an entire mobile office.

Lighting

The right kind of light can help prevent tripping and other accidents. Your lighting needs can vary from simple LED light strings to towable light towers. The great thing about these types of safety construction products is that they’re all portable!

When stocking up on lighting, remember replacement bulbs, power cords, and adapters. You’ll also want to consider if you’ll need to supplement the energy source with power blocks or wiring devices.

Fencing

Construction fencing is the literal barrier between the job site and civilians. With so many people walking and driving in a distracted manner nowadays, a strong safety fence could save someone’s life.

Additionally, depending on your location and the season, a snow fence can be an important construction safety product. It keeps snow from drifting into work areas, where it can cause workers to slide and slip.

Caution Signage

Along with fencing, safety signage keeps civilians safe by directing them away from construction areas. However, it also keeps workers alert to danger by pointing out hazardous areas (with caution tape) and the edge of upper-level structures (with perimeter flagging).


Safety Tip:

You never have too much experience to learn more! To keep safety high on the list, check out safety training classes.

Simple But Necessary Safety Items

Some construction safety products are so common that you may not realize you’ve run out of them or they’ve worn out. This includes items like first aid kits, flashlights, and two-way radios.

Eyewash stations may be required on your job site depending on the chemicals that you use. If snowy, inclement weather is common in your area, make sure you stock up on ice melt. And finally, to protect workers from shocks caused by worn wiring, make sure you have electrical tape on hand.

Safety Experts Standing By

To successfully complete a job, you need to be fully prepared to perform any task within OSHA regulations. By doing so, you’ll keep employees as safe as possible.

The Pro Group stocks hundreds of ANSI-approved construction safety products. We’d love to show you more about construction safety best practices and provide advice on how to efficiently maintain a safe environment. If you have questions or a specific need, contact us online or call your sales rep.

By March 26, 2021 0
Article

The Complete Guide to Ariens Snow Blowers

New Englanders have become accustomed to the region’s brutal winters, but familiarity doesn’t make dealing with cold, ice, and heavy snow any more pleasant to deal with. That is especially true if you have places to go, things to do, and customers to serve. You can count on The Pro Group to deliver the equipment you need to deal with harsh weather so your team can get back to work.

Case in point: snow removal equipment. We can supply a veritable arsenal of weapons you can mobilize against these frozen foes of productivity. For instance, we carry a full line of rugged, professional, and heavy-duty Ariens snow blowers. These engineering marvels make quick work of even the heaviest, deepest snow, saving you hours of time, effort, and lost productivity. Once you have seen these models in action, you will never want to pick up a snow shovel again.

An Ariens for Every Condition

With a range of models in each class, The Pro Group can help you select the Ariens snow blower to meet your snow removal needs. Whether you need to quickly remove snow from a residential driveway and walking paths or clear an entire shopping center parking lot or industrial construction site, there’s an Ariens for you. All models feature durable handlebars, dash, housing, chute, and skid shoes made of solid, 100 percent steel that stand up to the worst New England winters can dish out. Choose from the line that meets the challenges you face:

Professional Series

Dispatch 80, 90, even 100 tons of snow an hour with Ariens’ robust Professional snow blower line. Contractors, facilities maintenance providers, commercial center owners, and others who need to clear large expanses can make quick work with these rugged, high-capacity machines. A big, beefy 420-cc engine driving 16-inch auger eats through deep, wet, heavy drifts, Auger housing measuring 23.5-inches high by 36 inches clears wide, even paths with each pass. All Ariens Professional models, whether wheel-driven or track-propelled, include double-belt drive to convert more of the engine’s torque into propulsion and aggressive snow collection and expulsion.

Deluxe Series

Armed with the same efficient dual-belt drive and on-a-dime Auto-Turn Steering Technology as the Professional machines, Ariens’ Deluxe Series snow blowers can handle all but the most rigorous snow-management tasks. Capable of ridding sites of 60 to more than 70 tons per hour, depending on the model, Ariens’ Deluxe line comes standard with 16-inch super-traction tires and 21-inch by 24- to 30-inch housings that chew up the white stuff and spit it out 50 feet away.

Platinum Series

Platinum Series models come in similar dimensions to the Deluxe line and feature Super High Output impellers capable of throwing up to 83 tons of snow per hour as far as 55 feet. Cast-iron gear cases generate the best auger ratio in the industry and reduce the maintenance burden, allowing Ariens to offer an industry-best 5-year warranty. Heated handgrips reduce fatigue and discomfort, giving users better control and longer operating sessions.

EFI Options

The Professional 36-inch, Deluxe 30-inch, and Platinum 24-inch blowers can be equipped with the Ariens AX EZ-Launch electric fuel injection that delivers superior fuel economy and more consistent performance in tough conditions than carbureted engines can manage. These engines start the first time, every time. Simply turn the key, pull the cord, and get to work.

Don’t let winter storms hamstring your construction project or shut down your business. Pro Tool & Supply has everything you need to combat snow, ice, and cold so your team can stay productive through the winter. The Pro Group’s customer service professionals are standing by to help you select the best Ariens snow blower and other winter equipment for your needs. Call us at 1-888-776-0007 to speak with a representative or contact us online for a quote.

By January 28, 2021 0
Article

Efficient Ways to Use Heated Construction Blankets This Winter

Creeping darkness; dry air; frozen ground. There’s not much to like about winter construction. Winter challenges contractors’ efforts to excavate trenches, dig footings, adhere to schedule, and stay safe. While we can’t do anything about the temperature, Pro Tool and Supply can provide equipment and expertise to make working in the cold a little less miserable. Our full line of heaters, apparel, and other gear helps project managers keep their workers comfortable and productive. With safety assured, contractors can turn their attention to speeding the construction process by warming the site, equipment, and products so they perform optimally.

Get the Most out of Your Heated Construction Blankets

No winter construction project should be caught without an ample stash of heated construction blankets. These tarps keep everything under them toasty and workable with an insulated barrier that traps warmth and moisture. Heated construction blankets are handy for a variety of applications; they are essential for at least three:

  1. Concrete Curing – Any time the temperature may drop below 40 degrees, contractors run the risk of their concrete failing to properly cure. Since that is a given during New England winters, builders must take steps to keep flatwork warm and moist. Equally efficient on tilt-up and precast, concrete curing blankets create the proper atmosphere for pours to harden and achieve sufficient strength. Covering newly poured concrete insulates it and traps the heat it produces during the curing process. The barrier allows the concrete to retain the right amount of moisture, expediting curing. Proper curing, of course, guards against concrete’s cracking and salt efflorescence.
  2. Ground Preparation – In most circumstances, contractors cannot even start pouring concrete if the ground itself is frozen. Frozen earth also poses a problem for digging and trenching. Placing construction heating blankets on the ground to be excavated makes the work easier and faster. Rectangular blankets can be placed side-by-side and end-to-end to thaw large areas. The blankets are simple to install and require minimum oversight, so they can be employed overnight on secured construction sites to deter frost and avoid delays the next morning. Place the blankets in areas where block or brickwork will be performed, or paving stones laid.
  3. Material Readiness – Many of the materials used on construction sites perform at suboptimal levels when they drop below certain temperatures. Spackle gets brittle; paint flows less freely; asphalt binds less freely. Heating construction blankets solve these problems and more. Simply drape the blankets over piles of cold patch, roofing shingles, and other site-staged materials overnight so they are ready to use the next day. Covering piles of damp gravel, aggregate, or sand will prevent temperatures underneath from dropping low enough to freeze the moisture and bind materials together. Heated construction blankets are also perfect for safely warming fuel lines while consuming less energy than heaters. Heated construction blankets also can protect supplies kept in unheated warehouses, on pallets, and in drums. Much more efficient and safer than space heaters, blankets can be fitted to barrels and totes. ThermaTech heated construction blankets, for example, easily fold into whatever modular shape is required. ThermaTech even manufactures a blanket that form fits 55-gallon drums for efficient protection against liquids freezing. The company offers custom-made shapes and sizes to keep specialty equipment running. The company uses advanced technology to distribute heat evenly throughout the blanket, making thermostats unnecessary.

Finding the Right Tools to Help Mitigate Winter Conditions

Construction work in December and January will always present challenges, but with the proper use of heated construction blankets, crews can still stay productive and keep projects on schedule. Contact The Pro Group for all your cold-weather construction needs. We carry a full line of ThermaTech heating blankets and concrete curing pads in sizes from 4½ feet by 15 feet to 9×15. These 110-volt pads feature reinforced waterproofing, microform insulation, and 6-foot power cords. Our sales team is standing by to help you choose the products that best fit your application.

By November 23, 2020 0
Article, Uncategorized

3 Advantages of Using Scaffold Sheeting at Your Construction Site

As winter approaches, safety challenges on construction sites multiply. Without proper precautions, wind, rain, snow, and ice can conspire to make job sites slippery, cold, and miserable. The added danger of working on elevated platforms and scaffolding only increases the danger. Of course, New England contractors and their workers know how to prepare for raw conditions, and that includes providing protection from the weather for the steel erectors, glaziers, bricklayers, carpenters, painters, and others who work on scaffolds. OSHA estimates that nearly two-thirds of America’s construction workers – some 2.3 million people – ply their trades while standing on scaffolding.

Scaffold Sheeting & Construction Tarps Save the Day

Scaffold sheeting and construction tarps provide an easy, inexpensive, and efficient way to shield scaffold workers from the elements and the public from construction-related nuisances. Generally constructed of polyethylene sheets bonded to a string reinforcing scrim, scaffold sheeting is stretched around the scaffolding and attached through reinforced eyelets or grommets with rope or plastic bands. The sheets serve as a windbreak and when layered like shingles with upper tiers overlapping lapping lower sheets, channel rain away from workers and the scaffold platform. Rugged, reusable, watertight, warm, and translucent to allow workers to toil by natural light, scaffold sheeting provides three major benefits:

  1. Worker Safety – High winds, cold temperatures, precipitation, and other weather phenomena increase the potential for slips, stumbles, and falls. Often working at heights of 20 feet or more, scaffold workers are especially susceptible to these dangers. In addition, sheeting provides a highly visible marker indicating the platform’s edge and serves as a bulwark against external distractions.
  2. Workflow Optimization – Shelter from the elements creates a more pleasant workspace and a more productive crew. Warm, dry, comfortable craftspeople work more quickly and more efficiently, with fewer interruptions. Added warmth not only helps hands, feet, and fingers move swiftly, but also improves power tools’ performance and makes paint, metal, glass, and other materials easier to install and apply. Sheeting also limits delays in construction activities caused by high winds or freezing conditions. Projects get completed on time, increasing the company’s profits and bolstering its reputation.
  3. Environmental Protection – Scaffold workers are not the only ones who should be shielded from construction site hazards. Construction tarps contain noise, dust, and debris generated by construction activities performed on the scaffold, shielding passersby and neighboring businesses from these disruptions. The tight-fitting sheeting may also intercept dropped fasteners, hand tools, and other small items before they can fall off the platform and injure someone and reducing housekeeping duties at the end of the day and project.

All Your Sheeting and Tarp Needs Covered

Construction tarps come in several thicknesses and with a variety of features. The Pro Group features a full line of construction sheeting to fit any job site and weather condition, including water- and fire-resistant and wind-rated models. Flame-retardant tarps can enclose workers with forced-air heaters for even greater comfort and work session duration. The Pro Group carries a variety of quality scaffold sheeting, including:

  • Monarflex – Combining low-density polyethylene sheets with quick-install grommeted eyelets and polyester yarn scrim, Monarflex sheeting is available in two thicknesses to accommodate low or high winds. Monarflex Super T Plus is available in widths of 7-foot, 4-inches and 13 feet. Designed to be installed either horizontally or vertically, the product is best for long-term renovation projects and can remain in place for more than a year. Shorter-term and lighter-duty projects are best for Monarflex Scaffband. Its lighter weight makes sheet rolls easier to carry, handle, and install. Either is available with a flame-retardant additive.
  • Eagle Industries – Eagle’s Scaf-Lite scaffold sheeting is easy to install. Push the bungee through a reinforce eyelet; pull the hook end back and wrap it securely around a scaffold pole; attach the hook to the bungee. Available in 6-, 8-, 12-, and 20-mil thicknesses, Scaf-Lite. It comes in 100-foot roles in widths from 7-foot, 4-inches to 20 feet. Reinforced eyelet bands, with holes every four inches, and string-reinforced sheeting resist tearing. Eagle also makes white flame-retardant sheeting.

The best product for your project depends on its length and schedule, season and weather conditions, whether the job includes demolition, welding, historic renovation, or other sensitive work, and the site location and geography. Our experienced experts will walk you through these variables and help you decide which scaffold sheeting brand and material thickness will work best on your site. Contact us today for advice on scaffolding sheeting and tarps as well as all your other winter construction needs.

By October 28, 2020 0
Article

3 Essential Tools for Ground Thawing And Freeze Prevention on Construction Sites

Whether the predictable turning of the seasons or a freak snowstorm, winter weather presents additional challenges for construction workers, superintendents, and project managers. Thankfully, a little forethought and preparation can keep these disruptions to a minimum and allow work to progress more or less normally.

Priorities

Of course, your first concern is keeping your workers and passersby safe from the hazards presented by cold, wind, moisture, darkness, and snow. Clear icy surfaces, set up warming stations, install auxiliary lighting, issue insulated, highly visible personal protective equipment. You also will want to make arrangements to store equipment and materials where they will stay dry.

Finally, you will want to take action to ensure the weather cannot unduly delay your crews’ work or cause processes to fail. Hard, frozen ground is one winter condition that can wreak havoc with logistics and scheduling if you are not prepared.

Frozen Ground – The Cold, Hard Facts

Assuming giving your workers the winter off and vacationing in Miami for four months is not an option, New England construction sites must deal with ground freeze. The ground must be thawed and prepared to avoid a variety of problems:

  • Costly Delays – Rock-hard earth can bring excavation equipment to a standstill, pushing projects back by weeks. Equipment downtime also pushes back other aspects of the projects, adding labor costs to machine rental and operator overtime charges.
  • Equipment Damage – If you do move ahead with excavation of frozen ground, you risk damaging your expensive machinery. Attempting to piledrive, gouge, or cut into hard ground can break or crack booms, extension arms, and attachments
  • Concrete Cracks – Pouring concrete on frozen ground is asking for trouble. When the ground thaws it will settle, shifting and tilting the concrete on top, inviting cracks. Cold ground harbors additional challenges to concrete curing and sealing. Don’t do it.

Thawing and Freeze Prevention

Pro Group offers several construction heater solutions for thawing frozen ground and keeping it at a temperature you can work with. Depending on your application needs, ground thaw heater blankets or pads may be your best choice. In other circumstances, a hydronic surface heater is the best choice. Here’s how to decide:

Ground Thaw Heater Blankets

These ground thaw heater blankets are most commonly used to prepare the ground for pouring concrete. As mentioned above, winter concrete pours offer challenges because concrete must remain at 50 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours to properly settle and cure. The blankets ensure the water in concrete does not freeze before it can be absorbed. The proper temperature also speeds the curing process.

Ground Thaw Heater Pads

Ground thaw heater pads can be used to prevent soon-to-be-landscaped areas from freezing before crews can dig in. They are used to melt frost and snow. And when draped over and around materials and equipment, they keep materials ready to use, engines ready to start, and liquids ready to flow.

Pro Group supplies Thermatech pads in sizes ranging from 4½ feet by 15 feet to 9×15. These 110-volt pads feature reinforced waterproofing, microform insulation, and 6-foot power cords.

Hydronic Surface Heaters

Heavy-duty, towable hydronic surface heaters heat water in boilers to heat fluid and pump it through serpentine hoses or tubing that acts as a heat exchanger. As the hot water flows through the tubes, the ground absorbs much of the heat and the water takes on the cold from the ground. The water flows back to the boiler, where propane or oil fires reheat it for another heat-exchanging circuit.

Hydronic surface heaters can thaw the ground before a concrete pour, working in conjunction with construction heater pads and blankets used after the pour to aid in curing.

As an added benefit, hydronic surface heaters’ boilers throw off excess heat, keeping the ambient air in the vicinity warm. Crews can warm themselves by huddling nearby and can keep materials ready to use by staging it in the area.

Snake the tubing around the surface area to be thawed. Fill the water boiler. Set the desired temperature. And let the machine run. A full boiler can operate overnight, making the ground manageable when crews arrive in the morning.

The Pro Group Has All Your Winter Needs Covered

Now is the time to prepare for the coming winter to ensure the cold and snow does not delay your project. Check out Pro Group’s full line of winter site-preparation equipment. Contact our knowledgeable and helpful sales team to determine which ground thawing and heating equipment is right for your job site.

By September 23, 2020 0
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