At the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the unveiling of shiny new machines from John Deere and Caterpillar, highlighting how both operating costs and pollution can be reduced, drew a lot of buzz. Here’s the fun new stuff to keep an eye and ear out for, as well as a more pragmatic application even smaller builders can use to drive their businesses forward.
Cool!
Some of the new equipment shown at CES takes cool to a new level—literally, as Construction Dive reports:
John Deere made a big splash at CES, unveiling its 145 X Tier electric excavator powered by Kreisel’s patented immersion cooling architecture. The battery-powered earthmover is designed to reduce operating costs and noise pollution and increase reliability while eliminating combustion emissions. The 145 X Tier is expected to hit the market within the next few years as part of John Deere’s commitment to provide more than 20 hybrid-electric and full battery-electric machines by 2026.
At an exhibit highlighting its impact on mining and construction, Caterpillar showed off its autonomous 100-ton Cat 777 off-highway truck, which is able to operate in the most extreme environments without a driver on board. CES participants were able to experience Cat Command technologies in real time at two remote operating stations connected to a Cat large dozer and a Cat excavator that were located hundreds of miles away.
Though these beautiful machines may rev our engines, for most contractors they are merely long shots for the “maybe someday” list. The real good news is there are plenty of pragmatic innovations that can boost us “mere mortals” forward too. For example, The Partnership Account® for Contractors gives qualified builders an edge against the competition, increased control of financial operations—and a surety line of credit—in writing. With The Partnership Account® you’ll have:
- Control of bidding and bonding, online and in real time.
- Powers of attorney to seal and issue their own bid bonds—in minutes
- Fast, direct, confidential bid bonds—no middleman.
- Direct access to performance and payment bonds on a customized dashboard.
- Real time tracking of bids and work on hand.Immediate access to Colonial’s lead underwriter as new opportunities emerge.
- A private Owner’s Dashboard to view surety lines, adjust work and analyze bids.
Pre-Qualify and Get Free Scores Here.
Good Bye Supply Delays?
Hey, it could happen. Another buzz worthy “new reality” shown off at CES for the construction crowd was presented by Flying Whales:
Dirigibles, engine-powered wingless aircraft consisting of a large bag filled with lighter-than-air gas, have served as symbols of a utopian future for more than a century. They’re about to become a new reality for construction companies seeking sustainable special cargo transport in dense and remote areas.
Flying Whales was at CES to present a model of its LCA60T, a helium-filled dirigible that offers vertical takeoff and landing and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The aircraft, which is 600 feet long and 150 feet in diameter, can load and unload up to 60 tons of heavy and bulky loads in hover flight. It reduces ground footprint because no infrastructure is required for operation and will eliminate emissions with full-electric propulsion on the horizon. Flying Whales expects the dirigible’s first flight with a hybrid gas-electric engine to take place this year.
Hmm! No worries: whether or not there is a dirigible in your near future, you can grow your business, one strategic win at a time, withThe Partnership Account for Contractors®. After qualifying for this free service, you’ll have a private digital dashboard and a day to day snapshot of your single and aggregate limits, as well as your current and available bond capacity. Go ahead: update your work on hand, increasing your aggregate so you can move that next project forward. Bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds: in a snap! Got a special opportunity coming along? Let’s talk! That’s what partners do, right?
Get started today: Pre-Qualify and Get Free Scores Here.
Founded in 1930, Colonial Surety Company is a leading direct seller and writer of surety bonds and insurance products across the USA. Colonial is rated “A Excellent” by A.M. Best Company and U.S. Treasury listed.