Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/165927
reporter | by Equipment World staff microphones and robust speakers that cut through background noise. You push once for Spanish, and twice to direct you to other language speakers (more than 180 languages are available). The device is immediately connected to a language interpreter company, which transfers you to a live interpreter. Simultaneously, the communication is recorded and stored into a secure data vault, where conversations can be stored for up to five years, and is accessible on your computer or smartphone. Each recording is the property of the customer; the data stored can help with liability issues. "Life got easier for me in the construction industry," says Howerton. He was able to save money that would have gone toward an interpreter. His workers also used ELSA when they were sent on a job. Though he is no longer in the construction industry, his nephew has taken over the business, and continues to use ELSA. But ELSA's impact has gone beyond construction. Law enforcement and first responders have become early adaptors. For example, first responders used ELSA to communicate with a non-English speaking woman who was in labor on an elevator, guiding her safely through childbirth. "Language barriers can present a number of challenges when officers are responding to calls and investigating crimes. ELSA allows officers to communicate effectively with little delay," says Anthony Holloway, Clearwater, Florida, chief of police. The device costs $395 with two plan options: a $1.99 per minute charge or a pre-paid plan that ranges from $945.00 to $4,770.00 depending on how many minutes are needed (go to rttmobile.com). On a personal note, Howerton put ELSA to work to bridge the communication gap with his in-laws, whose second language is English. Using ELSA to speak with his father-in-law, Howerton asked for Elda's hand in marriage. – Brittany Johnson Chinese SDLG loaders priced 30 percent below premium machines Seven Volvo Construction Equipment dealers are rolling out two models of the Chinese-made SDLG wheel loader line in North America this month. S DLG, a Volvo subsidiary, will target the 2.4-cubicyard LG938L and the 4-cubic-yard LG959 at customers owning fewer than five machines, says Al Quinn, SDLG director for North America. The loaders will retail for 30 percent less than comparable premium loaders, according to Quinn. The standard LG938L is priced at $94,500 and the LG959 is going for $144,500, with all options extra. SDLG is establishing a parts depot at Volvo dealer ASC Construction Equipment's Atlanta location. SDLG's market message is "solid performance made simple." The machines are absent the telematics and electronic controls available in premium machines. Quinn calls the loaders' technology "older, but tested." For example, transmissions and axles are a generation older, and the machines use dry brakes instead of wet brakes. Getting Volvo's dealer network on board was critical, Quinn says. Seven dealers, selected by geographic location, customer size and capabilities, have been part of a pilot group since the beginning of 2013. Quinn says Volvo is using "more of an Amazon-type model than bricks-and-mortar structures," centralizing their parts inventory. They also made the decision to just offer two models at first, even though SDLG makes several types of machines, including excavators, backhoes and graders. A 3.5-cubic-yard loader will likely be next in the lineup, Quinn says. – Marcia Gruver Doyle 14 September 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com EW0913_Reporter.indd 14 8/27/13 3:24 PM