Bobcat’s Impressive Compact Telehandler Debuts

Bobcat has introduced its most compact telehandler yet… the TL519. The company’s newest vehicle is only 6 feet wide but brings a lot of power to construction and agricultural jobsites. It boasts a turbocharged 74-hp engine, 2-speed hydrostatic transmission, has a lifting capacity of 5,500 pounds, and is able to extend the boom more than 19 feet. Bobcat’s standard Power Bob-Tach mounting system is included, which allows operators to swap attachments while in the cab.

Bobcat’s Marketing Manager Drew Kolo said, “The TL519 delivers the power, extended reach and maneuverability that customers need to tackle big jobs on confined jobsites. Its ease of use and attachment versatility also make it the go-to machine for a wide range of applications.”

Advanced engine

The TL519’s powerhouse is efficient yet delivers high-torque performance. The engine is emmissions compliant without using a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or selective catalyst reduction (SCR). Five operation modes offer versatility for different applications:

ECO – Hydraulic performance remains steady without utilizing the engine’s full power. Its efficiency means less noise with lower RPM and fuel consumption.

Smooth Drive – Maneuver the jobsite using mild acceleration and deceleration while a load is being carried.

Dynamic Drive – Acceleration and deceleration response is increased when traveling between tasks.

Flex Drive – The engine and travel speeds are managed independently.

Advanced Attachment Control – Full auxiliary hydraulic performance is enabled.

In the cab

The TL519 continues Bobcat’s tradition of sleek styling and enhanced visibility. Overall cab design is centered around the operator with an ergonomic and comfortable seat, easily readable instruments, high visibility, and efficient heating and air conditioning. All Bobcat telehandler cabs are built to safety standards for vehicle rollover and protection from falling objects.

In control with ease

The operator controls direction, lift and tilt functions, boom extension, and auxiliary hydraulics with a single intuitive joystick, allowing for fine adjustments while carefully lifting the load. Additionally, fingertip buttons include 2-speed travel switch, lift arm float, and machine function, enabling the operator precise control without removing their hand from the joystick.

The low-profile boom sits below the operator’s eye level, providing an open view of the jobsite and surroundings. Wipers are positioned on the front, top, and rear windows for clearing debris and precipitation. Mirrors to the left and right provide additional visibility. A backup camera, rear mirror kit, and boom worklight are available as optional equipment.

More details about the TL519 can be read at Bobcat’s website by clicking here. Image above courtesy of Bobcat.

February 6, 2023

YouTuber Creates Impressive LEGO Liebherr Crane

LEGO® Technic™ has offered several fun and detailed mobile crane sets over the past four decades including standard and compact crawler cranes, rough terrain crane, cherry picker, and the Technic Mobile Crane MK II. We have featured articles on the Sims news page for the 42108 Mobile Crane and 42100 Liebherr R 9800 Excavator. These and hundreds of other sets are comprised entirely of pieces and components manufactured by LEGO Technic. Sometimes their sets are a result of fans submitting ideas to LEGO’s website, which are then reviewed and selected by the LEGO team.

Liebherr built with LEGO, almost

Autoevolution.com is an informational website for classic vehicle, motorcycle, and sportscar enthusiasts. They posted a story earlier this month about a LEGO fan who built a replica of Liebherr’s LTC 1045-3.1 mobile crane and posted a video of it to his YouTube channel, Sariel’s Bricks & Pets. Though the crane is built almost entirely with LEGO pieces, Sariel included third-party components that would make it ineligible for submission to the LEGO ideas team.

Heavy build, lots of functions

Sariel has been working on this project since 2017 and only recently finished it. The crane measures 20 inches long x 6.3 inches wide x 11 inches high, features 12 functions that are powered by 14 motors, and is completely remote controlled. Total weight is 10.9 lbs. with a main boom length of 44 inches when extended, and 58 inches with an additional extension jib. Much like the full-size crane, the jib is deployed manually but extends automatically in conjunction with the main boom.

The operator cabin uses three motors to elevate, tilt, and extend. Motors also power the superstructure rotation, boom elevation and extension, winch, and side view mirrors.

Sariel included working headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, turn signals, and LED beacons. He was able to successfully perform a lift test with a toy tank that weighed just over 1.5 lbs.

A few limitations

Three axles support the chassis, but each performs a different task. The center axle provides forward and backward movement, while the first and third axles are attached to a double wishbone suspension and used to steer the vehicle. Unfortunately, this limitation requires the crane to remain on a flat surface to be driven, because the middle wheels must always make contact with the ground. The motorized outriggers can be extended and lowered, but are not powerful enough to lift the nearly 11 lb. crane.

Please click here to read the story and see more photos at Autorevolution’s website. Check out Sariel’s video presentation of the crane here.

January 25, 2023

Manitowoc Introduces New Grove 4-Axle AT Crane

Crane manufacturer Manitowoc recently added a new 4-axle offering to its all terrain crane lineup. The 70-ton Grove GMK4070L made its debut at the Bauma 2022 show in Munich, Germany in October and features the longest boom and strongest load charts in its class. Additionally, the GMK4070L is one of the company’s first cranes to offer Grove CONNECT™ remote monitoring. The app-based system allows owners and operators to view crane information in real-time as well as receive alerts, optimize troubleshooting, and exchange information.

Impressive reach and lift

The full 197-foot-long boom can lift 4.4 tons, but at a length of 160 feet it can lift a load of up to 8.3 tons. When working at the maximum radius of 151 feet the crane will lift one ton. The boom can be paired with a 49-foot-long swingaway jib for a maximum tip height of 256 feet. These capabilities are more commonly associated with 100-ton cranes, allowing for more job opportunities for this model.

Performance features

A single Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder, 430-horsepower diesel engine provides power for both the carrier and superstructure and is compatible with HVO Diesel for reduced CO2 emissions. For added efficiency the engine’s ECO mode can be paired with the transmission’s fuel saver mode. At a configuration of 16.5 tons per axle the crane can carry an impressive 17.8 tons of counterweight. To prevent overheating and reduce overall brake wear and tear, a Telma braking system is included and remains engaged even when the engine isn’t running, or the gearbox is in neutral.

High-tech gear

In addition to the Grove CONNECT™ monitoring system, the GMK4070L has an optional MAXbase feature that helps reduce setup time and offers a wider choice of symmetrical and asymmetrical outrigger positions. This is especially helpful in confined work areas. Lastly, Manitowoc’s Crane Control System assists with setup and lifting.

More information can be found at For Construction Pros’ website by clicking here. Additional information can be found here. Image above courtesy ofManitowoc.

December 16, 2022

Sims Provides New Crane for ZooTampa Manatees

ZooTampa recently purchased a new Shuttlelift SCD09 crane for its manatee rehabilitation program, and Sims Crane was instrumental in helping choose and deliver the best model. The SCD09 replaces an old Shuttlelift 3330E that yielded exceptional service to the zoo for over 20 years. That crane was also provided by Sims Crane.

Heavy patients

The zoo admits 30 to 35 manatees into its hospital every year. These gentle sea mammals suffer habitat loss, cold stress and red tide poisoning, injuries from boats, and other threats to their livelihood. Moving them safely from transport truck to pool and later to the medical facility requires the use of a crane as manatees can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. In addition to treatment, the animals are weighed regularly to monitor their recovery. After rehab is complete and the manatee is ready to be released, the crane is needed to transfer from pool to transport truck.

Specialized transport

Each manatee is cradled in a special stretcher and carefully lifted with the crane then transported. The SCD09 is ideal for this delicate operation due to features including compact size, easy maneuverability, and three steering modes (front, four-wheel coordinated, and four-wheel crab steer). “With staff being on call 24/7 to receive stricken animals, the new 9-ton Shuttlelift SCD09 is of vital importance in ensuring timely treatment,” explained Lisa Dijenno, animal care supervisor at the zoo.

Certified staff

Since most crane operators are not likely to change careers to zookeeping, several staff members at ZooTampa have received NCCCO training and certification in crane operation. “We learned a lot on the job with the 3330E over the years, practicing without animals to begin with, but Sims Crane, our local Shuttlelift dealer, has made sure that we know everything about properly operating the crane,” Dijenno, said. “Having a wild animal on the front of a crane can be dangerous, so we usually meet as a team beforehand to discuss how we’re going to move them adequately — and what our backup plan will be if it goes wrong.”

Read all of the details at Manitowoc’s website by clicking here. Image above courtesy of Manitowoc.

The manufacturer produced a video account of this story that can be viewed here.

August 19, 2022

Repairs to Sanibel Causeway Finished Early

When hurricane Ian invaded Florida late last month, one of the most reported areas of destruction was the Sanibel Causeway, a three-mile-long stretch of road that connects Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland. It consists of three individual bridge spans with two manmade causeway islands in between. The storm caused severe damage and even complete destruction to some areas of the causeway, cutting off access to the island and its 6,300 residents.

Fast response

The Florida DOT quickly enacted a plan to make temporary repairs with support from Governor DeSantis and other agencies. Jacksonville-based Superior Construction and Miami-based de Moya Group worked together to overcome numerous challenges including two large sections of roadway that had to be rebuilt and five approach slabs on two connecting islands.

The first obstacle was clearing debris, and lots of it. One of the project leaders said photos didn’t do justice and there was debris everywhere, preventing access to some parts of the jobsite. Early on workers had to use boats to get from site to site because some areas of washout were so severe. Other challenges included feeding and housing about 150 workers and staff, providing power via generators, and restoring cell phone and internet communications.

A team effort

Materials were dredged and transported to rebuild causeway islands and other areas that were washed out. Ajax Paving, based in North Venice, repaired roadways and laid new asphalt. Many resources to assist in rebuild planning were made available including drones, underwater survey equipment, and barges. Drones were especially essential for tracking progress and surveying jobsites from a high viewpoint.

A job well done

Crews working around the clock and staying in constant communication allowed them to complete the repairs in 15 days. This was 12 days ahead of the target date of October 31st. The repaired roadway offers temporary access to residents and construction workers, but the Superior and deMoya companies are preparing for the second stage of the project, which is a better built and stronger causeway. Plans to be submitted to Florida DOT and Lee County include more resilient seawalls and elevating parts of the causeway.

Information for this article provided by Construction Dive. Read the entire story by clicking here. Image above courtesy of Superior Construction.

October 28, 2022

Choosing the Best Trailer for Heavy Equipment

Transporting heavy equipment to the construction site can sometimes be a challenge. In most cases a trailer is needed for the task, but with so many options how do you make the right choice? The CONEXPO-CON/AGG website posted a helpful article with ideas to consider. The author interviewed experts from three trailer manufacturers and consulted their expertise.

For starters

A key component to begin with is matching the capacity of the trailer to the weight of equipment to be hauled. Too large of a trailer is a waste of money, too small is not safe. Also consider the tow vehicle needs to be appropriately sized to pull the load. Remember to include the weight of the attachments that go along with the equipment. This can easily be overlooked.

Most mid-size or large construction equipment can be carried with a 35- to 65-ton capacity trailer. A 55- to 65-ton capacity trailer is typically needed for transporting larger cranes and specialty equipment. Regulations vary from state to state, so when traveling it’s important to verify the trailer capacity, number of axles and axle position are correct.

One size does not fit all

According to Jim Ladner, national sales manager for Landoll Company, users commonly want to purchase one trailer to transport all their equipment. But in most cases this is not possible. Instead, consider buying a trailer that accomplishes 80% of the tasks you need to do, then subcontract other specialized loads to an outside hauler.

Trailer types

Here’s a list of common trailer designs for transporting heavy equipment:

Lowboy or Low Bed – has two drops in the deck height. The first is located after the gooseneck, the second in front of the wheels. The purpose is to keep cargo as low as possible, generally about 18 inches from the ground.

Gooseneck – features a ‘neck’ that extends over the box or bed of the vehicle towing the trailer. The hitch is mounted to the box of the truck.

Drop Deck – has two deck levels, upper and lower. The upper deck is positioned over the tractor unit, then a drop to the lower level occurs after the tractor is cleared.

Tilt – the axles are positioned forward to allow the platform to tilt. The back end of the trailer touches the ground so a ramp is not needed.

Sliding or Traveling Axle – the axles actually move forward, allowing the tail end of the trailer to lower to the ground.

Click here to see read the whole story at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG event website. Image above courtesy of Wikipedia.

July 22, 2022

Protecting Older Workers – a Valuable Asset in Construction

During the last two decades the average age of an American worker has increased by almost three years from 39.3 to 42, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This trend is even more apparent in the blue-collar industry with plumbers, electricians, and miners working well into their 40s, construction workers at 42.5 years and truck drivers at 48 years of age. A great amount of knowledge and experience accompany those who are older, but the risk of injury also increases with age.

Tough guys

American Cranes & Transport Magazine (ACT) recently visited this issue. Their article suggests that although most of these industries can inadvertently portray a “tough guy” image of their workers, injuries can be more serious for those who are older versus counterparts in their 20s and 30s and recovery take much longer. For example, research has shown that workers above age 50 are more likely to sustain fractures from common falls versus younger colleagues who only suffered bruises and sprains.

A high cost

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has determined the death rate for construction workers older than 55 years is 80 percent higher than those under 35 years. Additionally, the financial cost from a fall injury for workers over 45 can be triple that of those under age 30. The risk of pain medication addiction is also present.

Preserve this resource

An older work force is an asset to future generations because of their knowledge, experience, and commitment to the job. Since no age group is immune to injury, it’s important to remember these principles:

Finally, it’s important to have environments where older employees can utilize their knowledge and skills to provide meaningful work and contribute to the ongoing success of the company and industry.

Click here to read the entire story at ACT’s website. Image above courtesy of Pixabay.

June 7, 2022

Newer Building Codes Stood up to Hurricane Ian

It’s been a week since Hurricane Ian invaded the western Florida coastline and left behind terrible loss of life and destruction of property in its wake. Just north of Fort Myers is Punta Gorda, where the storm remained for quite some time with torrential rain and wind gusts well over 100 miles per hour. But when the skies cleared and damage was surveyed, some residents were surprised at how many structures weathered the storm quite well. The Washington Post featured an article about this in their newspaper and online.

After the storm

Typical storm damage was seen in the form of flooded streets, fallen trees, and scattered debris, but many homes and buildings suffered minimal or no visible disturbance. The reason is attributed to newer building codes. Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992 with dozens of deaths and an estimated $26 billion in damage. Statewide building codes were updated and included some storm-specific requirements that were the strictest in the U.S. at that time.

Charley came knocking

Hurricane Charley swept through Punta Gorda in 2004 and destroyed many older buildings and homes. Punta Gorda resident and owner of a local construction and remodeling business, Joe Schortz, likened Charley to a spring-cleaning event. He said, “Charley destroyed a lot of the older homes with the winds.” Replacement structures featured updated building codes, but in 2007 even more stringent codes were enacted. Schortz said that buildings erected since 2007 appear to have survived Ian with little or no damage.

Charlotte High School, shown above, was rebuilt after Charley and appears to have suffered barely any structural damage from Ian. The wind-blown plaque on the ground pays tribute to the post-Charley rebuild: “This school has risen from the rubble to reawaken as the magnificent, enduring structure you see today. Never again will the winds be feared, never again.”

Unfortunately, the city didn’t completely evade the wrath of Hurricane Ian. Power and water outages were felt throughout much of Punta Gorda, and several structures that survived Charley did receive significant damage.

Building an envelope

Structures that comply with modern building codes have tremendous advantages over their older counterparts when facing severe weather conditions. For example, “structural load continuity” requirements state the roof must be well connected to the walls, and the walls well connected to the foundation of the building. When older structures present even a small failure in this “building envelope,” such as a broken window or door, wind pressure is allowed to enter. In finding a place to escape, the pressure will often forcefully blow a hole in another area of the building and expose it to further destruction.

Click here to read the whole story at The Washington Post. Photo above courtesy of Bradley Brooks/Reuters.

October 5, 2022

Passing of Dean Sims, Sr.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dean Sims, Sr.

Dean passed away on June 28, 2022.

Dean was a legendary and visionary entrepreneur, a beloved father and dedicated and loyal friend and colleague to many. He will be missed and fondly remembered for years to come.

The Company will receive visitors at Lone Palm Golf Club on Monday, July 11, 2022, between the hours of 3 pm and 6 pm.

Lone Palm Golf Club
800 Lone Palm Dr
Lakeland, FL 33815

The family has planned a service to celebrate Dean’s life on July 11, 2022. For further details please contact Sims Crane & Equipment Co. at 813-626-8102.