In the Thick of Things

March 6, 2020
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As this blog is being posted, I’m most likely in Las Vegas, NV, somewhere in the vicinity of the Las Vegas Convention Center, attending CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. Admittedly, I’m a little concerned about COVID-19 especially with Volvo Construction Equipment pulling out of the show. But I believe if I practice good, healthy hygiene and avoid shaking hands as much as I can, I should be just fine.

The following is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well, wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Show Management has also arranged for “No Handshake” buttons and stickers to be distributed at the show, and large signage will be visible throughout the show to remind everyone of hygiene best practices.

If you are attending CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 here is a list supplied by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) of the top exhibitors by booth size that are showcasing new products.

Caterpillar Inc. – In addition to the Global Operator Challenge Finals, more than 30 Cat machines will be on display, including nine new product introductions from the dozer, excavator, articulated truck and backhoe loader families. Festival Grounds - F4455

Liebherr Celebrating its 50th anniversary in the United States, Liebherr is showcasing about 30 types of construction machines, including new to market excavators, cranes and intelligent assistance systems. Festival Ground - F5258

CASE Construction Equipment A full lineup of construction machines, including new to market skid steers, compact track loaders, rollers, compact wheel loaders,  and new concept machines Project Zeus, Project Tetra and Project Minotaur. North Hall – N11825

Komatsu Nearly 25 Komatsu machines on display including brand new models as well as machines that have been recently introduced, including dozers, excavators, trucks, wheel loaders, motor graders, and new Machine Control 2.0 technology. North Hall – 10825 

Astec Industries Inc. - Highlighting its depth of product offerings including The Voyager™ 140 ultra-portable, compact asphalt plant and the new Astec Versa Jet™ burner, a reimagined asphalt plant burner. Central Hall – C30336

John Deere Construction / Hitachi Construction – On display will be 37 John Deere products, 12 technology products, new features and support solution displays, 10 compact construction machines, 11 machines with grade control functionality, seven world premieres of new equipment and five simulator stations. North Hall – N12525

Doosan Bobcat – The booth will be dedicated to the newest products, including the revolutionary R-Series loaders, R2-Series excavators and the all-new small articulated loaders. North Hall – N10001

KOBELCO Construction Machinery USA – More than 20 current-generation machines on hand, and the newest machines including the revolutionary hybrid excavator and the SK210LC-10 equipped with Trimble machine control technology. North Hall – N10001

Tadano Ltd. Main – Launching new models of the rough terrain and telescopic boom crawler cranes, as well as the new GTC-1600. Festival Lot – F8004

Wirtgen Group Over 30 products – many of them new to North America – will demonstrate Wirtgen Group product performance, innovation and dedication to customers.  Silver Lot – S5419 

Manitowoc Cranes Manitowoc will debut six new cranes. Festival Grounds – F6144

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology– Sandvik is showcasing several new innovative mining and rock excavation equipment solutions. Silver Lot – S5249

Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd– Sany will introduce two excavator models. Festival Grounds – F7826

Hyundai Construction Equipment | Bell Trucks America– Over 20 machines including excavators, wheel loaders, compaction rollers, hydraulic breakers, and multiple attachments will be on display. Festival Grounds – 6914

 A full list of exhibitors can be found here: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/visit/exhibitor-directory/

I’m doing a lot of walking as well as a lot of bowing.