Now that World of Concrete is over, ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 pulls into the Las Vegas Convention Center in mid-March for one of the largest equipment shows in the world.

Big is an understatement when referring to ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is sponsored by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, the National Sand & Gravel Association, and the Associated General Contractors of America. The show, which presents the newest equipment to the market every three years, covered more than 1.8 million square feet in 2002. More than 2300 expected manufacturers will be show-casing their latest products to more than 100,000 industry professionals from around the country and around the world at this year's event.

Manufacturers always bring their biggest equipment to the exhibition, including cranes, concrete trucks, haul trucks, excavators, ready-mix trucks, telehandlers, and loaders. There will be heavy construction equipment, as well as compact equipment; something for about every construction need.

Highlights at the show include the Information Technology Pavilion where you will find technology and tools that can help you increase your productivity and profitability. There are 12 seminar tracks, organized by-industry issues and trends, to help keep you up to speed on the latest developments.

For more information about attending ConExpo-Con/Agg, visit www.conexpoconagg.com.

Below is a brief review of the products that will be present at the show. If you are interested in learning more, circle the Reader Service number and mail in the card.

Cranes and lifting equipment

Self-erecting cranes

The Igo 50, MA21, and HOT 80 self-erecting cranes feature a small footprint, excellent reach, easy setup, and transportability—making them ideal for rental companies, residential jobs, and smaller construction sites. The Igo 50 lifts up to 4.4 tons, while at its jib end it handles 1.2 tons. The Igo MA 21 lifts up to 4000 pounds, and at its jib end it handles up to 1500 pounds. The HOT 80 has a maximum load capacity of 6.6 tons and a 1.5-ton maximum at its jib end. Manitowoc Co., 920-684-4410, www.manitowoccranes.com

Trailer-mounted articulating boom

A working height of 40 feet and outreach of 20 feet enables the TZ-34/20 to lead the industry in out-reach and working envelope. The trailer-mounted articulating boom is lightweight and is easily towed by vehicles with adequate capacity, a 2-inch ball, and a class 3 hitch. Other features include a 500-pound platform lift capacity and easy-to-use ground controls. Also, the Genie Automatic Leveling System provides 11 degrees of leveling capability from ground controls and allows the machine to be set up in less than 40 seconds when all four outriggers are simultaneously deployed. Genie Industries, a subsidiary of Terex Corp., 800-536-1800, www.gemelift.com

Models to choose from

Effer articulating cranes are available in many sizes to handle just about any lifting application. They are ideal for handset or gang forms, precast walls, trench plates, and shoring boxes. With side reaches of up to 105 feet, the cranes feature top seat or remote controls. Completed packages including chassis are available to meet your needs. EFFER/North American Lifting Equipment, 330-916-6461, www.efferusa.com

Larger capacity forklift

Carelift is adding to the Zoom Boom line of telescopic forklifts with the addition of the new ZB32032. This beefed up model features a capacity of 32,000 pounds and a lift height of 32 feet, yet it retains the innovative design and rugged construction of the other Zoom Boom models. It is powered by a 173-hp Cummins engine. Dana T32,000 powershift transmission, AxelTech axles, three modes of steering, and frame leveling. A number of attachments are available. Carelift Equipment Ltd., 800-870-0441, www.carelift.com

Stable telescopic handler

The MRT 2150 is a 10,000-pound capacity telescopic handler designed for high performance, comfort, convenience, and maneuverability. With a lift height of nearly 68 feet and a forward reach of more than 59 feet, it features four-wheel drive, an oscillating rear axle, and a tight turning radius. The side-mounted engine makes for a compact, multi-purpose machine. Other standard features include auxiliary hydraulics, load moment indicators, stabilizers, and frame leveling. Manitou North America, 800-433-3304, www.manitou-na.com

Four-section boom truck

The 32105, by Elliott Equipment, is a new, 32-ton boom truck. With a 105-foot, four-section boom, it incorporates several patent-pending features to increase productivity, including a ride-around operator control platform for optimal viewing, a thumb throttle engine speed control, and a remote winch stow. Other features include a load moment indicator, front and rear mount configurations, and a variety of jib lengths, platforms, and accessories to best fit the work application. Elliott Equipment Co., 402-592-4500, www.elliottequip.com

Hydrostatic transmission

The CH320 is a rough terrain forklift with a load capacity of 3200 kg. The unit features a 64-hp Isuzu engine and a hydrostatic transmission with a variable flow pump. It is available with a mast up to 6.75 meters. Other options include side shift carriage, a lateral leveler, and a soundproof, heated cab. Ausa Corp., 800-820-2872, www.ausa.com

Designed for safety, visibility, and ergonomics

The new S series rough terrain forklift, by Sellick Equipment, is designed with a focus on safety, visibility, ergonomics, and accessibility. The operator platform is rubber mounted to reduce noise and vibration. Visibility has been improved through the See-Thru roller mast. Capacities for these models range from 6000 to 12,000 pounds, and all models are equipped with Perkins 1100, Tier II diesel engines. Optional features include four-wheel drive, enclosed cab, air conditioning, fork positioning, and a wide selection of lift heights. Sellick Equipment, 877-735-5425, www.sellickequipment.com

Telehandlers with growing reach

The Mustang Value series of telescopic handlers is getting bigger. The new 642, replacing the 638, has an increased lift height of 42 feet. The new 844 sports a lift height of 44 feet, a rated capacity of 8000 pounds, and a forward reach capacity of 1000 pounds. Both share durable boom designs, full-time four-wheel drive, joystick controls, a new tilt cylinder, and an optional work platform system. Mustang Mfg., 800-562-5870, www.mustangmfg.com

Easy loading with a pickup

The Lift Off system allows contractors to pick up and unload heavy machinery or materials into a pickup truck at the touch of a button. Installation of this patent-pending device takes less than 2 hours, with no holes to drill. The system has a lifting capacity up to 1800 pounds; it's perfect for walk-behind saws, brick, block, barrels, or almost anything that fits in a truck and is too heavy to pick up manually. Models fit different truck sizes, and dumping models are also available. Lift Off Systems, 530-357-5256, www.liftoffsystems.com

Telehandler/forklift for confined spaces

This compact telehandler/forklift is only about 11 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 7 feet high, which means it can operate in confined spaces, and can be transported from jobsite to jobsite easily with a ¾-ton pickup and a 12,000 GVWR trailer. Features include an innovative cab design, an aerial work platform that is controlled from the platform, and easy-to-use joystick controls. Options include two-WD or four-WD models, and 32-, 45-, or 65-hp choices. Flannegan Western, 800-889-1289, www.fwcrane.com

Designed safety and stability

Tht Extendo T-Series rough-terrain telehandlers offer lift capacities up to 8000 pounds, reach as far as 36 feet, and lift heights as high as 44 feet. Designed with safety, stability, productivity, serviceability, and ease of use in mind, they feature sealed pivots, 4-speed powershift transmission, 360-degree visibility from the cab, and a low profile. The 12-foot turning radius makes the machines easy to operate in confined spaces and crowded jobsites. Options include auxiliary hydraulics, various attachments, all-weather cab, hydraulic side-swing fork carriage, and cold-weather start. Petti bone/Traverse Lift LLC, 906-353-6611, www.pettiboneusa.com