Fisher Capital News: European Union Combats Pollutant Emissions from Non-Road Mobile Machinery

With such close scrutiny on pollutant emissions from road vehicles, what measures are in place to regulate emissions from non-road mobile machinery (NRMM)? Get educated, avoid scam and learn from latest news update from Fisher Capital Equipment Management Leasing.

NRMM refers to any transportable industrial equipment or vehicle with or without bodywork that is not intended to be used to carry goods or passengers on the road, in which an internal combustion engine is installed. This includes any vehicle fitted with a diesel engine and covers numerous construction vehicles and equipment such as excavators, front loaders and compressors.

Do NRMM contribute significantly to pollutant levels?

NRMM are not currently subject to as tight controls as road vehicles and investigations undertaken by the European Commission estimate that off road machinery accounts for approximately a quarter of the emissions of oxides of nitrogen and a third of PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter)  emissions of mobile sources in 2000.

Oxides of nitrogen and particulates are the most significant pollutants emitted by diesel engines and are the two pollutants of most concern to the United Kingdom in terms of air quality. Oxides of nitrogen can have adverse effects on health, particularly among those with respiratory problems. In addition, they contribute to acidification, and to ground level ozone formation. Particulates are also damaging to health, particularly those suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory complaints.

What has been done to control these emissions?

Directive 97/68/EC was passed by the European Parliament and the Council of 16 December 1997 to approximate the laws of Member States relating to measures against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery. Several amendments have been made to this directive including, 2001/63/EC, 2002/88/EC, and 2004/26/EC to include technological advancements and to extend the scope of the directive to cover agricultural and forestry tractors, small spark ignition engines, locomotives and inland waterway vessels. The directive identifies the necessity to control emissions of air pollutants that have recognised health risks such as nitrogen dioxide, particulates – black smoke and other pollutants such as carbon monoxide.

How does it work?

The directive approximates laws of the Member States with regard to emission standards and has established a ''type approval' procedure for engines intended to be fitted to NRMM.  Type approval is a procedure whereby a Member State certifies that an internal combustion engine 'type' or 'family' meets the minimum technical requirements specified in the directive with regards to its level of emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants. Through certification, engine 'types' or 'families' can be approved with the assumption that, as a result of similar design, the expected exhaust emissions will comply with requirements of the directive.

What does this mean for the Construction Industry?

The Mayor of London’s 'Best Practice Guidance' already recommends minimum standards for off-road vehicles associated with increasing numbers of construction sites in London and large high profile demolition and construction sites, more commonly being asked by local planning authorities to specify exhaust emission controls for NRMM within their Construction Environmental Management plans.

In instances where the existing poor air quality exists upgrading NRMM to the latest engine 'type' or 'family', where budget allows,  can not only reduce the impact construction activities have on local air quality but also have climate change benefits through efficient / clean engine technologies.  As an alternative a range of exhaust after-treatment technologies is also available as a retrofit or as an original equipment option. Where upgrading to the latest technology or retrofit is not possible, other simple changes to on-site operations can be made to reduce the impact of NRMM. Such changes as using ultra low sulphur equivalent diesel and routinely maintaining/servicing an engine can hugely reduce levels of pollutants. Moreover, careful consideration of where to locate stationary construction plant equipment such as generators and cranes can also minimise the impact of exhaust emissions i.e. away from pedestrian walkways or areas where members of the public may be exposed for any length of time. A cost effective way that companies with sizeable stocks of NRMM can minimise their impacts on air quality at the most sensitive sites would be to distribute only there newest NRMM to sites with existing air quality issues.

With ever increasing pressure on the construction industry to tighten up their environmental practices, emissions from NRMM should not forgotten and through planned equipment renewal and on-site management companies can help protect the general public and employees against recognised health risks from air pollution and improve their environmental credentials. 

China: Market Overview 1st Quarter 2010 Fisher Capital Management Korea

Fisher Capital Management Seoul Korea - April is going to set the tone for the world economy depending on how China is labeled by the US and China’s reaction to it. Our gut feeling is that apart from the rhetoric — which is in the air with respect to the Yuan-dollar rates, China’s current account surplus and internet independence — neither of them will rock the boat.

Already five prominent members of the G20 — South Korea, Canada, France, the US and the UK — have sent a coded warning to China against reneging on economic agreements. Perception of China and the US in international relations is far apart.

According to China, the main issues are Taiwan and the sale of arms to Tibet and for the US the issues are the Yuan-dollar rate, trade surplus and Internet freedom.

China: Market Overview 1st Quarter 2010 Fisher Capital Management Seoul Korea - Under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, the U.S. government is to decide whether to label China a “currency manipulator.” This has not been done since 1994, but if China is named, it will give the US Congress new ammunition to press for concrete action. China is asserting itself in international relations. Beijing has emerged from the global recession with a fresh confidence about its state-led economy, which has delivered stimulus projects from high-speed railways to highways and bridges with remarkable efficiency. And it is in no mood to be lectured by Washington about how to support the world economy or to operate her own economy.

China’s economic growth will be around 10% in 2010 following strong industrial output growth in coming months. Inflation may rise to 3.5–4% in 2010. The government’s target of inflation is 3%. But, China has hidden debt risk among Chinese local government investment companies. Official estimates of the total outstanding loan balance for such investment entities exceed Rmb 6,000bn — or roughly 20% of GDP — a figure that may be an underestimate.

China: Market Overview 1st Quarter 2010 Fisher Capital Management Korea - Undervaluation of the Yuan is taken for granted and is estimated to be in the range of 30–40%. The US administration believes that the Yuan’s appreciation will not only solve the trade deficit problem between the US and China but also the US unemployment.

Beijing’s position is that China’s currency policy isn’t the cause of the U.S.’s economic problems, and that China wouldn’t adjust its currency rate under outside pressure. “The Chinese government will only make the decision according to the national condition and the country’s development level,” according the Chinese President Wen. China believes that a surge in the Yuan could destabilize the global economy, hitting developing nations especially hard and even perhaps causing the value of the dollar to plunge.

The World Bank forecasts that China’s current-account surplus, the broadest measure of its trade position, will rise this year to $304 billion, after dropping to $284.1 billion in 2009 from a record $426.1 billion in 2008.

Fisher Capital is a leading global financial institution holding extensive relationships with financial institutions, institutional investors and corporations across the world.

As a full service company Fisher Capital provides a full range of investment banking services including advanced risk management, corporate strategy and structure, plus raising capital through debt and equity markets. With this as our backbone we continue to provide a client service second to none.

Fisher Capital Management Seoul Korea: Market Overview 1st Quarter 2010

Fisher Capital Management Seoul Korea: Market Overview 1st Quarter 2010 - India is in a sweet spot. The central government budget which set the tone for reducing fiscal deficit and an unexpected increase in the policy rate to rein in inflation has convinced the markets and economists that India is on its way to having a robust economic growth. Industrial output also continued to grow at a fast pace in January as companies produced more cars and cement. In the fiscal year 2011 that ends in March 2011, GDP growth of 8.5% is achievable. Long-term predictions for the southwest monsoons are expected to be normal, giving a boost to agricultural production and domestic demand.

Fisher Capital Management Seoul Korea- Inflation in India has been surging, driven by a low base and high food prices as the weakest monsoon rains in 37 years last year hurt farm output. Inflation running at 8.5% may have peaked and it is expected to ease by April as the winter-sown crop comes to market. The year-on-year inflation rate for food articles was 16.22% in the week ending March 13, far above the comfortable zone for the central bank and the government. In order to manage the inflationary expectations, the central bank increased overnight lending and borrowing rates by 0.25 percentages point each, making it one of the first major central banks to raise rates. The central bank further announced that it would continue to roll back its loose monetary policy to manage prices, as the country can’t have sustained strong growth with high inflation. We expect a 0.25-percentage-point rate hike in mid-April and another increase of one percentage point through March 2011.

Fisher Capital Management Seoul Korea: Market Overview 1st Quarter 2010 - The rebound in industrial activity also saw a surge in India’s exports for the third month running in January. Exports in January rose 11.5% from a year earlier to $14.34 billion, after having increased 9.3% to $14.61 billion in December. Imports increased 35.5% in January to $24.70 billion while oil imports rose by 56% to $7.05 billion. Non-oil imports, a barometer of investment activity, grew 28.8% to $17.65 billion.

On the back of robust economic numbers and policy pronouncements, the rating agency Standard & Poor’s raised its rating outlook to stable, expecting the fiscal situation to recover and growth to remain strong in the coming years. The government’s commitment to follow the recommendations of the 13th Finance

Commission, as well as its move to reduce fertilizer subsidies and raise domestic fuel prices were taken as positive indicators. The country’s external position continues to be in a comfortable zone.

Fisher Capital Management Seoul Korea: Market Overview 1st Quarter 2010 - It is unlikely that India will benefit from the Google-China spat as the Indian government will not provide the kind of benefits China extends to the manufacturing sector in China. But some relocation is likely to emerge. For example, American companies GoDaddy and Dell have threatened to pull out of China and relocate themselves in India.

Fisher Capital: Save with eLease Construction Equipment Leasing

Leasing construction equipment for your company is a superb choice. Recent industry statistics tell us that well over $3 billion worth of construction equipment are leased each year by companies in the United States alone. Business managers choose to lease construction equipment or get commercial truck leasing because of the inherent advantages offered by leasing, such as superb flexibility, custom payment structures, better asset management, stable cash flow, easy upgrades and flexible end of term options. Not to mention the short processing times, which are generally much faster than that of bank loans? At eLease Equipment Leasing, we have helped thousands of construction companies and contractors lease the necessary equipment for their businesses to succeed. We also offer various forms of business auto leasing as well. Contact us immediately to get experienced advice on financing. Avoid possible scams on equipment lease applications, learn from us.  

Construction Equipment Lease Types

We lease a variety of heavy and construction equipment to our clients. These items have included products as diverse as: Backhoes/Bulldozers; Cranes; Cement Trucks; Compactors; Excavators; Jackhammers; Lighting; Surveying Equipment; Trucks and Tractors

Construction Equipment Leasing Facts

Leasing enables you to customize a financing program to address your business' cash flow issues, including budgeting, transaction and cyclical fluctuations. Many of our construction company clients require seasonal leases, as an example, which help them to slot payments into their busiest months, and avoid payments during the off-season.

Equipment leasing is an excellent way to grow your business without significant out of pocket expenses. Leasing offers real advantages including better value, more convenience and greater control. In most cases, the full amount of the equipment, as well as the service, shipping, installation costs and maintenance can be included in the lease. This spreads the cost out evenly over the term of the lease freeing up your money to work harder for you. Currently, 35% of all equipment is leased. Learn more about equipment leasing and how it can help your business.

Founded in 1995, Paragon Capital began as a traditional leasing company focused on the high tech industry. Born of a desire to provide a faster, more comprehensive cost effective solution for businesses equipment leasing needs, eLease is a combination of the most powerful leasing brand, the best-of-breed leasing technology of Lease Exchange, and the industry experience of Paragon Capital. eLease's web interface empowers corporations of all sizes to increase the efficiency of their business with instant approvals, documentation and administration using a common Internet browser interface. eLease's application suite provides unprecedented sharing of information and services between leasing parties increasing the time to funding.

eLease's online application enables customers and vendors to dynamically enter an application, receive an instant approval and manage documents online completing the leasing process in minutes instead of weeks. Created on a commitment to speed and service, eLease's technology constantly innovates the leasing process using technology to evolve and improve the services available to businesses in need of equipment finance.

Rockland Equipment for Crawler Tractors

Fisher Capital News Update: Keep updated on recent events, press releases and latest machineries to avoid scam.

FISHER CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - Construction Machineries, Suppliers Directory and Others.

Rockland equipment for crawler tractors is specifically designed for special applications. This enables you to get more work done and add more value to the bottom line every day. Rockland Manufacturing Company offers more equipment for crawler tractors than any other attachment manufacturer. There are special dozer blades to increase machine efficiency for such diverse applications as pushing coal, land reclamation, dozing woodchips, and landfill dozing. In addition, special size Angle Blades and Semi U-blades are also available when OEM blades are not the right size for your application.

A Rockland wheel tractor attachment is the Rockland Scoop Dozer. The scoop dozer is ideal for continuous dozing applications such as coal and woodchips. Both Rockland Coal Scoops and Rockland Woodchip Scoops have increased dozer productivity on job sites around the world.

Rockland land clearing equipment for dozers is famous for both productivity and years of trouble free operation. Whether it would be land clearing blades or land clearing rakes, Rockland land clearing equipment gets the job done and has proven itself on every continent. If you are clearing land with a Rockland Dozer Blade, a Rockland land clearing rake, Rockland Shear Blade, or a Rockland V-Blade, we will turn your crawler tractor into a true land clearing machine.

Fisher Capital News Update: Keep updated on recent events, press releases and latest machineries to avoid scam.

FISHER CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - Construction Machineries, Suppliers Directory and Others.

In the early 60's, Rockland designed and built the world's largest dozer blade. This was a joint venture between Gulf Oil Company, Fiatallis, and Rockland. This sixty foot monster was designed for a reclamation project and was pushed by two powerful HD41 Fiatallis crawler tractors! Click here to see a photo of it leaving our factory.

For over sixty years, we have designed and manufactured construction equipment for dozers, loaders, excavators, and motor graders. Every Rockland product is designed for a specific application and is guaranteed to improve machine productivity.

During those sixty years, Rockland made several unique contributions to the construction equipment industry. We helped prove that wheel loaders could handle shot rock by designing and manufacturing the first spade nose rock bucket ever put in a quarry.

The unique Rockland RF-3 Rake was proven and patented in the late 50's. This was the first land clearing rake to have both reversible and adjustable teeth. We then amazed the construction equipment industry by offering the first lifetime guarantee. We guaranteed the RF-3 for life against any failure from defective design, materials, or workmanship and that even included bent teeth! Click here for a picture of one of our first rakes!

Soon after introducing the RF-3, we introduced lifetime warranties for both HDS and HDV rock buckets with the same powerful lifetime coverage against defective design, material, or workmanship.

In the early 60's, we designed and built the world's largest dozer blade. This was a joint venture between Gulf Oil Company, Fiatallis, and Rockland. This sixty foot monster was designed for a reclamation project and was pushed by two powerful HD41 Fiatallis crawler tractors. Click here to see a picture of it leaving the factory.

We were the very first allied equipment manufacturer to provide a toll free 800 number for our customers. Today, it's accepted practice.

In an industry plagued by broken promises and late deliveries, Rockland was the first, and is still, the only construction equipment manufacturer that puts cash on the line and guarantees ship dates!

During the past decade, Rockland set the standard for excavator thumb design. We were the first to offer narrow thumbs for common sense 3-point pickup. We were the first to offer thumbs ready to install - all that is needed is to weld the mounting plate to the bottom of the stick. We were the first to offer lubricated and sealed pivot points. Then, we were the first to offer a hydraulic thumb with a cylinder rod guard. These were followed by the patented Rockland Thumb Lock that eliminates down drift.

As thumbs for backhoes became more popular, we introduced the Smart Thumb - the world's only rigid strut thumb with hydraulic clamping action that is easily removed or installed in less than a minute.

We also proved to the world that stump splitters don't need to be expensive - we proved that you can split stumps without an expensive auxiliary cylinder, and that all it takes is to use the tremendous force of the curl cylinder to split wood.

This all adds up to the fact that we are a can-do company that has been "doing" for over sixty years. We built our business with an old fashioned commitment to quality and customer service. These comments sum it up:

"We have over forty years experience with Rockland. Their pricing is fair. We've always been amazed at their consistency and dependability. Their after sales support and warranty policies are excellent." - Alabama Dealer

"We insist on Rockland log grapples. We've been using them for over twenty-five years. We tried a few others and found out real quick that low price is really a caution light. We know that Rockland grapples work and if something goes wrong, we can depend on Rockland to give us the support we deserve." - Tennessee Logger

"We've sold Rockland rock buckets for the past several years. We've never had a weld fail or a bucket problem because of poor fit or misalignment. Rockland buckets prove themselves, our customers are well satisfied." - Pennsylvania Dealer

"If a Rockland product doesn't fit, there is something wrong with the machine! - South Carolina Distributor

Fisher Capital Management Reports: International Equities

The third quarter saw double-digit returns for the world¹s equity markets. U.S. large-cap stocks, as measured by the Russell 1000 Index, rose 16.07%, bringing that index’s year-to-date return to 21.08%. Mid-cap stocks were the best performers overall, with the Russell Mid-Cap Index gaining 20.62% for the third quarter and 32.63% for the year. Value stocks bounced back during the quarter, outperforming growth stocks across the full range of market capitalizations. Small-cap value stocks were the best performers for the quarter but still lagged their small growth counterparts by almost 13 percentage points for the year.

International Equities: Fisher Capital management, Korea reports: International equities posted double-digit gains for the third quarter as well. The MSCI EAFE IMI Index gained 19.82% in the third quarter, with local-currency average market returns of 15.10% boosted by the weak performance of the U.S. dollar.

Emerging markets produced another strong quarter, but one that was more in line with developed market returns than was the case during the second quarter of 2009, as the MSCI Emerging Market IMI Index rose 21.30% for the third quarter. Both developed and emerging markets were driven higher by the strong performance of European equity markets, while Asian markets, particularly in Japan, lagged.

Fisher Capital Management Outlook: At the end of the quarter, markets reacted negatively to mixed economic news, signaling a potential correction off the recent highs. The strong rally since the market’s low of March 9, 2009 has left observers wondering whether rapidly-rising stock valuations have become prematurely rich and earnings expectations somewhat stretched.

While we are cautious about the performance of the market in the short term, we continue to expect a slower, but more robust and sustained, “smile-shaped” economic recovery in the long run.

Many financial institutions talk about wealth management.

Few have the resources to deliver an integrated solution. We are among the few.

Providing a client service that is second to none.  Learn how your Investment Advisor, with the support of the team of professionals at Fisher Capital, can help address the issues you face while preserving, enhancing and transferring your wealth...Diversification and quality are our research guidelines. At Fisher, we are committed to a long-term investment philosophy that emphasizes quality and diversification. We do business this way because years of experience have convinced us that...

We find the right investment balance for our clients. Fisher leads the way in the provision of first class advisory services across the investment spectrum. Our clients range from private individuals, to intermediaries and global institutions...

Fisher Capital Management, Korea is a leading global financial institution holding extensive relationships with financial institutions, institutional investors and corporations across the world.

As a full service company Fisher Capital Management, Korea provides a full range of investment banking services including advanced risk management, corporate strategy and structure, plus raising capital through debt and equity markets. With this as our backbone we continue to provide a client service second to none.

Fisher Capital News Update on Highway Equipment Company Achieves NTEA’s MVP Status

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – October 6, 2010 – Highway Equipment Company (HECO), the manufacturer of Hi-Way® road maintenance equipment and New Leader® crop nutrient applicators is pleased to announce the achievement of the National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) Member Verification Program (MVP) status. MVP participants distinguish themselves by embracing the knowledge that is necessary to provide a high level of quality while meeting certain regulatory requirements.

Fisher Capital News Update: Keep updated on recent events, press releases and latest machineries to avoid scam. FISHER CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - Construction Machineries, Suppliers Directory and Others.

The NTEA MVP recognizes distributors, manufacturers and up-fitters for implementing quality business practices and for complying with specific government safety regulations. Criteria to meet the MVP standards can involve liability insurance, warranty programs, vehicle and employee certification, safety policies and quality assurance. By qualifying for the MVP, members can gain an even higher industry designation by verifying their commitment to excellence. MVP companies attest that their firm operates at a defined level of professionalism through the use of quality-minded business practices. “HECO’s status as an NTEA MVP demonstrates our on-going commitment to safety and professional excellence in the work place,” said Ingrid Livingston, executive director – marketing. “It is our dedication to these factors that allow us to manufacture high-quality products that increase our end-user’s return-on investment."

Since NTEA launched the MVP in 2005, a total of 416 distributor and manufacturer members have qualified for MVP status.

Highway Equipment Company is the leading manufacturer of New Leader crop nutrient applicators and Hi-Way deicing spreaders and road maintenance equipment. The company is committed to building innovative equipment and delivering superior customer service to ensure consistent and reliable experiences for our customers and business partners. 

Highway Equipment Company is the leading manufacturer of Hi-Way deicing spreaders and road maintenance equipment, New Leader agricultural spreaders and Flow Boy processed road building material transportation equipment. Our customer base ranges from municipalities and contractors to agricultural custom applicators and growers. We also produce products for many original equipment manufacturers.

For nearly 70 years, our goal has been to build the highest quality equipment to the most exacting specifications and expectations. Every component of every product we offer is carefully designed to last. By using heavier gauge steel, high end components, a superior paint system and consistent manufacturing processes, our quality shines through in everything we produce. And, most of the products are designed and modified by our in-house engineering department.

Our philosophy of "building the best" also extends to our large network of dealers. Each authorized dealer has been fully trained to provide a total sales and service experience for the customer. An on-site training center is dedicated specifically to sales and service training.

For more information, please contact your local dealer or company representative.

Established in 1939, Highway Equipment Company is a leading manufacturer of New Leader® crop nutrient applicators for the agricultural industry, and Hi-Way® deicing spreaders and road maintenance equipment for state, federal, and municipal entities, as well as for private contractors. New Leader and Hi-Way products are distributed through more than 200 dealers throughout North America and around the world. Highway Equipment Company is a privately owned business located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information please visit our web site at www.highwayequipment.com.

Lease Scams

Fisher Capital News Update: Keep updated on recent events, press releases and latest machineries to avoid scam.

FISHER CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - Construction Machineries, Suppliers Directory and Others.

Let's be direct. Unsolicited, "Pre-Qualified credit line" mass mailings are unethical at best.  You know the pitch: "Because of your excellent Dun & Bradstreet rating your company has been selected to receive a $75,000 leasing line of credit!  Just call your customer Service Rep to activate your line".

When you call you are congratulated and then faxed a "membership confirmation form."  You are told to start selecting equipment from vendors of your choice, arrange for delivery and let the vendor know that you are pre-approved by the leasing company.

What are the problems here?  In no certain order, the problems are:

Your company is NOT pre-approved.  The "membership confirmation" is nothing but a credit application.

The rate or payment per month can (and often does) change because of something on your credit report even though you were pre-qualified.

There is now an extortive effect: the equipment is about to be delivered, and you must go along with the high price (or other unpleasant terms), or have to admit to the vendor that your being "pre-approved" was not accurate -- there's a question about your credit.

There are many scams and unfair practices that are all too common in the finance industry (See "What to Watch For," below.).  The mailing list "Pre-Approver" has given you a signal that he is prone to dishonesty.  Be Aware.

We recently received a call from an entrepeneur who has been trying to clean up his credit report.  This fellow has paid off all but $20,000 of a quarter million in delinquencies, charge-offs, and judgements, in spite of his attorney are telling him to just go bankrupt.  I like this guy.  He chose to do the right thing.  But he is not ready to be approved at anything like a reasonable rate.  What's the damage?  Not only did the "Pre-approver" unrealistically raise his hopes and then humiliate him to the three vendors from whom he wanted to acquire equipment, they also "shot-gunned" his application to other leasing companies (apparently trying to broker the deal).  This actually created unnecessary "inquiries" on his credit report, making it worse than it would have been.  

What to Watch For? What can be misrepresented?  The list is long, but here is the simple key to most problems: Verbal assurances are meaningless if they are not written into your lease.  Or, as one industry wit says, "If it's not in the contract, it's not in the deal."

EXAMPLES:

 "Blah, blah, blah...and then you own the equipment."  Yeah, sure!  If you do not have a documented one-dollar purchase option - either in the lease or as a separate document, you can look forward to paying anywhere from ten to fifty percent of the original cost of the equipment to purchase it at the end.  What's that? You want to fight it? Monthly rental payments will continue while you are fighting that losing battle.  You MUST make sure BEFORE you sign a lease that the purchase option you negotiated is in binding written form.  By the way, be certain that there are no unreasonable purchase option terms, such as "...you must notify us 90 days before the end of the lease or your lease renews and you must make payments for an additional one year period.

"...and the interest rate is only _____." (Fill in the blank).  A leasing company rep can be held to monthly payment, number of months, purchase option, documentation fee, total dollar amount of finance cost, and number of advance payments.  He cannot be held to the interest rate because it does not appear in the contract.  At Keystone Equipment Leasing, Inc., we encourage comparison shopping.  But compare the things that are in the contract. It is the only way to do an apples-to-apples analysis.  Interest rate formulas are complex things (even Albert Einstein is reputed to have been fascinated) and few people can work it backwards.  At least if you work out several lease quotes yourself, you'll be using the same formula for each to see who has the best deal.  Note:  For the past two decades we have been offering lunch at the best restaurant in the customer's town if we could not prove that the "interest-rate" quote for any leasing company was inaccurate.  Still no winners.  If you have a few quotes with payment amount and terms, you will be doing the best you can -- and we at Keystone will win your business almost every time.

Advance Rentals vs. Security Deposits:  Advance rentals are usually applied to the first monthly payment and the last one or two payments. Security deposit application is dependent on the ethics of the leasing company.  Is it refundable? Can it be used for the last couple of payments? Is it in addition to a first month's rental? (That would make a two advance payment deal into a three advance payment deal.)

"Is there an early buy-out or pre-payment penalty? Absolutely not!" says the glib lease salesman.  I am reminded of the software engineers' advice: "When all else fails, RTFM (read the manual)."  These contracts are non-cancelable.  A decent leasing company will allow you to discount the accelerated payments at a reasonable rate.  A bad one will allow you to write a check for all of the remaining payments on your lease without adding a penalty payment, and that IS a penalty. You are paying early, without any rebate of the finance charges.

HeatSponge SIDEKICK Warning, Finally Revealed: Boiler Room Equipment, Inc

Fisher Capital on Boiler Room Equipment, Inc, is very proud to finally unveil the SIDEKICK line of condensing boiler economizers for commercial and industrial hot water boilers. The Sidekick has been in development for nearly two years and represents an evolutionary development of high-efficiency installations in the boiler industry. The SIDEKICK is a warning game changer the likes of which have not been experienced since the introduction of the first condensing boilers. The SIDEKICK offers the ability to integrate condensing boiler efficiencies to conventional boilers on a new or retrofit basis. The SIDEKICK allows a customer with a conventional boiler system the ability to realize condensing efficiency gains that otherwise would require the existing boiler to be demolished and replaced with a new condensing boiler. Conventional, non-condensing boilers can now realize the efficiency benefits of outdoor air temperature reset controls and lower circulating hot water loop temperatures. Sidekicks also allow for duel fuel condensing applications utilizing conventional boilers. The SIDEKICK features all stainless internal construction, stainless tubes and fins, and an insulated outer casing. Inspection and clean out ports make periodic maintenance and cleaning easy.
The efficiency of the SIDEKICK goes far beyond simply energy recovery to the ultra-productive process in which it is selected and designed. Heat recovery for condensing applications introduces a significant number of variables that makes a catalog-approach to equipment selection nearly impossible. Boilerroom Equipment has developed a new method of quantifying heat recovery, the Recovery Rate, and integrated this into the design. The incorporation of the Recovery Rate variable allows a customer to custom tailor the level of heat recovery and cost directly to the requirements of each specific application. We define this new concept in heat recovery design as 3D Modularity, for modular construction in three dimensions. Based on a "Mass-Customization" approach to product development, Bruce will consider all of the application design constraints and will design a SIDEKICK optimized to meet the exact performance requirements at the most competitive price. Bruce has been given the ability to consider all aspects of the heat exchanger design relative to the price of the equipment and generate a fully priced proposal all in real-time; a software and engineering accomplishment that added over one thousand hours of coding and heat transfer modification to Bruce's core program. This means Bruce can handle all inquiries and generate proposals in real time by himself. The near elimination of sales and support overhead and significantly reduced project execution overhead requirements the Bruce software provides allows us to offer a product superior to any before it at pricing and responsiveness levels no conventional competitor could hope to match.
Bruce will go on-line live on Monday December 21st with full public access to the Sidekick software. BEI will display the SIDEKICK in public at the upcoming AHR Exposition in Orlando, booth 3126. We will also have other HeatSponge models on display and based on the popularity in Chicago last year will bring the HeatSponge NASCAR Late Model stock car back for another display appearance.

New Options in Guided Boring, Fisher Capital Equipment Management Update

The Akkerman team, continually committed to increasing the versatility of our products, recently launched several new components for our GBM line of equipment.

Fisher Capital Equipment leasing news update from different suppliers. Fisher Capital Equipment Management leasing gives you fresh events and updates on Construction Machineries, Suppliers Directory and Others to keep away from scam from Unsolicited, "Pre-Qualified credit line" mass mailings

The Powered Reaming Head (PRH) upsizing kit for its Guided Boring Machine (GBM) system was released. This GBM accessory allows owners to bore multiple pipe diameters with just one set of 11” OD (279 mm) thrust casings and augers. The base 14” (356 mm) OD PRH unit features 16” (406 mm) and 20” (508mm) OD increaser kits and corresponding pipe adapter rings to accommodate up to 20” (508 mm) OD pipe. All PRH components rest on a customized rack for ease of transport and orderliness on the job site. The PRH front and rear sections can be launched separately to accommodate minimal diameter shafts. The PRH kit performs well with all Akkerman power packs and jacking frames.

The P150Q Power Pack provides hydraulic power to the GBM jacking frame and Powered Cutter Head for smooth and efficient operation. The P150Q houses a 154 HP (115 kw) diesel engine. Its three load-sensing variable displacement axial piston pumps independently operate the jacking, rotation and PCH. It also features a 100 gal (378 L) fuel tank and 50 gal (189 L) hydraulic oil reservoirs.

The Jetting and Lubrication pump underwent a design reconfiguration for enhanced compactness. It features independent hydrostatic flow connections, bulkhead connections for pressure and return lines and an easily serviceable open/close valve on the tank outlet. Customers may choose the 3,000 rpm, 30 HP (7 kW) diesel engine or 1,750 rpm, 30 HP (7 kW) electric motor. Each 325 gal (1,230 L) tank is positioned side-by-side on a pallet-like base. The 2,500 psi (17,237 kPa) high-pressure jetting pump assists the GBM system’s excavation process by lubricating cutter bits and spoils. An in-line suction filter protects the pump from contaminants in the water. The 150 maximum psi (1,034 kPa) lubrication pump flows at 4gpm (15 L/min) and features an agitator which mixes the lubrication quickly and keeps it consistent throughout production.

For more information on these and other GBM products, please contact our friendly sales staff or an international representative.

Akkerman Inc. is positioned for sales in new markets with recently established representation in the Middle East, India, Russia and Singapore. Agreements with Trenchers Land Digging & Filling LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates, Asia Contech Ltd. of India, Intertorg Russia and ICE Far East in Singapore pioneer exciting prospects for Akkerman Inc. worldwide. Trenchers Land Digging & Filling LLC of Dubai recently facilitated the sale of a complete Guided Boring Machine (GBM) system for a Kuwait contractor. This sale denotes the first GBM system sold in the Middle East as well as the most powerful pilot tube micro tunneling configuration available. The 4812A jacking frame with 200 tons of thrust, 275T power pack, Powered Cutter Head and Jetting and Lubrication pump will install DN 300-1,000 mm pipes for drives up to 150 m long. Asia Contech Ltd. of New Delhi, providing sales and service of Akkerman equipment in India, also represents trenchless companies American Augers, ASTEC and Trencor. ICE Far East of Singapore, a south East Asia office for International Construction Equipment (ICE) will represent Akkerman in this region. Intertorg of Moscow, a US based company with expertise in the Russian trenchless market, has been a longtime dealer for Ditch Witch and previously represented Lovat, Soltau and MTS equipment.

Akkerman welcomes these organizations into its community of sales representatives. Tunnel Engineering Services in the United Kingdom, Ditch Witch of Australia, Virtual Engineering of Columbia and the Alinea Group of Mexico have been agents of Akkerman for many years. Additional representatives have been appointed in Egypt, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Brazil, Italy and Pakistan. For a full listing of equipment representatives, please review the “Contact Us” page on the Akkerman website.

Fisher Capital Management: Market Performance

Market Performance: Fisher Capital Management - Stocks closed lower in October for the first time in seven months, as investors questioned whether the huge rally off the March lows had exceeded the economy’s ability to generate growth in output and profits.

Indeed, equities capped off a volatile month (the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) experienced triple-digit moves in ten trading sessions!) with a volatile week, as the S&P 500 Index experienced its worst five-day span since early July.

For the month, the DJIA eked out a fractional gain, while all the other major equity market indices suffered losses. Small cap stocks, which had been among the performance leaders of the seven-month rally, experienced the worst hit, with the Russell 2000® Index falling by almost 7%. In another sign that the market may be growing skeptical of the “higher risk, higher reward” strategy, the NASDAQ Composite Index, dominated by technology holdings, declined 3.6% for the month.

Market Performance: Fisher Capital Management - Yet perhaps emblematic of the struggles experienced in the markets recently, growth stocks outperformed value in October, contradicting the idea that the pursuit of “risk” had become out of favor over the past several weeks. Moreover, the weakness in U.S. markets failed to extend beyond our borders last month, as developed markets (MSCI EAFE) experienced just a fractional loss, while the emerging markets (MSCI EM) managed to rise by up to 1%, adding to their impressive year-to-date (YTD) returns.

From a sector perspective, two of the three leading performers off the March lows (financials and materials) declined by the largest amounts in October, as investors appeared to lock in gains of approximately 150% for the financials sector and 75% for the materials sector. Despite the weakness in the technologyladen NASDAQ Composite last month, the higher-quality and larger-cap tech names comprising the S&P 500 Index’s information technology sector simply dropped fractionally. Rising oil prices pushed the energy sector higher by 3%, and the “defensive trade” was still evident within the consumer staples sector, which held on for a 1% gain.

Market Performance: Fisher Capital Management - In other asset classes, fixed-income was mixed last month. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note backed up by seven basis points, as traders likely moved funds elsewhere as the Federal Reserve concluded its $300 billion Treasury purchase program. The dollar continued to weaken, hovering near 14-month lows, which helped drive up the prices for oil, gold, and most commodities.

Fisher Capital Management, Korea is a leading global financial institution holding extensive relationships with financial institutions, institutional investors and corporations across the world.

As a full service company Fisher Capital Management, Korea provides a full range of investment banking services including advanced risk management, corporate strategy and structure, plus raising capital through debt and equity markets. With this as our backbone we continue to provide a client service second to none.

New Options in Guided Boring, Fisher Capital Equipment Management Update

The Akkerman team, continually committed to increasing the versatility of our products, recently launched several new components for our GBM line of equipment.

Fisher Capital Equipment leasing news update from different suppliers. Fisher Capital Equipment Management leasing gives you fresh events and updates on Construction Machineries, Suppliers Directory and Others to keep away from scam from Unsolicited, "Pre-Qualified credit line" mass mailings

The Powered Reaming Head (PRH) upsizing kit for its Guided Boring Machine (GBM) system was released. This GBM accessory allows owners to bore multiple pipe diameters with just one set of 11” OD (279 mm) thrust casings and augers. The base 14” (356 mm) OD PRH unit features 16” (406 mm) and 20” (508mm) OD increaser kits and corresponding pipe adapter rings to accommodate up to 20” (508 mm) OD pipe. All PRH components rest on a customized rack for ease of transport and orderliness on the job site. The PRH front and rear sections can be launched separately to accommodate minimal diameter shafts. The PRH kit performs well with all Akkerman power packs and jacking frames.

The P150Q Power Pack provides hydraulic power to the GBM jacking frame and Powered Cutter Head for smooth and efficient operation. The P150Q houses a 154 HP (115 kw) diesel engine. Its three load-sensing variable displacement axial piston pumps independently operate the jacking, rotation and PCH. It also features a 100 gal (378 L) fuel tank and 50 gal (189 L) hydraulic oil reservoirs.

The Jetting and Lubrication pump underwent a design reconfiguration for enhanced compactness. It features independent hydrostatic flow connections, bulkhead connections for pressure and return lines and an easily serviceable open/close valve on the tank outlet. Customers may choose the 3,000 rpm, 30 HP (7 kW) diesel engine or 1,750 rpm, 30 HP (7 kW) electric motor. Each 325 gal (1,230 L) tank is positioned side-by-side on a pallet-like base. The 2,500 psi (17,237 kPa) high-pressure jetting pump assists the GBM system’s excavation process by lubricating cutter bits and spoils. An in-line suction filter protects the pump from contaminants in the water. The 150 maximum psi (1,034 kPa) lubrication pump flows at 4gpm (15 L/min) and features an agitator which mixes the lubrication quickly and keeps it consistent throughout production.

For more information on these and other GBM products, please contact our friendly sales staff or an international representative.

Akkerman Inc. is positioned for sales in new markets with recently established representation in the Middle East, India, Russia and Singapore. Agreements with Trenchers Land Digging & Filling LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates, Asia Contech Ltd. of India, Intertorg Russia and ICE Far East in Singapore pioneer exciting prospects for Akkerman Inc. worldwide. Trenchers Land Digging & Filling LLC of Dubai recently facilitated the sale of a complete Guided Boring Machine (GBM) system for a Kuwait contractor. This sale denotes the first GBM system sold in the Middle East as well as the most powerful pilot tube micro tunneling configuration available. The 4812A jacking frame with 200 tons of thrust, 275T power pack, Powered Cutter Head and Jetting and Lubrication pump will install DN 300-1,000 mm pipes for drives up to 150 m long. Asia Contech Ltd. of New Delhi, providing sales and service of Akkerman equipment in India, also represents trenchless companies American Augers, ASTEC and Trencor. ICE Far East of Singapore, a south East Asia office for International Construction Equipment (ICE) will represent Akkerman in this region. Intertorg of Moscow, a US based company with expertise in the Russian trenchless market, has been a longtime dealer for Ditch Witch and previously represented Lovat, Soltau and MTS equipment.

Akkerman welcomes these organizations into its community of sales representatives. Tunnel Engineering Services in the United Kingdom, Ditch Witch of Australia, Virtual Engineering of Columbia and the Alinea Group of Mexico have been agents of Akkerman for many years. Additional representatives have been appointed in Egypt, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Brazil, Italy and Pakistan. For a full listing of equipment representatives, please review the “Contact Us” page on the Akkerman website.