More Site Updates

Posted on February 10, 2012 by equipment

Hello again, everyone.  It’s another week and we’ve launched more updates to the sites, CommercialTruckTrader and EquipmentTraderOnline. 
Some of these updates were directly related to feedback we’ve received
from the site, so I’m sure there’s a few people out there who will
appreciate them!

Inventory Management Tool.
The
overhauled Inventory tab in the web IMT has generated lots of
feedback.  Some good, some bad.  We’ve been working to address the “bad”
elements in as a measured, thoughtful process as possible.  With that
said, you can now:

  • Edit stock number directly on the Inventory tab as you used to be able to on the old version of the page. 
  • Filter by Attachments on the Inventory tab.

A couple weeks ago we also added the Featured Dealer Inventory
section into our Search Results.  This week we’re including additional
reporting in the IMT to show the results from this new segment.

We
will be watching these numbers closely since we are considering
relaxing the restrictions on this new section to increase impressions. 
What changes we implement have to balance what the user is looking for
against optimal impression rates for the Dealer.  This can be difficult
to maintain, so we will be doing this in increments based upon the
available reporting data.

Progressive Sponsorship.
We’ve had a long relationship with Progressive Insurance and we are now expanding that relationship.  On our Insurance pages,
you can now get a quote, find an agent, or just get the phone number to
call if you want to learn more about insuring your Truck with
Progressive.  We hope to find more sponsorships like this in the future
for out other Research pages.

On another note…. feedback.
I
read every piece of feedback that is sent either from the Inventory
Management Tool or from our other links in Search Results and elsewhere
on the site.  I try to respond to all of them, but even if I don’t, know
that I am reading what you send.

So that’s it – another week, more updates, and keep the feedback coming.  Don’t forget to download the IMT Mobile,
too, from the App Store or Android Market.  An update is coming out for
that in the next week or so once approvals from Apple and Android are
complete.

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Press Release from Our Friends at IronPlanet

Posted on February 1, 2012 by equipment

IronPlanet to host February 2012 auction in Florida
Leader in online auctions brings global marketplace to winter Florida auctions 
 

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2011) – IronPlanet® (www.ironplanet.com),
a leading online marketplace for used heavy equipment, will host its
first onsite and online auction from February 21 – 24, 2012, at the
Fantasy of Flight attraction near Orlando.

“Each year, the February auctions attract buyers and sellers of
equipment to Florida,” said Greg Owens, Chairman and CEO of IronPlanet. 
“We’re very excited to give our customers the opportunity to
participate in the Florida winter auctions with the same convenience and
confidence they’ve come to know and trust at IronPlanet.”

Featuring equipment from Ring Power and other sellers, items can be
previewed starting February 14 both in person at Fantasy of Flight and,
just as with every IronPlanet auction, online through detailed
inspection reports that come with the IronClad Assurance® guarantee. 
Buyers can place bids online in advance of the sale using IronPlanet’s
PriorityBid service.  During the four-day auctions, bids may be placed
live at Fantasy of Flight or online through a computer, tablet, or
mobile device.

“We’re bringing the world of IronPlanet to Florida in February,” said
Owens. “With equipment onsite, both our global bidders as well as the
buyers located in Florida will be able to take advantage of our online
auctions and exclusive IronClad Assurance, resulting in better prices
for the equipment we sell.”

Consignments for the February auction in Florida are now being
accepted. Sellers can auction equipment from their location or Fantasy
of Flight. To learn how to add your equipment to this sale, please
contact IronPlanet at 888-433-5426. 

Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s Premiere Aviation Attraction, is
conveniently located off I-4 at exit 44 in Polk City, southwest of the
Orlando International Airport. 

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Press Release from Our Friends at IronPlanet

Posted on February 1, 2012 by equipment

IronPlanet to host February 2012 auction in Florida
Leader in online auctions brings global marketplace to winter Florida auctions 
 

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2011) – IronPlanet® (www.ironplanet.com),
a leading online marketplace for used heavy equipment, will host its
first onsite and online auction from February 21 – 24, 2012, at the
Fantasy of Flight attraction near Orlando.

“Each year, the February auctions attract buyers and sellers of
equipment to Florida,” said Greg Owens, Chairman and CEO of IronPlanet. 
“We’re very excited to give our customers the opportunity to
participate in the Florida winter auctions with the same convenience and
confidence they’ve come to know and trust at IronPlanet.”

Featuring equipment from Ring Power and other sellers, items can be
previewed starting February 14 both in person at Fantasy of Flight and,
just as with every IronPlanet auction, online through detailed
inspection reports that come with the IronClad Assurance® guarantee. 
Buyers can place bids online in advance of the sale using IronPlanet’s
PriorityBid service.  During the four-day auctions, bids may be placed
live at Fantasy of Flight or online through a computer, tablet, or
mobile device.

“We’re bringing the world of IronPlanet to Florida in February,” said
Owens. “With equipment onsite, both our global bidders as well as the
buyers located in Florida will be able to take advantage of our online
auctions and exclusive IronClad Assurance, resulting in better prices
for the equipment we sell.”

Consignments for the February auction in Florida are now being
accepted. Sellers can auction equipment from their location or Fantasy
of Flight. To learn how to add your equipment to this sale, please
contact IronPlanet at 888-433-5426. 

Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s Premiere Aviation Attraction, is
conveniently located off I-4 at exit 44 in Polk City, southwest of the
Orlando International Airport. 

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Mahindra Max is Coming Out

Posted on January 29, 2012 by equipment
Moments ago we received an exciting email from one of our manufacturers, Mahindra, about their newest product launch.  After looking into it, we decided it was a “must-share”… Mahindra is coming out with a line that is called Mahindra Max.  This line will showcase revolutionary sub-compact tractors and focus on “Max Value, Max Performance, Max Maneuverability and Max Versatility”.  Equipment Trader Online would like to wish them much luck and success on their endeavor that will launch in a few short days.
Below was quoted and taken directly from their website, Mahindra Max:
“You’re an early observer. You’re about to get a glimpse of the most
revolutionary sub-compact tractor introduced into market. Stay tuned as 
each day we are gradually releasing more details, videos, content and 
features about the newest member of the World’s #1 Selling Tractor.”
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Keep Your Machines Up And Running In Cold Weather

Posted on January 12, 2012 by equipment

Written By: Garrett Ginglen
Cold weather
can be hard on machines. Here are important tips to keep your machines
running in great condition during cold weather.

Cold Weather Recommendations:
  1. Always maintain your machine per the Operation and Maintenance Manual during cold weather
  2. To better prepare your machines for cold weather, try the following:
    1. Use block heaters
    2. Use enclosed storage facilities when machines are not in use
  3. Be sure to install the correct lubricants
  4. Provide the correct cooling system protection for the conditions you will be working in
  5. Inspect all rubber parts weekly
  6. Keep all batteries fully charged
  7. Always fill the fuel tank at the end of the shift
  8. Check the air filters on a regular basis when snow is present
  9. Before your shift, run the engine until it reaches operating temperatures
  10. Never remove the air cleaner element when snow packing occurs
  11. If your machine is shut down for more then 16 hours, the engine will cool to the external temperature

Do you have tips for keeping machines running at peak performance during cold weather? Please share your comments below.

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Happy Holidays from Marketing

Posted on November 30, 2011 by equipment

We want to take the time to wish all of you cheer and joy as the 2011 holiday season approaches. It is a time of sharing and caring, and also to think about what 2012 may bring us.

We have so many new products and initiatives for 2012 we want to work on, and all of our teams are excited to get started! As 2011 comes to a close, we are also thankful for our dealers, partners, and wonderful team.

Here’s to a GREAT holiday season!

Nadene E,
Marketing Manager
Trader Industrial Brands

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Coming Soon: Big Inventory Management Updates

Posted on October 21, 2011 by equipment

I know it’s been some time since I’ve blogged and that’s because
we’ve been working hard on several new initiatives.  I would like to mention some of the upgrades we’re implementing into
our Inventory Management Tool. We’re focusing mainly on these User
Experience upgrades:

  • Easy application of Premium or Featured Photo features
  • Easy Ad Copy
  • Easy upload of multiple photos
  • Easy feedback mechanisms
  • Pricing assistance
  • IMT Mobile

Easy Application of Premium or Featured Photo Features
We’ve been working with our friends with CycleTrader and RVTrader
to upgrade the Inventory tab in the IMT. This will soon include
thumbnails as well as quick-click application of features and the
adjustment of prices, among other things.

Easy Ad Copy
We’re
integrating a mechanism that will allow our IMT users to easily copy
the basics of a listing into a new listing. This way if you have seven 2003 DEERE 225C LC RTS you need to sell and hate the process of entering year,
make, model, class, and photos, you’ll be able to copy them from ad to
new ad easily.

Easy Upload of Multiple Photos
Using some technology from our friends with PowerSportsNetwork, we’re integrating a similar JavaScript-based photo upload tool. This will allow users to upload many photos simultaneously.

Easy Feedback Mechanism
We’ll
be adding a new button to the IMT’s navigation which will allow you to
send us feedback about any section, part, or operation that the IMT
provides. We’re serious about hearing what our user’s think and
providing the mechanisms to make it easier for you to do that are key.

Pricing Assistance
We’re
sure our dealer’s know what good prices are in their markets, but we’re
thinking it could be helpful to see what the maximum, minimum, average,
and mean are in your region while creating a new listing. The pricing
data is supplied by our own database of tens of thousands of listings.
This feature will be in beta for awhile as we tweak our algorithms and
listen to user feedback regarding its usefulness.

IMT Mobile
The
product is designed to utilize the strengths of the smartphone in
helping you maintain inventory on our site. Take photos and upload them
from the lot. You can also edit price, mileage, and even create an ad
directly from your iPhone or Android device. We are expecting to see
this in iTunes and the Android Market by mid-November, pending the
approval process and our final bits of feedback.

 As always, please send me feedback!

- Ryan
@industrialdev
G+

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CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2011: News Release

Posted on June 2, 2011 by equipment
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2011 attracted nearly 120,000 registered attendees; the shows were the global industry gathering place for the year and the largest gathering in North America since 2008 for the construction, construction materials and fluid power/power transmissions/motion control industries.  The shows were held (in March) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 
Attendees said they were at the shows to examine the newest equipment and product technologies and innovations to help them prepare for future business; exhibitors cited the high quality of customers and reported strong purchases and sales lead to new as well as existing customers.
International Scope
International registrations accounted for a record of 24 percent of the total, representing more than 150 countries.  CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2011 were among a select group invited to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce International Buyer Program, which facilitates the participation of international visitors.  The shows hosted 42 official international customer delegations from 37 countries, organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce as well as in-country associations and related groups.
On the Show Floor
Altogether on the show floor there were more than 2,400 exhibitors taking more than 2.34 million net square feet of exhibit space.  IFPE was the largest ever, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s exhibit space was the second largest in the show’s history.  Reinforcing the global scope of the shows were ten international exhibit pavilions-IFPE with pavilions from China, Italy and Taiwan and CONEXPO-CON/AGG with pavilions from China, Finland, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Looking Ahead
The next edition of the triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE expositions will be held in 2014 (March 18-22) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
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We need your feedback!

Posted on May 19, 2011 by equipment
A few months ago I had referenced how we are changing gears to try to solicit more user feedback from the site.  We would be doing more beta programs, providing more options for you to share your opinion, and making sure we consider points that our users made.
To that end, we put together two very simple surveys, one oriented towards the “consumer”, or users coming to the site for informational and purchasing purposes.  The other survey is oriented towards our dealership customers, or those that provide the majority of content on the website.
That’s a long winded way of saying, “We need your help.”
If you come to our website to look for something to buy, or just information, then please take our nine question consumer survey!
If you use our website as a dealer to sell, then please take this quick eleven question survey!
You may wonder how we’ll use this information for our two main goals.  We aim to provide the most leads we can to our dealerships and we also aim to make the process of finding what you want to buy as easy as we can.  Our perspective on what’s “easy” and what’s not can be different from either of those perspectives, buying or selling.
This increases in complexity with different search habits within user groups and whether someone is new to the site or has been using it for a long time.  Someone who has used the site for a long time and comfortable with a design may be quick to reject a product overhaul because it’s different.  Someone new may like an overhaul because they don’t have a frame of reference.
So what we’ll do is comb through the feedback responses, noting patterns we see and any specifics users provide.  This may point us in a direction for further refinement.  If, for example, many people feel the new search is complicated or slow, then we’ll know we need to continue to refine the experience.  If, however, most responses are complimentary, then we’ll look at those that are not and see if there’s smaller, more incremental improvements to make.
Should many people request a specific type of product, then we’ll certainly give that consideration and find where it may fit into the schedule.
This is an opportunity for you to help shape our direction over the next year.  While this won’t be the last opportunity for you to provide feedback about your experience on our site, this information will be used in on going discussions about where we’re going!
- Ryan
ryan.goodwin@dominionenterprises.com
@IndustrialDev
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Sany America Introduces New Equipment Models

Posted on May 8, 2011 by equipment
Sany America introduced several new equipment models at the recent Conexpo show in Las Vegas.  Here are a few of the highlights:
Concrete
Sany America’s Concrete Pump Truck division made a dramatic statement at the show by introducing 4 new pumps for the North American Market.  The 37 meter and 40 meter pumps are brand new utilizing a Z-fold design.  Sany engineered the 40 meter pump to ride on 3 axles with full 5” pipeline on the entire boom.  The 56 meter, with a 5 section RZ boom,  was engineered to meet the most stringent DOT weight rules.  But the 60 meter pump was the talk of the show.  A 5 section RZ boom, X style outriggers, and 5” pipe were all features that turned heads.  When you couple these benefits with Sany’s standard features, including Single Side Support, Auto piston cup retraction, high / low pressure switch, and the SYMC system, Sany decidedly offers the best value to the customer.  Sany America now offers a full line of truck mounted concrete pumps ranging from 28 meters to 60 meters for the North American market. 
Dirt
Sany America introduced 3 new hydraulic excavators the SY215, SY235, SY335 and a newly redesigned motor grader the SMG200 at Conexpo. Utilizing components from world renowned manufacturers such as Cummins, Rexroth, and Hydac, just to name a few, the earthmoving products captured the attention of all the attendees who passed by the display area.  The tier 4-I engines in the SY235 and SY335  demonstrated Sany America’s commitment to redesigning products exclusively for the North American buyer. The new SMG200 Motor grader was also a clean sheet redesign to better deliver the features, such as power shift transmission and increased visibility,  and performance the North American market demands. With these new introductions, and the many more to come, Sany is well poised to make significant strides in the local market place.
Crane
Sany America Cranes were the talk of Con-Expo. The two rough terrain cranes and three crawler cranes introduced by Sany at the show demonstrated the commitment of Sany to be a global contender. The SRC840 and SRC860XL rough terrain cranes garnered much interest from customers all over the globe. These customers saw first-hand how Sany Cranes have partnered globally with strategic suppliers such as Cummins to bring high reliability to a new line of Sany Cranes. The ease of use and simplicity of operation were highlighted as well as industry leading performance parameters such as lift height and capacity. The biggest splash for the cranes, though, was the North American introduction of the new “Ultracab,” designed by Porsche, which were shown on the new SCC8200 and SCC8300 crawler cranes. Sany invited all to sit in the roomy cab and experience the full effect of this new design. Coupled with the other new features such as self assembly, flexible configurations and US specific transport weights and dimensions and it was easy to see why Sany crawler cranes garnered such intense interest.
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