Roofs are insulated to R-60, far exceeding local building code requirements. Airtight drywall construction, a technique that produces nearly leak-proof walls, is used to prevent costly and uncomfortable drafts. The houses rest on frost-protected shallow foundations, an innovative design that significantly reduces energy losses by using vertical and horizontal insulation to trap heat in the ground around a home. Copper Country also installs energy-efficient appliances and compact fluorescent lightbulbs to reduce electrical use, and low-flow showerheads to reduce water consumption.

"The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other environmental agencies have determined that land spreading of contaminated soil is more acceptable," says Bob Broz, water quality specialist at the University of Missouri."Previously, farmers might have had to have soil from these sites transported to a hazardous waste incinerator. In most cases, they now can dig out petroleum-stained soil and spread it thinly across their fields, where natural biological activity breaks contaminants down," he says.

The new D-Series includes pilot-operated joystick controls for the backhoe on every 420D and 430D. These controls are similar to hydraulic excavator controls, making the system easier to learn and use by operators while allowing smooth efficient operation, according to Caterpillar. The 420D and 430D integrated tool carriers utilize full pilot control of all hydraulic functions while the 416D only uses low effort pilot hydraulic stabilizer controls. "There are three main benefits to the new pilot control hydraulic systems," said Carman. "Lever effort is reduced and machine control is more precise, allowing operators to be more efficient. The new joystick control layout provides improved operator ergonomics and also greater visibility of the backhoe itself, allowing the operator to better see the digging."

Though light in weight, Airbor magnetic drill has a powerful 1.6-hp air motor and 1,600-lb magnetic holding strength. With its extra rack, stroke length is extended to 10 1/4 in. Annular cutter capacity is up to 2 1/16 in. diam. Geared chuck adapter converts the unit to a standard drill press. The Slugger Air Force pneumatic drill, at 24 lbs, 6 1/4" high, is useful for confined area drilling. The drill''s features include a permanent magnet that turns on or off by air power, a cutter capacity of up to 1 1/16" diameter x 3/4" depth and the ability to use ShortSlugger cutters and frame cutters. These cutters'' geometry allows the operator to drill multi-layered truck frames in a single pass.

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