Weekly recap: solving workforce issues through training, Ahern Rentals acquired for $2 billion, and more

In order to solve worker shortages in the industry, training new operators and technicians is a must. This week, Volvo CE and Alta Equipment partnered to help train the next generation of diesel technicians. Plus, CM Labs released a simulator training pack for articulated dump trucks.

In other news this week, three wheeled excavators have joined Doosan's line of -7 machines, United Rentals has acquired Ahern Rentals, and Exyn Technologies will collaborate with Trimble on an autonomous surveying solution. Here are five articles from this week you won't want to miss.

Volvo CE and Alta Equipment partner to train next generation of diesel technicians

Volvo CE and its dealer network have identified the shortage of technicians as a large issue currently in the industry. To help address this issue, Volvo CE has partnered with Alta Equipment to provide training material and sponsor a hydraulic training lab at J-Tech Institute, a trade school in Jacksonville, Florida. As J-Tech sought to expand its students' knowledge of off-road equipment hydraulics, Volvo CE stepped up its involvement with the school.

Find out more about Volvo CE and Alta Equipment's sponsorship of J-Tech Institute in the full article.

Wheeled excavators join Doosan next-generation -7 line of machines

Doosan's next-generation -7 excavator line launched in mid-2022 with four crawler excavators. The line has now expanded with the addition of three wheeled machines designed for demanding work and reduced fuel use, among other updates. The DX140W-7, DX190W-7, and DX210W-7 replace the previous -5 models in Doosan's excavator line. The new machines are targeted for work on bridges, roadways, and in urban areas. Equipment owners can utilize the modular design of the wheeled excavators to fit the machine to the current job site needs.

Learn more about Doosan's line of -7 wheeled excavators in the full article.

CM Labs releases simulator training pack for articulated dump trucks

The articulated dump truck is often one of the first machines that novice operators learn how to operate because it requires familiarity with the job site and a strong driving ability. CM Labs Simulations has released an Articulated Dump Truck Simulator Training Pack to help train operators in a virtual environment. Using CM Labs' technology mitigates the increased fuel costs and the wear and tear that typically results from inexperienced handling and allows operators to gradually build skill and confidence. Familiarization with basic controls and loading and unloading trailers are just some of the skills learned inside the training pack.

Learn more about CM Labs' new training pack for articulated dump trucks.

United Rentals to acquire Ahern Rentals for $2 billion

United Rentals, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of family-owned Ahern Rentals for approximately $2.0 billion in cash. Founded in 1953, Ahern Rentals is the eighth-largest equipment rental company in North America, with approximately 2,100 employees and 106 locations in 30 states serving around 44,000 contractors in the construction and industrial sectors. The transaction is expected to close prior to year-end 2022, subject to customary conditions.

Learn more about United Rentals' acquisition of Ahern Rentals in the full article.

Exyn Technologies and Trimble collaborate on fully autonomous surveying solution

Trimble and Exyn Technologies will collaborate to explore the use of autonomous construction surveying technology. The solution will integrate Boston Dynamics' Spot robot, the ExynPak powered by ExynAI, and the Trimble X7 total station. It will enable fully autonomous missions inside complex and dynamic construction environments, which can result in consistent and precise reality capture for production and quality control workflows.

Find out more about the collaboration between Trimble and Exyn Technologies in the full article.