Compact Power Equipment Rental has taken on the TRX line of Toro trenchers. Toro's TRX16 andTRX20 trenchers are being met with great enthusiasm by DIY'ers and contractors alike. With a little know how, you can take that project off your wish list.

Here is a quick overview of the product line.  

TRX trenchers work faster and straighter than you’d ever expect from a walk-behind trencher.

The track drive design provides a low center of gravity and large footprint offering stability and increased maneuverability — without causing damage to existing turf. The tracks also disperse the weight of the machine, providing high floatation while delivering the necessary traction in loose sand or mud. 

Keep it simple...

Tracks instead of wheels. Simplicity instead of complexity. The TRX trenchers are the first tracked, dedicated walkbehind trenchers that have it all. Tracks — combined with Toro’s exclusive easy-to-use control system — provide unparalleled maneuverability, all while offering the ultimate in operational performance.

High Hydraulic Flow...

Maximum digging efficiency is accomplished by the 10 gpm @ 2,900 psi hydraulic system.

Pivoting Trencher Head...

Provides high ground clearance to make moving in difficult terrain easier than other trenchers.

TRX Control System

Easy-to-use control system offers less jerking motions, unlike other trenchers with handle-bar steering.

Kawasaki® Twin-Cylinder Engine

The powerful 16 and 20 hp Kawasaki® twin-cylinder engines mean your trencher will be reliable and easy-to-start. The large oil reservoir maintains a cooler running engine while prolonging engine life.

Download the Toro TRX Trencher Line Literature 

Download Compact Power Equipment Rental's Trencher Tool Rental Tip Sheet

MORBARK, INC. ACQUIRES BOXER EQUIPMENT FROM MERTZ MANUFACTURING

January 8, 2013 - WINN, MI – Morbark®, Inc., a leading manufacturer of tree care, sawmill, recycling, forestry and biomass chipping, and grinding equipment, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Boxer Equipment, a product line of Mertz Manufacturing, LLC (Mertz), that manufactures and globally markets a full line of compact utility loaders (also known as mini-skid steers) and attachments.

As part of the transaction, Morbark has acquired all product designs, intellectual property and manufacturing tools, as well as existing parts, completed units and other inventory. The Boxer acquisition will enable Morbark to continue to solidify the company’s strategy to build equipment that creates opportunities for their customers, dealer network and employees. This acquisition not only enhances those opportunities in Morbark’s existing tree service and rental markets, but also allows Morbark to expand their market presence and current equipment offerings to a broader range of industries and end users, including, but not limited to, landscapers, irrigation and trenching contractors, property owners, and general contractors of all sizes.

Steve Ballinger, President, Mertz, added, “In seeking the optimal buyer for the Boxer product line, we looked for a company that had its own manufacturing capability, as well as shared our desire to see the line continue to develop, grow and realize its full potential. We know without a doubt that Morbark shares this same vision and will apply the necessary resources to bring it to fruition.”

Manufacturing of the Boxer Equipment line, attachments and aftermarket parts, is currently being moved to Morbark’s 1.1 million-square-foot factory and corporate headquarters in Winn, Michigan. As manufacturing of the Boxer line begins in the first quarter of 2013, Morbark will be working with their authorized dealer network to ensure that existing and future customers receive unmatched service, after-sales support, and fast, efficient parts fulfillment.

Commenting on the close, Jim Shoemaker, Jr., President, Morbark, Inc., said, “The strong strategic fit between our companies, combined with Morbark’s expanded capabilities in product development, manufacturing and dealer distribution will enable us to efficiently maximize the value and long-term potential of the Boxer product line, allowing it to become one of the market leaders in the compact utility loader category.”

About Morbark, Inc.

Morbark, Inc., based in Winn, Michigan, builds equipment that creates opportunities for customers serving the forestry, recycling, sawmill, bio-energy, landscaping/irrigation, rental and tree care markets. Innovating and building durable and high-performance equipment for more than 50 years, Morbark offers a full line of flails, disc and drum tree chippers, brush chippers, horizontal and tub grinders, stump grinders and more. Morbark equipment helps customers harvest, process and convert organic materials into valuable, usable and environmentally sound products. Morbark offers worldwide sales, support and service through an independent, authorized dealer network. To learn more about the company, visit www.morbark.com.

About Mertz Manufacturing, LLC

Headquartered in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Mertz Manufacturing, LLC celebrated its 85th year in the manufacturing industry in 2012 with a record production year. Mertz is building on its present success by focusing on a future oriented towards the manufacturing of high-quality, oilfield products; retaining and recruiting a skilled and dedicated workforce; instituting lean manufacturing principles and techniques to improve production processes and output; and expanding its current facility to meet the needs of future customers and orders. To learn more about the company, visit www.mertzok.com

About Boxer Equipment

With four model series available, including the 118 dedicated trencher, the 300, 400 and 500 series are built to handle a full complement of over 50 universal compact utility attachments. The Boxer’s standard quick attach system enables the user to quickly and easily switch from a bucket to forks to auger or other tools for optimum on-the-job flexibility and bottom line performance. A feature unique to the Boxer 500 series is its variable-width, rubber track undercarriage, which allows the units to enter through gates as narrow as three feet wide. For complete Boxer Equipment product information go to www.boxerequipment.com.

Home Depot stores in Greater Toronto area carrying compact power equipment  

Home Depot Canada has been experimenting with rentals of compact power equipment at many of its retail sites. The rollout follows a trial that began in the U.S. in partnership with Compact Power, a rental supplier of compact and medium-heavy equipment, in 2008 and enjoyed a wider rollout last year. To date, Home Depot has Compact Power Equipment Centres within its Home Depot Tools Rental departments in some 400 stores. US website

GREENSBORO, NC (Aug. 1, 2012) – What better way to remind equipment renters to call the national 811 One-Call Center before they start digging than affixing stickers to thousands of trenching and digging machines beginning 8/11 – Saturday, August 11.

Compact Power Equipment Center (CPEC), now in 400 locations of The Home Depot, is joining with 811 to encourage users to always call 811 at least two days before dirt starts flying so underground utility lines can be clearly marked. More than 4,000 pieces of rental equipment and their trailers will carry the high-visibility 811 reminder stickers.

The decision to launch the sticker campaign is especially timely.  A recent survey by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) found that nationwide an underground utility is damaged by digging every three minutes.

“At Compact Power Equipment Centers, we value safety above all else,” said Chuck Beats, Safety and Product Manager. “We feel that partnering with 811 in support of the national CGA initiative is a perfect way to promote our job safety and damage prevention message.”

Homeowners and contractors who call 811 are connected to their local one-call center. The center immediately alerts the appropriate utility companies of planned digs. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines using flags, spray paint or both.

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.

“On August 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to call 811 before digging to avoid striking an underground utility line,” said Louis Panzer, Executive Director for NC 811. “It really is the only way to know which utilities are buried in your area.”  

The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.

Visit www.call811.comor www.nc811.org for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.

From a start of seven locations in 2009, Compact Power Equipment Centers are now in 405 Home Depot Tool Rental Centers, growing by 100 locations in the first four months of 2012 alone.

“We don’t have to worry about bricks and mortar,” says Andy Lewis, CPEC marketing communications director. “The facilities are already there – and in prime areas.” CPEC sees its three-year growth potential extending to 1,000 Home Depot Tool Rental Centers.

CPEC, a separate company, formed its partnership with Home Depot in 2008, coming to the table with a long history in compact equipment. In the mid-1990s, CPEC founder and former landscape contractor Roger Braswell brought what is now known as the Toro Dingo from Australia to the United States. After forming parent company Compact Power in 2003, he bought Mertz Manufacturing and its Boxer line of mini skid steers.

Seamless experience

Renting a CPEC machine is designed to be seamless with The Home Depot Tool Center experience. When contractors rent tools they can also rent a machine, and put it on one bill. Each machine is either towable or comes on a trailer. “We look for equipment that can be towed behind an F150-size pickup,” Lewis says. CPEC’s sister company, Compact Power Services, has 270 mobile service technicians that help make sure the 2,500 machines in its fleet are rental ready. Contractors can also buy used rental machines from CPECdirect.com.

In the past year, CPEC has formed equipment partnerships with Terex, Kubota and Altec (see sidebar), which Lewis says works out well for local dealers of these brands. Participating dealers stage the equipment, provide parts and in most cases, do warranty work. “We’re putting out brand new equipment,” Lewis says. “These days, a contractor may be hesitant to buy, so he rents.” And if that contractor’s work picks up, he’s already familiar with the machine, and likely to buy, he says. “The dealer didn’t even have to demo it.”

Tim Bauer, national accounts manager with Kubota, echoes this sentiment. “We’re getting reports that it’s driving sales to the dealer,” he says. “The agreement has allowed us to increase our presence in the rental market.”

Rental ready

While it varies from store to store, the average fleet size for a CPEC location is eight to 12 machines, selected from the following:

• JLG T350 towable boom lift
• Altec DC610 or Terex Woodsman chipper/shredder
• Canycom and Kubota (available in Canada only) concrete buggies
• Boxer 300, 400 and 500 Series mini skid steers with landscaping attachments
• Kubota, Terex or IHI compact excavators
• Terex PT30 and PT50 compact track loaders
• Toro or Carlton stump grinders
• Kubota BX25 or Allmand TLB-325 backhoes
• Boxer, Toro or Barreto trenchers

Special thanks to:

By Marcia Gruver Doyle - Equipment World Magazine April 5, 2012

Renting, a cost-effective and increasingly popular option for landscape companies with short-term needs for equipment, is getting easier thanks to a partnership between a relatively new company and Home Depot.

Compact Power Equipment Centers, LLC, founded in 2008, now has equipment rental centers in 280 select Home Depot Tool Rental locations, and expects that number to grow to more than 400 by the end of the first quarter 2012. 

If you're not going to use a piece of equipment more than 50 percent of the time it's usually more cost-effective to lease or rent it rather than buying it. 
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMPACT POWER EQUIPMENT CENTERS.

"Home Depot is an awesome partner," says Andy Lewis, marketing director of Compact Power. "It builds big stores in areas that are growing and developing and that's where landscapers are working. That's where we put our equipment." The partnership with Home Depot Rentals allows Compact Power to offer rentals on everything from compact utility loaders to mini-excavators to chippers, shredders and skid steers.

Lewis says that rentals are about evenly split between DIY consumers and landscape professionals, although some of the towable equipment is obviously targeted for professional use. "A Terex PT50 skid steer loader is not something an inexperienced operator should be renting to put a pool in their backyard," says Lewis.

To that point, Lewis says that Compact Power is providing safety training to rental personnel at each of the locations where it has equipment.

"We train the associates on how to use the machines, how to check them in and how to check them out, always with an eye towards safety. It starts in the parking lot, ensuring that the equipment is hooked up safely, the brake lights are working and the machine is racheted down correctly. It doesn't stop until the machine is returned," says Lewis.

To date trenchers, chippers/shredders, mini-skid steers, mini-excavators and smaller skid steers have been the most popular rentals at the centers. The range of equipment continues to grow. In March 2011, Compact Power began offering Terex PT30 and PT50 loaders, TSR50 skid steers and TC16 mini excavators, and in May partnered with Kubota Tractor to provide its K008 excavator and BX25 tractor/loader-backhoe to 100 Home Depot locations.

Renting, which is growing because landscape professionals are seeking to keep their overhead low and are taking on a wider range of services to remain competitive, is an increasing popular option for many landscape pros, says Lewis.

"Until their project pipelines become full and reliable again, that will continue," he opines.

A note of interest: The president of Compact Power is Roger Braswell, longtime green industry entrepreneur, who, more than 30 years ago founded Fort Mill, S.C.-based Southern Tree and Landscape that became one the Carolina's largest landscape companies. In the mid-1990s, Southern Tree and Landscape became a founding partner of publicly traded LandCare USA, a rollup of some of the top regional landscape companies in the United States. In 1999, ServiceMaster acquired Landcare USA. From then until now, Braswell has remained actively involved in the equipment side of the green industry.

To learn more about Compact Power Equipment Centers, LLC, visit Compact Power at www.compactpowercenter.com.

Special thanks to:

Ron Hall - Turf Magazine 2.2012

Birmingham, AL, January 25, 2012—Altec Industries, Inc., announced today the company’s strategic partnership with Compact Power Equipment Centers (CPEC) to offer Altec chippers in The Home Depot Tool Rental stores across the nation and in Canada. Since 2008, CPEC has provided customers with towable rental equipment for a variety of projects, which now includes Altec’s DC610 chipper.

“This partnership with CPEC represents a significant milestone as we continue to expand our environmental product offerings,” said Tony Gann, Regional Vice President of Altec Industries. “Our new DC610 chipper creates a great opportunity for our products to be used by a new segment of customers.”

“The DC610 is a valued addition to our product mix at The Home Depot. Safety and productivity are engineered into every aspect of the machine,” said Andy Lewis, Director of Marketing for Compact Power Equipment Centers. “The ease of serviceability enables rental readiness by alleviating downtime.”

 A user-friendly design and state-of-the-art safety features make the DC610 ideal for operators looking to tackle tough projects. The 6” x 10” in-feed chipper incorporates electronic controls with diagnostics capabilities, the Altec “Panic Bar” system, which provides operators a dedicated stop mechanism for the feed system independent of the feed control bar, and multiple innovative features.

•             The Feedsense® control system prevents stalling.

•             Road tires accommodate steady towing, but soft on turf.

•             Ground stability, easy storage and transport.

•             “Hedgehog” feed roller with an aggressive grip and secure feeding system gets the job done easily.

•             Powered by Honda gas engine.

Altec’s DC610 will be available in approximately 50 locations of The Home Depot in the U.S. and Canada, with a 2012 expansion goal of more than 50 additional locations. A full list of Compact Power Equipment Centers with Altec rental equipment is available online at www.CompactPowerCenter.com/Locations.

“We are excited to be partnering with Altec to provide our customers with high quality chippers,” said Jon Richardson, Corporate Fleet Director for Compact Power Equipment Centers. “The Altec name is highly regarded among contractors in the tree care industry, and the design features of the DC610 are appealing. We’ve begun deploying the new units, with high expectations for high utilization and future growth.”

Altec is a leading equipment and service provider for the electric utility, telecommunications, contractor, and tree care markets. The company provides products and services in more than 100 countries throughout the world.

Compact Power Equipment Centers rent and maintain equipment, including mini-skid loaders, aerial equipment, loaders, mini excavators, trenchers, aerators, chipper shredders and stump grinders to Home Depot locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Rental Management:

Why do you feel now is the time to expand your rental business?

Roger Braswell:

 After a test in 2008, we launched in the fourth quarter of 2009 with 112 stores. We expanded to 170 stores in 2010 and now have 280 locations with The Home Depot. Our business has performed well despite the flat economy. Now, we want to expand and The Home Depot would like us to continue to expand.

Rental Management:

Do you foresee having Compact Power Equipment Centers available in every Home Depot store?

Braswell:

The Home Depot has been extremely supportive of the company and its expansion. Our relationship dates back to 2001, when we began to sell them equipment for their towable fleet. They have been supportive at every turn and we completed a long-term agreement after the test. We would like to be represented in every Home Depot tool rental center that can support a towable rental fleet. They have more than 1,200 locations in the United States and Canada.

Rental Management:

Are you also considering the idea of setting up stand-alone equipment rental centers outside of Home Depot?

Braswell:

Our focus is on our partnership with The Home Depot. They have the best locations from a real estate viewpoint. They have a customer base that needs the fleet we provide. We provide a solution for them that allows their customers to buy materials, rent small tools and large towable equipment at one location. It’s an ideal partnership.

Rental Management:

How does Compact Power Services fit in with this? Will you be expanding this part of the company, too?

Braswell:

We launched Compact Power Services in January 2007 and it has grown steadily with compound annual growth rates in the double digits. This is our largest business and we expect to continue to see it grow. We have employees in 49 states. We work for almost all of the major big box retailers as a national mobile service. We are in every Best Buy and in 800 Home Depot stores. We service the equipment inside of the stores, like paint shakers, carpet carousels and man lifts. We work on the mobility carts in Walmart. We maintain the Levelor blind cutting machines in Lowe’s. Compact Power Equipment Centers is our rental business and CPECdirect.com is an online direct sales business that allows us to move off fleet as needed.

Rental Management:

Will the inventory mix of Compact Power Equipment Centers change?

Braswell:

We continue to diversify and expand the fleet. The core of the inventory is pretty much what it was two years ago. Trenchers and mini skid-steers are our lead products. We follow that with compact track loaders, mini excavators and tractor loader backhoes. Most of our inventory is light construction, ground-engaging equipment. Chippers also are part of our fleet, but they are chippers built into or on a trailer.

Rental Management:

Who do you consider to be target customers for Compact Power Equipment Centers?

Braswell:

The small contractor and the DIY homeowner. We also think that with the type of equipment we have — mini skid-steers and excavators — people see what they can do with equipment versus a shovel. The customers we get are often new to equipment rental.

A landscaping play: CPEC's Roger Braswell explains the Home Depot rental contract.

Written by Murray Pollok - 04 Jan 2010

Roger Braswell, president of Compact Power Equipment Centers (CPEC).

When Compact Power Inc (CPI) won the deal to run rental stores outside Home Depot stores earlier this year it must have been a great moment for Roger Braswell.

As chief executive of CPI and now the chief executive officer of Compact Power Equipment Centers (CPEC) - the newly created business that will run the Home Depot rental locations - he has been selling the concept of compact utility loaders in the US ever since he saw an Australian Dingo loader at a US trade show in 1995.

"The Home Depot agreement gives me the opportunity to introduce that technology to a wide variety of end users", he tells IRN, "Now we have the opportunity to do that in a rental environment where there is traffic. It's exciting - it's the culmination of 14 years of effort."

That opportunity is the contract to run rental stores at 115 Home Depots in six US states (Now 280+ stores - added by Andy Lewis, Director of Marketing) - Texas, Oklahoma, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida - and the possibility of increasing that to as many as 250 in a second phase.

Under the agreement, CPEC has acquired the existing outside store rental fleets operated by Home Depot at the 115 stores - around 700 units in all - to be supplemented by 500 new machines supplied by CPEC, including many of the compact loaders and other equipment produced by Boxer Equipment, sister company to CPI.

These ‘parking lot' rental operations will be separate from the in-store rental operations for smaller tools and equipment already run at around 1300 Home Depot locations. The external fleets - all designed to be towed away by the customer in a small trailer - will be owned, maintained and repaired by CPEC. Most of the staff at these CPEC locations will be Home Depot employees, although with back up from CPEC staff.

"The separation is invisible for the Home Depot customer", says Mr Braswell, "They could rent a sod cutter and a loader on the same ticket. They are still renting from Home Depot."

Progress in establishing the business is rapid; "We've now completed Stage 1, which was acquiring the Home Depot equipment. We're well on our way to redeploying and repairing that equipment, and by the end of the year we will have delivered the new machines."

Mr Braswell will not go into details about how much CPEC is investing in the venture, although he acknowledges that raising the funds - the majority coming from three US private equity firms, St Cloud Capital, Main Street Capital and Banyan Mezzanine Fund - was one of the main challenges, given the current business environment.

The progress being made comes after a long period of cooperation between Mr Braswell, Compact Power and Home Dept. Mr Braswell has been a supplier to the retail chain since 2001 (see box story) - developing trailer, compact machine and attachment combinations that fit with its customer base. This culminated in CPI suggesting the rental operation in October 2007, with the first pilot stores opened in April 2008 and seven eventually in operation (four in the Charlotte area and three in greater Atlanta).

Mr Braswell says these pilot stores quickly showed good returns; "We learned that we could build a business over time by taking care of the small contractors and DIYers. Provide information, advice, and a slightly broader selection of equipment [than the existing fleets]: there was a tremendous increase in revenues." In fact, he says revenues more than tripled, with larger fleets and new signage also playing a part.

Home Depot has been very successful in renting smaller equipment inside its stores, says Mr Braswell, "but managing their towable equipment has been difficult and getting the fleet mix right has been challenging. But they were adamant that they wanted to provide customers with the one-stop shop of materials, small tools and larger tools."

Compact Power was running these trials at the same time that Caterpillar was piloting rental stores as Home Depot locations. Mr Braswell is not triumphant about winning the contract. He says the two rental models were simply different and that "Home Depot chose our model." The Cat Rental Stores were being run on a more autonomous basis and also had slightly larger equipment.

The strategy for Compact Power's Home Depot stores is to target landscaping jobs with small contractors and homeowners. "It's a landscaping play", says Mr Braswell. The fleet will be a mix of skid steers, backhoes, mini skids, trenchers and larger stump grinders.

"We're also looking at a fairly broad list of other items that might work", although he is unwilling to provide details, with any additions subject to agreement with Home Depot. "It will be machines that small contractors and homeowners would use to improve the landscaping in their yard. That's the driver here", he says, "What you would use to improve a property, whether it's tilling, trenching, fencing or tree-planting."

In addition to investing in the new equipment, Compact Power is also redeploying some employees from its sister companies and has engaged around 50 additional staff. The rental business will also be able to call upon the services of the maintenance business Compact Power Services (CPS), previously a subsidiary of CPI but now managed by CPEC. CPS has 190 mobile technicians operating in 46 US states; "We have quite a footprint to start this with", he says.

Mr Braswell is unwilling to say what kind of rental revenues he is expecting from the first year of operation (Home Depot will take in the revenues and pay CPEC an unspecified "compensation"). However, he clearly sees an opportunity for the operation to expand further: there are around 2200 Home Depot stores in total and 1300 of these have some kind of tool rental operation, although of these approximately 900 are able to have an outside rental operations (for reasons of space or local restrictions).

Home Depot has said publically that it could envisage 250 stores in another year's time, and Mr Braswell is confident of the growth potential; "If we are successful, we'll look to grow it. We expect to be successful."

The launch of the new rental venture comes at a difficult time for the US economy, and more specifically for the construction and rental market. Does that concern him? "I am confident - that's a strong word, but here's why: one, our business in this area is less dependent on new construction than it is on re-modeling and landscaping. Most rentals will be for existing properties. Where we are, with Home Depot, has not been affected nearly as badly as the guys depending on new construction.

"Second, I've been in the landscaping business since 1968, and I've see people more and more focused on improving their environment, the aesthetics of their environment. It's a trend I don't see ending."

Ultimately, though, it is the link to a brand as powerful as Home Depot that is the big attraction. "We've tried a number of marketing methods - TV, newspapers, direct mail, internet, sales calls", says Mr Braswell, "But at the end of the day, we haven't found anything more efficient than having a good offer at the store...there's nothing better than being there."

He also thinks that CPEC and Home Depot will not hurt existing rental chains; "The business is not taken away from other rental companies. We're taking it away from the shovel. They come in to buy material and see there is a better way of doing it; we're creating a rental business that isn't there." That may be true in relation to the RSCs and United Rentals of the world, but the local ‘mom and pop' rental stores may well see things differently.

From his perspective, will it be difficult to switch from being a manufacturer and distributor of equipment to running a rental business? It doesn't sound like it; "We've been partners with Home Depot since 2001, so this gives us the opportunity to put into practice our ideas and what we've learned over the last 8 years, for both Compact Power and Home Depot.

"It's a different structure, but it's not a new thing", he concludes "For all of our people, it has been a very natural extension of what we've been doing for eight years."

BOX STORY
Compact history

Roger Braswell was a landscaping contractor in the states of North and South Carolina when he spotted potential in an Australian made Dingo loader he saw at a trade show.

He started selling the Dingo in the US and then partnered with Toro in 1997, who still sell the Dingo range of compact utility loaders. Mr Braswell helped Toro establish itself in the Dingo market and then in 2000 formed PowerHouse Equipment, a Toro dealer.

PowerHouse starting selling compact loaders and other equipment to Home Depot in 2001. Mr Braswell then founded Compact Power Inc (CPI) and acquired the manufacturing rights to the Australian-made Kanga loaders - a competitor to the Dingo.

CPI's well known Boxer brand arrived in 2004 when CPI acquired Mertz Manufacturing, owner of Boxer. CPI no longer distributes the Kanga machines in the US, although it does repair and maintain a "significant number" of Kanga machines in the existing Home Depot rental fleet (some of which have just been acquired as part of the Home Depot deal).

CPI, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, now sells loaders under the Compact Power and Boxer brands, as well as a range of attachments and transport trailers.

Kubota Tractor Corporation announced today a strategic partnership with Compact Power Equipment Centers (CPEC) allowing it to offer select construction equipment for rent within various locations of The Home Depot Tool Rental.

Since 2008, CPEC has provided customers with towable rental equipment for a variety of projects, which now includes Kubota's K008-3 excavator and BX25 Tractor/loader-backhoe (TLB).

The K008-3 and BX25 TLB are currently available in approximately 100 Home Depot locations nationwide including The Home Depot flagship store in Georgia, as well as stores in Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, Florida and Mississippi. CPEC hopes to place Kubota equipment in each of its 280 current locations, with a 2012 expansion goal of more than 400 additional locations. A full list of Compact Power Equipment Centers carrying Kubota rental equipment is available online at www.CompactPowerCenter.com/Locations .

"Our partnership with CPEC makes Kubota available to an entirely new customer base of rental users," said Tim Bauer, Kubota National Accounts Manager. "During these uncertain economic times, the rental option serves customers who are hesitant to invest in equipment ownership, conserving their cash flow and lines of credit.

This partnership will expose many new consumers to the quality, durability and versatility of Kubota equipment. People who have rented Kubota products are visiting their local dealers to see more of our products, and in some cases, purchasing products for their own permanent use."

Kubota continues to penetrate all levels of the rental market, working with large players in the industry, regional rental companies and expanding rental departments within Kubota dealerships nationwide. The company's high-quality reputation and new focus on the rental customer is right in line with CPEC's standards and goals.

"With people choosing to stay in their homes longer, we're seeing a large portion of rentals going towards property improvement projects," said Andy Lewis, Director of Marketing for CPEC. "Our partnership with Kubota takes us to a new level. At CPEC, we pride ourselves on providing top tier equipment and Kubota's reputation lends further credibility to our dedication to quality. Kubota's K008-3 excavator and BX25 TLB's ease of operation and functionality make them high-demand rental items. And, just as importantly, their durability and ease of service ensure rental readiness. Having the equipment serviced and operational at all times is a key requirement of The Home Depot."

SOURCE: Kubota Tractor Corporation

Poag finishes, “We look forward to growing this relationship with Compact Power Equipment Centers, and serving more commercial contractors, as it expands into additional The Home Depot Tool Rental locations in the future.”

To find a Compact Power Equipment Center with Terex equipment, visit: Compact Power Equipment Centers

About Terex

Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer operating in four business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes and Terex Materials Processing. Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, energy, refining, and utility industries. Terex offers financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information on Terex can be found at www.terex.com.

If you remember April 2008 and the condition of the U.S. economy – home construction at a standstill; credit availability frozen; rising bankruptcies and unemployment – you’d think it was the worst time to launch a business expansion program.

Officials at Compact Power Equipment Centers (CPEC) had a different view. That month, CPEC’s pilot program opened outlets for renting light-construction and landscaping equipment at seven locations of The Home Depot in the Atlanta and Charlotte markets.

The plan: supply customers all the power equipment they need to replace hand labor and boost productivity – including mini-excavators, trenchers, skid steers, tractor/loader/backhoes and related attachments. And service and maintain the equipment using a team of skilled mobile technicians.

What a plan! Over the past three years, the CPEC pilot campaign has made dozens of smooth landings across the U.S.  In fact, Compact Power Equipment Centers are now operating at 279 locations of The Home Depot with plans to add as many as 103 more centers over the next 12 to 18 months.

Recent expansions took CPEC into Tennessee, Colorado, Virginia and New Mexico. On the horizon are additional centers at more than 100 stores in the Mountain West (Salt Lake City), the Pacific Northwest (Seattle and Portland), California, the Southwest (Phoenix and Albuquerque) and along the Gulf Coast (New Orleans).

Ramping Up The Fleet

Eyeing future expansion, CPEC recently added to its fleet nearly 400 units -- the newest, most popular models from the leading manufacturers for light-construction, utility, site prep and landscaping applications. Plus an array of attachments and accessories to maximize productivity.

They include the Terex TSR50 wheeled skid steer with ¾-ton capacity; the PT50 track skid steer with load sensing hydraulics; compact PT30 loading skid steer with tracks that won’t damage lawns and the TC16 diesel-powered 1.5 ton mini-excavator – all industry respected Terex products.

Also available are the new Kubota K008 1-ton, rubber–track excavator – small enough to fit through a doorway – and the popular Kubota BX25 four-wheel drive tractor/loader/backhoe with hydrostatic power steering for easy operation. CPEC also added 100 Boxer trenchers.

Thinking Like A Customer

As carefully planned as CPEC’s growth has been, at the heart of the expansion success is a simple philosophy, according to Andy Lewis, the company’s marketing communications director.

“We understand what customers want, while some of our competitors do not, Lewis said. “We know our equipment inside and out and how it best fits the task at hand. Whether they’re renting for an hour or a month, our consumer wants a fair price and streamlined transaction. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that.” 

“Our CEO, Roger Braswell has seemingly done the impossible.  He led us through to a partnership with the world’s largest home improvement retailer, The Home Depot, to provide added value to their customers by completing the equipment rental offering.  The Home Depot had tools and trucks, we provide the towable power equipment.  Together the customer experience is unmatched by any competitor’s offering.”

Compact Power's Andy Lewis, Director of Marketing Communications converses with Revenflo as part of the Rock Hill, York County and South Carolina economic development counsel.

Leadership teams at both Compact Power Equipment Centers (CPEC) and The Home Depot agreed to expand the CPEC rental program from 147 locations to 265 locations. The increase in CPEC’s operational footprint allows the company better reach into the Southeast and Southwest marketplace and will position the operation to now service Virginia, Tennessee and Colorado.

Combined CPEC and The Home Depot can now provide contractors with a one-stop solution for their tools, materials and towable constractor grade equipment. Compact Power Equipment Centers will be rolling out approximately (130) TEREX PT-30 and (30) PT-50’s and (33) TSR50s, as well as (32) Kubota BX25 TLBs, (74) K008 mini-excavators and (100) BOXER brand trenchers.

TEREX INTRODUCES UPDATED PT-30 COMPACT TRACK LOADER

New Terex^® PT-30 CTL offers same reliable operation as predecessor with enhanced productivity.

Southaven, Miss. (February 8, 2010)– The new Terex^® PT-30 compact track loader is designed with a 26% increase in lift height, a 16% increase in operating capacity and a 45% increase in bucket rollback to enhance its production while continuing to offer operators the compact and maneuverable operation of its predecessor.

“We continue to enhance our compact track loader lineup based on feedback from our distributors and customers,” says Rick Harris, senior product manager, Terex Construction Americas. “The original PT-30 was introduced in 2001 and continues to be one of our best-selling models for small landscapers and construction contractors, landowners, hobby farmers and municipalities. Our goal with the new PT-30 was to update it with the features that are most popular with our other compact track loader models, while keeping the attributes that have made it so well-liked.”

The smallest compact track loader in the Terex^® lineup, the 4-ft profile of the PT-30 offers productive work in limited access areas. The 33.7-hp PT-30 offers an operating weight of 3,600 lb, a tipping load of 1,900 lb, with a 950-lb operating capacity at 50% tipping load capacity, and a lift height of 101 in. With a low 3.0 psi ground pressure, the PT-30 easily works on soft or sensitive surfaces with minimal damage or impact.

Several features on the new PT-30 have been updated to match the popular Terex^® PT-60 model, including the design of the loader arm. The PT-30 comes standard with loader-mounted quick attach interface, allowing it to easily attach to a wide range of attachments including an auger, backhoe, brush cutter, leveler, pallet forks, box rake, snow blade and blower, tiller and trencher, as well as general purpose, light material and multi-purpose buckets. Attachments from Terex for the PT-30 are performance-matched to ensure proper fit, balance and operation.

The PT-30 is equipped with pilot-operated joystick controls and a comfortable operator station for easy operation. This model comes standard with a general purpose track with the Terex patented Posi-Track^TM undercarriage technology and suspension, giving the PT-30 more traction, higher flotation and better operating comfort so operators can make full use of the machine’s higher travel speeds.

Terex also offers a special Turf Track for the PT-30. Turf Tracks are ideal for landscapers and others working over fragile or improved surfaces. These tracks feature a special smooth tread that allows select Terex^® compact track machines, including the PT-30, to maneuver on virtually any surface with barely a trace. Scuffing and rutting is practically eliminated, even when used in sharp turns. Terex recommends its Turf Tracks for applications where the surface needs special protection and the conditions are generally dry.

About Terex
Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer operating in four business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes, and Terex Materials Processing and Mining. Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, energy, refining, and utility industries. Terex offers a complete line of financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information on Terex can be found at www.terex.com. 

Rent one today: http://compactpowercenter.com/Locations

Compact Power creates new whole goods sales division to be known as CPECdirect.com.  CPECdirect.com was created as an online clearing house of new and used equipment, holding two key responsibilities:

1. Create a direct, online channel for contractors to procure new and used equipment
2. Liquidate older / under-performing equipment  to refresh and replenish sister division, Compact Power Equipment Centers.

CPECdirect.com will leverage the rental locations (currently 175 locations found within The Home Depot Tool Rental Center) and human resources of sister divisions' Compact Power Equipment Centers and Compact Power Services respectively. 
 

"CPECdirect.com is a necessary progression for our business.  We are marketers and managers of commercial landscape and construction equipment.  We have distribution in place and the infrastructure necessary to provide world class service during and after the sale.  Taking our whole goods sales division online affords our customers better priced equipment."
- Andy Lewis  Director Marketing Communications, Compact Power Equipment Centers, LLC.
 

In September, Home Depot and Compact Power Equipment Centers reached an agreement that Compact Power Equipment Centers will manage, service and rent all of the store’s towable power equipment under 100 hp. This equipment offering will include compact utility loaders, chipper shredders, power barrows, tractor loader backhoes, trenchers, excavators, compact track loaders, articulating loaders and trailers, to name a few.

Compact Power Equipment Centers is expanding into 115 Home Depot locations across the southeast with hopes of increasing its operational footprint to 250 stores by the end of 2010. Home Depot will continue to manage its Tool Rental Center, which offers products such as pressure washers, drills and other valuable tools to its consumers.

“As a company, we’re looking at rental customers in a two-fold fashion — contractors and homeowners,” says Andy Lewis, marketing communications manager for Compact Power. “Through this partnership, we’re enabling one-stop shopping for contractors and homeowners who are already at Home Depot picking up lumber and other supplies.”

In addition to its rental service, Compact Power will offer a mobile service where it will send out service technicians to fix any piece of rental equipment at a customer’s jobsite — saving them valuable time.

There’s no question that the past year has brought about a challenging time for contractors. The weakened housing market and recession made work scarce and equipment purchases halted as projects were few and far between. However, as conditions improve and the economy slowly recovers, crews need to be prepared to take on work. Cautious contractors looking to get back to the grind have brought about a strong trend in acquiring the equipment they need — rental. 

“With the downturn in the economy, people are fearful of spending money so they’re renting more,” says Andy Lewis, marketing communications manager for Compact Power. “As contractors saw less work over the past year, they hunkered down and didn’t buy new equipment because they were unsure if they could readily employ it. Now that work is starting up again, we have seen a surge in the rental business because these contractors still have to get the job done but are not quite comfortable in their workload to buy yet.”

One piece of equipment that has become increasingly attractive in the rental business is the compact utility loader (CUL). Thanks to their versatility and compact size, compact utility loaders — also known as mini track loaders or mini skid steers — have become a mainstay in the equipment fleets of landscapers, contractors and homeowners looking for a small, but productive machine. With more than 50 attachments to choose from, there’s no wonder why this mini tool carrier has gained popularity in a variety of applications such as residential work, irrigation, demolition, hardscape and utility construction. However, with a purchase price of $13,000 to $25,000, hesitant equipment consumers are opting to rent CULs for use in their projects. 

“This one machine can do a variety of tasks simply by changing out an attachment,” says Matt Collins, product manager for compact equipment at Ditch Witch. “From a contractor’s perspective, a CUL allows them to get more done on the jobsite, save time and ultimately affect their bottom line. Homeowners are able to do a wide range of tasks around their house and only rent one piece of equipment.” 

Given the flexibility CULs have to offer an assortment of customers, many rental yards have increased the number of units they supply. Rental houses such as Sunbelt, Home Depot, True Value and smaller mom and pop operations have incorporated these small, but mighty machines from manufacturers including Ditch Witch, Bobcat, Boxer, Vermeer and Toro. 

Depending on the size of the CUL, rental rates may range from $100 to $175 a day, $300 to $650 a week and $900 to $1,800 a month. For exact prices in a particular location, a customer should check with their local dealership or rental yard for pricing information, as it will vary from region to region and store to store, says Gerald Zastrow, product manager for Bobcat Co.

Attachments will also add to the price of renting a compact utility loader. Rental units typically come standard with a 36- or 42-in. bucket. Other popular attachments such as pallet forks, augers, trenchers and plows may require an additional cost. Non-hydraulic attachments can run a customer around $20 a day. Hydraulic attachments are a bit more pricey, with rental rates ranging from $50 to $80 a day, $150 to $180 a week and $450 to $700 a month. 

“Oftentimes, rental stores have an additional charge for each attachment you rent. However, it still makes more sense to rent as many attachments as you need to accomplish your job,” says Greg Lawrence, product marketing manager for Toro. “Some people try to save a little bit of money by not renting the proper attachment and plan on just doing some of the job by hand. In the end, you will save more time and money by just renting the right attachment up front.”

Before a seasoned contractor or ambitious homeowner can snatch up this machine from a rental lot, learning which unit best suits their needs is important. While CULs are easy-to-use machines, manufacturers offer different features on their equipment that may be favorable for particular projects. A rental customer should evaluate his or her jobsite and desired application prior to selecting a loader. 

Before You Borrow

Each jobsite and project calls for a piece of equipment uniquely suited for the task at hand. Prior to picking out a CUL to rent, a customer needs to consider the environment and duties he or she intends to use the machine in. This will ultimately allow the operator to be paired with a productive unit. 

Choosing between tracks or wheels for a CUL is perhaps one of the biggest considerations. Understanding the ground conditions that the unit will be working in will allow a rental customer to make an informed decision and pick a more productive machine for his or her jobsite. A wheeled vehicle is typically faster and smoother, but a tracked vehicle is going to be able to go just about anywhere. For example, on jobsites where it has been raining, a wheeled unit would get bogged down in the mud where a tracked unit could float right on top. 

“The ground conditions will determine whether a contractor needs a tracked or wheeled loader,” explains Lawrence. “If they’re often working in sandy, soggy or muddy conditions, a contractor may want the added traction of a tracked unit to improve flotation in those environments. A tracked machine also may be the right choice for work on existing lawns, since tracks are better at dispersing weight across a surface, thereby creating a lighter footprint that won’t harm turf.” 

Access to the jobsite is also important to consider. Measuring the access spots of the jobsite, such as a backyard, will allow a contractor or homeowner to select the right model for their needs. The overall width, length and height of a loader is an important aspect of the rental decision. Lawrence explains that in tight spaces, a wheeled loader can improve maneuverability due to its short wheelbase design, which also allows for easy negotiation of mounds, curbs and rough terrain.

As for a tracked option, Boxer offers a variable track feature on some of their units. This feature allows the tracks to withdraw under the machine, making the unit 36 in. wide when pulled in and 44 in. when pulled out. This allows the operator to easily maneuver through gates and other tight spaces. 

“A machine with a variable track can easily become a narrower unit to drive through an entryway, past an A/C unit and along a retaining wall,” says Lewis. “If you’re going to use a big attachment like a backhoe or something that requires additional stability, it expands its tracks back out giving the machine a larger, wider footprint and increasing stability.” 

Along the lines of the tracks vs. wheels debate, a rental customer needs to decide on whether he or she prefers a ride-on CUL or a walk-behind unit. While there are advantages to each style, a customer should choose which type best suits his or her comfort level during operation. For instance, Lewis notes that a ride-on unit can prevent an operator from trudging through a muddy jobsite — diminishing operator fatigue and increasing comfort. A walk-behind unit, however, offers increased safety since the operator’s feet are firmly on the ground while running the machine. 

Overall productivity of the compact utility loader should also be considered. For example, a rental customer needs to take a look at the unit’s size and lift capacity. This will ensure that the machine is suited for the jobsite and applications it will be expected to perform in. 

“Customers should familiarize themselves with the capabilities of each type of equipment they are interested in,” says Zastrow. “With mini track loaders, there are limitations. Their relatively small size limits the machine’s lift capacity so they are not the ideal solution for large capacity jobs, and certain attachments will be too large for the machines to handle.”

Checking for adequate horsepower and hydraulic flow is vital when deciding on a CUL. When searching for the right machine, make sure it’s capable of accomplishing the tasks you need and want it to do. Certain applications require more horsepower to get the job done quicker and more efficiently. Even attachments require certain hydraulic configurations and pressure for them to perform properly. 

“A diesel engine will deliver more torque for increased pulling and digging force when using attachments in very aggressive or rocky conditions,” explains Lawrence. “In addition, a diesel model may be the best choice when working in high-altitude areas. Gasoline engines can run a richer air and fuel combination due to less oxygen in the air at high altitudes. The difference in air density provides lower combustion temperature and pressure, resulting in reduced horsepower.” 

Finally, be sure to take the rental’s condition into consideration. Before getting ready to load the CUL onto your trailer, be thorough and inspect the machine. Ask plenty of questions and make sure it has been properly lubricated and serviced. Any downtime — especially on a rented machine where usage is limited — can cost you time and money. 

“Do a general inspection of the machine and make sure there are no leaks — whether it’s antifreeze, oil, etc.,” says Jon Kuyers, utility product segment manager at Vermeer Corp. “Make sure oils are up to the recommended fill levels. Inspect the CUL for any damage such as if a track is cut up or the mounting plate pins are not working. Test out the unit and check if the functions are operable. Items such as filters, track tension or tire air pressure and grease should all be addressed prior to rental.” 

Getting to Work

After selecting a CUL to rent, it’s important to get the machine to the jobsite — safely and on time. To ensure efficient travel, a rental customer should be prepared with the right vehicle, trailer and know-how to get moving. Since these machines are smaller and designed to be easily transported, a half-ton pickup (think of a Ford F-150 or Dodge Ram 1500) should be adequate. Some larger units may require the use of a three quarter-ton pickup, such as a Chevy Silverado 2500. 

The vehicle should then be paired with a durable trailer — whether it’s the customer’s own or a rental. Some manufacturers offer trailers with their CULs that are made specifically for that piece of equipment. For example, Boxer has a system trailer that houses the machine and several attachments. Also, check that the trailer lights are in working condition before hitting the streets. Once the truck and trailer are ready, getting the machine loaded is the next step. It’s important to understand how to safely maneuver the unit and load it correctly to avoid any accidents, injuries or damage to the machine. 

Collins offers 10 steps to properly loading and securing a CUL for transport: 

1. Always refer to the machine’s Operator’s Manual for proper loading techniques.
2. Attach the trailer to the tow vehicle before loading and unloading equipment.
3. Start the machine and run at low throttle.
4. Raise the mount plate enough to clear the trailer, but keep it as low as possible. 
   
5. Move slowly forward onto the trailer until tie-down position is reached. Ten to 15 percent of total vehicle weight (equipment plus trailer) must be on the tongue to help prevent trailer sway.
6. Lower the mount plate to trailer bed.
7. Turn ignition switch off.
8. Close fuel shutoff valve.
9. Set parking brake (if equipped).
10. Tie down unit and all attachments.

When tying down a unit, most manufacturers recommend using at least two chains — one on the front and one on the rear. Check with local state regulations for their individual laws and tie-down rules. All of the attachments should have their own chain and binder for transporting. 

“Do not skip past the tie-down process and assume that the unit weighs enough that it won’t move around. One of these units can weigh 2,000 lbs and you may not think that’s going to go anywhere, but one good bump can shift it around,” says Lewis. “Don’t be afraid to ask a rental professional to double check tie-downs — safety in transportation is paramount.” 

Until contractors feel confident in their workloads, rental is a viable and popular option for acquiring equipment. By doing their homework beforehand, a rental customer can find the right compact utility loader for their needs and get the job done. 

Pam Stask is assistant editor of Compact Equipment, based in Peninsula, Ohio.

Borrowing BIG

Home Depot and Compact Power Team Up for Large Equipment Rental

In September, Home Depot and Compact Power Equipment Centers reached an agreement that Compact Power Equipment Centers will manage, service and rent all of the store’s towable power equipment under 100 hp. This equipment offering will include compact utility loaders, chipper shredders, power barrows, tractor loader backhoes, trenchers, excavators, compact track loaders, articulating loaders and trailers, to name a few. 

Compact Power Equipment Centers is expanding into 115 Home Depot locations across the southeast with hopes of increasing its operational footprint to 250 stores by the end of 2010. Home Depot will continue to manage its Tool Rental Center, which offers products such as pressure washers, drills and other valuable tools to its consumers. 

“As a company, we’re looking at rental customers in a two-fold fashion — contractors and homeowners,” says Andy Lewis, marketing communications manager for Compact Power. “Through this partnership, we’re enabling one-stop shopping for contractors and homeowners who are already at Home Depot picking up lumber and other supplies.”

In addition to its rental service, Compact Power will offer a mobile service where it will send out service technicians to fix any piece of rental equipment at a customer’s jobsite — saving them valuable time.

Compact Power Equipment Centers to manage large towable fleets for The Home Depot

The Home Depot, Atlanta, has reached an agreement to partner with Compact Power Equipment Centers, LLC (CPEC), Fort Mill, S.C., which will result in CPEC, acquiring and managing large towable fleets of rental equipment in more than 100 select locations of The Home Depot. The Home Depot will maintain management of its Tool Rental Centers. CPEC and its sister company, Compact Power Services, LLC (CPS), have secured financing for the initiative from three US private equity groups.

BOXER Equipment, the company’s affiliated brand, is not part of the transaction.  BOXER and its manufacturing partner, Mertz Manufacturing, LLC will remain a separate entity with a continued focus on growing its dealer network both domestic and international.  Compact Power Equipment Centers will become a distributor of BOXER products, as well as a few other reputable brands, both domestic and abroad. 

Compact Power Services already maintains small machinery for such companies as Wal-Mart and Best Buy and will expand its service business through the partnership with The Home Depot.   The newly formed rental and mobile service combination will operate under separate management from the manufacturing and distribution business.

- Survey code: 33215

Compact Power, Inc. and The Home Depot have partnered to create a new equipment rental center within select locations of The Home Depot.  Following the successful launch in Charlotte, NC, Compact Power Equipment Centers (CPEC) is now expanding to serve contractors and do-it-yourselfers in the greater Atlanta area.  The most recent CPEC establishment is located within The Home Depot Tool Rental Center, located at 9307 Hwy. 92 in Woodstock, Georgia.

Compact Power Equipment Centers provides DIYers and Contractors with easy access to time and labor saving equipment rentals.  “At CPEC, we enable DIYers and contractors, both large and small, to have quick assess to an entire fleet of rental equipment.  Our fleet is selected to fill the void left between big iron and hand tools.” said Andy Lewis, Director of Marketing for Compact Power. 

CPEC’s products include a wide array of towable, easy to operate equipment including: mini-skids, mini-excavators, skid steer loaders, multi-purpose tractors, chipper shredders, stump grinders, aerators and sprayers, utility vehicles, trenchers and trailers.

Roger Braswell, Compact Power CEO, noted that the Compact Power Equipment Center operates on four basic principles: (1) fast check-in and check-out, (2) friendly and expert customer service, (3) broad selection of the best equipment brands and (4) fair prices and policies.

Braswell invites Woodstock and greater Atlanta area residents to check out the new Compact Power Equipment Center.  “Homeowners undertaking a landscaping project will find power equipment that is easy to transport and use, along with experts who can answer questions and provide sound guidance.  Contractors will find equipment that meets all their needs and experts who understand their business, whether it’s landscaping, fencing, pools, masonry or irrigation.”

“It’s really quite simple.,  When you combine the nation’s best home improvement and contractor supply center, The Home Depot, with a service oriented equipment rental company, you have a recipe for success.” said Lewis.

View the whole exerpt by clicking on the viedo below.

This clip, in it's entirety, is the sole property of A&E Television Networks.  Cat and Caterpillar are registered trademarks of Caterpillar, Inc.  BOXER is a registered trademark of Mertz Manufacturing, LLC.

Compact Power, Inc. and The Home Depot have partnered to create a new equipment center that, following a successful local launch, could expand to serve do-it-yourselfers and outdoor contractors nationwide.

Featuring the Boxer line of mini-skid steer loaders, the first Compact Power Equipment Centers opened March 24, 2008 at The Home Depot stores in three Charlotte-area locations.

“The Compact Power Equipment Center is a new one-stop source for labor-saving equipment, whether you’re a homeowner eager to tackle a basic landscaping project, or a professional contractor wanting to make the tough jobs easier,” said Compact Power CEO Roger Braswell, who owned a landscaping business for many years.  “As a local company, Compact Power is very excited to kick off this venture with The Home Depot right here in Charlotte, and we look forward to rolling it out in other cities over the coming years.”

Braswell noted that the Compact Power Equipment Center operates on four basic principles: (1) fast check-in and check-out, (2) friendly and expert customer service, (3) broad selection of the best equipment brands and (4) fair prices and policies for renting, buying or financing equipment.

In addition to Boxer mini-skid steer loaders, the Compact Power Equipment Center offers IHI mini excavators, ASV loaders, Ventrac multi-purpose tractors, Carlton tree removal equipment, Z Spray aerators and sprayers, Land Pride utility vehicles and ProHauler trailers.

The most versatile type of power equipment, a mini skid-steer loader can be used with various attachments for digging, tilling, drilling, hauling and other tasks.

Braswell invited Charlotte-area residents to check out the new Compact Power Equipment Center.  “Homeowners undertaking a landscaping project will find power equipment that is easy to transport and use, along with experts who can answer questions and provide sound guidance.  Contractors will find equipment that meets all their needs and experts who understand their business, whether it’s landscaping, fencing, pools, masonry or irrigation.”

The Home Depot stores with a Compact Power Equipment Center are located at 2815 Home Depot Blvd., Rock Hill, SC; 1837 Matthews Township, Matthews, NC; and 10210 Centrum Parkway, Pineville, NC.  A fourth center is located at Compact Power’s local headquarters, 3326 Highway 51, Fort Mill,. SC

FT. MILL, SC, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 - Compact Power, Inc. ("CPI") and its subsidiary companies have announced the acquisition of certain assets of DOC Machine Tool Services of South Carolina, Inc., a South Carolina-based full-service maintenance corporation ("DOC"). Roger Braswell, Compact Power CEO, stated "the acquisition of the DOC business will better allow CPI to meet the technical and service support needs of our growing customer base, including DOC's customers."

The relationship between CPI and DOC began by working together servicing equipment for The Home Depot Tool Rental. DOC has helped support CPI's growing large equipment service demands by utilizing their national network of service technicians. In addition to servicing Home Depot, DOC also maintains strong customer relations with Newell Rubbermaid, Levolor Kirsch, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, General Electric, Siemans and Vought.

DOC was founded in1988 with a primary focus on field service in the Machine Tool industry. Over the next twelve years, DOC expanded its service offerings to include machine tool rebuild, retrofit and contract maintenance. In the early 2000's, DOC seized an opportunity to enter into the light industrial market, offering total service solutions including nationwide service, call center capabilities and parts management. Today, DOC continues to provide superior local service nationwide for both the heavy and light industrial markets.

Specializing in stand-on skid steers such as the PowerHouse® and Boxer® brands; CPI has become a manufacturer and international distributor of these products to contractors, landscapers, homeowners and national retailers. Founded in late 2003, CPI has seen product sales and production triple in its first three years in the compact construction equipment industry. The company has established itself as a national and international leader in the compact equipment market.

Compact Power Services, LLC will operate the business of DOC and will join the CPI business group, which includes ProHauler Trailers of Ft. Mill, SC and Mertz Manufacturing of Ponca City, OK.

CPECdirect.com and Compact Power Equipment Centers to carry the newest addition to the BOXER mini-skid product line with the 322D. The new 322D mini-skid offers the robust power that Boxer is famous for, only in a smaller, lighter package. The 322D accepts all of the same standard attachments as the larger Boxer models.  It is  designed to cater to the unique needs of landscape contractors, homeowners and especially the rental market (hire market) due to the ease of operation, smaller footprint and exceptional lifting power.

"Diesel is important to many of our customers both domestic and international, with great emphasis on the latter.  Some countries we do business in just won't accept gasoline engines in their fleet.  In these locations diesel is easier to find and considered to be a superior fuel. It isn't my job to change these perspectives.   It is my job to cater to the wishes of our customers." - Andy Lewis, Director of Marketing Communications, Compact Power Equipment Centers.

The 322D fills a niche market for those seeking robust lifting power but still want a smaller more nimble machine.  The 322D is a perfect assimilation of strength and speed.   See attached spec sheet for more details.