Abuse, Moisture, Mold and Fire Resistant... Who Could Ask for Anything More? SKINNER A new interior wall panel that resists abuse, moisture and mildew could be a contractor’s dream come true, believes Marsha Skinner, the Fiberock department manager at U.S. Gypsum. And she should know. Colleagues call her "the goddess of Fiberock," because of her 25 years of experience at the Gypsum, Ohio, plant, and her savvy at bringing improvements to the line. The gypsum-based Fiberock panels use a formulation called AQUA-TOUGH that provides water resistance through the core. They can be used in wet areas including tub surrounds. "You can apply ceramic tile and then paint above it," Skinner says. Independent labs gave the panels a 10, the highest score for mold resistance, on ASTM’s D3273-00 standard test. Available in 1/2-in. and 5/8-in. thicknesses, the panels resist flame spread and have zero smoke development. With no paper face to scratch or tear, the panels are also abuse resistant, with excellent performance against abrasion, indentation and penetration. This gives the panels an advantage in applications such as hotels, hospitals, prisons and schools. "They’re kid-resistant," adds Skinner, a mother of six. All this is produced from 95% recycled materials–synthetic gypsum, a by-product of scrubbing flue gas from powerplants, and shredded consumer waste paper. The environmentally friendly panels can be used in sustainable building applications. The new panels, which began shipping in October, are the latest in USG’s Fiberock line using its patented gypsum fiber technology. Earlier this year in its Sheetrock product line, USG unveiled Humitek, another new wallboard with a moisture-resistant gypsum core embedded with a proprietary blend of antifungal biocides. U.S. Gypsum Co.; (800)USG-4YOU; www.usg.com

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Multi-Use Jab Saw
Triple-Ground Teeth
This 12-in. jab saw is designed to cut a variety of construction materials including drywall, wallboard, plywood and plastic. It can be used for a wide range of cutting applications such as cutting openings in existing walls to install switches, outlets and electrical boxes. The tool features a 6-in., hardened, carbon steel blade with precision, triple-ground teeth to easily cut material on an angle or a curve, as well as in both directions, says the manufacturer. The jab saw’s cushioned-grip handle offers a non-slip design as well as a thumb groove for easier gripping. Klein Tools; 800/553-4676; www.kleintools.com

Track System
Enhances Boom Lifts
Two specially designed tracking systems for 40 to 65-ft boom lifts are available in both rugged steel or soft-bottom urethane. The soft bottom tracks provide all the traction, floatation and stability of the steel track, while allowing operators to work on finished surfaces without any damage. The tracks attach quickly and easily with a customized installation tool. They are fully adjustable and rebuildable. Loegering; 800/373-5441; www.loegering.com

High Solids Spray System
Cartridge-Based
Manufacturer has received patent allowance on its new Ratio-Pak High Solids Spray System. This cartridge-based air-dispensing system is a low-cost method to meter, mix and spray-apply reactive, fast-curing compounds, including polyurea, polyurethane, polyaspartic and other high-solids hybrid coating products. The patented HSS spray nozzle can be used with the Ratio-Pak dual cartridges in ratios from 1:1 to 25:1 and capacities from 100 to 1500 ml. Plas-Pak Industries Inc.; 860/889-3383; e-mail: plas.pak@snet.net

Backhoe
6,000-lb Digging Force
Powered by a 33.3-hp liquid-cooled Isuzu 3LDI engine, the new TLB-535 heavy-duty compact tractor loader backhoe drives with an axial piston motor capable of running at a higher rpm. The TLB-535 houses a 65-hp rated hydrostatic transmission equipped with servo-control, which offers the operator infinite control of the machine as well as reduced pedal effort in either forward or reverse travel mode. With a 6,000-lb digging force, the TLB-535’s industrial backhoe can reach an 11-ft digging depth. Also, its dual cylinder, 180Ê hydraulic cushioned swing allows work in tight areas. Allmand Bros. Inc.; 800/562-1373; www.allmand.com

Modified Ground Heater
More BTUs
Designed for ground thawing, concrete curing or space heating applications, the new E3000 ground heater has been modified with new features that allow the unit to produce more heat on the jobsite. The E3000 is now built with a 385,000-gross- BTU-per-hour hydronic heater, 25,000 BTU per hour higher than the previous unit. A choice of two on board, self-contained generator options are now available. With its narrow width and short length, the unit is easier to load onto standard trucks and more simple to maneuver. Ground Heaters Inc.; 231/799-9600; www.groundheaters.com