Ring Power Corporation News

On a crisp day in Clayton, North Carolina, local Operator Challenge winners from across the country came together for a single purpose—to crush their North American competition. 

Kenny Billings, equipment operator at Cypress Gulf, represented Ring Power at the North American Regional Finals on October 24.

Billings, who won the Ring Power Operator Challenge this summer, was accompanied by Ring Power demo operator Blake Conwell during the event. Conwell coached him on a couple events prior to the Regional Finals, getting together at the Tampa branch to practice running some of the Cat Next Gen machines he would be operating in North Carolina.

“I met a lot of nice, world-class operators and made a lot of new friends,” Billings said. “Blake was great. It was a great experience overall. I really enjoyed it.”

Billings admitted that even though they had practiced plenty, the challenges at the regional finals proved to be pretty tough, even for a 38-year veteran operator like himself. But Billings is always up for a challenge.

“They were a little tougher than I expected,” Billings said. “But any Cat equipment out there I can operate.” While Billings had an excellent showing in all events, he ranked 10th overall in the competition.

Events at the regional finals included:

• Trenching Challenge — Operators used a Cat excavator to dig a trench with Grade with 2D Grade technology.

• Fully Loaded Challenge — Operators used a Cat wheel loader with production measurement technology to accurately load a target.

• Easy Doze It Challenge — Operators used a Cat dozer blade and steering while working through a course.

• Control To A Tee Challenge — Operators used a Cat mini excavator to “tee off” a golf ball then navigate a course and place the ball in a hole.

“With the Trenching Challenge, my trench was good and straight, and I was on grade,” Billings said. “The Easy Doze It course was hard, but I had the least penalties on that one. The mini excavator golf tee was very difficult!”

Billings said the event was a great way to indulge in his competitive side. He’s already looking forward to the potential of another Operator Challenge next year.

“I hope they continue to do these,” Billings said. “I’ll be at every one. These Next Gen Cats are awesome.”

Before starting your machine it’s important to perform a daily walk-around.

First, always be sure to check you transmission fluid level. Next, take a look at the center articulation area. Keep an eye out for wear in the driveline area. Then, inspect all hoses and couplers, making sure there are no leaks. Remember — don’t check for leaks with your fingers. Next, check all tires. Check inflation pressure and look for any damage to the tires or rims, as well as checking for loose lug nuts. Don’t forget, the front tires need more pressure than the rear. Then, take a look at the lift arm – inspecting for wear. Look for any sign of leaks in the lines or any loose fittings or hose clamps. Next, take a look at the bucket. Look for any unusual wear patterns or cracked welds. Finally, examine the cylinder rod. Make sure the tilt rod is not scratched.

0% FINANCING ON MAJOR COMPONENT REBUILDS

Take advantage of 0% FINANCING* offered by Ring Power on major Caterpillar® component repairs! From now until the end of 2010, all parts and labor totaling more than $5,000 (attachments, work tools, rebuilds, repowers, engines, undercarriages) will qualify for the special financing, and purchase can be combined to reach the $5,000 minimum.

The following terms and conditions apply:

-12 months of equal payment at 0% interest

-Excavators (312 & larger), Wheel Loaders (938-990) and Track-Type Tractors (D3-D8) only

For more information about Ring Power’s 2010 Component Rebuild Stimulus Program, or to schedule work at one of our service centers, contact your Product Support Sales Representative today!

*0% financing provided through CAT Access on all eligible repairs performed before the end of 2010. Must be pre-qualified by Ring Power and approved by Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. Offer based on current financial information and may be withdrawn or revised at any time without notice.

Get 0% Financing for 36 months, PLUS an allowance up to $2,000 when you buy a new qualifying Caterpillar construction equipment.*

Now when you purchase a new qualifying Cat construction equipment, you’ll receive 0% financing for 36 months, plus a credit allowance worth up to $2,000 that you can use toward future heavy equipment parts, machine service or repairs, Work Tool attachments or construction equipment rental transactions, plus much more right here at Ring Power.

Receive $2,000 allowance when you buy a new:

• Cat Backhoe Loader
• Cat Small Wheel Loader or Front End Loader
• Cat Track-type Tractor or Dozer
• Cat Hydraulic Excavator or Track-hoe

Receive a $500 allowance when you buy a new:

• Cat Skid Steer Loader
• Cat Multi Terrain Loader
• Cat Compact Track Loader
• Cat Compact Wheel Loader
• Cat Hydraulic Mini Excavator

See how much you could save. Visit, click or call Ring Power, the Cat Rental Store today.

Ring Power, The Cat Rental Store, is North and Central Florida's Caterpillar Dealer. Ring Power rents, sells and leases Cat equipment by the day, week, month or longer. We supply the youngest fleet of construction equipment -- the average age of our fleet is less than 18 months. Our competitors' fleets, like Neff, Hertz, United, RSC, Sunbelt, average more than 40 months and in some cases more than 50 months.

Other rental houses carry multiple lines of equipment, like Bobcat, Komatsu, John Deere, and Kobelco. Ring Power supplies one brand: Caterpillar. If we have to swap machines, it will be a Cat machine. Unlike the competition that will substitute any brand, which creates operator confusion and lowers productivity.

Call any of our 15 locations throughout Florida, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona, Palm Bay, Orlando, Ocala, Sarasota, Tampa, and our newest location, Lakeland. Click here to see a map of all store locations. To receive a map and directions to each office, click on a branch location. Email us for more information on any of our machines or special offers.

*Offer good from February 1 to May 31, 2010 on select models at participating dealers. Offer from Ring Power open to customers within North and Central Florida; customers outside these areas contact your local Cat Dealer. Customers in the USA will recieve a credit through Cat AccessAccount for use at participating Cat Dealers. Credits will expire on September 30, 2010; Financing is subject to credit approval through Cat Financial.