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Post by Blastgirl on Jan 13, 2009 1:55:38 GMT -5
It looks like Caterpillar is going to start a new plant in Little Rock Arkansas. That should immediately employ about six hundred people and maybe even lead to the employment of over a thousand.
At a time industry seems to be down, that's encouraging news that building equipment is going to be produced and not outsourced.
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Post by Phil on Jan 13, 2009 14:57:56 GMT -5
I think it's great that some industry is coming into this country. And I agree I would figure people arent' buying houses especially building because the bottom has fallen out on some properties due to borrowing beyond means and therefore the house values are going to be low for a while that would slow building. SO the fact that Cat is putting up a plant in Arkansas.
Arkansas didn't get this industrial boom when Bill Clinton was governor.
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Post by Mahnarch on Jan 23, 2009 12:17:51 GMT -5
They're also building a new plant in Michigan for the Lithium batteries for the hybrid cars.
I was happy to hear that.
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Kimm
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Post by Kimm on Jan 23, 2009 19:37:13 GMT -5
They're also building a new plant in Michigan for the Lithium batteries for the hybrid cars. I was happy to hear that. Those are both good news. My dad understands but I dont really know what a hybrid car is. |
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Post by Ordinaryguy on Jan 23, 2009 23:57:53 GMT -5
My dad understands but I dont really know what a hybrid car is.
They're cars that turn into robots, wait that's Transformers...
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Commandhat
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Post by Commandhat on Jan 25, 2009 0:23:39 GMT -5
a hybrid car uses less gas then a normal car.
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Post by Phil on Jan 25, 2009 17:11:15 GMT -5
A hybrid is actually a very good invention.
Surprised to hear me say that? You might be. I drive a Silverado 3500, I shake my head all the time at 'tree huggers,' and that makes me what?
Well, I don't think trees should be cut down for stupid reasons but its necessary sometimes. I do think that General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and other people that make cars could try to build things that get the best use of what the product can. If an engine is capable of getting 30 miles to a gallon but because of its weight 15 is ok don't settle for that. Make it get the 30. Don't make it's power go away to accomplish that though.
My 6.0 is nice but it doesnt' have anywhere near the power of that 8100 V8 my 2003 had.
A hybrid has a gasoline engine to use when the power is needed but the rest of the time it operates on large batteries.
If you have ever operated a forklift or a riding brushed floor scrubber you would know that there's 3 large 12v batteries inter mingled for electric power and that's the energy sourse that makes the machines work.
A hybrid car operates on a similar concept most of the time but it does have a combustion engine when more power is needed.
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Post by Mahnarch on Jan 28, 2009 13:04:54 GMT -5
Speaking of forklifts and floor scrubbers:
I have both Propane fork trucks (3) and electric fork trucks (2) and floor scrubber (1).
The batteries are all packaged into one very large battery with some models running at 24v and some running at 42v.
Ours are 42v.
Over all, I prefer the propane.
The speed, power and changing of "fuel" is quicker and easier.
Propane is actually a pretty good fuel. Clean burning. And approved for indoor use.
I would like to see a Propane/Electric hybrid car or fork truck.
Also, why aren't they pushing more for Diesel/Electric? Or, ultimately, a single cylinder diesel generator (not attached to the transmission - only to generate electricity when needed) to replenish the battery pack?
Hmm....PATENT PENDING!!
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Post by Phil on Jan 28, 2009 15:07:03 GMT -5
Fuel is more powerful. Electric is quieter though. Had there been hybrid cars when I was 16 it would have been easier to get out at night and back home.
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