Months after Sandy, one New Jersey town is still picking up the pieces.
To assist with Hurricane Sandy cleanup and rebuilding of the New Jersey shore, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas Inc. and its New Jersey equipment dealer, Harter Equipment Inc, have donated the use of a new Hyundai R210LC-9 excavator to the town of Mantoloking, N.J.
Hurricane Sandy had a major effect on the state of New Jersey when it struck on Oct. 29, 2012. It’s estimated that more than two million households in the state lost power during the storm, more than 340,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and economic losses to businesses have approached $30 billion. The effects of Hurricane Sandy are still being felt today, especially along the New Jersey barrier islands, which were hit the hardest.
Mantoloking, N.J., is a town located on the barrier islands and one of the towns that felt the brunt of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath, suffering severe wash-over that had created two new temporary inlets and impassable roads due to large amounts of sand deposited during the storm surge. It’s estimated that more than 24 oceanfront homes in the town were completely removed from their foundations and destroyed.
Since the storm, the town of Mantoloking has been working nonstop alongside a number of contractors to replace utilities, infrastructure and removal of destroyed homes. Crews have a long recovery ahead of them and could use all the help they can get to assist in the rebuilding effort.
Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas Inc. and Harter Equipment saw the need for additional help and answered by donating the use of a new R210LC-9 excavator.
"Many towns have bid the recovery work to contractors. However, there are towns like Mantoloking that need an extra helping hand due to the amount of damage," said Vic Riga, vice president of sales of Harter Equipment. "We understand the fiscal impact the storm had on Mantoloking and wanted to provide assistance that would not only speed the recovery but also save the town and taxpayers money."
"We’ve been working with Harter Equipment ever since the storm to find ways that we can help with the recovery process," said Shane Sirmons, marketing manager at Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas Inc. "I’m extremely pleased that we were able to make something happen and hope that we can provide additional recovery assistance through our dealer network in this area."
The town is currently using the Hyundai R210LC-9 excavator on the replenishment of the sand dunes, which is an essential component in protecting the island from the next storm.
"Sandy washed away 22 foot high dunes and in some areas the washout was very deep, creating the two inlets that connected the Atlantic Ocean with the bay," said Larry Gilman, department of public works of the borough of Mantoloking. "The beach was gone and many houses were destroyed. It’s a complete mess."
Gilman and his team are working feverishly to replenish these dunes that span over a 2 mi. stretch. In order to replenish the dunes, the town and various construction companies have been stockpiling sand that was deposited on the island and in the bay during the storm surge.
Before the stockpiled sand can be placed on the beach it must go through a screening process. The screening process removes all debris including pieces of destroyed homes, garbage and stones. Once the sand is screened it’s then transported from the screener to the beach staging area via conveyor.
"The screening process creates four sand piles each about 1,200 to 1,400 cubic yards," said Bill Lackey, operator of the borough of Mantoloking. "I’ll load a tracked dump truck with the screened sand using the Hyundai. The sand is then transported down the beach and dumped. From there our dozer operators will form the dunes."
Once the dunes have been replenished the town will work with a contractor to replace the beach which will eventually reach 150 ft. (46 m) into the ocean from the dunes.
Lackey operates the Hyundai R210LC-9 excavator eight hours straight every day and finds the machine a perfect fit for his needs.
"This is a good size machine for our current loading application and I can see this machine being ideal for utility and demolition work," said Lackey.
The R210LC-9 is a mid-size crawler excavator, powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 water-cooled, 4-cycle, low emission diesel engine with 143 hp (107 kW) @ 1,900 rpm. At 50,520 lbs. (22,915 kg), the excavator has a dig depth of 22 ft. 1 in. (6.7 m) and bucket digging force of 31,830 lbf making it ideal for mid-size excavating projects, road and utility work and demolition.
Lackey also enjoys the smooth controls and ability to switch between power modes. Operators can choose between three unique engine modes on the R210LC-9 — power, standard and economy — which enable the machine to switch between full power and reduced fuel consumption according to the user’s preference. In addition, the hydraulic system makes the R210LC-9 excavator fast, smooth and easy to control and provides the operator with super fine touch and improved controllability, according to the manufacturer.
The dune replenishment project is taking place during a summer heat wave with temperatures reaching into the mid 90s with a heat index between 100 and 110 degrees. The R210LC-9 offers AC however Lackey prefers to keep the cab door open for some fresh air.
"I don’t use the AC feature but I do find the cab to be spacious and quiet with good visibility," said Lackey.
The R210LC-9 offers full-view front window and large rear and side windows, which provide visibility in all directions. The cab includes many amenities to decrease stress and increase comfort, including additional space, enhanced climate control system, advanced audio system with USB player, AM/FM stereo and MP3 capabilities.
The town estimates its portion of the dune replenishment project to take about three weeks. After that they may use the Hyundai for the next rebuilding project.
"We’re more than happy to extend the donation should the town need the machine longer than planned," said Riga. "We’re happy to assist the town in its recovery efforts."
For more information on Harter Equipment, call 732/446-7600 or visit www.harterequipment.com.
For more information on Hyundai, call 877/509-2254 or visit www.hceamericas.com.
Today's top stories
