Slow times in Vegas

[ksss]

I spent the weekend in Vegas. There doesn't appear to be much happening on the construction scene in the Strip area. There were 4 huge cranes strapped to buildings but never saw them move in 4 days. I saw the following machines on jobs. 2 Link Belts 330's, 2 580MII, two old Hitachi's, 1 Deere wheel loader and 1 332 CTL. Certainly not all inclusive but compared to other visits the construction has all but stopped. I guess in a town built on disposible income things come to halt PDQ when times are tight. All the locals were bitchen. Last time they had a good run was ConExpo.


A couple notes. I bought a guy with CAT hat on a beer (no small thing at $6.00 per). Told him if he ran CAT,the least I could do to ease his pain was buy him a beer. It was good for a laugh. He was from Iowa. Constructo'O perhaps?

I saw several QPS imitators running around. They did not look anything like TIM does with his camel toe Elvis costume.:cool2:

[Scag48]

One minute you're saying you can't afford a newer 160 and then you head to Vegas?! Something doesn't smell right. For the money spent in Vegas, you could've upgraded to a real skid steer, one that isn't an off-beige color. So if things are slow in Vegas, can one assume that the "locals" are offering their services at discounted rates? :laugh:

[stuvecorp]

You got to take a vacation when you can. When is the next ConEx?

[Junior M]

One minute you're saying you can't afford a newer 160 and then you head to Vegas?! Something doesn't smell right. For the money spent in Vegas, you could've upgraded to a real skid steer, one that isn't an off-beige color. So if things are slow in Vegas, can one assume that the "locals" are offering their services at discounted rates? :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: I am with Scag!

[bobcat_ron]

. I bought a guy with CAT hat on a beer (no small thing at $6.00 per). Told him if he ran CAT,the least I could do to ease his pain was buy him a beer. It was good for a laugh.


I'll remember that the next time I see a dude with a Case hat on.

[Junior M]

I'll remember that the next time I see a dude with a Case hat on.
Only issue, a few select people actually run CASE! ;) :laugh: :laugh:

[Scag48]

You got to take a vacation when you can. When is the next ConEx?

Very true. I'm going to have a vacation here pretty quick if I don't get called for a job. The grooming gig is coming to a close next week. I have 5 more shifts then I'm done, it's gone by very fast. Farming on the weekends with my dad is getting irritating already. I wish I didn't have bills to pay so I could just take off and go somewhere. Started servicing my dad's equipment last weekend, looking at his records and what needs to be done it's a 4 letter word scream fest in the shop. Sometimes I don't even know where to start. Maybe I need a vacation.

Next ConExpo is 2011, I will be there for sure. I was going to go last year, but glad I didn't book anything as my first week of my apprenticeship training was the week of ConExpo.

[stuvecorp]

Only issue, a few select people actually run CASE! ;) :laugh: :laugh:

It's a very prestigious and select group.Thumbs Up

[Junior M]

Very true. I'm going to have a vacation here pretty quick if I don't get called for a job. The grooming gig is coming to a close next week. I have 5 more shifts then I'm done, it's gone by very fast. Farming on the weekends with my dad is getting irritating already. I wish I didn't have bills to pay so I could just take off and go somewhere. Started servicing my dad's equipment last weekend, looking at his records and what needs to be done it's a 4 letter word scream fest in the shop. Sometimes I don't even know where to start. Maybe I need a vacation.

Next ConExpo is 2011, I will be there for sure. I was going to go last year, but glad I didn't book anything as my first week of my apprenticeship training was the week of ConExpo.
2011? Hmm, when in 2011? Might make a senior trip out of that.. :cool2:

[Junior M]

It's a very prestigious and select group.Thumbs Up
Yeah, okay! :rolleyes: Would that select few happen to be a proud rider of the short bus? ;) :laugh:

[Scag48]

2011? Hmm, when in 2011? Might make a senior trip out of that.. :cool2:

Last year it was the second week of March. I don't know if that's always been the date historically, so I can't assume if it'll be the same in 2011.

[stuvecorp]

Yeah, okay! :rolleyes: Would that select few happen to be a proud rider of the short bus? ;) :laugh:

Nope, they sent the big bus for me till the state said I was worthy to drive a pickup.:cool:

[Junior M]

Nope, they sent the big bus for me till the state said I was worthy to drive a pickup.:cool:
Sure! :rolleyes: :laugh:

[stuvecorp]

Last year it was the second week of March. I don't know if that's always been the date historically, so I can't assume if it'll be the same in 2011.

I am hoping to get to go, that much big iron. Fully Awesome.

[Junior M]

Last year it was the second week of March. I don't know if that's always been the date historically, so I can't assume if it'll be the same in 2011.
that might be hard to make... Dam! that'd be an awesome senior trip..

[Scag48]

I am hoping to get to go, that much big iron. Fully Awesome.

Lots of big toys. I think it would be safe to assume that the guys at the booths for the big manufacturers are some of the best product reps/salesmen representing the brand, it would be cool to talk to those guys and pick their brain about specific systems on the equipment and see how much they can actually tell me about it.

[KCfireman]

I was in Vegas last week for 3 days. If you wanted to see some real construction, you should've made the trip up to hoover dam. Their putting in the new 4 lane hoover dam bypass. ABSOLUTLEY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KCfireman]

I've already posted all my pics of it on here. But here's a good pic, and a good overall view and size of this project.

[KCfireman]

Here's the link to the pictures i took. http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=267250

[dozerman21]

I've already posted all my pics of it on here. But here's a good pic, and a good overall view and size of this project.

I want to see the Hoover Dam the next time I go out there. It's looks pretty amazing. Maybe I'll rent a Harley for a day and ride out there.

KSSS- Does that new City Center (I think that's what it's called) still have a long way to go? I was out there a year ago last weekend and saw that. Huge complex. I'm sure Mr. Wynn has to be flipping the bill on that one.

[bobcatuser]

Lots of big toys. I think it would be safe to assume that the guys at the booths for the big manufacturers are some of the best product reps/salesmen representing the brand, it would be cool to talk to those guys and pick their brain about specific systems on the equipment and see how much they can actually tell me about it.

You never know who you will meet at the booths. My friend hopped on a excavator at the Takeuchi booth and started complaining about the arm rests. Within seconds the engineer who designs the interior was there with a note pad asking questions. As we were leaving the sales rep introduced us to Mr. Takeuchi, I was impressed at how dedicated they were to improving the product.

The Bobcat area had engineers staffing the booth, they could answer any question about the equipment.

[stuvecorp]

You never know who you will meet at the booths. My friend hopped on a excavator at the Takeuchi booth and started complaining about the arm rests. Within seconds the engineer who designs the interior was there with a note pad asking questions. As we were leaving the sales rep introduced us to Mr. Takeuchi, I was impressed at how dedicated they were to improving the product.

The Bobcat area had engineers staffing the booth, they could answer any question about the equipment.

That would be awesome to ask the engineers questions on stuff, good for both parties. I have a couple companies engineers I would love to pick their brain.

[ksss]

I want to see the Hoover Dam the next time I go out there. It's looks pretty amazing. Maybe I'll rent a Harley for a day and ride out there.

KSSS- Does that new City Center (I think that's what it's called) still have a long way to go? I was out there a year ago last weekend and saw that. Huge complex. I'm sure Mr. Wynn has to be flipping the bill on that one.


Yes it does. That was the job that had the big cranes strapped to the buildings. That building (s) is huge. That was the job that also had some excavators working on it. No doubt that cat has some money, or at least did.

Last year during Con Expo we did the helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon and saw that bridge. Pretty amazing site. Cant imagine how they make that work. I guess if you throw enough money at something anything is possible.

[ksss]

Yes it does. That was the job that had the big cranes strapped to the buildings. That building (s) is huge. That was the job that also had some excavators working on it. No doubt that cat has some money, or at least did.

Last year during Con Expo we did the helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon and saw that bridge. Pretty amazing site. Cant imagine how they make that work. I guess if you throw enough money at something anything is possible.


I forgot this little morsal for GR. I saw two new 450/550 Fords (numerous old ones) which are used for shuttles. The rest and there were a lot of them, were 4500/5500. It appeared that most of the newer shuttles used the GM med. duty trucks.

[ksss]

One minute you're saying you can't afford a newer 160 and then you head to Vegas?! Something doesn't smell right. For the money spent in Vegas, you could've upgraded to a real skid steer, one that isn't an off-beige color. So if things are slow in Vegas, can one assume that the "locals" are offering their services at discounted rates? :laugh:


Ah yes, the flight, hotel (Rio), shuttle to and from airport, and tickets to Blue man group for 3 nights/4 days was $800.00 If that gives you any idea of how hungry they are down there for people. I did not check to compare "service" rates. I did however go through the Yellowpages. The book had about 75 pages of "escort" services. The excavation page was 3/4 of a page in length and not one picture ads, all were inline ads. Amazing, just shows you where the money is in Vegas. It is more into fillin holes than diggen em.:drinkup:

[stuvecorp]

Ah yes, the flight, hotel (Rio), shuttle to and from airport, and tickets to Blue man group for 3 nights/4 days was $800.00 If that gives you any idea of how hungry they are down there for people. I did not check to compare "service" rates. I did however go through the Yellowpages. The book had about 75 pages of "escort" services. The excavation page was 3/4 of a page in length and not one picture ads, all were inline ads. Amazing, just shows you where the money is in Vegas. It is more into fillin holes than diggen em.:drinkup:

It doesn't matter where I go, I always look through the yellow pages. I like to see how or what guys in other area advertise. Never thought to look for more interesting stuff.:)

[ksss]

You never know who you will meet at the booths. My friend hopped on a excavator at the Takeuchi booth and started complaining about the arm rests. Within seconds the engineer who designs the interior was there with a note pad asking questions. As we were leaving the sales rep introduced us to Mr. Takeuchi, I was impressed at how dedicated they were to improving the product.

The Bobcat area had engineers staffing the booth, they could answer any question about the equipment.

I met Mr. TK at the last Conexpo. It is really cool to be able talk to the engineers from the different OEMs. You learn a lot. I even got to meet Tiger! The only guy on this site I have actually have seen face to face. Although I think us in the Pac West will eventually met at a RB sale if we can get Scag off that snow cat.

[RockSet N' Grade]

KSSS.......the only reason we haven't met is that you keep putting off your baptism date at the Temple. If you would quit hemming and hawing and just join (for 10% you too can be saved).......I would show up and pass the collection plate..........

[ksss]

KSSS.......the only reason we haven't met is that you keep putting off your baptism date at the Temple. If you would quit hemming and hawing and just join (for 10% you too can be saved).......I would show up and pass the collection plate..........

You and I are probably the only one that will get that, but if thats what it will take, I guess it will remain as it is.:laugh:

[Junior M]

You and I are probably the only one that will get that, but if thats what it will take, I guess it will remain as it is.:laugh:
I definetly dont get it.. ;)

[ksss]

I definetly dont get it.. ;)

Its not worth explaining

[Scag48]

Although I think us in the Pac West will eventually met at a RB sale if we can get Scag off that snow cat.

You said it. Actually minimax and I met up, he came up for the snowcat experience one night, although it wasn't terribly spectacular in terms of seat gripping action the night he came up. Right now I'm ready to trade in this cat for another, we just keep getting hammered with snow and I was hoping for an easy last couple of weeks. :laugh: 14" of snow in 8 hours, it's been flat snowing since 1 AM and 20-30 MPH winds. Turn my lights off, stick my head out the window and try to figure out where I'm going and not run my cat off a cornice. Good times.

[dozerman21]

Ah yes, the flight, hotel (Rio), shuttle to and from airport, and tickets to Blue man group for 3 nights/4 days was $800.00 If that gives you any idea of how hungry they are down there for people. I did not check to compare "service" rates. I did however go through the Yellowpages. The book had about 75 pages of "escort" services. The excavation page was 3/4 of a page in length and not one picture ads, all were inline ads. Amazing, just shows you where the money is in Vegas. It is more into fillin holes than diggen em.:drinkup:

We went to the Rio one night for the dinner buffet. It was a little pricey for the quality but not too bad. The MGM Grand breakfast buffet was unreal. I'm glad I didn't know how good it was until the last day. :laugh: We also had a 4500/5500 shuttle bus with a Duramax. They seemed to be everywhere. That's a hell of a rate for all that you got. I guess you're a lot closer for the plane ticket, but still a good deal. My buddy saw Blue Man Crew and said it was pretty cool.

[ksss]

We went to the Rio one night for the dinner buffet. It was a little pricey for the quality but not too bad. The MGM Grand breakfast buffet was unreal. I'm glad I didn't know how good it was until the last day. :laugh: We also had a 4500/5500 shuttle bus with a Duramax. They seemed to be everywhere. That's a hell of a rate for all that you got. I guess you're a lot closer for the plane ticket, but still a good deal. My buddy saw Blue Man Crew and said it was pretty cool.


Yea it was only 1.5 hours for a flight time. Beats the heck out of 12 hours in car. The Blue man group was a good show, not the best I have seen. We also went to the Improv at Harrahs. Dollar per laughs that was a better deal.

[ConstSvcs]

Yep, was there in Feb. for the International Builders Show. The only two projects that were hopping was the very large financial/ hotel project just down from the Paris Hotel area (other side of the street)

And the little hottie lap dancer that I spent some moooney on at the Blue Rhino :cool2: (guys.....you gotta go there if in Vegas)

" What happens in Vegas..........:usflag:

[ConstSvcs]

Ahhhhh .......you guys talkn' about this bridge project......amazing:

[MJM316]

As far as Bldg const goes in Vegas its dead just like everywhere. I know a carpenter that just got back 3 months ago and he said he had been working as many hrs as he wanted for the last 3 yrs and then it all came to a screeching halt! I think the last time I checked at my hall there were still about 20 or so guys out there but that was over a month ago and I'm sure they are now laid off and enjoying the "locals" or are back home. Goes to show ya even the casinos and their investors are not very confident in our economy:cry: