[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]Size matters. It''s easy to see why an SDS-max rotary hammer (the red Milwaukee) is the best tool for big holes and frequent use. drillpressoperatordescription The ample size reduces vibration, and stout motors can turn 2-inch spiral bits. The blue cordless Makita SDS-plus rotary hammer drillpressoperatordescription (bottom) is handy, but its smaller chuck and motor are meant only for bits up to 3/4 inch. The 1/2-inch DeWalt hammer drill (right) is versatile, but drilling in hard concrete is slow and the conventional chuck isn''t made for heavy pounding.

* Improved vehicle aerodynamics have decreased wind resistance and made the vehicles more "slippery."* Down-sized engines have reduced engine braking by compression.* Higher speed rear axle ratios have reduced mechanical retardation.* drillpressoperatordescription Radial tires have reduced rolling resistance.* The movement toward smaller wheels and low profile tires require the smaller brake to absorb the same amount of energy as the standard 16-1/2 x 7-in, brake of today.It is no wonder that brake specifications drillpressoperatordescription have assumed such a predominate role when purchasing equipment. Fortunately, for truck fleets and the motoring public alike, government is playing a major role in demanding certain brake performance standards on new vehicles.How do all of these government standards help the truck fleet manager when specifying air brake systems? Actually, the standards assume the major responsibilities for proper braking of new vehicles. However, the fleet manager still has certain obligations:

Nagel''s wife, Cindy, and her sister-in-law, Angela Nagel (both pictured on page 34), are trained technicians who go on the road with the equipment, scanning more than 15,000 cattle a year for producers across drillpressoperatordescription the Midwest and West. Their business, Midwest Sonatech, Inc. (605/369-2628) works with Iowa State University (ISU) to analyze the data. Business is booming."Ultrasound body composition data is the greatest tool a seedstock producers can use to make genetic improvement," says Cindy. "Customers are now demanding the data. Ultrasound results can make or break a bull."The Nagels use two Aloka 500V machines to collect measurements on fat thickness, ribeye area and marbling, and rump fat. The stored images are analyzed by ISU with computer software. The Nagels can scan 20 cattle an hour. They charge $14 a head, which includes $4 for image analysis.

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