2024 Gear of the Year

2024 was a year of innovation and advancement in the masonry industry. From tools, to materials, to technology, companies all across the trade are putting their foot forward to change masonry for the future. This year, we reached out to our MAP partners to give them a chance to show off their progress and new products that came out over the past year. 

Best Block
The beauty of brick and the value of CMU, this is the proposition that Best Block© is introducing with its new Best BrikTM product that’s part of its Design SeriesTM of architectural concrete masonry units. As part of Best Block’s Design Series, Best Brik offers enhanced design flexibility for CMU without sacrificing strength and reliability. Ideal for structural single wythe walls or anchored veneers, Best Brik is double-exposed masonry that’s:

  • Available with up to a 4-hour fire rating to meet the strictest building codes
  • Made with polymer-based integral water repellent technology that minimizes moisture intrusion
  • Exceeds minimum design strength of masonry walls set by ASTM C90
Available in half high and full high sizes, Best Brik has the aesthetics of traditional brick and is readily available in a variety of color blends nationwide.
See all the options to choose from Best Block’s Design Series at BestBlock.com



Construction Robotics
The compact, battery-powered MZ100 makes block laying a breeze! It’s the latest in Smart-Lifting Technology from Construction Robotics, and features a fully weatherproof low-profile design that is perfect for both outdoor and indoor construction. This mobile powerhouse of a MULE handles materials up to 100lbs (45kg) making them feel virtually weightless. This allows masons to install heavy units with precision and increase production while minimizing the risk of injuries.

Powered by a single 24V Lithium-Ion battery, it offers up to 32 hours of continuous operation. Just 30 minutes of charging provides hours of productivity, and it can be fully charged and as little as 3.5 hours.

The MZ100 is operator-friendly with a quick start up, intuitive controls, and easy transport. It can help you lower per-block costs, reduce insurance rates, and enjoy a more satisfied workforce, and the IoT reporting provides valuable data and insights.

Learn more about the MZ100 online at https://www.construction-robotics.com/mz100/




FRACO
Brick Recyc is a patented machine invented by Quebec masons to tackle the challenges of brick preservation. This solution simplifies and accelerates the brick-cleaning process, making it especially effective for saving bricks from historical buildings.

Traditionally, cleaning bricks involved manually chipping away old mortar with hammers, often resulting in a 30–35% loss due to breakage. This method was time-consuming and generally unpopular among workers. Brick Recyc eliminates these issues, efficiently cleaning 3–8 bricks per minute without causing damage. Its user-friendly design requires minimal training: the operator simply places the brick into the machine, the brick is drawn inside, cleaned by specialized blades, and released as a fully restored brick in seconds. The machine can be operated on-site and is compact enough to be used on mast-climbing platforms.

By removing the need to transport bricks for cleaning, Brick Recyc saves both time and labor. Additionally, its ability to significantly reduce construction waste and lower CO2 emissions allows contractors to qualify for eco-friendly tax credits, making it an invaluable tool in both domestic and international markets.

Masons appreciate Brick Recyc for its ease of operation and low dust production, making it a smarter, more sustainable solution that also addresses labor shortages and boosts productivity.




Heidelberg Materials
For the 2024 Product Spotlight, we’d like to share Heidelberg Materials North America’s Masonry Types N, S and M cements. Manufactured at the company’s new state-of-the-art cement plant in Mitchell, Indiana, these products were formerly branded as Lehigh Cement but now carry the Heidelberg Materials name and new packaging. When the new plant opened 2023, it substantially eased construction supply chain issues by producing more than triple the volume of cement than was produced at the previous facility. Using the latest in technology and environmental controls, it also significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and energy consumption associated with the cement produced. Brixment masonry cements and mortars are still made at five other Heidelberg Materials plants in the Northeast, Southeast and Ontario Canada.

In addition to a more efficiently and sustainable manufacturing process, the Mitchell plant recently installed a top-of-the-line 12-spout, automated rotating packaging system which can fill 3,600 bags per hour, resulting in greatly expedited service. Another technological advancement is the bagging center’s automated kiosk system, which facilitates safer and quicker loading of trucks.

These investments in our plant and people make it easier to get the high-quality products you need.




Hydro-Tail
The only Universal Water Attachment that goes on all power tools in under one minute. Hydro-Tail set out to solve three huge problems when they created this tool attachment:

1) Suppress Silica dust at the point of contact, to protect all tradesmen from inhaling the Silica dust to greatly reduce the risk of Silicosis

2) Keep a clean, dust free job-site by suppressing the dust into one confined area

3) Blade preservation, to extend the life of the blades by wet cutting and keeping the it lubricated to better help the product being cut while extending the blade life.

Hydro-Tail nailed all three!




Kraft Tool
Kraft Tool Co.® 10 cubic foot versatile all steel mortar box easily moves around job sites for optimum workflow. Manufactured for the rigors of use by masonry contractors. The narrow designed mortar box fits well on scaffolding. All box joints are overlapped and continuously welded to ensure long-lasting performance, The 6” clearance on the bottom provides for easy job site placement.

Dimensions: 57-1//2” x 22” x 24”
Weight: 166 pounds




Westlake Royal Stone Solutions - Dutch Quality Stone
Dutch Quality StoneTM debuts its first brick profile, Handformed BrickTM. Each tumbled brick piece is meticulously molded with textured variations and robust dimensions, bringing depth and artisanal charm to interior and exterior spaces. This attention to detail enhances visual appeal, adding a layer of sophistication and authenticity to wall installations.

Handformed Brick is available in three colorways including: SnowpackTM, a bright white hue inspired by freshly fallen snow, Quail GreyTM, a dusky sandstone with pewter tones that creates a captivating neutral, and Coal CrestTM, a dark and moody palette with a rich blend of charcoal and ash tones.

For more information visit https://dutchqualitystone.com/.





Hydro Mobile
M2 Summit Motorized Access System

With the new Hydro Mobile M2 Summit motorized access system from BrandSafway, you can access an M Series work platform at any height, any time.

  • No independent fall protection required.
  • No more climbing masts.
  • No delays or additional cost for alternate access solutions.
Just step aboard and ride to the top in comfort and safety.

The Summit motorized access system is a cost-effective, time-saving alternative to existing mast climber work platform access systems. Traveling at up to 35 feet per minute carrying as many as three passengers at a time, the Summit reduces the time required to access the work area and increases worker safety.

The system is powered by a 208-volt electric hoist, allowing it to easily run off building power or a generator. Designed with worker wellbeing in mind, the Summit has multiple built-in safety devices ensuring secure travel up and down the mast. This includes a dual rope hoist system, eliminating the need for workers to wear a fall arrest harness and lifeline. The M2 Motorized Access system is available on new M2 platforms or can be retrofitted to existing M2 platforms.






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