Issue 37

March 2014

Spring officially begins March 20! Get ready now with special pricing on select Kubota products and $0 down, 0% financing for all qualified buyers during the Get Something Started Kubota Sales Event.

The reports are in. Alabama's construction industry is ready for growth! Read this month's Chewin' the Cud article, Positive Construction Industry Outlook for 2014 for more details. While you're at it, check out the full line of Kubota Construction Equipment for the big and small jobs, including excavators, backhoes and Z700 Series Zero-Turn mowers.

Remember to check out the great deals on our Used Products and take a look at our Specials this month at cahabatractor.com.

The March Gardening Guide will help you get planting for spring. And, for some extra fun, take a look at what's going on around the state this month in February Activities and Events.

Daylight Savings Time is Sunday, March 9! Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night!

Take advantage of special financing rates for all qualified buyers during the

Get Something Started Kubota Sales Event

going on now!

Equipment

for the BIG Construction Jobs

Kubota KX71-3S

Compact Excavator

Kubota SVL90-2
Compact Track Loader

Kubota's built a solid reputation on quality American-made products since 1974. With a full-line of Construction Equipment including, rugged compact track loaders, ultra-compact and compact excavators, compact wheel loaders and versatile TLB loader/landscaper tractors, Kubota helps you get the job done faster and more efficiently.

and the SMALLER
Lawn and Garden Jobs

Kubota BX Series Tractor
with Cutter

Kubota Z700 Series

Zero-Turn Mower

Today's gardener and small farmer looking for an all-around versatile machine can find everything they need in the

Kubota BX Series Tractor.

For incredible maneuverability, easy to use controls and a professional cutting experience, the
Kubota Z Series Zero-Turn Mowers are the best bet.

This strong compact utility tractor has the feel and

drive of an agile 4WD garden tractor, but is built with the reliability that only comes from Kubota.

To get the big jobs done, take a look at the new

Kubota Z700 Series. This heavy duty, commercial-grade mower can handle the toughest lawns.

Get your Kubota now during the

Get Something Started Kubota Sales Event

thru March 31st!

Used Products and Specials

Take a look at more great deals on cahabatractor.com. Get 'em before they're gone!

Here's one of the many great Used Products
we have in stock!

Used Kubota L2800 Tractor
with Cutter and Trailer $11,890

Check out this month's Specials!

Kubota BX2370
Special Price $12,290

Kubota ZD326 P-60
Special Price $12,690

Kubota GR2120-54
Special Price $8,595

Shop now for the best selection on
Used and Special-priced equipment!

Chewin' the Cud: The Cahaba Tractor Corner

Positive Construction Industry
Outlook for 2014

For the first time in seven years, the commercial construction industry, particularly in Alabama, is showing signs of life. After a significant market downturn during the housing bust and economic recession that led to a loss of business investment in 2007, optimism has been growing. According to the 2014 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), predictions are high for the commercial construction market to either grow or remain stable in every market segment in 2014. The survey of over 800 firms across the nation indicates the confidence among contractors who believe that as the public sector stabilizes the private sector demand should grow.

The report indicates:
Manufacturing
*44% predict an increase
Retail, Warehouse and Lodging
*43% predict an increase
Hospital and Higher Education
*42% predict an increase
Private Office
*43% predict an increase
Power Construction
*40% predict an increase
Water and Sewer
*35% predict an increase
Highway Construction
*48% predict it will remain stable
*31% predict an increase
Other Transportation Projects
*55% predict demand will be comparable to 2013

*24% predict an increase
Public Building Construction
*45% predict it will remain stable
*30% predict an increase

As a result, many firms expect to expand their payroll and purchase new equipment to remain competitive when actively pursuing new market opportunities. Despite challenges like, finding good skilled workers in a highly competitive market, increased materials and health care costs and complying with federal regulations, the construction industry remains confident and poised for growth.

Why the positive industry outlook? Even though the federal government has done little in recent years to improve confidence among consumers, both the Conference Board Leading Economic Index� (LEI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) indicate economic expansion for 2014. The LEI posts a steady increase in the last six months which means that expansion in economic activity is on the upswing. Consumers are optimistic about future earnings as seen by the stronger consumer spending index in the fourth quarter of 2013. That optimism is expected to continue into 2014.

Contractors in the South, and especially in Alabama, are the most confident. The Alabama Business Confidence Index (ABCI) registers the state's economic outlook at 6.0 points above the national economy index. The survey, conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) in the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Commerce, reports almost 80 percent of executives who completed the first quarter survey expect Alabama's economy to grow at the same or stronger pace than last quarter. Businesses in construction, manufacturing and financial activities have the most positive outlooks for the first quarter in 2014. It's also reported that the highest employment gains will be seen in construction and manufacturing, with moderate gains in retail and financial activities.

Slow and steady wins the race. Those are six powerful words that describe the industry's slow, consistent crawl back from a sluggish economy. Progress may have been hindered, but the industry appears to be set for a strong comeback.

It's not too late to get your equipment serviced! Give us a call or stop by and we'll help get you ready for spring.

Sincerely,

Cahaba Tractor Co.

2411 Hwy. 31 South

Pelham, AL 35124

(205) 663-1470

Daylight Savings Time

Sunday, March 9

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

Why settle for less

when you can have

the best?

At Cahaba Tractor,

we make work
seem like play!

Here's

Mud

Your

Eye

Special Delivery

Two golfers were loudly discussing a bill that Harry, the hospital administrator, had sent to Bill, a recent father.

"Harry, this is too much for the use of the delivery room," stated Bill. "You know I didn't get there in time and the baby was born on the hospital's front lawn!"

Harry grabbed the bill, crossed out the offending entry and substituted another, "Greens Fee" it read.

--Anonymous

March
Gardening Guide

Fruits and Nuts:

Continue strawberry and grape plantings. Begin planting blackberries. Bud apples and peaches.

Vegetable Seed:

Plant hardy crops recommended for January and February. Plant tender vegetables after danger of frost has passed. Follow the AL Vegetable Garden Planting Chart for planting dates.

Vegetable Plants:

In north Alabama, plant cabbage, onions, lettuce, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. In lower south Alabama, plant tomatoes and peppers.

Annuals and Perennials:

In south Alabama, tender annuals may be planted.

Bulbs:

For a long blooming season, plant gladiolus every 2-3 weeks. Plant dahlias. Tuberous begonias can be planted in pots.

Roses:

Check for aphids on new growth. Begin fertilizing and a spray and dust program.

Shrubs:

According to your soil test, fertilize shrubs except azaleas and camellias. Continue late plantings, especially if container grown. Watch for pests.

Lawns:

In south Alabama, plant Bermuda, Zoysia and Centipede grasses. In north Alabama, seed bluegrass and grass mixtures. Begin fertilizing established lawns.

Miscellaneous:

*Now is a good time to inspect and repair all sprayers, dusters and lawn mowers.

*Begin spraying lawns for weeds.

*Delaying any pruning of fruiting shrubs such as, cotoneasters, pyracanthas and hollies until after flowering.

The gardening guide is based upon the USDA hardiness zones for Alabama.

The state zones are:

North Alabama - 7a

Birmingham area - 7b

South Alabama - 8a

Mobile area - 8b

For more gardening info, visit:

Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

March