Smiths Hire goes from strength to strength with Kubota20 April 2021ExcavatorsSmiths Hire, one of the North West’s largest independent equipment hire companies, has made a significant investment in Kubota excavators, adding 35 machines to its fleet. Based in Blackpool, the well-established and respected hire company operates 16 depots in areas such as Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and Preston. Having recently marked its milestone 50 year anniversary, and previously being named HAE-National Hire Company of the Year 2018/19, Smiths Hire has recently undergone significant growth in its business and will be adding a further three depots to its roster later this year in Burnley, Castleford and Morecambe servicing the Lancaster area. The purchase further strengthens a multi-year relationship with Kubota dealer PV Dobson, which supplied all 35 excavators. A sharp upturn in home renovations is responsible for sky-high demand in the mini-excavator market, Thomas Smith, Managing Director of Smiths Hire, explained: “While we’re always extremely busy at this time of year, with a lot more people working at home, and current restrictions allowing construction work to continue, home-scale projects are on the rise and demand for smaller excavators is huge. This is especially the case for Kubota’s sub-5 tonne range, which are perfect for domestic jobs”. The lightweight and maneuverable U10-3, KX016-4, U17-3a and U27-4 models make up the majority of Smiths Hire’s investment, while two newly released U50-5’s provide extra power. Part of the newly released 5-tonne range, the U50-5 features a completely redesigned interior, offering the latest features and enhanced comfort. The excavator also benefits from a refreshed, modernised exterior and a cleaner, more powerful Stage V engine. Thomas continued: “Smiths Hire has been working with Kubota for the past 20 years and our whole fleet, in excess of 120 excavators, is Kubota. They’re extremely reliable, come with an excellent backup service, and perhaps most important – customers love them. As we continue to expand the business, Kubota is absolutely the best choice for us.” For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of machinery solutions and first-class aftermarket support, visit www.kubota-eu.com or call 01844 268000.... Read more...Liebherr: The Liebherr Group achieves over ten billion euros in annual turnover20 April 2021FinanceIn 2020, the Liebherr Group achieved a turnover of € 10,341 million. Compared to the previous year, the company posted a decline of € 1,409 million, or 12 %. Following several successful years, and in the context of last year’s extraordinary conditions, this is considered satisfactory. Great job in Denmark: Two Liebherr mobile cranes LTM 1750-9.1 at a wind turbine in Jutland. Despite the modest slowdown of the global economy, Liebherr registered a strong volume of orders in the first quarter of 2020. Starting at the end of the first quarter, the coronavirus pandemic began to affect business activities in many markets. This also had an impact on the Group’s sales revenues. With the exception of Refrigeration and Freezing, every product segment experienced a decline in turnover. Revenues in the Earthmoving, Material Handling Technology, Deep Foundation Machines, Mobile and Crawler Cranes, Tower Cranes, Concrete Technology and Mining product segments were 10.4 % lower than in the previous year at € 6,848 million. Revenues outside construction and mining machines also fell. With the other product segments, including Maritime Cranes, Aerospace and Transportation Systems, Gear Technology and Automation Systems, Refrigeration and Freezing, as well as Components and Hotels, Liebherr achieved a turnover of € 3,493 million, a 15 % decrease compared to the previous year. There was a downturn in sales in the European Union, which has traditionally been the Group’s strongest sales region. This was primarily due to declining sales in Germany and France; by contrast, business grew in Austria and Poland. Sales in non-EU countries as well as in North America also declined. Central and South America, Africa, and the Near and Middle East reported significantly lower turnover than the year before. Meanwhile, business was stable throughout the year in Asia and Oceania. This was thanks largely to strong demand from China and Australia. In 2020, the Liebherr Group achieved a net profit for the year of € 7 million. Operating results and the financial result also fell compared to 2019. In view of the year’s special challenges and extraordinary conditions, this can nevertheless be considered a success. Despite the significant decrease in turnover, the number of employees remained stable: At the end of 2020, Liebherr employed 47,925 people worldwide, that is just 124 employees fewer compared to the previous year. In action with ease: The Liebherr 42 M5 XXT truck-mounted concrete pump with the innovative XXT outrigger system masters the tight space conditions in front of the historic castle. Traditionally high investments in research and development As a high-tech company, the Liebherr Group pursues the goal of making a decisive contribution to shaping the technological progress in sectors relevant to the Group. Liebherr invested € 512 million in research and development last year. The bulk of this was used in the development of new products. A large number of joint research projects with universities, other higher education institutions and research institutes were initiated and continued. These research projects focused heavily on the topic of alternative drivetrain technologies. In 2020 Liebherr expanded its product portfolio with several fully and partially electric machines and components in product segments such as Mobile and Crawler Cranes, Concrete Technology, Mining and Aerospace and Transportation Systems. Digitalisation was another focal point of R&D activities. With the help of the Liebherr Remote Service App, a LHM 420 mobile harbour crane was put to work in Argentina – remotely from Germany for the first time ever. In the Refrigeration and Freezing product segment, it is worth noting that smart monitoring allows for the monitoring of appliances with a web-based dashboard in research and laboratories. Liebherr is a founding member of the “Center Construction Robotics” project, which was granted a 10,000 m² plot by RWTH Aachen University in 2020 for a model construction site. Here, an interdisciplinary team of scientists from RWTH Aachen will work with a consortium of European industry leaders to study new construction processes, products, connected machines, robotics and software solutions as well as new training, working and communications concepts. Latest generation: The smart Liebherr fully integrated appliances have an impressive array of clever features, top levels of energy efficiency, modern design and a low noise output. Investments in production, sales and service The Group invested € 605 million in its production sites and its global distribution and service networks. The level of investment decreased by € 151 million compared to last year. Offset against this was depreciation of € 543 million. In Kempten (Germany) Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH opened the “Liebherr Tech-Center”, where high-quality automation systems are tested and demonstrated in a 700 m² test hall. In the Refrigeration and Freezing product segment, Liebherr also opened a new site in Ulm (Germany), from where sales and service for Germany and digitalisation departments operate. Outside Europe Liebherr invested in the construction of the new headquarters of Liebherr Panama S.A. in Panama City. In the Aerospace and Transportation Systems product segment, Liebherr-Transportation Systems (China) Co., Ltd. started operations at its new production site in Pinghu (Zhejiang Province). To meet demand in the Components product segment in the Asian market, a new factory for components is to be built in China. In addition, preparations are under way to begin the assembly of gears in India. Outlook for 2021 In the first quarter of 2021, order intake has already developed favourably across various product segments of the Liebherr Group, indicating a significant increase in sales in 2021. Overall economic opportunities arise from the global recovery of various industrial sectors in which the Liebherr Group is active in. At the same time, there is still uncertainty about the speed of macroeconomic recovery. For instance, it is unclear whether international trade will pick up or continue to decline, or whether the economic policies implemented by many governments can prevent debt from spiralling. On Monday, 19 April 2021, the Liebherr Group publishes its current annual report. In addition to detailed figures, it contains a magazine section reviewing the past financial year. In an interview, Dr. h.c. Dipl.-Kfm. Isolde Liebherr, Dr. h.c. Dipl.-Ing. (ETH) Willi Liebherr, Sophie Albrecht and Patricia Rüf, give their summary for 2020. The annual report of the Liebherr Group can be found online at www.liebherr.com/liebherr-annual-report.... Read more...Event hosted by FHOSS Illuminated Safety Solutions with support from the AA, attracts some of the UK’s biggest construction, plant and fleet hire companies.20 April 2021Construction / PlantThe latest developments in illuminated safety solutions were showcased in a high-profile event at Weston-Super-Mare seafront last month (13 February). The event, which was hosted by FHOSS Illuminated Safety Solutions with support from the AA, attracted some of the UK’s biggest construction, plant and fleet hire companies. As well as representatives from the construction and plant hire world including L Lynch, Flannery and M O’ Brien, delegates from Highways England, TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and DFT (Department for Transport) were in attendance to view FHOSS Illuminated livery in action and to test its effectiveness within a real road scenario. “We needed a stretch of road on which we could measure the effectiveness of our product as well as being able to gather as much information and feedback from both members of the public as well as leading government and industry experts.” – said Andrew Kimitri, Director of FHOSS Illuminated Safety Solutions. “This particular stretch of road was perfect for us due to the straight approach run to it, as well as the fact that we were able to switch off the streetlights to demonstrate the effectiveness of our products in total darkness”. The product trial began as the sun started to set. This was to measure its effectiveness in twilight, partial darkness and total darkness. Attendees of the event were driven towards the test vehicles a number of times and observations were recorded to measure feedback and effectiveness. The AA, who are currently trialing the product, provided two vehicles for the event; one fitted with FHOSS Illuminated livery and the other without. Steve Ives, AA Chief Engineer, said: “The roadside is a dangerous place, and our absolute priority is the safety of our patrols and our members. R65-compliant beacons are of crucial industry importance and are the minimum requirement for breakdown vehicles. As LED technology continues to advance, it’s important that we consider innovative solutions which may be able to further enhance conspicuity and the safety of our staff and customers at the roadside. We were pleased to be able to support FHOSS with this trial and demonstration event.” Fhoss was also showcasing another one of its products, the FHOSS Halo Exclusion Zone. This system casts beams of light on the area surrounding plant machinery creating a virtual “danger zone” which has the effect of alerting workers to the hazard and encouraging them to stay at a safe distance. The trial was particularly successful as we witnessed people subconsciously avoiding the area marked out by the Halo Exclusion Zone. “It’s looks very dramatic in darkness”, said Craig Flowers of Aggregate Industries. “When plant machinery is working at night, there is very little light to reflect back from standard prismatic material. This is where companies really benefit from FHOSS innovation as it does not require a secondary light source”. Weston College also supported the event, Dr Paul Phillips CBE Principal and Chief Executive commented; “We were delighted to offer our support to this local company who are leading the way with this type of technology. It also aligns nicely with our brand new facility the Construction Training Centre specialising in plant operations, scaffolding, groundwork and logistics. “FHOSS also provided the opportunity for our students to help with stewarding as well as the media and video team. It was an ideal opportunity for them to get some real life industry experience with such a high profile event. We’re very excited to continue this partnership.” Andrew Kimitri commented: “Due to the success of the evening, both in terms of the test as well as showcasing other FHOSS products, we will now be looking into carrying out an annual event”. “The help and support we have received from our clients, as well as Weston College and North Somerset Council was invaluable.” Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council said: “We are proud FHOSS are producing truly innovative safety products in North Somerset. I am glad that we were able to work with them to create this opportunity to showcase their product portfolio to such high calibre industry representatives and I wish them every success as their company continues to thrive.” For FHOSS Illuminated Safety Solutions, there’s no doubt the future is looking bright!... Read more...JCB expands compact excavator line with new 3.5-tonne models14 April 2021ExcavatorsJCB is launching a 3.5-tonne zero tailswing compact excavator and a new 3.6-tonne conventional model, expanding its ‘Next Generation’ line-up to meet customer demand. Features include: An engine designed for global markets with new hydraulic systemLarger ROPS cab/canopy with new instrumentationImproved dig-end geometry with 40mm bucket pins and 500-hour greasingEasy to clean H-frame undercarriage design with auto kick-down motorsReprofiled dozer blade delivering increased productivity Productive power While the new 35Z-1 zero tailswing model is a replacement for the previous generation 8035ZTS, the conventional rear-end 36C-1 is a totally new model. The zero tailswing model is ideal for working in confined areas, providing greater protection as the counterweight rotates within the width of the machine. The 36C-1 provides increased productivity with more reach, stability and lifting performance. Both machines are powered by a three-cylinder Stage V/T4 Final Perkins engine, delivering 18.4kW (24.6hp). This engine uses mechanical fuel injection and has no requirement for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or any form of exhaust after-treatment. The engine is suitable for Stage V territories, is EPA approved for the North American market and can be used in global Tier 3 regions. A programmable auto-idle function (2-30 secs) reduces engine speed to 1,400rpm when the levers have not been used for a pre-set time. When the left-hand control pod is lifted, isolating the machine’s hydraulics, the engine speed falls again, to 1,100rpm, reducing fuel consumption and noise levels. A large engine canopy provides easy access to daily checks, with a scalloped counterweight providing easy changing of the engine oil filter. A hinged air conditioning radiator (where fitted) swings out to provide access to the main radiator for cleaning. Maximum control The two machines use the latest Bosch-Rexroth variable displacement, load-sensing, electro-proportional hydraulic pump. This new technology eliminates stalling, making it possible to utilise all of the engine’s output. A closed-centre valve block provides improved flow, for smoother, more precisely controlled operation, particularly when multi-functioning. The valve block is easy to access, beneath a removable floor plate, where engineers can also find the slew motor. The complete hydraulic system is equipped with O-ring face seals, for maximum sealing and all hydraulic hoses are colour-coded for ease of identification. High-flow, electro-proportional, double-acting auxiliary hydraulics are now standard on both excavators, delivering 70 litres/min of flow. The auxiliary flow is controlled using a proportional thumb roller on the right-hand joystick. A single to double-acting changeover is now electronically-controlled by a switch in the cab, rather than the manual changeover tap on the previous generation machine. Double acting low-flow auxiliary hydraulics can also be specified, delivering 30 litres/min of flow. This circuit is controlled through a thumb roller on the left-hand joystick. Selectable high and low flow auxiliary modes, from five to 100 per cent of the available flow, provide attachment compatibility with all makes of work tools. Operator comfort The 35Z-1 and 36C-1 share the same new ROPS/TOPS cab and canopy structure. Flat glazing is used throughout, to minimise replacement costs and an optional FOPS Level 1 guard is offered for further protection. The front screen has a 70/30 split, for maximum visibility to the working area and the lower glass section can be removed and stored inside the rear left-hand window. Slim cab pillars provide excellent visibility all around the machine. Available as a canopy, a cab with heater, or a cab with air conditioning, the spacious working area provides increased legroom for the operator. There are no auxiliary or boom offset pedals on the floor, to provide additional comfort in the cab. Bolt-on grab handles and a large door aperture make it easy to access the high-backed suspension seat. An electro-proportional dozer control is standard and the removable floor mat is easy to clean, with no logos or steps. The membrane switch layout to the right of the operator is easy to read and a new 4-inch display screen provides all operating information. This includes an automatic health check with the first key on, at the start of the day. A rotary work mode controller controls the engine and hydraulic output, while two toggle switches allow the operator to personalise the information available on the main screen. Where hose burst valves are supplied, a Load Moment Indicator (LMI) can be activated in the screen, providing an indication of safe working loads when lifting. Cab builds have a Bluetooth radio and there is a 12V socket and two USB ports for charging of mobile phones and other electrical devices. Both the cab and canopy have LED work lights as standard, with follow-me-home functionality. As with all JCB compact excavators, the 35Z-1 and 36C-1 are equipped with JCB’s 2Go safety system, that requires the operator to press a secondary switch to activate the hydraulic controls. The machines are provided with an immobiliser to prevent theft and JCB LiveLink is standard, providing a telematic link to the excavator to ensure that it remains well-maintained and delivering maximum productivity. Robust construction The compact excavators use a new H-frame undercarriage design for increased rigidity. This open centre design allows spoil to fall from the carriage, reducing material build-up. The track legs have chamfered edges, also making it easier to keep clean. A smooth front idler, four bottom rollers and a single top roller ensure a smooth ride and the Nachi track motors have an auto-kickdown function. There are 12 dedicated tie-down points on the machine, including on the dozer blade, eliminating the need to tie straps or chains across the tracks. The dozer blade design has been improved, with a revised curvature for improved roll performance. Pivot pins feature pin-end greasing, making it easier to service and all plated surfaces are angled to minimise spoil retention. Dozer ram hoses now pass through bulkhead connectors, mounted on the outside of the undercarriage, making it easier to replace them in the event of accidental damage. Optional dozer float and a four-way dozer are now offered. Dig-end geometry has been revised to improve lifting and loading performance. A single 2,450mm main boom is used on both machines and there are two dipper arm options available. A 1,300mm dipper can be supplied with a standard counterweight, while a 1,600mm dipper can be fitted when the machine is equipped with an additional 246kg heavy counterweight. Graphite impregnated bronze bushes have extended greasing intervals on the digging and dozing equipment to 500 hours and the heavy-duty bushed kingpost now comes with re-bushable pivots, to boost service life. The dipper arms are thumb-ready as standard, for those customers that require the attachment. The revised bucket pin geometry now matches other manufacturers, making it easier for customers to utilise attachments across mixed fleets. A conversion hitch will enable the machines to work with the previous generation buckets. There is also a new JCB factory-fit hydraulic quick-hitch option, featuring two locking mechanisms and an LED boom light warning indicator. This CE-marked hitch has been designed to meet all current and expected future legislation.... Read more...Powerscreen Reveals Concept Battery-Powered Screener in Response to Decarbonisation Challenge13 April 2021EquipmentPowerscreen, the world’s leading provider of mobile crushing and screening equipment, is responding to the industry’s decarbonisation challenge by providing solutions that work towards minimised environmental impact and greater sustainability. Powerscreen’s decarbonisation story begins with the introduction of the concept of mobile crushing and screening, has evolved to increase fuel efficiency and looks to the future with Powerscreen’s electrification strategy, including an exciting, brand-new concept for the future of crushing and screening—the Eco-Warrior battery powered screener. Neil Robinson, Powerscreen Product and Applications Manager says, “Some may view this topic as a recent trend, but for Powerscreen, decarbonisation is multi-faceted and has always been at our core. The Powerscreen mobile concept has always contributed towards decreasing the carbon footprint per tonne of material produced. This is done by reducing unnecessary material handling of hauling and loading material to static plants in aggregate production or in the ability to recycle and reuse material at point of use, for example in roadbuilding projects where sub-base material is produced in situ. Using stockpiling conveyors as part of a track mobile set-up is another perfect example of how-to cut-out unnecessary double handling, reducing fuel consumption and therefore carbon production.” Powerscreen has evolved its product range to reduce environmental impact by making its crushing and screening equipment as fuel efficient as possible, using direct drive systems for its crushing range and improving engine capabilities and drive-line design for its screening range. Neil explains, “Direct drive systems are proven to be 13-18% more fuel efficient when compared with hydrostatic, resulting in significantly less carbon emissions, while improvements to our screening range has reduced engine speeds from 2,200rpm to 1,800rpm, which not only means cleaner engines with less emissions, but also reduced fuel usage and therefore carbon produced. For example, a typical mid-size screener running at 1,000 hours per year, has a fuel usage reduction of approximately 450 litres, which equates to 1.2 tonnes less of carbon produced annually.” Another important tool for fuel efficiency is Powerscreen Pulse™, in-depth machine telematics that helps customers see how and where their machines are being operated, understand fuel consumption and carry out fault-finding activities to ensure optimised performance. Neil explains, “Powerscreen was the first mobile crushing and screening manufacturer to offer in-depth machine telematics with the launch of Powerscreen Pulse™ in 2013. In the early days, it generated a large volume of data, but now our system has been refined to deliver actionable information with customised reports and suggested actions for more fuel-efficient operation.” Electrification is currently a key focus of the Powerscreen decarbonisation strategy. The Powerscreen Hybrid range, designed to give customers alternative energy options to operate their range of crushing, screening and conveying equipment, has been dramatically enhanced to include more fully electric crushers and screeners as well as models powered by innovative combinations of diesel and electricity. These options enable customers to choose which fuel to use, depending on cost, location and availability, and are of particular benefit to customers who operate in an area where electricity is more cost effective than diesel fuel, where diesel engine noise is unwanted or on sites where electricity is the preferred energy source. Neil continues, “Customers using Powerscreen Hybrid units powered off the grid have been able to reduce onsite carbon emissions by 57% per tonne of material produced. While our hybrid customers have traditionally been in environmentally conscious countries and states, where legislation or financial incentives are more focused on green energy, we are witnessing a significant uptake in non-traditional locations, as customers prepare to comply with increased government drives for carbon neutrality.” Powerscreen continues to spearhead the industry’s drive for decarbonisation and a clear demonstration of this is a brand-new concept for the future of crushing and screening—the Eco-Warrior™ battery powered screener. Working closely with automotive technology and using top of the range, hyper efficient drives and intelligent control systems, the Eco-Warrior battery powered screener has been designed to deliver on the powerful screening action that Powerscreen machines are famous for, while being a self-charging, or plug-in, model that features a simple, quiet engine with no after-treatment requirements. The required engine size has been cut in half compared with the diesel hydraulic unit and the battery pack can mean emission-free running or give a power boost. Neil says, “To the best of our knowledge this is the first battery powered screener in the world and has been clocking up testing hours since it was built in 2019. It still delivers on the powerful screening action that Powerscreen machines are famous for and we are now exploring taking it from concept to mainstream.” Concluding, Neil says, “This isn’t a publicity stunt; the drive for decarbonisation is real, with the UK, and other governments ruling that carbon emissions have to be reduced by 80% by 2050. It’s critical that we dramatically reduce our carbon footprint and Powerscreen has many solutions available today in support of this. However, we’re not stopping there—we’re taking it to the next level, continuing to be the pioneers in adopting technology that supports the industry in meeting the requirements of government decarbonisation laws—this is the future.” To view a full video on Powerscreen presenting on the drive to decarbonisation, visit the Powerscreen Hillhead booth (available until end of May): https://bit.ly/PowerscreenHillhead21 To learn more visit www.powerscreen.com or find the crushing and screening experts in your area to talk about options available to you: www.powerscreen.com/en/find-a-dealer Network with Powerscreen: “Like” Powerscreen on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/PowerscreenOfficialFollow Powerscreen on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/PowerscreenCheck out Powerscreen’s videos on YouTube by visiting www.youtube.com/user/Powerscreen... Read more...New solutions by Wacker Neuson for the construction site13 April 2021Dumpers / Excavators(Munich, April 2021) To be able to offer customers holistic solutions for every day at the construction site, Wacker Neuson is continually developing new products and optimizing time-tested and proven machines and construction equipment. In early 2021, the company is introducing new compact machines such as excavators and dumpers as well as innovations in the area of compaction and from the zero emission range. Wacker Neuson is at home in the area of compact construction machines and construction equipment – from internal vibrators to compaction machines, dumpers and wheel loaders all the way to 15 metric-ton excavators, customers can get everything for their construction sites under a single roof at Wacker Neuson. “With our innovation solutions in both products and services, we support our customers in getting everything out of their working day,” says Alexander Greschner, Sales Director of the Wacker Neuson Group. “For us, the customer benefits are always our focus, and the question of how we can make our customers’ everyday work at the construction site easier. Our current new products also fulfill our high demand for reliability, security and flexibility.” New mini-excavators: the boost for every construction site Working on a new level: this is what the excavators of the 4- or 5-metric ton class ET42, EZ50 – the Z stands for Zero Tail, i.e. no rear projection – and ET58 stand for. All three models are equipped with the new Active Working Signal (AWS), which guarantees a higher level of safety for the persons in the working environment of the excavator: a red LED strip integrated in the engine hood signals the operational readiness of the machine. This way, all persons on the construction site know that the excavator is in service – a simple but effective feature for more construction site safety. Another new feature: the tracked excavator ET42 is available with the option of the Vertical Digging System (VDS). This system, which only Wacker Neuson offers in the compact class, allows exact vertical digging even on an uneven ground surface, curbs or slopes. The tilting mechanism necessary for this is installed in the travel gear on the ET42 model. With VDS, up to 25 percent material and time savings result when excavating and filling with the excavator. At the same time, the excavator ET42 with the VDS option also has the same machine and entry heights, as well as insertion depth, as the model without VDS. The powerful drive system of the excavators ET42, EZ50 and ET58 supports customers in reliably finishing demanding tasks. The excavators are impressive for their high lifting and digging power, quick working cycles and the 3-point kinematics for more break out force, insertion depth and dumping height. This provides the construction site with tangible benefits, as even applications on stony ground are no problem thanks to the high break out force. The innovative hydraulic system “Load Sensing Flow Sharing” ensures precise control and high performance efficiency: the machine adjusts automatically to the load and the joystick movement remains constant for the operator at all times. This makes working with the excavator particularly comfortable. More information at www.wackerneuson.com/boost and in the video. Efficient and productive in narrow spaces With the telehandler TH412 and the wheel loader WL28, Wacker Neuson presents two optimized all-rounders. The wheel loader WL28 is impressive as a flexibly deployable transport helper with a high tipping load and even more comfort and safety. The powerful hydraulic options provide sensitive control and allow the operation of a wide variety of attachments such as, for example, snow blowers, pallet forks or sweepers. The electronically regulated drive system with various drive modes makes working with both machines even more efficient and flexible. Auto-Mode for the usual 100 percent performance, as well as ECO mode, in which the engine rpm’s are reduced when reaching a travel speed set by the operator in advance, are standard. In addition, customers can optionally choose between two other modes: attachment mode, which keeps the hydraulic flow volume on the attachment always constant, and the M-Drive Mode, in which the engine rpm’s can be specified with the hand throttle and the travel speed regulated with the drive pedal. The reworked telehandler TH412, with 1.25 metric tons of payload and a stacking height of four meters, is the most compact model in the range. Like all telehandlers by Wacker Neuson, the TH412 is also equipped with the innovative Vertical Lift System driver assistance system: due to the partially automated telescopic movement and the nearly vertical lifting or lowering movement, the stability of the machine is improved. Dumpers DW60 and DW90: more safety If transporting materials on uneven terrain conditions is involved, dumpers are the helpers in demand on the construction site. The time-tested and proven wheel dumpers DW60 and DW90, with 6,000 and 9,000 kilograms of payload, are the largest wheel dumpers in the Wacker Neuson portfolio. They have been reworked and now come with a diesel engine of emission standard Stage V, which protects the environment without sacrificing productivity. The standard auto-stop function switches the machine off after a predefined time period without use. The large, multi-functional 7-inch color display ensures an ideal overview of all machine functions and displays the images of the front- and rear-view cameras as well as all important information for the operator. The optional cabin ensures increased safety due to the laminated safety glass installed all around, and the optional skip grating protects the operator when loading as well as when driving. The dumpers are equipped with the time-tested and proven, intuitive hydrostatic 4-wheel drive: the operator only engages the forward or reverse gear and the dumper accelerates variably with constant tractive force. Due to this, the operator can fully concentrate on his work. The automatic braking function additionally increases safety on the construction site. The optional orange safety belt, clearly visible from outside, and a green rotating beacon that displays when the safety belt has been fastened, as well as the entry in signal color, make working with the dumpers even safer. More information at www.wackerneuson.com/dumper and in the video. Compaction expertise for 90 years As the inventor of the vibratory rammer, Wacker Neuson has decades of experience in the area of compaction. The portfolio in the area of soil compaction includes the time-tested and proven trench roller RTx. The maintenance-free lower mass of the roller has been further optimized with several adaptations to the design. The new model generation of the walk-behind vibratory roller RD7, with a drum width of 650 millimeters, delivers optimum work results on asphalt as well as on soil surfaces. The end user benefits here from simple operation via a particularly ergonomic center pole as well as tool-free access to all service points. With its revised design and function, the center pole makes compacting very easy for the operator. All the operator’s control elements can be reached directly on the guide handle. Also, the roller RD7 exhibits, with less than 2.5 m/s², the lowest hand-arm vibration values on the market. More information at www.wackerneuson.com/compaction and in the video. For reliable concrete consolidation, Wacker Neuson offers a battery-powered high frequency internal vibrator. The weight of the converter backpack (ACBe), in which the lithium ion rechargeable battery for the internal vibrator is stored, has now been significantly reduced. The backpack system, which was developed with a leading brand manufacturer, distributes the total weight of 13.5 kilograms – of which about nine kilograms is for the battery – ergonomically on several load points. This makes even more comfortable working possible, completely without cables or emissions. All zero emission compaction machines by Wacker Neuson, that is battery-powered rammers, battery-powered vibratory plates and internal vibrators, are operated with the same modular lithium ion battery. It can be removed for charging in no time, exchanged for a second battery, or swapped between machines – an additional plus in flexibility in everyday construction site work.... Read more...THE NEW TF65.9TCS170-HF JOINS THE MERLO RANGE12 April 2021Environmental / MachineThe introduction of the all new TF65.9TCS170-HF telehandler Merlo marks a significant addition to its heavy duty range of Merlo telescopic handlers. This new model is well suited for those handling a high volume of materials in the large scale agricultural, aggregate, renewable energy, timber & waste sectors. The TF65.9TCS170-HF has been developed specifically with these demanding applications in mind. Offering a maximum lift capacity of 6.5 ton and a maximum lift height of 8.80 m this new heavy duty handler offers class leading performance. The introduction of this new model complements and expands the offering from Merlo in this growing high capacity sector. Fitted with a 4 cylinder, 4.5 litre FPT turbo diesel engine producing a maximum of 170hp operators can be sure of having sufficient power for the most demanding of tasks. The Stage V engine is equipped with both Diesel Particulate Filter technology and a Selective Catalytic Reduction system. The renowned Merlo hydrostatic transmission is fitted as standard along with the innovative EPD TOP (Eco Power Drive) electronic transmission control. This feature allows the operator to select to automatic engine response whilst using the hydraulic functions, giving efficient and the right amount of power for all actions. Furthermore it is possible to activate the Eco and Speed Control functions in order to maximize ease of use and overall performance all whilst minimising fuel consumption. Naturally as you might expect from Merlo, a maximum transport speed of 40 km/h is standard. The new TF65.9 is also equipped with the brand new ASCS (Adaptive Stability Control System). This system comes as standard with an in cab 10.1” LCD colour screen that displays the load dynamic & capacity chart, which is updated in real time. The information from the load being lifted, attachment in use and the machine stability index.This feature also allows: Adjustment of the reaction & speed of hydraulic functions. Setting and defining of possible load capacities for each attachment. Recording and storing the load cycle data. A new load sensing and flow sharing hydraulic system HF (High Flow) is fitted as standard. Utilising a high capacity 160 l/min variable displacement this heavy duty hydraulic pump offers responsive and high output hydraulic for the most demanding of tasks. Additionally the new model can be specified with the MCVTronic CVT transmission. This Merlo designed and built feature increases the torque at the wheels at low speeds, formaximum pushing power, whilst optimising efficiency at higher speeds such as those used for transport. As ever the Merlo designed and manufactured cab is modular type construction with a roomy overall internal width of 1,010mm, making it one of the largest on the market. Operator comfort is further enhanced with the patented CS cab suspension fitted as standard. The Merlo pioneered hydro-pneumatic cab suspension system maximises comfort for the operator by reducing vibration, shock loads and fatigue helping maintain operator safety. The TF65.9TCS170-HF is available to order now from your local Merlo dealer. For further details or to locate your nearest Merlo dealer visit the Merlo UK website at www.merlo.co.uk... Read more...Kubota Business Unit Engine Europe announces new electrically-controlled D902-K7 April 2021Engines / MachineKubota Business Unit Engine Europe (BUEE), the European arm of the Japanese-headquartered corporation, is pleased to announce it will further be strengthening its world-leading engine line up with the announced development of a new electronic controlled diesel engine with an output below 19kW. The new Kubota 3-cylinder D902-K (displacement 0.898L), which is set for mass production from 2022, is the first electronic CAN (Controller Area Network) controlled engine that the globally-renowned manufacturer of industrial Off-Highway, Diesel and Spark-Ignited engines has developed for output less than 19kW. Designed and developed to meet the latest exhaust emission regulations (EU Stage V, EPA Tier4 and China NR IV, and China’s Class III visible smoke regulation GB36886-2018) scheduled to come into force in December 2022. The new D902-K diesel engine features a newly designed TVCR combustion chamber combined with a new and unique common rail system within its compact size, making it the ideal replacement for conventional mechanical controlled models. This innovative system enhances the engine performance efficiency whilst reducing fuel consumptions of approximately 5% compared to conventional control model, meaning that black smoke emission is reduced and suppressed to an invisible level, even during start-up, acceleration and sudden load. DisplacementNumber of cylindersOutputGoverningCombustion System0.898L318.5kWElectrical controlTVCR Daniel Grant, Manager Marketing Intelligence for Kubota Business Unit Engine Europe, said: “The announcement of the new D902-K is part of Kubota’s commitment in responding to latest global emission regulations through innovation and design, ensuring we are providing our customers with market leading solutions that comply with upcoming emissions regulations. “As part of our customer first strategy, it’s also crucial that the solutions we provide exceed the needs of our OEM customers. That’s why the compact dimensions of our new D902-K diesel engine are compatible with conventional models. To compliment this, the intake and exhaust position, engine mount mounting position and PTO are also the same as conventional product. This means the D902-K can easily and seamlessly be incorporated into an OEM’s production processes without impacting on product design and development.” Another key feature of Kubota’s D902-K diesel engine is its ability to help improve drivability and work efficiency. Through the acquisition of engine operation data, telematics technology and communicating via CAN (Controller Area Network) by electric control, both the rotation and torque of the engine can be enhanced or suppressed to improve performance and efficiency that cannot be achieved by mechanical control. About Kubota Holding Europe B.V. Kubota Holdings Europe B.V. with headquarters in Niuew-Vennep, the Netherlands, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kubota Corporation. Founded in 1890 by Mr. Gonshiro Kubota, the company is present in more than 120 countries, with revenues of +1.9 trillion JPY in 2020. Kubota Holdings Europe operates across Europe with more than 2000 employees. Kubota is a manufacturer and wholesaler of farm and compact equipment, engines, and construction machinery. For more information on Kubota, please visit www.kubota-eu.com or www.kubota-global.net... Read more...DCV Engineering Expands Doosan Excavator Fleet7 April 2021Excavators / PlantWith headquarters in Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, plant hire business DCV Engineering Ltd, has expanded the company’s rental fleet with the purchase of four new DX140LCR-5 15.5 tonne and two DX225LC-5 22.1 tonne crawler excavators from Doosan. Supplied by Pioneer Plant Ltd, the local Authorised Doosan dealer based in Leicester, the new DX140LCR-5 and DX225LC-5 models are now part of a very comprehensive fleet of excavators available from DCV Engineering covering all sizes from 1-30 tonne. David Venn, Joint Managing Director of DCV Engineering, comments: “After a steady start to the year, the rental market is really beginning to pick up and we have purchased the new Doosan excavators from Pioneer Plant to expand our fleet to meet this demand. “Since we purchased our first Doosan excavator in 2014, a DX225LC-3 model, we have continued to choose the Doosan brand, owing to its excellent quality, reliability, performance and residual prices. Coupled with the excellent service provided by Pioneer Plant, it is not surprising that we have continued to purchase Doosan excavators and wheel loaders.” Joining a rental fleet comprising well over 500 pieces of equipment for hire, the selection of Doosan excavators available from DCV Engineering (www.dcvengineeringltd.co.uk) starts with the smallest model in the Doosan range, the one tonne DX10Z mini-excavator from Doosan. Nationwide Hire Service Centrally based with very close connections via major roads such as the M1, M6, A45 and A14, DCV Engineering provides a nationwide service. As well as self-drive and operated plant hire, the company offers road sweeping and access equipment and has a large telehandler fleet. The company also has specialised knowledge and experience of the recycling industry, with a wide variety of mobile waste recycling equipment for hire, including crushers, trommel screens and deck screens. DCV Engineering is with FORS Silver (Fleet Operators Recognition System). The company also offers engineering services including equipment repair and installation/relocation of equipment. David Venn added: “We started as a one man and van operation. Today the company has four service engineers and three full time delivery drivers. Other members of our staff are also fully trained with HGV licences so they can help out with deliveries if necessary. We are a family company and this is indicative of the extensive training we want to provide for our staff – DCV Engineering believes very strongly in investing in our people.” Since the company was established in 2001, DCV Engineering has achieved considerable year on year growth. This has been achieved by offering a large, modern stock of plant at very competitive rates, backed by excellent customer service. The Doosan DX140LCR-5 reduced tail swing model provides a 6% increase in power and a 3% increase in torque over the previous version of this crawler excavator. With a focus on greater power, robustness and versatility, the DX140LCR-5 is powered by the Perkins 4.5 engine. Swing torque has also been boosted by 28%. In addition to the efficient engine, new systems and functions have been incorporated to reduce fuel consumption significantly − by up to 10% compared to the previous generation machine. The Doosan DX225LC-5 crawler excavator is powered by the well-proven 6-cylinder, turbocharged Doosan DL06P water-cooled diesel engine, providing a high power output of 124 kW (166 HP) at 1800 RPM. The DX225LC-5 therefore combines plenty of power with high torque at a lower number of revolutions, ensuring higher reliability over time than other 21 tonne machines, which have 4-cylinder engines running at much higher revs. David Venn added: “The residuals are part of the excellent low cost of ownership offered by the Doosan range of construction equipment. The outstanding service/parts support Pioneer Plant and Doosan provide is also crucial. We expect the same and better support from our suppliers than that we provide for our customers.” Over 40 Years of Experience in Plant Pioneer Plant (www.pioneerplant.co.uk) is the Authorised Doosan Dealer for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and the PE and NG postcode areas of South Lincolnshire. The company is solely responsible for sales and servicing of the Doosan crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader, articulated dump truck and attachment ranges in its area. Pioneer Plant offers over 40 years of plant dealership experience for both new and used equipment. Together, Brian Conn and Steve Corner, joint partners in Pioneer Plant, and their team provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise to advise and support customers with their plant purchases and how Doosan products can be used in their businesses. Pioneer Plant customers benefit from a superb on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. The company’s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of all types of plant and machinery. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com... Read more...KUBOTA ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF A NEW EU STAGE V TRACKED DUMP TRUCK6 April 2021MachineKubota has expanded its extensive range of track dumpers with the launch of two new Stage V emissions compliant models. The KC300HR-5 and KC300H-5, are compact and powerful and are ideal for transporting construction materials quickly and efficiently, especially in rough terrain. Both models have a maximum load capacity of 2,875 kg and are capable of transporting large quantities of material in a short time. In the H version, the machine is equipped with a hydraulic three-sided tiltable loading trough. The tipping angle of this model is max. 55°, the tipping angle of the HR version is max. 84°. In addition, the tipper is equipped with a stepless, hydraulic 180° rotation function (HR – hydraulic rotation 90° right / 90° left). With this version, the rotation function can be actuated at the same time as the tipping of the body. This gives the operator the great advantage of being able to unload the bulk material with pinpoint accuracy, which significantly increases the flexibility of the machine. The heart of these two models is the liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine V2403, which complies with the current European exhaust gas stage V. The four-cylinder diesel engineenables the machine to be operated with a high degree of flexibility. It provides the operator with a wide power spectrum in all working situations and, if required, a high driving speed of up to 11 km/h, even when loaded. Other design features include a robust crawler chassis that guarantees the operator efficient and comfortable working. Ground clearance is 330 mm, ensuring avoidance of obstacles and making machine use on uneven terrain much easier. In addition to outstanding versatility and performance, special emphasis was also placed on driver comfort when developing these new track dumpers. The comfortable, reversible seat allows the driver to turn 180 degrees and face the opposite direction of travel. This allows the driver to quickly and easily adjust his seating position to the corresponding loading direction at all times, even in tight construction sites. Joystick operation and a digital display showing all important engine and machine data ensure simple and smooth operation and are always in the operator’s field of vision, even in reverse gear and with the seat direction adjusted. Glen Hampson, Construction Division Manager at Kubota, said, “These two KC300H-5 and HR-5 models are an exciting new addition to our track dumper range and the result of years of experience and continuous investment in new product development. The KC300-5 meets the latest European Stage V diesel emissions regulations and combines power and speed with unbeatable flexibility – all in a compact design. For more information on Kubota’s extensive range of track dumpers, visit: https://kuk.kubota-eu.com/constructionmachinery/products/track-dumpers/kc300h-hr-5/.... Read more...NEW PRICING STRUCTURE LAUNCHED FOR MERLO GENUINE SPARE PARTS31 March 2021FinanceMerlo UK have recently introduced for the first time in the UK a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) list for its complete range of Merlo Genuine spare parts. Listening to customer feedback it was apparent that from time to time inconsistencies could occur with the re-sale pricing of Merlo spare parts. As a result Merlo UK launched a year-long project headed by National Parts Manager, Robin Cooch to analyse and develop a structured and competitive RRP spare parts system. Manufacturing around 95% of all Merlo machine components in house at our factory in Cuneo, Italy, we are able to retain control of the quality, supply & pricing of all Merlo Genuine spare parts. After analysing all possible competitive sources of Merlo spare parts Robin and his team developed a RRP list structure that is designed to offer competitive prices with genuine quality assured. This approach offers all Merlo users great value for money and excellent availability thanks to the UK based parts warehouse further enhancing the #betterbeinggreen Merlo ethos. “Standardising the re-sale price of our genuine spare parts ensures consistency in pricing and service for Merlo user’s right across the UK. We are determined to offer the very best in aftersales support, enhancing our customers’ experience” states Robin. “I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to lead this project. Together with our nationwide Merlo dealer network, backed up by the fully stocked UK parts warehouse, the Merlo UK team is ready to deliver on our pledge to ensure we keep our customers’ operational” concludes Robin.... Read more...Scottish Contractor Prospers with New Doosan Excavator30 March 2021ExcavatorsFollowing the purchase of a new Doosan DX140LC-5 14.4 tonne crawler excavator, Dundee-based DDP Contractors Limited has continued to prosper, winning a number of new contracts in the Scottish market. The new DX140LC-5 was supplied by Balgownie, the local Authorised Doosan dealer, with headquarters in Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. Formed in 2016 by experienced groundworkers, Dean Muir and Darren McIntosh, DDP Contractors mainly works on projects in the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness. The company offers a full range of civils and hard landscaping services via its Commercial, Residential and Small Works Division. This can include any size of project from retail parks, schools, leisure centres and housing developments, to private work, hard landscaping and individual driveways. Work carried out encompasses deep drainage, foundations, muckshifting, slabbing, kerbing, blocking, concreting, cobblestoning and much more. The DX140LC-5 – A Real Value-for-Money Purchase Darren McIntosh commented: “Prior to purchasing the new Doosan excavator, we carried out thorough research including many of the other brands on the market. The people we spoke to were very impressed with the durability and performance of the DX140LC-5 and felt it was the perfect machine for the groundworks contracts we undertake. They also pointed out that the DX140LC-5 offers excellent value for money, especially when backed up by the excellent expertise, back-up service and parts support provided by Balgownie.” Darren McIntosh and Dean Muir The DX140LC-5 combines enhanced comfort and controllability together with a range of features to boost fuel efficiency, uptime and return on investment, with a focus on increased power, robustness and agility. Compared to the previous generation machine, the improvements in the performance of the DX140LC-5 model include a 5% increase in engine power and 4% greater torque. In addition, traction has been boosted with an increase in drawbar pull of about 18%; and front lifting capacity has been increased. The machine also boasts 3% less fuel consumption. The Perkins 4.5 engine − the heart of the DX140LC-5 − provides the power and torque of larger engines with a smaller displacement. Plus, the engine guarantees trouble-free operation by meeting Stage IV emission regulations without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Darren McIntosh continued: “The assessments we received before we purchased the DX140LC-5 have been borne out by the experiences of our operator on the DX140LC-5. He says that it is a good all-rounder, that covers most aspects of civils, with plenty of power for this size of machine. It is also easy to maintain, with the fuel tank and Adblue well placed, with no need to climb on the machine for refills. Inside the cab, he likes the comfortable set-up which includes well-situated controls.” Darren McIntosh and Dean Muir Doosan Dealer for the North of Scotland Balgownie is responsible for sales and servicing of the Doosan range of construction equipment from the 1 tonne DX10z mini-excavator to the DA45-7 articulated dump truck and everything in between. As an Authorised Doosan Dealer, Balgownie covers the area from the Scottish Highlands and Islands down to as far south as Fife. Customers like DDP Contractors benefit from a superb on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. Balgownie‘s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of plant and machinery. As well as covering existing contracts, Balgownie provides flexible service agreements, depending on the requirements of the customer. The company offers service and warranty work on all existing Doosan machines in its area, backed by a full selection of genuine accessories and parts. Balgownie also holds a stock of new and used Doosan branded machines, to respond quickly to customers’ needs. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com... Read more...Doosan Launches New DX57W-7 Stage V Wheeled Excavator30 March 2021ExcavatorsDoosan has launched the new 5 tonne DX57W-7 Stage V compliant wheeled excavator. In addition to a new Doosan Stage V engine, the DX57W-7 incorporates several new features for increased comfort, convenience and connectivity, whilst maintaining optimum performance, durability and fuel efficiency. The DX57W-7 has Doosan’s latest DoosanCONNECT system installed as standard, which provides a telematics management system for the excavator, by collecting data from sensors on the machine. More Features Available on the DX57W-7 Other standard features include a stereo system integrated in the gauge panel (with a Bluetooth streaming function), together with a USB charger in the cab. The DX57W-7 also offers the options of a new all round view camera providing 360o views around the machine and ultrasonic detection of obstacles for increased safety in operation. The steering wheel can be positioned to suit the operator. The position and angle of the seat cushion as well as the position of the consoles can be adjusted independently of each other. Additional comfort is provided by the adjustable seat back and the lumbar support. A seat heater is available as standard. A cab light, sun visor and side mirror are also standard equipment. The DX57W-7 is powered by the 42.5 kW (57 HP) Doosan D24 Stage V engine. Equipped as standard in the single tyre configuration, the operating weight of the DX57W-7 equipped with a 0.175 m3 bucket is 5.88 tonne. A dual tyre configuration is available as an option. The DX57W-7 offers two travel speed ranges, with a maximum travel speed of 30 km/h. Wide Range of Applications In addition to the normal trenching and groundwork jobs, the superior stability and lifting capacity of the DX57W-7 allow the excavator to be used for applications such as truck loading and unloading and moving pipes and materials in the working area. For maximum safety during all operations involving lifting work, the DX57W-7 is equipped with an overload warning device as well as safety valves in the boom and dozer blade hydraulic systems. The undercarriage consists of a rigid, welded frame which provides excellent durability. The routing of hydraulic lines, protection for the transmission and heavy duty axles make the undercarriage ideal for wheeled excavator applications. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com... Read more...More Success for Bobcat in the Czech Rental Market30 March 2021ExcavatorsBobcat CZ, a.s., the Authorized Bobcat Dealer for the Czech Republic, has secured another significant order for Bobcat in the country’s rental market. Bobcat CZ has supplied the tool rental business, Kerouš s.r.o., with a total of 16 new Bobcat mini-excavators, including E10, E19, E27z, E35z and E50 models from 0.8-5.0 tonne and two new Bobcat S530 skid-steer loaders. Together with orders for other Czech rental customers, Bobcat CZ has delivered nearly 100 machines to this sector, mostly mini-excavators, in the last year. The Bobcat machines for Kerouš were manufactured at the Doosan Bobcat EMEA plant in Dobříš in the Czech Republic, which is also the location for the company’s European headquarters. In addition to production, the development and testing of Bobcat machines also takes place in Dobříš. Martin Kerouš, Director of Kerouš rental shops, commented on the significant purchase from Bobcat: “Kerouš tool rental is one of the leading rental shop businesses in the Czech Republic. We are constantly expanding our services. With the purchase of the machines from Bobcat CZ, our fleet has expanded to 220 machines for rent.” Kerouš Tool Rental This Czech family company provides rental services for construction machinery, access platforms, garden equipment, compact machinery, hand tools, vans and site equipment, such as mobile toilets and storage tanks. Kerouš started business in 2008 in the South Central Bohemia/Moravia region and now operates through seven branches in this area. More Than Twenty Years as a Bobcat Dealer Bobcat CZ Plc has been the exclusive and Authorized Dealer for Bobcat compact loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers, attachments and spare parts since 2000. The company has a comprehensive rental fleet of machines and attachments, with a network of 10 sales and service centres spread throughout the Czech Republic and a team of 50 highly trained service engineers. Bobcat CZ provides sales, warranty and post-warranty service, rental, operator training and supply of spare parts for more than 3000 customers. About Doosan Bobcat EMEA Doosan Bobcat EMEA is responsible for about a third of Bobcat’s worldwide production of machines and attachments. Overall, this includes compact construction and agricultural machinery, such as skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers and a wide range of more than 130 types of attachment. The company also manufactures air compressors, lighting towers and generators under the Doosan Portable Power brand. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com... Read more...New Range of General Purpose Performance Buckets for Doosan Wheel Loaders30 March 2021AttachmentsDoosan has launched a new line-up of general purpose performance buckets covering capacities from 2.0 to 6.7 m3 for the company’s market-leading wheel loader range. The new range of general purpose buckets represents the first stage in an expansion of the choice of new wheel loader work tools from Doosan. The key features of the new range include the wide configurability and larger capacities of the buckets available to customers, who can ensure that their new buckets are tailored for their applications. Manufactured using Hardox® steel, the new range of buckets offers increased wear resistance compared to buckets made from hardened steel. All the parts in contact with the ground or materials are designed to facilitate optimum penetration into material mounds, thus reducing fuel consumption. New shock absorbers also provide additional comfort for operators and reduced stresses on both the wheel loader and the bucket structures. All the general purpose performance buckets are equipped as standard with the new shock absorbers. Doosan decided to incorporate this innovation after completing two years of successful tests. The stoppers on the buckets are now mounted on a durable rubber pad, which reduces the shocks and noises when rolling the buckets back. The new shock absorbers on a prototype, after 6000 hours of work. In serial production, Doosan implemented plates above the absorbers to prevent dirt ingress. Fully Configurable Buckets Damien Dambre, Product Manager Special Applications & Attachments Development for Doosan Infracore Europe, said: “The new range of general purpose performance buckets is almost fully configurable. In addition to deciding on teeth or bolt-on edges for the buckets, customers can choose from a wide selection of bucket features such as coupling systems, floor shapes, spill guard types, bucket protection, blade shapes and more.” To meet these choices, Doosan dealers can use an online tool, the Doosan Wheel Loader Bucket Configurator, to produce the buckets their customers require for their Doosan wheel loaders. The tool helps to configure a bucket through eight easy steps, with advice at each step to help the Doosan dealer to make a choice according to their customers’ requirements. A Detailed Approach This process was ably demonstrated by the bucket chosen for a new top-of-the-range Doosan DL580-5 wheel loader sold to the Cheval Group in France by the Lyon branch of Doosan dealer, ITT Mach10. The new DL580-5 is being used to carry material from the quarry face and load it into the hopper of a rock crusher at one of the Cheval Group’s operations in Drome. After the Doosan wheel loader was selected, a detailed study was carried out into conditions at the quarry and the driver’s preferences to determine exactly the right configuration for the wheel loader, with a special focus not only on the tyres but especially on the bucket to be used on the machine. For the application in Drome, the dealer included a 6.7 m³ bucket with a width of 3400 mm, the specifications for which were decided in direct collaboration with the machine’s driver using the Doosan Wheel Loader Bucket Configurator tool. The Doosan DL580-5 sold by ITT Mach10, with its 6.7 m3 general purpose performance bucket, configured together with the driver of the machine at the customer’s site. Using the tool, the bucket type chosen features the rounded shape preferred by the operator, protective heel wear plates under the bucket, convex side cutters and a bolt-on, three-part, reversible, straight counter-blade. The bucket was also fitted with a spill guard at the top to protect the cylinders. Covering the Full Range of Doosan Wheel Loaders The new range of general purpose performance buckets encompasses the full range of high performance wheel loaders from Doosan, which comprises 13 models covering operating weights from 12 to 36 tonne and bucket capacities from 1.9 to 6.7 m³ to meet a wide range of material-handling and loading applications. Doosan® wheel loaders offer as standard a number of advanced features which are available only as options on other machines on the market. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com... Read more...New Doosan DX350LC-7 Excavator Adds Power in Czech Quarry30 March 2021Excavators– Increased Power of New Stage V Excavator Key to Heavy Work with Granite – A new Doosan DX350LC-7 Stage V compliant excavator has added increased power and fuel efficiency for working with heavy blocks of granite at the Ruprechtice quarry in the Czech Republic. The Ruprechtice quarry is one of several northern Bohemia quarries owned and operated by LIGRANIT a.s., using state-of-the-art equipment like the DX350LC-7 in tough conditions. The new DX350LC-7 excavator was supplied by GARNEA a.s., the Authorised Dealer for the Doosan range in the Czech Republic. The Ruprechtice quarry in Liberec dates back to 1910. Over the years, it has been owned by the famous stonemason, Josef Lange, and by the Liebig family. It subsequently became the property of the state until 1992, when it was acquired by private company, LIGRANIT. The quarry specializes in the extraction and sale of much sought after Czech granites, that architects both at home and abroad regularly specify in their designs and for use by sculptors. “Over the last 10 years, quarrying has changed in terms of processing granite blocks. Previously, everything was done by hand. Today it is mainly carried out with the latest machinery and technology,” says Radek Svoboda, Production Manager at LIGRANIT. New Excavator Selected for Extreme Loads According to LIGRANIT, the processing of granite blocks requires machines that are both powerful and efficient. It is precisely these requirements that have been met by the new Doosan DX350LC-7 excavator from GARNEA. The key selection parameters included an emphasis on exceptional performance, low fuel consumption, operator comfort and, last but not least, environmental friendliness. “We purchased the new Doosan machine for its power and low fuel consumption. Of course, the length of the warranties and the service from GARNEA are also important factors,” explains Radek Svoboda. As well as exceeding the parameters set by LIGRANIT, another aspect supporting the purchase of the DX350LC-7 was the excellent service record of a smaller Doosan DX140LC-5 excavator owned by LIGRANIT. The Stage V compliance of the new DX350LC-7 also met the environmental standards required by LIGRANIT. But the most important factor was the excellent relationship with GARNEA. “We negotiated with the management of GARNEA and everything that was promised with the new DX350LC-7 has turned out exactly as they said,” adds Radek Svoboda.The warranty protection on the DX350LC-7 model is 3 years/5000 hours as standard, but thanks to the long-term relationship between the two companies, GARNEA has agreed to an extended warranty cover of 5 years/10,000 hours. For Moving Big Tonnages and Precise Work Excavators in the Ruprechtice quarry are brought into play after blasting work has finished, whereby small controlled amounts of explosive are carefully placed to obtain the necessary amount of stone. After blasting, stone blocks weighing from 100 to 3000 kg are selected. The larger pieces of stone are reduced in size using the excavator equipped with a hydraulic breaker. Care is taken to ensure that the material obtained is of the highest quality. Using an excavator, the blocks are moved and further divided using a splitter. For more precise work, splitting is done manually. Where the potential for material quality is best, entire blocks are transported out of the quarry and worked on with a saw. “These blocks weigh between 5 and 15 tonne, so the power of the machine is therefore a big plus for us,” adds Radek Svoboda.Less Burden on the Environment Thanks to New Generation Doosan Engine To meet Stage V engine emission regulations, the new DX350LC-7 excavator is powered by the latest generation Doosan DL08 diesel engine, providing 209 kW of power at 1800 RPM. The DL08 engine offers a new solution to exceed Stage V regulations without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), that boosts the quantity of air available during combustion, increasing the temperature of the process and greatly reducing the amount of particulates produced. This is combined with super-efficient DOC/DPF+SCR after-treatment technology to ensure minimal emissions. Thanks to the new technology, maintenance of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) has been greatly reduced, with no maintenance required until the machine has operated for 8000 hours. With the DX350LC-7, Doosan has tried to ensure that productivity and environment protection are truly compatible. The enhanced fuel efficiency of the DL08 engine in combination with a new hydraulic main valve and the new generation SPC3 Smart Power Controls, provides overall fuel efficiency increases of +10% in the S mode and +6% in the P+ mode compared to the previous generation machine. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com... Read more...First Bobcat Compact Wheel Loader Leaves Production Line30 March 2021MachineBobcat reveals detailed specifications and features for new L85 model With the first completed machine coming off the assembly line, Bobcat has announced that the company’s first new compact wheel loader (CWL) – the L85 model – is now in full production at the Bobcat plant on the Dobris campus in the Czech Republic. Bobcat has also confirmed full details and features for the L85 CWL, which was part of the company’s revolutionary ‘Next is Now’ launch event in October 2020. The first machine is heading to the Bobcat Institute on the campus, where it will be used to train Bobcat dealers and customers. By entering the wheel loader category, Bobcat now has the largest loader portfolio of any manufacturer in the world. To meet demand, an additional fourth production line has been built at the company’s plant in the Czech Republic. The capacity of the new production line is around 1000 machines per year and will be operated by 15 workers per shift. The overall new investment involved was worth over one million Euro. Created in the Bobcat Innovation Center Jiri Karmazin, Loaders Product Manager at Bobcat, said: “A product of the Bobcat Innovation Center on our Dobris campus, the L85 has been designed to set a new market-leading performance benchmark in this segment of the market. The L85 is built with proven components including the engine, structures, axles, electronics and hydraulics sourced either from Bobcat or our prestigious Tier 1 suppliers. Many components are already widely used in our market-leading compact loaders, mini-excavators and telehandlers, and the L85 undergoes the same final assembly and test procedures as these products.” Jiri Karmazin High performance is assured by the combination of the powerful Bobcat engine and the hydraulics. This is complemented by the high stability, breakout, push and pull forces and a comprehensive selection of Bobcat attachments. Combined with intuitive controls, high operator comfort and ease of use, the L85 compact wheel loader is ideal for a multitude of tasks in a very wide range of industries. The L85 can be used in construction, landscaping, rental, industrial, waste, recycling and agriculture, but is also ideal for road work, snow removal, maintenance and many other applications. L85 Snow BroomL85 Snow Bucket A Truly Multi-Purpose Machine Already, there are multiple Bobcat loader attachments approved for use on the L85, with more to be announced in the near future. The current portfolio includes a general purpose bucket, light material buckets, a combination bucket, pallet forks and angle broom and snowblower attachments, making the L85 a truly multi-purpose machine. The L85 is equipped as standard with the Power Quick-Tach system compatible with widely used industry standard couplers. To run high-flow attachments like a snow blower and an angle broom, the L85 can be fitted with a high flow option, providing a hydraulic flow of 100 l/min. Another unique feature of the L85 is the Advanced Attachment Control. This revolutionary system enables the operator to switch to an alternative machine control pattern at the touch of a button. This offers independent control of the engine speed (and maximum auxiliary flow) and the machine travel speed. Thanks to the 7-pin connector, the operator can control even the most complicated attachments intuitively and effectively. Focused on Ease of Use The engine is generally started by the standard key, but for quick engine start and stop during the day, the operator can also use soft-touch buttons conveniently located on the right-hand console. The machine is also equipped with Automatic Parking Brake and Slope Assist features, ensuring the parking brake on the L85 is automatically engaged and disengaged as required. These automotive-style features are unique in the industry for this type of machine. The location of all the controls is designed to make the L85 easy and comfortable to operate even during long shifts. The direction-changing switch is located on the front side of the joystick and is index-finger operated. Controls for differential lock, turtle/rabbit mode, boom float and auxiliary flow control are all at the operator’s fingertips on the top of the joystick. The jog shuttle is used to reach, navigate and confirm the set-up of the L85 on the 5-inch LED display, and also to switch quickly to the view provided by the rear-view camera. All the machine’s vital information display and set-up screens are managed via the jog shuttle. Designed Around the Operator Designed around the operator, the cab on the L85 provides high comfort and easy operation, ensuring the operator can work for as long they want. Seat and hand controls can be easily adjusted to fit the operator’s needs. The joystick’s position is adjustable horizontally and integrated in the operator’s suspension seat to assure the best operation experience and comfort. The steering column is also adjustable in two directions – horizontal and vertical – a feature unique in the CWL industry. The cab is fully enclosed and pressurized, meeting the strictest FOPS II safety requirements. There are two full glass doors either side of the cab, providing excellent visibility on both sides. This is combined with the low front window corners, the hood design which offers both toughness and high visibility, the output from the rear-view camera and the tight turning circle. This ensures that even less experienced operators can quickly begin using the machine, manipulating loads and moving around the work site with confidence. Soft switches to control the main functions of the L85 are conveniently located on the right-hand console, and there is plenty of storage space for large water bottles and cups as well as a 12 V charger and USB ports. Choice of Comfort and Performance options The L85 is equipped as standard with a heating system, with a full heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system available as a factory option. As well as ensuring the best working conditions all year round, the HVAC system helps with defrosting and reducing humidity in the cab during cold weather. Other comfort and performance features available include: High-flow hydraulicsAutomatic Ride ControlBucket Level IndicatorLED Road Lights30 km/h speed optionWheel optionsRoad Package Brief Specifications for the L85: Standard bucket: 0.8 m3 Bucket range: 0.6 – 1.2 m3 Operating weight: 5091 kg Lift height: 3250 mm Cab height: 2498 mm Engine: Bobcat D24 Engine power: 50.7 kW (68 HP) To watch the product walkaround video for the L85 click here: https://youtu.be/4EfobNEczLU For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com... Read more...Liebherr-Great Britain cuts costs of spares29 March 2021NewsLiebherr-Great Britain has launched a website offering customers thousands of parts at reduced prices. The site – www.liebherr-parts.co.uk – is exclusive to UK customers and lists a comprehensive range of surplus and spare parts for earthmoving and materials handling machines. ‘These parts could simply be excess stock items or parts that have been removed from new or very low-hour machines,’ said Richard Gee, General Manager of Earthmoving Aftersales at Liebherr-Great Britain. ‘Liebherr prides itself on its ability to customise products specifically to match customer requirements and this sometimes results in standard parts being removed from new machines. The good news for UK customers is that these unused surplus items can be bought at reduced prices.’ Visitors can search by machine model or part type and the results will provide a brief description of the part including its condition, origin, price, UK location, turnaround time and contact details. The inventory of buckets, grabs, tyres, undercarriages, sticks and booms, pumps, rams, cylinders and handrails will be updated daily. Liebherr-GB’s Earthmoving Customer Care division already stocks an extensive range of new parts while Liebherr UK Central Warehousing manages thousands of original spares to meet the most urgent requirements. Supported by the manufacturer’s European central warehouse, items are delivered directly to customers in the UK through its distribution networks. For further information, go to www.liebherr-parts.co.uk... Read more...Warwick Ward Announce New Partnership with Zato25 March 2021Machine / RecyclingWarwick Ward (machinery) Ltd are pleased to announce their new partnership with Zato srl as the sole UK dealer for their range of metal shredders and shears. “Zato srl is undergoing an unprecedented period of global expansion. Having Warwick Ward service the very important UK market fits in well with our philosophy of providing professional sales advice and excellent after sales service in each country that we operate. We are very pleased to have them as part of the team” Luigi Cominetti, Commercial manager Zato. Joint Managing Director Ashley Ward said “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Zato and are excited about the partnership. Zato have an excellent reputation in the global market and their range of products fill a gap in our overall product portfolio. These are high quality products that are designed and built specifically for the scrap processing and metal recycling sector. The Zato range compliments perfectly our other premium brand offerings. It’s another exciting development and progression for the Warwick Ward group and fits very well with our continued growth strategy, opening up lots of new opportunities.” The Zato products will be sold alongside our existing construction and recycling offerings. For further information about the Zato range of equipment, give us a call and speak to a member of our recycling sales team.... Read more...Liebherr Rental completes £10 million fleet upgrade and expansion24 March 2021Dozers / MachineIncreased demand and a continued commitment to providing customers with the most modern and efficient equipment has seen Liebherr Rental complete a £10 million, 45 machine upgrade and expansion of its UK fleet. Liebherr Rental provides long and short-term self-drive hire solutions to customers from a wide range of sectors including construction, aggregates, waste and recycling, scrap and ports. The investment programme is in line with Liebherr Rental’s strategy of updating its fleet annually to ensure that no machine is more than 3 years old. This year’s investment will see the planned replacement of over 30 machines including materials handlers, loaders, excavators and dozers. The fleet will be further expanded with the addition of 15 machines, some of which are completely new models to the fleet such as the 43 tonne PR 756 and 54 tonne PR 766 dozers. Recently launched, these Generation 8 machines both feature the latest Stage V engine technology. Customer demand for these larger dozers has been stimulated by a number of major infrastructure projects. As with the dozers, the three new Generation 8 additions to the excavator fleet also all boast powerful and efficient Stage V engines. Ranging from 70 tonnes to 35 tonnes, the R966, R945 and R934 ensure a machine is available for all applications and working environments. Two new machine types have also been introduced into the fleet. Liebherr’s T 60-9 telehandlers are swift, nimble and strong. Renowned for their outstanding reliability and productivity, they are the perfect choice for tough working environments such as waste and scrap. The final addition is the recently launched TA 230 articulated dump truck – a machine capable of moving material efficiently in the most challenging of terrains. Commenting on the investment, Liebherr Rental’s General Manager, Joe Palmer, said: “Despite the obvious challenges presented by the pandemic the capital and operational benefits of machine rental have resulted in a relatively buoyant market and sustained levels of demand. The expansion of our rental fleet means that an even wider range of customer can take advantage of these benefits and ensures we can offer the perfect fit for customers irrespective of their application. By providing only the most modern machines, we ensure optimal performance and operational efficiency.”... Read more...Domination of all new D5 Dozer begins in Wales23 March 2021DozersThe rollout of the Next Generation Cat® D5 Dozer has well and truly begun, with customers in Wales setting the pace. Plant hire and construction firms including Gravelle Plant Hire, Locke Brothers, Hywel Llewellyn Plant Hire and Alun Griffiths (part of the CRH Group) took deliveries from Finning UK & Ireland and quickly put their new machines to work. It’s been just over a year since Caterpillar launched the all new D5 Dozer, the successor to the popular Cat D6N, and the benefits are already clear to businesses across the UK. The new machine offers superior performance, backed by a broad choice of technology features, so operators can really get the most from their bulldozer. With harness added weight and horsepower of 170, it is equipped to take on a wide range of dozing and grading tasks. Improvements to the steering, transmission and balance make it easier than ever for operators to perform high quality work more quickly. One happy customer is Locke Brothers, which bought a new D5 after being impressed with the technology offered as standard and has successfully put it to work. Having purchased its first D4 from Finning in 2004, the D5 marked its first investment in a brand new Dozer. After hiring the machine for a week from Gravelle Plant Hire, who were the first company to purchase the D5 in Wales, Locke Brothers took the plunge and purchased a machine for itself. “The technology blew competitor models out of the water,” said Keith Locke, Director at Locke Brothers. “The value add from Caterpillar and Finning including the five year, 5000-hour warranty, VisionLink connectivity and a Customer Value Agreement that included five services, sealed the deal. We’ve fallen in love with the D5, it has supported us through extremely busy periods of agriculture work.” “We’ve chosen Cat Dozers since 1978 when my late father founded the company — and we still love them today,” said Peter Gravelle, Director of Gravelle Plant Hire, the company that took the first D5 delivery in Wales. “We’ve had great driver feedback on the D5, with operators preferring the larger cab and benefitting from the increased power. We’ve found it is excellent on fuel consumption too.” “The D5 brings all the advantages of the D6N, and then some,” said Iwan Jenkins, Territory Account Manager for the Wales Region at Finning UK & Ireland. “It offers incredible technology, better performance and more durability and uptime, so operators can do more work in less time. It is exciting to watch the D5’s domination of the market taking off in Wales and see how beneficial our Customer Value Agreements are.” The Cat Dozer range is gradually being renamed from smallest to largest — D1 to D11 — so that there is one model per class size. For more information on the D5, click here. If you are interested in hearing more about Finning’s Customer Value Agreements, click here.... Read more...MAJOR WIN FOR MAJOR OWEN18 March 2021Excavators / MachineMajor Owen ltd, a family-owned Kubota machinery dealer, has renewed its long-standing partnership with Snowdonia National Park, recently supplying the authority with five new excavators. Based in Gwynedd, Wales, Major Owen is a specialist dealer offering a large range of machinery and equipment, alongside service and repair facilities. Kubota is the exclusive provider of its excavator offering and the established firm has on-going relationships throughout the local area, including with the National Park Authority. Responsible for maintaining the largest national park in Wales, the Snowdonia National Park Authority continues to invest in the park’s upkeep, leading to its recent purchase from Major Owen. Five Kubota excavators were purchased as part of the park’s investment; two U10-3 micro excavators, two KX019-4 mini-excavators and one KX042-4 model, in addition to a pair of KC70 track dumpers. With the flexibility of the U10-3, Kubota’s smallest and lightest excavator, alongside the power and efficiency of the KX042-4, the National Park will make quick work of the tasks required to keep the park maintained and safe for visitors. Malcolm Barnett, Construction Sales Manager at Major Owen, said: “We’re delighted to renew our partnership with the Snowdonia National Park Authority, a customer who is such a big focal point here in Wales. “With lots of rugged landscape to maintain all year round, Snowdonia National Park needs robust machinery that can simply get the job done in the toughest conditions, making Kubota the perfect choice to meet the demands of any application.” This latest purchase represents the third such order of Kubota excavators by the National Park Authority in recent years, following subsequent purchases in 2008 and 2013. Hywel Jones, Access Projects Officer at Snowdonia National Park Authority, said: “Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors from all over the world, so keeping over 800 square miles of park space in the best condition for them to enjoy is paramount. It is important that we utilise quality equipment to ensure the high standard of work people expect in Snowdonia is delivered for generations to come. In addition, the aftercare service provided by Major Owen is an important factor in our maintenance programme and we’re excited to continue working closely with the dealership moving forward.” For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of machinery solutions and first-class aftermarket support, visit www.kubota-eu.com or call 01844 268000.... Read more...MERLO UK LTD: Exhibiting at Hillhead Digital 202117 March 2021Machine / NewsMerlo UK LTD will be exhibiting at their first virtual event of 2021, Hillhead Digital, on the 30th-31st March 2021. Visitors can register now at www.hillhead.com /digital for a ticket and gain access to Merlo UK’s virtual booth prior to the event day. This enables access to exclusive Merlo news, download materials, brochures and view product videos. It is also possible to pre-book virtual meetings to talk directly with Merlo UK staff members on the event days at a time to suit you. Merlo UK will also be participating in the “New Product Media Gallery” which will be hosted on the “Foyer” page of the Hillhead Digital Platform. This feature allows visitors access to a “digital demo area” where new products launched since June 2018 can be viewed. Here visitors will be able to view Merlo UK’s latest models from the construction range. From the entry level compact Merlo P27.6 telescopic handler to the range topping market leading ROTO 70.28 S-Plus you can be sure that Merlo has a model to suit your material handling, lifting & access needs. To get the best from your Merlo handler they offer a wide range of genuine attachments from their TREEMME division. Ranging from rugged re-handling buckets, to lifting hooks, winches and platforms they can offer you something to tackle safely your materials handling, lifting or access project. The innovative CINGO range of tracked pedestrian tool carriers will also be on display. These innovative models offer the upmost in flexibility, efficiency & output thanks to the wide range of attachments available. You can peruse the options on line and discuss the options with the Merlo UKteam on hand to support your enquiry. The full Merlo product range is available from the authorised nationwide dealer network.... Read more...First Bobcat Compact Wheel Loader Leaves Production Line – Bobcat reveals detailed specifications and features for new L85 model –16 March 2021Machine / News / TechnologyWith the first completed machine coming off the assembly line, Bobcat has announced that the company’s first new compact wheel loader (CWL) – the L85 model – is now in full production at the Bobcat plant on the Dobris campus in the Czech Republic. Bobcat has also confirmed full details and features for the L85 CWL, which was part of the company’s revolutionary ‘Next is Now’ launch event in October 2020. The first machine is heading to the Bobcat Institute on the campus, where it will be used to train Bobcat dealers and customers. By entering the wheel loader category, Bobcat now has the largest loader portfolio of any manufacturer in the world. To meet demand, an additional fourth production line has been built at the company’s plant in the Czech Republic. The capacity of the new production line is around 1000 machines per year and will be operated by 15 workers per shift. The overall new investment involved was worth over one million Euro. Created in the Bobcat Innovation Center Jiri Karmazin, Loaders Product Manager at Bobcat, said: “A product of the Bobcat Innovation Center on our Dobris campus, the L85 has been designed to set a new market-leading performance benchmark in this segment of the market. The L85 is built with proven components including the engine, structures, axles, electronics and hydraulics sourced either from Bobcat or our prestigious Tier 1 suppliers. Many components are already widely used in our market-leading compact loaders, mini-excavators and telehandlers, and the L85 undergoes the same final assembly and test procedures as these products.” High performance is assured by the combination of the powerful Bobcat engine and the hydraulics. This is complemented by the high stability, breakout, push and pull forces and a comprehensive selection of Bobcat attachments. Combined with intuitive controls, high operator comfort and ease of use, the L85 compact wheel loader is ideal for a multitude of tasks in a very wide range of industries. The L85 can be used in construction, landscaping, rental, industrial, waste, recycling and agriculture, but is also ideal for road work, snow removal, maintenance and many other applications. A Truly Multi-Purpose Machine Already, there are multiple Bobcat loader attachments approved for use on the L85, with more to be announced in the near future. The current portfolio includes a general purpose bucket, light material buckets, a combination bucket, pallet forks and angle broom and snowblower attachments, making the L85 a truly multi-purpose machine. The L85 is equipped as standard with the Power Quick-Tach system compatible with widely used industry standard couplers. To run high-flow attachments like a snow blower and an angle broom, the L85 can be fitted with a high flow option, providing a hydraulic flow of 100 l/min. Another unique feature of the L85 is the Advanced Attachment Control. This revolutionary system enables the operator to switch to an alternative machine control pattern at the touch of a button. This offers independent control of the engine speed (and maximum auxiliary flow) and the machine travel speed. Thanks to the 7-pin connector, the operator can control even the most complicated attachments intuitively and effectively. Focused on Ease of Use The engine is generally started by the standard key, but for quick engine start and stop during the day, the operator can also use soft-touch buttons conveniently located on the right-hand console. The machine is also equipped with Automatic Parking Brake and Slope Assist features, ensuring the parking brake on the L85 is automatically engaged and disengaged as required. These automotive-style features are unique in the industry for this type of machine. The location of all the controls is designed to make the L85 easy and comfortable to operate even during long shifts. The direction-changing switch is located on the front side of the joystick and is index-finger operated. Controls for differential lock, turtle/rabbit mode, boom float and auxiliary flow control are all at the operator’s fingertips on the top of the joystick. The jog shuttle is used to reach, navigate and confirm the set-up of the L85 on the 5-inch LED display, and also to switch quickly to the view provided by the rear-view camera. All the machine’s vital information display and set-up screens are managed via the jog shuttle. Designed Around the Operator Designed around the operator, the cab on the L85 provides high comfort and easy operation, ensuring the operator can work for as long they want. Seat and hand controls can be easily adjusted to fit the operator’s needs. The joystick’s position is adjustable horizontally and integrated in the operator’s suspension seat to assure the best operation experience and comfort. The steering column is also adjustable in two directions – horizontal and vertical – a feature unique in the CWL industry. The cab is fully enclosed and pressurized, meeting the strictest FOPS II safety requirements. There are two full glass doors either side of the cab, providing excellent visibility on both sides. This is combined with the low front window corners, the hood design which offers both toughness and high visibility, the output from the rear-view camera and the tight turning circle. This ensures that even less experienced operators can quickly begin using the machine, manipulating loads and moving around the work site with confidence. Soft switches to control the main functions of the L85 are conveniently located on the right-hand console, and there is plenty of storage space for large water bottles and cups as well as a 12 V charger and USB ports. Choice of Comfort and Performance options The L85 is equipped as standard with a heating system, with a full heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system available as a factory option. As well as ensuring the best working conditions all year round, the HVAC system helps with defrosting and reducing humidity in the cab during cold weather. Other comfort and performance features available include: High-flow hydraulicsAutomatic Ride ControlBucket Level IndicatorLED Road Lights30 km/h speed optionWheel optionsRoad Package Brief Specifications for the L85: Standard bucket: 0.8m3 Bucket range: 0.6 – 1.2 m3 Operating weight: 5091 kg Lift height: 3250 mm Cab height: 2498mm Engine: BobcatD24 Engine power: 50.7 kW(68HP) To watch the product walkaround video for the L85 click here: https://youtu.be/4EfobNEczLU For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com... Read more...Top-class logistics: 25 Liebherr tower cranes at work on the Überseequartier district in Hamburg’s HafenCity area12 March 2021News / PlantLiebherr Tower Crane Solutions provides outstanding planning and project support for 25 top-slewing cranesContractor Züblin is impressed by Liebherr’s support service and its partner FeurigTower Crane Solutions will continue to provide support throughout the entire construction phase 25 Liebherr tower cranes are involved in the construction of the Überseequartier, a new district in Hamburg. This is part of the well-known HafenCity urban development project and comprises 14 buildings of various types. Liebherr is working closely with dealer Feurig and contractor Züblin on the project’s planning and implementation. Hamburg, March 20, 2021 – The first crane was assembled at the beginning of 2019. Today, there are more than 20 cranes in simultaneous operation. The planning and implementation of this major project has required patience and exceptional levels of collaboration between all parties involved. Concept, planning & project development At the start of the project in 2018, Züblin’s site managers decided on equipping the entire construction site with machinery from a single manufacturer in order to meet logistical requirements. They opted for Liebherr and Feurig. Feurig has over 200 rental cranes of all sizes at its rental park in Hamburg. 15 well-qualified service technicians are available for assembly and service work. 14 individual buildings of various types are being built on the site, which covers 419,000 square metres. These range from an office tower and residential buildings to a cinema and a shopping centre. A cruise terminal is also included. The original idea was to allocate a crane to each building. However, as planning progressed, Liebherr’s project department, the Tower Crane Solutions, quickly identified that further cranes would be required to ensure a cost-effective handling capacity across the entire site. They calculated an average of one and a half cranes per building. With everyone working together, a clever crane concept involving a total of 25 Liebherr tower cranes was developed. Having so many cranes in a relatively small area is challenging in terms of planning and logistics, as all cranes must be positioned so that each one is safe from colliding with others and with surrounding buildings. This is why the variously sized Liebherr tower cranes have hook heights ranging from just under 30 metres to over 90 metres. The crane types themselves range from 85 EC-B and 172 EC-B cranes to the 280 EC-H model; the majority are flat tops. Although it wasn’t initially prioritised for all 25 cranes to work on site at the same time, external circumstances and Covid-19 led to this being a reality. Tower Crane Solutions factored this possibility into the planning from the outset. Long-term project support – Fast responses to unforeseeable structural changes As a support specialist, Tower Crane Solutions was on hand to provide advice and assistance during the project’s planning phase and continues to do so throughout its implementation. An example of this support in action was when a chimney on a neighbouring property acquired scaffolding for its restoration, which extended the width of the chimney by around two metres. This had an impact on one of the tower cranes on site. Raising the height of the crane wasn’t possible for structural reasons. So, a shortening of the jib was calculated without further ado. This was the simplest, quickest and most cost-effective solution. On the recommendation of Tower Crane Solutions, the construction site was able to continue to run smoothly and efficiently. “Cosmopolitan, open and urban” According to the website of the German shopping centre group Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the Überseequartier development is “cosmopolitan, open and urban – a place like no other”. Designed as an integrated district and a key element of Hamburg’s HafenCity, it connects places to live and work with attractive cultural offers and leisure facilities as well as innovative retail and entertainment concepts. A state-of-the-art cruise terminal is set to be an additional highlight. The end result will be a vibrant meeting place for both locals and tourists. Liebherr is proud of its significant contribution towards this future-oriented project.... Read more...Successful Wheel Loader Deployment for USUM Recycling11 March 2021Machine / PlantEngineer Sven Heinisch manages the corporate group USUM, founded by his father in 1992, in the town of Steigra (50 km south-west of Halle/Saale). USUM stands for Unstrut-Saale-Umweltschutz (Unstrut-Saale Environmental Protection). The group USUM Grundstoffaufbereitung und Service GmbH operates a roughly seven-hectare industrial site on the recultivated former rubble dump site of an open-cast limestone quarry. Today, the business has a team of eight employees and produces: Compost certified for agricultural use by the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification (RAL)SoilMineral potash fertiliserRecyclable materials from mineral construction site waste Since September 2020, the company has been using a new Hyundai HL965 wheel loader with an operating weight of 20-tonne and 201 kW net power (with a 3.5-m3 bucket) in addition to a new 13-tonne HL940A machine of the same series, with 116 kW net power (2.5-m3 bucket). Both wheel loaders are used for assembling and turning compost piles, loading recyclable materials onto trucks, and general loading operations and cleaning work. Heinisch bought the new wheel loaders from the Hyundai dealership Tecklenborg Baumaschinen GmbH based in the town of Leisnig and had them custom-equipped to meet his specific needs. “The 45% subsidy we received from a programme for reducing CO2 emissions enabled us to buy these modern, highly economical Hyundai wheel loaders, and trade in two very old vehicles,” explains Heinisch. Wheel loader operator Udo Hartung, who operates the HL940A daily through difficult and heavy recycling operations, is also delighted with the high-precision operability of this quiet-running wheel loader. The vehicle’s low fuel consumption of some six-litres per hour is also a winning factor. A climate-controlled operator’s cabin is an indispensable feature for often odour-intensive recycling operations. The HL965 wheel loader is additionally equipped with a protective ventilation system from the company SEKA. The SEKA system isn’t required on the HL940A as the machine is fitted with the latest-generation cabin technology, however, it was the company’s choice as an added comfort benefit for the operator. Tecklenborg takes charge of all loader service and repair work, and USUM Recycling is highly satisfied with the service they have provided. The wheel loaders are used for up to 1,500 hours annually. The HL wheel loader series from Hyundai Construction Equipment Automatic engine shutdown control keeps fuel consumption and emissions under strict control at the right time. When HL-series loaders are idling, the engine switches off automatically after the time limit set by the vehicle operator. The standard five-speed transmission with direct-drive clutch further reduces fuel consumption. An ECO gauge enables consistently economy-oriented operation by frequently checking the machine condition. The ECO display changes colour with the motor torque and fuel efficiency. In addition, fuel consumption values such as average consumption and total consumption are monitored and shown on the monitor. The standard ECO accelerator pedal distinguishes between economy operation and power operation. Fuel consumption in economy operation is significantly lower. HL-series loader operators can set a “speed limit” for the vehicle anywhere between 20 and 40 km/h, as considered optimally effective for the given deployment. Intelligent Clutch Cut-Off (ICCO) In the H mode, the Intelligent Clutch Cut-Off (ICCO) reduces the power lost at the torque converter. The lower heat production through ICCO is of overall benefit to the fuel economy. The hydraulic limited-slip differential both increases productivity and has a fuel-saving effect by preventing tyre slip. New cabs with enhanced operator comfort Quiet, safe and comfortable, and 10% larger as well – the new cab with roll-over protective (ROPS) and falling-object protective (FOPS) structures and fully adjustable driver seat provides the vehicle operator with an ergonomic and very pleasant workplace. The cab has a high level of soundproofing and uses state-of-the-art noise-reducing technology to ensure maximum quiet during work in noisy environments such as gravel pits and waste dumps. The new air-conditioning system maximises the heating or cooling performance with optimised air flow within the cab. The electro-hydraulic joystick enables simple control of the accessories, which benefits productivity and reduces fatigue. An infotainment system is provided for the operator’s comfort and pleasure Operating the seven-inch monitor is similar to using a smartphone display. The display is also larger than in the previous models, and easy to read. The audio system, including the radio, has an integrated Bluetooth hands-free device and a built-in microphone with which the driver in the cab can receive and make phone calls. The infotainment system also offers the operator the means of using the Miracast wireless communication standard, which enables the operator to use the WLAN of his or her smartphone to put the functions of the mobile phone on the large screen – including navigation, Internet access, and playing videos and music. All HL-series wheel loaders are optionally available with joystick steering.... Read more...Take control with Hitachi ZW-7 wheel loaders10 March 2021MachineHitachi is proud to introduce its first Stage V-compliant wheel loader, the first model from its next generation. The ZW220-7 has been designed to put operators in complete control of their workspace, with industry-leading safety features and unrivalled comfort in the cab. Owners will feel in total control of their profit thanks to exceptional efficiency and maximum uptime, as well as their fleet and workload due to remote monitoring tools and services provided by Hitachi. Feel the difference Operators will benefit from the new ZW220-7 because it is the safest machine in the market, thanks to superb all-round visibility and intelligent systems. With the Aerial Angle camera system, operators have an exceptional 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the job site, while the rear obstacle detection and warning system alerts them immediately if anything is close to the rear of the machine. After working a full shift in the spacious, fully redesigned cab, operators will feel less tired and more satisfied at their ability to work more productively. The ZW220-7 epitomises the ultimate in comfort, with some of the lowest noise and vibration levels in the market. It is especially easy to use thanks to features such as the improved seat with mounted electric pilot control leavers, new monitor controller and convenient side switch panel. Improve profit and maximise uptime Owners will be able to increase their profits due to the impressive fuel economy and efficiency of the ZW220-7. Faster and more efficient short loading operations due to the approach speed control feature further satisfy owners’ requirements. The new ZW-7 model also loads trucks more accurately, saving time and money, using the payload monitoring system. In addition, operators can monitor the fuel consumption thanks to the new ECO gauge and performance can be improved with several adjustable functions. An ultra-reliable performance to significantly boost uptime is possible because the ZW220-7 is built with more durable components, intelligent prevention systems and easy maintenance features. This can be further maximised by the use of high-quality Hitachi buckets, customised to suit the application, and robust ground engaging tools that are easy to install and replace. Total control and support To support owners and operators throughout the life cycle of the new ZW-7 wheel loaders, Hitachi provides a wide range of after-sales services, and access to vital data and tools so they can manage their machine effectively. These include remote monitoring systems, Owner’s Site and ConSite (part of Global e-Service), and the ConSite Pocket app, which help to monitor performance, track location and plan maintenance. “Many years of extensive research have contributed to the development of the ZW-7 range to ensure that it meets the specific demands of European customers, from small business owners to large fleet contractors,” says Bill Drougkas, Wheel Loader Product Manager of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV. “As a result, we believe it offers a superior experience in the cab and exceeds expectations in terms of efficiency and performance. By working in partnership with our customers – providing industry-leading equipment, innovative technology and wide-ranging after-sales support – we can help them to create their vision.” Specifications:Net Power – 157kW / 210hp (ISO 14396)Operating Weight – 18,190 – 19,450 kgBucket ISO Heaped – 2.8 – 10.0 m3... Read more...PLANTWORX SHOW PLANS REMAIN FLEXIBLE TO SERVE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY10 March 2021EventsThe Construction Equipment Association (CEA), the owner of the Plantworx trade show, is set to announce plans for Plantworx events from the latter part of 2021 through to 2023. The team behind the event remain committed to providing a meeting place for construction industry professionals and suppliers, including the 150 strong CEA membership. The CEA also confirm that the Plantworx 2022 exhibition (scheduled for 14th/16th June), will not now take place as planned in light of the unexpected second postponement of the Hillhead exhibition to next year The CEA’s Chief Executive, Rob Oliver, states; “What we have learnt from the pandemic challenge is to be flexible with our plans for physical and other events. We have an excellent relationship with the East of England Arena and Events Centre, our Plantworx “home” in Peterborough – and will be announcing some new initiatives with them and others in the coming weeks. We know that companies are anxious to get back to face-to-face networking, but not at the expense of their safety. Our new programme will aim to be attuned to the requirements of our Plantworx community in showcasing the best products and technology now available. We still believe there is a terrific future for bringing business people together to do business.” The 4th edition of Plantworx, in 2019, attracted both a record number of exhibiting companies (450) and visitors.... Read more...Hillhead postpones to 21–23 June 20228 March 2021Events / NewsFollowing a review of the Government roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions announced on 22 February, The QMJ Group has made the decision to postpone Hillhead by 12 months.Hillhead event director Richard Bradbury explained: ‘Under these guidelines, it is clear that the show will not be able to operate legally in June this year. ‘Our priority is to provide the Hillhead experience that our exhibitors and visitors have come to expect but, with the continuing uncertainty around travel restrictions and social distancing measures, this is not achievable in 2021.‘By delaying the show until June 2022, the full benefits of a completed vaccination programme will have filtered through, allowing us to deliver a safe and vibrant event.‘The team look forward to welcoming you back to Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, from 21–23 June 2022.’... Read more...THE IMPOSSIBLE MADE POSSIBLE8 March 2021Crushers / Excavators / Global / MachineLegarza Exploration & Construction first opened their doors in 1992. Now, twenty-eight, almost twenty-nine, years later, they’re thriving in the exploration, earth work, and construction industry. With nearly three decades of experience under their belt, they have a reputation of working efficiently without compromising the quality of work and the safety of their employees. At the end of every day, they leave the site proud of the work they put in. By combining their effort and passion for the work they do, they’ve created innovative ways for their customers to reach difficult areas in Nevada. Now, they are the first choice for most mining and exploration companies in the area. Despite their thriving business, they have run into the same problem time and time again: job site’s location. Since 1992, their job sites have always been in remote locations, ones with no roads, leaving them to struggle bringing their equipment in. To get over this hurdle, they’ve built larger roads or used a lot of water and compacting the soil. While this plan has helped them succeed in the past, it hasn’t been full proof or cheap. Not only did thet need to wait for the material for their jobsite to arrive, but also needed additional material to build the roads to access those jobsites. If this method wasn’t feasible due to costs, then they woudn’t take on the job. They knew it was time that they found a new plan that allowed them to take on projects that they otherwise couldn’t due to costs and time. But they weren’t sure if there was another method. A few years ago, during one of their projects, Legarza realized they needed a crusher, and due to their job site’s layout, they knew the struggle of getting a stationary crusher to their site would be to costly so they turned to their local dealer. Their dealer pointed them to one of MB Crusher’s crusher buckets, and after watching a demo, they chose to rent the crusher for their job. Initially, what drew them to the unit was its portability. Since their job sites had no roads, having equipment or materials reach the site was difficult. But by installing the unit on their machine, it saved them the headache of figuring out how equipment was going arrive at the site. All they needed to transport was their excavator with the crusher attached. Once their project was over, they were content with how the bucket helped them, and they kept MB Crusher in the back of their minds for future projects. Fast forward to 2020, they contacted MB looking to rent a crusher and a screening bucket for a project in May. When their project date grew closer, a sales rep contacted them to see which crusher and screener would be most compatible with their unit and to learn more about the specifics of their upcoming job. Our rep learned that Legarza Exploration & Construction’s upcoming project, much like others, required them to create a road leading up to their job site. One of the ways Legarza thought they could use what’s available to them was to reuse the bank material on the job site. If they could reuse the material, and create soft roads, then they could reduce or eliminate the cost of purchasing materials. After some discussion, both parties agreed that renting MB’s BF80.3 crusher bucket and the MB-S18 screening bucket would be the best fit for their job site. They used the separate units for the same result: creating soft roads that they would use to reach their job site. If the bank material was the larger, they used the crusher. With the BF80.3 crusher bucket installed on their excavator, they had their machine make its way up to the job site. As the excavator traveled to the site, they had the crusher scoop up the river rock from the bank and crush it down to either a ¾ minus or a 3 in minus and created the road. If they were presented with finer material, they switched to the screener bucket and followed a similar process. With the MB-S18 screening bucket, they separated the fines from the larger material. With the usable material, they then created the road leading up to the site. When we talked Bill Arthur, the company’s owner, he was quick to admit that they still were “pretty new to the bucket”. But, he has already seen the benefits it’s brought to their job site. When we asked him to explain the benefits he told is the buckets have helped them “save time and money, primarily on budget” by eliminating material purchasing and handling exepenses. It’s because of those benefits that the company finds themselves renewing their contract to rent out the bucket for the duration of the project. After seeing the buckets’ capabilities, they’ve started to think of how even one unit can benefit the company on every project rather than renting a unit out for a single project. From their own experiences, they know how well the crusher bucket works, and how it allows them to create their own aggregates from materials already present and find themselves leaning toward the crusher for their future projects. To make sure they can continue to use the BF80.3 crusher bucket, they’ve already contacted their sales rep and are in the process of permanently adding the crusher to their fleet!... Read more...Ramming, vibrating and rolling: compaction work in the Munich inner city4 March 2021MachineWacker Neuson’s wide portfolio is impressive in application. At Wacker Neuson, compaction has a tradition of more than 90 years. From the 30-kilogram vibratory rammer to the 7-ton roller, with a classic gasoline or diesel engine or even battery-powered, Wacker Neuson offers everything for light to heavy compaction work, in keeping with the brand motto “all it takes!” On one of the Kassecker company’s construction sites in the inner city of Munich, almost the entire compaction portfolio is put into use. Wacker Neuson’s many years of expertise are also appreciated by the Kassecker construction company, which is why it relies on products from the Wacker Neuson company when installing a district cooling network in Munich. Kassecker, with headquarters in Waldsassen, Germany, has been in business since 1902, active in building and industrial construction, civil engineering and pipeline construction, and steel and metal construction, among others. “We’ve been working together with Wacker Neuson for decades and use the entire portfolio – from compaction machines to excavators to transport vehicles such as dumpers and wheel loaders,” explains Josef Andritzky, managing director at Kassecker. “Recently, we’ve been using more and more electric-powered machines and I’m sure that the topic will gain importance in the future as well. We’re happy to go this way together with Wacker Neuson.” Challenging tasks in the inner city area In the Munich inner city area, Kassecker has several construction sites simultaneously working on district cooling installations as environment-friendly, energy-efficient and cost-effective alternatives to conventional air-conditioning systems. This construction work has already been underway for several years and the major construction site will also take some time to finish. To lay the lines underground, suitable compaction machines are required after breaking up the ground in different work steps. From vibratory rammer to roller The Wacker Neuson vibratory rammers had the opportunity to demonstrate their full strengths in the confined spaces on the construction site: as these are flexible and powerful machines, they were ideally suited for the work in trench shoring and were used for the compaction of the materials in the pipe branch points as well as at the sides of the pipes. Besides the classic 4 stroke rammers, various 2 stroke rammers were also put into use. These are offered only by Wacker Neuson with a specially developed and manufactured engine, impressive with low emissions. Also, the battery-powered rammers scored points on compaction work in trenches: their fully emission-free working principle protects the operators and persons in the construction site environment from exhaust emissions. Meanwhile, the compaction performance matches that of the respective gasoline vibratory rammers of the same size class. Single-direction as well as reversible vibratory plates were used for the compaction of the different layers of soil when refilling the trenches. Almost all vibratory plates by Wacker Neuson achieve values of under 2.5 m/s² in hand-arm vibrations, which means pleasant and safe working for the operator. This low vibration value means the documentation requirement is not applicable, saving contractors time. When using the remote-controlled vibratory plates DPU80r, DPU110r and DPU130r as well as the remote-controlled trench roller RTx, no hand-arm vibrations of any kind result and the operator is protected from exhaust emissions, dust and noise pollution. Ideal results for the last work step, asphalt compaction, were delivered by the ride-on roller RD18 and the walk-behind model RD7. The articulated combination roller RD18 with a drum width of 100 centimeters is particularly maneuverable and offers an optimum view in all directions. With this, it is ideally suited for application in confined inner-city areas. With the walk-behind dual-vibration roller RD7 in the 700-kilogram class with a drum width of 650 millimeters, the user benefits from, among others, easy operation via a particularly ergonomic center pole and tool-free access to all service points. Another bonus point: The roller RD7 exhibits, with less than 2.5 m/s², the lowest hand-arm vibrations on the market. “Wacker Neuson machines have become widespread at all our construction sites,” adds Sebastian Wolfrum, project manager at Kassecker. “It all just fits: the price-performance ratio, the service and the reliability of the machines.” Emission-free alternatives Especially for compaction work in trenches or sensitive environments such as in inner cities, electric-powered machines present an alternative that makes sense – and were thus predestined for the Munich construction site. In the meantime, Wacker Neuson offers three vibratory rammers that work emission-free as well as three vibratory plates for this. The basis is a highly modern lithium-ion battery that was designed specially for hard work applications in construction and delivers sufficient energy for all work that comes with an average workday with a machine. Besides the emission-free working principle, this means other advantages: The machines can be started easily and reliably at the touch of a button, resulting in an energy cost savings of 50 percent on the vibratory plates, and on the battery-powered rammers, even 65 percent. In addition to the motor being completely maintenance-free, all the typical maintenance requirements on conventional vibratory rammers, for example on the carburetor, do not occur with the battery-powered rammer. Two Wacker Neuson Systainers are available for the batteries: a transport box and a charging box with integrated quick battery charger. In the Systainers, the battery and charger are safely protected from soiling and damage. The transport box has been UN-certified especially for Wacker Neuson and fits the battery exactly. This allows the battery to be transported safely in accordance with ADR/RID guidelines. Further information at: www.wackerneuson.com/compaction... Read more...Steelwrist and Volvo CE expand the co-operation with the launch of factory-mounted SQ Auto Connect quick couplers on excavators25 February 2021Attachments / Excavators / MachineSteelwrist and Volvo CE continue to develop the partnership that started more than a decade ago when Steelwrist became the preferred supplier of true factory mounted tiltrotators and quick couplers on Volvo excavators. As the demand for fully automatic quick couplers on excavators continues to grow rapidly, Volvo CE is now expanding the offering with Steelwrist SQ Auto Connect quick couplers directly from factory for both crawler and wheeled excavators between 13 and 35 tons. The launch also includes work tool adapters in matching sizes. With the fully automatic SQ quick couplers operators can efficiently and easily change between tiltrotator, hydraulic powered work tools and mechanical work tools, from the comfort of the cab. “Thanks to the great cooperation with Steelwrist for many years, we are able to follow the latest technology evolutions on excavator attachments. The key of the success story was the factory preparation and installation, according to the feedback received from our satisfied customers. Because of the commitment from both brands, Volvo CE offers a consistent installation of Steelwrist symmetrical quick couplers (now also with SQ variant) and tiltrotators on a wide range of excavators,” says Christian Berling, Volvo CE Product Manager for Excavator Attachments. The facelifted EC250E and EC300E also include the Smart Connect platform which allows for a seamless integration to the Volvo Dig Assist system with the Steelwrist factory mounted tiltrotator. This includes the enhanced safety features and single quick coupler switch for the quick coupler locking system. 100 percent ready and CE-marked directly from the Volvo factory. The Smart Connect platform has been a project where Steelwrist’s sister company SVAB Hydraulik AB has participated in the development from start. Tool Recognition for work tool management can be added after delivery both to true factory fit- and retrofit installations. With the Smart Connect platform the Steelwrist tiltrotators can be mounted at dealer sites with a plug and play installation including the single switch safety. This means that the Volvo dealer can reduce delivery time and optimize functionality to near the same level as a true factory mounted installation even if the end customer buys a stock machine in the dealer yard. “Within Steelwrist we have for a long time worked hard to promote global standards and finally results are starting to be seen. Firstly, with Volvo launching Steelwrist SQ from factory and with Caterpillar’s recent launch of their HCS coupler, it’s a huge thing when two industry leading players almost simultaneously launch products that are compatible with the Open-S standard. Secondly, Volvo CE launching the Smart Connect platform, could be an important step forward towards an open work tool interface for excavators like ISOBUS within the agricultural sector. This would allow for increased smartness and global connectivity for excavator work tools like never before” says Stefan Stockhaus, Steelwrist CEO. For more information please contact: Stefan StockhausCEOSteelwrist ABstefan.stockhaus@steelwrist.com+46 709981321... Read more...Introducing the new Komatsu PC88MR-11 Midi Excavator22 February 2021ExcavatorsThe new Komatsu PC88MR-11 midi excavator builds on the solid foundations of the hugely successful PC88MR-10 to bring more unrivalled customer value to the midi excavator sector. The PC88MR-11’s new features deliver a significant boost to productivity, reduced fuel consumption and faster work equipment speed. The PC88MR-11 takes full advantage of Komatsu group knowhow to offer ultimate versatility, ease of buying, and increased effeciency with the factory-fitted Lehnhoff Powertilt option. Environmental concerns are growing, and urban areas are becoming increasingly sensitive to emissions. The PC88MR-11’s low consumption and powerful EU Stage V engine (50.7 kW / 68hp) provides customers with the opportunity to participate in any tender, demonstrate environmental credentials, and future-proof their investment. A tight tail swing lets the operator concentrate on the work at hand, with no worry about rearswing impacts, and helps to make the PC88MR-11 a verstaile solution, ideal even in confined areas. The external design is also improved with an all-new MR-11 cutting edge stylin. The new PC88MR-11 offers first class operator comfort, smart safety initiatives, intuitive ergonomics, huge advances in performance and controllability, easy serviceability, peace of mind through a proven Komatsu aftertreatment system, and the highest levels of standard specifications in the industry. The operators will find improvements everywhere: a redesigned blade for better dozing, the repositioning of the low/high gear switch for better ergonomic, or an automatic change-over valve for higher comfort when changing attachments. This will be appreciated by current and new users alike. Simone Reddi, Komatsu Europe Product Manager for midi excavators, says “This is not just a simple model update. The PC88MR-11 introduces several improvements in digging performances and structure. The whole dig-loading cycle is improved, increasing production, giving the feeling of a faster machine. Last but not least, this latest Komatsu midi excavator features the European debut of the brand new EU Stage V Komatsu 2.4 liter engine with KDPF (no SCR needed). Enjoy lower fuel consumption, higher performances and unrivalled efficiency”. PC88MR-11 features and benefits: Modern, distinctive, and desirable Komatsu MR-11 styling.EU Stage V compliant engine with DPF and no need for SCR. – compete in any tender, care for the environment, future proof your investment, peace of mind.Net power increase vs. PC88MR-10.Engine fan clutch system – low noise and fuel consumption reduction.Productivity: up 7% vs PC88MR-10. (Hoist / swing operations speed up).Fuel (l/hr) consumption: in average,6% lower than PC88MR-10.Levelling speed: 14% increase vs. PC88MR-10.Attachment oil flow (l/min): +12% vs. PC88MR-10.New blade shape: improved dozing operation.Travel hi/lo switchable on blade lever: intuitively positioned for productivity up.LED work lamps: see and be seen whatever the conditions.Bluetooth radio: get connected.Air heated suspended seat: maximized operator’s comfort.Attachment flow setting: easy, all through monitorEasy radiator cleaning: thanks to the convenient, well placed dust netNew large access doors: easy, fast, safe maintenance.Engine maintenance items: all on one side and accessible from ground level – easy, fast, safe.Easy floor mat cleaning.Transport height reduced 20mm vs. PC88MR-10.Automatic 2 way -> 1 way -> 2-way attachment switching : safe, fast & versatile.... Read more...Innovative and flexible customer solutions are the key to success19 February 2021NewsInterview with Alexander Greschner, CSO of the Wacker Neuson Group Alexander Greschner, CSO of the Wacker Neuson Group, discusses the current order situation, the effects of COVID-19, the Group’s internal restructuring measures and its new products. At this early stage of 2021, how do you assess the Wacker Neuson Group’s start to the year? Overall, we are on a positive footing. Our compact machines and construction equipment, innovative solutions and flexible services continue to enjoy robust demand on the market and our order books are well-filled. The global economy looks set for renewed growth in 2021 following the severe downturn of last year – even though the pandemic itself is far from over. The spread of COVID-19 has been the dominant issue in recent months. How is it impacting your business? From the very outset, we were very flexible in our response to the constantly evolving situation so we could continue to be there for our customers. COVID-19 has presented everyone with major challenges. These include changes in working conditions with rigorous protective and hygiene measures, working from home and the daunting task of balancing work with childcare. However, the crisis has also shown us that we have the flexibility, creativity and perseverance to ensure business continuity for our customers. We are pleased that they are busy since most building sites are still up and running. The main thing we are concerned about at this stage is the situation with global supply chains. The pandemic has led to restrictions like border controls on the one hand, and on the other we have the ongoing risk of staff shortages due to illness or quarantine measures, which can affect both us and our suppliers. In addition, the general rise in demand for steel and other raw materials we rely on is really pushing prices up. Even transport costs have shot up. Container prices have trebled in some cases in recent months and these trends are picking up speed. How will this affect the Wacker Neuson Group moving forward? At the moment, we can run our production programs at scale as planned. At the same time, however, we have to remain flexible and, if necessary, pull forward equipment for which the materials are available and delay the production of other machines. Rising costs mean that adjustments to market pricing will be unavoidable despite our extensive efforts to raise productivity levels and our ongoing internal cost-saving measures. This will not, however, affect our commitment to offering our customers the usual product and service quality at fair prices. Restructuring of the sales organization in Sweden was announced towards the end of last year. What were the reasons behind this move? We decided to extend cooperation with our partner KH-MASKIN in Sweden. KH-MASKIN is one of the leading companies in Scandinavia for construction and municipal services equipment. As the general importer in Sweden, it has been offering Wacker Neuson’s entire product range along with a broad complementary service portfolio since December 1, 2020. KH-MASKIN’s network of local partners provide customer service nationwide in Sweden, so this cooperation will allow us to provide the best possible support to our Swedish customers. Looking beyond sales, further changes have been made within your organization. What are the objectives behind the reorganization measures? The conditions we are operating in are constantly changing, and not just in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. Customer requirements and technologies are evolving rapidly, and so we want to also accelerate. Our aim is to anticipate new developments in the market at an early stage and respond proactively. We rolled out an internal restructuring program last year to improve our future performance in terms of efficiency, agility and innovation, and we are about to implement it across the entire organization. This will help us streamline interfaces within the Wacker Neuson Group, eliminate redundancies and accelerate decision-making. It has the added bonus of strengthening our corporate culture, which is emerging as a key success factor – especially in times of crisis. The strong team spirit that unites our 5,500 or so employees worldwide is a strong springboard for our future success, ensuring our continued ability to offer innovative solutions to our customers. Speaking of innovative solutions, where do you see the spotlight? I would like to highlight our zero emission portfolio in particular. A lot has happened in this space since we launched the world’s first battery rammer in 2015. Our zero emission range has since expanded to include 15 solutions for the construction and agricultural industries. As well as simplifying construction workflows, these machines also contribute to climate mitigation goals with up to 90 percent lower CO2 emissions, and this figure factors in battery production and energy generation. Thanks to this range, our customers can now operate a completely emission-free building site in urban centers! As one of our large construction customers in Vienna is currently demonstrating, zero emission products are ideal not just for unusual deployment scenarios, but also for typical construction site challenges. Our ambition for 2021 is to continue developing these innovative solutions while optimizing our existing products. One example is our high-frequency internal vibrator backpack (ACBe), which has its battery integrated with the converter. A significantly lighter version of this backpack model is due to be launched on the market shortly. We will also be presenting new vibratory plates optimized for asphalt surfaces. Our customers can choose between a conventional gasoline engine and the proven lithium-ion battery from Wacker Neuson. This means that in future our customers will be able to operate the internal vibrator, three battery rammers and various battery-powered vibratory plates with the same interchangeable battery. Digitalization is another area where we are continually innovating – always with a keen eye towards the needs of our customers. Our digital solutions are designed to improve productivity on site. Examples include 3D printing, augmented reality and telematics-based solutions. With the EquipCare telematics module, for instance, customers can obtain even better insights into their fleet. Machines equipped with this technology can send data on upcoming maintenance interventions, unexpected location changes or malfunctions to the customer’s PC or mobile device in real time. Customers who avail of our WeCare offering can entrust all of their maintenance and repair tasks to our service teams, with maximum product availability guaranteed. We also have Compamatic, which combines the proven Compatec compaction control for vibratory plates with EquipCare, allowing customers to track compaction progress and seamlessly document quality control from a desktop. ... Read more...Joint PoC Verification Tests to Start for Electrification of Small and Medium-sized Hydraulic Excavators: Announcing Collaboration with Proterra of the United States17 February 2021Excavators / TechnologyKomatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) (hereafter “Komatsu”) has signed a collaboration agreement with Proterra Inc (Chairman and CEO: Jack Allen) (hereafter “Proterra”) of the United States, to receive the supply of Proterra’s industry-leading battery systems with the aim of having Komatsu electrify its small and medium-sized hydraulic excavators. Komatsu plans to advance the PoC (Proof of Concept) tests starting in 2021 and enter commercial production of its electric excavators in 2023 to 2024. Proterra is a leader in commercial vehicle electrification technology. Through its Proterra Powered program, the company delivers its battery systems and electrification solutions to help heavy-duty and commercial vehicle manufacturers around the world electrify their vehicles. In April 2020, Komatsu launched the PC30E-5 electric mini excavator. For its small and medium-sized models, Komatsu is going to receive high-performance batteries and peripherals which Proterra has developed with its state-of-the art technology accumulated over the years as North America’s leading manufacturer of electric transit vehicles. At the same time, Komatsu is going to collaborate with Proterra as one of its strategic partners of PoC tests. In the course of PoC tests, Proterra and Komatsu will develop an optimal battery system for small and medium-sized hydraulic excavators which require a large amount of output. Proterra’s flexible battery platform leverages industry-leading energy density and are highly customizable, an important advantage of their batteries that enables Komatsu to achieve optimal packaging of the batteries in excavators by combining them with Komatsu-developed key components. Komatsu also expects to generate additional benefits by integrating the partner’s technology with its own, such as integral technology for the development of machine bodies. Komatsu has led the industry by developing products designed to contribute to mitigating environmental impact, as represented by its hybrid hydraulic excavators in 2008, which marked the world’s first hybrid construction equipment on the market, and its PC30E-5 electric mini excavator launched as domestic rental equipment. Under its three-year mid-term management plan (FY2019 – FY2021), “DANTOTSU Value: FORWARD Together for Sustainable Growth”, Komatsu is working to achieve sustainable growth through a positive cycle of improving earnings and solving ESG issues. Komatsu also upholds the targets of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 from 2010. To this end, Komatsu is working to supply high-quality, high-efficiency products, service and solutions designed to mitigate environmental impact in response to climate change and improve safety. As the concerns over climate change accelerate around the world, Komatsu is making full use of its accumulated technologies for hybrid construction equipment and electric mini excavators. Komatsu will also advance collaboration with its various strategic partners. In this manner, Komatsu will develop electric construction equipment which features zero exhaust gas and outstanding reduction of noise, while achieving excavation performance on par with engine-powered models. While continuing its commitment to Quality and Reliability and working to maximize its corporate value, Komatsu is working to achieve safe, highly – productive, smart and clean workplaces of the future through DANTOTSU Value (ESG solutions and improvement of earnings through customer value creation).... Read more...Executive Hire Show postpones to February 202211 February 2021EventsThe organisers of the annual Executive Hire Show have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 event by 12 months. This year’s event had already been delayed by eight-weeks from its original dates in February, this being due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, ongoing public health concerns have made cancelling this year’s Show unavoidable. With today’s announcement, the UK’s premier hire event will now be held between 9th and 10thFebruary 2022 at its established home at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. In arriving at this decision, the EHS team surveyed Show exhibitors and key visitors. The response rate was certainly impressive, with 80% replying – 60% of exhibitors saying they wanted to postpone the Executive Hire Show to 2022. Although this news is disappointing for the sector and the Executive Hire team, it is the right decision based on all the feedback the Show had received. Chris Moore, Executive Hire Show, publishing and events director, explained the decision, “It is with heavy hearts that we decided to move the event to 2022. Having surveyed our loyal exhibitors, this decision received the majority vote. We investigated all possibilities to stage the Show in 2021, but the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and ongoing uncertainties have made our decision unavoidable. We are 100% committed to supporting our exhibitors, visitors, and other personnel associated with hosting the event – their health, safety, and wellbeing must be our number one priority.” Gary McWilliam, Managing Director of the Hire Supply Company had this to say in response to the announcement, “This makes sense to me. The show is so important for the industry, that postponing it is the right thing to do. If we have to miss a year, because of the current restrictions in place, then when we get back together in February we can put on a really BIG event. Lots of people are going to want to attend, so it’s imperative that we have this connection and the show goes ahead.” Chris added “Many of our customers told us that they have new products launching later this year, and we have exciting new plans to help them connect with our audience of active and engaged hirers. In the meantime, we have freshened up our media and marketing portfolio and widened the opportunities available to our partners reflecting emerging technologies, innovative products, and the type of equipment that hirers are buying now. Secondly, later this year, we will hold a series of hire industry webinar events, using digital channels to help companies launch their new products. And finally, when Lockdown restrictions allow, we’re planning new-look Executive Hire Roadshows for Scotland (October) and the South–West (December). These events will be less formal and more focused on new products and Show-only deals of the day.” The EHS plans to continue to engage with the Show’s exhibitors and keep up to date with product launches and hire news via the Executive Hire Show website and social media channels. Chris concluded, “We are down, but we’re certainly not out – the Show will be back bigger and better than ever in 2022. Put the date in your diaries for February 9 – 10, 2022, and the EHS team look forward to seeing you all in person for Executive Hire Show 2022, for a truly blockbuster event!”... Read more...Paragon supports employment within the Construction sector providing £700,000 funding for Kent recruitment firm Gaia Newton Associates8 February 2021Finance / NewsParagon Bank continues to support UK SMEs, providing a facility of up to £700,000 to support working capital needs of Kent-based recruitment firm, Gaia Newton Associates Ltd, enabling the business to continue paying wages. For over 35 years, Gaia has placed individuals in both temporary and permanent roles, predominantly within the construction industry. Paragon has been supporting Gaia for a number of years. The inclusion of debt protection within Gaia’s invoice finance facility recently ensured that the business could continue trading and thrive when a major customer ceased to trade due to insolvency and was unable to pay outstanding invoices. The inclusion of debt protection as an optional benefit to invoice finance facilities not only brings peace of mind to management within businesses but provides a vital arm of support should a client fall into such circumstances. James Hanson, Director at Gaia Newton Associates, said: “The support provided from Paragon has helped us on multiple occasions, including when we were impacted due to a client going into liquidation. “We have been working with Paragon for over two years. The personal service we receive is great and we have a good relationship with our Account Manager. “The Paragon team is accommodating and willing to help, also understanding that unforeseen circumstances occur from time to time.” Adrian Taylor, Head of Invoice Finance at Paragon, said: “We pride ourselves on offering a flexible service and treating customers fairly. We are delighted that a very difficult moment has been avoided and look forward to continuing our relationship with Gaia. “During the prevailing economic climate, we are encouraging clients to consider the inclusion of debt protection terms within their invoice finance arrangements.”... Read more...CAT® HYDRAULIC CONNECTING S TYPE COUPLERS BOOST PRODUCTIVITY, MAINTENANCE INTERVALS, AND KEEP SAFETY A PRIORITY2 February 2021Machine / News / SafetyCat® Hydraulic Connecting S Type (HCS) couplers are changing the landscape for couplers, with the ability to switch between hydromechanical attachments and be fully operational in a matter of seconds, all while the operator is safe in the cab. Excavators of similar sizes can share attachments, with HCS couplers covering a wide range of machines from 311-340 tracked and M314-M322 wheeled excavators. HCS couplers average 37 percent better flow capability when compared to leading competitors. They are designed for high-flow performance suited to hydromechanical tools in demolition and in city earthmoving applications. The lower hydraulic restriction results in better machine fuel efficiency. With the minimal amount of time to transition between attachments, operators will be more inclined to switch attachments when needed and use more task-appropriate attachments when needed. The internal quick disconnects average ten times better life when compared to leading competitors. The quick disconnect design prevents contamination of the hydraulic system, while the coupler design protects important hoses and components from damage inside the coupler. HCS couplers feature industry-leading sensor technology and multiple measures to keep attachments connected in the event of a hydraulic pressure loss. The coupler also gives visual and audible cues, as well as confirmation on the machine’s in-cab screen of a successful connection to the attachment. A complete list of Hydraulic Connecting S Type Couplers is coming soon to cat.com. HYDRAULIC CONNECTING S TYPE COUPLERS SPECIFICATIONS... Read more...Sale of tenth Dual Power Master bring Bema Sweeper’s 2020 to an end on a high1 February 2021MachineBema Sweepers, the UK’s leading brand of sweepers and snowploughs, enjoyed a buoyant end to 2020 selling its tenth Dual Power Master sweeper. The new high power Bema 30 Dual Power Master was sold to Ayrshire construction contractor Simon Taylor Group Ltd. Launched at the start of 2020, Bema’s 30 Dual Power Master is designed to operate in industrial and agricultural settings and features a 640mm brush and Bema’s new 3D roller level compensation. The Bema 30 Dual Power Master can be attached a range of vehicles, including forklifts, yard loaders, telehandlers and to the front or rear of a tractor and offers easy switching between free sweeping and dirt collecting. Available in 1850, 2050, 2300 and 2600mm working widths the Bema 30 Dual Power Master’s reliability is ensured thanks to an innovative Hydroblock, which contains all of the hydraulic controls and safety elements such as an overpressure valve and changeover valve. “2020 was a challenging year for everyone,” says UK agent Phil Bryant. “To have sold ten 30 Dual Power Masters in a year such as this is a fantastic achievement and is a testimony to the build quality, effectiveness and low cost of ownership that Bema offers in all of its sweepers and snowploughs.” Established in 2000, Simon Taylor Group Ltd is a construction company specialising in commercial building maintenance and fitout. The company looked at several alternative sweeper brands before opting for Bema. “We have used several sweeper brands including Bema in the past and decided that our next one would be the Bema,” says Simon Taylor. “We do a lot of work in challenging site conditions and needed a sweeper that was robust, well made and would last a long time. The Bema ticks all of these boxes, and the advice we received from them was first class.” Normally supplied in orange, Phil arranged for Simon’s sweeper to be painted yellow so that it matched Simon’s other machines. Established in 1940 all Bema Sweepers are designed and manufactured in Voltlage-Weese, Germany to ISO 9001 quality control standards and are CE marked. Bema Sweepers were introduced to the UK in 1999. Hundreds of sweepers and snowploughs have been sold since then and are used in a wide variety of settings, including agriculture, construction and airports. Today, they are marketed in the UK by Howard Marshall Engineering, allowing customisation and modifications to be undertaken easily.... Read more...Introducing the new PC24MR- 5 mini excavator.27 January 2021NewsWe are pleased to announce the launch of the PC24MR ‐ 5, the latest addition to Komatsu ’ s MR ‐ 5 range. Powerful and versatile, with the latest EU Stage V engines, the MR ‐ 5 new generation of mini excavators harnesses 100 years of Komatsu technological know-how and worldwide resources to bring unrivalled customer values to the sector. The all-new MR – 5 range builds on the hugely successful MR – 3 product line, and additionally benefit s from a full host of new and improved customer focussed features. A seat belt indicator, an easily accessible secondary shut down switch and protected PPC levers makes these machines safe, both for the operator and for bystanders. The MR – 5 range also benefits from Komatsu designed and developed factory-fit options such as fingertip proportional controls and a hydraulic quick coupler line to deliver flexibility, and ensure quality, reliability and performance day in and day out. The large ergonomically designed operating environment, with a wide seat, provides a comfortable and safe working place for any operator, whatever the job. Simone Reddi, Komatsu Europe Product Manager for mini excavators, says “The MR – 5 range concentrates the quality and performance of the larger Komatsu construction range into a compact package, and with a unique design concept the Komatsu MR – 5 excavators are sure to stand out on job sites across Europe. The PC24MR – 5 is positioned to combine with the PC26MR – 5 to form a strong 2 – model attack strategy in this all-important segment that requires high performance and easy transport” The PC24MR – 5 offers huge customer values with MR – 5 features already available on the successful PC18MR – 5, PC26MR – 5 – > PC58MR – 5 range Below, an update on the latest models released within the dash 5 series: Specs, Features and Benefits of the new MR ‐ 5 Range PC18MR ‐ 5 • Operating weight: 1820kg (only canopy version) • Maximum digging depth: 2360mm • Maximum digging reach: 4300mm • KOMTRAX monitoring system as standard • EU Stage V emission compliant • ROPS – FOPS 4 posts protective structure • Boom Cylinder relocated to higher position – Protected and effective digging • Downforce and working volume increase by 12% – Stronger in tough soil PC24MR ‐ 5 • Operating weight: 2430k g (cab version) • Maximum digging depth: 2615mm • Maximum digging reach: 4500mm • KOMTRAX monitoring system as standard • EU Stage V emission compliant • Completely renewed for EU market • Designed for high transportability on 3,5t trailers • More room for additional attachments to be loaded on a trailer • Lower step height, reduced height of step of around 35 mm • Boom swing cylinder on left side for less worries of damage • Compact undercarriage (1450mm width) for easier access in confined areas. • New MR – 5 comfort cab with wider door – Easier entrance • Spring assisted front windows – Can be easily opened • Fuel refilling point is lowered by about 300mm – Easy manual refilling PC26MR ‐ 5 • Operating weight: 2720kg (cab version) • Maximum digging depth: 2720mm • Maximum digging reach: 4660mm • KOMTRAX monitoring system as standard • EU Stage V emission compliant • Completely renewed for EU market • New Blade design for great dozing and visibility • Designed for high transportability on 3,5t trailers • Boom swing cylinder on left side for less worries of damage • New MR – 5 comfort cab with wider door – Easier entrance • Spring-assisted front windows – Can be easily opened • Fuel refilling point is lowered by about 265mm – Easy manual refilling PC58MR ‐ 5 • Operating weight: 5640 kg • Maximum digging depth: 4130mm • Maximum digging reach: 6570mm • KOMTRAX monitoring system as standard – Latest KOMTRAX telematics • EU Stage V emission compliant Engine with diesel particulate filter (DPF) • Upper exhaust pipe solution • High comfort seat • New undercarriage with 5 track rollers • LED lights • 2nd proportional line as standard and 3rd dedicated for hydraulic quick coupler line also available – Increased versatility • Standard auto decelerator and idle shut down: reduced fuel consumption, increased residual value and reduced service costs. • Newly developed hydraulic electronic controls: seen on a mini excavator for the first time. For optimised machine performance and lower fuel consumption. • Selectable working modes • Neutral Detection System... Read more...Network Rail approves SiteZone proximity warning25 January 2021TechnologyNetwork Rail has approved the use of the SiteZone proximity warning system as a suitable safety solution to reduce risk of contractors being mown down on rail projects. The SiteZone proximity warning system (PWS) alerts users to the imminent threat of being run over by a vehicle or machinery. Even before Network Rail approval, some contractors on rail rpoejcts had already been using SiteZone PWS, including on Crossrail projects at Liverpool Street Station, Whitechapel and Maidenhead. Transport for London also selected the system for use on its Four Lines modernisation program; it was installed on construction plant employed in the re-building of signalling and control system infrastructure. And Network Rail already uses the proximity warning system itself on its material recycling sites. As part of the Network Rail approval process, a site-based behavioural study using SiteZone was undertaken by the University of Nottingham and 2020 SHE Solutions. The results showed that SiteZone “made people more aware of the risks associated with working around plant and had, therefore, made the site safer”. ... Read more...Caterpillar launches its next-generation large excavators.21 January 2021ExcavatorsIn the second of its online product launches coming from its Malaga Demonstration and Learning Centre, Caterpillar launched its next generation large excavators. Chambers Media was delighted to be invited to take part in this virtual event. The press launch was compered by Alana Tubito, coordinating contributors from around the world, from both within and without Caterpillar. Interviews with external speakers included Al Cervero, Vice President Association of Equipment Manufacturers, speaking on what the future would look like in the region. Among other opinions, he expressed the view that data collection would be critical to improving performance and decreasing downtime. Rob Oliver, Chief Executive of the Construction Equipment Association (UK) spoke on critical trends and needs for customers or large projects. One of these highly topical projects is HS2, which it barely needs mentioning will continue to require the most up-to-date plant for some time to come. The press conference then moved on to the main issue. The reveal of the next generation of large excavators, the CAT 352, 374 and 395. Jason Conklin, Vice President Caterpillar Global Construction and Infrastructure (GCI) and Corne Timmermans Industry Region Manager were the first to speak for CAT itself, with a broad presentation on Caterpillar and the next generation of excavators. One of the takeaways was the sheer level investment the company is making in research and development. Speaking from Singapore, Brian Abbott, Worldwide Product Manager for Caterpillar Large Excavators, gave the lowdown on his division’s offering. Caterpillar had listened to its customers, he said, both by formally interviewing users and through general customer feedback. As a result, the new machines had been built to offer truly world beating performance and efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Both fuel and maintenance costs would be up to 20% lower, and structural integrity was critical to the new machines, with thicker plates on the arms and more durable buckets – all while maintaining efficiency gains. The rest of the presentation was dedicated to in-depth walkarounds of the CAT 352, 374 and 395, demonstrating the improvements the company has made to its products. While there was much in the way of detail, presented both by Caterpillar’s on-the-ground experts and end users, the advantages of the new machines were in principle quite simple – a fact belying the attention to detail that has gone into every aspect. In short, the Next Generation large excavators were more efficient, more durable, safer, more comfortable and easier to use through technology and clever design. Which as Brian Abbot had said earlier, was all about helping customers make more money, without cost to the environment or working conditions.... Read more...Astrak Group appointed as Eaton Authorised Distributor19 January 2021Machine / NewsUndercarriage and wear part specialists, Astrak Group UK Limited, has become an authorised distributor of Eaton Final Drives. A typical Final Drive of the kind found on an excavator is composed of a reduction gear, hydraulic motor, parking brake and other components and it is responsible in driving the excavator or crane forward or backward and they are widely considered to be one of the most important hydraulic components of many tracked machines. The Eaton range of Final Drives (sometimes called travel motors) are engineered to provide consistent amounts of power during operation and are available for a wide range of excavators and other tracked equipment from 1 to 50 tonnes. Astrak’s Group Operations Manager, John Wyllie, commented: “Our company has been supplying Eaton’s market-leading hydraulic final drives to our customers for many years. “During that time, we have confirmed our belief that their final drives have been designed and manufactured to meet even the toughest of challenges that today’s industry can throw at them. This reliability makes them the first choice of many operators. “Today’s announcement signals the logical next step in our relationship with Eaton and we are all very proud to be recognised as an Eaton Authorised Distributor and we look forward to the opportunities this new status will bring to our business.” Eaton Hydraulics’ UK Sales Manager Mark Ward stated: “This agreement confirms both Astrak’s and Eaton’s firm commitment to stocking and selling Eaton Final Drives into the OEM and replacement markets and growing our mutual market share. The partnership will continue to be a great success.” Astrak’s new arrangement with Eaton will enable them to continue in supplying high-quality products to their customers alongside an outstanding level of customer service for which the company is already recognised for throughout the construction industry. https://astrakgroup.co.uk/products/final-drives/... Read more...Hitachi Construction Machinery UK pledges £5,000 to the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity18 January 2021NewsHitachi Construction Machinery UK is proud to pledge its support to the Lighthouse Club, the only charity to provide mental, physical and financial wellbeing support to those in the construction community and their families. David Roberts, CEO of HCMUK said: “The Lighthouse Club provides amazing support to the construction industry during the best of times, but this year their work is more invaluable than ever. The club has suffered like most through this crisis, but they continue to provide the same high quality and varied support across the country when it’s needed more than ever. That’s why it was an easy and unanimous decision by the team at Hitachi Construction Machinery UK to make this donation.” Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Club said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Hitachi for pledging an annual donation and becoming Company Supporters. Their pledge means that we have a predictable income to enable us to continue to provide as much proactive support as possible to our construction community.”... Read more...New compact radius CAT® 335 next gen excavator boosts jobsite productivity and efficiency18 January 2021ExcavatorsNew Design increases fuel efficiency and lowers maintenance costs up to 20 percent and improves performance up to 45 percent With its compact radius design, the Cat® 335 Next Gen Hydraulic Excavator brings premium performance and the highest level of standard factory technology to the 35-ton excavator class. The new 335 delivers the tightest tail swing radius in the industry for enhanced maneuverability, making it ideal for working on space-restricted jobsites, such as road projects with lane closures, and excavating next to buildings. Field-proven worldwide for reliable operation, the Cat C7.1 engine powering the 335 meets the most stringent emissions standards with a no-maintenance aftertreatment system. Three selectable operating modes – Power, Smart and Eco – with one-touch low idle help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%. The standard engine configuration offers high ambient temperature operating capacity of 126 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius), cold start capability of 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C) and 15,090-ft (4600-m) altitude capability. High-performance digging and lifting The new 335 features increased stick and bucket cylinder sizes to provide 15% greater digging forces to power through hard ground and asphalt. Hydraulic power is increased by 20% to boost productivity. Yet fuel consumption remains similar to the previous model. Selecting the engine Smart mode saves even more fuel by automatically matching the engine speed and hydraulic power demand, based on how hard the operator is digging. The use of Smart mode typically reduces fuel consumption by 10% with no impact on productivity. The 335 also features optimized weight and dimensions to meet the most common transportation limits. For example, the track gauge is wider to improve side stability, yet total machine weight is under 80,000 lb. (36 200 kg), with or without a blade. Auxiliary hydraulic options for a wide range of Cat attachments increase versatility. Material penetration and improved cycle times are achieved through Advansys™ bucket tips, which are quickly changed without a hammer or special tool to improve safety and uptime. A new, wider blade is available to cover the width of wide track shoes. Significant performance upgrade Integrated, simple-to-use Cat technologies on the new 335 Next Gen excavator assist operator performance, no matter the experience level, to increase machine efficiency by up to 45% compared to manual operation. Cat Payload technology offers on-the-go weighing of material to help prevent overloading or underloading to maximize efficiency. By calculating the load being lifted and comparing it to the rated load for the excavator, Lift Assist lets operators know when the machine is within a safe working range or action is necessary to avoid tipping. Operators cut and fill to exact specifications without overcutting when using the standard Cat Grade with 2D, allowing the machine to reach grade faster. The system stores up to four most used target depth and slope offsets to save time at the jobsite. Automated boom, stick and bucket movements provided by Cat Grade with Assist deliver more accurate cuts with less operator effort. Available upgrades to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D further increase productivity and expand grading capabilities. Cat Link telematics gathers data generated by the new 335 to assist fleet management. Product Link™ automatically collects machine operating data, regardless of type or brand, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere through VisionLink. The information helps managers make fact-based decisions to boost jobsite productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve safety and security. Fleet location, hours, critical maintenance alerts and other machine operating information can also be accessed through the Cat App. Increased maintenance efficiency The use of Cat Remote Services allows companies to troubleshoot and update machine software to improve efficiency. Remote Troubleshoot allows Cat dealers to perform diagnostic testing remotely and pinpoint potential issues, while the 335 keeps working. Reducing update time by as much as 50%, Remote Flash allows for on-board software to be updated at a time when its convenient to the work schedule and without a technician being present. Extended, more synchronized maintenance allows the new 335 to get more work done, while saving up to 20% on maintenance costs compared to the 335F. All fuel filters feature 1000-hour change intervals, as does the air intake filter with precleaners. Improved hydraulic filter performance combined with anti-drain valves to keep the oil clean during filter replacement result in a 3,000-hour filter replacement interval, a 50% increase. Superior comfort and safety The Cat 335 Next Gen excavator gives customers a choice between reengineered Deluxe and Premium cab designs featuring vibration-reducing viscous mounts, adjustable operator seats and automatic climate control to increase operator comfort. Ergonomically positioned to reduce fatigue, customizable joysticks allow pattern and response settings to be saved to operator preference. The tilt-up console eases operator entry and exit. Operators have excellent visibility into the trench to either side and to the rear of the excavator thanks to a flat engine hood design, smaller cab pillars and large panoramic windows. Standard rearview and right-view cameras further enhance visibility and safety and can be upgraded to offer 360-degree visibility. All daily service points are accessed from ground level to increase efficiency and improve safety. The new service platform toward the front of the machine features anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping and provides easy and safe access to the upper service platform. For more information on the new Cat 335 Next Gen excavator, visit your local Cat dealer or www.cat.com.... Read more...Molson adds Kobelco mini excavators to Scottish portfolio12 January 2021ExcavatorsMOLSON Young Plant Sales has started the New Year by announcing the addition of Kobelco mini excavators to its portfolio. The company described the move as a ‘natural fit’ for the business, which already offers Kobelco heavy line excavators throughout Scotland. The new range is already in stock, with parts and service available from the group’s depots in Doune and Inverness. The Kobelco mini excavator range comprises ten models. These range from the SK08SR-1E micro excavator – measuring just 680mm wide when the tracks are in the retracted position – through to the recently released SK75SR-7 and SK85MSR-7 8-tonne class machines. Other models include the SK10SR-2E, featuring a three-pump system and servo controls on the arms. The 3-tonne range features the SK28, SK30 and SK35SR-6E models, boasting features such as air conditioning as standard. The 6-tonne range includes the SK45 and SK55SRX-6 excavators. Mark Proudfoot, director at Molson Scotland, said, “The Kobelco mini excavator range completes our ‘Single Source Supply’ option available throughout Scotland. As a business, we already have the knowledge, stock and infrastructure in place to hit the ground running with the Kobelco mini excavator range and provide the highest levels of service to our customers from day one. “Now in our 43rd year, the Young Plant Sales name has been synonymous for providing the Scottish building and construction industry with a range of market leading machinery, backed up by an after sales service that pulls out all the stops when our customers need us. We feel that the Kobelco range will enhance of offering thanks to their Japanese build quality, smooth controls and high standard specification sure to be a big hit with both new and existing customers.”... Read more...BPH Attachments named nominated LaBounty dealer for UK and Ireland11 January 2021NewsBPH Attachments, a family-run nationwide supplier and attachments specialist since 1972, was approached by LaBounty to become its exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland. The decision to work together with BPH was easily made as its core values and long-standing excellent relationship align with those of LaBounty. The main focus for BPH will be LaBounty’s unrivalled and market leading MSD range of steel shears, which add to its already vast collection of attachments. Being the only dealer for LaBounty creates new opportunities in the demolition and scrap metal arenas and, with BPH’s extensive facilities, the company will also be able to refurbish and service the existing LaBounty users’ equipment. Matthew Bastable, Sales Director at BPH Attachments, said: “We are known in the industry for being a supplier and distributor of quality attachments, no matter the job. Being chosen to work with LaBounty, the world’s best and most sort after brand, is a very proud moment for us. It’s testament to the focus we place on customer service and having a friendly team filled with expert knowledge who can ensure we best match our products to our customers’ projects back up by our in-house team of mobile specialist engineers.” Kenan Cirak, Regional Sales Manager – Europe, said: “We are looking forward to support our existing LaBounty customers in UK and Ireland Republic with BPH’s intensive sales and aftersales network. LaBounty has a strong presence in the UK and Republic of Ireland and our focus will be on helping our existing customers to keep their productivity at optimum levels with active product, service and spare part support as well as reaching to new customers who are looking to improve their productivity and profitability.”... Read more...Molson Scotland expands its Kobelco range7 January 2021ExcavatorsKobelco mini excavators have been added to the product portfolio of Molson Young Plant Sales in Scotland. Molson Young already offered the Kobelco heavy line excavators throughout Scotland, and other Molson divisions have represented the brand throughout England and Wales since 2014. Mark Proudfoot, director at Molson Scotland, said: “The Kobelco mini excavator range completes our ‘single source supply’ option available throughout Scotland. As a business, we already have the knowledge, stock and infrastructure in place to hit the ground running with the Kobelco mini excavator range and provide the highest levels of service to our customers from day one. The new range became available on 1st January 2021 and after-sales support covering both parts and service is being offered by Doune and Inverness depots. The mini excavator range from Kobelco comprises of 10 models, ranging from the SK08SR-1E micro excavator – just 680mm wide when the tracks are retracted – through to the recently released SK75SR-7 and SK85MSR-7 8-tonne-class machines. Other available models include SK10SR-2E and the 3-tonne range comprising the SK28, SK30 and SK35SR-6E. Molson Young also offers the 6t range, with the SK45 and SK55SRX-6 excavators.... Read more...13-year-old earns CPCS card21 December 2020NewsA 13-year-old boy has become the youngest person to gain a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) red card, qualifying him as a trained operator. Jamie Currie, qualified excavator operator Jamie Currie, from Cullen in northeast Scotland, is now qualified to operate diggers after passing the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test, followed by a theory test, which required him to answer 90 questions from the examiner, and a practical test. For the practical test, he had to name parts of the machine, drive the digger through chicanes, then over rough ground followed by steep ground. He was also required to dig a manhole to specification, which was later checked with a laser level, dig and reinstate a track to specification, load dumpers and then reinstate the work. Finally, Jamie was required to drive the digger back to the yard and perform shutdown procedures and have a debrief with the examiner. He scored 206 points out of a possible 215 with MG Training at a test centre in the central belt, deliberately chosen because the examiners would have no prior knowledge of Jamie or his father James Currie, director of Currie Contractors Cullen and NPORS instructor at Heavy Plant Training Ltd. There is no age requirement for CPCS membership although there are laws and company policies regarding the use of plant and machinery. So although Jamie has passed his CPCS ticket, he will be unable to use his new qualification on commercial sites until he is a little older. Jamie Currie said: “I’m really happy and proud to have my CPCS Red Card. I’ve always loved diggers, so I hope this is my first step to a career in the plant industry. When I’m 16, I hope to do a NVQ in digger driving and upgrade my Red Card to a Blue Card, before building my own business. And, of course, I want to own my very own digger, specifically a Doosan 18 tonner with Tiltrotator.” Jamie’s proud father James explained the origins of his son’s enthusiasm: “When Jamie was just six we built a new house and for that we bought a 1.5-tonne Hanix to move top soil and lay the drains. Jamie was hooked. He insisted on helping me operate the Hanix. We took a family holiday in County Durham and paid a visit to Diggerland where he had an absolute blast. “After finding out that you can sit the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test after the age of 12, he bought the revision book and downloaded the app and revised at weekends and weekdays after school. He was determined to pass and has also gained a qualification for ‘Emergency at Work First Aid plus Forestry’. Despite the fact that I do plant training myself, Jamie was determined to gain the Red Card on his own merit.” Callum Mackintosh, vice president of the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) said: “I’ve been lucky enough to see Jamie’s digger driving skills and the talent he shows is comparable to – if not better than – some adult operators. It’s great to know that we have this talent coming into the industry and I’m sure that Jamie has a bright future ahead of him.”... Read more...Cleaning Up the Cold War18 December 2020GlobalThe McIntosh Pit is a former uranium mine site that has undergone a multi-phase reclamation near Jeffrey City, Wyoming. The former boomtown of Jeffrey City in Freemont County is located on Highway 287 about 90 miles west of Casper, Wyoming. The community experienced rapid population and economic growth in conjunction with the previously profitable and high-demand uranium mining industry during the Cold War era. As the local mining district attempted to meet the ever-growing demand for the radioactive element during the Cold War arms race with the Soviet Union, the focus was solely on political tensions, without a vision for the long-lasting environmental implications. Historical Unearthing of Uranium The USA identified a major concern in the 1950s about the access to the world’s small supply of known uranium, the main ingredient in the atomic bomb. A search for new domestic sources was initiated and identified the hills of Wyoming as a key potential location, which triggered a frenzy of prospector opportunity. Bob Adams, a Wyoming entrepreneur, became intrigued by the local stories of million-dollar claim fortunes and began his own quest. Adams creatively fixed radiation detectors to the wings of his private plane that could signal occurrences of uranium in the ground to successfully find uranium in Crooks Gap, where he staked his own claim and developed a business plan. In 1958, the venture between prospector, Adams, and financing investor, Dr. Charles W. Jeffrey’s Western Nuclear Corporation (WNC) received a new contract from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission that doubled its uranium milling capacity. This announcement sparked the boom of population growth and development of Jeffrey City, and the expansion of numerous uranium mines in the hills of Freemont County. Approximately 1,000 people were employed by the uranium mine. For 20 years the uranium mining boom continued, which allowed Jeffrey City to develop into a community with amenities where over 4,000 residents could live, work, and be entertained. WNC began uranium mining operations at the McIntosh Pit in 1975 on Sheep Mountain. McIntosh Pit was a 35-acre area of the Crooks Gap-Green Mountain Uranium Mining District where over 4 million tonnes of ore had been extracted, to capitalize on sky-high uranium values. The corporation undertook large production open-pit mining operations and dug deep in the McIntosh Pit to extract valuable yellowcake; a mined uranium ore concentrate that the Split Rock uranium mill processed 1,700 tons daily. WNC used a variety of extraction methods including acid leach, solvent extraction, and ion exchange. Proof of the historical mining activities is seen in 2020, as the 200-foot-deep pit features a brilliant blue groundwater lake walled in by large, stepped banks cut into the rock measuring up to 300-feet high. Unfortunately for Jeffrey City, the uranium mining bubble burst in 1979 with the partial meltdown of Three Mile Island, which triggered increased nuclear regulations, and led to an immediate drop in the demand for uranium given the perceived dangers of nuclear power. Subsequently, Western Nuclear Corporation laid off hundreds of employees to react to the changing economic conditions. By the end of 1982, WNC’s workforce dwindled down and production ceased. As was common practice at the time, the mine was abruptly abandoned, leaving the sporadic overburden landscape frozen in time. Since Jeffrey City relied heavily on the uranium mining industry, 95% of the community’s workforce population had vanished. Jeffrey City’s most recent US census data counted a total population of 58 individuals. Reclamation on the Range Before the adoption of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, the federal government did not require mining companies to perform site remediation work. Times have changed, as in today’s environmentally conscious society, there is a responsibility to rectify the oversights of previous mining activities. The federal government has designated funds devoted to the cleanup of these hazardous land areas disturbed by mineral extraction. Wyoming is one of the leading states in cleaning up abandoned sites. Commencing in 2014, the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program administered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) laid out an estimated $26.2M, multi-year plan with 7 project phases to reclaim the McIntosh Pit back to the original landscape, prior to uranium mining operations. Computer generated 3D models were created to ensure the land transformed back to the pre-mining vista. The goals of the program were abating physically dangerous hazards, improving drainage and site conditions to stable landforms, remediating 12 million cubic yards of mine spoils containing elevated radionuclides, and promoting diverse vegetative success for livestock grazing acres. The 2020 phase 5 of the Mcintosh Pit project was to move a total of 1.2 million cubic yards from the hillside into the bottom of the pit, thereby eliminating the groundwater lake. Since 2014 a variety of competitive-bidding contractors have been awarded the various phases of the AML McIntosh reclamation project. These contractors have chosen different methods of earthmoving equipment to complete their respective phases, ranging from mining shovels or excavators top-loading into trucks, and traditional motorized scrapers. The phase 5 contract was awarded to Summit Excavation & Grading in April 2020 who proposed a unique new method of excavation services to complete the challenging 8-month project before November. Summit targeted the average weekly production at an advantageous 50,000 cubic yards per week. Summit utilized two Volvo 40-Ton Articulated Dump Trucks, each pulling two K-Tec scrapers in a train configuration on the long haul from the east spoil pile. Each scraper hauls 37 cubic yards for a total of 74 cubic yards in a single pass with a single operator and engine running. The K-Tec 1237ADT train scrapers easily loaded the abrasive powdered granite material with the aggressive center bit cutting edge stinger that allowed for deep excavation and speed loading. Summit used gravity to their advantage to dive over the spoil pile cliff’s steep grade; load the lead scraper first, followed by a heaped rear scraper before reaching the bottom of the slope. Impressive production was realized as it took less than 2 minutes to load up the 74 cubic yard capacity trains in the cut zone. Summit Excavation owner & manager, Mark Schmidt, feels that “due to their 14’ width and four-wide wheel arrangement, the scrapers are stable and not prone to tipping even cutting down slopes up to 3:1. The K-Tec’s have high ground clearance and can handle the steep gradient ramps at McIntosh.” The loaded trains, which were fitted with 8-caliper disc brakes, sped down an 8% slope on Summit’s freshly constructed winding haul road. The haul road was maintained by a Case 620 Tractor that pulled a 20’ wide K-Tec land leveler to blade the path smooth from point A to B with frequent moisture assistance from a dust control water truck. Summit emphasized the value of a well-maintained haul road, as earthmoving efficiency and employee safety was of paramount project importance. On level ground, the loaded scraper trains traveled approximately 34 miles per hour. Once the scrapers reached the bottom of the pit, the scrapers drove parallel to the shoreside of the groundwater lake and smoothly laid out a lift of the gritty material by dumping each scraper within 8 seconds. A D8 dozer then pushed the scraper dumps into the pit water to progressively squeeze out the water while the scrapers turned around at the rock wall to crawl back up the haul road. Full cycles of earthmoving performance clocked an average of 7.5 minutes. The scrapers proved their worth in the rugged conditions where occasionally, the cutting edges encountered jarring boulders hidden below the sandy surface. An excavator would quickly move in to pluck out the massive rocks and dropped them into a Volvo A40G truck custom fitted with a K-Tec EJB 4X ejector body. Once the ejector body accumulated a full load of boulders, the truck would also travel down the winding haul road, and smoothly eject a load of chunky rocks out the back of the truck to splash into the groundwater lake. To safely eliminate the groundwater lake, as per the project specifications, a series of evaporation mist arrays and water cannons were positioned atop the water surface and around the reservoir banks. The evaporative dewatering system offset the displacement of the water level and prevented the level from being raised too rapidly. Elsewhere on the McIntosh site, an Earthmoving Support Tractor (EST) was a wise investment for Summit to have readily available. The Case tractor power unit was fitted with 2 attachments from K-Tec as on the front of the EST, the Ox Block pusher block allowed for the option to push-load scrapers for increased capacity in an expedited cut zone time to improve productivity. On the rear of the EST, the K-Tec Tricerabox is a box blade mounted to the 3-point hitch, engineered to engage the ground and manipulate soil. The three functions of the Tricerabox include the leveling blade pulling material forward, ripper teeth sinking down into the soil, and blade backward for pushing material similar to a dozer. The Tricerabox has seven ground ripper shanks that are hydraulically operated to lower for engaging the ground to pre-rip the excavation to expose boulders. The Tricerabox back blade allows the operator to complete backfilling of soil work, fully smoothing out the cut and fill zones. The three-point hitch was also modified to have a scraper hitch hook-up, making it the ultimate piece of support equipment, where the tractor can fill in as a bulk dirt hauler for another power unit that may be down for maintenance. Once the hard rock material was scarified, another Case tractor and K-Tec 1233 scraper outfitted with a Trimble GPS system was utilized to move short-haul material from the southern spoil, channel work, local fills, slope work, cover soil placement, and finish grading activities. Throughout the project, Summit strategically saved and stockpiled the topsoil while the subgrade was being reached. The topsoil was then hauled and spread either with scrapers or in some challenging locations, with the EJB. The technological prowess of the company shone as both the subgrade and finish grades were put in by GPS automated machines to meet the requirements of the 3D model original landscape. The final spreading of the brown topsoil above of the dusty Wyoming sand provided a fertile foundation for the landscaping subcontractor to plant native species. The plants took root to close the phase of the project, leaving future generations without a visible trace of the uranium boom and bust in these acres of Crooks Gap. As the Cold War tensions slowly subsided in years gone by, the 7 phase AML initiative is now down the homestretch of closure. Summit Excavation successfully completed phase 5 of the McIntosh Pit uranium mine reclamation project on time by utilizing unique combinations of earthmoving equipment. Throughout the last 70 years, advantages continue to be sought after, for just as Bob Adams used creative equipment to originally find uranium in Crooks Gap, Summit Excavation used their own fleet of creative equipment to return the land back to the beautiful home on the range. Cleaning up the Cold War... Read more...Mecalac Welcomes Trekker Group to Growing North American Network18 December 2020NewsMecalac, a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of compact construction equipment for urban environments, welcomes Trekker Group to its growing dealer network. The Trekker Group is one of five dealers Mecalac added in 2020 to expand coverage across North America. Trekker Group will offer Mecalac’s innovative line of crawler skid-excavators — the MCR Series — as well as the company’s MWR Series of wheeled excavators and AS Series swing loaders at six locations throughout Florida. The partnership crates a solid foundation for sales and service in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions as Mecalac works to bring its game-changing productivity to jobsites across America. “Growing a brand — especially one as unique as Mecalac — requires a strong partner with exemplary customer service,” said Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America. “Trekker Group recognizes Mecalac’s potential for their landscaping and construction customers. They also have the support network necessary for helping us foster a whole new way of thinking about the jobsite.” Trekker Group originated in Puerto Rico more than 66 years ago, reaching mainland U.S. in 2010 with the establishment of Trekker Tractor. Several divisions of the company, including the original Puerto Rico Wire Group, continue to provide construction wire products, tools and accessories across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In addition to Trekker Tractor, the equipment sales rental and service division, the group also manages Trekker Distributor in the U.S. This division provides concrete formwork and shoring supplies and design consultation services, as well as multiple construction equipment lines throughout Florida and most states in the Southeast. As part of Trekker’s equipment lineup, Mecalac’s newly updated 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR offer superior speed, productivity and compact operation over traditional mini-excavators. The machines combine the quickness of a skid steer with the 360-degree rotation of an excavator for versatility and travel speeds two times faster than any small excavator. Using a range of attachments, contractors can easily do the job of several machines with a single unit, freeing up resources and space and boosting productivity. “Partnering with Mecalac is an ideal fit with our customer base,” said Adam Stegeman, vice president of operations for Trekker Group. “We focus on site work, utilities, water treatment plants, pool contractors, landscapers and municipalities. Jobsites are often crowded and difficult to access. Mecalac equipment is compact, highly maneuverable and the most innovative machines our industry has seen in the last 50 years. With Mecalac our customers can be more resourceful and efficient. We’re happy to be able to help make that happen.” Trekker Tractor will also offer the 7MWR, 9MWR, 11MWR and 15MWR, which feature a revolutionary design that addresses pain points often encountered with wheeled excavators. The MWR models provide outstanding stability, improved accessibility for the operator and an unbeatably compact working radius. Learn more about Mecalac’s full line of equipment at www.mecalac.com. ... Read more...SANY UK & Ireland makes its Executive Hire Show Debut16 December 2020EventsThe Executive Hire Show team is very excited to announce that, as part of the renewed focus on the UK & Ireland, SANY has announced its first-ever attendance at The Executive Hire Show, which is being held at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 28th and 29th April 2021. SANY, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of excavators, is stepping up its operations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. With a comprehensive range of machines from 1.5t to 50t designed for the UK market, SANY has set up its own direct sales route in Scotland and has appointed a new dealer network across England and Wales. SANY will continue to sell and support excavators in Ireland with Sleator Plant. “We are embarking on a new chapter with SANY in the UK & Ireland and have lots of exciting plans for 2021 and beyond” commented Leigh Harris, business development director SANY UK & Ireland. “A key objective for us is to show the quality of our products and dealer network and therefore, we have decided to attend our first-ever Executive Hire Show, as it will give us a great platform to meet with key decision-makers from the UK’s hire industry.” Executive Hire Show, publishing and events director, Chris Moore said, “Confidence continues to grow in the 2021 Executive Hire Show, and we are delighted that SANY has committed to exhibit at the event. We very much look forward to welcoming them to the Show.” Chris added, “This will be the 15th annual Show and we are confident that we will be able to deliver the same fantastic experience as always. To which end, I am delighted to report that the show is over 70% booked.” Keeping you Safe at the Executive Hire Show The safety of EHS visitors and exhibitors is a top priority for the Executive Hire Show delivery team, so in addition to developing new initiatives for the event itself, the team is proactively working to the new collaborative guidelines of the Industry ‘All Secure Standard’ to ensure the health and safety of all visitors, exhibitors, and event personnel in response to COVID-19. For further details please visit ‘All Secure best practice guidelines and standards’ Visit www.executivehireshow.co.uk for further details about the event and put 28th and 29th April 2021... Read more...Compact optimally with ease15 December 2020MachineThe high operating comfort of the vibratory roller RD7 by Wacker Neuson is impressive. (Munich, December 2020) Within the range of soil processing, Wacker Neuson offers a wide portfolio of products for soil and asphalt compaction – from the vibratory rammer to the 7 metric-ton single drum soil compactor. The new walk-behind dual-vibration roller RD7 in the 700-kilogram class expands the portfolio with a unit that is particularly ergonomic and efficient in performance. The new model generation of the vibratory roller RD7, with a drum width of 650 millimeters, delivers optimum work results on asphalt as well as on soil surfaces. The end user benefits here from easy operation via a particularly ergonomic center pole as well as tool-free access to all service points. “With the vibratory roller RD7, we are setting new standards for operating comfort,” explains Stefan Pfetsch, managing director of Wacker Neuson Produktion GmbH. “Our newly developed travel lever offers very intuitive control of the machine. In connection with many other machine details, this makes it easy for the operator to deliver ideal work quality at the end of the day. With different engine options and a flexible protective cage concept, we also have a suitable model variant in the portfolio for every price segment.” Lowest hand-arm vibrations on the market With its revised design and function, the center pole makes compacting very easy for the operator. All the operator’s controls can be reached directly on the guide handle. The travel lever, in which three different functions are integrated, makes working particularly comfortable: With this, the operator can control travel direction and the right variable speed by moving the handle forward and backward, and also stop the roller by simply releasing the handle. In addition, the travel lever is particularly easy to operate and can also be actuated easily from the side and over a longer period of time. Also, the roller RD7 exhibits, with less than 2.5 m/s², the lowest hand-arm vibrations on the market. From this aspect, too, the result is no restrictions on working time. This low vibration value means the documentation requirement is not applicable, saving contractors time. As an additional comfort plus, the vibration-dampened center pole is not set to a fixed height but can be moved freely. Due to this, the operator can effortlessly take up the most comfortable position for the moment and the respective application, which means even higher operating comfort and a reduced physical load. He doesn’t even have to run around the machine to fix the roller on a slope. Thanks to the hydraulic parking brake, the roller automatically remains reliably standing on gradients if there is an interruption in work. This results in more safety on the construction site. Efficient sequences of operations for optimum compaction results The vibratory roller RD7 makes efficient sequences of operations and ideal soil compaction easy. This is ensured by the roller’s reliable straight-ahead travel and easy maneuvering. The long center pole and the resulting greater effectiveness of the lever simplify and accelerate the turning of the roller. This is also supported by the short distance between drums with a low center of gravity. In addition, the low lateral overhang of only 30 millimeters and the tapered frame narrowed at the top enable exact and uninterrupted compaction directly at walls or curbs. The dual-vibration roller with 700 kilograms operating weight is suitable for compaction of asphalt as well as for granular materials, as the vibration frequency can be optimally adjusted: the operator simply sets the vibration depending on the surface – high frequency for asphalt compaction and low frequency for soil compaction. This way, the roller RD7 achieves the required and necessary compaction and surface quality on every surface. Easy service – higher profitability If maintenance or repair is upcoming, reaching the most important subassemblies of the machine quickly and easily is important. In this area, the vibratory roller RD7 by Wacker Neuson scores points: the protective hood can be folded open tool-free, and all maintenance points are reachable without complications or tools. Moreover, easy access is ensured by the open design, which allows many components, such as for example hydraulic hoses, to be accessed easily. This way, downtime can be minimized, and construction site operations are not time-delayed. More information at: www.wackerneuson.com/compaction... Read more...First Rotar concrete cutter in the UK makes light work of pulling down Manchester’s iconic ‘Berlin Wall’11 December 2020UncategorisedThe Rotar RCC Concrete Cutter has been instrumental in tearing down the infamous ‘Berlin Wall’ in Piccadilly Gardens in the centre of Manchester, as part of a revitalisation project for the area. The unique Rotar RCC, the first one in the UK, made light work of bringing down the huge concrete structure which has been standing for 18 years. It took just a few days to complete the task due to its astonishing power. AW Demolition were the first customers of the Rotar RCC30 and were working with Hyde Demolition on this high-profile job. Austin Wilkinson of AW Demolition said of the weekend job: “Well last night was the night when we started to demolish the “Berlin Wall” in Manchester Piccadilly Gardens using the very First Rotar RCC30 with Ramplifier in the country, and boy was she impressive. Honestly at first when Worsley Plant and Rotar told me about it and flew me out to the factory, I wasn’t totally convinced it would do what they said it would. However, I decided to make the investment. After it sitting for 18 months in the yard as a show piece, I finally got to use it. I didn’t just want to put it on any old job, it had to be the right job to test it. Well this was the job to use it on, the concrete in this wall is solid and I mean solid, not much rebar, just really hard. But it worked and I would say at this moment in time, she is preforming like a tool that sits on the end of a 70 – 80 ton machine. When the Ramplifier kicks in – wow, it’s shear power!!!” Austin now knows for sure it will be a welcome addition to his fleet of Rotar attachments and provide cutting edge technology to help him achieve his projects with greater efficiency, power and speed. It’s strength and speed has already been proven on this first high-profile job. The RCC Concrete Cutter is ideal for your primary demolition needs when you need to cut concrete. Built for heavy industrial demolition, it is ideal for use on jobs involving thick concrete with reinforcements inside such as bridges, parking garages etc. The RCC has a huge opening with massive force. Ideal for when you just want to cut concrete down before it is moved onto other stages of demolition, for example, to be pulverized or taken away to be crushed elsewhere. The RCC features RAMPLIFIER technology, giving double the power and placing it at the cutting edge of the market. RAMPLIFIER is installed inside the cylinder rod so it is fully integrated, offering a higher force of cutting power – a massive increase from 350 to 700 bar. The RCC features include: Replaceable teeth – saves downtime and thereby reduces costs. They are very wear resistant and slide on easily with just 4 screws.Longer cutting blades – our rebar cutter blades are longer and more user friendly for the driver to cut – all in a straight line for better access into the jaw’s throat.Simplicity – everything we don’t need isn’t on it. A minimalistic design that includes only what’s needed. No need for complexity.Adjustable cutting blades – with shims that can be installed to get the correct gap.Two flanges – making it easy to adjust and maintain.All standard components – each is easily available so no wait time for parts, making it serviceable both on site, or in the workshop.Large infrastructure of hydraulic lines means: Less resistance is needed to open and close the machine. Lower oil temperatures = longer live on sealing components, less fuel consumption and less back pressure.... Read more...The all-new DL-7 Series are here!10 December 2020Machine / PlantDoosan is gearing up for something very special and we are very excited to share the news with you. This winter, we are launching the DL-7 Series Wheel Loaders, and we are confident that our customers will love the new machines. The new DL-7 Series has undergone a complete transformation. Redesigned from the ground up, these wheel loaders meet the needs of our customers for improved performance, productivity, very low fuel consumption, operator comfort and low cost of ownership. Visit the new “DL-7 Series” virtual showroom... Read more...Mecalac Speed Control System Optimizes Speed Control for Numerous Applications9 December 2020TechnologyMecalac,a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of compact construction equipment for urban environments, offers its innovative Speed Control travel speed management system standard on all MCR crawler skid excavator models. The new system allows operators to set a maximum travel speed from 20 available speed options. The system acts as a limiter, maintaining the desired speed so operators can focus on the task at hand for increased safety and productivity. Speed Control increases versatility for the 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR machines, making it easy to move across the jobsite at speeds up to 6.2 mph (10 km/h) or maintain very low speeds for applications such as mowing or snow removal. “Mecalac products are designed to simplify the lives of our users without compromising on performance,” said Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America. “Our MCR series provides the quickness of a skid steer with the 360-degree rotation of an excavator for versatility and travel speeds two times faster than any compact excavator. But sometimes speed isn’t everything. Speed Control allows operators to easily match their speed to the task.” With the turn of a dial, operators can easily select their desired speed. When combined with the flexibility from a range of attachments — including mowers, mulchers, sweepers, snow blowers, and many more — the Speed Control system maximizes versatility for all MCR series units, increasing productivity and jobsite efficiency. Mecalac’s patented quick coupler, CONNECT, another advanced feature standard on the MCR series further increase speed and ease of use by allowing operator to switch between attachments without leaving the cab for greater efficiency in a variety of tasks. “The MCR series is like a high-tech multi tool; you really can do it all with a single machine,” Bigwood said. “They don’t need a mower and a skid steer and an excavator. There’s an attachment for every task, and now a speed setting that matches. With Speed Control, operators don’t need to worry about trying to maintain a certain speed; they can just focus on the task at hand.” MCR units also feature Mecalac’s innovative three-part arm and a 360-degree rotating ability for an extended range of movement and game-changing compactness. Operators can do more from a single position or within confined spaces with increased flexibility and reach while minimizing unnecessary movement. The three-part arm can also be tucked in, allowing for extra compactness and mobility without overbalancing the unit in the front — resulting in a true zero-turn radius. In addition, the boom system gives the MCR unprecedented lifting capacities — pound for pound, exceeding anything else on the market. For more information, see Mecalac’s speed control video. Learn more about Mecalac’s full line of equipment at www.mecalac.com. About Mecalac Mecalac is an international manufacturer of compact construction equipment for urban sites. Known for its innovative, customer-focused technology, the manufacturer has sales companies, distributors and customers in more than 80 countries. Versatile and multi-purpose equipment is available through five product lines, including: excavators, loaders, backhoe loaders, site dumpers and compaction rollers. For more information: Mecalac North America, 282 Dedham Street, Norfolk, MA 02056; (508) 921 3076; mecalac.northamerica@mecalac.com; www.mecalac.com; Facebook;LinkedIn; Instagram and YouTube.... Read more...ASTRAK OPENS HEATHROW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE8 December 2020NewsAs part of an ongoing business development programme to enhance our delivery service, Astrak has now opened a new London distribution hub. The Heathrow Distribution Centre now allows Astrak to provide items for collection or same day delivery across the capital. The addition of this new centre is the result of increased demand from customers located around the M25 corridor and is an enhancement to the company’s current London operation. The 10,000 square foot Heathrow Distribution Centre is strategically located next to the M25 in the Mckay Trading Estate in Slough and, while our Dartford depot still retains a key role in providing a collection point for customers located in the East of the capital, the Heathrow hub will allow our customers located to the West to benefit from our new stocking location and same day delivery service covering a select range of our most popular rubber track and rubber pad products. The depot and delivery service is being run in partnership with KPI Transport a very experienced logistics company who have a strong commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. John Wyllie, Astrak’s Group Operations Manager commented: “We are really excited to be able to offer our customers in the capital with a same day collection and delivery solution and we hope that this latest development will help them to further minimise their machinery downtime costs.”... Read more...Worsley Plant | MB Crushing Bucket paying for itself7 December 2020AttachmentsAs a one-man band it’s vitally important that any investment decisions are the right ones for the business. They’ve got to work. PB Horrocks Contracting specialise in the agricultural market and work alongside other companies putting up farm buildings and industrial units. Peter, the Owner, has been driving machines all his life. Based in Lancashire, PB Horrocks work across the county as well as Yorkshire. A 14-ton digger that was bought brand new has brought in lots of business, working 4,500 hours in the first two years and using various attachments – including a selector grab, a breaker and a riddle bucket. One of these was a Crushing Bucket, a model that was slow, couldn’t handle sticky material and soon after it broke. Peter borrowed an MB Crushing Bucket and was impressed with its performance. He decided to approach Worsley Plant and immediately ordered his own MB BF60 bucket. In the first month they’d done 1000 ton. Often at job sites they are pulling up tarmac. The bucket has allowed them to crush on site. Peter explains: “We don’t need to pay to take material off site now and also not to bring it in. We are effectively recycling the materials we are digging up. It’s saving us a lot of money and time. The Crushing Bucket is paying for itself. It’s earning its keep. It can crush in the rain when the previous one we had couldn’t.” One such example is a recent farm project. The customer wanted banking digging out. Part of the materials they dug out was sandstone rock. The MB Bucket allowed them to crush this and re-use it as a track. No stone needed to be bought in all the waste was re-used. The end result looked really good. This saved the customer a little over £5,000. Peter concludes: “At the end of the day the Crushing Bucket is a great addition to our toybox. It’s allowed us to offer a better level of service to our customers and also save them money. With the increase in demand for crushing on site, reliability was much more important for us. So far, since we’ve changed to the new bucket the performance has been phenomenal. Totally worth the investment.” Working with Worsley Plant has been a pleasure. They are an awesome team – polite, helpful and have provided me with a great level of service, especially their engineers.”... Read more...Demolition Hub Christmas Fortnum & Mason Competition4 December 2020News... Read more...Datatag ID Ltd appoints new Marketing Executive3 December 2020NewsDatatag has appointed Zoe Lamb as the company’s new marketing executive. Zoe, who joined the company in October of this year, brings with her a wealth of marketing experience within the construction sector. Datatag ID offers leading security marking and registration systems across multiple industries – the firm’s vision is to be a global leader in its field. To help realise this vision – the company took the decision to engage a dedicated marketing professional, to both drive the business forward and to grow its brand awareness internationally. Zoe’s role will be to work with key partners to develop a core marketing communication strategy and develop relationships within key target markets. Zoe commented on her new role, “My experience in the construction sector has allowed me to hit the ground running in my exciting new role at Datatag. With aspirations of turning Datatag into a household name, I will be working closely with key stakeholders to build on the vision for the future of the company.” Kevin Howells, CEO of Datatag ID Ltd, added “In these unprecedented times it is very fortunate that we are able to expand our team and bring a new outlook into our growing business. Zoe has a range of experience across multiple markets and will be a key player in achieving our vision as a company. We have a lot of exciting projects ready for Zoe to work her magic on, so watch this space!” One of Zoe’s initial projects will be to promote the new, CEA (Construction Equipment Association), CESAR ECV (Emissions Compliance Verification) scheme, which has been designed to provide quick and easy verification of a machine’s emissions category on construction sites. With the introduction of Low Emission Zones and ‘green’ construction sites, there is an urgent demand for the quick identification of the certified emission levels of machines brought on to sites. The new CESAR ECV system is a universal approach to providing an asset database for all construction machinery to allow anyone to identify a machine’s status quickly. For more information on the new CESAR ECV system please visit https://www.cesarscheme.org/ecvphp or contact the team at info@datatag.co.uk.... Read more...Progress being made prepping Long Itchington Wood tunnel drive3 December 2020Machine / NewsA launchpad is being constructed for a tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will dig a one-mile twin bore tunnel under Long Itchington Wood, before the route heads north and swings into Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station. Current work on the one-square-kilometre north portal site entails a large and deep excavation, with 250,000 cubic metres of material being excavated in layers before being transported and deposited locally to form railway embankments. Collins Earthworks is doing the bulk earthmoving. SB3, a joint venture of Soletanche Bachy and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering, is doing the soil nailing and shotcrete at the north portal plus the D-walls, secant piles and slurry walls at the south portal. The 2,000-tonne Herrenknecht TBM is due for delivery on site in early 2021 for a summer launch at the north portal, with completion of the boring scheduled for mid-2022. The TBM will take around five months to complete the first bore of the twin bore tunnel. Once the first bore is complete, the TBM will be extracted at the south portal reception box before being transported by road back to the north portal to commence the second bore. A large portion of the TBM support modules will be drawn back through the bored tunnel before being positioned on the cradle for the second bore. On this stretch of the route there are two tunnels being built by BBV – the other one is Bromford Tunnel. There are also 100 bridges, 35 viaducts, 36 cuttings and 70 bridge structures on this part of the route. HS2 delivery director David Bennett said: “The Long Itchington Wood Tunnel north portal site is a key site on the Midlands section of the HS2 route, and it’s great to see work progressing well in preparation for the arrival of the tunnel boring machine next year. “The tunnel in this location goes under Long Itchington Wood specifically to preserve a section of ancient woodland. This forms a key element in how we are managing environmental impacts through the design of the railway. Along with 32 miles of tunnel, HS2 will also be criss-crossed by over 150 bridges and underpasses on Phase One, including 16 specially designed ‘green bridges’ covered in planting, and a green corridor alongside the route will integrate HS2 into the landscape.”... Read more...Speedy rebounds after Covid setbacks30 November 2020NewsTool and equipment hire chain Speedy Hire appears to have recovered from the difficulties of the first national lockdown in the spring and is trading through the second with no discernible impact. Speedy has posted its half-year results for the period to 30th September 2020, showing both revenue and profit reduced by the impact of Covid-19 but now back to trading largely as before. Revenue (excluding disposals) fell 20% to £162.3m (2019: £204.2m), following a reduction in activity levels during the first national lockdown. Including revenue from disposals (unchanged at £1.5m), total revenue for the period was £163.8m (2019: £205.7m). After absorbing £2.5m of property provisions and £1.6m redundancy costs, Speedy made a pre-tax profit for the half-year of £1.4m (2019 H1: £16.4m). “Core hire revenues have continued to recover post the first lockdown and in October were within 3.5% of the prior year; asset utilisation has improved and at 31st October was 60.2% (2019: 57.9%),” said chief executive Russell Down. The second lockdown was “not materially impacting the group”, he said. “Our revenues declined initially, falling by 35% in April, but recovered strongly following the first lockdown as existing customers returned to work and we secured new customers. Infrastructure spending has been resilient,” Russell Down said. He continued: “Our SME customer base has continued to grow, with revenue up 12% on the prior year for September; we are exploring further opportunities to grow in this sector. We have managed our cost base through salary and rent reductions and the use of government schemes, as well as reducing capital expenditure to the level which was necessary to meet customer demand. This has benefited asset utilisation which is now above the prior year level.” Full year results are expected to be towards the top end of analysts’ expectations, he said, implying an adjusted pre-tax profit for the year nearer £17m than £10m.... Read more...FIRST ROTAR CONCRETE CUTTER IN THE UK25 November 2020AttachmentsFIRST ROTAR CONCRETE CUTTER IN THE UK MAKES LIGHT WORK OF PULLING DOWN MANCHESTER’S ICONIC ‘BERLIN WALL’ The Rotar RCC Concrete Cutter has been instrumental in tearing down the infamous ‘Berlin Wall’ in Piccadilly Gardens in the centre of Manchester, as part of a revitalisation project for the area. The unique Rotar RCC, the first one in the UK, made light work of bringing down the huge concrete structure which has been standing for 18 years. It took just a few days to complete the task due to its astonishing power. AW Demolition were the first customers of the Rotar RCC30 and were working with Hyde Demolition on this high-profile job. Austin Wilkinson of AW Demolition said of the weekend job: “Well last night was the night when we started to demolish the “Berlin Wall” in Manchester Piccadilly Gardens using the very First Rotar RCC30 with Ramplifier in the country, and boy was she impressive. Honestly at first when Worsley Plant and Rotar told me about it and flew me out to the factory, I wasn’t totally convinced it would do what they said it would. However, I decided to make the investment. After it sitting for 18 months in the yard as a show piece, I finally got to use it. I didn’t just want to put it on any old job, it had to be the right job to test it. Well this was the job to use it on, the concrete in this wall is solid and I mean solid, not much rebar, just really hard. But it worked and I would say at this moment in time, she is preforming like a tool that sits on the end of a 70 – 80 ton machine. When the Ramplifier kicks in – wow, it’s shear power!!!” Austin now knows for sure it will be a welcome addition to his fleet of Rotar attachments and provide cutting edge technology to help him achieve his projects with greater efficiency, power and speed. It’s strength and speed has already been proven on this first high-profile job. READ THE ARTICLE HERE... Read more...Deck Scraper – Highways England backs new road repair method24 November 2020MachineHighways England has approved the use of an American-made scraping machine to remove road surface membranes instead of using a standard hydraulic excavator. The Deck Scraper Highways England says that it has invested £650,000 into the development of the new Deck Scraper vehicle, made by Minneapolis-based National Flooring Equipment. The Deck Scraper uses a blade to shave off the asphalt membrane, making it much quieter than a steel-toothed excavator bucket hacking at it. Its adoption in the UK is down to Kier Highways and its subcontractor Currall Lewis & Martin (CLM) Construction, which is based in Oldbury. Waterproof membranes are routinely used on structures such as bridges and underpasses to help protect the structure from corrosive damage caused by winter gritting operations. It has to be removed to undertake concrete repairs, re-waterproofing and resurfacing and this is traditionally done with an excavator. As well as the environmental impact of current methods such as dust and noise, there is a greater risk to the workforce using heavy plant often in a small area. The Deck Scraper is smaller than a standard excavator and does not need an arm or a bucket. It also gives the operator 360-degree visibility, Highways England said. Kier Highways senior project manager Mark Sheppard said: “This was an interesting opportunity to develop a prototype specifically designed to make the task of waterproof membrane removal techniques more efficient, cost-effective and better for the environment. “By working with our design partners CLM and specialist manufacturer National Flooring Equipment, the project has culminated in the production of a method far removed from the existing techniques which are quite brutal and can often introduce additional damage to bridge decks as well as being extremely noisy and dusty. “And we have been able to do that without compromising quality, output or negatively impacting on road users.” Following two years of development and having undergone testing in the US, final trials were carried out at Kier’s depot in Telford and the machine can now be taken to the market by National Flooring Equipment. Highways England contributed to the cost of developing the Deck Scraper through its £30m-a-year designated funds programme, ring-fenced for supporting innovation. Highways England innovations lead for the midlands, Lisa Maric, said: “Current methods to remove the waterproof layer are quite antiquated with environmental issues and some risk to the workforce. We wanted to develop a unique machine that would be more efficient and improve the safety of road workers while easing the impact on the environment and communities. “Instead of essentially using a steel bucket with teeth to remove the membrane, we can use a blade to simply peel it off – quietly, effectively and without damaging the road which will also save time and money. “It is anticipated that thanks to the Deck Scraper, this method will now set the benchmark expected for membrane removal throughout the country.” The old way The new way... Read more...M O’Brien Plant Hire to be first to receive New JCB E-Tech Telehandlers20 November 2020Machine / Plant / TechnologySupply chain sustainability school partner M O’Brien is fully committed to more environmentally friendly construction sites across the UK. With an already impressive fleet of equipment utilising the latest emission standard engines, Hybrid technology and electric powered machinery. That commitment is now furthered with the order of JCB’s brand new fully electric compact telehandler the 525-60E. The new 525-60E compact telehandler is part of JCB’s 100% electric E-TECH range, with zero emissions, less noise and zero compromise on performance. Based on same 6 meter, 2.5 tonne lift DNA as the highly popular 525-60 diesel powered excavator, customers can expect the same performance as the conventional machine thanks to the powerful lithium-ion technology 24kWh battery the machine is powered for a full days work. Electric telehandler Michael O’Brien quotes “JCB for me has always been about firsts, my first machine was a JCB, my first fully electric excavator was JCB, and now we are happy to be the first customer to take delivery of the new E-tech fully electric telehandler. Over the years it has become very apparent that the construction industry has a part to play in reducing the carbon emissions it produces. As a leading supplier of plant and equipment, it must be us that initiates this change and adopt more sustainable machinery for our fleet as well as carry out our “economic operating” training for our operators. “Watling JCB are proud to announce we will be delivering 2 of the new 525-60E electric telehandler units to the M O’Brien Group which follows on from their recent purchase of 2 19C E-Tech machines, where again they received some of the very first machines produced by JCB. This new investment shows the forward thinking approach of the M O’Brien Group as they continue to be focussed on new and environmentally friendly innovations“ Mark Luff, Watling JCB Sales manager. More information and photos will follow shortly on their website along with a full spec sheet.... Read more...Chairman of the Executive Board Martin Lehner to leave the Wacker Neuson Group19 November 2020NewsMartin Lehner, Chairman of the Executive Board, CEO and CTO of Wacker Neuson SE, has today informed the Supervisory Board, that he will not be extending his contract with the company, which expires on March 31, 2021, for personal reasons. “The Supervisory Board of Wacker Neuson SE regrets Mr. Lehner’s decision and thanks him for his unwavering personal commitment. During his many years of successful work on the Executive Board, he has helped drive forward the Group’s internationalization and opened up new growth areas whilst continuously developing the corporate strategy together with the entire Executive Board. With the departure of Martin Lehner, Wacker Neuson Group is losing a valued CEO, who has shaped the company with his commitment, expertise and innovative drive. We wish Mr. Lehner all the best for the future,” says Hans Neunteufel, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Mr. Lehner will continue to be available to the Group in an advisory capacity until March 2021 in order to ensure a smooth transition. Martin Lehner has worked for the Group and its predecessor companies since 1987. During the course of his more than 30-year career with the company, he has held various management positions and played a decisive role in successfully developing individual entities and merging them into a listed, global corporation. Prior to the merger of Wacker Construction Equipment AG and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG in 2007, Mr. Lehner restructured the Kramer Group and was responsible for completely realigning it. In 2004, he became a member of the Executive Board of Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG. Following the merger, he was appointed to the Executive Board of the newly created Wacker Neuson SE and became Chairman in 2017. As an innovation driver and technology expert, Mr. Lehner has played a key role in shaping the company. In 2014, Wacker Neuson launched its first fully electric light equipment product. This battery-powered rammer marked a step into unknown territory – not just for the Group, but for the industry as a whole. The Group’s zero emission product portfolio has expanded in recent years to include a wide range of products including vibratory plates, wheel loaders, dumpers and the first fully electric mini excavator, which was launched in 2020. “Martin Lehner’s outstanding technical knowledge, his keen instinct for innovation and his passion for construction equipment has helped make Wacker Neuson the technology leader it is today in the field of electric light and compact equipment,” adds Neunteufel. “Through his huge personal involvement in developing digital business models plus a wide range of further initiatives, Mr. Lehner has laid the foundation for the Wacker Neuson Group’s transition from a production-focused organization to a software-oriented company. This has put our Group on a very strong footing to face the challenges of the coming years.” After reporting average growth rates of 11 percent over the course of the last ten years, the Wacker Neuson Group clearly deviated from its growth path in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By developing a new streamlined and agile management and organizational culture, Mr. Lehner has now helped make the Group even more robust and successful in the long term. “I have spent many successful years at the Wacker Neuson Group. During this time, the organization has grown to become a leading manufacturer of light and compact equipment. Now, the time has come for me to focus on new tasks and challenges,” explains Martin Lehner. “I am extremely grateful that I have been able to help the Wacker Neuson Group on its path to becoming an internationally successful Group and technology leader. My special thanks go to the many colleagues who – with their passionate commitment and high level of identification with our company – have made my time at Wacker Neuson very valuable to me. I have always been passionate about areas of future significance such as zero emission construction equipment and digitalization and am particularly proud of the innovative drive that our Group has shown in these fields. I am sure that the team will continue to live this spirit in the future and wish them, as well as the entire group, every success. Last but not least, I would like to thank all our customers and business partners for their loyalty and trust. I am convinced that they will continue to be in good hands with Wacker Neuson also in the future.” As of January 1, 2021, Mag. Kurt Helletzgruber (68), who has been seconded from the Supervisory Board to the Executive Board until June 30, 2021, will temporarily assume the executive responsibilities of the position of CEO and take on the position of Chairman of the Executive Board. Mr. Helletzgruber has been a member of the Supervisory Board of Wacker Neuson SE since 2007 and held the position of CFO and CSO at Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG prior to the merger with Wacker Construction Equipment AG. Prof. Dr. Matthias Schüppen takes over as Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board of Wacker Neuson SE, which was held by Mr. Helletzgruber since 2010.... Read more...Mecalac Offers AS900tele for Optimized Logistics19 November 2020Excavators / MachineMecalac, a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of compact construction equipment for urban environments, introduces the AS900tele to North America. The new machine combines the compactness and mobility of Mecalac’s revolutionary AS Swing Loader Series with telescopic technology to provide game-changing versatility on the jobsite. The 22.2 gpm (84 l/min) auxiliary hydraulics further increase flexibility, allowing use with a range of attachments, including mowers, road sweepers and earth augers. Functioning as a loader, telehandler or landscaping tool, the AS900tele reduces the need for additional equipment and optimizes jobsite logistics. “When you rely on one machine for each task, a jobsite can end up looking more like a parking lot,” said Peter Bigwood,general manager for Mecalac North America. “Reducing the need for additional equipment and streamlining the jobsite is at the heart of Mecalac’s design philosophy, including the AS900tele. It’s good for the contractor, the client and the environment.” Mecalac Offers AS900tele for Optimized Logistics Like all AS Series units, the 8-ton (7,250-kilogram) AS900tele features Mecalac’s innovative swing design. Operators can swivel the fully loaded bucket 90 degrees on either side, transforming space management and allowing for a radical new approach to tasks. With the rotated bucket, filling trenches or carrying pipes requires minimum operating space. On a road project, this rotation limits necessary space, requiring only a single lane closure rather than the two lane closure needed for traditional loaders. For a congested urban jobsite, this flexibility allows for optimal equipment positioning in confined spaces. Additionally, the unit’s telescoping capabilities pair reach with power for unparalleled flexibility. With a lifting height of 15.5 feet (4.72 meters) and outreach of 11.5 feet (3.5 meters), the AS900tele allows operators to minimize repositioning while maximizing reach. The AS900tele has a carrying capacity of 5,004 pounds (2,270 kilograms) at full extension, providing ample power for applications such as loading walking floor trailers or waste handling. Paired with a range of attachments — including pallet forks, buckets, brushes, snowplows and hedge trimmers — the telescoping allows the unit to replace traditional backhoe loaders, wheel loaders and telehandlers. For even more versatility, the AS900tele features three steering options — 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab. This flexibility allows operators to simultaneously drive, pivot and maneuver, regardless of ground conditions. Combined with the swivel arm, it results in a 20% smaller turning radius compared to traditional wheel loaders and increases productivity and safety for a range of common tasks like loading a trailer and material handling as well as municipal jobs like mowing, snow handling and pruning trees. By avoiding unnecessary movements and maximizing the use of available space, the AS900tele can increase productivity with less noise, maintenance, and impact on the environment. Mecalac Offers AS900tele for Optimized Logistics Even with the wide range of motion, the AS900tele offers increased stability over traditional articulated loaders and telehandlers. A well-balanced design and automatically locking rear axle allow operators to safely maneuver in all positions and on all terrains. Traditional equipment, on the other hand, can become unstable with only a 45-degree turn. “All the AS Series units were designed around a single idea — how do we improve the articulated loader to provide better efficiency and streamline the worksite,” Bigwood said. “The AS900tele takes that innovation a step further, replacing two or even three other machines without sacrificing the productivity or safety of Mecalac’s swing loader.” Learn more about Mecalac’s full line of equipment at www.mecalac.com. About Mecalac Mecalac is an international manufacturer of compact construction equipment for urban sites. Known for its innovative, customer-focused technology, the manufacturer has sales companies, distributors and customers in more than 80 countries. Versatile and multi-purpose equipment is available through five product lines, including: excavators, loaders, backhoe loaders, site dumpers and compaction rollers. For more information: Mecalac North America, 282 Dedham Street, Norfolk, MA 02056; (508) 921 3076; mecalac.northamerica@mecalac.com; www.mecalac.com; Facebook;LinkedIn; Instagram and YouTube.... Read more...Inmalo take on MB Dust Control dealership18 November 2020Machine / NewsAs environmental pressures increase around demolition and waste site air quality/contamination, Inmalo are leading the way in Dust Suppression, responding to customer demand for a greater range of dust cannon solutions both in terms of size, mounting and self-contained water and power options. “We are very pleased to be working with MB Dust Control in the UK as their exclusive dealer. The MB Spray Cannon Range is very varied with units from 5m to 150m throw, fixed or mobile solutions and self-contained systems. There is always a large demand for fan units in the UK whether it’s for Demolition, Quarrying, Construction or Waste Recycling. For Inmalo the MB range complements the Motofog products and completes our line-up of dust suppression systems. The units have the right balance of performance, build quality and price, said Inmalo’s, Charles Polak.” MB Dust Control are an innovative company who saw the need for a more flexible product range to meet how customers in different environments operated, especially where water supply or electricity may not be available at the source. With many options on size, power and reach, the new mounting options now enable these units to be self-contained with generators, water tanks, elevating cannon mast heights, wheel sets, trailers and even full sized road tanker bowser option. The configurations are available from the SC25 upwards giving the customer the option that’s right for their environment. Static units can also be mounted on or within a building with a water and electricity supply for permanent sheds and yards and there’s even indoor units SC5 and SC15 available for more confined or enclosed working spaces. Inmalo’s Motofog range continues to be a market leader providing an innovative range of 4 models which are light and easy to move on site. Offering 15 to 55m throw the Motofog range provides the easiest and most manoeuvrable solution for most sites where the working environment is fluid or confined. The Motofog range have onboard engines so there’s no need for a generator. All models have two spray patterns through the high pressure nozzle system and larger units MF20D, MF40D and MF60D have 90º oscillation. DDS Demolition have recently bought four MF20D units for general day-to-day applications across their demolition projects. DDS Demolition said, “The Motofog systems are a great asset for us to quickly and easily suppress dust on our sites. Minimising dust for both our workforce and neighbours is very important and we have been impressed with how easy to setup and use the Motofog’s are when you only have to plug a water supply in to get working. Inmalo also provide support and backup with spare parts stocked in the UK to keep us up and running.”... Read more...Speedy Hire has reorganised its powered access operations on the back of recent acquisitions17 November 2020Machine / NewsThe move follows Speedy’s £21.5m acquisition of Lifterz last year, and the 2017 purchase of Prolift and Platform Sales & Hire. These businesses have now been merged and standardised into a single entity, Speedy Powered Access, which operates a fleet of more than 8,500 machines from 11 specialist powered access depots across the UK. Speedy says the restructure is central to its aim of providing an industry leading simple, standardised service for its powered access customers. In addition to core equipment hire, the new business will also provide training, fleet sales, and maintenance packages to give customers a full end-to-end powered access service. Speedy is also investing in new kit, including 100 new Hauloutte Star 10 mast booms. As part of the shake-up, Speedy Powered Access has hired Marc Johnson as head of engineering – he previously worked for Riwal and Nationwide Platforms; and David Burns from AFI as regional manager for the southeast. Andy Briggs, managing director of Speedy Powered Access, said: “We’ve made a number of strategic investments in powered access recently and grown our offering into a major specialism that complements Speedy’s wider equipment and services business. “The launch of the new national brand combines the wealth of expertise with our vast fleet to deliver an industry leading simple, standardised, end-to-end service for our customers across the UK. “With hire, sales, asset servicing and training provision, we now provide a one-stop-shop with the expertise of a trusted specialist powered access supplier, coupled with the service level and availability of a large national networked business.”... Read more...Astrak offer an extensive range of OEM quality final drives or travel motors for a wide range of excavators and other tracked equipment from 1 to 50 tonnes.16 November 2020AttachmentsMany of our drives are manufactured by leading OEM suppliers including Eaton, Doosan, Nabtesco, Brevini and Trasmittal Bonfiglioli. By utilising Astraks efficient supply chain, they can bring a wide range of final drives to the market at prices substantially below manufacturer-branded drives. Astraks final drives are designed and manufactured to OEM specification and each model of final drive is fully tested and inspected to ensure correct fitment and performance. Wide Range Astraks final drives are available from stock to fit a wide range of excavators and other tracked machinery. Typical Applications ExcavatorsMini ExcavatorsCrawler cranesWinchesAerial working platformsRotary drilling rigsHorizontal directional drilling rigsCrushers & ScreenersCompact track loaders Key Features Integrated gearbox with 2-speed Axial Piston Motor.Rated pressure up to 365 barDisplacement: 16cc ~ 274ccSuitable for 1.5 ton ~ 50 ton mobile applicationsIntegrated Relief and Counterbalance valvesIntegrated fail-safe mechanical Parking BrakeHigher mechanical and volumetric efficiency helps reduce power lossImproved design for higher start up torque and overall efficiencyOptimum design ensures smooth start/accelerate and decelerate/stopCompact design with high power densityAuto-shift from high-speed low torque to lowspeed high torque at high travelling resistanceCompatible fit for most popular installation requirements in the market Easy Fitting Astrak supply a comprehensive fitting kit containing a selection of common hydraulic hoses and connectors to assist in the installation of each final drive. Supported Machinery Astrak can provide final drives for machinery from a wide array of manufacturers including – Airmann, Atlas, Bobcat, Case, CAT, Daewoo, Doosan, Fermec, Fiat Hitachi, Hanix, Hinowa, Hitachi, Hyundai, IHI, JCB, Kato, Kobelco, Komatsu, Kubota, Libra, Luigong, Massey Ferguson, Messersi, Neuson, New Holland, Nissan, Pel Job, Samsung, Schaeff, Sumitomo, Sunward, Takeuchi, Terex, Timberwolf, Volvo, Yanmar and Yuchai.View A Full List Of Supported Makes & Models Find Out More Their experienced sales team has a wealth of final drive knowledge and experience at their fingertips to ensure that they fulfil your final drive requirements quickly and cost-effectively. Simply give them a call on 0330 555 2000 or email Astrak at sales@astrakgroup.com... Read more...Efficient and productive in narrow spaces13 November 2020Machine / PlantWacker Neuson impresses with compact yet powerful machines in a wide range of applications. Whether for gardening and landscaping, building and civil engineering or in municipalities – with the telehandlers and wheel loaders, material can be efficiently transported, lifted and loaded. With both new machines, the telehandler TH412 and the wheel loader WL28, Wacker Neuson brings two optimized all-rounders to the market. The time-tested and proven and now completely reworked telehandler TH412, with 1.25 metric tons of payload and a stacking height of four meters, is the most compact model by Wacker Neuson in the telehandler range. The combination of compact dimensions and efficiency output makes it ideal for demanding tasks. The new wheel loader WL28 is impressive as a flexibly deployable transport helper with a high tipping load and even more comfort and safety. Both machines have, as standard, engines meeting exhaust emissions standard stage V. In addition, with optional, more powerful engines, they are optimally suitable for pro applications taking many operating hours, scoring points with the most modern technology on board. Comfortable cabin – optimal all-round visibility From the first glance, the new design of both machines catches the eye. Here, form follows function as, for both machines, great importance was placed on making work as pleasant and easy as possible for operators. For this reason, the cabins have been generously designed for comfort while at the same time maintaining the compact dimensions. The operator’s controls are clearly and ergonomically arranged to allow particularly efficient and fatigue-free work. On the telehandler TH412, features such as the armrest with integrated stowage compartment, sun blind and optimized heater and ventilation make working even more comfortable. The cabin’s modern 4-column design and the panoramic rear window in the wheel loader WL28 likewise provide an optimized overview. Moreover, the cabin is designed to reduce vibrations and noise, which ensures more operating comfort and makes the operator’s work easier. Various drive modes for high economic efficiency Efficiency and flexibility – great importance was placed on these in reworking both the TH412 and WL28 models. These, among other things, are ensured by the electronically regulated drive system with various drive modes. Auto and ECO mode are standard: The auto mode provides the usual 100 percent performance of the machine. In ECO mode, the engine speed is reduced when the travel speed set in advance by the operator is reached, raising the operator’s comfort level. In addition, this saves fuel and minimizes the noise created. On the one hand, this results in cost advantages in the maintenance of the machines, and on the other, less disturbance for persons in the construction site area. A further drive mode can also be optionally selected: In attachment mode, the machine keeps the hydraulic flow volume on the attachment always constant – even with changing loads. This way, the speed of the attachment always stays the same, which makes the sequence of operations smoother and raises the level of safety. This is particularly advantageous when working with mulchers or snow blowers. In the M-drive mode, the engine speed can be given with the manual throttle and the travel speed regulated with the gas pedal. Thus, it is ideally suited for performing Y-loading cycles. Also, both machines score points with an electric parking brake with hill-hold function: The machine comes to a standstill if the operator’s seat is vacated, the machine is idle, or the travel direction is put in neutral. This way, the wheel loader cannot roll away, making the entire construction site environment even safer. TH412: Vertical Lift System for higher productivity and safety Like all telehandlers by Wacker Neuson, the TH412 model is equipped with the innovative Vertical Lift System (VLS) operator assistance system. The system prevents the machine from tipping over in the longitudinal direction due to overload, without affecting the operating speed. Where other systems interrupt the working cycle by switching off the hydraulic function, VLS allows for safe and smooth sequences of operations even under high payloads. This is made possible through a uniform and rapid lifting and lowering of the telescopic arm at the same time as a partial automation of the telescopic movement. This function ensures not only more safety on the construction site, but also more efficiency. VLS also makes working easier, faster, and more comfortable for the operator. WL28: Particularly safe – particularly stable The 3-metric ton wheel loader WL28 combines compact dimensions and maneuverability with high performance: The low front carriage and the well-balanced weight of the machine allow a high tipping load of 1.6 metric ton with pallet fork (machine straight). Thus, even transporting a pallet with sett pavings is no problem. The wheel loader is outfitted with a tiltable operator’s cab or a tiltable cabin. This allows easy access to the engine, hydraulic system, and electronics. This makes inspection and maintenance of the machine very easy. The engine hood can be opened widely, thereby allowing for optimal access. More information can be found at: www.wackerneuson.com... Read more...Bouygues Construction has signed a three-year cooperation agreement with Lextan, a specialist in remote driving systems.13 November 2020TechnologyThe two will work together to carry out research & development on remote and assisted driving of construction site machines. In parallel with the agreement, Lextan is raising seed capital through bodies including Construction Venture, Bouygues Construction’s investment vehicle for start-ups. The capital will enable it to increase its equity and reinforce its R&D team. Earlier cooperation with Bouygues has already resulted in the development of a project for operating a crane from the ground, which forms part of a Bouygues Construction R&D programme led by Bouygues Construction Matériel. The initiative seeks to offer crane drivers video assistance, augmented reality and even a degree of automation. Lextan proved that its technology makes remote operation possible during an initial experimental phase and a demonstrator will be brought into service on a construction site during 2021. The solution will also feature driving assistance with video object recognition and an interactive dashboard. Patrick N’Kodia, director of Bouygues Construction Matériel, said: “While thinking about the alternatives to the crane lift, compulsory for all cranes above thirty metres since January 2019, we worked with Lextan on operating the crane from the ground. As we were exploring this subject, we realised there were many other advantages.” The functions of this system are designed to control construction site machines in a different way from today by simplifying the work of drivers in complete safety and increasing their abilities through new functions. Marc Lambert, founder and CEO of Lextan, said: “We are delighted to support, and to have the support of, Bouygues Construction, its R&D and its subsidiaries in the technological evolution of their tools and working methods and more generally to contribute to the modernisation and digital transformation of the construction sector.” The aim of the cooperation between Lextan and Bouygues Construction is to implement the new remote driving systems over the next three years.... Read more...Astrak Launches stabiliser pads for Brokk® machinery12 November 2020Attachments / VideoSpecialist robotic technology is rapidly becoming the way forward for the demolition industry. Astrak’s DuraLine XD replacement rubber pads for Brokk® robotic demolition equipment have been designed and produced with extreme durability, tough duty cycles and ease of fitting in mind. Every part of these cutting edge machines needs to perform flawlessly, especially when they are pushed to their limits. Settling for anything less than perfection in replacement parts could lead to costly but avoidable downtime. 100 per cent compatible with Brokk® robotic machinery range Available in all styles and sizes to fit the current Brokk® range, the DuraLine XD range is produced from top premium quality abrasion-resistant rubber at Astrak’s specialist manufacturing facilities using state-of-the-art equipment and next-generation quality control processes. Hardware is supplied with each pad to ensure a speedy fit without having to reuse old components. Customers across the UK are already reporting that these pads are more durable and longer lasting than the current OEM offering. A strong manufacturing legacy These are merely the latest addition to the Astrak stable of market-leading rubber products for construction and earthmoving equipment. Designed in conjunction with leading OEMs and already the first choice for operators across Europe, Astrak’s DuraLine and DuraLine Plus rubber pads for tracked machinery have rewritten the quality standard throughout the construction industry. DuraLine XD for Brokk® robotic demolition machines are a low-risk solution from a partner you can trust. astrakgroup.co.uk/stabiliser-pads... Read more...ACK MOODY GROUP INVEST IN TEN HITACHI WHEEL LOADERS11 November 2020Finance / MachineFollowing on from a successful demonstration day at the Renewable Energy Association (REA) event in early March, hosted by Jack Moody Group as part of the REA 25th year Anniversary, the company has invested in ten Hitachi Wheel Loaders including four ZW180-6’s, four ZW250-6’s and two ZW180-6 high lift machines. Founded in 1963 by Jack Moody, the company has become one of the UK’s leading experts in the landscape construction, maintenance and environment industries.In 2001 Jack Moody Group became the first company in the UK to achieve the BSI PAS 100 standard awarded by the Composting Association (now AFOR), as well as being designated a ‘Best Practice Site’ by WRAP, a government waste reduction initiative.The Hitachi’s will be put to work at their multiple treatment sites across the Midlands, including Berkswell, Grendon, Telford and their head office at Hollybush. The sites specialise in the handling and processing of green waste, producing compost, and now also produce woodchip and biomass products. Robert Moody, Managing Director of Jack Moody Group commented: “Our reasoning behind our purchase of Hitachi equipment goes back to 2017, where we had a ZW250-6 on demo. We committed to purchasing this machine and it has performed well in the last 3 years and the back up and service offered by HCMUK is exemplary.Following a string of six contract wins in as many months we began the process of re-investing in our Wheel Loader Fleet.After performing a tender process during the lockdown period, we obtained multiple packages from number of suppliers and Hitachi offered the best package overall. We have been extremely pleased with the service offered by HCMUK. The ConSite telematics monitoring system offers site managers and directors good visibility of the operations and maintenance of the units.” Mark Turnham, National Director of Sales & Marketing at HCMUK commented; “HCMUK are delighted that Jack Moody Group have chosen us to replace their current fleet of front-line equipment. Having purchased their first Hitachi Wheel Loader a ZW250-6 in 2017, this investment is a testament to the productivity and reliability our ZW range.”... Read more...Caterpillars HISTORY BY THE DECADES: 1940S11 November 2020MachineCaterpillar entered the 1940s celebrating 15 years in business. While still a young company by the world’s standard, Caterpillar already was known for a reliable (and growing) product paired with first-class customer support, and an iconic color. With the ’40s there were many more firsts to come – the world was changing. And with it, Caterpillar changed too. In fact, the company kicked off the decade with one notable product introduction: the first Caterpillar wheel tractor with matching wagon product line. Caterpillar The newly introduced tractor, as well as other Caterpillar products, supported the Allies during World War II. That war also brought great changes to the workforce, particularly in the United States, where American women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, especially in industries involved in war production. Companies like Caterpillar heavily recruited women workers to replace men who had been sent off to fight in the war, and women took an equal place with men in the factory. A year after the beginning of the war, employment at Caterpillar rose from 11,000 to over 20,000 people, and in 1943 alone, 3,000 women worked in jobs on the factory floor. Breaking down the barrier to the shop floor was just the first step in a long march toward equality in the workplace. In the latter half of the 20th century, pioneering women at Caterpillar found success in positions that would have been unavailable to them before the war. Caterpillar As the decade progressed and regions around the world built new infrastructure, Caterpillar designed and built more product to support our customers. In the mid-40s, the first company-designed-and-built bulldozer blade and the first company-designed-and-built pull-type scraper were introduced. Those new products, along with many other existing products, were put to work by our customers on major projects around the world like the construction of more than 70,000 miles of highways throughout the United States and construction of the Bhakra Dam in India. After the war, the DW10 was one of Caterpillar’s first new products after World War II and the famous Caterpillar bulldozer blade was introduced in 1945. This year Caterpillar celebrated thier 95th anniversary – let’s go back in time to see highlights from Caterpillar in the 1940s. See more of the decade in the video by clicking the link below and meet some amazing people who contributed to Caterpillar: click the link below. Click here to read and find out more... Read more...Liebherr restores a 60-year-old wheel loader prototype: The LSL 15009 November 2020MachineAlmost 60 years after its début, Liebherr has restored one of the first wheel loader prototypes from the corporate group’s early years: the LSL 1500. This specimen is the oldest preserved Liebherr wheel loader in existence. Liebherr has invested about 650 working hours in the restoration of the vintage loader which is now used as an exhibition piece in the Liebherr Bischofshofen factory. “When developing wheel loaders, we deal with the latest technologies and trends on a daily basis. However, we also respect our roots. And this wheel loader here shows that Liebherr was getting innovative machine concepts off the ground even six decades ago,” explains Martin Gschwend, who is managing director of the Liebherr Bischofshofen plant and responsible for the worldwide distribution of Liebherr wheel loaders. At the Bischofshofen facility, he is inspecting a particular rarity: a Liebherr LSL 1500 wheel loader from the early 1960s. It is the only remaining example of a pilot series of only five machines and is the oldest preserved Liebherr wheel loader in existence. The wheel loader specialists in Bischofshofen have lovingly and fully restored this machine over recent months. From scrap metal to an exhibition pieceThe wheel loader veteran has had a very full life. After a few years at a gravel factory in the Biberach area, the machine arrived at the Fried-Sped corporate group in Ummendorf circa 1980. The LSL 1500 served the logistics specialist reliably for around 20 years. At the beginning of the 2000s, with the shovel loader already around 40 years old, Liebherr took the prototype back and preserved the now decommissioned wheel loader. However, this storage location was not to be the final resting place for the historic wheel loader. In 2019, Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen GmbH decided to fully restore this last remaining LSL 1500. The ravages of time, particularly in the form of rust and frost damage, had taken their toll on the machine. The project began in the spring of 2020 at the Liebherr Bischofshofen plant. The wheel loader experts refurbished each individual part of the LSL 1500 down to the very last screw. For the team, the renovation meant much more than mere nostalgia: “Several apprentices worked on the restoration. For them, this was a rare opportunity to observe and understand the technology of earlier times,” explains Andreas Scharler, who ran the repair centre for many years. In many places, technical skill and improvisational talent were required. “When you start the diesel engine, the operating voltage suddenly switches from 12 to 24 volts. We first had to analyse this process correctly in order to be able to start the wheel loader successfully. It was a splendid moment when we heard the powerful six-cylinder diesel engine running for the first time,” says Scharler, who, with his team, invested about 650 working hours in this vintage wheel loader. A piece of wheel loader historyIn the 1950s, Liebherr was already experimenting with wheel loaders, a type of machine still in its infancy and underdeveloped at the time. Liebherr’s first two prototypes, the “Elephant” and “Mammoth” models, still had to cope with increased tyre wear and modest traction. In the early 1960s, Liebherr then managed to create a reliable wheel loader prototype with the LSL 1500, weighing around ten tonnes and with 108 hp. Leibherr produced a pilot series of five units. The LSL 1500 had a rigid frame and hydraulically supported rear wheel steering which was luxurious for the time. The load transmission was achieved by a torque converter and a four-wheel drive, which could optionally be switched off. The new kinematics provided a dumping height of around three metres and allowed for the loading of construction site vehicles with larger side heights. For poor weather, an all-weather cover with sewn-in transparent windows and heating was available for the operator’s platform, which was still open at that time. With pride, Liebherr described its LSL 1500 in a data sheet as a “new design based on many years of experience in the construction of earth-moving machines”.... Read more...Doosan adds to its demolition excavator range6 November 2020ExcavatorsDoosan has expanded its range of high-reach demolition excavators with the new top-of-the-range DX530DM model. The DX530DM is the third machine in Doosan’s demolition range; a fourth, the DX380DM, will be launched in the first half of 2021. Like the DX235DM, the first model in the range launched earlier this year, the DX530DM has a modular boom design and hydraulic lock mechanism. This makes it easy to change between a demolition boom and an earthmoving boom to get the most from the machine. The DX530DM also has a hydraulically adjustable undercarriage, which extends hydraulically from 2.9 metres for transport to a maximum width of 4.37 metres. The maximum pin height of the demolition boom on the DX530DM is 27.5 metres, compared to 18 metres on the DX235DM, giving a maximum reach of 16.5 metres with a 3 tonne tool. The multi-boom design allows the earthmoving boom to be mounted in two different ways, which with the demolition boom, provides further flexibility with a total of three different configurations for the same base machine. When equipped with the digging boom in the straight configuration, the DX530DM can work to a maximum height of 13.5 metres. Using the digging boom in the alternative bent configuration, the DX530DM can work with an attachment to a maximum height of just over 11 metres. On all Doosan demolition excavators standard safety features include a FOGS cabin guard, safety valves for the boom, intermediate boom and arm cylinders and a stability warning system.... Read more...Wacker Neuson SE: Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact in Q35 November 2020NewsRevenue for the third quarter 16.5 percent below previous yearEBIT margin at 5.8 percent (-3.0 percentage points)Free cash flow at EUR 86.5 million, driven by reduction in net working capitalFurther significant reduction in net financial debt, gearing at 22 percentGroup expects to achieve Strategy 2022 goals one to two years later than planned (Munich, August 5, 2020) Leading light and compact equipment manufacturer the Wacker Neuson Group continued to clearly feel the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in the third quarter of 2020. The Group reported revenue of EUR 390.8 million, which is a decrease of 16.5 percent relative to the previous year (Q3/19: EUR 468.2 million). Revenue for the first nine months of the year amounted to EUR 1,187.5 million, which is a drop of 16.4 percent (9M/19: EUR 1,420.8 million). “We again experienced a significant decline in revenue in the third quarter related to the coronavirus pandemic, albeit less pronounced than in the second quarter. However, we are also seeing positive changes in our industry that have been triggered or accelerated by the shift in circumstances. Through the crisis, our customers have become much more open to the possibilities of digitalization and electromobility in particular,” explains Martin Lehner, CEO of the Wacker Neuson Group. Regional trends in Q3 Q3 revenue in Europe – the largest region for the Wacker Neuson Group – was 8.2 percent below the prior-year figure at EUR 310.0 million (Q3/19: EUR 337.6 million). Once again, the DACH-region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) had a stabilizing effect here, with revenue from the Wacker Neuson brand remaining at the same level as the previous year. Revenue generated by selling rental equipment from the Group’s own fleet increased significantly here, giving the company a highly flexible channel to meet individual customer requests. Whereas many countries outside of Central Europe reported double-digit downturns in revenue, the UK improved its performance markedly. This was primarily fueled by continued strong demand for Dual View dumpers, which more than compensated for the restrained investment behavior among major rental chains. Revenue generated by the Group’s Weidemann- and Kramer-branded equipment for the agricultural sector declined by a total of 12.2 percent to EUR 63.9 million (Q3/19: EUR 72.8 million). Revenue in the Americas, which continues to be hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, decreased 43.1 percent in Q3 (Q3/20: EUR 65.9 million; Q3/19: EUR 115.9 million). Adjusted for currency effects, this corresponds to a drop of 38.8 percent. Willingness to invest remained extremely low among dealers, key accounts and rental chains in the region. Although the US production plant had remained largely closed since April, the first production lines started to gradually ramp up towards the end of the third quarter. In the third quarter, Wacker Neuson experienced slight growth in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time since the start of the year. The Group reported a significant double-digit revenue upturn in China as well as gains in Australia despite the challenging conditions there. In contrast, revenue in Southeast Asia halved due to the severe impact of the coronavirus crisis. Revenue for Asia-Pacific as a whole amounted to EUR 14.9 million (Q3/19: EUR 14.7 million). Profitability impacted by downturn in sales volumes Profit before interest and tax (EBIT) for the third quarter amounted to EUR 22.8 million (Q3/19: EUR 41.2 million). The EBIT margin settled at 5.8 percent (Q3/19: 8.8 percent). Profit was primarily impacted here by the sharp downturn in sales volumes, which, in conjunction with the further reduction of inventory, resulted in much lower capacity utilization at production plants than in the previous year. Bad debt allowances in the amount of EUR 7.5 million also had a negative impact here. In contrast, the Group benefited from a lower cost base relative to the previous year as well as from growth in the services segment, which had a positive impact on the product mix. The Group continued to utilize various short-time work models in the third quarter, albeit to a lesser extent than in the second quarter. Viewed over the first nine months of the year, EBIT amounted to EUR 73.2 million, which corresponds to a margin of 6.2 percent (9M/19: EUR 127.4 million; 9.0 percent). This includes a goodwill impairment of around EUR 9 million attributed to the US subgroup, which was reported in the second quarter. Further reduction of net working capital, Q3 free cash flow again in high double digits The Wacker Neuson Group continued to reduce net working capital in the third quarter. Inventory downsizing had the biggest impact here as the Group was able to further reduce levels despite the decline in sales volumes. As such, inventory was already significantly below the year-end goal of EUR 500 million by September 30 (inventory levels at September 30, 2020: EUR 475.8 million). Reflecting declining sales volumes, trade receivables were also significantly lower than figures for the previous quarters and the prior year. Net working capital amounted to EUR 636.3 million. This is a reduction of 14.4 percent relative to the close of Q2/20 and 29.2 percent relative to the prior-year period (June 30, 2020: EUR 743.0 million; September 30, 2019: EUR 898.8 million). Free cash flow for the third quarter amounted to EUR 86.5 million. In the previous year, a sharp rise in net working capital resulted in negative free cash flow both for Q3 and for the nine-month period (Q3/19: EUR -15.5 million; 9M/19: EUR -200.0 million). Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2020 amounted to EUR 179.4 million. As a result, net financial debt declined markedly again, amounting to EUR 276.1 million at the close of the third quarter (September 30, 2019: EUR 513.1 million). Gearing was reported at 22.2 percent (September 30, 2019: 42.2 percent). Still not feasible to quantify guidance for fiscal 2020 as a whole Infection rates are on the rise again, leading to a tightening of government restrictions. As it is impossible to reliably predict the effects that these measures will have on public life, general economic activity and the business development of the Wacker Neuson Group, it is currently not possible to quantify the outlook published in August. According to that outlook, the Executive Board expects revenue and the EBIT margin for the full year 2020 to be considerably lower than the previous year (revenue 2019: EUR 1,901.1 million; EBIT margin 2019: 8.1 percent). Furthermore, the Executive Board now expects net working capital to decrease further by the close of the year, albeit at a slower pace than in the previous months (previously: net working capital was expected to be significantly lower than the prior-year figure of EUR 811.7 million). Investments for the year as a whole are expected to remain unchanged at around EUR 80 million. Group expects to achieve Strategy 2022 goals one to two years later than planned After reporting double-digit growth rates for fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Wacker Neuson Group has clearly deviated from its growth path in 2020. In light of current infection rates, the Executive Board expects the coronavirus pandemic to continue to have a major impact into fiscal 2021. In light of this, the Group expects to achieve its medium-term goals set out in March 2018 one to two years later than planned. In its Strategy 2022, the Group aims to achieve revenue in excess of EUR 2 billion and an EBIT margin of more than 11 percent. It also plans to gradually bring net working capital down to below 30 percent of revenue. “We have worked hard on consistently implementing our Strategy 2022 in recent years to ensure that our Group is focused 100 percent on our customers’ needs. We have already made substantial progress in each of the initiative’s three strategic areas of “focus”, “acceleration” and “excellence”, and are today much more efficient, innovative and – above all – closer to our customers than we were at the start of 2018,” adds Lehner. “Together with our colleagues, we will remain committed to our current path. The long-term trend towards compact equipment in the construction and agricultural sectors is unchanged and offers major opportunities for our Group. Eco-friendly solutions and alternative drives are becoming increasingly important to our customers. As an innovation driver, we believe that we are ideally positioned to actively shape the key trends in our industries and create long-term value for our customers as well as our shareholders,” continues Lehner. “The goals that we set out for the Group in 2018 remain our benchmark. Based on the information currently available, however, we no longer expect to achieve all of these by fiscal 2022.” Key indicators for the Wacker Neuson Group Key figures in € millionQ3/20Q3/19Change9M/209M/19ChangeRevenue390.8468.2-16.5%1,187.51,420.8-16.4%EBIT 22.841.2-44.7%73.2127.4-42.5%EBIT margin (as a %)5.88.8-3.0 PP6.29.0-2.8 PPProfit for the period11.125.7-56.8%33.880.1-57.8%Earnings per share in €0.160.37-56.8%0.481.14-57.9%Free cash flow86.5-15.5–179.4-200.0– The Wacker Neuson Group’s report for Q3 2020 is available at the following link: https://wackerneusongroup.com/en/investor-relations/financial-reports-presentations/2020... Read more...COVID 19 – a mental health challenge by Jacqueline O’Donovan2 November 2020NewsWe are going into month nine of the coronavirus pandemic and if anything, we are in a state of chaos. We are no closer to nearing an end and we certainly do not have a plan or an idea of what the next three or six months will bring. I can sympathise with the government and the huge challenges they are facing in trying to make decisions in these unprecedented times. The last time there was something similar was the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918 where almost quarter of a million people lost their lives in the UK. But those were very different times and people did not travel or meet as much as they do today. Medical science is working hard on developing and testing a vaccine and there is hope that one will be found by early 2021. However, the full rollout of any new vaccine is still a long way off and will only be available to the general public once frontline workers, doctors and nurses etc have their vaccinations first. These will be followed by the vulnerable or those with underlying health conditions. This will be the case on a global level, so we need to be prepared and understand that vaccination is a very long way off. Indeed, we are currently experiencing a huge delay in getting the flu vaccine and that has been around for years. There is another huge crisis imminent and that is the threat posed to people’s mental health. This pandemic is having a devastating effect on those with existing mental health issues. A recent survey from the charity Mind found that 65 per cent of adult participants with a pre-existing mental health problem said it had become worse during lockdown, with this figure jumping to 75 per cent among those aged 13 to 24. These figures are not even taking into account those who did not have pre-existing problems and are suffering from challenges brought about by the lockdowns and restrictions that everyone is having to endure. More than one in five (22 per cent) adults who had no previous experience of problems prior to the pandemic now said that their mental health is poor or very poor. Those who were furloughed, changed jobs or lost their job due to coronavirus saw their mental health and wellbeing decline with three quarters (73 per cent) reporting lower than average wellbeing. There have also been reports of no access to support from NHS mental health services, with a quarter of those trying to access support unable to get help. The total NHS budget in England for 2018/19 was approximately £129 billion with around 10 per cent allocated to mental health services. The NHS was already under extreme pressure prior to the pandemic so the urgent need to prepare for the huge surge of mental health requirements is becoming increasingly apparent. We desperately need a joined-up approach with significant investment specifically in mental health services in order to deal with the catastrophe that is coming further down the line. Now is the time for action – for the government to intervene and invest rather than wait for the worst to happen. Planning and organisation are key to mitigating the cost and management of what will clearly be the next pandemic.People are feeling very anxious again as the news reports continue to hammer home all the negative aspects of the coronavirus statistics as well reporting all the daily arguments and bickering in parliament. Decisive and clear action needs to be taken and communicated urgently in order to steer this country and its looming healthcare crisis through the uncharted waters we find ourselves in.... Read more...World première: Liebherr presents the new generation of articulated dump trucks30 October 2020Dozers / Machine / PlantWith the introduction of the new generation of articulated dump trucks, Liebherr becomes a full-liner in the earthmoving area. Apart from a comprehensive product portfolio of earthmoving machines for diverse applications, a Liebherr dump truck is now available to customers with the new TA 230 Litronic. The extremely robust, powerful and all-terrain machine is primarily designed for overburden transport and the mining industry. The articulated dump trucks are also a useful assistant for larger infrastructure projects. Thanks to their optimal structure gauge, they can also be used for special applications, such as tunnel construction. New machine concept: Maximum performance in challenging off-road applications The new TA 230 Litronic convinces with a clever machine concept, which has been developed specially for challenging off-road applications. New designs in the front end area create maximum ground clearance for superb off-road performance. For example, in the TA 230 Litronic the powershift transmission is positioned safely and compactly under the operator’s cab and the exhaust gas aftertreatment is safely installed behind the operator’s cab in a space-saving manner, whereby a large slope angle could be generated. The newly designed, solid articulated swivel joint creates excellent off-road capability: It allows independent movements of front and rear end, thus ensuring maximum manoeuvrability. The robust and positive-locking swivel joint with tapered roller bearing is perfect for the shear stresses arising during use, withstands maximum loads and provides optimal force distribution. The front and rear axles of the machine are secured via sturdy A-rods at the articulated swivel joint and at the rear end. Also here the focus was on maximum ground clearance in the development: Both the front axle suspension with A-rods and shock absorbers at the articulated swivel joint and the position of the separate and oscillating A-rods of the rear axles at the rear end provide maximum ground clearance. Powerful drive with maximum traction: Superb driving performance and combined pulling force A powerful 6-cylinder construction machinery engine with 12 l displacement and 265 kW / 360 hp is installed in the new TA 230 Litronic, which complies with the requirements of exhaust emissions standard V. A robust and efficient drivetrain with automatic 8-speed powershift transmission ensures optimal force distribution. With the actively controlled longitudinal differential locks, automatic traction control is also available for the TA 230 Litronic: As soon as slip occurs at an axle, the torque is cleverly transferred to the axle or axles with traction. The new Liebherr dump truck impresses with an excellent driving performance and enormous pulling force, even in the most difficult ground conditions and on challenging gradients. Maximum safety is always guaranteed thanks to optimal adhesion. Increased productivity: More material movement in a short time thanks to optimised trough The large and robust trough of the new TA 230 Litronic is designed for the effective transport of a 28-tonne payload. Numerous improvements have been made for quick and efficient loading and unloading, as well as safe transport of the material. The front of the trough is straight and the sills are low so that loading with a wheel loader, for example, is easily possible across the entire length. A standard, innovative weighing system shows the current payload during the loading process on the display in the operator’s cab. An optional loading light on both sides at the back of the operator’s cab shows the loading level outdoors. In order to accelerate the release of the material during unloading, the inner edges of the new trough are tapered. Thanks to the optional trough heating with exhaust gas management, unloading can also be easily realised at cooler temperatures. The two tipping cylinders at the side give the TA 230 Litronic high tipping pressure. The load can be tipped against the slope easily and quickly. During transportation the long chute at the end of the trough ensures minimal material loss. The trough volume can be increased with the optional tailgate. Thanks to the large opening width, tipping of large and bulky transported material is easily possible. Even with the tailgate the overall width of the TA 230 Litronic is still below 3 m – this allows the machine to be easily and quickly transported on the low-loader. Newly developed operator’s cab and lighting concept: Optimal visibility and safety The newly developed, spacious operator’s cab of the TA 230 Litronic provides ideal conditions for comfortable and safe working. Thanks to the excellent panoramic windows without any annoying struts, as well as the short, inclined bonnet, the machine driver always has an optimal view of the driving, working and articulating area of the machine. A touch display with integrated rear camera also increases transparency in the rear area. In the soundproof cab ergonomically arranged control elements facilitate intuitive operation of the machine. Various trays and storage spaces greatly expand the spatial offering. The offset steps, as well as the large driver’s door, also make possible convenient and safe access to the operator’s cab. The new lighting concept with LED headlights ensures improved visibility and safety – both for the machine operator and everyone in the outdoor area. For example, dipped-beam headlamps with integrated high beam illuminate the road and the extra powerful, optional LED headlights on the front of the can illuminate the entire working area. The lighting at the rear of the trough and another light package at the mudguards light up the manoeuvring areas at night. The modern LED design light provides additional visibility of the Liebherr dump truck and thus increased safety on the construction site. The new Liebherr dump truck also has an optional LED access light which provides extra safety when getting into the operator’s cab. Modern assist systems and adaptive steering system increase comfort and safety The modern assist systems installed in the new TA 230 Litronic support the machine operator, thus increasing safety and comfort during operation. Apart from a hill start assist, a speed assist is also available. With the hard stop function, the end position damping of the trough lifting cylinders can be activated or deactivated at the touch of a button. The trough lift is limited for work in a height-critical area with the aid of the height limit. The speed-dependent steering provides additional driving comfort: The adaptive steering system continuously adapts the ratio of the steering movements to the current speed. This makes possible easy and accurate manoeuvring at low speeds, but also accurate steering at higher speeds, as well as fewer steering corrections when cornering or taking bends. Maintenance-friendly machine design With the intelligent machine check-up and a service-oriented machine design, the new TA 230 Litronic boasts an optimised maintenance concept. The Liebherr dump truck automatically performs the daily check itself thanks to the clever sensor technology: The machine runs through an inspection catalogue at the start, where levels of engine oil, coolant, the central lubrication system, for example, are checked for the nominal state. Any deviations are shown on the display in the operator’s cab. As a result, the daily set-up times can be reduced, costs can be saved and the durability of the components can be extended. The electrohydraulic opening bonnet, as well as an integrated, folding ladder with non-slip steps, provide easy, safe and clear access to the entire engine compartment. All relevant service points are visible and easily accessible. Maintenance work can be performed comfortably and safely from a platform. Refuelling with fuel or urea solution is also done easily and safely from the ground. Key performance data of the TA 230 Litronic in standard version at a glance: Empty vehicle weight: 24,600 kgPayload: 28,000 kg (metric tons)Max. trough capacity with tailgate: 18.1 m³ Engine power (ISO 9249): 265 kW / 360 hpExhaust emissions standard VMax. driving speed: 57 km/h (forward) / 16 km/h (reverse)... Read more...World of Concrete 2021 Announces New Show Dates28 October 2020NewsAfter discussions with key stakeholders and feedback from industry-leading concrete and masonry associations, World of Concrete made the proactive decision to reschedule WOC 2021 from January to June. The decision to move the dates back several months was not easily reached; however, we felt it was the right choice for all involved. WOC will now take place June 8-10, educational offerings June 7-10, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “We have a commitment to our exhibitors and attendees to provide a valuable and productive face-to-face experience at WOC each year,” said Jackie James, Group Director, World of Concrete. “This is the first time in our 46-year history we have been faced with circumstances that have caused us to reschedule the event. We feel the new June dates will provide everyone with the necessary time to plan effectively, and allows us to reimagine WOC for a different time of the year. Moving the event from winter to late spring in 2021 will allow for additional outdoor activities everyone can enjoy in the great city of Las Vegas, including top-notch exhibits, new product demos, and exciting spectator events.” The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has been awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation by ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. The GBAC program is considered the gold standard for safe facilities, and was designed to control the risks associated with infectious agents, including COVID-19. World of Concrete is also one of the first large-scale events to occupy The Las Vegas Convention Center’s $980 million West Hall expansion in June, which will add 1.4 million square feet of space to the existing 3.2 million square foot campus. In addition to the exhibit hall, the expansion will feature a striking outdoor plaza, a grand atrium and state-of-the-art design and technology. We look forward to continuing our role in driving the industry forward, connecting communities and supporting businesses. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas in June 2021. We will also continue to post updates on our website as soon as they become available. Registration for WOC 2021 will open online in early 2021. COVID-19: All Informa events will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Colleagues and Customers and will be run in accordance with official government and local authority guidance, as well as any venue or location-specific regulations. Informa AllSecure adds a further layer of best practice standards and guidelines. This comprehensive set of enhanced measures has been designed to provide Colleagues and Customers with confidence that at any Informa event around the world, from an international exhibition to a local conference, we are striving to provide the highest standards of safety, hygiene, cleanliness and quality.... Read more...Engcon UK & Hitachi Construction Machinery UK strike a deal27 October 2020Excavators / MachineEngcon UK and Hitachi Construction Machinery UK (HCMUK) have announced a new partnership to supply and fit their range of tiltrotators at HCMUK’s state-of-the-art preparation centre in the North East. L Lynch Plant Hire are the first to receive two Hitachi ZX130LCN-6’s with Engcon tiltrotators installed by Hitachi-trained technicians. Merrill Lynch, Director at Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, commented: “As the scope and scale of our work increases, so to must the diversity of our excavators. Having considered incorporating tiltrotators into our fleet for some time, partnering with Engcon, one of the world’s leading tiltrotator manufacturer, seemed the logical next step. ”The partnership will see HCMUK install the tiltrotators on its range of excavators, complete and ready to go to work upon delivery, offering customers of Hitachi and Engcon a full-service solution from the point of order, to delivery. Andre Nordström, MD of Engcon UK commented, “Engcon is pleased to announce the creation of a non-exclusive agreement with Hitachi Construction Machinery UK whereby we will both have the opportunity to increase the productivity and profitability for our mutual customers. This is another important step for Engcon and the tiltrotator concept in the UK where we will be able to access Hitachi’s network for sales, service and support throughout the United Kingdom.” David Roberts, CEO at Hitachi Construction Machinery UK also commented, “Forging this partnership with Engcon is another key development in our strategy to be the class leading solutions provider. The Hitachi excavator is a market leading machine in its own right, but it becomes a much more versatile tool when you add the Engcon tiltrotator as seen on L Lynch Plant Hire’s two ZX130LCN-6’s; and because it is installed at our machine preparation facility at Newcastle by Hitachi trained engineers, the customer gets peace of mind, knowing it is perfectly matched, tested, and supplied as a complete package right first time, and then supported in the field by our national network in the Product support team. Unsurprisingly, UK demand for tiltrotators is growing rapidly and we are now in a position to help meet that demand thanks to this partnership, and so our customers old and new, can specify Engcon with their Hitachi machines, which is a formidable combination.”... Read more...Record-breaking plant equipment auctions show the strength of pre-Brexit construction sector22 October 2020Excavators / MachineOne part of the economy for which doom and gloom predictions have not materialised is the used construction plant sector, as Ritchie Bros. has witnessed with its recent auctions in September. The world’s largest heavy equipment auctioneer switched to online-only auctions during the pandemic and has seen record-breaking auctions all over Europe, including in the UK. The auctioneer has held auctions in June and September at its Maltby site in the UK, seeing massive increases in the number of items sold, indicating equipment utilisation is at peak levels, with the market showing a strong appetite for used machinery. The high level of auction lots has been driven by the need to release capital for fleet renewals and a change in focus for an industry that is now more driven by asset utilisation, as Rupert Craven from Ritchie Bros. UK explains. “With infrastructure and housing projects driving demand for plant, and HS2 in particular focusing on emissions and productivity, we are seeing a need for plant operators to invest in new equipment and a reduction in the average fleet renewal cycle. “Also, when it comes to buyers, due to a squeeze on the availability of new equipment with factories catching up from lockdowns, there has been a surge in demand for younger equipment that meets the emissions standards demanded by larger projects. This favourably impacts bidding activity and, therefore, the returns for articulated dump trucks, technology-enabled excavators from 20 tonnes and above, and other in-demand items.” September auction facts Intensified bidding activity pushes up price levels. UK equipment was two per cent cheaper for overseas buyers due to changes in the pound.The UK and The Netherlands auctions were held in the same week in September, with 6,500 lots sold. UK equipment owners also sold items at the Moerdijk, The Netherlands auction as a gateway to the European market.Equipment buyers embraced e-commerce amid the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly doubling bidder registrations compared to the September 2019 auction. Changing behaviours reshaping the industry Rupert Craven, who’s been working in the heavy machinery industry for 20 years, has seen the mentality of the market change during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Businesses now look much harder at lifecycle costs, utilisation and equipment valuation. Particularly with the latter, more businesses are calling us to guide them through the process of fleet evaluation and disposition options that can include selling newer equipment by utilising our data to obtain the best prices.” An interesting new phenomenon is that companies in the UK and Europe “buy for the job” and resell. Craven says, “We have witnessed plant being bought for a six to twelve-month job and then being resold at our Maltby auction with residuals holding up very well.” Where the auctions pre-COVID were attended both in-person and online, they’re now only held online with an easy-to-use bidding system that is open for several days. Although born out of necessity, the online-only auction format attracted a record number of participants and generated strong returns for sellers. Craven continues, “What is also interesting is the change in the online bidder profile, which again has been dramatic, as more people get comfortable with doing business online. There are now many more bidders globally and a large increase in individual bidders, following the other trends we are seeing. “What is clear is the construction and plant sector is in much better shape than most commentators predicted and in some cases with large infrastructure projects, we are even into boom times, the likes that have not been seen since the motorway building era. And of course, we can’t underestimate the continued global demand for equipment that has been well looked after by UK plant operators.” Ritchie Bros. conducts auctions across the world and is currently in the final stages of a major redevelopment of its new 20-hectare site at the old Maltby Colliery, South Yorkshire, where it carries out auctions throughout the year. The auctions continue to be held online only for now, with interested buyers viewing items both on the website and the auction yard. The next Ritchie Bros. auction in Maltby will be held on 26 and 27 November, presenting an opportunity for businesses to sell before the end of the year or add items to their fleet. For more information, visit rbauction.co.uk.... Read more...The compact Kramer portfolio – the right machine for every application20 October 2020Machine In gardening and landscaping, Kramer wheel loaders, telescopic wheel loaders and telehandlers play to all their strengths. The undivided vehicle frame, stability and manoeuvrability of the machines bring a whole host of benefits, making them a versatile companion in application. In often difficult application areas, Kramer wheel loaders, telescopic wheel loaders and telehandlers bring the strengths of their all-wheel steering and undivided vehicle frame to the fore, as the manoeuvrability of these machines is second to none. With a steering angle of up to 2×40 degrees, they can turn on a sixpence. Their stability is also solid as a rock, thanks to the undivided frame. Even when taking bends and over uneven ground, the vehicle remains stable and can transport the same load as if it were driving in a straight line. Kramer machines are also extremely compact, thus making them very easy to transport and well able to negotiate the narrowest of thoroughfares. The compact genius of telehandlers – now with exhaust emission stage V With their particularly streamlined dimensions, the Kramer 1245 opens up a wide range of applications across many industries. The efficient machine supplements the compact Kramer portfolio right down to the smallest machine. Its dynamic 4-wheel drive, high payload, unbeatable manoeuvrability and low operating weight are what make it so impressive. This model also has a comfortably designed cabin with optimised vision, low vibration and ergonomically arranged operator’s controls. The three operator modes available (auto mode and eco mode in series production, as well as attachment mode as an option, including electric throttle) are a big plus when it comes to flexibility and efficiency. The compact genius also scores points with its varied range of options. The power flow work hydraulics ensure quick work cycles, the air conditioning system provides the necessary comfort and the three steering modes enable greater operating agility. With a load-over height in excess of 4 metres, this machine also makes light work of loading trucks, as well as transporting sett paving (paving stone), with which anyone involved in garden and landscape construction will be familiar. The compact model 2706 complies with the latest EU exhaust emission stage V. The 2706, with a payload of 2.7 tonnes, is fitted with a Kohler 55 kW engine. Exhaust gas is treated by a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The compact telehandler offers an impressive and unique combination of lift height, machine width and performance, as well as a perfect interplay of powerful engine output and outstanding manoeuvrability. Stacking and transport work is quick and easy in even the tightest of spaces. The low overall height overcomes any problems in working in underground car parks, for example. Likewise, the sensitive work hydraulics with load-independent flow distribution enable precise working, quick loading cycles and the possibility of completing various movements in parallel at any time. The 5035 and 5040 wheel loaders are impressive with their compact dimensions and manoeuvrability From this year, two newly developed compact wheel loader models with different power ratings have been available from Kramer-Werke GmbH. Firstly, the well-known 5035, which has an 18.5 kilowatt / 25.2 HP Yanmar engine, a bucket tipping load of 1,140 kilograms and an operating weight of 1,920 kilograms. Secondly, the new 5040 model. This all wheel steer loader is equipped with a 28.5 kilowatt / 38.8 HP Yanmar engine. The machine has a slightly higher operating weight at 2,070 kilograms, as well as a bucket tipping load of 1,400 kilograms. Both models feature a brand new cab design, as well as some modern comfort features and power options. With their dimensions, they are ideal for low clearance heights and tight passages, making them indispensable companions for the construction industry. With a width of just 1.26 metres, travelling on footpaths is effortless. In addition to this, due to their low transport weight, the machines can be transported on a car trailer; a quick run over to a different area of application is therefore not a problem. The three types of steering also provide a plus in terms of flexibility. The all-wheel steering in the series continues to support maximum manoeuvrability and fast loading cycles in the tightest of spaces. This is complemented by the optional steering types: front wheel and crab steering, which are available for the first time for this size class. Crab steering is perfectly suited to all works along trenches, walls and hedges. This type of steering not only enables the optimal achievement of obstacles, but keeps the consistent working distance parallel, thereby ensuring a lower potential for damage. The simple and quick switch between all-wheel, front wheel and crab steering occurs via a mechanical steering type changeover. Transport made easier – 5050 with trailer The wheel loader 5050 is set to impress with its flexible “Smart Ballast” weights and, thanks to another co-ordinated innovation on the machine in the form of a separate trailer, is sure to be the star of the show in the gardening and landscaping industry. With this new addition to the portfolio – enhanced with the custom-made trailer from Humbaur, which enables perfect loading with rapid action couplings – there is nothing to stand in the way of this wheel loader 5050, which provides easy transport and thus complete flexibility for the gardening and landscaping industry. The existing adaptation option for weight or tipping load to a maximum of 1,700 kilograms means that the machine can, for example, respond spontaneously to fragile or delicate ground conditions. But even without the additional weight, transporting sett paving (paving stone) is no problem for the 5050. The bucket pivotal point of 2,840 millimetres also presents the option of simple loading of 3-axle trucks. With an overall width of 1,590 millimetres, manoeuvrability, high payload, high stack tipping load and transportability, this machine is ideal for applications in the gardening and landscaping industry. ... Read more...LiuGong Direct UK Site Tour19 October 2020Attachments / Excavators / Machine / News / Plant / VideoThe team from Diggers LIVE AND Demolition Hub visited LiuGong Direct UK in Portsmouth earlier this month to shoot some footage of their impressive equipment in action. A huge thank you to Steven, Charlotte, Paul and all the team that made us very welcome. We have plenty planned with LiuGong in 2021 and beyond so watch this space. LiuGong is a global success story with 19 product lines, 20 manufacturing facilities, over 9,500 employees, and 300+ dealers in more than 100 countries, offering customers the tough equipment they need to get any job done, anywhere. All with local support. The team at Diggers LIVE and Demolition Hub can be found via the following social links: Diggers LIVE Instagram: www.instagram.com/diggerslive/ Demolition Hub Instagram: www.instagram.com/demolition_hub/ Diggers LIVE Twitter: https://twitter.com/diggerslive Demolition Hub Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemolitionHub... Read more...Liebherr at the double19 October 2020Excavators / Machine / Plant‘The interaction with everyone in Liebherr was excellent from day one’ After experiencing problems with his wheeled loaders, James Greenwood needed something more reliable to cope with higher production levels. Liebherr provided it…twice James is managing director of Ready Mix Tees Valley and with a move to a new yard on the banks of the River Tees enabling a step-up in production, keeping the batching plant supplied with material was crucial. But there was a ‘but’. “We had used a number of shovels for stocking the plant since we started operations,” he explained. “Both manufacturers’ products had caused us some issues with reliability and build quality. That was something we couldn’t afford with the increase in production from the new batching plant.” That was the cue for Michael Atkinson, Liebherr GB’s wheeled loader product specialist, and area sales manager Carl Longhorne to step in. They suggested a trial of an L 550 XPower, and its miserly fuel consumption of less than 6 litres per hour, cab comfort and productivity all provided a convincing argument to seal the deal. The human element was also important. “We have been extremely impressed with everything about the deal,” said James. “The interaction we’ve had with everyone in Liebherr has been excellent from day one. They have been honest and open, something we don’t always see in this industry, and as a family company like ours, the way they approached the deal was refreshing.” Tees Valley has joined forces with another local family-owned firm, Shire Aggregates, which occupies part of the large yard area. It imports aggregates by ship from around the UK from which are then screened, with more than 80% used by Tees Valley for concrete production. As the largest concrete supplier in the area – 50,000m3 last year – the introduction of the Liebherr loaders has made a real impact on the its operations.The company was launched in 2008 when James gave up his position with a major pharmaceutical company to invest in concrete. He’s now running two depots on the banks of the Tees with another just getting underway in Leeds where his equipment demands are similar. Guess what he’s bought for that site? Yes, a second Liebherr L 550. L 550 Tees Concrete L 550 Tees Concrete... Read more...HITACHI BUCKETS MAKE IMPACT IN NORWEGIAN MARKET16 October 2020Excavators / Machine / PlantHitachi buckets and quick couplers, specifically designed for the company’s ZW wheel loader range, are rising in popularity in the competitive Norwegian market. This development is supported by the Hitachi buy-back scheme for wheel loaders, and has been helped by the expertise of local authorised Hitachi dealer, Nasta, and its partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME). Improved productivity and reduced fuel consumption are among the main benefits for owners, as Nasta Product Manager Ole Kristian Skauan explains: “Wheel loaders generally have a cycle time of 30 seconds – and our customers can save up to two seconds per cycle if they choose a Hitachi bucket.” Choosing the optimum bucket for the machine – as well as the application – also impacts on fuel consumption. “A wheel loader can use up to 90% of its fuel to load the bucket,” he adds. “Therefore, it’s important for the bucket to be made for the material it should load.” Peace of mind As well as convincing owners, Nasta has held events (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic) to inform operators of the advantages. The growing confidence in Hitachi wheel loaders and buckets is supported by the Hitachi buy-back agreement. “It shows that HCME and Nasta have trust in the product,” says Ole, “and gives the customer financial security and peace of mind for the machine’s lifetime.” Nasta and HCME offer a wide variety of buckets to customers, with standard versions in stock for the smaller ZW150, ZW180, ZW220 and ZW250-6 models, and tailor-made buckets for the larger machines with short lead times of 20-25 days. “Quarries are our core business in Norway, and half of the Hitachi buckets sold between 2017 and mid-2020 were for the ZW310, ZW330 and ZW370-6 models,” says John van der Zanden, HCME Attachment Specialist. Herstua Grus AS purchased two Hitachi wheel loaders – a ZW310 in August 2018 and a ZW370-6 with a Hitachi bucket in October 2019. Both machines are based in a quarry and waste handling site, north of Gardermoen Airport near Oslo, working with a variety of materials such as gravel, blasted rock, soil, sand, concrete and iron. Owner Tore Wethal says: “We have a really nice group of orange machines here at Herstua. We have been really pleased with after-sales and the team at Nasta, so we’ll continue to buy orange.” The company chose a Hitachi bucket for its latest Hitachi wheel loader based on advice from Nasta and the experience of another quarrying customer, who has the same Hitachi bucket for two of its ZW370-6s. “Those machines are operated about 400 hours a month each, which is twice the average,” says Ole. “Herstua chose the same bucket as this customer with a bolt-on cutting edge, and it now has 1,500 hours without having yet turned the bolt-on edge, which is impressive. They’re extremely satisfied with the quality of the bucket and can change the bolt-on cutting edge easily after wear. It’s much easier to change than one that has been welded on, and it makes the bucket last longer.” This is one of many customers benefitting from the winning combination of wheel loader, bucket and quick coupler all manufactured by Hitachi. “Having the same manufacturer ensures a perfect fit and an optimum performance,” says John. “And supported by the Hitachi buy-back scheme, it means lower total cost of ownership.” Posted in Industry News, Member update... Read more...Making tracs14 October 2020Excavators / NewsJCB marked its impending 75th anniversary on a field eight miles from the company’s global headquarters in Rocester with a numeric carving visible from outer space. The eight-acre motif was ploughed into the Staffordshire field by one of the company’s most famous products – the Fastrac tractor. A team of JCB employees uploaded a digital version of the artwork to the Fastrac’s precision guidance programme, which then delivered the calculations to the machine’s automatic steering system. The team consisted of Fastrac Sales Engineer Peter Williams; Senior Fastrac Sales Engineer James Coxon; JCB Agriculture Product and Marketing Manager David Timmis and Fastrac Product Specialist Tom Mowforth. David Timmis said, “Seventy-five years is a big milestone to reach and we wanted to mark it with a product that has played a significant role in JCB’s success. Using the JCB Fastrac to create a giant JCB logo in a field that could be seen from space seemed the perfect idea and the whole team was delighted with the result.” With its all-round suspension, four-wheel steering, multiple implement mountings and high road speed, the Fastrac was the perfect tractor to take on the job. The Fastrac is manufactured at JCB’s plant in Cheadle, Staffordshire, 10 miles from the market town of Uttoxeter where the late Joseph Cyril Bamford founded JCB in a lock-up garage on the same day as his son Anthony, now Lord Bamford, was born.... Read more...Hitachi Construction Machinery UK & Engcon strike a deal13 October 2020Excavators / MachineHitachi Construction Machinery UK (HCMUK) has announced a new partnership with Engcon to supply and fit their range of tiltrotators at HCMUK’s state-of-the-art preparation centre in the North East. L Lynch Plant Hire are the first to receive two Hitachi ZX130LCN-6’s with Engcon tiltrotators installed by Hitachi-trained technicians. Merrill Lynch, Director at Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, commented, “As the scope and scale of our work increases, so to must the diversity of our excavators. Having considered incorporating tiltrotators into our fleet for some time, partnering with Engcon, one of the world’s leading tiltrotator manufacturer, seemed the logical next step.”The partnership will see HCMUK install the tiltrotators on its range of excavators, complete and ready to go to work upon delivery, offering customers of Hitachi and Engcon a full-service solution from the point of order, to delivery.David Roberts, CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery UK commented, “Forging this partnership with Engcon is another key development in our strategy to be the class leading solutions provider. The Hitachi excavator is a market leading machine in its own right, but it becomes a much more versatile tool when you add the Engcon tiltrotator as seen on L Lynch Plant Hire’s two ZX130LCN-6’s; and because it is installed at our machine preparation facility at Newcastle by Hitachi trained engineers, the customer gets peace of mind, knowing it is perfectly matched, tested, and supplied as a complete package right first time, and then supported in the field by our national network in the Product support team.Unsurprisingly, UK demand for tiltrotators is growing rapidly and we are now in a position to help meet that demand thanks to this partnership, and so our customers old and new, can specify ENGCON with their Hitachi machines, which is a formidable combination.”Andre Nordström, MD of Engcon UK also commented, “Engcon is pleased to announce the creation of a non-exclusive agreement with Hitachi Construction Machinery UK whereby we will both have the opportunity to increase the productivity and profitability for our mutual customers. This is another important step for engcon and the tiltrotator concept in the UK where we will be able to access Hitachi’s network for sales, service and support throughout the United Kingdom”.... Read more...Steelwrist Expand Range for Mini Excavators9 October 2020Attachments / ExcavatorsDemand for more versatile attachments for small excavators (below two tons) is growing. With operators demanding versatile and robust equipment solutions, Steelwrist have expanded their product portfolio. Namely, the fully casted TXC S30-180 tilt coupler and S30-180 Quick Coupler. Steelwrist introduced the first steel casted quick coupler in 2012 and have been a forerunner in the market since. Casted couplers prove advantageous to customers as the combination of strength vs weight is greater compared to welded solutions. Both couplers released can be delivered with manual locking or hydraulic locking depending on customer needs. Additionally, both the TCX and S30 quick coupler comes with a Front Pin Safety Hook that complies with the new regulations for quick coupler safety. Left: TCX S30 180 Right: QC S30 The fact that the S30 quick coupler and TCX tilt coupler are free from welding, has large pin contact surfaces and optimized material thickness, creates an extremely robust design which Steelwrist maintain will ensure a longer life time. The tilt coupler offers a safe quick coupler solution and a tilt function that makes excavators far more versatile. Installation is easy and the compact TCX has a low weight. It is suitable for excavators from 0 to 2 tons and available as direct mounted with S30 coupler, both manual and hydraulic. The TCX replaces the TMX tilt coupler in the product offering.... Read more...MDiG – Technology Delivering Productivity6 October 2020Machine / NewsM DiG, a new Machine Control & GNSS rental supplier and site services provider is launching today, Monday 5th October 2020. MDiG, backed by Marubeni – Komatsu Ltd, provides businesses nationwide with technology solutions t hat optimise their construction site s enabling them to complete projects more efficiently, safely and accurately. “With the increase in demand for digital solutions within construction, MDiG was formed to provide customers with the most comprehensive range of technology rental and job site services, regardless of the machine make or model. Says Brian Graham, Managing Director of Marubeni – Komatsu. Products and services come under 4 areas of the business : MDiG Rental – offers the latest GNSS and Machine Control equipment technology from the leading manufacturers, whatever your rental and sales requirements. MDiG Solutions – offers a variety of jobsite services including – Site Setup, 3D data & terrain mapping. MDiG Assist – provides on – demand technical assistance via. dedicated support desks that provide consistent remote support . MDiG Training – delivers bespoke courses focused on engineers and machine operators. We support you in unlocking your technology and people investments. To provide customers with a comprehensive range of advanced machine control and GNSS equipment, MDiG has partnerships with Leica Geosystems and Topcon Positioning . The company is also the UK’s distributor of SMART CONSTRUCTION , a package of solutions for data collection and conversion. For more information visit: www.mdig.co.uk Main Contact: Info@MDiG.co.uk... Read more...Hyundai to buy a stake in Doosan Infracore?2 October 2020Excavators / Finance / MachineAccording to Korean Investors, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group and KDB Investment (part of Korea Development Bank) are attempting to buy a controlling stake in Doosan Infracore Company. Earlier this year, it was reported that Doosan Group was looking to sell its stake in the construction machinery manufacturing company to pay off loans owed to South Korean state-owned banks. Hyundai Heavy Industries Group (a shipbuilding and marine propulsion systems specialist) is not the only party interested in acquiring a chunk of Doosan Infracore Company. MBK Partners (a North Asian private equity firm) and Glenwood Private Equity (an investment company) have also submitted non-biding bids for a controlling stake, says the news story. Doosan Infracore Company is currently valued at around $850m (£662m). Following the on-going financial restructuring, Doosan Group hopes to retain its control of the profitable Doosan Bobcat company.... Read more...Howard Civil Engineering expand fleet with Komatsu utility range.29 September 2020ExcavatorsHoward Civil Engineering, founded in 2003 by Michael Howard, is one of the leading civil engineering companies in the North and specialises in four key disciplines: RC Frames, S278 works, roads & sewers and groundworks. The family run business prides itself for working alongside a number of prestigious clients such as BAM, Wates, Willmott Dixon and GMI Construction. To support their civil engineering projects the company also operates their own plant hire business consisting of 60 excavators ranging from 2 – 38 tons. A number of these machines have worked on high profile projects and developments including Victoria Gate Shopping Centre in Leeds, Hard Ings Road in Bradford, Rudding Park Hotel and Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill Campus. Earlier this year the company won multiple contracts across Yorkshire, prompting them to expand their fleet. This led to them purchasing a number of Komatsu PC80MR-5 midi and PC55MR-5 mini excavators in July. The main contributing factor for choosing this manufacturer over others is because after previous experiences with Komatsu they have found their machines to be the most reliable and efficient on the market. The inclusion of Komatsu Care which covers the first 3 years / 2000 hours of servicing was also seen as a massive plus point, as this frees-up Howard Civil Engineering’s own engineers for other work. Finally, the strong residual values of the machines were also an influencer in their decision. The new machines are part of Komatsu’s MR-5 generation of mini and midi excavators. The range concentrates the quality and performance of the larger Komatsu construction range into a compact package. Each machine is packed full of high level standard specifications including a Stage V emissions compliant engine, auto idle shutdown, neutral position detection system and Komtrax monitoring system. They also have a tight tail swing radius and a swing boom that hugs the machine making them the perfect tool for confined jobsites. So far, the feedback from Howard Civil Engineering’s operators has been exclusively positive in relation to cab comfort, responsiveness, power and performance. The company is looking forward to using the new machines on their Greengate Junction Improvement Scheme, where they are the main contractor for Bradford Council. It is a very high-profile site where they will be widening all four approaches to the existing junction and installing underground attenuation to accommodate surface and rainwater from the increased paved footprint. ... Read more...Replacing THP/ET with THP/SL-S modules: lower weight, enhanced stability, greater flexibility28 September 2020MachineFast and reliable transportation for wind power components Universal Transport modernizing its fleet of heavy duty modules The oversized load and heavy hauling company Universal Transport of Paderborn is equipping its wind power transportation fleet with 62 THP/SL-S (285) axle lines from the house of Goldhofer. With a vehicle width of 3,000 mm, axle spacing of 1,500 mm and a higher bending moment, the single wheel modules have been ordered as a replacement for the German company’s current Goldhofer THP/ET modules. For the safe and reliable transportation of outsized, heavy and long components for wind power plants, the heavy-duty specialists at the international player Universal Transport have been using pendular axle modules in Goldhofer’s THP/ET series for over 20 years. In anticipation of stricter regulatory requirements, the North Rhine-Westphalian company is now replacing them with 62 THP/SL-S (285) axle lines. In addition to a loading area that has been widened by 250 mm to 3,000 mm and an axle spacing of 1,500 mm, such factors as lower deadweight, higher bending moment and unlimited combinability within the Goldhofer SL family also played a decisive role in the company’s decision. “With this individually tailored modular solution, we can offer fast, reliable and economical delivery of very long and heavy loads on challenging routes to the various construction sites,” says Markus Frost, Managing Director of Universal Transport. “We are delighted and proud of the new contract signed with Universal Transport, which reflects the high level of confidence placed in our products and services. It also strengthens us in our resolve to continue with our successful developments in terms of lower weight, greater safety, faster assembly and shorter journey times,” says Rainer Auerbacher, Head of Transport Technology at Goldhofer AG. Replacing THP/ET with THP/SL-S modules: lower weight, enhanced stability, greater flexibility Ready for delivery: 24 axle lines in Goldhofer’s THP/SL-S (285) series, here fitted with Goldhofer’s RA 3 tower adapter (photo: Goldhofer) Replacing THP/ET with THP/SL-S modules: lower weight, enhanced stability, greater flexibility Markus Frost (front row, 3rd left) and Rainer Auerbacher (front row, 4th left) with UTM and Goldhofer employees at the handover of the first THP/SL-S modules (photo: Goldhofer)... Read more...Wacker Neuson SE expands Executive Board25 September 2020NewsThe Supervisory Board of Wacker Neuson SE has appointed Felix Bietenbeck as a new member to the Executive Board effective October 1, 2020. Mr. Bietenbeck will assume the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer (COO). The Supervisory Board has expanded the Executive Board in response to the Group’s strong growth in recent years. “With our portfolio of innovative light and compact equipment, we have experienced dynamic growth over the past few years. We are delighted to win Mr. Bietenbeck to the Wacker Neuson Group, an experienced industry leader with proven operational expertise. This expansion of our Executive Board speaks to the growing number of leadership and organizational tasks required to make the most of emerging business opportunities,” explains Hans Neunteufel, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Wacker Neuson SE. Felix Bietenbeck (55) joins Wacker Neuson following a successful international career with the Continental Group. In his most recent role, he served as Executive Vice President responsible for Vehicle Dynamics, a business unit with around 10,000 employees and more than twenty production and development locations. Before this, he held various roles at Continental based in China, Mexico and Germany. In these positions, he played a key role in successfully shaping both growth and restructuring phases. With Mr. Bietenbeck, the Executive Board of Wacker Neuson SE now has four members. In September 2017, Martin Lehner (CEO) was appointed Chairman of the Executive Board in addition to his role as CTO and COO. From October onwards, Mr. Bietenbeck will act as COO, while Mr. Lehner will focus even more on the Group’s strategic direction and the further strengthening of its innovative drive. The functions entrusted to Alexander Greschner (CSO) and Wilfried Trepels (CFO) remain unchanged. “I am delighted about the appointment of Felix Bietenbeck as his long years of experience and expertise will add great value to our company. The expansion of the Executive Board is an important step in efforts to reorganize internal Group structures, which have been underway for some months now. The aim is to align our organization even more closely with the needs of our customers, eliminate redundant structures, streamline reporting lines and give even stronger momentum to our innovative capabilities,” concludes Lehner. Contact: Katharina Riepl PR Manager Wacker Neuson SE Preußenstraße 41 80809 Munich Tel. +49-89-354 02-1258 katharina.riepl@wackerneuson.com www.wackerneuson.com www.wackerneusongroup.com About the Wacker Neuson Group: The Wacker Neuson Group is an international network of companies, employing around 5,500 people worldwide. In fiscal 2019, the Group achieved revenue of EUR 1.9 billion. As a leading manufacturer of light and compact equipment, the Group offers its customers a broad portfolio of products, a wide range of services and an efficient spare parts service. Wacker Neuson Group is the partner of choice among professional users in construction, gardening, landscaping and agriculture, as well as among municipal bodies and companies in industries such as recycling and rail transport. The product brands Wacker Neuson, Kramer and Weidemann belong to the Group. Wacker Neuson SE shares are listed on the regulated Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000WACK012, WKN: WACK01) and are member of the SDAX.... Read more...Ashford Piling Snippet22 September 2020Machine / VideoCheck out this 30-second snippet of Metro Deconstructions, Ashford Piling in action.... Read more...The Green Network continues to Grow18 September 2020Machine / PlantMerlo appoints Shellplant as new dealer in Northamptonshire Merlo UK is excited to announce the appointment of a new dealer which sees the telehandler manufacturer further expanding and improving its ‘green network’ in the UK. Shellplant now becomes part of the Merlo franchise providing Sales and Service to customers in the Northamptonshire , Camabridgseshire , Bedforsdshire and Hertfordshire area. Established in 1972, Shellplant is a long-standing and respected dealer for many leading brands in the construction equipment sector with a reputation for consistently delivering high levels of customer service. Based in Earls Barton, Shellplant operates out of a purpose-built facility offering a showroom Trade Counter and fully equipped workshops. Shellplant’s engineers are factory trained to ensure the highest support to back up the machines they sell, offering both on site and in-house repair and servicing. With a pedigree spanning nearly 50 years selling machines and parts, Shellplant has all the experience and skills required, as well as the knowledge to source parts for many of the older machines it has sold. This, alongside its market leading portfolio, underpin the continued support Shellplant gives to its customers. Shellplant and Merlo UK are working closely together to provide high work quality and impeccable standards. Visit the Northamptonshire depot to see how Merlo and Shellplant can help support and develop your construction business. For further information please contact the sales team at sales@shellplant.co.uk Or call Shellplant on (01604) 811309. |Contact Information Shellplant Titley Bawk Avenue Earls Barton Northampton NN6 0LA... Read more...Discover the Top 10 Benefits of LiuGong 922E Excavator17 September 2020Excavators / VideoEasy to use…Easy to maintain…Easy to own. The highly fuel efficient and productive LiuGong 922E is packed with benefits. Watch their Top 10 video to discover the very best features for you.... Read more...Discover the Top 10 Benefits of LiuGong 856H Wheel Loader16 September 2020Machine / Plant / VideoEasy to use…Easy to maintain…Easy to own. The highly fuel-efficient and productive LiuGong 856H is packed with benefits. Watch their Top 10 video to discover the very best features for you.... Read more...New Doosan dealer16 September 2020Excavators / FinanceDoosan Infracore Europe has appointed Leicester-based Pioneer Plant Ltd as the new Authorised Doosan Dealer for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and the PE and NG postcode areas of South Lincolnshire in the UK. Pioneer Plant is now solely responsible for sales and servicing of the Doosan crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader, articulated dump truck and attachment ranges in this area. As the latest addition to the UK dealer network for the Doosan Construction, Quarrying and Mining Equipment range, Brian Conn and Steve Corner (seen on the left and right respectively in the picture above), joint partners in Pioneer Plant, offer over 40 years of plant dealership experience for both new and used equipment. Together, Brian, Steve and their team provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise to advise and support customers with their plant purchases and how Doosan products can be used in their businesses. In other Doosan-related news, a DX235DM demolition excavator has been put to great use at the historic Catholic University del Sacro Cuore in the centre of Milan, Italy.... Read more...BOMAG TREBLE THE COVERAGE IN SCOTLAND15 September 2020Finance / News As from 1 October 2020, BOMAG GB will have three times the sales and service coverage it had in place for many years. Three new light equipment dealers have been appointed to provide comprehensive sales and service in the North, Central belt, and Borders regions. North Balgownie Ltd, based in Aberdeen are dealers for Doosan and Bobcat. They have Sales and Service engineers covering from Dundee and Perth up to the North West and North East of Scotland inc. Orkneys, Shetland & Western Isles. They are a long-established dealer, founded in 1907 initially for Agriculture and have been in the past dealers for other significant names in the construction sector. They are a professional company with superb premises, modern workshops and parts counter and have a wealth of experience in the construction industry. Central Belt AT Best Handlers specialise in the sales and service of the full range of Manitou products and Takeuchi excavators. They are a family-run business based in Airdrie with first class links to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayrshire and central and southern Scotland. New premises recently opened in Macmerry, Edinburgh with a shop area for small equipment and supplies. Both East and West depots have dedicated parts counters and service departments as well as an experienced sales team. A fleet of mobile engineers operate from both depots. Southern & Borders Lloyd Ltd, already a BOMAG Dealer for Cumbria and the North East, has long-established branches in Dumfries and Kelso covering Southern Scotland and The Borders. Each depot has a dedicated Construction Sales Specialist and technician/mobile engineer. Lloyd Ltd has an excellent reputation and professional approach and, since their appointment in 2018 as a BOMAG dealer, is now starting to grow its BOMAG business rapidly as demand returns. Simon Kennedy, National Sales Manager for BOMAG GB says…With so many factors affecting our sales in Scotland, starting with the sale of Young Plant in 2016, meant that change was inevitable as it was essential our only dealer in Scotland did not have competing products within their portfolio. In this case change is a good thing. Clearly the new owners at Young Plant who successfully served as BOMAG dealers under Brian Young and his family since 2003 have a different agenda and strategy compared to our own. We are excited at the prospect of having three new and established dealers joining our team. I am convinced that we are all heading in the same direction and have similar business goals. There is no doubt, BOMAG want to be in Scotland and these new appointments coupled with the service support from our three Scottish based BOMAG engineers strengthens that philosophy. ... Read more...Chambers Media are on the cusp of releasing the 5th annual Demolition Directory10 September 2020NewsThe annual comprehensive directory of ALL UK Demolition contractors.That directory will be sent to a readership of more than 66,000 verified subscribers and named contacts that comprises:· 12,000+ named demolition professionals· 55,000+ named UK construction professionals· 6,300+ UK architectural practices· 4,000+ local government and local authority decision makers· 640+ UK fire stations Between www.demolitionhub.com, Demolition Hub Magazine and a partnership we have with The Builders’ Conference, this will land this on the desk of 79,000 named individuals across the demolition and construction sectors. In addition, we will also utilise our contacts with the Construction Equipment Association and it will be put it on another 22,000 desks in the plant and equipment field. Only our directory will enable you to be able to search ALL of the Demolition companies and search by county and, possibly, town. We make FULL USE of electronic publishing as well, therefore all of the advertising or editorial URL links are actually live!... Read more...Diggers magazine brand split10 September 2020UncategorisedAfter a 6 year working relationship where we as Chambers Media produced and published Diggers & Dozers alongside Mark Anthony’s editorial control it has become clear that both Mark and I have differing strategies and priorities of how and where the brand and magazine should go.For us, our readers and advertisers it’s very much business as usual with the two remaining editions of the Diggers industry mag to be out as scheduled imminently and there will of course be many exciting changes. Watch this space. The new domain for the world of diggers news is now www.diggers.LIVE We look forward to a closer, hands-on working relationship with the industry so do please watch this space. I am sure Mark will concur this is an exciting time for us all and it leaves me to finally say that we wish Mark all the very best. Ben Chambers, Managing Director, Chambers Media... Read more...Hydrogen replaces diesel generators on Lincolnshire site9 September 2020Environmental / PlantSiemens Energy, the lead contractor for the construction of National Grid’s Viking Link interconnector project in Lincolnshire, has installed a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell to provide off-grid power to the project’s construction site. The GeoPura fuel cell is based on a standard 20ft shipping container Off-grid power is needed as this site won’t have a grid connection for at least six or eight months; the fuel cell system will provide heat and power for the construction village during that time, removing the need for diesel generators. The hydrogen-fuelled power system was installed in August and will provide 250kVA of standard three-phase, 400V electrical power and up to 80kW of heating to around 20 cabins across the construction village. The cabins, which contain welfare areas, offices and meeting space, will be used by Siemens Energy employees and contractors including Balfour Beatty, as work to build the access road continues. Main works start on the converter station later this year. The fuel cell system was piloted by Siemens at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2019. It has been further developed by Siemens Energy’s partner, GeoPura, and now uses the waste heat, which is normally lost from the fuel cell’s cooling system. This waste heat is passed through a heat exchanger to heat water, which is then piped through to heat two drying rooms for site workers’ personal protective equipment (PPE). The fuel cell system incorporates 216kWh of battery storage, used to smooth the peaks in power demand and improve the efficiency of the system. The battery storage also means that, should the hydrogen supply be interrupted, the output of the system will be unaffected and can supply power autonomously for several hours. In addition to powering the cabins and drying room, power will also be provided to six electric vehicle charging points on site. The only by-product of using a fuel cell to generate power on-site from hydrogen is water, and unlike diesel generators, there are no NOx or particulate emissions. Initially, the hydrogen supplied for the fuel cell system will come from conventional hydrogen sources but will move to green hydrogen once a suitable supply has been confirmed, Siemens said. It is estimated that around seven tonnes of hydrogen will be needed across the duration of the project. Siemens reckons that it is saving a tonne of CO2 each week, which is the equivalent of taking 20 cars off the road. The fuel cell system is based on a single 20ft shipping container that houses all the equipment needed to convert the hydrogen into electricity and heat. Around 300 metres of reusable piping has been installed at the site to distribute hot water from the fuel cell to the cabins and drying rooms. Since the demonstrator model was used at Goodwood last year, the system has been refined by GeoPura at Siemens Energy’s site in Newcastle, making it more compact and efficient, and able to supply hot water as well as electricity. Viking Link project is a joint venture between National Grid Ventures, part of National Grid, and the Danish electricity system owner and operator, Energinet. The 1.4 GW high voltage electricity interconnector will be the longest in the world when completed, stretching 765km subsea and onshore connecting from Bicker Fen in Lincolnshire, UK and Revsing in South Jutland, Denmark to enable clean energy to be shared. Balfour Beatty has a £90m contract to deliver the British onshore civils works, installing 68km of high voltage cabling across Lincolnshire, connecting Denmark to Britain at National Grid’s Bicker Fen substation. Steve Scrimshaw, vice president of Siemens Energy UK&I, said: “This is a great project and I’m delighted that we as Siemens Energy, with our partner GeoPura, have been able to walk the talk on how to build the hydrogen economy. In order to get the hydrogen economy moving, we need to create a market, and it is small projects, such as this, which will increase the demand for green hydrogen, providing a pipeline of work for the supply chain. “We have 30 years to reach net-zero and at that point, we won’t be able to use things like diesel to power a generator. This is truly the future for off-grid power – and this project should be a model for others across the country.” GeoPura managing director Andrew Cunningham said: “Siemens Energy is to be congratulated on taking seriously their responsibilities to construction workers, the local community, and the environment as a whole. Diesel generation is a major contributor to highly damaging CO2, NOx, particulate, and watercourse pollution. This project shows that zero-emission power generation has reached a point where it can viably replace off-grid diesel generation and remove these health risks to the benefit of all.” Energy minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Hydrogen has a key role to play in the UK’s journey to net-zero carbon emissions and I am delighted to see this innovative off-grid power source being installed at Viking Link. It is steps such as this which will be vital in enabling a hydrogen economy to flourish in the UK as we build back better with new low carbon jobs.”... Read more...EvoQuip hybrid crusher4 September 2020ExcavatorsEvoQuip has introduced a new hybrid hook-lift jaw crusher: the Bison 160. Suited to hard rock as well as construction and demolition recycling applications, the Bison 160 Hybrid is the fourth model in the brand’s popular Bison series and the first to utilise hybrid diesel-electric drive technology to reduce running costs in addition to cutting noise and fuel emissions. The dual-powered Bison 160 is equipped with a proven 700mm x 500mm single toggle hydraulically adjustable jaw crusher. The electric drive allows users to reverse the crusher to clear a blockage or run in reverse for asphalt recycling, ensuring better all-round efficiency. The optional deflector plate is fitted on the moving jaw providing belt protection by allowing uncrushable objects to pass through the crushing chamber and onto the discharge belt. There’s a new heavy duty vibrating grizzly feeder, too – the intelligent feeder control system based on power draw and feed level to ensure good material flow in the jaw and throughput.... Read more...Thwaites dumpers for Breheny4 September 2020Machine / PlantSuffolk-based Breheny Civil Engineering has bought 15 Thwaites forward-tipping site dumpers from dealer Ernest Doe. Breheny plant operations manager Andrew Dobrucki, left, and chairman John Breheny All 15 machines are 9-tonners with full safety cabs. And all three companies have been in business a long time: Ernest Doe began trading in 1898; Thwaites began production from its Warwickshire base in 1937, and Breheny started in the 1950s. “Thwaites dumpers have been an integral part of the Breheny plant fleet from the very early years on-site,” said Breheny plant operations manager Andrew Dobrucki. “We are committed to achieving the highest possible standards, so much so, we invited Thwaites to provide demonstration models of their 9-ton cabbed dumper to our infrastructure project at Beaulieu Park, Chelmsford”. “The dumpers were put through their paces over an extended trial period. The performance feedback from both the users and the site management team, showed a clear preference for the Thwaites 9-ton cabbed dumper, rather than its peers. Whilst this came at a cost premium, the robust build, safety characteristics and performance were considered to be compensatory factors in mitigating the premium”. Thwaites distributor manager Paul Rodwell said “Thwaites were pleased to support Ernest Doe on this prestigious deal. Breheney have a clear behavioural safety initiative of Think Safe, Work Safe and Home Safe which is congruous with that of Thwaites and the design features of the 6-tonne and 9-tonne range”... Read more...Cat finance offers3 September 2020FinanceCat Financial has introduced a bundle of finance deals to help construction firms get their businesses back on track as the sector starts to get back to its new normal. Customers of Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat machines, can take advantage of the financing deals including buy now, pay later, and 0% finance. The first deal that Cat Financial has put on the table is 0% financing on any new Cat 313FL GG hydraulic excavator. The 313FL GC is a powerful and reliable machine that has a low-cost-per-hour so is very economical to run, reckons Cat. This machine also offers an unrivalled 45 per cent increase in operational efficiency over competitor machines so is a sensible and savvy purchase at this time. This deal is available for 36 months and applies to any new machine delivered up to December 31st 2020, meaning customers can take advantage of state of the art machinery now, without having to find the large upfront cost, and without it costing more in the long term. The second deal is on the Cat 320 GC Next Generation excavator. Using the latest inbuilt machine technology, this excavator offers a high production output and promises to increase on site efficiency, so works are completed quicker. The addition of no interest and 0% financing is applicable for machines delivered by December 31st 2020. The third deal has been introduced to help those really struggling with short term cash flow as a direct result of downtime and site closures during lockdown. Cat Financial is offering a ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ deal with a 51-month fixed rate plan. This deal is available on any new Cat machine in any class for orders placed before December 31st 2020. The added bonus here is that there’s nothing to pay for the first three months, giving firms the chance to get back to business without having to dig too deep into the overdraft facility. After the first three months customers will be required to make 48 monthly payments with a ten per cent deposit, full VAT and a £175 administration charge being payable in month four. For all three options, UK customers can contact Cat Financial Services (UK), while Irish customers can benefit from the same programme by requesting Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) p.l.c. c/o Finning (Ireland). Cat Finance is also offering 0% on all parts and servicing purchased.... Read more...CPA All Set to Announce Award-Winning Apprentices and Trainees1 September 2020EventsThe Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is all set to announce award-winning apprentices and trainees at the CPA Stars of the Future 2020 online awards event taking place on Thursday 17th September 2020 at 2pm. All are invited to attend the online awards event and attendees can pre-register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GseKJhakRgmCN6I4XMcgxQ Joining details will be received thereafter via email. Over 70 nominations have been received for the CPA Stars of the Future 2020 awards – the CPA’s highest ever figure in the eight years that the awards programme has been running. Stars of the Future, which is sponsored by headline sponsor Sunbelt Rentals, was originally introduced to recognise outstanding Plant Mechanics and Plant Technicians but the scope of the event has been extended in recent years to reward further job roles in the construction plant sector and recognise new Trailblazer apprenticeships. The CPA was originally planning to host a physical Stars of the Future awards ceremony at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Warwickshire earlier this year, but sadly this was unable to take place due to restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the CPA felt it was important to continue with the awards programme to recognise and reward the talents and achievements of apprentices and trainees in the plant sector, especially in these challenging times. A number of regional and national awards will be announced at the online awards event on 17th September, across seven primary categories: Level 2 Plant Mechanic of the Year sponsored by L Lynch Plant HireLevel 3 Plant Technician of the Year sponsored by L Lynch Plant HirePlant Operative of the Year jointly sponsored by ACOP Group and L Lynch Plant HireLifting Technician of the Year sponsored by Liebherr (GB Ltd) Hire Controller of the Year sponsored by P Flannery Plant HireJudges’ Special Award sponsored by the NOCN GroupCPA Prize for the Best Personal Statement from a Nominee Several impressive prizes are up for grabs, including Snap-on tool kits, week-long training courses and iPads that support the various occupations. Stars of the Future 2020 had a two-tier judging process – the CPA selection panel and a panel of external industry-expert judges who decided the eventual winners of each category. The external judging panel included Siôn Morgan Jones of ACOP Group, Kirsty Archbold-Laming of Southern Hoist Services, Arran Willis of Liebherr (GB) Ltd, Paul Whitehead of Highways England, Tim Brownbridge of BAM Nuttall and Ed Hudson who has recently retired but continues to act as Co-Chair for the construction equipment maintenance apprenticeship working group.... Read more...Volvo begins rebranding machines1 September 2020Excavators / MachineRolling out from this month, new and updated Volvo branded products will now be tagged with just the product type and size on its side – and nothing else. All other product details, such as model series and model variant, will continue to be found on the specifications, brochure or PIN plate, ensuring customers will see no change in how they buy service or order parts for their products. The reason behind this move, says Volvo, is to bring the product’s branding in line with the company’s minimalist Scandinavian heritage and long-standing desire for a clean, clear and boundless human-centric design. Modern construction sites are now much less focused on just the product and more focused on the construction site as a whole. With this updated product designation, Volvo CE aims to create a clearer line of communication for all parties, from the operator out on the job site right through to the back-office function. A rise in new technologies also brings with it a necessary increase in inter-generational product updates, so eliminating the need to change the product name for every update, no matter how big or small, ensures the branding stays clean, simple and purposeful. Whether it is a modification to the cab, operator controls, product frame or technical function, each edit will no longer carry with it long and cumbersome model names when the update is brought to the market. Effectively this means removing the revision status and product specification from the external visual identity and leaving just the product abbreviation and product size. All technical details are communicated as normal on PIN plates and marketing materials. The first models launched with the new designation policy are the first two Electric models of ECR25 and L25 and the ECR58 generation F – which recently won the prestigious Red Dot Award for product design. This new design philosophy will have minimal impact on the way customers buy their products, order parts or take them in for servicing. In exactly the same way as today, customers will still be able to look to the specifications on the PIN plate in order to find the detailed configurations required for aftermarket services, parts ordering or repairs. The change is being introduced on all new and updated models during a staged roll-out from this year forward, set to take until around 2025. ... Read more...You’re in control with Hitachi Zaxis-71 September 2020ExcavatorsHitachi puts owners and operators in complete control with the next generation of Zaxis-7 large excavators. The new ZX490LCH-7, ZX530LCH-7, ZX690LCH-7 and ZX890LCH-7 Stage-V compliant models have an industry-leading cab with first-class comfort and safety features. Their exceptional reliability, efficiency and productivity provide owners with opportunities to increase profits and reduce costs. Improve profit An impressive fuel saving of up to 20% (PWR mode) compared to previous models is achieved by Hitachi’s industry-leading HIOS-V hydraulic system. This also enhances efficiency in the swing, boom lowering and arm bucket roll-out. Productivity is further increased by the improved front speed for loading operations; and the increased engine output of the new Zaxis-7 machines contributes to a higher workload. The fuel efficiency of Zaxis-7 large excavators can also be controlled by using the new ECO gauge, clearly visible on the cab’s multifunctional 8” monitor. Besides reducing costs, better fuel economy has a positive impact on environmental performance. The new machines are Stage V-compliant thanks to the combination of the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system, DOC (diesel oxidation catalyst) and CSF (catalysed soot filter). Feel the difference The state-of-the-art, ultra-spacious cab is the perfect working environment. It offers operators ultimate comfort and quality, with reduced noise and vibration levels in the cab, which are both vital for the mining and quarrying industries. New features include the synchronised motion of the seat and console – to reduce operator fatigue – and the adjustable console height with three positions to choose from. Easy operation comes from the ergonomic design of the console and switches, and the hi-res anti-glare 8” screen is also easier to view. Increase safety Job-site safety is enhanced by the exceptional view from the Zaxis-7 large excavators. Operators can control their own safety, as well as that of those around them, thanks to the Aerial Angle camera system. It provides a 270-degree bird’s-eye view and users can choose from six image options to see the machine’s immediate environment. When working in challenging conditions, new LED work lights and a windscreen wiper with an increased sweeping area further improve visibility. Boost uptime Tested rigorously at dedicated facilities in Japan, Hitachi Zaxis-7 large machines have been built to last and maximise uptime. New engine parts enhance reliability, oil leakages are less likely and the durability of the trackframe has been improved. In addition, the undercarriage of the ZX490LCH-7 has robust new components that prevent potential damage. The ZX530LCH-7 has 30% greater traction force than the ZX490LCH-7 and increased steering force – particularly advantageous for manoeuvrability on sites with inclines, such as quarries. The ZX690LCR-7 and ZX890LCR-7 models are built with reinforced parts that are ideal for the digging and loading of heavy materials. Strengthened to cope with the rigours of mining and quarrying, they provide lower costs over the machine lifetime. Easy maintenance and cleaning features on all Zaxis-7 large excavators save operators and owners both time and money. The fuel filter is now integrated with the water separator, and the larger radiator improves heat dissipation and is easier to clean. Fleet management To enable owners to feel in total control of their fleet and workload, Hitachi’s remote monitoring systems, Owner’s Site and ConSite, give them access to vital data and tools. Both systems send operational data via GPRS or satellite from the excavator to Global e-Service on a daily basis. ConSite summarises the information in a monthly email, while the ConSite Pocket app shows real-time alerts for any potential issues. The quality of the engine and hydraulic oil is monitored continuously by a unique Hitachi innovation. Two sensors detect if the oil quality has deteriorated and data is transmitted to Global e-Service. This innovative feature provides customers with peace of mind on the condition of their excavators, and reduces maintenance and unscheduled downtime. Create your vision “We’re proud to present the latest range of Hitachi large excavators to our European customers,” says Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV President Makoto Yamazawa. “Hitachi has continuously improved on previous generation machines to enhance the operator’s experience in the cab, to meet the needs of owners, and to provide support over the life cycle of our machines. By working in partnership with customers, we can help them to create their vision.”... Read more...E-Dumpster joins JCB’s battery-powered offerings1 September 2020Environmental / MachineJCB has introduced a battery-powered electric version of its HTD-5 Dumpster tracked carrier. JCB’s HTD-5e E-Dumpster The HTD-5e E-Dumpster is as a high-tip, walk-behind model, capable of carrying up to 500kg. The addition of electric drive makes the machine suitable for indoor applications, underground or anywhere that requires low noise and zero exhaust emissions. The 48V lithium-ion battery pack takes two hours to recharge, JCB says, using a standard 240V or 110V electrical supply. The 9kW electric motor delivers travel speeds of up to 3km/h. The battery-powered dumper follows the recent market introduction by JCB of the 19C-1E electric mini-excavator and the 30-19E Teletruk industrial telescopic forklift. JCB’s Power Products division has also launched a line of electric power packs, to provide recharging facilities for electric machinery in off-grid applications.... Read more...New A25Gs for Ken Pink Plant Hire30 August 2020Machine / PlantKen Pink Plant Hire Ltd of Staverton, Gloucestershire, has purchased two more Volvo A25G articulated haulers for its multi-faceted plant hire fleet. Long-standing users of Volvo Construction Equipment products, Ken Pink Plant Hire Ltd sticks to a rigid change out programme to keep its fleet fresh and up to date. Consequently, these latest two additions are replacing a pair of two year old Volvo A25Gs. They also join a third truck purchased last year, along with a thirty-eight tonne Volvo EC380E excavator. “When it comes to Volvo articulated haulers, we really cannot fault them,” comments Ken Pink’s Contracts Manager, Mark Roberts. “Over the years they have proved to be extremely reliable and productive, while also holding sound residual values when it’s time to change them. We’ve been equally impressed with the EC380E since we purchased it two years ago, being ideally matched to the A25G articulated hauler – loading in just five passes,” he continues. The A25G articulated hauler can carry 25 tonnes with a heaped capacity of 15.3m³. Both machines are powered by Stage IV Volvo V-ACT six-cylinder engines, developing 318 net hp. A maximum torque of 1,942Nm is achieved at a low engine speed of just 1,100 r/min, which results in good fuel efficiency, high performance, quicker engine response, less engine wear and a longer service life.Purpose built by Volvo, the engine is matched to the Volvo drive train, featuring in-house designed and manufactured transmission, drop box and heavy-duty axles. The addition of outboard wet disc brakes also ensures that the best use of power and torque is available, even in tough working conditions. Dynamic and predictive gear selection adapts to operating conditions, for improved comfort and fuel efficiency. Oscillating Joint Both trucks have been supplied to Ken Pink Plant Hire complete with the optional overhung tailgates, increasing the heaped body capacity to 15.9m³, yet still maintaining the maximum carrying capacity of 25 tonnes. The new articulated haulers join a comprehensive plant fleet that includes: excavators ranging from ¾ to thirty-eight tonnes in operating weight, articulated haulers, site dumpers, dozers, rollers and tele-handers. Operations are further supported by a fleet of tipper and grab lorries, which provide a muck-away service. The A25Gs have been supplied with an SMT Level 2 Enhance service agreement, whereby fully trained SMT engineers will carry out regular servicing using genuine Volvo parts. Established thirty-five years ago by Managing Director Ken Pink, Ken Pink Plant Hire Ltd is based at Staverton, near Gloucester. The company offers a nationwide plant hire and contracting service, providing operated hire for its larger items of plant, as well as operated and non-operated hire for equipment below twenty tonnes for spot, short and mid to long term contracts. SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products, together with K-Tec articulated hauler scraper boxes, in Great Britain. There are eight strategically placed Customer Support Centres, a dedicated National Used Equipment Centre and a network of utility equipment dealers, to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.... Read more...Liebherr Mobile Cranes Aid German Bridge Installation26 August 2020PlantAt the start of July three 168-tonne, 58-metre long steel girders were installed over the River Lippe to replace the bridge over the river on the B233 between Werne and Bergkamen in the Ruhr Area. Crane and heavy haulage specialist Autokrane Schares GmbH used two Liebherr LTM 1500-8.1 mobile cranes for the challenging hoists. The bridge over the River Lippe is over 70 years old and has suffered significant damage, which cannot be rectified by repair work. A new, wider bridge is therefore being built directly next to it. Three massive steel girders form the basis for the new structure which will be pushed into position once the old bridge has been demolished. Schares positioned one of the 500 tonne mobile cranes on each side of the river. The crane locations have been specially prepared for the massive loads. SPMTs transport the heavy girders on to the 70 year-old Lippe bridge. “The cranes had to be moved into position on an auxiliary bridge and were then supported on concrete foundations which had been specially built for the crane work. Setting up the cranes from there was a challenge as the ballasting procedure had to be carried out with a very large radius over the undercarriage cab”.“The axle pressures of the SMPTs were closely monitored and documented to protect the old bridge. They were also documented by cameras which were directed at the screens of the cranes’ load moment limiting system”– Eric Reichmann, Manager of Sales, Engineering & Projects Departments at Schares The maximal load on the old bridge structure and the corresponding axle loads had been precisely calculated in advance. All the crane movements followed a defined hoisting plan. The project planners had prepared a complete 3-D CAD plan in advance for this purpose. The further the self-propelled trailers drove onto the bridge, the greater the load the craneshad to take. Supported on concrete foundations specially made for the hoists, the cranes take the strainoff the heavy transport vehicles as they move into position to prevent damaging the existingbridge. The LTM 1500-8.1 cranes were each ballasted with 165 tonnes of counterweights. To relieve the load on the existing bridge, the telescopic boom of the more distant crane had to be luffed down low at a radius of 34 metres. In the final load support position, each of the two500 tonne cranes had 84 tonnes on their hooks at a 16 m radius and carefully positioned the giant girders on the temporary abutments in a tandem hoist. The work was completed so smoothly that it was actually possible to open the existing bridge earlier than scheduled. The new bridge structure will shortly be given a temporary road surface over which traffic will flow whilst the old bridge is being demolished. The new B233 bridge over the Lippe is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.... Read more...