Hire News

hire news Employers Invited to Recognise and Reward Construction Plant Apprentices and Trainees for 2022

Employers across the construction plant sector are being invited by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) to recognise and reward their construction plant apprentices and trainees.

The CPA’s Stars of the Future Awards 2022 are now open for entries and with around 900 apprentices across the six main plantbased occupations, employers again have the opportunity to nominate their outstanding apprentices and trainees who they see as being the industry’s future leaders. Nominations are welcomed from all employers including plant-hire companies, manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and others operating in the construction plant sector with apprentices and trainees in their workforce. Stars of the Future is a national awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant industry, organised by the CPA, the leading trade association for the plant-hire sector in the UK. The CPA has over 1,800 members who supply some 85% of hired plant to the construction and allied industries. 2022 marks a landmark year for the CPA’s Stars of the Future Awards as it is the tenth year of the awards programme. This year, six national titles will be awarded - Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2), Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3), Plant Operative of the Year, Plant Installer of the Year, Lifting Technician of the Year and Hire Controller of the Year - as well as some special awards.

10th Anniversary

Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “Each year, Stars of the Future gets bigger and better and we’re very excited that this year marks the tenth year of the awards. It is now firmly established as the premier event of the construction plant sector for recognising and rewarding the skills and calibre of the industry’s apprentices and trainees. There were 70 nominations from across the industry for Stars of the Future in 2021, and we anticipate there will be even more nominations this year. “As the nominations closing date is 31st March 2022, we urge employers to act now and complete and submit their nominations in good time. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the CPA website at www. cpa.uk.net/skills-training/stars-of-thefuture. You can also watch a video clip of last year’s event to find out what Stars of the Future is all about,” he continued. The 2022 winners will be announced at a live awards presentation at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley, near Coventry, on 7th July 2022. Stars of the Future winners will be in contention for a number of prizes, as well as national recognition. Previous prizes have included Snap-on tool kits, iPads and an all-expenses paid trip to Germany to visit a Liebherr crane manufacturing plant. For more information, contact https://www. cpa.uk.net/skills-training/stars-of-the-future

Speedy Moves Decarbonisation Up a Gear with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil Switch

National construction equipment and services provider Speedy is now fuelling its delivery fleet with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) that will save 5,000 tonnes of CO2e over the next 12 months.

The move covers delivery vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and tankers at 21 of its biggest locations across the country, representing 92% of the company’s HGV fleet HVO emits up to 90% less carbon compared to red diesel and the switch by Speedy will save the equivalent CO2 of heating 1,820 UK homes for a year. Speedy will use Green D+ enhanced HVO as its preferred fuel, which removes 11% of Nitrogen Oxide emissions and is 20% lower in particulates than standard HVO, contributing to safer air quality for site workers and neighbouring communities. The move will see the business become the first hire provider to deliver low-emission fuel and equipment in vehicles also run-on biofuels, helping to cut emissions in the construction supply chain. It represents the first major phase of the firm’s transition to a fully low-carbon fleet by 2030. The company is also reviewing how staff vehicles can refuel with HVO at Speedy sites to help further reduce its overall emissions. Mike DeRome, Head of Fuel at Speedy, said: “We’re setting ambitious targets for reducing our environmental impact while simultaneously investing millions in low carbon equipment for contractors, as we set out to lead the way in decarbonising construction hire. “Our fuel usage comprises the largest part of the business’ carbon footprint, making it a priority area for us to take action. Reducing emissions in our delivery fleet helps customers to make big gains in decarbonising their supply chain, reducing the overall carbon footprint of their projects.” “The switch to HVO fuel across our commercial fleet also helps the business to instantly reduce carbon emissions without wastefully retiring diesel powered assets early in favour of new vehicles, particularly while electric and hydrogen technologies continue to advance and mature.” The switch is part of a wider rollout of HVO across the business, which has already seen Speedy’s Powered Access division move to refuelling all machinery with HVO as standard. Its power division is also set to make the swap before the end of the year. Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from 200 sites across the UK and Ireland.

ELECTRIC DRIVE CAT 988K XE WHEEL LOADER FEATURES TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY UPDATES

Built on a solid switch reluctance technology foundation leveraging more than 15 years of Caterpillar electric drive experience, updates to the Cat® 988K XE deliver up to 10% faster downhill speed, improved rimpull and increased hydraulic breakout force for up to 5% better production.

The updated design improves cycle times in load and carry applications, while an optional counterweight increases stability and offers faster maneuverability with these tasks. A new Go-Pedal for the 988K XE features three dynamic breaking levels to give operators easier, single right-hand pedal operation. Standard Tire Slip Prevention reduces tire slip and wear to increase tire life and lower owning costs. New optional Cat Autodig features simplify the digging phase to increase dig cycle optimization by up to 10%. Further reducing tire slip and wear, available Auto Set Tires sets the front tires to promote proper loading techniques. Lift stall prevention technology automatically manages rimpull in-dig to prevent hydraulic stall while lifting through the face, so the 988K XE spends less time in the pile. Teaching proper operating techniques, new available Cat Operator Coaching helps increase machine efficiency and delivers up to 15% faster cycle times and 10% better bucket fill factors. Among other procedures, it shows how to properly shorten travel, avoid unracking in-dig, enter the pile with a level bucket, reduce the dump height and use the kickout. The coaching feedback also results in up to 15% less fuel consumption. INCREASED EFFICIENCY

The field proven switch reluctance electric drive technology of the 988K XE increases overall efficiency by 25% and face-loading application efficiency by up to 49% compared to the 988K. Economy mode operation reduces rated speed of the durable Cat C18 engine to further reduce fuel consumption. Increased hydraulic speed and faster cycle times achieved by the 988K XE decrease idle time and fuel burn to increase loader efficiency. Greenhouse gas reductions through operating the electric drive versus the mechanical drive model are equivalent to up to 1 year of electricity use for nearly 10 homes. A new steering and integrated control (STIC™) valve offer up to 47% quieter operation, and the system delivers precise machine control with minimal arm movements to increase comfort and improve loading accuracy and efficiency. Modulating the left pedal from 100% to 25%, the new rimpull control system (RSC) reduces the potential for wheel slippage without reducing hydraulic efficiency. The loader’s new positive flow control (PFC) hydraulic system increases efficiency, bucket feel and responsiveness to deliver consistent performance. With data displayed inside the cabin in real-time, available Cat Payload on the 988K XE provides accurate weighing of loaded materials to improve truck loading efficiency by reducing overloading and underloading. When combined with optional Advanced Productivity technology, the 988K XE provides comprehensive actionable payload information to help improve operational productivity and profitability. With standard Cat Vision to enhance visibility behind the loader, the 988K XE features 43-degree steering articulation to achieve precise positioning in tight areas for efficient truck loading. The loader offers a rated payload of 11.3 tonnes (12.5 tons) when working with face material and 14.5 tonnes (16 tons) with loose material and can be equipped with a range of buckets with capacities from 4.7-13 m3 (6.2-17 yd3). It is performance matched to offer efficient 3-pass loading of the 38.2-tonne (42.1-ton) Cat 770G and 4-pass loading of the 46.8-tonne (51.6-ton) Cat 772G. Its high-lift configuration delivers 5-pass loading of the 55.3-tonne (61-ton) Cat 773G and 6-pass loading of the 64-tonne (70.5-ton) Cat 775G.

SANDVIK MOBILES AND FINNING SUPPORTING HVO

To power large, mobile crushing and screening equipment, Sandvik are putting sustainability in focus and investing in renewable fuel. Working alongside Finning, Sandvik have successfully used HVO with C series Cat® engines without making any modifications to the engine or fuel tanks.

HVO is a form of renewable synthetic diesel, its acronym standing for ‘hydrogentreated vegetable oil’. Forming a part in both company’s journey towards a more sustainable future, the use of HVO reduces net carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel. The HVO Sandvik use is only made from renewable feedstocks certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). Its performance is similar to regular diesel, so your power output and uptime are not compromised. Hydrotreating of vegetable oils is a modern way to produce very high-quality renewable diesel fuels without requiring any changes to fuel logistics, engines, or exhaust aftertreatment devices. Unlike other biodiesels, HVO is not sensitive to low or high temperatures, or indeed to exposure to sunlight, as all oxygen is removed during the production process. Also, due to the use of hydrogen in the production process, HVO has an impressive shelf life, compared to other biodiesels. Since no iron or system changes are required, it can be considered a drop-in replacement for diesel. SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS

Jesper Persson, Sandvik’s Vice President Life Cycle Services comments, ‘We are committed to using engineering and innovation through our products to make the shift towards more sustainable business. With a host of innovations in the pipeline, including electrification of our offering, we are excited to be pioneers in the industry and invest in renewable fuel sources sustainable rock processing solutions. “Working alongside Finning to performance engineer the feasibility of HVO, means we can data collect and monitor any impact on the performance and output. It’s an exciting step in our contribution to sustainability and we will work together with our customers and suppliers for more productive, safer, and innovative solutions.” CARBON REDUCTION

Steffen Barrett, Sales Manager – Industrial Engines, Finning UK & Ireland, comments: “As Sandvik strive to balance environmental and business sustainability we are ready to provide the solutions they need to achieve their goals. Our customers’ priorities are evolving toward a carbon-reduced future and our products and services are evolving with them. “We are actively supporting the use of plant-based and waste-derived fuels in our engines as alternatives to traditional fuels. Our engines are engineered for use with a range of renewable fuels, including up to B100 HVO (EN15940 or ASTM D975), that have a significantly lower net carbon footprint than conventional diesel. “Working with our partner Caterpillar, and through our sustainability strategy, we are focused on being an even more responsible partner to help our customers transition to a low-carbon economy and take better care of the communities we serve. This helps us to fulfil our company’s purpose to build and power a better world.”

REFUSE COLLECTIONS ARE ‘AS EASY AS ABC’ WITH FARID HILLEND ENGINEERINGBODIED MERCEDESBENZ ECONICS

Impressive reliability combined with positive feedback from crews and customer-focused parts back-up all help to explain why waste and recycling managers at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to be running another six MercedesBenz refuse collection vehicles.

The 26-tonne Econics were supplied by MBNI Truck & Van, of Newtownabbey. It worked closely on the successful tender with primary contractor Castlereagh Motors, which represents specialist bodybuilder Farid Hillend Engineering in Northern Ireland. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council – or ABC Council as it is commonly known – was established in 2015 and is Northern Ireland’s second largest local authority by population and economic activity. Its latest 6x2 Econics have rear steer axles for enhanced manoeuvrability on residential streets. As 2630 L variants they are powered by 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 220 kW (299 hp) and are paired with six-speed automatic Allison gearboxes. Their Powertrak compaction bodies, meanwhile, have 21m3 capacities and are fitted with Zoeller Delta high level bin lifts. The trucks’ introduction

coincided with the launch of a new service for the residents of Armagh. Collections of recyclables in kerbside boxes and food caddies were previously outsourced to an external supplier. This arrangement had been in place for nearly 20 years, but came to an end in November following a public consultation that saw 85% of respondents opt for the wheeled bins already used in other areas. Waste Development Manager Lisa Doherty explained: “We’ve effectively harmonised the system by bringing the Armagh collections in-house. The result is a single, standardised, council-managed service, with the efficiencies this implies, for all residents across the borough.” To deliver this extended service Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has been growing its refuse and recycling fleet, which now extends to more than 70 trucks of various sizes and marques. All are inspected and maintained at its purpose-built workshop on the Carn Industrial Estate, Portadown. These vehicles make fortnightly collections of dry recyclables in green bins and organic waste in brown bins, and, on alternate weeks, the residue in black bins. Of all the waste it collects, 54% is currently recycled but the authority is focused on improving this rate by reducing contaminations – a recent campaign urged households not to put items such as foil, aerosols, and shampoo and bleach bottles into the general rubbish.

Pictured with two of their new Mercedes-Benz Econics, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Waste Development Manager Lisa Doherty, Operations Manager John Farrell, left, and Workshop Manager Simon Smyth are all playing their parts as the authority strives to further improve its recycling rates.

The authority’s fleet already included a number of Mercedes-Benz Econics that were supplied by MBNI Truck & Van five years ago. Workshop Manager Simon Smyth confirmed: “In terms of uptime those vehicles have been excellent. They’ve given us very few problems, while the parts delivery service we receive from the team at the Dealer’s Dungannon branch is first class.” He added: “The Mercedes-Benz is also liked by a lot of our crews. It’s exceptionally well built, easy to access and comfortable, thanks to its spacious, airconditioned cab and full air suspension.” The Econic affords drivers an unrivalled view. The truck attracts the maximum five stars from Transport for London’s Direct Vision scheme, thanks to its deep, panoramic windscreen, and the full-height, glazed folding side door specified by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. This, coupled with the low seating position, allows drivers to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians at junctions or in traffic queues. The Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking aid is also standard equipment. Active Brake Assist 5 can detect vehicles ahead and stationary objects in its own lane, at speeds of up to 56 mph (90 km/h). Detection of a dangerous situation triggers a three-stage reaction: first, the system warns the driver with visual and audible alerts; then, if the driver fails to react, it applies partial (approximately 50%) braking; finally, if the driver has still not intervened, it initiates maximum braking to bring the truck to a halt, activating the hazard warning lights to alert drivers behind. The new sensor fusion has dramatically improved response to moving pedestrians at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Active Brake Assist 5 is now capable of applying full braking when encountering pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or walking ahead. Not only does this remarkable technology increase safety for vulnerable road users and vehicle crews, but it also helps to relieve stress for drivers. Meanwhile, the electronic architecture required for operation of Active Brake Assist 5 means Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s new Econics benefit from Electronic Parking Brakes too. The EPB is applied automatically when the engine is switched off. When the truck is at a standstill after emergency braking, the automatic HOLD function also prevents it from rolling away. Farid Hillend Engineering added to the vehicles’ comprehensive safety armouries by fitting Backeye®360 camera systems.