22 minute read
Latest Generation Terex TA400 Exceeding Expectations
LATEST GENERATION TEREX TRUCKS TA400 EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS AT W & J CHAMBERS
Concrete and building suppliers W & J Chambers may only have had their new Terex Trucks TA400 for just a few months, but it’s already made a big impression, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes has been finding out.
Established in 1935 by John Chambers whose son Will now heads up the operation, the County Londonderry business initially produced concrete blocks, but over the years has successfully expanded its product range which now includes aggregates, sand, gravel, cement and other building supplies. The latest generation Terex Trucks TA400, supplied by dealers Sleator Plant, is earning its keep at W & J Chambers base on the Glenshane Road at Drumahoe; the company has another depot in Coleraine. “It’s early days yet, but so far it has more than lived up to our expectations,” says Will, whose sons all play an active role in the company. “It’s not the first Terex we’ve had over the years, so we had no hesitation in acquiring this new machine which is very well spec’d.” He adds: “Having driven it myself, I’ve been impressed with its performance, its handling and its spacious and comfortable cab.” The machine labours hard every day at, drawing heavy loads, but it is living up to its reputation for being a tough and robust workhorse.
Fuel Efficient
As Will has come to appreciate, there are a number of things that make this new Generation 10 TA400 stand out, not least its high performance, fuel efficient Tier 4 Scania engine offering gross power of 331kW and a maximum torque of 2,255Nm. Electronic Engine Exhaust Brake is installed as standard for heightened levels of operational safety and
control – another bonus is the fact there is no need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The Terex Trucks TA400 takes everything you throw at it in its stride. With all three axles in permanent (6 x 6) all-wheel drive, incredible traction is achieved while reducing driveline abuse and wheel spin, resulting in reduced tyre wear, while the planetary gear transmission provides smooth, efficient gear shifting, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced running costs. The work environment benefits from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that rapidly regulates the cab temperature especially when working in extreme conditions, and with winter approaching that will clearly be much appreciated. With improved airflow and reduced cab noise this latest generation TA400 delivers greatly improved operator comfort and reduced fatigue for improved productivity. Other refinements from earlier models include improved sealing which limits risk of environmental ingress such as heat, moisture and dirt, and wider, pivoting steps and service platforms for easier and safer access. Operator comfort is further enhanced with controls that are logically positioned for ease of operation, together with cab instrumentation that has been designed specifically for off-highway applications.
Telematics
Telematics come as standard on the Generation 10 TA400, providing complete visibility of the truck’s routine behaviour, with the captured data viewable on a variety of mobile and desktop devices, or downloadable as hard copy reports; access to on-board diagnostics and real time data including fuel consumption, means the operator can make qualified, on-the-job, decisions faster, reducing the possibility of downtime. Speaking of downtime, that can be costly, of course, even for service or maintenance, but this is kept to a minimum thanks to the provision of ground level service access points, and a fully tilting cab and electronic assisted hood raise for ease of access to engine. The TA400 transmission is also installed with the latest lubrication oil specification that extends oil service periods to 6000 hours, further reducing operational costs.
AT A GLANCE
Max Payload: 38 tonnes Heaped capacity: 30 cubic yards Engine: Scania DC13, 444 gross hp Transmission: Allison HD4560
automatic, 6 forward, 1 reverse gear
Steering angle:
45 degrees
HYDREMA 912F MAKES BIG IMPRESSION AT PC PLANT & CONSTRUCTION
With its head office based in Warrenpoint, Co. Down, PC Plant & Construction has built up a wellrespected reputation over the years for quality workmanship on both general civil engineering projects and housing developments, having invested significantly in its people and its plant – and only the best will do, which is why the company is a big fan of the Hydrema brand, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes has been finding out.
Headed up by Padraig Cunningham, this family run business recently acquired its third Hydrema dump truck from dealers Ballyward Plant Services, a 912F model. So what attracts Padraig to the brand? “We have been using Hydrema machines for quite a few years, so we know they are tough and reliable. They are well built, efficient workhorses that we have come to depend on, and the aftersales service and support we get from Ballyward Plant is second to none,” says Padraig. He adds: “Our operators really like the Hydrema. The cab provides
AT A GLANCE
- High mobility due to centre pivot steering and hydraulic stabilisers. - Quality made. Heavy duty construction. Build to last. - Low weight of the truck provides a very low ground pressure. - Strong Cummins QSB 4.5 stage 4 engine with DOC and
SCR catalyst. Great torque. - User friendly and easy to operate. - High operator comfort and safety. an excellent and comfortable working environment, with user friendly controls. The dump truck is easy to manoeuvre, making in very versatile, especially on sites that have restricted space.” It’s not difficult to see why the cab appeals. All the instrumentation is ergonomically placed and the steering wheel, seat and arm rests are fully adjustable to suit the individual operator. A joystick is installed as an integrated part of the right armrest. From here you operate the main dumper functions such as tipping, gear selection, forwards / reverse and differential lock. This provides easy control at your fingertips. An air-conditioning system is incorporated as standard, with 8 air nozzles placed throughout the cab, which is also fitted with automatic entry/exit lighting for safer nighttime operation, and to reduce vibration the cab mountings are spring dampened.
Stable & Safe
As Padraig also pointed out, the Hydrema 912F is also a very stable and safe dump truck to operate, no matter what the ground conditions and even when fully loaded.
That’s thanks to its articulated and oscillating pivot point.
The centre pivot with hydraulic
stabilisers
automatically transfers the weight to where it is needed for added stability. This, in turn, coupled with a low turning radius of just 6.1 m, increases manoeuvrability. The chassis design ensures that the front and rear wheels are running in the same track, while the standard twin tyres gives outstanding traction with minimum ground damage. Due to a low net weight the dump truck has very low ground pressure - down to 85 kPa – when carrying a full load of 10 tons. Together with tracking of the wheels this ensures minimal ground damage which is great for working on sensitive surfaces like golf courses, landscaping and for environmental work. The truck is fitted with an automatic tipping throttle, where the machine will automatically increase the engine speed when the tipping function is activated to quickly raise the body and thereby increase the efficiency. The ground clearance when tipping is 110 cm, which provides the opportunity to unload the material over edges, or in high piles in order to save space. In addition, the body is designed with rounded corners so even wet and sticky material will easily slide off when tipping. Incidentally, a popular optional feature of the Hydrema – not specified by PC Plant & Construction - is the MultiTip, where the dump truck can turn the body 90 degrees to each side and deliver the payload anywhere you want in the 180 degrees area with high precision. MultiTip makes several working situations easier. For example, when tipping a certain amount of payload sideways, whilst moving forward, or into a trench. MultiTip also allows you to work in very narrow conditions.
High Visibility
Enjoying a good view from the cab is always vital, especially when working on busy sites, and the Hydrema doesn’t disappoint. “The driver has very good all-round visibility from the cab, which is fitted with a rear-view camera, so he can be aware at all times of what is happening around the machine,” says Padraig. It helps, too, that the engine is placed behind the cab, which gives an unobstructed forward view from the driver’s seat for even safer operation. To increase the visibility of the dump truck, optional orange flashing LED lights can be mounted both at the front and rear; up to 4 rear facing LED working lights can also be fitted to make working easier during the dark hours.
Power & Performance
A well proven 6 speed ZF Soft-Shift transmission offers full auto or manual shift. This intelligent transmission will automatically shift two gears in the right conditions to smoothly increase acceleration regardless of the payload. A state of the art 147 hp Cummins engine offers one of the best power-toweight ratios on the market. Whether the machine is working on steep gradients or in poor ground conditions, the 912F has the power to cope. The high torque offers more power at lower revs, which improves fuel economy and noise levels. And when it comes to servicing? Well, that is simple. Opening the large bonnet gives easy access to the different service points: engine, oil level, hydraulic system, etc. The two front fenders have integrated storage and built-in battery housing.
Doosan Construction Equipment is launching the new DA30-7 and DA457 Stage V compliant articulated dump trucks (ADTs). The new DA30-7 and DA45-7 replace the previous DA30-5 and DA40-5 Stage IV models, respectively. The DA30-7 has a payload of 28 tonne, while that of the DA45-7 is 41 tonne.
The DA30-7 is powered by the new Scania Stage V compliant DC09 9 litre diesel engine providing 276 kW (375 HP) of power. The DA45-7 is driven by the new Scania Stage V DC13 13 litre diesel engine with an output of 368 kW (500 HP). In 2018, the DA30-5 ADT was upgraded with a range of features including a new cab, a new self-levelling front suspension and a new tandem bogie system which are all incorporated in the new DA30-7 Stage V model. A similar process has been applied in the new DA45-7 Stage V machine, with a new cab and a semi-levelling front suspension that adjusts itself independently depending on the operating conditions to ensure a comfortable working environment for the operator. The cabs on the ADTs have new comfortable hand grips and foot rests and an improved layout for the display which is easier to use even for tired eyes. As well as these changes, the new Stage V models offer many more features - one of the most eye-catching is a new design for the front frame and bonnet components on the trucks, created by the Doosan Design Team in accordance with the latest trends in the market. The new dynamic look given to the Stage V ADTs reflects the high performance, power and robustness of the Doosan ADT range and aligns even more closely with the rest of the market-leading range of construction equipment from Doosan. Together with the visual changes there are a number of functional changes on the new ADTs which improve safety, comfort and serviceability. These include a new positioning of the diesel and AdBlue tanks. The latter are now much lower than before, allowing the operator to fill both tanks whilst standing next to the machine (‘ground level filling’). The new ADTs are equipped as standard with a real-time payload measuring system with a light indication for excavator operators, which will help them to place optimal loads in the ADTs to ensure excellent productivity and low fuel consumption. The greasing system has also been relocated to make it easily accessible from ground level. Space has been provided above the automatic lubrication system (which is standard) for additional grease cartridges and a filling pump. In addition, the transmission filters have been installed close to the greasing system, where they are also very easy to access. All of these systems are protected to ensure that any excess drops of oil/grease are collected and can be removed during service and maintenance. New improved maintenance access will also help operators to perform daily checks faster and more safely. Both of the new machines are equipped with additional external round hand rails to prevent accidents and hazardous situations. Inside the cab, there is a new additional grip on the right hand side for increased safety for the operator.
MORE NEW MACHINES THAN EVER AT DOOSAN QUARRY DAYS
Customers from all around Europe visiting the annual Doosan Quarry Days event that took place recently in the Belice Quarry near Prague in the Czech Republic, had the chance to try out the widest range of new Doosan products ever at the event.
Making their first appearance were Doosan’s new Stage V ‘-7’ medium crawler excavators, the new DA30-7 30 tonne articulated dump truck (ADT), the new DX250WMH-5 25 tonne material handler and the new DX27z, DX35z, DX63-3 and DX85R-3 Stage V mini-excavators. Attendees were also able to see the very latest from Doosan Smart Solutions. To meet high demand for the increased efficiency offered by machine guidance systems, Doosan Smart solutions is now offering new Leica, Trimble and Xsite Ready Kits for the Doosan wheeled and crawler excavators from 14 to 30 tonne. Doosan Smart Solutions also provides factory-installed options for the increased flexibility offered by Engcon and SVAB/Steelwrist tiltrotator systems for the Doosan excavator range. These products were among around 30 Doosan machines available to try out at Quarry Days, which provided customers with a unique platform to test the latest Doosan excavators, wheel loaders and ADTs in the working conditions of the Belice quarry. As in previous years, customers had complete freedom to operate the full range of Doosan machines themselves and to have the assistance and advice provided by the many Doosan product experts in attendance. Charlie Park (CEO, Doosan Infracore Europe) commented: “Doosan is expecting another successful year in terms of sales growth and Quarry Days will certainly provide ample opportunity for around 400 customers to complete business transactions by trialling our expanding range of products and new technologies.” Quarry Days meets requests from dealers and customers for handson testing of the latest machines in true working environments. As a precursor to agreeing current and future purchase deals, this provides advantages for Doosan dealers and helps to strengthen customer relationships. Unlike many manufacturers, where customers are only allowed to view companies’ staged demonstrations of machines, Doosan has listened to customer requests with the Quarry Days programme. The event is designed to provide them with the best possible experience, backed by support, expertise and consultation provided by Doosan demonstrators, trainers and product managers.
TBF THOMPSON & BELL EQUIPMENT PROVES A WINNING COMBINATION
TBF Thompson’s recent appointment as an official all Ireland distributor of Bell Equipment’s articulated dump trucks has got off to a successful start.
Established more than 60 years ago, and with depots in Belfast, Dublin and Garvagh TBF Thompson has been at the forefront of commercial and plant sales throughout Ireland, selling a wide range of equipment to construction and quarry industries across the region. Following its latest sale of a Bell B20E dump truck to McCormick Contracts, TBF Thompson’s Director Seamus Doherty says interest in the brand has been steadily growing since they took on the dealership, with contractors impressed with the heavy-duty capabilities of the ADTs. “Bell Equipment is seen as one of the world’s leading construction machinery manufacturers, with its ability to supply a strong reliable product and develop an ADT range that’s widely regarded as a benchmark in durability and innovation.” The Bell B20E supplied to Ballycastle based McCormick Contracts is currently earning its keep on a major project as part of a multi-million-pound expansion at the Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. The company plans to double production over the next five years, with the new expansion including a new distillery, boiler house, cooling equipment and barrel store on the existing site. Comments Garreth McCormick: “This is the first Bell ADT we have had in our fleet and we are very happy with its handling and performance.” So, what initially attracted the contractor to the Bell? “Primarily the fact that it is designed for lower ground pressure work, it can cope well with softer ground conditions,” says Garreth. “It is also very comfortable to drive, with an excellent cab.” With the Bell B20E it is possible to alternate between standard 20.5R25 earthmoving tyres or low profile, extra wide 800/45 R30.5 tyres; it is designed to offer significantly reduced ground pressure and marketleading flotation in excessively muddy or soft sandy underfoot conditions. Ideal for use on small to medium sites, the 20 tonne Bell B20E benefits from the safety, performance and up-to-date Bell Equipment’s proprietary satellite fleet management system, Fleetm@tic, as well as other features such as on-board weighing, Tip Safe, Neutral Park Brake, Downhill Speed Control, and Hill Hold. The B20E also boasts an impressive turning circle of 3.7m, with 800 wide tyres, and ground pressure as low as 95kPa. The load over height of 2.5m also allows the ADT’s bin to be filled using various loading tools. “Another factor,” says Garreth, “was availability. We were able to get it straight away from TBF Thompson; it is a real bonus having a local dealer on the doorstep for back-up and support. We have been dealing with TBF Thompson for a long time and enjoy a great working relationship with them.” Adds Seamus: “Our customers span a diverse range of sectors, including road building and maintenance, construction, earthmoving, quarrying, waste handling, agriculture and forestry, as well as plant
hire, so we see an increasing demand for machines across the Bell Equipment range, with concentration on the Bell B20E, B30E and B45E truck models. “Bell Equipment is seen as one of the world’s leading construction machinery manufacturers, with its ability to supply a strong reliable product and develop an ADT range that’s widely regarded as a benchmark in durability and innovation.” He says the Bell ADTs are a perfect complement to many of the existing leading brand franchises TBF Thompson already hold. “It’s been a positive move for both companies and is already proving to be a winning combination, with lots of interest and more sales in the pipeline.”
cover story EXTRA SAFETY PROTECTION FOR USERS OF GENIE’S LATEST SCISSOR LIFTS
Genie’s latest scissor lifts, which have been well received since they were launched earlier this year, can now also benefit from an innovation new safety feature, the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system.
This system is an electronic secondary guarding solution designed to activate when an obstruction makes contact with an activation whisker mounted on the lift’s platform guardrails, alerting the operator, occupants and ground personnel of a potential hazard. When the system is activated, all machine motion will stop, an alarm will sound and beacons will flash. The operator will be able to continue driving or elevating the platform into the desired working position after acknowledging the activation system and machine stopped condition; a freemovement zone will also exist between the activation whisker and guardrail, to allow mobility for operators and occupants after the system is activated. It adds extra appeal to the latest Genie GS-1330 electric scissor lift unveiled at the beginning of the year, and to the GS-4655 which made its show debut at Bauma. Thanks to its power-efficient e-drive system that offers industry-leading runtime for full day productivity and cleaner operation, the new Genie GS-1330m provides rental and contractor customers the means of differentiating their business by adding more ecoresponsible machines to their fleets. With environmental challenges in mind, this new “micro-sized” model responds to worldwide demand for productive, “green”, compact, low-level access solutions adapted to space and weight-restricted applications. “With the need to replace ladders with safe, productive and environment-friendly alternatives, low-level access is an activity sector that is growing in general, notably for industrial and institutional jobsite applications. Furthermore, rising demand for efficient solutions adapted to the constraints of low floor load and zero emissions sites implies the need for equipment that is sufficiently lightweight and respectful of the constraints of indoor jobsites,” says Zach Gilmor, EMEAR Genie Product Manager, Terex AWP. “Responding to the needs of customers working in today’s increasingly competitive, “green” aerial access market, the Genie GS-1330m scissor lift combines an efficient 100% electric drive system with the benefits of quiet, emission-free operation and industry-leading runtime in
Scissor lifts featuring the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system.
a compact package for productive, all day long performance. This increased runtime is especially important in applications that involve significant amounts of driving.” Providing a maximum working height of 5.9 m (18 ft 8 in), the Genie GS-1330m scissor lift offers 227 kg (500 lb) lift capacity to take two people on the platform, a machine weight of just 885 kg (1,950 lb) and incorporates the Genie Smart Link control system that simplifies troubleshooting with easy-to-read and user-friendly onboard machine adjustments and diagnostics. The Genie Smart Link control system is compatible with the Genie Tech Pro Link handheld diagnostics tool. Designed for exceptional jobsite accessibility and transportability, as well being drive enabled at full height and in stowed position, the new Genie GS-1330m scissor lift provides the ability to climb up to 25% graded slopes (14 degrees), at the same time as the advantage of climbing ramps easily for transport between rentals even when battery charge is low. They will also appreciate its driving efficiency notably on carpet flooring during maintenance work. Measuring just 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) long and 0.78 m (30 ft 5 in) wide and weighing less than the standard service elevator capacity limitation of 1000 kg (2,205 lb), the Genie GS-1330m scissor lift is able to
access jobsites previously off limits to heavier slab scissors and vertical mast lifts. Unlike other products equipped with casters, the Genie GS-1330m scissor lift features solid non-marking 25 cm (10”) tyres to combine the benefits of a ground clearance of 6 cm (2.4 in) with high-precision drive manoeuvrability adapted to sensitive surfaces. Designed with operators in mind, the Genie GS-1330m scissor lift is equipped with side-by-side platform guardrails for easy 0.46 m (1.5 ft) deck extension offering an extended platform length of 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in). It is engineered with diamond plate platform flooring, which provides a durable, long-life gripping surface. And with the link stack centred under the platform, operators also benefit from a stable feel for optimal comfort while working at height.
GS-4655
Meanwhile, the latest addition to the brand’s large electric slab scissor lift family is the GS-4655, which was launched at Bauma. This new eco-friendly machine comes in a compact, lightweight package and combines maximised productivity with increased battery runtime and reduced service costs. Equipped with the latest generation of fully sealed AC electric drive motors for excellent ‘green’ efficiency, it is even suitable to meet the demands of indoor and outdoor access tasks. Providing a maximum indoor working height of 16.02 m (52 ft), maximum outdoor working height of 8.55 m (27 ft 6 in), a class-leading horizontal outreach of 1.22 m (4 ft) with fully rolled-out deck extension, as well as 25% gradeability and 14° breakover angle to climb steep ramps and make transport easier, the new Genie GS-4655 scissor lift offers a 350 kg (770 lb) lift capacity for up to three people and their tools and materials. With its narrow 1.40 m (4 ft 7 in) chassis width, weighing 3538 kg (7800 lb) it has been engineered for high access in restricted spaces, the Genie GS-4655 scissor lift features the latest generation of AC electric drive motors for excellent indoor and outdoor efficiency. Ready for use anywhere globally, key applications for this new model include narrow aisle warehouses, electrical installation and facilities maintenance tasks, as well as demanding tilt-up and heavy-duty construction jobsites. “Thanks to its heavy-duty, fully sealed frontwheel AC electric drive motors, the Genie GS-4655 is designed with sustainability, productivity and a low cost of ownership in mind. We engineered this model to deliver the height and emissions-free power to work indoors and out, even in harsh outdoor jobsite conditions,” explains Zach Gilmor. Other features include: • Side-by-side railings for easy deck extension and retraction. • Side forklift pockets in the chassis, simplifying transportability, as well as jobsite or rental yard logistics and storage. • Swing-out service trays for unobstructed access to all machine components, including the hydraulic and electrical systems. This feature simplifies service and maintenance to get machines back on rent, faster. • The proven Genie Smart Link™ control system simplifies troubleshooting with onboard easy-to-read and user-friendly machine adjustments and onboard diagnostics, reducing downtime and maximizing rental return on invested capital (rROIC). • Proportional joystick lift and drive functionality provide the enhanced controllability and smooth handling adapted for tasks that demand high-precision positioning. • Commonality with the Genie GS scissor lifts and in design, parts and accessories, as well as serviceability benefits to reduce service costs and storage space.
