Hire News

hire news Xwatch Safety Systems Supplied to Synergy Hire

Xwatch has recently supplied several of its XW4 excavator slew and height monitoring systems to Synergy Hire Ltd, for use on many of the company’s major infrastructure projects.

Synergy Hire operate more than 730 Hitachi wheeled and crawler excavators ranging in size from 13 tonne to over 50t with many operating on Blue Chip contracts around the country including Smart Motorway schemes and HS2. Supplied through Hitachi in the North East, the XW4 systems are fitted at the dealer’s Port of Tyne facility by Xwatch trained engineers. The XW4 system allows an operator to set a height or slew limit by simply pushing just four buttons on the easy to read in-cab screen. A major benefit of the XW4 system along with its operator interface is that the installation time is almost 50% shorter than that of other systems. Another great benefit of the Xwatch system is its use of proportional soft-stop hydraulic valves providing accurate and repeatable performance without detriment to the machine. Garry, Orr Synergy’s Operations Director comments: “Many of our large infrastructure clients require us to fit our excavators with a dedicated slew and height restriction system for their projects. We have tried several manufacturer’s systems and have found that the Xwatch products are by far the best available. Our aim is to operate in total safety and send our employees and clients home to their family after every shift, so we wanted a system that was simple for the operator to set up on the job. The XW4 meets our requirements exactly. It’s a robust system and is liked by our service engineers, customers operators and clients alike for its ease of use.” Dan Leaney, Sales and Operations Manager for Xwatch commented: “We are proud to be supplying XW4 slew and height safety systems to Synergy Hire through HCMUK. As Synergy continue to expand, we look forward to ensuring their customers have the safest machines available on the market.”

Dromad Hire add two Ford Ranger pick-up trucks to support network

(L-R) Seamus Byrne Dromad Hire with Mel Rogers Byrne & Maguire. The top of the range Ford Rangers have been supplied by local dealer Byrne & Maguire.

According to Dromad Hire’s Managing Director Seamus Byrne, “The new Rangers will enable our senior sales team to carry out more on-site demonstrations along with additional site surveys. “This will ensure that our customers are continuously provided with correct specification machine for their application. It is paramount with our knowledge and experience that we take the time and stress out of ordering the correct machine so our customers can fully focus on running their project or business.” Mel Rogers of Byrne & Maguire stated: “We are delighted to be working with a high profile Irish company such as Dromad, and providing an after sales service so they continue to have hassle free motoring. Both models are equipped with the highest spec, which fits in perfectly with the high standards and professionalism Dromad Hire demonstrates day in day out.”

Hire Company Joins XWatch Revolution

Long reach excavator hire company, WM Plant Hire has recently joined the XWatch revolution with purchase of an XW4 slew and height restrictor system for their 22m long reach, Caterpillar 340F50 tonne excavator.

WM Plant Hire have over 50 years’ experience and their specialist excavator fleet has worked around the UK on such prestigious projects as the London Olympics, HS1 (CTRL), Crossrail, Thames Tideway and more recently on HS2. Operating more than40long reach machines in their fleet ranging from 4 up to 115 tonnes, the company have used a variety of safety systems from the front-line manufacturers, depending on their customers specific requirements and the attachments fitted. The XW4 height and slew restrictor system works seamlessly within the host machine’s hydraulic and electrical system slowing the machine to a stop as the machine nears its safe working point as opposed to a dead full stop on other systems. Fitted by KW Mechanical Services, one of a UK wide network of approved installers, the XW4 was installed and commissioned in under two days allowing the machine to be delivered to site on time. “We needed a slew and height restrictor on our CAT 340F for a specific rail embankment project,” Damian McGettrick, Managing Director of WM Plant Hire explained. “We had heard good things about the XWatch products and looked into them in detail before we committed to fitting one. The XW4 system offers us exactly what we require in a slew and height restrictor system. It offers us peace of mind for working in any location and with its easyto-use operator interface, we know that it will be used correctly at all times. “The installation time is another bonus for us as we sometimes need to mobilise machines quickly to emergency projects. We understand that the XWatch systems are fully approved by Network Rail and that helps influence our decision and that of the customer going forward.”

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Countdown to Zero: Open Invitation from CPA to Participate in an Open Dialogue

As part of efforts to help achieve the UK’s net zero emissions target, the Construction Plant-hire Association is urging its members and the wider construction industry to participate in an open dialogue on the topic of net zero.

The CPA has become a partner of the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) CO2nstructZero programme to help bring people and organisations together to consolidate collective actions and plans for the sector and maximise the impact made. Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “To help achieve the UK’s net zero emissions target, it’s vital that the construction plant sector and the wider construction industry play our collective part in the overall, significant reduction of carbon emissions. “The CPA is fully committed to these reductions and we are becoming fully engaged on the ambitious and transformational change programme required to meet the challenges that society and government expects from our sector, whilst ensuring it is carried out in a pragmatic and sustainable way. As well as bringing forward solutions, we have the principal role in ensuring that all proposals and plans are realistic, achievable and evidence-driven. “As part of our next steps on the pathway to net zero carbon, we’d like to extend an open invitation to our members and the wider sector to participate in an open dialogue on the topic. This could cover areas such as zero emissions vehicles and onsite plant, use of alternative fuels and power sources and implementing carbon measurement. “When it comes to net zero, we must be a leader, not a follower, but it’s not necessarily about developing new roadmaps. We know that many of our members are already doing some great work around net zero, and we want to increase the impact and visibility of these activities, and share experiences. Interested parties who would like to participate in upcoming discussions should contact me direct.” The theme of the forthcoming CPA Conference on 14th October 2021 is ‘Net Zero Carbon, and Digitalisation: The Challenge of Change for the Plant Sector’ and this event is designed to stimulate interesting and relevant discussion on the subject of net zero carbon. Delegate tickets will be available on the CPA website soon at www.cpa.uk.net. The road to net zero carbon has been identified as such a high priority at CPA that the trade association is starting the process to recruit a Technical Officer to work full time on net zero carbon and emissions in the construction plant sector. Any interested parties can contact Kevin Milton direct at kevin.minton@cpa.uk.net

Speedy Expands Powered Access Fleet With £3m Investment in Skyjacks

Construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy has added 100 new boom and scissor lifts to its UK fleet as part of its powered access investment strategy.

The £3m investment in new Skyjack equipment include articulated and telescopic boom lifts. Models include the dieselpowered all-terrain SJ46AJ and SJ66T, and the all-electric SJ30ARJE, which have working heights of 15.93m, 22.12m & 10.82m respectively. The booms offer effective solutions for a wide range of differing work at height challenges. The hire provider has also taken delivery of more Skyjack SJ6826 & SJ6832 rough terrain scissor lifts, which provide a working height range from 9.75m to 11.58m. The lifts feature fourwheel drive and up to 50% gradeability for use on all terrains. Delivery of the Skyjack equipment is the latest in an ongoing series of significant investment by Speedy Powered Access, which has recently expanded its fleet with 130 new Dingli electric scissor lifts and 50 Niftylift hybrid boom units. Andy Briggs, managing director at Speedy Powered Access said: “Our new Skyjack models form part of our strategy to build a comprehensive range of powered access solutions available to contractors UK wide. “Our continued fleet investment ensures that we have a core range of machines to meet all types of project requirements, from indoor installation and maintenance to construction. Our continued focus on investment in electric and hybrid assets where possible is also helping contractors to access sustainable equipment that can help them to meet clients’ emissions targets. “Speedy Powered Access is going from strength-to-strength since its inception last year, with customers valuing our nationwide service proposition for powered access, while receiving the insights and expertise they’d typically expect of a specialist local provider.” The powered access division of Speedy, the UK’s largest hire provider, was launched in November 2020 following the merger of Speedy’s acquired powered access firms Lifterz, Platform Sales & Hire and Prolift.

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MAIN PLANT SALES INTRODUCES TORO COMPACT LOADERS TO IRELAND

Based in Dublin, Main Plant Sales, with over 20 years of experience, is now offering a full range of Toro compact loaders construction machinery across Ireland.

The recent launch of the extensive and impressive Toro range in Ireland hasn’t been without its challenges, not least because of the global pandemic, Brexit and other economic woes, but it is already paying dividends for both the dealer and the manufacturer. Main Plant Sale’s Ray Vaughan is confident the Toro range will make a big impact in the construction industry here, and with good reason, as he explains: “I know there is no other machine on the market that can do what the Toro Compact Loaders can do. With all the variations of wheeled, wide tracked, narrow tracked, petrol or diesel, and most recently Lithium Powered, these machines can be used by so many people in a variety of industries. With over 35 standard attachments - from Post Hole Diggers to Stump Grinders - there isn’t much that these machines can’t do. “With all the issues with the supply of small excavators and tracked dumpers there is a real potential for these to be very popular. These machines have unmatched versatility, whilst also being extremely compact.” He adds: “We have seen big changes in the construction industry over the past 10 years and we feel the launch of the Toro brand in Ireland is very timely. Working with our current and new customers we see the Toro compact loaders being something that everybody has to have.” Toro, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014, may be a relatively new name in this part of the world, but it is increasing popular elsewhere in a variety of sectors including, apart from construction, agriculture, sports grounds, golf courses and, of course, hire outlets. The fact that the Toro brand has finally reached Ireland is testament to the perseverance and persistence of Main Plant Sales, and Ray in particular. “At the beginning of 2020 and before the pandemic had begun Federico FernandezAyala Novo, EMEA Sales Manager International Siteworks Business at Toro contacted me initially about the possibility of becoming an official dealer for Toro’s Site Works Division in Ireland,” recalls Ray. “In February 2020 Federico flew in to Dublin to meet to discuss details of the proposed idea. Many emails and calls followed our initial meeting and the around the summer of 2020 the decision was made by Toro that there would be an official dealer allowed to sell Toro Site Construction Machinery in Ireland. “However, once the pandemic hit Ireland in March one of the biggest industries that was affected for a long period of time was construction. With many areas of the construction industry completely closed in Ireland the future for the proposal was unclear.” As construction bounced back Main Plant Sales Ltd was created and officially began trading in November 2020 when Matt Coleman, UK Sales Manager for Toro, was tasked with building the relationship with Main Plant Sales and liaising with Ray to come up with the strategic plan of launching Toro Siteworks for areas in Ireland. As the pandemic worsened in late 2020 and construction was once again closed in the New Year of 2021, Ray wondered if it was ever going to happen. With unavoidable frustrations the launch of Toro and Main Plant Ireland was postponed yet again. But with the industry

making a steady recovery since the beginning of the year, the launch was finally held, with encouraging initial success as first deliveries of the range arrive at the Main Plant Hire depot.

Support & Service

“Our goal is to be more than a supplier. We want to be the partner you go to for solutions your business needs. From day one, Toro has been a company built on treating customers with fairness and respect. Simply put, relationships matter to us,” says Ray. “We offer the complete range of products including all attachments for hire. If you are not sure that buying is the right option for you, then why not hire? We can offer discounts on all our long terms rentals and our trained and knowledgeable staff would be delighted to discuss these with you further. We provide delivery of our machinery right across Ireland so hiring a machine really couldn’t be easier.” Adds Matt Coleman: “There’s a huge amount of focus right now on our LCE (Landscape Contractor Equipment) and Siteworks (Construction & Forestry) divisions of Toro in the UK and Ireland. The Toro Dealer Network is steadily growing and this is helped by the extensive portfolio of machines on offer, the attraction to our dealers is having a key franchise rather than one franchise per type of product. “It’s with great pleasure to have Main Plant as a Toro Siteworks Dealer for the surrounding areas of Dublin; Ray will be a great asset with the knowledge he has gained over the years on Toro’s Compact Loaders as well as the experience working in Ireland’s construction and hire market. “Toro are continually producing new and innovative products which keeps us at the forefront of our industry, it’s with great excitement Main Plant are officially a Toro Siteworks Dealer and really looking forward to growing the relationship as we see the construction industry in Ireland gaining back the momentum. “

Based in Dublin, Main Plant have over 20 years of experience and are specialists in Plant Hire Equipment.

Along with our experience, service and commitment we have a full range of Toro Construction Machinery to suit any requirements.

WE Listen to the Industry, WE Support Contractors, WE Are Your True Partner • SHORT TERM HIRE • LONG TERM HIRE • FINANCE OPTIONS • SPARE PARTS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE • SPECIAL ORDERS

MAIN PLANT SALES IS THERE FOR YOU

E: sales@mainplant.ie W: www.mainplant.ie T: 085 111 6224

KDM HIRE LAUNCH THEIR 2021-2022 RENTAL CATALOGUE

KDM Hire has recently launched their biggest and most innovative catalogue to date with 360 pages and over 70 new innovative products to choose from.

In conjunction with the recent opening of their Tool Depot in Castlereagh, Belfast, the company has significantly updated their portfolio of tools and equipment available for hire, providing their customer with the widest selection along with some of the most innovative and efficient products in the marketplace. A new Lifting Equipment division has also been established offering an extensive range of specialist equipment that can make light work of all lifting and handling applications. A range of Mini Cranes, Glass Lifting and Cladding Lifting equipment will complement an already existing variety of lifting gear. KDM believes there is still a place for a catalogue in this digital age and with so many products available, their rental catalogue has become the go-to source for equipment hire. With products split into eight clear divisions, finding the correct hire solution for your needs has never been easier. The catalogue provides specifications, prices and a selection of other relevant information that makes it a useful tool for all users, site, industry or DIY.

You can download your free online copy from KDM’s website or alternatively request to have your free copy posted directly to you – https://www.kdmhire.com/request-a-catalogue/

JCB’S ONE TONNE ELECTRIC SITE DUMPER

Following the success of its fully electric 19C-1E mini excavator, JCB has completed the loading and hauling package, with the launch of a 1.0-tonne electric site dumper, as Dan Gilkes reports for Plant & Civil Engineer.

The 1TE is a high-tip machine, based on the diesel-powered 1T-2, and has been designed to work in sensitive areas, such as indoors, underground and on projects where zero emissions and low noise will allow extended working hours. The 1TE is powered by two 48V, 5kWh lithium-ion batteries, capable of delivering a full working shift in normal use. A 20kW peak power electric drive motor powers the driveline, which uses a conventional drop box and drive axles, in place of the diesel machine’s individual hydrostatic wheel motors. The driveline provides dynamic regenerative braking, giving the machine almost a one-pedal driving experience. The batteries can be recharged using conventional construction site power supplies, 110V or 230V. Typical charging time on a 230V supply, from 20-80% capacity, is 2 hours 35 minutes. By using the optional JCB Universal Charger, the machine can also be rapid charged, from 0-100%, in 1 hour 40 minutes, using a three-phase 415V supply. At just 1,126mm wide and 3,095mm long, the 1TE is a compact machine that is ideal for urban and constricted job sites. The machine is capable of carrying up to 1.0-tonne of material, in a forward-tipping skip with a struck capacity of 454 litres. The skip can be tipped at ground level or raised, to tip into a hopper or site skip. Maximum loadover height is 2,392mm. The site dumper has a simple operator station, with a folding ROPS frame that allows access to reduced height work spaces. LED amber and green beacons are standard and the dumper comes with LED working lights, delivering maximum visibility in poor light conditions, with minimal effect on the battery life. Despite its compact dimensions the 1TE is a stable machine, capable of handling rough terrain, thanks to 263mm of ground clearance and permanent all-wheel drive. The hydrostatic system has a single gear, making it easy to operate, with a maximum travel speed of 11.9km/h. The dumper has a robust and durable all-steel construction, with easy to access tie-down points. There is full steering column protection for the operator and a two-stage drive inhibit system prevents unplanned movement. All daily checks can be carried out from ground level and the 1TE has service intervals of 500 hours, though there are of course no engine oils or filters to change. The 1TE joins a growing range of electric machinery from the global manufacturer, that includes the mini excavator, Teletruk industrial fork lifts, a 525-60E Loadall telehandler and a range of aerial work platforms. There seems little doubt however, that when it comes to electric drive, JCB is just getting started.

PLANT & MACHINERY THEFT CONTINUES TO RISE

While the UK construction sector has been one of lesser impacted industries in the pandemic, it is being hit by another ever-growing malaise – theft of plant machinery is at an all-time high according to new research.

Since shocking statistics revealed that plant and tool theft increased by 50% in the first few months of the pandemic shut down periods and according to leading GPS vehicle tracker installer Trackershop construction businesses are continuing to face increased levels of plant and machinery theft; and more businesses are now taking matters into their own hands to stop the thieves in their tracks by installing state-ofthe-art tracker technology. Faced with shocking figures which show that on average less than 10% of plant machinery is ever recovered (if not fitted with a tracker), and with statistics showing thefts are on the rise, Trackershop-uk. com has seen enquiries rise by 80% over the past 12 months. In a further survey by the company, more than threequarters of Trackershop customers said that they think machinery theft is more of a threat now than before the pandemic, and two out of three say the problem is showing no sign of decline. According to Trackershop owner Shaun Carse, this is forcing plant owners into safeguarding their equipment with sophisticated trackers rather than relying on law enforcement or other previously used security measures, which are not proving effective.

Crime Gangs

He commented: “Plant machinery theft has always been a huge issue for the construction industry, with some reports claiming more than £400 million worth of machinery is stolen in the UK every year. But the events of the past 12 months have created a perfect storm - giving organised crime gangs more opportunity and impetus to target construction sites, which can often leave themselves vulnerable compare to, say, sports vehicles of the same value. “Rather than the number of thefts decreasing since lockdown has eased, we are hearing that this continues to be a growing problem and the industry is struggling to protect itself from criminal activity. “Plant machinery is hugely expensive, easy to sell for profit and, historically, has been difficult to track and recover. Thefts within the sector are seen as a relatively low risk gamble due to the pitifully small percentage of equipment that is ever recovered. “The Police do a brilliant job in trying to retrieve stolen vehicles and having the correct identifying marks, installing CCTV and tight security are all good measures to reduce loss of equipment, but adding a tracker means there is an immediate response activation – and with advancing technology this is fast becoming the most effective way to combat burglaries of this type.

Better Security

“Trackers with in-built immobilisation heightens security further than any other safekeeping measure. It enables the customer to immobilise their machinery remotely from their tracking app at any time. They then override it through the same process when they need to use it again. Many customers implement this when they are leaving plant/machinery on-site or in storage unattended. If anyone moves equipment illegally (by lifting onto a flatbed or towing away with the ignition off) site owners receive an instant notification or automated phone call to alert them. “Thankfully today’s technology means that we can win the war on organised crime gangs targeting the industry, but more still needs to be done to make sure that businesses are not leaving themselves vulnerable to theft. “Overall, it’s estimated that the UK construction industry loses more than £800 million per year due to machinery theft, taking into account all associated costs. These include the cost of plant replacement, hire of replacement equipment, loss of business and increased insurance premiums. “While theft has a detrimental effect on all size of business, given the knock on – it’s smaller to medium sized enterprises that face the biggest risk, often leaving them struggling to survive.” Trackershop customer, a construction and groundworks company based in the South East of England, explains the impact of machinery theft on his business: “We didn’t anticipate how the pandemic would make our plant machinery so vulnerable. On the day that we downed tools and shut our site during the second lockdown, we had a digger stolen. In fact, CCTV later showed that the thieves had entered our site within five minutes of us locking up and leaving- they were clearly waiting in anticipation of us vacating. As this kit did not have trackers installed, we had absolutely no way of recovering them. “We have, however, had Trackershop trackers in our fleet of vans for over five years now. This is mainly for monitoring from a logistics standpoint during the working day. What has proven to be invaluable is the additional security they bring – as we were recently able to recover two stolen vans instantly, using the live tracking information.”

Ireland’s first Multi-Demolition Boom Volvo CE’s EC380EHR

Pat O’Donnell & Co., sole dealers for Volvo Construction Equipment in Ireland, recently took a special delivery of a customised EC380EHR fitted with multi-demolition boom.

The multi-demolition boom is designed and manufactured by Volvo Construction Equipment for ultimate versatility. The innovative hydraulic modular joint uses a hydraulic lock mechanism to release digging equipment and change from high reach demolition boom to a standard configuration. In addition to a 23-meter-high reach demolition boom and a 6.9 meter digging boom the machine was supplied 3-meter boom extension with the following advantages. Adding another 3.0 metres to your pin height, the MD boom can carry an optimal tool weight of up to 4 tonnes. It can be configured into 4 kinds of boom geometry due to double bending feature – Straight & straight, Straight & bent, Bent & straight and Bent & bent. This greater flexibility means that operators can used the extension boom to demolish 3-4 story buildings (15m height) using a larger tool as well as conducting underground demolition deeper and closer to the machine at -10m including tool. This machine was also equipped with a fully extendable hydraulic undercarriage using Volvo’s unique sliding tube design. This provides a wide stance for increased stability, safety and allows the use of a 3-ton tool weight at 23 meters. The EC380EHR was a special order by a customer for a specific tendered demolition job and it started the job this month in the North. The Volvo EC380EHR is equipped with the latest innovations to increase productivity. The machine is designed to make a working day worth more and a robust structure, heavy tool weight and outstanding hydraulics ensure a strong performance in even the toughest of demolition projects. These high-reach excavators are equipped with a Volvo cab that has been designed to offer industry-leading levels of comfort. A high visibility cab and carefully placed cameras ensure operators have a clear view of the jobsite at all ties, for the ultimate safe, productive working environment.

Doosan Unveils New Generation DX225LC-7 Crawler Excavator

Doosan has launched the first of the company’s new generation mediumsized Stage V compliant excavators - the new DX225LC-7 23 tonne crawler model.

The DX225LC-7 is also the first Doosan excavator of this size to feature Doosan’s innovative D-ECOPOWER virtual bleed off (VBO) technology, providing operators with higher productivity and around 7% lower fuel consumption per hour than the previous Stage IV model, as well as smoother controls. In addition to higher performance and cost savings, the DX225LC-7 excavator offers more new features as standard than other machines on the market, many of which are common to the other new medium-sized excavators to be launched in the near future and builds on the very successful design of the previous generation machines. The new features provide major enhancements in machine controllability, versatility, operator comfort, uptime and return on investment, with a strong focus on increased productivity and robustness. The new features include a 14% heavier 4.9 tonne standard counterweight particularly suited for working with heavier attachments such as tiltrotators. The heavier counterweight also contributes to the higher lifting and digging capacities of the DX225LC-7 compared to the previous generation model. The DX225LC-7 also incorporates as standard a new lifting eye that forms part of the casting for the push link for the bucket attachment at the end of the arm. The new lifting eye has a maximum capacity of 5 tonne and has a special bush insert to prevent deformation of the lifting hole. Complementing the increased stability provided by the new counterweight, the DX225LC-7 introduces a new smart hydraulic system that offers an improvement of around 30% in attachment work, compared to previous excavator models. The new system applies a smart hydraulic logic for optimal distribution of the hydraulic flowrate when both the arm and attachment are working simultaneously, with a new priority valve and an additional hydraulic line maintaining continuous hydraulic flow to the attachment, even when the arm is being used.

Tiltrotator Mode

There is a new Tiltrotator Mode on the control panel in the DX225LC-7, which can be selected to ensure an optimised hydraulic flow and helps to maximise the accuracy of tiltrotator work by eliminating back pressure. This new tiltrotator mode is a special two-way flow mode, but it is managed by the EPOS like a one way flow mode, with direct return to the tank in each direction, to avoid back pressure and increase flow and controllability.

Fine Swing Function

Another standard new feature is the Fine Swing function which minimises the shaking that a lifted object undergoes at the start or stop of a swing movement with the excavator, to increase the safety of nearby workers and to prevent damage caused by the object falling from the excavator. When Fine Swing activates, the overrun disappears, allowing the DX225LC-7 to smoothly reach maximum swing speed, whilst removing the shock from the turn reversal at the moment of stopping, resulting in a smooth stop.

Increased Comfort

The state-of-the-art cab on the DX225LC-7 excels in terms of spaciousness and ergonomics, taking operator comfort and ease of operation to new levels. As well as a new high quality seat, the enhanced cab offers more features as standard than other machines on the market, ensuring super controllability and high precision in all applications. Key new features in and around the cab include a new 8-inch touch screen, providing more information via a 30% larger screen; DAB audio (Handsfree and Bluetooth); Smart keyless start system; and 9 x LED work lights as standard.

KOBELCO LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION SK210 (N) LC-11 EXCAVATOR

Kobelco has launched its all-new SK210LC-11 and SK210NLC-11 (narrow undercarriage variant) to its extensive line-up of high-quality construction machinery. The next generation SK210(N) LC-11 delivers superior performance, greater efficiency and productivity and follows Kobelco’s elegant PERFORMANCE X DESIGN concept for excellent operator-based operability and comfort in this competitive class.

Since the development of Kobelco’s first generation ‘SK’ 20-tonne excavator in 1983, mid-heavy machines have grown in popularity due to their versatility and suitability to all general construction applications. Equipped with the STAGE V Hino engine, the new SK210(N)LC-11 delivers 124kW output, 143kN digging force (157kN with Power Boost) and 228kN Drawbar Pulling Force. Smooth and steady operation while moving heavy objects across the jobsite is assured through the ‘Independent Travel’ function, which dedicates one hydraulic pump to travel and one to the attachment on a continuous basis. The machine’s higher operating weight (21,900-23,500kg) leads to increased stability and superior lifting capacity vs the previous model. When fitted with the standard counterweight (4,300kg), the SK210LC-11 is ideally suited for general construction and economic transportation (a requirement in some areas), while the optional heavy counterweight (4,900kg) can be fitted for heavy-duty performance such as handling heavy or complex attachments, like tilt rotators. And, like many of Kobelco’s heavy excavators, the SK210(N)LC-11 has three work modes: Eco, S and H mode for optimum balance between high performance and economy and low fuel consumption (the average fuel consumption of the SK210LC-10 in Europe is currently 10.1litres/hour). Often used on harsh jobsites, the new SK210(N)LC-11 benefits from improved durability – major components have been reviewed and improvements have been made to ensure stable performance. For example, the machine’s right and left side panels and rear supports have been made thicker to enhance body rigidity, while the increased diameter of the bucket cylinder rod pin contributes to enhanced durability for various attachments. As part of Kobelco’s PERFORMANCE X DESIGN concept, also seen on the SK75/85MSR-7 and newly launched

SK500/530LC-11 models, the SK210(N) LC-11’s cabin, ergonomics and safety features are enhanced. The Kobelcobranded Grammer air suspended seat, which moves together with the armrests and hydraulic controls for reduction of operator fatigue, provides excellent shock absorption and superior ride comfort. The operator can move the levers horizontally without twisting their wrist, while the newly upgraded hydraulic control system responds to shorter lever strokes to deliver a swifter, more precise movement and improved lever operability. The jog dial controls multiple functions on the large 10-inch colour monitor – the easy-tooperate menu screen facilitates reading of important information, including work mode, maintenance intervals and fuel consumption, as well as providing a birds-eye and eagle-eye view from the machine’s cameras (installed at the right and rear of the machine). While the flow-rate modes of the bucket, breaker, nibbler,

and rotating grapple are set before delivery allowing the operator to start work on the jobsite immediately, mode settings for other attachments, such as the tilt rotator, can also be easily be added or changed via the monitor. In addition, all internal switches and dials in the cabin have LED backlights to provide a bright, clear view in the dark, the SK210(N)LC-11 comes with air conditioning as standard and the cabin is equipped with a DAB+ radio (FM/AM, AUX, USB, Bluetooth and hands-free telephone) and a 12V power outlet. A password function can also be set for greater security. Easy maintenance is assured via the left side (radiator and cooling system elements), which are laid out for easy access to the radiator and cooling system. There is also easier access to the urea tank and twostage air filter. A newly structured hydraulic oil filter prevents foreign matter from entering the oil tank during maintenance, and all fluids and filters are easy to access from ground level. The standard FOPS guard can be tilted open for easy window cleaning. Monitoring the SK210(N)LC-11’s work status remotely has also never been easier with KOMEXS (Kobelco Monitoring Excavator System). Using satellite communication and internet, data on the machine’s operation, such as operating hours, location, fuel consumption, and maintenance status can be obtained remotely – ideal for operators of large fleets and multiple locations.

CHILDREN DELIGHTED WITH SCHOOL VISIT TO WHITEMOUNTAIN’S BALLYSTOCKART QUARRY

A group of around 20 children from Loughries Integrated Primary School outside Newtownards in County Down were recently given an informative and instructive tour of Whitemountain’s Ballystockart Quarry.

Hosted by Quarry Manager Pat O’Connor, the children had a chance to meet some of the team onsite and ask questions and get their photographs taken with plant machinery. Accompanied by three teachers, they also had the opportunity to learn about sustainability initiatives which Whitemountain are currently involved with, and on a more serious note, they learned about how dangerous quarries can be and why it is not a safe place for children to play. “The children were here before and were promised a second visit, but because of the Covid-19 restrictions they weren’t able until now,” says Pat. “It’s been a bad year for all of us, but especially for children, so they were delighted to finally get out of the classroom again.” On the school’s website, the children commented: “We were able to plant flowers in the lovely Loughries planters that the quarry had made for us, this was so much fun! We also had a visit from a Bee Keeper who was able to tell us so many facts about honey bees, and teacher Clare Bowers made sure to take notes. Everyone really enjoyed the visit and Whitemountain Quarry treated us to lots of lovely goodies before we left. We can’t wait for our next visit!” “It’s really good to have the opportunity to educate local children about operations within our company and open their minds to an industry which is so intrinsically linked to every aspect of their lives, with materials from quarries used to build, homes, schools and roads,” says Pat, a quarry manager for 20 years, the last four with Whitemountain. “We recently acquired a brand new 60 tonne Komatsu 465 dumper and the children were over the moon to get their photographs taken with it,” comments Pat, who revealed that Whitemountain plan to build an observation post from where future visitors will be able to have an overview of the work that goes on in the quarry from a safe distance. “We are hoping to have the children back again sometime soon; indeed, if any school is interested in having a guided tour of our quarry, they just need to get in contact. We would be delighted to have them.”