Heavy Equipment Guide January 2021, Volume 36, Number 1

JANUARY 2021

IN-DEPTH REPORT: how to choose a mini excavator (This can be styled on the in-depth spread and add my byline) 5 TIPS FOR GENERATOR AND AIR COMPRESSOR MAINTENANCE

DRIVER-FOCUSSED VOCATIONAL TRUCK REDESIGN ADDS TECHNOLOGY AND COMFORT IN-DEPTH REPORT: HOW TO CHOOSE A MINI EXCAVATOR

5 TIPS FOR GENERATOR AND AIR COMPRESSOR MAINTENANCE DRIVER-FOCUSED VOCATIONAL TRUCK REDESIGN ADDS TECHNOLOGY AND COMFORT heavyequipmentguide.ca

Take command.

MACK® COMMAND STEER

– Reduces driver effort by up to 85%

– Cuts muscular strain by up to 30%

– Improves directional stability at highway speeds

– Suppresses road disturbances

– Eliminates severe steering kicks

The next breakthrough in driver-assist technology.

Command Steer on the Mack Granite® combines world-class ergonomics and electronic-assist technology to reduce driver effort and deliver next-level handling and stability. Less strain on the driver, more productivity for your business.

MackTrucks.com/GraniteCommand

– Improves low-speed maneuverability

B O B C A T. C O M / N E W E 1 4 5

When your work calls for big performance and productivity for difficult jobs, step into the largest excavator from Bobcat Company, the Bobcat ® E145 excavator.

Bobcat is a Doosan company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power and water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century.

Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2021 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1406

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COVER STORY IN-DEPTH REPORT: HOW TO CHOOSE A MINI EXCAVATOR

30 32

Q&A: MACHINE CONTROL

THE EVOLUTION OF TAKEUCHI EXCAVATORS

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EQUIPMENT ROUNDUP

January 2021 | Volume 36, Number 1

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS & SECTIONS

16

In-Depth Report: How to choose a mini excavator

8

From the Editor

24

Seven new excavators offer more efficient operation while cutting costs

10

News Room

Volvo CE’s Matthew McLean talks efficiency and precision in evolved machine control systems

16

In-Depth Report

32

The evolution of Takeuchi excavators

24

Earthmoving & Excavation

32

Compact Equipment

38

High-reach excavators for tough demolition jobs

38

Demolition & Recycling

42

Driver-focused vocational truck redesign adds technology and comfort

42

Trucks & Transportation

45

Equipment Roundup

45

5 tips for generator and air compressor maintenance

48 Safety

48

Maintaining worker safety and business continuity during a global pandemic

30

14 Spotlight

54

Advertiser Index

JANUARY 2021 | VOLUME 36 • NUMBER 1 EDITOR Lee Toop ltoop@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 315 EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 330 DIGITAL EDITOR Slone Fox sfox@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 335 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sam Esmaili sam@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 110 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Gilmour dgilmour@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 105

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Anderson production@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 222 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Morena Zanotto morena@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 325 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Ken Singer ksinger@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 226 VICE PRESIDENT/CONTROLLER Melvin Date Chong mdatechong@baumpub.com FOUNDER Engelbert J. Baum

Published by: Baum Publications Ltd. 124 - 2323 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC, Canada V5M 4V8

COVER PHOTO: KUBOTA U55 MINI EXCAVATOR In-Depth Report: How to choose a mini excavator Read the article on page 16.

Tel: 604-291-9900 Toll Free: 1-888-286-3630 Fax: 604-291-1906 www.baumpub.com www.heavyequipmentguide.ca @HeavyEquipGuide FOR ALL CIRCULATION INQUIRES Phone: 1-855-329-1909 • Fax: 1-855-272-0972 e-mail: baumpublications@circlink.ca Subscription: To subscribe, renew your subscription, or change your address or other information, go to: http://mysubscription.ca/heg/ Heavy Equipment Guide serves the Canadian engineered construction industry including: roadbuilding and maintenance; highways, bridges, tunnels; grading and excavating; earthmoving; crushing; trucking and hauling; underground utilities; trenching; concrete paving; asphalt paving; demolition; aggregates production; fleet maintenance; and asset security and management. The magazine is distributed to key industry personnel involved in these sectors.

CONNECT WITH US @HeavyEquipGuide

Subscription Price: In Canada, CDN $91.00; Outside Canada, US$149.

Heavy Equipment Guide is published ten times a year in January, February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October and November/December.

Heavy Equipment Guide accepts no responsibility or liability for reported claims made by manufacturers and/or distributors for products or services; the views and opinions ­expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Baum Publications Ltd. Copyright 2021, Baum Publications Ltd. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publishers.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Printed in Canada on recycled paper by Mitchell Press Ltd. ISSN 1485-6085

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a job site story, innovation or industry concern that our readers should know about?

We’d like to hear from you.

Contact: Editor in Chief Kaitlyn Till at ktill@baumpub.com or 604-291-9900 ext. 330

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069270 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Dept., 124-2323 Boundary Road, Vancouver, BC V5M 4V8 Email: baumpublications@circlink.ca Fax: 1-855-272-0972

FROM THE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITOR INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING IS THE KEY TO CANADIAN STIMULUS PROGRAMS

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s 2021 dawns, Canada remains on the upswing from the economic challenges that came along with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hope is building for a stronger year across the country as a whole, and multiple levels of government are promising support to boost the economy – including funding that will be a big boost for the construction industry.

Stimulus spending from governments almost always targets large construction projects, especially considering Canada’s ongoing challenges with infrastructure of all kinds. That funding deficit has been a target of federal government spending for years, so it’s no surprise that Ottawa looks likely to be pushing a large part of its stimulus efforts in that direction.

The federal government has already begun to pledge money into new initiatives; a $10 billion plan through the Canadian Infrastructure Bank was announced in October targeted toward specific initiatives, part of around $100 billion in investment to be distributed over the next three years. That particular program will target five different areas: $2.5 billion to clean power projects, $2 billion for broadband internet connectivity in underserved communities, $2 billion for large-scale energy efficiency building retrofits, $1.5 billion for agriculture irrigation projects and $1.5 billion for adoption of zero-emission budgets and charging infrastructure.

That’s a good start from the federal perspective. Provinces and territories are also rolling out infrastructure programs to encourage spending in their jurisdictions, with a variety of opportunities coming forward. Projects ranging from airport upgrades in the Northwest Territories to bridge replacements in British Columbia, with plenty of water, sewer and transportation projects in between. One example came in December when Ottawa committed $1.5 billion toward water quality projects in First Nations communities across the country, targeted at solving one of the most egregious and long-standing infrastructure challenges Canada has faced.

The question that has yet to be answered is whether these kinds of investments can carry on into the future. The country’s infrastructure is in a rough place, and has been for some time now – a few billion put toward repairing and replacing parts and pieces of our system is a good start, but there’s far more to do. Estimates indicate that Canada is facing an infrastructure deficit of more than $150 billion, and the effects are becoming dangerous for the quality of our roads, water, sewer and other facilities.

A 2019 report from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities found that nearly 40 percent of Canada’s roads and bridges are in fair, poor or very poor condition, and that around 80 percent

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The country’s infrastructure is in a rough place, and has been for some time now – a few billion put toward repairing and replacing parts and pieces of our system is a good start, but there’s far more to do. is more than 20 years old. Approximately 30 percent of water infrastructure was found to be in fair, poor or very poor condition, while between 30 and 35 percent of recreational and cultural facilities are in rough shape.

The FCM is encouraging federal investment in infrastructure as part of its Building Back Better program, which suggests funding projects through municipalities that help move Canada forward in multiple ways – through community housing, climate change, green energy, transportation and other investments that will help tomorrow as well as today.

These stimulus programs should hit the ground as quickly as possible, and they should continue even after the pandemic response has ended. Canada – and Canadian construction contractors – can only benefit.

Heavy Equipment Guide is starting 2021 fresh with a brand-new look – we have moved from the venerable tabloid magazine format to a more standard size. We have also revamped our design inside the magazine – new styles, larger pictures, a broader range of article types, and more. We hope that our loyal readers will find these changes as fresh and exciting as we do. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to drop us a note – we’re always happy to hear from our readers!

Lee Toop Editor ltoop@baumpub.com heavyequipmentguide.ca

YOU GOT THIS. WE GOT YOU.

Finally...a new year. With so many challenges behind us and some yet to be conquered, we're committed, more than ever, to making your life a little easier through the practical innovation built into several new products and enhancements this year, a more intuitive experience via our new CASE SiteWatch telematics app, plus one-on-one dealer support.

Follow us on your favorite social platform to find out what's coming, or connect with your local CASE dealer for expert advice if you're ready to dig in. Together, we’ve got this.

CaseCE.com/WhoWeAre

Š2021 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

NEWS ROOM

QUEBEC’S NOUVEAU MONDE TO BECOME WORLD’S FIRST ALLELECTRIC OPEN-PIT MINE

STAY CURRENT www.heavyequipmentguide.ca CONNECT WITH US @HeavyEquipGuide

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et to become the world’s first all-electric open-pit mine, Nouveau Monde Graphite is advancing its procurement process for its fleet and charging infrastructure through an international call for pre-qualification.

Whether powered by lithium-ion batteries, plug-in systems or hydrogen fuel cells, Nouveau Monde is seeking the best zero emission equipment for heavy-duty operations and harsh conditions associated with open-pit mining. Through a call for pre-qualification, manufacturers were invited through late 2020 and early 2021 to submit detailed proposals and performance specs for their production equipment solutions.

Currently, there are no electric-powered heavy-duty trucks on the market that meet the difficult operational and climate needs of open-pit mines.

Faced with the industry’s new needs, IVI, Propulsion and the NRC brought together select partners to make the first-ever electric heavy-duty vehicle for the mining sector. The governments of Canada and Quebec are also contributing nearly $3.6 million to the project.

To ensure the success of this major project, Fournier et Fils will provide the project with a Western Star 6900XD truck with a 40-ton loading capacity, as well as its technical experts, who will assist the electrification experts in converting the truck to accommodate the new components.

In addition to being cost-effective and viable, the electric mining truck will generate positive environmental impacts for the mining industry and for Canada. Nouveau Monde Graphite plans to use 12 electric trucks to save more than 80,000 litres of diesel per year, thus reducing its GHG emissions by approximately 220 tons. The company, located in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, aspires to become the world’s first 100 percent electric open-pit mine.

The prototype is expected to make its first real-world test runs as early as spring 2022 at a Fournier et Fils quarry and at the Nouveau Monde Graphite site.

VOLVO REVEALS ELECTRIC WHEELED EXCAVATOR PROTOTYPE, BRINGS ELECTRIC COMPACT EXCAVATOR AND TRUCK MODELS TO MARKET

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olvo CE showed off its first fully electric earthmoving prototype in the mid-size range at bauma China in November. The EX03 from the Volvo Concept Lab features a unique video screen on the rear of the machine which delivers safety messaging, including real-time video for vehicles behind to see the road ahead when the excavator is roading; text-based safety messaging to alert workers to movement on the job site; and a safety communication live stream enabling the operator to make eye contact with pedestrians and workers.

The 14-tonne EX03 is equipped with a battery pack from Volvo Trucks and, according to Volvo CE, offers the same performance level as an equivalent diesel machine while aiming to deliver zero emissions, higher efficiency, lower noise levels and reduced total cost of ownership.

Volvo has not announced a plan to bring the EX03 to market, but is exploring the possibility of customer pilot projects.

The fully electric Class 8 Volvo VNR is now for sale in North America with production beginning in early 2021. The Volvo VNR Electric is designed for customer applications and driving cycles with local and regional distribution ranges. The 264-kWh lithium-ion batteries, which charge up to 80 percent within 70 minutes, have an operating range of up to 150 miles based on the truck’s configuration.

Volvo CE and Volvo Trucks have delivered the first electric Volvo CE electric compact excavator and the first all-electric Volvo FE truck in France. The recipient of the new products – an electric Volvo FE truck, with electrically powered crane, and a Volvo ECR25 electric compact excavator – was French contractor and long-term Volvo customer Eiffage. The machines support Eiffage’s low carbon strategy and will work on the Grand Paris Express transport project in the French capital.

JOHN DEERE TO TEST ELECTRIC BACKHOE CONCEPT IN COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL GRID

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ohn Deere has announced that it is developing a battery-electric backhoe loader which the company will be testing in collaboration with National Grid, an electricity, natural gas and clean energy delivery company.

Developed by John Deere, the battery-powered, electric vehicle design, which the company has designated “E-Power,” will target the ease of operation and performance level of the diesel-powered, 100-hp 310L backhoe.

John Deere says that this design is intended to provide substantially lower daily operating costs, lower job site noise, enhanced machine reliability and provide zero emissions.

The company is in early Phase I development of this electric backhoe.

ACQUISITIONS Husqvarna Group has expanded its surface preparation offerings with the acquisition of Blastrac, CK Power has acquired crawler carrier manufacturer Terramac, and Vermeer has acquired electric DD and fluid management technology from Normag.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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NEWS ROOM

MORE NEWS www.heavyequipmentguide.ca

LIEBHERR TO RE-ENTER ADT MARKET

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triking lines and operator-focused features are highlights of the first model in Liebherr’s new generation of ADTs. While this machine isn’t expected to be available in Canada right away, Liebherr says that the all-new ADTs are designed to deliver maximum maneuverability, powerful drive with maximum traction, and a comfortable and optimal operator environment with spacious cab and clear sightlines.

VACTOR MANUFACTURING INTRODUCES VIRTUAL EQUIPMENT TOURS

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actor Manufacturing has launched contactless, virtual tours that offer customers a detailed and photorealistic viewing of equipment. The tours are now available for many of the company’s models, including the Vactor 2100i PD and the Vactor 2100i Fan, and are accessible through Vactor authorized dealers. The guided 3D tours leverage software to develop high-quality and realistic digital models, allowing visitors to walk around the equipment and learn more about the technology and features.

JCB EXPANDS COMMITMENT TO BATTERY-ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT PORTFOLIO, CHARGING OPTIONS

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CB made significant additions to its battery-electric lineup in the fall. The company unveiled its first battery-electric Loadall telehandler, a cab option for the 19C-1E electric mini excavator, and a Universal Charger that is forward compatible with JCB’s future battery-electric introductions and delivers fast charge capability. The company also introduced a range of other battery-electric earthmoving equipment for the European market.

MICROSOFT, CNH INDUSTRIAL AND ACCENTURE COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP CONNECTED INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES

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ccenture and Microsoft have entered a five-year collaboration with CNH Industrial to help create a global network of digital hubs where the companies will work together to design and manage digital services that will make products smarter, more functional, secure and sustainable.

The connected vehicles will provide customers with new ser-

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vices and functionalities in a variety of areas, including computer-aided farming, predictive maintenance, enhanced fleet management and green transportation. CNH Industrial also plans to develop a broad set of data-driven digital services to help clients drive sustainability, such as yield improvement in agriculture and more-efficient vehicles and improved fleet management in the transportation industry.

Precise and productive DV+ TANDEM ROLLERS THE PREMIUM CLASS FOR ASPHALT COMPACTION

CLOSE TO OUR CUSTOMERS. The new DV+ impresses every step of the way in asphalt construction: with enormous area coverage capability, sensitive precision work and Easy Drive, the intuitive operating concept. www.wirtgen-group.com

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

TELESCOPIC LOADER

STUMP GRINDER

Manitou

Compact telescopic loader does work of three machines

The MLT 420 Telescopic Loader is Manitou’s most compact machine in that product line. It can navigate confined spaces and do the work of a loader, telehandler and industrial forklift combined. Dimensions are 58 inches wide and 79 inches high, making it easy to work in confined spaces. Maximum lift capacity is 4,400 pounds and a maximum lift height is 14 feet 4 inches.

This compact machine has a full-size cab that delivers 360-degree visibility. Two-speed hydrostatic transmission with directional and gear change on the JSM (Joystick, Switch and Move) provides operators with flexibility and precision. An auto reversing fan is standard, and a wide selection of attachments are available and easy to change with Manitou’s Easy Connect System.

Volvo CE

Rotating pipelayer conversion kits for 14-ton excavators

This rotating pipelayer attachment kit allows an excavator to also work as a pipelayer, offering a simple solution for users who don’t need a dedicated pipelayer and who have been using conventional excavators for the work. The kit fits conventional Volvo CE 14-ton crawler excavators – the EC140EL and ECR145E. The pipelaying boom simply attaches to the main boom of the excavator, converting from excavator to pipelayer (or vice versa) in about one hour. When using the pipelayer the operator will always face the load, helping to reduce fatigue. The conversion can safely handle pipes up to 20 inches (508 mm), with a rated load of 7,300 pounds (3.3 tons). Maximum working height is 24 feet (7.3 m) and maximum working depth is 50 feet (15.24 m).

Volvo’s Load Moment Indicator ensures safe operation up to a 10-degree slope.

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PIPELAYER KIT

Fecon

Stumpex 2-Speed stump grinder

Fecon has upgraded its Stumpex auger-type stump grinder to include a 2-speed hydraulic motor for faster stump removal. Designed to maximize 100 percent of machine output, the Stumpex 2-Speed improves cut time by up to 50 percent, removing 24inch stumps in less than 3 minutes. In addition to faster stump processing, the new model reduces wear on blades and cones, allowing longer service life and extending the intervals between blade sharpening. It is ideal for skid-steer loaders and compact tracked loaders with 60+ horsepower. According to Fecon, carriers with lower flow will achieve drastically increased cutting time compared to fixed displacement motors.

WHEEL TRACTOR-SCRAPER

Mecalac

Articulated telescoping loader

The AS900tele combines the compactness and mobility of Mecalac’s AS Swing Loader Series with telescopic technology for job site versatility. The 22.2 gpm (84 l/min) auxiliary hydraulics enable this machine to use a range of attachments, including mowers, road sweepers and augers. Functioning as a loader, telehandler or landscaping tool, the AS900tele reduces the need for additional equipment. With the 8-ton AS900tele, operators can swivel the fully loaded bucket 90 degrees to either side and steering modes include 2 wheel, 4 wheel and crab, reducing the machine’s operating footprint. Lifting height is up to 15.5 feet and outreach is up to 11.5 feet. Carrying capacity is 5,004 pounds at full extension.

Caterpillar

Wheel tractor-scraper

ARTICULATED TELESCOPING LOADER

Featuring a twin-power design to boost cycle times, the new Cat 657 Wheel Tractor-Scraper (WTS) delivers a 7 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the 657G WTS. Rated load is 46.4 tonnes and the 657 features on-the-go weighing through Payload Estimator, allowing the new WTS to achieve 95 percent load accuracy. For colder climates, the Auto-Stall feature quickly brings the transmission to operating temperature at start-up.

Ground Speed Control lowers fuel consumption by allowing the operator to set the desired top speed, allowing the machine to find the gear that works best for the engine and transmission. The two-engine design includes the Cat C18 powering the tractor and Cat C15 in the scraper, both meeting Tier 4 Final emissions standards.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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IN-DEPTH REPORT: MINI EXCAVATORS

BIG SMALL MACHINES

PERFORMANCE

IN-DEPTH REPORT HOW TO CHOOSE A MINI EXCAVATOR

BY KAITLYN TILL, EDITOR IN CHIEF

BOBCAT E50

IN-DEPTH REPORT: MINI EXCAVATORS

F

or contractors who need to get work done in tight spaces, difficult-to-access job sites or urban environments, the mini excavator is an indispensable tool. There is a wide range of mini excavators available in the under-6-tonnes size class, and manufacturers have expanded their feature offerings for these smaller machines to keep operators more comfortable and more productive. Spec’ing a machine with the right configuration and options will result in greater productivity and equipment utilization, but with so many models on the market, what features do you need to get the most value for your money? Here’s what you need to know before choosing the best mini excavator for your job site.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING YOUR DEALER

The first step to choosing a mini excavator is to evaluate the job or jobs that it needs to perform – for both the appropriate size and necessary features, as well as transportation considerations. Keith Kramlich, national product and training manager, Takeuchi-US, next recommends that you determine the amount of material you’ll need to move and how fast you’ll need to move it. That job information can then be matched to the capability of the mini excavator.

When evaluating the dig depth and lift capacity for your job site, Justin Steger, solutions marketing manager, site development and underground, for John Deere Construction Equipment & Forestry, suggested considering whether your business will

like residential properties or commercial properties, every inch counts.” He noted that a zero- or minimal-tail-swing excavator of a given size will generally be wider than a conventional model.

If the operator routinely needs to pass through tight spaces, a conventional tail swing may be the best choice. According to Boerger, the usual width of a conventional tail swing on a 3- to 4-metric-ton excavator is roughly 60 inches. By comparison, a zero- or minimal-tail-swing model that delivers similar performance will be about 70 inches wide.

Knowing which work tools you will need on the job is essential when approaching the machine selection process – this includes both rental tools for occasional use and the tools that you own.

Common tools, such as buckets or thumbs, are staples for an excavator owner, but you may also need a hydraulic breaker, auger or other specialty tools depending on your line of work, said Aaron Kleingartner, product and dealer marketing manager for Doosan Infracore North America.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ENGINE SIZE AND HYDRAULICS

Chris Lucas, excavator product manager for JCB, recommends considering the application when choosing attachments and hydraulic capability. When selecting the best diesel engine for your needs, you’ll need to evaluate your end goal: do you need the highest-performing excavator, the most fuel-efficient excavator, or a combination of both?

Steger noted that contractors need to understand that higher engine horsepower does not necessarily mean higher hydraulic horsepower. Paying attention to gross versus net horsepower when looking at engine ratings on mini excavator models is also essential. “Depending on which figure you look at, you might not be comparing apples to apples,” he said, and added that you’ll want to factor in fuel consumption and fuel efficiency Purchasing a compact excavator capable as there can be tradeoffs with horsepower. of digging or lifting roughly 25 percent Before buying an attachment, you need to ensure that your machine is capable of operating it – check more than what you typically do daily the flow and pressure requirements, ensure that the will allow your business to grow without machine has adequate auxiliary circuits, and make sure that the attachment is not too heavy for the having to replace equipment as fast. machine, recommends Kramlich. If you already own attachments and are shopping for a mini excavator, Justin Steger pick the machine that will run those attachments to Solutions Marketing Manager, Site Development and their maximum potential. A small machine may be Underground, John Deere Construction Equipment & able to run a certain attachment, but not at its full Forestry potential.

Kleingartner recommends discussing auxiliary hydraulic flow with a sales specialist. “Make sure the machine has enough hydraulic flow required for some hydraulic attachments. It’s also important to inquire about expand into larger, more complex jobs. “Purchasing a compact secondary auxiliary hydraulics flow for attachments that require excavator capable of digging or lifting roughly 25 percent more it. Check if the hydraulic hoses are standard equipment and how than what you typically do daily will allow your business to grow they’re routed on the excavator’s boom and arm. Are they out of without having to replace equipment as fast.” harm’s way, or could they get caught on an object?”

Size, operating weight and tail swing are also key considerAccording to Jonathan Gardner, product manager, construction ations that give mini excavators an advantage on urban job sites, equipment – Kubota Canada, you’ll want to choose a mini excaas well as other work spaces that are narrow, have a low ceiling vator that provides easy access to the key maintenance points: profile, or are hard to access. For the contractor, it is important oil filter, hydraulic filter, fuel filter, fuel/water separator and air to balance size and navigation needs with the power to do the filter. job at hand.

Maintenance costs also need to be considered when choosing When choosing between conventional, limited or zero-tailthe best mini excavator for your needs, said Kramlich. Larger swing options, Jason Boerger, marketing manager – excavators, machines have larger engines that require more oil and larger Bobcat Company, said, “If customers work in confined spaces

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Tougher made smarter Introducing the new VHD

On the jobsite you need a truck that’s tough, safe, and smart. So, we built the new Volvo VHD to be the best-looking, most rugged vocational vehicle in the industry, packed with innovative ideas like Volvo Active Driver Assist and the revolutionary Volvo Dynamic Steering. Your toughest jobs just got easier.

Learn more at volvotrucks.ca/en-ca/trucks/vhd/

The New Volvo VHD

IN-DEPTH REPORT: MINI EXCAVATORS

Oftentimes customers won’t think ahead to all of the projects or applications they could use their machine for and may not consider single acting auxiliary [hydraulics] versus bi-direction auxiliaries or high-flow versus standard-flow requirements.

Chris Lucas Excavator Product Manager, JCB

TAKEUCHI TB210

VOLVO EC20E

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filters; a larger hydraulic system will also be more complex and require more oil. “Larger replacement parts and larger fluid capacities means increased parts cost, not to mention the increase in fuel consumption on a larger mini [excavator]. However, those costs can be offset by the increased production time.”

WHY CHOOSE A MINI EXCAVATOR WITH AN ENCLOSED CAB?

Spec’ing your new machine with an enclosed cab will result in a higher cost up front, but there are advantages for operator experience and safety that can make choosing a cab beneficial for your bottom line.

An enclosed cab setup gives the operator the best control over their environment to combat the weather elements and fatigue, including heating, air conditioning and noise protection, noted Gardner.

Machines with an enclosed cab offer a range of benefits for both operators and the business. A more comfortable work environment, in both temperature and noise levels, will be a more appealing experience for operators and will keep them productive.

Lars Arnold, product manager for Volvo Construction Equipment, noted that there is also an important safety benefit – protecting the operator from flying debris.

Kleingartner noted that today’s mini excavators come with automotive-style features, such as Bluetooth systems and speakers that allow the operator to listen to music or connect their phone for calls, which results in improved operator comfort.

An enclosed cab also serves as a deterrent against theft or vandalism, and Steger added that these assets are more desirable for resale.

The climate that the equipment will be operating in is also a factor – both hot and cold. Kramlich pointed out that mini excavators with an enclosed cab can keep working for more months throughout the year, and this extended utilization can offset the additional cost.

HOW DOES THE ADDITION OF TECHNOLOGY BENEFIT THE PRODUCTIVITY OF A MINI EXCAVATOR?

While there may not be as many options available for smaller equipment, telematics has become a widely available option for mini excavators and is the best way to monitor equipment to maximize uptime. Formerly only available for larger machines, digging technologies are also now available for some smaller machines.

“Telematics is now an essential feature in the compact equipment industry,” said Boerger. “It allows both owners and operators the ability to maximize uptime with the added benefit of peace of mind. Telematics technology, like our Bobcat Machine IQ, works with electronic sensors in the equipment to collect machine-specific data and sends out via a wireless network to a mobile device or computer. This provides a constant pulse on the health and safety of the excavator.”

Monitoring the health and utilization of the equipment can reduce service trips as it monitors run hours and equipment data, Kramlich said. The utilization tracking will allow you to make decisions based on actual equipment use, and the telematics system will also minimize cost by precisely identifying service events as soon as they start, allowing the service person to bring the correct tools and parts for the repair.

Kleingartner added that geofence capability is another benefit

of adding telematics to a mini excavator. The geofence will minimize equipment theft – compact equipment is one of the most common types of stolen equipment.

Boerger from Bobcat, Gardner from Kubota and Kleingartner from Doosan all noted the value of spec’ing a mini excavator with dig depth indication, which delivers accurate dig depth measurement for precision grade control. Adding this feature to a mini excavator prevents overdigging and underdigging, reducing the use of manual labour and measurement.

Telematics is now an essential feature in the compact equipment industry.

Jason Boerger Marketing Manager – Excavators, Bobcat Company

WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A MINI EXCAVATOR

There are many factors to consider when choosing from the range of machines on the market – from capability to transportation, to value in the resale market and the support that dealers can provide.

“Hydraulics requirements as they relate to application is probably the most neglected consideration customers make when purchasing a mini excavator,” said Lucas from JCB. “Oftentimes customers won’t think ahead to all of the projects or applications they could use their machine for and may not consider single acting auxiliary [hydraulics] versus bi-direction auxiliaries or high-flow versus standard-flow requirements.”

According to Kleingartner, arm length may be the most neglected consideration when choosing a mini excavator. Some manufacturers offer mini excavators with either a standard arm or a long-arm option. The standard arm provides higher breakout forces, while a longer arm will deliver additional digging depth and reach – with this option, Kleingartner noted, the owner may not need to move up to a larger machine for the job.

The right coupler and buckets can expand the use of your machine significantly, according to Gardner from Kubota.

Coupler choices include pin-on, mechanical quick attach and hydraulic quick attach. Combining the right coupler with specialized mini-excavator buckets purpose-built to a specific task including trenching, ditching and reversible trenching or ditching.

Choosing a machine with a fuel-efficient engine and auto shutdown features is one of the best ways to significantly lower your total cost of ownership by reducing both fuel consumption and total operating hours, according to Arnold from Volvo CE. This will reduce service and maintenance costs and help retain the asset’s value for the used equipment market.

Weight and size are just as important to consider for transportation requirements as they are for job site performance. Boerger

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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IN-DEPTH REPORT: MINI EXCAVATORS

DOOSAN DX35-5

from Bobcat recommends that all contractors double check the towing capacity of the vehicles used to transport their excavators and have a plan for hauling before selecting a machine size. It is important to also be aware of local road and bridge weight restrictions.

According to Steger from John Deere, it’s also important to consider dealer support services when choosing a mini excavator. “Sometimes price or other considerations may outweigh the dealer support up front. However, over and over, customers tell us that parts availability, service, knowledge and the dealer relationship prove to be much more valuable in the long run.”

Keeping an eye to the future is also the point that Kramlich from Takeuchi made. “Many customers will shop for a mini because they need to perform basic tasks such as digging a hole or trench. So, they find a mini with a bucket and don’t look at the other features. This is a large investment and you should consider other features and options that you may use in the future or could actually help you out now.”

For example, you may want an auxiliary circuit in case you want to add a thumb later on. Buying the machine with the auxiliary circuit already installed will be significantly cheaper for excavator owners than adding an aftermarket kit later.

Kramlich added that some other features you may want to consider include work lights or a hydraulic coupler, and concluded, “Buy a machine that will continue to grow with your business.” HEG

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KUBOTA U55

JOHN DEERE 60G

Buy a machine that will continue to grow with your business.

Keith Kramlich National Product and Training Manager, Takeuchi-US

JCB 48Z-1

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

CATERPILLAR SEVEN NEW EXCAVATORS OFFER MORE EFFICIENT OPERATION WHILE CUTTING COSTS

BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

CAT 317

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

CAT 352

A

t CONEXPO 2020, Caterpillar kicked off a new initiative in excavators with the introduction of its first Next Gen machines in sizes ranging from 13 to 95 tons. The effort to improve and expand on the capabilities of its equipment took a big step forward later in the year with a flurry of additions to the excavator line.

The Next Gen excavators are designed with greater capability, better efficiency and reduced operating costs overall. A series of announcements in late 2020 introduced seven new models to Cat’s excavator lineup, including wheeled and compact radius machines that ensure contractors have a range of sizes to meet their needs.

Extended maintenance intervals, greater fuel efficiency and more technology are all hallmarks of the Next Gen excavators.

Major updates include new, larger cab designs that are available in a number of different designs, giving buyers a unique choice when it comes to how they outfit their machines. Extended maintenance intervals, greater fuel efficiency and more technology are all hallmarks of the Next Gen excavators.

The 315 GC compact radius machine is a 15-ton excavator that offers maintenance costs up to 25 percent lower than previous machines. It has an intuitive operating system allowing operators of any skill level to work at a high production level, making the

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machine ideal for space-restricted operations in rental, municipal and other excavating applications, Cat states.

Powered by the Cat 3.6 engine, the 315 GC offers Smart Mode operation, which matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions for optimized fuel consumption and performance.

Combined with ECO mode, saving fuel in less demanding applications, the system cuts fuel consumption by up to 15 percent compared to the preceding 315F. Cat’s new comfort cab has a low-profile design and provides 60 percent greater visibility than the previous machine, along with easier entry and exit and a variety of safety features including added camera views and an 8-inch touchscreen LCD monitor.

In the 17-ton range, the 317 and 317 GC excavators offer more power and performance – as with the 315, Smart Mode helps cut costs and improve efficiency, while Power mode gives the 317 max power and productivity for challenging projects. A responsive hydraulic system features a new main valve control that cuts the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure loss and cuts fuel consumption.

Performance-enhancing technology on the Next Generation 317 and 317 GC improves operator efficiency by up to 45 percent, Cat states. Standard Cat Grade Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements, so operators can stay on grade with a single lever. Cat Grade with 2D guides depth, slope and horizontal distance grade through the touchscreen monitor, and Cat Payload is also standard, providing the ability to track weighing and payload estimates in real time. All of that data and more is captured by Product Link technology for fleet managers to review via Vision Link.

Daily maintenance routines are easier with all checkpoints easily accessible from the ground level. A new hydraulic oil filter offers improved filtration and a 50 percent longer 3,000-hour change interval.

Moving up the size chart for excavators, Cat’s new 349 Next Gen

falls into the 49-ton class and is powered by a Cat C13 engine generating 425 hp. Using Smart Mode and other efficiency features, the 349 can offer up to 10 percent more fuel efficiency over its F-series predecessor.

HIGH LEVELS OF STANDARD FACTORYINSTALLED TECHNOLOGY

It also comes with what Cat says is the industry’s highest level of standard factory-installed technology to help improve operating efficiency by up to 45 percent. The machine comes standard with Cat Grade with 2D and can easily be upgraded to Advanced 2D or 3D systems. It also offers Grade Assist and Cat Payload. Lift Assist calculates weight of the load being lifted and compares it to the rated capability of the excavator – if the load is too heavy the system alerts the operator with visual and audible alerts. An E-Fence system keeps the excavator from moving outside of specific operator-defined points, protecting it, underground utilities and other objects from damage.

The 349’s cab, as with all of the Next Gen machines, is designed to provide operators with comfort and safety, offering features like keyless pushbutton start and sound-suppressed ROPS, along with features like tilt-up consoles to allow easy entry and exit, advanced cab mounts to cut vibration, automatic climate controls to keep temperature comfortable, programmable joystick buttons to set control patterns and hydraulic response rates, and options including a 360-degree visibility package combining images from multiple cameras to enhance sightlines.

Many of the features of the 349 are also available in the 352, which replaces the 352F as Cat’s 52-ton excavator. With a variable gauge undercarriage, the 352 also offers up to 10 percent more fuel efficiency, 15 percent less maintenance costs and 45 percent more operating efficiency.

The 352 is available with a Long Reach configuration, which reaches out up to 64 feet (19.6 m) and digs down 43 feet (13 m).

Standard waterproof technology provides precision excavation down to 15 feet (4.5 m), and an optional submarine solution allows users to dig down to 66 feet (20 m). The long reach system uses a heavy-duty wide undercarriage and an extra counterweight to provide a stable platform. The variable gauge undercarriage enables easier transportation between job sites when retracted, and adds stability when extended.

For those buyers who need the rubber to hit the road for their jobs, the M316 Next Generation wheeled excavator offers advanced hydraulics that offer a balance of power and efficiency.

It provides 14 percent more swing torque and auxiliary hydraulic options delivering power and versatility to manage a range of Cat attachments. A dedicated swing pump provides consistent power to improve multitasking.

A travel speed of up to 21.7 mph (35 km/h) gets the M316 where it needs to go quickly, keeping it on the job site longer. Like the other Next Generation machines, this wheeled excavator has multiple cab options and simplified operation. Auto axle lock ensures that the machine stays where it needs to be, detecting when the brake must be locked or unlocked and releasing when the travel pedal is pressed, saving the operator time.

The M316 also benefits from the same maintenance improvements and updates as the tracked machines, along with the variety of technological upgrades available across the line. HEG

The 315 GC offers Smart Mode operation, which matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions for optimized fuel consumption and performance.

CAT 349

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

CONQUEST ATTACHMENTS VERSATILE TOW-BEHIND ROLLER ATTACHES TO VARIETY OF MACHINES If a job requires the compaction capability of a rubbertired compactor, contractors can turn to the Wobbly – Conquest’s tow-behind compactor – as a versatile option.

Useful for soil, aggregate or asphalt compaction, the Wobbly gets its name from the wobbly wheel design that offers even compaction in variable terrain. Weight comes from material placed into the compactor body,

which is easy to clean out. Critical wear areas are equipped with Nycast parts to eliminate greasing.

The Wobbly features an adjustable hitch positioning to allow for easy hookup and storage. Design allows the capability to tow multiple units simultaneously for additional compaction. Axles can be removed to make it easier for shippers to optimize their freight arrangements.

KOMATSU INTELLIGENT MACHINE CONTROL 2.0 AVAILABLE ON MORE DOZERS Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC) delivers productivity-enhancing automation which enables operators, even those with limited experience, to work with efficiency. Both the Komatsu D51i-24 (131 HP) and D61i-24 (168 HP) dozers are now available with Komatsu’s iMC 2.0.

Benefits of iMC include: It learns as it works: with proactive dozing control, even less experienced operators can automatically cut or strip from existing terrain. Productivity can improve by up to 60 percent versus the previous generation.

It spreads fill material automatically: lift layer control automatically lets operators spread fill from existing terrain with the press of a button. The dozer measures the terrain it tracks over and uses the data to plan the next pass for up to double production with consistent quality.

It levels material even during rough dozing: tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing.

This reduces operator steering input by up to 80 percent.

Quick surface creation: operators can create a temporary design surface with the press of a button with quick surface creation. Combined with other iMC 2.0 functions, crews can begin stripping or spreading using automated input while waiting for the finish grade model.

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EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

Q&A

VOLVO CE’S MATTHEW MCLEAN TALKS EFFICIENCY AND PRECISION IN EVOLVED MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEMS Machine control systems are becoming a popular efficiency tool for excavator owners and operators. Many manufacturers have recognized the importance of these tools, and a variety of systems have been introduced.

Volvo Construction Equipment recently introduced new updates for its Dig Assist system; Heavy Equipment Guide Editor Lee Toop spoke with excavator product manager Matthew McLean about the growth in machine control and why this market is expanding.

Lee Toop

The machine control market seems to be expanding steadily. What are the key drivers behind that growth?

Matthew McLean

It looks like we’ve actually hit a tipping point.

Before, it was offering these products to our dealers and having them teach the customers: “This is what it does – is it going to help you?

Do you want it?” This year we’re noticing a lot of dealers having customers come in and say “I want machine control. I’ve heard these other contractors using machine control – they love it, and it’s saving them money.”

Instead of having to do a hard sale – look at this new technology, don’t you want it? – there’s been sufficient adoption of machine control technologies that customers are coming in and saying, “My cousin Bob is using this on his projects, now I want it too.”

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LT

Technology for heavy equipment especially does take a little while to catch hold, and then when it does, it breaks out, isn’t that the case?

MM

Absolutely. The first ten trade shows I went to – we’ve had dig assist on our machines since 2017 and a lot of salesmen were actually scared of it. . .the extra screens in the cab, the technology, on one level wasn’t that hard. It’s as easy to use as the smartphone in your pocket. But when they saw it show up in an excavator, it wasn’t familiar. Now, the thing I like to do, especially if I have a contractor walking past that brought their kids with them, is say “want to show your dad how to draw a pool?” We get them on our demo. . .and I walk them through what he would need to design a pool in his backyard. If you can get somebody’s child to do it you can’t believe it’s that hard to figure out.

LT

MM

LT

MM

What are the key features buyers are looking for in machine control systems?

It depends on the level. Smaller, I want to say solo operators, small businesses, people who are doing water lines or basins here or there, they need depth, so a system like Dig Assist Start, where you touch the ground and say how far down you want to go from there is all they need. In-Field Design is for people who need something a little fancier – they want to draw the basement, to have some slope to the basement or doing complex ditches.

They can still have the simple technology – it’s a touchscreen, you draw your shape on the screen, but you have the accuracy of a high-level program because you’re connected to RTK navigation. The benefit of that is if you’re doing a project where you’re putting in a basement, you have a septic tank, you have a swimming pool. You can put those tasks in there, you can work on one – start working on the septic tank, work on the pool, and come back to the base, and the locations of all of those will be stored in the computer. As long as you’re connected to the correction signal, it will put you back on the right spot every time.

Then you have the customers who are doing subdivisions, highway projects, shopping centres. . .they have the ability to have the civil engineering site plan loaded. Then your bulldozers, your graders, your excavator, every product on the site can have that same site plan.

What do you see as the trajectory of machine control? Where do you think it’s going to expand to next?

There are two things I can see. One is carrying things over to other products. Right now you have weighing systems, whether it’s an excavator or a loader, tied into the bucket – but there are a lot of other practices out there. You might have people who, say, operate transfer stations. They may not be using the bucket, they might be using grapples. So I guess you’d use them moving in a direction where they’re actually going to want other products to be able to use weighing systems.

You also want to have fleet management, where you want machines to talk to each other. By having the excavators talking to the trucks. . .you can match up vehicles. If you have, say, a quarry, you have 20 trucks coming down the road and you have three loading tools – who’s free right now, which excavator is free, which truck is nearest. That’s another way to improve efficiency in the long term for the industry itself. You’re going to see a lot more connectivity.

Volvo’s Dig Assist has evolved extensively since its introduction in 2017. It started with two simple packages that allowed users to manage level and slope or to draw shapes into the system in the field.

From there, it has added options for even simpler digging, integration with third-party systems and more.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

31

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

THE EVOLUTION OF TAKEUCHI EXCAVATORS SMALLER JOB SITES INSPIRE EQUIPMENT INNOVATION

BY LYNETTE VON MINDEN

O

ver the past few decades, as urban job sites have become smaller and more restricted, the market for compact excavators has grown by leaps and bounds.

From repairing a water line near a busy city street to grading a residential backyard, a compact excavator can make quick work of numerous tasks that contractors used to perform by hand or with a less efficient machine.

Perhaps no one saw the need for a better alternative more than Takeuchi founder, Akio Takeuchi. When he launched the company back in 1963, it only produced parts and components for other equipment manufacturers; Takeuchi did not manufacture any actual machines of its own. However, that all changed in the early 1970s when Takeuchi saw a real need for a smaller excavator that could fit in constricted spaces.

“Back in 1970, a friend of Akio Takeuchi’s was building a new home,” says Jeff Stewart, president of Takeuchi-US. “His friend was using pickaxes and shovels to dig the footers, an obviously labour-intensive, time-consuming and difficult process. Akio’s friend knew about his mechanical abilities, and he asked if Akio could build a machine that would eliminate the need for all this manual labour.”

Akio Takeuchi worked on a design for about a year, and in 1971, his company introduced the world’s first 360-degree, fullturn mini excavator. Civil engineers and contractors quickly discovered how much the new machine could increase productivity and reduce the time required to complete various projects. The mini excavator found its way to North America when Takeuchi-US opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1979. Still, the machine had to overcome some obstacles before it became an essential part of equipment fleets across the U.S. and Canada.

“The market for Takeuchi’s original mini excavator was fairly small in the beginning,” Stewart says. “People saw it as a niche machine with limited use. It took years of product development and enhancements before the rental industry embraced the mini excavator and its market began to really expand.”

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TAKEUCHI TB370

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

33

COMPACT EQUIPMENT VERSATILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

More than 40 years later, mini and compact excavators have evolved from simple digging machines to tool carriers that are useful for loading, land management, utility work and much, much more. That’s thanks in large part to the machines’ enhanced versatility and capabilities that help business owners overcome tight budgets and an ongoing labour shortage. That versatility stems in large part from features like multiple hydraulic circuits that make it possible for compact excavators to use a wide range of attachments.

“Having multiple hydraulic circuits, including high-flow, really takes compact excavators to a whole new level when it comes to productivity,” says Keith Kramlich, national product and training manager for Takeuchi-US. “Our excavators from 5.5 tons and above feature first, second and third auxiliary circuits as standard equipment, permitting operators to run attachments like mulchers, mowers, augers and breakers. The second circuit can serve as a dedicated thumb circuit or provide an additional function like rotation for a tilt-rotator coupler. Finally, the third auxiliary circuit lets operators easily integrate a hydraulic pin-grabber coupler, allowing them to switch out attachments from the safety and comfort of their cabs.”

It’s critical that we have our finger on the pulse of our customers and the entire equipment industry before we launch any new machine.

“It’s critical that we have our finger on the pulse of our customers and the entire equipment industry before we launch any new machine,” Kramlich says. “Before introducing these three new excavators, we talked to end users and Takeuchi dealers and reviewed the state of the market as a whole. From the many great ideas we heard in the field, we were able to narrow our priority features down to a select few, focusing primarily on what changes would bring the biggest benefits to our customers.”

The most significant changes that Takeuchi made when designing its newest machines include the aforementioned implementation of multiple hydraulic circuits, the addition of advanced hydraulic systems (on the TB370 and TB290), more comfortable cabs and a telematics system that allows customers to manage their machine assets remotely.

As the smallest of Takeuchi’s three new machines at just 4,993 pounds, the TB225 is targeted at utility contractors, plumbers, septic system companies and general contractors. Its compact dimensions and retractable undercarriage – from 59 inches down to 43.3 inches – allow this compact excavator to make it into the tight spaces in which these professionals work. The TB225 sets itself apart by combining features from smaller excavators, such as a hydraulically retractable undercarriage, with features from larger excavators, such as an electronic throttle control and electronic proportional auxiliary control. A long arm with an integrated thumb mount with a primary auxiliary circuit plumbed to mid-arm makes it easy to use multiple attachments to increase the TB225’s versatility. Load-sensing two-speed travel with automatic stepdown saves on fuel.

With an operating weight of just under 13,000 pounds, the new TB257FR is designed for general contractors, pool contractors, demolition, municipal use, landscaping and road/bridge work.

The “FR” in the machine’s name stands for “front and rear” or “full rotation” capability, which means the TB257FR can almost rotate within the width of its track frame with the boom fully

Keith Kramlich National Product and Training Manager, Takeuchi-US Speaking of cabs, operators who are comfortable in theirs can stay at the controls longer, experience less fatigue, use the machine more safely and remain highly productive throughout their shifts.

Considering how difficult it’s become to find and keep good employees, increasing employee comfort and satisfaction is perhaps more important than ever before. As a result, Takeuchi is outfitting its compact excavators with spacious cabs that integrate large, multifunction colour monitors for an enhanced operator experience.

“These monitors not only allow operators to see their machine’s health but simply do more without having to exit the cab,” Kramlich says. “Depending on the machine model, operators can now set up multiple attachment presets, adjust flow rates – and in some cases, pressure settings – without leaving their seats.”

THREE NEW MACHINES IN 2020

While 2020 was certainly a challenging year, Takeuchi continued to roll out new machines, thanks to steady demand for both mini and compact excavators, even during a global pandemic. All in all, three new compact excavators – the TB225, TB257FR and TB370 – joined the Takeuchi family following a significant investment in time and resources.

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TAKEUCHI TB257FR

TAKEUCHI TB257FR

stowed for an exceptionally small footprint. It can also work within areas where there’s just one way in and out, like a fenced yard or an alley. A side-to-side (STS) offset boom coupled with a tight tail swing offers excellent visibility to the work equipment and enables it to rotate fully with very little overhang. The TB257FR features three auxiliary circuits and a boom-holding valve with an overload alarm.

Finally, the largest new Takeuchi machine, the TB370, can handle whatever a general contractor, pool contractor, landscaper or demolition contractor needs in a compact excavator. It’s the first model of Takeuchi’s new generation lineup, which has been upgraded with state-of-the-art technology and a completely redesigned automotive styled interior with intuitive user operation.

It also includes three auxiliary circuits, as well as a closed centre load sensing hydraulic system that’s ideal for running hydraulically driven attachments. The tilt-forward cabin has been totally redesigned with an 8-inch colour LCD multifunction touchscreen display, jog dial and one-touch controls, as well as a larger floor area for enhanced operator comfort.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

There’s no doubt that COVID-19 will have lasting economic and sociological impacts on the world, and it will certainly have an effect on how manufacturers approach product introductions in 2021 and beyond. Those manufacturers who are open-minded and willing to look at their customers through a new lens are more likely to succeed.

“I think we’re seeing many years’ worth of machine advancements being implemented more quickly to make up for a smaller labour pool that’s become even smaller due to COVID,” Kramlich

CUSTOMERS WANT TO BE ABLE TO DO MORE WITH SMALLER, MORE COMPACT MACHINES.

says. “Owner/operators are looking for more uptime, more versatile machines that are easier to monitor and product support they can depend on. Every second and every penny counts.”

Takeuchi’s Stewart says he feels that customers want to be able to do more with smaller, more compact machines like those his company manufactures. As a result, Takeuchi is developing better tool carriers for the growing compact equipment market due to increased demand, as well as “greener,” more environmentally friendly machines, like those that use battery power instead of fuel.

“Takeuchi has always been a product-focused company specializing in a specific type of machine,” Stewart says. “That fact allows us to more closely interact with our customer base and incorporate features that they find most important. We want to continue to be known for our quality and support, and we’ll continue funding initiatives that keep us at the forefront in those areas.”

LYNETTE VON MINDEN is a senior public relations specialist with Swanson Russell.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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COMPACT EQUIPMENT

JOHN DEERE 310SL

JOHN DEERE

UPGRADES L-SERIES BACKHOES

J

36

ohn Deere has upgraded its L-Series lineup of backhoe loaders with an updated engine, pressure-compensated load-sensing (PCLS) hydraulics now included on the 310SL (already available on the 310SL HL, 410L and 710L), improved filter locations and machine control improvements for ease of operation and better

machine performance. Trenching can also now be done at lower engine rpm.

Other key features include an LED boom light kit for increased visibility to the bottom of the trench and a redesigned loader lever linkage that reduces resistance and improves its throw and feel.

CONTROL FEATURES

ENGINE UPDATE

The 310SL now has Lift Mode which automatically sets the engine speed to 1,400 rpm and increases max hydraulic pressure to 4,000 psi, for up to a 10 to 15 percent increase in backhoe lift capacity. Buttons for the horn, selective flow, auxiliary proportional roller and extendable dipper stick are integrated into the pilot controls, and AutoShift is now a basic feature for most models. Auto Ride Control is the only ride control option, eliminating the need to manually turn on and off during load and carry applications.

The 310L, 310SL, 315SL, 310SL HL and 410L backhoe loaders are now equipped with a 4.5L Tier 4 Final John Deere PowerTech EWL engine, which the company says increases power, improves torque and provides greater reliability. This engine boosts horsepower across the range, while the removal of the exhaust gas recirculation system and components improves reliability.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2021

A LONG WAY

TOGETHER

WHEREVER YOU ARE, BKT IS WITH YOU No matter how challenging your needs, BKT is with you offering a wide range of OTR tires specifically designed for the toughest operating conditions: from mining to construction sites.

Sturdy and resistant, reliable and safe, able to combine comfort and high performance.

BKT is with you, even when work gets tough.

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DEMOLITION & RECYCLING

HIGH-REACH EXCAVATORS FOR TOUGH DEMOLITION JOBS

LIEBHERR R 940 DEMOLITION

1

CATERPILLAR 352 UHD

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2

3 1

The R940 delivers a working height of up to 75 feet 5 inches, features a 30-degree tilting cab and is equipped with Liebherr’s Demolition Control System (LDC) which detects the length of the work tool and provides the operator with real-time information on the position of the tool and tilt angle of the machine. The hydraulically adjustable undercarriage with variable track gauge facilitates transport of this excavator and the counterweight can be removed. It is powered by a 272-hp Stage V Liebherr engine which features a DOC, SCR system, particulate filter and does not have an EGR valve. It can be equipped with a Tier 4 Final engine.

2

The 352 UHD is able to quickly demolish structures eight or nine stories high with precision and control thanks to its electro-hydraulic control system.

It provides 91.8 feet of vertical height to the work tool attachment pin and 51 feet of horizontal reach when working with an 8,150-pound tool. It has a 30-degree tilting cab and variable-gauge undercarriage and the UHD front can be switched for a straight or bent (retrofit) boom position. The Cat Active Stability Monitoring system continuously informs the operator of work tool position and warns when approaching stability limits.

This machine is powered by a 408-hp Cat C13 engine and meets Stage V/Tier 4 Final emissions standards. The C13 can also operate on biodiesel.

VOLVO CE EC750E HR

3

The EC750E HR features a high-reach boom with a 118-foot maximum pin height that can carry a tool weighing up to 8,000 pounds.

The retractable undercarriage has easy-to-remove track frames and can self-disassemble and reassemble. Volvo’s hydraulic modular joint concept uses a two-pin hydraulic lock mechanism to allow the high reach to be changed into a digging configuration with only one person in less than an hour. The EC750E HR also has a second hydraulic modular joint on the extension boom, allowing the angle of both the extension and the digging boom to be set quickly and safely between bent and straight configurations. It is powered by a 381-hp Tier 4 Final engine.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

39

DEMOLITION & RECYCLING

ECOHOG TRACKED SEPARATOR USES AIR TO BREAK DOWN DEMOLITION RECYCLING STREAMS Separating construction and demolition waste can be a challenge and usually requires hauling to a dedicated location. Ecohog offers a mobile solution that can make it easier to separate various fractions of C&D waste on site.

The EH1500-TWS Tracked Windshifter facilitates separating of fractions based on the desired density.

Using a suction fan on board, light and superlight contaminants are removed. Ecohog’s Windshifter technology, using controlled air, separates heavy material from light.

According to Ecohog, the EH1500-TWS Tracked Windshifter can achieve a four-way split of 10- to 300-mm material, depending on bulk mass density.

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION

DRIVER-FOCUSED VOCATIONAL TRUCK REDESIGN ADDS TECHNOLOGY AND COMFORT

BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

I

nternational has introduced a redesigned version of its HX vocational truck line, bringing new design concepts, technology and solutions to the company’s severe service vehicles.

The HX is the first truck introduced under parent company Navistar’s Project Compass initiative, an effort that is intended to bring flexible and modular design to its offerings, while making the customer experience more streamlined.

“The new HX Series represents our most comfortable, durable, technologically integrated and driver-focused severe service truck ever,” said Mark Stasell, vice president, vocational truck with Navistar. “It is the physical representation of our Navistar 4.0 strategy – putting the customer at the centre of everything we do.”

NEW LOOK AND LARGER CAB

Stasell introduced the new trucks by noting that the new HX series features a new look, with a durable three-piece hood that brings a strong look to the truck and is crack resistant and designed for visibility.

A new cab design is ready for extreme duty, with reinforcements in key locations to ensure a long life. Designed using highstrength steel and protected by ChemGuard, LineX and International’s topcoat process, it is intended to be impenetrable to salt while not resulting in a weight penalty.

Dual external air cleaners provide a classic look while also increasing filtration to improve operation in dusty areas. International has replaced marker lights with LEDs to improve nighttime

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safety, and Stasell said the trucks are easy to customize, allowing for the choice of visors, mirrors and LED lighting along with stainless steel components.

Inside, the cab is larger and fitted with large power windows as well as a high-quality HVAC system to improve driver comfort.

Trim packages include a line of premium heated and ventilated seats. Driver assist technology from Bendix is available to help improve driver awareness and safety.

“The cab interior is the driver’s command centre, so every inch needs to be attuned to their needs,” Stasell said.

POWERFUL ENGINE OPTIONS

The HX620, a 119-inch BBC set-back front axle truck or tractor, is available with two engine options. The International A26 engine generates up to 500 hp and 1,750 lb.-ft. of torque, while a 15-litre Cummins X15 is available generating up to 605 hp and 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque. The HX520 120-inch BBC set-forward front axle truck or tractor is equipped with the Cummins X15. Available transmissions include Eaton and Allison manual, AMT and automatic selections.

Maneuverability is a key focus on job sites, and the new HX models have been designed to provide maximum capability in that area. Dual steering gears and advanced anti-lock braking systems provide drivers with excellent turning, traction and control, Stasell said. The trucks are also built with plenty of capability for rough and rugged work, thanks to a variety of axle and suspen-

CONNECTIVITY INSIDE AND OUT

The new HX Series represents our most comfortable, durable, technologically integrated and driver-focused severe service truck ever.

Mark Stasell Vice President, Vocational Truck, Navistar sion options that include Hendrickson’s HAULMAXX HMX-EX suspension and other options to give greater reliability.

Under all of that, the new trucks are built around strong frames, including the available lightweight single-rail option that is capable of handling all kinds of heavy loads. A Huck-bolted frame and crossmembers on the chassis minimize movement and wear, and a range of factory-installed steerable lift axles are available. For moments when the driver finds themselves stuck, there is a front tow pin option that is rated up to 150,000 pounds.

International has fitted the HX series with Diamond Logic, its internal electronics system that streamlines and enhances installation of electronic equipment.

“Gone are the days of awkward control boxes mounted between the seats where your drivers can’t easily see the controls,” Stasell said. “Diamond Logic gives you an integrated, easy to program and customizable system mounted directly in the dash.”

Operation of truck bodies is made smoother and easier by integration into the Diamond Logic system, giving operators more confidence, Stasell noted.

HX models are also connected externally. International’s OnCommand Connection is a real-time remote diagnostics system that gives customers a view of their fleet’s health, maximizing the ability to manage maintenance planning and repairs.

“We use connected technology pulling from a number of data sources so dealers have what customers need on the shelf,” said Friedrich Baumann, Navistar president, sales, marketing and aftersales.

International 360, a service communications and fleet management platform, is available on the HX Series, making it easier for owners and drivers to communicate seamlessly with the International service network.

Deliveries of the new HX series begin early in 2021. HEG JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION

RAM TRUCKS

TOWING CAPABILITY BOOSTED FOR 2021 HEAVY DUTY PICKUP LINE

W

hen you’re using a pickup for work, it had better be tough and capable – and in most cases it had better be able to pull its own weight and much, much more from job site to job site. For 2021, Ram has put the focus on towing power, giving the Heavy Duty truck line plenty of pull for hauling equipment or material.

The 2021 Heavy Duty offers up a maximum towing capacity of 37,100 pounds when equipped with a gooseneck hitch, along with 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque.

“Ram regains capability leadership by delivering the highest ever torque rating for a diesel pickup truck and heaviest gooseneck towing capacity,” said Mike Koval Jr., head of Ram Brand. “We understand the attributes that are most important to our customers within the heavy-du-

44

ty segment; they demand hardworking, long-lasting capability.”

Ram worked with engine manufacturer Cummins to give its 2021 diesel engines higher boost limits through a variable geometry turbo and flow rate increases through the fuel delivery system, enabling the 6.7-litre I6 to produce an additional 75 lb.-ft. of torque. This improvement ranks the Cummins engine ahead of the competition with 1,075 total lb.-ft. of torque, Ram states, while maintaining the diesel’s hallmark durability and efficiency.

To give the new truck the strength needed for pulling, Ram focused on upgrading the rear of the Heavy Duty frame, which includes fully boxed rails and the rear-axle structural crossmember with provisions for a fifthwheel and gooseneck hitch.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2021

The optional fifth-wheel and gooseneck hardware is fully integrated into the production box floor and includes fifth-wheel pucks, gooseneck bolt plates and gooseneck centre castings. Additionally, the standard 4/7-pin trailer connector at the bumper and an additional 7-pin connector are integrated into the rear of the bed to easily wire a trailer (included in fifth-wheel/gooseneck option).

Another addition for 2021 is the digital rear-view mirror, which displays video in real time from a rear-facing camera – it can be turned off to revert back to a traditional reflective mirror if so desired. The digital rear-view is available on all Heavy Duty models.

Inside Ram Heavy Duty pickups, interiors are refined and use premium materials for added luxury and comfort.

Ram’s Uconnect 4C NAV with a 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen features tailor-made graphics for various Ram models and state-of-the-art connectivity. Personalization is made easy with the split screen, allowing two different applications for desired configuration, such as Apple CarPlay and HVAC controls, or one application, such as navigation across the entire 12-inch touchscreen.

An available covered external power source (400W 115volt, three-prong) is located at the left rear corner of the bed. This plug features a water-resistant lid and includes a 400W inverter.

Ram 3500 Heavy Duty maximum gooseneck and conventional hitch maximum trailer weight ratings for 2021 are 37,100 pounds (16,828 kg) and 23,000 pounds (10,433 kg), respectively.

EQUIPMENT ROUNDUP

5 TIPS FOR GENERATOR AND AIR COMPRESSOR MAINTENANCE

BY JEREMY BAILEY, DOOSAN PORTABLE POWER

A well-maintained air compressor or generator not only has the best chance at a long equipment life but also has greater potential for providing the performance and productivity necessary for getting a job done on time and on budget. Follow these five tips for generator and air compressor maintenance:

1

2

3

STICK TO A MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

The No. 1 key to keeping a well-maintained engine is to follow the manufacturer guidelines for scheduled maintenance. Recommended maintenance intervals typically start at 500 hours of use and focus on filters and fluids, including the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter. These intervals are generally repeated every 500 to 1,000 hours.

Daily, weekly and monthly maintenance, on the other hand, includes checking machine components such as fluids, wiring and hose connections and looking for signs of trouble such as leaks, blocked air inlets and parts that may be susceptible to wear. A simple two-minute inspection could save one to two hours of downtime to replace a minor part. For example, a frayed or cracked fan drive belt is an opportunity for preventive maintenance instead of waiting for it to fail and cause a machine shutdown.

with those elements and the prescribed service intervals. This includes replacing the crankcase ventilation (CCV) filter at the 2,000 hour interval. Tier 4 compliant engines utilizing diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) should also replace the DEF filter at that mark. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system should be inspected and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer guidelines.

4

ADJUST TO YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Maintenance intervals should be scheduled more frequently for machines operating in harsh environments or challenging weather conditions. Dusty environments are particularly demanding. Radiator fins should be checked for dust buildup and cleaned with a pressure washer to ensure optimal airflow through the machine, reducing the risk of the machine overheating.

Ambient temperature also plays a role in proper maintenance. When a machine is operating in colder temperatures a lightweight synthetic oil may be necessary to ensure adequate oil flow to vital engine components. A thicker oil grade may be recommended to provide better engine protection in hot climates.

UNDERSTAND TIER 4 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

Aftertreatment systems are now part of the engine maintenance checklist, so it’s important to be familiar

5

MAINTENANCE BEYOND THE ENGINE

Periodic inspection of a generator’s electrical system can go a long way toward preventing damage and downtime. Inspecting all wiring can often head off a major electrical problem with a simple fix such as tightening a loose wire, insulating a rubbing hazard or bending a wire away from a sharp edge.

The trailer of a mobile air compressor or generator is another area for maintenance. Check the tire pressure and rotate tires regularly, maintain the braking system and ensure the trailer lighting is functioning properly.

The trailer-to-vehicle lighting connector, tow hitch and jack stand experience excessive wear and tear on job sites and in transport and should be replaced as needed to avoid a safety hazard.

USE MANUFACTURER FILTERS AND FLUIDS

One of the best ways to ensure performance is to use genuine manufacturer aftermarket parts that have been tested during the development of the machine.

Using off-brand filters and fluids introduces unknown variables that could affect machine performance and equipment warranty packages.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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EQUIPMENT ROUNDUP

PORTABLE POWER

GENERATORS, COMPRESSORS & LIGHTING

ATLAS COPCO POWER TECHNIQUE AIR COMPRESSOR

1 2

DOOSAN PORTABLE POWER GENERATORS

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3

WACKER NEUSON LIGHT TOWER

4

1

The XAS 188 is a single-stage oil-injected rotary screw type air compressor powered by a 49.6-hp Kubota Tier 4 Final diesel engine. It delivers 189 cfm at 2.37 gallons per hour and has a 27-gallon fuel tank provides operation for 11 hours at full load. A cold start option is available. A newly designed air end element includes a gear box, which demands less power from the engine while delivering more air flow. The HardHat canopy is noise dampening and dent and UV resistant and a new, user-friendly Xc1004 controller with 3.5-inch display regulates the entire machine.

2

Doosan Portable Power now offers generators compliant with all Canadian provincial regulations.

The line includes seven models outputting from 70 kVA to 400 kVA that meets fuelling and venting requirements for operation in Ontario, as prescribed by B138.1-17/ B138.2-17. Models include: G70WDO-3Q, G125WCU-3Q, G150 WCU-3Q, G190 WCU-3Q, G240 WCU-3Q, G325WCU-3Q and G400 WCU-3Q, with the Q indicating that the model meets the most stringent Canadian regulations. Optional features for these generators include Quad Voltage Selection, a Cold Weather Package, Intelligent Load Management System (ILMS) and Emergency Air Shutoff Valve.

3

CHICAGO PNEUMATIC GENERATOR

The new vertical mast LTV4K light tower features four 300-watt LED lights with life expectancy up to 50,000 hours and, with improved fuel economy, operators can expect up to 200 hours of run time (lights only) from the efficient Kubota engine and 45-gallon fuel tank.

It delivers instant on/off operation with no time needed to warm up or cool down. The compact design enables 18 units to fit on a 48-foot flatbed trailer or 20 units on a 53-foot trailer. Options include a diffuser for reducing glare, a cold weather package and a photocell that automatically turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn.

4

The CPG 200 mobile generator is equipped with a John Deere 6068 Tier 4 Final diesel engine. It delivers a rated prime power of 200 kVA/160 kW and has dual frequency capability.

With an AREP alternator excitation system, the operator has stable power in less than six seconds in any weather.

The CPG 200 operates for 37 hours at 75 percent load or 28 hours at 100 percent load.

Inside the doors, a foam and layering system keeps water out and improves sound attenuation. Variable speed fan is standard. The generator’s DeepSea 7310 controller is fully diagnostic with its 3-inch display, and a paralleling controller is optional.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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SAFETY

MAINTAINING WORKER SAFETY AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

BY KEVIN VINE

T

he importance of health and safety in the workplace has taken on a whole new meaning since the COVID-19 virus was declared an official pandemic on March 11, 2020.

In addition to severe impacts on the economy and changes to how businesses operate and employees work on a daily basis, COVID-19 has also introduced a host of other challenges such as an increase in substance use and mental health concerns.

In response to the global pandemic, employers must take a number of measures to keep workers safe and ensure business continuity. This includes updating health and safety policies to protect workers from potential exposure, communicating these updates regularly, keeping workers apprised of the latest regulations, putting resources and measures in place to ensure new safety measures are practiced, and engaging in pandemic planning.

Employers must take all practical measures to protect workers from hazards posed by infectious disease exposure in the workplace.

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DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYER

At the heart of provincial health and safety legislation is the assertion that employers have a duty to keep workers and workplaces safe and free of hazards. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work and if health and safety concerns are not resolved internally, a worker can seek enforcement by filing a complaint. Employers must take all practical measures to protect workers from hazards posed by infectious disease exposure in the workplace. They must also ensure that workers are informed of hazards by providing information, instructions and supervision on how to work safely.

CUSTOMIZING HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

To keep workers, customers, visitors and vendors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies must update their health and safety policies to include protocols specifically aimed at preventing the spread of the pandemic and reducing risk. When updating health and safety policies, employers should, at a minimum, consider the following: • Provide guidance on regular and thorough handwashing and sanitization. Encourage workers to avoid touching their face • Insist that workers practice social distancing by maintaining a two-metre distance from other people including other workers, customers, visitors and vendors • Create a mandatory guideline requiring workers to wear masks whenever at risk of coming closer than two metres to another person and inside all public buildings and businesses. Depending on the worksite, protective gloves may also be required • Create guidelines for ensuring workers maintain a clean work station, which may include a desk area, vehicle or other work environment. Guidelines must be supported with proper sup-

ply of sanitation products such as disinfectant sprays and wipes • In some environments, workers should change out of work clothing before leaving the worksite at the end of their shifts. Additionally, clothes should be handled carefully and washed thoroughly • Create capacity limits for indoor areas and controlled worksites to allow for proper social distancing • Establish rotating and alternating lunch and break periods to minimize or eliminate isolated team crossover and crowding.

ADDRESSING ESCALATING SUBSTANCE USE

Substance use, even outside of working hours, can have an impact on work performance and safety through its after effects. Employers should engage in active diligence to protect the health and safety of workers. Substance use policies should be reviewed and highlighted, and employers should consider the following: • Ensure your health and safety policies are thoroughly communicated across the organization. Health and safety should be an integral component of organizational culture; • Schedule health and safety briefings and toolbox talks for all staff, with a focus not only on COVID-19 but on general employee health and welfare.

Address substance use disorders directly with staff; • Ensure supervisors and managers are trained and equipped to support substance use policies and recognize warning signs that may indicate a substance use disorder. Education and training should also be provided regarding next steps once evidence of impaired behaviour or a substance use disorder has been identified; • Provide employees that have a substance use disorder with access to services and work accommodations to assist in overcoming the dependency.

COMMUNICATING REVISED OR NEW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Creating sound policies and procedures in light of the current pandemic is only the first step. If these guidelines are not effectively communicated across the entire company, they will not be effective. Communication is an integral component of achieving an injury-free workplace and protecting employees from the spread of the pandemic.

Here are some suggestions for effectively communicating your company’s approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic: • Post safety messaging in key areas throughout the workplace.

Ideal locations include those where employees punch in, take breaks, are around equipment and any other high-traffic areas; • Hold toolbox talks regularly. Communicate that they are mandatory for all workers, and make them a part of the daily routine; • Add health and safety to training and knowledge refresher meetings; • Share case studies or incident reports. This is an effective means to emphasize the reality behind the need for stricter

safety protocols; • Keep workers apprised of upcoming regulations and guidelines as well as current news and government announcements. Share this information through regular emails, and small group meetings, held virtually where possible; • Strike a balance between protecting the privacy and human rights of workers while keeping track of employees in case an outbreak occurs where contact tracing is required; • Communicate emergency leave provisions as they may apply to COVID-19.

EQUIP WORKERS WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO STAY SAFE

For workers to stay safe and companies to minimize the risk of business disruption, it’s important to provide access to required resources. This might include equipping remote worksites with portable handwashing stations and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; making boot sanitizing stations available; implementing partitions to facilitate social distancing; and providing the required personal protective equipment to reduce risk, including masks, goggles, shields and gloves. Encourage feedback from your workers if they feel they are lacking the necessary resources and supplies to stay safe.

IMPLEMENT MANDATORY SCREENING AS REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT

Individual provinces require employers to conduct COVID-19 screening with their employees based on questions provided by the government. Failure to conduct screening as directed by the province can lead to charges and significant fines.

This generally requires employers to implement screening for any workers or essential visitors entering the work environment; ensure that screening occurs before or when a worker enters a workplace at the beginning of their day; and ensure that those who don’t pass the screening do not enter the workplace and are advised to self-isolate, call their health care provider and report to the provincial health authority.

Employers should keep an electronic or paper record of all answers provided to the questions, and collect completed forms from each worker on a daily basis.

TURN YOUR ATTENTION TO PANDEMIC PLANNING

The widespread nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear, now more than ever, that companies must have a documented pandemic preparedness plan in place. For employers who’ve already prepared for influenza pandemics, planning for COVID-19

Employers who have not prepared for pandemic events should begin preparing themselves and their workers as far in advance as possible.

JANUARY 2021 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

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SAFETY may involve updating plans to address the specific exposure risks, routes of transmission and other unique characteristics.

Employers who have not prepared for pandemic events should begin preparing themselves and their workers as far in advance as possible of potentially worsening outbreak conditions. Lack of continuity planning can result in insufficient resources and leave workers inadequately trained for tasks they have to perform under pandemic conditions. It is essential that pandemic planning involve all key company stakeholders and that the plan is widely communicated across the company, while encouraging feedback.

When it comes to staying safe in a global pandemic, we’re all in this together.

KEVIN VINE is president of multiVIEW Locates Inc.

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heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2021

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ADVERTISER INDEX BKT Tires Canada Inc.............................................. 37 Bobcat Company......................................................... 3 CASE Construction Equipment.........................9 FLO Components..................................................... 40 GOMACO Corporation........................................... 56 Hitachi............................................................................... 55 Industrial Magnetics.............................................. 40 John Deere......................................COVER INSERT LBX Company, LLC......................................................7 Mack Trucks.....................................................................2 Morooka USA............................................................... 53 Rototilt..............................................................................50 Takeuchi.......................................................................... 29 Trail King Industries, Inc........................................41

IN-DEPTH REPORT: ELECTRIC & HYBRID EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT

12 TIPS TO HELP CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OWNERS REDUCE TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

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Volvo Trucks................................................................... 19 Wirtgen America........................................................ 13

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Qualified customers may choose one of the three offers. Offers valid at participating Canadian dealers on new Qualified Models* purchased between September 7, 2020 to April 30, 2021. For commercial use only. Corporate Accounts and Governmental accounts are not eligible. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. Purchase financing for 36 months on new Qualified Models. Down payment may be required. Minimum purchase/finance may be required. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, insurance and preparation charges, documentation fees and additional dealer fees may apply. Contact dealer for details and other financing options. Extended warranty offer is a 3 year/5,000 hour (whichever occurs first) powertrain and hydraulic extended warranty which runs concurrent with the standard machine warranty for all new Qualified models. Machines must be maintained per Hitachi recommended service intervals as outlined in the Operator’s Manual. The 3 year/5,000-hour powertrain and hydraulic extended warranty starts with the first sale, lease or rental of the machine. This 3 year/5,000-hour powertrain and hydraulic extended warranty is transferable to subsequent purchasers. Except as modified herein, all other standard warranty terms and conditions apply. John Deere reserves the right to require documentation of compliance with program requirements as a condition of warranty. Contact your local dealer or see the Standard Warranty statement and Extended Warranty contract for additional conditions and limitations. Rental offer available when a customer rents new, never previously settled Qualified Models for at least 30 days and converts the rental to a purchase between 07 September 2020 to 30 April 2021. Contact your local participating dealer for details. *New Qualified Models include: ZX130–ZX870 Excavators.

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