Heavy Equipment Guide January 2022, Volume 37, Number 1 by Baum Publications Ltd.

JANUARY 2022

IN-DEPTH REPORT

LARGE-FRAME COMPACT TRACK LOADERS GROWING A CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS BY BUILDING AN ONLINE FOLLOWING heavyequipmentguide.ca PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069270

Q&A: THE GROWTH OF MACHINE CONTROL

You can’t deny the reliability and performance of a Hitachi machine. It’s built to start when you do and delivers unmatched productivity no matter the challenge. HitachiConstruction.com

COVER STORY IN-DEPTH REPORT: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS

28 46

CONTRACTOR EMBRACES SOCIAL MEDIA

FULLY ELECTRIC SILVERADO

HYDRAULIC MAINTENANCE 101

January 2022 | Volume 37, Number 1

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS & SECTIONS

Shift from auctions to asset management platform transforms Ritchie Bros.

8 10

News Room

In-depth report: the latest large-frame CTLs

Spotlight

Building a business by building a following

In-Depth Report

Caterpillar debuts range of new earthmoving equipment

Earthmoving & Excavation

Machine Control

Q&A: Randy Noland, Hemisphere GNSS

Trucks & Transportation

Smoothing it out: tips to get the most from machine control on dozers and graders

Equipment Maintenance

Advertiser Index

Chevrolet surges forward with redesigned Silverado EV

Hydraulic maintenance 101

Five ways telematics improves equipment management

From the Editor

JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 1 EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 330 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Arturo Santiago asantiago@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 310 EDITOR Lee Toop ltoop@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 315 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sam Esmaili sam@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 110

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: CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT TV620B CTL In-depth report: compact track loaders Turn to page 22 .

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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. 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 2022, 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

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FROM THE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITOR SKILLS GAP WILL REQUIRE INNOVATIVE RECRUITING APPROACHES IN NEXT DECADE

ack a few years ago, when I was growing up around company shops and logging camps, it was easy to pick out the person in charge. It was almost always a slightly more than middle-aged man driving the newest pickup on site. They’d be greasy up to their elbows, mud to the knees, and they knew everything about each task in that operation. Owners, foremen, supervisors – whatever their title, they were vital in sharing their knowledge on down the line. Today, we’re seeing less of these people on the job site as the older generation moves into well-deserved retirement. As they have moved off, though, the industry is losing a major source of knowledge and wisdom. At the same time, the trades have suffered a slowdown in the number of new workers making their way in. Construction is one of the areas challenged the most by the labour shortage that is creeping through the Canadian economy. In its 2021–2030 Construction & Maintenance Looking Forward workforce outlook, BuildForce Canada projects that 259,100 workers in the construction sector will retire over the next decade, while drawing 228,100 new entrants to the industry. That leaves a significant gap to be filled, and those openings will need to be filled from a pool of qualified younger workers. And that pool, BuildForce projects, won’t be growing as much as might be needed, with fewer young people entering construction. All of this combines to give the construction sector a challenge: how to attract good, skilled employees, and how to close the gap in available workers. BuildForce suggests that underrepresented groups like women and Indigenous people are important parts of the process, and encourages the industry to expand its recruiting and training efforts to bring more employees from those areas. In the end, though, contractors are going to find themselves looking for employees from a tightening pool of younger candidates. Reaching those prospects may mean changing up the recruitment process. Ken White Construction, who we profile in this issue, has found those young, skilled applicants by going where they live – social media. Taylor White, the third generation of Whites at the Carp, Ontario-based equipment contractor, has built a following for the company on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and elsewhere.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

Contractors are going to find themselves looking for employees from a tightening pool of younger candidates. Reaching those prospects may mean changing up the recruitment process. His photos and videos are targeted squarely at that younger audience, avid consumers of social media who check their social profiles before they check their email or phone messages. The message is simple: Ken White Construction has a good team, does good work, and is welcoming to talented new employees. That message is working well, Taylor says, with skilled equipment operators connecting regularly about job opportunities. Many of them are already in the industry, working with larger companies, but the workplace culture they see on social media is catching their attention. That’s just one approach, but it’s a strong one in today’s market. Construction companies will need to leverage social media and technology, along with other innovative recruiting approaches, to find the young people who can fill the skills gap in the coming years.

Lee Toop Editor ltoop@baumpub.com heavyequipmentguide.ca

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

NEWS ROOM

DOOSAN INFRACORE NORTH AMERICA ADDS NEW CANADIAN DEALERS

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

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

oosan Infracore North America has partnered with two more Canadian dealers to expand its network in Manitoba and Nova Scotia. C&C Rentals is located in Brandon, Manitoba, and serves customers in southwestern Manitoba. According to Jordan Trotter, dealer principal, C&C Rentals saw an opportunity in the market and began offering Doosan products in its equipment lineup this year. “We thought it was a natural step and a natural progression to expand into heavy equipment,” Trotter says. “And the obvious brand was Doosan.” C&C Rentals provides equipment sales and rentals to the agricultural market along with the construction market. According to Trotter, these markets are predominantly focused on using Doosan wheel loaders and crawler excavators. Doosan has partnered with East Coast International Trucks to add a new authorized location in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. East Coast International Trucks has been serving customers for more than 35 years. According to owner David Lockhart, the company has experienced substantial growth in recent years and decided to include Doosan products in its equipment lineup in 2021. Located in a construction-heavy geographic area, East Coast International Trucks provides equipment sales and rentals to the construction market. According to Lockhart, the market is focused on using Doosan mini excavators and crawler excavators. “We’re honoured to be a Doosan distributor and we look forward to working with the people at Doosan. It’s exciting to be part of the Doosan family,” Lockhart says. Both East Coast International Trucks and C&C Rentals will offer Doosan crawler excavators, wheel excavators, and mini excavators; wheel loaders; log loaders; and material handlers. Both dealerships also offer machine rentals, service, and parts support.

CANLIFT EQUIPMENT EXPANDS INTO EARTHMOVING THROUGH XCMG PARTNERSHIP

anLift Equipment, known as an aerial equipment and material handling company, has expanded its equipment offerings through a partnership with Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to have the exclusive rights to sales in Ontario for all XCMG earthmoving equipment. “This partnership opens doors to new relationships within the construction machinery industry,” says Geoff Grant, VP of sales, “CanLift is dedicated to building connections with our clients and ensuring the experience is unmatched by providing the best quality products and services; the XCMG partnership will help us take our customer experience to the next level.” CanLift is a Canadian company that has been family-owned and operated since 2009. Located in Burlington and London, Ontario, CanLift continues to grow with plans to expand to Northern and Eastern Ontario. Through this partnership, they will have unlimited access to all XCMG earthmoving machinery, giving customers the opportunity to purchase equipment immediately. The XCMG earthmoving equipment available includes backhoes, compactors, excavators, graders, skid steers, wheel loaders, and dozers. The company says that XCMG equipment has not been affected by supply chain issues that others are facing in North America. “Being the exclusive dealership for one of the top three construction manufacturing companies in the world makes the CanLift team very proud.” says Johnny Dragicevic, managing partner. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this level of machinery to our customers.” XCMG was ranked third place in the world for top construction equipment manufacturers by KHL Group’s Yellow Table 2021. This aligns with CanLift’s mission to always provide the best quality equipment to all of their customers, while supporting them with competitive pricing and warranty. CanLift Equipment joins Japa Equipment as XCMG’s second Canadian dealership.

TOPCON OPENS NEW TRAINING CENTRE AT ITS CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS

opcon Positioning Group has opened a new training centre at its Livermore, California, headquarters. The six-acre John D. Dice Training Centre is the first building Topcon has named after an employee. Dice is the director of Professional Services, and has been part of Topcon since 1984, with roles that have been key to developing the company’s distributor and customer training programs. He has travelled the world providing classroom instruction and hands-on exercises. “Working with the Topcon team and designing the new training centre has been one of the great highlights of my career,” said Dice. “I want to express my greatest thanks and appreciation to Ray and the leadership team for the recognition given to me. I am so deeply honoured to have my name attached to the Livermore Training Center. I will treasure this honour forever.” “John has been with the company since the earliest days, and this training centre is a perfect expression of John’s passion for teaching,” said Ray O’Connor, president and CEO, Topcon Positioning Systems. “This new facility is the direct result of decades of John’s curriculum development – carefully designed to meet the training needs of today, and the continually growing and evolving positioning technology industry of tomorrow.”

FOCUS ON MACHINE CONTROL In 2022, popularity of machine control will continue to accelerate and more options for a wider range of equipment become available. This issue we spoke with Randy Norland from Hemisphere GNSS (page 38) about aftermarket systems, CASE serves up some machine control tips (44), we’ve got the latest from Topcon (20, 42), and caught up with a Canadian contractor who is embracing technology of all kinds (28).

JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

NEWS ROOM

EXCAVATOR MEDIAN PRICES UP BY 15 PERCENT IN THE U.S., ACCORDING TO RITCHIE BROS. REPORT

W BOBCAT EXPANDS E-COMMERCE PLATFORM TO CANADIAN CUSTOMERS

anadian customers will now be able to order select Bobcat parts, accessories, and attachments directly from BobcatParts.com, the company’s e-commerce platform. Canadian customers can now order Bobcat parts, filters, fluids, tracks, tires, and maintenance kits, as well as bucket and pallet fork attachments through BobcatParts.com.

ith its January Market Trends Report, Ritchie Bros. looks closely at earthmoving and aerial equipment sales last year with in-depth charts outlining volumes, median pricing, and more by asset category. Last year, Ritchie Bros. sold 3,888 excavators in the U.S. and the median price was approximately $57,500, up by 15 percent year over year (for the three months ending December 31, 2022). This month’s Market Trends Report highlights sales of excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, articulated dump trucks, loader backhoes, multi-terrain and skid steer loaders, as well as telehandlers, boom lifts, scissor lifts, and forklifts. “We attracted a record number of bidders in 2021, resulting in the strongest equipment pricing we have ever seen,” said Doug Olive, senior vice president (Pricing), Ritchie Bros. “Truck tractor pricing over the past three months is up 65 percent year over year in the United States, while medium earthmoving, vocational trucks, and aerial equipment prices are up 45 percent, 44 percent, and 41 percent respectively. It’s a seller’s market and consignors around the world are taking advantage by turning their surplus assets into cash.”

What does it take to be better? You have to be strong. Be smart. Be resilient. Be innovative. You’ve got to go above and beyond. And that’s precisely why people choose JCB construction equipment time and time again: Because good enough is never good enough. Check out our full line of JCB products at your local dealer or visit JCB.com today. /JCBNA

@JCBNA

www.jcb.com

Better_CE Brand_7.5x4.875 12JCB0118-JCB heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

JCBNA

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICE PROGRAM FIRST IN TORONTO TO BE ACCREDITED BY AED

he AED Foundation has accredited the Heavy Equipment Service Technology program at Centennial College. This is the first program in Toronto to be accredited by The AED Foundation. The term of accreditation is five years, starting December 2021, running through December 2026. “We are pleased that Centennial College has chosen to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement through the process of accreditation,” stated The AED Foundation President Brian McGuire. “Your accreditation signifies to equipment industry stakeholders that your school continues to meet rigorous industry-specific national construction equipment technical standards. It further signifies to current and prospective students that your program provides the best in diesel-equipment technical education as defined by the industry it serves.” “It’s my great honour to congratulate Centennial College for this significant accomplishment,” stated AED Chairman Craig Drury, vice president of operations for Vermeer Canada. “Our AED Foundation’s accredited colleges are the cornerstone of our efforts in Canada and the U.S. as we work to solve the workforce shortage in our industry.”

OMICRON PUSHES CANADIAN CONCRETE EXPO TO MAY 2022

ue to the new wave of COVID-19 infections from the Omicron variant, Canadian Concrete Expo has been pushed back to May 18–19, 2022. The event will still take place at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada. “The safety risks posed by the Omicron variant combined with potential government restrictions made moving forward with our original February dates too risky,” says show organizer Stuart Galloway. “We have already reached out to numerous exhibitors when deciding to make the change and they were 100 percent on board with it. We then reached out to all other exhibitors and all but two confirmed they will exhibit on the new dates.” More than 7,000 people were expected to visit the show, see 300+ exhibitors and participate in 30+ conference sessions, presentations, and demonstrations on the February dates. Show organizers expect the number of exhibitors to increase as COVID-19 public safety issues subside.

MORE NEWS www.heavyequipmentguide.ca

OKADA. ON THE JOB. DOING THE JOB. Carriers prefer demolition attachments made by Okada America, Inc. Okada’s demolition attachments expand the versatility of the excavator, mini-excavator, loader/backhoe, skid-steer and track loader carriers. Okada has a wide variety of attachments. Breakers. Demolition Shears. Compactors. Pulverizers. Processors. Grapples. Crushers. Screening Buckets. These attachments are precision-engineered, productive and dependable. For the name of the Okada Distributor nearest you, call 1-800-270-0600. Okada. On the job. Doing the job. www.okadaamerica.com

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JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

NEWS ROOM

SHIFT FROM AUCTIONS TO ASSET MANAGEMENT PLATFORM TRANSFORMS RITCHIE BROS. LONG-TIME USED EQUIPMENT SALES SPECIALISTS EXPANDING BROAD PLATFORM OF SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MORE BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

ack in 1958, three brothers who ran a furniture store in Kelowna, British Columbia, held an auction that turned out to be the start of a new venture that, in the years since, has turned into one of the world’s largest heavy equipment auction businesses. Moving from selling furniture to auctioneering is quite a shift, but it proved successful for the Ritchie Brothers. Today, the company that followed on from that first auction is making another business move: from an auction house to software and service provider targeted at equipment fleet owners and managers.

The Internet and software has given people more and more ways to not only sell used equipment, but start to manage their fleets and their assets so they can maximize the return on that particular investment. Matt Ackley Chief Marketing Officer, Ritchie Bros.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

Ritchie Bros. has expanded from in-person unreserved auctions into more and more online spaces, and through a string of acquisitions it is growing its fleet management strengths to become a one-stop dashboard for tracking, managing and selling assets. The Burnaby, B.C.-headquartered company with more than 2,200 full-time employees has certainly come a long way from that first auction.

AUCTIONS SERVE LARGE USED EQUIPMENT MARKET

Auctions are a key way for heavy equipment owners and buyers to dispose of and pick up assets at prices that make the most sense for them. Matt Ackley, Ritchie Bros. chief marketing officer, describes auctions as “the most efficient way to determine an asset value or to get the appropriate value for a particular asset.” For Ritchie Bros., heavy equipment auctions, held quarterly at specific locations, helped to bring supply and demand together and create an efficient marketplace. That worked very well for the company over many years, before the internet arrived and changed the auction game. “As Ritchie Bros. looked at itself over the years, it asked ‘How do we adapt to this new paradigm where efficient markets can be made every day via the internet, via Google search, online where people can be reached around the world in an instant?’” Ackley described. Ackley, an engineer with a career that saw him spend time

Our strategy going forward is really a hybrid approach: marrying the best of technology, data and software online with a global physical footprint. Matt Ackley More recently, Ritchie Bros. has added companies like Rouse and SmartEquip to its portfolio, accessing even more aspects of asset management. Rouse provides data intelligence and performance benchmarking services, allowing managers to determine their equipment values and rental benchmarks in various marketplaces. SmartEquip delves into the parts and service sector, providing real-time information about assets to owners, while also providing an electronic line to OEMs and dealers for procurement of parts.

UMBRELLA OF ASSET MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

in positions with major online companies such as eBay, Google and finally IronPlanet prior to its acquisition in 2017 by Ritchie Bros., pointed out that with the promise of the web, it was important for Ritchie Bros. to get on board – and online – early. “Starting in the 1990s, Ritchie Bros. introduced online bidding to its live unreserved auctions, and then heading into the 2000s it really began to look at its model,” he said. The used equipment market worldwide is approximately $350 billion per year, but the auction segment is only a portion of those sales, an estimated $30 to $35 billion, Ackley said. “I think that over time, the internet and software has given people more and more ways to not only sell used equipment, but start to manage their fleets and their assets so they can maximize the return on that particular investment.” Ritchie Bros. started its move to explore those online opportunities in 2016, when it acquired Mascus, an online equipment listing service, and followed that up in 2017 with a big step into online auctions through the acquisition of IronPlanet. Founded in 1999, IronPlanet had developed a large audience for online equipment sales globally, and bringing it into the Ritchie Bros. fold gave the company an entirely new way to connect with buyers. “Ritchie Bros. bought IronPlanet to focus on these periodic, weekly online auctions, as well as a new reserve platform, ‘make offer’ and ‘buy now’ types of formats, so that equipment owners could access the market daily,” Ackley explained. “From a selling standpoint, we had a true multi-channel offering, listings, and marketplace formats in addition to the unreserved auctions.”

The result of these additions is a broad umbrella of products and services that are shifting Ritchie Bros. away from a sales focus and toward something more along the lines of a technology platform – one that offers asset managers all the tools that they need. That shift has been reflected in the corporate leadership. CEO Ann Fandozzi, who joined Ritchie Bros. in 2020, is a computer engineer by training and has been involved in numerous technology efforts in previous roles. Other members of senior leadership also come from tech backgrounds. That growth in expertise has helped drive new offerings, Ackley said. “We started to look at the opportunity here – not only do these tools become tools to sell assets, but they become tools to manage assets. They become tools to manage price or access pricing, they become tools to order inspections, or they become tools to improve workflow and sell items on your own website,” he described. “And now, with the addition of some of our newer acquisitions, they become tools to, if you’re in the rental business, to manage rental inventory and understand utilization, and get appraisals to help with my loan portfolio.” The ability to offer a unified, cloud-based system of asset management tools for customers is key in improving efficiency for Ritchie Bros. clients, Ackley noted. “We have found that, as we work with our customers more and more, a lot of the tools they use are either fragmented or they’re managing their inventory on a yellow legal pad or spreadsheet,” he said. “Having the ability to offer a cloud-based system or dashboard is something we’re incredibly interested in.”

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROVIDES GATEWAY TO SERVICES

The core of Ritchie Bros. asset management offering is its inventory management system, which gives customers of all sizes and needs a base to operate from. Free for signup, the inJANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

NEWS ROOM

ventory management system tracks assets for sale, where those assets are being sold, and simplifies the process. “It’s a dashboard that allows them to manage their entire portfolio; it’s got reporting tools, so you can see basic information – enter inventory, manage inventory and workflow to various sales channels,” Ackley explained. Through the system, customers can indicate if they’re selling on their own or through Ritchie List, they can leverage a variety of Ritchie Bros. services such as financing, lien searches, and others, or connect with IronPlanet for online auctions or Marketplace-E for buy-now, make-offer sales. “This is the gateway – once you have your inventory in here, you then have access to all these other services. Over time, we’ll continue to build out,” Ackley said. Currently the key focus is on the resale aspect of the equipment life cycle, but the goal will be to add telematics functionality and other inputs over time, allowing asset managers to incorporate even more data into their equipment management strategy. In addition, the dashboard is capable of integration with a variety of existing enterprise resource management (ERP) and asset management software platforms. The Rouse acquisition has made that integration easier, Ackley noted, by providing a baseline of information that connects the dots when it comes to equipment in various platforms. “What one person may call a skid steer, someone else may call a compact track loader . . . the key element is understanding what piece of equipment fits into which category, because that’s key to pricing and parts configuration. Integrations are a key part of that . . . Rouse brought an incredible amount of expertise in that area,” Ackley noted.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

RITCHIE BROS. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ALLOWS ASSET MANAGERS TO TRACK AND MANAGE THEIR FLEETS.

ONLINE TAKING OVER, BUT PHYSICAL SITES EXPANDING AS WELL

The past two years have seen Ritchie Bros. move their auctions fully online – Ackley pointed out that more than 70 percent of sales at live auctions were already online, so the transition has been a smooth one – and prices have stayed strong for used equipment across the board. The company has taken advantage of the opportunity to successfully expand its online presence. “The transition was really positive for us from an opportunity standpoint – we saw that this can work, and people do want to adopt these tools,” Ackley described. “As more and more things move online, more and more data is created, and that’s the type of data we can offer in these dashboards. We really have seen acceleration with this transition toward online.” At the same time, Ritchie Bros. is doing something that may seem counter to the strategy: It is expanding its network of physical auction sites. There remains a need in the construction industry for buyers to experience the equipment before purchasing, and that isn’t likely to change, Ackley noted. “What we’ve come to understand is that in this particular industry, there’s still a need to see the equipment, to touch the equipment, to inspect the equipment. There’s also a need to network and meet people face to face,” he said. “Our strategy going forward is really a hybrid approach: marrying the best of technology, data, and software online with a global physical footprint.” HEG

SPOTLIGHT

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

Compact excavator

JCB

Zero-tail-swing compact excavator

JCB’s 50Z-1 compact excavator replaces the 48Z in the range and is designed with 100 percent steel body work and zero tail swing for exceptional power and control while working in confined spaces. With 500-hour greasing intervals, easy-to-access service panels, and sectioned hydraulic hoses with easily accessible bulkhead, the 50Z-I offers increased productivity. “The 50Z-1 is a versatile machine with low cost of ownership, making it the perfect solution for contractors, landscapers, owner operators, and rental companies. It is ideal for every-

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

thing from construction, landscaping, and utility work to highway and residential building. And it’s built with JCB’s industry leading commitment to delivering outstanding safety and performance,” said Chris Lucas, excavator product manager for JCB North America. Features of the 50Z-1 include: 12 feet 7 inches dig depth; 19 feet 8 inches ground level reach; 14-foot dump height; 48.3-hp gross engine power; Livelink telematics; Low cost of ownership with 500 hour greasing intervals, flat glass, 100 percent steel body and 100 percent bushed dig end.

BOOTH #W925

THE MOST POWERFUL CTL EVER. *

The new fully-loaded CASE TV620B comes standard with an industry-leading package of features. Experience peak performance with best-in-class lift/bucket breakout force, impressive auxiliary hydraulic power to handle heavy-duty attachments, outstanding rated operating capacity (ROC) and greater connectivity. With you at its helm, you’ll perform like a rock star on every jobsite. Are you ready? CaseCE.com/Yes *Based on competitive published specs available, CASE TV620B has greatest breakout lift force, breakout bucket force, and track length on the ground. ©2022 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. Any trademarks referred to herein, in association with goods and/or services of companies other than CNH Industrial America LLC., are the property of those respective companies.

SPOTLIGHT

PORTABLE MACHINE CONTROL

Topcon

Portable machine control for compact equipment

Topcon Positioning Group’s all-new MC-Mobile portable machine control solution for compact equipment is based on the Topcon MC-X machine control platform. MC-Mobile offers the user experience and competitive performance benefits of full-size machine control guidance solutions for compact excavators, skid steers, and compact track loaders. MC-Mobile provides users with design, build and check functionalities and a feature-rich Topcon software experience. Operators can utilize modular components for a wide range of applications, including grade checking, creating designs on the fly, and self-performing site layouts without traditional staking. Displays and other components are designed to be easily shared across numerous machines in owned or rental fleet environments. These pieces can also be moved from grade checking/layout rover pole to machine and back.

COMPACT WHEEL LOADER

Yanmar

Compact wheel loaders

Yanmar compact wheel loaders are built for maximum efficiency and ease of operation. The machines include comfort features across the line, including a spacious cab and dual doors for easy entry from each side. The company says that their combination of power, comfort, and compactness make them ideal for applications that require fast travel speeds, high lift capacity, and a small turning radius. The lineup includes the V4-7, V8, V10, and V12. Operating weights for the line range from 8,422 to 15,432 pounds. The loaders feature bucket capacities ranging from 0.65 to 2.35 cubic yards and lift capacities of 7,451 to 15,962 pound-force. Fast travel speeds improve job site productivity, with speeds ranging from 11.8 to 22 mph.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

Doosan

Crawler excavator

The new 14-metric-ton, reduced-tail-swing Doosan DX140LCR-7 crawler excavator comes with enhanced swing performance, increased fuel efficiency, and more operator comfort features than the previous model. An optional 360-degree camera is available. Updated maintenance features include an electric transfer pump, centralized filters and a new fuel filler pump hose. For operator comfort, there is a Doosan Smart Key and remote door lock/unlock, improved airflow for more robust heating and air conditioning, and newly designed pedals for easier operation. The Smart Power Control feature optimizes fuel efficiency and provides the proper engine rpm and torque to match the application. The DX140LCR-7 features: 115-hp engine, 35,424-pound operating weight, 19 feet 8 inches maximum digging depth, 28-foot maximum digging reach (ground), 23 feet 3 inches maximum loading height. CRAWLER EXCAVATOR

Wacker Neuson

Trench roller

TRENCH ROLLER

The RTLx-SC3 trench roller has received design improvements to the maintenance-free lower end. The lower end design is fully sealed and maintenance free, including lifetime lubricated drive gears and maintenance-free exciter gears and bearing. All the hydraulic hoses have been shortened and are now routed above the articulated joint and through the manifold support drums to avoid wear and improve serviceability. It is powered by a 19.8 hp Kohler diesel engine and produces a high and low compaction force (15,400/7,700 lbf). The drums can be converted from 32 to 22 inches. Low centre of gravity improves machine stability and the articulated joint increases maneuverability and allows the roller to make tight turns in confined spaces. The RTLx-SC3 (Smart Control 3) is operated with a line-of-sight infrared remote control.

JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

IN-DEPTH REPORT: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS

THE LATEST LARGE-FRAME CTLS

IN-DEPTH REPORT

COMPACT TRACK LOADERS BY KAITLYN TILL, EDITOR IN CHIEF

ASV RT-135F

IN-DEPTH REPORT: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS

he compact track loader has boomed in popularity over recent years, favoured in a variety of industries and applications for its versatility and capability to carry out a range of tasks and access many job sites. Recently we’ve seen machines in this product category push the upper limits of what CTLs can do. Here’s a look at a few recent models that are designed to maximize power and capability, while retaining the compact footprint of a CTL.

and carry more . . . we do see it as popular with landscapers, especially those running precision grading boxes or blades, large Harley rakes, and other attachments that can benefit from the size of this machine. It picks up big, heavy pallets and bricks.” A guarding package for forestry work will be available for the TV620B shortly after launch. ASV’s new 12,990-pound MAX-Series RT-135 Forestry Posi-Track loader has a 132-hp Cummins engine which the company says delivers 10 percent more horsepower than the previous model. This CTL is outfitted with forestry-rated NEW LARGE-FRAME CTL MODELS, guarding and safety features and is designed for brush cutting, OPTIONS, AND APPLICATIONS mulching, land clearing, and other high-flow applications. It Grading, site prep, material handling, and forestry work has a 4,150-pound rated operating capacity, travels up to 10 are all tasks that benefit from the boost in capacity and power mph, and has a lift height of 10.4 feet. that these machines deliver to the job site. CASE Construction The counterweight also acts as a track-width bumper to help Equipment, ASV, and John Deere Construction & Forestry have steer trees and debris out from the tracks for what Buck Storlie, all recently introduced new models or machine options to deASV product manager, calls the “full contact customer” who liver power and productivity to end users, while still retaining works in the woods. the compact package of a CTL. A non-forestry version of the RT-135F, the RT-135, will also The TV620B is CASE Construction Equipment’s largest, be available for heavy-duty applications and is capable of using most powerful compact track loader to date, delivering a high-flow attachments for general construction, landscaping, 6,200-pound rated operating capacity and 114-hp. It offers a snow clearing, and more. breakout force of 12,084 pounds bucket and 12,907 pounds lift. John Deere’s 333G compact track loader debuted a few years It’s the latest model in CASE’s B Series compact loader line and ago and has a 3,700-pound rated operating capacity. Recent George MacIntyre, product manager for skid steers and comoption updates extend the versatility of this CTL, including a pact track loaders, says that the rollout of larger CTLs, like the factory-integrated machine control option and an anti-vibration TV620B, is in response to the needs of contractors and farmers, undercarriage option introduced in 2021. as well as other industries. John Deere’s 333G equipped with the SmartGrade option is the first CTL to come with factory-integrated machine control. This mastless solution eliminates stakes, strings, surveyors, masts, and cables making the technology efficient to use and hassle-free. With DozerMode the operator can switch the As we look at the size of compact electrohydraulic control pattern so that the CTL functions like a crawler dozer when operating a equipment, I think that we can say machine-equipped six-way dozer blade attachthat customers need and desire more ment that can both cut a grade and spread materials. According to John Deere, it streamlines the production out of their product than attachment’s needs and set-up time. The blade is fine-tuned to meet the performance of the carrier they used to have in the compact range. and, when combined with SmartGrade, the blade reduces the amount of operator input and lowers Brad Stemper fatigue, says Deere. North American Compact Construction Equipment

Product Manager, CASE Construction Equipment

It comes with a new 1.25-cubic-yard heavy-duty bucket designed specifically for this CTL, and is intended for use with other heavy-duty attachments such as mulching heads, cold planers, and CASE’s new grading blade – and more heavy-duty attachments designed for this CTL are on the way. The TV620B is offered with a vertical lift configuration, and Eric Zieser, director – global compact equipment product line at CASE, says that this is where the demand is for this size of compact track loader – for lifting of heavy pallets and other materials, and loading trucks, for example. According to MacIntyre, “[CASE also sees] this as being a true site development and land clearing machine. While those really intense attachments will have a role in large construction sites and an all-round type of machine that can dig more, lift more,

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

CONTROLS, POWER, AND CAPABILITY

These big CTLs are designed to deliver power and productivity in high-demand applications, placing robust capability and options at the operators’ fingertips. The CASE TV620B comes standard with adjustable electrohydraulic controls, which allow operators to set total machine responsiveness to low, moderate, or aggressive; or independently set tilt, lift, and drive speed, as well as loader arm and drive control to meet the demands of the work. Operators can select between operating in H or ISO operating patterns, and Creep Speed allows the machine to move at a consistent slow creep while the operator can independently set the attachment speed – ideal for use of cold planers and brooms. Hydraulics on demand performance is a new CASE feature; it enables the operator to select the percentage of auxiliary hydraulic flow to the attachment. CASE says that this allows the

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IN-DEPTH REPORT: COMPACT TRACK LOADERS operator to dial in attachment performance to their preference or the recommendation of the attachment manufacturer. ASV’s RT-135F has a 132-hp Cummins engine which, combined with a 50-gpm maximum auxiliary flow and an oversized auxiliary pump capable of 66 gpm, allows it to transfer more engine power to the attachment with no sacrifices to machine performance, says the company. The extra 16 gpm within the pump means operators can run high-flow attachments, such as mulchers, at full speed while moving the loader without the tool slowing down. A dual throttle option allows operation at a set RPM with the joystick controls and the ability to increase the RPM with the foot throttle without the need to adjust the dial. An upgraded drive control system provides smoother, more responsive controls that can be adjusted to speed modes matching the operator’s preference, and they can match the machine to their attachment needs with adjustable high-flow and flow-sharing options.

RUGGED UNDERCARRIAGES PROVIDE A SMOOTH RIDE IN TOUGH APPLICATIONS All of these machines are designed to excel in the toughest CTL applications – and need rugged undercarriages to meet the challenge of these job sites. In 2021, John Deere introduced an isolated anti-vibration undercarriage system option for the 333G compact track loader which enables the CTL to flex up and down; it reduces vibration for the operator in the cab and enables the machine to travel

JOHN DEERE 333G

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

at higher speeds without losing material. It has anti-vibration suspension at the front and rear of the track frame and absorbs shock through the rubber isolators. According to John Deere, a new bogie roller system allows for oscillating movement of the rollers – delivering smooth movement when cresting a hill, improving stability on uneven grounds, and enabling larger debris to pass between the roller and track system. John Deere says that improving operator experience was the priority when developing the anti-vibration undercarriage system for the 333G CTL. A new angled steel shield was added to protect the hydrostatic hoses from exposure to debris, reducing damage-induced downtime. Rubber isolators were implemented to offer longer track life and allow for easier repairs, and this undercarriage features four easy-to-access grease points. ASV has upgraded the RT-135F’s undercarriage to perform under the additional weight, including reinforced wheel hubs and bearings, and redesigned torsion axles that ASV says are 20 percent stronger than their predecessors, allowing the track to flex over obstacles and reduce impact to the operator and attachment. This machine has 15 inches of ground clearance, and ASV says that its Posi-Track undercarriage system features a flexible track and an open-rail and internal positive drive-sprocket. A large number of ground contact points in addition to 20-inch-wide tracks gives this CTL a 4.6-psi ground pressure allowing for more flotation and traction on steep, slippery, and wet ground. CASE’s TV620B features a new heavy-duty undercarriage and heavy-duty 74-inches-long, 17.7-inches-wide H pattern rubber

CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT TV620B

tracks delivering ground pressure of 6.1 psi which enables it to work on improved surfaces. The TV620B is initially only available with rubber tracks, but steel tracks will be available in 2022; as with excavators, the track types can be swapped on this machine, although some additional undercarriage components do need to be changed out as well.

COMPACT TRACK LOADERS CONTINUE TO TREND BIG

With the introduction of these larger machines, it begs the question, what is the upper limit for CTLs? CASE and ASV product experts both commented on this at recent launch events and noted that a growing number of contractors are gravitating toward large CTL models. Manufacturers are taking notice – now striving to offer the biggest, strongest, and most powerful CTLs yet. “As we look at the size of compact equipment, I think that we can say that customers need and desire more production out of their product than they used to have in the compact range. I would like to say that this is the largest one that may come, but we’ll see and we’ll evaluate what the customers’ needs are, what their applications are that require high flow or additional pressure on their attachments,” says Brad Stemper, North American compact construction equipment product manager with CASE. Storlie from ASV adds, “We are seeing growth in the 3,000plus ROC compact track loader segment. Right now it’s the fastest growing segment to the extent that the AEM added a

We are seeing growth in the 3,000-plus ROC compact track loader segment. Right now it’s the fastest growing segment to the extent that the AEM added a [3,500-pound] class this year. Buck Storlie Product Manager, ASV [3,500-pound] class this year . . . these bigger machines are starting to replace small dozers on jobs where it’s maybe easier to get a compact track loader in. It might have a little bit less power and be a little slower than a dozer, but the transportability is advantageous. We also see it in high-flow applications – not just forestry, but if you think about asphalt planing and road milling, for some of these applications customers are demanding more and more power, and more and more flow, to be able to do more of that work, replacing big machinery due to the ease of transportation and getting in and out.” HEG

JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

BUILDING A BUSINESS BY BUILDING A FOLLOWING KEN WHITE CONSTRUCTION EMBRACES SOCIAL MEDIA TO RECRUIT AND GROW BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

witter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook – today’s communications landscape revolves around social media platforms, especially for younger people who have been plugged into the online world for years. These new online communities are becoming a bigger part of marketing for business as well, and for one Ontario contractor social media is proving to be a driver of steady growth and a key recruitment tool. Ken White Construction has been in business since 1968, when the company’s namesake got started with a CASE track loader and a one-ton dump truck, digging basements and septic systems. Today, still based in Carp, Ontario, the small town where it was founded some 45 minutes outside of Ottawa, Ken White Construction has grown into a contender for many different jobs in the steadily expanding region. The third generation of White family to work for the business, Ken White Construction Director/Business Development Taylor White explained that his grandfather Ken ran the business through 2000, when his father David took over. It wasn’t until a few years back, though, that the company began to expand. “Dad stayed at around three to four employees from around 2000 to 2017 or so. When I came back into the family business I decided I really wanted to expand and grow on the opportunities we had,” White said.

REGIONAL GROWTH DRIVES EXPANSION

Growth came naturally for Ken White Construction, as Carp – a small rural community just far enough from Ottawa to remain relatively quiet up until the past few years – started to do just the same thing. “Carp had maybe 3,000 people and now it’s around 11,000 – it’s crazy, the growth that’s happening, and we’re growing thanks to the demand for work,” White described. “A lot of construction companies are growing because we’re seeing this influx of people all moving here from either Toronto or other areas that want to move to Ottawa because our prices are a little lower.”

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

CARP, ONTARIO–BASED KEN WHITE CONSTRUCTION HAS EMBRACED SOCIAL MEDIA TO HELP GROW ITS TEAM AND BUSINESS.

JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

STARTED BY KEN WHITE IN 1968, THE COMPANY REMAINS A FAMILY OPERATION EVEN AS IT GROWS WITH THE OTTAWA REGION.

Suburban growth along the Ottawa Valley is driving much of what Ken White Construction works on these days, White noted, with buyers looking for detached homes at reasonable prices and finding them in the smaller centres farther from the city. That is influencing much of the work that the company is involved in as well. “It isn’t so much a case of getting city contracts . . . we’re moving farther up into the valley and specializing in new home builds, people that want to build homes on 5- or 10-acre lots that need land clearing, and then a basement dug, then we build the laneway and put their septic in, and backfill the house,” White described. “That’s what we specialize in – taking the customer from the roadway in.”

SOCIAL MEDIA KEY IN RECRUITMENT AND MARKETING

Thanks to the steady growth in the region, Ken White Construction has grown to a staff of 18 at present, and there’s no shortage of potential employees making contact regularly. Why? White credits a robust social media presence for the interest. The company has accounts on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and various other places where White shares a variety of photos and videos showcasing what Ken White Construction and its employees are up to. Browse through the YouTube channel and you’ll find things like delivery of a new excavator, clips of daily work featuring various members of the crew, project features, and more. They’re quite popular – some have views into the hundreds of thousands, and the channel itself is followed by more than 66,000 people. Instagram adds another 22,000-plus followers, and on TikTok – the snappy two-minute video clip app – another 71,000 watch-

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

ers keep an eye on the company and its team. Videos are shot casually – usually by White himself, who has for years filmed and edited footage of himself and friends in their off time. “I always had a love for making videos of my buddies hunting or dirt biking – I was always the kid with the camera. So, I said, what can I do to grow this company? I decided to branch out and start doing Instagram and YouTube . . . that alone completely reshaped our business.” White’s footage focuses on the people, personalities and activities taking place on the ground, on the road or in the pit. These videos and accompanying photos offer viewers a chance to see what it’s like to work with the contractor and their team, and that provides a huge benefit when it comes to recruitment, White noted. It’s especially helpful in countering the labour shortage that construction faces by reaching an audience that is ready and eager to work. “If I tell people that I have no problem hiring people in 2021, they look at me like I’ve got four heads, saying ‘what do you mean? We can’t even hire anybody to hold a shovel,’” White described. “I get maybe eight to 10 job applications sent to us a week, and we’re not even actively seeking to hire people right now. Social media is exactly how we have been able to get in that spotlight.”

CONNECTING TO YOUNGER OPERATORS GETS ONLINE BOOST White’s audience is mostly blue-collar 18- to 35-year-old males, and that’s exactly the target demographic he wants to hire when the opportunity arises. That audience is looking to work, and is also connected to the internet in a big way. “If you want to find the young people to bring into the industry to work for you, where are they? When they’re waiting for

the machines to warm up in the morning, they’re on Instagram or TikTok or YouTube. When they’re on coffee break, they’re on Instagram or YouTube or TikTok. Same thing on lunch and when they get home at night,” White said. “I’m there, so when they open their phones they see me, they see Ken White Construction, they see our team and what we’re doing. That’s how you get in front of them.” Being a family company in a small community makes it easier to put out the content White does – he once did social media for a larger company and found it was too difficult to navigate the corporate channels. That hurts them in the long run, though, White suggests. “They need to change, and they need to adapt – they can, and they’ll have to or else they will have nobody that wants to work for them,” he said. “I want to see that change. I’m not doing it just for us, for me and my business – I want to see construction as a whole change and be more authentic, be more welcoming to different people.” As for his employees, White says they love being part of the company’s social media presence. “It creates an awesome culture. They’ll be at Cabela’s or Canadian Tire on the weekend, and they say people come up to them to say they love watching Ken White Construction stuff,” he described.

We live in a tech world – there’s always better technology coming out, and it’s more efficient for us. If you’re not doing it, you’re going to fall behind – you need to make the shift. Taylor White Director/Business Development, Ken White Construction

TECHNOLOGY GROWS ON JOB SITE

When you’re finding employees through the internet, it makes sense that those employees are interested in exploring new technology on the job site. Ken White Construction is taking steps to do just that, White said. In 2021 the company purchased two new Cat excavators, both with 2D grade systems and auto dig installed – Ken White Construction has a strong relationship with Toromont and Battlefield Cat in the Ottawa region. “We had two different older operators and they were dead set against it . . . that machine not only saves on jobs because I don’t need to put a grade man out there doing septic beds or whatnot, but if we’re doing a job where I’d generally have to rent out a trench box because the hole’s seven feet deep, I can punch in my grade on the screen – the shovel goes down, it digs and nobody’s getting in the hole, nobody’s getting hurt,” White said. All of Ken White Construction’s excavators are equipped with another piece of technology that White is excited about – Rototilt tiltrotators. “We have two excavators, a 15-ton and a 25-ton, both with Rototilts on them. That’s something we added just this year. Even the old guys who had some pushback to it can’t believe what these buckets can do,” he said. “We specialize in demolitions as well, and bought sorting clamps for these machines – what you can do with the clamps being able to rotate 360 degrees, up and down is crazy.” The company has gone paperless on job sites, opting instead for iPads through which employees clock in, handle safety sheets, and use for other tasks. It’s not easy, White admits, either from a technical or team buy-in standpoint. “The different expenses I have now aren’t so much around printer ink, but my IT guy,” he noted. “Setting all this up and converting from paperwork to what we’re doing now was over the course of a year and a half, and it had a cost to get set up. Now that it’s running smoothly and working well, we’re seeing the return on it.” It also took some time to convince some old-school employees that paperless was the way to go, but even they have seen the difference it can make. That’s an important step for contrac-

CAT MACHINES, GRADE CONTROL, AND ROTOTILTS ARE KEY TO KEN WHITE CONSTRUCTION’S JOB SITE SUCCESS.

tors of all sizes to consider if they want to succeed. “If you’re not up with the times, you probably just need to sit back and let someone that does take over – because you have to. Same with social media. You might not want to do it, so hire someone that does, because you’re going to fall behind,” White said. “We live in a tech world – there’s always better technology coming out, and it’s more efficient for us. If you’re not doing it, you’re going to fall behind – you need to make the shift.”

MAINTAINING STEADY GROWTH

Down the road, White hopes to see the company’s trajectory continue on the path it has been on the past few years. “I’d like to see us keep adding quality men and women to the team, keep building stronger relationships with both residential and commercial clients, and get better and more efficient at our work,” he said. With social media powering recruitment and awareness, White said he has a plan in place to build the company up from its 18 staff to 100 within 10 years. “It’s super exciting, just knowing there’s bigger stuff coming in the future with growth in social media,” he said. “Those numbers keep growing, and the opportunities that come from it are really exciting.” HEG JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

CATERPILLAR DEBUTS RANGE OF NEW EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT

o wrap up 2021, Caterpillar introduced several new products and technologies including the 120 GC Motor Grader, the 651 Wheel Tractor-Scraper, the 900-series Medium Wheel Loaders, and the D4 Dozer. The company is focused on upgrades in machine efficiency, maintenance, and operator comfort, as well as the latest technologies.

966, 966 XE, 972, 972 XE WHEEL LOADERS

These next-generation wheel loaders bring a host of standard technologies to the 7- to 9-tonne (8- to 10-ton) wheel loader line to boost operator efficiency. The 966 and 972 models deliver consistently high bucket fill factors to increase productivity by up to 10 percent. Their design extends fluid and filter change intervals to lower maintenance costs by up to 20 percent compared to the previous models. The Caterpillar designed and manufactured continuous variable transmission (CVT) of the 966 XE and 972 XE loaders to improve fuel efficiencies up to 35 percent. All four models in the updated loader series feature standard Cat Payload with Assist for accurate weighing of bucket payloads, so operators can load to target the first time, every time. Real-time data is fed to the operator display and allows manual tip-off function to improve final bucket adjustments and truckload accuracy. The new Cat Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers high bucket fill factors for the wheel loaders. It fully automates bucket loading to improve fill factors and decrease loading time. Working

The new loaders feature Caterpillar’s next generation of ride control that works as a shock absorber to improve ride quality over rough terrain.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

in conjunction with Autodig, Auto Set Tires promotes proper loading techniques to reduce tire slip and wear. The system integration of the CVT powertrain, engine, hydraulic and cooling systems as part of the 966 XE and 972 XE results in increased performance and fuel efficiency. Without the torque converter of mechanical drive systems, these loaders independently control engine rpm and machine speed to provide efficient digging, fine control, and operation. The CVT design brings smooth, fast accelerations and high speeds on grade. Machine maneuvering on grade is enhanced through speed-hold and anti-rollback features. These models have maintenance intervals extended to 1,000 hours and 500-hour service intervals have been eliminated. An integrated optional Autolube reduces daily maintenance and increases component service life, and easy access to hydraulic and electric service centres makes servicing the loaders fast and easy. Combined, these design updates reduce maintenance costs up to 20 percent for the Cat 966 and 972 models and up to 25 percent for 966 XE and 972 XE loaders. The new loaders feature Caterpillar’s next generation of ride control that works as a shock absorber to improve ride quality over rough terrain. The cab includes sound suppression, seals, and viscous mounts to decrease noise levels. And a wide door that unlocks remotely from the ground, plus inclined steps, together improve cab ingress/egress. The cab windshield extends from floor-to-ceiling to improve forward visibility, while a standard rear-vision camera and large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors give all-around visibility. Cat Detect radar, which alerts operators to hazards, and a multi-view (360-degree) vision system are options that provide an extra level of monitoring. Available in capacities ranging from 2.8 to 14.0 m3 (3.75 to

972 XE WHEEL LOADER

18.25 yd3) for the new 966 and 972 loader series, Cat Performance Series buckets balance shape against the machine’s linkage for higher fill factors and better material retention than other designs with the same rated capacity. Fusion Quick Coupler buckets permit rapid work tool changes without leaving the cab.

D4 DOZER

The latest D4 weighs in at 29,259 pounds (13,272 kg), with a net power of 130 hp (97 kW). The D4 LGP (low ground pressure) has an operating weight of 30,882 pounds (14,008 kg). Its lower sloping hood line provides up to 30 percent better visibility to the area in front of the blade. The new sightlines mean the visual distance between the blade and the material pile is shortened by about 40 percent, so less time is spent backing up to get a full view of the material. In the cab, operators will find a more comfortable seat with improved suspension and multiple adjustments for personalized comfort. An easy-to-use 10-inch (254-mm) touchscreen main display puts machine settings and features in easy view. A standard high-definition rear-view camera shows prominently in the main display. The D4 includes several standard technology features aimed at helping operators work more efficiently, regardless of experience level. The cab also offers optimal interior mounting locations that make it simple to install the grade control system of choice. Other tech includes Slope Indicate, Stable Blade, and Traction Control. An optional technology package includes the standard technology features, plus Cat Grade with Slope Assist and the Factory Attachment Ready Option (ARO), which provides the hardware for mounting any brand of grade control system.

D4 DOZER

New sightlines mean the visual distance between the blade and the material pile is shortened by about 40 percent, so less time is spent backing up to get a full view of the material. Factory integrated Cat Grade with 3D can be added. The system uses a GPS signal to automatically adjust blade movements – both lift and tilt – as the operator follows the design plan. Antennas and receivers are housed in a low-profile roof-mounted spoiler. An intuitive 10-inch (254-mm) Grade operator interface works like a smartphone. The Android OS platform allows the installation of custom apps for more versatility. AutoCarry is also packaged with Grade with 3D, automating blade lift to help get more consistent blade loads with each pass and reduce track slip. Longer service intervals contribute to up to 7 percent lower maintenance costs. Engine oil/engine oil filter service interval has been extended to 1,000 hours. Service intervals have also been extended on the air cleaner and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) pump filter. The D4 is available in Standard or Low Ground Pressure (LGP) configurations. A Variable Pitch Angle Tilt (VPAT) blade is standard, with an option for a foldable VPAT blade to reduce transport width. JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

All-wheel drive (that comes with increased engine power) is available for increased traction and improves performance on slopes and with poor underfoot conditions.

120 GC MOTOR GRADER

The new 120 GC Motor Grader has reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and easy-to-operate controls. Its powershift transmission and balanced machine design ensure appropriate drawbar power to the ground with the fuel-efficient Cat C4.4 engine. Adapting engine power and torque to application demands, the 120 GC has an electronic throttle control to improve grading productivity. The matched engine power ranges for the standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, standard Eco mode operation increases fuel economy up to five percent. It has a hydraulic cooling fan, with an optional reversing fan for high debris applications, that only runs when necessary to further reduce fuel consumption. The steering wheel and lever layout are consistent with the 140 and 160K models and the hydraulic system provides precise and predictable control for a consistent grade. Its transmission with torque converter eliminates the need for an inching pedal, so only the throttle and brake pedals are needed. There are a number of options available to meet the specific

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

needs of an operator. An optional Digital Blade Slope Meter shows the operator the grade without relying on manual grade checkers. All-wheel drive (that comes with increased engine power) is available for increased traction and improves performance on slopes and with poor underfoot conditions. There is a cab choice of standard or low-profile to reduce overall transport height to 3.12 m (10.25 feet). The cab offers an option between mechanical or air suspension seats, while the control console and the steering wheel can be adjusted to the operator’s preference. Pressurized to prevent debris entry, the cab’s optional HVAC system circulates fresh air to keep the windows from fogging.

651 WHEEL TRACTOR-SCRAPER

Caterpillar has relaunched the 651 wheel tractor-scraper (WTS) with improvements to the powertrain, controls, hydraulics, and structure, designed to deliver higher levels of productivity. Offering 33.6 m3 (44 yd3) heaped capacity and 46.4 tonnes (52 tons) rated load, the new WTS shares the same bowl design and many components as the 657, allowing companies with mixed fleets to stock fewer repair parts.

651 TRACTOR-SCRAPER

the right side and rear of the machine on a 178-mm (7-inch) in-cab colour display. The scraper’s new ground speed control allows the operator to set the desired top speed, and the machine will find the gear that works best for the engine and transmission to lower engine load factor and fuel burn. When operating on a decline, the 651 detects a machine overspeed situation and automatically engages the compression brakes with no operator input.

120 GC MOTOR GRADER

The scraper’s new Advanced Productivity Electronic Control System (APECS) fully integrates the transmission and engine drivetrain for smooth and responsive shifts, allowing the 651 to move more material faster. An electronic clutch pressure control has advanced shift control logic for smoother speed and directional shifts, while part-throttle shifting controls transmission shifts for smoother shifting between gears. Its single-engine design with the Cat C18 engine powers the tractor with 469 kW (629 hp) and meets EU Stage V/U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. The 8-speed transmission can reach a top speed of 56.1 km/h (34.8 mph). The 651 improves operator comfort by using the same, larger cab as the 657. The heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been relocated to below the cab and the steering column and pedal have been repositioned helping to improve visibility. The new comfort seat rotates up to 30 degrees to the right for loading and offers an additional 51 mm (2 inches) of fore/aft movement to reduce operating fatigue. To improve visibility and safety, there are three camera locations for the optional Work Area Vision System (WAVS). It shows JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

LBX COMPANY

THREE EXCAVATORS WITH ENHANCED UNDERCARRIAGES FOR RUGGED WORK

BX Company has released three new heavy-duty excavators for the North American market. The 210 X4 HD, 250 X4 HD, and 300 X4 HD are all purpose-built for challenging applications including demolition, land clearing, heavy-duty excavating, and pipeline work, the company states. “These Heavy Duty machines give our dealers and customers the ability to buy a machine that has been designed and engineered specifically for tougher applications,” said Chris Wise, market development manager at LBX. Wise said the new machines are built with an aggressive stance and use upsized components, full track guards, and stronger carrier rollers to protect against rock and debris. LBX Heavy Duty models arrive from the factory with a high-wide and heavy-duty undercarriage designed with larger components that add durability, strength, and performance. Compared to standard LBX machines, the new models offer an 11 to 17 percent wider stance, as well as 40 to 50 percent higher ground clearance, which gives them stability and higher lift capacities to handle rugged work situations. Travelling performance is also improved, with up to a 30 percent increase in drawbar pull. All of the new models come with standard double bar grous-

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

LBX 250 X4 HD HEAVY-DUTY EXCAVATOR

ers to give additional traction on rough terrain. In addition, HD attachments feature a high lift bracket for a greater working range and increased lift capacities. Built from the LBX X4 platform, the Heavy Duty models offer lower operating costs, the company states. All are powered by Isuzu Tier 4 Final engines that deliver exceptional power and low fuel/DEF consumption without the use of a diesel particulate filter to maintain. The X4 cab has numerous features, including a high-resolution 7-inch LCD monitor, excellent visibility through a standard rear-view camera, a high-back air suspension seat with heat and tilt functionality, on-board Bluetooth, Free Swing, and straight travel pedal – all factory equipped. In addition, all models come standard with combination hydraulics and proportional joysticks for added tool versatility and performance. The machines are backed by a three-year/3,000-hour full machine warranty, a five-year/3,000-hour SPA Emissions Warranty, and a three-year/10,000-hour structural warranty. All regular maintenance items are easy to reach. RemoteCARE offers 24/7 remote monitoring, machine health, and security features, and is included on each of these models with no subscription charges or fees.

DOOSAN INFRACORE NORTH AMERICA TO ENTER CRAWLER DOZER MARKET IN 2022

oosan Infracore North America is kicking off its new era as part of the Hyundai Genuine group with entry into the small dozer market in Q3 2022. The first model, the DD100, is currently in the prototype stage. Aaron Kleingartner, product & dealer marketing manager with Doosan Infracore North America, says that the company saw opportunity in this size class as small dozers under 140 hp make up 50 percent of the dozer market. The introduction of the company’s first dozer is part of its overall initiative to launch more machines in a greater range of product categories, providing dealers with a fuller range of Doosan machines for their customers. The introduction of the dozer follows the launch of the company’s -7 wheel loader line and will coincide with the introduction of the first Doosan-manufactured mini excavators for North America and the introduction of Doosan’s -7 crawler excavator lineup. By the end of 2022, Doosan’s excavator range for North America will span from 2.7 to 100 metric tons. According to Doosan, this new dozer will deliver more engine horsepower than any other dozer of its size currently in the market, with 122 hp. Operating weight will be 25,309 pounds, and there will be two undercarriage options available – low ground pressure and standard. Electrohydraulic controls will be standard and operators will find commonality with other Doosan machines in the cab. The cab will feature an 8-inch Smart Touch display, and operators will have expansive visibility with minimized front pillars, maximum glass area and a standard rear-view camera. Optional 3D Machine Guidance and 3D Machine Control will be available.

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MACHINE CONTROL

Q&A

RANDY NOLAND, HEMISPHERE GNSS VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Randy Noland, the vice president of Global Sales and Business Development for Hemisphere GNSS, has a message for contractors and operators: If you are going to compete, you need to invest in some kind of machine control system. Noland says, “It makes everything easier, more accurate, and safer.” I sat down with Noland to talk about the growing use of machine control and the efforts being made by Hemisphere GNSS to accelerate the trend.

BY ARTURO SANTIAGO, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Arturo Santiago

For the uninitiated, what is the difference between GNSS technology and GPS technology?

Randy Noland

GPS was the first positioning satellite technology developed by the US Military. As more countries commissioned their own constellations, it warranted a more inclusive term, which is global navigation satellite system (GNSS). So, it’s GPS, plus the additional constellations that come online. Depending on the application, I would say there’s very few GPS-only high-accuracy positioning systems. GNSS makes the performance way better. Nowadays, it’s common to lock onto 46+ satellites.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

You have mentioned that Hemisphere GNSS has a different approach to raising machine control adoption. Could you expand on that? We are taking a unique approach to the market, indeed. Trimble, Topcon, and Leica, they’ve all done a great job bringing the technology to the market and continuing to raise the technological bar. They have a successful model for the upper segment of the market. But with all that success, only 15 to 20 percent of the available global market has adopted the technology. We believe the time is now to address the remaining, underserved segment. The smallto medium-size companies can absolutely benefit from machine control and guidance technology for supported machines, compact to the largest. There are several barriers to entry to bringing the other 80 percent on board, complexity and price

Hemisphere GNSS is targeting small- to medium-size companies that can benefit from machine control and guidance technology.

being two good examples. We have developed machine control solutions that are more powerful yet simpler to use and at a price that is 30 to 50 percent less. That means new users get up to speed faster realizing productivity benefits in less time. Our value proposition means faster ROIs especially on compact machines such as mini excavators. We believe this approach is the right next step to accelerate adoption.

Can you provide more detail on Hemisphere GNSS’s value proposition? In addition to higher performance and real-world, site smart software features, our systems play well with mixed fleets meaning multi-brand GNSS systems, radios, and various file formats. This is key for companies that have already made an investment in machine control and those new users entering the market concerned about how compatible their investment will be into the future. We fit right in.

We also provide all GNSS signals with no software or firmware upgrade fees, all standard with our GradeMetrix excavator and dozer solutions. So, our solutions are not only affordable upfront, but we also boast a much lower cost of ownership.

AS Is your pricing the same for a 2D system as it is for a 3D system? That’s a great question. GradeMetrix excavator and dozer solutions include 2D functionality, 2.5D functionality (in field design) and full 3D functionality, all standard – no upgrades here. For 2D you add the laser transmitter and receiver. We believe it is key to include these features to better justify adoption for new users. Smaller and mid-size contractors typically work in a variety of applications. It is a “Swiss Army knife” easily providing the right tool for the job. It’s a very strong solution. It really is. There’s just nothing as robust, flexible, as high performance, that’s even close – especially at the price. JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

MACHINE CONTROL

Hemisphere GNSS builds turnkey systems for the aftermarket.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

Do you see this value proposition as a machine control industry disruptor?

I think it is disruptive by addressing the larger, underserved portion of the market. I don’t expect we are disruptive to the traditional providers. We really aren’t swinging toe to toe with those companies. The volume of our sales are the compact machines, the non-user, the smaller to mid-size companies. Our customer is the un-adopter, the non-user, not the established players so much. Having said that, we have several large users working with some of the world’s largest machines.

Moving forward, is your company’s focus going to be on providing aftermarket systems, or on providing OEMs their factory-installed systems? We started out with OEMs and that continues to be a great business for us. But the demand for aftermarket systems was so strong we made the decision to build turnkey solutions and to build a new channel to address that market. We are pleased with the validation of our approach and encouraged by the success. Our customers continue to give us great feedback.

Will the trend of installing machine control systems into compact equipment continue to grow?

Yes. Compact machines are prime customers for our technology. This trend will continue to represent a lot of our business. Hemisphere’s GradeMetrix and SiteMetrix products offer the greatest ROI for compact machines especially. Companies are realizing the productivity gains positioning technology offers. Of course, an ROI for a compact machine is compounded for larger machines. It’s a win-win for our customers.

Where do you see the machine control industry heading in terms of progress, setbacks, the effects of new infrastructure dollars, etc.?

The technology is on fire right now. All providers should be doing very well. Autonomous vehicles, on road and off, fuel the adoption. Telematics that connects machines and processes provides unprecedented views of production analysis in real time. The safety benefits are also incredibly compelling. The technology will become more integrated into new machines and aftermarket systems will grow to outfit existing machines. These are very exciting times! HEG

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MACHINE CONTROL

DOZERS AND EXCAVATORS CAN BOTH BENEFIT FROM USING MC-MAX ON THEIR JOB SITES.

TOPCON POSITIONING GROUP

SCALABLE MACHINE CONTROL SOLUTION FOR MIXED-FLEET OPERATIONS

opcon has introduced the MC-Max machine control solution, a scalable option for mixed-fleet heavy equipment environments that is based on the company’s MC-X machine control platform and backed by Sitelink3D, a real-time cloud-based data management ecosystem. MC-Max is designed to adapt to owners’ machine control and data integration needs as their fleets and workflows expand. With increased processing power, speed, accuracy, versatility, and reliability, MC-Max can be installed on a full range of dozers and excavators, using the same basic modular components. Modern, redesigned user and product interfaces were developed based on real-world applications and customer feedback, and provide a simpler and immersive user experience that allows operators to learn the system easily. “With MC-Max, we’ve created a solution that is flexible and can continue to grow as a contractor’s needs and capabilities expand,” said Jamie Williamson, executive vice president, Topcon Positioning Group. “This new solution provides improved scalability and precision in the field and offers business owners real-time data integration, connectivity, and resource management capabilities across their entire workflow.” MC-Max on dozers and excavators offers easily optimized systems that can be adjusted without leaving the cab. It’s designed to give machines the capability for managing many aspects of

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

the excavating and grade checking process, removing human surveyors and grade checkers from the trenches and freeing them up for other tasks. The MC-Max system is capable of switching guidance modes quickly depending on the job site conditions. In cases where the machine has plenty of sky visible, satellite GNSS or GPS guidance is used, but in other situations where those satellites are blocked, it can swap quickly to total stations for positioning and machine control operations. The MC-Max solution offers flexible mounting solutions, as well as optional automatic blade and bucket control for a variety of machines. The system also provides a full battery of positioning technologies ranging from slope control to laser, multi-constellation GNSS, robotic total station, and Millimeter GPS systems. Topcon’s MC-X platform helps make machine control easier to use as well as improving affordability. It integrates cloudbased and onboard services to improve operations, and offers flexibility with support for numerous technologies like elevation sensors, internal measurement units, and GNSS receivers. The platform ties together mixed fleets by interacting with multiple versions of 3D-MC, providing connectivity to Sitelink3D and taking advantage of the multi-constellation capabilities of GNSS antennas.

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MACHINE CONTROL

SMOOTHING IT OUT: TIPS TO GET THE MOST FROM MACHINE CONTROL ON DOZERS AND GRADERS BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

or contractors who go from moving large amounts of dirt to finishing grades on their job sites, precision is a must. Dozers and motor graders, with their broad blades and fine adjustment capability, are ideal tools for precision work – and the addition of machine control only makes that task easier to complete. The argument for machine control use on motor graders and dozers is a simple one: it adds efficiency and reduces overall cost in many ways. And, according to CASE Construction Equipment Product and Marketing Manager Jeremy Dulak, it is more and more an important part of any earthmoving contractor’s tool set. “Let’s be honest: there are very few earthmoving applications that won’t benefit from machine control in one way, shape, or form. And, as acceptance and options increase, the contractors you are bidding against on a regular basis may already be using it to streamline their operations, to make their bids more aggressive,” Dulak said.

LEVELS OF CONTROL DIFFER BASED ON NEED

Grade control systems generally offer the operator much of the same information and benefits on either a dozer or a grader, since they tend to perform much of the same function especially when it comes to final grading. As with other types of machines using these kinds of systems, the level of control can differ. Nathaniel Waldschmidt, CASE product manager, noted that the solutions can run the gamut from simple to complex. “Many of these solutions are guidance- or indicate-only solutions; this means that it is providing the operator with feedback on the screen in the cab that guides his or her actions. So, this solution still relies entirely on the input of the operator,” Waldschmidt pointed out. “It is simply letting them know where they are as it relates to their desired result and helps them dial in their work from there.” A step above the simple guidance indicators are automatic

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

THE USE OF MACHINE CONTROL ON DOZERS AND GRADERS CAN IMPROVE ACCURACY AND REDUCE COSTS.

solutions, which truly incorporate the concept of machine control. In those cases, the system has the capacity to take over the hydraulics of machine and blade based on input data and models. It’s especially useful when it comes to working with 3D models, Waldschmidt noted. The difference between 2D guidance and 3D control solutions may seem to be a big jump in technology, but Product Manager Richie Snyder said that many of the components are similar, making it easy to shift from one to the other when necessary. A 2D system generally involves setting an external point of reference and inputting a slope that the operator needs to reach on the grade they are producing. Depending on the solution being used, the system may use indicate to have the operator provide input, or run automatically. Units may use one or two masts on a machine; Snyder noted that CASE’s SiteControl CoPilot system uses no masts, GPS, or lasers at all, instead relying on sensors to adjust the position of the blade, calculated from grade and slope specs input by the operator, and holds that grade as it works. Stepping up to 3D is where, Snyder said, “Things get really fun, and allow you to expand beyond working with just a slope or plane.” A pre-built model of the job site is input into the machine control solution, and the job becomes akin to a video game, Snyder said. “These systems can be indicate-only, but reach the full potential of machine control when they’re automatic,” he said. “You do need some additional geospatial technologies to make this work, such as a GPS or GNSS receiver, or universal total station. These systems still allow you to do plane and slope work, but really simplify those more complex curves and site plans.” Selecting the right version of machine control for a grader or dozer depends on the type of job, Waldschmidt said. A 2D system is great for simpler jobs – typically, working on a single

THREE OPTIONS FOR ADDING MACHINE CONTROL

There are very few earthmoving applications that won’t benefit from machine control in one way, shape, or form. And, as acceptance and options increase, the contractors you are bidding against on a regular basis may already be using it to streamline their operations. Jeremy Dulak Construction Equipment Product and Marketing Manager, CASE Construction Equipment slope, from a fixed point of reference, or building driveways, parking lots or final grades in simple situations. “3D is for more complex projects – large commercial developments, large highway and infrastructure projects, where there are countless points of reference throughout the sites that must be hit to ensure stability, water flow and the overall aesthetics of the project,” Waldschmidt described. “3D systems put the machine within the total site plan and help ensure that the earthmoving you’re doing is what is needed and works within the flow of the whole site And, it makes things like contouring and more complex design flourishes considerably easier.”

Contractors looking into including machine control as part of their dozer or grader fleet have a number of routes they can follow, Snyder noted, with factory-fit systems becoming more popular. “You can do it aftermarket, you can do it at the time of purchase with an aftermarket solution, or you can do it at the time of purchase with a factory fit solution,” he said. “Aftermarket is pretty self-explanatory – you own a machine or have bought one and in this case, you then work with your CASE machine control certified dealer to determine the best solution for that equipment.” Aftermarket systems require installation time, which means the machine is down for a certain timeframe as the equipment is added and system calibrated. That needs to be kept in mind from a planning perspective. In addition, it is a separate transaction from the machine purchase, Snyder noted. If buyers know they want machine control on their dozer or grader ahead of time, then they can work with their dealer to get the right aftermarket system for their needs. Users can start with a 2D system and scale up as their needs change. Factory fit systems, however – like those recently introduced for CASE dozers – add more simplicity to the process, Dulak said. “Factory fit provides a few strong advantages. Working with your certified CASE dealer, you can group the system that best fits your needs with the purchase of the machine. This combines all elements of the investment into a single payment, a single financing package and a single interest rate,” he explained. “The factory fit solution also ensures that when the machine arrives at the dealer, it’s just about ready to go – the machine and system are purpose-built together, ready to work.” An additional bonus to ordering a purpose-built machine control system is an increase in the machine’s residual value when it’s resold down the line. “Its second owner will be confident that the system was purpose-built with the machine, and it meets all the quality and performance standards intended,” Dulak said. HEG

WHETHER A FACTORY FIT SYSTEM OR AFTERMARKET, MACHINE CONTROL OFFERS DOZER OR GRADER OPERATORS A MORE EFFICIENT WAY OF REACHING GRADE CORRECTLY EVERY TIME.

JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

TRUCKS & TRANSPORTATION

CHEVROLET SURGES FORWARD WITH REDESIGNED SILVERADO EV WORK TRUCK MODEL TO LEAD THE WAY AS DELIVERIES BEGIN IN 2023 BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

hevrolet is positioning itself to launch a broad range of electric vehicles in coming years as part of a corporate effort to reduce its emissions footprint as a whole. That goal charged forward with the launch of the 2024 Silverado EV, the company’s first full-size pickup powered by its Ultium EV platform. The fully redesigned truck is expected to hit the market in 2023 with a work truck model targeted toward fleet buyers, followed by consumer options and sporty choices afterward. The first vehicles to reach the market are estimated by Chevrolet to have a range of 640 kilometres (400 miles), with further battery options expected later on.

The Ultium platform gave the truck’s design team a clean slate to work from, leveraging the available 24-module Ultium battery pack as part of the fundamental structure. The body architecture allows the truck’s impressive range, while maintaining the capabilities Silverado buyers have come to expect from the pickup over time. Ultium also offers fast charging times for buyers – the standard DC fast charging capacity of up to 350 kW can add approximately 100 miles of range in ten minutes. Other design features include independent front and rear suspension, four-wheel steer capability, and automatic adaptive air suspension.

GROUND-UP ELECTRIC REDESIGN

LIGHTING UP PERFORMANCE NUMBERS

Chevrolet took the opportunity of developing an electric truck to completely revamp its iconic Silverado to meet the challenge and to ensure it paired well with the Ultium EV platform. “The all-electric Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup is designed from the ground up to be an EV, harnessing the Ultium platform and the Silverado’s proven capability,” said Michael MacPhee, brand director, Chevrolet Canada. “The Silverado EV is redefining the boundaries of the full-size pickup segment, taking what you thought was possible and completely breaking the mold.”

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

As with other electric vehicles, the Silverado EV should be quick to accelerate and offer plenty of performance for work or play. GM estimates that the fully loaded RST model will offer 664 hp and 780 foot-pounds of torque, with a 0–60 mph elapsed time of under four seconds. That will give the RST an estimated towing capability of 10,000 pounds along with a 1,300-pound payload. The Work Truck trim has similar capability and provides a value proposition for fleets, with a 510-hp rating and 615 foot-pounds of torque available at launch. Users will be able to pull 8,000 pounds with the WT package, and haul 1,200

THE ETRUNK AT THE FRONT OF THE SILVERADO EV IS ONE OF MANY SPACE-MAKING UPDATES TO THE PICKUP.

A WORK TRUCK MODEL TARGETED AT FLEETS WILL BE THE FIRST SILVERADO EV TO ARRIVE IN SPRING OF 2023.

pounds of payload. “The Silverado EV will check all the boxes that fleet customers have been looking for in an all-electric work-capable truck,” said Dave Watson, director of fleet for GM Canada. “We’re excited to launch the Silverado EV to fleet customers in Canada; this truck will help them begin the transition to an all-electric fleet and assist them in achieving their own sustainability goals.”

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN INSIDE AND OUT

An entirely new truck offered designers a variety of new opportunities to update storage, comfort and technology on the Silverado EV. Up front, the truck’s eTrunk is weatherproof and lockable, providing space for a large hard side suitcase and a range of accessory options. Further back, the bed on the RST takes advantage of the available Multi-Flex Midgate, an opening that provides about nine feet of length between the cab and tailgate. A 60/40 split rear seat allows users to haul equipment and still accommodate a passenger, and the available Multi-Flex Tailgate gives a full ten feet of load floor length in certain configurations. Finally, an available tonneau cover can protect material in the bed in a fully lockable, weatherproof storage compartment. Inside the cab, storage has been expanded as well; in the RST, the modular console has a capacity of just over 26 litres,

THE INTERIOR HAS BEEN REDESIGNED, AND THE RST TRIM INCLUDES NUMEROUS TECHNOLOGY AND COMFORT FEATURES.

offering space for a lunch cooler to easily fit inside. The RST also features a fixed-glass roof, providing more headroom and great visibility.

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE

The Silverado features a range of technology options, depending on the trim level, and includes GM’s Ultifi software architecture that allows for owners to continue customizing their trucks into the future. Ultifi11 is a Linux-based software platform designed in-house at GM to separate vehicle software from hardware, allowing for easier, faster, and more frequent software updates. Drivers can adjust the capabilities of their vehicle using Ultifi updates and cloud services, providing more flexibility. Drivers can also take advantage of the available trailering-capable Super Cruise 7, what Chevrolet calls the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance technology, which allows drivers to travel hands-free on more than 320,000 kilometres (200,000 miles) of divided and compatible highways across Canada and the U.S. Chevrolet has opened reservations for the 2024 Silverado EV; the WT model is expected to be on the market in spring of 2023 at a price of just over $52,000 Canadian, while the fully loaded RST will arrive in fall of 2023 at an MSRP of just under $120,000 Canadian. HEG JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

Hydraulic Maintenance 101

HOW TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ON A MID-SIZE CRAWLER EXCAVATOR BY RACHEL ORI

t the heart of a crawler excavator is its hydraulic system. Without a properly maintained hydraulic system, it’s impossible for an excavator to work efficiently. With regular maintenance, a crawler excavator’s hydraulic system should perform well season after season. Without consistent care, there is potential for real risk for both the machine and the operator.

HYDRAULICS 101

Originally called the hydraulic excavator, a crawler excavator is controlled, unsurprisingly, hydraulically. An excavator’s hydraulic system allows small forces to be converted into big forces. “Nearly every part of an excavator is tied to its hydraulic system,” says Aaron Kleingartner, product and dealer marketing manager, Doosan Infracore North America. “For example, the excavator’s diesel engine is connected to the hydraulic pump. The pump supplies the flow and pressure to the various functions of the machine. As the pump spins, oil travels through the system, allowing the excavator’s tracks, boom, arm and bucket to operate.” The excavator’s front workgroup can be precisely controlled with fine movements of the joystick controls. The hydraulic travel motors are what makes a machine move from point A to point B on a job site. Most machines have 2-speed travel motors; high range for travelling and low range for better power when working. When an excavator needs to turn while travelling, some machines will auto downshift into a low range to more effectively manage the turn.

HOW IMPORTANT IS FLUID?

Hydraulic systems run on fluid. The correct fluid, specifically oil, should flow through an excavator seamlessly. There are additives within the hydraulic oil that can help keep the components, or the entire system, clean. Additives ensure that any water or condensation that makes its way into the tank is separated properly. Water separators can assist with that process; however, they need to be drained regularly to keep the systems running optimally. “Quality hydraulic oil is necessary to ensure the crawler excavator is working properly,” Kleingartner says. But what if the wrong or contaminated fluid makes its way into the machine’s hydraulic system? “The machine simply won’t run properly,” he says. “If you suspect that the incorrect fluid has entered the hydraulic system, it’s best practice to speak to your service technician or dealer as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the system.” It’s also highly recommended to keep track of how often the excavator’s hydraulic oil is changed. For a standard, mid-

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

When examining the machine’s hydraulic pipes and hoses, you or your operator should specifically note if they’re well-secured to the excavator. Aaron Kleingartner Product and Dealer Marketing Manager, Doosan Infracore North America size crawler excavator, the oil should be changed every 2,000 operating hours. Additionally, for every eight to 10 hours of work time, it’s suggested that an operator checks the hydraulic oil level to ensure everything is working properly. Owners and operators should follow the prescribed maintenance schedule in the machine’s Operation and Maintenance Manual. Every new machine should come with this manual. If you don’t have a copy, contact your dealer to order a replacement or get access to an electronic version. “If the excavator’s hydraulic oil is never changed, it will age and can cause buildup of contaminants in the machine’s hydraulic system,” Kleingartner says. “The old oil can damage other components of the hydraulic system, leading to a reduction of the machine’s overall efficiency.”

DAILY MAINTENANCE

As you or your excavator operators prepare for work, they should perform a machine walkaround. They should check the machine’s overall condition. Particularly, they should look for any leaks or damaged hydraulic pipes or hoses. Making sure that nothing looks suspicious before operation may prevent a headache later on if something goes wrong. “When examining the machine’s hydraulic pipes and hoses, you or your operator should specifically note if they’re well-secured to the excavator,” Kleingartner says. “If not, the mounting hardware should be fixed immediately. A damaged hydraulic

hose could vibrate excessively and may leak oil. Any sign of wear on pipes and hoses should be addressed as soon as possible.” Work with your local dealer to make sure the hydraulic pipes and hoses are installed and maintained properly to avoid unplanned machine downtime. If there is a hydraulic oil leak, be sure to address it and avoid contamination.

PREPARE FOR STORAGE

When it comes to long-term maintenance, properly preparing a machine to be stored during winter is a crucial step. If you need a refresher on storage procedures for your excavator, refer to your Operation and Maintenance Manual. “Before storing your machine during winter, ensure that all fluids are topped off and any water is drained from the hydraulic system,” Kleingartner says. “If the water isn’t drained from the system, this can potentially lead to a frozen or busted pipe. Additionally, if there is a slow hydraulic leak that sits for multiple months, it can lead to a negative environmental impact. All of this can be avoided by doing one last walkaround before storage. You may want to periodically check your machines during winter if they sit for an extended time.” As the snow melts and the ground thaws, you should prepare your machine to get back up and running. Check that there weren’t any leaks during winter storage. If there are any, be sure to repair them before operating the machine

WARM-UPS

In warmer months, you or your operator needs less time to get your excavator up and running. However, during colder months, it’s important to follow the machine’s hydraulic system warm-up process. The excavator’s hydraulic system runs more efficiently when the hydraulic oil flows smoothly, especially in the colder months. In cold weather, the hydraulic oil may become thicker than normal. To combat that, many manufacturers offer a hydraulic system warm-up procedure. The warm-up procedure allows the hydraulic system to reach an ideal operating temperature. The pressure of the hydraulic system helps to increase the temperature, allowing the oil to flow through the machine more easily. This gradual warm-up is less harmful to other machine components than if you or your operator immediately tries to operate a machine in colder weather.

PROTECTING HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS Some parts of the excavator’s hydraulic system require little to no maintenance. For example, the hydraulic pump only needs to be checked periodically to ensure it’s mounted securely and working properly. Since it’s in the centre of the machine, it’s well protected by the other components. There are many other components, however, that need to be monitored. Hydraulic system components to examine more closely include the following: • The oil cooling system, a vital component of the hydraulic system, is located near the exterior of the excavator. This allows the cooling system to draw in cool air. • Machine panels, which typically cover vital components. It’s important to keep these panels clean and free of loose debris. Make sure the panels close and latch properly. • Cylinder guards, which can be both standard and optional components. Depending on your line of work, you may or may not need the guards. Inspect the guards to make sure they are properly mounted for operation.

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

The best way to prevent an injury when working on or around an excavator’s hydraulic system is to carefully follow the maintenance procedures. When working on a hydraulic system, you or your operator should wear the correct personal protection equipment (PPE). It’s highly recommended to protect your eyes and skin. Pressurized hydraulic oil can break the skin easily and make its way into your body. To prevent this injury, wear the proper PPE as identified in the Operation & Maintenance Manual when working on the hydraulic system. Additionally, be sure to wear well-fitting eye protection in case any liquid splashes or sprays. Immediately seek medical attention if any liquid makes contact with your eyes or breaks the skin. By following these recommendations, you can help make sure your crawler excavator’s hydraulic system is working properly and help to minimize any machine downtime.

RACHEL ORI works in Strategic Communications based in Des Moines, Iowa.

JANUARY 2022 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

FIVE WAYS TELEMATICS IMPROVES EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT TELEMATICS DATA HELPS CONTRACTORS MAKE JOB SITES MORE PRODUCTIVE

ow well a contractor manages equipment use on a project, and its fleet in general, can make the difference between a large profit and a small one – or even none at all. United Rentals, Inc.has suggestions for how companies can use telematics to track equipment and increase its utilization, properly maintain assets, and make smarter purchasing and rental decisions. Many contractors overspend by keeping rented equipment longer than necessary, underutilizing equipment they own or rent, and maintaining equipment before maintenance is needed or not maintaining it in time. Equipment with telematics provides remote monitoring of machines and vehicles, collecting and sending data on equipment usage, performance, and maintenance needs.

By identifying utilization of each unit, equipment telematics helps contractors manage the fine line between renting too little equipment and renting too much. With telematics, companies can learn most everything they want to know about equipment, such as location, number of operating hours, operator behaviour, and amount of fuel consumed. This data can be used by equipment management software to help contractors manage owned equipment and their rental fleet, including excavators, loaders, aerial work platforms, and more. “Telematics data is an essential ingredient to an effective fleet strategy that delivers positive impact to the business,” said Norty Turner, senior vice president, Services & Advanced Solutions, United Rentals. “By providing managers with the

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022

visibility they need of the location and utilization of equipment, telematics-based fleet tracking combined with equipment management software can make job sites more productive, cut project costs, and increase the bottom line.”

CONTRACTOR BENEFITS FROM LEVERAGING TELEMATICS

Here are five ways contractors can leverage telematics data to operate more safely and productively:

Track equipment location

Equipment has a way of sometimes hiding, especially on large job sites. A skid steer may be parked in the wrong place, or someone could be “holding” a boom lift in case it is needed again. Job site work can stop when crews need to search for essential equipment that is missing. Telematics systems equipped with GPS tracking can be integrated with equipment management software to locate machines on a map in real time. This visibility can stop time-consuming hunts for equipment. It can help managers right-size fleets. If a worksite has a dozer not in use, the contractor probably doesn’t need to buy or rent another one.

Reduce equipment theft and “borrowing”

When equipment is on an empty job site at night or on a weekend, it can be vulnerable to thieves or perhaps tempt crew members to make unauthorized use. GPS tracking and geofencing can prevent these situations. Contractors can use fleet management software to improve security by drawing a geofence around a job site or specific area the machine should stay in. An alert can be set in the system to notify the contractor if the machine exits that virtual boundary. Alerts can define work hours, so companies are alerted in real time if the machine is moved, or the ignition is started, outside those hours.

Boost utilization

Rental equipment often makes up a significant project expense. By identifying utilization of each unit, equipment telematics helps contractors manage the fine line between renting too little equipment and renting too much. Telematics devices provide a wide range of useful engine data, including engine hours. By running a utilization report in a fleet management app, a contractor can quickly see how many hours the machine was used in the past day, several days, week or month. Knowing equipment utilization helps companies understand how much equipment is needed for jobs, guiding purchase and rental decisions. It can even increase revenue by enabling a contractor to make more accurate bids in the future.

Benchmark performance against industry peers

Scoring equipment utilization against industry benchmarks can identify areas to enhance efficiency and calculate the financial gain that can be realized. Any equipment rental supplier should be able to provide a company with data about how its equipment is utilized by market segment, job type and equipment specification. Benchmarking provides an avenue for companies to rank every piece of rental equipment across their projects and job sites – gauging utilization and days past due against industry

norms. It can identify where equipment utilization practices fall among best-in-class, industry average, and room-for-improvement performance metrics.

Gain preventive maintenance efficiencies

Operators and managers can use telematics data about equipment and vehicles to determine when maintenance tasks are needed rather than schedule maintenance based on miles or time driven. This just-in-time maintenance means a contractor is not over- or under-scheduling shop time. Data-based maintenance can also help fleet managers better forecast maintenance budgets. The information can also be tapped by an equipment maintenance service provider supporting a company with a proactive, automated program of preventive maintenance and inspections customized to its specific needs.

UNITED RENTALS TELEMATICS SOLUTIONS

United Rentals offers telematics on 90 percent of the eligible equipment it rents. United Rentals Total Control is a cloudbased worksite management solution that allows companies to see all telematics-enabled equipment, both rented and owned, on the same maps, so no equipment goes to waste. Total Control provides utilization rate data and helps contractors identify underutilized equipment.

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Heavy Equipment Guide January 2022, Volume 37, Number 1

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