Heavy Equipment Guide November/December 2020, Volume 35, Number 10

HEAV Y EQUIPMENT GUIDE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

2020 TOP INTRODUCTIONS A YEAR OF GAME-CHANGING INNOVATIONS 12

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SENSOR TECHNOLOGY ADDS EFFICIENCY TO CONCRETE WORK 28 2021 PICKUP TRUCK REPORT 36 www.heavyequipmentguide.ca

MODERN TECH. CLASSIC STRENGTH. CASE Construction Equipment B Series skid steers and compact track loaders feature an all-new 8-inch LCD operator screen with backup camera; completely updated and simplified operator controls; even greater cab comfort; and while the machine looks the same on the outside, we’ve re-engineered its critical inner workings to stand up to what you and your jobsites face every day.

Learn more at CaseCE.com/BSeries

Š2020 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.

CLIMBING INTO YOUR 4X4 TRUCK AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT IS SUDDENLY A LET DOWN. MAKE EASY WORK OUT OF CHALLENGING CONDITIONS WITH THE ALL-NEW 460E-II AND 410E-II. With new features that help eliminate guesswork and optimize comfort, operators can focus on getting more done. Like three new drive modes and simplified transmission retarder controls that can be matched to job site conditions or your operator’s driving style. Plus, improved fuel burn* for the 460E-II means less refueling. Meanwhile, the updated hose routings and new sensors are designed to help improve uptime, and the quiet, pressurized cab with new primary display, optional premium heated/ventilated seat and auto temperature control makes easy work out of long shifts. Free your mind. Run Your World.

*Fuel consumption improvements based on comparison of 460E to 460EII.

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OPERATED BY YOU. Learn more at discoverdoosan.com/HEG

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

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Contents

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 35, NUMBER 10

2020 TOP INTRODUCTIONS

34 FEATURES 12 2020 Top Introductions

Our picks for the most exciting machines introduced this year

24 Pilot project puts first autonomous ADT on jobsite

SafeAI and Obayashi team up to test Cat truck in real-world situation

24

36 28 Sensor technology adds efficiency to concrete work 34 Site dumpers deliver versatile dirt management performance 36 Going electric: the latest on pickup electrification 38 2021 pickup trucks

SECTIONS 10 Spotlight 12 2020 Top Introductions 24 Earthmoving & Excavation 28 Concrete Construction 34 Compact Equipment

40 Past tire performance can help fleets make informed future tire decisions 42 Collaboration and communication benefit from AI in construction software Cover photo: The Doosan DX800LC-7 excavator.

DEPARTMENTS 36 2021 Pickup Truck Report 40 Equipment Maintenance & Management 42 Construction Business Management

8 Editor’s Letter 45 Advertiser Index 45 Highlights From the Web 46 Last Word NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 7

VIEWPOINT Looking back at a strange 2020

W

hat a long, strange trip 2020 has been, huh? Who would have thought, when we all tipped our glasses to say goodbye to 2019, that the year to come would turn out the way it has.

For the construction industry as a whole, 2020 has been a real roller coaster. Positive outlooks early in the year turned to some of the greatest uncertainty we’ve ever seen, followed by a slow, steady smoothing down to the oft-cited “new normal” that will carry on until we’ve reached a point that “coronavirus” can leave most of our vocabularies once again.

Our team here at Heavy Equipment Guide has experienced this all ourselves; we attended CONEXPO in March, and the day before we flew home had a nice group dinner; we haven’t all been in the same room since. We’re not alone in this, of course – remote work has become the norm for many manufacturers we work with, and I’m sure that many of you, readers, have spent a lot more time in home offices when you’re not on the jobsite.

Even so, 2020 has had some interesting and exciting developments come forward through the course of the year. In this issue of Heavy Equipment Guide, we look at some of these developments, most notably through our 2020 Top Introductions.

All things considered, manufacturers have continued to develop some exciting new launches that have broken through the year’s challenges to bring some excitement for our industry. I have mentioned before that the improvements to alternative power for heavy equipment is a big step forward for the industry, and to us the introduction of the CASE 580EV backhoe loader stood out in that regard. I’m sure that municipal customers – one of the early target markets for the machine – are excited about the opportunity to reduce both carbon emissions and fuel costs in their operations. We expect to see even more such moves going forward.

There are plenty of other new machine developments that caught our eye this year. Growth in integration between machine and technology has been a trend that is expanding steadily, for example, in all of our industry sectors from roadbuilding to excavation. Several manufacturers have launched new machines that expand the upper size range of their lines; Cat’s 395 and Doosan’s DX800LC-7 both stood out as new production-class excavators this year, for example. Vocational truck manufacturers have also brought forward new updates to their lines that add efficiency, cut costs and use technology to improve safety and driver comfort.

Even pickups have gotten in on big changes this year. The 2021 Ford F-150 introduced a hybrid engine option that can power an onboard generator – powerful enough to run heavy-duty portable tools and essentially serve as a mobile workshop. While we’re still waiting for the first truly electric pickup to be market-ready, several candidates are in the works, and we walk through those in this issue as well.

So, 2020 has been a strange trip for all of us, but it has also brought some exciting new developments – and now we wait to see how 2021 develops.

Personally, I’m hopeful – the trajectory of development in the construction industry is trending steadily upward, and after this year I expect to see more big announcements coming soon.

As a final note, 2021 will bring Heavy Equipment Guide its own change. Starting in January, for the first time in the publication’s 35-year history of serving Canada’s heavy construction industry, Heavy Equipment Guide will move from its traditional tabloid format to a standard magazine size.

We are excited about this change, which will offer us the ability to present the same industry-leading news and in-depth articles that our readers expect from Heavy Equipment Guide in new ways, as well as open some doors for us to provide new features in new ways.

Lee Toop Editor

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 10 EDITOR Lee Toop ltoop@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 315 EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 330 DIGITAL EDITOR Slone Fox sfox@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 335 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sam Esmaili sam@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 110 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Gilmour dgilmour@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 105 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Anderson production@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 222 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Morena Zanotto morena@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 325 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Ken Singer ksinger@baumpub.com; 604-291-9900 ext. 226 VICE PRESIDENT/CONTROLLER Melvin Date Chong mdatechong@baumpub.com FOUNDER Engelbert J. Baum Published by: Baum Publications Ltd. 124 - 2323 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC, Canada V5M 4V8 Tel: 604-291-9900 Toll Free: 1-888-286-3630 Fax: 604-291-1906 www.baumpub.com www.heavyequipmentguide.ca @HeavyEquipGuide FOR ALL CIRCULATION INQUIRES Phone: 1-855-329-1909 • Fax: 1-855-272-0972 e-mail: baumpublications@circlink.ca Subscription: To subscribe, renew your subscription, or change your address or other information, go to: http://mysubscription.ca/heg/ Heavy Equipment Guide serves the Canadian engineered construction industry including: road building 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.

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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 e­ xpressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Baum Publications Ltd. Copyright 2020, 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.

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AMACO EQUIPMENT 5804 Datsun Road, Mississauga, ON L4W 1H2 Phone: (905) 670-3440 Toll Free: 800-668-5355 info@amacocei.com

 MOBILE CRUSHING & SCREENING EQUIPMENT  50,000 LBS TO 150,000 LBS  NORTH AMERICAN PARTS & SERVICE HUB  DIESEL-ELECTRIC OR 100 % ELECTRIC SBM MINERAL PROCESSING NORTH AMERICA 650 RT. 112, St. Cesaire, Qc Jol 1t0, Canada P: 800-331-0043 – E-MAIL: americas@sbm-mp.at

SPOTLIGHT //

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

Keep up to date on the latest equipment and product introductions. Visit HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter at HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca/newsletter-info BOBCAT COMPANY

6-TON EXCAVATOR IS A SMOOTH RIDE FOR OPERATORS Bobcat Company’s new R2-Series E60 compact excavator features improved ride quality and a redesigned Bobcat engine that delivers the performance operators need, while simplifying maintenance.

New dual flange rollers increase lift-over-side performance and provide a ride quality that’s smoother and more comfortable for operators. Over-the-side digging performance and slewing ability is also improved. An optional clamp diverter valve has been added for enhanced hydraulic clamp functionality and improved ability to run other attachments without disconnecting the clamp. Auxiliary hydraulics are easier to reach and attach, thanks to a new location on the excavator arm.

The new engine improves cold-weather operation. R2-Series excavators have a new fuel filter that’s larger, enabling better system protection and longer filter life with more than double the media surface area. It has more holding capacity to capture impurities for longer intervals, greatly extending the life of the fuel filter. Efficiency, cleanout and noise levels are improved on the cooling system.

LED lights are standard. An add-on counterweight, a high-back heated seat, and rearview camera are available options.

JOHN DEERE

AUTOMATION FEATURES FOR GRADE PRO MOTOR GRADERS

SBM MINERAL PROCESSING

POWERFUL MOBILE JAW CRUSHER FOR STONE AND RECYCLING APPLICATIONS

John Deere has introduced new technology for its Grade Pro (GP-Series) motor graders.

This new technology includes Blade Stow and Auto-Gain for cross slope, as well as machine damage avoidance.

Blade Stow and Auto-Gain provide greater simplification for the operator. Blade Stow, standard with machine presets or Automation Suite, adds a configurable setting to automatically stow the blade with the touch of a button. With Auto-Gain, the machine automatically adjusts the cross slope gain setting on the fly based on the operating conditions, eliminating the need for operators to make manual adjustments. Auto-Gain improves productivity for operators by ensuring accurate blade movement in ever-changing conditions.

The GP-Series motor graders can be further enhanced with optional machine damage avoidance. When activated, the feature reduces the chance of downtime by preventing the moldboard from inadvertently contacting the tires, the cab steps or frame and the saddle from contacting the table.

The JAWMAX 200 is a compact and powerful entry model mobile jaw crusher that is ideal for not only the processing of natural rocks and stones, but also for recycling purposes.

The mobile plant features a large feed opening of 1,000 mm x 600 mm and can also be used as a primary crusher for impact mills at small sites. The automatic soft start ensures easy operation of the plant which makes it ideal for machine rental, as it is very easy to start or stop the plant by remote control from an excavator or wheel loader. The JAWMAX 200 features fully automated gap adjustment, overload protection, radio remote control, magnetic separator, and lowerable discharge conveyor. JAWMAX 200 has a transport weight of 27 tons, meaning that this crusher is a lightweight plant in the compact class. The plant is also fully electric.

REMU

BIG FLOAT PONTOON UNDERCARRIAGE REMU’s new Big Float E35 pontoon undercarriage can transform a standard excavator into an amphibious excavator.

The E35 can be assembled with most 30- to 35-ton excavators on the market and offers all the benefits that come with a larger excavator: more power, longer outreach, higher volume with each bucket load, and higher productivity.

The lower part of the E35 is entirely made of wear resistant steel for protection against external stress and impacts. Each pontoon has five watertight sections with manhole access placed on top of the pontoon. The carefully engineered shape and measurement of the undercarriage maximizes its stability in various job environments.

E35 travel motors, paired with planetary final drives, deliver high torque through drive sprockets directly to track chains.

The E22 pontoon model is pictured.

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FOCUS ON CONSTRUCTION MARKETING

How a new approach to marketing is driving opportunity in construction

By Kaitlyn Till, Editor in Chief

T

he construction industry has faced its share of challenges over recent years – addressing a skilled labour shortage and navigating the global pandemic are key among them.

These challenges mean that contractors have to find new ways to reach skilled talent and develop business relationships. SitePartners is a full-service marketing partner for the industrial sector looking to help businesses make those connections. We talked to Andrew Hansen, founder and CEO, about the future of marketing in the construction industry and the opportunities he sees in this space.

Kaitlyn Till: How have contractors traditionally promoted themselves and what has changed over the past 10 years or so?

Andrew Hansen: The industry is still a relationship-driven industry, for sure. Word of mouth and who you know is still a key driver to a lot of business engagement and partnership. With every client we talk with, we never try to say that’s gone away because that’s still a key part of driving businesses forward and winning new projects. However, what we’ve seen over the last 10 years is demand for digital [marketing] has increased, and the opportunity where generally the people that are awarding the work, whether they’re owners, whether they’re developers, whether they’re reps, consultants, et cetera, whatever that end client is that awards the work, the younger demographic entering leadership positions . . . may not have that network that’s been established.

And so for a lot of these younger buyers or these younger procurement teams, their first touch with the brand is online. That is their first touch with discovering who this brand is, where they stand, what are their capabilities, and what their position is in the marketplace. So we’ve seen a rise in the need for digital [marketing], just to communicate stories and positioning, to get on those tender lists and to get in those positions to win work. I see that as the biggest thing that [has changed], where 10 years ago word of mouth was probably the only major driver.

Sure you had the traditional advertising but now, in the last 10 years, sometimes that first touch point is digital. [Digital marketing offers the opportunity] to make an impression, the ability to get on that tender list and the ability to showcase the capacity and skill sets to meet the project requirements. So for us, we

work with clients on shaping that image, shaping that brand story and shaping that narrative so they’re in a position to win the work.

The B2B buyer journey has changed. In light of the last three or four months, in an industry that’s traditionally been driven by handshakes and faceto-face meetings, that has essentially been eliminated. So, now you go to video calls and you go to touch points. You have the opportunity to introduce [your company differently] whether it’s video assets, whether it’s an integrated website, whether it’s different digital tools, that opportunity to share that company story when you can’t meet a person is much more needed.

KT: What is the value proposition for contractors to invest in marketing and branding to a greater degree than they may have done in the past?

AH: The biggest thing is when you look at branding and you look at investing in marketing, there are two main audiences. The first audience is customers, and the second audience is employees. And I think in an industry that is driven by people, talented employees have their choice of where they want to go.

So when you market and invest in your brand, that’s really looking at that audience of employees and getting the top talent. They want to work with the top businesses. Investing in that brand really helps attract the right employees to really drive the business forward, and that’s something we always hope for our clients where they may have more than enough work and they may have the revenues and the project backlog, but they need to locate the people and locate the talent. Investing in that brand and marketing [can really help] attract the talent that you need to drive your business forward.

We look at: what are the values of the business?

What’s the leadership with the project backgrounds?

[We get to] work on exciting stories, really putting that narrative out to the marketplace . . . the customers are essentially all contractors, and they want to win projects on value, not price, where possible. So how to do that is to build authority in the marketplace, and what we work with our clients on is really building that authority. We’re able to do that through building the narrative, whether it’s industry articles and showcasing how our partners, or the industry as a whole, approach [projects] . . . so putting that into the marketplace starts to allow clients to

win on negotiated contracts, rather than RFP [request for proposal] driven contracts – it allows them to win on value.

KT: What aspect of construction marketing most excites you and where do you see trends going forward in this space?

AH: Video is going to be something we see continuing to grow year over year, the opportunity to really communicate a story [so that] people can see the specialization. People that aren’t in industry [don’t necessarily] understand the complexity that goes behind every construction project, just the sheer amount of planning and logistics coordination of what has to go right in a project to deliver on time, on budget and on schedule. The opportunity to have video to showcase the company’s story and how they approach projects is huge. We’re just starting to see that take off. The big brands are starting to invest in that. Now I think the industry as a whole is going to come into that and that’s going to raise the industry as a group. It’s not [just] putting a hammer and a nail into a project, it’s all the planning before.

I also see industrial construction companies starting to invest more in social media now, where before it’s kind of been more private, the way that brands talk about their company. And I think over time that started to change where the leaders are starting to really be open and transparent with the way their company operates. How they recruit, how they hire, how they approach projects and showing the behind the scenes . . . that’s growing. I think that’s a trend that’s going to start to increase – just that open transparency [through] digital storytelling across the entire brand.

With trends like the increase in mobile accessibility, the chances are that when you hear about a construction brand, you’re going to engage with that brand digitally on a phone and kind of make that buying decision before you meet them in person. So that comes out of the video, comes out of social and comes down to that website.

It’s definitely a talent-driven business . . . that’s always going to be on the forefront of leaders’ [minds]: how do we bring people outside of industry into this industry? How do we train people up and showcase the different career opportunities? The bigger brands are starting to do that and are telling those stories. HEG

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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2020 TOP

CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

When we look back on exciting introductions for 2020, one machine stands out above the rest – CASE’s 580EV electric backhoe. Introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, this machine turned heads. Not only is it a world-first with a lot of potential for municipal customers, it is a unique electric machine that is ready to go to market – not a prototype with years of development to come. The backhoe is exciting enough to give special mention to CASE in our year-end feature, but the company did not stop with this introduction. We’ve been following CASE’s Project Minotaur, and at CONEXPO the company introduced the productionready result of that project: the world’s first integrated compact dozer loader, the DL550B. Rounding out a particularly ambitious year, the company also introduced a full lineup of an entirely new generation of CTLs and SSLs at World of Concrete.

OP INTRODUCTIONS A YEAR OF GAME-CHANGING INNOVATIONS

By Kaitlyn Till, Editor in Chief & Lee Toop, Editor

W

e look forward each year to reviewing the products and technology that made a mark on the industry. This year in particular, we were struck by the strength of innovation in developments that include revolutionary machine design, zero- and low-emissions solutions, and even a robot dog. You may not see this equipment on your jobsite yet, but read on for 2020’s Top Introductions – groundbreaking today, and perhaps common on your jobsite tomorrow.

CASE 580EV electric backhoe loader

2020 TOP INTRODUCTIONS VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

Instead of capturing the swing energy of an excavator’s superstructure to electrically assist the engine, the EC300E hydraulic hybrid excavator takes “free” energy generated by the boom down motion to reduce fuel consumption. Unwilling to rest on the laurels of one significant machine, Volvo also introduced its largest excavator to North America, the 100-ton EC950F, and opened up pre-bookings for the first two of its fully electric compact machines.

Volvo CE EC300E hybrid excavator

FORD

Ford’s popular light pickup truck, the F-150, powered up in a big way for 2021 with a complete redesign. A key offering is the new PowerBoost hybrid power system; it’s linked with an on-board generator that can power everything from a cellphone charger up to a portable metal shop, Ford says. Plus, it’s jammed full of work-friendly offerings and options.

BOSTON DYNAMICS

Fetching jobsite data just got a lot cooler and more efficient with the introduction of Spot, the robot dog from Boston Dynamics. When mounted with third-party data collection technology, Spot can roam a jobsite to map the project’s progress. The robot dog selfrights and doesn’t miss a step climbing stairs – we can’t wait to see what tricks Spot learns next.

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Boston Dynamics Spot robot dog (Photo courtesy of Boston Dynamics.)

SNORKEL

Snorkel went big in 2020 with the introduction of its Mega Boom – the world’s largest self-propelled boom lift.

The 2100SJ telescopic boom lift reaches an impressive maximum platform height of 210 feet. The company’s lofty introductions were not limited to just the Mega Boom; Snorkel also introduced its largest scissor lift ever, which offers a 70-foot working height.

Snorkel 2100SJ telescopic boom lift

2021 Ford F-150 truck

JOHN DEERE CONSTRUCTION & FORESTRY

We’ve been excitedly watching for compact machines to come with integrated machine control from the factory, and in 2020 the John Deere 333G SmartGrade hit that milestone first in the compact track loader segment.

The 333G SmartGrade comes fully integrated from the factory with John Deere’s proprietary SmartGrade 3D, previously only added into larger machines.

John Deere 333G SmartGrade compact track loader NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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2020 TOP INTRODUCTIONS GOMACO

GOMACO brought a two-forone deal to customers this year with the GP360, which can essentially be two machines in one. As a slipform paver, it can slipform up to 30 feet wide, while the addition of a 60-inch belt makes it a placer/ spreader that can handle up to 36-foot widths. Add to that the G+ digital control system and you have an efficient multifunctional tool.

GOMACO GP360 placer/spreader slipform paver

MECALAC

The zippy Mecalac MCR series tracked compact excavators drew our attention – these machines are notable for combining the speed of a skid steer with the compact footprint and 360-degree rotation of an excavator, travelling up to 10 kph and delivering versatile performance and impressive lifting capability with a three-part boom.

WESTERN STAR

Vocational trucks need to be big, bold and tough, and that’s just what Western Star introduced with the launch of the 49X. A ground-up redesign, the new truck features unique body designs for strength and utility, new transmissions to improve operation, and added technology that improves safety for the driver, others on the road and around jobsites.

Western Star 49X vocational truck

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CATERPILLAR

Cat was busy at CONEXPO with a broad range of launches. We were impressed by the new backhoe line as well as dozer updates, but the 395 excavator really caught our eye. A production-class machine that borrows from bigger mining shovels, it features a hydrostatic swing circuit to regenerate swing brake energy that helps with fuel efficiency and performance.

Cat 395 excavator

Mecalac MCR series tracked compact excavators

TOPCON

Topcon expanded its machine control portfolio to include solutions for smaller machines. The new tiltrotator functionality for the Automatic Excavator system allows the operator to easily swivel or tilt the bucket with automatic boom control on a tiltrotatorequipped machine. The bring-yourown-device display option for small excavators and compact track loaders is an entry-level machine control option run from the Pocket MC app.

Topcon X-53x Automatic Excavator system NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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2020 TOP INTRODUCTIONS LIEBHERR

The PR 736 G8 dozer was one of many introductions for Liebherr. Powered by a brand-new engine, the new dozer also features redesigns in the cabin, including a grab handle with integrated joystick for the rear ripper, separation of the cabin from the machine base to cut vibration, improved technology and more. The company also launched a line of telehandlers and an innovative all-terrain crane.

Liebherr PR 736 G8 crawler dozer

VOLVO TRUCKS

Another update on the vocational truck landscape came from Volvo Trucks, which took advantage of new technology when updating its VHD line. Safety and productivity features like dynamic steering and driver assist benefits are at the heart of the update, along with the new Volvo I-Shift transmission, updated suspension and connectivity features.

JCB 505-20E all-electric Loadall telehandler

JCB

JCB amped up its portfolio of zero-emissions equipment offerings in 2020 with the introduction of its first all-electric Loadall telehandler. The 5,500-pound-capacity 505-20E delivers the same performance as the diesel counterpart. The company also introduced its Universal Charger, a rapid charging station for 48V to 96V+ machines that is compatible with current and future JCB battery-electric equipment.

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Doosan DL580-5 wheel loader

TORO

Small machines that rental houses and contractors want for versatile use both indoors and outdoors and in areas with noise and emissions reduction needs are the perfect proving ground for electric equipment.

Toro’s first electric Dingo, the wheeled e-Dingo 500, is a small machine delivering environmentally friendly performance both indoors and outdoors, and we look forward to seeing more electric compact equipment like it in the coming years.

Toro e-Dingo 500 compact utility loader

Volvo Trucks VHD truck

DOOSAN INFRACORE NORTH AMERICA

Doosan focused on machines for mass excavation and aggregates production this year and delivered in several categories. The new DL580-5 wheel loader delivers twopass loading of 24-ton trucks and the DX800LC-7 is Doosan’s largest excavator designed for aggregates, mining and excavation for large-scale infrastructure projects. The company also ushered in its next generation of ADTs with the DA30-5 and DA45-5, capitalizing on the trend of ADTs moving toward larger payload capacities in the 40 ton and larger range.

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2020 TOP INTRODUCTIONS BOBCAT COMPANY

Bobcat has been turning heads for pushing up the size at the top end of its excavator range, and in 2020 the company introduced its largest machine ever. The E165 is intended to address the needs of customers looking for a larger machine within the Bobcat ecosystem. The industry-first Features on Demand for CTLs and SSLs also caught our attention. Launched in the fall, Features on Demand allows owners to turn features on and off on SSLs and CTLs as needed for a subscription fee.

Bobcat E165 excavator

Dressta TD-16N dozer

DRESSTA

One of CONEXPO’s unexpected debuts was the TD-16N dozer, a brand-new design created from the cab outward to give operators nearly complete visibility all the way around. The Dressta team won a Red Dot Award for the machine, which has a mid-cab design over a hydrostatic drivetrain, non-slip steps to remove climbing up the tracks to get in, and all the power that Dressta is known for.

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Skyjack SJ9263 RT scissor lift

MACK TRUCKS SKYJACK

Skyjack went big this year with the introduction of its largest scissor lift ever, bringing the company into the 60- to 70foot working height range – a size class that has been underserved in the North American market.

WIRTGEN

It has been a few years since Mack was in the medium-duty truck market, but that has changed with the launch of the MD series of Class 6 and 7 trucks. With styling similar to the Anthem on-highway series, the new trucks are designed for use in urban settings and are packed with features to make body building easier, along with telematics and other technology updates.

Mack MD series of Class 6 and 7 trucks

Wirtgen W 250 Fi cold milling machine

Two cold milling machines from Wirtgen launched at CONEXPO are designed to handle projects from surface course rehab or fine milling work up to complete removal. The W 220 Fi and W 250 Fi feature Mill Assist, which ensures a balance between performance and operating costs. Operators can pick out the optimal operating parameter for any working condition with the touch of a button.

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2020 TOP INTRODUCTIONS

JCB HYDROGEN FUEL CELL

JCB’s 20-ton fully working hydrogen-powered excavator prototype caught our attention this summer – the only emission produced by this ground-breaking machine is water. In the excavator’s fuel cells, power is generated by reacting hydrogen with oxygen to create the energy to run electric motors. The excavator has been tested for over a year at JCB’s quarry proving grounds.

BOBCAT COMPANY BATTERY-ELECTRIC

Bobcat’s all-electric compact track loader concept, the T76e, was developed with components from Moog and Green Machine. This concept loader offers emissions-free, fully electronic operation designed for jobsites of the future and is entering the testing phase of its development.

DOOSAN INFRACORE NORTH AMERICA DIESEL-ELECTRIC HYBRID Doosan’s hybrid prototype DL200-5 wheel loader is designed to deliver fuel savings with an electric motor working with a diesel engine to provide the same performance as the diesel-only counterpart machine.

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PROTOTYPE MACHINES FORECAST PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE It has been a particularly impressive year for innovative new equipment and that extends to prototype introductions as well. Iterations of these machines may not become commercially available for several years, but they do provide a preview of the propulsion technologies that will power future equipment.

A notable theme of 2020 is that there is no one-sizefits-all solution to emissions reduction – and each of these working prototypes offers a different solution suited to its machine type and size class.

PREMIUM PERFORMANCE WITH TECHNOLOGY FOR ANY JOB

45%

15%

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EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

PILOT PROJECT PUTS FIRST AUTONOMOUS ADT ON JOBSITE SafeAI and Obayashi team up to test Cat truck in real-world situation

By Lee Toop, Editor

A

utonomous equipment is making inroads in various industry sectors, though the majority has been focused on mining operations to this point. A partnership between a major Japanese construction firm and a technology company is aiming to bring automation onto construction sites and expand its availability on a broader scale.

SafeAI is working with Obayashi Corporation to demonstrate the capabilities of automation on heavy construction equipment by operating an autonomous Caterpillar 725 articulated dump truck on a construction site in California. The goal will be to show that autonomous machines can handle the challenges of construction jobsites as well as larger machines that have proven successful in mining use.

“Mining has been using this . . . they were trying to do it even back in the 1990s. A lot of people are surprised by that. Trucks have been running autonomously for the last five or six years in various production mines in Australia and Canada,” said Bibhrajit Halder, founder and CEO of SafeAI. “Technology-wise, the big truck and the small truck are very similar – and you can think of the same technology that will go into your passenger vehicle.”

SafeAI’s technology is designed to be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle, which can then be tasked to specific tasks on the jobsite, Halder said.

Obayashi provided the 725 ADT for the pilot project, and SafeAI installed its hardware – sensors, electronics and 24

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

components that allow the machine to operate as an autonomous unit. It’s the software that makes the machine truly autonomous, though, Halder noted.

“This is the software that replaces the operator . . . the AI that is making decisions on board so that the vehicle can drive, see what’s around it, and make sure it avoids all the objects along the way. It can make high-level decisions on board,” he explained.

Truck tasked to load-haul-dump cycle In the case of the pilot, the truck will be operated on an aggregate site, tasked to operate a load-haul-dump

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

cycle, Halder described. “The truck will go from point A to B, a loader will load the truck, then the truck will go from point B to C and dump, then keep doing that every day.”

Halder, who worked on autonomous mining vehicle development previously, said that autonomous trucks generally have the same challenges no matter their size.

“These vehicles are equipped to know what is going on around them, to know what objects and other vehicles are there and make real-time decisions such as avoiding them while going from point A to B,” he explained. “It’s

the same complexity, whether it’s a passenger vehicle or ADT or bigger truck – really, the only thing is the cost is different to make then autonomous.”

SafeAI’s solution is an open, interoperable full stack autonomy platform, which focuses on allowing the machine it is integrated with to operate around the clock in a safe, productive solution.

It takes advantage of radar, cameras and other sensors to detect activity around the machine, then processes that information to ensure that potential conflicts on the jobsite are eliminated.

“This technology is capable of handling quite a bit of complex infor-

mation and a lot of variation, whether it’s on a mine or quarry site,” Halder said. “The perception and decision-making logic is going to be mature and transferable from one truck to another.”

These kinds of autonomous machines are likely to find a home on large construction sites moving forward, Halder suggested.

These vehicles are equipped to know what is going on around them, to know what objects and other vehicles are there and make real-time decisions.

a lot of sense, Halder said. Also, large contractors are increasingly more interested in digitalization and data analysis to improve their operations, and autonomous machines provide greater amounts of data and insight.

“Combining autonomy and digitalization . . . the company will see a real ROI – they will save a real number dollar value in costs per project. Once you see that some of the early players showing the market they are saving 5, 10 or 20 percent of their overall cost, the industry will accelerate,” Halder said. “The moment people

show that real dollar value advantage, you have to adopt it, otherwise you’re going to be out of business.”

Further construction equipment in the works A longer-term goal for SafeAI is to establish its solution for use in other types of construction equipment that perform similarly repetitive cycles on the jobsite. The company has already geared up a skid-steer loader to perform a load-haul-dump cycle successfully, and that is likely to be just the beginning. Halder said the company

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is currently working on projects with dozers, and as more is learned and successfully deployed into real-world situations, the possibilities will grow for contractors.

“You start with one truck or one dozer, and slowly move them into production. We learn a lot through that process . . . the beauty is that you’re learning with your customer to see what works and doesn’t work,” Halder said. “Eventually you scale up and make more and more assets on a construction site semi or fully autonomous.” HEG

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Bibhrajit Halder “Megaconstruction sites will adopt it quickly – when I say megaconstruction site I mean when someone is building a dam over two years, or developing a portion of land over a two- or threeyear time frame,” he described. “They run over a long time, and the efficiency in finishing a job on time is a huge dollar value. From an ROI point of view they’re willing to try out new technology and see the value.”

In addition, those types of large sites are ideal for autonomous machines that are designed for repetitive operations like a load-haul-dump cycle. If those sites are moving dirt constantly for six months, autonomous machines make

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EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

E-II ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCKS ADD COMFORT AND UPTIME WHILE CUTTING COSTS

J

ohn Deere’s new E-II Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs), the 410E-II and 460E-II, incorporate customer-driven features, resulting in greater operator comfort, reduced fuel burn, increased uptime and lowered daily operating costs.

With a redesigned dump body, updated operator station, and new drive and transmission retarder modes, the John Deere designed-and-built E-II models deliver ultimate productivity on the job.

“The new E-II trucks combine the most popular features of the E-Series line with customer-driven performance and operation enhancements, resulting in a machine that is easier and more cost-effective to operate,” said Cory Ouellette, product marketing manager, ADTs, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “With the three standard drive modes, new body design, operator station enhancements and improved fuel burn, the E-II Series trucks provide customers with a reliable and durable, yet easy-to-operate, solution that positively impacts their operation and their bottom line.”

Wider, redesigned dump body

A key feature on the E-II machines is the redesigned dump body, which is wider and has a lowered and levelled rail height to improve material retention.

A brand-new side sheet design makes the load height the same from front to back, while the widened bin provides additional tire coverage and easier loading.

Additionally, the bin rail features an angled top, helping to reduce material spillage while travelling.

The updated operator station on the E-II models increases ease of use, productivity and all-around comfort. One of the most notable features is the single sealed switch module, reducing the number of switches by 25 percent compared to the previous models. An automotive-style multi-function turn signal lever includes lights and windshield wipers, further helping to simplify truck settings without limiting functionality.

The new primary display unit provides a clear display of daily operation and enhanced diagnostic information. Other comfort-boosting features include the relocated HVAC controls for easy access to the temperature settings, optional Automatic Temperature Control feature, and a heated and ventilated premium seat option. Customers can also add the seat belt minder system, which includes a green beacon light outside the truck, providing confirmation that the seat belt is fastened. An optional four-point retractable seat belt harness is also available on all models.

Drive modes optimize operation

The three standard drive modes – Normal, Eco and Traction – help to optimize the drivetrain and reduce inputs from the operator.

The Normal mode provides the same great features found on the E-Series, while reducing fuel burn by up to 7 percent compared to the existing models.

With Eco mode, the system reduces fuel consumption by smoothing throttle input and reducing maximum rpm.

When conditions allow, Eco mode can improve fuel consumption by up to 12 percent compared to E-II Normal mode. The Traction mode helps the operator to maintain tire traction in soft underfoot conditions, automatically engaging the differential lock to minimize wheel spinning, and increases traction. To improve the function of the automatic differential locks, new wheel speed sensors have been

26

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

added, enhancing the accuracy of engagement.

Also designed to boost operator productivity, simplified retarder controls help to create a consistent, smooth ride in all applications. Three transmission retarder modes – low, medium and high – offer different operating characteristics for loaded and unloaded trucks.

The design of the E-II machines maintains ground-level daily service capabilities. Maximizing machine uptime, there is a 10 percent reduction of electric and hydraulic routings, further reducing

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

potential leak points. The optional, factory-installed auto lube feature is filled at ground level and takes the guesswork out of lubricating grease fittings, increasing component life. Optional LED lights provide greater visibility in lowlight settings.

The 460E-II model is available with a new ejector body solution. This solution allows operators to spread a load over a given area and can be used in areas where there are overhead powerline concerns or where risk of rollover is high due to steep grade unloading.

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CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

NEW APPROACHES TO COLLECTING HARD DATA ON CONCRETE PERFORMANCE

By Lee Toop, Editor

C

oncrete is finicky – anyone who works in the industry can tell you that. It might seem simple – combine aggregate, cement and water in proper quantities and pour – but for large construction projects the variations that are needed for different uses need to be tracked precisely. Material needs to be mixed just right and monitored from the plant to the jobsite, poured in the right conditions, and then monitored for hardness and curing as it dries before further work can be done.

There are plenty of steps where something can go wrong and require significant expense, as well as time, to fix.

Like the rest of the construction industry, technology is starting to play a greater part in improving efficiency for concrete contractors. On the plant side of the equation, monitoring and tracking of concrete mix, condition and delivery is the key focus, while monitoring after the pour has taken several different approaches.

Ready-mix plants have been taking advantage of various technologies for longer than the contracting side of the industry, with computers handling tasks like dispatching and purchase orders in the office, related Jeff Hunter, vice president with Command Alkon.

“Technology started in the industry through mandates of government . . .

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

as things have progressed, producers have come to realize that there are efficiency gains that technology can provide,” Hunter said.

A retired Command Alkon vice president, Jim Wagner, started developing dispatching processes using technology, kicking off a push for more opportunity to add efficiency.

Automated batching plants came along next, adding precision and reducing standard deviations in concrete loads, and that was followed by GPS tracking of trucks to help improve scheduling.

Tracking concrete from plant to pour

Today, much of Command Alkon’s work is going into understanding what is happening with the concrete itself – which can be a challenge for a product that is handled by so many people between leaving the plant and being used on the jobsite.

“You have an expensive plant and production process where you had a good control of what was produced, and then you put it into a truck. You have 50 trucks, and you would have 50 drivers making adjustments to the concrete. Then you had however many customers out there, again, making adjustments,” Wagner said. “There’s not any other product that I can think of where the finished product, from the time it’s produced at a batch plant, through the time that it’s placed and hardened, has so many different people

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

with their hands in it.”

For Command Alkon, the route to tracking concrete quality through that trip from plant to pour takes advantage of sensors installed onto delivery trucks. The company’s COMMANDassurance system is designed to ensure that stakeholders know how the concrete is being handled in that time frame.

“It uses exception-based reporting and notifications to notify quality control people, dispatch managers and plant operators on how the concrete is performing in terms of slump and tem-

perature, how it’s being manipulated in terms of revolutions and mixing, and accounting for the water that can be added to make sure the water-cement ratio is maintained within specifications,” Wagner explained.

Key to the COMMANDassurance system is direct measurement; a probe is installed in the access hatch of the mixer drum to ensure that it’s in direct contact with the concrete. The system is solar powered and connects via Bluetooth to a display on the back of the truck, as well as the GPS tracking system, where operators can review the condition.

Command Alkon’s COMMANDassurance system tracks a range of concrete qualities as the load is delivered to the jobsite.

With the data being collected, batch plant operators can be more precise about the mix prior to it leaving the plant, reducing the time and effort needed at the jobsite, and other variables such as drum rpm, temperatures and more are tracked more efficiently.

Shaving time off curing processes saves money

With these kinds of approaches to managing concrete before delivery, contractors can be assured that they are getting the right concrete mix at the right time. From there, though, the question has always been: is it strong enough, and when is it ready to continue building?

Testing processes have frequently used cylinders of concrete poured from the batch and taken to a lab, where samples of cured concrete are crushed to determine the strength of the final product. Only once they have achieved the proper strength can construction continue.

“Strength needs to be validated in concrete somehow . . . people, as they pour concrete, cast field-cured cylinders – they take samples and put them in a cooler. That way there’s a relationship to the concrete that’s been placed versus the samples that are on the project,” explained Kris Till, technical sales manager with Kryton. “From there, they send off the sample, the sample gets crushed, and that indicates the strength. They wait for the samples to come back with the achieved targets, and that gives them the thumbs-up to move forward.”

The issue with that system is that the cylinders don’t necessarily cure at the same rate as concrete poured in larger volumes, Till noted. Large concrete pours have a heat profile that affects curing and strength, a condition that isn’t necessarily replicated in the smaller samples.

“They’re very small samples . . . therefore they usually always lag behind the concrete. So, right there, that’s a huge disconnect because you can wait for a field-cured cylinder to validate your concrete for days after the concrete is at strength,” he said.

“That’s where the biggest productivity gains come from – knowing exactly when your concrete has actually achieved its strength development.”

A technology popularized in Europe has begun to make its way into the North American market, using sensors embedded into the concrete itself to track the maturity of the material more closely and allow for faster results.

Kryton’s version, Maturix, allows for real-time monitoring of the concrete curing process.

“This non-destructive testing method has been around since the 1950s, but it requires very complicated calculations. As technology has evolved, now these platforms and sensors are able to do these calculations using live data,” Till said.

The Kryton approach uses a

Hilti concrete sensors are placed on rebar before the pour; they can transmit wirelessly through up to six inches of concrete. thermocouple embedded into the concrete that is attached to a reusable sensor, which can transmit real-time data into the cloud.

“We take a very economical piece of equipment, a thermocouple of wire, and fix it to the reinforcing steel, then run it outside and plug it into the transmitting sensor – only the thermocouple is consumed in the concrete,” Till explained. “Everything we do is through a wireless network – we’re communicating this temperature in real time to a cloud-based platform. It does this fairly complicated calculation to convert it to maturity, and from maturity you can understand strength development of the concrete.”

Consumable sensors connect wirelessly

A similar approach has been taken by another recent entry to the concrete technology sector. Hilti, already known for its many concrete tools, introduced its own sensor system in mid-2020 after acquiring Concrete Sensors earlier in the year.

A fully wireless system, the Hilti solution uses consumable sensors that pair with mobile devices through an app and provide quick snapshots of concrete conditions. Brendan Dowdall, concrete sensors director, explained that there are a number of aspects to the solution.

“There’s hardware – the sensor – and then there’s software, an app that connects to the sensor and the way in which you gain more value from the

solution,” he explained. “There’s a service – we have a concrete lab where we test actual concrete mix designs for temperature sensitivity and how it will perform in the field. We know concrete cures faster when it’s warm and slower when it’s cold, but how much faster or slower is what we get from the lab? We get a rich data source that gets fed back into the app, along with the data from the sensor that will tell you the real-time strength of the concrete.”

Installing the Hilti sensors is simple; each one has a QR code that can be read by the app using a mobile device, and once it’s registered the palmsized sensor is attached to rebar or

another anchor where it will be buried within the concrete. The app allows for naming of sensors and identification of precise locations, and once it’s in place the sensor begins to send data in, which is then processed and made available to users.

“It’s going to tell them the current strength of the concrete, current temperature, temperature over time and the relative humidity in your concrete,” said Scott Rutledge, Hilti business unit manager, anchors. “If you’re measuring the difference between interior and exterior temperature on a large mass concrete pour, it will give you that temperature differential as well. We wanted to make it super simple for the customer, so realistically within a day of when they’ve poured the concrete they’ll have their first readings and it will tell them exactly what the condition of their concrete is.”

The end goal of collecting real-time data on concrete maturity is time savings – the sooner that a pour reaches maturity, the faster the job can carry on.

“Understanding strength in real time is a missing piece of the construction puzzle – we’re allowing contractors to strip forms and load concrete and do things a lot more efficiently, saving significant time,” Till described. “They can save up to 20 percent on time, easily, on a project.”

Reducing the time spent on the curing phase of a particular project adds up quickly, Rutledge noted.

“It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but you’re going to get the information to make a decision four or eight hours sooner than you were before.

You wouldn’t think, on a two-year project, that makes a huge difference, but it really does. They say ‘if I can make that decision four days faster . . . maybe I can do four-day pour schedules instead of five-day pour schedules, and that allows me on a 27-story building to get done 27 days sooner,’” Rutledge said. “They can save hundreds of thousands of dollars by having that jobsite finished a month earlier.” HEG

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CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LASER-GUIDED SCREED

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he Screedsaver Elite is the highest-performance screed ever developed by Ligchine and features plenty of power, high performance and accuracy, and a side-shift head for screeding around the most difficult obstacles.

The Screedsaver Elite is Ligchine’s newest laser-guided concrete screed machine to join the Screedsaver line of innovative, labour-saving machines. The Screedsaver Elite’s all-new key features include all-wheel drive, heavy-duty boom sections reaching out to 18 feet, 65-gallon on-board fluid tanks and an on-board pressure washer for cleanup. The game-changing side-shift head

makes it easier to screed around stick-ups in the slab with pinpoint accuracy.

Other new features include:

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

2020-01-31 12:02:17 PM

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

• Bigger screed head. The 12-foot screed head allows for more finished square footage per pass. Decreased screed cycles means faster start-to-finish times.

• Side-shift head. The side-shift head will allow contractors to use the machine more and be more forgiving in machine placement. The contractor does not need to spend time trying to line up the machine perfectly to clear an obstacle or stay parallel to a wall.

• All-wheel drive. Ability to drive machine through rough terrain/muddy jobsites. Increased traction when trailering/climbing slopes.

• Larger fuel tank. Longer run time means more time screeding without interruption.

• Narrower chassis. Better fit for navigating through smaller doors or onto smaller trailers.

• Low profile for increased visibility. New hood design increases safety and speeds up machine positioning for screeding.

• On-board pressure washer.

• Dual trackers. If desired, a contractor can economically add dual trackers to match surfaces without extra cabling or software.

CRETE ROD

ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE CONCRETE MATERIAL HANDLER Crete Rod has introduced a powerful allwheel-drive material handler that delivers a 33-cubic-foot payload across demanding terrains, including tight quarters with limited access.

The nimble, three-wheeled workhorse was designed from the ground up to overcome the limitations of using concrete buggies, pumps and skid steers for material hauling. A Tier 4 engine ensures low CO2 exhaust emissions, while a low discharge height eliminates 95 percent of the splash for a cleaner pour with faster cleanup.

Measuring approximately 120 inches long by 54 inches wide and 59 inches tall, the Crete Rod serves as a low-profile equipment option and has a low centre of gravity for stability. Its 78.5inch wheelbase, coupled with all-wheel hydrostatic drive with twin locking motors, and hydraulic-cylinder-driven rack and pinion steering, deliver unparalleled stability, maneuverability, efficiency and versatility. The Crete Rod moves concrete on indoor and outdoor construction sites, bridge construction projects, mining facilities and more.

A 3-cylinder, 4-cycle, liquid-cooled Kubota Tier 4 diesel engine and variable displacement axial piston hydraulic pumps provide ample power, allowing the Crete Rod to deliver a full yard and a third of concrete precisely where it is needed.

Intuitive controls are simple to operate, while precise speed control ensures safety for the operator and adjacent workers. High operator visibility further enhances jobsite safety.

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CAMSO TALKS TRENDS ON TIRES AND TRACKS

L

arger trends in the construction industry not only affect how contractors buy or rent equipment; they also have an impact on tire or track choice and tire management.

These are some of the trends that Camso has observed which will have an impact on tire selection and management for today’s and tomorrow’s jobsites.

The way work is done: Technology is changing the way some machines are operated – and that has an impact on tire decisions.

Autonomous and remote-operation technologies change the way work is done. Many operations have difficulty recruiting skilled operators.

Choosing the right tires to provide a comfortable working environment can help retain that talent.

Smart technologies for tire monitoring: Smart technologies that offer real-time tracking for users on the jobsite benefit operations by enabling operators to take action before a machine goes down – making machines more productive and maintenance more efficient. Data about applications and work environments can be leveraged by owners to adapt their equipment to meet the requirements of their work Battery-electric equipment in the compact OTR segment: This trend is especially notable in cities and for municipal operations where there is pressure to shift to greener and quieter equipment options. Manufacturers have taken note of these trends and introduced available, productionready and prototype models. Tire choice is key for electric machines, as choosing the right tires can reduce energy consumption and lower rolling resistance – tires are being developed specifically for battery-electric equipment.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIRES OR TRACKS FOR YOUR COMPACT EQUIPMENT As these trends illustrate, there is no one-size-fits-all tire solution for compact equipment, but there are some trends in tire type popularity. According to Camso, tire type popularity has been evolving from pneumatic to solid, particularly for skid-steer loaders and telehandlers, and for wheel loaders operating on severe surfaces.

Meanwhile, tracked machines have seen a significant increase in popularity over wheeled machines. In North America, more than 60 percent of compact loaders sold are rubbertracked and that trend is expected to continue.

A tracked machine provides better performance on a wider range of terrain, such as soft surfaces including sand and mud, since they offer better flotation and traction.

The trend toward autonomous and remotecontrolled machines factors into the rise in use of solid tires on wheeled machines. According to Camso, solid tires are the preferred choice for autonomous machines because a machine without an operator inside doesn’t need to offer as smooth of a ride.

Solids, as well as tracks, also offer the advantage of flat-free operation, reducing downtime and providing more predictable maintenance.

SOLIDS VS. NPTT TIRES When deciding whether to outfit a machine with solids or NPTT (nonpneumatic tire technology) tires, it is important to know the differences: Solids: Solid tires offer the lowest downtime and are offered with or without sidewall apertures, which increase

operator comfort. This flat-free solution is the best option for harsh applications.

Airless (NPTT): An airless tire works like an air-filled tire with the load hanging on the top of the structure, maintaining a large footprint on the surface. NPTT tires are a flat-free solution that give operators the ride comfort of a pneumatic tire. They are the best option for a lower risk application where downtime is not an option.

This type of tire provides superior heat buildup resistance. Better heat resistance allows the machine to travel faster, boosting productivity on the jobsite. This also results in lower fuel consumption. NPTT tires also excel on autonomous vehicles.

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every application – the key is to find the right tire or track solution for your jobsite needs, and tire manufacturers are working to understand today’s and tomorrow’s jobsite challenges to develop solutions that keep your machines working.

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

SITE DUMPERS DELIVER VERSATILE DIRT MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE

Vancouver civil construction company has used Wacker Neuson site dumpers for a decade

W

acker Neuson’s site dumpers are ConWest Contracting’s machine of choice for dirt management in roadbuilding applications.

ConWest is a mid- to large-sized civil construction company that has been in business for 35 years. Based out of Vancouver, B.C., the company specializes in site prep, underground utilities and bulk excavation.

“We have been using Wacker Neuson site dumpers for a decade,” says Steve Claydon, Field Operations/ Equipment Manager, ConWest Contracting. “They are great machines that increase productivity, cut costs and provide a convenient operating experience.”

The company owns seven Wacker Neuson dumpers and uses them on a variety of projects, such as roadwork, civil work, and even bulk institutional excavation. The company purchases all of their Wacker Neuson machines from CC Equipment based in Surrey, B.C. “When we get to the bottom of an excavation . . . the excavation becomes too detailed for mechanical excavation with a large excavator, so a crew shovels the bottom of the hole from one side to the other and that material is carried out of the hole using a Wacker Neuson dump buggy,” says Claydon.

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Better than a truck

Wacker Neuson dumpers have several benefits over trucks, such as decreased size, decreased cost and easy operation.

“It’s like a dump truck on site, and then, when the machines are not in use – say there is a few-hour gap where it is not needed – the operator can serve a double function and fill some other role on the jobsite,” says Claydon.

“Then, when needed, the operator can jump back into the buggy to move material. If I use a dump truck, I sometimes pay the operator to just sit in his cab and not work most of the day.”

Unlike a dump truck, the skip – which holds the material – can be used in different configurations. Standard configurations for Wacker Neuson dumpers include a front tip skip, a high tip skip and a swivel skip.

The front tip skip is an economic solution that is ideal for transporting a lot of material a short distance; its low centre of gravity allows for larger material volumes (up to 4.75 cubic metres). The high tip skip has a dump height of more than 1.8 metres and is ideal for container loading. Equipped with infinitely variable 180-degree tipping, the swivel tip skip allows for exact material placement, so it is ideal for limited spaces, side filling and levelling when transporting liquids on gradients.

“We frequently use the buggies

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

– especially the nine-ton machine – as on-site trucks to remove excess material from the road to a stockpile location to be trucked out a later time.

Or we use them to transport diggings to the road and dump it directly into the trench,” says Claydon. “Any time we can separate the material, we truck

out the bad stuff and buggy the good stuff to a compound and then we bring it back for road fill. Not having to import material saves us money.”

For traversing construction sites, Wacker Neuson dumpers come equipped with hydrostatic fourwheel drive. This feature offers a better driving experience, decreases the amount of gear changes, changes gently between forward and reverse operation and accelerates variably without loss of tractive effort. Plus, the machine comes equipped with a hydrostatic brake, which means the machine starts braking and turns on the brake lights as soon as the operator removes his or her foot from the gas pedal.

“The Wacker Neuson buggies, especially the 5001 and 6001, have a tremendous ability to drive on rough terrain. We use them to build our own roads,” says Claydon. The operator dumps material in front of the machine, crew spread it with hand tools, the operator drives forward and the process repeats. “It is a really easy and affordable way of getting material in and out of less-than-perfect conditions,” says Claydon. “And, it is a lot easier to get the Wacker Neuson buggies into these areas than a truck.”

The 5001 and 6001 are discontinued model numbers; they have been succeeded by the DW50 and the DW60.

A MATCH MADE ON-SITE. 3.5 TONS CONVENTIONAL AND MINIMAL TAIL SWING

ConWest takes delivery of Dual View dumpers

Earlier this year, ConWest Contracting purchased two of Wacker Neuson’s dual-view dumpers.

Introduced in late 2019, Dual View Dumpers (the DV60, DV90 and DV100) have the unique advantage of 180-degree cab rotation.

The operator can quickly rotate the entire operator control panel and seat console. Full cab rotation offers unrestricted view to the travel and work areas – another advantage over trucks.

When in working mode, the skip is in front of the operator for optimal viewing of the working area. When in travel mode, the skip is behind the operator for optimal viewing of the travel area. This also removes strain on the operator; since there is no need for reverse operation, the operator doesn’t need to turn their body and neck right around. Being able to work and travel with greater confidence and precision can greatly enhance productivity and safety on construction sites.

Plus, the machines are durable.

“When it comes to longevity and decreased maintenance, we appreciate Wacker Neuson machines,” says Claydon. “We have a 6001 from 2012 and we are doing our first major repair on it; we get six to eight years out of our Wacker Neuson products before major repair work is needed, so they stand up to the abuse.”

Kubota compact excavators unlock huge profits. Manoeuvre the tightest spaces and enjoy outstanding breakout force to handle the toughest excavating jobs with speed and efficiency. Rugged, reliable, powerful and ready to tackle your worksite.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

kubota.ca |

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 35

2021 PICKUP TRUCK REPORT

: GOING ELECTRIC THE LATEST Hybrid trucks hit the market, with batteryelectric models expected in late 2021

By Lee Toop, Editor

T

he last few years have shown a steady move among automakers toward electrification – mostly in the passenger vehicle segment, with numerous options becoming available and more affordable.

It makes sense that pickups will also move toward more electric options, but that part of the market has been moving more sedately thus far.

The big automakers have started to move their electric solutions into pickups, but their offerings remain somewhat unclear at this point.

Meanwhile, upstart specialty makers have announced their own pickup

projects, some more firmly introduced than others.

So: where are pickups in the electrification journey?

The best answer to this question is: getting there, slowly. At this point, there are no fully electric pickup trucks on the market, although several have been announced and others teased.

Major manufacturers announce plans Both Ford and GM have announced electric versions of popular trucks. Ford moved to bring electric options to its popular pickup line earlier this year with the launch of its 2021 F-150 featuring the PowerBoost

hybrid powertrain. This truck is a big move for the market, featuring a hybrid system that powers both the truck itself as well as running a generator that can run everything up to a mobile metal shop, Ford says.

Having said that, Ford also has its sights set on introducing a full-electric F-150 in 2022.

“Ford is committed to electrification and has announced plans to invest more than $11.5 billion by 2022 to deliver all-new hybrid and fully electric vehicles,” Christine Hollander, communication manager with Ford of Canada, said in a statement.

Those include the Mustang Mach-E

Lordstown Endurance

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

The big automakers have started to move their electric solutions into pickups, but their offerings remain somewhat unclear at this point. Meanwhile, upstart specialty makers have announced their own pickup projects. announced last year, the proposed F-150 and an all-electric Transit work van planned for 2022. There’s no indication as to whether the electric options will move up into the Super Duty pickup lines at this time, but that makes sense.

“We will work with key stakeholders and government partners to accelerate deployment of the EV infrastructure needed to encourage consumers to adopt EVs,” Hollander added.

GM is moving its pickup electrification forward by reviving a popular nameplate from the past. It announced

T ON PICKUP ELECTRIFICATION in late October that a Ram electric vehicle is in the works. FCA CEO Mike Manley made the comment during a conference call with analysts discussing the company’s third quarter results; the Free Press quoted him as saying there would be an electrified Ram pickup in the marketplace, and to stay tuned for more information.

Electric specialists push forward

Rivian R1T the 2022 HUMMER EV recently, deploying the company’s Ultium electric platform for the first time as part of the design. The Ultium architecture is likely to be a big part of pickup electrification moving forward.

“As the first of GM’s next-gen EVs, the HUMMER EV will fundamentally alter conventional off-road and truck paradigms,” said Ken Morris, GM vice president, Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs. “It will also debut new technology, including our all-new Ultium batteries, Ultium Drive units and the industry’s first wireless battery management system.”

Using the Ultium platform, the HUMMER EV – being billed as a “supertruck” by the company – is expected to generate around 1,000 hp and hit 0–60 mph in three seconds. It’s also expected to have a travel range of about 350 miles.

Ultium battery packs and motors are also able to take advantage of fast charging systems for quick boosts, and the HUMMER EV has features like Regen on Demand to help expand the driving range by capturing energy from braking.

Again, it’s hard to say when this will work its way into the standard pickup lines – we asked GM for an update but had not heard back by press time.

Most of the movement in electric pickup development has been done by smaller specialist companies that are moving ahead with their own designs and plans to get pickups on the road.

Even there, the pickup landscape is a little murky, however.

Tesla is, of course, the most firmly established competitor in the EV market, with thousands of its passenger vehicles on the road already. Its entry to pickups is the uniquely designed Cybertruck, a shiny angular creation that’s more reminiscent of a Buck Rogers flick than anything you might see on a muddy jobsite.

The Cybertruck is expected to hit dealerships in late 2021, and we’re still waiting to hear full details on performance. It is, though, likely to be one of the first trucks from outside the big manufacturers to get into consumers’ hands.

Rivian is the other truck expected to hit the ground running, and in fact has a slight lead on Tesla, with delivery of its R1T expected in summer of 2021. (Originally, the launch date was 2020, but delays related to COVID-19 and other factors pushed that back.)

The R1T uses Rivian’s quad-motor allwheel-drive “skateboard” design, which provides the basis for everything the truck needs, while staying below the height of the wheel. Battery packs, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system are all out of the way, making the truck as designed quite spacious.

Rivian has received funding from Ford, which may use the skateboard platform in its own truck plans – we’ll have to see.

Tesla Cybertruck Lordstown making progress with Endurance pickup

Lordstown Motors is one of the more recent arrivals in the sector; setting up shop in a former GM plant in Ohio earlier this year. A merger that made Lordstown a publicly traded company just closed in October, and the plan is to use funds from that to have its Endurance pickup on the road around the same time as Rivian and Tesla next year.

The Endurance is being targeted at fleet operations; it has a four-hub motor design and promises a modest 250-mile range, but also boasts a more modest price range, the company notes. It has the potential to be a solid work truck, according to Lordstown leadership.

Also in the potential work truck category is the Bollinger B2. Billed as a Class 3 work truck and offering an estimated hauling capacity of 5,000

pounds, the B2 and its sister B2 chassis cab, are able to handle full 4x8 sheets of plywood and items up to 16 feet long when a passthrough that goes straight through the cab is in use.

Again, delivery date is scheduled for 2021, but there’s little clarity on exactly when these trucks might be in production.

Finally, one last note on specialty manufacturers: Nikola is also in this market space. However, the Badger, its pickup offering, is – like the rest of the company – kind of in limbo. Nikola is promising hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that would reduce emissions and cut fuel costs significantly; it has, however, been facing some challenges to its claims in recent months, and a reorganization of key leadership is likely to cause delays to any vehicle releases.

Stay tuned. HEG

FCA announces move to introduce Ram electric soon

The other member of the Big Three automakers has mostly been quiet about electric pickup plans – until recently, that is. Ram has not announced any movement in that direction as yet, but its parent, Fiat Chrysler America, has something on the drawing board.

The Detroit Free Press reported

Bollinger B2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 37

2021 PICKUP TRUCK REPORT

2O21 PICKUP TRUCKS CHEVROLET AND GMC

There was quite a stir for GMC truck fans this year thanks to the launch of the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV, but Chevrolet and GMC are both updating their pickups for the 2021 model year as well.

On the GMC side, the 2021 Sierra 1500 will feature added trailering capacity when equipped with two popular engines. The 3.0-litre Duramax turbo-diesel will offer an added 1,900 pounds of capacity in two-wheel-drive configurations and boast a max trailering capacity of 9,300 pounds. With the 2.7-litre turbo engine, Sierra 1500 can pull up to 9,200 pounds. Certain Sierra Heavy Duty models equipped with the 6.6-litre Duramax diesel, 10-speed Allison transmission and max tow package can handle up to 36,000 pounds of towing.

In addition, trailering technology

has been expanded for both light- and heavy-duty models, including features like a trailer length indicator, jackknife alert, updated rear trailer view, rear side view enhancement, and cargo bed view enhancement.

Chevrolet’s Silverado models also get similar trailering technology and also improve towing and carrying performance. In specific 1500 models, the 2.7-litre turbo can tow up to 9,300 pounds and carry up to 2,280 pounds of payload. Moving up the range, the 3500HD is able to pull up to 20,000 pounds conventionally or 36,000 pounds using a gooseneck or fifthwheel.

FORD

One of the world’s most popular vehicles made a big statement earlier this year when Ford launched the brand-new 2021 F-150. Headlining

2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

the relaunch of the popular pickup is the PowerBoost hybrid engine option, which adds electrification to the mix and brings huge work potential to the vehicle.

A ground-up revision that incorporates a high-strength steel frame and updates all through the truck, the new F-150 is designed to be a work truck throughout. The interior features a number of options such as the Interior Work Surface, which folds out and provides enough room to use a 15-inch laptop or other tools.

And if you need to charge that laptop, the available Pro Power Onboard generator system provides power that can do everything from powering mobile computers to driving a mobile metal shop depending on the engine selection. Up to four 120-volt outlets can be installed in the cargo bed, with more elsewhere around the truck. The tailgate is even ready for the jobsite, with clamp attachments for pockets, spaces to hold mobile devices, pencil holders and more available.

The PowerBoost hybrid V6 is the centrepiece of the new F-150, though, and for good reason. This combination of Ford’s EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a 35-kilowatt electric motor is expected to give the 2021 F-150 up to 700 miles on a tank of gas and offer at least 12,000 pounds of available maximum towing.

Ford has also added a variety of connected features and driver assist options, including over-the-air updates and Co-Pilot360, which incorporates pre-collision assist features, pedestrian detection and more.

RAM

If you want a truck that has plenty of jam to get to and from the jobsite, or to climb that boulder that hung you up last time you were in the back country, then the Ram 1500 TRX with its 702 hp will do just fine. If you just want to haul the crew and some equipment around the jobsite, there are plenty of more sedate options in the Ram 1500 and Heavy Duty ranges as well.

The 1500 is designed for hard work, with a max payload of 2,300 pounds and trailer towing ability up to 12,750 pounds. The eTorque mild hybrid system is available on either the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 or 5.7-litre HEMI V8, bringing fuel efficiency along with 305 and 395 hp, as well as 269 and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. Also available is the standard 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and the 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6, which delivers 260 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque.

Step up to the 2500 and 3500 and Ram provides even more power and capability. Ram says the 3500 Heavy Duty can offer towing capacity of up to 35,100 pounds and a payload of up to 7,680 pounds. Opt for the 6.7-litre Cummins high-output turbo diesel and owners get 400 hp and 1,000 lb.ft. of torque. Also available are a 370 hp and 850 lb.-ft. standard-output version of the Cummins diesel and the 6.4-litre HEMI V8 pushing 410 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque.

TOYOTA

Toyota has announced four Double Cab and eight CrewMax cab models of its Tundra full-sized pickup for the 2021 model year. Available in a range of trim levels including an aggressive

2021 Dodge Ram Super Duty

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Trail package for off-road enthusiasts, the Tundra is designed for the jobsite or the campsite, the manufacturer says.

Powered by the 5.7-litre i-FORCE V8, Tundra features 381 peak horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque in a sophisticated and an advanced engine that manages fuel use and emissions.

Heavy-duty suspension systems include a double wishbone system on the front and multi-leaf springs with bias-mounted shocks at the rear. Every Tundra includes solid stopping power from 13.9-inch front brake rotors and four-piston calipers. A tow package is factory-installed in every Tundra, including a heavy-duty hitch receiver, wiring harness, transmission cooler, trailer brake controller and transmission fluid temperature gauge.

Inside, Tundra has space for five adults, and a range of amenities that include smart technologies such as Toyota’s Connected Services, a suite of powerful and easy to use services.

For a lighter truck, the Tacoma features a 3.5-litre V6 paired with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions that offers plenty of power alongside efficiency. Available in 15 different variations, the Tacoma is styled with rugged yet urban looks that will please any buyer. A well-appointed interior and a hard-playing exterior makes the Tacoma ideal for backwoods exploration, city driving or light fleet work.

HONDA

Honda’s mid-size Ridgeline will be launched with a new redesign in early 2021, reflecting rugged and versatile capabilities.

At home on dirt and mud or roadways of all kinds, the 2021 Ridgeline is powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-litre direct-injected VTEC V6 backed by a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. Some models feature the i-VTM4 torque-vectoring

2021 Ford F-150

all-wheel drive system, which automatically sends up to 70 percent of the engine’s 262 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels and continuously apportions 100 percent of that torque between the left and right rear wheels based on driving conditions at each wheel. The Intelligent Traction Dynamics System, standard on all Ridgelines, optimizes power delivery and distribution for various conditions including snow and pavement for 2WD

models, while Ridgelines equipped with i-VTM4 get additional selectable modes for mud and sand.

In the cabin, Ridgeline offers a variety of passenger comfort features as well as a variety of safety and driver-assist technologies including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation and more.

A wide bed space makes the Ridgeline easy to load and use for various tasks.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 39

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT

PAST TIRE PERFORMANCE CAN HELP FLEETS MAKE INFORMED FUTURE TIRE DECISIONS

By Jason C. Miller

T

ires are witness to everything that goes on in a truck and are filled with information that can tell you a great deal about your fleet.

There are many reasons tires are removed from service outside of normal wear – ranging from driver-related behaviour to running the wrong type of tires in a particular application, to vehicle condition such as alignment or worn suspension components.

The good news is, it’s relatively easy to identify many of the issues that lead to early tire removal by analyzing the tires. By pinpointing common reoccurring problems, you can make decisions that will help prolong the life of your tires moving forward.

Plus, you can find tires that best fit your operation.

The value of a scrap tire program will vary from fleet to fleet, but those with a laissez-faire approach to tire programs might be missing out. Most construction fleets can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars by taking the information gained through scrap tire programs and applying that knowledge when making fleet-wide decisions.

Getting started

Staying organized is key. Once a tire is pulled from service, you should take a few seconds to inspect the tire and mark the sidewall with a crayon or paint stick to indicate why it was removed from service. It doesn’t need to be a thorough inspection, but this will give you a rough idea of why the tire was removed. If you let your scrap tire pile build up without any organization, performing a tire analysis will be much more time consuming.

A key step while making your initial inspection is making sure the tires are inflated. Why? Because if a tire failed due to a puncture or slow leak, it may be difficult to find the problem area if it’s flat. Inflating flat tires is a must.

A good reference is the Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide by TMC. It contains all sorts of information, photos of all kinds of tire conditions and the probable causes. Other online resources can help steer you in the right direction.

40

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Tires that have worn evenly down to your “pull point” and are ready for retreads should be set aside in their own area so that they can’t be mistaken for scrap. There’s really no magic number for what percentage of the tires removed should be retreadable. It varies significantly from one fleet to the next. The key here is to identify causes and trends. Over time as you regularly go through your scrap tires and implement program improvements, you should see an increase in the percentage of tires that can be retreaded.

When it comes time to perform a scrap tire analysis, see if your tire dealer can help. An industry expert can catch things you miss or confirm the reason a tire was removed from service. Whatever you’re seeing, they’ve probably seen many times before. If you’re a large operation, say 100 or more trucks, you should inspect your scrap tires every month. Fleets under 100 should check once every quarter for at least the first few cycles.

With this information, you can essentially track all of your tires. Say you see a set of the same tire brand/model consistently being removed early. By knowing that, you can sort through the information you’ve recorded in your spreadsheet to see if they share a common pull factor that could explain the early removal from service.

What to look for

If you notice damage to sidewalls, signs of hard braking or flat spotting, or damage caused by underinflation, a driver may be responsible. If you notice a widespread curbing issue, you may need to concentrate driver training efforts in this particular area to improve their driving habits.

If your sidewalls are getting cut or torn, one or more of your customers or jobsites may have a sharp curb, rebar or debris causing damage to your tires.

If you see a unique damage pattern occur, try to find out if those trucks haul to and from the same customer site.

Issues with trailer flat spotting might mean drivers are rushing through their pre-trip inspections.

Flat spotting, as of late, is becoming a growing concern in the industry. Some newer trailers are equipped with smaller air hoses that inflate trailer air brakes at a slower rate so air tanks aren’t fully filled. If drivers start their trip before air brakes release, they will drag the tires across the pavement.

Maintaining optimal tire inflation is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your tires. If you’re seeing a number of tires with irregular tread wear, or a change in colour in the lower sidewall or flattening of the bead area, that may indicate that tires are underinflated. If you identify

The information you record when you analyze your tires will make or break your entire program. Be consistent with what you’re recording. The potential cost savings are found by identifying recurring issues that lead to early removal. A few random tires that have uneven wear won’t tell you much. Unevenly worn tires continuously pulled from a specific truck, with a particular tire brand, along a specific route, or with the same driver, will provide the information you need to narrow down the cause and effect.

Using a spreadsheet allows you to stay organized when you record and save information. That way you can run reports and easily compare current and past tire analysis results. Here’s a general outline of some of the information you should take down when you inspect your tires: • Truck unit and tire position • Tire brand type • Number of retreads • Last retread DOT/date • Number of repairs • Remaining tread • Tire size and load rating • Name of driver (if applicable) • Reason the tire was removed

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

What to expect

When you perform your first scrap tire analysis, you’ll likely find a mixed bag of reasons as to why your tires were pulled from service. The idea is, the more you perform these checks, the more informed you will be to identify and areas for improvement in your tire programs. Here are some of the common, solvable issues you may find when you go through a scrap tire analysis.

Driver behaviour

this as a common issue, you may need to audit the effectiveness of your pre-trip inspection training.

Application

Truck make and model play a role in tread wear.

Not all trucks are spec’d the same – even trucks that share similar horsepower and torque ratings handle the power generated in their own way. Because of this, a tire may not wear the same on two different brands. What’s more, geography and job use can have drastic effects on tire wear. Mountainous terrain, type of aggregate in the pavement, weather and operating on and off paved roads can impact tire wear. Operating both on and off paved roads can be particularly problematic, especially in regions with granite and other very hard stones. Long-wearing highway tires are typically not as effective as vocational tires when it comes to rejecting stones. Not only can hard stones chip away at the rubber, a stone that gets lodged into a tread groove can drill through the rubber into the steel belts causing that casing to be unretreadable.

High speeds might also be a concern as some vocational tire products with aggressive tread patterns may have a maximum speed rating. Before choosing a tire for a specific application, be sure to check the manufacturer’s documentation to see if there is a maximum speed for that product. You may discover a particular tire brand is not well suited to a particular

region. But, before you blame the tire, make sure that your psi specification and maintenance program match the needs of that operation.

Tire maintenance

How confident are you in your fleet’s tire maintenance program? Are your tires regularly rotated, aligned and checked for punctures? Are your duals properly mated? Your scrap tire analysis will let you know how you’re doing.

If you notice excessive toe wear, that’s a distinct indication of a truck that is out of alignment or has worn or damaged mechanical components. Additionally, when you pull trailer tires and see signs of weathering or ozone cracking, check the tire date code. It’s likely those tires are nearing or past their serviceable date. When your trucks come in for preventive maintenance, it’s a good idea to spend some time checking the conditions of tires and make adjustments accordingly to better ensure proper wear.

Working with retreaders and repair shops

Of the tires that are sent in to be retreaded, what percent are typically rejected? Is the reject percentage going up or down? What are the most common reject causes? It’s important that you regularly audit the tires that are rejected, especially if your rejection rate seems high. Ask for the rejected tires back from your retreader so that you can perform a tire analysis of

your own or have your retreader hold the tires until you can inspect them together.

Another benefit of performing scrap tire analysis is that you can recover more on warranties. For example, if a retreader missed a nail hole and you experienced issues with that tire, you’re more likely to discover the retread failure and claim the warranty.

If possible, every time a driver has to replace a tire on the road, have them save the tire rather than discarding it. You may find that the cause of removal was something other than a puncture. If the tire is thrown away, you miss the opportunity of finding the true reason for the failures.

Commit the time: it will pay you back

Scrap tire analysis can provide you a wealth of knowledge that can help you make better decisions with regard to maintenance, tire selection, retread specification and driver-related programs in your fleet. There is always more to be learned about your tires as you perform these analyses. Over time, you may be able to pick between a couple tire brands that provide the longest life to removal, fuel economy, retreadability or other factors that best fit the needs of your fleet. Knowledge is power and the reward is certainly worth the effort.

Jason C. Miller is Cooper Tire’s National Fleet Channel Sales Manager.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 41

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION BENEFIT FROM AI IN CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE

By Lee Toop, Editor

A

s the use of technology continues to expand in the construction industry, the offerings available from developers are broadening in their capability and functionality.

Whether it’s processing the financial side of the business in the office or augmented reality systems that allow crews in the field to visualize the work at hand, users are finding a variety of tools that are able to help cut costs and improve the final product on construction projects.

At its annual Groundbreak conference – held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions – Procore introduced some new products for its platform that expand on previous capacities, with a focus on functionality in the field. The ability to bring technology solutions to workers on the ground is key to the success of construction software, noted Wyatt Jenkins, senior vice president, product, with Procore.

“In five years, you won’t be able to build software that doesn’t work for the field. If I’m a twentysomething person who works for a subcontractor and my experience is Facebook, Instagram and all these beautiful consumer apps that are delightful to use . . . and then I go pick up this clunky thing – you’re just not going to use it,” Jenkins said. “I think the days of construction technology being a top-down mandate are numbered – it’s going to be harder and harder to get the field to adopt it if you don’t generate those delightful experiences.”

The expansion of mobile computing is the number-one thing that is changing the construction industry, Jenkins said, with data collection and analysis a close second.

Mobile construction technology will reduce the amount of paperwork that staff need to handle, and for field workers that is a lifesaver, Jenkins suggested.

We’re focused pretty heavily on creating collaboration – connecting data across tools and connecting experiences.

Wyatt Jenkins 42

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Follow Me in Procore BIM allows any user to locate others who are currently viewing a 3D model in the software to zoom directly to that person’s view, enabling more focused collaboration.

“There’s really no reason for people to fill out all this silly paperwork – digital or physical – when you can just know that someone’s on the job and doing the work they need to do . . . you know who they are, you know they’ve gone to the safety meeting. There’s no reason technology shouldn’t take care of all that stuff,” he said. “When everyone’s got a little beacon in their helmet and you just know who attended a safety meeting, you know where people are on the jobsite and where issues are – I think that’s when technology starts to fundamentally change the speed at which we can build.”

While the industry moves toward those goals, Procore is working on expanding the products available through its platform. Collaboration and teamwork are key to development of new products and updates for existing offerings.

“We’re focused pretty heavily on creating collaboration – connecting data across tools and connecting experiences so that owners can speak to a subcontractor or a general contractor, all through the Procore product,” Jenkins said. “A big pillar of ours in the product strategy is creating more connected data and more collaborative experiences for all stakeholders in construction.”

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Two new updates announced during Groundbreak are part of that effort. In one initiative, Procore is adding more artificial intelligence to its platform, allowing it to automate repetitive tasks, uncover hidden information and provide actionable insights to improve user outcomes, the company notes.

Procore Search is a new addition that provides a single and consistent search experience using machine learning to produce search results that come from across the entire project, no matter what tools are being used when the search takes place.

“This is a game changer in how we search for and find information throughout the different elements of our project management tools,” said Matt Redman, Del Amo Construction. “It brings contextual search to a full project scale, and has allowed our people to find and connect information that would have been extremely difficult to correlate before.”

Procore has also added a smarter submittal builder tool, as well as custom reporting capacities through Procore Analytics, where new AI-powered visuals offer clearer insights into impacts on project metrics.

Another area being updated is Procore’s BIM, with two new features that help improve the user experience for

field workers and allowing them to leverage 3D models during construction.

Field teams can use Procore BIM to access 3D models on their iOS devices.

Now, the use of Dynamic Wall Elevations and Follow Me will add even more functionality.

Dynamic Wall Elevations help users generate elevations or lift drawings instantly in the field. They can analyze dimensional relationships down to one-eighth of an inch. Users can pick objects to get centrelines or outside dimensions to grids and levels and allow for validation of installations.

Follow Me lets users see all other users in the BIM model in real-time, making meetings more efficient and allowing for clearer communication.

Users can select any other user who is using the model, and navigate directly to their location so they can see exactly what the other worker is seeing.

Jenkins said those and other releases at Groundbreak are key to expanding communication and collaboration for customers.

“When I was growing up and my dad was a general contractor, he’d always say to me that construction was about time, money and quality – choose any two. I think with better collaboration and better teamwork, we can have all three,” he said. HEG

KOMATSU

REMOTE APPLICATION LETS USERS SEND NEW DESIGN DATA AND SUPPORT OPERATORS Managers of large construction projects now have a powerful new technological tool in their arsenal to help them work more efficiently and economically.

Komatsu’s Smart Construction Remote application allows users to send new design data to machines in the field, and remotely support operators, without travelling to the jobsite.

Customers can remotely send files from their office to target machines, easily search all connected assets, and log in to a machine and see what their operator is seeing.

They can also easily pinpoint the location of machines by jobsite and upload or download design files at anytime from anywhere.

Using Smart Construction Remote’s capabilities, construction site managers can help operators troubleshoot issues in real time by viewing the same data they do. They can add new files without the time commitment of traditional methods, and transfer design files to multiple machines on site with one click.

“In today’s ever-changing construction environment, Smart Construction Remote is an invaluable, must-have tool,” said Scott Christman, Earthwork division manager at Cornerstone One LLC. “It provides troubleshooting and file transfers with the touch of a button from anywhere with internet access, minimizing crew downtime and maximizing production.”

Smart Construction Remote’s software is compatible with select makes of machines with installed Topcon devices and all Komatsu intelligent Machine Control models.

Komatsu-certified experts are ready to help users get the most from the application and develop team capabilities.

Smart Construction Remote is one of Komatsu’s new Smart Construction Solutions, an umbrella of smart applications created to help construction customers orchestrate construction planning, better handle management and scheduling, streamline costs, and optimize processes remotely in near real time.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 43

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HIGHLIGHTS

ADVERTISER INDEX

FROM >> HeavyEquipmentGuide.ca

Ahern Canada.................................................. 39 Antraquip Corporation.................................... 30

TRENDING

Buffalo Turbine................................................ 45 Camso........................................................ 32–33 CASE Construction Equipment ....................... 2 Doosan Infracore North America..................... 6 Easi-Pour......................................................... 30 Finning............................................................. 23 FLO Components............................................ 29 The Gear Centre.............................................. 41 GOMACO Corporation.................................... 48

Watch Liebherr restore its oldest wheel loader in existence

Hyundai Construction Equipment.................. 27 John Deere.............................................. 4–5, 31

WATCH THIS

Kubota Canada............................................... 35 Mack Trucks.................................................... 47 SANY Canada.................................................. 44 SBM Mineral Processing.................................. 9 Takeuchi........................................................... 43 Trail King Industries, Inc................................. 25 VMAC............................................................... 41 Wirtgen America............................................... 3

Watch Caterpillar use remote-controlled skid steers to play a life-sized game of PAC-MAN

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HUMMER makes shocking return to market as fully electric supertruck

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>> www.heavyequipmentguide.ca 45

LAST WORD BUILDING FOR RECOVERY

BY BRIAN P. MCGUIRE, PRESIDENT & CEO, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS (LEFT) AND CRAIG DRURY, VP OF OPERATIONS, EASTERN CANADA, VERMEER CANADA INC., AED BOARD VICE CHAIRMAN (RIGHT)

T

he economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every Canadian one way or another. It’s especially impacted governments, who have fallen into deep deficits and have delayed presenting their budgets due to the uncertainty caused by the virus. The federal government, for example, still has not tabled its plan for Canada’s economic recovery. However, they have signalled a few times that their plan will include measures to support non-traditional areas, such as clean energy growth.

This is why Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) has launched a campaign called Building for Recovery. In partnership with the Canadian Construction Association, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada and the National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada, the campaign has been created

to let federal and provincial elected officials know that the construction sector is ready to rebuild Canada’s economy. While investments in other areas are important, investing in infrastructure is a proven stimulus measure. Research shows that the return of investment on every dollar spent on public infrastructure is between $2.46 and $3.83.

As governments begin to put together their plans on how to stimulate economic growth, the Building for Recovery campaign will remind them of the importance of investing in infrastructure. The campaign is built around a microsite which houses a grassroots tool allowing those who work in the construction sector to send emails to their local representatives through the click of a button. The goal is to ensure that the federal government and provincial governments continue investing in infrastructure which will help

Canada’s economic recovery and support everyday Canadians.

This includes investments in roads and bridges, public transit, housing, schools, hospitals and more. The investments will immediately employ thousands of Canadians and in the long-term will allow for more efficient travel and better public services. While the federal Invest in Canada plan continues to be the largest of its kind, investments through provinces continue to lag behind. This is why the Building for Recovery campaign is asking for these investments to be caught up to spur economic growth and create jobs. The construction sector is again ready to work with government to rebuild Canada. By working together, we can ensure a strong economic recovery for all Canadians.

To learn more and participate in the campaign, please visit www.buildforrecovery.ca.

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) is an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment used in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications. AED serves: Independent distributors that sell, rent, and provide aftermarket support for construction equipment and related equipment and products; Manufacturers of construction and related equipment and products; Suppliers of business services, including finance, insurance, business systems/ERP and others.

46

HEAVY EQUIPMENT GUIDE

>> NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Stay strong.

Build on.

On every build, a little help goes a long way. Which is why we’re making it easier than ever to get a Mack Granite on your jobsite. Qualified customers who finance through Mack Financial Services can get up to $8,600 in cash incentives. Visit MackTrucks.com/CashCA or see your local dealer for details.

Act now. Offer ends Dec. 31, 2020. *Offer valid on any 2020MY or older model. Final approved transaction terms including down payment are subject to standard Mack Financial Services credit underwriting guidelines and advance policy. Mack Financial Services reserves the right to amend or cancel the program at any time without notice. Approvals will state the program terms and any other conditions deemed appropriate by Mack Financial Services. Except as explicitly described above, program rates may not be combined with any other program or offer. No additional rate discounts are available. This offer is available to Canadian residents only. This offer expires December 31, 2020.

Get $8,600 in cash incentives* on Mack Granite. ®

Qualified Customers Only

®

New

www.gomaco.com x info@gomaco.com “Dedicated to Concrete – Dedicated to You”. GOMACO offers the full range of concrete slipform pavers, curb and gutter machines, placer/ spreaders, texture/cure machines and bridge/canal finishing equipment. GOMACO equipment features our exclusive and proprietary G+® control system, created in-house by our software engineers from the wants and needs of contractors paving in the field. We’ll show you the new Navigator controller with a 10-inch touchscreen that allows ground personnel to simply control and view all attachments from one location. We are also introducing our new high-production system for the C-450 cylinder finisher for bridge decks and flat slabs. At the heart of GOMACO equipment is our passion for concrete and our commitment to our customers. We look forward to visiting with you about your upcoming paving projects and your concrete paving equipment needs.

CONCRETE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS x AIRPORT RUNWAYS x CURB AND GUTTER x SIDEWALKS RECREATIONAL TRAILS x SAFETY BARRIER x BRIDGE PARAPET x BRIDGE DECKS x IRRIGATION CANALS GOMACO CORPORATION IN IDA GROVE, IOWA, USA x 712-364-3347