Diggers LIVE Magazine - November 2022

Welcome to issue #14…

I write this on the cusp of November and must say (from afar) what an event bauma has been.

We are far too late on in our production of this magazine to feature everyone and every new product release or story as they happen (bauma is still in play) but that is why we use our sister site www.diggers.LIVE for the breaking news items, events and time sensitive stories and offer that online service to you.

That said, this magazine has risen over the past two years to be the industry’s place for construction equipment and plant interest. Not to mention occupying many a company’s reception arena.

Back to bauma. I had promised our salesman Nathan a trip over to Germany and we were all booked in, excited and set to go.

That was before Sunday, the day before our supposed 6:30am flight to Munich where I was struck down with a virus that knocked me for six.

Sat in bed for the start of the bauma week I was watching our clients’ and readers’ socials and receiving texts from manufacturers wondering if I could possibly pop by. Pop by I couldn’t and that has been very frustrating.

However our friends in Munich have kept us abreast of all things going down and we have done an eleventh hour bauma feature.

With that in place and an over-egged effort to make good, I plan to go OTT and make it up to myself and hit either bauma India next year or bauma China 2024. Watch this space.

We will be covering all that matters and happened in a comprehensive review in the very next issue.

Inside this issue, alongside the bauma news in this the last issue of the year, we have interviews with supplier TVH and Global Machinery with well supported features on both Dumpers and Loaders.

The next issue will be out just before Christmas, the first one for 2023. Going into the new year we promise to continue to improve, innovate and be the magazine for the industry.

Thank you for supporting us this year.

Best Regards,

Ben Chambers

Caterpillar expands portfolio with four battery electric machines

Caterpillar is focused on helping customers achieve their sustainability goals by geography, by jobsite and specific customer need. One of many solutions, the battery electric prototypes include the 301.9 mini excavator, 320 medium excavator, 950 GC medium wheel loader and 906 compact wheel loader, which were displayed at bauma. These are powered by Caterpillar battery prototypes and include an onboard AC charger. The company also plans to offer an offboard DC fast charging option.

Construction Industries Group President Tony Fassino said: “Caterpillar is well positioned to help customers reach their sustainability goals, including lowering emissions on the jobsite. It’s important we meet customers on their sustainability journey today with a variety

of solutions including machines that run on renewable fuels or technology that increases fuel efficiency, as well as supporting them into the future as we power our next generation of machines.”

The Caterpillar-designed batteries in these machines will also be available to power other industrial applications. Built on proven Caterpillar technology, the lithium-ion battery range features a modular design that offers flexible configurations across multiple applications. The batteries are engineered to be scalable to industry and customer performance needs and maximise sustainability throughout their lifecycle, including recycling and reuse at the end of life.

Joe Creed, Energy & Transportation Group President said: “Our electrified products leverage our deep system integration experience and are designed to meet the performance expectations that customers have come to expect from Caterpillar. We’re focused on helping our customers achieve the optimal product and jobsite energy lifecycle, allowing them to maximise value and minimise their total cost of operation.”

The 301.9 and 906 are expected to be the first commercially available models.

CDE has been named as one of the best managed companies on the island of Ireland, having requalified for the Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme for the 14th consecutive year. Winners were announced at a gala event on Thursday, 29 September 2022 in the Convention Centre, Dublin.

Reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of sand and aggregate wet processing solutions for the waste recycling and natural processing sectors on the global market, the Cookstownheadquartered company secured Platinum status as a Best Managed Company in the 2022 programme.

Deloitte Best Managed Companies is a global initiative to identify and recognise

private companies with advanced management ideas and excellent business performance from every perspective.

Launched in Ireland in 2008, the programme recognises superior business performance in Irish and Northern Irish privately owned and managed companies. A symbol of organisational success and achievement, the programme evaluates the calibre of a company’s management capabilities and practices and its approach to strategy, innovation and culture.

Harry Goddard, CEO, Deloitte Ireland said: “A standout from the judging process this year was the distinct focus of the Best Managed Companies on their local communities, despite their own international growth and ambition.

Businesses have a vital role to play in our society. It was clear from the entries this year that they were having a positive impact not only on their own business, but also on the communities around them. I look forward to seeing how these businesses continue to invest, grow and contribute to our wider society.”

CDE’s Chairman and founder, Tony Convery said: “It is testament to the talent we harness here at CDE that for almost half of our company’s existence we have been recognised by the Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme. The award is all the more relevant in our milestone 30th year in business as it represents not only the successes of our team in the past 12 months, but the collective efforts of our accomplished and fiercely innovative colleagues over the past three decades.

CDE secures 14th consecutive Deloitte Best Managed Companies award

All

D151AEG

1,500

New AUSA electric range

T164E

1,600

Multi million pound logistics contract secures hundreds of jobs

JCB announced the appointment of a new global lead logistics provider with the awarding of a multi-million pound fiveyear contract in September.

The agreement will see Denmarkbased family company Maersk Logistics become the JCB’s lead logistics provider. The contract to manage the company’s global supply chain operations will commence in early 2023 and will see Maersk collaborate with Unipart Logistics in its delivery.

Under the new agreement, both Maersk and Unipart Logistics will play a critical role in keeping JCB’s 10 UK production facilities in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham supplied with parts from the JCB World Logistics Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Employment at the centre has more than quadrupled since opening in 2013 and the new contract secures the jobs of the 260 people working there, as well as those of an additional 160 people working across JCB’s Staffordshire plants.

JCB Chief Operating Officer Mark Turner said: “JCB’s business is going through a period of unprecedented growth around the world and as we grow, keeping production lines supplied with parts and components on a just-in-time basis is imperative. The appointment of Maersk Logistics as JCB’s global lead logistics provider, along with Unipart Logistics, will bring about a transformation in our global supply chain operations and support our manufacturing growth plans.”

Gary Jeffreys, Managing Director

of Maersk UK and Ireland said: “We are privileged that Maersk has been selected to be the global lead logistics partner for JCB. Our collective strengths and experience will deliver an agile, efficient, and sustainable global supply chain for JCB.”

Ian Truesdale, Managing Director of Unipart Logistics, said: “Unipart’s heritage and expertise across manufacturing and production supply chains, combined with its innovation and proprietary system for continuous improvement, will enable us to drive and deliver sustainability and growth targets across JCB’s UK operations.”

Maersk and Unipart will work closely with current lead logistics provider DHL during the handover period between now and next year.

On 11 October I became a Freeman of the City of London, which was a great honour. I had only started in business in early 2020, which as far as recent years go, was the most uncertain I’d ever witnessed.

We worked hard in 2020 and have grown and grown over the last couple

How I was awarded the Freedom of the City of London

by Ronan Herity, Director of Retec Equipment exclusively for Diggers LIVE

of years. During this short time I made a very good friend in Vince Dignam, Business Performance and Transport Group Manager at the City of London.

Vince mentioned about becoming a Freeman of the City of London on the back of what he’d seen us doing in the Square Mile, (supplying Sandvik crushers and recycling London’s old infrastructure). It wasn’t until I met him that I fully understood what Freedom of the City meant, the honour, respect and the integrity

in one’s beliefs and actions that it so greatly values.

The Freedom of the City of London – the historic square mile governed by the City of London Corporation – dates back to around 1237 during the reign of King Henry III, making it one of the oldest ceremonies in the world.

Before 1996 it was only open to British or Commonwealth citizens –with select figures of global standing gaining Honorary Freedom of the City – but it has now been extended to people of any nationality. About 1,800 people are given the freedom of the city per year and in modern times we have seen the likes of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and recently, Ed Sheeran becoming freemen of the city.

I would like to thank Vince for my nomination and also my second nominee, John Tobin from FM Conway, for putting their trust into me to carry on this great tradition at a young age.

Getting the freedom meant an awful lot to me, being one of the first freeman under our new King and, as someone of Irish heritage, being granted the Freedom of the City by the first Irish Lord Mayor, Vincent Keavney. To be a part of the ceremony in the presence of my father and closest friends was very special and a day I will remember for the rest of my life.

Ronan holds his parchment denoting the Freedom of the City of London with father, Ian Herity

Ronan signs the ledger at The Guildhall

in

Retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in August were 6% above sales in the same month last year. This was the strongest performance since February when sales were ahead of last year’s levels by a similar amount. Following this, sales in the first eight months of the year are catching up with last year’s levels and are only 2.5% behind 2021 after reaching 24,700 units. Members are still highlighting that a range of supply chain issues are impacting sales of equipment and this suggests that without these problems, sales this year would probably be ahead of the “record” levels seen in 2021.

The pattern of sales for the major equipment types in the first eight months of the year to August is shown in the chart (centre right) compared with the same period last year. This shows percentage changes in sales year on year, ranked from highest to the lowest, and demonstrates a mixed pattern for the different machine types.

Telehandlers (for the construction industry), continue to show the strongest growth by a significant margin this year, at 24% up on 2021 levels. Sales of road rollers remain weakest, at 9.5% down on last year’s levels. Sales of mini/midi excavators and crawler excavators, which are the most popular equipment types, are between 7% and 8% below last year’s levels in the first eight months of the year. A significant contribution to this is believed to be supply chain constraints associated with the supply of machines from some Asian countries, particularly Japan.

The pattern of sales on a regional basis in the UK and Northern Ireland is shown in the map above for sales from January to August, compared with the same period in 2021. This also shows a mixed pattern. The strongest sales so far this year continue to be in Yorkshire, at nearly 11% up on last year’s levels. In contrast, London and the south-east of England regions have seen the weakest sales at close to 12% down on last year’s levels.

Equipment sales in the Republic of Ireland are also reported. Sales in August fell back again, and were 14% below last year’s levels, after showing a recovery in the last few months. This leaves sales in the first eight months of the year at just under 12% below last year’s levels.

equipment

Wraps come off JCB’s hydrogen refueller

JCB, developer of the world’s first working construction machines powered by hydrogen, has unveiled another world first for the industry – a mobile hydrogen refueller.

The company is investing £100m in a project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines and has already showcased working prototypes of a backhoe loader and loadall telescopic handler powered by hydrogen.

Now JCB has announced another industry first – a mobile hydrogen refueller, providing a quick and easy way for customers to refuel their machines on site. Around 97% of construction machines have fuel delivered to them while working on site. This means customers are already used to a transportable fuel, allowing refuelling to take place in a matter of minutes.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, who is leading JCB’s hydrogen project, said: “Since we became the first construction equipment company to unveil machines powered by hydrogen, many have asked how they can be refuelled.

“Well today we have an answer with our new mobile hydrogen refuelling system, which allows hydrogen to be taken from on-site tube trailers and distributed to machines by our refueller as they work on the job site. This is no different to today when diesel is taken in bowsers to refuel machines.

“Fossil fuels are not the future and hydrogen is the practical solution to powering our machines in the decades to come. Our British engineers are doing a fantastic job in developing this technology and there are many more exciting developments to come.”

A team of 100 engineers is working on the project. The first hydrogen powered machine to be unveiled was a JCB backhoe loader followed, a year ago, by a loadall telescopic handler. The technology was shown in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow as world leaders debated measures to drastically reduce greenhouse emissions.

West Midlands Metro Mayor, Andy Street fills the tanks with hydrogen

Breaking News from

Brand new ADT concept from Doosan Another world premiere for Doosan at bauma is the launch of the company’s new 4×4 articulated dump truck (ADT). Complementing the company’s standard, market-leading range of 6×6 ADT models, the new 4×4 version of the DA45-7 ADT is intended to compete with rigid dump trucks (RDTs) in the 40-tonne class. In the new 4×4 ADT, the front truck and cab unit is the same as in the original 6×6 model, with modifications being made on the rear dumper unit only. Featuring a ZF EP8420 transmission, the 4×4 DA45-7 is a two-axle ADT with twin wheels at the

rear, and with a dumper section similar to that on RDTs in the 40-t class.

The new DL-7 range of wheel loaders Making its first appearance at bauma, the award-winning ‘DL-7’ wheel loader range from Doosan will be represented on the Doosan stand by the DL200-7, DL280-7, DL420CVT-7 andthe topof-the-range DL580-7 models, four of eleven models in the range.

Redesigned buckets offering up to 7% more capacity ensure the new Doosan DL-7 wheel loaders provide easier and faster loading with maximum bucket capacities from 2.0 to 6.4 m3.This provides increased productivity for a very wide range of material-handling applications.

These include the transport and delivery of soil, sand, aggregates and other materials in industry, recycling, waste, construction, demolition, mining and quarrying. Doosan is also offering a wider choice of options to provide more work tools for a better match with applications, further increasing output.

The Z-kinematic lift arm delivers high breakout forces and lifting capacities, especially for heavy materials, and a large dump angle for efficiently unloading sticky materials. An optional high lift arm is available where higher dump heights and increased versatility are required.

The DX225LC-7X – Doosan‘s first ‘smart‘ excavator Shown for the first time in the world at bauma, the new DX225LC-7X –Doosan’s first ‘Smart’ crawler excavator is designed to help operators work faster and more efficiently. To facilitate this, the DX225LC-7X offers a number of exciting new features as standard, including Full Electric Hydraulic (FEH) technology.

Doosan excavators are well known for offering more innovative features as standard than other machines on the market. But the new DX225LC-7X smart model takes this to a new level. As well as the FEH system, other standard features of the DX225LC7X include: Integrated 2D Machine Guidance, Semi-Automatic 2D Machine Control, Laser Receiver, E-Fence Virtual Wall, Weighing System

In the latest development in the DX225LC-7X, the machine is now 3D Trimble-ready andEngcon ready as standard from the factory. Once the machine has been delivered to the customer, they can simply contact their local Trimble dealer for a 3D extension, as well astheir local Engcon dealer to install a tiltrotator.

New medium-sized DX-7 excavator range Doosan‘s new medium-sized ‘DX-7’ range of 17 Stage V crawler and wheeled excavator models from 14 to 25 t also made its first appearance at bauma. Altogether, the new medium-sized DX-7 models provide significantly higher performance in every area than the previous generation Stage IV machines.

They combine enhanced comfort, increased tool carrier capability and novel operator assist technology, with new features to boost fuel efficiency, uptime and return on investment, with a focus on increased power, robustness and agility. Maintenance of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) has also been greatly reduced, with no maintenance required until the machine has operated for 8,000 hours.

Next generation Doosan compact excavators bauma provided a first look at selected models from Doosan’s next generation

compact excavator range, including the DX100W-7 10.7-t wheeled excavator, which offers a high performance solution for customers looking for a wheeled excavator designed primarily for urban and road maintenance applications.

For this type of work, the DX100W-7 offers the best compromise between compactness and agility, complemented by excellent productivity and high-end comfort. It is very important that this type of machine can operate in very restricted areas, so the DX100W-7 can be equipped with the option of four wheel steering and a crabbing mode, with two wheel steering as standard.

The new DX27Z-7 2.8-t, DX35Z-7 3.9-t, DX50Z-7 5.4-t and DX55R-7 5.7-t Stage V compliant mini-excavators are all ideal for confined space work in construction, landscaping and utility projects.

A novel platform design featuring new upper structures has increased durability/robustness and this is complemented in all four new miniexcavators by a larger working range than other equivalent machines on the market, coupled with higher lifting capacities and digging forces.

New compact wheel loaders

Following the signing of an exclusive supply agreement with Netherlandsbased Tobroco-Giant, Doosan has confirmed the details of the new five model range of 3.5 to 5 t compact wheel loaders comprising the DL60-7, DL657, DL80-7, DL85-7 and DL80TL-7 models.

Just like their heavier versions in the Doosan range, the new compact wheel loaders set the industry standard for productivity, flexibility, comfort, safety and reliability. All the new machines offer a full package of modern technology features.

Faresin Industries at bauma: innovation, sustainability, power

The Italian company came to this edition of the prestigious international exhibition with a formidable and complete range of telehandlers that represent the state of the art in the industry. Machines born for the construction site that incorporate all the innovation and smart solutions that Faresin Industries introduces to the market.

Technologies designed to make operators’ work smarter and more efficient that are designed and manufactured in the Breganze plant with the aim of constantly

raising the bar of performance and offering cutting-edge construction solutions.

At bauma Faresin will presented the latest innovations dedicated to the world of construction and industry. The Vicenzabased brand thus follows the innovation path at the service of the customer that includes, for each season, the introduction of new models able to respond in a timely manner to the evolving demand.

bauma 2022 was also an opportunity for the world premiere of a new FULL ELECTRIC telehandler that takes its place

FS Compact

in perhaps the most important segment for lifting activities for construction and industry. It is the 17.45 FULL ELECTRIC from the new Big Range FULL ELECTRIC range, a machine with construction in its DNA.

FULL ELECTRIC

The FULL ELECTRIC you didn’t expect – a telehandler designed for the modern construction site that can deliver similar performance to machines with endothermic engines and an indispensable partner in areas with eco-sensitive regulations.

Born to work at height

The Big Range FULL ELECTRIC series is presented at Bauma with the new 17.45 FULL ELECTRIC, the world’s first electric telehandler with a maximum lifting height of 17 m and a maximum lifting capacity of 4.5 t. Its front outriggers ensure high performance and great stability on any type of terrain when lifting and handling at high altitudes.

Smart power

At the heart of the new telehandler is a 45.36 kWh high-voltage lithiumion battery pack at 435 V that powers two electric motors: one, 51 kW, for transmission; the other, 23 kW, dedicated to services. The power is delivered as needed thanks to a made-in-Faresin process that avoids wasted energy in favour of charge duration.

Thanks to this “smart” power, performing the Big Range FULL ELECTRIC is absolutely comparable to that achieved with diesel engines. The numbers speak for themselves: peak pulling force 44.3 kN; top speed 25 km/h.

Universal charge

The asymmetrical availability of different power systems has always been a weakness of electrified construction vehicles. For the Big Range FULL ELECTRIC, this problem becomes history. In fact, the onboard system allows batteries to be recharged with absolute flexibility, thanks to a single plug interface for 220 V

single-phase and 400 V three-phase power supplies such as for the fast-charging column.

Full range

The new Big Range FULL ELECTRIC series, like its diesel-powered twin, includes three models:

• 14.42 FULL ELECTRIC, with a capacity of 4.2 t and a maximum lifting height of 14 m,

• 17.40 FULL ELECTRIC, with a capacity of 4 t and a maximum lifting height of 17 m,

• 17.45 FULL ELECTRIC, with a capacity of 4.5 t and a maximum lifting height of 17 m.

The Big Range series kicks off the successful fulfillment of the FARESIN FULL ELECTRIC line-up, which began in 2018 with the 6.26 telehandler, also a world-first. A new and important step along the strategic axis of sustainable innovation, which drives the Faresin Industries brand’s path of constant growth and improvement.

Kubota showcases new electric machinery

Kubota unveiled two new electric articulated wheel loaders at this year’s bauma exhibition, enhancing its popular Smart Energy Solutions construction machinery range to offer operators more sustainable options.

Showcased to the public for the first time, the new RT210-2e and RT220-2e are Kubota’s first electric articulated wheel loaders, ideal for construction sites that require low noise levels and no CO2. The launch of the two new Kubota machines follows the recent introduction of an LPGpowered mini-excavator and a fully electric track dumper, giving users more options than ever before to drive down

maximum reach (a lifting height of 2.82 m) and a lifting capacity of 1,450 kg. In addition, the RT220-2e has a shorter arm (a lifting height of 2.45 m) with a lifting capacity of 2,054 kg, perfect for heavy-duty loading applications. With an overall width of only 1.08 m and a machine height of 2.30 m, the new wheel loaders are ideal for use on narrow and compact construction

all-wheel drive machines include a differential lock in the front and rear axles for limited slip, as well as three driving speed levels (0-5 km/h / 0-12 km/h / 0-18 km/h).

Mark O’Brien, Product Manager for Kubota (UK), said: “The topic of sustainability has never been more prevalent in the construction industry and it’s vitally important that we not only provide operators with machinery that is robust and reliable, but also helps reduce our environmental impact on our working environment.

“We take our company motto For Earth, For Life very seriously and the introduction of two new electric wheel loaders is another example of how we can offer our customers more sustainable solutions as we work towards a greener construction industry.”

Exciting times for Auger Torque

This year Auger Torque launched two new products; the Cone Crusher Bucket and InSite Range, as well as the launch of the Kinshofer Drum Cutter range coming under its portfolio.

The Cone Crusher Bucket is the first of these, suitable for parent machines in the 3-10-t bracket, it quickly and efficiently repurposes rubble into usable hardcore of approximately 40-70 mm in size. Tried and tested on excavators, telehandlers, skid steers and mini loaders, Auger Torque has already seen considerable success in the UK market. One customer states that the cone crusher bucket has saved him nearly £1,000 per day when it comes to repurposing on-site aggregate to use as hardcore across his farm. Demo days are being run across the UK for this product – so get in touch if you want to see it in action for yourself.

In-Site is its new range of data driven tools to give operators knowledge and insight whilst out in the field. A plug and play tool, with one power cable, sensor plugs and a handled touchscreen device, the In-Site range of products provide accuracy, precision and efficiency. There are three exciting products in the InSite range. In-Site Align which ensures accurate alignment when drilling holes, preventing the need for an additional person to help align drilling. In-Site

Data which along with the alignment functionality has the addition of pressure sensors so the operator can be sure the correct torque parameters are being met, Finally In-Site Data Plus, suitable for 13 t machines and above, has all the functionality of the first two models with the addition of temperature and speed sensors assisting in the long term maintenance of the drive, as well as ensuring all the correct operating parameters are met. All come boxed with the sensors and a wireless touch screen handheld tablet, with all data recorded easily viewed for that further level of analysis back at base.

And finally Auger Torque is proud to promote the new offering to its portfolio, the Kinshofer Drum Cutter range. Originally a Kinshofer product, Auger Torque is excited to take over the manufacturing, development, sales and support for this attachment range globally. High quality design, manufacturing and parts guarantee high performance levels in the toughest of environments, as well as submerged operation in water of up to 25 m depth. Kelvin Hamilton, Product Manager for the KDC range states, “The KDC drum cutters are the ideal attachment to scale rock or concrete walls, tunnel excavation, trenching in extreme grounds or loosen any hard rocky ground in the most efficient way.”

Merlo showcases latest innovations

bauma is the world’s leading construction trade show. The show represents an opportunity for the construction industry to see the numerous innovations across the sector which led the way in global economic recovery through, and after, the pandemic. At this year’s event, bauma focused on five pillars of digitisation and sustainability for the construction industry. Key amongst these are: Construction methods and materials of tomorrow; The digital construction site; and The road to zero emissions.

In line with this year’s bauma key pillars and Merlo’s recently circulated

environmentally friendly industrial strategy, Merlo is presenting seven new machines, and four new attachments at this year’s bauma, with several of these continuing Merlo’s journey into Generation Zero which was started last year with launch of the eWorker, Merlo’s first fully- electric telehandler.

Compact telehandlers: Following tremendous demand for a 2x2 model to replace Merlo’s previous popular compact P32.6 model, Merlo has developed a range of three compact telehandlers – with a maximum load

capacity of three t, and a maximum reach of 7 m. These new models (P30.7 and TF30.7) will have similar performance and dimensions to the P32.6Top, while offering far more developments (optional lowered cab, new style boom) to increase versatility in the workplace.

These new compact machines will offer three different machine heights and an optional suspended cab (the only compact machine on the market offering cab suspension).

Rotating telehandlers: The ROTO50.18S is the latest development in Merlo’s ROTO400 range. This range has been revamped to meet the continually evolving requirements of the operator. Some of the improvements include: Increased maximum capacity; Improved load charts; Improved dynamic behaviour (slowing the boom to match load, not position); and Increasing functionality.

Stabilised telehandlers: Increasing comfort and performance, Merlo has developed a new telehandler configuration with stabilisers: CS-Top. This new specification does not change the load chart of the machine, and is available for the following models: P40.13, P40.17, P50.18.

There are two new features designed to increase operator comfort with the new CS- Top models: Merlo Cab Suspension (mounting the cab onto the chassis using hydropneumatic suspension); and a new flow sharing hydraulic distributor, offering greater machine performance due to a variable displacement pump capable of delivery of up to 145 l/min.

Dumper: The all-new Merlo DM9 Dumper debuted at this year’s bauma. These rigidchassis machines, designed to handle large quantities of material, will have a maximum load capacity

Overview of the Merlo bauma stand

of 9 t, and will be able to unload using fixed tipping or using the 180° of rotation standard on the machine for three-sided unloading.

The Merlo DM9 will use an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission providing a maximum speed of 40 km/h, and will be one of the most compact machines on the market of its capacity, with a width of 2.3 m, length of 4.8 m and height of 3 m.

M600TD-e Carrier:

The newest member of the Merlo Generation Zero family of machines, the fully-electric M600TD-e Cingo Tracked Carrier uses an electrical pump to drive the machine, with two electric gear motors to drive the tracks. Additionally, the machine uses a biodegradable hydraulic oil to further increase the overall sustainability of the machine’s design.

The M600TD-e has a 4-hour runtime, with a recharge time of one and a half to three hours. The machine is compact, high performance and, being electric, is zero noise, zero vibration, and zero emission.

M700TD Carrier: The Cingo M700TD Tracked Carrier uses a Stage V 12HP Honda petrol engine, and has a maximum load capacity of 700 kg. The external width of the machine has recently been reduced to just 750 mm to help with navigation through more confined spaces. The M700TD comes equipped with a HiTip dumper.

At this year’s bauma, Merlo presents its first aerial work platform developed specifically for the fully-electric eWorker. This new two-person aerial work platform has a load capacity of 200 kg, with dimensions of 1,100 mm x 700 mm.

A new sweeper attachment is also on show at bauma. This attachment is designed for cleaning road surfaces, removing fresh snow and more.

Continuing Merlo’s development of dedicated forestry machines and attachments, a brand new log grab is on display at bauma. This new log grab, bespoke for Merlo machines, will be available in three different versions depending on the machine used.

Finally, Merlo extends its range of aerial work platforms with a new

sliding extension version (as opposed to a traditional tilting extension). This aerial work platform is able to rotate up to +/- 90°, and has a width of 3,400 mm, which can be extended, making the platform up to 5,500mm. The platform has a maximum load capacity of 700kg, and is able to carry up to three operators.

MerloMobility 1.1.

The ROTOSPLUS vehicles are equipped with the latest evolution of the MerloMobility telematics system, version 1.1. MerloMobility is an exclusive, Merlo developed technology making machines more connected and intelligent than ever. Using MerloMobility, the operator is able to remotely monitor and manage their Merlo (or fleet of Merlo machines), and is able to analyse all operating and operational data.

Key features include tracking and logistics, remote control of machines, engine block setting, and maintenance alerts. The Merlo service network, using MerloMobility, can monitor and manage fault codes and update machine software remotely.

Merlo DM9 Dumper

Merlo P30.7L

Liebherr hydrogen excavator receives Bauma Innovation Award

The jury has made its decision: The 2022 Bauma Innovation Award in the climate protection category goes to the R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator. This is the first Liebherr hydraulic excavator to be powered by a hydrogen engine.

Suitable for use under extreme temperatures, shock, and high-dust conditions on construction sites, the 50t operating weight R 9XX H2 may in future offer a robust solution for earthworks and quarrying applications. Suitable for use under extreme temperatures, shock, and high-dust conditions on construction sites, the 50-t operating weight R 9XX H2 may in future offer a robust solution for earthworks and quarrying applications.

Working on alternative drive solutions, Liebherr takes a technology-neutral approach. Hydrogen combustion engines are one technology being explored by the Group. The R 9XX H2, Liebherr’s first hydrogen-powered crawler excavator, has now won the Bauma Innovation Award. The prototype was developed by LiebherrFrance SAS, based in Colmar, France. The machine is powered by an H966 hydrogen combustion engine. It was produced at Liebherr Machines Bulle SA, the Liebherr Group’s engine competence centre in the Swiss canton of Fribourg.

In terms of power, dynamics and responsiveness, the R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator gives nothing away to any conventionally powered machine. Nor is it dependent on a continuous energy supply either. The emissions make the difference: On a “tank to wheel” basis, i.e. when used on a construction site, a hydrogen excavator emits almost no CO2. “Cradle to grave” or from

production to decommissioning, CO2 emissions are 70% lower than those of comparable conventionally powered excavators. Suitable for use under extreme temperatures, shock, and high-dust conditions on construction sites, the 50 t operating weight R 9XX H2 may in future offer a robust solution for earthworks and quarrying applications.

The R 9XX H2 is powered by a Liebherr H966 hydrogen combustion engine. The engine has six cylinders and uses port fuel injection (PFI), which Liebherr employs along with direct injection (DI) for its hydrogen engines. Liebherr’s components product segment plans to start with the series production of hydrogen motors by 2025.

The prototype six-cylinder H966 hydrogen engine is the heart of Liebherr’s first hydrogen-powered crawler excavator. The prototype six-cylinder H966 hydrogen engine is the heart of Liebherr’s first hydrogen-powered crawler excavator.

Remotely manage your job site

Steelwrist

At bauma Steelwrist offered visitors the opportunity to see product news first hand and watch demonstrations of how the tiltrotator and the SQ Fully Automatic Quick Coupler system increase excavator efficiency. Steelwrist SQ is a high performing fully automatic oil connection technology, used in quick couplers and tiltrotators on excavators

to connect hydraulic work tools. The SQ50 quick couplers and tiltrotators for mid-sized excavators are new additions to the Steelwrist range of SQ products. Steelwrist also presented X02, a new model in the tiltrotator range, for excavators below 2.5 t.

The new range of SQ50 quick couplers and tiltrotators is targeted toward 7-13

Steelwrist SQ is a high performing fully automatic oil connection technology, used in quick couplers and tiltrotators on excavators to connect hydraulic work tools. Outstanding flow characteristics and competitive building height and weight are significant advantages of SQ50. SQ50 meets the specifications of the Open-S standard for fully automatic quick couplers.

S50 and SQ50 quick couplers are steel cast and have the Steelwrist Front Pin Lock safety solution. Front Pin Lock is a mechanical lock of the front shaft which significantly limits the risk of an unintended drop of work tools.

The X12 and X14 tiltrotators are redesigned with a new top and attachment

tonne excavators.

coupler in order to make it possible to upgrade from S50 to SQ50 at a later stage, even if the customer did not include SQ in the initial order.

SQ on the top side (upper coupler) of the tiltrotator for rapid change between tiltrotator and other work tools, and SQ on the bottom side (attachment coupler) of the tiltrotator will allow for rapid change between hydraulic work tools. By using SQ, tiltrotator work tools can be made less expensive as the rotation function is included in the tiltrotator.

“With the introduction of SQ50 fully automatic quick couplers and tiltrotators, we will change the game in the growing 10 t excavator segment with flow capacities of 120 l/m with low back pressure. This allows for efficient use of high flow work tools also for mid-size excavators,” says Stefan Stockhaus, CEO of Steelwrist AB.

High flow hydraulics and Absolute Rotation Sensor

With the introduction of SQ50 the Qplus technology has been updated to allow for even higher flows, adding another 20% to flow capacity, which allows users to run also the high flow requiring work tools on mid size excavators.

With the introduction of SQ50 Steelwrist is implementing a new Absolute Rotation Sensor on the tiltrotators in order to give higher accuracy to Machine Control Systems. Full implementation is expected in Q1 2023. Together with Steelwrist Autotilt this allows for even higher productivity.

SQ products that meet the demand from the demolition industry

The Steelwrist range of SQ fully automatic quick couplers includes models for excavators up to 70 t. The latest addition to the range of SQ products for

the demolition industry, the SQ90 quick coupler, will also be presented at the Steelwrist stand.

Open-S compliant solution

All Steelwrist SQ products follow the global Open-S industry standard for fully automatic couplers for excavators. This means that the SQ system is designed to be able to connect to other brands following the Open-S standard.

Steelwrist expands the tiltrotator range with X02 for excavators up to 2,5 t.

The installation ratio for tiltrotators on the smallest excavators is starting to grow globally and in response Steelwrist is now introducing the new X02, a tiltrotator suitable for 1.5-2.5 t excavators.

The X02 is accompanied by a complete range of work tools resulting in increased efficiency and versatility which convert also the smallest excavators into true tool carriers.

The SENNEBOGEN 821 E, with its operating weight of approx. 24 t and reach of 12 m, has been shaping the machine landscape in waste recycling for years. It is precisely this machine, which can be universally used for recycling, that the developers at SENNEBOGEN have set out to transform into a new generation of machines. True to the motto “Try new things, make tried-and-tested things even better,” the 824 G series now impresses with increased performance and even lower fuel consumption.

SENNEBOGEN 824 G: universal recycling material handler with impressive service concept

The new 824 G series serves the smaller material handler segment and, with its

reach of 12 m and the wide range of different equipment options, proves to be a versatile all-rounder in the recycling or scrap yard. Whether equipped with crawler or mobile undercarriage, equipment lengths from 10 to 12 m and/or ULM rod variants – equipment with a special deflection mechanism for sorting grabs –the 824G can be used to implement a wide variety of application-specific solutions. In addition to sorting activities, the robust machine is thus also perfect for loading tasks and can cope with demanding continuous use in challenging working environments, such as high dust levels, heat or extreme weather.

The newly implemented service concept of the SENNEBOGEN G series, with clear and simplified access

to service points such as the central lubrication system and tanks, makes everyday maintenance easier. Further technological innovations also ensure that the service intervals have been extended once again overall.

Higher load capacity, lower consumption

The load capacities of the SENNEBOGEN 824G have also been increased by more than 10% compared to its predecessor. This means that the machine not only lifts more, but can also handle more material per work cycle with the right equipment. The machine also has a highly efficient and environmentally friendly Stage V diesel engine with 118 kW of power. By rightsizing the engine, which now runs at a

speed of 1,725 rpm as standard, both noise emissions and the consumption of the machine have been reduced, thereby also sustainably reducing operating costs.

Special eco-settings as well as largescale lines and hydraulic valves relieve the pressure on the pump system, ensure optimal efficiency and make the material handler particularly efficient and resourcesaving overall.

Increased speed and precision

With the consistently enhanced machine concept, the 824G impresses as another representative of the 6th generation thanks to excellent responsiveness, making sensitive sorting work at the recycling or scrap yard child’s play in the future. Thanks to the state-of-the-art

control technology of the latest machine generation, the working clearance of the machine is perfectly coordinated: combined or overlapping movements with optimal swivel speeds enable fast working processes without having to compromise on precision. Thanks to the memory-based operator profiles, where the hydraulics can be adjusted precisely to the respective operator, valuable time can also be saved at the start of the shift when changing operators.

New comfort cab and safety features In addition to numerous optimisations in terms of seating comfort, air conditioning and control panel, the spacious Maxcab now offers even more options for making day-to-day work particularly comfortable and safe. The large window elements provide a clear view to the front and sides. The windscreen is even made of bulletproof glass as standard, providing optimal protection for the operator. The new elevating cab, which is also installed as standard, is not only even higher than before with a height adjustment of 2.80 m, but is also particularly robust and stable in dynamic use. It allows an eye height of up to 3 m and thus an optimal overview or a direct view into the shredder or scrap press.

An extensive camera system and intelligent control and diagnostic systems also provide support in the daily handling of the machine. The new SENtrack telematic system is also installed as standard, providing the most important machine data such as maintenance requirements, utilisation, fuel consumption and hydraulic pressures in a user-friendly manner, thus facilitating service management of the machine or the entire fleet.

EQUIPMENT ENGAGEMENT

Joris Tijtgat and TVH go way back. His first introduction to the company was in 2012, as part of his graduation thesis for his bachelor’s degree in electromechanics. Joris loved working at TVH and that love was mutual. So when TVH asked him to become a permanent member of the Hydraulics Team, Joris happily accepted. After having held various roles within that team, he settled into his current position as Team Leader of the SEM Team (Small Earth Moving Equipment Team) in 2019. When not at TVH, Joris enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as relaxing with his girlfriend. They live together with their guppies (a.k.a. Poecilia reticulata), in Torhout, Belgium.

Founded in 1969, TVH has over 50 years’ experience as a supplier of parts and accessories for forklifts, industrial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery. What started with two founders has grown into a company of more than 5,000 employees, with offices and distribution facilities on every continent. As such, TVH supplies customers from at least 180 countries as a one-stop shop.

Tell us about TVH and its working culture

TVH’s main goal is to keep our customers going and growing. We are committed to

Interviewee: Joris Tijtgat Role: Team Leader Technical Information Service – Small Earth Moving Equipment Company: TVH Parts Holding (HQ in Belgium)

Q

Tell us about the history and development of TVH

Q

providing all products and services to keep equipment running smoothly.

TVH and its employees operate according to five values, abbreviated as PARTS:

Pursue excellence: What we do, we do well, every day. We are skilled, professional and focused on delivering. We learn from our mistakes in our pursuit of perfection.

Act with joy: We bring energy and enthusiasm in everything we do. We care about the personal growth and wellbeing of our people. We have fun working together, share and celebrate our successes. This is what builds our diverse global community and empowers us to make a difference.

Remain open minded: We value clarity, mutual respect, kindness and open communication. We are down-to-earth, easy to work and engage with. We don’t make things complex.

Take initiative: We think and act as responsible owners, ambitious and passionate. We’re always looking to identify opportunities and creatively translate those, making them successful.

S how courage: We challenge the status quo and make courageous decisions. We are brave and willing to take risks to reinvent both ourselves as well as the markets we play in.

QWhat can a customer expect when they buy from TVH?

Customers buying from TVH can expect to find all parts and accessories needed to keep their equipment going. We have a database of over 46,000,000 part numbers, including more than 930,000 different references in stock, and that range is continually growing. More parts and accessories are added every day.

If customers have difficulties locating the parts they need, they can always contact us. Our in-house experts are always happy to assist through various channels, such as email, phone, our online shop, etc. We have 62 different nationalities and 55 spoken languages in the company, so we can offer customers support in their own language.

QWhat is TVH doing with regard to sustainability?

At TVH, we highly value sustainability and environmental friendliness. We are firm believers in the circular economy and are convinced that waste should be avoided at all costs. That is why, rather than discarding malfunctioning or broken parts, we always try to repair them first. Every day, the skilled technicians and engineers

in our Parts Workshop and Electronics Department ensure that remanufactured parts are of the highest possible quality. That way, our customers also have the option to buy parts at a lower price, but with the same warranty and top quality.

QTell us about the focus of your key products and services

Within construction equipment, one of our focuses is small earthmoving equipment (SEM). We specialise in small earthmovers that weigh up to 10 t. For now, that scope contains three types of equipment – mini-excavators, skid steer loaders and compact track loaders, but a fourth type will be added at the start of 2023: the backhoe loader.

For those machines, TVH offers over four million known references. That range includes cabin parts, engine components, filters, electrical components, hydraulics, tracks and undercarriage parts, bucket teeth and blades, pins and bushings, consumables and much more.

Q

Outline the scope of your parts ranges

TVH’s high-quality replacement parts are suitable for all major makes of small earthmoving equipment, including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, JCB, John Deere, Kubota, Takeuchi, Volvo and Yanmar. Those nine makes represent the largest global market share within our submarkets, so we take proactive action for them. However, we also reactively develop makes other than our nine focuses, such as Hitachi, Komatsu, Wacker Neuson and more.

QTell us about the backhoe loader ranges and how you came to move into that area

There are several reasons that we wanted to expand our range of backhoe loader parts available to our customers.

Obviously, the needs and requirements of our customers played an important role in this. In the early 1990s, the revolutionary backhoe loader was the best-selling machine in small earthmoving. However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the backhoe loader was replaced by new machines such as skid steer loaders, compact track loaders and mini-excavators. Although the backhoe loader may not be as popular as it used to be, many machines are still in use so there are still a lot of customers who need spare parts.

Finally, on a technical level, we see a lot of overlap with other machines (e.g. telehandlers) so we simply have a lot of parts already in stock.

If you have a backhoe loader in your fleet that could use new parts, don’t wait until the official launch in 2023 to shop at TVH. Not only do we have plenty of parts in stock, but we have also been researching and developing backhoe loaders for some time. Therefore, chances are we can help you now.

QTell us about the other services you offer

Our remanufactured service is definitely something that sets us apart from many other suppliers. These parts are a perfect alternative to buying new parts. You get a top-quality part at a lower price, backed up with the same warranty as a brand-new part. How does it work? We repair parts according to strict quality standards, that are placed in stock afterwards.

We also offer free access via our website to our TVH Learning Hub where visitors can view relevant blogs, videos, guides etc, that enhance their expertise.

By filtering on product categories and equipment types, you can find content tailored to everyone’s needs. We share half a century of market experience completely for free.

Furthermore, customers can send us their defective electronic parts for repair.

Our Electronics Department is probably the largest, best equipped and most diverse service centre for electronic parts for all types of electric vehicles.

Finally, we would also like to highlight our technical training offer. TVH University offers hands-on technical training courses suitable for industrial vehicles such as small earthmovers,

forklifts, telehandlers, mobile elevating work platforms and tractors.

Participants can certify in industryrelated topics such as internal combustion engines, electrics/electronics, hydraulics and power electronics. Highly qualified trainers with years of practical experience give their best. Our courses include in-person training classes as well as digital training packages.

QHow do TVH’s product lines make a difference for potential users?

Our main goal is to keep all our customers going. For them, getting the right parts at the right time is crucial to save both time and money. That is why our highly trained staff are always ready to help our customers find the parts and accessories they need.

And if we do not yet have a particular part, our free extensive look-up service will process all requests. In addition, 99.8% of worldwide orders are delivered in the promised timeframe. In many cases, that means customers get their parts within 24 hours.

QTell us about the development of your offering

If I were to oversimplify it, the development of our range can be described as constant. While the official introduction of parts and accessories for small earthmovers took place in 2020, that market was not uncharted territory for us. We were already helping countless SEM owners and had many fitting

parts in stock. But at the same time, we noticed that some of our customers did not know that we could also supply spare parts for small earthmovers, so we decided to grasp that opportunity with both hands. It’s a work in progress, but our range of SEM parts is growing steadily and continuously.

Q

How will TVH be developing its product range in the near future?

Continually expanding our range, especially for small earthmovers, is one of TVH’s main objectives, whether that is with new parts, new brands or new equipment types. But there is always one common denominator – the introduction of a part, brand or equipment type in our range is largely based on the needs of our customers.

Of course, we also keep a close eye on the market and take action according to all trends and developments within small earthmoving. But the most important influences are the needs and expectations of our customers. And by that, I mean all our customers.

About Joris

QHow long have you been in the industry and how did you start out?

I have been working at TVH for more than a decade, but I was already familiar with the company before my first day of work in 2012. In fact, when I was still a student, I was actually hosted at TVH for my thesis. Together with some fellow students, I developed a test bench for transmissions and hydraulic pumps. And that project not only earned us high marks, the test bench won an innovation award and is still being used today.

Because of my dissertation, my first role at TVH was within the Product Development – Hydraulics Team. I was responsible for several products and eventually became Team Leader. In 2019, I moved to the SEM Team, which had been established the year before. Initially, I joined the SEM Team as Team Leader, but that role has evolved over the years. I am also active as an ad interim Market Management Specialist for SEM. This means that in addition to operational tasks, I also shape the small earthmoving strategy for EMEA and APAC.

Q

What attracted you to the industry?

In general, of course I am very interested in technology, but I am especially intrigued by the engineering of earthmovers such as mini-excavators, skid steer loaders, etc.

QWhat do you find most rewarding in work?

Q

Tell us about any interesting projects you have been involved with in your career

I have had the opportunity to participate in many interesting projects. During my time as a member of the Hydraulics Team, I have helped some customers create a passenger/goods lift in which I determined and designed the hydraulic pump group. Together with a supplier, I also designed our TVH hydraulic generator, which can be mounted on MEWP related machines.

Now within the SEM Team, the projects I am part of are very diverse. And I really enjoy the trust of the company to be able to outline the strategy around SEM in terms of pricing, go to market, marketing initiatives, development and more.

Q

Tell us about the different aspects of your work

Given my dual role, it is quite broad –managing the team with brand buyers and researchers on the one hand and being able to outline the approach regarding SEM on the other.

The trust I get from the company in developing a strategy for SEM is one thing, but I also get a lot of energy out of the cooperation with the many departments

and the international reach of contacts within TVH. The latter in particular makes it a lot of fun, because one day you are in contact with someone from South Africa, and the next day you are working on a strategy for Australia.

Describe

What do you do for fun?

What’s

Dumper feature

convenience, machine strength, high productivity and

From climbing aboard and settling on the comfortable seat, everything is laid out logically and within easy reach.

From your comfortable, adjustable perch, you are in easy reach of all control buttons and levers with the advantage of not only a fuel warning light but a gauge too. This is finished off with a USB charger and phone holder for those long working days.

the whole of the machine is shotblasted and two-layer powder coated. This ensures great machine protection and excellent resale values. Along with the bushed and greased steering pivot cylinder, belly plate, front and infill plate, hose cover plates and a strengthened chassis, nothing will break in to stop this machine.

Powering the DX 1000HT through anything that a site can possibly throw at it is a Yanmar diesel engine driving a full 4-wheel hydraulic drive system.

A tight turning circle reduces shunting and time, along with the HiViz contact points, non-slip steps and footplate, retracting seatbelt and ROPS frame improving safety.

The British-built DX 1000HT 1-t HiTip Dumper was researched, designed, developed, and manufactured for the most arduous conditions by ALTRAD Belle with a focus on operator comfort

Nobody wants a machine that spends more time in a workshop than on-site. The DX 1000HT has got you covered. Its skip has fully returned edges that make cleaning a breeze and

Altrad DX 1000HT

dumper was designed to offer capacity for a full working day without needing to be recharged, and when necessary, you can connect directly to the mains via a 110 V, 230 V or 415 V socket with a fast charger. The li-ion battery pack is managed electronically to offer maximum power in a smooth way and with all-terrain conditions

match diesel vehicles. When the accelerator is released, the electric motor reduces the speed instantaneously while the energy is regenerated. Thanks to minimal noise emissions, it can be used in more applications than a traditional dumper, including at night, and permanent 4WD delivers the power to tackle the most difficult terrain.

Hyundai Construction Equipment has added two articulated dump truck models to its rapidly expanding line of heavy construction and earthmoving equipment. The HA30A and HA45A have rated payloads of 28 t and 41 t respectively, providing an ideal haul truck match for Hyundai’s larger crawler excavators and wheeled loaders.

Hyundai Construction Equipment is entering the articular dump truck market with two models, that use proven, innovative design and technology to deliver high productivity and superior mobility on site.

Aimed at the popular 30 and 45-t sectors, the HA30A and HA45A are built around a

full-time six-wheel drive concept, with front and rear limited slip differentials and a longitudinal differential that can be manually locked, for maximum drive and traction on difficult terrain.

The trucks have a compact chassis design to aid manoeuvrability, with a sloping rear frame and a front-mounted differential integrated into the ZF transmission, allowing for a shorter front frame section. This results in the smallest turning radius in the sector and outstanding stability. Selflevelling hydro-gas suspension on the front axle further supports a comfortable ride, delivering maximum tractability in tough ground conditions.

Key features:

• Equal weight distribution with sloping rear chassis frame delivers stability, by distributing more load on the centre of the machine, resulting in a low centre of gravity,

• Tandem rear axle bogie for highest level of ground contact and best-in-class traction,

• Innovative transmission concept results in shorter front chassis frame,

• Articulation joint turning ring mounted close to front axle leads to equal load distribution front to rear and across the front axle during steering,

• Spacious operator’s cab with easy access from the front of the machine.

Hyundai HA30 and HA45A

JCB’s first ever electric site dumper is a one-tonne high-tip model powered by lithium-ion battery technology. Designed to work indoors, underground and in emissions-sensitive areas, the 1TE electric dumper is an ideal partner for JCB’s market-leading 19C-1E electric mini excavator. The 1T-E site dumper is a durable, compact machine with a full steel skip

and heavy-duty articulated chassis. The machine replaces the individual wheel motors of the hydrostatic 1T-2 with conventional drive axles and a drop box, to provide full-time all-wheel drive. A 7 kW hydraulic motor delivers drive to the drop box, while a second hydraulic pump is used to power the machine’s standard hydraulic circuit, for steering and skip lift.

The power is supplied by two 5 kWh lithium-ion batteries, capable of providing full shift operation in normal use. The batteries can be recharged from conventional site electrical supplies, with 110 V and 230 V cables available. In addition, the optional JCB Universal Charger can be used to rapid charge the batteries for extended operation.

JCB 1T-E electric site dumper

With a powerful Komatsu EU Stage V engine, the advanced Komatsu Traction Control System, selectable working modes for on-demand performance adjustments, a robust exterior and state-of-the-art solutions for its suspension and retarder, the HM300-5 is a perfect choice for any jobsite, in any conditions.

The HM300-5 is built from Komatsu-manufactured components that successfully demonstrate their durability,

day after day. Tested and proven by several generations of Komatsu trucks, this top-selling technology sets the mould for all Komatsu ADTs. The entire power train of the HM300-5 is Komatsudesigned and the engine, transmission and axles are perfectly matched, for unsurpassed productivity and durability.

The variable displacement piston pump reduces Power Take-Off (PTO) loss. Improvements in transmission and axles increase energy savings, and

the sophisticated electronic control of the engine operation helps to achieve optimal energy efficiency.

For its world renowned rigid dump trucks, Komatsu developed various wheel slip control systems that were refined and combined with new technologies to produce the advanced traction control system that equips all HM300-5 machines. KTCS automatically provides optimum traction in any ground condition.

•

The HM300-5 has a payload of 28 t that combines with a loading height of only 2,830 mm to enable easy loading. The truck features a low centre of gravity and a high ground clearance.

Komatsu’s exclusive electronically controlled transmission, or K-ATOMiCS, is tuned perfectly for the HM300-5. The “total control system” manages both the engine and transmission by monitoring the vehicle’s condition. This Komatsu-designed technology guarantees smooth shifting and maximises transmission life.

Komatsu HM300-5 ADT

Perfectly blending stylish design with rental-tough build quality, Mecalac’s 3.5MDX cabbed site dumper sets the standards in performance, safety and comfort. A class-leading solution for carrying high payloads in confined job sites, the state-of-the-art model offers all the benefits of the Mecalac MDX range in a 3.5 tonne capacity.

Powered by a Stage V-compliant Kubota D1803 1.8 L turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine, operators benefit from 37 kW at 2,700 rpm and a peak torque of 150.5 Nm at

1,600 rpm. Thanks to the integration of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), emissions are minimised, while fuel economy is optimised.

An operating weight of 2,990 kg, length of 3.8 m, width of 1.9 m and height of 2.8 m make the 3.5MDX highly compact and manoeuvrable. Available with either swivel tip skip with 180° rotation (to enable precise lateral unloading without manoeuvres) or front tip skip, the new model is designed with an articulated

and oscillating chassis to ensure excellent manoeuvrability and off-road capability.

The 3.5MDX uses high and low range gearing for both forward and reverse, as well as permanent hydrostatic four-wheel drive. This means that operators have torque on demand to effortlessly move loads in even the most challenging site conditions. This, combined with a maximum travel speed of 20 km/h (12.4 mph) makes the unit quick and easy to move around site.

Mecalac 3.5MDX

Takeuchi is best known for excavators but has one unusual machine in the lineup, the TCR50-2 tracked dumper. Launched in 2020 it has proved a worthy addition, with a significant fan club for its massive functionality.

For those looking for a safe rear tipping tracked dumper, the TCR50-2 offers stability, power performance and massive payload (3,700 kg). With 180° skip tip left

and right, the TCR offers versatility on site with the side-tip capability limiting the need to reposition the machine on site.

With an ample 65° dump angle and 3,700 kg maximum loading weight, operators always get maximum discharge with just a single operation. A choice of foot or jogdial throttle allows more economic and intuitive

control of the Stage V Yanmar turbocharged engine. The cab is large and roomy with an adjustable suspension seat and massive all-round visibility. The colour multi-informational display and 180° rear view camera with auto activation and operators can customise the camera settings.

The TCR50-2 is certainly built for site with a roof and cab glass guard

fitted as standard and antislip walkways and steps. Daily and routine servicing is made easy with the wide opening maintenance cover providing exceptional access to engine and routine inspection points. The robust undercarriage has removable steel engine sump guard plates and large heavy-duty rollers, and steel imbeds for outstanding durability.

Takeuchi TCR50-2

Designed with contractors and hirers in mind, the 3-t electric dumper offers the same build quality, robust design and engineering excellence that is ubiquitous across the Thwaites range.

As the demand for cleaner alternative fuel sources grows, Thwaites is keen to ensure it offers a quality product that delivers for customers, their clients and the environment. This combines to give the operator the control and manoeuvrability expected from a Thwaites dumper.

The electric drive dumper has a similar unladen weight when compared to the diesel/hydrostatic version. The main battery pack and driveline

components, now sit low in the rear chassis, lowering the centre of gravity when compared to the hydrostatic drive machine, further improving machine stability.

Critically, the battery pack will complete a full 8-hour shift of normal site operation from a single charge.

The 3-t electric dumper will provide for the rental market, a cleaner,

quieter,

contractors

use the machine in more urban

settings.

Thwaites all electric 3-tonne dumper prototype

A rock-solid first year for Rokbak

Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer Rokbak has recently celebrated a successful first year following its rebrand from Terex Trucks in September 2021. In addition to the Rokbak name, the rebranding operation saw the 28-t payload RA30 and 38-t payload RA40 models switch from the white Terex Trucks colour scheme to the well-received Sand livery. As the most productive and efficient articulated haulers the company has ever made, with better fuel economy, lower emissions, improved safety and greater durability, their rejuvenated appearance is proving to play a

key role alongside the new name in further expanding the company’s reputation, dealer network and market share.

The rebrand followed the Volvo Group’s acquisition of the company in 2014. Since then, millions of pounds have been invested in its products, people and processes – and with its two articulated hauler models setting new benchmarks in productivity and reliability, it’s no wonder they wanted to properly highlight just how much of a difference these enhancements had made.

“Becoming a member of the Volvo

Group allowed us to make major improvements in every part of our business,” says Paul Douglas, Managing Director of Rokbak. “We felt it was right to recognise this evolution with a new brand name and launch an exciting new chapter in our history. Our customers and dealers also expected and supported a name change to reflect the new machines, so the rebrand was set in motion about four years ago.

“Our customers were already referring to our haulers as “rock trucks” so, after consulting with our dealers and customers,

Building on eight decades of hauler heritage and seven previous years of major improvements, the Rokbak brand was immediately a hit worldwide when it was revealed just over a year ago

we found the Rokbak name worked really well across all markets. It’s a name that embodies rock-solid strength, robustness and reliability – and our promise to always have the backs of our customers.”

RA30 in focus

The RA30 is an ideal choice on quarries, construction sites and infrastructure developments. It offers a heaped capacity of 17.5 m3 and is powered by a Scania DC9 engine, which develops gross power of 276 kW and a maximum torque of 1,880 Nm.

The hauler’s EP320 transmission comes with eight forward gears as well as four reverse gears and features a top speed of up to 55 km/h (34 mph), high overall gear ratio spread, equal ratio steps between gears and optimised gear shifting with partial load shifts. All of this means that the RA30 offers lower fuel consumption with smoother gear shifting and thereby higher levels of operator comfort as well as faster cycle times and reduced carbon emissions. Overall, the entire drivetrain helps the hauler deliver class-leading rim pull for superior performance and

productivity. It also ensures the machine offers excellent navigation and fast haul cycles. The RA30’s long life transmission fluid increases the length of time between oil maintenance intervals to 4,000 hours. This helps customers achieve increased productivity and uptime, as well as lower cost per tonne.

The RA30 is equipped with true independent front suspension as standard, further enhancing operator comfort and enabling excellent traction control and maximum productivity, even in challenging conditions.

A closer look at the RA40

The RA40 is designed to meet the demands of the most challenging operations. This robust hauler excels at delivering cost-effective production at large-scale construction projects, quarries and mines. The RA40 boasts a heaped capacity of 23.0 m3 and is powered by a fuel-efficient Scania DC13 engine that develops gross power of 331 kW and a maximum torque of 2,255 Nm.

Rokbak’s skilled engineers have ensured that the RA40’s drivetrain is perfectly matched to the engine, thanks to automatic adaptive shifting capabilities and a pre-selected two-speed transfer box, along with longitudinal and limited-slip transverse differential locks. All of this helps the articulated hauler to deliver excellent performance and productivity, whatever the application.

Other key performance features of the RA40 include great traction and an effective power-to-weight ratio, which ensures material is moved as quickly as possible in all conditions. With this functionality, customers can achieve maximum productivity at a minimal cost. Reducing operational costs even further, as well as enhancing safety, are the forcecooled multi-disc brakes. Supported by an electronically activated exhaust brake and a six-stage modulating transmission retarder, the RA40 benefits from longer brake component lifecycles.

The Allison HD4560 transmission boasts high-performance oil and up to 6,000 hours between service intervals. In

addition to all of this, the machine has magnetic suction filters, which reduce the risk of contaminants entering the hydraulic system. This helps to maximise uptime through cleaner hydraulic oil, longer periods between maintenance and prolonged hydraulic component lifecycles.

The RA40 can go 4,000 hours between hydraulic fluid maintenance periods, which reduces the need for disposable maintenance materials over the hauler’s lifetime.

Both the RA30 and RA40’s fuelefficient engine range is globally emissions compliant. For the European market, Rokbak’s latest EU Stage V emissionscompliant engine boasts up to a 7% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to older EU Stage IV engines.

A true success

“I am delighted by how well the Rokbak brand has been received externally,” concludes Paul. “We all had huge faith in the new brand and felt that its message of rugged reliability and strength, coupled with its strong hauling heritage and future-focused vision, was a winning combination.

“When people see the new Sand paintjob in real life they are blown away – it looks incredible on the iron. We’ve been out at a few trade shows and open days this year – including Hillhead, Balmoral Show and ScotPlant – and the feedback has been that our haulers were the best-looking pieces of equipment on site.”

INSIDER

Interviewee:

Peter Banks is the Managing Director of Global Machinery Solutions Ltd, a company supplying a wide range of machinery in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and several western European countries. Peter was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, but moved to the UK in 2006 and is now based in Sleaford in the East Midlands. Customer satisfaction, employee growth and

are important to him and his family is his passion. When time permits, he enjoys playing squash, golf, and watching cricket and rugby.

QTell us about your career progression within Global Recycling Solutions?

I started out as Financial Controller and was promoted to Finance Director and then to Managing Director.

QHow has what you do personally developed?

I have developed from a finance role to a sales role and then to general management. My main remit was to grow the sale of machinery and the aftersales sector. Part of that strategy was hands-on selling and

to ensure that we had the right team on board, in addition to ensuring that our systems were optimum in enabling the company to grow in line with shareholder expectations. A lot of my time is spent engaging with the company’s sales team, customers, and suppliers.

During my 12 years at Global Recycling Solutions, the company has grown from 11 to 50 staff and from a turnover of £4.2m to £17.2m. We now cover a far wider geographical area, have a more comprehensive product range and expect our turnover to grow by 33% over the next financial year.

QWhat is it about your role that attracts you?

I enjoy dealing with people both in the workplace and with external customers and suppliers.

QHow do you think your colleagues see you (or how would you like them to)?

I believe they see me as approachable and pragmatic.

QWhat does Global do, in particular as relevant to our readers in Diggers LIVE

Of particular interest to your readers is the SANY range of excavators that we distribute throughout East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. The company stocks and sells this range of machinery and thereafter provides the aftersales care to ensure that these machines provide optimum reliability and productivity.

Relatively new to the UK, SANY is going from strength to strength and continually picking up greater market

share. SANY’s available excavators range from 1.5 to 50 t, with bigger machines on the way. Also to hit the market next year will be SANY’s range of wheeled loading shovels, telehandlers and all electric excavator models. Watch this space.

QTell us about Global Machinery Solutions, its history and development

Founded in 2004, Global Recycling Solutions Ltd, now rebranded as Global Machinery Solutions, is a well-established and recognised machinery dealer and supplier in the UK and western Europe. The company is currently a leading name in the forestry, recycling, construction, aggregate, and confidential document shredding sectors.

The parent company to Global Recycling Solutions is Heathpatch, a diverse group with interests in farming, composting, renewable energy, recycling, hospitality and general industry, owned by the Buckle family. In 2001 James Buckle started to diversify Heathpatch into different areas, with the aim of increasing return on capital, which among other things led to the formation of Global Recycling Solutions.

From the beginning, Global understood the need for recycling commodities and for sustainable and renewable energy, and it has helped promote and develop these sectors over the last eighteen years.

The growth of an impressive brand portfolio saw the company change its name to Global Machinery Solutions Ltd in 2022, branding the company into five divisions – Forestry, Construction, Recycling, Aggregates and Confi-shred.

Since 2004, the company has continued to grow and has gone from a turnover of £4.1m to £17.2m, with a goal of reaching £50m. It has created jobs, going from eight employees to more than 50. Of the original eight staff, six remain in the company, which goes to show the commitment and support from the employees and the company alike.

As the company grows, so does the need for physical space in order to house machinery, spare parts, and the everexpanding team of staff. Global has rapidly outgrown its Grantham premises, which it has occupied since 2014, and October 2022 sees the company moving to a new location in Long Bennington. The site is over 5.5 acres, mostly concreted and will allow for the next chapter in company growth.

In 2020 we opened a satellite depot at Mildenhall in Suffolk as the home to the SANY range of excavators. In line with the rest of the company this depot is growing rapidly.

The company is excited for the future with its new divisions under the umbrella brand of Global Machinery Solutions, as it will allow customers to be supported by complementary product lines.

Company partnerships with suppliers have traditionally been longstanding because we have provided the aftersales services those suppliers seek and have promoted and sold their products above their expectations, often receiving best dealers awards.

We have had longstanding partnerships with Shred-Tech confi-shred equipment (35 years), Bandit Industries forestry equipment (23 years), Jo Beau forestry equipment (10 years), Pronar recycling shredders and trommel screeners (five years), Norwood sawmills (seven years), and SANY excavators (two years). There is no expectation that any of these partnerships will end any time soon.

A lot of our product lines cross over into different economic sectors and SANY excavators are used in all the sectors that we deal with. SANY’s share of the market is growing exponentially due to good stocking levels, good lead times, competitive pricing, great machine reliability and fantastic aftersales service provided by Global Machinery Solutions and the other dealers.

QWhat are Global’s USPs?

The company’s unique and agile operating model has given it an advantage over competitors by being able to offer world class machinery alongside a bespoke customer experience that continues long after the sale has been completed.

With an extensive team of mobile engineers located throughout the UK, Ireland and Germany, we can offer a complete aftersales support. We cater for everything from machinery breakdowns to scheduled servicing, within a rapid response timescale.

The company boasts a well-equipped parts department with an extensive range of parts and substantial levels of safety stock, promising next-day delivery, with an expert team including dedicated brand representatives, so that expertise is guaranteed.

With over £2.9m of parts in stock, consisting of more than 7,000 lines, we ensure we can supply the right parts to ensure minimum machine downtime

QTell us about your global partnerships. How have these developed and are there plans for further partnerships?

Future-Proof Battery Systems

as we understand how much every second of that downtime costs the customer.

The industry reputation of Global sees the company being regularly approached by brands that would like to be considered for addition to the current product lines. Due diligence determines whether a new brand will fit inside the already impressive portfolio, while maintaining the Heathpatch passion for product recycling and sustainable renewable energy.

Those key industries drive the portfolio direction. If a brand approached Global and it didn’t fit with that, it is unlikely it would be considered.

Q

How can these benefit customers?

The Global sales team are with the customer from beginning to end, offering expert advice tailored to their business and where applicable, offering demonstrations in their own working environment. The company is proud to demonstrate that a sale is where the journey begins, not ends.

It is important to Global that customers are confident in their choice of product and supplier, ending up with a product that is not only going to work for them but also exceed expectations and help them to grow their business.

Q

Tell us about Global Machinery’s philosophy

A fundamental company philosophy is to under promise and over perform and to deliver excellent service and products to our customers on time and at a high quality every day.

Q

Tell us about any apprenticeships or trainee schemes Global has

Global has engaged several apprentices in the past as we find that it is far better to train staff on our own products from the beginning rather than to have to retrain already qualified staff. We are continuing to recruit and train apprentices and have been really pleased with the high level of retentions that we achieve.

Q

Tell us about your experience of the current labour market

The labour market is difficult and our experience is that the right skilled labour is difficult to find and recruit. BREXIT, COVID, and a lack of apprenticeship schemes in the past have created a skills shortage for us.

And finally

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives

What do you do for fun?

Dog walking, competitive and social squash, SCUBA diving and social golf

When and where are you happiest?

Spending time with the grandchildren or being under the water SCUBA diving

What’s your favourite food? Outdoor barbecues

QDoes Global undertake any training or Continuous Professional Development?

Continuous Professional Development is important to us and we like to create new talent wherever possible through educational training courses, factory training programmes, in-house training, on-the-job training, health and safety and environmental courses through Commodious.

QHow do you see the company in five or ten years?

We are expecting continued growth with no real limitations as to how far we can go.

PARTS TO STAY IN THE GAME

All roads lead to the Executive Hire Show 2023

September, the EHS team confirmed that the 16th annual hire event is now 85% sold. The meeting had a record turnout, with exhibitors both old and new taking time out of their schedules to attend the event and networking lunch.

Chris Moore, Executive Hire Show Publishing and Event Director highlighted the success of previous shows and how the 16th annual event was aiming even higher. “Collaboration was the key to making the 2023 event the best one yet. We continue to receive regular stand enquiries from leading suppliers, so, once again we expect another sold-out Executive Hire Show.”

There will be a new format for the Innovation Trail, which is very popular with manufacturers and suppliers, with Peter Haddock (Content with Media) returning to the event to interview shortlisted candidates live on their stands. Peter also plans to ‘live blog’ from the show – which went down a storm with hire audiences at the 2022 event.

The Innovation Trail will have a renewed focus on equipment that employs new power sources and sustainable technologies, or that improves efficiency and environmental impact. Chris confirmed the criteria: “We are inviting entries from companies that are implementing new technologies to deliver efficiencies, cost savings, or a better service, not forgetting emerging technologies that are paving the way to net zero.”

The EHS team is delighted to confirm that the UK’s premier hire will be taking place on 8 and 9 February 2023 at its established home – the Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS Arena), formerly known as the Ricoh Arena.

Despite the current economic uncertainties and reported supply chain issues the compact plant hire and equipment industry remains resilient and is reporting a surge in business, which is excellent news for the hire market and

the many diverse sectors it serves.

As the journey to achieve net zero by 2050 gains traction, innovation and investment in new technology, particularly renewables and sustainable solutions are at an all-time high, with many companies allocating a huge proportion of their budgets to the pursuit of green technology.

During the annual exhibitor ‘kickoff’ meeting at the CBS Arena, which took place during the last week of

An exciting prelude to the Executive Hire Show is the series of industry Road Shows. The next event is being held on Tuesday 6 December from 2 – 7pm at the Aztec Hotel & Spa in Bristol. Visit the website for more details and links to details of accommodation.

www.executivehireshow.co.uk

These popular regional events allow people to network in an informal and positive atmosphere and enable hirers to take advantage of special deals that are only available to Road Show visitors on the day. These events are free to attend.

Loaders feature

CASE G-series Evolution wheel loaders supplied

by Warwick Ward (machinery) Ltd.

Since their launch in 2017 the CASE G-Series wheel loaders have been very popular for the excellent performance in terms of productivity, comfort, fuel consumption and low operating costs. Exclusive engine technology provided by sister company FPT Industrial makes these wheel loaders a highly efficient product, able to overcome the most difficult operating conditions.

All CASE G-Series wheel loaders are equipped with best-in-class engine, transmission, axles, differentials and hydraulic components. The cab provides the operator with outstanding comfort and visibility. These wheel loaders are champions of productivity thanks to the optimal weight distribution resulting in a tipping load at the top of each machine’s range, for the maximum productivity.

The cooling system’s innovative “cube” design ensures the best cooling efficiency, compared to the overlapping radiators in conventional design: all the coolers are simultaneously crossed by the same air flow at the same

temperature for increased reliability, preventing overheating failures on engine, transmission and hydraulics. All these advantages make CASE wheel loaders favourites on jobsites around the world.

Hyundai Construction Equipment has introduced the HL955AHD and HL955AHDXT wheeled loaders. These highly developed models have been specifically designed to handle severe applications, such as recycling and waste handling, with additional protection for cabs, axles, driveline components and cooling equipment.

While all Hyundai wheeled loaders, including the HL955A, are built to provide optimum performance and productivity in a wide range of operating conditions,

the waste and recycling sectors demand additional robust protection to maintain machine reliability and prevent downtime. This has led to the development of heavy-duty HD versions of the both the standard PZ-bar HL955AHD, with high tilt-back forces making it ideal for heavier attachments, and the highlift HL955AHDXT model with its extended lift arm reach.

The heavy-duty HD models are equipped as standard with a high capacity, auto differential lock

front axle, in place of the standard axle on the HL955A. This axle offers a dynamic load capacity of 19.4 tonnes, up from 16 tonnes on the standard machine. The front axle can also be equipped with axle cooling, to enhance braking performance and deliver added durability, reducing downtime for the customer. The rear axle has an open differential as standard, though a limited slip differential is offered as an option for job sites that require additional traction.

Hyundai HL955AHD and HL955AHDXT

JCB 427

The JCB 427 has been built using advanced production techniques and premium componentry for superior structural strength. It has been tested to the limit on sites around the world to always maintain total productivity.

Rig testing of up to one million cycles and cold testing down to minus 20 °C guarantees starting performance. Perfect for operations in batching plants, it shares DNA with the smaller 417 model and the larger 437 and 457 models.

Powerful twin hydraulic pumps, a load sensing valve block and five-speed transmission all come as standard for fast cycle times. A choice of loader arms and axle options can be specified to further tailor the machine to any application.

Powered by a Stage V Cummins B 6.7 L 123 kW engine, the model has

impressive low-end torque. A variable geometry turbocharger provides increased performance at low engine speed for improved cycle times and tractive effort.

The class-leading JCB Command Plus cab brings optimal control layout and driving position providing greater comfort, visibility and ease of use. Key aspects include a large interior with panoramic front windscreen, seatmounted controls which move with the seat suspension and end-damped

Key features:

• Max shovel capacity of 2.4 m3,

steering for easier turning from lock to lock.

The JCB 427 offers leading protection for operators at all times, with superb visibility inside and out, non-slip surfaces, excellent air filtration plus many other safety options. The isolator-mounted cab is compliant with ROPS/FOPS standards, interior and exterior mirrors provide views to every corner of the machine and a larger and wider door aperture provides safer access to cab and rear of machine.

• Optional torque lock-up 5-speed transmission,

• Stage V Cummins B 6.7 L 123 kW engine,

• Fuel-saving auto engine shutdown feature,

• JCB LiveLink telematics as standard.

Featuring the Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (KHMT), this next generation 24-t class wheel loader is a versatile performer.

Built on the recognised benefits of its predecessor, the Komatsu WA475-10 is up to 30% more fuel-efficient and is perfect for any moving, transport or loading job with an outstanding combination of fuel efficiency, productivity and ease of operation.

K-HMT combines the benefits of hydrostatic and mechanical powertrains. This innovative Komatsu technology provides extra power along

with ultra-low fuel consumption. An electronic controller works to keep the engine speed low and constant. Minimum interaction is required, and operations are easier.

The Z-bar linkage is optimised for significantly quicker loading cycles. More lifting power and higher breakout forces make bucket filling easier. In combination with the new Komatsu high efficiency buckets, this provides significantly increased production rates, with more tonnes-per-hour.

Messages from the Eco guidance system are displayed in real time during operations and on the exit

screen when the ignition is turned off. The Eco guidance menu enables the operator to check operation logs and fuel consumption. These records are useful to reduce overall fuel usage and can be saved and sorted by the operator.

The WA475-10 can change attachments in a matter of seconds with the HD hydraulic quick-coupler, available as optional equipment.

Combined with a wide range of Komatsu attachments, Komatsu wheel loaders provide the perfect solution for any industry sector including waste management.

Komatsu WA475-10

The AS750 is a brand new addition to Mecalac’s extensive range of compact swing loaders. Its unique design enables operators to simultaneously drive, manoeuvre and pivot, guaranteeing maximum efficiency and productivity on the work site.

Featuring a 45 kW Stage V-compliant DEUTZ TCD 2.2 L3 engine, delivering 250 Nm torque at 1,600 rpm, the loader is powerful, productive and capable of tackling

even the most challenging tasks. The addition of P-bucket kinematics ensures excellent precision –particularly with a pallet lift or load hook.

Perfect for lifting and loading in tight environments, the AS750 achieves impressive stability on all terrains. A small turning radius provides maximum manoeuvrability, while unique design means that, once the rear axle is locked, whatever is

lifted by the bucket can be turned 180° without any loss of steadiness. Designed around a one-piece rigid chassis with three steering modes (two-wheel steering, fourwheel steering and four-wheel crab steering), exceptional mobility is a given. What’s more, the loader’s spacious cab, with two doors, provides excellent visibility and further increases safety on the job site.

Nm

mph

Mecalac

The week after the Plant Operator of the Year competition, I got invited down to Bristol for the Molson open day to look at all the machinery they offer and even have a go in some.

There was pretty much every size of machine you could want to see, with some massive plant including excavators, screeners, crushers, material handlers, loading shovels. The list goes on. There was a vast range of brands, but what I wanted to see was the Kobelcos, Hyundais and Sennebogens, including a Kobelco SK850 and a Hyundai HX900. The Hyundai hadn’t long been in production, so it was nice to see that in person and just experience the sheer size of it.

We spent the morning at the depot with all the machinery and meeting people. There were a couple of machines fenced off that you could have a go on so I chose the material handler, which was a Sennebogen.

I’ve driven material handlers before so I was keen to have a go on the stand. The Sennebogen was really smooth on the levers and very responsive.

I sat in all the machines and had a good look around. We then went to a quarry near Cardiff, where Molson had set up some screeners and crushers, which were being loaded by excavators and a new Rokbak ADT loaded with rock by another excavator.

At the top of the quarry they had five Kobelcos to have a go on, ranging from 6 to 21 t. I tried the six-tonne machine, which was fitted with a SMP tiltrotator. It was a good little machine and handled the tiltrotator perfectly.

I also had a little go on the new SK210 and because there was plenty of space, you could get the feel for the machine and see how it dug. It had plenty of power and was very smooth. I was surprised since I drove an old Kobelco SK210 a few years back and wasn’t too much of a fan, but the new SK210 has changed my mind, that’s for sure.

We headed back to the depot in Bristol for another look around and to take some more photos. I had a brilliant time down at Molson’s day and thank them again for having me.

It was back to reality the next day, working on getting the pond lined and topsoiled.

Why we need to use electric to build electric

Sales of electric cars are soaring and charging points are popping up like mushrooms to accommodate them. While this is great, there are a lot of untapped CO2 benefits to be gained before they are even switched on – by building these charging points using zero emission machines. It’s crazy not to, in fact.

Leading by example, we have recently built 64 charging stations – sufficient to power up to 138 cars – at one of our major production facilities in Sweden, using only zero-emission compact

electric excavators and wheel loaders.

The Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator and L25 Electric wheel loader – one of our five commercially available electric construction machines, the largest range in the world – more than proved they were up to the task of digging the narrow, shallow trenches required for electric cabling. Their compact dimensions and lack of noise also mean they are perfect for inner city and urban construction projects – the types of locations

Gustav Boberg charges his Volvo, standing alongside the ECR25 electric compact excavator

Gustav Boberg, Segment Leader, at Volvo Construction Equipment explains why it is important to use electric construction equipment to build the electric charging infrastructure our society needs

where we know charging facilities are needed the most.

In total, using electric machines rather than comparative diesel-powered units on this project is estimated to have saved 3,034 kg of CO2 being emitted to the environment. That’s not the only savings. With diesel prices at an all time high, using electric equipment cut the contractor’s fuel bills to 1,158 litres.

These machines are clearly a vital tool to build more sustainable power solutions and we need to work in close collaboration with all experts across the value chain – with energy providers, businesses, utility companies and of course local authorities – if we are to make our electric transformation a success across the board.

We enjoyed a strong collaboration with our partners in this project to build charging stations at our facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden. They included local contractor Tuna Förvaltning & Entreprenad, who provided the expert operators, and leading energy company Vattenfall. The charging stations are connected to Vattenfall InCharge, which enables monitoring of consumption, control and invoicing. The electricity powering the cars is certified green hydropower from Vattenfall.

Following a short introduction on how to charge the machines, the operators were soon at home with the electric equipment, breaking, trenching and backfilling as they normally would. In fact, in installing the 64 EV chargers (CTEK – Chargestorm® Connected 2), they operated the machines exactly as

if they were diesel-powered – with no reduction in performance. Not only that, the electric machines are much quieter in use, feature low vibration levels and completely eliminate idling – saving considerable CO2 over comparably-sized diesel machines.

While these statistics stand for themselves, we know change can be daunting. In some corners, operators may be hesitant to swap from diesel to electric without assurance as to whether it can support the demands of their jobs. But every use case we have been involved in shows the change has been positive. In this project, Stefan Larsson, Construction Manager of Tuna Förvaltning & Entreprenad, told us: “This is our first experience of using electric machines – and it has been surprisingly positive. There was no compromise in how we went about our work and the fuel savings and low noise were valuable added bonuses.”

This goes to show that being more sustainable need not mean sacrificing performance or profitability.

We urge players across the value chain, particularly local authorities and infrastructure companies, to choose electric when developing the charging ecosystem our society needs. With our electric machines available across multiple markets in the world, there is no excuse not to. Let’s ensure a more sustainable way of working is instilled from the beginning of our collective electric transformation. Change starts here – let’s not be afraid to make the most of it.

The Volvo ECR25 Electric compact excavator and Volvo L25 Electric wheeled loader can improve the sustainability of EV charge point installation

Bobcat launches upgraded BobCARE planned maintenance programme

Every plan is also fully backed by Bobcat –customers, dealers and leasing partners are completely covered – the company stands behind every contract and guarantees their fulfilment throughout the entire contract period.

John Christofides, Regional Sales Director for Bobcat EMEA said: “The UK already has a high adoption of Bobcat’s Protection Plus extended warranty scheme with an 84% take-up rate. We recommend the combination of BobCARE PM and Protection Plus as the best possible way to take care of a customer machine. This means that customers are backed by Bobcat in every possible way and keeps downtime to an absolute minimum and maintains the highest possible value for the machine.”

Reflecting market trends

Corbin Braithwaite, Bobcat Service Manager for the UK said: “Customer expectations are continuously shifting from ‘owning a machine’ to ‘care-free usage’. With the new national BobCARE PM plan, we are taking these trends into account, reflecting the need for flawless customer experience and dealers’ need for a simple and easily manageable offering.”

Bobcat has launched a new national version of the company’s successful BobCARE Planned Maintenance (PM) programme for customer machines in the UK, the first of its type in Europe.

BobCARE PM is already appreciated by customers for its many benefits such as longer machine life, increased uptime or higher residual value. However, until now it has only been managed at an individual dealer level, which could not completely fulfil all customer expectations. To overcome this, Bobcat has worked closely with the company’s UK dealer network to introduce a new national solution that keeps all the previous advantages while adding several new benefits including:

• Service support anywhere in the UK,

• Fixed costs for the duration of the contract,

• Choice of plans with different durations,

• Inclusion in lease financing,

• Full guaranteed backing of Bobcat,

Improved Customer Experience

The new version of BobCARE PM now offers a unified customer experience –once a BobCARE PM plan is purchased and activated, it is valid and recognised throughout the UK. As a result, customers can now have their machine maintained at the most convenient dealer branch based on the machine’s current location.

The new plan also ensures that costs are fully predictable – the price is final and clearly stated right at the start of the contract. This means that maintenance costs are completely resistant to inflation. Bobcat is also offering various forms of the BobCARE PM plan, which vary from two years and 1,000 hours up to five years and 5,000 engine hours, so that customers can choose the most suitable support for their operation.

The new BobCARE PM plan continues to include the regular maintenance operations and checks as well as all Bobcat genuine parts and fluids that are necessary for planned service of customers’ machines.

Bobcat dealers will offer the option of a BobCARE PM plan when a customer buys a new machine – a loader, excavator or telehandler – from Bobcat. If the customer decides to go ahead, the price of BobCARE PM is included in the machine price. For customers choosing the leasing option for their machines, it is possible to break down the cost into periodical payments. For those customers who change their minds after they have completed their machine purchase, there is also an option to activate BobCARE PM up to three months after the purchase of a Bobcat machine.

All-in-one approach

Nowadays, a service contract is a natural part of the machine sales process – the current market trend is to perceive service packages as a machine option. Therefore, Bobcat’s lease partner is fully supporting the company’s service offerings and will support an ‘all-in-one approach’, where the machine, attachments, Protection Plus, BobCARE and financing are all covered by a monthly fee so that customers can solely focus on developing their own businesses.

It is also possible to resell Bobcat machines with BobCARE PM still active. The programme is not only transferable, it also probably prolongs the service life of the machine, which also benefits the new customer during the sale.

The colour purple – a new standard for pressure washing

A new code of practice for pressure washing is being launched with the aim of setting clear standards for an industrial cleaning process widely used across the construction industry.

The Water Jetting Association (WJA) has devised the new code – known as “the purple code” – to encourage safety standards to catch up with powerful technology that has developed rapidly in recent years.

Pressure washing is used extensively by plant hire specialists and construction contractors to clean plant. It is also used to clean built structures, ready for handover, and to remove mud from paths and roadways that would otherwise cause slip hazards or be spread off-site by vehicles.

The WJA is the UK’s member organisation for the water jetting industry. It already had a “blue Code of Practice” (the Code of Practice has a blue cover) for high and ultra-high pressure water jetting,

which includes hydrodemolition, and a “red code” for drainage applications.

Both are now recognised by the HSE in the UK and internationally as defining standards for water jetting in their respective sectors.

The new purple code is designed to set a similarly rigorous standard for lower pressure applications.

Site safety gap

WJA President John Jones said: “Technology can advance faster than our appreciation of the risks involved in using it. From my perspective, this has been happening with pressure washing.

“As a cleaning system – often combined with hot water and steam, which have their own risks – it’s becoming essential across many industrial environments, not least construction.

“However, many employers are not taking nearly enough precautions to protect their operatives or others in work

areas when pressure washing is being carried out.

“This is a clear anomaly given the priority places on health and safety on wellrun construction sites today. Construction workers are advised constantly about the importance of safe practice.

“But when it comes to the simple process of cleaning plant, there is a risk that this advice stops. The new WJA code of practice gives managers the information, processes, and language they need to plug this gap.”

Structured guidance

The new pressure washing code is designed to support the safest and most productive use of the lowest NACE pressure band, up to 207 bar, or 3,000 psi.

Its sections provide clearly structured guidance on training and competency, site and equipment setup, and the different types of pressure washing pumps and equipment. Also covered is equipment

operation, the correct use of PPE, and managing the pressure washing team.

There is advice on risk assessment, a pre-start checklist, and specific emergency first aid needed for the unique injuries caused by water jetting if something does go wrong.

Pressure on safety

There are three main ways water jetting systems cause serious injury or death –being struck by an uncontrolled hose or jetting nozzle; suffering a laceration that causes a massive bleed; or a fluid injection injury caused by the water jet puncturing the skin and entering underlying tissue.

In one documented case, an operative using a steam pressure washer to clear a frozen drain lost control of the hose as he pulled it from the pipe. The water jet cut through his boot, filling it with 110ºC water at 207 bar (3,000 psi), travelling at 440 miles per hour.

The incident lasted less than three

seconds. But the operative suffered fourthdegree burns. Skin and tissue was torn from the bone. After emergency surgery, he needed many further operations as continued efforts were made to rebuild his foot.

Injecting risk

What is commonly not understood is that a fluid injection injury can be caused by a water jet with a pressure as low as 100 psi (7 bar).

At higher pressures, the jet can be so powerful, it can enter a forearm, for example, strike the bone and then be diverted up to the shoulder, causing catastrophic tissue damage.

There are two big problems with fluid injection injuries.

Firstly, it is not just water that can get into the body. The water jet can carry other particles and fluids with it, including dirt, bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, oils and grease.

Secondly, the injection point can be so small, that the injured person, their colleagues, and then medical personnel often do not realise the seriousness of the injury.

This can result in an injured person not receiving the urgent and extensive treatment they need, causing long-term problems such as secondary infections. In the worst cases, this can result in the need for amputations or fatalities.

Best medical advice

It is a reason why the WJA commissioned primary research from top UK trauma medical specialists to draw up its own water jetting medical guidelines.

They give clear, step-by-step guidance about how to respond to water jetting injuries from the moment they occur through to post-emergency treatment therapies.

Everyone from the first responder, to the paramedic, the emergency doctor, GP and therapist, has a part to play in minimising long-term effects.

Skills training

The WJA’s pressure washing code of practice also makes clear the importance of good training. The WJA is the UK’s main provider of water jetting training. This includes a City & Guilds pressure washing course delivered by WJA-approved instructors.

Lasting at least five hours, it teaches class-based and practical skills for safe and

Pressure washing PPE identified in the WJA’s new pressure washing code of practice:

1. Helmet;

2. Full-face visor (EN166, class A or B). If there are hazards from aerosols, fine sprays, or dust, goggles may also be needed (EN166 class 5);

3. Hearing protection where a sound pressure level over 85 dB(A) is specified in operating instructions;

4. Waterproof suit;

5. Suitable waterproof gloves, as required in the RAMS;

6. Steel toecap rubber safety boots (EN 345 or EN ISO 20345.

productive pressure washing. Operatives receive a WJA pressure washing card, which needs to be renewed every three years to remain valid.

TPC Brickwork Cleaning, which works for national housebuilders cleaning newlybuilt homes and plant, has championed the training since booking its operatives on the course. It is now also a WJA member. Company owner Kris Jasinksi said: “Undertaking the WJA pressure washing training has made a big difference for us. I can see our safety has gone up a level.

“The advice the WJA gives is central to how we go about our work, and to our business success, because clients can see we take safety seriously. I have no doubt about that.”

Latest

technologies

New to Cat mini excavators, Ease of Use E-Fence constrains machine motion to within operator preset boundaries, while Ease of Use Indicate helps operators to reach grade faster. These technologies are ideal for digging footings, drainage and septic systems, irrigation, electric utilities, and similar applications. They allow operators of all experience levels to work more efficiently and consistently.

Preset boundaries with E-Fence MHE Ease of Use E-Fence automatically constrains machine motion to within operator preset boundaries for ceiling, floor, wall and swing. Operators work confidently and efficiently by avoiding structures overhead, underground, in front or to the left or right of the machine.

Once the E-Fence range limits are established using the machine’s touchscreen monitor, no part of the boom, stick or bucket will pass the predefined limits. Setting height limits using E-Fence Ceiling helps operators avoid obstacles such as powerlines, ceilings or tree limbs. Fibre optic cables and underground utilities are protected by the defined depth limits established with E-Fence Floor. Structures in front of the machine are protected by E-Fence Wall and where the mini excavator is working next to live traffic or walkways or loading trucks, E-Fence Swing is ideal to avoid these areas.

E-Fence is ideal for new operators to work within set boundaries and helps minimise job costs from repairs and downtime due to equipment damage and fines from damaging utilities or other structures. For experienced operators, E-Fence allows them to work more efficiently and safely with fewer ground personnel required around the work area.

Faster grades with Indicate An entry-level grade system, MHE Ease of Use Indicate provides visual and audible indications to bucket position compared to target grade to assist operators in cutting to exact specifications the first time.

Regardless of skill level, operators reach target grade faster with improved precision and reduced need for on-the-ground grade checking to create a safer work environment.

With Indicate, the operator selects target depth and slope from the in-cab guidance system and the monitor provides real time work-in-progress and distanceto-grade feedback. The technology enables operators to reach grade faster without overcutting; saving time, manpower and overall costs.

Both MHE Ease of Use E-Fence and Indicate are packaged with Swing Assist and Bucket Assist features at no added cost. Swing Assist, also referred to as return to trench, automatically stops machine swing at one or two set points, ideal for truck loading and trenching applications. It helps operators hit more repetitive swing targets with less effort, reducing fuel use and improving cycle times.

Bucket Assist maintains last known bucket angle and keeps the cut accurate in sloping, levelling, fine grading and trenching applications.

Current production Cat 306 CR, 308 CR and 309 CR Next Gen Mini Hydraulic Excavators are shipped from the factory Ease-of-Useready to reduce installation time in the field.

Ease of Use Indicate and E-Fence can be ordered bundled together or as separate feature packages, installed at the factory or through Cat dealers as an upgrade kit. These technologies are not currently available for Cat 308 CR and 309 CR Variable Angle Boom, 308 CR Fixed Boom, or canopy models.

Kubota to increase excavator production with £100m plant expansion

Kubota Corporation has unveiled plans for a £100m expansion of its Hirakata Plant, the company’s main miniexcavator manufacturing facility in Japan, significantly enhancing its production capacity. The expansion will see Kubota increase its annual production capability from 48,000 to 78,000 units, helping tackle not only the high demand across Europe and North America, but also the future demand predicted in Asia and other emerging markets.

Rob White, Division Manager, Construction, Kubota UK said: “The increase in production capacity perfectly aligns with the ambition and expectation for a growth in demand for mini-excavator technologies here in the UK and across the construction industry as a whole.

“Expanding production capabilities by more than 60% ensures Kubota UK will be able to continue providing its customers with good lead times and access to the latest mini-excavator technologies, as demand increases. And of course, all of this will continue to be supported through our vital dealer network and aftersales offering to ensure Kubota remains first choice in the UK and Ireland for mini-excavators.”

As part of the new expansion, an entirely new building will be erected to focus on the painting and assembly of the machines, streamlining the manufacturing process and creating more workspace allowing for more machining and welding equipment. The investment will total approximately JPY 17bn (£100m+), with the new facility covering 12,150 m2 Kubota expects the start of operations for the assembly line to commence in Q4 2024, with the painting line becoming operational a year later, in Q4 of 2025.

Alongside the physical developments at the facility, Kubota is also investing in new technologies that offer additional product and environmental benefits to be included in its new manufacturing process. For example, the new painting process will adopt an environmentally friendly powder that minimises paint loss and significantly reduces volatile organic compounds (VOC), in addition to the electrodeposition painting, which helps towards anti-rust prevention. Kubota will also reuse the heat generated by these coating processes and employ solar power generation equipment installed on the roof of the new building to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes overall.

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a migration from cities to suburbs and in turn a more residential-focused construction industry worldwide than before. This is parallel to an increase in construction backed by infrastructure investments and urban development by countries throughout the world. For these reasons Kubota anticipates the current growth in demand for miniexcavators to continue, primarily in Europe and North America.

Xwatch supports Synergy Hire –putting safety first

Synergy Hire, headquartered in Letchworth in Hertfordshire, boasts an impressive fleet of more than 900 Hitachi wheeled and crawler excavators, ranging in size from 3 t to over 50 t.

Synergy’s mission is to provide the most technologically advanced products and services within the equipment hire industry, and delivering safety solutions for its customers is very much part of Synergy’s remit.

It was Synergy’s commitment to safety that led the company to Xwatch Safety Solutions, Garry Orr Synergy Hire’s Director of Operations explained: “I first met Dan and was introduced to the Xwatch product in May 2019, soon after we adopted the Xwatch system for height and slew as standard.

“Our customers and operators like the ease of use associated with Xwatch and the feedback we receive from operators is that you can’t match the simplicity and ease of use of the onboard computer systems. The partnership that we have with Dan and Xwatch will continue to grow in the coming years as we continue to expand our fleet.”

Dean Hardy, Head of Business Development, Synergy Hire said: “Synergy hire was one of the very first hire companies to choose Xwatch to be their sole supplier for digital height and slew systems. This decision was due to the Xwatch system being so operator friendly and that the XW suite of products are also capable of interfacing with other systems to offer additional safety. We also get great technical support and reliable service and installations.

Many of our large infrastructure clients require us to fit our excavators with a dedicated slew and height restriction system for their projects. We have tried several manufacturers’ systems and have found that the Xwatch products are by far the best available.”

Dean concluded: “We currently have 130 systems in our fleet and there are a further 27 to be fitted on new machines arriving before Christmas.”

The Synergy Hitachi machines are all working on high-profile infrastructure projects around the country, including on HS2. The fleet is supplied through Hitachi in the north-east, the Xwatch systems are fitted at the dealer’s Port of Tyne facility by specialist Xwatch-trained engineers.

Xwatch Sales and Operations Director Dan Leaney said: “We have worked with Synergy Hire since our launch to market. The company was the first plant hirer to specify Xwatch as standard on its Hitachi fleet. We are delighted that Synergy continues to support Xwatch and would like to thank them for their ongoing commitment to us and the safety of its customers.”

Dan also commented on Synergy’s observation that “a key feature of Xwatch’s technology is ensuring it is easy to use for operators”. Dan said: “We have designed our systems to be very simple with just a few pushes of buttons necessary – we hope that combining improved comfort with ease of use will better encourage operators to utilise the safety technology on a regular basis.”

SVAB launches new control system with open interface for tiltrotators

With the new Open Connect™ control system, SVAB wants to facilitate installations and support of tiltrotators and at the same time make it easier for new markets and machine owners to take advantage of the benefits of a tiltrotator.

Open Connect™ is designed for machine manufacturers and dealers who want to be able to offer a standardised control system, and at the same time allow end customers to choose a preferred tiltrotator brand.

Open Connect™ is a complete solution based on SVAB’s world-leading control system platform for tiltrotators consisting of joystick grips, display, electronics and software that controls the hydraulics of the tiltrotator from the machine. The system has a new open interface that communicates with the tiltrotator’s own module, which in turn controls the hydraulics in the tiltrotator.

The new open interface will be compatible with the MiC 4.0 BUS, which is being developed within the German industry organisation VDMA and the working group MiC 4.0 – Machines in Construction, Cluster 7 – Attachment, where SVAB, together with the machine manufacturers Volvo, Liebherr and Wacker Neuson and the tiltrotator manufacturers Steelwrist, SMP, Engcon and Rototilt agree on a common protocol.

SVAB’s Head of Development Lennart Hedlund says: “In the agricultural sector there has long been a similar interface for attachments, ISO11783, better known as ISOBus, also developed by the German VDMA, so it feels natural that we are now creating a similar standard in the excavator industry as excavators are used more and more as a tool carrier even outside the Nordics.”

In addition to this, SVAB is also launching a new electronics module called QIO™ – CAN I/O Converter, which is a module that can be connected between the CAN-bus joystick grips and the control system. The new module makes it possible to use the same joystick grips for other functions in the machine that are

not controlled via the tiltrotator control system. This is made possible by the fact that the module can be easily configured to convert desired CAN-bus signals into several different commonly occurring signal types and functions. It could be, for example, that you want to use a button to navigate your GPS machine control system or a thumb roller to control some original function of the machine.

SVAB’s CEO Fredrik Eriksson says: “We have always been driven by making it easier for the industry to install a tiltrotator and therefore we are very pleased to finally have agreed on a standardised interface that will facilitate installations considerably. The installation of a tiltrotator and control system is quite

extensive today and the fact that each manufacturer has its own solutions does not make it easier. With Open Connect™, we hope to make the jobs easier for those who install the control systems and at the same time contribute to let more end customers experience the advantages of a tiltrotator.”

In addition to control of the tiltrotator, the system can also be equipped with functions such as wireless tool recognition, sharing of the tiltrotator’s sensor data to machine control systems, automatic tilt control and wheel or track control. For fine-tuning of hydraulic settings, troubleshooting and for software updates, there is a user-friendly service tool developed for tablets.

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New Brushcat and log grapple attachments designed for Bobcat small articulated loaders

Bobcat has expanded the company’s attachment range with the launch of two new BrushcatTM rotary cutter models and a new log grapple attachment for the company’s range of small articulated loaders (SALs).

The new Brushcat attachments offer cutting widths

of 1,118 and 1,372 mm respectively and are the smallest models in the full lineup of Brushcat rotary cutters, which offers larger models with cutting widths of 1,676, 1,829 or 2,032 mm.

Like the new smaller Brushcat attachments, the log grapple is compatible with both the Bobcat L23

New Bobcat Brushcat attachments

Like the larger models, the two new smaller Brushcat attachments deliver powerful cutting and mulching action in areas of untamed growth and can pass through gates and other narrow entrances to work in areas that are inaccessible to larger machines. They are designed to handle tough brush clearing jobs in a wide variety of applications, such as agriculture, forestry, landscaping, municipalities, parks and recreation areas. The low weight, short deck and superior oscillation of these attachments enables the brush cutter to follow ground contours in order to maintain a clean cut, even on slopes.

The new Brushcat attachments feature a high-efficiency, direct-drive motor that maximises hydraulic horsepower for optimal cutting and mulching of tall, thick vegetation in one pass. The high cutting speed and heavy-duty blades maximise momentum to cut and mulch vegetation up to 5 cm in diameter.

out of Bobcat SALs, increasing their versatility and providing savings in both time and money. From cleaning and recycling to discarding or collecting

intended direction, allowing the operator to accomplish multiple tasks with the same attachment.

Operators will also appreciate the efficiency offered by the log grapple’s 143 cm-wide opening and 360° rotation for increased productivity and ease of use. The open sides allow for easy clamping of logs and piles of brush, clearing areas – even in confined spaces – more quickly.

Bobcat Small Articulated Loaders

The Bobcat L23 and L28 SALs offer high lift capacities in confined spaces, ease-of-use with simple intuitive controls and low ground disturbance for working on any terrain. Designed and built by Bobcat at the company’s North American facilities, the new SALs offer impressive stability and tipping loads of up to 1.39 t. The machines’ compact size, with a width of just over one metre combined with a tight turning radius, allow Bobcat SALs to work easily even in tricky and hard to reach areas. Despite their robust construction, the SALs are also built to be light enough for easy transportation.

To ensure the new SALs are truly multi-purpose machines, Bobcat has used the company’s unmatched expertise in attachments to develop a special version of the proprietary Bob-Tach® attachment mounting system allowing the use of both S70/MT55 and S100/ S450 approved attachments.

O’Donovan adds to plant fleet with Hitachi machine

London’s leading waste management company O’Donovan Waste has invested in new Hitachi plant for its material recycling facility. The multi award winning waste management business has an impressive six-acre north London based recycling centre to complement its five other sites.

The Hitachi ZW220-7 wheel loader selected by O’Donovan offers exceptional safety, comfort and uptime, enabling operators to work more confidently, productively and efficiently in challenging conditions. Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) is a leading name in the

construction equipment market, servicing the UK and Irish construction industry.

The state of-the-art cab has been fully redesigned to provide a comfortable, ergonomic workspace for the operator and has outstanding visibility, fitted with on-board camera equipment and intelligent safety-enhancing systems ensuring it is the safest wheel loader in the market. Another contributing factor to choosing Hitachi, is the impressive and exceptional efficiency, reliability and excellent aftercare service that is paramount to working to a maximum capacity.

Managing Director, Jacqueline O’Donovan said: “We pride ourselves in leading the way when choosing new assets to add to the fleet. We always look at the all-round safety, comfort and reliability along with efficiency and the ZW220-7 offers the best standards, not only for our operatives, but for the environment.”

Martin O’Hare, Sales Executive at Hitachi said: “We are delighted O’Donovan Waste Disposal chose the new ZW220-7 wheel loader to join their fleet and are confident the machines will provide the utmost productivity and reliability for their operations.”

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Concrete

Blue Machinery expands Terex Washing Systems agreement across UK

Blue Machinery (Southern) and Blue Machinery (Central) will join Blue Machinery (Scotland) in distributing Terex Washing Systems’ standard products within their territories, in parallel with Terex Washing Systems’ Factory Direct Selling approach for project sales. This will provide the customer base with a best of both worlds approach to their sand and aggregate processing equipment needs.

Terex Washing Systems (TWS) is the premier provider of advanced plant solutions for material and mineral washing needs in aggregates, recycling, industrial sands and mining. With more than half a century of washing experience already under its belt and a proactive research and development team that never stands still, TWS has a proud history and heritage.

Since Blue Scotland was appointed as dealer for the brand in 2012, it has built a wealth of experience and expertise in the installation of wash plants, supplying solutions to customers including Central Demolition, Miller Plant, Dolan Skips and many more.

With Blue Southern and Blue Central joining Blue Scotland as a distributor, Blue

will now be able to supply TWS standard equipment across England, Scotland and Wales. The agreement means that specialist project sales for full solutions will be provided on a Factory Direct basis to the customer from Terex Washing Systems, ensuring sector-leading applications knowledge is available directly to assist customers in technology selection and long-term plant efficiency. Sales of standard product within the TWS range will be supplied through Blue Machinery.

With its comprehensive network of field based serviced engineers working across its various regional businesses, Blue Machinery will offer nationwide support for the TWS brand. Blue Spares will also stock genuine, OEM TWS parts in both its Warrington and Stirling depots, meaning customers can benefit from same day/next day delivery to keep them up and running.

Barry McMenamin, Terex Washing Systems Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Blue Machinery (Southern) and Blue Machinery (Central) on board to supply our standard range of equipment throughout the UK. This partnership provides enhanced levels of sales, service

and support to our valued customers to complement our existing Factory Direct sales, service and support in the UK. The cornerstone of our success is our strong customer and dealer relations and how we work directly with them to bring mutual success. Alongside our Factory Direct UK sales programme providing tailored factory solutions, as announced at Hillhead, the partnership enhances our product distribution and support in the UK Market.”

Terry Hughes, Managing Director at Blue Southern, said: “We have always taken great pride in providing our customers with the latest cutting-edge technologies, and best practice service and technical support to back it up. Our primary focus is to help our customers develop their business efficiency to become as profitable as is possible. The addition of Terex Washing Systems to our portfolio allows us to be better placed to continue to meet our customers’ ever growing commercial and technical needs. Terex Washing Systems’ broad product offering, paired with our industry knowledge and market leading aftercare offerings, will give us and our customer base significant business opportunities. These are exciting times, and we look forward to the future with great optimism and enthusiasm.”

Yorkshire-based Ashcourt Group was the first customer to place an order for the ground-breaking new Volvo EC550E crawler excavator with equipment dealer SMT GB, and has now received the first two units in the country.

Paul Martin, Plant Director at Ashcourt Group said: “We were instantly impressed by the specification and the development of the machine, with the new hydraulic system, the new electronics and the new engine technology, so it was prime that we got the orders in.”

The family-owned construction company will use one of the new Volvo EC550E excavators for civil engineering projects, where its strong lifting capacity will come into play. In mass excavation configuration, the second machine will work primarily at Ashcourt Group’s Partridge Hall Quarry.

Ashcourt Group typically runs the chalk quarry near Burnby, which it has operated since 2014, with one excavator to rip out material from the face and one loading shovel to fill the mobile crusher and screeners, sort the piles, and load the Volvo FH trucks to transport the aggregates and lime away from the site.

“Because chalk has a low profit percentage, it is better to have fewer machines and staff but with greater productivity,” explained Ashcourt Group’s Quarry Manager Damian Towse.

20% greater production

For the last few years, the company has paired a Volvo EC480E crawler excavator with a Volvo L260H wheeled loader. The new EC550E excavator, however, promises 20% greater production than the EC480E in typical dig and dump applications thanks to its larger bucket and faster cycle times.

When Damian tested the EC550E for the first time, the difference was immediately clear. “It’s a really good machine and really fast,” he said. “It’s got good breakout force and good productivity because the slew speed is so much faster than the EC480E. Plus you can alter your settings to give you more swing to less boom up and down.

“Normally, we’ll have half a morning ripping the face out, but in just half an hour up there with the EC550E, I ripped out enough for five hours’ crushing.”

Punching above its weight, drinking beneath its class

While the EC480E is aimed at customers looking for an efficient and reliable 50 tclass excavator, the EC550E challenges the 60-65 t class, breaking the norm of production having a direct link to operating weight. It offers performance closer to the EC750E, but in a smaller, more easily transportable format with the same transport dimensions as the EC480E.

As well as offering 20% greater production than the EC480E, the EC550E is also designed to deliver a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, which will likewise support Ashcourt Group’s profitability.

Paul said: “Fuel efficiency is key for us with red diesel no longer being available and the price of fuel going up. It’s important for our cost per tonne in the quarry but also when we are pricing up external projects.”

The improved fuel efficiency on the

EC550E comes from the new electrohydraulic system, which uses independent metering valve technology (IMVT) instead of a conventional spool-type main control valve (MCV) – an industry first in this excavator size class.

Light on the levers

“It’s hard to get your head around the lightness of the controls for the size of the machine,” Damian said after half an hour in the quarry. “You’re used to pulling the levers and having that resistance on the hydraulics. On this, you still have the feel but it’s so much lighter on the levers and more controllable, like driving a 14-tonner, which is good for avoiding fatigue. The bounce reduction technology also gives you more control as it stops the machine moving around as much.”

Overall, Damian found the new EC550E to offer a comfortable and userfriendly operating environment. “For a tall person, it’s got plenty of room in the cab, the general position of the levers is spot on, and everything is accessible with finger touch. And it’s great that you can alter the settings to the way you like to drive and save different operator profiles, so you don’t have to go through them each time.”

360° visibility

Damian was also a fan of Volvo Smart View, a 360° camera function that Ashcourt Group is now including on all its new Volvo machine purchases from SMT GB. “You’ve got your split screen for the side and rear view like you normally have but then a third camera up above, so you can clearly see the full working area of the machine. This is perfect when working on

the face, especially given the size of the unit, as you can see the position of the machine, the face, and your swing radius, so you aren’t going to knock the back end,” he explained.

Maintenance made easy Ashcourt Group also invests in full service contracts with SMT GB to protect the uptime of its fleet of Volvo excavators, wheeled loaders, and articulated haulers.

Paul said: “The service contract gives us the flexibility for our own engineers to concentrate on the daily maintenance of the machines, as well as access to the insight and experience the SMT engineers have got. We can rest easy knowing that every 500 or 1,000 hours, the machines are getting thoroughly checked and we sort out any issues that might be covered under warranty.

“It’s really easy to work with everyone at SMT GB from the staff at the local depots to the home-based engineers within the area – and if there are any issues, they are straight on top of it and we keep production going.

“Our partnership with SMT GB is something we hope to continue developing for many more years to come.”

Is the party over?

Against a backdrop of political and economic turmoil, the BCLive league table of construction contracts awards fell short of its established norm to set alarm bells ringing across the UK construction sector. Whether this is a temporary storm or the arrival of a bleak economic winter remains to be seen. Builders’ Conference CEO Neil Edwards looks back at a lacklustre month

In an industry that is defined by its cyclical economic fortunes, it was naïve to think that it could last forever. But when the end finally came, it was no less shocking.

After more than three years in which it has not dipped below a monthly total of £4bn, the BCLive league table failed to hit the accepted norm in September 2022, sending shockwaves across the sector and bringing the prospect of a sector recession into sharp focus. While it is tempting to point accusing fingers at the [previous] Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng and the [now former] Prime Minister, Liz Truss, the seeds of this downshift were sown long before they delivered their calamitous mini budget.

In a month in which the BCLive league table peaked at just £3.83bn, Skanska climbed to the top of the pile courtesy of a single £345m project. That project is for client National Highways and comprises the upgrading of a 6.6-km (4.1-mile) stretch of the A46 Newark Bypass. The project will deliver a dual carriageway A46 Bypass, providing two lanes in each direction, between the Farndon and Winthorpe junctions. Works

Quick review of BCLive table for September 2022

• 254 no companies were detailed as winning new contracts during September 2022,

• 422 no new construction orders were researched by Builders’ Conference all detailed on the UK’s only Live league table of construction contract awards, BCLive,

• Skanska secured overall top spot with a single contract worth £345m,

• Morgan Sindall Group was again the company with the greatest number of new construction orders in the month with 34no totaling £184m.

will also include the construction of a new five-arm roundabout at Winthorpe and traffic lights at Farndon junction to improve traffic flows during peak hours.

Proving that – sometimes – quantity is as important as quality, Kier Group and Morgan Sindall took the second and third positions on the BCLive league table. Kier Group amassed a total of 20 new contact awards worth a combined £300m, including a £63m new build mixed use development at Manbre Wharf on London’s Hammersmith Embankment for client Arlington Development.

Meanwhile, Morgan Sindall bagged an impressive 34 new contract awards worth a combined £184m to secure third position. The most notable of these is a £35m design and build of three new office buildings, the second half of a multi-storey car park and associated external and landscaping works at a site in Pampisford, Cambridgeshire.

Fourth place went to Wilmott Dixon, which secured seven new contract awards valued at a combined £179m. This included the £25m alteration and conversion of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters in Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire.

In fifth place was Sisk Group. Three new contract awards – including a £100m housing new build at Engineer’s Way in Wembley – pushed the company to a £165m monthly total.

In a month in which just eight companies picked up more than £100m of work, also worthy of note is a £125m project secured by London Square Developments. That contract is a housing new build – also in Wembley – that will include the construction of four new tower blocks ranging from 14 to 23 storeys in height for client Peabody.

The BCLive league table was propped up – yet again – by two evergreen

segments – the housebuilding sector and the capital, London.

The housebuilding sector contributed 122 individual projects worth a total of £1.4bn directly and a significant portion of the mixed use developments listed under the table’s miscellaneous £432m monthly total. Only the roads and highways sector (£462m) made any real impact during September.

Regionally, London served up 108 new contract awards valued at a combined £1.1bn. The East Midlands added a further £552m while the West Midlands (£354m) and the North West (£314m) enjoyed positive months. The

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same, sadly, cannot be said of Wales, which saw just 10 new contract awards and barely scraped past the £100m mark.

There remains a glimmer of hope that the figures for September 2022 were merely a blip; an anomaly caused by economic jitters from outside the construction industry. But, in recent months, there has been an upsurge in construction company liquidations. In a sector that is constantly reminded to fix the roof while the sun shines, the immediate future is likely to favour those that have heeded that warning. The bigger concern now is just how many will get wet if the current storm continues.

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