Construction Machinery ME February 2015

ISSUE 40 2015 fEbrUary

sAfE AT HEIGHT Best practices for AWPs

TElEHANDlERs New market offerings

RIDING THE WAVE

Qatari equipment sellers weigh in on the market boom and its challenges Plus: RAW POWER

* NEWs & ANAlysis * hEAvy hittERs * PRE-iNtERmAt * AND muCh mORE

It is, without doubt, one of the harshest environments on earth: the Empty Quarter in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – the largest and most barren sand desert in the world, spreading itself over four Arab nations and covering 650,000 km2 which is comparable in size to France. Temperatures range from 50° to -1°C in the course of a single day and the sand and dust are relentless. The nearest city is 1000 kilometres away. So the construction of a 256 kilometre road cutting through this wildnerness, linking Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman, called for an extraordinary solution.

The response: a eet of 95 Volvo machines was assembled. Together, they shifted over 130 million m3 of sand just to build the bridge of the road – an extraordinary feat in such harsh conditions, yet the quality and power of Volvo engineering was up to the challenge. The difculties created by the remote isolation of the worksite were answered with excellent customer support from FAMCO, the authorised Volvo dealer in Saudi Arabia, which included the organisation of mobile 24/7 service workshops that moved forward with the construction operation. Discover a new way.

www.emptyquarter.volvoce.com

Exclusive distributor of Volvo Construction Equipment in the UAE and Saudi Arabia Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC United Arab Emirates: 800 32626 Saudi Arabia: 800 1244414 e-mail: famco@alfuttaim.ae www.al-futtaim.com

Watch video

www.famcosaudi.com

www.famcouae.com

Contents

page 32 All to reach for

IS S U E 4 0 2015 F E B R U a Ry

Rapid Access talks about AWP safety, and why renting is the best option for users of powered access equipment.

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Editorial Extraordinary growth in the construction market means opportunities but also risks for equipment buyers.

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NEws What’s happening across the region in construction machinery?

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auctioNs rouNd-up Ritchie Bros.’ top sales in Dubai from 2014, and Indoogoo decides to offer auctions on its site.

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Kit spottiNG Manitowoc crawler cranes placing bridge sections in Wisconsin.

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ridiNG thE wavE Equipment sellers in Qatar weigh in on supporting the construction boom, and the market challenges.

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accEss all arEas Work platforms are essential tools for construction and maintenance operations.

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10 thiNGs wE lEarNEd at prE-iNtErmat Industry news and product releases ahead of the INTERMAT show in Paris in April.

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Raw power

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42 NEW RELEASES A round-up of new machines launched for markets in the GCC. Page 49 TOP TEN We provide ten machinery alternatives to consider for your next project. Page 52 TELEhANdLERS Telehander use is growing among construction companies and landscapers, and new machines bring extra performance and safety. Page 56 ThE LAST WORd The electric drive units powering the Page

mammoth BelAZ hauler, which has a fully-laden weight of 810 tonnes.

FASTER, FUEL EFFICIENT

Contents

F SERIES

10% FUEL ECONOMY

Models 721F, 821F and 921F deliver 10% fuel saving,with reduced exhaust emissions

PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY

Four mode power control and new generation five-speed transmission result in faster cycle times and increased productivity

CASE LOADERS DRIVE PRODUCTIVITY

New generation of axles, new chassis, new Hydraulic hoses lay out, Larger buckets and special tires, designed for hostile environments, Waste & Scrap handling BioGas, Compost and Agricultural applications

Country Bahrain UAE Kuwait Oman Qatar KSA Lebanon Jordan Egypt

Dealer

Abdulla Ahmed Nass & Sons Al Shirawi Enterprises Instant Access Co International Heavy Equipment L.L.C. Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Co Roots Group Arabia Someco The Commercial & Industrial Co (C.I.C) Unimar Egypt

Contact Number

+973 1 770 31 23 +971 4 371 85 85 +965 2 225 99 72 +968 2 459 12 99 +974 4 458 01 38 +966 2 699 66 28 +96 1 125 36 00 +96 2 550 62 60 +202 3 346 51 80

Web Page

www.nassgroup.com www.alshirawienterprises.com www.instantaccess-co.com www.ihe-oman.com www.nbks.com www.arabian-roots.com www.somecointernational.com www.cic.com.jo www.unimaregypt.com

www.casece.com

Editor’s Letter

GROUP GROUP CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA GROUP CEO NADEEM HOOD GROUP COO GINA O’HARA PUBLISHING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5471

Qatar - the case for premium

T

he huge scale of construction activities in Qatar represents a revitalisation of the country’s infrastructure, from its transport network to social infrastructure such as education, housing and healthcare.

It also presents a major business opportunity for the many contractors, equipment suppliers and rental companies working there. Nevertheless, as those with experience know, Qatar is not an easy market to work in. High overheads coupled with slow payments can be crippling for any company. The current construction boom is only putting on extra pressure, with rising costs for labour (and a shortage of skilled machine operators), high costs for raw materials and traffic problems. Against this backdrop, contractors are expected to deliver projects within tight deadlines, while coping with additional factors such as difficult ground conditions and challenging logistics.

In order to meet deadlines, contractors need to not only ensure they have the right processes in place among their labourers, but that they’ve got the right construction machinery on the job-site.

Naturally, hard-wearing and reliable machinery is the order of the day. With the shortage of skilled machine operators, plant managers can consider buying larger machines, so that they can have high productivity with fewer operators.

On the attachment front, there are many labour-saving options, both in the earthworks and civil construction phases, and in the landscaping and finishing works.

For machines to be reliable, they have to be serviced regularly and professionally, and that means buying from dealers that provide full after-market support. With annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) or lease-to-own options, plant managers can know the exact costs of machine ownership over the period of the project, while regular service ensures machines won’t break down during crucial periods.

On the rental front, Qatar has always been a busy market with many active suppliers, from the small day-rental companies to the larger, well-equipped professionals. For peak-shaving during the busiest periods of a project, or in order to bolster the machine population on a work-site if new machines are still in transit, rentals bring much-needed flexibility to a contractor’s workforce.

While the current focus is on completing the major projects, many in the industry are fully aware that once these have finished, companies will need to dispose of equipment. It’s impossible to anticipate future demand for used equipment in the Gulf region, but in all likelihood machines will be sold outside Qatar, whether in the GCC or further afield. Well-trusted brands and well-serviced machines will return the best prices on the used market, lowering the total cost of ownership. It all points to premium products being the best option for contractors with busy job-sheets.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713 EDITORIAL ACTING EDITOR STIAN OVERDAHL stian.overdahl@cpidubai.com +49 176 759 89 250 REPORTER JERUSHA SEqUEIRA jerusha.sequeira@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5477 SUB EDITOR AELRED DOYLE MARKETING & ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MICHAEL STANSFIELD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497 MARKETING MANAGER LISA JUSTICE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER CONSTRUCTION & BROADCAST DIvISION SUNIL KUMAR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713 DIGITAL DIGITAL SERvICES MANAGER TRISTAN TROY MAAGMA PUBLISHED BY

Registered at IMPZ PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com PRINTED BY Printwell Printing Press LLC © Copyright 2015 CPI All rights reserved While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

ISSUE 40 2015 FEBRUARY

Stian Overdahl, Acting Editor, CMME

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CONSTRUCTION

MIDDLE EAST

February 2015

SAFE AT HEIGHT

Best practices for AWPs

TELEHANDLERS New market offerings

RIDING THE WAVE

Qatari equipment sellers weigh in on the market boom and its challenges PLUS: RAW POWER

* NEWS & ANALYSIS * HEAVY HITTERS * PRE-INTERMAT * AND MUCH MORE

NOW ONLINE You can now catch the online edition every month at: www.constructionmachineryme.com

AFGHANISTAN FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC) + 971 4 213 5100 (UAE) famco@alfuttaim.ae AZERBAIJAN Aztexnika Ltd + 994 502 452 555 a.aslanbayov@aztexnika.az BAHRAIN A.A. Bin Hindi B.S.C (c) + 973 17 703078 ciesales@binhindi.com GEORGIA Elite Motors Ltd + 995 577 769 615 zantelidze@elitemotors.ge IRAQ Sardar Automobile and Machinery Trading Co. + 964 750 344 4701 ihsan@sardarmachinery.com

Volvo Challenges BUYING MORE MACHINES

KUWAIT Al-Zabin International Group Co. For Heavy Equipment + 965 2433 4721 alzabin@alzabinkuwait.com LEBANON AMTRAC (Abdelmassih Trading Company) + 961 3 425625 michel@amtrac-lb.com OMAN GENSERV (General Engineering Services Est) + 968 244 90755 sales@genserv-oman.com PAKISTAN VPL Limited + 92 42 111 875 875 uzair.shahid @panasiangroup.com QATAR Arabian Agencies Company WLL + 974 44 50 0925 araco@araco.com.qa SAUDI ARABIA FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC) + 966 12 680 4444 famco@alfuttaim.sa SYRIA Nassib Saad Est. Trading & Import + 963 11 222 5432 g.ali@saad-syria.com TURKEY Ascendum Makina + 90 216 581 80 00 info@ascturk.com TURKMENISTAN Ez Aziya-Hyzmatdash + 993 124 37278 h.hangeldyev @aziya-hyzmatdash.com UAE FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC) + 971 4 213 5100 famco@alfuttaim.ae UZBEKISTAN C&H International + 998 711 475 003 hojinhan88@gmail.com YEMEN Elaghil Trading Co + 967 1 207 470 elaghil@y.net.ye

You might think that we’d want you to buy more of our machines. That would improve our profits, but would it improve yours? Not always. You see, we think it’s the way you use our machines, not how many you have that is important. Like in a quarry, where you may need less machines to shift more material.

Don’t believe us? Through our operator training packages adapted to fit your needs alongside innovations like CareTrack and our Site Planning Consultation (SiteSim) we can accurately analyse and evaluate your operation to help improve your efficiency. With Volvo you get more than a machine.

Discover a new way.

volvoce.com

News Round-Up

NEWS New machines, new offices, new projects, new initiatives – we look around the region at what’s new this month DELIvERy fOR SOHAR Sohar Port has taken delivery of a new 100 tonne Gottwald HMK 6407 harbour crane, delivered by SAL Heavy Lift. The port now has three mobile harbour cranes, and the new crane increases the maximum lifting capacity from 80 to 100t.

BoBcat S630 for Port of Poole

The Port of Poole in Dorset, England, has purchased a new S630 skid-steer loader from local dealer Kellands, to be used for stockpiling duties and other applications.

Paul Gillingham, engineering manager at Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “We have been using Bobcat skid-steer loaders for many years, and we have always found them to be very suitable for the work in the port, offering unmatched reliability throughout their years of service. This is exemplified by our existing Bobcat 863 loader, which we’ve been running troublefree since its purchase in 1999.”

Among a variety of applications around the port, the new Bobcat loader is used principally to help in

Terex scoops Riyadh Metro dumper deal First sale of site dumpers through KSA dealer MEDCO

T

erex Construction has announced the sale of 20 site dumpers through its Saudi Arabian dealer for use on the Riyadh Metro site.

The specialist two-tonne power tip units will be manufactured in Terex’s plant in the UK and delivered before the end of 2015.

Neal Nowick, general manager at the Terex Coventry facility where the machines will be built, says that the order is the first sale of site dumpers through their KSA distributor, Middle East Development Company (MEDCO).

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September 2011 February 2015

MEDCO, based in Jeddah, negotiated the deal to supply the dumpers to the Riyadh Public Transport Project (RPTP).

“We’re proud that our tough and efficient site dumpers will be put to work on this important international project. We’re also pleased to announce this project via our distributor MEDCO, marking the first site dumper order placed through the company’s dedicated sales force,” said Nowick.

Site dumpers are used for moving construction material or

excavated spoil, such as sand or rock, about a construction site.

The machines are a common sight on UK construction sites, and sites with many UK expat workers, but have not traditionally been used on Middle East job sites, despite their obvious utility.

Terex supplies its site dumpers with heavy-duty front and rear chassis and four-wheel drive as standard, and with a hydrostatic transmission. The units are manufactured with heavy gauge steel to provide high impact resistance and longevity.

stockpiling materials such as sand and clay delivered by truck to the quayside, so that they can be loaded into ships’ holds by the port’s grab cranes. As more and more material is removed from the piles, the remainder becomes too dispersed for the grabs to be effective, and at this point the Bobcat loader takes over. Equipped with an optional front door, the new Bobcat S630 skid-steer loader is used to form new mounds of material, which can then be lifted off the quay by the grab cranes.

The Bobcat S630 is a radial lift path skid-steer loader from the new generation of SSLs. It has an operating weight of 3,496kg, a rated operating capacity of 989kg and a tipping load of 1,978kg.

CompaNy iNtElligENCE

SAUDI DIESEL PARTNERS WITH MHI

the largest ready-mix concrete producer in the middle East, Saudi Readymix, has announced that it produced over 6 million cubic metReS of concRete in Saudi aRabia in 2014. according to the company, this is equivalent to producing all the annual ready-mix concrete demand in Kuwait, or more than three times the annual ready-mix concrete demand in Bahrain.

Saudi Readymix operates the largest readymix concrete network in the region, with over 620 tRuck mixeRS, 180 mobile concRete pumpS and 35 Ready-mix factoRieS located across the Kingdom. the company announced recently that it is establishing its first ready-mix concrete factory in Waad al Shamaal in the Northern Region and has started operations at its new factory in Jazan Economic City. the manitowoc company haS announced it will Split itS cRaneS and food SeRvice buSineSSeS into two independent publicly tRaded companieS. the split is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016. manitowoc’s cranes business reported annual revenue of $2.3 billion in the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2014. according to a forecast in a new study by Freedonia group, the global demand foR poweR toolS will incReaSe by 4.8% peR yeaR thRough 2018, to $32.9 billion. the company believes that advances will be fastest in the world’s developing areas, where significant increases in construction spending are expected. China and india, which are in the process of modernising their housing stock, will see particularly rapid growth in power tool demand.

tENDER upDatES

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al Jaber group has won a $479 million contRact foR the abha aiRpoRt development pRoJect in Saudi aRabia, in the capital of asir province. the firm’s Saudi branch has been awarded the project, which includes an 86,000sqm passenger terminal that can accommodate five million passengers annually.

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the egyptian federation for construction and building contractors (efcbc) has Selected about 500 contRactoRS to paRticipate in uae-baSed aRabtec’S $40 billion houSing project in egypt. Selected companies are expected to begin work on the first phase of the project this year.

Al Khobar-based Saudi Diesel has partnered with Mitsubishi Engine & Generators (MHI), adding to Saudi Diesel’s host of brands including Doosan and Everdigm, and its own range of generators.

The partnership was celebrated at an event which hosted more than 190 clients from companies including Aramco, Sabic, Saudi Electricity Company and other major players in the Saudi market.

Saudi Diesel managing director Raad Abduljaward and Mohammed Qunabi, director of its Power Equipment Division,

gave speeches. This was followed by a technical lecture

by Mitsubishi representatives from Japan, introducing their new Mitsubishi power generator series and illustrating its benefits of being highly reliable and suitable for the desert climate.

Saudi Diesel has manufactured its own generators since 1978, serving the needs of temporary and permanent power solutions.

The gensets are highly customisable, offering advanced engineered solutions for customers.

Saudi Diesel marketing manager Ahmed Alkooheji said: “The event was marked a success and customers enjoyed being there. Many clients mentioned they were impressed with the technology solutions offered with the new generator series by Mitsubishi.

“We had already seen a high demand for this product during the event, and I can foresee many clients making use out of the advanced solutions Mitsubishi has to offer.

After all, we are very proud to partner with Mitsubishi Engine & Generators.”

VolVo CE driVEs produCtion at bin lahEj CrushErs With UAE quarries steadily increasing output to meet the demand of the domestic construction market and for export to the wider GCC, reliability and performance of machines is critical. At its quarry in Ras Al Khaimah, Bin Lahej Crushers is using a fleet of volvo CE equipment to produce 850 tonnes of high-quality aggregate every hour.

The fleet is made up of EC700C-Series excavators, three A40f-Series articulated haulers and two L150G-series wheel loaders, said Saad Kamel Efat, general manager at Bin Lahej Crushers.

“We ordered our first volvo machine one year ago, and haven’t looked back since. Our volvo fleet helps us to complete a number of important operations, working together to ensure the site efficiently produces a high quantity of outstanding graded material for our customers.”

Limestone is first drilled and blasted by a subcontractor in a nearby quarry. The volvo EC700C excavators load the extracted material onto the A40f haulers, which transport the rock 400m to the crusher.

The limestone first passes through a primary jaw crusher, before being further broken up by a secondary impactor. The volvo machines work two 10-hour shifts a day, with each hauler making up to 50 trips between the rock face and the crusher.

Once crushed and screened, the finished product

is then transported to end users, including Unimix.

Bin Lahej works closely with fAMCO, providing on-site training and assistance.

“Our operators are happy with these machines,” said Kamel Efat. “fAMCO provides all operators with training and general assistance, so our people feel confident working with volvo equipment. We are also impressed with how CareTrack can improve performance on site – the telematics system allows us to assess and adjust operator and machine behaviour to help us maximise our working day.”

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News Round-Up

Diesel fines Dubai Government has fined companies trading diesel that does not meet UAE standards. Use of ultra-lowsulphur, known as ‘Green Diesel’, is mandatory across the UAE.

atlas copco top for sustainability

Komatsu’s middlE East salEs hit $357m Komatsu increased its sales in the Gulf states in 2014, helping bolster its overall sales figures in the Middle East region, the company reported.

It sold construction and mining machinery worth $357.2 million in the Middle East region (including Turkey) in the nine months from April to December 2014. This was a 15.6% increase on results for the previous period.

According to Komatsu’s report, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were the main drivers of the increase in sales, and average gains in those markets may have been much higher than 15%, as the market in Turkey dropped off.

“In the Middle East, demand in Turkey, the major market of the region, was slack. While crude prices dropped sharply, demand in other areas advanced steadily, centering on some Gulf nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates,” said the Japanese company.

Globally, its sales revenue for the nine-month period increased by 2.8% to $10.9bn, pushed up by a weakened Japanese yen.

“For the nine-month period under review, both sales and

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September 2011 February 2015

profits increased from the corresponding period a year ago, directly ref lecting the effects of foreign exchange gains resulting from the Japanese yen depreciating more than we had assumed.

“While demand and sales were stronger than anticipated in some regions, such as North America, both demand and sales fell short of our projection in China and some other countries.”

In comments about the impact of the drop in price of oil, the company suggested that sales may drop in oil-exporting nations, though globally its sales will not be affected.

“We don’t expect direct impact on our business results to a considerable degree. While we can look forward to positive effects on economies and demand through lowered prices in oilimporting countries, we are also aware of risks, such as economic slowdowns and declining demand in oil-exporting countries.

“Furthermore, we should regard curtailing capital investment in the energy sector as a risk of demand slowdown in North America,” said the company.

85 yearS for cat Caterpillar has celebrated 85 years on the New york Stock Exchange (NySE), with chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman ringing the opening bell. Of the approximately 3,200 companies listed on the NySE, CAT is among only 2% that have been listed for 85 years or longer.

3,000t lift for Zoomlion Zoomlion’s 3,000t lifter, the CC3200NP extralarge-tonnage crawler crane, has been used on a successful lift of a steel-lined containment dome at unit three of the Tianwan Nuclear Power Station. After over an hour of intensive operations, the dome, which weighs nearly 500 tonnes, was successfully hoisted and installed on the nuclear reactor.

atlas Copco has been recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable companies in the annual global 100 list, and the most sustainable manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. the list, presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, ranks companies that prove they are increasing productivity while using less resources. atlas Copco is ranked 23rd overall, up from 46th last year. it appeared on the list for the ninth time.

“We strive to deliver products and services that are energyefficient, safe and

ergonomic, with minimal impact on the environment,” said mala Chakraborti, atlas Copco’s vice president for Corporate Responsibility.

“We continue to increase our focus on sustainability to enhance customer productivity and create value for our shareholders.”

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atlas Copco’s sustainability goals include boosting customer energy efficiency by at least 20% between 2010 and 2020, decreasing Co2 emissions, working actively to eliminate corruption and promoting access to clean drinking water in countries in need.

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News Round-Up

hitaChi to hold dubai opEn day

Hitachi Construction machinery middle East Corporation FZE and Hitachi Sumitomo Cranes have announced they will host a 2015 open Day at the Hitachi Dubai Headquarters in the Jebel ali Free Zone in Dubai, on thursday, march 19, 2015. a HSC SCX1500a-3 crawler crane will take centre stage at the event. the new generation of lattice boom crawler

crane features a new powerful winch, Ecomode operation for lower fuel consumption, good transportability and a fast set-up time, with a wide number of jib configuration options. in addition to the Hitachi Sumitomo crane demonstration, major Hitachi dealers will be represented at the open Day. middle East Crane Equipment trading of the uaE, RolaCo

Equipment of Saudi arabia and ENKa pazarlama ihracat ithalat of turkey will have company-staffed booths to address guest inquiries. a broad selection of Hitachi products and services will be available for attendees to peruse at their leisure throughout the day. Hitachi staff will be present to host and conduct the Vip event.

himoinsa sElls largE gEnsEts to Egypt himoinsa has sold five generator sets for operation in four water treatment plants in egypt. the water purification project, funded by a Spanish development aid fund with $19.4m, will purify 150,000 cubic metres per day of urban wastewater – equivalent to that produced by 500,000 people – to reuse the water for irrigation. the himoinsa generator sets activate the water purification system whenever a power cut occurs, “something that happens quite frequently in this area”, according to leopoldo lainz, development manager for acciona agua, a water treatment solutions specialist which is responsible for the design and operation of the four plants. the largest plant, with a flow of 82,000m3 per day, is the abnoub-el

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KOBELCO TO BUILD NEW NORTH AMERICAN fACTORy

fath plant, where two open generator sets were installed, the hmw-1135 t5 and htw-2030 t5 models, with mtu and mitsubishi motors. these two gensets, with outputs of 1200kva and 2250kva, allow supply to reach over 300,000 people.

Sodfa-el ghanayem and el ayat sewage plants have been equipped with htw-920 t5 generator sets with mitsubishi 1,000kva motors. both emergency gensets will help maintain activity at each of the plants, which will supply more than 200,000 people. the plant in abu Simbel, an area known for tourism, is equipped with a 400kva generator set, the hmw-350 t5 model, with an mtu engine, as this is the smallest plant, with a daily flow of 6,000m3 that supplies 20,000 people.

Kobelco Construction Machinery has announced plans to build a new hydraulic excavator factory in North America, which will initially be used to build 20t excavators.

The decision comes as a result of unexpected demand for Kobelco excavators in the resurgent North American market, and worries about an opportunity loss in Europe and the Middle East if production capacity at its Japanese factory can’t meet global demand.

Having a production site in North America will allow Kobelco to reduce the production lead-time of machineries for its North American customers and improve its ability to meet market needs, as well as reduce the operational burden on the Hiroshima Itsukaichi Factory and build an optimal group-wide production system, the company said in a statement.

Preparation at the 340,000sqm site in South Carolina will begin in April, with the factory expected to be operational in January 2016. The factory will have an area of 14,560sqm, with an office building of 1,600sqm. The planned investment is $42.2 million.

Once operational, it will have an annual production capacity of 1,800 units, with production scaled up and a wider range of models beyond the 20t segment produced as Kobelco expands in the market.

Excavators are currently shipped from Kobelco’s Hiroshima Itsukaichi Factory in Japan,

which produces 8,500 units a year, with annual capacity of up to 10,500 units per year.

However, further production increases at Hiroshima Itsukaichi are limited, said Kobelco, and prevention of opportunity loss is a major issue for the company. Even after production of standard models for the US is transferred to its US entity, the Hiroshima Itsukaichi Factory is expected to maintain full production to accommodate the expansion of newly developed areas centering on Europe and the Middle and Near East.

Kobelco’s target share in North America under its current medium-term management plan, whose final year is the fiscal year 2015, is 7% or higher. The company’s longer-term goal is to regain the 10% share in North America that it had before forming an alliance with CNH (now known as CNH Industrial).

Kobelco re-entered the US market in 2013 and aggressively rebuilt a distribution network.

As of December 2014, it had concluded dealer agreements with a total of 62 companies, 52 in North America and 10 in South America, and it has been smoothly recovering sales and share.

Once underway, production in the US will focus on standard models. Special machines and mini excavators will continue to be supplied from Japan.

SHELL LUBRICANTS. READY FOR ACTION WHEN YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS THEM. Keep your business running smoothly with the proven performance of the Shell family of lubricants. Minimising equipment downtime is key to your business’s success. So Shell Rimula lubricants, together with Shell Spirax axle and transmission oils and Shell Gadus heavy duty greases, are designed to protect every part of your driveline equipment. Use them alongside Shell Rimula R6 LM heavy-duty engine oil. Its specially optimised formula is engineered to deliver the strong performance you need to keep your business on the move.

THE LUBRICANTS THAT WORK AS HARD AS YOU.

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Auctions

AuCtIonS RounD uP Revealed: RBA Dubai’s top sellers

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itchie Bros. Auctioneers has revealed the most expensive machines sold at its Dubai auction site in 2014, with Komatsu and Caterpillar proving once again the strength of their residual values.

A 2011 Komatsu PC1250SP-8 hydraulic excavator was the most expensive piece of kit, selling for $375,000 at the September auction. Another 2011 Komatsu PC1250SP-8 hydraulic excavator sold for $350,000.

Meanwhile, a 2007 Caterpillar D10T dozer sold for $340,000, while two 2008 Caterpillar D10T dozers sold for $327,500 each.

Four 2011 Komatsu HD785-5 rock trucks sold for $315,000 each. The Komatsu mining equipment, both the rock trucks and the hydraulic excavators, had Emeco badging. Emeco Group provides earthmoving equipment solutions for mining companies in Australia, Canada and Chile.

RBA held four auctions in total at its Dubai Jebel Ali site, with more than 5,500 lots sold. There were over 3,000 registrants and over 600 sellers.

Globally, 2014 was RBA’s biggest ever year for sales, as the industrial auctioneer managed to beat its own record set

the previous year by selling equipment worth $4.2 billion.

Total sales included a record volume of online equipment sales, reaching $1.8bn, 42% of the total volume.

Total sales in 2013 were $3.8bn, with 2014’s sales volume increasing by more than 10%.

RBA held 349 unreserved public auctions (including 116 agricultural auctions around the world), selling in total 355,567 items. There were 47,639 sellers in total, with 558,384 registered bidders, from 146 countries.

Other milestones for the company included the highest ever web traffic to its auction site in a single day, with over 100,000 unique visits on December 1 followed by a record-breaking 117,291 unique visits the following day.

The next Dubai auction will be held on March 10-11. The main highlights will be six unused Cat D9R dozers and three unused 2011 Atlas Copco ROCD711 crawler drills. The company is currently working with businesses to build up the inventory.

IronPlanet merges with Cat Auction Services

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nline auctioneer IronPlanet has announced plans to merge with Cat Auction Services, an alliance of Caterpillar and several of its independent Cat dealers.

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US-based Cat Auction Services was started in 2008 to give Cat dealers another distribution channel for used equipment sales. The merger will see both online and on-site auction

formats, as well as multiple timing and pricing options for auctions used.

“The live auction format from Cat Auction Services, along with IronPlanet’s online marketplaces, will give our customers the innovative solutions they are looking for to meet their inventory management requirements,” said Gary Trettel, Cat Auction Services president and CEO. “This is a very significant merger, as both companies are industry-leading and clearly complement each other.

We have a unique opportunity to transform our business and position ourselves to meet the growing demand of our customers for better technology, tools and services when buying and selling heavy equipment.”

Gregory J. Owens, IronPlanet chairman and CEO, said that the new

company would provide buyers and sellers of used construction equipment an auction experience backed by technology, services and equipment expertise unmatched in the industry.

“The power of IronPlanet’s technology, multiple marketplace formats and global buyer base, coupled with Cat Auction Services’ live, on-site auction format and deep equipment expertise, will provide the most powerful and complete suite of auction remarketing tools in the industry.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is anticipated to be completed early 2015. Owens will be chairman and CEO of the company, while Trettel will continue to oversee Cat Auction Services’ live auctions and serve on the Executive Committee of IronPlanet.

Indoogoo to add auctions to the mix

T

he industry’s first social trading network, Indoogoo, has announced that it will offer auctions on the site. The feature will be available from the second quarter of 2015. In a twist on the traditional auction format, the site will allow users to list any piece of equipment, as well as control the timing and layout of their own auction.

Users will be able to choose from three types of auction: a timed 30-day auction with a ‘buy now’ price, a day auction with reserve and a day auction without reserve.

Auctions will take place in the seller’s own ‘auction hall’, which can be branded as the seller’s own. Sellers can send flyers to their email contacts in order to advertise the sale, while the auctions will also be visible to the site’s users; nevertheless, interested parties must have their bid request accepted by the seller in order to participate.

Equipment can be listed in advance of the day auctions, allowing time to market the auction effectively, both to Indoogoo contacts and to a seller’s own database.

Another point of difference for the site is that it will not retain bidder information for its own use at a later date. Instead, the seller has the contacts of the bidders, allowing them to contact unsuccessful bidders with offers of similar equipment for sale.

“Our motivation behind its development is that we wanted to give Indoogoo users the power to control their own equipment auctions,”

said Mark Turner, CEO of Indoogoo.

“Indoogoo is not the auctioneer, the user is the auctioneer in this process.”

“This is also the first time the social network structure has been incorporated into an online auction service, and we feel it has the potential to dramatically change the way second-hand construction equipment is traded around the world. The auctions function is available to anybody with an Indoogoo account, from individual traders to large equipment manufacturers and rental companies.”

With lower operational costs, Indoogoo is able to offer a capped commission structure, said Turner, and the social network aspect means sellers have complete control over who is able to bid. Turner added that being able to control who can bid on equipment is an advantage for sellers, since it means that equipment will not be sold to a competitor or to an embargoed market. Company compliance teams will not need to rely on a third party.

Potential buyers can organise an inspection of the equipment directly with the seller, allowing them to inspect the equipment, as well

as discuss the machine’s history and condition with the owner.

Bidders who would like to attend the auction pay a bid deposit to a third-party escrow account, independent of Indoogoo.

For a new auction house, or an auctioneer entering a new market, the biggest challenge is to build up the bid-base, and Turner agrees that it’s no different for Indoogoo.

“We’re under no illusions that our biggest challenge is to build our bid-base as quickly as possible. The Indoogoo social auctions model is a great idea and people like it, but at the end of the day we have to put bums on seats like everybody else, and make sure there are enough bidders in the room to bid on equipment.

“But by targeting end users and offering a doit-yourself auction kit, this means that we’ll be able to bring in a different group of sellers. In turn, a lot of buyers will find that interesting, because they’re able to buy from a particular

seller. They’re also able to meet the owner of equipment and talk about it.”

Overall, progress at Indoogoo has been measured, said Turner. Their current focus is on pulling in more manufacturers and rental companies to boost equipment and rental listings.

Case Construction is using the site to list equipment, and other manufacturers are coming on board.

The general reaction from end users has been extremely positive, said Turner. “Buyers like the functionality Indoogoo offers. The rental module in particular is one feature which people really like the look of.”

Turner believes the auction feature will also be popular. “Going into the auction arena – you don’t make that move lightly, because it’s a highly contested marketplace. You don’t make the step into auction marketplace unless you believe you do have something different to offer.”

Turner said that while the auctions service will not launch until the second quarter of 2015, the company is already offering support and guidance for those who wish to plan online auction events once the service is up and running.

“WE’RE unDER nO illuSiOnS THAT OuR BiGGEST CHAllEnGE iS TO BuilD OuR BiD-BASE AS quiCKly AS POSSiBlE”

new Spanish site for Euro Auctions

E

uro Auctions is continuing its expansion, having acquired a new permanent auction site Spain which will see its first sale this month.

The new Euro Auctions site in Zuera, Zaragoza has a central location, less than 250km away from the key markets of Madrid, Barcelona and southern France. The site offers easy access to major ports like Santander, Bilbao and Barcelona, which is extremely important in the equipment market, plus is directly serviced by the railway network, said Euro Auctions owner Jonnie Keys.

“Spain is an important and expanding market for Euro Auctions and we continued to look for the right

site that allowed access to other key markets, either through various ports or internal motorways,” he said.

The 85-acre site has an entirely asphalted surface, allowing for better presentation of equipment, which Keys says is a significant factor. Previously a car storage and preparation area, the yard already has all the features needed for a smooth transition into an auction facility.

Euro Auctions has been conducting agricultural and construction machinery auctions in Spain since 2010 from its Valencia site, but continued company growth has led to the move to this new location with improved facilities and infrastructure, and proximity to the large French market.

February 2015

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Kit Spotting

MAnitowoc 2250 crAwler crAne

Four 272t capacity crawlers were used to place overpass bridges as part of a highway project in Wisconsin

A

quartet of Manitowoc 2250 crawler cranes were used to place several new overpass bridges, as part of a $61 million highway project in Wisconsin. Each crawler has a maximum 272t capacity, though this can be boosted with the use of attachments.

The cranes’ 100.6m main booms were crucial to the lifts, raising loads above and across several traffic lanes and other road construction equipment to carefully position them on concrete support piers. The 2250s also endured shifting seasons to complete the project, ranging from heavy snow in February to sweltering heat in July.

Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, of Milwaukee, Wis., handled the lifting work, choosing the fleet of Manitowoc 2250 crawler cranes for their reach and capacities. Scott Jerome, senior branch manager at Dawes, says the lifts, some of which required all four cranes to work in unison, needed cranes that could lift heavy loads with precision.

“The 300 USt capacity cranes were just what we needed for the large pick weights associated with many of the lifts, especially the prefabricated tub girder structures that weighed up to 120 USt (109t),” he explains. “The Manitowoc crawler cranes exceeded our expectations and were the right crane choice for the project.” Dawes is an ALL Erection & Crane Rental company.

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CONSTRUCTION

MIDDLE EAST

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Heavy Hitters

SupporTing QaTar’S build Jaidah Heavy Equipment is a well-known name in the Qatari market, and in 2014 added Bobcat to its stable of brands with Komatsu, Sakai and others. CMME's Stian Overdahl speaks with general manager Ayman Ahmed

T

he market in Qatar has been transformed over the past year and a half, says Ayman Ahmed, general manager of Jaidah Heavy Equipment.

Since major projects started to be awarded, beginning with Metro contracts in late 2013, the amount of heavy equipment working in Qatar has risen dramatically, with dealers seeing strong sales growth. “The market is completely different compared with 2012,” says Ahmed, who expects it to continue to continue to grow in preparation for the 2022 World Cup. Part of the well-known Jaidah Group, founded by the Jaidah family in 1898, Jaidah Heavy’s offering includes premium brands such as Komatsu, Sakai, Palfinger and Link-Belt, as well as vehicle brands UD Trucks and Isuzu pick-ups. But as the market in Qatar has moved forward, so too has Jaidah, and in January 2014 it signed on as the exclusive dealer for Bobcat. With Komatsu in the Middle East focused on offering heavy equipment, the company had a gap in compact equipment such as skid steer loaders and telehandlers. This made the opportunity to take on Bobcat too good to pass up.

“Bobcat has given us the privilege to complete our product range when it comes to compact machinery,” says Ahmed.

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Taking on the brand required a big training push, with full support from Bobcat’s office in the Middle East, led by Gaby Rhayem, as well as application and after sales support professionals from Bobcat’s operations in Europe, including the factory in Dob íš. This means Jaidah’s employees are fully able to advise customers on the advantages of Bobcat products (both mainline products and attachments and special functions), as well as provide top after sales support. Even customers who had bought Bobcat products from the former dealer in Qatar were delighted by the move, noting improved after sales support, says Ahmed. Since taking on Bobcat, Jaidah has leapt to the top of the market.

This comes as Bobcat has fully refreshed its skid steer and tracked compact loader range. In November, Jaidah held the official launch of the smallest skid steer, the S130, at the Hilton Hotel in Doha. The S130 replaces the S450, the most popular skid steer model in the GCC markets and a familiar sight on almost any construction job-site.

The new S130 and the rest of the range fit the development of customer requirements, says Ahmed.

“Most manufacturers now are trying to compete with more highly featured products that are more comfortable for operators, with better ergonomics, lower fuel consumption and a more advanced piece of equipment to give customers the productivity they need on projects.”

“THE NATURE oF THE

PRoJECTS AWARDED IN QATAR GIvES A BETTER CHANCE FoR THE PREMIUM BRANDS” In terms of boosting Bobcat sales, it certainly helped that Jaidah already had strong contacts with construction machinery buyers through Komatsu, whose heavy range in Qatar comprises excavators 20 tonnes and above, bulldozers, graders and wheel loaders. “With Komatsu, we are the market leader when it comes to market share in heavy equipment,” says Ahmed.

Excavators are in demand in Qatar mainly for breaker applications, given the hard ground conditions. “75% of the heavy equipment machines sold in Qatar are excavators, and these mainly are working in digging and hammering, due to the nature of the ground here in Qatar,” explains Ahmed. “We have very solid ground that requires hammers. It is not an excavation job, mainly it is breakers.”

Due to these tough requirements, customers look to “powerful” brands like Komatsu, says Ahmed.

“Excavators from Komatsu have very high productivity when it comes to breaking rocks. You can use any excavator for excavation, but not all the excavation brands will give you the right productivity when you put hammers on them. Therefore, Komatsu is very well known for its durability and its power to do the job in the right way. We have the highest productivity in the market, especially in excavators.”

Durability is essential, and the Komatsu has a minimum of damageable electronic parts in its machines, important for the dusty conditions in Qatar where any sensitive components that are poorly cased will quickly become damaged. Komatsu has ensured that electronic systems, for example in the controls, are fully isolated from the elements, says Ahmed.

OperatOrs in demand A shortage of skilled operators is another result of the jump in construction activity in Qatar. Operators are in high demand, meaning that wages and operator costs have risen, a trend matched in other Gulf countries. Contractors are looking to countries such as India, Nepal and Sri Lanka to source experienced operators, making rentals an attractive (or even necessary) option.

The Bobcat range added compact loaders, telehandlers and mini-excavators to the offering of Jaidah Heavy Equipment.

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Heavy Hitters

“BoBCAT HAS

GIvEN US THE PRIvILEGE To CoMPLETE oUR PRoDUCT RANGE WHEN IT CoMES To CoMPACT MACHINERY”

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The new Komatsu machines launched in 2013 are also equipped with Komtrax, with GPS tracking, monitoring of machine productivity, maintenance intervals and performance, which has further boosted up-time.

Looking at the Komatsu offering from a machine buyer’s point of view, Ahmed says that most important to a customer are efficient operation costs, meaning productive and reliable machines; delivery of the machine and lead times, with Jaidah often having machines 'on shelf' so that they can be delivered straight away, or units in Jebel Ali that can be quickly sourced; and a robust after sales service, including service contracts, 24-hour servicing and high spare parts availability.

Resale value of second-hand machines is also high, boosted by the reputation Komatsu enjoys in the region as well as globally.

With the awarding of the Metro contracts at the end of 2013, followed by orbital ring roads and then a series of infrastructure projects for the laying of pipes and cables, business in the construction sector has picked up, and contractors have begun mobilising for the work and expanding their fleets. “All of this has been pushing the market up,” says Ahmed. “In 2014, the figures for machines, trucks, skid steer loaders – all the figures doubled compared with 2013.”

But increased demand from buyers is also increasing levels of competition, whether it’s other premium dealers, value brands or rentals. “Everyone is trying to get a big part of the cake.”

Given the tight delivery schedule for projects, Ahmed believes that contractors are looking for premium brands, for both productivity and after sales service.

“Each machine that stops is costing a contractor time and costing them money. It’s a high cost compared

with buying a cheaper machine. The nature of the projects awarded gives a better chance for the premium brands to win new business.”

Budgets are also tight for contracts, and the contractors are looking to save money. Most usually look for better machines as a solution, and so pay less in down-time and less in consumables, by running a machine they can use effectively.

“Inflation is present, but contractors are relying on efficient machines to reduce operational costs.”

The intensive nature of the Qatar build means there are additional decisions contractors need to make around machinery purchasing, such as planning for equipment disposal once contracts are completed, or even renting or leasing instead of purchasing outright, and different contractors have different requirements in terms of ownership structure.

As far as machinery buying is concerned, there are two types of contractors in Qatar, says Ahmed. The first is international contractors in Qatar to carry out specific projects, without long-term certainty in the market; the second is local contractors and contractors who have joint ventures with Qatari companies and so can plan longer-term for a pipeline of projects.

For the first group, TCo calculations are based on the cost of owning a machine over the duration of a specific project, normally one to three years. To meet the demands of this customer group, Jaidah offers a lease-to-own option, which offers exact pricing over a specified ownership period, with the monthly cost including full repair and maintenance contracts. At the end of the lease period, the contractor can then choose to pay the remaining book value for the machine, or return it to Jaidah, who will refurbish it and sell it to the second-hand market.

From this year they are offering rentals, competing against a wide variety of players in the sector.

According to Ahmed, their advantage compared with a general rental company is that their machines are expertly maintained, while they can also offer standby machines to cover idle time, as well as operators trained by their own internal trainers, who in turn have been trained by the oEMs. Completing projects on time is one of the major challenges facing contractors in Qatar, and in addition to seeking out machines with high productivity, they are also looking for time-saving technologies. “Time schedules are very tight. This is what is making the contractors really depend on more technical products, not just on labour to do the job for them.”

Ahmed sees the advantage of solutions-geared offerings, such as Bobcat’s line of attachments. “The attachments we have for the Bobcat really complement the value of the machine. We have a huge range of attachments that make the machine more useful for the customer – on day one he is using it as a sweeper, on day two he is using an augur, on day three he is using a forklift, or even a ripper or grader. Bobcat has invested a lot in order to make its machines multipurpose. We’re not just talking about Bobcat as a skid steer loader, it’s a full solution for the customer.”

The sales team at Jaidah have had intensive training on the attachments, and have seen the results. one landscaping contractor was amazed at the attachment for planting trees, which provides a far faster solution than simply relying on labour or machines with nonspecialised tools.

When asked about the duration of the current construction boom, the prediction is that business will

continue to be steady up until the World Cup build is complete, though there will be peaks and troughs.

However, if contracts are released by the government in a streamlined fashion, and contractors are careful about how they mobilise and purchase machinery steadily, Ahmed believes any peaks and dips will only be minor. once the current phase of work is completed in 2018-19, additional projects will be carried out to prepare for the World Cup. “This wave will go for five-six years in my opinion, and then there will be a rest in the market, or a more sustainable period.”

As part of a longstanding and diversified company, Ahmed says that other sectors in Jaidah Group will make up for any drop in heavy equipment sales. “We are diversified with our industrial business, which will never stop and is able to compensate for any drop in the heavy equipment sector.”

The after sales business can also compensate for any drop in unit sales, and Jaidah Heavy has been steadily building up the strength of its after sales operation to be able to cater to the larger machine population.

“Jaidah has invested a lot in after sales support, training of sales teams, technicians, trainers, facilities, building the knowledge within the company. We have invested a lot of time and money in the company, the assets are people.”

But most important is ensuring contractors have the right machines and support to carry out their jobs, says Ahmed, noting that Jaidah is supplying equipment to virtually all the major contracts taking place in Doha, whether the Metro, orbital roads or infrastructure. “We are committed to supporting the contractors and to giving them the best service, and to ensure that they finish their projects on time. This is our job.”

Komatsu has a well-regarded range of heavy equipment that is popular in Qatar, backed by the service offering from Jaidah Heavy Equipment.

“THIS WAvE WILL Go FoR FIvE-SIx YEARS IN MY oPINIoN, AND THEN THERE WILL BE A REST IN THE MARKET, oR A MoRE SUSTAINABLE PERIoD”

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Qatar

RIDING THE WAVE The current construction boom in Qatar has many opportunities for suppliers and contractors alike, but working in Qatar has its own unique challenges, says Emil Nehme, managing director of Nehmeh Group

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his year Nehmeh Group will celebrate its 60th anniversary, which is a considerable timespan, especially for Qatar, says Emil Nehme, managing director of Nehmeh Group. The company sells a large portfolio of construction equipment and tools, covering the entire spectrum of a construction job, from surveying work, foundation and structural,

It’s a busy time for the company. Since the Metro contracts were awarded, contractors have been busy with the government projects, while the private “The market is very healthy and looks promising.

When you talk to people they are optimistic.

“Since the time of the tenders, the consumer and

Qatar most expensive GCC Country for ConstruCtion, report finds Qatar is the most expensive country in the GCC for construction, followed by the UAE, according to The International Construction Cost Report 2014, released by Arcadis.

Qatar was ranked 17th among the 43 countries surveyed for building costs for the report.

The study found that relative construction costs globally have been affected by commodity prices, currency fluctuations and rising demand for development across many recovering economies throughout 2014.

Costs remain relatively modest in the Gulf region, despite high levels of spending in infrastructure projects.

“Investment on social infrastructure, economic diversification investment and event-driven construction are three key trends positively influencing construction spend in the region,” says Christopher Seymour, partner and head of

had projects on hold started executing. Now there are so many projects from the private sector: towers, private schools, shopping centres. The private sector is very active, it is not only the government.”

With the focus in Qatar on infrastructure, three years ago the company took on Chicago Pneumatic to cater to the sector. CP offers a range of equipment needed for digging, including breakers and air compressors, as well as generators and light towers.

“We’re seeing a lot of demand for the CP products.”

In 2014 they were awarded by CP for best sales in the Middle East, and he expects 2015 to be strong for generators in the market.They recently secured a number of major deals for breakers with rental companies. The CP breakers are high quality, explains Nehme, even to the extent that there is a lack of demand for after-market support.

The scale of construction work taking place means that many companies have set up shop in Qatar to sell

UAE property at EC Harris.

Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia seem best able to continue to fund budget commitments in the wake of falling oil prices, although the report predicts increased pressure on public spending in 2015.

“Whether the recent weakness in oil prices has a short- or

or rent equipment. Nehme says that companies coming from the UaE or elsewhere need to take stock of the market’s unique challenges.

“The good and bad thing about Qatar is that it is a very expensive place to live. That means that companies which come here need to be very efficient, or they will not survive. It’s not possible, it’s so expensive to operate here and the overheads will just eat you up.” after sixty years of operation, Nehme says that the company is grounded in the realities of the Qatari market, including the high overheads. “We understand the market, we understand the local laws, and we understand the culture. We can adapt easier.

Some companies come here and complain. There is no use in complaining, you either want to work here or you don’t. If you want to work here you have to adapt, and be very efficient. having lots of people is not a solution, you have to have the right processes.”

The higher labour costs also affect construction companies, and Nehme says that contractors need to look at ways of optimising their work processes on-site.

“There are lots of ‘white spaces’ where efficiency is low on job-sites. So much time is wasted on jobsites, and contractors don’t realise how inefficient workers are.” local companies are learning from the expertise of international companies with whom they have joint ventures on major projects such as the Metro, a deliberate government policy to involve local companies in order to increase their skillset. high material costs are another factor for construction companies, and again one that can be partially mitigated by better systems. “What we can help our customers do is work on their processes. for

“ThIS WIll bE ThE bIGGEST WavE I rIDE oN IN My ProfESSIoNal lIfE“

medium-term impact on construction, spending plans will become clearer in 2015,” Seymour says, adding that low oil prices may see capital spending priorities come under review.

Globally, Switzerland was ranked the most expensive country to build in, while India was the least costly.

example, we work as consultants with contractors, to help them make work processes more efficient, which can compensate for higher material costs.”

While there remains a portion of the market who continue to buy cheaper equipment, Nehme says that the international companies are looking for high-quality equipment, with after-market backing. “because contractors are under pressure to finish on time, they cannot afford delays. New contractors who come here want to see our offices and warehouses, they want to see the support we can deliver. They want to make sure we’re not just sellers with a catalogue.”

Nehme describes after-sales as their competitive advantage. “one quarter of our workforce works on after-sales. We have mobile service centres that are fully equipped, on-site service centres, including one on each Metro line, where we set up a service centre fully equipped with technicians to cater to our customers. We have four different service centres around Qatar and we are planning another two.”

The company has equipment on all the Metro sites, and this means workshops at all the project sites in order to service and maintain the equipment. “We can do many things on-site; if it’s not repairable, we bring it to the main workshop.”

With the construction market on an upward cycle, and with Qatar’s revenues in good shape, Nehme believes the boom will continue up until the preparation work is completed for the World Cup. “The wave will last at least five-six years. for me, I’m in my late 40s, and I think this will be the biggest wave I ride on in my professional life. I want to make sure our people and company benefit from the experience, and have fun and enjoy it.”

Workers are proud to be part of the construction, and there is nowhere else in the world where construction like this is taking place, he says.

"Workers can put it on their Cv, and later they will be able to say that they were part of this. Qatar is a good market to be in, it’s a big challenge.”

February 2015

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At the 2014 Construction Machinery Show we sold 70 units and 100 more units are under discussion. We have delivered a positive message to our existing clients, our competitors, and grabbed new clients.

I think gaining such an appreciation from all members in the construction equipment sector is a great honour and will encourage us to work very hard to keep the same level of style, image, and standards.”

This year the CM Show team delivered an exhibition Saudi deserves. For years, we have seen a vision in this Show and this year the vision was achieved. We wanted quality traffic and we saw equipment and company owners; and we were able to offer some promotions to entice sales.

I saw an increase in our sales immediately.

Our principles, Doosan and Everdigm, really enjoyed themselves. We anticipate the upcoming years to be even better.”

The Construction Machinery Show was perfect from an awareness point of view.

We explained Roots Group Arabia’s capability of covering the construction industry with all of its needs and requirements. The attendance was good especially during weekdays and towards the end of the exhibition. See you next year.”

Al-Qahtani & Sons Khaled El Shatoury, Managing Director

Saudi Diesel Equipment Ahmed Alkooheji, Marketing Manager

Roots Group Arabia Abdulaziz Felemban, Brand Manager

Gold sponsor

Raz Islam Publishing Director raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com Mobile: +971 50 451 8213

Michael Stansfield Commercial Director michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com Mobile: +971 55 150 3849

Co-located with

AWPs

Access All AreAs

Work platforms are a vital part of construction and maintenance, and new offerings from manufacturers are extending the reach of AWPs and improving productivity

W

orking at height is a vital aspect of the built environment, whether during the construction phase, building or ongoing maintenance.

With increased activity across the GCC in 2014, AWP suppliers are seeing good demand.

Arthur Danelian, managing director of Haulotte Middle East, says that the airport expansion project, museum and theme park sectors expanded in 2014, in addition to civil construction and the major metro projects taking place, with KSA, the UAE, Oman, Turkey and Qatar the strongest markets. This year, shopping malls, hotel construction and facility management companies are also picked by Danelian to grow, with Iraq an important focus market.

With growing markets come new requirements from customers. Danelian says that Haulotte upgrades different models every year, depending on the customer and Middle East market requirements. “In addition, we have seen a high demand for electrical machines, and customers also expect a total solution along with products.

For example, extended warranty and annual maintenance contracts [AMCs] are part of the deal.�

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Recent upgrades of the HT23 RTJ and HA16 RTJ models have proved popular in the Middle East, he says. The HA16 RTJ offers a 16m articulated boom and is available in three variations. All variants feature four-wheel drive, and the machine is designed for rough terrain capability, with a high ground clearance of 38cm and 40% gradeability.

The machines are also built with permanent antislipping differential to evenly distribute power to the wheels, with a hydraulic differential lock which can be manually activated for traversing more difficult terrain. The HA16 RTJ O and HA16 RTJ Pro models have an oscillating axle for smoother driving, while the cured-on solid tyres last longer than foam-filled tyres and are more environmentally friendly.

Productivity on the HA16 RTJ range is enhanced by proportional and simultaneous movement capability. The 16m range is able to simultaneously perform the following movements: driving, steering plus turret rotation; and turret rotation, arm/boom elevation, telescoping out plus jib.

Following on from the success of the HA16 RTJ models, Haulotte has announced that it will launch a 20m version, the HA20 RTJ, at the INTERMAT show in Paris in April. With many design similarities, the

20m articulated boom machine will have a working height of 20.6m, horizontal outreach of 12.1m and up-and-over clearance of 8.1m. Lifting speed is just 48 seconds, which Haulotte says is the best in the market for this class.

The machine has been optimised for transport: it weighs less than 9.5 tonnes, and the transportation height of 1.8m and length of 6.4m means two machines can be loaded on a low flat bed trailer.

As in any sector, customer feedback is important to developing new products and updating existing lines; with a concentrated customer base of larger rental companies, AWP manufacturers have access to knowledgeable feedback on product performance, as well as hard data – the utilisation statistics. JLG Industries recently modified its ES and RT scissor lift lines in response to customer feedback, with the changes designed to make the machines more

“CUSTOMER FEEDbACK IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL THAT HELPS US FIND INNOVATIVE WAyS TO MITIGATE ANNUAL PRICE INCREASES AND DELIVER COMPETITIVE SCISSOR LIFTS ”

durable and repairable, as well as reducing the weight of certain models.

On the ES model scissors, platforms and deck extension surfaces have been upgraded to diamond plate steel to enhance strength and durability. To deploy the extension, a simple locking foot lever has replaced the rail-mounted locking handles.

Two models, the 2030ES and 2630ES scissors, have been widened from 30 inches (762mm) to 32 inches (813mm), with the model names changed to 2032ES and 2632ES. The wider footprint allowed JLG engineers to reduce weight without compromising stability, resulting in lighter machines with better weight displacement.

JLG’s entire RT scissor line will now feature steel hoods, with the steel adding strength and durability, as well as being easy to repair.

“The weight reduction idea is a unique one that came out of a number of voice-of-customer studies that showed that customers are very much in tune with the fine balance between price, features and lifecycle costs, and how these factors drive the value of the equipment they choose for their fleets,” says Paul Kreutzwiser, JLG Industries category director – Global Scissors/Verticals.

“Customer feedback is an important tool that helps us find innovative ways to mitigate annual price increases while delivering scissor lifts that are high quality and competitive in the marketplace.”

Product improvements don’t just come in the form of new designs and engineering developments – software and electronics also have an increasingly important role to play. Genie recently upgraded its Smartlink control system for its GS Slab scissors and Runabout lines. The upgrade includes a new, simplified platform controller user interface, as well as functions such as proportional lift and drive control on the joystick – features also driven by customer feedback.

The upgrade is also designed to reduce hand fatigue by replacing the “push and hold” with a “momentary push” button to begin lifting on the joystick. Outriggers are also controlled by the joystick. To make user experience even easier on existing machines, the upgrade can be quickly retrofitted in the field.

Safety increases Safe use of AWPs is steadily increasing in the Middle East, as more companies and operators are educated about the importance of correct working habits.

Arthur Danelian, managing director of Haulotte Middle East, says they’ve seen an improvement in safe practices in the last three years.

“The Middle East follows Europe’s norms in the AWP business. Improved safety, which in turn saves lives, is a good sign.

In addition, all our Haulotte machines are CE-certified, and all the Haulotte machines delivered in the Middle East market are compliant with European standards and regulations. There are exactly the same machines for the European market.”

Manufacturers and accessory companies are also investing in new products that help protect workers. Haulotte has

launched a secondary guarding device, the ACTIV’Shield, designed to reduce the risk of overhead trapping and crushing without affecting working parameters.

Danelian says Haulotte has also seen an increase in demand for IPAF licences for operators.

The IPAF training programme for platform operators teaches safe operation of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), according to best practice standards developed by industry professionals. The programme is provided by approved training centres, which are normally manufacturer and rental members of IPAF. Successful trainees receive a PAL (Powered Access Licence) card, safety guide, log book and certificate. Globally, more than 100,000 operators are trained each year.

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AWPs

Genie’s SX-180 allows work to take place at extreme heights (up to 57m), allowing maintenance work to be carried out in a number of industries without the use of a mobile crane.

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The SmartLink system, first introduced in 2011, allows customers to interact with the machine’s diagnostics directly on the unit without any additional tools. With the update, on-board diagnostics and troubleshooting are also improved.

Advanced diagnostics can be obtained by simply connecting a standard laptop to the machine with an Ethernet cable.

For customers, this sorts out the most difficult part of troubleshooting a unit, says Carlo Forini, director of business Development & Product Management, Terex AWP. “The SmartLink upgrade is a clear example of how we continuously improve our products to provide additional value to our customers. Early customer feedback has been enthusiastically received.”

Genie has a wide range of AWPs, including notable performers such as the SX-180 boom lift, the highest reaching self-propelled boom lift in their Super boom lineup. With a working height of 57m, it is ideal for jobs at the upper end of what is possible with an AWP. Outside of civil construction, the boom lift has application in oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, shipyards and other areas of industry where working at large heights is an important part of maintenance or general operations. Its 57m working height is combined with a 24.4m horizontal reach, while a 3.05m rotating jib allows placing of the basket for the best working position. The boom telescopes out to its maximum height (or retracts from it) in just five minutes.

Launched in late 2014, Genie’s Z-60/40 articulating boom lift (an upgrade on the Z-60/34)

received a feature overhaul to make the model more competitive. Adam Hailey, booms product manager at Terex Aerial Work Platforms, says that height and outreach were increased, while transportability was enhanced and its overall weight was decreased.

“This is sure to be a sought-after machine with our customers.”

The boom lift has a working height of 20.87m and provides more horizontal outreach, with a maximum of 12.47m (compared to 11.05m on the previous model). Up-and-over clearance is 8.13m, with a maximum lift capacity of 227kg. The new boom design has zero rear tail swing and minimal front turntable tail swing in the stowed position. The machine weighs a trim 10.43kg, and stows to the compact size of 7.58m with the jib tucked. Increased vertical jib articulation (135°) allows more precise positioning and tighter access. The boom lift has full-time four-wheel drive and active oscillating axles; where required, it is available with sand tyres and four-wheel steering option.

While construction accounts for the lion’s share of units in the Middle East, many other sectors are also significant, such as industrial applications, facilities management (FM) and even aircraft maintenance. At this month’s Aircraft Interiors and MRO [maintenance,

repair and operations] Middle East show, Manitou showcased its range of solutions combining personnel lifting devices and parts handling for civil and military aviation in the Middle East.

Manitou has designed its equipment to ensure a safe approach for any kind of aircraft, from compact platforms to rotating telehandlers. “The solutions we provide are safe, precise and versatile. They give operators the kind of autonomy that improves the time spent intervening. They perfectly meet the requirements of logistics, aeronautical maintenance and storage and warehousing,” says Manitou Defence Activities manager Martin Monié.

Specific requests can also be handled by a dedicated team of engineers, putting Manitou knowhow at the disposal of customers, he adds. Manitou equipment can be used at working heights of up to 32 metres.

With machine ownership in the AWP sector heavily concentrated among rental companies, manufacturers have to cater their support offerings to the demands of this group, as well as to end users.

Danelian says that rental companies make up roughly 80% of Haulotte’s customer base, and that these companies are able to perform service functions with their own service team. Rental company technicians

“MACHINE OWNERSHIP IN THE AWP SECTOR IS HEAVILy CONCENTRATED AMONG RENTAL COMPANIES”

are fully trained by Haulotte’s after-sales technical team in the manufacturer’s facilities so that they are able to be fully autonomous in service activities.

End users, who are only a minority of customers, receive service and support from dealers, and typically require full after-market services for the machines they purchase from the manufacturers or dealers. “Nevertheless, our commitment towards all of our customers remains the same in terms of support and response time,” notes Danelian.

Haulotte users are also seeing improved utilisation, thanks to telematics with on-board diagnostics. They play a key role in trouble-shooting problems, quickly reducing breakdowns and increasing up-time for customers. Technicians can identify problems through error code messages on the electronic display board, which makes life easier, according to Danelian.

Durability is also a major focus for machine development. This starts with overall design, but can be enhanced with production techniques including corrosion treatment and improved painting processes, such as washing treatments to prepare units before paint is applied.

Modular design can also lower long-term costs of ownership. Haulotte’s HA16 RTJ range was built on a fully modular platform, with eight independently replaceable elements, while the guardrail is designed with standard-sized sections, making it easy to repair. It was also designed with direct access to key components and regular check points, such as engine, hydraulic and electric components.

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LIFTING ON TO THE FUTURE Excellent reliability, durability, stability, and operability cultivated

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MEWPs

Spotlight on Safety A significant percentage of occupational fatalities result either directly or indirectly from working at height. Jerusha Sequeira reports for CMME on the IPAF’s first Middle East event, and how to boost safe practices on site while working with powered access platforms

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afety at height came under the scanner at the International Powered Access Federation’s (IPAF) first Middle East event, held last month at the Address Hotel, Dubai Marina. The event was attended by manufacturers, rental companies, safety professionals and government representatives, who gathered to discuss best practices to ensure safety of workers operating at heights, focusing on mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs).

“We’ll work with anyone, anywhere in the world, to keep MEWPs safe,” says Tim Whiteman, managing director and CEO, IPAF. “Things can go wrong with MEWPs, but they are a very safe way of doing temporary work on height.

Falls from height are the biggest cause of fatal

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accidents in Europe, in North America, in China.

And MEWPs are an important part of the solution.”

Workplace safety is a pressing issue in the Gulf.

In 2011, 71 occupational fatalities were recorded in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, says Matt Cox, chairman, IIRSM (International Institute of Risk & Safety Management) Middle East and corporate HSE manager at Ed Zublin. Of the 71 deaths, 26 were caused by a fall from height, while another 26 were the result of falling objects, meaning 73% of the deaths were height-related. “I’m pleased to report that the trend is improving, but the percentage remains constant at about 75%.”

With this in mind, how can employers ensure that workers stay safe when working at height?

Rob Cavaleri, regional operations and technical manager at Manlift Middle East and chairman of

IPAF UAE, emphasises the importance of assessing ground conditions before setting up a MEWP. “Unsuitable ground conditions present a real hazard. Understanding the ground surface type, and what may be under the ground, below the area of intended operation of a MEWP, is critical,” Cavaleri explained to the audience, reminding them to beware of “poor ground assessment, poor spreader plate selection and incorrect positioning of outriggers”.

“Unstable ground conditions are everywhere.

No matter if we’re thinking about a construction site application or a city centre or factory floor environment, we must always do risk assessment and make sure that the ground is okay, that the machine can travel to the work area, and when it gets to the work area it’s safe to elevate.

Work safety statistics show that working at height is a leading cause of fatalities, and is dangerous for those in the air and those on the ground below.

MEWPs were used to hoist workers during the construction of the Dubai Metro stations, pictured here in a file photo from February 2009.

“To provide stability, MEWPs use a combination of chassis plate and surface area provided by the unit’s base dimensions, including wheel-mounted MEWPs, outrigger-mounted MEWPs or models that use both. Ground conditions will adversely affect stability if they fall outside the design and intended use criteria,” cautions Cavaleri, whose firm lets and sells powered access equipment and generators.

Several dangerous practices abound in the industry, he explains, such as mounting a MEWP on a truck body where a chassis can move, which can potentially result in a tip-over. Weather conditions are also important.

So whose responsibility is it to ensure that ground conditions are suitable and MEWPs are used properly on-site? Although there’s a clear hierarchy on large worksites, Cavaleri says this is not always the case when smaller companies are involved.

“It’s the principal contractor’s responsibility to ensure that ground conditions, including supporting structures and traffic, are suitable for the loads being imposed on the mobile elevating work platform.”

Prior to work commencing on the site, the principal contractor should ensure that the contractor selecting the mobile elevated work platform is provided with relevant details on ground bearing capacity and load bearing capability of supporting structures, including the location of underground services, ducts [and so on]. The contractor should provide details of intended imposed loads.”

Additionally, contractors should ensure that the MEWP isn’t loaded beyond its capacity, he urges.

Operator training is also a critical part of the equation. “Operators are not geotechnical engineers. Good training and experience is essential to confidence of operators... [their]

“THINGS CAN GO WRONG WITH MEWPS, bUT THEy ARE A vERy SAFE WAy OF DOING TEMPORARy WORk ON HEIGHT”

experience and expertise will usually determine safe setup. If doubt exists, there is a need for further expert advice and assessment.”

Moreover, if uncertainty exists over whether the MEWP will remain stable, it is better to tread on the side of caution and use a spreader plate.

“It is strongly recommended that suitable spreader plates should always be used under the outrigger, irrespective of the apparent ground conditions.”

For wheel-mounted platforms, paying attention to tyres is important, Cavaleri adds. “When mobile elevated work platforms are supported on wheels and tyres, the vast majority will be foam-filled or solid tyres. However, stability can be compromised on the use if the wrong compound is used to fill the tyres. A specific hardness of the material needs to be understood and used for both foam-filled tyres and solid tyres. If the material that’s used to fill the tyres is too soft, a stability hazard will arise.”

Cavaleri also highlights the need for carrying out a risk assessment beforehand. “We need to risk-assess the work area. When we’re setting up a mobile elevated work platform, we need to examine the site plan. We need to walk the route, we need to look for drains, manhole covers, underground services. All pose potential risk to your work platform.”

Despite the safety information being available to anyone who’s interested, why are workplace injuries and fatalities still common in the country?

“Many companies here in the UAE don’t bother themselves when it comes to safe practices at worksites. Some of them, they think that it’s a burden, it’s an extra expense. Unfortunately, some of them have the mentality that workers are replaceable,” says Dr Ali Salem, Director of the Ministry of Labour.

“We consider it as a simple human right to protect workers wherever they are. If you protect your workers, then basically you are protecting your own investment. It is not a waste of money to pay someone to try to at least do some risk management, to try to do some safety planning for your company.”

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Powered Access

All tO reAch fOr Boasting an impressive range of powered access options, Rapid Access’ Alexis Potter explains how customers benefit from the company’s expertise and access equipment for rent

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perating in the Gulf since 1996, Rapid Access is one of the largest and most experienced powered access rental companies in the region. Part of Lavendon Group, Europe’s largest powered access rental company, they have eight depots in the GCC, one in each of the six GCC countries plus two each in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Dhahran).

Alexis Potter, sales and marketing director – Middle East and International at Rapid Access LLC, says 2014 was a great year for the company.

“We observed growth in many sectors throughout the GCC, but especially in the construction industry.

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With several ongoing and planned mega projects for 2015 and 2016, the future of powered access in the region is looking very bright.”

Rapid Access has the region’s largest and most diverse fleet, says Potter, which includes a complete range of electric, diesel and bi-fuel powered machines. “This ensures we can supply the right machine for every requirement.”

The company is continuing to invest in new products, in line with shifting customer requirements and increased demand, as the adoption of powered access as the preferred method of safe working at height continues to increase, explains Potter.

“In 2014, we expanded our fleet of electric products significantly and continued to invest in

Global safety standards Rapid Access is part of Europe-based Lavendon Group, the world’s largest specialist provider of powered access rental. The company has a worldwide staff of experts at the forefront of safety and industry best practice, and Potter says their operations in the Middle East operate with the same high safety

Rapid Access customers benefit from well-serviced machines, says Alexis Potter, sales and marketing director – Middle East and International at Rapid Access LLC.

award-winning low-level access machines, ensuring we are able to provide safe access solutions at heights from 3.5m upwards.”

In addition to expanding its fleet of machines, Rapid also regularly introduces new technologies.

In 2011, Lavendon Group acquired aerial lift attachment designer BlueSky, and Rapid, as part of the group, continues to invest in research and development of new technologies. The BlueSky products are available throughout the GCC and include the award-winning SkySiren secondary guarding system, SkySentry, and a range of material handling attachments (MHAs).

MHAs are used to ensure that users can safely handle materials at height, such as pipes, trays, racks and ductwork. Material handling at height, while often being essential to getting the job done, is also a major risk area. When used correctly, MHAs dramatically reduces this risk.

“MHAs ensure operatives can work safely at height and avoid the risks associated with inappropriate handling of materials, which include injuries to operatives at height, on the ground through falling materials, and loading of the machine basket frames which is not permitted by the machine manufacturers. In our experience, a safe worker is an efficient worker and as such the use of such systems can save our customers time and money at site,” says Potter.

Though primarily a rental company, Rapid will offer sale of machines to customers where purchasing is the most appropriate route. Nevertheless, Potter says that renting normally gives better results.

“We find that given the diverse requirements of working at height, and the importance of using the right machine, renting is the preferred option for the majority of customers. At Rapid, we leverage our extensive range of fleet to offer customers the right machine for every application, which in turn saves time and money on-site.”

Rental customers also get newer machines with new technologies implemented, including telematics. This includes Rapid’s SkySentry system, a security keypad and reporting module with GPS,

standards as all their locations in Europe.

“At Rapid, we believe safe working is the only way of working, and our global standards remain constant across all of our European and Middle East operations, ensuring our customers have the same experience, assessed against the same high

standards, every time they rent a machine, whatever the location.

“We believe that this, coupled with our range of extensive and unique accessories and industryleading training, ensures that everything we do is aimed at providing best practice on our customers’ job-sites.”

Rapid Acess is also the region’s largest provider of International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) accredited training. IPAF is the leading internationally recognised accreditation body in the industry, and the IPAF courses promote safe and effective use of powered access equipment by operators.

“GIvEN THE DIvERSE REqUIREMENTS of WoRkING AT HEIGHT, AND THE IMPoRTANCE of USING THE RIGHT MACHINE, RENTING IS THE PREfERRED oPTIoN foR THE MAJoRITy of CUSToMERS” GSM and data processing. SkySentry can be supplied with any Rapid machine, and once fitted the system requires the entry of a four-digit PIN before the platform can be activated. PINs can be altered remotely by a customer to ensure only trained and authorised users are in control of the machine.

Additional telematic features enable SkySentry to track information on machine usage, placement and functions. This can be accessed through an online portal, allowing customers to review both live and historical information.

“Working in partnership with our own experts, this information enables our customers to anticipate future machine requirements, locate machines on large construction projects and avoid under-utilised equipment being retained unnecessarily on-site,” explains Potter.

Rental customers also benefit from extra services, including professional servicing of machines. With its large fleet, Rapid has significant economy of scale when it comes to maintenance. Customers also avoid costs associated with maintenance, storage, certification and downtime.

“We have a highly skilled engineering department, and preventative maintenance ensures the machines we supply are fit for purpose and enables our machines to work in one of the harshest environments in the world,” notes Potter. “This can only be achieved by investing time and money upskilling our engineers to the required level.”

Special application expertise is also available. “We believe powered access to be a specialist industry, and our rental offering allows clients to benefit from on-site services from our engineering teams, ensuring a consistently high level of machine performance and customer experience.”

Company experts are able to advise users on machine selection for a required application, and this consultation is also offered at bidding stages and during the development of risk assessments and method statements. for key clients, Rapid offers managed services packages, working in partnership to deliver every aspect of a customer’s powered access requirements.

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Intermat

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ThINgs we leArNed AT

Pre-INTerMAT

The Pre-INTERMAT event was a chance for companies to preview new machines and company news ahead of the April 20-25 show in Paris. With new dealer arrangements, product launches and the show itself, CMME presents the top news and insights from the event

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Elba intEgratEd into ammann middlE East Service for elba concrete plantS rolled into ammann middle eaSt

ollowing on from Ammann’s acquisition of concrete batching plant manufacturer Elba in early 2014, the service offering of Elba in the Middle East is being taken in-house at Ammann Middle East.

Elba, which produces both smaller mobile batching plants and larger static plants, has a longstanding and successful presence in the Middle East, Michael Unger, regional sales director of Europe, Ammann Elba Beton, told CMME. This includes major sales to ready-mix companies across the Gulf, particularly in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with as many as 100 batching plants in the region. Their batching plants are high quality with higher outputs, with their 120 cubic metres per hour plant the biggest seller.

Following on from the Ammann acquisition, the plan is to bolster the service offering for the Elba plants by using the Ammann service team with their centralised location in Dubai, along with local service support from distributors.

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The company also has full-time service staff in Saudi Arabia.Unger says that there is some crossover between the two groups of customers – asphalt and concrete batching plants – including contractors involved in highway construction.

The Elba plants have also begun using the Ammann control system, and there are moves to integrate Ammann components into the Elba plants, making it easier for after-market technicians to service both the asphalt and concrete plants.

At INTERMAT, Ammann will show a new concrete mixing plant, the ECC Elba Concrete Centre. The plant has production output of 105-200m3/h, fitting market requirements in the Middle East. It is designed to be used mainly for pre-cast applications.

With a modular design, there is a high degree of customisation possible, and the plant can be assembled as a stationary or semi-mobile mixing plant. The plant comes semi-galvanised as standard, and there is the option of foundation-free assembly.

2

Topcon shows benefiTs of aerial surveying aerial Surveying with the SiruS pro drone yieldS high-reSolution imageS for uSe on projectS, including quarrieS and conStruction

aerial surveying can be used before work begins on a project to get land data, and while work is underway to chart progress.

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aving an aerial view of a construction site or quarry has obvious utility for any business manager, and following a strategic partnership with mavinci, topcon is offering an unmanned aerial System (uaS) drone that can provide high-quality imaging from the air.

3W

Sirius pro is designed to deliver orthofotos and three-dimensional elevation models with a high absolute accuracy of 2-5 centimetres without using ground control points. for construction, the imaging can be used to review progress on a site, allowing managers to decide whether additional resources need to be

allocated to speed up one area of the project. the imaging can give information about the volumes of material on-site, including volumes of available backfill or whether aggregates need to be ordered from the supplier. it can also determine whether suppliers are delivering the volume of materials that they are charging for. for quarries, this means users can receive real-time updates on fluctuations of stock pile volumes. imaging can also be used to show completion of one area or phase of a project, allowing the contractor to send out the invoice. “the cashflow of the company can even be faster,” says achiel Sturm, marketing manager at topcon europe positioning. there are also uses for municipalities, who can provide information on ground conditions when they put a project out to tender. changes in land conditions can also be mapped, such as the impact of construction development on a waterfront area. the drone is a fixed-wing uaS, and key advantages include its ability to work in mountain areas, with the flight plan adapting to elevation. it is able to cover areas that require multiple flights; the flight plan automatically splits and rejoins for post-processing. the machine has a simple hand launch, and is able to land automatically.

hamm, vögele To presenT new producTs

irtgen group’s road construction brands have a strong presence in the middle east, and the intermat show in paris will present new products, including hamm rollers and a new vögele spray paver. the company will also show the new mobile asphalt mixing tower from benninghoven. wirtgen group acquired a majority stake in benninghoven, which produces a range of asphalt batching plants, in august 2014. the acquisition closed the circle for wirtgen group, allowing them to offer the full range of products related to road construction, from rock processing and asphalt mixing to paving, compaction and rehabilitation of all kinds of roadways. the vögele spray paver, the Super 1800-3i, can also be used as a conventional asphalt paver. the paver has a maximum spray width of 6m, while as a conventional paver without spray function it can pave widths of up to 9m.the spray paver will replace the previous generation Super 1800. advancements include integration of the spray module operation into the ergoplus 3 operating system. the insulated emulsion tank positioned on the top of the paver has a capacity of 2,100 litres, and an integrated electric heating system ensures that the emulsion is

reliably maintained at the ideal temperature for spraying. hamm will present two new compact rollers, the h5i and the h7i. the h7i is an 8 tonne machine, and with a length of 4.40m is the shortest machine in this weight class in the world. one new

feature is the traction drive, with wheels no longer driven via a rear axle, but through wheel motors. this gives the compactors good climbing capacity and much greater ground clearance than the older machines. the larger h11iX roller, a popular model in the middle east, will also be on show.

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Intermat

4 5l

Terex Trucks To make firsT inTernaTional appearance Stand-alone eXhibit for tereX truckS deSigned to demonStrate independence under new owner

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erex trucks will have its first stand-alone international exhibit in paris, its first major trade show under new parent company volvo ce. representing the terex trucks line-up at the trade show will be the ta300 and ta400 articulated dump trucks and the tr60 rigid dump truck, representing the company’s wider range, which goes from the 25t payload ta250 to the 38t payload ta400, and the off-highway rigid dump trucks, which range from the 41t payload tr45 to the 91t payload tr100. “as a stand-alone company but with the resources and expertise of a global leader in the construction equipment industry, terex trucks is stronger together as part of volvo construction equipment,”

liugong To inTroduce new h-series loaders itS new five-tonne payload machine benefitS from deSign and technology from cumminS and Zf joint ventureS in china

iugong has revealed its new 17.8t wheel loader with a 5t payload, the 856h. the wheel loader is the first in a new generation of h-series wheel loaders, and in the middle east will replace the current 856g. the machine makes extensive use of technology from liugong’s two major joint ventures in china, with engine producer cummins and axle and gearbox producer Zf. liugong will begin shipping the machine to the middle east around the time of the intermat show in paris in late april, says david beatenbough, vice president of liugong, who is in charge of liugong’s research and development. the 5t payload machine will eventually be followed by a 9t payload class loader, and machines with 7-8t, 3t and 4t payloads will all be introduced to the market over the next 18 months, says beatenbough. the middle east version will use a gcic engine, produced out of the liugong-cummins joint venture, with a power curve specifically developed for wheel loaders. in the middle east, most machines will likely be sold with axles and transmissions from the Zf-liugong jv. the project to design the h-series began in 2010, says beatenbough. “this is the first time that we’ve done a true integrated design from the ground up for a wheel loader,” says beatenbough. “in the past it was more bolting components together, and there was very little looking to see how systems work when they’re coupled with other systems. this changes all of that.” the machines have been designed by the

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comments paul douglas, managing director of terex trucks. “with a global dealer network and a long, distinguished reputation for producing high-quality, reliable products, terex trucks is in better shape than ever before. intermat 2015 gives us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate this new confidence and showcase our commitment to products, customers and the dealers.” terex trucks recently signed up a new dealer in qatar, rumaillah motors; the appointment process, including training of dealer staff, had been ongoing for several years. the company has several major customers in the middle east, including Stevin rock in the uae and comedat, jordan’s largest phosphate mining contractor.

February 2015

liugong team with all the component systems integrated, including the software controller. “we built our own controller, writing the software and optimising the machine for the needed applications.” common features across the range will be improved fuel efficiency, a new and wider cabin and improved rear visibility. the machines have been developed by liugong’s internal industrial design team, the first project they have worked on. the development process also included extensive reliability testing, with around 50,000 hours of testing, says beatenbough. “this gives us a lot of confidence in the component reliability and the whole machine reliability.”

the majority of the testing took place in china, since temperature extremes and a full range of operating conditions can be found across the huge country. but h-series loaders were tested globally, and a number of 856h units were tested in the middle east. existing liugong customers will notice improved efficiency, coming from the tuned engine curve and the integration with the controller, says beatenbough. “in terms of owning and operating costs, they’re going to see a difference. you’ll see the same machine response for less fuel-burn.” the machine will be backed by liugong’s extensive service and dealer network in the middle east.

6

bell equipmenT appoinTs uniTed moTors as uae dealer SpecialiSt adt builder lookS to increaSe market Share in the uae and wider gcc region

a

rticulated dump truck specialist bell equipment has appointed united motors & heavy equipment, part of the darwish bin ahmed group of companies, as its exclusive uae dealer. the company has previously secured major sales in the middle east, including a fleet of 50 trucks working with a road construction company in kuwait. the company produces a range of adts from its manufacturing base in South africa, with a second factory in germany. marc Schûrmann, managing director of bell equipment europe, says that bell is a specialised manufacturer of adts. “we don’t

7F

have front-end loaders, we don’t have any other high-volume product that drives [purchasing of] subcomponents. we have the flexibility and the freedom to go out to the open market and choose the best components. being able to do that, we don’t sacrifice anything in our design,” he explains.

Selection of components on the open market allows them to select the best possible truck components for the adt application with a high power to performance ratio, says Schûrmann. this includes the lightest engines per kilowatt and pumps with high throughput per litre. “our trucks in general are about 20% lighter than our competitors’.”

this leads to lower fuel use, since although its primary use is hauling, the truck is empty 50% of the time on the return. Schûrmann says that many of their competitors use larger engines designed originally for other applications such as wheel loaders, which are heavier and require many of the components in the trucks to be upsized to cope with the extra weight, leading to extra costs for buyers. bell’s adts sold in the middle east are equipped with tier 2 mercedesbenz engines. for the gulf, extra cooling capacity can be added. the trucks feature a number of design enhancements to improve productivity and reduce the impact of driver error. this includes a level sensor that prevents the tipper being used to the full extent if the truck is not on flat ground. a new feature at intermat is active suspension, which counteracts the characteristic side-dip of an adt cab that occurs as a truck corners. the suspension system keeps the cabin level, which improves driver confidence.

Schûrmann says that drivers typically slow down when they experience this side-dip, so the suspension system is designed for drivers to keep the truck moving at optimum speed even while cornering.

“the tonnage moved in a shift will be higher, and there will be less strain and fatigue for operators.” at intermat, bell equipment is showing a prototype of their b50e adt, the second phase in their new e range of adts. the b50e will in time succeed the world’s first production 50-tonner, the bell b50d. “our smaller 20- to 30-tonne e-series adts formed the first phase of development,” says product marketing manager tristan du pisanie. “they have been well accepted by the market, so there has been no need for a change of approach with our larger trucks and we are excited to showcase our b50e prototype. importantly, this family of trucks shares a platform that is conceptually the same and is an evolution of our d-series trucks, which have proven themselves as class leaders during their 12 years of operation all over the world.” the e series is built with allison transmissions, but in a change from the d series, the transmission retarder has been removed to make space for the inline 6 engine, and the b50e has received a seven-speed transmission. automatic retardation will be maintained through an automatic retardation function in the cooled wet brakes.

sdmo sees demand for renTal compacTs the generator market in the middle eaSt will Shift to uSing compact mobile genSetS rather than larger Stationary unitS for rental, SayS Sdmo

rench generator manufacturer Sdmo believes that demand for mobile generators in the rental sector is growing in the middle east. gregoire girard, responsible for Sdmo marketing for generators under 700kva, says that currently in the middle east, stationary generators are being used for rentals and construction. demand is now moving to buying rental-dedicated generators which are designed to be mobile. the advantages for users are better mobility and improved performance, which must be balanced against a higher cost, says girard.

Sdmo has a range of 20 different compact rental generators, covering 15-550kva output. the range is available with engines for international markets, including the middle east. the gensets have been designed

specifically for rental applications, and the machines are designed to be stronger, and better in terms of performance and the cooling system.

Safety for users is enhanced by the machine sockets and control panel. “we are trying to move the market from stationary for mobile use, to the real rental use. today in the middle east the business is coming back, and we are convinced that customers will move on this product,” says girard. last year, the era (european rental association) presented Sdmo with an award for the range. the decision was based on the shock resistance qualities of the rental compact generator sets, recommended for construction sites in extremely difficult conditions due to their high safety levels and a design allowing easy maintenance and cleaning.

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8

Intermat

geiTh looks To expand in gcc geith’S range of attachmentS, including quick couplerS and rock bucketS, can add to contractor productivity

geith produces hydraulic and mechanical quick couplers, as well as tilting quick couplers.

a tilting bucket can be used by landscapers and for earthworks to save time and costs, with less need to reposition machines.

H

ydraulic attachment producer geith is looking to appoint dealers in the gcc, viewing the region as a potential growth market. the firm produces a range of attachments for hydraulic excavators, including hydraulic and mechanical quick couplers and heavy-duty excavator buckets. at the pre-intermat event, geith launched new products including compact tilt buckets and its own tilting coupler. the company’s range, including heavyduty excavator buckets, rock buckets and extreme-duty buckets, is appropriate to ground conditions in the middle east, says jürgen gremez, global sales and marketing manager at geith. the company’s attachments can be used on any brand of excavator. “the middle east is on our radar, it’s a market where we want to further expand,” says gremez. nevertheless, with attachment use less

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pronounced in the middle east than in markets in europe, there is a need to educate the market. “we need to sell the concept, the gains in time and efficiency and productivity thanks to the quick hitch.” “today [in the middle east], the excavator is a single-task machine, so the versatility of the machine is still not fully explored. pallet fork is one example – on every job-site you need to move pallets, and not everyone has a forklift or a telescopic handler always available. the excavator can do the trick, and a quick hitch allows you to snap on and off any attachment, including pallet forms.”

Selling attachments involves a consultative process with customers, including visiting their job-site to see how they are using their excavators and look for opportunities to improve processes. “the attachment is really what gets the dirty job done. the machine can be powerful, blue,

yellow or pink, but the teeth, the cutting edge, and bucket size and shape are critical.” for quarry and aggregate applications, geith has heavy- and extreme-duty rock buckets, and gremez says that its strength can be further bolstered with a “muscle pack” or wear pack, which uses additional anti-wear plates to make it more robust, useful when the rock is particularly abrasive or when heavy rocks are hitting the sides of the bucket. the buckets use high grade steel of 450 brinell and above which is hard-wearing. tilting attachments include a tilting bucket which allows 45 degrees of tilt, typically used for landscaping, backfilling and trench work. the next level is to use a tilting quick coupler, allowing users to swing any attachment 90 degrees left or right. this means the excavator does not have to be repositioned as frequently, saving time as well as fuel.

9

wacker neuson rollers To launch in me buyerS in the middle eaSt will See new roller lineS, after conSolidation of marketS in europe

wacker neuson will sell lightweight tandem rollers (1.8-4.5t) and compactors weighing up to 7 tonnes.

b

uyers in the middle east will see the benefits of wacker neuson’s longterm strategic alliance with wirtgen group to manufacture soil and asphalt compaction rollers, to be sold under the wacker neuson brand. while initially the machines will be distributed in germany, austria and Switzerland, the machines will then be sold in global markets

10 H

including the middle east, a representative of wacker neuson told CMME, though the company was unable to confirm a timeline for their introduction in the gulf. in line with wacker neuson’s existing product portfolio of light and compact tools and construction equipment, the rollers will be at the smaller end of the range, with tandem rollers weighing 1.8-4.5t in the soil and asphalt

compaction segment, and compactors weighing up to seven tonnes. announcing the deal, cem peksaglam, ceo of wacker neuson Se, said: “this long-term collaboration brings together two strong players in the compaction sector that complement each other perfectly. the alliance with hamm will enable us to close gaps in the wacker neuson product portfolio.” the rollers will be manufactured in wirtgen group’s factory in tirschenreuth, where it produces its hamm rollers. the machines will be produced according to the technical and design specifications of wacker neuson. “the collaboration with wacker neuson will enable us to increase production output and leverage economies of scale,” says jürgen wirtgen, manager of wirtgen group. “this is a very attractive partnership for several reasons. in terms of sales structures, wacker neuson’s dense sales network with its own sales and service stations is a particular plus. in addition, the move will extend our joint customer reach.”

“Strategic alliances and collaborations like the one we are entering into with the wirtgen group are becoming increasingly important in an increasingly global and competitive market. they make both parties more competitive,” said peksaglam, wacker neuson’s ceo.

for inTermaT, The middle easT remains in focus intermat’S middle eaSt dayS will focuS on Saudi arabia and the uae, and include viSitS from municipal authoritieS and networking eventS

eld in paris in april, intermat will have a special focus on the middle east, with two days of events focused on the united arab emirates and Saudi arabia. maryvonne lanoe, exhibition director of

intermat, says that since intermat middle east was launched in 2011, the paris show has devoted two days to the middle east. the days are designed to cater to dealers of the brands present and visitors (dealer customers), as well as

intermat will have two middle east days, focusing on the uae and Saudi arabia.

institutional partners from abu dhabi and dubai, with whom intermat has built close personal ties and a healthy working relationship. “the aim of these days is to draw attention to the intermat middle east brand during our world flagship event in paris,” says lanoe. “but it is also, and more chiefly, the chance to provide responses to the equipment and machinery needs of construction companies from a region with so many projects in the pipeline, and put them in contact with equipment suppliers looking for new business opportunities. this makes intermat paris a true global crossroads for business.” lanoe says that they are expecting delegations from the dma (department of municipal affairs), the ded (department of economic development), the mopw (minister of public works), the 2020 dubai commission, the french ambassador to abu dhabi and the next ambassador of the uae in paris. there will also be presentations on the contract landscapes in both Saudi arabia and the uae. in addition, contractors and equipment buyers will benefit from matchmaking meetings between manufacturers and contractors for each country. the middle east days will be held on wednesday 22 april for the uae, and thursday 23 april for Saudi arabia.

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Product Focus

Raw power EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. page 43

lIeBheRR’S TC lIfT

liebherr offers a new elevator for tower crane operators, which can be installed internally on the tower segments of its larger cranes.

page 49

Top 10 AlTTeRNATe SoluTIoNS

CMME lists 10 machine alternatives that may be a better solution for completing projects.

page 42

New CITy CRANe

wolffkran 5014 city designed for inner city job-sites.

page 45 DuAl poweR

wacker Neuson’s smallest mini-excavator can now be powered by an external electrohydraulic generator.

page 56 page 52 TelehANDleRS

New telehandlers are designed to boost productivity and safety, while lowering your costs.

DRIVING A GIANT The Siemens AC drives on the giant BelAZ hauler.

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Raw Power

Wolff’s 5014 boasts strength and speed Why get it?

StrongeSt crane in itS claSS

W

Wolffkran 5014 city specifications • Max lift capacity: 6t • Max tip load at 50 metres: 1.4t • hoisting winch: 28kW • hook height: 43.5m (using TFS 15 tower sections)

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olffkran’s 5014 city crane is a compact crane designed especially for use in inner-city construction sites, where a compact crane has to be both powerful and easy to assemble.

The flat-top 5014 city extends Wolffkran’s range of small trolley jib cranes, and has a tip load capacity of 1.4t at a 50m radius, and a maximum lift capacity of six tonnes, as well as being equipped with a frequency-controlled 28kW hoisting winch.

“With this winch, the 5014 city achieves a considerable handling capacity with partial load speeds of up to 108m/min when lifting loads of up to 1.1 tonnes,” says Gerd Tiedkte, product manager at Wolffkran. “Furthermore, its design as a two-rope fall crane means no time is lost during the operation on-site, since it is not necessary to re-reeve the hoist line when changing over from a two-fall to a four-fall operation.”

The hoisting winch design, with greater storage and a revised geometry of the drum, means it has a hook path of up to 190m.

Positioning the hoisting winch on the first jib section means that the entire jib, including the reeving of all ropes, can be assembled on the ground, including the bolted-on counterjib, if there is sufficient space.

At more confined construction sites, the jib can be assembled in the air. The jib can be extended in 2.5m intervals between 25m and 50m.

The crane can be erected up to a hook height of 43.5m using the established TFS 15 tower sections that are widely used by Wolffkran customers.

Depending on requirements, the crane can be operated with or without a cabin. A radio remote control with a digital display provides the load data of the crane, as well as transmitting wind speed, hook height, rotation angle and error messages to an operator on the ground.

liebherr offers tc lift Why get it? eaSier to get up a crane, and can be uSed for reScueS Liebherr has announced it will offer a tower crane driver elevator, the LiUP, which will be formally unveiled at INTERMAT 2015 in Paris. The system is designed for Liebherr tower systems and can also be attached to older tower systems.

The elevator requires one-off installation of the elevator rails on the tower section. The new elevator is integrated in the tower on large tower cranes, and installed externally on smaller tower cranes. The rails do not have to be removed for erecting and dismantling the tower crane if they are installed internally.

The Liebherr crane driver elevator does not require any supply cables, ropes or drag cables, allowing it to be installed and removed quickly and safely. It can transport two people or a payload of 200kg, and crane drivers can enter and exit safely using the tower platforms. If required for a crane driver rescue, the LiUP can also be operated independently of the tower crane’s power supply. A safety PLC (programmable logic controller) monitors the crane driver elevator, while the LiUP is supplied with power from a lithium ion battery with an energy recovery system.

linden coMansa’s neW 21lc335 Why get it? better load performance and faSter Set-up

21lc335 specifications • hoist speed: 150m/min (standard, option up to 228m/min) • Maximum freestanding height: 64.5m • Maximum jib length: 74m • Maximum load capacity: 12t and 18t

Linden Comansa has launched its new 21LC335 flat-top tower crane, an upgrade of the 21LC290, a popular model in production since 2002. The crane has similar characteristics in terms of maximium range, but the changes have led to an increased load capacity, with maximum reaches under 70m.

The 21LC290 18t with a 50m jib can load 5,300kg at the end of the jib, while the new 21LC335 18t with the same jib length loads up to 6,600kg at job end, almost 25% more.

The tower sections of the 21LC335 are the S25, the same as the 21LC290, and the jib and

counterjib sections are also the same as on its predecessor. The modifications are on the cat head and the upper turntable, allowing customers to convert their 21LC290 into a 21LC335 by replacing these two elements, and also modifying the configuration of the counterweights.

These changes also simplify and shorten the assembly sequence of the 21LC335, in comparison to the 21LC290.

The 21LC335 crane comes standard with an Effi-Plus highspeed hoist mechanism that reaches speeds of up to 150m/min, with optional engines that can reach 228m/min of hoist.

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Raw Power

Al-Qahtani Vehicle & Machinery Co. Tariq Al-Qahtani & Brothers

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neW telehandler froM dieci

pegasus 40.30 specifications: • Maximum lift height: 29.9m • Maximum capacity: 4,000kg • engine: FPT, generating 129kW • Max speed: 40km/h • transmission: Hydrostatic

Why get it?

HydroStatic tranSmiSSion for excellent operator control Telehandler specialist Dieci has launched a new telescopic handler, the 40.30, one of the seven models in the Pegasus family, all of which offer 360-degree continuous rotation. The Pegasus 40.30 has a maximum lift height of 29.9m and a maximum lift capacity of 4,000kg, and is equipped with a 129kW FPT engine. Maximum drive speed is 40km/h.

Its hydrostatic transmission comes with electronic control and four different driving modes, normal, eco drive, eco work and creep. In eco drive mode, used during transfers, the engine RPMs are electronically controlled to ensure the best engine-transmission combination, for lower fuel consumption.

In normal mode, the machine runs in standard mode, reaching maximum speed using full engine power. In eco work mode, the engine speed is kept to a minimum, increasing only when the operator moves the joystick. In this case, the power required is delivered automatically upon completion of the requested operation. In creep, the operator sets a constant number of engine revolutions and forward speed is determined by pressure on the accelerator pedal.

dual poWer systeM for Mini-excavator Why get it? emiSSion-free operation for operation indoorS and in SenSitive environmentS

The hydraulic system uses a load-sensing system with a variable displacement pump. The flowsharing distributor with electronic control allows the simultaneous execution of three movements and greater speed of execution.

The 40.30 has a hydraulic socket complete with drainage on the boom head, allowing it to use many types of attachments. Other productivity enhancements include automatic alignment of the wheels and automatic levelling of the outriggers.

While as a rule the engine of a machine is housed within the confines of its body, Wacker Neuson has unveiled an alternate drive system for its smallest mini-excavator, the 803, allowing the machine to be driven by an external electro-hydraulic generator, the HPU8.

The 803 still houses its standard diesel engine, but the HPU8 allows it to perform at full power, operated electrically and completely emission-free. This means the machine can replace specialised equipment for emission-free applications indoors, while being driven by its conventional engine when this application is not required. It also has a lower decibel rating, for work in sensitive areas such as hospitals or schools, or indoors.

The dual power system

allows the 803 to run at full performance when driven electronically, without affecting its operation.

Since the excavator is supplied with hydraulic power via the undercarriage, the tail swing radius and its 360-degree rotation remain unrestricted in electrical operation, for complete operator freedom of movement.

The dimensions of the excavator 803 and the unit HPU8 are matched to each other so that the end user can easily drive through narrow door openings with the power set. Two openings are embedded in the excavator’s dozer blade, in which the HPU8 can be suspended for transport, and when transporting the HPU8 unit on-site, the 803 can be driven by its conventional engine.

803 specifications • operating weight: 1,030kg • Width: 700mm • digging depth: 1,731mm • biting force: 4.5kN • engine: Yanmar, 9.6kW

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Raw Power

neW coMpact tracked loader froM bobcat Why get it? low ground preSSure ideal for working on Sand Bobcat has launched a new tracked loader, the T450, which with an operating weight of 2,789kg fills the gap in the range between the T110 and T590 models once occupied by the discontinued T140 loader.

Compared with the previous generation model, the T450 offers a massive increase in power, combined with hydraulic and hydrostatic efficiency improvements that translate into significantly increased productivity.

Equipped with radial lift boom arms, the rated operating capacity of the T450 has also increased from 642kg to 665kg, while the operating weight has been reduced from 2990kg to 2789kg, making the machine easier to transport.

The T450 features the same new generation cab design used on the recently launched S450 skidsteer loader. As well as greater operator space and all-round visibility, combined with enhanced front and rear working lights, customers can also choose cab pressurisation and heating, ventilation and air t450 specifications • rated operating capacity: 665kg • tipping load: 1,900kg • operating weight: 2789kg • lift path: radial lift • dump height: 2,199mm • height (top of cab): 1,976mm

conditioning (HVAC) options – Bobcat is the only company to offer these options on this size of tracked loader.

The T450 can be matched with over 80 different attachments and there are rear hydraulic auxiliary and 7-pin ACD connector options available. The T450 is equipped as standard with the quick-change BobTach attachment mounting frame, though customers can choose the optional Power Bob-Tach system to change nonhydraulic attachments simply by flipping a switch inside the cab.

The T450 is designed to provide excellent performance on very soft or muddy ground and sand, as well as on uneven terrain. Dedicated rubber tracks provide superior traction, flotation and very low ground pressure for working very effectively in all of these environments.

The compact size and superior ability to work in difficult ground conditions mean that the new T450 compact tracked loader will appeal to a wide variety of users, including applications in landscaping, house and office building, construction, equipment rental, recycling, local authorities, agriculture, forestry and nurseries.

transportability With perforMance Why get it? an aSpHalt mixing plant optimiSedfor international aSSignmentS Ammann has revealed details of a new highly transportable asphalt mixing plant, with all components able to be transported as standard containers. The QuickBatch will officially be launched at INTERMAT in Paris in April. The plant offers all the advantages of a stationary mixing plant, but is especially designed for international operation involving frequent moves for deployment at different locations.

With waterborne and overland transportation infrastructure geared towards container transport, containers cost less to transport, and the means to transport them is more easily available. This can result in a substantial competitive edge for users of a QuickBatch, especially if a plant is repeatedly relocated. All dryer/filter units are designed as 40’ containers, and all the mixing tower modules come in the form of 20’ containers. Likewise, all the extras and add-on components, such as the cold feed

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and the control cab, have standard container dimensions.

The plant is set up without foundations, further reducing costs associated with deployment.

The QuickBatch is available in two output classes: 140t/h and 180 t/h.

Quickbatch specifications • performance bandwidth: 140t/h or 180 t/h (at 3% humidity) • hot aggregate silo: 5–6 18m3 chambers • cold feed bins: 4 cold feed bins as a standard module • control system: Ammann as1

MAG Lube blending facility, we are at the heart of production in our chosen territories, meeting the growing MAG ULTRA PLUS is a high performance engine oil for application of all unsupercharged engines, turbo engines and highly stressed diesel engines. Because of low ashes content, this oil can also be use for petrol engines. The compounds of unconventional base oils, synthetic components and special additives guarantee fairly long oil change and high wear protection.

info@maglube.ae

www.maglube.ae

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REACHING OUT | 1850SJ

Telescopic Boom Lift

GO WHERE NO BOOM HAS GONE BEFORE

WITH CONFIDENCE AT 185 FT

INTRODUCING THE WORLD’S TALLEST SELF-PROPELLED BOOM LIFT. The new 1850SJ has more reach, better stability and a larger work envelope than any lift in its class. Get up to 19 stories of working height and an innovative chassis that can be extended front and back. Featuring 1,000 lb/500 lb platform capacity, the 1850SJ is the most powerful boom in the industry. Transport with ease in a regular size trailer - no oversized load permit needed.

Learn more at www.jlg.com/en/1850sj-1.

www.jlg.com JLG Industries | JAFZA View | PO Box 262728 | LB 19, 20th Floor, Office 05 | Jebel Ali | Dubai | emacangus@jlg.com

Ten Tips

Grade control dozinG Using machine control on an earthworks machine such as a grader or dozer can result in massive efficiency gains, so much so that in some cases you will need fewer machines.

Top 10: Self-erectinG tower crane on fast-moving infrastructure projects with lighter lifts, or smaller residential projects, a self-erecting tower crane may be cheaper than a regular tower crane, with less ground preparation and no mobile crane needed.

Alternate Machine Solutions We profile 10 machine or attachment options which could improve your fleet performance

Mobile concrete batchinG a mobile concrete batching plant can be used on a construction site in order to provide concrete directly to the pumps, without any of the uncertainty of transporting concrete by road. this is attractive on an inner-city site where traffic is an issue, or if you’re tendering for a contract and want to provide a more sustainable option.

teleScopinG crawler crane Using a telescoping crane provides the pick and carry function of a traditional crawler crane with lattice boom jib, with more on-site versatility since the mast section can be retracted in order to drive under bridges and other obstacles at height, saving time and manpower.

bUcket crUSherS if you have a large amount of excavated material or demolition debris to crush on-site, using a large mobile crusher is an alternative to trucking it away to a tip, and may be necessary according to sustainability requirements. Using a hydraulic bucket crusher on an excavator may be another alternative, depending on the volume of material to be crushed.

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TOTAL CONTROL WITHOUT STRAIN

Volvo Dynamic steering allows a perfect stability at high speeds and total control at low speeds. The groundbreaking Volvo Dynamic Steering will completely change the way you drive; without effort, your Volvo FM simply follows your intentions.

Reversing with a fully laden truck is one of the most challenging and tiring aspects of the job. Not so with Volvo Dynamic Steering. You can now reverse effortlessly, with perfect precision.

Now available in the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX. For more check out the epic Van Damme splits on YouTube.

VolvO DYNAMIC STEERING

Ten Tips

hard rock SolUtionS if you’re working in especially hard ground conditions, such as in Qatar and parts of Saudi arabia, you may want to look at alternate options to drilling and blasting or using excavators and breakers. if you have a lot of hard rock to excavate, you can look at a large trencher as an option, or a surface miner – both have been used with success in Qatar.

attachMentS Most construction machinery manufacturers have a huge list of attachments which they can supply, and using multiple attachments on the same machine brings extra versatility to your site. if you’re looking to expand your fleet’s productivity without adding extra units, challenge your local dealer to suggest some useful attachments.

when it coMeS to ne w additionS to yoUr fleet or rental optionS, the tried and true is not al ways the most cost effective. across the industry ther e are hundreds of machinery solutio ns for whatever yo u need – the trick choosing the one is that’s best for yo ur fleet and the gr and work condition ound s.

coMpaction Meter over-compaction results in wasted machine and man hours, extra fuel burned and even damage to the surface. compaction meters are available on a variety of units, whether large rollers or smaller hand-held compaction units.

Mobile crUSher Using a mobile (rather than static) crusher at a quarry can result in greater flexibility for quarry operators. a mobile crusher can be used at the blasting face, improving site setup; it can also be moved around different quarry sites or used for extra capacity if you need to reduce output or scale up output without adding a larger or second static crusher.

Mini-excavatorS

while mini-excavators are in use across the Gcc, sales figures here lag behind europe and north america. Mini-excavators can be a useful machine on a cramped job-site, or for the final stages of a project when minor work still needs to be carried out without the use of a full-size machine.

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Telehandlers

Lift, carry, M pLace Telehandlers can carry out a diverse range of functions on any job-site, and new machine launches focus on productivity and safety

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ulti-purpose machines are always an asset, and telehandlers bring important versatility to jobsites, whether being used to move construction materials or waste, or engaged in the build by placing construction elements onto a building. New launches and innovations from many of the major manufacturers are boosting customer options, increasing productivity with new features as well as concentrating on safety.

Known for its compact loaders, Bobcat has a popular range of telehandlers, and last year celebrated the production of its 20,000th telehandler at its Pontchâteau plant in France. Given the wide range of functions that a telehandler can perform, there’s a natural fit with Bobcat’s compact loader range,

described as a Swiss Army knife of a construction site.

Its telehandler offering was bolstered with the release in January 2014 at INTERMAT Middle East of new versions of Bobcat’s two largest rigid frame telescopic handlers, the T40140 (14 metres) and T40180 (18m).

Gaby Rhayem, regional director Middle East and Africa for Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment, says that the new models have been well received by the market, with high sales volumes over 2014.

“Our dealers are more than ever very committed to the telehandler business, and the machines sold and delivered to their customers have provided high performance and satisfaction for end users.”

Customers are mainly working in construction, building and rental, says Rhayem, with telehandlers used for building houses, villas, flats and offices. The landscaping and industrial sectors are also heavy users. “Landscaping is considered as the main growth sector after construction in the GCC. Rental follows closely after landscaping. The industrial segment is

“LANDSCAPING IS CONSIDERED AS

ThE MAIN GROWTh SECTOR AFTER CONSTRuCTION IN ThE GCC. RENTAL FOLLOWS CLOSELy AFTER”

also a growing sector where telehandlers are used.”

The new rigid frame telescopic handlers push operational boundaries upward, including greater stability when the telehandler is operating only on wheels without stabilisers extended. This enables the larger T40180 telehandler to lift to an impressive maximum height of 16.2m when operated on tyres.

The machine has a maximum lift capacity of 4 tonnes, which drops to 2.5t at its max lift height, while at its maximum reach of 13.7m the lift capacity is 560kg.

Maximum lift height on its stabilisers is 17.52m.

The machines are built around hydrostatic transmissions, which provide 95% performance efficiency, for high power coupled with low fuel consumption. The nature of a hydrostatic transmission gives the operator better control of the handler, making it possible to place a load to the exact millimetre.

This range was further bolstered later in 2014, with three new models for the 10 and 12 metre range, the T35105, T35105L and T36120SL, which employ many of the same features. This April at INTERMAT in Paris, Bobcat is launching two new stripped-back telehandlers targeting the rental industry. With maximum working heights of 13m and 14m respectively, Rhayem says the T35130S and T35140S will be of great interest to the GCC market.

The machines have a simpler design intended to meet the needs of the rental sector, while a rugged design

protects sensitive parts. Compact stabilisers ensure that the full capabilities of all the new telescopic handlers can be used in the most confined working areas and close to walls, with minimal loss of reach.

Caterpillar had a busy year with new telehandler launches in 2014, starting with the compact Th255C – it has a load capacity of 2,500kg and a maximum lift height of 5.6m, powered by a hydrostatic drive – followed by two larger machines later in the year, the Th414C GC and Th417C GC. With maximum lift heights of 13.85m and 17m respectively, the GC machines were designed to meet the requirements of rental fleets, with low operating costs, simple maintenance, reliability, durability and ease of operation.

Both telehandlers use a 3.6-litre engine with output of 74kW, coupled with a 3F/3R power-shift transmission. They feature permanent four-wheel drive and use a limited-slip differential in the front axle to ensure traction over rough terrain. Dual-axle braking via large oil-immersed disc brakes provides the stopping power, and the front brakes also serve as the parking brake, ensuring reliability compared with an external parking brake exposed to the elements.

The hydraulic system in the GC models uses a robust gear pump, and the system’s flow-sharing main valve provides smooth control of three simultaneous operations. The hydraulic functions are fully proportional and controlled with a single joystick.

The boom on the GC machines is a heavy-duty structure featuring an external-cylinder design and chain drive, for speed and high load capacity at full reach, along with ease of maintenance. The boom sections extend in a synchronous manner, which means even loading of the wear pads and added service life. The GC models feature a heavyduty frame constructed for long-term durability, and use a lowered boom-pivot pin that significantly enhances right-side and rear visibility. The machines are equipped with a standard Integrated Tool Carrier quick coupler that is compatible with other Cat telehandler models and can accommodate standard and side-shift carriages.

Safety is a major concern for telehandler operation, as is always the case when using machinery to work at height or lift loads. But the issue of safety shouldn’t be seen in isolation, or taken out of the productivity equation, since workers using an unproductive machine may push it to the edge of its safe working parameters in order to get the job done faster, increasing the risk of accident.

One scenario is when a machine is not correctly aligned with an opening, which may only become evident once the boom is extended. Telehandler producer Merlo has a solution for this, with many of its machines equipped with an integral side-shift mechanism that allows the boom to move laterally.

February 2015

CONSTRUCTION

MIDDLE EAST

53

3/3 Daybreak…

And while the city sleeps, someone is already primed and ready for action.

Ready to stand firmer, react faster, and reach higher than ever before.

And thatʻs just as well. Because this jobʻs gonna get tough.

The bridge is fixed. The job, done.

And the city is safe once more.

Built to Bobcat’s high equipment standards, the Bobcat telescopic handlers range gives you legendary versatility, manoeuvrability and productivity. When you need productive, safe and efficient lifting and loading capabilities – choose a Bobcat telescopic handler.

BUT WAIT… SOMETHING’S UP DOWNTOWN…

The Last Word

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electric engines.

65 litre MTU

56

CONSTRUCTION

MIDDLE EAST

February 2015

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