Construction Machinery February 2017

ISSUE 64 2017 FEBRUARY

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UNUSED UNUSED – 2012 – 2012 KOMATSU KOMATSU D275A-5R D275A-5R

2010 2010 CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR 988H 988H

Sold Sold for for $345.000 $345.000 – May – May 2016 2016

Sold Sold for for $170.000 $170.000 – May – May 2016 2016

20112011 CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR 740B 740B 6x66x6

UNUSED UNUSED – 2015 – 2015 DOOSAN DOOSAN DX480LCA-HD DX480LCA-HD

Sold Sold for for $150.000 $150.000 – May – May 2016 2016

Sold Sold for for $170.000 $170.000 – May – May 2016 2016

20122012 VOLVO VOLVO L120F L120F

Sold Sold for for $110.000 $110.000 – December – December 2016 2016

2014 2014 SANY SANY SAC2200F SAC2200F 220220 TonTon 10x8x10 10x8x10

Sold Sold for for $560.000 $560.000 – December – December 2016 2016

20122012 CATERPILLAR CATERPILLAR 14M14M

Sold Sold for for $150.000 $150.000 – September – September 2016 2016

20112011 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz Actros Actros 41414141 8x48x4

Sold Sold for for $157.500 $157.500 – December – December 2015 2015

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2

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2017 8_News The latest news from across the region and further afield.

14_acTRos acTivaTed Mercedes-Benz Trucks celebrates 20 years of the Actros heavy truck and launches a commemorative edition loaded with new tech.

16_shape of The fuTuRe Euro Auctions’ Jonnei Keys discussed the movement of new and

24

used construction equipment and what it implies for the industry.

12 D Sp oT TeIu g in am IN becl ranes

20_TooliNg up Dubai-based V-Tools bring Ford Tools to the Middle East market, and are bullish about its prospects in both the industrial and DIY segments.

24_pReseNTiNg his case Case Construction Equipment’s Andy Blandford discusses the market and his compnay’s future strategy in the region.

12

28_hiTachi hiTs back

Grove up lift at unique gro rt Belgian po

With a new UAE dealer and a plethora of new plans, Hitachi hopes to go to the top of a market it was absent from for some time.

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4

EDITORIAL FEBRUARY 2017

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713

EDITORIAL EDITOR ANIRBAN BAGCHI anirban.bagchi@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5715 SUB EDITOR AELRED DOYLE

the importance of presence In the cutthroat world of business, especially a business as competitive as selling construction machinery and in times as constrained as the present, there is little to choose between the importance of visibility and brand presence and the imperative of product quality and service back-up.

While a quality product backed by impeccable service support is the bulwark on which brands are built, the superstructure of the superbrands are built on visibility, perception and reputation management.

And this is as true of construction machinery as cornflakes.

Given this scenario, out-of-sight almost inevitably means out-of-mind where customers and the market is concerned.

And falling off the customers’ radar is a risk akin to professional hara-kiri that no market player can ever afford to take. No market player apart from Hitachi.

The Japanese giant took the extreme step some time ago of severing its ties with its UAE dealer due to disagreements about how it was being handled and dissatisfaction with its performance. Some may argue that it takes an entity accomplished and established enough as Hitachi to do this, but the move takes more of a dedication to quality than a feeling of smugness about position to attempt.

Now, though, that dedication to quality at Hitachi has found its match – and an old alliance it is. Starting this year, Hitachi Middle East will be represented by the Middle East arm of Luyckx, a company that has cut its teeth on representing Hitachi in Europe.

And, being Hitachi, the company is not too perturbed about its absence or

the ground it has conceded to arch rivals in the sector. If you have been ranked among the top-five manufacturers in the industry for the past decade, and among the top-three for most of that time, your reputation precedes you. Hitachi may have been absent from the Middle East’s second biggest and arguably its most vibrant market, but its indelible brand was always present. Hitachi Middle East’s Peit Van Bakergem and Luyckx’s Wim Aernouts tell us more in this issue.

Another presence that is defying the times with its resilience in the Middle East’s construction and machinery sector is that of the rough terrain crane. Despite the lean times we are in, it is still among the machinery still in demand, as dealers and manufacturers tell us.

Speaking of presence, another global brand has planted its flag in the region.

With Ford Tools coming to the region, both professional tool users and DIY enthusiasts now have the option of choosing one of the glamour names in the field of hardware.

We will watch with interest how Ford Tools – and Hitachi – make their presence felt in the challenging times ahead.

aelred.doyle@cpimediagroup.com

ADVERTISING & MARKETING SALES MANAGER CHERYLANN D’ABREO cherylann.dabreo@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5482 MARKETING MANAGER LISA JUSTICE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498

DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpimediagroup.com

CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER SUNIL KUMAR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODUCTION MANAGER VIpIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713

WEb DEVELOPMENT MOHAMMAD AwAIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI

PUbLIShED by

CpI Trade publishing FZ LLC Licensed by TECOM pO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 375 5470 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com

FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINTED by pRINTwELL pRINTING pRESS LLC

Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME

© Copyright 2017 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.

Š 2017 Terex Cranes. Demag is a trademark of Terex or its subsidiaries.

Above.

Ahead.

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Demag is dedicated to helping you keep your business above the competition with innovative crane solutions that are ready for the future.

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6

ONLINE FEBRUARY 2017

MOST POPULAR

FEATURED

READERS’ COMMENTS

CONSTRUCTION

ENFORCEMENT wILL bE kEy TO NEw UAE FIRE CODE

Dubai Harbour to include region’s largest marina

CONSTRUCTION

Trump turns down $2bn deal with Dubai’s Damac

In pictures: Meraas to build 20 million sq. ft. Dubai Harbour project

CONSTRUCTION

Dubai’s $40m Deira Islands bridge to set open

FEATURES

Omnium execs survey the Middle East QS scene

INFRASTRUCTURE

Dubai Wonderland project revived, to cost $490m

Video: Time-lapse of construction at Aldar’s Shams Meera project

It is common sense that the much-needed new UAE fire code won’t be enforced when it comes to underconstruction developments (“New UAE fire code ‘won’t apply to ongoing projects’”, January 19).

This new code is vitally important, given the string of fires that have hit UAE high-rise towers in recent years. There was the memorable fire at The Address hotel on New Year’s Eve at the end of 2015, the Torch tower fire earlier that year, and numerous other cases.

The incidents have called into question the regulations and standards when it comes to the cladding used in many UAE skyscrapers, and rightly so.

And so additional building standards and guidelines relating to fire safety should be welcomed by everyone in the industry. However, proper enforcement of the new code will be essential when it comes to compelling companies in the industry to comply with the UAE’s new fire safety code.

The enforcement methods should include the use of third-party independent inspections to ensure that all players in the industry are following the rules to the letter.

Alex Hamilton, via email

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S W NE 8

Support agreement

Bristol VMD to serVice Bronto skylift in UAe

jects, o r p w e n offices, w e n , s e hin AroUnD k o new MAc o l e iVes – w t A Month i t s i i n h i t w e ne w whAt’s n t A n o i g the re REVENUES fAll

Bristol Vehicles Manufacturing

AT CATERpillAR

Division (VMD), an Abu Dhabi-based

Caterpillar has

firefighting, rescue and safety

reported revenues

vehicles manufacturer, has signed

of $38.5bn for

a service and after-sales agreement

2016, a year-on-

with global truck-mounted hydraulic

year fall of 18%.

platform manufacturer Bronto Skylift.

The company’s

Under the agreement, the Abu

fourth quarter

Dhabi-based company will run the

revenues also fell

Middle East’s largest authorised

12.7% to $9.6m,

service centre for Bronto’s range

which it attributed

of aerial work platforms, which

to three large

are typically used to fight fires

non-cash charges

in industrial and high-rise areas.

and higher

Also, Concorde – Corodex Group,

than expected

Bristol VMD’s parent company,

restructuring

will act as the official sales

costs. CAT also

agent of Bronto in the UAE.

said it lost $0.11

SDLG supplies equipment for Saudi road projects A large-scale road maintenance initiative involving 58 SDLG machines is underway in Saudi Arabia, funded by the kingdom’s Ministry of Transport.

According to the Volvo-owned Chinese manufacturer, the initiative is made up of 20 projects spanning seven areas of the country and aims to improve accessibility and connectivity.

It is being carried out by the Shibh AlJazira Contracting Company (SAJCO), which took delivery of the 58 SDLG machines – 30 LG958L wheel loaders and 28 G9220 motor graders – from SDLG national dealer Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO).

“In the beginning, SAJCO requested 2.5m3 loaders, but we advised them to choose the LG958L because it has a 3m3

bucket, meaning it can handle greater workloads,” said Motasim Abulhasan, SDLG central region sales manager at FAMCO. “As for the graders, SAJCO needed a machine with a 14ft plate and a power rating above 150kW; for that, the G9220 grader was perfect.”

Paulo Cristiani, SDLG product support manager, added: “In addition to support from the dealer, our product support team will visit the sites every six months to review machine performance.”

Mohammed Al-Nahas, senior technical advisor at SAJCO, said: “The machines have exceeded our expectations in terms of quality and performance, and we will definitely look to SDLG for more machines in the future. We are also very satisfied with the support from FAMCO.”

The partnership will see dedicated

per share in 2016,

areas of Bristol’s 30,000sqm facility in

compared with a

Abu Dhabi and 20,000sqm facility in

profit of $4.18 per

Dubai give round-the-clock support

share in 2015.

to Bronto’s clients throughout

Jim Umpleby,

the Middle East, focusing on the

CEO, Caterpillar,

countries where Bronto doesn’t

said: “Our results

have authorised service partners.

for the fourth

Mahmoud Awad, managing

quarter, while

director, Concorde – Corodex

slightly better

Group, said: “Bronto is a global

than expected,

pioneer in firefighting solutions

continued to

and is a name synonymous with

reflect pressure

quality. Now, for the first time,

in many of our

Middle East clients will have access

end markets from

to a locally-based authorised service

weak economic

centre providing round-the-clock

conditions

after-sales and service support. This

around much

makes a tremendous difference

of the world.”

in the ongoing effort to improve

CAT expects a

the region’s ability to control

“modest recovery”

potentially destructive fires.”

this year.

Bristol VMD will provide fabrication expertise, local aftersales and a service centre within its facilities serving firefighting entities, including Civil Defence and police, the oil & gas sector, rescue operations and utility companies.

telematicS launch

VoDAfone QAtAr’s fleet MAnAgeMent serVice TEREx fiNAliSES MHpS SAlE To KoNECRANES Terex Corporation has announced the completion of the

Vodafone Qatar has announced

sale of its Material

the launch of its fleet Management

Handling and

service, a telematics service designed

Port Solutions

to track mobile assets and perform

business (MHPS)

logistics management for companies

to Finland’s

aiming to enhance fleet productivity

Konecranes

and tackle road safety issues.

Plc. The deal,

launched in partnership with Qatar

Bobcat launches new rigid frame telehandlers

which was

Mobility innovations Center (QMiC),

under protracted

the service uses Vodafone’s Global

Bobcat has launched a new range of rigid frame telehandlers for the construction and rental industries, offering a choice of 11 models with a wide spread of lifting capacities.

The new range, manufactured at the company’s plant at Pontchâteau in France, is backed by a three-year warranty as standard, with lifting capacities between 2.6t and 4.1t and lifting heights from 6-18m.

and €200m

inside the vehicle being tracked and

($212.3m) in cash

a tracking portal on a computer is

and 19.6 million

accessed by customers through the

newly issued

internet or a mobile phone. The device

class B shares

sends event reports to the customer

representing

via SMS, email and pop-up signals,

a 25% interest

and the service is also supported

in Konecranes,

by Vodafone’s business care team,

Terex said.

which is available 24 hours to provide

Designated using a new naming system that shows lifting capacity followed by lifting height, the models are the TL26.60 and TL30.60 compact telescopic loaders, the TL35.70, T35.105, T35.105L and T36.120SL middle lift telehandlers, the T35.130S and T35.140S rental industry-oriented telehandlers, and the T35.130SLP, T41.140SLP and T40.180SLP high lift telehandlers.

The telehandlers are available in versions suitable for markets with non-regulated emissions, such as the Middle East and Africa. Perkins Stage IIIA/Tier 3 diesel engines provide plenty of power and torque even in the most difficult ground conditions, Bobcat said.

Advanced new features include automatic parking brakes, air dual suspension seats, and cushion retract on the three TL models.

Cat ’s m ne w mediua der lo w heel ed a new

NEw CSo AT wACKER NEUSoN Alexander Greschner, MD, Light Equipment, at Wacker Neuson will take over as its new chief sales officer from Jan Willem Jongert, executive board member for sales, who steps down due to differences over implementing sales strategies.

ced has introdu Caterpillar Middle East ader to the lo d le l ee h ore powerfu medium w which is m t ke ar d m an a sor and Afric its predeces cient than stem sy lic u and fuel-effi ra and hyd n ai tr ve nce ri d features d convenie or safety an at er p t o , 30 ts L, with a refinemen he new 980 T . ts en m enhance s Cat’s Z-bar eight, sport operating w ce Series Performan linkage, Cat ch as d options su buckets, an n o tracti automatic tr n co ol.

negotiations for

internet of Things (ioT) platform

over a year, was

launched in Qatar earlier this year, said

finally struck

the telecom company.

at $595 million

A Vodafone Global SiM is installed

customer support.

The features of the service include real-time traffic data, most updated GiS layers and the ability to dynamically cater to the evolving requirements of the local market.

10

neWS rounD-up FEBRUARY 2017

175th anniverSary

cAse celeBrAtes lAnDMArk yeAr with new liVery AnD MoDels

31 Terex cranes for Integrated Logistics

Kuwait’s Integrated Logistics Company (ILC) has taken delivery of a total of 31 Terex cranes from across its all-terrain and Demag crawler crane portfolio.

One of the largest logistics and equipment providers in the Middle East, ILC expanded its fleet with a new Demag CC 3800-1 crawler crane, 20 Terex AC 100/4L all-terrain cranes and 10 Terex Explorer 5600 all-terrain cranes. The new cranes

will join a fleet of more than 2,000 machines and be used by ILC all over the MENA region.

Moreover, the company’s Demag CC 3800-1 lattice boom crawler crane is the first of its kind in the region and will allow ILC to meet heavylifting demands from its customers.

“Our growth has been driven by the relentless pursuit of being the best logistics provider in the region,” said Saleh Al Huwaidi, CEO, ILC. “To achieve that reputation, it’s vital for Integrated to have the best equipment available and work with equipment suppliers who do an outstanding job of supporting us.

Since 2005, we have purchased more than 200 Terex and Demag cranes because the machines are built well and the team at Terex Cranes is responsive to our needs.”

JlG To SHUT DowN THREE fACiliTiES JLG Industries is closing its Orville plant in the US, its Maasmechelen manufacturing and pre-delivery inspection facility in Belgium, and its Bruntingthorpe, UK, engineering centre. The closures will affect up to 525 employees. They will also result in JLG’s telehandler offerings being reduced in the EMEA region.

Ca se ts ih debuuantum ed Q improv tor range on of its traC d a new generati features

eile with has unv range, lers Case IH tractor y lt lic coup ia u c a r e d p s y h m t ble cab moun Quantu witcha w mids e a n , s g ed n in improv p optio includ evel 4, w pum L o fl to h 2 d l ve grate and hig from Le an inte system ls, and n o o tr ti n 6t lift a r o 2 c filt d ering riors an age, off k n li 0l/ t cab inte 8 n fro and an itch. A ecified p rs s front h e te a b on c y, can mp opti u capacit p c li u h oil hydra with hig minute ments le p . im ts en for quirem flow re

Case Construction

and rebranding of the

Equipment, which

San Mauro and lecce

is celebrating its

plants in italy to create

175th anniversary, is

the Case European

launching its new C

excavator and wheeled

Series mini excavator

equipment hubs.

line this spring with

The new styling and

HiMoiNSA

six models ranging

livery were developed

BACK-Up foR

from 1.5 to 5.5t, and

in collaboration with

CASABlANCA

has introduced a new

CNH industrial’s Design

TowER

livery for its machines.

Centre. The 2D Case

Two Himoinsa

The company said the

lettering uses the same

HDW-750 T5

new styling was part

font as the brand logo

generators

of Case’s strategy to

for consistency, while

will guarantee

strengthen the brand

the reflective white

electricity supply

and consolidate its

makes the brand name

to the 26-storey

position in all markets.

and model number

Casablanca

it added that

easier to read.

Finance Centre

key steps in this

(CFC) in Morocco,

strategy include new

is displayed on every

the first building

agreements with

machine, celebrating

in the city’s

Sumitomo and Hyundai

the Case brand’s rich

new financial

Heavy industries (HHi),

heritage and looking

district. The

and the redevelopment

forward to the future.

tower’s financial institutions stand to lose millions in the event of power cuts but Himoinsa said the generators would work in parallel to supply up to 1.3MW of standby power.

A new metallic badge

11

Khalifa Port port’s new ship-to-shore quay cranes are largest in the world

Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) has announced the arrival of three of the largest ship-toshore (STS) quay cranes in the world to accommodate growing volumes and demand at Khalifa Port Container Terminal (KPCT).

The cranes were transported from China on speciallybuilt vessels and are the latest additions to the port’s equipment, complementing its nine existing STS cranes.

The Super Post Panamax cranes, commissioned from

Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co Ltd, were delivered last month and follow ADT’s recent milestone of five million TEUs handled at KPCT since its establishment in 2012.

The cranes are designed to handle the world’s largest

VolVo CE FacilitieS management

iMDAAD reports 10% rise in reVenUes for 2016

HEADQUARTERS BACK iN SwEDEN Volvo CE has said

container ships and will provide an additional capacity of 600,00 TEUs per annum to complete Phase 1 of 2.5 million TEUs of capacity at the port, ADT said. One of the cranes measures 126.5m in height and weighs 1,932t with an outreach of 65m, covering 26 rows, and a lifting capacity of 90t.

“Our customers demand the fastest possible turnarounds with the highest levels of operational performance and safety. At ADT, we are consistently investing in the most cuttingedge equipment to meet and exceed their needs,” said Martijn Van De Linde, CEO of Abu Dhabi Terminal.

BKT wiNS BEST poRT TyRE MANUfACTURER Off-highway tyre maker Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has won the Port Tyre Manufacturer of the Year award for port and terminal cargo handling equipment at the Terminal Operator Excellence Awards 2016 in Dubai. The award was based on parameters such as performance and durability.

Telehandlers in focus at SaMoTer 2017

it will relocate GCC facilities management

of a robust fM sector in the

its headquarters

(fM) heavyweight imdaad

new year, supported by rapid

from Brussels,

has reported approximate

technological innovation.

Belgium, back

revenue of $136m in 2016,

“Continuous quality

to Gothenburg,

an increase of up to 10%

improvement and

Sweden, the

on the year before.

consistent enhancement

group’s home city.

in property value will

Martin Weissburg,

also rebranding its visual

[also] play a decisive role

president, Volvo

identity, said it signed a few

in the industry growth,” .

CE, said the

The company, which is

major contracts with the

imdaad has also launched

relocation back to

region’s leading companies

a new logo as it prepares

its home country

in the last quarter of 2016,

to celebrate its tenth

will facilitate

enabling it to generate more

anniversary this year.

closer cooperation

business than in the previous

its design, and blue and

with Volvo’s

fiscal year, which drove

sand colours are inspired

other businesses

profit margins higher and

by the UAE’s natural

and allow better

boosted overall earnings.

environment as well as Dubai

usage of the

and its progress, imdaad said.

competences and

pivotal to urbanisation across

it also reflects the company’s

resources of the

the world, there will be

international aspirations

group as a whole.

infinite opportunities for the

and is in line with imdaad’s

fM sector, with the energy

strategy of maintaining a

fM services gaining further

leadership position in the

popularity in the GCC,” said

market by introducing

CEo Jamal Abdullah lootah.

pioneering solutions and

“As sustainability becomes

“imdaad remains confident

innovative services.

Telehandlers are expected to be among the biggest highlights at next month’s SaMoTer exhibition in Italy, the country’s most important event for the earth moving, site and building machinery sector, and one of the biggest of its kind in Europe.

According to the organisers, several global heavyweights in the telehandler segment have already confirmed their attendance as exhibitors, including Bobcat, Dieci, Faresin Industries, Manitou,

Merlo and, for the first time, Magni Telescopic Handlers.

SaMoTer 2017, which will take place at the Veronafiere exhibition facility in Verona from February 22 to 25, will be the 30th edition of the event.

Also in focus are technologies and solutions for prevention and management of environmental emergencies.

Exhibiting companies cover all sectors, from earth moving to hoisting, concrete, drilling, crushing, vehicles, components and services.

12

KIT SPOTTING FEBRUARY 2017

Grove Group in unique BelGian port lift

a

group of 14 Grove cranes recently performed a stunning multi-crane lift for an industrial plant project at the Port of Antwerp in Belgium.

In one the most visually striking lifts in recent history, the 14 Grove all-terrain cranes simultaneously lifted a massive pipeline for the project at the port, positioning themselves right on the water off the pier on specially made bases.

The cranes, provided by Antwerp-based machinery solutions provider Aertssen Kranen, lifted the pipeline for temporary placement over the waters of the Port of Antwerp.

The pipeline is typically used for carrying sludge to the plant and the stretch of it that was lifted by the cranes passes over the surface of the water.

Each crane lifted a 6.1t section of the pipe positioned on its own pontoon, floating in the port. Eight supervisors watched over the lift to ensure the project went smoothly.

The Grove models used in the lift were seven GMK3055s, three GMK4080s, two GMK5095s and two GMK5130-2s.

While the GMK3055 has a maximum lift capacity of 55t and a maximum boom length of 43m, the GMK4080 can lift up to 80t and has a 51m maximum boom length. The GMK5095, meanwhile, offers a maximum boom length of 60m and can lift up to 100t, while the GMK5130-2 is the giant of the group, with a 120t lift capacity and a boom that can extend to around 51m.

The lift, of course, was not about testing the limits of the cranes, but about precision of placement and timing, as well as working in sync with the other cranes. While Aertessen Kranen has good experience of multi-crane lift operations, some elements of the Antwerp port lift were new for the company.

“We have experience of multi-lift operations with up to 11 cranes that involved pipelines of up to 250m, but lifting a 14-section pipe with joints was new to us,” explains Yves Smets, account and project manager with Aertessen Kranen.

“Nevertheless, the hard preparatory work of our engineering team and the professional actions of the crew on the field made it a success story. We are glad to have taken part in this project and are always looking forward to new recordbreaking challenges.”

A veteran lift and transport solutions provider, Aertssen Kranen is an extensive buyer of Grove mobile cranes and has a close working relationship with BLE, the dealer for both Grove mobile cranes and Potain self-erecting cranes in Belgium. The Stabroek, Belgium-based company also filmed the striking lift, which can be viewed on its YouTube channel.

13

“The hard preparatory work of our engineering team and the professional actions of the crew on the field made it a success story.

We are glad to have taken part in this project and are always looking forward to new record-breaking challenges�

14

EVENT REVIEW FEBRUARY 2017

Actros ActivAted

As the hArd-working Actros truck turns 20, Mercedes-Benz trucks lAunches A coMMeMorAtive edition with innovAtive new technologies

W

hether with state-of-the-art luxury passenger cars or hard-as-nails heavy trucks, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a lot of expectations to fulfil, such is the brand’s legacy.

And while the jury may still be out on whether the cars of the uberluxury German brand still bring their traditional tank-like build to the table, the Teutonic toughness of Merc’s trucks are still evident for all to see – case in point, the famed Actros, which recently celebrated its 20th year of heavy hauling.

If there was ever a fear that Stuttgart’s most robust products had fallen off their mighty standards, the Actros has amply put them to rest with its stellar record in the past two decades in the region’s oil & gas, construction and heavy hauling sectors.

To prove the point, Mercedes-Benz Trucks MENA and authorised distributor Emirates Motor Company (EMC) recently held a spate of activities to highlight the achievements of the Actros in the GCC region, arguably one of the toughest environments in the world for any kind of machinery to operate in.

In December last year, the German truck maker unearthed the three Actros mileage champions in the region – each truck having clocked more than a million kilometres, with one registering a whopping 1.9 million kilometres – and presented them with awards and rejuvenation packages, just to prove that they were good for perhaps a million more kilometres.

And now, to impress upon its customers that the build quality of an Actros truck remains as tank-like in this newer generation as always, the German manufacturer has introduced its new commemorative model to the Middle East region – the Actros 20 Years Edition.

This special-edition Actros is a joint effort between MercedesBenz Trucks MENA and EMC, the sixth time the two entities have taken a joint initiative since the debut of the 3.2t Vito

15 and MCV-2600 R/T bus last summer. If an example was ever needed for a fruitful dealer-manufacturer relationship, this is surely it.

That close relationship saw the two entities jointly host a media launch event at Dubai Endurance City to launch the new Actros 20 Years Edition, and demonstrate live the Actros 3844 S 6x4 tractor-head model, as well as showcase MercedesBenz’s “state-of-the-art equipment and innovative safety systems”.

A team of professional Mercedes-Benz driver trainers from Germany and the Training and Product Management team of Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA showed off such features as Active Brake Assist 2, Telligent lane Assistant and Telligent Proximity Control.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the Active Brake Assist system, demonstrated for the first time in the MENA region, operates with three radar beams which constantly scan an area of 1m to 200m ahead. Drivers are given both visual and auditory alert when the system detects a potential collision with a moving obstacle.

“Depending on the severity of the situation, the system will react with a partial braking manoeuvre and, if necessary, even initiates an emergency braking to standstill,” says Mercedes-Benz.

“Thus the Active Brake Assist helps to avoid dangerous rear-end collisions, for

instance at the end of a traffic jam, and minimises the impact for occupants in case a collision is inevitable.”

With the Telligent Proximity Control and Telligent Lane Assistant, the truck automatically adjusts its travelling speed according to a given traffic situation and constantly analyses the distance of the vehicles driving in front of it. Again, if a sudden obstacle appears, such as a vehicle changing lanes, the driver is warned both visually and audibly.

The Telligent Lane Assistant also incorporates a digital camera behind the screen, detecting the vehicle position in relation to the left-hand and right-hand lane markings.

“When activated, the system helps the driver to stay in lane by giving audible warning signals when accidentally leaving the traffic lane,” Mercedes-Benz says.

“The launch of the 20 Years Actros Edition is yet another milestone in the success story of our iconic flagship truck in the MENA region,” says Roland Schneider, president & CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA. “The model’s state-of-the-art safety features and the highly fuel-efficient drivetrain underline the technological leadership of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The Actros provides the ideal product solution for customers seeking the highest safety and efficiency standards.”

AcTRos 20 YEARs EdITIoN

Bells, whistles And More Sporting special silver striped and

provides vehicle tracking, trip recording

black livery along with chrome air

and professional fleet management, as

horns, the Actros 20 Years Edition

well as continuous analysis and rating

is powered by a fuel-efficient six-

of driver and vehicle performance.

cylinder engine (Euro 3) with 435hp

Mercedes-Benz says the air intake

and 2,100NM of torque. It features

system on the upper side of the

a spacious L-cab and benefits from

cab and the tandem air cleaner

a reduced engine tunnel and more

provide “outstanding robustness

headroom. Power is transferred

and reliability even under the MENA

to the two driven rear axles via a

region’s extreme climate conditions”.

twin-plate clutch and the reliable

The Actros 20 Years Edition also

and efficient 16-speed Mercedes

features a performance-optimised

PowerShift automated gearbox, giving

hydraulic retarder, an additional

it a strong hauling performance.

braking system that Mercedes-Benz

“Mercedes PowerShift provides

believes offers the highest levels

specific driving modes that support

of braking performance with no

the driver in mastering all traffic

wear of brakes and brake linings.

situations with ease and convenience,

The truck is also equipped with an

thus facilitating the driver’s level of

anti-lock braking system (ABS) and

concentration,” says Mercedes-Benz.

acceleration skid control (ASR),

Also on board is the Mercedes-Benz FleetBoard telematics system, which

as well as the new optional Active Brake Assist and Telligent systems.

16

NEWS ANALYSIS FEBRUARY 2017

Shape of the future

Euro Auctions’ JonniE KEys tElls CMME About thE globAl movEmEnts of nEw And usEd construction EquipmEnt, which is A strong indicAtor of how thE vArious world EconomiEs ArE fAring

t

he latest long range global construction forecast predicts worldwide output will rocket by 85% through to 2030, growing $8 trillion to reach $15.5 trillion, driven in the main by growth in China, India and the USA, which account for 57% of all global growth. According to Jonnie Keys, general manager at global equipment auction house Euro Auctions, this in turn is polarising demand for both new and used machinery in these three markets, which are followed closely by Indonesia, UK, Mexico, Canada and Nigeria.

“The global construction industry is diverging as markets are buffeted by opposing forces – overstretch in booming economies on the one hand and downturn in markets that rely on commodity exports or trade with China on the other,” says Keys.

“Two macro-economic factors - the sharp fall in oil prices and China’s slowdown – have rippled across the global industry, triggering a rapid polarisation of the market, but construction will continue to be one of the most dynamic global industrial sectors over the next 15 years. Supporting industries like mining, building materials, machinery manufacturing and even the distribution of a skilled workforce, will all be vital in the evolution of prosperous societies around the world.”

The forecast also says that by 2025, driven mainly by mega infrastructure projects in the medium to long term, the UK will be the largest market in Europe, overtaking Germany, and becoming the world’s sixth largest construction market, Keys says.

China is currently the world’s largest construction market, but as activities in infrastructure and industrialisation weaken and the increasing slump in housing has a greater impact, this market will cool, but by 2030 it should still account for around $4.1 trillion of the total. China’s transition to a consumer and services driven economy also provides opportunity for growth in new types of construction, including healthcare, education and social infrastructure, as well as retail and other consumer end-markets, Keys feels.

India is expected to be the fastest growing construction market in the world and by 2030 will account for 18% of all global growth with a market reaching $1.5 trillion, growing almost twice as fast as China. It also has the largest housing needs globally, with an anticipated 170 million new homes needed by 2030. Delhi, for example, is forecast to grow by 10.4m people from its current 25.7m, vying with Tokyo-Yokohama, currently at 38m but forecast to shrink, and Jakarta at 31.3m, to become the world’s largest city.

Turning to the US construction market, which is tilted towards the northern states, Keys expects it to grow faster than China over the next 15 years and remain the fastest growing developed country globally, with an average 5% yearly growth. However, weak oil prices, less favourable exchange rates and its political situation are all having a short-term impact,

17 but much locally manufactured equipment continues to be sold in the home market and in Canada and Mexico, he says.

Extraordinary growth is also anticipated in Indonesia, overtaking Japan in the region by 2030. In Latin America, Keys says Mexico is poised to overtake Brazil, which continues to be held back by bureaucracy and the Petrobras scandal, especially as stagnation in construction demand sets in after the impetus of the 2016 Olympic Games has dissipated.

Coming to the Middle East, Keys says that with projects like the $653m Tilal City in UAE and the $1bn ‘The Tower’ in Dubai, development goes on unabated in affluent parts of the region, although political and economic unrest in other parts and the activities of insurgent groups in and around the Arabian Peninsula will continue to impact the region in the long term. That said, a major clean-up and rebuilding programme will eventually be required, which should help propel demand for all manner of competitively priced general purpose machinery.

Russia had also been heralded as a growth region to watch but has recently gone a little off the boil, he adds, although it still has major commitments to events like the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This means improvements in infrastructure are still being made, with new stadiums and airports being constructed, all requiring earthmoving and road building machinery.

“Buyers are always going seek bargains, be more discerning and increasingly prioritise machinery with safety features and environmentally compliant engines. From a sellers’ perspective it’s therefore even more important to present used machinery in the best possible condition”

Where it’s going Against this backdrop, the equipment market has remained uncertain and quite volatile since the global financial crisis of 2008. However, by 2019 annual sales of new equipment is expected to reach around 810,000 units and exceed $218bn, as more operators look to replace aging equipment and purchase new machinery amid improving economies - still short of the 2011 heydays when over a million new sales were reported but rebounding from the 731,500 pieces sold in 2015.

“This expansion in production is expected to bring a swathe of additional used stocks onto the market, providing some real opportunities for smaller construction equipment users to acquire advanced equipment, including aftermarket parts and attachments,” says Keys.

“Another key factor within the sector is that instances of fraud, scamming and cloning are becoming increasingly common, particularly with the use of letters of credit. This means we have to be more vigilant and accept that the buying and

18

NEWS ANALYSIS FEBRUARY 2017

selling process takes a little longer.”

US equipment manufacturers continue to have a torrid time on the global market, having kicked off 2016 by reporting a 13th consecutive quarter of contraction in sales.

Earthmoving equipment like loaders and excavators, which can be used in a variety of applications, saw the largest decrease in exports, despite global demand for popular models advancing at a consistent pace.

The European construction equipment market remains positive at the moment, recording an unexpectedly dynamic start in 2016, and reaching its highest levels in more than two years. This was driven in part by the robust recovery of the French market, the continuation of the recovery in Southern Europe and the stability of the Western European market as a whole. Though there was a drop after five strong months, growth still persists in Europe.

“Looking at the European market moving forward, Brexit has made little difference except for the fall in the value of the sterling, which has simply increased interest in UK-based machines and this should help maintain equipment prices from all other non-sterling countries. Over the last 18 months we’ve also seen strong demand

in Poland and Ireland, which seem to be getting busier with mostly good quality, low-hour machines selling well, and equipment like telehandlers and other utility type machines, along with midi and mini excavators, continuing to be much sought after,” Keys reveals.

Sales of Chinese manufactured equipment are also being impacted by a local slowing down in demand, resulting in some ‘deals’ being negotiated on exports, but volumes are expected to hold up for the next few years, at least particularly, as market demand within the Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, and the Africa-Mideast regions are all expected to sustain above average equipment sales. Excavators and wheeled loaders, from all manufacturers, remain particularly sought after, and this is being reflected in strong demand for new models and high auction prices being achieved for quality used models, he adds.

Heightened operator requirements, particularly where health and safety, vehicle security and engine emission management are concerned, have been driving change within developed countries, helping stimulate new equipment sales, and increasing the pace at which technology has

Euro Auctions’ Jonnie Keys, predicts global demand for wheel loaders and backhoes in the next 18 months and a possible Chinese takeover of a global brand.

to be updated. Greater enforcement, even in many emerging markets, is also resulting in the older and more dangerous equipment being replaced by newer, better designed and maintained models, Keys observes.

“Brexit has made little difference except for the fall in the value of the sterling, which has simply increased interest in UK-based machines and this should help maintain equipment prices from all other non-sterling countries”

The immediate future “Looking ahead to the next 12 to 18-months, wheel loaders, generators, backhoes and dumpers are all in constant demand and are being hotly contested within many of the international markets,” he says.

Most significantly, China, with its comprehensive range of machinery from conventional’ dozers, wheeled loaders and backhoes, through to aerial work platforms and crawler cranes, is also looking beyond its traditional markets. Marques such as ZoomLion, LuiGong, XCMG and Shantui are poised to become more familiar, particularly in the third world markets but also in the mature USA and European markets. While these will be tougher to crack, Keys sees Chinese manufacturers already making inroads and establishing overseas R&D, logistics and service footholds.

He also predicts that there would be a successful Chinese takeover of a major marque, particularly given that ZoomLion recently attempted to acquire Terex. A figure of $3.4b was tabled, but the deal fell through as no mutually agreement could be reached.

19 The global quarry sector has seen a significant focus on new equipment launches over the past year, with additions including new crushing and screening equipment from manufacturers such as Sandvik, Terex and Kleemann. Elsewhere, the newly launched Volvo A60H articulated 55t hauler is also set to do battle with the equally impressive Bell B60D, both of which are creating real interest at the heavy end of the haulage sector. Midrange dump trucks are also impressing a host of mid-capacity users, along with offerings from Caterpillar and others.

Demand for excavators and wheeled loaders within this sector from all the key vendors is also buoyant and as the new models come on stream, buyers are lining up to purchase quality used equipment as it becomes available, Keys observes.

A resurgence in the demand for coal and iron ore from Australia has resulted in new mines opening and existing ones being regenerated with updated equipment to increase efficiency. This is also creating a strong case for equipment that left Australia when mining initially slowed down, returning to satisfy demand, Keys notes.

“Heavy loaders and dump trucks are particularly sought after down under, and

a buoyant housing sector coupled with good sized civil engineering projects is driving demand for good quality, midrange utility equipment like backhoes, diggers and dozers, along with other smaller items of general site machinery. With no indigenous manufacturing, Australia is totally reliant on machinery imports but retains its preference for high-end International brands like Caterpillar and Komatsu, and used equipment prices remain strong,” he adds.

Markets such as India, Indonesia, Nigeria and Vietnam all retain their appetite for simple ‘no frills’, easy to maintain equipment, including backhoes, telehandlers, compressors and mixers, making them prime purchasers of older used machines, although demand for reliable mid-range models is increasing. Similarly, South Korea, with its major road and infrastructure projects for the 2018 Winter Olympics, continues to demand all manner of dozers and excavators along with all-purpose construction machinery, mixing plants and tower cranes. And Japan’s focus on the 2020 Olympics will equally start to command equipment to meet its plans, Keys feels.

“The Euro Auctions sale in Leeds in late August last year was also Europe’s largest

ever for used heavy plant, construction and agricultural machinery, with 4,645 lots sold across three days generating a total hammer price of over $39.5m. Similarly, we’ve seen a real upsurge at other auctions in the number of contractors consigning equipment to auction to make way for the new machines ordered to update their fleets, and this demand is reflected within the used equipment sector with a significant increase in first time bidders - many of whom secured lot,” Keys says.

The overriding market impression, according to Keys, is that while times remain tough, the trend is towards recovery and the outlook is generally optimistic and buoyant. Demand for quality second hand equipment remains high, with certain models, including quality telehandlers, midi and mini excavators, trading at a premium.

“Buyers are always going seek bargains, be more discerning and increasingly prioritise machinery with safety features and environmentally compliant engines. From a sellers’ perspective it’s therefore even more important to present used machinery in the best possible condition and be prepared to see it shipped to the parts of the globe that most need it.”

20

HARDWARE FEBRUARY 2017

Ford Tools’ showroom in Dubai offers a comprehensive range for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, all with the brand’s legendary quality assurance.

21

TOOLING UP

Well-established WorldWide for their premium quality, ford tools have noW been brought to the middle east by dubai-based v-tools, Who tell CMME that they are bullish about the range’s prospects in the region

F

or many years now mechanics and workers in various industries worldwide have sworn by Ford tools, says Ahmad Sorayanejad, CEO of V-Tools, the newly-appointed exclusive dealer of the range in the Middle East. And if the Middle East was not aware of the quality and reputation of Ford tools, as well as the consequential popularity it enjoys, things are about to change soon.

Dubai-based V-Tools has been appointed the exclusive dealer of Ford Tools by the American brand and Sorayanejad is already eyeing a blitz in the regional market with his wide range of the blue coloured implements.

“The idea of bringing Ford tools or Ford power equipment to the region came about 3-4 years ago with our partners. Globally, it is extremely well-liked by masses of customers and the idea was to bring the same kind of reliable and affordable products to the region,” Sorayanejad says.

“Ford has one of the largest licensee operations in the world - they have about 400 different licenses for different products, but until recently Ford Tools was not included in the licenses because Ford is very particular about products that use its engines, such as generators. So they controlled it themselves as a proprietary product.

“But for the first time they’ve allowed 3rd parties to manufacture their products in this segment, which means the products coming to this region are under license and not manufactured directly by Ford. Though most of the products are made in China and Taiwan, they have very strict quality control criteria in place. Approvals are very difficult to get from Ford and lot of different tests have to be done and the set parameters met or exceeded. Then there are re-tests that have to be successfully completed before approval is given by Ford themselves.”

V-Tools’ partner for Ford Tools is Nine HKG Ltd, he reveals. It’s a Hong Kong origin company but based in Argentina. And for the power equipment side of Ford Tools, which includes the manufacture of generators and water pumps, the responsibility lies with Pulsar, a California-based company.

“It’s quite a big challenge to get approvals from Ford, but finally the inspections were done, the factories were approved and so on, and Nine HKG became the global licensee.

Consequent to that we were appointed the exclusive agents for the Middle East,” he says.

While Ford Tools’ products are available in more than 50 countries, last year was the first time they became available in the Middle East, when V-Tools brought them here.

“We studied the market, we did the groundwork, we shortlisted lots of different people in terms of who we want to partner with locally and also across the GCC. Then we get our inventory, we got the showroom and on September 24th, 2016, we officially launched the range here,” says Sorayanejad.

“What’s unique about Ford Tools is that unlike other brands we have all the categories of tools that’s required under one brand. So you can go to other brands for certain specific categories - whether it’s a professional product or power tool or hand tool, I don’t want

22

HARDWARE FEBRUARY 2017

to name anybody but there are other brands who specifically do good at only one thing – but we are good across the range.

“So whether you’re just an enthusiast who wants to do your DIY project or whether you are a professional, whether you want hand tools or power tools or power equipment, generators, or power tool accessories - we can provide you all the products under the same umbrella with the same brand, with the same quality. You don’t have to go to one places to buy a power tool and then go to a different place to get your power tool accessories and so on.

“So what makes us very unique is the fact that we have all these products together and also we cater to different needs, whether for professionals or a DIY home user.”

Right timing It is no secret that the GCC region is going through an economic slowdown at the moment. With that in mind, many businesses would not find this an opportune time to open a new venture in this region at the moment. But Sorayanejad is unperturbed.

“Everybody asks this question, why now?

And we realise there is weaknesses in the market. But we also see what the requirements are in the market, we see what the challenges are and we address those issues, whereas existing companies don’t have that luxury of having to really adjust to the market situations so fast. They have excess inventory, they have so many other things that they’ve invested into, that’s already been done bad.

“Whereas for us as fresh starters, we could see how the market was and what the problems and requirements were, and ascertain where the opportunities lay. Then we came in with the right strategy, suited and tailored for the market conditions as they are now.”

A great motivator, he adds, was that the Ford brand is so well recognised in the market. Besides, there hasn’t been much innovation happening in this segment for a long time, Sorayanejad contends.

“It’s always been the same brands in this market, such as Dewalt or Black and Decker.

Of course Chinese brands are coming in but they are neither in the same class nor that well known.

“So we felt there was a need for somebody to come in - a new brand to shake up the market with new ideas. What we have done with some of our products is developed them in terms of technology that is very hi-tech. we have new products coming in especially for industrial use. So we realised what the needs are and that was actually an opportunity for us.”

For bigger companies it is very difficult to manoeuvre quickly, he adds, and changes take time. Whereas a lean and plannedfor-the-times operation like the Ford Tools-V-Tools combine can react quickly to customers and market forces.

“Another advantage we have here is that unlike other brands, we deal directly with our factories and

NEW poWER tools RANgE

built ford tough Ford Tools’ new line of power tools introduced in the region meets a growing demand for power equipment.

The new products include electric drills, rotary hammers, angle grinders and circular saws. Also launched is a new range of cordless power tools fitted with lithium batteries for longer power cycles and work times. The range comprises a lithium cordless drill, impact drill and impact wrench. A new battery pack has also been introduced that provides more energy, does not self-discharge and improves performance.

“On the power tools side we have the new F12, F18 and FP7,” Sorayanejad explains. “The F12 and F18 are our cordless product ranges, which we have recently launched. It has the universal battery concept, so you can use the same battery across different products. The lithium-ion battery also ensures very long power cycles, enabling prolonged work time at peak performance levels. There is no need to buy multiple batteries, as the same one cane be used on different products.

“Also, the FP7 is our industrial range, comprising really hardcore products for complex job sites and for all kinds of weather conditions.”

“We felt there was a need for somebody to come in - a new brand to shake up the market with new ideas.

What we have done with some of our products is developed them in terms of technology that is very hitech. We have new products coming in especially for industrial use”

23 Ahmad Sorayanejad, CEO of V-Tools, which has brought Ford Tools to the Middle East, feels the brand’s quality and innovation will set a regional benchmark.

manufactures, so we can easily adjust, whether there is a new product that we need, or it’s an adjustment we need to make to feature a product that can cater to the market’s needs more easily.

“And of course pricing is an issue so we are trying at the same time to be competitive.

We know the markets are not good so we make sure that we can bring in products that customers are willing to pay for.”

And that, he adds, is the beauty of Ford Tools: “Ford is a premium brand but the philosophy is to bring in reliable products at affordable prices. This is what Ford stands for. And that’s exactly the same philosophy we follow here. So it is a premium product but with affordable pricing. That’s a philosophy Ford has always had and we have built on it as well.

“We have made sure that in terms of quality we are on par with or even better than our benchmark brands and our pricing is below theirs.”

Spreading the network Speaking about the strategy to cover the regional market, Sorayanejad adds: “To begin with, we were mainly doing the ground work so that once we launched, we would be in the retail market already. We have already signed up with great partners in the GCC. We have very good partners in Saudi Arabia and in Oman, and we are in discussions with prospective partners in Kuwait and Qatar.”

In Saudi the brand is represented by the

Al Suaikat Group – a well-known name in the kingdom’s Eastern region. For Oman it’s the Muhidin Group of Companies. Based out of Salalah, they are spread out all over the country.

In Kuwait, the final stages of negotiations are on with Al Hanan, another big group, Sorayanejad reveals. Meanwhile, in terms of retail sales to home users in the UAE, Ford Tools is already present in Carrefour and Ace outlets.

“In power tools, our approach has been that we would like to deal with the clients directly. We would like our endusers to benefit from the kind of services we provide, so we are in the process of building a team that can cater to the customers’ needs.

“At the same time our professional and industrial range of products are just coming in, so we are waiting to have the full range before we actually go and reach out to the end users. And by that I mean end-user customers at the contractor and industrial level.”

V-Tools’ business model is to enable its customers to benefit from its services directly as much as possible, as opposed to third parties. This gives a greater degree of control on service delivery and customer satisfaction, to deliver which it has prepared meticulously, making sure that the infrastructure is in place and the products are available.

Sorayanejad divides the ranges of Ford Tools products into a few categories. “At the low end we have our home-use items, which is lot like your average Black and Decker kind of products. Then we have our power tools. Next comes our premium line, which is are DIY and semi-professional products that can still can be used at home but are also good enough for small contractors to use,” he explains.

“And then we have our new F18, F12 and FP7 range, which is the industrial level. These are hard-core products that you can use at any big job site. We also have generators and invertors, some of which can be good for camping and home use, but our 9250 generator model is a 7.5kV one, which can be used by contractors at job sites. We will expand this range further with the launch of the 12.5kV model in March.

“We are not really a power generation company, so we don’t compete with the makers of industrial-sized units and we don’t intend to go there. When it comes to generators we basically will be at a level where small contractors can use our products for rigging and outfitting jobs.

24

INTERVIEW FEBRUARY 2017

Presenting his Case

CMME catches up with case’s andy Blandford to discuss the gloBal and Middle east Markets, the challenges they pose, and how the equipMent Major is supporting its partners in the region

F

or a man who is in charge of Case Construction Equipment’s Europe, Africa and Middle East markets, Andy Blandford can be expected to be a big-picture man. And the vice president for the EAME market is on the ball when he points out how each area of the globe is doing.

Globally, it’s a mixed picture at the moment. If you look at the Latin America, most of the market is Brazil, which is a market of 220 million people. It’s down now but we anticipate going forward there’s going to be some upside because it’s so low that you can only anticipate some optimism in 2017.

“Then if you go north and you look at North America, the market is actually not bad. It depends on which sectors you look at. For sure the rental companies and the oil & gas sectors are not so buoyant but there is still housing and infrastructure.”

In the Asia-Pacific, he points out, it’s another mixed picture, with a steady market such as India offset by weakness in others, such as those in South East Asia.

“Then, if you look at Russia, there are problems, but we are actually growing our

market share. There is also great possibility in the Asia-Pacific region, which is quite a big region with lots of geographies and cultures.

It is a growing margin market.”

Coming to his own domain – the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region – he says: “There are approximately 112 markets within our region and probably about half of those we participate in, which are the larger ones. If you look at Europe we anticipate it to be around 6-8% up over 2015 in terms of volume. It’s not bad, but the question is,

25 Case is most visible in the Middle East as a compact equipment maker but the global giant is known around the world for its line-up of big machines.

which countries and which products. And there it is a very mixed picture. Some, such as France, are doing well while others, such as Germany, seem to be flattening out. Italy and Spain are adding numbers as they come out of recession, but the UK market is unclear.”

Turning to Africa and the Middle East, he says these regions could come back on important construction projects. The GCC is by far the biggest market for Case in the Middle East. It was about 12,000 units not long ago but is now less than half that.

“We have a strategy which is to continually improve our dealer network, because we want to continually improve the already good level of service we offer. We want to be still better, because that’s really the differentiator”

“We supply a lot of units to the Middle East market from our factory in Lecce, Italy, where we make our wheel loaders and backhoes for the region. Of course our skid steers in the Middle East come from North America and some of our backhoes from India, while our excavators come from Japan.”

Discussing where the market in the GCC is headed, he says that the industry has changed a lot recently. There is a slowdown in the uptake of the big excavators and big wheel loaders because there is less clarity on

Andy Blandford, Case’s vice president for the Europe, Africa and Middle East region, feels the Middle East market has bottomed out and can only head up.

where the money is coming from. Funds for projects such as roads, railways, airports and other large infrastructure aspects are all on dubious grounds, he says.

“There’s still an industry for smaller machines such as skid steers, as they are required in maintenance but there are few really big infrastructure projects going on.

There is some work in Oman and Qatar, which are among our biggest markets at the moment after Saudi Arabia.”

The big question now is the way 2017

26

INTERVIEW FEBRUARY 2017

NEW dEalER appoINTmENT

a fresh case in oMan Case Construction Equipment has appointed

Case makes most of its wheel loaders for the Middle East at its plant in Lecce, southern Italy.

International Equipment and Contracting Co (IECC) as its new dealer in Oman to meet growing demand for construction machinery from contractors, government organisations and rental businesses.

The global construction machinery manufacturer, which is owned by Italy’s CNH Industrial Group, said that the move follows its anticipation of a boost in the sultanate’s construction equipment market based on rising oil prices and government investment in energy, manufacturing, transportation and utilities, as well as major public sector construction projects.

IECC, a Bahwan International Group company, was established in 1985 and has modern facilities in Mawaleh, Muscat, along with depots in Sohar and Salahah. The company has more than 100 staff with dedicated sales and service teams working in commercial vehicles, earthmoving, construction, industrial and surveying equipment and has become an important player in Oman’s infrastructure development.

IECC has committed to sell and support the full range of Case construction machinery throughout the sultanate, including the heavy and compact lines and the new Case range of motor graders. According to Case, the company has a dedicated and knowledgeable workforce, a substantial parts stockholding and fully trained technicians to provide service and maintenance to customers, both on their construction sites and in its workshops.

“IECC is committed to being a dominant player in Oman’s infrastructure through the supply of worldclass high-end technology and best in class after sales support,” says Sheikh Ahmed Suhail Bahwan,

will unfold and where the market will head.

“Unfortunately, it still looks fundamentally flat because one of the big drivers is of course the oil price. There is an unanimous view that it’s not going to be $80 or $100, or even $60.

“So we are expecting that the ME market on average will remain flat as it is now, with the chance of a rise only into 2018. And this flat market is about half as big as it was about two years ago. The silver lining is that it will be steady. There should be no further falls as we seem to have hit enough of a bottom in both Africa and the Middle East.”

chairman of Bahwan International Group.

“Since its inception, IECC has catered for the construction sector by supplying various types of construction equipment for road building, bridges and general construction, pipelines and infrastructure projects. IECC is privileged to represent Case Construction Equipment in Oman, reaffirming the trust and value of the relationship that we have had with CNH Industrial Group over the last 10 years.

“We have built strong relationships with construction companies, contractors and rental organisations by providing high quality equipment backed by excellent after sales support.”

IECC already has a strong relationship with CNH Industrial Group as a distributor of road transport products from its group company Iveco, and has an established service network across the country.

Franco Invernizzi, senior business director for CNH Industrial Africa and Middle East, says: “Case Construction Equipment is committed to delivering the highest quality service and support throughout the Middle East and I am delighted that IECC has agreed to become our exclusive dealer for the Sultanate of Oman.”

At an exclusive event to launch the partnership, IECC displayed a range of popular Case equipment, such as backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, telescopic handlers and crawler excavators, to selected customers and the media in Muscat.

Talking strategy Tough times demand tough measures, but Case is guarded in its approach.

Blandford says his company is not like some competitors who change direction at the slightest provocation.

“We have a strategy which is to continually improve our dealer network, because we want to continually improve the already good level of service we offer. We want to be still better, because that’s really the differentiator.

We have great products but the fact that you can get the dealers to give you the support that they do, such as deliver parts to you seven days a week 24 hours a day - that’s the type of operation we are now running. And that becomes a differentiator,” he explains.

And it’s a differentiator that Case sorely needs. While the quality of Case machines was never in doubt, customers in the Middle East had earlier complained about a lack of spare parts availability. But that is something that Case has tackled on a war footing.

“We formally opened our regional parts warehouse in Dubai late last year, so we can promptly cater for all our customers’ needs

from our logistics centre for the GCC market.

Perceptions take a little time to change and now that we have put the necessary support structure in place, they soon will.”

An experienced team is also behind Case’s efforts in the region, he adds. The company’s dealer in Dubai, Al Shirawi Enterprises, is as commited to Case’s cause as the manufacturer itself.

“They have been involved with Case for a considerable amount of time now. They have a very experienced management team and they know what exactly is required, so there should be no reason we would not be competitive in the market, or even better than our competitors,” Blandford says.

He adds that Case values consistency and continuity, which benefit customers in the end. “When I talk to one of our network partners, I am talking about improving their operations, not changing them. Because you need that consistency. Your customers know that you have the same distribution partner and the manufacturer is there behind them and helping, whether it is about warehousing and putting the parts distribution in place or providing any other kind of support.”

With all the vital components of success falling in place for Case, Blandford concludes: “We invest in our network, we invest in service and parts capability within our business and then there is of course our product range. We have a range of superior products, especially our tracked excavator, which is the best excavator you can buy. It all starts with the product, but whether you are operating in Abu Dhabi or Aberdeen, the big contractors need top service and parts. And that is where we have recovered lost ground in the Middle East today - making it our differentiator.”

28

COVER STORY FEBRUARY 2017

HitacHi Hits back

With a neW Uae dealer and a plethora of neW plans, hitachi has foUnd neW hope of consolidating its position in the region and reaching the top of a market that it Was absent from for some time

29

30

COVER STORY FEBRUARY 2017

Hitachi’s madein-Japan quality has enabled it to become a preferred equipment partner for the big contractors and projects in the Middle East.

i

“We know the ins and out of Hitachi’s products, having been dealing with them and servicing them for more than 40 years...which is the expertise we are bringing to Hitachi customers in the region”

f you are among the market leaders in your sector, being absent from one of your main markets is something you cannot afford to do. Consumer memory is short and most players would just be forgotten and give up the fight. Not Hitachi.

The Japanese giant, which for a long time did not have a dealer in the UAE market – one of the most important markets in the Middle East – has suddenly sprung to life with the appointment in November of Middle East Crane Equipment Trading (MECET) as their new representative in what is possibly the Middle East’s second biggest market by numbers and one of its most profitable ones.

And, while many other players would have still been thinking about playing catch up after all the time that has been lost, the folks at Hitachi are already talking about claiming their rightful place among the top market players before the year is out.

“When we look at the market here today, we see that some of our competitors in the global top-5 are really strong in this region and they will be our main competitors. But we are confident that there is a substantial market share that we can grab here,” says Wim Aernouts, director, MECET. “For us the challenge is that Hitachi is not as strong in this region as we would like it to be, especially in the UAE, and we have to show ourselves, make ourselves visible, and make people consider us and trust us for their machinery needs.”

Going by the sense of excitement and urgency at Hitachi towers in Dubai, that challenge is being embraced head on. As Piet Van Bakergem, general manager at Hitachi Construction Machinery Middle East Corp, says: “We have gone to a new dealership in the UAE, which means we are in the process of starting afresh in the country. And that means we are getting prepared to be part of a market again, which we have been out of for a while now. I predict that we can only head upwards from this point now.”

Heading upwards is only part of the story.

The good folks at Hitachi and MECET have already set a destination for themselves, as Aernouts explains. “In 2017, we are targeting a double-digit market share in the categories we serve.

“We are busy with strong service contracts and the level of service we provide will be the backbone of the future relationship between Hitachi and MECET, as well as one of the main draws for our customers.”

Van Bakergem adds: “Of course, coming

from nowhere and knowing that we would like to build up our position in this market step by step, we have to set targets that are realistic and achievable, but we know the potential that both this market and our team have. So more and more, you will see orange coming into this country - Hitachi orange” Speaking about the team, which now comprises both Hitachi Middle East and MECET, Aernouts says: “We go back more than 40 years with Hitachi in Europe. So we know the ins and outs of their products, having been dealing with them and servicing them for such a long time. We have quite a strong experience with Hitachi’s complete line, which is the expertise we are bringing to Hitachi customers in the region.”

Elaborating about the long association between the Luyckx Group of Belgium, of which MECET is a part, he says the group started providing Hitachi equipment to contractors for global projects from its Belgian base, some of which found their way to the region. In 2012 Luyckx was

31

HiTaCHi-SumiTOmO CRawlER

heavy lifter in a compact package Hitachi-Sumitomo’s SCX3500-3 crawler

In addition to better stability in

crane offers a maximum lifting capacity

the lower frame, the rigidity of the

of 350t, an advanced transportation

boom has also been increased with

and assembly system, and a compact

the use of a wider boom foot and

body with good handling capabilities.

the larger diameter of the material from which the boom is made.

The hydraulic crane not only offers a standard specification with a high-

The overall higher level of stability

performance lifting capacity, but also a

provides an outstanding level of

short-tail swing radius – which is a first

control that delivers highly precise

in the 350t crawler crane class. When

and reliable operating capabilities,

selected by the operator, this latest option

with minimal side movements

ensures that the live mast never exceeds

and flexing at the front.

the rear-end radius of the counterweight.

The SCX3500-3 is easy to transport thanks to the width of the machine

This unique compact design allows the machine to be operated in confined

being less than three metres and

spaces on such construction sites as

the standard front/rear-split upper

logistic warehouses. The SCX3500-

structure with hydraulic assist

3’s versatility may be evidenced by

pin. The installation of crawler,

its capacity to work from wide to

rear-post and jib backstops uses

small radius settings. Operations

a hook-on and pin joint system.

close to the crane are also easier

The connection device – with the

during luffing jib tower crane jobs

hydraulic assist pin – allows easy

with the angle of the tower boom

positioning and assembly work

limited to 88° and tower jib to 74°.

without the need of a hammer.

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32

COVER STORY FEBRUARY 2017

appointed the regional dealer for Hitachi Sumitomo cranes.

Adds Van Bakergem: “They are associated with us in the UAE since 2012 as the dealer solely for our cranes, but now we have also added our entire line of construction machinery to that association, which means now they are our full liner – a one-stop shop for all things Hitachi, both products and services.”

Now that the relationship has been joined at the hip, the next task is to make it work.

And for that MECET is leaving no stone unturned. Its mantra is of the “three Ss”, says Aernouts.

HiTaCHi Zw180-5

loaded With featUres Hitachi’s ZW180-5 wheel loader is a proven machine designed to meet the requirements of customers who are seeking highly productive yet fuel-efficient machines, with a lower total cost of ownership.

It also offers a high level of operator safety and comfort, and has been designed with ease of maintenance in mind, according to Hitachi. features, have also been considered in its design.

A 6.7l -litre six-cylinder water-cooled turbo engine provides the power in the machine enabling a powerful digging performance and impressive travel speeds, as well as excellent fuel consumption. Fuel consumption is reduced by up to 10% over previous models, thanks to a five-gear

Spares, service, support “The crux of the matter for us are the three S words: spares, service and support,” he explains. “We already have our warehouse in Dubai Investment Park and we have invested in a huge new facility in Dubai Industrial City. The facility will be spread across 10,000 sqm and house workshops, parts and their distribution facilities, and all other things that will make lives easier for our customers. The construction on it is starting as we speak and we will have it up and running towards the latter half of this year.

“We also invested heavily into spare parts and stocked up on them so that we could hit the ground running and help our customers do their daily business smoothly with little to no downtime.”

On-site support is another aspect that both Hitachi and MECET consider vital, and true to the importance they attach to it, the duo have already put in place all the necessary mechanisms to provide it. “We have a team that travels all around the UAE to give support and service to our machines wherever they are located,” Aernouts points out.

Discussing the various sectors of the market, he goes on: “The oil & gas sector is not doing all that well, but we still have some deals with our Hitachi Sumitomo crawler cranes, which is a business we are quite strong in. Quarrying, again, is a bit of a difficult market today to get into, because the activity level is not what it used to be a few years ago, but we are pushing the major players in the sector because our machines are ideally suited for such types of work. Our range of big machines - the huge excavators and shovels that we have - are ideal to break into this market as well.”

For Van Bakergem, now that the mechanism and the strategy is in place, it’s only about perseverance and patience.

“It’s a matter of time; if you are out of

transmission and a fully electronically controlled engine, which sports a high-pressure common rail system.

Reduced fuel consumption means lower running costs for owners of the new ZW180-5, as well as a smaller environmental

the market for some time you cannot expect to go to the top overnight. You need patience, persistence and hard work and, more importantly, your willingness to build relationships with customers so that they trust you, because these machines are of course quite an investment.

“Because of the globally-proven durability and excellence of our machines, their numbers at job sites will grow soon. So we are placing our bets on different things knowing that sooner or later we will benefit from it. Actually I’m banking on 2017 itself for our results to start showing.”

In the three short months that the Hitachi-MECET partnership has been in operation, they have seen a demand for equipment classes that were not very popular in the region – such as mini and wheeled excavators.

impact. The wheel loader has two simple work modes, suitable for particular tasks. In Standard mode, the engine speed is controlled, which allows for smooth and efficient acceleration during loading, regular operations and travelling on level terrain. The P mode is useful when greater traction force is required for heavy-duty excavation and travelling quickly uphill. When changing work modes, the machine has a quick power switch, which boosts the power when required.

The ZW180-5 also has a new clutch cut-off system, which controls the timing of the clutch for smooth operation when loading, regardless of the terrain. When travelling at high speed on flat terrain, the clutch can be released early so the wheel loader slows down smoothly by applying the brake pedal. When travelling slowly uphill, the clutch is released by pressing the pedal firmly to allow for easy unloading.

Fuel consumption can be further minimised by using the ECO display, which shows the operator when the wheel loader is operating economically in ECO drive.

Unexpected opportunity “Since we started operations late last year, we have already sold around eight min excavators of capacities from 1.7t to 6.5t,” says Aernouts. “There is an opportunity in here for mini excavators today. We were not expecting this but we are seeing great interest for minis in the region and the UAE.” This is not to forget the bigger machines, though, of which MECET has already sold 21 Hitachi tracked excavators in the 20t to 120t classes in the last three months, he adds.

Coming to the Hitachi- Sumitomo cranes, in which MECET has long since made its mark in the market, Aernouts says: “The market is not negative but it cannot be called stable either in the region. Heavy cranes are favoured in the oil & gas industry, but we feel that today there are still a lot of construction and infrastructure projects going on to compensate for it. For sure, the Dubai Expo 2020 and its allied projects will boost the market starting from later this year.”

Hitachi- Sumitomo has a stranglehold on the region’s crane market, Aernouts claims. In 2016, their market share increased further, though sales were fewer in absolute numbers. “In 2017 we see ourselves realistically selling around 25 big cranes from Hitachi- Sumitomo.”

Wheeled excavators are another revelation for both Aernouts and Van Bakergem. “We all think that in this region the demand is for tracked excavators, but we see that the market has changed recently, especially over the past year,” says Aernouts. “We are dealing with about 15 different inquiries on wheeled

33 excavators and we’ve already closed some of them, selling six already since coming on board with Hitachi last year.”

According to Van Bakergem, a logical explanation for this is that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are maturing as cities, “so if you want to work inside the city, of course, you don’t want to damage the roads and pavements with your tracked equipment. This is why the wheeled and mini equipment is getting more popular. “We can also put rubber pads on the minis, which will prevent the tracks from damaging the surface.”

As Dubai works on its sewerage and lays new cables, the demand for smaller and wheeled equipment is expected to come from utility entities such as DEWA or contractors working for it, he adds, which are some of Hitachi’s target customers.

Whether they make a sale or are still trying to make it, however, the philosophy at both Hitachi and MECET is to keep a customer close and both Aernouts and Van Bakergem agree that the way they do this is by maintaining a good relationship with existing as well as prospective customers, and placing their interests on top.

With that philosophy and all the preparation that has gone on to execute it, it seems 2017 is set to be a landmark year for Hitachi and MECET in the UAE and the region.

The leadership team from Hitachi Middle East and Middle East Crane Equipment Trading is looking forward to returning Hitachi to its top position in the market.

HiTaCHi ZX870lCH-5G

bUckets of poWer Swing power is vital for large excavators

developed reinforced components

when moving buckets full of heavy

and added protection to further

materials and loading them onto

strengthen the undercarriage

a dump truck. With this in mind

and front attachment specifically

Hitachi developed the ZX870LCH-

for the quarrying sector. This

5G with a new swing device that

exclusive specification has been

improves its swing torque by 9%

designed for the rigours of handling

compared to the previous model.

hard and abrasive materials,

The large Zaxis excavator also benefits from Hitachi’s HIOS IIIB hydraulic system.

It increases the operating speed with less

and offers enhanced durability and a long life expectancy.

The ZX870LCH-5G also has

fuel consumption, resulting in greater

a reliable undercarriage and

productivity and lower running costs. The

strengthened upper structure. The

ECO mode cuts fuel consumption by a

engine is also a tired and tested

further 10% compared to the PWR mode.

one for its reliability and durability

A robust boom and arm on the front

in challenging environments

attachment are essential for operating

around the world. It has an

in tough job sites such as mines and

enhanced cooling system thanks

quarries. Hitachi’s answer is to equipped

to the parallel arrangement of

the ZX870LCH-5G with an H-boom and

the radiator and oil cooler.

H-arm with thicker plates than those of

“We also have the option

the previous model for added durability.

of supplying the ZX870 with

On the R variant of the ZX870LCH,

an extended 29m boom for

Hitachi engineers in Japan have

extra reach,” Aernouts says.

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38

iP s TOP 10: T fOr rTC anCe m a in T e n

36_neW reLeases

p your llow to kee Steps to fo ain crane in rough terr er. tip-top ord

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

40_The big Crush Compact bucket crusher manufacturers discuss the merits of their equipment.

44_LifTing in The rOugh The rough terrain crane continues to remain in demand due to its versatility and ruggedness.

48_aLPine CaLL Terex crane erects wind turbine atop high mountain pass.

36

NEW RELEASES FEBRUARY 2017

New VolVo Ce exCaVator for the Middle east Why get it?

Fuel eFFicient, Five intelligent work modes, 20 attachment options Volvo CE has introduced its new excavator, the EC140D, to the Middle East and Africa market in the 12-16t weight class.

The Swedish equipment giant said in a statement that the new machine is equipped with a Tier 2 compliant engine, which makes it suitable for the region. The model’s D3.8F engine works in harmony with the hydraulics to deliver exceptionally low fuel consumption in its class, Volvo added.

The EC140D offers five intelligent work modes to ensure only the right amount of flow is delivered for the task at hand, the statement added. Operators can choose from I (Idle), F (Fine), G (General), H (Heavy), and P (Power Max). Volvo’s ECO mode is also included for the first time in this weight class to help reduce consumption even further while still maintaining digging power and swing torque.

Automatic engine shutdown is also available as a new option on the EC140D excavator, said Volvo, while a wide undercarriage and heavy

counterweight ensure stability in difficult terrain.

Regular service checks can be carried out safely, quickly and easily, thanks to antislip plates, ground-level service access and centralised filters and greasing points, Volvo added. A wide range of attachments are also available, which allows the EC140D to be adapted for a variety of crawler excavator applications. The machine is compatible with various bucket, breaker and piping options, and a password protected attachment management system, accessed via the monitor inside the cab, allows the operator to configure and store hydraulic flow settings for up to 20 different attachments.

Volvo’s statement claims that the EC140D also offers among the most comfortable and productive operator environments on the market. The spacious premium cab with the latest styling is equipped with an easy-toview monitor, adjustable seat and ergonomic controls, the statement said. A rear-view camera is also available as a new option.

SPECIFICATIONS

volvo ec140d Weight class: 12.8-15.8t Engine output: 73.3kW Bucket capacity: 0.52-0.75 cubic metres Max digging reach & depth: 8.33m & 5.54m

37

kubota’s New sVl75-2 CoMpaCt traCk loader Why get it? high hydraulic Flow, Fuel economy and operator comFort Kubota has introduced its new SVL75-2 High Flow compact track loader, offering increased hydraulic horsepower for a wide variety of attachments and expanded multi-tasking capabilities. It offers 1.04t of operating capacity, a bucket breakout force of 2.8t and lift arm breakout of 2.1t.

With the High Flow model the auxiliary hydraulic flow increases from 65.8lpm to 110.9lpm. Multi-function levers provide fingertip control of all major functions so both hands are on the levers at all times to operate attachments efficiently. A 74.3 gross horsepower, four-cylinder, direct injection, turbo-charged Kubota diesel engine is equipped with Common Rail Fuel Injection and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system. The engine’s reduced exhaust emission is complemented by its fuel economy; the SVL75-2 can run a full workday without needing to refuel.

An Electronic Travel Torque Management System constantly monitors the load of the machine to optimally control hydraulic pump output, preventing engine stalls for smoother operation even under severe conditions.

The SVL75-2 with High Flow offers a spacious cab and wide operator entrance, and once inside, a high-back, adjustable full-suspension seat with plenty of legroom.

On each model in the series, the main frame and undercarriage are one-piece, welded together to provide structural strength. Servicewise, the large engine compartment door and the slide and tilt radiator make it easy to access, check and maintain the machine.

skyjaCk uNVeils New sj1256 th telehaNdler Why get it? class-leading load chart perFormance For heavy-duty operations Skyjack has launched its new SJ1256 TH telehandler during World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Nevada. The machine has a 5.4t maximum lifting capacity and will be available for purchase in the second quarter of the year.

“The SJ1256 TH is based heavily on our class-leading SJ1056 TH,” said Barry Greenaway, senior product manager, Skyjack. “Most telehandlers in the 12K category lift 5.4t to just over 6m. The SJ1256 TH can lift it to 10.6m. Another outstanding feature, is that it can lift 450kg at maximum forward reach of 13m without deploying outriggers, whereas most similar machines can only lift up to 226kg, or even no load at all, in the same circumstance.”

Ideal for heavier-duty applications, the SJ1256 TH features a 17.1m maximum lift

height, 2.7t lift capacity at maximum lift height without deploying outriggers and 3.1t lift capacity at maximum lift height with outriggers deployed, 12.95m maximum forward reach and a Tier-IV final 107hp Deutz TCD3.6L engine that uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid but requires no regeneration.

“By introducing the SJ1256 TH, we can now supply telehandlers to operators and rental branches that cater to heavier duty applications, such as the energy sector,” Greenaway said. “We want to be able to service those sectors as part of our pursuit of becoming a full-line manufacturer and supplier of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers.”

Based on customer feedback to the TH series, Skyjack made several changes to the SJ1256 TH including integrating a heavy duty cab door so there’s less chance of customer damage and offering hybrid hard surface/grip lug style tyres as standard to provide significantly longer wear life and to help customers reduce operating costs.

SPECIFICATIONS

skyjack sj1256 th Max lift capacity: 5.4t Max lift height: 17.1m Max forward reach: 12.95m Engine output: 107hp

38

TOP TEN FEBRUARY 2017

01

ON aNd Off iNsPEcTiON We don’t mean inspect the crane once in a while here. Instead, perform regular inspections first while the engine is off and then again when the engine is on. Engine off checks helps to find any obvious problems and correct them before starting the engine and possibly creating more.

02

UsE chEcklisTs To inspect your rough terrain crane, use a maintenance checklist that includes critical safety components as specified by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.

Record problems clearly in the maintenance logbook and follow the requirements according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

: n e t p to s p i t e C n a n e t n mai s C t r r u o y r o f ention to the vital terrain

ough r Pay att r u o y f nts o lifting e v i t c e f comPone e and ef f a s r o f crane

lUbricaTE jUsT righT Cleaning the wire rope only as required. Remember excessive removal of lubrication will lead to damage.

Always re-lubricate rope to prevent corrosion, wear, friction, and drying out of the core. Check for ropes that may have been operated dry (unlubricated) and replace dry ropes. There may be hidden damage that is not detected by visual inspection.

C heC k t h e w ir e ropey which

pe b The wire ro hangs is a being lifted and so the object our crane, y f o t n e n o ction. vital comp gular inspe eaves, demands re e ad rop sh lo n u to t is m Lower ho om the dru wire rope fr , ll a ts e d k in c w so n u eaves, sh t c e sp in ts, and then thimble join dead-ends, rope and all wire . re a w hard

03 04

39

05

chaNgE rOPEs ON schEdUlE Establish a schedule of rope replacement to change the wire rope before it breaks.

Periodic replacements do not take the place of inspections.

If the rope breaks or inspections reveal abnormal wire breakage or defects, reduce the time between replacements. Do not make wire rope slings from used wire rope.

chEck hydraUlic sysTEms Check for deterioration or leakage in air or hydraulic systems. Pay attention to how effectively hoses, pumps and motors are operating. Any weakness in hydraulic fluid flow will affect the machine’s operation. Check levels of fluid and air cleaners for replacement or cleaning.

ExamiNE craNE sTrUcTUrE aNd bOOm Visually examine the crane structure for deformed, cracked or corroded members in the structure and boom. Check for loose bolts or rivets, for deformed wedges, for defective cotter keys, pins and guardrails.

C on t r ol a nd g monitoCreisn de vtriol mechanisms

on Check all c nd levers s, brakes a le b a c s a h c su r excessive justment o d a r o o p r fo ices such itoring dev wear. Mon dicator, moment in as the load should be especially, . accurately operating

09 07

06

maiNTaiN TraNsmissiON flUid lEvEls Follow fluid and filter rules set by the transmission manufacturer to avoid transmission failures.

Transmission fluid cools, lubricates and transmits hydraulic power. Too little fluid and the torque converter, bushings, bearings and clutches will not receive an adequate supply of oil. Too much oil can cause it to aerate, resulting in overheating.

10 hOOk iT righT Before use, hooks must be inspected by an experienced rigger. Remove a hook from service if you see cracks, nicks or gouges, or if the twist exceeds 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook. Also replace it if the latch is damaged or the throat opening exceeds 15% and if the wear is more than 10% of its original dimension. Never alter or reshape a hook by welding, heating, burning or bending.

08

40

CRUSHERS FEBRUARY 2017

THE BIG CRUSH

Manufacturers of the coMpact and productive crushing buckets discuss how the equipMent is suited for contractors to recycle construction Material cost-effectively and Manage waste on-site

W

hen a contractor is faced with a large amount of construction waste on a project site, the traditional methods of dealing with it can be ineffective or costly. Bringing in a mobile crusher is expensive and requires a considerable volume of waste to be cost-effective.

Trucking the waste away to be dumped or recycled (at plants such as Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Construction and Demolition Recycling Facility) remains expensive, with a cost per tonne to shift, as well as environmentally unfriendly with extra heavy vehicle road traffic.

A contractor can also potentially reuse the waste on-site, but if they can’t process it effectively then they are unable to use it for its full potential, which may result in buying extra aggregates where properly recycled material might be suitable.

Hydraulically powered bucket crushers are viable, cost-effective and increasingly popular in the region. They are offered by a number of manufacturers in a range of sizes, and the larger buckets can crush in excess of 100 tonnes per hour (t/h) of material. The excavator-mounted attachments can be used on any hydraulic excavator, and with the larger-than-average size of excavators in the GCC, contractors are able to easily run large-capacity bucket crushers.

The first to enter the Middle East market was MB Crusher eight years ago, and the company is a familiar sight at regional trade fairs. Despite it being a novel concept, when contractors first encounter a bucket crusher they are quick to understand the benefits, Najmeddine Sahraoui, area manager at MB Crusher, told this magazine in an earlier interview.

Customers include civil construction contractors, demolition workers, recycling operations and quarry operators. They’re also favoured by utilities contractors, because the excavated material can be crushed and used to bed in pipes. “The idea is to save money, time, and to recycle the material you take from the ground by crushing and screening.”

There is increased demand from customers who want to carry out recycling on-site, especially concrete. Sahraoui says that one customer in Kuwait uses its crushers and screens to produce aggregate for reuse or sale to other contractors.

MB also has a line of crushing and screening buckets that can be used on smaller equipment, such as skid steer loaders, backhoes and mini-excavators. Despite their smaller size, these offer extremely high standards of productivity. The range is entirely produced in their factory in Italy, using high-strength Hardox steel.

A newer entrant to the GCC market is Hartl Crushers, which has an exclusive distribution agreement with FAMCO for the Gulf region. Dominik Hartl, the company’s CEO, told

41 Bucket crusher attachments, such as those from Italy’s MB Crusher, allow contractors to recycle material on site economically and effectively without extra equipment.

CMME in an interview when the company signed with its regional dealer a coupleof years ago that he’s excited about market demand in the Middle East. “The potential in this market is enormous and we expect long-term benefits.”

The Austrian company has a long history of providing equipment to the quarry industry, explains Hartl, grandson of the company’s founder. His father and uncle were innovators, developing in 1977 a crusher unit on wheels in response to the needs of their own quarry.

With a high throughput rate, the Powercrusher was marketed as the world’s first mobile crusher unit. This was followed by a fully mobile recycling plant for concrete in 1980, and the business focus shifted to manufacturing quarry equipment instead of quarrying. Today, Hartl Crusher sells a range of bucket crushers and screens, as well as a recently launched mobile screen plant.

Meanwhile, another industry heavyweight and an important player in the crushing segment, Atlas Copco has several solutions for the crushing industry. Apart from its crushing buckets, the company will also now offer drum cutters in its line-up after its acquisition of Germany’s Erkat Spezialmaschinen und Service GmbH, a manufacturer of drum cutter attachments for excavators.

Erkat, based in Hämbach, Germany, has sales and service locations worldwide. The company makes drum cutter attachments for excavators used primarily in construction and demolition and for quarries and tunnels.

The Erkat brand name is well recognised for premium quality and continuous innovation.

“Drum cutters are an ideal complementary product for Atlas Copco as a solution provider in rock excavation, tunnel and foundation profiling and demolition,” said Vladimir Kozlovskiy, president of Atlas Copco´s Construction Tools Division.

In demolition and rock excavation today, a new technology is breaking through, mainly driven by legislation, to reduce sound and vibration, but also due to better performance in certain applications and material properties. “Drum Cutters close the gap in certain applications between the ordinary buckets which are suitable for soil excavation and the highly sophisticated hydraulic breakers which are used in hard rock extraction,” adds Kozlovskiy.

Apart from demand in civil construction, MB Crusher has seen good business from quarry operators in the region, who like being able to use it in areas where it would be difficult to place a mobile crusher, or with smaller volumes. In these cases, crushing

42

CRUSHERS FEBRUARY 2017

with an attachment avoids the cost and time of using trucks to transport material to the primary crusher.

The quality of material produced by a crusher bucket is as good as that produced from a static crusher, Sahraoui explained to this magazine, and when operators realise they can eliminate transport costs, the business case is pretty clear.

“A bucket crusher can never replace the mobile or the fixed crusher, but it’s an instrument that can be used alongside existing plants,” he explained. And using only a single machine to crush in hard-to-reach areas of a quarry can save costs in terms of staff, consumption of fuel and maintenance.

MB claims to sell the largest bucket crusher in the world, the BF150.10, the ‘Records Bucket’. This is matched to excavators 70t and larger, and has a total weight of over 10t.

But this hefty specification is more than compensated for by its output: with a load capacity of 2.30m3, it can produce 120m3 per hour. The firm has sold a number of units to Saudi Arabia, and is in discussion with customers in Kuwait and Qatar.

Drum cutter attachments are ideal for cutting and demolishing hard materials and offer the ease of being coupled with on-site equipment such as excavators.

ImpaCt CRUSHER

sMashed on the flow The Terex Finlay I-140 direct drive 1270mm x

material flow through the plant. The flow

into the impact chamber for optimal crushing

1240mm horizontal impact crusher with variable

of material has been significantly improved

conditions. Material from the integrated pre-

speed gives operators unprecedented levels

by increasing the width of components as

screen can be diverted to a stock pile via the

of production in both recycling, mining and

the material moves through the machine.

optional by-pass conveyor, or it may join the

quarrying applications. The robust and proven

The machine features an advanced electronic

crushed product on the main belt. The standard

Terex CR032 chamber gives excellent reduction

control system that monitors and controls the

hopper capacity of 6m³ places the machine at

ratios and high consistency of product shape.

speed of the rotor and regulates the heavy duty

the forefront in this competitive market sector.

A significant engineering approach being introduced in this model is the

vibrating feeder (VGF) with integrated prescreen to maintain a consistent feed of material

“The introduction of the Terex Finlay I-140 represents a significant step change in our family of impact crushers. Our field test results of extensive testing have recorded significant productivity increases depending on the application, over the model that it replaces.

The enhanced material flow process of the plant represents a significant step change to our engineering ethos and in due course will be extended to encompass our range of impact crushers” says Alan Witherow, product manager.

The ease of material flow through the machine has greatly improved with each component of the machine increasing in width as the material moves through the machine. Fully hydraulic apron setting assist provides convenient and efficient adjustment of the aprons.

Heavy duty vibrating feeder (VGF) with integrated pre-screen removes dirt fines and sizes bypass material for reprocessing. Optional under crusher vibratory plate feeder with wear resistant liners aids material discharge flow.

43

BUCkEt CRUSHERS

NEw gENERatIoN flagSHIp

atlas copco expands bc range

Mb crusher updates its original bucket

Atlas Copco has expanded its BC

the absence of slippage during

range of crushing buckets with the

start-up ensures constant power

introduction of two new models.

transmission and no extra load on

The new BC 2100 and BC 5300 models have service weights of 2t

the bearings, says Atlas Copco.

The company adds that bucket

and 5.3t respectively. The BC model

crushers are often efficient

range already included the BC 2500

alternatives to mobile jaw crushers

and BC 3700 crushing buckets,

for small demolition, recycling and

which were launched at Bauma last

road construction applications,

year, and the addition of the two

offering greater flexibility in terms

new models increases the capacity

of operating reach, depending

spectrum the line-up offers.

on the mobility of the carrier.

Atlas Copco says the bucket

Two more useful features on

crushers are robust attachments

the new BC bucket crushers

that offer up to 30% higher

are an automatic anti-lock

output with significantly

mechanism and a reversing

less maintenance. The BC

function. While the first feature

range now includes bucket

continuously repositions the

crushers with service weights

material being crushed to ensure

of 2000-5300 kg, suitable for

that even larger pieces are guided

carriers weighing 18-54t.

automatically in the direction

Among the features of the

of the crushing jaw, the second

BC crushing buckets are high

enables the operator to change

resistance to wear and fatigue,

the rotation direction, push the

and a unique circular crushing

material back into the inlet and

cycle, which gives BC them up to

thus easily remove blockages.

Adjusting the crushing size

According to MB Crusher, its

been effected simultaneously

models. Other features include

or granulometry on the new

flagship model, the BF90.3, is

in the standard maintenance

an advanced twin-drive system

BC bucket crushers requires

the first crusher bucket ever in

time thanks to an integrated

with two hydraulic motors. Full

very little time and can even be

the world. Designed to resist the

centralised greasing system.

loading capacity can be used

done by the operator without

most challenging conditions on

Also, thanks to higher levels

without risk of blockages and

the use of special tools.

any site, the BF90.3 is extremely

of power and the strengthening

compact and versatile.

of parts and sections subject to

a 30% higher output than previous

Periodically updated and

the most stress and wear, the

made more powerful over

updated model offers increased

the years, it is suitable for all

resistance and performance,

crushing operations, even

even in the most extreme

the most challenging, and

operational conditions.

maintains the same results

MB says its R&D department

in terms of performance

has taken into consideration

with all types of material.

the suggestions of its clients,

But now, the Italian company

who use the equipment in the

says, a good thing has gotten

widest range of applications.

even better with the introduction

Studying their experiences

of the BF90.3 S4 - a more

and learning from them has

powerful and updated version of

provided the company many

the company’s flagship, exactly

solutions and performance

one year on from the last update.

enhancement methods that

Productivity has been increased, thanks to a functional restyling of the internal structure

benefit the equipment’s application on job sites.

As Diego Azzolin, MB’s head of

of the machine, which allows

production, says: “Revolution and

for an increase in performance

innovation are not static factors,

and strength. Reliability has

but instead present a continuous

also been improved in terms

challenge for improvement.” And

of stability and working

with the BF90.3 S4, MB claims

precision, and a reduction has

to have risen to that challenge.

44

Rough teRRain cRanes FEBRUARY 2017

Lifting in the rough

The rough Terrain crane is one of The mosT imporTanT pieces of kiT in The region and iTs versaTiliTy and ruggedness are ensuring conTinued demand, manufacTurers and dealers Tell CMME

F

or crane manufacturers, rough terrain cranes are the top sellers by volume: smaller and less complicated than all-terrain cranes, RTs are expected to work long hours on job-sites, whether civil construction, infrastructure, petrochemical plants or industrial. Long hours can mean travelling across the job-site and performing many different lifts in a single day, with the operator expected to be able to safely and productively operate the crane.

The nature of the RT as a job-site work tool means that ownership or at least operation is typically concentrated with end users, Manitowoc’s David Semple, senior vice president for mobile cranes Middle East and Asia Pacific, told CMME in an earlier conversation. By comparison, while ownership of all-terrain cranes is around 80-90% by rental companies, for rough terrains ownership by end users is 40-50%.

“The trend is clearly going towards rentals, but due to the purpose of the crane – as a tool – many contractors will continue to own their fleet of RTs, or at least keep a core fleet they own with rental supplementing their fleet during peaks,” explained Semple. Company ownership and the workhorse nature of rough terrains means they have to be a “simplier and sturdier product”, he says. “You need to be able to run these machines with very simple maintenance, and with very simple training for the operator and maintenance teams.”

A popular model in the Grove range is the RT550E. The RT550E sits between the smaller 35t RT540E and the larger RT650E in the Grove range, and has been something of a surprise success in the Middle East, as it was designed and built in Italy with support from US engineers, and intended primarily for European markets. With stringent road restrictions in Europe, the 45t capacity class rough terrain was designed with a narrower chassis, but has become popular in the Middle East for its 39m long boom, one of the longest in its class. This allows customers to go higher, especially important in the region’s petrochemical sector.

“There is a need to go very high in the Middle East, not so frequently for building construction since for this we use tower cranes, but for industrial and petrochemical jobs.

The cranes we have meet the specific load requirements of these environments.”

When CMME spoke a while back to Christian Kassner, the then senior manager sales & customer support at Terex Cranes Middle East, he said that when considering the market requirements for rough terrain cranes, the availability of skilled labour – not only for operators, but also for maintenance and the whole support crew – is one important factor. This means designing a crane that is easier to operate and to service, meaning less electronics, lower complexity and improved access. According to Kassner in the region, the 50-80t range is key, with Terex offering the 75t Quadstar 1075, the 65t Quadstar 1065 and the 100t Quadstar 1100.

Terex is is always looking to develop relationships with its customers that span finance, service, equipment and support, according to Kassner. “It’s all about how you deal with your

45 The rough terrain crane is a popular equipment class in the Middle East and GCC regions owing to its robustness and the nature of the sites it is required to work in.

46

Rough teRRain cRanes FEBRUARY 2017

Brands such as Grove and Terex are well established in the Middle East’s RTC landscape even as Chinese manufactures enjoy good sales.

sany sRc550h

seTTing The bar high Sany’s SRC550H rough terrain crane is one of the most popular models in the company’s line-up in the region. The crane, which has a lifting capacity of 55t, is equipped with an efficient and unique hydraulic system, which has a load feedback and constant power control to provide strong lifting capacity and good micro-mobility. A unique steering buffer design also ensures smooth braking operations.

The model sports a five-section U-shaped boom of high strength steel, which is 43m in length when fully extended and has a maximum lift height of 60.6m, including the jib. Jib mounting angles are 0, 15, and 30 degrees, which ensure fast and convenient change-over between different operating conditions so as to improve the overall working efficiency.

Travelling performance and ground mobility is taken care of by the four-wheel drive system with four steering modes. Comfort and ‘trafficability’ in complex terrain conditions is improved with its minimum turning radius of no more than 6.7m. Powering the crane is an engine that produces a maximum of 188Kw and a peak torque of 970Nm, enabling a maximum ground speed of 40kph.

The SRC550h is also equipped with a Load Moment Limiter, a comprehensive intelligent protection system with accuracy within 10%, which ensures safer and more reliable operation with the adoption of a comprehensive logic and interlock control system.

For added safety, main and auxiliary winches are equipped with over roll-out limiter to prevent over rolling-out of wire rope. Boom and jib ends are equipped with height limiters respectively to prevent over-hoisting of wire rope.

According to UMET’s Roland David: “The combination of crane, mobility and safety features the SRC550h offers, coupled with its robust strength and lift capabilities, makes it one of the most preferred models in the region’s equipment sector.”

customer, not really about the ‘spec game’.”

This includes helping customers decide on the best crane for their needs. “The major challenge for any end user is predicting what they want to do on a job-site. In the past, people said they wanted a 50t or 80t crane.

What we are developing is an understanding of what the customer wants to do.”

Terex offers customers its Terex Liftplan product, a free lift planning tool. While historically only customers with big machines and complicated lifts have used such tools, Terex offers the service to anyone who uses a Terex crane, “as it will allow smaller jobs to be better planned and therefore safer. It might be the fleet owner contracted to carry out a particular project, or one of his hire customers needing information on-site”.

The Liftplan encompasses all the variables encountered on a job-site, including ground pressure, slewing angle, optimised configuration, positioning and with which radius or luffing angle.

The Chinese brands, meanwhile, are having a relatively easier time, according to their dealers. Zoomlion leads the market in Saudi Arabia and its exclusive dealer in the Kingdom, RANCO, says the country is the biggest user of rough terrain cranes in the Middle East with roughly 50% of the total GCC market for the category.

The Chinese giant entered the Saudi market in 2002 with its first crane, and has since exported more than 600 units to the

Kingdom. RANCO, too, has a track record to match. As exclusive dealers for Zoomlion RTCs, the company has its base in Khobar and has also branched out in Riyadh and Jeddah to serve the entire Saudi market.

Fahad Al Rabiah, marketing and deputy commercial manager, RANCO, says: “We represent Zoomlion’s entire RTC range and we have also included their crawler cranes and knuckle telescopic cranes in our portfolio, which enables us to offer complementary lifting solutions to our customers.”

Over in the UAE, Sany rules the roost. And its dealer in the country, Abu Dhabi-based United Mechanical Equipment Trading (UME), has had a buoyant year so far, having sold around 30-odd units to large projects and contractors in the UAE. According to Roland David, the most in-demand models in Sany’s range are the 30, 60 and 80t RTCs. “We have seen good sales recently to fleet operators, such as Al Faris cranes. Some of the machines are being employed in places such as Dubai Parks and are also working at Abu Dhabi Port’s expansion projects,” he says.

David adds that Sany’s RTCs are essentially premium products at less-than premium prices. And backed by UME’s dedicated 24-7, on-site support, they are assets that lower customers’ operating expenditure, making a positive difference to the bottom line.

And making a difference is what the RTC is doing in the region, proving to be a machine that bucks the sliding sales trend with its versatility and strength.

47

liebheRR lRt seRies

raising The game Liebherr has added a new series of roughterrain cranes in the 90t and 100t classes to its product range. The LRT 1090-2.1 and LRT 1100-2.1, which will be formally unveiled at Conexpo 2017, Las Vegas in March, feature high performance, safety and comfort.

Both new crane models feature an outrigger monitoring system as standard.

The support status, on tyres or outriggers, is detected automatically and saved to the crane controller. The attachment of the ballast to the turntable and the installation of the optional double folding jib, including its angle adjustment, are also recorded and monitored. flexibility on site. As a result of the increased

by Liebherr as the first mobile cranes

developed by Liebherr as standard on the new

lifting capacities when hoisting over the

which comply with all global regulations

LRT cranes makes an important contribution

supports, the crane can hoist loads normally

such as the US standard ANSI B30.5, the

to enhancing safety. VarioBase allows each

reserved for the next higher crane class.

European EN 13000, Australian Standards

individual outrigger beam to be extended to

Safety is also enhanced by providing

The VarioBase variable support base

(AS) and the Russian GOST standard.

The new LRT cranes are powerful and robust,

arbitrary lengths. The crane work is controlled

greater comfort for the crane operator. For

by the load moment limiter within the LICCON

example, the cabin is 220mm wider than

have good off-road capability and are also

controller, which calculates the maximum

the market standard and can be tilted to

manoeuvrable. Both models are powered by a

load capacities precisely for the current

provide greater comfort when hoisting loads

Cummins diesel engine with 264bhp of power

situation. This prevents accidents by human

to great heights. Clear, self-explanatory

and 990Nm of torque. A six-speed Powershift

error during the assembly process and when

controls make for easy handling.

transmission from DANA and large 29.5 R25

The two LRT models will be launched

tyres ensure great off-road capability.

Manoeuvrability and robustness best describe

“The Zoomlion sports features such as

popularity,” says Ranco’s Fahad Al Rabia.

Zoomlion’s RT60 rough terrain crane model,

variable steering modes, front-wheel steer,

which has a maximum lift capacity of 60t.

four-wheel steer and crab steer. Its short

angles built into the design, as well as

Features such as four-wheel drive and a

vehicle length and small turning radius

excellent off-road capability only add to

four-wheel steering chassis with a fully

provide the crane with maximum flexibility

its utility in difficult job sites, he added.

hydraulic steering system enable access to

of movement enabling access to narrow job

and performance in difficult job sites

sites. This is a big contributing factor to its

hoisting loads. VarioBase also provides greater

Zoomlion Rt60

Zooming upwards

The optimum departure and approach

A Cummins electronically-controlled engine, automated transmission and steerable drive axle provide reliable power output, enough for conditions of abrupt road resistance. Hydraulic suspension and special tyres maximise the drive performance for remote, difficult-to-reach job sites.

The RT60 has the ability to pick and carry loads, thus improving its utility and versatility greatly. It can also perform ‘on-tyre’ lifts without extending the outrigger beams in narrow job sites.

The crane’s single cab design with a big skylight provides a large field of view. The seat is air-cushioned to ease operator fatigue on long work days, thus improving efficiency. The cab is also climate controlled, which makes it suitable for all-weather work. In fact, this feature has contributed to the popularity of the model in the region, as it has become a favourite with operators, said Al Rabiah.

48

THE LAST WORD FEBRUARY 2017

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s p l a e h T f o l l a c s r e w s n a x Tere

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0m or 14x1 se at Gries either 10x1 o th as ch ditions, su difficult con

T

2,500m

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