Construction Machinery ME June 2017

ISSUE 68 JUNE 2017

PlUs

A NG s B A H T I W E O H K i BAC Backhoe

BoBcat ’s s one year a sUcces its l aUnch on from

Y D A E T S S E I L F N O er s T HE DR AG UfactUr

m an e s e h W ith t n i a P h c h t groW on sloW ded ProdUcts valUe-ad

G N I TAK OAD L E H ON T

aders o l l e e h W

up e h t n o e is n i ts h c c e a p s m o e r l p b sa nd n a e s p e s i r d u n t i a , fe the s l e d o m with new

2020 READY

Integrated supply chain solutions that move your business forward.

When it comes to integrated logistics solutions across the supply chain, you can trust Al-Futtaim Logistics to get your business moving ahead.

Freight Forwarding and Local Services | Warehousing and Contract Logistics | Automotive Logistics Road Transport and Distribution | Corporate Transportation | Relocations and International Moving Automotive: Vehicles, Spare Parts, Machinery | Retail: Fashion, Footwear, Food, Electronics, High Tech, Furniture, Home Delivery | Engineering | Industrial | Special Projects: Exhibitions, Heavy Lifts, Breakbulk | Humanitarian

P.O. Box 61450, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tel: +971 4 881 8288, Fax: +971 4 881 9157 e-mail: contact@aflogistics.com

www.aflogistics.com

CONTENTS JUNE 2017 6_News The latest news from across the region and further afield.

14_a biRd’s eye View Cavendish Maxwell’s Patrick Ditcham comments on the vagaries of the construction landscape and the importance of machinery valuation.

16_back-hoe wiTh a baNg On year after launching its landmark backhoe loader, Bobcat finds itself at the top of its market as a ripple effect of the new machine.

20_The dRagoN flies sTeady

32

After weathering the recent dip in the market, Chinese manufacturers

12 D Sp oT TeS a eU IN eTreh x all-terrain

settle on a slow and steady expansion with their value-added products.

r e w o p raw 26_ New R

e l e a se s

ases e latest rele

Th

30_Top T

achinery.

struction m

orld of con from the w

eN

eration.

The load

ith new ent class w top equipm a n ai m re ers Wheel load

features. models and

odels. g boom i Capacity m b a tr ’s X h e i it w N 38_ge s its range list expand ccess Powered a

specia

12

l loader op

whee for safety in w o ll fo to s Step

g oN 32_TakiN

Ndia e s i T iN i

14

ak e country. peNTa m o duced in th V ro p l e o in V g _ n e 0 4 ver ut its first e ajor rolls o

Swedish m

26

T or ms crane perf at US unique lift stadium

38

20

16

2

EDITORIAL JUNE 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 aelred.doyle@cpimediagroup.com

An ode to Adventure To paraphrase the poet T.S. Eliot, “In a year there is time for decisions and revisions that a year will reverse”. Bobcat’s adventure with its backhoe loader has me waxing poetic – and why not?

A year ago at around this time, the compact equipment specialist took the bold yet well-thought-out decision to launch its biggest equipment class bang in the middle of troubled economic times. A year later, it could have been a misadventure and the decision may have needed to be reversed.

But this span of a year has proved that this was a decision that needed no revision.

In fact, Bobcat’s entire reason de etre for the backhoe was to reach the top of the compact equipment segment. It had surmised – correctly – that attaining that peak would be impossible without a backhoe in its arsenal, because if there is one piece of equipment that this region swears by, it’s the backhoe.

After 12 months, the backhoe has aided the manufacturer to push up its sales in all the other compact equipment classes that it operates in, with the result that Bobcat is now numero uno in the Middle East’s compact equipment segment. Gaby Rhayem, the company’s regional director, Middle East and Africa, tell us more about the achievement in this issue.

Meanwhile, some Chinese manufacturers are also reaping the rewards of their steadfast decision to stay the course in the region, despite the turbulent economic times. As Shantui, SDLG and Sany tell us, a focus on value-addition and research-based customisation has allowed them to deliver just what the customer wanted, enabling

them to break through the paradigm of price-consciousness to be considered more on par with the established western brands than ever before.

Elsewhere, the ubiquitous wheel loader shows us just why it is one of the pillars of the sector. Manufacturers and dealers tell us that it is still going stronger than can be expected in these constrained times as the region continues with must-deliver projects and embarks on some new ones. The biggest names in the wheel loader business lead us through what the machines can offer at job-sites and some of the projects they are involved with.

Speaking of projects, the Holy Month is now upon us and CMME wishes you Ramadan Kareem and reminds you to put safety first as you go about the job-site during the long fasting hours.

Since we will only meet again after the Eid celebrations are over, here’s wishing all our readers the best of the festive seasons and Eid Mubarak as well!

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.

4

ONLINE JUNE 2017

MOST POPULAR

fEATURED

CONSTRUCTION

READERS’ COMMENTS

DUbAI’S ENERgy fOR SUSTAINAbILITy

Dubai Holding unveils $1.7bn Marsa Al Arab megaproject

I loved reading about the news that Dubaiheadquartered consultancy AESG and global technology research organisation Tecnalia have formed a partnership for the Middle East to deliver solutions for sustainable development in the region (‘AESG in sustainability partnership with Tecnalia’, May 9). Such stories give a bit of an insight on how Dubai seems to convert these energy and sustainability ambitions into reality in such short timeframes.

CONSTRUCTION

Nakheel awards $408m The Palm Gateway contract

In pictures: On site at Cayan Cantara, Dubai

John, comment posted to website

CONSTRUCTION

Emaar completes ‘sky bridge’ feat in Dubai

WE ShOULD hAVE NO TRUCk WITh OLDER LORRIES

CONSTRUCTION

Aldar awards $462m Yas Acres contract

CONSTRUCTION

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar ‘to issue tenders for four projects’

Video: big Project ME Contractors Cup 2017

There was some useful advice in your recent article (‘Wake up to truck safety: Strategies for Gulf fleet operators’, February 8). As the article points out, a tired driver behind the wheel can turn a very safe and modern truck into a dangerous or hazardous truck. But let’s not forget that not all trucks on the roads of the region are ‘very safe and modern’. It is time to take older trucks off the roads for the safety of all – and, of course, the environment.

Name withheld, via email

Premium, tough and productive THE VOLVO FMX is a premium truck that is perfect for tough construction jobs and is available in both rigid and tractor versions. It is packed with the latest technical innovations and everything – from in-cab material to the chassis – is of the highest quality. In addition, the Volvo FMX packs a heavy payload, has excellent ground clearance and offers safe driving in all conditions. In short, it is a very productive truck that improves your profitability.

For MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOLVO FMX please visit volvotrucks.com/FMX

THE NEW Volvo FMX

S W NE 6

New eNtraNt

UK’s AUger TorqUe lAUnches regionAl bAse in AbU dhAbi

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 YUTOnG ADOpTS

British earthmoving attachment

TRIMBlE SYSTEM

manufacturer and engineering

Zhengzhou

solutions provider, Auger Torque

Yutong Heavy

Europe has opened a regional

Industries is the

operational headquarters in the UAE

first Chinese

following a successful exclusive

company to

distribution agreement for its

participate in the

equipment with Abu Dhabi-based

Trimble Ready

United Motors Heavy Equipment.

programme

The official launch of Auger

for dynamic

Torque Middle East took place at

compaction

the premises of United Motors,

applications.

a company of the Darwish Bin

Trimble will work

Ahmed and Sons Group. Among

with Yutong to

the guests at the event were

integrate the

key customers from across the

Trimble DPS900

region and dignitaries from the

Machine Control

British Embassy in the UAE, the UK

System into

Department of International Trade

Yutong’s dynamic

and United Motors’ management.

compaction

The event included live equipment

machines. The

demonstrations, showcasing

system uses real-

the manufacturer’s attachment

time navigation

technologies and solutions.

New facility for Toyota Material Handling

and automatic

the machine

launch also heralds an expansion

Al-Futtaim Motors has opened its first stand-alone Toyota Material Handling 3S facility in the UAE in Dubai’s Umm Ramool area.

The exclusive distributor of Toyota Material Handling in the UAE said that the 3S – which stands for sales, service and spare parts – is a fully integrated After Sales Evaluation and Certifion (ASEC) facility that offers customers the convenience of a dedicated service area that includes 18 simultaneous working bays.

Additionally, the facility uses an automated robotic vehicle that follows markers or wires on the floor, using lasers for navigation, in order to increase uptime between the parts counter and

at the precise

across its priority markets in

compaction point,

Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and

automatically

other countries in the region.

service technicians, ensuring faster service, efficiency and productivity.

Ramez Hamdan, GM of Toyota Material Handling at Al-Futtaim Motors, said: “The opening of our first standalone Toyota Material Handling facility in Dubai marks a huge milestone for us.

We pride ourselves on delivering not just reliable equipment of excellent quality, as well as premium after-sales services, but also nonstop solution services where customers can get full warehousing, logistics and transportation consultancy, all in one place.”

The new facility will be open five days a week, from 8am to 5pm, Al-Futtaim Motors said.

Auger Torque said its Abu

recording to

Dhabi facility will be the launch

allow operators

pad for the regional roll-out and

to use the in-cab

development of its products in

display to position

the Middle East region. The UAE

recording the

Zaid Rassool, general manager,

drops and total

Auger Torque ME, who will be

displacements.

leading the company in the region,

The operator has

said: “Our launch in the Middle

better control of

East and strategic partnership

the equipment

with United Motors expands

and can improve

our footprint and allows us to

quality and safety.

maintain a presence on the ground, cementing key partnerships within the UAE and beyond.”

Auger Torque manufactures earth drills, augers, trenchers and other attachments for loader cranes, excavators and skid-steer loaders.

8

NewS rOUND-UP JUNE 2017

techNOlOgy PartNerShiP

honeywell, ArAmco sign digiTisATion deAl

Chicago Pneumatic in Kuwait light tower deal

nEw STYlInG AnD lIvERY fOR cASE Case Construction Equipment is undergoing a re-branding with new livery on its products to reflect the consolidation of its brands and

Honeywell and Saudi Aramco

products in all

have signed a memorandum of

markets globally.

understanding (MoU) to implement

The company

the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

recently signed

and advanced digitisation within Saudi

agreements with

Aramco’s operations.

Sumitomo and

An oilfield construction project in Kuwait will see 25 LED light towers from Chicago Pneumatic (CP) in use, after the American company’s distributor in the country placed an order for the equipment.

CP distributor General Transportation & Equipment Company (GTE) has ordered the CPLT V15 LED light tower model, which will provide illumination for a time-sensitive oilfield

IvEcO HITS OnE MIllIOn fB fAnS Iveco’s Facebook page welcomed its one-millionth fan last month, and the company celebrated by dedicating a post to those who travel every day around the world on its vehicles.

Iveco has 30 local FB pages in its global markets.

The Brazil page has the most fans.

construction project being carried out by local contractor AlYousifi Engineering & Construction.

GTE was originally asked to provide metal halide light towers by the contractor.

However, due to the time- and costsensitive nature of the development, the dealer advised the contractor to consider more modern LED models because of

their greater efficiencies.

The order is the first sale of CPLT V15 LED light towers in the Middle East.

Amjad Fallatah, regional product manager for Chicago Pneumatic, said: “We would like to congratulate GTE for closing this deal and recognise their wonderful performance during recent months, in which they have set trends and increased the awareness of our portfolio in Kuwait.”

VolVo s CE un V Eil ElEC triC ot y pE r prot E xCaVato electric latest 100%

s owed off it X2 – at the Volvo CE sh pe – the E ty to ro p e r xcavato month. Th compact e mmit last u S n o ti 10 va s, on up Inno zero emissi Volvo Gro ine delivers ch a e levels m is o ly n n r o e concepttimes low 10 , cy n e compared er effici ownership times high f o st co l d tota n operate and reduce The EX2 ca . ls e d o m l tiona tions with to conven se applica n te in in ours g 38KWh. for eight h es totallin ri e tt a b n io two lithium orld’s first s it is the w r Volvo claim ct excavato ric compa fully-elect . prototype

Under the agreement, the two

Hyundai Heavy

companies will work together to

Industries, and

increase throughput, raise yield and

redeveloped and

improve reliability of Saudi Aramco’s

rebranded its San

operations by leveraging the cloud-

Mauro and Lecce

based services and predictive analytics

plants to create

solutions of Honeywell connected

the Case European

plant (Hcp) technologies.

Excavator

According to Honeywell, Hcp

and Wheeled

combines the company’s industrial

Equipment Hubs.

expertise, software and cloud

The new livery is

technologies to make customers’

reflective of these

operations more reliable, profitable

steps and of Case’s

and secure. The new agreement

global strategy.

will allow Saudi Aramco to enhance operational performance across its network of facilities while presenting significant opportunities for Honeywell to advance the adoption of the latest software industrial solutions.

9

Potain dealer NFT moves to larger new storage yard near Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi-based NFT for Tower Cranes has announced its move to a new 300,000sqm yard off Ghweifat International highway, southwest of the UAE capital.

NFT, the world’s biggest dealer for Manitowoc’s Potain tower cranes, said the new facility in the Al Dhafra area will stock its crane components, spare parts and hoists, and will also become its new headquarters in the future.

“After extensive and careful research, the plot of land in Al Dhafra was chosen to be the base for our operations not only for the UAE, but for our worldwide activities as well,” said Nabil Al Zahlawi, NFT CEO. “The yard will replace our existing yards [in the UAE] in

GOOD Q1 AT wAcKER nEUSOn Munich-based compact equipment major Wacker Neuson has reported revenues of $379.92m in the first quarter of 2017, a year-onyear rise of 7%.

Revenues rose 9% in its stronghold of Europe while the

Al Mafraq and Sweihan near Al Ain City, and we also plan to move our headquarters there. It has taken us less than three months and more than a thousand trailer truck trips to complete the move from Al Mafraq to Al Dhafra, without

any interruption to our ongoing export-import operations.

Our day-to-day work was not compromised as the move from the 15,000sqm Mafraq yard to Al Dhafra was completed.”

NFT has dedicated two facilities to reconditioning used

ETIHAD RAIl, Al eNvirONmeNt aND Safety

sAbic Ties Up wiTh dUponT To enhAnce ehs performAnce

SAfA InTEGRATE RAIl-TRUcK cARGO

tower cranes at the new site.

The first will handle welding and painting, and the second mechanical and electrical work.

The yard is now home to NFT’s stock of 1,800 tower cranes, 200 of which are brand new. It also contains hoists and spare parts.

Americas region grew even more rapidly at 13%.

Revenue dropped in Asia-Pacific while Australia and New Zealand returned growth.

Hino 500 Series trucks launched in the UAE

Etihad Rail Saudi diversified chemicals

was chosen to help with the

has signed a

giant SABIc and Dupont

transformation as “we trust

Memorandum of

Sustainable Solutions

they can provide our company

Understanding

(DSS) have announced a

with solutions to help achieve

(MoU) with

collaboration to enhance

a world-class standard”.

trucking and

the Riyadh-based company’s

SABIc said that in line

transportation

environment, health and safety

with its 2025 strategy, it is

services provider

(EHS) performance.

becoming more global and

Al Safa Transport

distinctive in its product

for cargo

move to position SABIc as a

offering, and more integrated

movement using

world leader in the EHS arena,

in its operations. The EHS

an integrated

Dupont said the step is in line

transformation project will

railway and truck

with the Saudi company’s

facilitate this change by

transport model.

long-term 2025 strategy.

strengthening operational

The UAE’s railways

risk management, leadership

operator said the

vice-president, corporate

capabilities and effectiveness

agreement will

Manufacturing, SABIc, said:

of systems and processes to

enable efficient

“SABIc’s EHS achievements

manage EHS performance.

cargo movement

Describing the tie-up as a

Ahmed Al-Shaikh, executive

in recent years have been

Johan van der westhuyzen,

impressive, and yet there is

MD, Dupont Sustainable

a strong desire within the

Solutions, Turkey, Middle East

leadership team to reach

and Sub-Saharan Africa, said:

the next level in EHS culture

“Dupont remains committed

maturity, as outlined in the

to SABIc. we will deploy our

SABIc 2025 strategy.”

best capabilities and know-

He added that Dupont

how for this project’s success.

using the UAE’s railway network.

UAE-based Al-Futtaim Motors has introduced the redesigned 500 Series medium-duty truck range from Japanese manufacturer Hino to the country. The launch is the second from Hino in recent months, following the introduction of the Hino 300 Series hybrid.

Al-Futtaim Motors, Hino’s exclusive distributor in the UAE, said the 2017 500 Series features a redesigned exterior, a host of enhanced safety features and driver comfort

amenities. The trucks come with a 7.7L Euro-3 compliant engine equipped with a high pressure, electronically controlled common rail fuel injection system and turbocharger/intercooler for lower emissions, and high power and fuel efficiency.

Ramez Hamdan, GM for Hino at Al-Futtaim Motors, said: “This year is proving very positive for Hino, as we continue to grow our market share and introduce new products.”

10

NewS rOUND-UP JUNE 2017

ShOw time

genAvco showcAses prodUcTs And services AT AUTomechAniKA

Terex updates 100t Demag ATC model

Terex Cranes has announced multiple product updates to the Demag AC 100-4L all-terrain crane, which it says are based on customer feedback.

A compact 100t-class crane, the redesigned AC 100-4L features a new design that improves lifting performance, especially when working at steep main boom positions. The updated model includes the Demag IC-1 Plus control system, designed to provide the crane’s maximum allowable lifting capacity, based on the slewing angle, for every crane configuration.

The new control system no longer limits the maximum lifting capacity to a pre-calculated 360-degree load chart based on the most unstable position of the crane. Instantaneous capacity calculations take full advantage of the maximum lifting capacity at any given slewing position for any crane configuration.

This enables the crane to perform jobs of higher-capacity cranes.

An added benefit of the IC-1 Plus control system is the use of a comparably lower counterweight, reducing transport costs.

UAE-equipment

company, and also

supply heavyweight

welcomed the event’s

General navigation

chief guest, Mattar

& commerce

Mohamed Al Tayer,

company (GEnAvcO)

head of Dubai’s Roads

participated in the

& Transport Authority

Automechanika in

(RTA), at the stand.

SDlG lAUncHES

Dubai last month,

AnnIvERSARY

marking another event

a strong believer in

SpEcIAlS

celebrating its 50th

Dubai’s continued

China’s SDLG has

anniversary this year.

ability to remain the

rolled out a range

neeraj Mahajan,

The company is

regional logistics

of special edition

GEnAvcO’s new

and supply chain

equipment to

director, along with key

hub, Mahajan said,

celebrate its 45th

principals, opened the

citing the Dubai Expo

anniversary. The

company’s stand, which

2020 preparations

Volvo CE-owned

was smartly decorated

as a contributor to

company’s new

in its traditional red

further business

releases include

colour. Mahajan

opportunities. The

models from its

exchanged business

automotive business

wheel loader,

ideas with customers

will remain important

excavator and

and principal partners

and Automechanika is

motor grader

of the much-diversified

the perfect platform to

portfolio.

Juma Al Majid Group

expand it, he added.

Each machine features a special coating that commemorates the occasion.

“We are very pleased to celebrate 45 years in the industry,” said chairman Wang Zhizhong.

nEw OTIS lIfTS In MIDEAST Otis has introduced its latest connected Gen2 Life elevator and the expanded Otis SkyRise product family in the Middle East. The Gen2 is the first of its kind to replace conventional ropes with flat belts. New to the SkyRise system is the SkyBuild construction elevator, which transitions for immediate service after construction.

uD truCksronEr Es C unched its launCh as la rucks h r, in the

e UD T k, Cron .

Japan’s uty truc d markets m a iu med rth Afric er o n o N r d C all-new n e new East a t, th s a id E a s ets pany Middle th mark up com for grow lvo Gro d ht o e V ig n e e ig h w T des ehicle as been gross v e ir e r e range h th in nd th vailable PKE – a t and is a LKE and , differen E 1 K 2 M – h up to it models w c , ti a ts ian utom ase var ls the a wheelb . UD fee s n ature, o fe ti t ra ndou ta s configu a is an ission nsion is transm ir suspe a e . il ts h w arian on all v option

11

Liebherr enhances scope of 750t crane class with new boom system A new boom system from Leibherr for its LR 1750/2 and LG 1750 lattice boom cranes will help the 750t lifters erect the latest generation of wind turbines that were hitherto the exclusive domain of the 1000t and above crane classes.

The machinery giant said the completely new SX system, which is available now, was developed keeping in mind turbines with a hub height of up to 165m and component weights of up to 120t.

The new SX system, which has been tested at Leibherr’s acceptance site, differs from previous boom systems by the use of 3.5m wide lattice

sections in the bottom area of the boom, rather than the previous 3m wide ones. The extended lattice sections increase the lateral stability

of the boom and deliver a higher load capacity.

The weight of the lattice sections has also been reduced, enabling the boom

length to be raised up to 165m when combining the main boom and the fixed lattice jib. To further increase lift capacity, the SX2 and SX3 systems features a facility to use two lattice sections, each 14m in length, or three lattice sections of the same length respectively, with a width of 6m installed in the lowest area of the main boom, instead of the 3.5m-wide lattice sections.

This increases the load capacity of the boom system by increasing its rigidity.

The complete SX system can be interchanged between the LR 1750/2 crawler crane and the LG 1750 mobile crane.

RITcHIE BROS clEARED TO AcQUIRE IROnplAnET Construction equipment auctioneer Ritchie Bros has received unconditional clearance from the US Department of Justice for its acquisition of IronPlanet in a $758.5m deal announced in August last year.

IronPlanet sold $787m worth of machinery online in 2015.

ShOw review

projecT qATAr 2017 showcAses consTrUcTion secTor To inTernATionAl exhibiTors And visiTors Under the patronage

platform - live Demo Theatre

of Sheikh Abdullah bin

– saw exhibitors showcasing

nasser bin Khalifa Al-

their latest products and

Thani, the prime minister

innovative solutions to a

and minister of Interior of

wide interactive audience.

Major highlights also

Qatar, the 14th edition of project Qatar last month

included concurrent events

attracted 545 exhibitors

such as Qatar StoneTech

and co-exhibitors from 33

2017, the sixth International

countries around the world.

Stone and Stone Technology Show; Heavy Max 2017, the

Inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al-Thani,

14th International Exhibition

minister of Economy and

for Heavy Machinery; and

commerce, in the presence

the Business Intelligence

of Dr. Mohammed bin

Series, which included the

Saleh Al Sada, minister of

fourth Annual lightingTech Qatar conference, the Qatari

Energy and Industry, on Additionally, project Qatar

lighting industry meeting

May 8 at Doha Exhibition

local, regional, and

accessibility issues for

and convention centre, the

international visitors.

people with disabilities,

introduced a unique platform

place for key officials

aiming to influence project

called Innovation Series for

and industry players.

business event welcomed

This year, project Qatar

Exhibitors at project Qatar

top-ranking officials, key

partnered with Accessible

developers towards

the first time this year. It was

players from the Qatari

Qatar, a SASOl initiative,

making their existing and

part of the show’s popular

are already excited about

construction industry,

to introduce for the first

future venues accessible

workshop Series, where

next year’s edition: “Really

as well as regional and

time the Accessible Qatar

to all, while the ceremony

industry experts discussed

happy to start looking

international stakeholders.

conference and Award

recognised and awarded

the latest and most pressing

forward to project Qatar

The four-day exhibition

ceremony. The conference

Qatar’s currently most

issues in the construction

2018”, said Tim piggott

saw more than 14,200

raised awareness on the

accessible venues.

industry in Qatar. Another

from click Scolmore, UK.

12

KIT SPOTTING JUNE APRIL 2017 2016

Terex Mobile crane aT US STadiUM job

c

edar Rapids, Iowa-based Tri-State Crane & Rigging Service began in 2004 as an offshoot company to support the steel fabrication and erection business of its sister company, Cedar Valley Steel, Inc (CVS). Before forming Tri-State, CVS owned a few rough terrain cranes but mainly rented cranes for its steel erection services.

However, business growth had CVS customers often renting its cranes, so CVS decided to get into the crane business. “We formed TriState as a differentiator when we purchased Anderson Crane Service in 2004,” says Craig Breitbach, president, Tri-State and CVS. Starting with eight cranes, TriState expanded its fleet over the years to meet the needs of a growing customer base. Wayne Kempft, sales representative for RTL Equipment, a Terex Cranes distributor, says: “Strategic purchases like the flexible 72.5t-class Terex Crossover 8000 boom truck and 220t capacity class Terex AC200-1 all-terrain crane helped fuel Tri-State’s growth.”

Today, with a fleet of more than 50 cranes, Tri-State provides cranes for rent in the markets of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, the Dakotas, Wisconsin and Missouri.

However, Tri-State’s fleet topped off at the 220t class, so the company frequently turned down larger lifting projects. This led Breitbach and TriState GM Marty Recker to investigate the 350t class. Working with RTL and Terex Tri-State selected the versatile 350t-class Terex AC 350/6 all-terrain crane to maximise its lifting jobs.

“The AC 350/6 has a 64m main telescoping boom and an impressive

125.7m maximum system length. By rigging the crane with its Superlift system, it can out-perform cranes in the 400t class,” says Bryce Meier, regional business manager, Terex Cranes. Kempf adds: “It is also the most compact six-axle crane produced, which gives Tri-State a high-capacity crane that can fit in tight spaces.”

Without the AC 350/6, Tri-State would not have been able bag a unique project at a local university to kick off the 2016/17 American football season: a benefit concert for the Native Fund at the University of Iowa’s stadium, featuring Blake Shelton and other country music icons. The concert had big-name bands, sponsors and one major unforeseen issue – accessibility.

“No tunnel was large enough to get the equipment or stage into the stadium,” recalls Recker.

Tri-State positioned the AC 350/6 outside the northwest stadium corner to hoist all the equipment and materials over the walls and onto the field. “We needed the full 116.7t of counterweight and the full 64m telescoping boom,” says Recker.

The crane and six trailers of counterweights were positioned in only four hours. “In about 1.5 days, we made a total of 50 picks, including the stage, truss work, equipment and concrete blocks,” says Recker.

The heaviest lift was a Genie S65 telescopic boom used for stage construction. Even with the crane working at extended boom length and radius, it provided plenty of capacity to lift the 10t boom into the stadium. “When the concert was over, we completed teardown in one day,” concludes Recker.

13

“By rigging the crane with its Superlift system, it can out-perform cranes in the 400t class. It is also the most compact six-axle crane produced, which gives Tri-State a high capacity crane that can fit in tight spaces�

14

COMMENT JUNE 2017

A bird’s eye view

Patrick Ditcham, Partner anD heaD of machinery anD Business assets at cavenDish maxwell, shares his oBservations aBout the construction market, anD the neeD to value equiPment assets

H

aving returned to the UAE at the beginning of April following a four-year absence, I have been intrigued at how the skyline has changed in such a relatively short space of time and how the focus of the main developers seems to have shifted.

When I left in 2013, there was still very much a ‘build it and they will come’ attitude.

However, now there appears to be a lot more thought going into building what is needed, and consequently developers are starting to listen to the marketplace and are consulting with the ultimate end user.

Having taken up residence in my new office on the 22nd floor of Marina Plaza in the prestigious Dubai Marina, I have an unenviable view of several developments, including the new tower block being built right next door.

As a Machinery and Business Assets (MBA) valuer, I sadly often get excited at the sight of plant and machinery of all types. Every morning, I look with great anticipation at what is happening and whether any new plant has arrived on-site for me to look at from up high.

It certainly seems that the speed at which some of these tower blocks are going up is increasing, as building practices improve and new methods are incorporated.

As the number of tower blocks increases, so does the number of tower cranes littering

15

“With building spaces becoming tighter, luffing-jib cranes are being used now. They are far more versatile in extremely narrow spaces, with a short counterjib and a variable working radius. The downside to using these cranes is cost, as they are far more expensive than the traditional tower crane”

the skyline. However, this is where I have seen a significant change. Before, more of the traditional tower cranes were seen, but with building spaces becoming tighter, luffing-jib cranes are being used now. They are far more versatile in extremely narrow spaces, with a short counterjib and a variable working radius, which permits high productivity in confined areas. The downside to using these cranes is cost, as they are far more expensive than the traditional tower crane.

A tower block construction site is more than just cranes. So far this week, I have seen the start to finish of level 10 of the tower block next door – the erection of the supporting scaffolding, the formwork being put into place, the rebar being cut and bent on-site, the services being laid down, and finally the trucks arriving to deposit the concrete into a large hopper, which was then pumped through the building and poured into place.

All exciting stuff for an MBA guy!

This got me thinking about how the construction market influences the value of so many different plant and machinery assets.

When one thinks about how many different products go into making a building or civil construction site, it quickly becomes apparent how many other industries are involved. It therefore follows that the state of the property market has a knock-on effect on the market value of a whole array of different classes of assets, some not remotely connected to construction.

Take for example the steel and aluminium industries. When there is a buoyant property market, more projects tend to be given the green light, so it follows that there is greater demand for both aluminium and steel products. To accommodate this, steel and aluminium companies increase production.

As productivity increases, they may look to improve cash flow by taking out finance secured against existing or even newly purchased equipment.

When the market is buoyant, the machinery on which loans are secured is more attractive to the general market and so should provide suitable security. However, if the property market takes a downturn, then the opposite can happen. Production levels are cut, and as the market becomes depressed, fewer companies are looking to purchase equipment, thus driving market values down.

Quite simply, it is all about supply and demand.

This all becomes of great importance to MBA valuers, as when we provide valuations we need to have an eye on what may happen in the future, to be able to provide robust valuation advice.

For reference, level 11 is well underway – exciting times!

16

HEAVY HITTERS JUNE 2017

Bobcat launched its backhoe loader with the same quality promise as its compact equipment for which it has made a name for itself, and has soon found success.

“In some countries we are already No.1.

If anyone had said a year ago that in less than a year after its introduction Bobcat’s backhoe was going to take on the market leaders in the region and trounce them, it would have been laughed off as impossible. But here it is in black and white - numbers don’t lie and we have done it”

17

Back-hoe with a Bang One year On after the launch Of its backhOe lOader, bObcat discusses with CMME the factOrs behind the range’s runaway success that has taken it tO the tOp Of its categOry

w

hen the going gets tough, the tough launch backhoe loaders. And then they thrive. Going by the results of the last 12 months, this seems to be the pattern out there, at least for one tough-as-tiger-claws equipment maker – Bobcat.

At around this time last year, a seminal event happened in the history of the construction equipment market in our region: for the first time ever, a major worldwide manufacturer was basing the global launch of one of its pivotal equipment segments here in the Middle East. When Bobcat made its very first foray into the backhoe loader sector, any surprise one may have had at its unveiling to the world happening in Dubai was soon dissipated by the compact equipment heavyweight’s head of operation for the region.

Gaby Rhayem, Bobcat’s regional director, Middle East and Africa, told CMME then that some regions of the world are backhoe markets – and this is as prime a piece of that market as they come. However, while that addressed the question of “why here”, it still left unanswered the bigger question of “why now”, especially since that “now” was a time of falling sales, depressed demand and a general slowdown in the construction and machinery markets. But at last that “why now” can be answered – and a pretty pleasing answer it is too for Bobcat.

At the backhoe launch last year, Rhayem had said that the company’s stated goal was to capture around 10% of market share in the segment and enter the top-three in the best-selling brands list.

“We’ve done both with room to spare,” says Rhayem in an exclusive interview with CMME, 12 months on from the backhoe launch.

Bobcat’s strategy, vision and reasoning behind the launch have all been vindicated. And the proof of this pudding is in the selling, he adds.

“I’ll tell you what the backhoe did for us,” Rhayem goes on. “Early in

18

HEAVY HITTERS JUNE 2017

FIRST EFFoRT

fOur-prOnged attack

Bobcat’s backhoe loader

breakout force and reduce

range comprises four models

maintenance cost with bolt

– the B700, B730, B750 and

type cylinder head design.

the top-of-the-line B780.

While the B700 is an entry-

Apart from all the features of the B730, the

level model, the top-of-

B750 adds 20-inch front

the-range B780 is a highly-

tyres and a hydraulic

manoeuvrable machine with

joystick control system.

four equal sized wheels and

The standard 4.4l,

is steered by three steering

four-cylinder, 100hp

modes: 2-wheel steer,

turbocharged diesel engine

4-wheel steer and crab steer.

delivers adequate power for

“The main sellers in the

demanding applications,

range, though, are the B730

while reducing operating

and B750. In Saudi Arabia,

costs. It also features a high-

the B750 is leading around

quality filtration system for

40% of the sales. Some

longer life, and its single-

customers who bought one

side service components

machine from us have come

make maintenance easy.

back to place 2-3 repeat

“Because we are new

orders, which means they

to the category we were

are very happy with their

expecting some issues with

purchase,” says Rhayem.

the machines, but we haven’t

Powered by a 100hp

recorded a single major issue

turbocharged engine,

so far. Also, our engineering

driven through a standard

team is constantly

powershift transmission, and

monitoring the performance

controlled by mechanical

of the machines in the

levers, the B730 model

field with our customers,

is equipped with 18-inch

visiting them often, asking

front tyres and two-wheel

questions and observing

steer. Double loader bucket

the machines in action to

cylinders provide superior

know how they’re doing.

2016 we set a target for ourselves - to become the No.1 in the overall compact equipment business for ME and Africa. We met internally, brainstormed, and set this goal for ourselves.

“We needed to keep our position in the segments that we were already leading in, such as in the skid-steer loaders, while we needed to increase our market share in the mini-excavator and telehandler areas.”

This was a carefully thought out plan, with a mature vision. For example, Bobcat spotted some trends early, and Rhayem explains: “Now you already see a lot of buildings in the region. And there are green spaces being created as well.

When landscaping, doing maintenance in a built-up community or making a swimming pool in a villa, you won’t take a 20t excavator into these places. You need smaller equipment. So we needed a product for the prevailing applications.

“So in early 2016, we decided that we will come out with a new product line and it will be the backhoe loader.”

And so in May last year, Bobcat launched it backhoe in the Middle East with a clear vision of what it wanted to achieve. “And now, a year after the launch, the question is, did we achieve it or did we miss it?” poses Rhayem.

No mean feat Pulling up figures from the Association of European Manufacturers (AEM), to site Bobcat’s performance, he says: “We sold about 78 unit of backhoe loaders last year, giving us a 4.7% market share, according to figures published by AEM. And this is for six months, after we started selling the backhoes in June to the end of the year. It took us only six months from a standing start to reach that level, which is no mean feat” Rhayem goes on to reveal the AEM figures for 2016 in the other compact categories that Bobcat sells in before moving on to the figures for this year so far – and unravels a market transformation for the Bobcat brand that is nothing short of a revelation.

“Last year, we had a 13% market share in the telehandler segment in the region. We dominated the skid steer loader market with a nearly 48% market share, while in the compact track loaders our position was even better with a 68% market share,” he explains.

“If you see the total market for compacts, you are talking about 5.600 units last year. We had a roughly 29% market share, placing us in the No.2 position overall, but only 20 adrift of the market leader. But we were not No.1, so it was our aim to become No.1 this year.”

So, in its quest for the numero uno position, Bobcat went back to the drawing board with

the data, analysed it country by country and tried to figure out the best way to tackle each market. A strategy was based on the findings, Rhayem says, “and we implemented it”.

Now cut to March this year, and the news from Bobcat towers is already good. “We’ve cornered the compact track loader market with a 100% market share so far this year. We’ve retained the leading positon we had last year in the mini excavators segment, while in the skidsteer loader segment, which we traditionally dominate, our market share has gone up from around 47% to 55%, a gain of around eight percentage points,” Rhayem reveals.

“So, according to AEM figures, up to the end of March this year, we were at about 34.7% share of the entire compact segment, up from 29% at the same time last year. However, the biggest news is elsewhere – in the backhoe loaders. Our market share in the first quarter of this year has jumped to 17.9% from 4.73% at the end of last year. This is, of course, a huge gain – and it’s way beyond the 10% goal we were thinking of when we launched it last year.”

But there is more good news. Just a month on from the first quarter, when AEM published

19 Bobcat dealers can approach these buyers and say here is our offer for the full package.

“And this is the right strategy. We knew that the backhoe is a big business; the figures so far this year tell us that the market is at least half of the skid-steers, if not more. So when you’re absent in such a big and important category, you will never be able to be No.1.”

Introducing the backhoe has pushed up Bobcat’s share of the other compact equipment classes it offers, such as the mini excavators and the skid-steers. So it has had a positive side effects on the entire range, on the top of the numbers that it itself generates,.

“We are at 36% market share... Between us and the No.2 in the market, we have a difference of more than 11% in market share, making us the runaway leaders in the compact equipment segment” the year-to-date April figures for 2017, Bobcat rejoiced again. Four months into the year, Rhayem says, the company had already sold more backhoe loaders in the region than in the whole of 2016 combined.

“We sold 78 backhoes for the whole of 2016; we’ve already sold 85 in the first four months of this year. And I can confirm that our backhoe production is full until August now. Not only this, at the end of April, our share of the mini excavators segment grew to 16.6%, we had 7.3% of the telehandler market in the region and in skid-steers we continued riding rough shod over the competition with a 55% market share.

“So who is No.1 now? If you take the total of 1,568 pieces of compact equipment sold so far this year, 572 of them have been Bobcat.

We are at 36% market share, compared to 29% at the same time last year, gaining 7% of total share. Between us and the No.2 in the market, we have a difference of more than 11% in market share, making us the runaway leaders in the compact equipment segment at the moment,” points out a very satisfied Rhayem.

Putting it all down to the successful introduction of the backhoe, he says: “See

Launching its backhoe loader had a ripple effect on Bobcat’s other equipment, and led to the brand becoming the overall market leader in compacts.

what it did for us? This is one of the effects of the backhoe, as we’ve been missing a lot of opportunities. For instance, when we went to do a deal with a fleet owner who wanted to buy skid-steers, telehandlers and backhoes, we could only offer him the first two.

“The customer, of course, had to go to someone else to buy backhoes, so he went to one of our competitors, who were already gunning for his business and waiting for just such an opportunity. And they made him a very attractive offer on all three machines, which he accepted for obvious reasons of synergy and convenience, which meant we ended up losing the whole business.”

With the quality and reputation of Bobcat’s skid-steers, the company was still making good standalone sales in that segment, as buyers felt that a Bobcat was peace of mind - but not all buyers with bulk requirements think this way. “They would much rather go to one manufacturer for all their needs, as that’s clearly more convenient. So we were losing out on some significant opportunities because we did not have a backhoe in our line-up.”

But not any more. Today, Rhayem adds,

Already at the top “In some countries in the region, we are already No.1 in the backhoe. If anyone had said a year ago that in less than a year after its introduction Bobcat’s backhoe was going to take on the market leaders head-to-head in the region and trounce them in quite a few markets, it would have been laughed off as impossible. But here it is in black and white numbers don’t lie and we have done it.

In fact, in Saudi, Bobcat now holds over 40% of the total compact equipment segment, leaving the nearest competitor far behind - and this has been brought about by the backhoe, Rhayem feels. “In Iraq, we have 35% of the total compact market, and we’re totally dominating the backhoe sector,” he adds. Kuwait is another success story where the backhoes have made it to the second spot this year.

“And of course we have wiped out the competition in the skid-steers, but that’s more like normal business for us.”

Bobcat’s backhoe is a new machine, but Rhayem says he can give prospective customers a reference to go and look at some machines with 900-1,000 hours of work behind them in the region with zero technical issues.

The backhoe has also been great for the dealers. Even in a down market, it came at the right time and filled a vital gap; it pushed the rest of Bobcat’s products up. If a dealer was experiencing a 10% drop in telehandlers, skidsteers or mini excavators sales, he more than made up for it by selling a couple of backhoes.

“We know that customers not only buy Bobcat, they also buy the dealer.,” Rhayem says. “Our specialist network of dealers is something we give great importance to - we are always reinforcing them, pushing them, working with them to improve service quality and addressing any issues as soon as they arise.

“And, in fact, the dealers, too, said that our backhoe came as a breath of fresh air for them.

Both our dealers and customers said in one voice: ‘Well done Bobcat, you brought it at the right time’!”

20

MARKET FOCUS JUNE 2017

The dragon flies sTeady

After weAthering the recent dip in the Middle eAst’s construction And equipMent sector, chinese MAnufActurers hAve settled on A pAth of slow And steAdy expAnsion in the region, which they feel is priMe territory for their vAlue-Added products

T

he Middle East market may not be what it was two years ago, but that is not deterring the bigticket Chinese equipment makers from betting on the long-term prospects of the region. Adding value, quality, capacity and technology to their products and services is the recourse that Chinese manufacturers are taking to try and remain at the levels of market traction they are accustomed to.

“We all know that the market is going through a lean period. The GCC countries, however, have their commitments to developmental projects related to infrastructure, education, health, housing, public transport, etc. with a fixed time horizon. Hence, there can a bit of a delay but development activities have to carry on,” Kamil Nadeem, area manager, Middle East, at Shantui tells CMME. Sounding quite optimistic about the future, he adds: “Now the time is coming again where we can see a spurt in activities after a brief lull in the recent past. If you look at the UAE, it is committed to the Expo 2020 which is bringing in a lot of projects related to infrastructure and construction. We are getting inquiries regularly for various equipment, from earth-moving to concrete machineries, in the year 2017 and we hope to see a lot of activities just after the holiday season. We do expect some more cash flow and liquidity in the market in the coming time.”

Agreeing with him is the Sany Group’s customer support manager for the region, Charlie Wang. Speaking in a personal capacity, he tells CMME: “The market can now be expected to go on a growth path, at least for the next few years. The main reason is that Dubai government will still invest in infrastructure for the EXPO 2020 and Qatar is also accountable to deliver on its promises for the 2022 FIFA Wold Cup.” “At Sany, our sales have gone up in the last two years, but profits have not increased too much. All competitors are making a beeline for the region and for manufacturers to survive, we are having to engage in a price war of sorts. I expect demand to increase in 2017-

21 One of the world’s largest bulldozer manufacturers, Shantui also makes other machines and has recently supplied its 90t pipelayers to a project in the Caspian region.

“Our sales have been comparatively stable thanks to a good product mix and excellent customer support in the MENA region. We supplied a good number of our 90t pipe layers here, which is a high-value product”

22

MARKET FOCUS JUNE 2017

Chinese manufacturers such as Sany now offer total equipment solutions to Middle East customers and have brought in new models for the purpose.

ShAnTUi

spreAding its wings Well-known as one of the

high levels of customisation

world’s premier bulldozer

and attention to customers’

manufacturers, Shantui has

needs, it was no surprise when

been steadily extending its

earlier this year, Shantui Dubai

reach in the Middle East in

won a $7.25m dozer order

other equipment categories.

for the North Africa market.

The company started the

Shantui Dubai received an

year 2017 on a bright note

inquiry from a local agent

with an order for 63 units

on the bulk purchase of the

of its wheel loaders from an

large horsepower bulldozers

undisclosed Middle Eastern

and developed customised

customer. This follows a

product solutions for it.

recent spate of success for the brand in the region.

Back in 2015, Shantui’s

This comes close of the heels of another big success for the company in Turkey

SD32DQ desert-type bulldozer

where 10 of its SP90Y tracked

debuted in the Middle

pipe layers started working

East market with a 10-unit

together on a Caspian Sea area

order that was the first of

natural gas pipeline last year.

its kind globally. The model

This was the SP90Y’s debut

was especially significant

and a successful breakthrough

because it was designed and

into a market segment

customised jointly by Shantui’s

dominated by Japanese

Dubai branch and Shantui R&D

and Western companies.

centre to specifically meet the needs of the Middle East client.

The SD32DQ is an upgraded

Shantui says its successes have come from attention to detail and customising its

variant of the SD32D to

products - all while listening

confront the severe working

to its customers and providing

conditions in the region. Its

the best after-sales support.

special features include a more

Helping in this is regular

powerful Cummins engine and

training and upskilling of its

upgraded air filter. The model’s

support staff in the region.

heat dissipation potential

Shantui (Dubai) Parts and

was increased 30% with an

Service Training Centre held a

enlarged water tank, heat-

Dealer Service Training Session

resistant tubes and mechanical

last year with service personnel

seals. It also employs a heavy-

of 34 dealers from nine

duty straight-tilt blade and a

countries. This was followed by

lubrication type extended track

another training in Egypt this

to improve working efficiency

year for product knowledge

and prolong its life-span.

and after-sales service skills

Being known for such

for local agents and users.

2018 but don’t expect a change in the price and payment terms.”

Over at SDLG, Jackie Sun, region manager for Middle East and North Africa, says that demand has shrunk in the Middle East region due to persistently low oil prices in recent years. However, the Volvo-owned company does have a silver lining of its own.

“Over the last two years, SDLG has enjoyed the largest market share in the Middle East among all the Chinese construction equipment brands. We remain optimistic about our prospects as we continue to introduce new products to the market, including backhoe loaders and motor graders, to continue to meet customers’ needs,” Sun adds.

Shantui, meanwhile has not done poorly, despite the constraints. “Our sales have been comparatively stable thanks to a good product mix and excellent customer support in the MENA region,” says Nadeem.

“We supplied a good number of our 90t pipe layers here, which is a high-value product. The SP 90Y pipe layers are currently working at an oil pipeline project in the Caspian region.

“We have also done well in the concrete segment, developing large (12M3) transit mixers at extremely competitive prices, which benefited customers by being able

to carry 25% more load than conventional 9-10 M3 drum sizes. With low spare parts costs and 24x7 after sales support from Shantui’s Jebel Ali depot, we have brought down customers’ total cost of ownership drastically, enabling them to recoup their investment in 12-18 months.

“We also have executed fairly good numbers on wheel loader and mid-range motor graders.

And we started well in 2017 with a big deal on bulldozers.”

Customised for success One of the ways that the Chinese manufacturers have made themselves so relevant in the regional market is through the thorough customisation of their products, and SDLG’s Sun says: “Since the climatic conditions in the Middle East are hot and dusty, SDLG has made modifications to the air inlet and engine cooling systems of its equipment to increase reliability, performance and uptime.”

Nadeem adds: “Shantui R&D supports us well to make our machines suit the technical demands of a market. For example, we’ve delivered our main SD32 dozers or SDseries Hydrostatic dozers in the region with original Cummins engines, and also provided component lines with Tier3 engines (Duetz Weichai) and Linde hydraulic pumps and motors, keeping markets like the

23 Middle East in mind.

“Shantui has launched its concrete machinery in the region in the last four years and has succeeded with excellent aftersales support, listening to customers and customising products to their needs with the help of its design engineers.”

In fact, Shantui concrete pumps and mixers are in operation in Dubai in a Guinness Book of World Records-listed project for the longest continuous concrete pour (19,793 M3) by Unibeton, one of Shantui’s biggest customers.

Meanwhile, SDLG has seen strong demand in the region for its 5t L958F wheel loader, whose larger wheel base offers greater stability in harsher terrain and its engine and heat dissipation hood have gull-wing designs for easy access to the engine.

“The L958F is particularly popular among our customers not only because of its durability, but also because its configuration aligns with customers’ preferences,” says Sun, adding that the company will soon launch the G9190 Auto VHP and G9220 Auto VHP motor graders here, with 164kW Dalian Deutz engines, ZF power shift transmissions and three engine power curves for fuel economy as well as the RD730 hydraulic double-drum vibratory asphalt compactor.

For Sany, truck-mounted concrete pumps have seen high demand, says Wang. “We’ve

also introduced our wheel loaders in the region recently as now we want to provide total solutions instead of single products - so we aim to provide total earth moving solutions to the market.”

One tag that plagues Chinese manufacturers still is the perception of being low-cost options. But that is a thing of the past, say the companies.

“Our present quality can compare with the Europeans and Japanese. As a matter of fact, end-users of our equipment quickly realise our product quality – and facts speak louder than words,” says Wang.

Calling the low-cost tag “a myth”, Shantui’s Nadeem says: “The European, American and Japanese brands also use various component lines to meet the demands of various markets; Chinese manufacturers do the same. As

we enter advanced markets in Europe and North America, we’re offering machines with many main components from the top global suppliers to make them fully acceptable anywhere. For example, our concrete boom pumps use all Rexroth/Vickers hydraulics, Japanese or European trucks, Swedish steel for the boom, and imported control valves, motors and pumps - therefore it is essentially a European product under a Chinese name.”

According to SDLG, Middle East, customers prefer machines with lower initial cost, and this is where Chinese equipment brands have a competitive edge over the bigger names.

“Over the years, SDLG machines have proven themselves to be highly reliable and productive. After years of hard work, Chinese manufacturers enjoy a much higher level of brand awareness and recognition in the Middle East market than in the past,” Sun concludes.

SDLG

flying high SDLG is a Chinese manufacturer

but we advised them

on the up in the Middle East.

to choose the LG958L

The company has introduced

because it has a

several new models in the region

three cubic metre

recently and has been part of

bucket to handle

several big-ticket projects.

greater workloads.

One of these is an ongoing

As for the graders, SAJCO needed

exceeded our

large-scale, government-funded

a machine with a 14ft plate and a

expectations in terms of quality and

crushers and mixing plant, and

road maintenance initiative in

power rating above 150kW; for that

performance, and we will definitely

load the processed aggregate into

Saudi Arabia involving 58 SDLG

the G9220 grader was perfect.”

look to SDLG for more machines

waiting dump trucks and trailers. For

in the future. We are also very

the past four months, the machines

machines. Made up of 20 projects

After delivery, the machines

and spanning seven areas of

were distributed to seven project

satisfied with the support we’ve

have been working two shifts a

the country, it aims to improve

locations: Abha, Qassim, Northern

been receiving from FAMCO.”

day for 16-18 hours in total. During

accessibility and connectivity.

Borders, Eastern Province,

Meanwhile in neighbouring

that time we have encountered very few technical issues.”

Jeddah, Madinah and Riyadh.

Qatar, three SDLG LG958L wheel

Contracting Company (SAJCO)

Over the next three years, SDLG’s

loaders have racked up almost

Building on the success of

took delivery of the 30 SDLG

product support department will

2,000 operational hours in four

its wheel loaders in the region,

LG958L wheel loaders and 28 SDLG

work together with FAMCO to

months at a quarry owned by Al

SDLG launched four new F-series

G9220 motor graders late last year

ensure optimum performance.

Maram International, which uses

models for the Middle East and

crushing and screening equipment

Africa markets in April. The L953F,

already clocked an impressive

to reduce and sort limestone,

L956F, L958F and L968F feature

Motasim Abulhasan, SDLG central

1,000 hours in under six months,

primarily for asphalt applications.

modern designs and technical

region sales manager at FAMCO, says:

and Mohammed Al-Nahas, senior

Aby Joyce, head of Al Maram’s

“In the beginning, SAJCO requested

technical advisor at SAJCO,

crusher department, says: “We

axle designs, higher breakout forces

two and a half cubic metre loaders

comments: “The machines have

are using the LG958Ls to feed the

and enhanced operator comfort.

Project contractor Shibh Al-Jazira

from dealer Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO).

Some graders and loaders have

enhancements such as improved

Crane Report - Raising the Game Keeping in mind the importance of the Crane sector, Construction Machinery Middle East presents “Raising the Game” – a special report on the sector that explores the recent models and trends in the crane equipment sphere, and highlights what the major manufacturers and dealers are offering, as well as taking a look at new developments in the sector. Cranes are an integral part of the construction and equipment landscape of any territory and the GCC region is no exception.

Crane Manufacturers or Crane Dealers A crane is often the piece of equipment that both starts and ends any project, from unloading and hoisting material on the job site to the final clean up. We will be covering: Tower Cranes, All-Terrain Cranes, Rough-Terrain Cranes, Truck Cranes, Crawler Cranes and Crane Dealers.

Contact us Now The Crane Report will reach over 45,000 industry professional across the MENA region via print and digital issues of Construction Machinery Middle East’s July 2017 issue.

Cherylann D’Abreo ADVERTISING cherylann.dabreo@cpimediagroup.com +971 50 561 6498

Anirban Bagchi EDITORIAL anirban.bagchi@cpimediagroup.com +971 50 945 6963

25

R E W O P RAW EED TO N U O Y G N I EVERY TH

KNOW

30

iP s TOP 10: T el fOr whe a f eT y lOader s

26_New releases

re llow to ensu Steps to fo r und loade safe and so operation.

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

32_TakiNg ON The lOad Wheeled loader manufacturers discuss the sector and their latest machines.

38_geNie’s big bOOm Aerial Work Platform specialist Genie comes with two models in its Xtra Capacity range.

40_made iN iNdia Volvo Penta rolls out the first engine from its Indian plant.

26

NEW RELEASES JUNE 2017

JLG enters utiLity vehicLe sector Why get it? high CapaCity, ground ClearanCe and spaCe for kit

Dressta introDuces new s-series Dozers Why get it?

CompaCt size and hydrostatiC drive for full power to both traCks in all Conditions First shown to the public at Bauma last year, Polish bulldozer specialist Dressta’s new line of S-Series compact hydrostatic dozers are equipped with Rexroth dual path hydrostatic drive systems that transmit full power to both tracks in all conditions to ensure smooth speed changes, pivot turns and counter rotation.

The Liugong-owned company says this makes each job safer and more operator-friendly, even on confined job-sites. All these features combine to ensure optimised productivity and ease of operation, says Dressta.

Both the TD-8S and TD-9S models, weighing 9.9t and 10.8t respectively, are equipped with QSF 3.8 Tier IV Final turbo-charged Cummins engines, which combine proven electronic controls with reliability and durability that ensure long maintenance intervals.

The new compact crawler dozers inherit a number of Dressta’s established design features. A strong six-way C-frame is complemented by a robust undercarriage available in two options: the standard LT (Long Track) version for better stability during forward driving and levelling, and the LGP (Low Ground Pressure) version for use in swampy and muddy terrain.

Undercarriages feature a standard lubricated track system (LTS) and splitlink track chains to reduce removal and installation time. Both models feature pivot shaft installed suspension for final drive protection and hydraulic track adjusters to extend track chain life.

Both models are equipped with six-way blades designed for performance in both heavy-duty and final-grade applications: the TD-8S with a 1.84m3 (LT) or 2m3 (LGP) blade capacity, and the TD-9S with a 2.2m3 (LT) or 2.4m3 (LGP) blade capacity. Multi-shank (5/3) parallelogram rippers enable the compact crawler dozers to achieve the ripping performance of much larger models – 378mm for the TD-8S, 500mm for the TD-9S. Both the TD-8S and TD-9S have been designed for maximum productivity, with enlarged side door windows for optimal visibility, while a sloped engine hood allows a better view of the blade front and corners. Tinted glazing reduces glare, and the machines feature a sun visor and both an inside rear view mirror and external side mirrors. An all-new cab design provides 30% more space, with safety maximised through a two-post roll-over and fall-over protection system.

A new high-resolution 16-inch LCD display screen provides real-time system values for temperatures, pressures, forward/reverse direction shift and ground-speed ranges.

SPECIFICATIONS

dressta td-8s & td9-s Total weight: 9.9t & 10.8t Engine: Cummins 3.8l turbo Blade capacity: 1.84 m3 to 2.4 m3

Known as a manufacturer if aerial work platforms and telehandlers, JLG has broken fresh ground for itself in a new product category with the launch of a utility vehicle (UTV) line. The company showcased two models — the three-seat 315G and six-seat 615G — at Conexpo.

JLG says its customers will benefit from the convenience of a single-source equipment supplier when purchasing UTVs with its traditional products such as booms, scissors, and telehandlers.

Both the JLG 315G and 615G feature a 125.4cm ground clearance with four-wheel drive and an independent suspension to keep all four wheels on the ground during travel. While operating the vehicles, drivers can shift between two-wheel and fourwheel drive, locking the differential for improved control. JLG says a rugged axle, standard skid plate, brush guard bumper, heavy-duty steel frame, and powdercoated paint further enhance durability.

The models have a 453.6kg cargo box, 680kg towing capacity and removable truck bed panels to accommodate a full-size skid.

Standard features include contoured seats and foot beds, individual headrests and seatbelts, power steering, backup alarm, and remote oil and filter check capability.

Operators can choose from additional options to enhance comfort, including an enclosed cab, heater, windshield, and beacon.

The 325G and 615G are petrolpowered vehicles. JLG says diesel models will be introduced later this year.

27

taDano’s new rouGh terrain crane Why get it? high CapaCity from Company’s largest two-axle Crane Tadano has extended its product range with the GR-1200XL/GR-1100EX, its largest two-axle rough terrain crane, which boasts a maximum lifting capacity of 110t and a boom measuring 56m.

The GR-1200XL was unveiled to the public at the Conexpo-Con/AGG 2017 construction trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in March this year.

Tadano says the new crane has been developed for industrial energy sites, keeping in mind that cranes used for construction and maintenance on these sites are required to have high manoeuvrability, durability and lifting performance under tough conditions. In addition, cranes in this weight class need higher reaching, longer boom lengths and larger lifting capacities.

To meet these customer demands, Tadano says it has developed the GR-1200XL/1100EX

to be both compact and high-performing.

The GR-1200XL/GR-1100EX has the largest maximum lifting capacity in Tadano’s twoaxle rough terrain crane product line. It has a strong and light high tensile steel rounded boom that features a single telescopic cylinder.

The crane has a 56.1m lifting height and a 44m load radius, and extra reach is provided by a jib which extends the lifting height to 73.6m, with a load radius reaching 46.9m.

The GR-1200XL has a compact carrier whose size is almost the same as Tadano’s GR-1000XL. This compactness provides high manoeuvrability and easy transportability.

With conventional cranes, outriggers extended to their maximum length provide a uniform, circular rated load capacity footprint over 360 degrees of slewing angle.

However, thanks to Tadano’s newly developed Smart Chart, a safety device and control system, the crane can achieve a square rated load capacity footprint, with extended corners over the outriggers that increase the load radius, depending on the

degree to which the outriggers are extended.

The GR-1200XL comes equipped with Tadano’s state-of-the-art fuel monitoring system – Eco-Mode – which reduces fuel consumption when the crane is being operated, and Positive Control, which reduces fuel consumption when the crane is on standby.

In terms of the crane’s telematics systems, Tadano says telematics customers can use Hello-Net to monitor crane activity, work history, machine position data and maintenance information with computers and mobile devices. Tadano also offers advanced customer support through this system.

SPECIFICATIONS

tadano gr-1200xl/gr-1100ex Max lifting capacity: 110t Boom length: 56m Max lifting height with jib: 73.6m Max load radius: 46.9m

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28

NEW RELEASES JUNE 2017

terex Launches sK 452-20 tower crane Why get it? fast hoisting speeds and improved rope CapaCity Terex Cranes upgraded its line of tower cranes at the Conexpo-Con/AGG exhibition in Las Vegas earlier this year with the addition of the new Terex SK 452-20 hammerhead tower crane.

Featuring several mechanical and structural enhancements, the SK 452-20 has a maximum capacity of 20t and a jib tip capacity of 2.5t. Equipped with a new hoist winch system, it boasts an impressive maximum hoisting speed of 190m per minute and higher drum capacity of 990m.

“The SK 452-20 is a new model based on our popular SK 415-20, and our customers had an important role on the development phase,” says Angelo Cosmo, Product Marketing manager at Terex Cranes. “We’ve increased winch speeds by 70% and the crane’s rope capacity by 90% – the equivalent of an additional 30 floors of working under hook. We’ve also made structural changes that will make set-up and transportation faster and easier. These enhancements will help contractors lower operating costs while getting a high return on investment.”

The hoist AC motor uses an inverter drive for smooth movements and lifting precision, while a closed loop motor control system provides redundancy by continuously controlling input/output and informing

the operator of the crane’s status. Limit switches are calibrated electronically from the cabin. The hoist winch is mounted on an independent frame that is easy to assemble and disassemble and reduces the crane’s upper parts transportation costs by using more efficient transport containers.

The new slewing system consists of three 7.5kW (10hp) motors that provide slewing capabilities of 0.99rpm. The design consists of one inverter drive for all three motors. The slewing system is equipped with an automatic greasing system for ease of maintenance.

The Terex SK 452-20 unit can be erected on two different tower systems: TS212 and HD23.

Maximum free standing height on standard configuration is 88.7m; combinations of different towers are also available.

The Terex EVO15 cabin on the crane includes five large windows for high visibility and a 7-inch full-colour, anti-glare, multilanguage display with information for the operator for lifting and troubleshooting.

The new configurable and ergonomic joystick controls give the operator precise manoeuvring of loads. The crane’s trolley and counter-jib can also be outfitted with cameras and adjusted from the cab for job-site visibility. The crane is also ready for remote monitoring.

SPECIFICATIONS

terex sk 452-20 Max capacity: 20t Jib tip capacity: 2.5t Hoisting speed: 190m/minute Engine: 3 x 10hp

wacKer neuson’s rD compactor ranGe Why get it? improved performanCe with three-point artiCulated pendulum joint Compact equipment specialist Wacker Neuson has come out with its RD-Series of compactors, a range that includes 15 models: 10 double-drum rollers with either vibration or oscillation drums, and five combination models. The operating weight of the models in the series ranges from 1.8t to 4.5t.

The smallest model in the range is the RD18, available in two drum widths: 80cm and 100cm. The RD24 is a 2.4t model with a drum width of 100cm, and the 2.8t RD28 has a 120cm drum. The RD40 has a 130cm drum width, and the 4.5t RD45 has a 138cm drum.

All feature a three-point articulated pendulum joint that ensures uniform weight distribution on the front and rear drums at all times, the company says, and also improves manoeuvrability and stability when turning. The ergonomic operators’ platform has reduced vibration, ample legroom and an adjustable seat.

The RD45 articulated tandem axle roller offers high centrifugal forces to provide full compaction and quality results. Configurations for the model include traditional dual vibrating drums, tandem roller with an oscillating drum, or a combination. All models feature an ergonomic operator’s platform with reduced vibration and articulated joint to provide maximum driving comfort.

The tapered design provides an excellent view of the drums and work-site.

Among other features, the entire range, which is equipped with Kubota engines, has large fuel and water tanks for extended operation times. Central drainage allows water to be drained in one simple step. Drum offset allows easy manoeuvring when compacting along walls and provides a smooth finish.

30

TOP TEN JUNE 2017

01 TravEl lOw The bucket of a wheel loader should always be positioned low when the machine is travelling loaded, or when going uphill. Keeping a low centre of gravity means the chances of rolling over are minimal. If you need to raise the bucket, make sure to check twice for clearance.

02 TravEl slOw Wheel loaders should be driven very slowly and an operator must be extra cautious when making turns with a loaded machine. This is especially important when the loader carries loads prone to sliding or shifting. Add some extra weight on the rear end of your wheel loader to counter-balance the weight of the loaded bucket.

: n e T p o T l e e h w r o f s p i T y T e f a s r e d a o e your l r u s n e o st optimal hese step ed with t Follow t a r e p o ader is hine o c l a l m e e d h n w h m an a t o b r o F saFety

TravEl EvENly As much as possible, drive your wheel loader on clear and even ground surfaces. While most job-site conditions make it difficult to find such terrain, try to stick to any even stretch of ground as much as possible and avoid driving the loader on rocks, holes, loose fills or other kind of obstacles that may cause you to lose control over it.

Tr avel ligheTsuggested

ed th Never exce ading bucket’s lo e th limit of e stated by th r capacity as a re th t you r, and ensu re tu c to fa u ly n n ma eve er is loaded wheel load upsetting d n a g alancin b is d t n e v that pre e. Make sure the machin d in n be carrie the load ca y without an the bucket problems.

03 04

31

05

safETy chEck Perform a walkaround inspection of your loader before every shift, paying special attention to fluid levels, wear and tear in the driveline area, leaks and wear of hoses and pipes, loose lug nuts and general wheel condition, embedded stones and foreign material in tyres as well as overall tread condition and correct pressure.

lifT arm chEck After a general exterior inspection, pay specific attention to the business end of the wheel loader: the lift arm and bucket. Inspect it for pin wear, loose or broken greasing tubes, leaks, coupler wear and proper lubrication.

BuckET chEck Pay special attention to the carrying bucket, inspecting the cutting edges for wear and alignment.

If the cutting edge isn’t square with level ground you might have an under-inflated tyre. Inspect the bucket for cracked and broken edges, unusual wear patterns and cracked welds. Make sure the tilt cylinder rod isn’t scratched or dented.

pers onhaelck y c ader, make sa fe T ting the lo

ecking After inspec safety by ch r to ra e p o f ch as sure o right gear, su e th g n si u and ear you’re ests, gloves v ty fe sa , ts noise. hard ha the engine m o fr n o ti c e the prote ty first insid fe sa t u p s y Alwa hecking seat belts, c g n si u y b nd cabin mounting a mirrors and ng si u y rl g prope dismountin s. ld the handho

09 07

06

PrOPEr usE Use your wheel loader only for the jobs and functions it has been designed and built for by its manufacturer. Never use it to give rides to children in the loader bucket or to knock down trees or haul a stuck truck or other vehicle.

10 PrOPEr adhErENcE The final safety tip when working with a wheel loader is to take extra precautions by following the instruction manual provided by the loader manufacturer. Owners, operators and technicians need to stay on track with the OEM recommendations in all aspects of running and maintaining a wheel loader for maximum safety.

08

32

cover story JUNE 2017

Taking on The load As An indispensAble equipment cAtegory in the eArth-moving segment, wheel loAders continue to remAin A cornerstone of the equipment mArket, with mAnufActurers And deAlers Adding vAlue through new models, new technologies And enhAnced support

I

f the earth-moving class is at the very core of the field of construction equipment, then the wheel loader is at the heart of the earth movers. As such, wheel loaders are industry bellwethers, and how they fare is often indicative of how the sector as a whole is faring.

While this makes them indispensable for the industry, the vagaries of economics dictates the real level of demand.

And, as is common knowledge, the Middle East market is far from its heydays of high oil prices and construction booms of the mid-noughties and mid-teens. However, some of the market leaders are still faring relatively well, and looking to future projects in the region to fuel demand.

One such is Case, part of Italy’s giant CNH Industrial Group, whose senior business director for the Middle East and Africa, Franco Invernizzi, tells CMME that the brand has a healthy presence of its wheel loaders in several markets around the world, including in advanced economies, and is looking to replicate the same success in the Middle East.

“We enjoy double-digit market shares in countries such as the UK, so we have proven machines and we’re an extremely well-recognised name. We need to use our global brand equity to push our presence in the wheel loader segment in this region where our presence has traditionally been heavy in the compact line, such as in the backhoe loader and the skid-steers. Recently, we started to invest in our heavy line for the Middle East, such as graders, excavators and wheel loaders.

So the wheel loader is at the core of our strategy to reinforce our heavy line presence in the region,” he says.

Invernizzi adds that the Case brand is strong in some markets here while it requires work in others. “Our machines are very well recognised by customers and generally thought of as having good reliability and good specs. So we need to now make customers aware that we should be at the top of their options. We have a plan to do that with demos.

We want to put a machine in our customers’ hands starting from after Ramadan and carry on for the rest of this year and into the next.”

Case expects the market to be stable in the next six months and then

33 A top wheel loaders brand, Case offers models such as the 721, optimised for waste applications with features such as a filtered and pressurised cabin.

New 980L

cAt expAnds medium loAder rAnge

Caterpillar has introduced

system maintains torque

a new medium wheeled

flow during range shifts

loader to the Middle East

for faster acceleration

and Africa market which is

on ramps and smoother

more powerful and fuel-

shifts in the transmission’s

efficient than its predecessor

direct-drive mode.

and features drivetrain and

work tools and bucket

operator safety and

styles are available to

convenience enhancements.

customize the machine for

The new 980L, with

“Our medium to large models have found more favour in the Middle East market and are used in load and carry, recycling and washing plants for sand and aggregates, crushing plants and other applications such as road building sites and infrastructure applications where sand and earth need to be moved”

An extensive range of

hydraulic system refinements,

customer operations, such as

a 30t operating weight,

Performance Series general

sports Cat’s Z-bar linkage,

purpose buckets, heavy duty

Cat Performance Series

quarry rock buckets, slag

buckets, and options such as

buckets, waste handling

automatic traction control,

buckets or woodchip

enhanced ride control

buckets, either with pin on

system, and Cat Connect

or quick coupler interface.

Technologies. It uses a

The 980L’s cab features

fuel-efficient 421bhp Cat

a four-post Roll Over

C13 ACERT engine, making

Protection System (ROPS)

it 5% more powerful than

and seat-mounted, electro-

its 980H predecessor and

hydraulic implement

25% more fuel efficient.

controls. A new, streamlined

The 980L uses a 4F/4R

control panel includes

power-shift transmission.

easy-to- reach, highly

A high-capacity torque

utilised machine controls to

converter uses a lock-up

increase operator efficiency.

clutch for efficient grade and

Powerful air-conditioning

high-speed performance,

systems keep operators

and the Caterpillar Advanced

comfortable while viscous

Productivity Electronically

mounts reduce vibration

Controlled (APEC) control

and cabin sound levels.

34

cover story JUNE 2017

go on a gradual upswing, which they do not expect to be a massive one.

“We are well entrenched in the top-three here, according to available data. The market has shrunk in 2016 after a spike in 2015, which was a great year. But once the oil price started going south steeply, the market lost momentum at the end of 2015 and in 2016 there was a crash. Of course, we think it has stabilised now and will hold steady at low levels for a while before creeping upwards.

While Case is among the top loader brands, the leader is Caterpillar, which, of course, does not have to worry about brand recognition.

The global equipment major has a long history in the Middle East and, with the reputation of its machines through their long years of service in the region, Caterpillar is looking forward to the future with its wheel loader offerings.

“Due to future projects in the region that require infrastructure to be built now, we are expecting high demand in the region,” says Samer Ismail, product manager, Earthmoving and Excavation, at Caterpillar’s GCC representative, Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar. “The market for wheel loaders is looking positive with newer and larger projects on the way. Further, with worldclass events anticipated in our territory like the Dubai Expo 2020 and Qatar World Cup 2022, we foresee demand for quality machinery like those offered by Cat.”

He adds that a name like Caterpillar, with its long history and track record of excellence will always find a sweet spot in the market based on its reputation and quality.

“For a brand like Caterpillar, which believes in delivering quality with a prime focus on offering optimal productivity and profitability to its customers, the market for wheel loaders remains steady. With Dubai Expo 2020 and Qatar World Cup 2022 approaching, expectations for the market in GCC for 2018 are positive. Customers are leaning towards more technological and efficient machines in terms of fuel consumption and productivity to match the growing demand for a greener environment. Caterpillar and its dealers are working continuously to keep a close eye on new market demands, to pro-actively provide the right offering all the time,” Ismail says.

That right offering includes a plethora of models from the Cat stable in all sizes, from small and medium wheel loaders for use in maintenance and low intensity jobs to some of the largest on the market for heavy work.

For quarrying applications Caterpillar’s 986H is arguably one of the best in its class.

Designed especially for quarry environments — loading both on-highway and off-highway trucks and handling load-and-carry tasks — it is a strong, productive machine that is easy to operate and easy to maintain. With bucket capacities ranging from 5.3 to 6.1 m3,

“The market for wheel loaders is looking positive with newer and larger projects on the way. Further, with world-class events anticipated in our territory like the Dubai Expo 2020 and Qatar World Cup 2022, we foresee demand for quality machinery like those offered by Cat”

F-series debut

sdlg lAunches four new loAders in region SDLG has launched four wheel loaders for Middle Eastern and

both the Middle East and Africa.

“The most noticeable difference

African markets as part of its

is the design of the new machines,”

new F-series. The L953F, L956F,

says Sjöstrand. “The larger cab

L958F and L968F wheel loaders

design adds 20% more glazing

feature a modern design and a

for improved visibility, safety and

host of technical enhancements,

efficiency. Superior air conditioning

resulting in a range that exceeds

has also been added for greater

customer requirements.

operator comfort, while the

“Customers are increasingly

single joystick guarantees precise,

demanding reliable construction

easy and comfortable operation

equipment at affordable prices,”

of the loader arm and bucket,

says SDLG product manager

reducing operator fatigue.”

Henrik Sjöstrand. “This is SDLG’s

Behind the new design are a

specialty. This new range has been

number of technical improvements

specially engineered for high

for enhanced productivity, reliability

productivity and reliability, and

and uptime. A high breakout force

will provide customers with an

and a new bucket design provide

excellent return on investment.”

improved productivity and ease of

The release of this new

operation. The machines’ bucket

range is timely, as large-scale

volumes range from 3.0m3 in the

infrastructure projects, as

L953F to 3.5m3 in the L968F. In

well as quarrying, continue

addition, a wide range of attachments

to operate at strong levels in

are available to ensure versatility.

35

Zw-5A LiNe-up

hitAchi’s new offerings The ZW-5A series line-up

enhanced productivity that is

includes the ZW180-5A,

not dependant on operator’s

ZW220-5A and the newest

skills. The Active Engine

addition of the ZW310-5A.

Control – strategically

Based on the experience

positioned sensors detect

that Hitachi has collected

movements throughout

through the years, the ZW-5A

the machine and adjust

series machines have been

engine speed accordingly to

strategically designed. The

eliminate energy losses and

key concept is a “Profitable

delivers smooth operation.

machine for customers” with

The Active Engine Control

much improved operating

System is also able to

costs for the customer’s

choose optimal traction

profitability and enhanced

power and breakout force.

reliability for customer’s productivity and versatility.

The Hitachi ZW-5A wheel

Popular models The Caterpillar line-up also includes models that are designed to provide optimum performance in a range of jobs, some of which have proven especially popular in the region.

“All Caterpillar models offered by Al-Bahar have their own share of demand. Nevertheless, if we search deeper we find the demand split primarily between two models and they are the 23t capacity 966 and the 18t capacity 950 models. The ability and versatility of these machines to perform a wide range of

applications, such as truck loading, hopper feeding and land clearing, makes them preferred choice among our customers,” Ismail adds.

The new 950L belong to the L-Series medium wheel loaders, which are more powerful and fuel-efficient than predecessor models, featuring significant drive-train and hydraulicsystem refinement, operator safety and convenience enhancements.

They have options such as automatic traction control and enhanced ride control systems, and the loader buckets are from the Cat Performance Series, and Cat Connect Technologies provides the telematics package.

The L-series’ new Caterpillar powertrain gives it many advantages in productivity and a 10% drop in fuel consumption. The new 265hp C7.1 ACERT engine offers a productive economy mode. The new transmission has a lockup clutch torque converter with lockto-lock Direct Drive Shifting. The axles have bevel gear shrouds with optimised designs.

“This is a great year for wheel

climbing where extra power

loaders are able to provide

is required in a short time,

customer with enhanced

the ZW-5A series wheel

satisfaction and values in a

loader is equipped with

variety of job applications.

the Quick Power Switch

ZW310-5A is a more

(QPS) which provides an

productive machine, high

instantaneous power boost

performer in demanding sites

at the push of the button

from the quarry industry.

conveniently location on the

With the exciting new

the 409hp 986H features a power train with proven Cat components, a powerful and efficient load-sensing hydraulic system, heavy duty frames and loader linkage, and a safe, comfortable operator station - all delivering durable performance at a low cost per tonne.

Using solid steel lift arms designed to absorb loading stress, the 986H Z-bar-type loader linkage generates powerful digging and lifting forces and provides excellent visibility to the bucket cutting edge and surrounding work area. Lift arms are available in both standard-lift and high-lift configurations to accommodate a range of haul trucks. It also uses Cat Performance Series buckets for fast, consistent loads, and a quick coupler is available.

To cater for situations like heavy loading and uphill

operational lever. Moreover,

features of the ZW-5A series,

when the power is no longer

the ZW310-5A is more

needed the machine will

productive and customer can

automatically return back

enjoy minimized operation

to normal automatically

costs by the consistently

to avoid wastage.

36

cover story JUNE 2017

GZ-series

volvo’s lAtest loAded with tech

The new L60Gz, L90Gz and

and complete bucket fill in

L120Gz wheel loaders from

even the hardest materials.

Volvo CE feature load-sensing

This is combined with

hydraulics, a powerful and

load-sensing hydraulics

durable Z-bar linkage and a

that supply power only

perfectly-matched powertrain

when needed, lowering fuel

– ready to increase

consumption. Bucket pins

productivity even in the most

are double sealed to keep

demanding conditions.

grease inside the bearing

The Gz-series models

and dirt out, ensuring long

sport fully automatic Power

pin and bearing life, and the

Shift for optimal operation

automatic bucket leveller

by adjusting machine gears

and boom kick-out functions

in line with parameters

accurately stop the bucket

including engine and travel

and linkage in adjustable,

speed, for comfortable gear

pre-selected positions.

changes and fast cycle times.

The models also offer

Oil-cooled, wet disc brakes

superior operator comfort

on the front and rear axles

with a spacious ROPS/

deliver superior breaking

FOPS Volvo cab which

performance for smooth

has ergonomically placed

control and a long service life.

controls, a tiltable steering

100% differential locks on the

wheel and vibration

front axle ensure traction in

damping. To ensure

slippery conditions, and axle

the operator has all the

oil circulation allows the oil to

necessary information

flow and cool inside the axle

and diagnostics for

– protecting components and

optimal performance, the

increasing brake service life.

Volvo Contronics system

The Z-bar linkage provides

continuously monitors

high breakout forces for

and records machine

strong, powerful digging

operation in real-time.

loaders as Cat has released the latest in its L-series models – the newest edition to the medium wheel loaders product line. This series comes with a flattering set of improvements compared to the H-series in terms of fuel consumption, productivity and fuel efficiency,” explains Ismail. The most recent addition to the L-series in the region was the Cat 980L, which is an optimal offering from the manufacturer in the medium segment.

At Case, the demand is more for the 721, 821 and the large 1021 models, as Zane Barnard, construction product specialist at the company tells CMME. “These models are favoured in general construction and cleaning work, as well as in quarrying. Our medium to large models have found more favour in the Middle East market and are used in load and carry, recycling and washing plants for sand and aggregates, crushing plants and other applications such as road building sites and infrastructure applications where sand and earth need to be moved,” he says.

“Case does a lot with tool handlers too. When you need to solve a problem, we’ve got the ‘toolage’ behind it. From the 521 to the 721, these machines have tool handling capabilities and they can quickhitch on almost any attachment. Additional piping is already built-in to drive things like sweepers, clamps and forks. We also do our tool handler with a Z-bar or parallel linkage which can take forks and brushes or any applicable tool up front, such as cable relays.”

Waste application Case also offers the 721 in a waste application version, he adds, designed for that specific task. It has a much larger bucket and solid tyres, reinforced cabs for any materials falling off, as well as cabs that are especially filtered and pressurised to give the operator a safe working space in what can sometimes be a toxic wok environment.

“In this region, the 821 and 1021 are the most common machines for us. When it comes to infrastructure building and construction work, contractors really like to have the 1021, which is our most popular machine followed by the 821 and the 921,” Barnard informs.

Over at Volvo CE dealer FAMCO, Samer Juneidi, divisional manager, Construction Equipment, feels that demand for wheel loaders has remained stable throughout the region on inflow of infrastructure and development projects. He expects a rise in demand in the UAE prior to implementation of the upcoming VAT, as many customers with long-term strategies are expected to renew or

The Middle East remains one of the prime territories for wheel loaders, attracting the top global brands, such as Hitachi, which is back with new models.

expand their current fleets.

“Volvo is one of the premium suppliers of equipment across the region. For last two years in tough market conditions, it has been able to sustain a 10% market share,” Juneidi adds.

“For Volvo L120F, L150H and L220H are key players in their respective class sizes and are often used in general construction, waste management, earth-moving and quarry operations. Volvo offerings, like Care Track, Matris, TP-linkage, Oil Bath Air Pre-Cleaner, Optishift and Reverse by Braking system, are some of the key features supplied standard in this market to adhere to Volvo’s core values: Quality, Safety & Environment,” he adds.

Meanwhile Korean heavyweight Doosan reports good uptake of its DL420A series loaders, according to Woohyun Kim, general manager for Middle East and Africa. “Our 4 m3 bucket size wheel loader is the most in demand, especially from the oil & gas sector, and Doosan has a good reputation and performance in this segment with the DL420A, “Doosan wheel loaders are customised and optimised for the region’s working conditions by regular upgrade of our features, leading to our ‘desert type’ model. And now, with increasing demand for fuel efficiency, which is one of the fundamental strengths in our lineup, we expect to well in the immediate future.”

37 All major market players have some success to report in recent times. While Doosan has delivered big wheel loaders fleets to Aramco this year, FAMCO delivered six units Volvo L150H to a key customer for a waste management project in the Al Ain region only last year. Meanwhile Case has tasted success with an important project – a team of its wheel loaders are at work on the Expo 2020 site in Dubai with the contractor Al Naboodah Construction. Case has also supplied loaders to other contractors and builders such as Wade Adams, Khansaheb and Dhabi contracting.

With several leading global brands in the market, each vying to outdo the other in terms of build quality and features, what sets them apart is the after-sales support to customers.

Case’s Barnard points out: “In the wheel loader arena it all comes down to service levels and dealers, who play a massive role in the success of a manufacturer. Case’s dealer here in the UAE, Al Shirawi Enterprises, is a very strong one. Because of our combined efforts with them, we barely suffered a decline at all in wheel loaders for 2016. They really came to the party when the going got tough.”

Famco’s Junaidi adds: “For Volvo, Famco dos the trick with our strong branch network across the region ensuring optimised parts availability 24x7, while having strong technical support staff cater to customer needs. And cooLiNG cube

cAse keeps temperAtures in check The unique design of the Case

axles, and the air intercooler

cooling cube, with five radiators

for the turbocharger is also

mounted to form a cube instead

passed through it for greater

of overlapping, ensures a constant

efficiency. In addition, it is also

flow of fresh and clean air from the

the cooling point for the cab

sides and from the top to maintain

air-conditioning condensator.

constant fluid temperatures.

The cube structure provides

All of these cooling systems are housed in the cube, whose

easy access to radiators for a

walls are made of the engine

more effective cleaning and

radiator. The end wall sports

serviceability. Additional cleaning

a variable speed reversible fan

can also be done manually with

that takes care of blowing in and

separate access to each radiator.

exhausting air from outside.

The cooling system is mounted

The 621F and 721F models

behind the cab, far from the rear

sport a heavy-duty cooling

bumper of the machine and from

option which features an extra

the ground, away from the dust.

thin inlet grille that stops bigger

The design and structurer of the

particles, sealed radiator covers

cooling cube allows Case to bunch

that ensure the cooling air is 100%

up all the cooling duties neatly into

filtered, and wide core radiators

the cube, which makes it a one-

to increase self-cleaning with

stop cooling shop for the hydraulic

the reversible fan and prevent

and transmission oils as well as for

clogging. The higher capacity

the diesel radiator. The cube also

1021F and 1121F models also come

helps to cool the front and rear

with an air filter dust ejector.

Volvo Regional Parts distribution centre in Dubai supports us with additional parts backup to for faster response times.”

Caterpillar and Al-Bahar, too, have a legendary service and support offering, which has often set the industry benchmark.

“Offering outstanding service capability has been among the strengths of Al-Bahar and we have always been keen on ensuring premium service for our customers by maintaining high parts availability,” explains Ismail. “Additionally, the product support department affirms full coverage for customers to assist them at their site for optimal machine up-time. Caterpillar wheel loaders are working across our territory in varied projects, and our customers are pleased with the performance and productivity offered by them, as well as the support.”

He adds that Cat wheel loaders are known for their efficiency, productivity and optimal up time, and looking at the long heritage of medium wheel loaders, it can be noticed that customers choose Caterpillar as the brand consistently delivers on its promise of reliability and durability.

In conclusion, the wheel loader sector in the Middle East is holding up in the face of region’s economic woes. The major manufacturers are depending on newer models and expanded utility features to keep customers interested, along with high levels of service back-up.

38

Powered access JUNE 2017

Genie’s new S-80 XC and S-85 XC are part of its Xtra Capacity boom lift series offering increased room and carrying capacity for more men and materials.

39

Genie’s biG boom

The aerial work plaTform specialisT expands iTs range of xc boom lifTs wiTh new models ThaT are easier To use and offer enhanced baskeT space for more workers and cargo

A

s Genie continues to expand its range of Xtra Capacity (XC) boom lifts, the new Genie telescopic S-80 XC and S-85 XC booms update the brand’s popular earlier telescopic units. Providing the ability to perform a wider range of heavier lift tasks on construction and industrial job-sites, both these new Genie XC models include new features to help increase productivity and efficiency.

New to these models, the Genie S-80 XC and S-85 XC booms feature automatic envelope control. This is the ability to automatically retract as the booms reach their operating envelope, allowing simple platform positioning and enhanced operator experience. They are also equipped with a load sense cell that continuously checks the weight in the platform and limits the operating envelope to match the load chart, all while boasting the ability to do zero-load field calibrations.

To support additional weight in the platform, the Genie S-80 XC and S-85 XC models are engineered with a redesigned boom structure that boasts increased performance, range of motion and envelope control, as well as a robust jib capable of easily handling the 454kg maximum capacity.

Additionally, the new Genie S-80 XC and S-85 XC telescopic booms have been updated with a new state-of-the-art CAN-based ALC600 control system (replacing the earlier ALC500). Altogether smarter, both technicians and operators will find the new ALC600 much simpler and more straightforward to use. Marking a significant improvement in terms of diagnostics and troubleshooting capabilities, settings and parameters can now be modified directly on the machine without the need for any additional tools.

Overall connectivity with customer telematics systems is also enhanced. New and improved features include a clear

display of gauges on the display controller, new full error code readouts with text, and a service mode providing clear menus for settings and parameters. For added flexibility, with the new ALC600, software updates can now be performed directly from the control panel without the need for a laptop computer via USB. Technicians also benefit from password-protected fault logs that display the last 100 faults for both the engine and the machine.

The new models continue to share commonality in design, parts and accessories with the other Genie products in customers’ rental fleets. These updated Genie telescopic S-booms retain the productivity features that enhance customers’ ability to get work done quickly.

Among the features that highlight the S-80 XC and S-85 XC is a ramped-up boom control system providing smooth boom functions and control. This works through a virtual pivot primary boom that aligns the machine’s centre of gravity for machine weight efficiency, which is 16t on the Genie S-80 XC model and 17t on the S-85 XC unit.

Mobility is aided by a four-wheel drive system and positive traction drive that maintains equal power to all the drive wheels. The fixed-width axles make setting up the boom easier and faster, and an active oscillating feature in the axle provides enhanced traction on rough terrain. Positioning the boom is also quicker with the 360-degree continuous turntable rotation.

The Genie S-80 XC model has a 26.38m working height with 20.83m of outreach. The Genie S-85 XC has a working height of 27.9m with 22.71m of outreach. Both units are equipped with a 74hp diesel engine.

The XC design on these boom lifts also includes a 1.83m or 2.44m tri-entry platform with side-swing gate to make it easy to get people, tools and job-site materials in and out of the basket. These XC features give customers the ability to work with up to three people aboard while still leaving room for tools and materials.

Availability for these new Genie S-80 and S-85 boom models is planned globally for the end of Q1 2018, depending on country.

40

THE LAST WORD JUNE 2017

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8

EXTENDED WIRE ROPE SERVICE INTERVALS

THE NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD FROM JLG

JLG TAKES BOOM LIFT PERFORMANCE TO NEW HEIGHTS. AGAIN. Wire rope replacement intervals from JLG raise the bar for machine longevity.

An industry first exclusive to JLG boom lifts, this new standard extends wire rope and sheave replacement intervals to 12 years (or 7,000 machine hours).

Learn more at www.jlg.com/en-gb/wire-rope JLG Industries | JAFZA View | PO Box 262728 | LB 19, 20th Floor, Office 05 | Jebel Ali | Dubai | emacangus@jlg.com