ISSUE 77 18 MARCH 20
Plus
BRIS O D M O R F G N I T A DOMIN e a he a d
eM BoBcat ’s e secret of th reveals and’s success the Br
SATILIT Y KING OF VaERin why
xPl e s r e k a M rules r e l d n a h the telet in the region the roos ers Bulldoz
R E W PO H S U TO P
T n e m p i u q ee h T f s o e T m h o g i c e T i w avy hen e w h r l e T a e v e k o r r h a s u m The p e Th no s g i n r i o v T o c m e s To
DRIVEN BY INNOVATION THE CIFA CARBOTECH RANGE
Since 1928 we develop solutions for the construction industry: a full range of equipments for concrete production, transportation and laying. Our focus on innovation, quality and respect for the environment is what led us here, ready for the next goal. Find us at Big 5 Heavy in Dubai Stand OSF30
Find us at Intermat 2018 - Stand EXT 6 E056
PARIS
23 - 28 APRIL 2018 INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
CIFA S.p.A. Via Stati Uniti d’America, 26 - 20030 Senago (Milano) Italy - Tel. +39.02.990131 - www.cifa.com Follow us on: A ZOOMLION COMPANY
CONTENTS MARCH 2018 6_News The latest news from across the region and further afield.
14_boosTING pRoducTIvITy Learning and adopting best practices from other sectors can help the construction industry improve its productivity record, says VolvoCE.
16_heavy wITh pRomIse With giants like Caterpilar and other major names confirming participation, there is a lot to look forward to at The Big 5 Heavy in Dubai this month.
36
20_domINaTING fRom dobRIs CMME speaks with Gustavo Otero, head, EMEA, at Doosan Bobcat, about
12 SpoTTeDIaIN NIgerr builds
the small cat’s domination of the Middle East with Czech-built machines.
24_peRfoRmaNce aT heIGhTs Sharbel Kordahi, regional head of Genie, talks to CMME about the recent achievements and successes enjoyed by the Terex powered access brand.
r e w o raw p 30_ New R The latest
e l e a se s
d of m the worl releases fro
12
ve Wirtgen pa y ’s the countr te first concre roadway
14
24
ry.
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constructio
eN ulldozers. 34_Top T ile using b eration wh ty in op
Tips for safe
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36_ powe
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40_ KING
hI NI hITac I m R ject. o f rvation pro o TasK phant conse le e n a e 44_Jumb p ator in Euro mini excav Company’s
08
40
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2
EDITORIAL M ARCH 2018
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713
EDITORIAL EDITOR ANIRBAN BAGCHI anirban.bagchi@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5715 Sub EDITOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com
All eyes on dubAi Towards the end of this month, Dubai will host an event that can only be termed as seminal in the annals of the region’s construction machinery industry. The first edition of The Big 5 Heavy will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 26 to 28. This new international exhibition will feature five dedicated sectors across the heavy construction and concrete industry, with more than 300 local and international suppliers expected to attend, according to the organisers. As the first stand-alone exhibition for the equipment industry in the Middle East’s business hub, the event is at once significant and promising. The very fact that a stand-alone equipment exhibition of this scale is being held at this time is a signifier that the industry is feeling bullish about the future after a spell of dilly-dallying in the economic doldrums. And with plenty of projects coming online – not least the promised deliverables associated with Dubai’s Expo 2020, public transport extensions and sporting events – there is promise in the air that stagnating or receding regional equipment sales will pick up for the foreseeable future, as they did for several industry players in the second half of last year. The line-up at the event is already a who’s-who of the industry. Featured exhibitors include such global biggies as Liebherr, Hitachi, CIFA and the Fayat Group. Others such as MB Crusher, Raimondi, NFT and Putzmeister – global brands that need no introduction – will be joining a crowd of local, regional and international manufacturers, dealers and service
providers, all with the aim of claiming their piece of the region’s equipment market. The coup de etat, of course, is the return of Caterpillar to an exhibition in the region. The global leader and its regional dealer Al-Bahar will be present together as a featured exhibitor bringing some of their newly-launched kit to the region. On display will be new wheeled loaders, the recentlylaunched Next Generation 20t excavator and the new Cat D8R bulldozer – a machine that we look into, along with some others, in our bulldozer feature in this issue. Also in this issue, we speak with industry leaders from Bobcat and Genie, while getting a handle on the versatility of one of the favourite machines in the region the telehandler. Meanwhile, an air of expectation remains as the industry prepares to congregate in Dubai to get a handle on the future. See you there!
ADVERTISING SALES ExECuTIvE TOM BROMLEY tom.bromley@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5496
DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com
MARKETING MARKETING MANAGER SHEENA SAPSFORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498
CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION DISTRIbuTION MANAGER SUNIL KUMAR sunil.kumar@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODuCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713
WEb DEVELOPMENT MOHAMMAD AwAIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI
FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINTED by AL ALEF PRINTING PRESS LLC PUbLIShED by
Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE. www.cpitrademedia.com
Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME
© Copyright 2018 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.
YOUR NEW workhorse Take a look at your new workhorse: the Volvo EC220DL. With its powerful Volvo D6 diesel engine, this excavator has been engineered for efficiency, reliability and high productivity. Featuring increased power and digging force, this machine has the potential to significantly improve your cycle times. And thanks to our unique Volvo ECO-mode technology and an electro-hydraulic system, fuel efficiency has been improved by 7 - 10 %. A comfortable operator environment with good visibility and responsive controls makes this machine truly flexible to your needs, wherever you put it to work. Building Tomorrow. volvoce.com
4
ONLINE M ARCH 2018
MOST POPULAR
READERS’ COMMENTS
fEATURED
CONSTRUCTION
ABB SUPPORTINg DEWA fREE SOLAR PANEL PROgRAMME IN HATTA
Nakheel to build largest mall in the Middle East
CONSTRUCTION
First Middle East Hindu stone temple to be built in UAE
Site Visit: India’s Construction Disruptors
BIM
Cheaper construction tech will speed-up KSA development
CONSTRUCTION
Alec wins Dubai Hills Mall solar project
EXPERTS
The Power of the Sun
Video: The blackest building in the universe
I am a great believer that everyone should benefit from progress in a society, whomever and wherever they are. Thankfully, this is something that is shared by the leadership of the UAE and again this initiative proves that investment into areas beyond our cities is a fundamental part of the growth of this country. I’m sure anyone who has been to the Hatta Heritage Village will understand its importance, particularly in reminding us of a traditional way of life. By delivering solar panels to these people we are not only making the most of our resources but also helping more remote and important communities to grow. Across the world, people are deserting their traditional lives in the country to live in cities, but rural communities have a huge role to play in our future and are neglected at our peril. It would be great if the panels could also be shared with other nonUAE nationals, so they could also understand why it is crucial we protect these communities. Name withheld by request
NEW RANGE. NEW RULES.
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S W NE 6
Tax penalTy
No impact oN operatioNs from irs fiNe, says caterpillar
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 New what’s N t a N o i g the re
NFT chosen for Korean mega project Abu Dhabi tower crane specialist NFT has been awarded a contract to supply 30 tower cranes for a new factory build in South Korea for Samsung Electronics. NFT, the world’s biggest dealer of Potain cranes, said the order is the largest ever placed at once for a single project in the history of the company. It is also part of the company’s global outreach, which has seen it bag projects outside its core area of the Middle East. The Samsung job, in which 21 other tower cranes will also be erected with the NFT cranes, requires the tower cranes to lift heavy steel structures of around 28t. After studying the project, NFT recommended a package with a mix of Potain MR 608s and Terex Comedil CTL 630s. NFT signed the contract with Samsung to supply 20 MR 608s and 10 CTL 630 with final heights at 150m. The cranes supplied by NFT are all
32t luffers which will be working for 14 months on a rental basis. NFT started delivery in January and will continue until June. The contract also includes full service and after-sale support provided by a local NFT partner. According to NFT, it was appointed as the main tower crane supplier for the project as it is the only company able to deliver 30 tower cranes in six months. Nabil Al Zahlawi, CEO, NFT, termed the win as another testimonial to the company’s forward thinking and risk-taking approach, with which NFT stocks 2,000 tower cranes across 20 depots worldwide. “Every year we forecast what tower cranes the market will need while working with manufacturers’ production schedules, so that when there is demand, we are ready immediately,” Al Zahlawi said.
PoSITIvE RESULTS
A $2.3bn fine from the US Internal
AT voLvo
Revenue Service (IRS) for tax
Improved
evasion will not impact finances and
competitiveness
operations, said Caterpillar, adding
and increased
that the company has decided to
demand
contest the penalty. It follows IRS
helped Volvo
action against Caterpillar last year,
Construction
when it challenged the company’s
Equipment put in
tax filings from 2007 to 2012. US
a strong fourth
federal authorities also searched
quarter of 2017,
three of Cat’s facilities regarding an
with sales up
investigation into profits earned by
28% in the period
the company’s Swiss parts subsidiary,
and up 31% for
Caterpillar SARL. A US Senate
the full year. The
committee also concluded that the
Q4 performance
company had shifted profits abroad
helped parent
and deferred or avoided taxes.
company the
In a recent filing of its 10-K
Volvo Group
report – an annual requirement
achieve the
of the US Securities and Exchange
highest sales
Commission – Caterpillar Inc
and operating
provided a summary of its financial
income in its
performance for 2017, showing
history. Volvo CE
sales of $19.13bn for Caterpillar
said improved
Construction Industries in 2017,
competitiveness
compared with $15.61bn the
coupled with
year before. It put the increase
growing demand
down to higher sales volumes and
– especially in
favourable price realisation.
Asia – helped it
The filing also shows that sales in
deliver strong
Asia/Pacific were higher as a result
improvements in
of an increase in end user demand,
sales, operating
primarily in China, stemming from
income and order
increased building construction
intake. In Q4
and infrastructure investment.
2017, net sales
Caterpillar said it expects China
increased 28% to
sales to be higher this year owing
$2.06bn. Adjusted
to continued building construction
for currency
and infrastructure investment,
movements, net
with a strong first half and some
sales were up 34%.
tempering later in the year. “We currently believe the ultimate disposition of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations,” Caterpillar added in the filing.
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8
neWS ROUnD-Up M ARCH 2018
MaSSive ORDeR
sareNs purchases 44 New demag all-terraiNs
Komatsu organises operator competition
PRoFITS RISE AT ATLAS CoPCo Atlas Copco has announced an operating profit of $3.04bn for 2017 on fullyear revenues of
Global heavy lift service specialist Sarens
$14.65bn, year-
is expanding and updating its current
on-year increases
fleet with the addition of 44 new Demag
of 22% and 15%
all-terrain cranes scheduled to be built
respectively.
and delivered over the next two years.
Claiming
The order consists of six Demag AC 55-3
the figures
models, seven AC 60-3 models, 12 AC
are a record,
100-4L models, 10 AC 130-5 models,
the Swedish
two AC 160-5 models and seven AC 220-
coompany said
5 models. This order comes just months
orders received
after Sarens commissioned 15 Demag
also went up
AC-130-5 all-terrain cranes.
20%. Q4 2017 was
The second annual Komatsu Excavator Operator Contest, held in Abu Dhabi last month, saw 30 excavator operators from as many companies across the UAE battle to win the title of the country’s best operator. The contest was organised by Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment Co (GTHE), Komatsu’s dealer in the UAE. Participating excavator operators vied to show their
mastery in handling their big earthmoving machines to complete the task of controlling an oscillating ball and putting it inside a tube in the least possible time. Ashraf Hashish, senior GM, Marketing, at Komatsu Middle East, said while the competition was aimed at consolidating the brand’s “relation with the machine operators and enabling them to get the experience of our latest machine technology”, the
boys had tremendous fun in a closely-fought competition, leaving the audience spellbound with their nimbleness and dexterity in controlling the massive machines. Bilal Ali from Abdulla Al Qamzi Transport & General Contracting bagged first position, followed by Said Elsayed from Saif Al Jabri General Contracting & Transport, and Haytham Zeyada from Emirates Roads Contracting.
“We have been so impressed with
especially strong,
the quality and performance of the
with both revenue
latest Demag all-terrain cranes,” said
and operating
Ludo Sarens, president of Sarens. “And
profit rising 8%
since Terex has always done a great job
year-on-year.
of supporting our team, it was an easy
Fourth quarter
decision for us. We’re looking forward to
revenue was
getting all of these new units out in the
$3.88bn; operating
field working for our customers.”
profit was $784m.
Steve Filipov, president, Terex Cranes, said: “It’s a huge honour to have been selected to provide these new cranes for Sarens, one of the most respected companies in the industry, because its leaders demand the highest levels of performance from its equipment.”
NEW DoRmAKAbA SAFETy SySTEm Dormakaba’s new Secure Safe Access Temporary system enhances safety for mechanical locks via a mechanical master key system. Service and proprietor keys give full and limited access respectively. The service function is enabled by a small turn of the proprietor key on a locked door, providing access for service personnel.
Liebherr deLivers 250th MK88 crane
Liebherr has supp lied its 250th MK 88 mobile construction cran e to Barneveldse Kraanverhuur (BKV), a Dutch cr ane contractor an d long-term Liebherr custom er. The handover of the landmark crane took place at Liebherr-Ned erland BV and wa attended by two s of the four brothe rs who own the company, Albert Deij and Daan De ij, and three crane drivers. W ith a maximum ra di us of 45m and hook height of 30.2m, the cran e has a compact, man oeuvrable desig n for jobs in packed urban areas.
9
Raimondi launches new luffer tower Italian tower crane specialist Raimondi has launched a new luffing jib crane, LR330, which uses an equilateral triangular jib design described by the company as a “breakthrough that enhances several different aspects of the machine”. Showcased to Raimondi’s exclusive agent network ahead of wider release, the LR330 luffing jib crane will officially begin shipping this month to fulfill agent presell orders, and is now available for wider purchase, said the company. “Raimondi has realised our value proposition through research, trials and finally, development. We’re proud to present a technologically advanced, superior performance luffing crane, fully European in manufacture, to
the market,” said Domenico Ciano, technical director, Raimondi Cranes. “The LR330 is productive, durable, strong and efficient. As the flagship crane of the new luffing range, (it is) structurally optimised (and) this innovative layout allows for improved packaging and transportation, simplifies the construction phase, and reduces wind impact on the jib, thereby decreasing the out-of-service radius.” The LR330 has a maximum jib length of 60m and a maximum capacity of 18t, with two falls and four falls configurations. At the maximum radius, it can lift 3.3t in Ultra-lift mode. Six different jib length configurations of 30-60m satisfy all needs in terms of specific jobsite configurations.
STRoNG Q4 AT annUal cOnTRacT
TEREx CoRP
magNa tyres to supply tyres for al faris all-terraiN craNe fleet
Terex Corporation saw a strong
PALFINGER mAINTAINS PRoFIT Palfinger has reported revenues of $1.8bn for the full year 2017, up 8.4% on the $1.6bn the year before. Sales for the Austrian equipment maker hit a new record for the seventh year in succession. Another record was the company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) at $134.9m, up 3.9% on the $129.7m in 2016.
Hormann introduces new lifting barrier
fourth quarter last magna Tyres has signed
for mobile cranes for
year with sales
an annual contract with Al
highway and off-road
of $1.6bn, up 9%
Faris Equipment Rentals LLC
applications, said the
year-on-year,
that will see it supply tyres
manufacturer, adding that
leading to sales
for the all-terrain cranes
they are designed to be
figures of $4.3bn
in the Dubai-based rental
long-lasting with a non-
for the full year
company’s fleet.
directional tread design that
2017, down 1.8%
contributes to fuel efficiency
over the previous
the contract was signed
and guarantees excellent
year. Terex Cranes
towards the end of last
operating comfort.
reported 2017 sales
magna tyres said that
year and since then the first
magna Tyres has found
of $1.1bn, down
batch of 445/95R25 magna
success in the middle East
6.3% year-on-
mA03 mobile crane tyres has
tyre market for several years,
year. The decline
already been fitted to a crane
with the Al Faris Group, one
was attributed to
in Al Faris’ mobile crane fleet.
of the largest heavy-duty
softness in the
crane rental companies in
mobile cranes
is just the beginning of a
the region, among its biggest
business. Fourth
sustained cooperation,
customers. Al Faris’ fleet
quarter net sales
said magna Tyres. During
comprises all-terrain, crawler
“were essentially
2018, magna will provide
and rough terrain cranes as
flat versus 2016’.
Al Faris with a high level of
well as telescopic crawler
support through its premium
cranes which are engaged in
products and after sales
many well-known projects in
service, it added.
region in the construction,
This successful fitting
The magna mA03 tyres are especially designed
oil & gas and heavy lift and transportation sectors.
Germany’s Hormann has introduced its new lifting barriers in the Middle East, which are equipped with emergency fast operation (EFO) functions to secure passages of up to 10m in width. The specialist in doors, gates, frames and operators said that the new barriers are suitable for very frequent use, capable of managing approximately 2,000 movements in a day, and come with a long service life equivalent to approximately three million movements.
The new lift barrier’s H version, along with its integrated hydraulic operator, is 1,300mm in height and up to 10m in length, and fits low foundation depths. Its lifting speed is the same as its lowering speed, which is 18.5cm/s. Darius Khanloo, MD, Hormann Middle East and Africa, said: “The lift barrier is a valuable addition to our perimeter protection systems. Its integrated hydraulic operator provides automatic lifting and lowering.”
10
NEWS ROUND-UP M ARCH 2018
NEW laUNchES
ACDelCo expAnDs rAnge of CommerCiAl vehiCle Components
Continental’s new tyre monitoring system
American automotive
and fluids are specially
spare parts brand
formulated to protect
ACDelco has added to
vehicles against harsh
its commercial vehicle
weather conditions and
product line-up in
heavy duty commercial
the Middle East, re-
use in the region.
introducing heavy-duty maintenance-free
windshield wipers
MAniToWoC
(HDMF) batteries and
are designed
Manitowoc has
announcing new all-
aerodynamically for
reported a fall in
season metal wiper
smoother and quieter
revenue compared
blades, as well as oil
operation, making
to 2016, despite
and lubricant products
them an economical
an increase in
for the region.
replacement
orders for 2017.
Tyre maker Continental has announced the Middle East launch of ContiPressureCheck, a first-of-itskind tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system for buses and trucks. The system continuously measures pressure and temperature of all tyres on vehicles when driving, helping to save fuel and increase mileage, as well as reduceing the risk of tyre failure while maintaining the casing, and thus the re-treadability. The system consists of four main components: a tyre sensor mounted in the inner liner; a central control unit that receives signals from the sensor, evaluates data and sends the status to the driver’s screen;
DAikin’s FiRsT uAE sHoWRooM Japanese HVAC major Daikin has opened its first exclusive showroom in the UAE in Al Ain, in collaboration with Al Motaheda Electrical and Mechanical Works. The showroom will feature its DX and VRV range. Al Motaheda will provides a full range of services from installation of units to after sales service and maintenance.
a driver’s display that shows tyre pressure, temperature and warning alerts; and optional telematics integration that allows drivers to be linked to local telematics systems. Juan Uruburu, head of sales, Commercial Vehicle Tyres, Continental Middle East, said: “The innovative ContiPressureCheck system looks out for [drivers’] safety and is an added reassurance for them on the roads.” The system can be integrated with the vast majority of telematics fleet management systems, providing fleet maintenance managers with real-time status for every tyre on a vehicle.
ALE incrE AsEs it y jAcking cApAscincreased
ist ALE ha Heavy lift special 00t with city to over 100,0 its jacking capa systems. n of new jacking the introductio ions on at er rm jacking op In order to perfo s built ha E AL e, e same tim three jobs at th stem, sy ck Ja a eg M for its four new towers in am bricated by its te designed and fa , rs we to 16 . Now with the Netherlands e th y, cit t capa each with 5,200 over 83,000t Mega Jack has y. cit pa ca
ACDelco said its
REvEnuE FAlls AT
The improved,
component for
The company said
maintenance-free
commercial vehicles.
orders for the full
HDMF battery has a
With strong corrosion
year 2017 were
higher reserve capacity
resistance, the
$1.8bn, up 32%
and benefits from full-
wipers’ durability is
on 2916, while
frame technology, with
complemented by
revenues for
increased resistance
acryl spray painting
the same period
to outside impact
over layers of electro
were $1.5bn, a 2%
and vibration, said
deposition coating and
($31.8m) decline
ACDelco. The brand’s
electro zinc painting on
from $1.6bn in
new lubricants, oils
a galvanised steel body.
2016. Gross profit was up 11.29% to $281.9m from $253.3m a year earlier, while operating income was back in the black at $1.1m, from $153.3m in the red in 2016.
11
Walvaren and Hira Industries open new fixing systems facility UAE-based Hira Industries and Walraven Group of the Netherlands have jointly opened a new $5.44m facility at Dubai’s National Industries Park to manufacture fixing system products such as pipe support clamps, support channels and rubber support inserts. Called Hira Walraven, the new facility will also be a central distribution warehouse and have other major Hira Walraven product lines, including light-duty and heavyduty channels, anti-vibration products, mechanical and chemical anchors. The facility will also have a competence centre and training room. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the fixing systems division of
Hira Industries LLC. With our wide product range and expert advice, we can provide complete solutions for every aspect of a project, no matter how large or complex,” said Pelle Van Walraven, CEO, Walraven Group. “Our joint venture with Walraven has enabled us with the right technical support and product range, which will help us accommodate growing customer demand,” said Ravi Wadhwani, GM, Hira Walraven. Offering better storage and manufacturing services, this is the only dedicated facility for fixing systems in the UAE, said Hira Walraven. Spread across 6,500sqm, it meets green building norms and is compliant with ISO standards.
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12
KIT SPOTTING M APRIL ARCH 2016 2018
Wirtgen pAver builds nigeriAn concrete roAd
A
Wirtgen SP 500 slipform paver is being used to construct a concrete roadway to connect the towns of Itori and Ibese in the southwestern Nigerian state of Ogun. The contractor for the project, AG-Dangote Construction Company Limited – a joint venture between the Brazilian company Andrade Gutierrez Company and the Dangote Group from Nigeria – made use of the sophisticated technology offered by the Wirtgen slipform paver for its cost efficiency and precision in inset application. In inset application, the concrete is either deposited right in front of the slipform paver or fed in front of
the machine from the side via a belt conveyor or side feeder. In the next step, the concrete is distributed evenly across the full paving width by a spreading auger or spreading plough. Integrated electrical or hydraulic vibrators ensure homogeneous compaction of the concrete. The inset mould forms the concrete slab to the specified thickness and width while the slipform paver advances. In addition, a dowel bar inserter can be integrated, which inserts the dowel bars into the concrete as specified, parallel to the paver’s direction of travel. Central tie bars or side tie bars can be inserted transverse to the concrete pavement. The surface is levelled off transverse to the paver’s direction of travel by the
finishing beam. The method creates a grinding movement which produces a small concrete roll in front of the beam, enhancing the high quality of the concrete surface. In the next step, a super-smoother, oscillating in a combination of lateral and longitudinal movements, ensures the final surface accuracy. Wirtgen texture curing machines such as the TCM 95 or TCM 180 then create the desired surface structure, applying a dispersion to the concrete surface which prevents the surface and edges from drying too quickly. To prepare the substrate before the paver began work, the construction company used compacted laterite and a 20cm layer of crushed rock. “The SP 500 then paved the
concrete quickly and cost-efficiently. At the same time, it also helped us ensure that our production quality meets the specifications for surface evenness,” explains Ashif Juma, MD of AG-Dangote Construction Company Limited. The SP 500 laid down the new 7.5m wide and 20cm thick roadway in two separate passes. Extending over 24km, the new road is the longest uninterrupted stretch of concrete roadway in Nigeria. “The SP 500 not only ensured that construction project processing went off without a hitch, but also produced a paving result that impressed both us and the client. We processed more than 35,000m³ of concrete using the Wirtgen slipform paver, and produced a very even surface,” adds Juma.
13
“The SP 500… paved the concrete quickly and cost-efficiently… It also helped us ensure that our production quality meets the specifications for surface evenness”
14
COMMENT M ARCH 2018
Boosting productivity
Learning and adopting best practices from other sectors can heLp the construction industry repair its troubLed history with productivity, says voLvo ce
E
ven the smallest construction projects are multi-discipline events that involve hundreds of individual actions. When scaled up to mega project size, managing the sequencing of man, machine and material so that the right things are done at the right time and place is a logistical headache that the industry has been grappling with for generations. Construction is improving – but its productivity improvements are far slower than the wider economy. Part of the problem is that each construction site is unique, with the main players only coming together for that particular project before moving off to the next job. This has in the past discouraged a more joined-up approach. So, hindered as it is by project management inefficiencies, contractual misunderstandings and often a lack of communication, can the industry capitalise on growing global investment and learn a few productivity-boosting tricks from the wider world? When budget carrier Southwest Airlines found it was already in the lead in its refuelling processes compared to other commercial carriers, it was forced to look elsewhere for inspiration to further reduce its turnaround operations. Most of the firm’s aircraft were grounded for an average of 40 minutes for refuelling between flights, creating what the company felt were unnecessary costs and productivity losses. It found inspiration in Formula One – experienced in turning around
a racing car pit stop in as little as two-three seconds – and adopted a similar process. This eventually allowed crews to refuel an airplane in just 12 minutes. This sort of lateral bench-marking shows how construction can make inroads in productivity savings. Globally, labour productivity growth in construction lags far behind that of manufacturing (3.6%) or the total economy (2.8%) at just 1% a year, according to research by private sector think tank McKinsey Global Institute (MGI). If construction productivity were to catch up with the rest of the world economy, the sector’s value would increase by an estimated $1.6 trillion, fulfilling about half of the world’s annual infrastructure need. One of the keys to improved productivity is to ensure the entire supply chain is aligned in its aims. Setting well-defined goals means projects are more likely to meet schedule and cost targets. Suppliers are more likely to engage with an operation standard that they have had a role in establishing, which in turn leads to fewer mistakes, better communication and a more collaborative approach to problem-solving. UK utilities company Anglian Water, for example, faced increasing demands to reduce costs while delivering the same level of service. So in 2005 the company began an incentive programme where the strategy and cultural ethos had to be agreed collectively, from sub-contractors to equipment suppliers. As a result, they beat their targets, achieving more than 50% carbon emission savings and a 40% reduction in construction time. Another key trend for 2018 is off-site construction. Google and Starbucks are
15 The construction industry must shake up old processes, be open to change and adapt to new technologies now if it wants to reap the benefits of productivity.
“One of the keys to improved productivity is to ensure the entire supply chain is aligned in its aims. Setting well-defined goals means projects are more likely to meet schedule and cost targets”
already big investors, and now hotel chain Marriott International is taking the process into the mainstream by employing a band of off-site manufacturers as part of its global design strategy. Off-site construction and prefabrication not only helps make up for the short supply of skilled workers across the supply chain – by absorbing up to 60% of a project’s labour requirements – but also jump starts productivity by reducing timescales and lowering build costs. Productivity improvements at companies are often defined by the technology employed, and even on a small scale, a failure to adapt to new tools can have an adverse effect, even at a national level. If a fifth of small businesses in a developed country like the UK are still using fax machines, according to a survey by Enterprise National, is it any surprise the British economy has a poor productivity record? While artificial intelligence (AI) may seem like a distant prospect, tech start-ups are recognising that aspects of machine learning technology can help them break through into the mainstream. One such example is Slack, which is threatening to shake up ‘traditional’ email by using AI to intuitively group messages by topic and highlight which unread messages are most important, cutting down on time spent manually filtering communications. At the other end of the scale, Amazon is using new technology to ensure productivity improvements keep a fast pace at every level of the company. Workers whose job it is to fulfil orders are kept constantly moving, thanks to hand-held devices that show them what each item looks like, where to find it and how to reach it as quickly as possible. It can, however, make for a strenuous work day in which every second is accounted for. While this is an extreme example of the ways in which technology can push productivity to its limits, digitisation can be used to make workers’ lives a little easier. This is a growing trend in construction. Volvo Construction Equipment’s onboard machine telematics system CareTrack, for example, is designed to provide updates on fuel status, idle time and logged hours – even how the machine is being used. This helps prevent unscheduled downtime and improves efficiency from a cost, carbon and time perspective. Construction demand continues to grow, and productivity can play a vital role in making the most of these opportunities. To thrive, the industry must shake up old processes, be open to change and adapt to new technologies. Even incremental improvements will save time and money, so investing in the future will allow reaping productivity gains today.
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SHOW PREVIEW M ARCH 2018
Heavy wiTH promise
The Big 5 heavy exhiBiTion in DuBai This monTh looks promising for The inDusTry wiTh The parTicipaTion of Big names such as caTerpillar anD iTs Dealer al-Bahar
T
he Big 5 Heavy, the Middle East’s largest standalone event dedicated to the heavy construction industry, taking place March 26-28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will see some of the big names of the industry participating in what will be the first event of its kind in the UAE. Among the biggest names is Al-Bahar, the exclusive regional dealer of equipment giant Caterpillar. Al-Bahar will occupy two stands at the event - OS A30 and OS A45 - making its presence the biggest of all participants at the show. Pride of place at the stands is expected to go to two important pieces of Cat kit being introduced to the region: the Next Generation Cat 320 medium excavator and the Cat 962L medium wheel loader. Speaking about Cat and Al-Bahar’s participation at The Big 5 Heavy 2018, Samer Ismail, product manager - Earthmoving & Excavation, Al-Bahar, says: “Al-Bahar’s focus at Big 5 Heavy will be to introduce and exhibit our revolutionary machine features. Our theme for this year is ‘New Range. New Rules’, which echoes the universal theme for Cat’s Next Generation excavators - one of our primary launches at the event. “Participating in what is expected to be a leading international construction event, we look forward to exhibiting our latest. The Big5 Heavy will witness the introduction of two of our newest equipment – the Next Generation Cat 320 medium excavator and Cat 962L medium wheel loader. In addition to these two launches, the Al-Bahar booth will display our range of the latest Cat equipment, with several models from our earthmoving, excavator and building construction lines. Every machine purchased during the event will include a special promotion. We invite everyone to visit our booth to find out the exact details.” Elaborating Al-Bahar and Cat’s goals for their participation in the event, Ismail adds: “We anticipate exceptional exposure and a bigger platform to reach our customers. We look forward to exhibiting our best and the latest. Al-Bahar has always valued its customers and their needs. We are looking forward to Big5 Heavy as a dynamic platform that would offer us an opportunity to listen to our customers, enabling us to offer them the solution they need, thereby leading to a win-win scenario for both. Our agenda, therefore, is primarily to meet with and expand our customer base in the market.” The global leader in construction machinery will be displaying a
17 New, expanded and stand-alone, The Big 5 Heavy is an event the industry can look forward to, with global biggies such as Cat participating with its regional dealer Al-Bahar.
“Al-Bahar’s focus at The Big 5 Heavy will be to introduce and exhibit our revolutionary machine features. Our theme for this year is ‘New Range. New Rules’, which echoes the universal theme for Cat’s Next Generation excavators - one of our primary launches at the event”
wide variety of heavy equipment, including earthmoving, building construction, mining, road making, demolition, waste and scrap handling. The Next Generation Cat 320 medium excavator, which will be displayed in the Middle East for the first time is a very recent Cat machine, launched globally only in last October with much fanfare in Malaga, Spain. It sports state-of-the-art technology in a cost-effective package, which Cat believes will attract visitors and industry professionals at the show. Richard Pavitt, event director, The Big 5 Heavy, says: “Caterpillar and AlBahar’s choice to come to the exhibition demonstrates the growing potential for the heavy construction industry in the region. It also confirms that the decision to re-launch Middle East Concrete and PMV Live, once co-located to the Big 5, as a new, independent and international exhibition for heavy construction was the best to support the industry and effectively meet its needs.” Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, the event will feature five dedicated product sectors: Middle East Concrete, PMV Live, Foundations & Geotechnical, Mining & Quarrying, and Road Construction. It will also offer a broad educational agenda with CPDCertified Talks, a Live Demo Area, the brandnew Innovation Trail, the Scaffolding Climbing Challenge, the Inspiring Infrastructure Award and The Big 5 Heavy Product Award. Another major international name that has confirmed its participation at the event is mobile crusher and screener maker MB Crusher. The Italian manufacturer says its booth #OS G30 at the show will showcase the new BF 90.3 crusher bucket series, the MB-S18 screening buckets and the MB-R900 drum cutter According to Najmeddine Sahraoui, deputy general manager of MB Crusher, the company’s market is highly correlated to overall infrastructure development. MB estimates the GCC infrastructure market to have a value of over $400bn. There are currently 1,246 ongoing projects in the region in different stages of the construction life cycle, which is one of the biggest reasons why The Big5 Heavy is an event where MB Crusher will shine, feels the company. “The Middle East Market is a dynamic one that grows at high speed. There are many infrastructure projects where our machines will be necessary. MB attachments are the solution to all those scenarios” says Sahraoui. MB attachments can be used with excavators, skid-steers or other equipment to reuse materials immediately at the job-site Products displaying all of these attributes will be showcased at the event, Sahraoui adds.
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SHOW PREVIEW M ARCH 2018
one to watch...
Construction Machinery Experts (CME) Upcoming trends point to the fact that energy-efficient and innovative tower cranes will increasingly be in demand in the construction machinery industry. Such cranes are already gaining vast popularity in the industry due to their cost-effective operations, packed with high safety standards. Construction companies across the world are also keen on selecting those equipment in the market that have provide the highest levels of energy saving. Construction Machinery Experts, or CME, is an innovative, dynamic and rapidly growing company committed to providing high quality equipment for the construction industry. CME is a dealer mainly of ACM Tower Cranes, ACM Working Platforms and other world-leading manufacturers of construction equipment. All the equipment that CME offers are designed and built durably to
ensure safety and productivity, assisting every customer to easily reach their project milestones. In addition, the remarkable feature of ACM tower cranes is that they are energy-saving pieces of equipment, designed with key concepts that
provide for ease of transport and erection, as well as flexible component modularity. ACM tower cranes are also known for their fast and easy assembly, with a simplified design that is beneficial for the customer’s construction project.
At The Big 5 Heavy taking place on 26-28 this month, CME will be showcasing their products and services, especially the latest tower crane inverter technology that helps maximise a construction project’s progress as well as extend the tower crane’s operating life. The technology also helps in smoother manoeuvring of the crane and, most importantly, requires less power consumption, making it a component that is environment-friendly. Discover CME’s high-quality and advanced equipment at their stand No. Z4A112 located in the exhibitions PMV Hall. Their dedicated sales team will be ready to assist in selecting the best tower crane and construction equipment to meet the unique project specifications of all customers. More information about the company’s latest equipment and updates is also available at their website, www.c-m-experts.com.
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LooK oUt FoR...
AMCS technologies AMCS technologies is a company pursuing a single goal: to be the world’s leading expert in lifting machinery safety and to improve the productivity of construction sites. With a pioneering anti-collision and zoning team, AMCS technologies draws upon its expert knowledge of lifting machinery gained from thousands of sites all over the world to design its products and systems. The company’s products cover all safety needs for lifting equipment on a job-site. With six different product lines, AMCS provides a comprehensive and all-round safety system for contractors and workers to have peace of mind where safety is concerned. • Anti-Collision System DCS61-S: A newly launched technology, AMCS calls this its most advanced safety system. While developing the flagship system, the company has taken great care in guaranteeing
the quality of its designs, as well as the performance of its cutting-edge electronic components. The system comes certified with EN13849-1/ PLd EN61508 / SIL-2 • Anti-Collision System DCS60: The purpose of this driving control system is to cover the most important features on cranes, which are zoning, anti-collision and load indicator
(LMI). It calculates distance between cranes, or between a crane and fixed obstacles, and their travelling speeds in real time in order to completely immobilise controlled mechanisms at a pre-set distance from given obstacles. Whatever the type of crane – flat or luffing jib tower cranes, or mobile cranes - the DCS60 applies a safety cordon around the machines. • Site Monitor DCS60-SUP: Whether you are on-site or half the world away, as long as you have an internet connection you can always check that your job-site is running smoothly with the DCS60-SUP. Where necessary, you can carry out actions to manage interference and flyover restrictions for each machine on the site, view logs and download the data history to a USB drive. • Lifting Camera: This provides crane operators with additional comfort
in terms of working safety, thus boosting productivity. • Wind-speed ANEM200: Knowing the wind direction and pressure is essential to ensuring that cranes operate smoothly and that people can work in a safe environment. The ANEM200 provides an easy and accurate way to measure these parameters so that such vital information is readily available to operators and supervisors on-site. • Aircraft warning light: Designed to be used during day or night, AMC’s warning lights for crafts overflying the job-site comes ICAO approved and certified. AMCS will display these products and more at its stand No. Z5 A90 at The Big 5 Heavy. Its technical experts will also be present to explain the features and benefits of its advanced products to customers. More information can be obtained at www.amcs.fr.
“Offering a range of products that cover all your on-site safety lifting equipments needs”
Aircraft Warning Light - ICAO Approved
1308 Churchill Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE T+97144217854 F+97144217894 info@amcs-me.com
www.amcs.fr
HAULAGE ADVERT.indd 1
STAND
Z5 A90 2/27/18 12:09 PM
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INTERVIEW M ARCH 2018
Bobcat has cemented its position as the leader in skidsteer loaders in the Middle East market, supplying the machines from its state-of-the-art factory in Dobris.
“We dominate the skid-steer loader segment. Because of our popularity, it is well known in the Middle East that a Bobcat is a skid-steer loader and a skid-steer loader is a Bobcat. There can be no greater proof of dominating a market segment.�
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Dominating from Dobris
CMME catches up with Gustavo otero, Doosan BoBcat’s heaD for the eMea reGion, at his Base in the czech town of DoBris, where his teaM Develops anD BuilDs the sMall cat’s proDucts that DoMinate the MiDDle east Market
f
or a man who is in charge of Doosan Bobcat’s Europe, Africa and Middle East operations, Gustavo Otero can be expected to be a big-picture man. The company’s vice president for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market, he has a clear grasp of not only where the Bobcat brand is at the moment, but more importantly, where it needs to go from here and what needs to be done to make that possible. And Bobcat’s facility in Dobris, some 50km outside of the Czech capital Prague, is where the Spaniard and his team hold court, strategising, developing and testing their machines in the company’s Innovation Centre and proving grounds, while building them in the adjacent factory to send them forth to the far corners of the EMEA market – and beyond – where the small cats have carved a niche of excellence for themselves. Such as in the Middle East. “Bobcat today has a strong position in general worldwide especially in the compact loaders, and the Middle East is an important region for us. It has historically been one of our key markets and continues to be so today. When you look at Bobcat’s position in the region, in 2016 we were one of the market leaders in almost all compact segments that we participate in. Last year we moved to the top spot and established a dominant position in several categories,” he says. “Of course, we dominate the skid-steer loader segment with more than 50% market share for quite some time now. This share oscillates one point up or down every few months, but it has not gone below the 50% mark in the Middle East for years and years now. Because of our popularity in the segment, it is well known in the Middle East that a Bobcat is a skid-steer loader and a skid-steer loader is a Bobcat. With due respect to our competition, we are synonymous with the machine. There can be no greater proof of dominating a market segment.” Those skid-steer loaders that are so popular and ubiquitous on Middle Eastern job-sites are developed, produced and tested in
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INTERVIEW M ARCH 2018
Otero’s backyard – the Dobris facility. Other machines are also made in the same facility for the Middle East market – and Bobcat is equally dominant in those as well, he points out. “In compact track loaders even through the Middle East market is still quite small, we still have a stranglehold with more than 87% market share. And we have also introduced backhoe loaders in the region with aim to become no.1 in future,” he says. “Bobcat introduced its backhoe to the Middle East a year and a half ago. Since then we have been able to triple our market share in the segment, which is an extremely good result. JCB and Cat are still nos.1 and 2, but we aim to win those positions and beat our competitors soon. So far the response from the market has been very good, from both our dealers and end-users or customers, so we are excited about continuing the journey and continuing to invest in the backhoe business.” In other categories, like telehandlers, Bobcat is again among the market leaders in the region, he adds. “Maybe, the telehandler is a lesser-known product from Bobcat in the Middle East, and we are trying to further promote it. In mini excavators, too, we are entering the Middle East market. The region, as we know, is not a mini excavator market yet; it’s a concept that’s developing but we are trying to push it forward a little and we have our main competitor there in Hyundai, which has the biggest market share today, mainly driven by the fact that they are selling in two countries primarily for their own rental companies. So if you deduct that, our position is also pretty strong in the mini excavators, but I think we still have to do better work there and we are looking forward to it,” says Otero. The star product in Bobcat’s stable in the Middle East is undoubtedly the S450 skidsteer loader. Otero says it builds on Bobcat’s skid-steer legacy in the Middle East, where the machines, many of them made at Dobris, have found not just favour but actually love from the market. “When we launched the S450. I remember the campaign said: ‘The best is in town’.... it is one of our most successful products. Building on its success, we have recently introduced models like a new compact track loader, which we believe will be a very powerful product, even though the CTL market is a small one in the region. It’s the equivalent to the S450 and is called the T450. But I would definitely say our no.1 product in the region’s market today is the S450 and then our backhoes, the full range from the B700 to the B780, with the B730 being the best seller.
“A part of our global manufacturing strategy is to have the right balance of the right products and to make sure that we are able to keep up our level of competitiveness across the different factories and across our distribution network. And we have a fourth pillar in our manufacturing strategy - our agreement with other OEMs. Cukurova is one of them,” says Otero. The Turkish manufacturer is Bobcat’s partner in producing its backhoe loader and what Bobcat is doing with Cukurova is combining their know-how and expertise with the Bobcat DNA, he explains “We’re bringing in our technology, knowledge and features into the machine to make a product that has found quick and wide success in the Middle East and CIS. At Dobris, we are continuously working on enhancing the features and upgrading our machines. And all the new innovative solutions that we develop for our product range here we’re
Gustavo Otero, Doosan Bobcat’s VP for the EMEA market, oversees a territory where his company is among the leaders in almost every machine category it is present in.
also introducing in the backhoe as we refine it further, and will do so in future,” says Otero. “We actually have a big ongoing project, which is all about upgrading our backhoe to the next level, so we have a strong team working together with Cukurova. It’s our research and development, which is transferred to them to build a machine that is up to our standards and specifications. If I may say so, it’s the Bobcat-isation of an existing initial design of a backhoe, which we are enhancing and bringing in-line with the Bobcat DNA.” Bobcat is a company that invests significantly on innovation and has a continuous approach of being at the forefront of the solutions available on the market, as well as trying to develop new tech and solutions, Otero says. “The very first step this starts with is listening to the market and our customers. We organise our demo days here in Dobris twice a year, so for two weeks we bring dealers and customers here every day and they have an opportunity
23 A key factor in the popularity of Bobcat’s compact equipment is the versatility that they provide with the tool carrier concept and a plethora of tools to choose from.
coNsTaNT ImpRoVEmENT
BoBcat’s new coMpact trackeD loaDer Bobcat has launched a new version of
machine offers 10% more lift capacity
the company’s top-of-the-range T870
than the previous roller suspension
compact tracked loader featuring a
model. The model is available with a wide
new torsion suspension undercarriage,
range of standard and optional features
replacing the previous T870 model
and in a range of configurations to match
with a roller suspension system.
emissions and specification requirements
The compact equipment major said the new model introduces a completely
for the Middle East and Africa markets. The new T870 provides a more
new undercarriage design to its compact
comfortable and relaxed environment
tracked loaders. The torsion suspension
in the cab, Bobcat said, achieving
undercarriage features torsion axles
greater comfort without sacrificing
that dampen vibration, combining the
performance. The torsion suspension
comfort of roller suspension and the
improves not only ride quality, but
stability of a solid mount undercarriage
also absorbs stresses and vibrations
with other new features to provide a
encountered on the job. The result is
tracked loader with higher performance
reduced wear and tear, and improved
The new T870 torsion suspension
component life throughout the machine.
to gather together in the Dobris campus, and visit our factory and Innovation Centre. “They interact with us and we show them the new products that are coming, as well as existing ones. They have the opportunity to try out the machines on our proving grounds and get training as well in the training centre. In 2017 we welcomed around 800 visitors from more than 30 countries in the EMEA region, so this gives you an idea of the order of magnitude and the importance that we place on listening to our partners.” Speaking about the future, Otero says Bobcat wants to grow its lead in the Middle East market in the loaders segment. “We will continue to provide innovative solutions, continue to invest in our products and continue to serve the market with proper attachment solutions, which is one of the key factors in our success with loaders. Also, we are seeking to raise our market share in backhoes, which is definitely one of the main focus areas for the future. The ultimate aim is to consistently maintain a clear No. 1 position in the compacts business in the Middle East. “There are three main factors that set Bobcat apart from the competition. The first is the performance, reliability and quality of our machines; the second is what we call the ‘tool carrier concept’ wherein we don’t just sell a machine, we sell a solution for an application with our huge line-up of attachments. And last but not least is the passion we have in the company not only from employees but also our partners and dealer network – of which our Middle East network is one of our best anywhere. And also from our customers. “It is this combination that enables us to dominate our market the way we do.”
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INTERVIEW M ARCH 2018
Performance at heights
Genie has seen a successful 2017 in the reGion as a result of its firm focus on service solutions and products that anticipate market trends, says sharbel kordahi, reGional head of the terex powered access brand
m
aking a claim and backing it up are two different things. In the cutthroat world of business, while many participants in a keenly contested market segment can put out claims of being market leaders, such claims remain preposterous without adequate proof. This is something powered access specialist Genie is very mindful of. Sharbel Kordahi, managing director of Terex Equipment Middle East and sales director for Genie Aerial Work Platforms in the Middle East, South of Africa and Russia, says that while it may be difficult – contentious even – for any manufacturer to claim outright market leadership in the present scenario, Genie has indeed maintained its global position as one of the leading AWP manufacturers in the Middle East. Speaking about Genie’s recent performance in the region, he tells CMME: “We had a very slow start to the year in 2017., especially in the first quarter, but then we had a strong end to the year. In the third and fourth quarters we saw some strong recovery, particularly in pockets of the Saudi Arabian market. All in all, we had a very good year; we achieved our targets and grew our customer base.” At Genie, whenever a claim is made about market performance or position, it is based on substance and fact, he adds. “For instance, last year we had Rapid Access buying over 300 machines from us; we had Manlift buying around 200 units for their operations in Qatar and the UAE; we had one of our biggest deals in Saudi with Expertise for 35 big booms. So we can tell you what are the projects that we have worked on, what we are basing our claim on. “We respect our competitors. We respect what they offer to the market. They also have customers that are loyal to them. But as a premium brand, we always manage to hold our own in the market.” Elaborating on the trends Genie has spotted and acted on in the market, he says the Middle East AWP sector is showing some distinct tendencies at the moment. “Most of our customers are looking for
25 The Middle East remains primarily a big boom market, says Genie’s Sharbel Kordahi, although recent trends also point to a growing preference for articulated models.
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INTERVIEW M ARCH 2018
“Customers are looking for packaged solutions, not just for a machine… It’s very much now a solutions-based approach in the market, which is great for us because this is our approach with our Genie value proposition” packaged solutions, not just a machine. It’s very much now a solutions-based approach in the market, which is great for us because this is our approach with our Genie value proposition. “We go in with our equipment, which is already one of the best-known brands out there with very strong return on investment. We also go on with a finance solution with the help of our Terex Financial Services (TFS) team. And of course, we go with a very comprehensive service solution over and above the fact that the service intervals on our machines have been continuously improved, so that our customers’ machines spend way more time at the job-sites now than they did before, instead of in the yard for repairs.” Elaborating on the TFS concept, he adds that in the absence of adequate local financial solutions, it acts as a facilitator for customers to obtain finance whether locally or by leveraging the power of Terex as a company, using the balance sheet of the customer, or through other finance suppliers around the globe. While TFS is not a lender, its mandate is to facilitate Genie customers to obtain finance for buying. “We think the local financial solutions are poor. Our customers who operate throughout the region do not want a solution that is good only for the UAE but not good for Kuwait or Oman. They want a solution wherein they can use the equipment they are buying with the finance anywhere in any country. I think we
need somebody who is able to finance deals for a given company saying ‘I can finance your equipment in the UAE but I have no problem with you moving it to Saudi or Bahrain or Oman’. This is quite the norm in Europe, where if you finance your equipment purchase in one country, you are free to move it anywhere within the continent and sometimes even outside. That option is just not available in the GCC from any financial institution.” Coming back to the market’s performance in 2017, Kordahi says the latter half of the year was good for the industry, as many projects entered a certain phase in their maturity cycles. “The biggest issue we have in the region at the moment is that though there is work, confidence is missing due to various economic reasons, such as the oil price. “But at a certain point the penny drops: if you want to participate in any given project, you now have to go in with your equipment or you have to step back. So, I think everybody was waiting in the first two quarters to see what was happening in the market, and then when they saw that projects are still going on and things are heading in the right direction, they started utilising their capex to buy equipment.” And when the buying did start Genie had quite a few success stories. Apart from the big orders from rental biggies Rapid Access and Manlift, and the order from Saudi rental company Expertise, another rental operator
Served by rental companies, the construction and oil & gas sectors together make up around 80% of Genie’s business in the region, with an even split between the two.
in the Kingdom purchased Genie equipment – a bit unusually. While blue is the trademark colour of Genie products, Medco, the Saudi Arabian distributor, ordered their customer’s AWPs painted orange. “The customer preferred the orange colour over our traditional blue, and so we painted our machines orange for them as it is their trademark colour,” explains Kordahi. Another unusual development is a change in the GCC’s preference for machine types. “This region is not known for being a market for electric equipment, but that is changing as the maintenance jobs rise. Overall, we are still a big boom market here in the region but there has been a slight shift in product selection from telescopic booms, which were predominantly preferred over the past five-six years, to the articulated booms. Telescopic booms are still popular but there’s been a marked uptake of articulated booms. “I think this is due to the nature of projects in the market at the moment. An articulated boom is more useful in the urban environments in the region, with cities becoming more crowded and a lot of companies also going into urban maintenance jobs, where space becomes a problem and you need an articulated boom because you can use it more efficiently in confined areas,” he explains. Another recent development is the growth in popularity of alternatively powered AWPs in
27 the region. To benefit from this, Genie has recenly launched new models with dual fuel-electric power sources. “A year and a half ago we launched the Z62, which has been very well received. One of the reasons is the size of its working envelope. We also launched the Z60 DC and FE (fuel electric) models last year. Once our customers understood the value of this machine, we had good success with it. One of the biggest successes for the Z60 has been with the Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR), which bought three machines from us last year for their maintenance fleet. “Working both indoors and around buildings, the fuel-electric and DC models come into their own. Of course, in construction and oil & gas, its mainly diesel equipment.” Construction and oil & gas combined make up close to 80% of Genie’s volume by usage. Of course, the maintenance sector is picking up fast, but the bulk of the demand in this region remains in construction and oil & gas. This also depends on the year in question, because not every year do these two sectors invest on access machines. But it’s still an even split between construction and oil & gas for Genie, Kordahi explains. “In my perception the oil & gas sector is a bit more sophisticated in terms of their machine requirements and the age and condition of their fleet. They want younger, better and well-maintained machines; they want the latest technologies and features. They want machines that are more reliable, more capable and will work longer and better without breaking down. Their requirements are more stringent. The fact that this exacting sector is one of Genie’s key customers and makes up a huge part of our demand gives you a fair idea about how good Genie machines are.” The reason, he reveals, is Genie’s overall value proposition. “I think the differentiator in this part of the world is relationships. We don’t go in just with the price, we sell on a Genie value proposition. Apart from performance, that includes finance, service and return on investment (ROI), which rental companies specifically look at. Our equipment has a very high ROI, so if you decide to sell them after a while, you get high resale values.” Genie’s traditionally high ROI has of course made it a popular choice for rental operators worldwide, and speaking of rental brings us to Rapid Access, which recently bought 324 Genie boom lifts in the Middle East. Kordahi says: “Rapid Access is one of our longest-standing rental partners in the region. We also have a very strong relationship with their parent group in Europe. They are one of our biggest customers and we always work
GENIE Z-60/37 FE
hybrid power Genie’s Z-60/37 FE boom
interchangeable at the click of
lift is a high-performance,
a switch. In ‘All-Electric’ mode,
low-emission aerial work
it can provide a full shift of
platform adapted to indoor
operation on a single battery
as well as outdoor tasks.
charge. Used in ‘Hybrid’ mode,
The 20m boom lift is neither
it provides more than a week
electric nor diesel powered
of run time with a single tank
but both at once, marking
of diesel to perform efficiently
the beginning of a new type
in rough terrain conditions.
of 100% hybrid machine,
In hybrid mode, the machine
says the manufacturer.
uses its engine-powered
With the Z-60/37 FE boom lift, operators can work productively both indoors
generator to maintain the state of charge of the batteries. The Z-60/37 FE boom is
and out. Equipped with
equipped as standard with
high-efficiency three-phase
foamed-filled rough terrain
AC electric drive motors, four
tyres, or optional foam-filled
motor controllers, powerful
non-marking rough terrain
AGM batteries, an energy
tyres. The four-wheel drive
controller unit, hydraulic
model offers 45% gradeability,
pumps, an electric clutch,
a ground clearance of 33cm
an AC motor generator and
and is capable of travelling
a 24.7hp Kubota engine,
25% faster than other typical
this new hybrid technology
diesel-powered units, says
features a combination of
Genie. Its full-time active
interconnected components
oscillating axle increases wheel
that offer a totally new
contact on irregular terrain,
power source concept,
and fully protected AC motors
says the manufacturer.
enable submerged operation
Combining the power and performance of the
under 91cm of water. For extreme usage
Genie brand’s latest 4WD
conditions or after heavy full-
diesel machines, with the
electric operation, the hybrid
quiet, clean efficiency of its
power system can provide a
electric models, the Z-60/37
bulk charge while the machine
FE boom lift features two
continues to operate within
modes of operation that are
approximately four hours.
with them to make sure their business is successful, as we do with all our partners. “We maintain a fantastic relationship with all the rental businesses, whether they buy one machine from us or 300 a year. We are always close to them. Globally, rental businesses are our bread and butter and 80% of the global business of any access equipment maker is probably rental companies. So we have excellent relationships with all of them. There are some that prefer other brands, but that’s their prerogative. Even so, we maintain very good relationships with them as well. We are here to help the customer, no matter the size of his order with us.” A key news for Genie is DPR selecting the Z60 for its maintenance fleet. Here is where the importance of a dealer comes in. “The DPR order is a tribute to Al Mahroos, our UAE dealer. They established the relationship with DPR and took the risk of bringing in the machines and demonstrating them. Of course, it helped that the Genie Z60 is a very unique product. It is an articulated boom that goes up to 19m and is battery operated, so it gives off no fumes and can operate comfortably indoors as well as outdoors, besides being eco-friendly. The combination of Al Mahroos and the machine’s merits clinched that deal for us,” Kordahi adds that Al Mahroos came under the Genie Service Solutions umbrella last year as a fully-authorised service provider. “In the UAE we also do a lot of direct deals with the large rental companies, apart from what Al Mahroos sells to the general market. We needed a good service provider to support our rental customers, so we had an agreement with Al Mahroos under which, in addition to selling Genie equipment and serving what they sell, they are also the authorised service provider for what we sell directly.” All Genie authorised service providers go through rigorous auditing, Kordahi adds. They operate under the Genie Service Solutions concept, which is completely supervised and coordinated by Genie’s service team. “For the first year one of our teams always accompanies the service people of our authorised service provider into the jobsites, as they are with Al Mahroos now,” he points out. “Genie’s service team provides training, and trouble shooting when there is a serious problem. We also do repairs if there is a major requirement, but we do not have the capacity or the plan to do each and every job. Our own team is more for specialist jobs and training.” Genie had a successful 2017 with new models, big sales to rental companies and a ramp-up of its service proposition, enabling it to maintain its position as a market leader.
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29
R E W O P RAW EED TO N U O Y G N I EVERY TH
KNOW
34
TOP 10: TiPs fOr feTy dOzer sa
3O_NeW reLeases The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.
g the ile operatin h w fe sa y Sta ith achines w massive m c steps. some basi
36_POWer TO Push Bulldozer have upped the power quotient and also evolved into precision machines over the years.
40_The kiNg Of versaTiLiTy Major manufacturers refine the telehandler with more technology, features and safety.
44_jumbO Task Mini Hitachi in European elephant conservation project.
30
NEW RELEASES M ARCH 2018
New cat iNduStrial eNgiNeS Why get it? high powEr and torquE from upgradEd systEms in rEliablE, durablE packagE
New HitacHiSumitomo 80t crawler Why get it? EnhancEd safEty and opErator comfort Hitachi-Sumitomo has launched a new 80t lattice boom crawler crane that expands its SCX E-series of cranes. The Japanese equipment giant announced that the new model – the SCX800E – has a maximum lift capacity of 80t at a 3.2m radius and sports a maximum main boom length of 54.5m. It is powered by a 140kW Isuzu 6HK1 EU Stage II/Tier 2 diesel engine. The engine’s emission performance makes it suitable for non-regulated markets around the world, such as the Middle East. Among the crane’s specifications are maximum line speeds of 75m/min on the front and rear winches and 62m/min on the boom hoist winch. It also comes with safety features such as a standard
anti-two block system and a secondary boom hoist limiting device. The boom hoist winch also features a standard automatic drum lock, which automatically locks and releases the drum and helps prevent accidents, the manufacturer said. The crane also boasts a 1,040mm cabin, wider than usual to enhance operator comfort. According to Hitachi-Sumitomo, the crane also uses proven and simple hydraulic and electrical circuitry, and the design follows a centralised layout for filters, fuses and relays to minimise downtime and reduce maintenance requirements. The new 80t SCX800E is the third model in Hitachi-Sumitomo’s SCX E-series, joining the SCX550E and SCX700E. SPECIFICATIONS
hitachi-sumitomo scX800E Engine power: 187.7hp Max lift capacity: 80t at a 3.2m radius Main boom length: 54.5m Max line speed: 75m/min
Caterpillar has expanded its range of industrial engines with the addition of two more models – the 12.5l C13B and the updated 9.3l C9.3B. The six-cylinder C13B combines upgraded air, electrical and aftertreatment systems to produce a 340430kW range of power and up to 2,640Nm of torque out of a package that is 30% lighter at these performance levels when compared to previous models, according to the manufacturer. As with all Caterpillar 9-18l engines, the C13B will be offered in a number of configurations to provide OEM customers the flexibility to reduce their cost of installation, said Cat. “Our customers expect reliability and durability, but they need it from a simpler, lighter package with more power, and that’s what we’re giving them with our new engines,” said Jeff Moore, Cat product manager for 7.218l engines, adding that both engines are designed to meet the latest Stage V and Tier 4 Final emission standards. The C9.3B is also a six-cylinder engine combining a new high-pressure, common rail fuel system and simplified air, electrical and after-treatment systems to produce up to 340kW of power and 2,088Nm of torque out of a package nearly 140kg lighter than its predecessor.
31
liebHerr deliverS New all-terraiN craNe Why get it? highEr ballast capacity, small width and long boom for vErsatility in opErations Liebherr’s LTM 1090-4.2, first unveiled at Conexpo 2017 in Las Vegas, is a new 90t crane among the manufacturer’s new allterrain crane (ATC) models and has four axles which aid in flexibility, enabling it to travel with three configurations of axle load – 10t, 12t and 16t. The LTM 1090-4.2 features a 60m telescopic boom, 10m more than its predecessor, the LTM 1090-4.1. The new LTM 1090-4.2 is well suited for work in construction projects and the very first unit to roll out of Liebherr’s factory in Ehingen, Germany was recently delivered to Danish crane and heavy haulage contractor BMS, which will run the new crane from its Aarhus site. BMS MD Per Thorsen Christiansen said: “When the concept and the technical highlights of the LTM 10904.2 were explained to me a few months ago, I decided I had to have the first one of this new model. The new 90t crane from
Liebherr impressed me immediately because it has a very long telescopic boom.” The LTM 1090-4.2 will replace its fouraxle predecessor LTM 1070-4.1 at BMS, Christiansen added, and will be used mainly for construction projects such as steel fabrication, the assembly of prefabricated concrete components or for installing reinforcement steel for concrete foundations. Other features of the new LTM 1090-4.2 that make it a versatile performer are its small width and load carrying capacity. The crane is just 2.55m wide, which enables it to fit into most urban environments and work in confined areas. With a load capacity of 12t per axle, the new crane carries 8.8t of ballast, 2.1t more than its predecessor. In this configuration, the LTM 1090-4.2 is now the most powerful fouraxle crane on the market, says Liebherr. ECOdrive and ECOmode make the 90t crane particularly green, with lower fuel consumption and noise emissions. Liebherr innovations VarioBallast and VarioBase also deliver improved performance, flexibility and safety. Liebherr has continued its single-
engine strategy on the model. The omitted weight created by the elimination of the superstructure engine from the predecessor model has been used to deliver the longer boom and higher ballast capacity. The engine powering the LTM 10904.2 is a six-cylinder Liebherr diesel in the undercarriage, which develops 449bhp of power and a torque of 2,335Nm, providing the unit with all the power it needs for lifting and moving. The engine meets Stage IV/Tier 4f emissions regulations, and Liebherr can also supply the engine in an ECE-R.96 version which corresponds to Stage IIIa for less regulated countries. The transmission is a new ZF-TraXon gearbox which engages the 12 ratios automatically. SPECIFICATIONS
liEbhErr ltm 1090-4.2 Lift capacity: 90t Boom length: 60m Ballast: 8.8t at 12t per axle configuration Engine power: 449bhp
32
NEW RELEASES M ARCH 2018
New dooSaN wHeeled loader for waSte applicatioN Why get it? high-pErformancE EnginE and hydraulics, smoothnEss and Easy maintEnancE Doosan’s new DL280-5 wheeled loader has a design dedicated for the waste and recycling market and general industrial applications. The DL280-5 is the latest development in the high-performance Doosan wheeled loader range, which comprises 12 models covering operating weights of 12-35t. Doosan says the DL280-5 offers high performance and high productivity with outstanding breakout force, tipping load and enhanced output. The front lift arm is powered by a closed centre hydraulic system with a 210l/min axial piston pump. This system provides maximum hydraulic performance without producing excess capacity, thus saving fuel and extending the lifetime and reliability of vital components. The DL280-5 features Z-bar kinematics with a simple lifting piston system designed for heavy-duty applications. The breakout force of 145kN is combined with a constant bucket angle maintained throughout the range of movement. Bucket angles are also optimised in the travelling position and at ground level.
The lift arm benefits from an automatic load isolation system (LIS), a standard feature which significantly improves the loader’s ride quality and operator comfort by ensuring a smooth ride over rough terrain and reduced cycle times owing to improved vehicle stability when moving. This provides higher productivity and better fuel efficiency when performing load and carry applications. The speed for automatic activation of the LIS system is fully adjustable by operators. The DL280-5 is powered by a hightorque 5.9l Doosan DL06 diesel engine producing 172hp, which features cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enhanced turbo charger technology and selective catalytic reduction technology (SCR) without having to use a diesel particulate filter (DPF) – a feature of particular interest for the waste and recycling industry. The engine power is managed via three different working modes – ECO, Normal and Power – to ensure the best torque and power to handle even the toughest work conditions with the best fuel efficiency. A standard auto shut-down reduces engine idle time, lowering fuel consumption. Operators can set the timing for this function via the in-cab LCD display. SPECIFICATIONS
doosan dl280-5 Engine power: 172hp Operating weight: 15t Breakout force: 145kN Hydraulic pump capacity: 210 l/min
volvo iNtroduceS rigid Hauler Why get it? high capacity, EnginE and hydraulic powEr, safEty and sErvicEability Volvo Construction Equipment is entering the rigid hauler market with four Volvo-branded machines developed in collaboration with its subsidiary Terex Trucks. The range, which will initially be launched in less regulated markets, consists of the 45t R45D, 60t R60D, 72t R70D and flagship 100t R100E. Volvo CE said the development of the new rigid hauler range relied heavily on the longstanding rigid hauler expertise of Terex Trucks, using the expertise of its Motherwell facility in Scotland, combined with the technological strength of the Volvo Group. The E-Series R100E is a completely new Volvo CE 100t rigid hauler that combines proven components, new technologies and a new design for a cost-effective and productive solution for the mining and quarrying sector. The other three models – the D-Series R45D, R60D and R70D rigid haulers – are based on the existing Terex Trucks TR-Series. Their development follows an engineering review to ensure the machines meet set Volvo standards in their target markets and segments. Improvements include greater visibility and safety systems, along with Volvo technical support and branding. “Our purchase of Terex Trucks in 2014 was a strategic decision that allowed Volvo to offer customers a rigid hauler option,” said Thomas Bitter, senior VP, Marketing and Product Portfolio, at Volvo CE. “Since then, we’ve been working to design a completely new rigid hauler that builds on Terex Trucks’ 84-year heritage while also incorporating Volvo CE’s industry-leading technology and core values of quality, safety and environmental care.” The all-new flagship R100E has been designed for high capacity and hauling speeds, said Volvo.
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MORE INFO AT WWW.BOBCAT.COM Bobcat is a Doosan Company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power & water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. © 2018 Bobcat Company. All Rights Reserved.
34
TOP TEN M ARCH 2018
01
02
ChOOsE safE maChiNEs While almost all bulldozers now in production come with at least an acceptable level of safety systems and equipment as standard, contractors still need to be careful while choosing a model, especially when renting older dozers that may not have the same built-in safety. Insist on at least a roll-over protection system (ROPS), as well as operator and job-site warning systems as standard.
ChOOsE safE OPEraTOrs Only qualified, competent and trained workers should be allowed to operate bulldozers on the job-site. Ensure periodic training and upskilling of operators to keep their safety standards high and keep them acquainted with new models and technologies, such as advances in telematics.
: n E t top r o f s p ti y t E f a s r E z o d l bul SSive a m e h t ating r e p o e l i wh c StepS i S a b Stay Safe e m with So , S e n i h c ma
03
TraffiC maNagEmENT Use a system of traffic controls when operating the bulldozer on a public thoroughfare or in an area close to or obstructing vehicular traffic. Flaggers must be assigned in areas where warning signs and barricades cannot control traffic flow.
sa
EnforcE job-sitE ms fEty nor ys
tors alwa nsure opera e to k c e h ing or C lts when rid use seatbe The engine e bulldozer. th g n ti ra e op when an be started should only de and seated insi operator is r of path is clea the dozer’s er th jects and o workers, ob s. obstruction
04
35
05
waTCh whErE yOu drivE Be aware of a dozer’s dimensions and use an appropriately sized model for the space available on the job-site, ensuring enough space to manoeuvre. Keep bulldozers away from overhead power lines and never use a dozer on structures taller than the machine itself, unless there is sufficient overhead protection.
PrE- aNd POsT-wOrk PrOCEdurEs Before starting operations, run a series of checks to see all safety equipment and systems are in working order. Pay special attention to manual warning devices such as horns, warning lights, reversing alarms and proximity alerts. When shutting down for repairs, follow proper lockout, blockout and tagout procedures.
waTCh whErE yOu sTEP For ingress and egress, as well as when conducting checks and maintenance, never climb on parts of the machine where hand and footholds are not provided. Only certain parts of the dozer are designed for workers to access. Make sure operators, workers and maintenance crew step on only designated areas of the machine.
Watch n i for tErrdas hazar
hen cautious w Be doubly g near n g or operati their approachin W ations. ith v a xc e r o s can be trenche size, dozers kinds enormous rt e e on c ain g a n a m to always difficult im should a e h T . in a level of terr both tracks be to keep ble a st ing and when mov g in when push . d a lo a
09 08
06
COrrECT TEChNiquE ON slOPEs When operating on slopes, make sure to go up and down the incline and never sideways along it. Push earth directly up and over the slope, or push it down the incline towards the bottom, keeping the dozer at a vertical angle to the ground. Travelling sideways along slopes loads up one side of the machine, making it unstable.
10
iNsPECT ThE TraCks Apart from being part of regular maintenance, inspecting the state of track wear and tension is also vital for safety. Tracks that are too tight can break, while those that are too loose cause handling to be unresponsive – both leading to hazardous consequences. Also, worn-out tracks reduce grip, which impairs safe operation.
07
36
DOZERS M ARCH 2018
Power to Push
The real heavyweighT of The consTrucTion equipmenT world has noT jusT upped The power quoTienT buT also evolved over The years inTo a machine wiTh precision
I
t’s the original powerhouse of the construction machinery industry and a machine class that typifies what equipment looks like in the public imagination. As one of the oldest categories of construction machinery the name bulldozer has been around for a long enough time to enter the popular lexicon as an example of power and brute force. And that description is not too far off the mark, for the bulldozer is indeed a powerhouse piece of kit that is used to move mountains and flatten fields – at least proverbially. But this behemoth of a machine has been in existence long enough for it to have attained a level of sophistication that puts it far beyond being just a purveyor of power. One glance at the latest dozing kit from some of the biggest exponents of the art will tell you that behind all that vaunted power in the modern dozer is a healthy dose of the latest technologies, be they in the transmission, the engine, the hydraulics or the electronics and telematics. The dozer has indeed come a long way. One of the biggest names in bringing the dozer to where it is, is Caterpillar, the global leader in construction equipment. As one of the earliest dozer makers, Cat enjoys an illustrious history and tradition with the machine, which was recently emphasized by the 40th-year celebration of its iconic D10 dozer. Back in 1977, when Cat first unleashed the massive D10, it took out
93 patents on the proprietary technologies it had devised for the machine. And that tradition of technological excellence in a product that oozes power and robustness still continues at Cat, going by its latest offering, the improved D8R dozer, which is also among the popular machines in the Middle East as well as worldwide due to its design, reputation and robustness. Cat, of course, offers a comprehensive range of bulldozers in many size classes. The D11T, D10T and D9R are its large dozer offerings, while the D5K, D4K and D3K fall in the small category. The most popular D8R itself is a medium-sized dozer, as is the D6R. Cat’s D8R is the legacy model within the industry for customers who demand dozers. The current model, which was updated from its previous iteration, was launched in 2016 and features increased horsepower, a larger standard blade for more productivity, as well as a range of optional GRADE technologies to help operators get more work done in less time. It has also been given a more efficient powertrain and cooling system, increasing ambient capability by up to 20%, says Caterpillar. Some of the features of the model make it easy to see why the D8R has achieved legacy status. Equipped with the largest standard blade in its class at 10.3m3, the dozer moves up to 13% more material per pass. High tensile strength steel construction and a strong box-section are designed to stand up to the most extreme applications. With Cat’s constant tinkering and
37 Caterpillar is a leader in the bulldozer segment, offering multiple models in various capacities, among which its D8R dozer is the most popular in the Middle East market.
“Any customer who has already tried the D8R will never regret it…especially when the application is tough, as the machine is built for it. The applications that the D8R is used for vary from pushing sand dunes to building roads, and many things in between”
improvements, the latest D8R has a new electronically controlled transmission that offers smoother gear shifting as well as greater ease of operation with soft touch gear shift buttons. Field-proven features such as elevated sprockets, differential steering and planetary power shift transmission with high efficiency torque divider deliver powerful, durable and reliable operation to provide uptime and productivity, says Cat. Added to this is the quiet, air-conditioned cab with integrated Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS), which provides a secure cage for impact protection in case of accidents. The cab is designed to gives operators greater all-round visibility to enhance safety and productivity. “Any customer who has already tried the D8R will never regret it. They prefer to have it, especially when the application is tough, as the machine is built for it. The applications that the D8R is used for vary from pushing sand dunes to building roads, and many things in between,” says a Cat product expert. Undercarriage arrangements feature elevated sprockets, allowing optimised balance for the best possible results in each application. This is a field-proven design that offers outstanding machine performance and longer component life, says Cat. Liebherr’s innovations While the dozer is an essential earthmoving product, the approaches to get the most out of it differ with the manufacturer. Over at Liebherr the model most in demand in the region is the PR754, a 40t-class machine that competes directly with the Cat D8R or similar-sized models from other manufacturers. Saif Abadan Khan, senior sales manager for Liebherr equipment at the German brand’s UAE dealer, Genavco, says the PR754 makes up almost 90% of the brand’s market in the country. However, Liebherr’s dozer line-up includes a wide sweep of models, from the small 15t PR716 to the 70t behemoth PR776. A comprehensive range of weight classes are covered by the Teutonic equipment giant, with models in the 40, 30 and 24t classes as well. Leibherr also offers the 756 - a bigger model that’s equivalent to the Cat D9 – as well as the 764, an even bigger model in the 52t-class. “The bulldozer comes in very early in the lifecycle of a project. It is usually the machine that you start a project with - it literally breaks the ground for the project, flattening the area and making it ready for the processes to begin,” says Khan. “In the Middle East, the Saudi Arabian
38
DOZERS M ARCH 2018
Case Construction Equipment’s dozers are being used in road and infrastucture projects in Saudi Arabia, with the 3550 proving to be the most popular model in its range.
NO DOZiNg Off
KomaTsu’s radio-conTrolled pusher Komatsu’s new D155AXi-8
An automatic gearshift
Radio Control dozer is the
transmission and lock-up
Japanese company’s first
torque converter team up to
radio controlled machine
select the optimal gear range,
with intelligent Machine
depending on the conditions
Control technology.
and load. They are designed to
Powered by a 354hp
provide maximum operation
Komatsu SAA6D140E-7
efficiency. The electronically-
engine, the D155AXi-8
controlled transmission locks
emits 80% less nitrogen
up the torque converter
oxides (NOx) than its interim
to transfer engine power
predecessor. The variable
directly to the transmission,
geometry, turbocharged
eliminating horsepower
and after cooled, 15.24l
loss and cutting fuel
diesel engine features
consumption by up to 10%.
Komatsu Diesel Particulate
The patented SIGMADOZER
Filter (KDPF) and Selective
blade, designed to dig and
Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
roll up more soil at the
systems and achieves fluid-
blade’s centre, holds more
neutral fuel economy.
material, reduces digging
For many operators,
resistance and dozes up to
the ability to feel machine
15% more soil while using
response to blade load is an
less power, compared to
important factor in effective
a typical semi-u blade.
dozing. This is naturally
“The D155AXi-8 Radio
difficult for a radio-controlled
Control dozer is ideal for
application where the
applications where customers
operator is separated from
may want to remove the
the machine. The D155AXi-8
operator from the machine
RC is unique among radio-
and still maintain high
controlled dozers thanks to
levels of efficiency and
the enhanced ‘intelligence’
productivity,” said Sebastian
that automates operation from
Witkowski, product manager,
heavy dozing to fine grading
Komatsu. “This dozer meets
to efficiently doze material.
customer demands in
The machine has the ability
those applications, while
to sense and control blade
utilising Komatsu’s proven,
load, optimise the start of the
automated, rough-cut-to-
cut, and minimise track slip.
finish-grade technology.”
market often takes dozers on the biggest side of the size spectrum, but the most popular sort of dozer here is the 40t class, not only for Liebherr but across the industry. Our best-selling model is the PR754, as it is the most preferred size for this market.” The biggest advantage of Liebherr dozers is an innovative hydrostatic drive. Explaining its advantages, Khan says: “Our competitors’ dozers mainly have a torque converter gear box as the transmission. In our case, the hydrostatic transmission offers advantages such as enabling the engine to run at a constant rpm while still providing maximum power at all times, so you have more consistent and stronger ripping and pushing because you’re always getting the maximum power. This also increases the speed at which the dozer can work. “We have done parallel testing with machines from some competitors and found that Liebherr dozers actually completed tasks faster as well as provided fuel savings of around 10% over the other machines. This was due to the benefits provided by Liebherr’s hydrostatic technology.” He explains that other dozers on the market have transmissions that require the engine to run at a higher rpm to generate a given amount of power than
Liebherr dozers do. Another benefit of Liebherr’s hydrostatic transmission is that operating them is very easy. “It’s like driving an automatic car versus a manual in case for our competitors,” says Khan. Genavco got together with Liebherr around two years ago and since then has undertaken huge efforts to establish the brand’s credential among customers in the market. Explaining how the Genavco-Liebherr combine has gone about the task, Khan says: “This is a market dominated by other brands, who have been present here for a very long time. To break in, we had to conduct demonstrations and comparison tests. With some prospective customers, we challenged them to try out our Liebherr dozers against the dozers in their fleet from our competition. “They used our machines for three months on a trial basis, conducting parallel testing to ascertain the pushing and ripping capacities of our machines, as well as fuel consumption, wear and other parameters. “In the end we successfully proved that the Liebherr machine returned higher productivity and is easier to use than the others. The operator feedback was that it was simpler machine to manage. “One such customer was the UAE’s Al
39 Naboodah Construction Group. After they were convinced about our product they bought five Liebherr dozers from us. And they are very happy with the machines, which are working at the Expo 2020 site and the Vila Nova project among others.” In terms of support, Genavco has more than an adequate inventory of parts, which it took on from Liebherr Middle East when it was appointed the brand’s dealer for earthmoving equipment. “We also have a stock of additional parts recommended by the factory. Parts and support is the key and we understand this. That’s why we’ve invested in stocking up on all the recommended parts from the factory. Also, we have an excellent relationship with Liebherr and whenever there is a requirement of any non-fastmoving part, we can arrange for Liebherr to send it to us within 48 hours at the maximum,” says Khan. “In terms of technical support, we have hired people from other parts of the world who have been working with Liebherr machines, so they have hands-on experience. We also send our engineers for on-site training at Liebherr’s factory and Liebherr also sends their delegation here twice a year to train our engineers.”
UNDERStaNDiNg thE UNDERcaRRiagE
prioriTy for longeviTy When it comes to maintaining
to the grouser height and
bulldozers, the undercarriage
edges of the track pads. Keep
is always the first priority.
an eye out for bending on
“The undercarriage
the track pads, as well; this
accounts for approximately
can be caused by operating
20% of the purchase price of
on uneven terrain. Link wear
the machine and up to 50%
should also be inspected daily,
or more of the its lifetime
as well as the carrier roller for
repair costs, so proper
wear and proper alignment.”
maintenance is critical to
According to Cat, operators
maximising investment” says
should check for excessive
a Case product expert.
debris throughout the
“All hardware across the
undercarriage, and monitor
entire undercarriage should
the sprocket teeth for signs
be inspected daily,” he
of excessive wear. Daily
advises. “Check for wear on
inspections should look
the idlers and roller flanges,
for wear points, abnormal
and check the bottom rollers
wear or anything that
for wear and debris. Track
could reduce production
tension and alignment should
and increase downtime.
also be checked daily, and
Komatsu advises inspection
the tension spring or recoil
of the undercarriage every
cylinder should be checked
1,000 hours. Checking and
for leaks. Inspect the track
adjusting track tension
pads, paying extra attention
should be a priority.
Another exponent of the dozer is Case Construction Equipment. The CNH Industrial company counts the 3550 as its biggest selling model in the region, according to Franco Invernizzi, senior director at Case for the Middle East and Africa. “The 3550 is popular because it’s got the best-in-class powertrain technology and comes with comfortable and intuitive operator controls for ease of operating and comfort of use,” says Invernizzi. “The best and most common use for it are in road building, infrastructure, quarrying and recycling and our biggest market for the machine is Saudi Arabia, where several road-building and infrastructure projects are using the Case dozer.” Speaking about the support that a Case dozer customer can expect, he adds: “With a parts depot in Dubai, Case Construction Equipment tackles all the requirement of aftersales and parts of the Middle East region from here. With dedicated after sales and service team members based in Dubai, every customer need and query is managed with efficiency and speed.” The dozer may be a lumbering giant of a machine, but to extract the best from it, there is indeed a well-oiled, slick and quick manufacturer operation behind it.
40
Telehandlers M ARCH 2018
One of the pioneers of the telescopic handler concept with its first Loadall model in 1977, JCB continues to lead the sector and is a common brand on GCC job-sites.
“JCB’s telehandlers are market leaders worldwide and enjoy the highest residual value. JCB has its own engine, axles and drive lines in the machine, which makes it better from a design, performance and warranty perspective”
41
The king of versaTiliTy
From loading and liFting to carrying and providing access, the telehandler is the kit that every job-site needs, as major manuFacturers reFine the concept with more technology, Features and saFety
I
s it an access platform? Is it a loader? Is it a crane? Is it a goods and people carrier? No, it’s a telescopic handler – which is all of the above and more! The concept is a unique one. Just ask the telehandler pioneer JCB, who sprang one of the first telehandlers – the now famous Loadall - on an unsuspecting world of construction in 1977 and have since gone past the 200,000 mark with their world-beating models. Multi-purpose machines are always an asset, and telehandlers bring important versatility to job-sites, whether being used to move construction materials or waste, or engaged in the build by placing construction elements onto a building. New launches and innovations from major manufacturers are boosting customer options, increasing productivity with new features while concentrating on safety. Known for its compact equipment, JCB has perhaps the most popular range of telehandlers. Given the wide range of functions that a telehandler can perform, it’s a very common sight to see JCB telehandlers at almost every construction site in the GCC. “Telehandlers are used widely on building construction sites, especially for small apartment blocks or two-stored villas. The machines are used to pick up and place material at a particular height or on a particular floor using forks or a bucket. It is more efficient than doing it manually and more cost effective than a mobile crane. As we know, there is lot of house-building
work in the region and thus it makes the telehandler popular,” says Rajbir Sandhu, district manager, JCB Sales, Middle East. Elaborating on JCB machines in the Middle East, he says the most popular models in the region are in the 17m-class, which is preferred by 98% of JCB’s telehandler customers. “In the 17m range, JCB’s most popular model is the 540-170. This machine can reach up to a height of 16.7m or up to the third floor of a villa on average. On the ground, it can carry a 4t weight and at full height it can lift 2.5t. It is powered by a 100hp engine and comes with three steering types, which enables operators to work with the machine in job-sites where space is tight,” says Sandhu. Revealing that JCB’s telehandlers are typically bought by small rental companies, who then often rent out the machines to building contractors, he says: “JCB’s telehandlers are market leaders worldwide and enjoy the highest residual value. JCB has its own engine, axles and drive lines in the machine, which makes it better from a design, performance and warranty perspective. “The booms are U-gauge, single-structure pressed booms with welding only on bottom plates, which gives them structural strength. All boom stages have extra overlap for greater strength and to prevent bending. No added counterweight is used in a JCB telehandler; it is built in through the weight of the steel plates. Heavy-duty rams in the booms make JCB telehandlers work horses that are liked by customers. The livery of the machines also makes them highly visible, which is great for safety and ease of operations. And coming to the all-important issue of serviceability, the
design makes for easy access to all critical components from ground level, enabling easy maintenance and servicing.” Speaking of service and maintenance brings us to the back-up support provided by the manufacturer and its partners – and this is another area where JCB excels, says Sandhu. “JCB has six different dealers in the each GCC country and all the dealerships are wellreputed groups. All dealers have invested on state-of-the-art workshop facilities, mobile workshops, technicians, parts warehouses and support systems. Service is one of the biggest strengths of the JCB network. Also, JCB has its own parts warehouse in Dubai’s Jebel Ali area from where we support the entire Middle East and parts of Africa. So spare parts are always availability of is not a concern at all.” Improving its model range further, JCB has launched a 20m telehandler in the region, Sandhu adds. “This new model obviously provides more reach and the 20m size is only available with JCB so far. Other recent JCB launches are in the 7m and 8m class.” Over at Caterpillar, another key exponent of the telehandler in the region, the TH417GC was historically the brand’s largest volume model, which has now been replaced by the upgraded TH417D model that Cat is looking at to continue churning volumes. Apart from the TH417D, current ‘Construction’ models in Cat’s stable is the TH314D. Three other recentlyintroduced models are also available – the TH357D, TH408D and TH3510D. The company says the TH314D and the TH417D are designed and built keeping in mind the arduous work conditions found in the modern construction industry. Among their
42
Telehandlers M ARCH 2018
features are a simplification of the powertrain and hydraulics, as well as other tweaks to increase productivity and ease of use. This is backed up by benchmark-setting service and support from Cat dealers in the region. Safety is a major concern for telehandler operation, as is always the case when using machinery to work at height or lift loads. A scenario is when a machine is not correctly aligned with an opening, which may only become evident once the boom is extended. Compact equipment specialist Bobcat has a solution for this with its integral side-shift mechanism allowing lateral boom movement. On the P40.17 – a 4t, 17m capacity machine – this allows for side movement of plus or minus 435mm, making for precise positioning of loads, useful when stacking objects or lowering construction elements such as frames into place, as well as for loading material into a narrow space, such
as an opening on a higher floor during the construction of a building. Last year, the company launched what it said was a world first, not just for telehandlers but for other lifting sectors too: a traversal stability system (TSS). This incorporates measurement of side stability and calculates the inclines a machine can operate on without compromising stability. Gaby Rhayem, head of Middle East operations for Bobcat, says: “Lateral stability is extremely important, particularly for equipment that is used in the field and operates in uneven terrain conditions. Lateral overturning of machinery is one of the main causes of death in the sector.” With the TSS system, the operator is advised of the machine’s real-time stability by a graphic on an in-cab display, along with an alarm buzzer if the overturning threshold is approached, and then further aggravating
The versatile design of the telehandler has enabled manufacturers such as Bobcat to add newer features to the machine, increasing its utility on the job-site.
movement being blocked. Another feature of Bobcat’s telehandlers is a hydrostatic transmission, which is available in its new TL30.70 model, among others. “The hydrostatic transmission allows smooth and precise low-speed travel, with the ability to immediately go faster or work harder when required. Operators do not even have to take their hands off the joystick to change gear. This premium transmission is also equipped with an inching function that allows the operator to be even more precise in low speed applications without having to use the brakes, reducing fatigue and increasing safety,” explains Rhayem. Bobcat has designed all of its telehandlers with the same robust box-welded frame for enhanced rigidity. The shielded bottom plate protects vital components and a combination of specific features maximises reliability and reduces total cost of ownership, he adds.
exTending versaTiliTy
Blazing new Tracks
man platForms For bobcat telehandlers
traxter solid tyres For telehandlers
There is a wide range of man
as well as other attachments like
Construction equipment tyre maker
of Traxter branded solid tyres
platforms available for use on
winches or jibs for further versatility.
Traxter believes that with tyres
specially designed for telehandlers,
being the only connect between a
including low profile sizes.
both Bobcat rigid frame and
In the range-topping Bobcat T41.140SLP 14m and T40.180SLP
vehicle and the terrain, it is critical to
18m rigid frame telehandlers, “man
ensure that they are reliable, safe and
proof, Traxter solid tyres offer
customers can choose the best man
platform ready” is an optional
performance-worthy all the time.
several advantages over foam-filled
platform solution for their needs:
plug-and-play factory package for
fixed, rotating and/or extendable,
easy connection and operation
tyres are made puncture-proof by
resistance and a service life 3-5
with 1m, 2.4m or 4m widths
of an aerial work platform, in full
a foam-filling process, in which
times that of foam-filled tyres. The
available. Platform extension is
compliance with safety standards.
pneumatic tyres are injected with
lower sidewall flex provides a stable
hydraulically controlled, requiring no
Electrical and hydraulic lines
liquid polyurethane elastomers
ride. The tyres are also available in
effort from the operator and can be
are protected inside the boom,
that cure into a synthetic rubber.
an innovative non-directional tread
adjusted to the exact width required.
requiring no cable roll-up.
While this renders the tyres
pattern with a continuous centre
puncture-proof, they are still
lug and a high lug-to-void ratio that reduces wear and vibrations.
rotary telescopic handlers. For the rigid frame telehandlers,
In addition, Bobcat’s patented
“These features prove how
Currently, most telehandler
Besides being 100% puncture-
pneumatics, such as high damage
Boom Positioning System (BPS) helps
versatile the telehandler is. Bobcat
prone to suffering damage from
operators position the platform
has used that versatility to offer
the operating conditions.
closer to walls and structures to be
our customers an alternative to
Based on feedback from
worked upon from the platform. A
access equipment, saving them
customers seeking puncture-
Traxter solid tyres are supplied
remote-control system can be used
money by extending the use of the
proof tyres with long lives,
ready to fit and can be immediately
to operate the system at a distance,
telehandler,” says Gaby Rhayem.
Trident has developed a range
fitted on-site, reducing downtime.
Unlike foam filling, which has a turnaround of between 6-8 days,
44
THE LAST WORD M ARCH 2018
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70
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