Construction Machinery ME November 2020

ISSUE 107 R 2020 NOVEMBE

PLUS

E C N A M R O F R E P G CRUSHIN S A LL

T WEIR MEE ENGES CHALL

75 YEARSMYOOUNNDG

JCB’S DIA BILEE JU

DERS A O L R E E SKID-ST

Y T H MIG S T E G D I M

THE F O N U R HE T , S L ED E T D A O B M A S N T I U TES UES A N I D T P U N O T A C AS BOBC TOUS RUNABOUT UBIQUI

CONTENTS

34

NOVEMBER 2020 6_NEWS The latest news from across the region and further afield.

16_75 YEARS YOUNG CMME recounts JCB’s journey to a global force as the British brand celebrates 75 years with new milestones and achievements.

20_SANY POWERS AHEAD CMME chats with Chinese brand Sany to learn about their products and performance in the ME region in the wake of the global pandemic.

24_CRUSHING PERFORMANCE Weir Minerals tells CMME about COVID-19 challenges, their future prospects and the minerals industry in the ME region.

10

R E W O P RAW

es NFT suppli a public cranes for ject housing pro on constructi

E L E A SE S

chinery. ruction ma st n co f o d the worl leases from The latest re

26_ NEW R

EN 30_TOP T

14 SPOTTED IN NG HONG KfiO ve Potain

6

ders.

id-steer loa

tises for sk n best prac

Top te

machine.

D GE T S I e size of the M th s Y ie T el b H t G gmen 34_ MI er loader se f the skid-ste o ce an rt o The imp NE TRIAN MI S U A T A wires.

S AIN R m overhead T o fr R y R it E ic tr H ec 40_LIEB trucks on el nning T 236 An Austrian

20

mine is ru

24

16

Watch Live Win Prizes

SANY SY750H Excavator Reliability and Durability Efficiency and Low Fuel Consumption Ease and Comfort of Operation

Simple to maintain and low operating costs

4

EDITORIAL NOVEMBER 2020

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 MANAGING PARTNER 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

SMALL IS POWERFUL The humble skid-steer loader is a classic case of size belying importance. Unlike the big excavators, wheeled loaders, cranes or dump trucks, it’s not a machine of imposing stature, but this diminutive runabout is a permanent fixture of both construction jobsites of all sizes and the maintenance sector.

In fact, it is often the first in on a project, doing the odd loading, clearing and liftand-carrying, and the last out, staying back to clean up and add the finishing touches after the big machines have completed their tasks and left. And in a region such as ours in the Middle East, it is even more popular for its relatively low cost of ownership, enabling many owner-operators to swell the ranks of skid-steer owners along with the rental fleet owners.

Of course, the manufacturers cottoned on to the Middle East’s fascination with and utility for the skid-steer long ago, and some of the major players, such as Bobcat, Case, JCB and Cat made their moves early with a plethora of machines. Indeed, one of these brands, Bobcat, the inventor of the skidsteer loader itself back in the day, has such a historic grasp over the regional market that the practical name on the streets for the skid-steer loader in the Middle East is a “Bobcat”. And now the market leader is again redefining the segment with updates to the most popular models in the region, such as the S450.

In our focus on skid-steer loaders and their cousins, the compact tracked loaders, in this issue, we not only learn from Bobcat about the updates it has made to its extensive model line-up and regional best-sellers, but also take a look at what the likes of Case and JCB are doing as they jostle for position in the market. We also get to know about the products of Ditch With, a brand that may not be among the first names on the minds of

customers in the region but has nevertheless been offering for a long time in the region its cabinless stand-on tracked skid-steers oddball machines that provide simplicity of use albeit in a complex and capable design.

Elsewhere in this issue we also met up with Sany and Weir Minerals. While the Chinese powerhouse is constantly making inroads into new segments in the Middle East – with heavy-duty forklifts for oil & gas applications its latest sale in the region – the global mining and quarrying equipment giant is meeting the challenges head-on of supporting its customers in the region’s extensive minerals extraction sector through the constraints imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Both Sany and Weir tell us how they are succeeding in growing their operations despite the difficulties of the times and how they are geared up for the future.

We also take a dive into history as JCB, one of the most significant brands both globally and, especially, in the region, celebrates a huge landmark – its diamond jubilee. In the 75 years of its existence since Joseph Cyril Bamford – Mr. JCB – built his first tipper in his shed in Staffordshire, England, the company has grown to become one of the biggest in the world and has given the construction machinery industry innovations that today define the sector. In a fascinating look at JCB’s history and journey, we find much to emulate.

ADVERTISING SENIOR SALES MANAGER BIPIN SONEJI bipin.soneji@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 SALES MANAGER BRIAN FERNANDES brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5479 DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE ZAARA KHAN zaara.khan@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5470 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT ABDUL BAEIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PUBLISHED BY

The publisher of this magazine has made every effort to ensure the content is accurate on the date of publication. The opinions and views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the publisher and editor.

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Publication licensed by Dubai Development Authority to CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC. Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC.

Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME

CPI Trade Media. PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE. +971 4 375 5470 cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

6

ONLINE NOVEMBER 2020

MOST POPULAR

FEATURED

CONSTRUCTION

READERS’ COMMENTS

TOP 10 TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

SB Energy awards GE Renewable Energy windfarm deal

Enjoyed reading this list (Top 10 technology

trends in the construction industry). I’m not sure whether it is in order of importance or not, but for CONSTRUCTION

me I would say that the

Saudi Arabia launches new 280,000sqm residential community project

use of big data and cloud computing are probably the technologies likely to have the greatest impact over the next decade. I would also suggest that it is not

PROJECT INSIGHT: The Museum of the Future

just the ability to be able to analyse the impact of external factors – such as

FLEET

weather and traffic listed

Hitches & Glitches launches specialised FM package for mosques

here – during construction that will be essential. Going back to the early stages of construction (even to the decision-making behind the precise location of where to build a project or even an entire development) being able to study social and

CONSTRUCTION

business activity in an area

Madayn awards $6.7 million contract for infrastructure works

and identify how to plug into existing infrastructure can optimise a project’s likely success. The real trick, however, will be at a city planner’s level where they can better identify the types of projects needed in an area for years to come. There are

CONSTRUCTION

SWPC invites EoIs for new SWRO desalination plant in Saudi Arabia

ANALYSIS: What you need to consider prior to terminating contracts

exciting times ahead.

Name withheld by request

8

NEW LAUNCHES GALORE

BOBCAT PRESENTS ‘NEXT IS NOW’ PRODUCTS

JECTS, O R P W E FICES, N F O W E N , HINES OUND R A K O NEW MAC O L IVES – WE T A MONTH I T S I I N H I T W W E E N HAT’S N W T A N O I THE REG NEW HIMOINSA

Bobcat has launched a slew of new

GENSETS FOR

products and ventured into segments

STATIONARY

where it was not present before in

APPLICATIONS

pursuance of its ‘Next is Now’ corporate

Himoinsa has

philosophy, which the company says

introduced its

will “reinvent the compact equipment

new HS Stationary

industry” for the next several years.

Range of

month, held at its Europe Middle East

10 to 50 kVA at

and Africa headquarters in Dobris in the

50Hz and 60Hz,

Czech Republic, Bobcat unveiled several

with a modular

new products together, which included

design and three

a new range of small articulated

different canopy

loaders and a new light compaction

sizes available

range, while the brand also announced

to house the

its first foray into the compact

different models

wheeled loader market. The company

depending on

also showed off its technological

their power. The

innovations, smart customer

HS range are

solutions and future technologies.

a new design

Ritchie Bros. auction breaks five-year record Ritchie Bros.’ recently concluded September auctions in Dubai broke a five-year site record for bidders with more than 1,289 attending the now entirely online event from 86 countries.

The global industrial auctioneers said there has been strong attendance at its auctions throughout 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, with the September auctions seeing bidding registrations going up by 32% compared to the same auction a year ago. Hundreds of new bidders joined the Dubai auctions throughout 2020, added the auctioneers.

A total of 2,090 lots were sold in the September online auction that was open for bidding over several days. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Iraq were the top-five buyer countries in the Middle East. The USA, Canada,

India, Netherlands and the UK were the top-five outside the region.

In terms of the sold equipment, the leading asset categories were hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, all-terrain cranes, crawler tractors and hydraulic truck cranes. Motor graders, access equipment, SUVs and other items were also sold in the company’s third Dubai auction of 2020.

Eduard Faig from Ritchie Bros Middle East said: “Our customers here in the region love the onsite auction experience, but online bidding is steadily growing here as well. With our Dubai team’s support, many customers from the region placed their first online bids and were very positive about the experience. Ritchie Bros. will hold its next Dubai auction on December 15 and 16.”

At a special online launch event last

generators from

Bobcat said in its first 60 years it

developed

“created the Global Compact Equipment

with the goal

Industry and changed how the world

of “meeting

works. That was then. With ‘Next is

the real needs

Now’ the company is reinventing

of stationary

everything. In fact, Next is Now

applications while

ensures what’s next for the industry

fully maintaining

is happening right now at Bobcat”.

product quality”,

With the new move, Bobcat said

said Himoinsa. The

it is creating more efficient products

range is powered

that offer the agility, versatility and

by Yanmar

toughness that have made the brand

engines, designed

famous, combined with significant

by Yanmar

product diversification and expansion

exclusively for

into new markets, complemented

the Himoinsa

by more intelligent, more connected

stationary

technologies and services.

range, as well

Gustavo Otero, president, Doosan

as Stamford

Bobcat EMEA, said: “With Next is Now,

and Meccalte

Bobcat is empowering people to work

alternators.

more efficiently and to enable them to achieve more than ever before. We are advancing more powerful, more efficient and smarter equipment and technologies in an expansion that offers an enhanced, wider choice of products for our customers.”

10

NEWS ROUND-UP NOVEMBER 2020

HITACHI’S NEW TECHNOLOGY

‘CONSITE MINE’ TO HELP EXTEND EQUIPMENT LIFE

Mammoet helps widen Dubai bridge

DUBAI DEVELOPMENTS SELECTS FARNEK Farnek has been awarded a three-year contract by Dubai Development to manage a range of

Hitachi Construction Machinery

facilities in Dubai,

(HCM) and its consolidated subsidiary,

including four

Wenco International Mining Systems,

key properties

have jointly developed “ConSite®

within its portfolio

Mine”, a new technology platform

covering retail,

that helps resolve problems at mine

residential,

sites by remotely monitoring mining

commercial

machines on a 24/7 basis through

and mixed-use

the use of IoT and AI based analysis

properties. Farnek

of equipment operations data.

will mobilise a total

Mammoet has assisted the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in the widening works for the Mirdif City Center bridge, which included lifting and installing 24 long and heavy precast concrete girders in place.

The project consisted of the construction of additional lanes between two existing two-lane bridges, converting them into one high-capacity flyover comprising six lanes. To meet the

installation challenge, main contractor Afcons Infrastructure contacted Mammoet, who took a new approach, using a tailored mobile gantry system straddling the two existing bridges.

This system comprised custom-made beams with two 100t strand jacks and skidding system sitting on top of SPMT trailers.

The strand jacks lifted the girders vertically, the skidding system allowed side movements, and

the SPMTs transported the girders from the pick-up location to the installation spot.

Mammoet added that the mobile gantry raised each precast girder - 30m long and weighing 68t - with rigging using the strand jacks to a sufficient height for transport and carried it over the existing bridges until its setting point, where it was skidded above its final position, lowered and secured onto supports.

NEW TADANO BOOM TELESCOPICCRANE CRAWLER m crawler crane

EMRILL’S SAFETY LANDMARK UAE-based facilities management company, Emrill, has reached 13 million safe manhours without lost-time injury (LTI) in August, marking 243 consecutive days without an LTI across all of its sites.

pic boo m ew telesco d a maximu Tadano’s n ity of 156t an ac p as ca w g n d ti has a lif re-tonnes an t of 590 met cken, load momen in Zweibrü

by Demag ilt u b d now an ag developed With Dem ng in 2019. ti u ng eb ei d b y, is German e crane o Group, th an ad as an T h e It . th part of C-1800EX Tadano GT e l th ca ri as et ed th symm relaunch width in bo k ac tr d le an ab s adjust figuration etrical con and asymm m can lift g main boo its 60m-lon r of up to fou on inclines . degrees

According to Hitachi, it has developed

of over 100 staff

this technology to help customers

and technicians

and HCM dealers predict costly

to deliver services

maintenance issues before they occur,

encompassing

such as the occurrence of cracks in

technical work

excavator booms or arms, by utilising

(MEP, HVAC and

machine learning and applied analysis

Civil), specialised

technologies. Detailed information

systems, exterior

from these predictive alerts are

general cleaning,

provided on the web-based ConSite

and other services.

Mine dashboard and other items.

Currently, Hitachi is piloting the technology in Australia, Zambia and Indonesia. “ConSite Mine” will be further modified based on customer feedback before wider commercial release in 2021.

11

New AMCS system a “world’s-first”

AMCS technologies has unveiled a new anti-collision solution that works between tower cranes and mobile cranes – making it the “world’s first” system of its kind.

The French crane technology and safety solutions company said the new DCS 61-S system is now available for sale internationally after several

months of development and testing in real conditions.

AMCS technologies also received the Technical Innovation of the Year Award for the new product at the 2020 Tower Crane Trophies awarded at JDL in September.

Describing the new approach taken in developing the DCS 61-S system, AMCS said: “The anti-collision

management of the AMCS technologies solution does not lie in the simple temporary neutralisation of areas on the site prohibiting tower cranes to work within a defined perimeter where the mobile crane could potentially be located. The new functionality of the DCS 61-S automatically detects the movements of mobile

machines and integrates the control of tower cranes.”

According to AMCS, the DCS 61-S for mobile cranes is easy to install and program, with a screen installed in the crane operator’s cabin that provides him with the information needed for operating the machine in real time. The DCS 61-S placed on tower and mobile cranes communicate their information via a radio network and constantly know the position of each of the machines thanks to geolocation antennas.

When mobile cranes move and reposition themselves in a different area to work, the tower crane devices automatically know their positions and the system creates an area of interference for the machines involved.

WEG ANTI-VIRAL COATING A new antiviral coating from industrial equipment manufacturer, WEG, claims to make 99.9% of coronavirus inactive within minutes of contact with the surface.

The polyurethane W-THANE APA 501 coating is recommended to protect industrial and medical equipment in high risk environments.

12

NEWS ROUND-UP NOVEMBER 2020

NEW OTR TYRES

MAHANSARIA TYRES OPENS NEW PLANT FOR ASCENSO BRAND

Yanmar announces Middle East branch

Yanmar has officially announced the establishment of its Middle East branch in Dubai, which will provide sales and service support to its dealers the region along with a parts warehouse.

The Japanese engines, power products and compact construction equipment giant said the branch, located in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, is being operated by the company’s subsidiary and Asia regional headquarters, Yanmar Asia (Singapore) Co. Ltd. Yanmar added that the branch began preliminary operations in January last year, providing support

and training in Yanmar’s marine products business in the region. From this month, a new parts warehouse will enable the rapid supply of emergency parts and strengthen relationships with customers.

Ismail Nafiu, branch manager, said: “The establishment of this Middle East office and new warehouse brings us closer to our customers and lets us respond with the speed that our customers expect. These offices and facilities demonstrate Yanmar’s long term commitment to growth and expansion of business in the Middle East.”

Yanmar engines are in use in the region in the power and construction sectors and the company said it chose Dubai as the location for its Middle East presence because of its proximity to customers and also due to the city’s amenities.

Indian off-the-road

tyre manufacturing

(OTR) tyre maker

facility in Panoli, in

Mahansaria Tyres has

the western Indian

announced the start

state of Gujarat”.

of production of a

Set up with an

new brand of OTR

investment of over

KOBELCO RE-

tyres in its Gujarat,

$100m, the plant is

LAUNCHES MINI

India-based facility

spread across 127

DIGGER

and the acquisition

acres of land and has

Kobelco has made

of a majority

a capacity of 40,000

a re-launch of

stake in European

MT/annum in its first

its SK17SR-3E

Agriculture Tyre

phase, said MTP. The

mini excavator

Distributors GmbH as

plant will meet the

with several

part of its widening

growing demand in the

enhancements,

global outreach.

industrial, construction

design

Mahansaria Tyres

and earthmoving,

improvements

Private Limited (MTP)

and agricultural

and new features,

said its new brand,

applications.

incorporated based

ASCENSO, will offer a

on customer and

wide range of world

inaugurated virtually

dealer feedback.

class OTR tyres,

by the MTP chairman

The Japanese

manufactured in its

Ashok Mahansaria

excavator giant

“state-of-the-art

and MD and CEO

said the updated

greenfield off-highway

Yogesh Mahansaria.

The plant was

machine, ideal for job-sites where space is restricted, combines a compact design with wide digging reach for efficient performance, excellent manoeuvrability and durability.

MBR SOLAR PARK SELECTS SHANGHAI ELECTRIC Shanghai Electric Group (SEG) has been appointed the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the fifth phase project of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai with a capacity of 900mW.

JEKKO CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH 2000TH MINI CRANE Italian mini cran

e maker Jekk o recently celebrated a double milest one, marking years of build 20 ing its machi nes with the of its 2000th de liv ery crane. Durin g the JDL ex in France earli hibition er this year, Je kko delivered 2000th spider its crane, an SP X650, to a Fren customer. Je ch kko mini spid er cranes are also in use in the Middle Ea st and are part of th e rental fleet s of companies su ch as the UAE’s AJI Re ntals.

13

Bidders rise at Euro Auctions sale

Euro Auctions has reported a year-on-year increase of 63% in average lot prices at its September sale in Dubai while first-time bidder registrations rose by nearly 300%, with 20% of the new bidders placing successful winning bids.

The global machinery auctioneers said the results prove that there “is an appetite

for good used equipment in the region” and that Euro Auctions is “fast becoming the auction of choice for buyers and sellers in the Middle East for the disposal of stock to a true international audience”.

According to Euro Auctions the Dubai sale on September 28th attracted increased number of bidders, doubling

the number of internet buyers, and also increasing the number of UAE vendors. The one-day sale resulted in 33% of all bids being transacted online proving the success of the marketing reach for this sale.

Bidders for the sale came from 65 countries, of which, 21 countries successfully bought on the day. Online

LGMG’S LARGEST GCC JOINT VENTURE

AQUACHEMIE DMCC TEAMS UP WITH KURITA FOR WATER TREATMENT

ELECTRIC SCISSOR Chinese brand LGMG’s new AS1413E electric

Kurita AquaChemie will

scissor lift offers

Water Industries, and UAE-

operate two new production

a platform height

based AquaChemie DMCC

plants in Dammam, Saudi

of 13.8m and

have signed an agreement

Arabia, and in Jebel Ali, Dubai.

a maximum

to set up a joint venture for

These two production sites

working height of

water and process treatment

were commissioned in H1

15.8m - the largest

chemicals solutions for the

2020 and are expected to

electric scissor in

refinery, petrochemicals,

have a production capacity

the brand’s range.

fertiliser, power and

of about 230,000 metric tons

The AS1413E has a

desalination, paper and metal

per annum in the initial phase.

320kg capacity for

An agreement to officially

two occupants in

Japanese multinational, Kurita

industries in the GCC.

form the new joint venture

its basket. It weighs

set up through Kurita’s

was signed in Dubai by

3.5t and has a 0.9m

subsidiary, Kurita Europe

Lorenzo Carollo, CEO of Kurita

roll extension deck.

GmbH, will leverage both

Middle East, and Subrato

Its AC motor drive

companies’ complementary

Saha and V Anandkumar,

gives longer lasting

strengths to be “the single

directors of AquaChemie

performance and

face for customers in the

DMCC, in the presence

front wheel steer

wider GCC region and

of top JAFZA officials.

offers zero inside

The joint venture company,

offer solutions based on

Kurita AquaChemie says

technologically innovative

its focus on optimising water

Japanese programmes, fully

and energy resources can

backed by local production,

result in savings of up to

resources, and prompt

40%, with solutions delivered

customer service”, said a

over the strong AquaChemie

statement from Kurita.

foundation in GCC countries.

turning radius.

bids came from 19 countries around the globe, with the top bidding countries being the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, the UK and Africa countries as a whole.

Derek Bleakly, general manager of Euro Auctions, Dubai, said: “In the 12 months since mid-2019, there has been a marked uptake in the Middle East market for good machinery and equipment.

Contractors and rental companies in the Middle East have been buying relatively low levels of new machines for the last 4-5 years and, as a result, stocks of plant are aging. Not buying through dealerships, buyers have turned to auctions for good late-year machines as well as new unused stock.”

KOHLER LAUNCHES VIRTUAL BOOTH Kohler, has launched a new virtual outreach service to support customers and showcase its products and technologies online in a more effective way in the current global Covid-19 scenario.

The service provides virtual strolls around a Kohler booth and meetings with Kohler experts and product managers.

Operator rescued from high JAFZA crane A crane operator who suffered a heart attack while at work in the cabin of a 65m high port crane in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port was rescued by Dubai Police in a daring operation, said the city’s police department.

Lieutenant Colonel Yahya Hussain Mohammad, director of the Difficult Missions Unit at Dubai Police, said that the operator was using the crane to move containers from ships at the port when he suffered the heart attack.

“Teams from Dubai Police, Civil Defence and ambulance went to the scene and rescued the operator,” the police official said in a statement.

Rescue teams climbed up to the operator’s cabin at a height

of 65m – equivalent to the height of a 13-storeybuilding - to provide first aid and stabilise his condition before transferring him to hospital.

“The most difficult challenge was bringing the man down swiftly and safely as the crane’s lift had broken down. Our teams of technicians had to repair the lift and operate it manually before we lifted the man down to the first floor where he was then placed on a stretcher and carried down to the ambulance,” Lt Col Mohammad said.

14

KIT SPOTTING NOVEMBER APRIL 2016 2020

NFT RISES IN HONG KONG T ower crane specialist NFT has supplied a fleet of five Potain tower cranes comprising two MCT 565 and three MCT 385 units in the construction of a public housing project in Hong Kong.

Nawar Al Zahlawi, business development manager at the Abu Dhabi-headquartered NFT Group, said: “We selected the MCT 565 and MCT 385 cranes for the project because the cranes offer impressive lifting performance on site, combined with easier transport and assembly on site.” Both models are from the advanced range of Potain topless cranes built in Zhangjiagang, China.

Over the years, NFT has expanded its services to supply Potain cranes to several projects around the globe and is now the largest Potain dealer in the world. The MCT 565 cranes are the latest additions to NFT’s fleet in Hong Kong and for this project they are configured with 45m of their 80m jib. This gives them a

tip capacity of 13t and the ability to lift 25t at 25.5m. The MCT 385 cranes are working with 35m jibs out of their total of 75m. In this configuration they can lift 10t at a 35m radius. The Potain MCT 385 features a maximum capacity of 20t and a maximum free-standing height of 64.9m.

Potain added in a statement that the MCT 565 offers a load moment of 550tm and jib length configurations from 3080m in 5m increments. At its 80m jib end, it can handle 4t of weight. “Despite its increased size, the model stays true to the design characteristics of Potain topless cranes, with easy transport and erection combining with excellent on-site performance,” said Potain.

The manufacturer added that the MCT 565 is easy to transport as its upper section, with its full 80m jib, travels on just nine trucks “thanks to innovative, space-saving design features such as a folding cab on the slewing unit and a folding counter jib”.

15

“We selected the MCT 565 and MCT 385 cranes for the project because the cranes offer impressive lifting performance on site, combined with easier transport and assembly�

16

HARD HITTER NOVEMBER 2020

75 YEARS YOUNG

WITH JCB MARKING ITS DIAMOND JUBILEE, WE RECOUNT THE BRITISH BRAND’S JOURNEY FROM GARAGE TO GLOBAL FORCE AS IT CELEBRATES THIS YEAR WITH NEW MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

J

CB was founded on October 23rd, 1945 by the late Joseph Cyril Bamford in a tiny lock-up garage in the Staffordshire market town of Uttoxeter. It was the same day as his son Anthony, now Lord Bamford, was born and as Mr Bamford remarked “being presented with a son tended to concentrate the mind and when you were starting at the bottom, there was only one way to go and that was up.”

The foundation for the growth that was to follow was the manufacture of a tipping trailer made out of war time scrap which today stands proudly in the showroom of JCB’s World HQ. It was produced in his garage and sold for £45 at the town’s market. The buyer’s old cart was also taken in part exchange and Mr Bamford refurbished it and sold for another £45 – achieving the original asking price of the trailer.

17

JCB has been at the forefront of initiatives to fight against Covid-19, mobilising its production line to make ventilator casings (centre).

Other landmarks of its 75-year journey are (clockwise from top left) its new HQ, the first JCB backhoe loader, the original tipping trailer built by Joseph Cyril Bamford in his shed, the JCB landspeed record Diesel Max car, and the world’s very first telehandler.

By 1947 the company was expanding and because Mr Bamford’s landlady also disapproved of his Sunday working, he moved a few miles down the road to a stable block at Crakemarsh Hall, which was owned by a Mrs Julia Cavendish, a survivor of the Titanic disaster. JCB also set on its first ever full-time employee, Arthur Harrison, who became foreman.

By 1950 JCB was on the move again, this time to the site of a former cheese factory in Rocester. The location had been identified by Bill Hirst, who revelled in the fact his workplace was now closer to home and enabled him to “spend an extra 10 minutes in bed.”

Bill had joined JCB as a £1-a-week teaboy in 1947. He rose through the ranks to become Service Director.

1953 proved to be a pivotal year for new products when Mr Bamford invented the backhoe loader with the launch of the JCB Mk 1 excavator. It was the first time a single machine had been produced with a hydraulic rear excavator and front mounted shovel. This ingenuity still bears fruit today: JCB has manufactured more than 600,000 backhoes and they are now made on three continents.

1953 was also the year that the famous JCB logo - recognised the world over - was first used on a machine and it was eventually registered as a trademark five years later.

With the launch of a range of new backhoes, by the time the 1960s arrived it was clear this machine was revolutionising the building industry, increasing productivity and reducing reliance on manpower.

It was in 1962 that the JCB Dancing Diggers first took a bow and JCB’s first ever overseas subsidiary in Holland was opened. A year later the JCB 3C backhoe, an acknowledged design classic, was launched. Such was the growing success of the company that in 1964, with sales up by 60% to £8 million, employees shared in a £250,000 bonus. The news made national headlines and payouts were on such a scale that some employees were able to buy their first homes with the bonus they received.

Bamford declared: “I am giving you this money because I want you to share in the success of the company you have helped make.”

In the same year, JCB exported its first ever machine to the USA – a JCB 4C backhoe loader. In 1969 JCB produced a record 4,500 machines and by now was exporting more than half of them. It was in recognition of this export success, that the company received in this year its first ever Queen’s Award – the first of 27 such accolades. It was a year for awards as Mr Bamford became a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in honour of the company’s export achievements.

As 1970 dawned JCB opened up for business in the USA, setting up a base in Whitemarsh, Baltimore to harness the huge growth opportunity North America offered. Between 1971 and 1973 turnover doubled to £40 million. In 1975 JCB’s Founder retired, telling staff in a farewell message: “Anthony faces the tough job of moving JCB forward through the next decades into a new century. This is a demanding task but he has been well trained for it and is supported by a very strong team from works staff to management.

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HARD HITTER NOVEMBER 2020

JCB was started

by Mr. JCB (top centre) Joseph Cyril Bamford in his shed 75 years ago (top left) and over the years has given the equipment world a series of innovations, such as the Hydradig (far left), the Fastrac tractor (left) and the backhoe, seen here with chairman Anthony Bamford, Joseph’s son.

JCB’S 75TH BIRTHDAY

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD ARTWORK MARKS CELEBRATION A huge “75” artwork visible from outer space was carved into a Staffordshire stubble field to mark JCB’s 75th birthday – and to help launch a new high-tech precision guidance solution for JCB’s unique Fastrac agricultural tractor.

The giant logo was cultivated in a field eight miles away from the company’s global headquarters at Rocester and covered almost eight acres – equivalent to four football pitches. The birthday tribute was so distinctive is could be seen by imaging satellites orbiting high above the earth.

The special artwork was created ahead of JCB’s 75th anniversary on October

23rd by one of the company’s most famous products – the Fastrac tractor, which was equipped with the new JCB Twin Steer guidance system.

A team of JCB employees was behind the larger-thanlife creation which is close to

the market town of Uttoxeter where the late Joseph Cyril Bamford founded JCB in a lock-up garage on the same day as his son Anthony, now Lord Bamford, was born.

The distinctive tribute was created by uploading a digital version of the artwork prepared by Trimble, JCB Agriculture’s precision farming partner, to the Fastrac tractor’s automatic steering system, which than calculated the guidance paths. The operator only had to turn the tractor at the end of each run and lift and lower the cultivator mounted at the back – the JCB Twin Steer guidance system did the rest.

There cannot be any limit to the successes.”

And so a new era had dawned – and one that would see huge expansion of both manufacturing facilities and product ranges. It started in 1972 with the opening of JCB France. In 1977 the wraps came off the Loadall telescopic handler, a machine which revolutionised the way loads were handled on both construction sites and on farms. The Loadall has gone on to be one of the most successful products in JCB’s history.

1977 also marked the start of a number of high profile visits to JCB by members of the British Royal Family when HRH The Prince of Wales toured the Rocester factory. A year later another landmark was achieved: the construction of JCB’s second factory in the UK, JCB Transmissions in Wrexham.

But it was the decision to start manufacturing in India in 1979 that heralded a period of global expansion as Anthony Bamford spotted the potential of this market. Today JCB has factories in New Delhi, Pune and Jaipur and India is now JCB’s biggest market behind the UK. Product innovation continued to be the lifeblood of the company and in 1985 the 3CX Sitemaster backhoe loader was launched

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HISTORIC BHL

750,000TH UNIT COINCIDES WITH 75 YEARS In the same year as it celebrates its 75th anniversary, JCB celebrated another unique milestone with the same two digits – the production of its 750,000th backhoe loader. The landmark machine was driven off the line at the company’s factory in Rocester, Staffordshire – the very location where the first JCB backhoe was manufactured almost 70 years ago.

It was in 1953 that company founder, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford, conceived the idea of the JCB backhoe loader, which created a single machine combining a front shovel and rear excavator

arm. In its first full year of production in 1954, just 35 of the machines were produced and it took more than 20 years for the first 50,000 to be made. JCB now manufactures backhoe loaders in the UK, India, Brazil and the USA. “Some of my earliest childhood memories are of watching our first backhoe loaders being produced at Rocester and it’s incredible to think we have now manufactured 750,000,” says JCB chairman Lord Bamford.

The 750,000th model is a Special Edition of JCB’s latest 3CX backhoe

and went on to be JCB’s biggest-ever selling backhoe. It’s also the year JCB celebrated the production of its 100,000th backhoe.

In 1988 the wraps came off the JCB GT, a backhoe capable of 100mph and a fantastic promotional tool which continues to draw the crowds wherever it appears around the world. Product development continued unabated with the launch of the 2CX backhoe loader in 1990 followed three years later by the even smaller 1CX. In 1994 Joseph Cyril Bamford had a rose

loader, bearing a unique livery and comprehensive specification.

Phil Starbuck, 60, JCB backhoe group leader, joined as an apprentice straight from school in 1975 when JCB had made just over 50,000 backhoe loaders. As Phil the longest serving employee in the

named in his honour. Called ‘Mr JCB’, the yellow rose was unveiled in the presence of HM The Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show.

A year later and JCB was celebrating its 50th anniversary with a visit by HM The Queen to its World HQ, where she unveiled a replica of the Uttoxeter garage where Bamford began his business all those years ago.

In 1997 the innovative Teletruk forklift – which can lift and place loads over obstacles – was launched. In 1998 JCB opened its second factory in Wrexham, Wales, and

As part of the celebrations for its 75th anniversary, JCB engineers restored one of the company’s oldest backhoe loaders, the JCB 1, which was lying in the shed of one of its oldest customers.

backhoe loader business unit - joined in the celebrations for the 750,000th model, he reflected on his contribution to the success story.

“I am very proud to be a part of this special production milestone.

It is a marvellous achievement and to be part of it is fantastic.”

Shannon Ramczykowski, 22, the most recent recruit to the backhoe loader business, who joined less than a year ago, says: “It is an amazing achievement and I look forward to celebrating more such milestones in the future as I start out on my JCB career.”

a year later opened JCB Earthmovers in Cheadle, Staffordshire. In 2000 the first machines began rolling off the production line at JCB’s new North American headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.

On March 1st 2001, flags at JCB factories around the world flew at half-mast following news of the death of the company’s founder Joseph Cyril Bamford. Britain’s Financial Times newspaper said he was blessed with a rare combination of “engineering genius and marketing flair.”

GOOD AS NEW

JCB 1 BACKHOE RESTORATION As part of the activities to mark its 75th year, JCB restored a vintage JCB 1 backhoe loader to its former glory, presenting it as a unique gift to one of its longest-standing customers.

The UK-based contractor Eric Carnaby & Son, a JCB customer since 1959, has purchased more than 150 JCB machines. The manufacturer thanked the firm for its loyalty by restoring the Carnaby family’s cherished 1964 JCB 1 backhoe.

The project was kept a secret until George Bamford, grandson of JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford, announced the restoration during a visit to the company’s base in Immingham to collect the machine.

“My family and I are over the moon with the restoration.

Our JCB 1 is precious to us and we’ve been meaning to restore it for some time, but you know how it is – a business to run, and all that,” says Roland Carnaby Junior, director, Eric Carnaby & Son. Six months later, the backhoe was handed back to the company after a team at JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, spent hundreds of hours lovingly restoring it.

“It has been amazing to see an old machine brought back to life by the JCB team. It looks just as it would have done on the day it came off the production line in 1964,” George Bamford says.

Eric Carnaby & Son bought its first JCB backhoe in 1959. The two family businesses have been strongly intertwined throughout the 61-year period, with 95% of the contractor’s fleet now made up of JCB equipment.

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INTERVIEW NOVEMBER 2020

“You will find Sany kit on almost all important job-sites anywhere you go in the region. Apart from our concrete and lifting equipment, Sany’s excavators, road machinery and port machinery have become really popular in the Middle East over the last five years”

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SANY POWERS FORWARD

THE CHINESE MANUFACTURER HAS MADE ITS MARK IN THE REGION AS A SUPPLIER OF QUALITY MACHINERY AT COMPETITIVE PRICES, WITH EXPERT SERVICE AND BACK-UP BY ITS DEALER NETWORK. TING SHA, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, SANY MIDDLE EAST, TELLS CMME HOW THE BRAND IS FARING Sany is among the biggest construction machinery manufacturers in the world and has one of the widest product ranges. Please describe your product offerings in the Middle East region, giving an overview of each category.

Sany has a wide product range like excavators, concrete, hoisting and piling machinery, road-making equipment, port and mining machinery. All of these are available in the Middle East region.

Also, Sany became the world’s largest concrete machinery manufacture in 2012, offering pumps, mixers and other concrete equipment. And of course, we have a large line-up of cranes of all kinds, whether mobile, crawler or rough terrain.

How has Sany’s business performance been in the Middle East market in the years 2018-2019, and until the start of the Covid-19 pandemic?

We enjoy high popularity in the region and you will find Sany kit on almost all important job-sites anywhere you go in the region. Apart from our concrete and lifting equipment, Sany’s excavators, road machinery and port machinery have become really popular in the Middle East market over the last five years.

We are also highly involved with several key projects in every country in the region, as well as in the “One Belt One Road” project.

How has Sany’s performance been in the Middle East since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic? How has Sany responded to the pandemic in terms of the safety aspects?

When the Covid-19 first spread in the Middle East, many projects were shut down or temporarily suspended and our business also slowed down because of it. But our business has gradually come back on track after the pandemic situation was controlled by the governments here and the lockdowns were started to be removed.

Moreover, after the Covid-19 pandemic was gradually brought under control in China and we noticed our overseas dealers running short of PPE, we immediately responded to the situation and started outsourcing the PPE kits form China to other territories worldwide. From all over the China we flew out thousands of PPE kits to dealers all over the world.

Now that we are all having to live with the Covid-19 situation, all of us have been forced to do things online in order to avoid physical contact. So our local dealers are also very active in this and have quickly adapted to the new realities by embracing the challenges.

Sany service engineers and local service teams are standing by at all times, observing the necessary precautions. If and when a customer needs us, we are available as normal even in this pandemic time.

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INTERVIEW NOVEMBER 2020

MIDDLE EAST SUCCESS

SANY FORKLIFT TRUCKS FOR SAUDI OIL & GAS CUSTOMER Sany’s Port Machinery division recently delivered heavy-duty forklift trucks to an oil & gas company in Saudi Arabia, marking Sany’s first participation in the region’s oil & gas projects.

Sany said the SCP350C2 forklift truck - the model selected by the customer - features a lifting capacity of 35t and a maximum lifting height of 4m. To meet the client’s operational requirement, the model is equipped with an ELM load stabiliser, enabling the safe hoisting of standard oil tubes on site. The model has demonstrated enhanced and reliable performance with this attachment in a series of performance and safety tests conducted by the client.

According to Sany, the technical director of its client company gave a “strong approval” to

How is the immediate future looking for Sany, until around the end of 2021, both globally and especially in the Middle East?

We are taking the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to develop our business by continuously providing quality machinery with great after-sales support for our customers in the Middle East, as well as all over the world. Moreover, we are confident about the economic prospects in 2021 and 2-3 years after that, and seeking for the opportunity to invest more in the GCC region.

Please give details on Sany’s dealer network in the GCC countries.

We have dealers in all GCC countries and most of them have been working with Sany for a long time now. All our dealer are reputed businesses in their own countries and willingly commit to the best solutions and support for their customers.

Please pick three of Sany’s most popular equipment models in any three categories and give details about them. What makes them so popular in the market?

Among our earthmoving machines, the 36t excavators are the most popular. This is because of their reliability and durability, their efficiency and low fuel consumption, and the ease and comfort of operating them.

They are also simple to maintain and have low operating costs.

The 47m concrete pump is our most popular machine in the concrete equipment segment. Built with 1800Mpa steel, it has a unique boom technology and is also equipped with energy-saving devices and systems. Other factors like anti over-waving

the model, two of which were supplied to the company.

“The model is a good design with strong power yet not too bulky, and the driver’s cab is quite comfortable. It fully meets our needs,” Sany quoted the client’s technical director as saying.

Sany Port Machinery said with all the links involved in sales and service taken care of, it sees big prospects of improving the customer

Ting Sha, deputy GM, Middle East, says Sany offers a wide range of crawler cranes in the region for various lifting jobs - from oil & gas and wind turbine projects to duty cycle operations.

technology and highly wear resistant parts also make it very popular, as does the selfdiagnosis technology on it for detecting faults.

Among the crane segment our 75t crawler crane is sought after in the region.

It combines strong lifting performance with higher working efficiency and more precise operation, along with a comfortable operator’s cabin and easy operations and controls.

How does Sany ensure the supply of parts in the Middle East region? Has Covid-19

experience. Sany’s integrated solution package includes customised design, timely spare parts supply and exclusive technical support for each customer.

“Over 20 years, equipment of various kinds from Sany Port Machinery has been transported to ports in China, America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Africa, and has stood the test of diverse climatic conditions. This time, with the entry into the oil & gas sector, Sany Port Machinery embarks on a new voyage,” said the manufacturer.

affected this and what steps has Sany taken to deal with the situation?

We have a central spare parts warehouse in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai since 2006, which covers the entire Middle East region. The warehouse holds parts worth around AED 5m most of which are large, essential items and complete sets. Most of fast-moving parts are stocked by our dealers.

Early on in the pandemic cycle, we took the constraints of the time as an opportunity and recently we signed an agreement with

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Construction Machinery - SEDIS (Nov) PRINT.pdf 1 10/15/202

resolve technical issue by telephone. Today, we’ve made another step ahead by being the first company in China to start “I-Cloud fleetmanagement”. So far this has connected more than 580,000 high-value equipment, supporting over 400 industrial protocols which enable connectivity to a series of CNC (computer numerical controlled) routers, sensors and special OEMs. We’ve been serving enterprises in countries including China, Germany, India, Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico and several others. We plan to start the “I-Cloud fleet management” in the GCC as well. It’s already in our plans and will be coming soon for Sany in this region.

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one of largest logistics companies in UAE to improve our delivery times in the entire GCC from 5-6 days to 2-3 days.

Please mention some of the new innovations that Sany has introduced globally in terms of new models and technologies.

We are the first company in China to start ECC (Enterprise Control Centre) system where we monitor the working status of all our machinery from the factory and easily

Sany is also popular in the region for its mobile cranes, as well as concrete pumps such as the 47m model, which is built with 1800Mpa steel and sports a unique boom technology.

In your own words, what sets Sany apart from other brands in the market and why should customers opt for Sany machines?

Sany was established in 1989 and after 31 years we are ranked No.5 in the global construction machinery industry and at the top among construction machinery manufacturers in China. No one could imagine that a company would reach such a place within such a short period of time.

We believe the key to our success is always paying attention to customers’ needs and by delivering added-value products and service to our customers. We win when our customers win, and this ‘win-win” is always what we strive for in all regions we operate in by giving the strongest support we can to our local partners.

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SUPER HEAVY LIFTER

NEW SANY 4,000-TONNER LIFTS FIRST LOAD Sany’s new 4,000t lattice boom crawler crane, the SCC40000A, executed its first project in summer this year when it lifted the fourth propylene splitter tower into place at a $2.3bn petrochemicals complex in northern China.

According to Sany, the erection of the splitter at China’s first integrated production line for rubber and plastics was successfully accomplished by the SCC40000A as it is “the heaviest construction task” and with a lifting capacity of up to 4,000t and lifting moment of 90,000 tonne-metres, the new crane is a “robust

hoisting solution developed by Sany to support” such projects.

Zhang Yang, project manager, Sany Research Centre for Equipment, said the SCC40000A

carries more than 20 patents and used a superlift counterweight trolley with double crawlers.

The crane has twin V-type lattice booms and moves on a fourcrawler undercarriage system with eight drives. It covers an area of 3000sqm with the two booms rising to a height of 120m. Transporting the crane takes 150 trailer loads of 30t each.

“Crawler cranes of 4,000t capacity demand high technology and precision. The SCC40000A has demonstrated its eligibility for demanding working conditions with its peak performance,” said Sany.

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HARD HITTERS NOVEMBER 2020

Weir Minerals is active in the mining and quarrying sectors in the GCC and the wider Middle East, providing products, services and consultancy for the entire production cycle.

“Our main interaction is not just to sell; our idea is to be with the customer’s entire lifecycle and services are a part of it.

One of the reasons we are moving to our DIP premises is because we want to grow the services part of our business further”

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CRUSHING PERFORMANCE

WEIR MINERALS HAS TAKEN THE COVID-19 CHALLENGES IN ITS STRIDE TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS IN THE REGION WITH ITS CONSISTENTLY HIGH QUALITY OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, AND IS BULLISH ABOUT ITS FUTURE PROSPECTS AND ABOUT THE MINERALS INDUSTRY IN THE REGION

W

ith the Middle East known globally as a source area for petroleum products, it is often overlooked that the region is also rich in minerals and is also a hotbed of mining and quarrying activity.

Weir Minerals’ regional manager Middle East, Shvetank Saxena, however, is not one to let anyone forget that. Speaking with CMME he says his company, a global leader in the mining and quarrying segments, is extremely active in the Middle East region and is working in almost every country around the GCC and beyond in the supply, setting up and maintenance of quarrying, mining and minerals processing equipment and plants.

Explaining what Weir Minerals is about, he says: “Weir Minerals’ customers don’t just buy a product - they are buying quality, engineering expertise and local aftermarket support. The essence of our Integrated Solutions offering is not about the product but the whole package. This package includes an on-site presence, global footprint and accessibility, market leading products, material and technology, and engineering expertise. Our customers need help beyond our products, they are facing declining ore grades and need to recover more whilst reducing their water and energy consumption, and with environmental pressures

they must manage their tailings more effectively.

These are all significant challenges that require Weir Minerals’ expertise and technical know-how.”

In fact, with the traction that Weir Minerals has achieved in the regional market, the company thought it fit to move into its new premises in Dubai’s DIP area as its regional hub.

“To address the growing regional market and its increasing preference for Weir Minerals, we needed to scale up and upskill our network, capabilities infrastructure and assets in the region. This was the reason behind us moving to our new premises in Dubai Investment Park, so that we can be in a bigger and better place. Here, apart from routine servicing of pumps, we are looking at bucket repairs, rubber lining , in-house fabrication of screens and feeders, and many other such technical work that we were not able to do previously. Location-wise, DIP is quite central, with easy access to the Northern Emirates, where we have the quarries, and very easy to Abu Dhabi where we have some of our biggest customers. I think this is a right step and good steppingstone for future growth in the Middle East.”

That future in the region looks to be a bright one, and Saxena reveals: “It’s surprising for many people that the Middle East is amply blessed when it comes to minerals. It is thought that this is an oil & gas territory, but there is great mineral wealth here, too. Not many people know that gold is mined in Saudi Arabia, or that the aggregates and crushing operations in the UAE’s Norther Emirates are among the largest in the world. Not many people know that QPMC, the Qatar-based company is the

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HARD HITTERS NOVEMBER 2020

WARMAN MC PUMPS

KEEPING THE SLURRY FLOWING Weir’s Warman MC pump is designed to easily manage large size particles in dense abrasive slurries. The manufacturer says it offers the right combination of ruggedness, durability, hydraulics and materials. Weir claims that the Warman MC is the best choice of pumps for applications ranging from the most difficult mill discharge to water flushed crushers.

Explaining the key features and benefits of the Warman MC pumps range, Shvetank Saxena says: “This is a line of large diameter, low speed, high

efficiency impellers, made out of the latest wear resistant materials.

The Warman pumps are primarily used in applications such as mill discharge and processes like slurry transportation.”

He adds that the Warman MC pumps come with interchangeable elastomer or metal liners, or unlined metal.

largest sand-manufacturing company in the world. Oman has issued several new mining licences in the last 12 months, which are in various stages of action. Meanwhile, Jordan is a among the best-known global source of Phosphate. So, this is where the economy is moving towards.

“In terms of revenue, Besides UAE our main markets are Oman, Jordan and KSA. We’re looking to bolster our presence in the region. For example, we will have our own presence in Oman next year,. This will

With well-known products such as Warman pumps and Trio jaw and cone crushers, Weir Minerals has some of the most sought after tools for the mining and quarrying sector, globally and locally.

They also have a simple ‘full face’ side liner adjustment and a self-centring stuffing box design along with fast ‘one-piece’ wet end changeout on larger sizes.

bring us closer to our customers & support are agent. We are also looking to ramp up operations in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, commensurate with the many new and existing mining and quarrying projects in those countries.”

While all economic activity is facing the brunt of the Covid-19 onslaught, Saxena is trying to make the best of the situation for Weir Minerals. “I believe opportunity lies in adversity. Of course, we don’t want the Covid-19 situation, but it’s enabled us to

realise what’s best in us. We’ve been very close to our customers during these tough times, and - it might sound a bit paradoxical given the current situation - this has been one of the biggest times we’ve seen for minerals in the Middle East. We were able to deliver on our commitments to customers despite the constraints. Covid-19 taught us the importance of being really close to customers with both online and on-ground support and expertise.

“We are sometimes told that Weir Minerals’ products and services are on the costly side, but it’s now that customers have understood they also receive premium quality for the price they pay whether it’s the quality of our products or customer support even in these tough times. We were fully operational during these Covid times, but for only 14 days in April. Apart from that we have been fully operational with all our services.”

Weir Minerals is a unique company, he explains, present from pit to finished product, right from the time when aggregate or ore is blasted to when the product is extracted from the system – the entire cycle of the mining circuit.

“We have our jaw crushers for primary crushing, then cone crushers for secondary crushing and impact crushers for tertiary crushing. Then we have both dry and wet screens. And when you move on to slurry movement, we have our slurry pumps

TRIO CT SERIES

CRUSHING JAWS The Trio CT series jaw crushers are available in a range of sizes suitable for mobile or stationary jaw crushing applications. They are manufactured with a higher mass, which improves their mechanical capabilities and reliability in tough applications.

“The Trio CT jaw crushers have a robust design to deliver improved life-cycle of mechanical and hydraulic parts and an optimised toggle with the provision to fit a hydraulic toggle relief system as required,” says Shvetank Saxena. “A steep designed toggle seat for the efficient nip angles and high production rates and a fixed jaw die configuration in a wraparound design for frame protection are other important features.”

He adds that the Trio CT is also engineered to deliver improved life-cycles of mechanical and hydraulic parts and have hydraulically

adjusted wedges to facilitate quick and easy adjustments to the closed side settings. And of course, they are supported by the Weir Minerals global service network.

“The Trio CT series offers a more aggressive bite and reliable operation, with life-cycle improvements of its mechanical and hydraulic parts.

These jaw crushers enable efficient crushing at high production rates. They also feature a fixed jaw die configuration in a wrap-around design to protect each crusher’s frame. In addition, hydraulically adjusted wedges can be incorporated to facilitate quick and easy adjustments to the closed

side settings,” Saxena adds.

Some of the typical applications of the Trio CT series are primary crushing of mined ore and aggregate material, and recycle crushing of asphalt and concrete products. Liner options on the crusher include standard

corrugated course, corrugated course with curved belly and slab breaker The Trio CT also has extra heavyduty flat jaw dies and manganese liners made by Weir ESCO, another Weir group company.

“Engineered to perform in the toughest of environments, the Trio CT series jaw crusher features large, spherical, self-aligning roller bearings in the pitman to protect the machine from unforeseen stress.

These rugged features, combined with both front and rear frames cast from high strength, low carbon alloy steel, make the machines last in the processes they are designed for, such as crushing and grinding in both the mining and aggregates segments,” Saxena says.

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TRIO TC SERIES CONE CRUSHERS

HEAVY- DUTY AND MULTI-PURPOSE As Weir Mineral’s offering in the cone crusher segment, the Trio TC series cone crushers deliver a proven approach to processing primary, crushed ores and quarry rock products.

“These crushers are designed to be reliable, and simple to operate and maintain, while incurring low operational costs.

The Trio TC cone crushers’ design is universally accepted as the global standard for heavy-duty, reliable secondary and tertiary crushing,” says Shvetank Saxena.

Among the key features and benefits of the Trio TC cone crushers are their design, which enables them to deliver high crushing force. There is also increased horsepower on tap, which leads to moderate increases in crushing speed. The Trio TC

cone crushers also include modern hydraulic features that allow users to safely and easily adjust each crushers’ settings.

Tramp material is dealt with safely through a fully automated tramp-release and setting recovery system. The tramp release hydraulics can also be used to safely clear the crushing chamber should a sudden disruption in plant power cause a shut-down of the cone crusher. In addition, Trio TC series cone crushers can be operated remotely and can be fully integrated into the plant’s control system if required.

and hoses, washing systems and talings management as well.we design , supply & commission mill circuit process also,” Saxena says.

“This is what we do – design and build the entire process. We work extensively with all the major project houses. We support them with our ideas from our side of the business. Generally, if someone takes a buying decision today, it means we have been with them almost 12-16 months prior to that, studying their project and suggesting the best solutions.”

Detailing the customer engagement, he says Weir Minerals starts with the consultancy process as an integrated solutions provider for end-to-end solutions.

Then come specific products, and Saxena elaborates: “I’ll start with Warman slurry pumps; it’s our flagship, It’s a gold standard in mining applications, and we’re proud to say we command 60-70% market share and are able to support our customers with fantastic after-market services. We also have our Trio crusher range, which is increasing its footprint every year and includes our best-in-class jaw and cone crushers.”

However, Weir Minerals is not only about selling top-notch products; it lays equal emphasis on the aftermarket aspects of its operations.

“Selling machines is only the first part; then comes aftermarket. When you buy genuine spares for slurry pumps or cone

Shvetank Saxena, regional manager, Middle East, at Weir Minerals, is overseeing a successful operation that has met the challenges of Covid-19 and moved into a new premises in Dubai.

Among the features the Trio TC series cone crushers come with are a rotating bowl assembly, hydraulic setting adjustment via ring gear and hydraulic tramp release. The list of features and advantages is a long one and includes hydraulic clearing, hydraulic thread locking during crushing, low energy consumption and low wear rates.

crushers, you get so much more than just a volute liner, impeller, side liner and jaw plate. You’re making an investment in a product that will receive expert lifetime support, achieve higher pump performance, last longer and reduce the risk profile of your process.

“These are just some of the ways we differentiate our products from the competition and stand out in the market. In addition, we keep stock for our customers, we help them design their circuits, and

“The Trio TC series cone crushers are manufactured using high strength alloys and are equipped with numerous safety features to ensure extended operating time through safe operation. Like all our other products, Middle East customers can find full support for the Trio crushers from our Weir Minerals global service network,” Saxena adds.

Among the applications the Trio TC series cone crushers are designed for are secondary, tertiary or quaternary stage crushing circuits, downsizing of ore products prior to grinding operations, pebble crushing, crushing of glass, coral, basalt and granite as well as limestone quarry materials.

we act as partners in their operations, not merely a seller of tools,” Saxena says.

Sandwashing is another area where Weir Minerals is very successful. It has recently commissioned complete sandwashing plants in the UAE and Kuwait.

“Our wash plants come as complete assemblies, and we give the customer an option of buying with thickener or without thickener depending on the water management system they have on site.

These packaged wash systems work very well in conjunction with our crushing plants,” Saxena explains.

“Our main interaction is not just to sell; our idea is to be with the customer’s entire lifecycle and services are a part of it. One of the reasons we are moving to our DIP premises is because we want to grow the services part of our business further.”

The Middle East is a water-scarce region and Wier Minerals’ washing system take that into account. “Typical washing system have high water usability, with the traditional pond systems only enabling a maximum of 70%-75% of the water to be recycled with careful management. With our system and thickeners, more than 80% of the water can be recycled and re-used in the process.

Customer realise that if they invest in our products, with their suitability, long reliability, minimum maintenance and low OPEX then it’s a worthwhile investment as it increases their production and returns.”

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

KNOW

32

30_NEW RELEASES The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

TOP 10: R SKID-STEE TICES BEST PRAC

ons teer operati Make skid-s me sier with so safer and ea ractices. basic best p

34_MIGHTY MIDGETS As market leader Bobcat updates its skid-steer loaders in the Middle East, the run of the ubiquitous runabout continues unabated on the region’s job-sites.

40_LIEBHERR TRAIN Overhead line enables electric operation for Liebherr dumpers.

30

NEW RELEASES NOVEMBER 2020

HYVA EXPANDS EDGE LINE TRUCK-MOUNTED CRANES WITH 60TM FAMILY WHY GET IT? COMPACT, LIGHT AND EASILY MOUNTABLE, WITH CLAIMED BEST LIFTING CAPACITY IN THE SEGMENT Truck mounted crane maker Hyva has expanded its EDGE Line with a 60tm family of heavy cranes, which now brings its range to span from 1-165tm.

The Dutch manufacturer said the new family of cranes comprises four models, each with two jib options – the J1206 Light Jib for lifting horizontally, and the J2006 Heavy Jib for lifting vertically “These heavy cranes are the most compact and light and have the best lifting capacity currently available in this segment of the market. The rewards are higher payloads and faster operation,” said Hyva.

The four models are the HC601e with a Standard Lifting Control System; the HC661e with a Proportional Lifting Control System with lifting capacity 10% greater than HC601e; the VR60MNG

marine crane with sSurface treatment for marine applications; and the VR62MNG marine crane, also with surface treatment for marine applications and with an added lifting control system.

The range comes with features such as Auto Levelling System, which automatically keeps the truck frame in a horizontal position, enabling best crane performance; and the Operator Auto Detection, which automatically activates the operator’s closest stabiliser, avoiding the need for operator contact.

A Front Stabiliser control allows loading in the front area, avoiding stress and overload of the truck frame, while a Compact Installation Kit guides the hoses through a different route, allowing a more compact installation of the crane on the truck.

Standard features on the range include double linkage, negative angle, up to eight extensions, endless slewing, multifunction radio remote control and auxiliary manual control valve on the column side.

SPECIFICATIONS

HYVA 60TM FAMILY Number of models: 4 Jib options: 2 Jib extensions: Up to 8 Operating weight: 60 tonne-metre

NEW ACCIONA PLATFORM FOR MONITORING EARTHMOVING OPERATIONS WHY GET IT? COMPATIBLE WITH ANY MANUFACTURER, IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY Acciona has developed a digital earthmoving platform for systematic monitoring and control of earthmoving machinery, optimising the processes and improving productivity of the projects carried out by the company.

The new tool is compatible with any manufacturer and can be implemented on projects carried out with Acciona’s own machinery or on projects that use subcontracted machinery.

Acciona said the first step in operating this digital platform, which was developed through its Construction Technology Centre, is to compile data from monitoring all of the machinery, which is possible thanks to a GPS system that can be installed simply and non-invasively on each piece of machinery.

The operator of each machine has the option to enter different operational data using an app and can also record other parameters (consumption, etc.) by installing an additional device, as well as directly extracting data from the machine itself via the manufacturer’s API. The next step is to process the data collected.

Different events can then be defined using a variety of algorithms, such as the start or end of loading, allowing activities to be identified and performance data to be calculated. Lastly, the production, time, distance, volume and performance data that has been processed can be analysed and displayed via a web interface.

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CATERPILLAR INTRODUCES NEW D9 DOZER WHY GET IT? 3% LOWER COSTS PER UNIT OF MATERIAL MOVED, 5% LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION AND 4% LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS Caterpillar has introduced its new D9 bulldozer, which replaces the Cat D9T model and offers customisable configurations to meet application needs around the world.

The equipment giant said the new dozer with a 50t operating weight is built on a “legacy of longevity and proven reliability in the field” and lowers overall costs per unit of material moved by up to 3%. A new torque converter with stator clutch reduces fuel consumption by as much as

5%, and the new dozer has lower maintenance and repair costs by as much as 4%.

The new dozer is powered

by Cat’s C18 engine developing 487hp, with a range of exhaust aftertreatment solutions available to meet Tier 4/ Stage V, Tier 2 and Tier 3 emission norms. The D9 also features differential steering for a tight turning radius and the ability to maintain ground speed while turning. The suspended undercarriage delivers more track contact with the ground for less slippage and greater productivity.

The D9 can be equipped with a wide range of blades and attachments for a variety of applications, including production dozing, site maintenance,

fleet support and ripping. A semi-universal blade offers a 13.6m3 capacity while a universal one provides 16.6m3 According to Cat, the D9 Dozer delivers low owning and operating costs while maintaining high productivity in heavy construction, quarry and aggregates, landfill, bulk materials handling and forestry applications.

A new ground-level service centre provides easy access to the engine shutdown switch, access/egress lighting and optional powered ladder operation.

Standard rear-view mirrors give the operator clear lines of sight to front and rear working areas.

An optional four-camera system offers a 360-degree view around

the machine and ripper for further safety. Other safety features include adding bottom guard retention pins and eliminating lift cylinder grease points.

The cab is a new design with advanced ergonomics, featuring intuitive controls that are easy to access and operate, says Cat. SPECIFICATIONS

CAT D9 DOZER Engine and power: Cat C18, 487hp Operating weight: 50t Blade capacity (semi-universal): 13.6m3 Blade capacity (universal): 16.6m3

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TOP TEN NOVEMBER 2020

02 01

DO NOT SPIN TYRES WHEN DIGGING Many operators think spinning the tyres when digging into a pile of soil or dirt improves the digging performance of the loader. This is a mistaken belief. All that happens when the wheels are spun is unnecessary and expensive wear on the tyres. So desist from spinning the wheels for longer tyre life.

DON’T COUNTER-ROTATE When turning your skid-steer loader, make your turns without counter-rotating.

This will minimise wear on the undercarriage, which is usually the most expensive part of your skid steer when it comes to maintenance and repair costs.

: N E T P O T R O F S E C I T C A R P BEST S R E D A O L R E E T S SKID OPERATING SKID-STEER SIER A ND A ND E A R E F A S OWNING E E M AD B N CTICES A A C R S P R E T S D E A B LO ME K EY O S G N I V

BY OBSER

03

MINIMUM GROUND SPEED Running your skid-steer loader too fast will accelerate its rate of normal wear and tear and will be more costly over time. At any rate only very little time is gained by moving fast in a congested, uneven and relatively small space that most job-sites are, and then having to inevitable slow down to turn. Use the minimum ground speed you need to get the job done and your skid-steer will keep doing it longer.

MIND PE THE SsloLpO e, keep the

When on a uphill. e machine th f o d n e egree heaviest aking 90-d m id o v a s like Also try to tor practice ra e p o e il h ment turns. W rd to imple a h e b y a these m orth the y will be w initially, the r on ear and tea savings in w t. men your equip

04

33

06

05 DAILY SAFETY CHECK Take a few minutes to perform a daily walk-around, checking the front end, the tyres, the engine, fluid levels, and safety controls. It only takes a few minutes and gives you the information you need to prevent major problems before they start.

This practice will also help to minimise downtime.

COUNTERWEIGHTS Counterweights may be needed while using a skid-steer loader in some applications but not all operations will require them. To prevent excessive wear to some of the key components of your skidsteer, take off the counterweights when they are not needed. Using counterweights when uncalled for will shorten the life span of key components.

KEEP AN teer IT CLaE n the skid-s

cle Thoroughly damage heck it for c d n ite. loader a from a job-s s rn tu re it to every time ther debris mud and o w e o g ll a a m ’t a n d o D this ot only can s N . a p h u c d su il , u b achine m e th f o s some part t it can also arriage, bu the underc tting u from spo prevent yo roblems potential p like leaks.

09 08

CHECK AND CHANGE GEAR OIL Check and change the gear oil in the final drive according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Failure to do so can cause gear oil leaks to go unattended and eventually result in severe damage to the planetary side of the final drive.

RIGHT FILTERS AND LUBRICANTS There will always be a temptation to use cheaper, off-brand filters and lubricants, but do not give into this if you value uptime and the life of your equipment. While you may make some short-term savings when choosing lower priced non-branded components, they may cause serious damage if the quality is below requirements. Stick to manufacturerrecommended ones.

07 10

MAINTENANCE RECORDS Keep records on all maintenance and repairs. This can help you notice patterns in repairs or unusual wear, indicating what might be responsible for repeat machine failures. A meticulous maintenance record will also help fetch a better price when it comes to disposing off your machine.

34

COVER STORY NOVEMBER 2020

MIGHTY MIDGETS THE RUN OF THE UBIQUITOUS RUNABOUT CONTINUES UNABATED ON THE REGION’S JOB-SITES, AS BRANDS SUCH AS BOBCAT PUSH IN REVAMPED MACHINES AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES

T

he skid-steer loader has a special place in the Middle East’s construction sector. Over the many highs and lows in the sector, which have had profound impacts on the region’s equipment market, what has stayed on despite the ebbs and flows is the popularity of the skidsteer loader (SSL) in the region.

And when it comes to the SSL, it immediately brings to mind one name – Bobcat – the machine’s pioneer. With an extensive range, Bobcat has led the segment for many years now, thanks in no small measure to the S450, the region’s most popular SSL. It is the machine underpinning Bobcat’s dominance of the segment - a dominance that has made Bobcat the generic name for the SSL in the region.

This dominance did not come in a day, says Gaby Rhayem, regional director, Doosan Bobcat Middle East and Africa: “Firstly, the SSL was introduced by Bobcat, so we have the advantage of being the first with the machine. Then we built up a reputation on the reliability and quality of our machines, so much so that our dealers often say the aftermarket business on our SSLs is very low as the machines seldom require more than oil and filter changes.

“This also gives Bobcat SSLs an excellent second life.

At auctions, even a decade-old unit can command a price of around 50% or more of its original value.”

Bobcat recently launched the R series SSLs for Europe with Stage V engines. For the Middle East it has the new M Series, which is basically the new R series machines but with lower tier engines for this market.

The update also added some additional, features and specifications on the machines.

35 If Bobcat is the king of skid-steers in the Middle East then the S450 is its crown jewel. It is the single most popular skidsteer model in the region, which Bobcat has now made even better.

BOBCAT PRESSURE WASHER

RESPONDING TO THE TIMES Bobcat has launched new pressure washer attachments for its family of loaders, designed to spray high pressure water on city streets, roads or other surfaces as required.

The compact equipment specialist says some of the applications where the new attachments can be used include: roadwork and construction; disinfecting to protect against Covid-19 or any other kind of sanitisation; cleaning furniture in parks and urban streets; maintaining railways, bridges and tunnels; cleaning animal or poultry sheds; and cleaning various types of machinery.

Bobcat has introduced three different pressure washer attachment models - the 250S, 250M and 250L - to match different Bobcat loaders and to meet specific requirements of various applications. The new attachments are quick and easy to connect to Bobcat loaders with a plugand-play design, and start work immediately.

Bobcat says it is the first in the world to offer this kind of attachment for skid-steer, compact tracked and all-wheel steer loaders, which joins its family of over 100 different attachments.

The new pressure washer attachments have compact dimensions for efficiency and simplicity in transportation, while the front sprayer is adjustable to easily adapt to all types of work.

Daniele Paciotti, product line manager, Attachments, for Bobcat in Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: “Bobcat is now offering a pressure washer attachment that ensures cleaning streets, signs and street furniture has never been so easy and effective. Wherever larger dedicated machines cannot gain access or where the job must be done mechanically – the new pressure washer attachment mounted on a Bobcat loader is the best way to clean surfaces.”

36

COVER STORY NOVEMBER 2020

“In the S450, for example - the biggest seller for both Bobcat and the overall Middle East SSL segment - we have an airconditioned cab, which few competitors offer on their small machines. The M Series S450 here has a Kubota engine with lower stage emissions.

With the update, a key difference now is in the fuel injection, delivering much higher power at lower RPMs, making operators feel they are using a more powerful machine,” Rhayem explains.

“This is due to improvements to the injection pump and the overall machine hydraulics, which are now in more harmony to extract higher power at lower engine speeds. The total power output of the Kubota engine is still the same, but the difference now is in the way power is delivered. The new injection and fuelling system ensure a much flatter, consistent power curve available from low down in the RPM range. From the hydraulics point of view, the response is now much faster due to the higher power available at low RPMs.” Explaining the extensive Bobcat SSL range in the region, Rhayem adds: “Our smallest machines here are the S70 and S100, with only canopies and no cabs. Then we come to the very popular, construction-grade S450, offered with both canopy and cab-with-AC. You want to prepare the field, load sand, soil or other materials, transport a load on the job-site the S450 fits the job. For tasks requiring more hydraulic power, there are the S550 and S630.

“The S450 and the S630 are our star products here. The S630 is the attachment king and gets you into the very high-flow hydraulics for big attachments. We usually sell it with tools like

“These are among the most versatile as they can carry multi-purpose buckets and general attachments like sweepers”

Case Construction Equipment has several popular skid-steers in the region, such as the SR130B and SR150B at the lower end, and the SR200B at the upper end.

Together, they are formidable tool carriers for all jobs.

the wheel saw, big sweepers, planers, or others that need powerful hydraulics. And then we have the range toppers with the S780 and S880 for higher capabilities.

“When it comes to applications, we are again the leader, offering 160 attachments. Based on the philosophy that our SSL is a tool carrier, we don’t just sell a machine with a bucket - instead we offer complete solutions with our tools. We first try to understand customers’ requirements and then offer a full package with wheel saws or graders, planers, trenchers, asphalt layers, sand cleaners or sweepers, etc. With

the competition, customers usually get most attachments from after-market companies.”

Although Covid-19 has led to difficult conditions and the SSL market has fallen sharply along with all other equipment classes, Bobcat has still managed to increase its market share in this time, Rhayem reveals. And this is where the contribution of its dealers needs to be mentioned, as exemplified by Kanoo Machinery, the UAE and Bahrain distributor.

Kannan Chandrasekaran, country manager, UAE and Oman, Kanoo Machinery, explains: “We started our ‘100% Customer Service

CASE SR130

CASE FOR THE COURSE The SR130B is among the staples of Case Construction Equipment’s skid-steer loader line-up in the region. Along with the SR150B, it is the brand’s most popular model.

“The SR130B is a generalpurpose machine that scores on versatility,” Zane Barnard points out. “With the SR130, users get a machine that can perform various tasks on the job-site and give a

great return on investment.”

The machine is able to support several attachments, from hammers to dozer blades and broom buckets, as well as loader buckets of various sizes.

The SR130B has a operating weight of 2.3t and a rated operating capacity of 590kg with a tipping load of 1.1t. The lift cylinder breakout force is 12.7kN and the bucket breakout force is 18.6kN, making it no slouch in the performance department.

Power comes from an engine producing a peak of 49hp at

2,800rpm. Peak torque is 143Nm at an even lower 1,800rpm. A low range travel speed of 12.7km/h is standard, while a high range option offers increased ground velocity.

“This is our bestseller model in the Middle East. It is a common sight at many construction sites in the region,” Barnard says and adds that built in Case’s historical factory in Wichita, USA, the machine comes with all the hallmarks of a Case skid-steer.

A convenient cab tilt feature provides access to the hydraulic and transmission components, and easy serviceability is assured

by Case’s design of grouping the daily service points together, along with remote mounted filters.

37 Excellence’ initiative, setting high goals for customer service and satisfaction. For example, we reply to any sales enquiry after thoroughly assessing the application but within 24 hours.

Our sales engineers, who are also product consultants, study the requirements first and suggest the right machine for the application.

“We also respond the very same day to any queries received for parts that morning, or the next day if it was received in the afternoon or evening. For service we have 24-7 toll free numbers. Requests received are checked by our divisional service manager himself who immediately dispatches the service teams.

Assistance is available whenever needed.”

Over at Case Construction Equipment, the SSL has consistently returned good sales figures. Zane Barnard, product specialist, Case CE, says: “Last year was a good one for our SSLs across all our markets. We showed good growth and saw demand increase across the region. With the updated B-series being introduced this year, our future focus will be on increasing their versatility through widening the attachments range.

“We have a huge customer base, from operator-owners to mega construction companies, which has helped us hold strong in 2020 with some good planning and foresight, despite Covid-19 affecting the segment.”

Discussing both the SSLs and CTLs, Barnard adds. “SSLs are fast-moving units ideally suitable for dirt, concreate and asphalt. They are general tools, which can carry almost any attachment. In the Middle East this would include a general-purpose bucket, sweepers, augers and hydraulic hammers. For CTLs, these tools are larger and heavier, and they offer the capability of carrying more powerful attachments like large rock wheels, planers and large hydraulic hammers. CTLs also offer great machine floatation especially when working on softer surfaces, such as sand.”

Case’s range in the segment has nine SSL and three CTL B-series models. Starting with the radial lift SR130B and going up to the vertical lift SV300B, it covers rated operating capacities from 590kg to 1.36t for the SSLs and 1.22-1.72t for the CTLs. “All Case SSLs are manufactured in our historic plant in Wichita, USA. Our B–series machines recently saw cabin updates for improved operator comfort and increased productivity. They offer some great new tech and all-new cab layouts and joystick controls to improve safety and reduce operator fatigue.

“In-cab improvements include a closer switch layout with a new instrument cluster position and large buttons for better visibility.

There’s also more space for storage with a new console layout and improved lateral space for the operator. Wires are less exposed thanks to

JCB TELESKID

INNOVATION IN FUSION Here’s an innovative variation on the theme of the skid-steer loader: take a normal tracked variety of the machine and instead of equipping it with the normal loader arm with a bucket or attachment at the end of it, attach a telescopic loader arm that can extend outwards to increase reach – sort of a fusion of a telehandler with a skid-steer or compact tracked loader.

This is precisely what JCB has done with its 3TS-8T Teleskid.

“The JCB Teleskid is the world’s first and only skid-steer loader and compact tracked loader with a telescoping boom, allowing it to lift higher, reach further and dig deeper than any skid-steer on the market.

These machines provide access to job-sites and perform tasks that are simply not possible with a conventional skid-steer, like loading a high-sided truck without a ramp or both sides of a flatbed trailer from one side, dump material or stack pallets higher to free up valuable ground space and place loads over fences or obstacles. The possibilities are endless,” says Ahmed Shouman.

“Though the Middle East is not yet a potential target market, the Teleskid is available in three models - 3TS-8T, a compact tracked loader with a rated operating capacity of 1.6t; 3TS8W, a wheeled skid-steer with a rated operating capacity of 1.4t; and the 2TS-7T, which has a rated

operating capacity of 951kg.”

In terms of features, the Teleskids are equipped with JCB’s telescopic Powerboom, along with all the attributes of JCB’s proven skid-steer design.

A climate-controlled cab is standard and a canopy is and an option, which offer up to 47% more room and 60% better visibility than comparable, large-platform skid-steers. The extending boom raises maximum loadover height to 3.8m with the boom extended, almost 1m more than the standard retracted boom. In addition, the Teleskid’s telescopic boom provides the option of digging or powering attachments at depths of up to 1m below ground level.

“Our unique single arm boom... has 20% more high tensile steel compared with the twin arms most competitors have.

This design also enables cab entry through a wide opening side door”

38

COVER STORY NOVEMBER 2020

TRACKS OR WHEELS?

LET CAT BE YOUR GUIDE When it comes to choosing the right piece of compact equipment, there are many options and offering one of the widest choices of skid-steer loaders or compact tracked loaders is Caterpillar. Explaining what to look for when choosing the best machine for a job is Mamoun T Mutair, building construction - product manager at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Bahar, the Cat dealer in the GCC, excluding Saudi Arabia.

“A wheel-based skid-steer loader or a compact tracked loader are designed for their size, manoeuvrability, and versatility of attachments. Further machine differences to be aware of include radial lift and vertical lift loader arms. The radial design is best suited for strong break-out forces at ground level and work at mid-height. The vertical design is best suited for maximum height loading or pick and place applications,” Mutair says.

“The most critical thought process to be had early on is to clearly define the job

at hand. This will drive your attachment selection, and from there can help narrow down the machine selection.”

Mutair points out three basic points for consideration: What performance is required to run the necessary tools?

What machine size is required to provide the right horsepower and hydraulic power to perform efficiently on the job?

Understand the job-site Once the job is clearly defined, one must also evaluate the size of the site itself and the underfoot conditions. Skid-steers, the wheel-based machine, are the best choice on hard surfaces and generally have lower owning and operating costs. Long distances to travel? Tyres will get you there faster than a tracked machine.

The compact tracked loader, a track-based machine, is the clear choice for traction on soft terrain and slopes. “The Cat steel embedded tracks will give you long, durable wear, and offer

lower ground pressure to protect the work surface,” Mutair adds.

Understand the machine It is always recommended to know your machine before you put it to work. Try to consult your dealer and understand as much as you can about the machine you intend to use. Brochures, live demonstrations and test runs, can be highly useful. “Unlike other manufacturers, the Cat compact tracked loader has a suspended undercarriage.

As opposed to a fixed, bolted track frame, the suspended undercarriage allows for a smoother, faster ride, better material retention, and more surface contact with the ground.

The secret lies in the Cat torsion axles, consisting of four independent axles allowing the machine chassis and operator to be isolated from the track frame. The steel bar and rubber cords inside these axles dampen vibrations, creating less wear and tear, better operator comfort and extended track life.”

better routing and fuel lines are also routed better to the rear door fuel filter.”

The largest selling models in Case’s range are its small and medium frame SSLs – the SR130B, SR150B and SR175B. “These are among the most versatile as they can carry general attachments like sweepers and multi-purpose buckets. They are also great for general digging, levelling and load and carry operations.”

For JCB, SSLs represent a large portion of the overall equipment demand in the region. Ahmed Shouman, general manager, JCB Middle East, says: “In 2019, the SSL was among the largest equipment classes by volume and this year we expect it to be the second largest. This competitive segment is very important for JCB, as demonstrated by our continuing introduction of new products and consistent growth of market share since 2016. Our customers include contractors, rental companies, manufacturing facilities and local municipalities, to name a few.”

JCB’s SSLs offer rated operating capacities of 612kg-2.72t. The company has a similar base machine globally with hydraulics and controls differing by region based on the commonly used attachments, Shouman explains.

“Our bestselling SSL is the 135HD. Apart from superior performance, key reasons for its popularity include safety, a high 270-degrees visibility for the operator and ease of maintenance. At JCB, we are very proud to have designed one of the safest SSLs in the market. Our unique single arm boom on our 135HD and 155HD models has 20% more high tensile steel compared with the twin arms most competitors have. This unique design also enables cab entry for operators through a wide opening side door as compared to entering over slippery attachments or under an unsupported boom, as with competitors.”

JCB reported positive market figures for SSLs in 2019 and in the first quarter this year, but demand fell thereafter, reveals Shouman.

“We are seeing demand slowly starting to increase now and are positive this will continue in 2021 and beyond, and SSLs will continue to represent around 20-25% of the regional demand for equipment. JCB will continue to grow its SSL sales by providing more solutions that reduce customers’ cost of operation and increase machine uptime, productivity, operator efficiency and ease of maintenance.”

An oddball inclusion in the SSL options for the Middle East is Ditch Witch. The American brand is well-known globally for its tracked machines without cabs, which offer a standon position for operators. Jamey E. Shaheen, president, Ditch Witch Middle East, says: “We have a wide range of skid-steers at Ditch Witch Middle East. They are more than just machines or tools. We provide customers with one of the

39

“The SWL2820 model is our best adapted model for the Middle East… It has 25% more loading capacity... at a more competitive price” top-100 products made in the USA. Our lineup includes the SK1050, SK850, SK800, SK650, SK600, SK500 and SK350 mini skid-steers.

“Our Middle East head office is in Lebanon and we have an experienced, specialised team that’s travelled the GCC to provide on-theground support sites for more than 30 years.

Ditch Witch is now widely seen in countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan. All our products are made in the USA and our technology is makes for efficiency, productivity, durability and heavy-duty applications.”

The brand’s advantage is in providing highly compact and powerful stand-on models for specialist jobs, which differentiates it from the competition, Shaheen adds. Ditch Witch also

With high build quality, durability, technically advanced features and well-designed operator cabins, Sunward’s skidsteer loaders are increasng in popularity in the Middle East and enjoy the backing of established distributors, such as CMC in the UAE market.

customises its models for the regoin to suit the harsh, sandy, hot and often saline environment, using components such as a low-maintenance Kubota diesel engine in its SK800 for power and performance in all conditions.

Chinese manufacturer Sunward is making rapid inroads into the Middle East market, especially with the support of local powerhouse dealerships, such as CMC in the UAE. Speaking about the brand’s offering in the SSL segment, Bob Xie, managing director, Sunward Middle East, says: “Our models go all the way up to 3.6t, with the most popular being the 750kg capacity SWL2820, 20% more powerful than comparable models in the region.

“Some of our improvements to resist tough

environments include extra-large coolant tanks and fans in the engines and hydraulic systems, high-quality filters and resistive paint.

These allow our SSLs to be used in the 50°-plus desert heat in the Middle East. Efficient aftersales back-up results in Sunward SSLs being used in this region for over a decade now.”

Sunward also pays special attention to the operator environment. “Our SSLs have wide and comfortable cabs with good vision, easy ingress and egress, and ergonomic placement of all controls and switches. They have FOPS/ ROPS standard cab structures and three-level electric starting protection system. Daily maintenance points are easy to reach and a standard quick coupler makes it fast and easy to switch attachments.”

Sunward’s models in the Middle East comprises the SWL2820, SWL3220 and SWTL4538 with respective loading capacities of 750kg, 1t and 1.5t. The inventory quantity is more than 200 units in the region, Xie says.

“The SWL2820 is our best adapted model for the Middle East, equipped with a pilot joystick and lifted bucket position maintaining function, and high capacity hydraulics. It has 25% more loading capacity than competing popular models, and it offers all its advantages at a more competitive price.

“Sunward SSLs also have great reliability and durability. For example, the SWL2820 models we sold in Saudi Arabia in 2008 are still working today 12 years later, proving their durability.

Such a track record also increases the resale value of our machines, so if and when a customer wants to liquidate his assets and cash in, he is more likely to get a good residual value on his used Sunward machine.”

DITCH WITCH STAND-ON SKID-STEER

AN ODDBALL IN THE DITCH Ditch Witch’s SK800 stand-on tracked skid-steer is a useful equipment for the Middle East.

Jamey E. Shaheen elaborates: “The conditions we face on job-sites in the region, from harsh environments to difficult terrains, calls for the SK800. Customers here can benefit from this equipment since its features are made especially for better mobility on difficult terrain.

“When your job-sites demand durability and performance, you need the Ditch Witch SK800. This construction grade machine is built for heavy-duty operation on a range of utility, landscaping and underground tasks, giving you maximum power and durability

while increasing your ROI. Simply put, the toughest challenges are no match for the versatile SK800.”

The Ditch Witch SK800 has several competitive features. It accepts a broad array of compatible attachments and features 413kgrated operating capacity and 210cm hinge-pin height. The

design is rugged and sturdy, and power is provided by an efficient, low maintenance Kubota diesel engine, explains Shaheen.

The ergonomic operator’s station provides standard dual-lever ground drive controls and an innovative high-drive track system features bolt-on sprockets and wide track rollers.

The low-maintenance track-tensioning system comes fully equipped with a grease cylinder.

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THE LAST WORD NOVEMBER 2020

MINING ITH TRUCKS W APHS PANTOGR BY POWERED D OVERHEA Y TO CATENAR ESEL I D E C U D RE TION P M U S N O C SIONS AND EMIS

E N I M N A I R T S U A T A ’ S N I A R T ‘ R R LIEBHE

e overhead stem to th sy ve ri d drive e truck segments to connect th hill haulage at broke p u th lows n y al o n o gy es lo m power lin tive techno aking cere va re f b o no d n in n s u tio hi ro ra T g hbacks. power. tric ope d even switc with electric d in the elec an n s u r o se be gr iu d h em ra pt es l fr e on Se ith smal road width ent took plac for tracks w of the haul e se u er h er w id a, w heavy equipm on with s for a in Austri It also allow in comparis n ore mine tenary line 29 at an iro ebherr are ca Li e d portant th an im g m is o er VA Erzb tions. This lu t aside fr so ac h tr n ap co gr t mine owner al panto opmen to weather. convention n on a devel optimal due t to o n s e ck ar u s tr n taking actio nditio VA Erzberg 6 mining when the co pacity T 23 ical director, n e ca t ch lik 0 te r, 10 ch u ite r’s m re mpanies d wires, for Liebher Josef Pappen nly a few co m overhea o o h fr e p ar ra ity e g ic er to tr h says: “T ith a pan rhead line run on elec comotive w that use ove lo d rl ay o w ilw , e ra th in ks. However an electric for their truc nary. te gy lo ca a no e to ch th d te that connecte at Bauma very quickly t, concluded we realised uld not t o The contrac w en y m technolog e develop g th r tin fo is ex as w T ly developed last year, stem for the r us. Our new Sy fo t k is or ss w A m y re of a Trolle ifferent fro en the iron o ology is d n th ch f ce n o te e Si s bl s. e sly availa 236 truck Million litr tria, has been ing previou h us A yt d z, er e er ev v n th o se sa e s of b mine in Ei diesel to b ket in term tric truck. diesel-elec on the mar the y b and the y ll a em te u testing the st n ra an ead line sy fied to ope rh di o ve o m rs e e as ld p th w m The truck elf. This cou ected electric du chnology its d line conn te ea le rh ic e h ve tiv o ve r coopera with an bars llector with ped with ou lo co t ve en de rr be cu a only through r Mining.” k. ner Liebher ong test trac r w, ovative part o n n in d to f six Liebher on a 500m-l p an “U for a fleet o Erzberg: k A V ac tr f to o g ed s at d n in n n to te ion Accord er sectio The new ex than 13 mill ith the upp of rt of more 5km long w s amounts u e o b connected ill rm the transpo o w en 6 h en required a level. .W ar. T 23 se as ye h r ve pe ar o er l ye ab se rock per the full pow d 1,055m litres of die re aroun olley mode, tr tu d 4.5 million n fu in u e o e es th ar th lin f in o d verhea energy ss diesel used while s to the o tors can be illion litres le ck o u m tr m e el ic d re tr es th an di ec n s’ el hanical It will be sumptio of the truck rs to the mec ng fuel con ci so u es d re cc ” s, su . g. le e ar er e id per ye when th rating at Erzb diesel engin 200t of CO2 use start ope ng around 4, electric truck lvi se sa ie s, d n currently in o e si h T emis ay it works: ith bars that This is the w t collector w en rr cu a with is equipped

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TRIO HAS THE ANSWER

Whether you need crushers, screens, feeders, washers, conveyors, or all of the above, the Trio® range has you covered. We’re not here to sell you one piece of the puzzle, our highly skilled team of Weir Minerals engineers look at your entire operation and decide how the Trio ® range can help. It’s everything you need to run a Construction Aggregates plant, all in one place.

Visit www.theanswer.weir to learn how the Trio range helped Pattison Sand. ®

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