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Tower crane heavyweight NFT has left no stone unturned to ensure the health and safety of its employees and customers while maintaining business continuity in the Covid-19 crisis.
in the UAE. We also re-allocated our employees so that there was only one person per office and produced in-house glass partitions for rooms with more than one person.
“The biggest challenge during this crisis is ensuring business continuity and safety of employees simultaneously. Our QHSE department has been monitoring developments and NFT is strictly implementing all recommendations from trusted sources who are experts in the field - such as the UAE’s Department of Health, the WHO and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health and safety of our employees and customers are and have always been our number one priority.
“By default, our occupational activities are relatively safe and in line with provisions to combat spread of Covid-19. We work with steel structures in open spaces that are exposed to the sun and heat, which makes it resistant to the spread. However, the exposure remains with the human element outside those activities, such as commuting to work and within each employee’s personal life.”
Early on, NFT formed a ‘Crises Management Committee’ comprising its top management, QHSE, administration, operations and HR departments. The job of this committee is to follow up on the current Covid-19 developments, remain in contact with UAE officials and with NFT’s sister companies overseas, and come up with measures in line with official recommendations.
“The second step was for NFT to raise awareness and we’ve run more than 15 dissemination and educational sessions about the virus and ways to control its spread to different groups in all employee languages. Trainings were conducted with sanitation people, drivers, or the more vulnerable groups who can be more exposed as per our risk assessment surveys. In addition, flyers, posters, videos and publications were circulated wherever possible inside the offices, workshops, vehicles, and even in workers’ accommodations.”
When it came to transportation of men and materials, NFT adjusted its modus operandi and adopted procedures conforming to international recommendations and mitigation measures mandated by the UAE government.
“With the risk of transmission highest while commuting to work or living in worker accommodation with high concentrations of people, we started with vehicles. For commuting to work, the UAE directives require 30% occupancy in the vehicles. Effectively it means, we tripled our bus trips to worker accommodations and increased our fleet of small vehicles and minibuses. We also added plastic sheet dividers inside the buses to
separate drivers from passengers. Each vehicle carrying more than the driver is disinfected at least twice a day or as necessary.
“Our QHSE team is closely monitoring all workers in our workshop by taking temperatures and ensuring they are wearing full PPE kits. In case any symptoms appear on any of the team members, those with symptoms go for testing, while others in the team are sent to self-isolation until further verification. Meanwhile, the job is carried out with another group, keeping workflow uninterrupted.”
Apart from its workers and job-sites, NFT has also implemented strict health and safety regulations in its office. These include temperature checks and maintaining social distancing in the head office or working from home whenever possible.
“A special team is deployed for disinfecting all surfaces, office appliances, doors, handles, restrooms, etc,. round the clock during working hours. Paper circulation was reduced to a minimum, and when necessary special disinfected plastic files were used to carry papers. Masks, gloves and sanitisers are, of course, mandatory and distributed in different types and frequency according to the risk analysis,” Al Zahlawi elaborates.
“Special awareness sessions and measures are in place for the people who are more vulnerable by virtue of their age, underlying health conditions, clinical conditions or are expecting. They follow the strictest precautions. We reduced physical meetings to the absolutely necessary no matter whether external or internal.”
Even in the midst of the pandemic, Wolffkran has launched its 235 B luffing jib crane, which is designed to speed up assembly and maintenance tasks, thus saving customers money.
When it comes to customers and external teams, NFT has implemented extra vigilance and conducted training and awareness sessions, while being fully equipped with PPE kits as required.
“A full mechanical team comprises 4-5 members and we have increased our fleet to dispatch the same number of teams as usual in order to ensure we continue to service our clients as per their schedule. Tower crane operators, by nature of their occupation, are in isolation in the cabin from other workers. However, they were provided with instructions and disinfection material to be applied during operator rotation in the cabin. The practice now is not to have rotation of shift in one cabin. If necessary, the cabin is deeply disinfected after one operator’s use before the new one starts.
“When the border closure happened between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we immediately added four erection teams in Dubai on a full-time basis to support our Dubai-based clients. Our deliveries of
MANITOWOC’S NEW LAUNCH
POTAIN MCT 275 MAKES TRANSPORT AND ASSEMBLY EASY
Manitowoc has further expanded its range of MCT topless cranes built in China with the introduction of the new Potain MCT 275 model. Respecting social distancing, the new crane was unveiled at a virtual launch event at Manitowoc’s Zhangjiagang, China, factory recently, where the 10t version of the MCT 275 was displayed with its full 70m jib.
Manitowoc said the new model was largely inspired by the MCT 325 model and takes advantage of the advances and innovation it has made with the MCT to delivers easier transport and assembly, along with high efficiency and reliability on construction projects.
Kwong-Joon Leong, regional product manager – Tower Cranes,
Manitowoc, said: “With the increasing popularity of precast concrete construction, topless cranes like the MCT 275 are becoming the go-to solution for the speed and simplicity they bring to job sites. The topless design allows multiple units to overlap on site and with the MCT 275 we’re giving customers a new choice in the 10t and 12t range. With its standout 70m jib, we believe this crane will appeal to a wide range of companies and projects.” Available in two versions, the MCT 275 offers jib length configurations from 30-70m in increments of 5m. At its 70m jib end, the MCT 275 can handle 2.3t for the 10t version and 2.2t for the 12t version, making it one of the best-in-class performers for long-distance lifting, according to the manufacturer.
Manitowoc added that on a well-prepared site, the MCT 275 can be setup within 1.5 days, with the full jib and counter-jib erected in four lifts. The complete upper part of the crane can be transported in six containers. The MCT 275 is designed to work with the 2m x 2m L68 mast systems and can be utilised with fixing angles on a regular high-rise construction project. Users can also assemble the crane in an internal climbing configuration or mounted on a chassis, for maximum versatility.
spare parts and tower cranes, both locally and regionally, continue to fulfil all our contractual obligations.”
According to NFT, the trend in the GCC tower crane market has been rental-focused since 2012, with companies preferring to minimise capital investments and reduce risk. Al Zahlawi believes that the pandemic has further reinforced this, as for the majority of projects, the need to minimise cost far surpasses the requirement for a modern crane with new technologies. In terms of models, the trend for tower cranes is towards flat tops and luffers, as space becomes more limited in urban constructions.
Meanwhile, NFT has got the full support of Potain during this difficult time. “The manufacturer’s support has not wavered and even when the factory was closed for a few months, the Potain team working from home in France was on daily video calls with us to see how we can mitigate the production time lost. However, now the factory is in full swing again, orders have been placed and we can safely say that business is back to a new normal. Manitowoc even managed to launch the new MCT 275 to its dealers in a virtual launch in July.”
Other than re-stocking existing models, NFT has ordered the latest Potain models to update its fleet and meet market demands for more versatile cranes. Potain has for the first time added hydraulic luffers to its European and Asian range. The MRH125, MRH175, MCH125 and MCH175 are “exciting new additions”, which have been well received in Europe for their reduced out of service radius, quicker set up time and less wire rope maintenance.
“NFT also now has the new MDT809 from Potain’s CCS range, their largest topless crane. We especially look forward to supplying this crane because of its versatility: it is available in capacities of 25t, 32t, or 40t. More importantly, it has an extremely fast set up time compared to its predecessor. We have also ordered and received the gigantic MCT 565 lifting 20t, 25t or 32t with a maximum jib of 80m and a 4t tip load lifting capacity,” Al Zahlawi elaborates.
“We have been in the market for 35 years, we have seen many ups and downs and the reason we’re still here today is because we adapt to the market while maintaining what NFT represents at its core: providing the best products and services to our customers.”
Meanwhile at Wolffkran, Jeff Watson, operations director and Rinju Ravindran, regional sales manager, Wolffkran Arabia, tell CMME that they are seeing the market opening up after the worst times of the Covid-19 crisis with a slow increase in inquiries and projects on hold resuming.
“In the near future we are hoping to go
NEW GENERATION
COMANSA IMPROVES THE 11LC FLAT-TOP
Tower crane specialist Comansa has announced a slew of improvements to its 11LC flat-top cranes, adding features and enhancements to introduce the new generation of the range.
The Spanish manufacturer said the new features include enhanced ergonomics thanks to new and simplified accessing elements not only to the cranes’ cathead, but also to the jib sections for easy access to the trolley. A new single trolley is now available as an option, which features a manual single-double reeving change by the operator directly from the ground.
The 11LC range now comes with new drives in the hoisting winch and trolley, which give linear movements thanks to attached potentiometers. This makes it possible to easily move and precisely position sensitive loads. Also, a new version of the 18kW hoist mechanism has been added to the 6t versions of the crane, requiring less power supply while maintaining drum capacity and speed features.
For reduced speed lifts, a power lift system now comes as standard and improves the load diagram by 10%. For higher speeds, optional 24kW and 37kW hoist motors feature the Effi-Plus system which significantly increases the hoisting and lowering speeds for light loads without increasing power or consumption.
Comansa’s added that another “significant innovation” is the new “M” sized CUBE cab together with a resized and redesigned platform for easier erection and maintenance. The cab has a fully glazed front designed to give a complete view of the load and the work area. The seat positioning and body posture have also been improved for greater comfort of the operator.
A new feature introduced in Comansa’s 11LC range is the optional Quick Set system, which is already available in the brand’s 21LC series. This system reduces the set up and calibration times for a crane with easier, safer and more intuitive adjustments for faster and less labourintensive calibration.
The 11LC series continues to come in four variants – the 11LC90, 11LC132, 11LC150 and 11LC160, with a new 6t version of the 11LC150 the only addition. The new 11LC range was recently officially released online to European customers and the manufacturer added that some of its new features will also soon be expanded to the 16LC range. back into the markets around the region like Saudi, Kuwait and Bahrain, where we have had to halt and in the long term we think as the industries stabilise there will be a steady stream of jobs and fewer projects closures, delays or halts. In the current market, it’s about being resilient, steady and focused on long term goals. Growth is not the goal for this year, stability is,” says Watson.
Ravindran adds: “We mainly supply to the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but due to travel restrictions our focus is mainly on the UAE right now and we have had to pause regional operations. But we are still actively connecting with clients and planning for future projects. The challenge now is in acquiring new projects. The rental sector is seeing a mild benefit because people are choosing to rent rather than buy to avoid incurring long-term maintenance costs.”
Wolffkran Arabia has always provided full support for breakdowns, maintenance and spare parts and continues to do so locally and regionally as conditions permit now, Watson says.
“We do a lot of our planning meetings now via teleconferencing and it’s been a blessing because now when a change is needed in crane planning or the drawings of these plans, we live edit it on the meeting instead of redlining paper drawings. This has also reduced travel time to external offices so we can schedule extra meetings if needed. It’s been a time saver.”
Safety remains the top priority for Wolffkran Arabia, and Watson adds: “We always work with high safety standards. Our entire are operations team is trained at the factory to erect and dismantle our tower crane, making sure everything from the foundation to the crane radius is assessed for safety. In the almost 15 years we have been here, we’ve never had any major incident in the whole region.”
Speaking of new models and projects, he adds: “The 235 B is a new Wolffkran launch and we also introduced a 6x6m cross section for our tower cranes. The ongoing Burj Royale project is our latest and we have a few more in the pipeline. You will see the Wolff red in the skyline and will instantly know which new projects we are a part of.”
The new Wolff 235 B luffing jib model aims to save time for contractors with a design that speeds up assembly and maintenance. Wolffkran says the new model was developed to replace the popular Wolff 224 B in its stable and ranks between the hydraulic Wolff 166 B and the next larger Wolff 275 B in the lower load moment range, fulfilling the demands of construction sites with a high volume of concreting work on high-rise buildings.
Wolffkran adds that the premise behind
developing the new Wolff 235 B was that the faster a crane is ready for operation, the more cost effective it is. Wouter van Loon, product manager at Wolffkran, explains: “The Wolff 235 B was developed in close collaboration with Wolffkran customers, who have decades of experience in handling luffing cranes on innercity construction sites. The result is a crane with a proven duty chart that is unrivalled when it comes to assembly and versatility.”
The hoisting gear of the new Wolff 235 B is positioned on the jib rather than the counter jib as is typical, and Van Loon adds: “This makes it possible to reeve the hoisting rope on the ground and thus completely preassemble the entire jib. As well as being very convenient and safe, it is also a novelty for luffing jib cranes of this size.”
The luffing gear can be mounted either on the counter jib or on the tower top during the assembly process, which offers more flexibility with regards to the size of the mobile crane. The second option has the advantage that the entire tower top including the hoisting gear with pre-reeved pulley block can be transported and lifted onto the crane as a single unit to save time, says Wolffkran.
The Wolff 235 B is also developed for economical maintenance, with features such the use of an identical winch for both the hoisting and the luffing gear. Wolffkran says it opted for the tried and tested 60kW winch Hw 1160 FU that it uses in many other models. This is also the case with the slewing gear and the frequency converters that are used in the 235 B. The benefit of this is economical warehousing as fewer different spare parts
have to be stocked, while training of service technicians is also simplified.
The Wolff 235 B offers a maximum load capacity of 8t in single-fall and 16t in twofall operation and jib lengths from 30-60m. Designed to deliver its best performance with a 50m jib, it offers a tip load capacity of 4.1t. Its 60kW hoisting winch allows for working speeds of up to 130m/min and a rope storage capacity of 620m. It can reach a maximum freestanding height of 82m.
While Wolffkran is among the most
Italian tower crane manufacturer Mortisch is the new kid on the block in the Middle East, but can count on decades of expertise through its association with other tower crane brands in the past.
established names in the tower crane business, the new kid on the block is Moritsch Cranes, the Italian manufacturer, represented in the region by UAE-based Al Wissam Trading.
Explaining the history behind Moritsch Cranes (MC), Sami Sukaik, managing director, Al Wissam, says: “Moritsch Cranes was born in 2015, when Mariano Moritsch decided to bring back the family tradition of tower crane production started by his father Ferruccio in 1962. That year, Ferruccio started the new company Comedil located in Belluno, north east Italy, and produced the first self-erecting crane, followed by numerous tower cranes that were sold all over the world. In 1998 Comedil was sold to a multinational company but the Moritsch family continued to design, produce and market the new tower cranes within the multinational company.
“In 2006 Ferruccio and Mariano founded a new company specialised in luffing jib cranes, to be distributed through the multinational company. With a production of over 150 units a year, cranes were sold all over the world, from North America to Asia and Australia to the Middle East & GCC region.”
Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, MC was aiming to increase sales in 2020 by around 50% over the previous year. However, with the current situation, the 2020 turnover won’t be higher than 2019.
While the Moritsch brand is not very well known in the region, the company has plans to change that, based on its legacy. “The Moritsch family has a long tradition in tower cranes worldwide, including the Middle East. Many prestigious projects in the Middle East are built with the tower cranes engineered and produced by the Moritsch family, such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque. MC plans to extend its presence in the region next year by offering a wider range of products, some of which are specifically designed and engineered for the market, as well as by strengthening cooperation with Al Wisam Trading as the local partner in order to increase visibility and to offer clients better sales and service solutions,” says Sukaik.
Taking us through the MC range, he explains: “MC’s current product line is well suited to the needs of the GCC market. The RTM range is a fully topless design tower crane, with maximum load capacities from 6-14t and jib lengths between 60-75m. The range’s design allows fast and safe erection, with the rental companies as typical clients. The special counterjib is completely preassembled at the factory; the hoist and trolley winches, with their platforms and handrails, are all preassembled too.
“The RTT range is a low-top design, with maximum load capacities from 16-40t and
jib lengths between 75-85m. Low top cranes are designed to combine the benefits of a fast and safe erection, typical of the topless cranes, with the increased jib stability required for heavier lifting capacity cranes. The RTT design includes a fully assembled counterjib at the factory which is foldable for easy transport. Tie bars, platforms and handrails will all be pre-assembled before delivery. The first jib section is also pre-assembled at the factory with its trolley, rope and winch.
“The RTL range consists of luffing jib cranes from 16-50t load capacities, all with fixed counterweights and available with a single line pull (A versions) or with a standard II-III-IV falls (B versions). Hoisting winches are available with emergency brakes on the drum and luffing winches have power rates from 45-150kw. The RTL range starts with the new-for-2020 RTL195 16t model, a brand-new concept of crane that can achieve an 8m out of service radius with a 55m jib. No hydraulic winch is required, as Moritsch have developed a new mechanical, user friendly, patented system to grant such performance.”
Tower crane safety has assumed great importance of late, with some accidents reported globally and MC takes it takes safety extremely seriously, and Sukaik explains: “MC products are designed in accordance with the highest European standards and produced using components from leading international brands, keeping quality and quality control at the top level. In the event of an accident, remote diagnostics and black boxes are at everyone’s disposal to pinpoint the causes and to take the necessary
measures so that there is no recurrence.
“All MC cranes are equipped with remote diagnostics systems, to help monitor the functioning of the cranes, to do troubleshooting, to change the operating characteristics when needed directly from the factory - for example to de-rate load capacities - or in general to update the software. MC also puts emphasis on training, both at the factory and on-site, through our expert and experienced technicians.
“Tailor made service contracts are also
Zoomlion is flying the Chinese flag in the Middle East’s tower crane sector, offering technology and quality at a reasonable price, with a focus on local support from its dealer network. available for discerning customers and moreover, next year we will launch the new RTL265K model for the Middle East and Asian markets, offering the very high performances of a standard RTL265 crane at very convenient prices.”
Over at Zoomlion, the leading Chinese tower crane brand, regional manager for tower cranes Jet Ren, says the impact of Covid-19 has led to projects in the Middle East either being postponed or stopping.
“So, the tower crane market here has fallen compared to 2019, and we’ve seen big drops. Zoomlion is focusing on the management of our dealers and giving each of them a total level of support by increasing cooperation and finding where the potential is to act in unison. We’re trying to overcome travel restrictions by employing technology-based communications and looking to keep safety and service standards high with trainings and better management as can be done remotely.”
Zoomlion has a stellar track record of projects in the region, with the CSCES CBD and R5 projects in New Cairo, and the Raffles tower in Jeddah and Majmaa project in Riyadh under its belt, among others. “We have tower cranes with lifting capacities from 6-120t in our range with various lifting heights and jib lengths, The T7020-10E and TC7525-16D are among our most popular models.
“High technology and quality at a reasonable price and focus on local support from the dealer are among the hallmarks of Zoomlion tower cranes. With our focus on what we do best, we are certain we will recover step by step in the coming two to three years.”
NEW PARTNERSHIP
TEREX CHOOSES GALADARI BROTHERS FOR TOWER CRANES IN UAE
Earlier this year, Terex announced the appointment of Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment (GTHE), a subsidiary of Galadari Brothers Company, as the official distributor for Terex tower cranes in the UAE.
Galadari Brothers Company is one of the leading business conglomerates in UAE and Terex Tower Cranes said it will take advantage of the wide organisation and deep market knowledge of its partner to further strengthen its brand presence in one of the most important regions for the construction sector.
With investments in training and strong support from Terex Tower Cranes, the new UAE dealer is offering tower cranes customers full sales, service support and spare parts management through a dedicated organisation on its local premises.
Mohamed Yahya Kazi Meeran, director and group CEO of
Galadari Brothers Company, says: “As leaders in the heavy equipment industry, we are happy to partner with another iconic brand, Terex Tower Cranes.”
Lee Maynard, global sales director – Tower and Rough Terrain Cranes, Terex, adds that the Middle East is an important region for Terex for construction and oil & gas. “Our partnership with Galadari Brothers means that we wish to grow in these sectors and we will do investing in them.
“We are honoured to work with Galadari Brothers. We believe that the partnership between our companies will contribute to the growth of the country itself. We have a good reputation in the Middle East and we want to truly move to the next step, which will be achieved with the help of Galadari Brothers,” adds Nicola Castenetto, business development manager, Terex Tower Cranes.
Ever since JCB came up with the telescopic handler concept back in the day with the first JCB Loadall, the British brand has ruled the roost in telehandlers, globally and in the Middle East market.
KING OF VERSATILITY
THE MIDDLE EAST TELEHANDLER MARKET IS DOMINATED BY THE HIGH-REACH AND HIGH LIFT-CAPACITY MODELS, WITH THE LEADING BRANDS OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE MACHINE
HAVING JUST THE RIGHT MODELS TO MEET THIS DEMAND
Take a wheel loader and lengthen its loading arm by replacing it with a telescopic arm to lift the load to greater heights, and voila! You’ve got a telehandler. The machine that result from this marriage is supremely versatile – it can load trucks, lift loads to heights, pick and carry across job-sites as a transport, act as a powered access device by raising men and materials to height, and a lot more.
Despite its simplicity, though, it took a lot of ingenuity to come up with the concept, and among the first to do so was JCB in 1977 with its Loadall, which has become in iconic name in the market today. Elaborating on JCB’s telehandlers in the Middle East, Ahmed Shouman, general manager, JCB Middle East, says: “With over 50% market share in 2019 across the MENA region, we are indeed the undisputed market leaders when it comes to telehandlers – or Loadalls as we call them at JCB. One of the key factors which has enabled us to achieve market leadership regionally and globally is our longstanding history and constant innovation in the Loadall segment over the years. Our first loadall, the JCB 520, was launched in 1977 to address the growing need of customers to lift higher loads than conventional forklifts with the ability of reaching forward.
“We have sold over 270,000 units in the past 40 years and currently offer over 15 telehandler variants in our CE range, starting from the 516-40, the world’s smallest telehandler to the latest innovation in the segment, the JCB Rotating Telehandler, the 5.5-21, which has a maximum reach of 20.5m and lifting capacity of 5.5t.”
However, despite JCB’s undisputed leadership in the telehandler segment, even the pioneer has found the going tough in the Covid-19 scenario, Shouman reveals. “Within our key product portfolios, the telehandler
segment has been one of the most impacted due to Covid-19. As of July, we saw a drop in demand of over 46% across the region in this segment compared to last year. The main reason for the drop would be the lack of new construction projects and delayed completion of existing projects in the UAE and of oil & gas projects in Oman.”
Undaunted by the present market conditions, though, JCB is going ahead with a new telehandler launch shortly. “We will be introducing a new model in the region in the next month or so - the 535-95. It is a telehandler aimed at material handling applications in an oil & gas refinery. We proposed this product based on customers’ requirement to be able to lift heavy loads along with high manoeuvrability in tight space constraints,” Shouman says.
Describing other main uses that JCB finds its telehandlers being used in, he adds: “Apart from various material handling applications in construction sites, our telehandlers are widely used in maintenance and facilities management work, with the use of man-basket attachments. They are also used in several dairy farms across the region to handle fodder and also in pipe-laying applications.”
Keeping the variety of use in mind, JCB has an extremely wide range of telehandlers, with four key product variants on offer across the region - 531-70, 535-125, 540-170 and 540-200.
“The largest selling among these is undoubtedly the 540-170. In fact, it is our largest selling telehandler globally. The key reason for its popularity is the versatility of this machine to do most of the material handling jobs necessary in a construction site. The durability,
Bobcat has one of the most extensive model ranges of any manufacturer in the telehandler sector, and its new Waste Expert series is a new addition, specialised for the robust demands of recycling jobs. ease of use and resale value of this product are of course added reason for its popularity. It can lift 2.5t to its full 16.7m reach and carry 4t loads at ground level,” Shouman explains.
The model also addresses the sweet spot for telehandler demand in the regional market. Elaborating on this, Shouman says: “Based on market trends, I would say customers in the GCC are looking for a telehandler which provides the right mix of both high reach and lifting capacities in one machine and that explains the popularity of the 17m variants such as the 540-170 across the region. So, to get the best of these qualities in the same machine, all customers need to do is call their JCB dealer.” Describing the dealership network, he says JCB has six different dealers, one in each GCC country, and all are well-reputed groups. “All have invested in state-of-the-art workshop facilities, mobile workshops, technicians, parts warehouses and support systems. Service is one of the biggest strengths of the JCB network. Also, JCB has its own parts warehouse in Dubai’s Jebel Ali area from where we support
LIFT AND REACH
MANITOU LAUNCHES HIGH-CAPACITY TELEHANDLER
Manitou has introduced a new telehandler aimed at the construction sector, featuring a maximum lift capacity of 5.4t and maximum lift height of 16.9m, with weight capacity at full extension of 2.5t. The MTA 12055 Series III telehandler has a turning radius of 3.65m and an exclusive single joystick control that allows operators to control boom extension and retraction, attachment tilt, auxiliary hydraulics and travel direction, all on the same joystick.
Steve Kiskunas, product manager, telescopic handlers, Manitou Group, said: “We had many customers looking for a Manitou telehandler that could handle construction materials that are larger than usual. The Manitou MTA 12055 has a high capacity and lift height combined with great forward reach, which makes it perfect for infrastructure, bridge and power generation projects, to name a few.”
The MTA 12055 is equipped with a 120hp Cummins engine and four-speed powershift transmission, offering travel speeds up to 36.7km/h. It has a sidemounted engine and high boom mount. According to Manitou, “This design gives operators excellent visibility over the top of the engine and easy access
to maintenance components.” Additional features include a maximum forward reach of 12.19m and standard four-wheel drive, frame levelling, auxiliary hydraulics
and self-levelling forks. Optional features for the MTA 12055 include cab enclosure with heat or air conditioning, an LED light kit, and reverse camera and radar. Manitou has also designed a Personnel Work Platform System (PWP) that temporarily disconnects the transmission, engages the rear axle stabiliser, reduces frame levelling and applies the parking brake when using a platform attachment.
Manitou also offers a full range of attachments for the model, including both standard and rotating fork carriages, truss booms, buckets and lift hooks.
ATTACHMENT MAGNET
NEW MERLO UPS CAB COMFORT AND VERSATILITY
Merlo’s new P27.6PLUS is a compact telehandler fit for a variety of industries and uses with a 2.7t load capacity and a cab that is claimed to be the largest in its class.
The manufacturer said in a statement that the P27.6PLUS has a lower centre of gravity for increased machine stability, traction, and nimbleness, and is approved for towing trailers. It has a width of 1.82m and a height of 1.93m with a lifting height of 5.9m.
According to Merlo, operators can expect comfortable seating in the new model, with frame mounted, vibration-damping silent blocks, and a high level of ergonomic functionality in the placement of the controls within the spacious cab.
“The single level joystick is easy to operate. Real-time operating parameters are delivered to the highly visible LCD. The reverse shuttle is conveniently located on the steering column, giving the operator manoeuvring agility while still retaining control of the wheel. The cabin air filter is mounted on the side of the cab for better quality air flow. Operators also enjoy balanced AC/ heat through an automotive style eight-vent system,” said Merlo
The P27.6PLUS delivers high visibility with a wide curved windshield, with safety taken care of by an FOPS certified protective grill. The 7.62cm of steel that surrounds
the cab maximises protection of the machine and its operator.
The P27.6PLUS comes standard with a hydrostatic transmission for precision machine movement. It has a maximum speed of 40kph and 4WD with three steering modes.
It is powered by either a Kubota or Kohler 75hp 4-cylinder engine with the engine compartment on the frame side for maintenance access. The model’s quick response, no-flex boom has the hydraulic lines inside the boom, reducing wear and tear. The fixed displacement hydraulic pump limits component wear and reduces hydraulic oil overheating. With its two hydraulic connections and outlet on the boom, the P27.6PLUS is designed for attachments, with the operator-controlled Taclock system making attachment connectivity easy and safe, said Merlo.
the entire Middle East and parts of Africa. So spare parts are not a concern at all.
“Our booms are U-gauge, single-structure pressed booms with minimal welding, which gives them structural strength. All boom stages have extra overlap for greater strength and to prevent bending.”
Over at Bobcat, there are no less than 15 different telehandler models available. While customers in the Middle East do not require all of them, certain models are in high demand and the company makes it a point to meet market requirements for features and capabilities. A case in point is the new TL43.80HF.
Gaby Rhayem, regional director, Doosan Bobcat Middle East and Africa, says: “The TL43.80HF is an important addition to our range of telehandlers and ensures customers can benefit from increased loading productivity and lift capacity.”
Rhayem points out that all Bobcat telehandlers are covered by a three-year/3,000hour warranty as standard, with the option of extending the warranty to five years/5,000
Merlo is a longtime exponent of the telehandler and its latest model is an addition to its wide and well accepted range that includes machines designed for specific as well as general tasks. hours. All Bobcat telehandlers are designed and produced at the company’s plant in Pontchâteau, France, where strict quality control is a matter of habit, he adds.
“The rough terrain capability of the TL43.80HF has also been optimised for applications such as digging in piles of materials with the incorporation of new heavy-duty Dana Spicer axles with limited slip differential and available tractive force of up to 90% of machine weight. If you need a robust telehandler you cannot do better than this one.”
ONE TOUGH TELEHANDLER
BOBCAT ‘WASTE EXPERTS’ TARGET RECYCLING
Complementing Bobcat’s successful construction and agricultural products, the Bobcat Waste Expert range of telescopic loaders has introduced a new, dedicated material handling solution for the waste and recycling markets.
The TL43.80HF is one of four models in the Waste Expert range, that also includes the TL35.70, TL34.65HF and TL38.70HF loaders, which together offer lifting capacities from 3.4-4.3t and lifting heights from 6.5-8m. .
Bobcat says the new Waste Expert machines are the most robust on the market, with impressive bucket breakout forces, efficient cooling systems, a low centre of gravity and a long wheelbase to improve stability and lifting capacity.
The HF/High Flow Technology in the HF models offers higher hydraulic
capabilities and performance with a class-leading 190 l/min load sensing pump and flow sharing distributor. This allows the operator to work at significantly lower speeds, consume less fuel and benefit from remarkably shorter working cycles. To prevent unnecessary oil heating and power loss, the load sensing pump supplies oil only when hydraulic power is required. Recycling and waste management sites are tough working environments so the equipment they use needs to be up to the challenge. As a result, the new Waste
Expert machines are even more robust, with heavy-duty Dana Spicer axles and additional reinforced protection, making them the toughest on the market.
They also incorporate an extralarge boom head, a high tensile steel boom, boom cushioning and protected hydraulic rams under and inside the boom. Like all Bobcat telehandlers, the Waste Expert machines have a box welded frame to meet heavy duty cycles and offer a high ground clearance, with a bottom plate along the entire length to protect vital parts.
Visibility from the cab, crucial for operator and job-site safety, is taken care of with all-round panoramic views provided by the Patented Asymmetric Cab with ROPS/FOPS Level 2 protection and a pillar-less rear window.
GENIE BOOM LIFTS IN ANTARCTIC COLD On the driest, coldest and windiest continent on Earth, Antarctica, construction projects are an extraordinary challenge that mandate the use of robust, reliable machinery. This is how Netherlandsbased authorised Genie distributor HDW came to provide its customer Royal BAM Group (BAM) with a custom-tailored Genie Z-45 Xtra Capacity (XC) boom lift to support the needs of the British Antarctica Survey (BAS) and partners NERC, SWECO and Rambol. The BAS research mission will last 7-10 years while the Genie Z-45 XC boom lift, delivered at the beginning of last year, is scheduled to remain onsite for five years to assist in a wide range of tasks. These notably include the expansion of mooring facilities for the new RRS Sir David Attenborough polar vessel, the extensive modernisation of the Rothera Research Station — the UK’s most important Antarctic hub — and the improvement of facilities and working conditions at other BAS stations. While research at the station continues all year round, even at -60° C, due to the extreme wind and cold, work with machines can only take place during the summer from October to February when temperatures rise to a relatively bearable -15° C. As longstanding HDW customers, BAM relied on its partners’ recommendation: the Genie Z-45 XC boom. Wilco Donkersloot, account manager, HDW explains: “The Genie Z-45 XC boom lift combines the advantages of rough terrain performance and increased lift capabilities, allowing up two people with more materials and tools in the platform. This is a strong productivity benefit that — for a mission where work can only get done five months in the year — made this model perfect for the job. “Naturally, the unit required a number of modifications to adapt to Antarctica’s extreme conditions. Among others, we chose a gel battery that is more resistant to freezing temperatures and has a longer lifespan. The standard battery pack was replaced by a more powerful battery offering a peak capacity of 1100 Cca that we connected to a trickle charger to ensure that the maximum battery power would always be guaranteed. We also installed a 110V heating system for the oil sump and hydraulic tank heating elements to keep the engine oil and hydraulic oil at the right temperatures.” During its five-year mission, the Genie Z-45 XC boom will be hard at work, running up an estimated 2,000 machine hours in total. Summer temperatures in which the Genie will work for over five years SPECIALLY ADAPTED ROUGH TERRAIN GENIE XTRA CAPACITY BOOM SUPPORTS LONG-TERM BRITISH ANTARCTICA SURVEY PROJECT IN EXTREME CONDITIONS -15˚C
