Construction Machinery ME April 2022 by CPI Trade Media

ISSUE 123 APRIL 2022

SSUE I L A I C E P S

S– R A E Y 0 1 OR F D SUE N S I U Y O R R A G S G R BREAKIN OUR 10TH ANNIVE TO E M O C L E W

CONTENTS APRIL 2022

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

12_THE PACE OF CHANGE How are construction methods changing - and to what extent is the latest technology contributing to this dynamic new picture?

16_WORK SMART NOT HARD The rise of phone apps has changed the way people interact with information. CMME looks at the smart features of mobile technology streamlining machinery.

20_TURNING POINT CMME explores the defining moments from the biggest manufacturers advancing innovation in the Middle East.

24_THE MACHINERY METAVERSE

T MARKET REPOR Wyatt

Powerful innovations and trends threaten to sweep the world of machinery in the not-too-distant future.

R E W O RAW P ELEASES d of construction machinery. R W E N _ 0 3 worl s from the The latest

Dr. David IDTechEx’s rs e key drive sums up th nges of and challe on electrificati

release

TS EW HEIGHors ever in the Middle East. N O T G N I o 32_LIFT lls the biggest revolving d Spider Plus

insta

ER y. T OF POW offering at Middle East Energ I U S R U P 38_THE wcase their latest engine sho NGE Volvo Penta N CHALLE petition. O I T A V O O SET INN rst full-scale innovation com 40_TADAN tes fi omple

ufacturer c

Crane man

EDITORIAL APRIL 2022

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 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & BUSINESS OPERATIONS SHIYAS KAREEM shiyas.kareem@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5474 PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ANDY PITOIS andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5473 EDITORIAL

THE NEXT 10 YEARS MAY NOT BE WHAT WE EXPECT…

ACTING EDITOR PAUL GODFREY paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5470 ASSISTANT EDITOR MARK DOWDALL mark.dowdall@cpitrademedia.com

“Most people drastically overestimate what they can achieve in 10 weeks and drastically underestimate what they can achieve in 10 years” Larry Ellison, Founder and former CEO, Oracle As CMME now celebrates its 10th anniversary (has it really been 10 years?!), this issue is determined to look forward to the next decade, not look back whimsically on changes that we’re all equally familiar with. So you’ll find articles about the technology trends that are now - forever - re-shaping the styles of equipment used on-site, and reviews of the latest Apps that drive functionality in ways that would have been unthinkable when the first edition of this magazine was put together in 2012. Yet I hasten to add that these elements are part of the present, not the future - which I believe we try to predict at our peril. Let me give you two examples of what I mean, both of which are set to impact the style of on-site machinery that we’ll soon be renting or buying, along with the types of Construction project that that they’ll be used on. So - first things first. At time of writing, the price of oil is rising beyond US$100 a barrel. It already seems hard to imagine that back in 2018, we we were wondering if it would ever rise about US$40 per barrel again. This basically means that, however well-hedged the local markets may or may not be, fuelefficiency is now incredibly important - never more so than with on-site machinery. We can therefore expect to see a marked shift towards electric machinery in the near future, at time when even hybrid machines can entail considerable running costs completely unanticipated just a few months back.

Next, the war in the Ukraine has already meant drastically short supply in steel that would otherwise have emanated from Russia and its trading partners: we are now seeing an average rise in the cost of re-bar of 23%. This is so incredibly important because, as we know, the GCC nations are one of the few regions in the world that still favour concrete rebar construction over more hi-tech options. With the region’s granite substrata, weight is not an issue, nor are there severe earthquakes that the relative lack of tensile strength in concrete rebar would tend to be unsuitable for. Yet what now? I can already see Value Engineers across the region completely re-assessing their project P&L sheets and re-planning the style of construction technique that they’ll be opting for. Which of course also means the range of on-site machinery that will be suitable for this new purpose. The fact is, these largely random factors will mark major turning points in our industry and no-one can say exactly what it’s new shape and priorities will be like in a decade’s time. I can, however, take a guess that in many ways the words ‘more’ and ‘better’ might not be a bad fit. We shall see - and meanwhile, congratulations to all the production team of CMME on notching up a highly successful first decade!

+971 4 375 5496 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER BRIAN FERNANDES +971 4 375 5479

DESIGN

ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING EVENTS & CONFERENCE PRODUCER PAUL GODFREY paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5470 EVENTS EXECUTIVE MINARA SALAKHI minara.s@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING EXECUTIVE GLADYS DSOUZA gladys.dsouza@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5478 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION DATA & PRODUCTION 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. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content are published in good faith. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing. Publication licensed by Dubai Development Authority to CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC. Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC.

Paul Godfrey Acting Editor, CMME

brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com

CMY

ONLINE APRIL 2022

MOST POPULAR

READERS’ COMMENTS

FEATURED

CONSTRUCTION

ETIHAD RAIL ACHIEVES

Aldar announces launch of Louvre-branded residences

70% COMPLETION RATE ON STAGE TWO OF UAE NATIONAL RAIL NETWORK

It has been a good start to the year for rail enthusiasts in the GCC, hasn’t it? After what seems to have CONSTRUCTION

been a quiet time on

Abu Dhabi Maritime breaks ground on several new marina and ferry station projects

the news front from the rail authorities in Saudi, UAE and Qatar, we are starting to see some real progress (Etihad Rail achieves 70% completion

ANALYSIS: How the Japan Pavilion was designed to connect cultures

rate on Stage Two of UAE National Rail Network). Hopefully we can start

CONSTRUCTION

to see the different

Damac announces completion of roof slab works on Zada Tower

networks start to unite for a number of reasons. The obvious being better trade and movement of goods across the region, assuming we can make that process as smooth as possible for companies. I also see rail as fundamental

CONSULTANT

Eltizam Asset Management Group’s LITE set to target real estate development

to enabling greener transport in the region. It should also lower the costs for certain freight entering at ports and logistics hubs. On a personal note, I can’t wait to travel across the region as a train passenger – and, of course, I’ll be

CONSULTANT

Q Properties launches $2.2bn Reem Hills residential project

packing my log book.

INSIGHT: Connecting the virtual and physical worlds

Dubai Spotter

Date

25 May

Venue

Radisson Red

RADISSON RED / DUBAI / UAE

Honouring the Machinery at the heart of every project, rewarding outstanding performance 25 May 2022

About

Annual Event

Judged

Winning an inaugural Construction Machinery ME Award will be a recognised badge of excellence amongst clients and peers.

Given that the awards are targeted at the machinery industry, the editorial team take considerable efforts to ensure that nominees are assessed by the appropriate experts who have a chance to assess nominations both individually, and in a group discussion. This ensures that winners are chosen on the basis of the work they do over the course of the year, and on the reputations, they develop with the industry.

By Professionals

These awards celebrate the champions whose machinery plays a key role on-site in the projects at the heart of the GCC economy. They award the manufacturers and dealers whose equipment leads the way – whose out-of-the-box innovations deliver critical commercial ‘edge’, day in, day out. They honour the achievements of the key players responsible for the industry’s dramatic post-Covid re-set. The inaugural Construction Machinery ME Awards is brought to you by Construction Machinery ME, one of the leading trade titles in the region. Most importantly of all, in a competitive and contract-driven environment, the Awards are a snapshot of the touchstone equipment enabling operational performance and safety.

At CPI Trade Media, we are proud to state that our awards are unbiased, transparent and fair, with no external influences on the decision-making process.

To ensure complete objectivity, the Awards are judged by a mixture of public votes and a specially recruited judging panel; they are influenced by one criteria only – the informed decision that they are truly the best-in-class.

Scan here

Nominate

now

We look forward to honouring your business in the days to come.

Get in touch

Award Nomination Enquiries

Sponsorship

Paul Godfrey | +971 55 472 9717 paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com

Brian Fernandes | +971 4 375 5479 brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com

Event Partners

GOLD SPONSOR

JLG

PRESENTED BY

Construction Machinery ME

PRESENTED BY

ME Construction News

Thank you to all our amazing partners and sponsors for your support.

S W NE 6

REGIONAL EXPANSION

HERCULES HOISTS EXPANDS TO MIDDLE EAST

JECTS, O R P W E N OFFICES, W E N , S E HIN AROUND K O NEW MAC O L E IVES – W T A MONTH I T S I I N H I T W E NE W WHAT’S N T A N O I G THE RE EDGE INNOVATE

As part of its “beyond India” vision

LAUNCH UNIQUE

Bajaj Group’s Cranes & Hoists

CONCEPT

Manufacturer, Hercules Hoists is

The new EDGE FTS

expanding into the Middle East

Radial Organic

and Africa with KG International

feeder stacker, a

becoming its exclusive authorized

unique concept

business partner for the region.

from EDGE

Speaking on the announcement,

Innovate, has

President & CEO, Hercules Hoists Mr.

been launched,

Amit Bhalla said: ‘This collaboration

at COMPOST

helps strengthen our presence in the

2022. in Texas.

UAE with an extended reach to the

It is specifically

entire MEA region. KG International’s

designed for the

expertise over last five decades with

processing of low

their presence in 50+ countries and

density, organic

varied industries will help HHL touch

materials such as

base new clients across geographies.

mulch, compost, and soils. In what

“We are always committed to making a difference in our customers’ lives through quality offerings and

Bobcat Completes Loader Range for Middle East

operators have

proactive service support and are

described as “a

glad to have KG International as

game changer” the

the flag bearers for us in the MEA

new FTS Radial

region. We are looking forward to

Feeder Stacker

making Indef as the go to solution

from EDGE, will

for material handling requirements

Bobcat have launched eight new 500 and 600 Series compact loader models, completing its loader range for the Middle East and Africa market (MEA). Included among these are the bestselling S550 and S630 radius lift path loaders designed to work in tight areas with the reach required for dumping material over walls, backfilling or loading flatbed trucks. Joining them is the similarly used S510, while, the remaining new models - S530, S570, S590, T590 and S650 - all feature vertical lift path boom arms suited to lift and carry as well as material-handling applications. Speaking on the announcement, Gaby Rhayem, Regional Director Middle East and Africa at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said: “The new 500 and 600 Series introduce a fresh look for our marketleading loaders in MEA. In the new S510 and S530 models, the compact size is

set new standards

in MEA region with the collaborative

in the turning,

efforts of KG International and HHL.”

maintained but customers also benefit from the higher torque and performance of a new Interim Tier 4 engine. “In the new S510 and S530 models, this move to the well proven Kubota V2403 engine improves overall machine performance while also meeting stricter interim Tier 4 emission regulations compared to the Tier 2 engine in the previous generation machines. In the new S550, S570, S590 and T590 models, power is provided by the Kubota V2607 interim Tier 4 engine. In the new S630 and S650 skid-steer loaders, power continues to be provided by the dependable Kubota V3307 interim Tier 4 engine.” All of the new models are manufactured in the Czech Republic, at the Bobcat compact equipment plant for MEA, and provide operators with increased performance and comfort for maximising job site efficiency.

blending and

Established in 1968, KG International

stockpiling of

FZCO is a global supplier of industrial

organic material.

and automotive aftermarket spare

It is designed to

parts based in Dubai. Among KG

allow compost

International’s key priorities for

windrows to

2022, is the implementation of a new

release excess

Warehouse Management Solution

heat, aerate and

to drive operating efficiency and

untangle while

effectiveness in Logistics. The company

the drum ensures

says another key driver this year will

high throughput

be more Strategic hires focused on

and the complete

Filters, Cranes & Hoists and Industrial

mixing of the feed

customers to provide leading customer

material.

technical support and engagement Through the collaboration with Hercules Hoists both partners will be aiming to strenghten supply chains with local stock for quicker deliveries for all Cranes & Hoists’ consumers.

RELIABLE MOBILE POWER MADE FOR RENTAL

Mobile Power Rental Range: C44D5R C40D6R C200D2R C66D5R C60D6R C300D2R

FOR A WORLD THAT’S ALWAYS ON

NEWS ROUND-UP APRIL 2022

NEW PUBLICATION

IPAF PUBLISHES NEW GUIDANCE ON USING MEWPS IN PUBLIC AREAS

Tula software reduces NOX tailpipe emissions

Tula’s diesel Dynamic Skip Fire (dDSF™) software helps reduce NOX tailpipe emissions by 41% and carbon dioxide (CO2) by 9.5%. These were the findings from a joint study, on heavy-duty equipment between LiebherrComponenets AG and U.S based Tula Technology, presented recently at the International Engine Congress in BadenBaden, Germany. For this study, Liebherr Machines Bulle

SA provided its D966, a very compact 13.5 litres 6-cyclinder diesel engine that operates in a variety of applications, including mobile cranes, maritime cranes and wheel loaders. In the next step, Liebherr says it will consider the integration of the dDSF software into other engines in its portfolio while the D966 is expected to be used for further testing. Upon the announcement, R. Scott

Bailey, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tula Technology explained: “While there are existing regulations to reduce emissions in off-road machinery and vehicles, more stringent standards are expected within the decade. To comply, equipment manufacturers need solutions like our patented dDSF software to operate engines more efficiently and produce dramatically lower levels of tailpipe emissions.” In series production since 2018, Dynamic Skip Fire (DSF®) uses patented algorithms that choose to skip or fire individual cylinders dynamically to meet an engine’s torque demands. This enables nearpeak engine efficiency cleaner burning, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

CDE SUPPORTS UBU UK-based UBU Environmental has outlined its plans to achieve 100% landfill diversion from road sweepings and inert gully waste with the support of CDE technology. It recently sponsored PAS 115, which seeks to use non-hazardous recovered material. for future use in soils.

LIEBHERR’S DEALER TH S 50 CELEBRATESARY ANNIVER nce 1980,

ibutor si official distr business. Liebherr’s 50 years in g n ti ra b le has grown Comat is ce yees, Comat lo p em 0 h a steady, With over 10 s. Along wit ar ye 0 5 is in ly s sector, th considerab er base in it m o st ice cu rv t a rental se permanen y launched an p m 14 co rg rs from Luxembou ith excavato ade ago. W ec d eet runs a fl t u n o o ab mat locati o C e th , es ga to 40 tonn les includin an 50 vehic d an to more th s er heeled load range of w tors. crawler trac

INFOR IN SAUDI Infor, the industry cloud company, is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia as it seeks to help organizations across sectors

Key principles and ways to reduce

including

risks when using Mobile Elevating

industrial

Work Platforms (MEWPs) in public

manufacturing,

areas and near roads have been

distribution,

published by the International

healthcare and

Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

automotive,

The new guidance document, entitled

digitally

Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas, and

transform with

available in several languages has been

industry-specific

developed in collaboration with IPAF’s

cloud solutions.

International Safety Council (ISC).

The expansion

On announcing the initiative IPAF’s

includes the

Head of Safety & Technical, Brian Parker

appointment of

said: “The use of powered access to

Islam Elberimbali

provide an effective means of access to

as sales director

work at height is constantly increasing

for Saudi Arabia

worldwide as the productivity and

to spearhead the

safety benefits are recognised by

firm’s growth in

businesses and employers alike, and

the region.

an increasing number of MEWPs are being used in areas where members of the public might be present, which is more challenging to control, “IPAF hopes it will become a valuable desktop and workplace point of reference.” he added.

Equipment sales hit new record in 2021 Global construction equipment sales rose ten percent in 2021 to a new record of 1.196 million units, according to the latest findings by Off-Highway Research. The global market research company’s newly updated Global Volume & Value Service report revealed that all major world markets, apart from China, experienced growth last year. Off-Highway Research managing director, Chris Sleight said, “The combination of low interest rates, stimulus spending on infrastructure and high commodity prices last year was a heady combination for the construction equipment market. Residential construction is booming, there is strong demand for equipment from mines and the pipeline of infrastructure work looks solid.”

GLOBAL SALES OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT BY REGION (UNITS) China

Europe

India

Japan

North America

Rest of the World

1,200,000

1,000,000

800,000

600,000

400,000

200,000

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

According to the report some of the most robust growth was seen in North America (up 25 percent) and Western Europe (up 22 percent), while emerging markets, excluding

2022

CUMMINS’ HYDROGEN FUEL FACILITY BEGINS PRODUCTION

2024

2025

2026

India and China, were up 24 percent. It said a five percent drop in demand is expected this year, yet 2022 would still show the second highest sales volume on record.

DISTRIBUTOR DEAL NEW FACILITY

2023

Shell Markets Middle East Limited (Shell) has signed

Sleight added, “Equipment sales in China have moved to a different rhythm to the rest of the world since the start of the Covid pandemic. China quickly put stimulus in place at the start of the global pandemic in March 2020. As a result, it saw 30 per cent growth in its equipment sales last year, to take the market to volumes which had not been seen for a decade. “However, this stimulus push was soon spent, and equipment sales started to fall in the second quarter of 2021. Although the downturn was steep, the extremely high volumes of equipment sold in the first quarter had an offsetting effect, and the market as a whole fell only six per cent overall in 2021.” The outlook for this year remains upbeat, with further equipment sales growth expected.”

Goldhofer develop allround transport vehicle

an agreement with Cummins Inc. has

already in pilot operation

United Motors &

announced its new

in Austria, Poland, the

Heavy Equipment

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems

Netherlands and France.

(UMHE), to be the

Production Centre in Herten,

“Hydrogen fuel cells

official distributor

Germany, is in operation,

are an essential piece of

of its industrial

further driving its alternative

a net-zero future, and

lubricants’

power scale-up and enabling

key to bringing hydrogen

products in Abu

increased adoption of

technologies down the cost

Dhabi and Al Ain.

hydrogen technologies

curve is increasing their

As part of the

across Europe. The facility

availability,” said Amy Adams,

agreement Shell

has an initial production

Vice President of Fuel

will supply UMHE,

capacity of 10MW per

Cell hydrogen Hydrogen

a subsidiary of

year for fuel cell system

Technologies at Cummins.

Darwish Bin

engineering and assembly.

The 14,100 sq. ft. (4,300

Ahmed & Sons

sq. m.) fuel cell facility

Group, with

to Cummins’ existing

is located in a dedicated

lubricant products

alternative power sites in the

hydrogen park in Herten.

and solutions for a

U.K., Belgium and Germany.

It is equipped with on-site

range of industries

Production at the facility will

hydrogen storage and a

from industrial to

initially focus on delivering

state-of-the-art hydrogen

manufacturing, oil

PEM fuel cell systems for

detection system. Future

& gas, construction,

global transportation leader,

plans for the site include

and power.

Alstom’s Coradia iLint

expansion into fuel cell

trains – the first passenger

stack refurbishment,

trains in the world powered

with additional testing

by hydrogen fuel cells.

stations to supplement

These hydrogen trains are

current capabilities.

This new location adds

Goldhofer have developed a new all-round transport vehicle for the construction industry which will be used to carry a wide range of machinery and equipment for earthmoving specialist Erdmännchen. The self-tracking STZ-L 4 A RM semi low-loader has been designed to handle construction plant and material up to a payload of 41 tonnes, while, for transportation of vehicles with big tires and different wheelbases, the vehicle has lowered outer sections in addition to the wheel recesses

on the main loading deck. Aluminum drive-on covers and side extensions have also become an integral part of the loading concept.” The STZ-L 4 A RM comes with full-length rubber flooring on the loading deck and a practical load securing package to ensure the highest safety standards are met. The loading deck is extendable by almost three metres to provide extra length for long loads and machines. Important safety features have also been included plus an effective radio remote control system.

MARKET REPORT APRIL 2022

DRIVING THE ELECTRIC WAY

IDTECHEX HAS BEEN PROVIDING INDEPENDENT MARKET RESEARCH, BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND EVENTS ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGY, GLOBALLY, SINCE 1999. HERE, DR. DAVID WYATT, TECHNOLOGY ANALYST AND AUTHOR OF THEIR LATEST REPORT “ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN CONSTRUCTION 2022-2042,” SUMS UP THE KEY DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES OF ELECTRIFICATION

onstruction machines are estimated to generate around 400 Mt of CO2 emission per year, which is around 1.1% of global CO2 emission. Decarbonization of non-road mobile machines will therefore be an important factor in efforts to limit global climate change. While the off-road electric construction vehicle market is at a much earlier stage of development than the on-road electric vehicle markets, there is increasing effort within the space to deliver zero emission solutions, with a growing number of prototypes. With an increasing number of countries around the world committing to a net-zero carbon future, the construction industry is facing growing scrutiny of its’ greenhouse gas emissions. Leading construction machine OEMs and suppliers

are already recognizing that powertrain electrification is set to become a key zero-emission technology for construction machines. Many of the largest engine suppliers such as Cummins, Deutz, and Volvo Penta are investing in electromobility research, and several OEMs have already launched battery-electric construction machines as commercial products, including Volvo CE, JCB, and Komatsu. The new report from IDTechEx, “Electric Vehicles in Construction 20222042”, is a deep dive into this nascent market, that highlights technical and economic considerations of powertrain electrification over the diverse range of mobile construction machines and provides a comprehensive inventory of ongoing construction machine electrification projects from around the world. Electrification led by compact machines, larger machines to follow The starting point for most OEMs will be smaller compact machines, whose duty-cycle requirements

are relatively light, meaning the daily workday energy and power requirement can be met with a practical size of li-ion battery, electric motors, and a welldefined charging strategy. Indeed, in recognition of the potential for electrification in this segment, Volvo Construction Equipment has already committed to moving its entire range of compact wheel loaders and compact excavators to electric powertrains, completely stopping its development of new diesel models. Other OEMs will follow this lead. Development work is also being conducted by many OEMs for the electrification of larger construction machines, although most are still in a prototyping or piloting phase, with the high upfront CAPEX cost meaning they are not yet a viable commercial product. However, as excavators over 10-tonnes are responsible for around 46% of the total CO2 emission by construction vehicles, it is crucial that zero-emission solutions are developed for these machines. The arduous duty cycles of these heavy-

11 ESTIMATE OF ELECTRIC MINI EXCAVATOR ENDURANCE 100 8 hours 7 hours

Battery capacity (kWh)

XCMGXE35U_E Takeuchi TB220e

6 hours

Doosan DX19 Electric

5 hours

60 JCB 19C-IE 40

This has spurred the development of many of the heavy-duty electric construction vehicle prototypes in Europe. We expect other cities to follow suit in future, though likely with less aggressive timelines.

4 hours

Wacker Neuson EZ17e Komatsu PC30E-5 Bobcat E10e Hyundai R35E

20 Volvo EC18 Electric

Volvo ECR25 Electric

Caterpillar 301.7 1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

Machine weight (Tonnes)

duty vehicles, mean those over 20-tonnes need more than 300 kWh of energy to deliver a full 8-hour workday. Projects in Norway and the Netherlands have already investigated solutions such as battery swapping, and cable operation, to meet the duty cycle demand. In China construction machine OEMs XCMG, LiuGong, and SINOMACH have all opted for large battery systems with rapid dual-gun DC fast charging (up to 300 kW). Critical to the deployment of electric machines will be the total cost of ownership. There is a premium on electric machines over diesel, primarily related to the cost of the large battery packs. IDTechEx analysis in the report suggests that the extra cost of an electric mini excavator could be modest enough that diesel fuel savings and reduced maintenance could largely offset the additional premium, but, for larger machines, the extra cost of electrification likely remains prohibitive, and OEMs will need significant regulatory and financial support to promote uptake. Local air quality regulations a primary driver Whilst GHG emission reduction is key, there are other important drivers for machine electrification, most notably health and safety issues around diesel engine operation on construction sites. The construction industry in the UK, for example, is responsible for the largest annual number of occupational cancer cases, with around ~8% of these directly related to diesel engine exhaust emissions. Construction is also a high-risk industry for noise-related ill health. Reducing carbon emissions is important and is spurring major construction companies to make large commitments (e.g. Volvo CE are targeting their entire rolling fleet to have net-zero emission by 2050), however meeting local air quality standards is also a key driver for construction electrification. Many cities are looking to either ban or charge for operation of heavily polluting vehicles in urban environments, through the introduction of low emission zones. This could be a mechanism to

incentivise zero-emission machines by adding substantial cost to construction projects that continue to rely on only diesel equipment. For example, Oslo, Norway, will require all municipal construction sites to operate emission free vehicles by 2025, moving to all construction projects by 2030.

Multitude of performance benefits for electrification Electrification has the potential to greatly improve the working environment for machine operators, with lower noise and vibration and reduced exposure to pollutants. The elimination of exhaust pollutants enables electric vehicles to operate in indoor environments, particularly useful for demolition projects, whilst noise reduction offers the possibility to improve on site communication, improving site safety, as well as potentially enabling site operations to continue outside of normal daytime working hours. Generally electric powertrains provide superior vehicles, with lower maintenance and servicing costs, that are more straightforward to operate, and which facilitate precise autonomous controls, with the battery efficiently powering computers and sensors. Given the necessity for zero-emission construction machines, IDTechEx forecast that in 2042, the global electric construction machine market will be worth $105 billion (CAGR 25.6%).

“The extra cost of an electric mini excavator could be modest enough that diesel fuel savings and reduced maintenance could largely offset the additional premium, but, for larger machines, the extra cost of electrification likely remains prohibitive”

TECHNOLOGY APRIL 2022

THE PACE OF CHANGE

WITH THE WORLD LOOKING AT AN AVERAGE INFLATION RATE OF ALMOST 10%, AND THE COSTS OF REBAR AND KEY BUILDING MATERIALS GOING THROUGH THE ROOF, HOW ARE CONSTRUCTION METHODS CHANGING - AND TO WHAT EXTENT IS THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY CONTRIBUTING TO THIS CHALLENGING AND DYNAMIC NEW PICTURE?

hat a re the economic realities that are forcing the Construction industry to become leaner and more technologicallysavvy? How is te c h n ol o g y currently changing the sector, and therefore the types of equipment that will be needed? How are construction techniques themselves evolving? Well, first things first. A somewhat disturbing report by McKinsey & Co. in 2019 showed how the Construction sector typically runs to efficiency levels of around 17.5%; to put this figure in context, it contrasts with efficiency levels on the software development sector of 96.3%! So, the fact is, like it or not, the sector has to change. Nor is this the only factor at stake. The sector has been faced (and still is!) with multiple challenges, such as: • From January 2020 to December 2021, construction material prices rose globally by 32.5% due to the Pandemic • There are ever-tightening margins, particularly post-Pandemic in the always-cost-conscious GCC markets • There is a dramatically shrinking labour pool, as the traditional markets have now become freestanding economies with their own burgeoning

13 Technology in construction is changing the job site itself. Drones, for example, are being adopted on a wide scale. These tools enable more precise surveying, even from a remote location.

“Factors such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, the use of drones - all across the typically high-risk sectors - are already reducing injuries and fatalities on jobsites but are also replacing manual labour and re-writing the quotient rulebooks”

middle class - so fewer individuals need to seek jobs overseas as blue-collar workers Hence, enter the role of Technology. Projects can be carried out faster with automation and they are completed with more accuracy and precision. It means massive saving in labour-intensiveness and therefore staff costs. Yet it will also mean: • Investment in the technology in the first place - a particular challenge for smaller contractors and sub-contractors • Training issues, both structured training online and person-to-person • Different levels of site access • Strict and comprehensive new risk management rules and protocols (again resulting in training issues) Notwithstanding, it’s at least arguable that the raft of technology advances we have seen already have made public and private sector construction easier and safer. Factors such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, the use of drones - all across the typically high-risk sectors - are already reducing injuries and fatalities on jobsites but are also replacing manual labour and re-writing the quotient rulebooks. Is this Industrial Revolution 4.0? Yes, certainly part of it. Whereas we have tended to hear much more about how cyber technology will replace lawyers, coders, and accountants, Industrial Revolution 4.0 inevitably raises the issue of how blue-collar workers will be impacted by the industry’s increasing reliance on software - and methods designed in part to mimic (or even replicate) jobs that, until recently, only humans could do. In the UK, for example, the National Federation of Builders believes that 49 percent of all construction tasks can be automated, and that globally, as many as 2.7 million workers could be displaced or replaced by 2050. Nobody knows what the future holds, but if current trajectories continue it’s entirely possible that labourintensive or repetitive construction jobs could change dramatically, particularly for carpenters, bricklayers and site foremen. For those who don’t lose their jobs, at the very least, this is an era requiring en masse workforce re-skilling, educating employees on how to work in tandem with automated machinery. For example, 3D printers have made it faster and cheaper to construct foundations, either on-site or off, but human input is still very much necessary to turn a concrete or plastic 3D-printed shell into a fully inhabitable building, through wiring, plumbing, adding windows and doors, etc. It’s estimated that the concrete 3D printing market is expected to reach nearly US$60 million by the end of 2022. Yet at least for the time being, it’s another example of a machine performing a brilliant and innovative job, but needing a human’s finesse and manual skill to finish it. That said, some innovations are creating entirely new workforces, or attracting new disciplines to the trades, particularly around VR, which has found a home with many firms as an invaluable training and planning tool. Creating realistic simulated

TECHNOLOGY APRIL 2022

product profiled in CMME last month • Special lenses and augmented reality capabilities can provide early warnings about hazards. • Wearable tech can also keep track of how much time has been spent on the job site

environments that mimic real world conditions requires skilled programmers and game developers - all in all, a great pathway to drawing in younger workers. Ultimately, a balance will have to be struck between technology and the human workforce. Reality suggests that despite scare-mongering predictions to the contrary, the construction industry will always need people. Just somewhat fewer and more highly skilled in niche disciplines. The fact is, in construction, automation could lead to lower building and maintenance costs, higher per-worker productivity, reduced rates of human injuries and fatalities, and increased business profits. Let’s take a closer look at the some of the Tech trends now making an impact. But before we start, the ‘bottom line’ is that technology touches almost every aspect of a company’s operations…

Machine learning and predictive analytics Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have allowed many industries to incorporate this technology, and Construction is no exception. A classic example is driverless vehicles: while no construction company has so far adopted these vehicles, a good many tests are now underway, and it’s likely that they will comprehensively replace drivers in the next five years. What’s more, data has been a sleeping giant in the Construction sector for too long. Now, predictive analytics takes this data and uses it to determine what’s most likely to happen - in the same way, for example, as Telematics has done within the automotive sector. The right data means that you will be able to predict when it’s time to order particular materials; or when there have been near-misses on the Health & Safety front that now require a higher level of safety protocol, before things go badly wrong.

New materials and new methods One of the most noticeable areas of change is the materials used. New technologies are allowing for innovative processes such as recycling concrete, and scientists are constantly developing more eco-friendly materials. Carbon fibre is showing its adaptability and all-round usefulness as a construction material. Meanwhile, although prefabrication is nothing new, 3D printers are taking it to completely new levels of rapid assembly. Particularly in Asia, innovative businesses are experimenting with the 3D-printing of entire buildings. Once printed, the sections can be moved to the job site and assembled. Revolutionising the job site Technology in construction is also changing the job site itself. Drones, for example, are being adopted on a wide scale. These tools enable more precise surveying, even from a remote location. Drones and mobile devices have other benefits for the construction site as well. With them, it’s easier to track what materials you need and how much to order. This capability can save companies cash, as it reduces material waste. New technology is also allowing job sites to be more interconnected than ever before. If one site is short on material, its inventory can be checked with other sites. Drones can help here, too, giving snapshot updates on productivity. They can even update clients on when to expect job completion. Technology makes the construction site safer Improved safety is another benefit of

New simulated realities bring projects to life Quite aside from the now near-universal adoption of BIM (Building Information Modelling), there is the advent of virtual reality (VR). With VR, the days of presenting clients with two or three-dimensional blueprints - even a detailed BIM model - are long gone; now there can be a an immersive VR experience. Plus, there is Augmented Reality (AR) - where the deployment of almost-real scenarios in wearable tech can empower worksite safety and also be an invaluable aid in skills training.

technological advances in construction. For example: • Drones and mobile devices make it easier to watch the job site from remote locations • Workers can report hazards sooner • There can be on-point delivery of instructions on how to deal with dangers proactively, especially on high-risk sites working with chemicals, additives, etc. • Helmets are now becoming wearable tech - incredibly important for safety while using MEWPs. Note for example, the H4LO

The world’s largest 3D printed building is a two-storey, 640 square metre, one completed in 500 hours by Apis Cor for Dubai Municipality. The city wants 25% of new buildings 3D printed by 2025.

Making better choices The fact is, contractors and developers are being forced to make choices about the techniques they use and the extent to which they will use technology in the mix. It’s not a question of ‘if’, but rather, ‘how much’. This implies a not dissimilar question for your business. So - as a manufacturer, rental business or distributor of Construction machinery, how well will you be able not simply to ‘go with the flow’, but to capitalise on the changing economic and tech environments - and truly take your business into a new chapter of prosperity and growth?

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MOBILE TECHNOLOGY APRIL 2022

WORK SMART, NOT HARD

THE WAY PEOPLE INTERACT WITH INFORMATION HAS TRANSFORMED IN THE LAST DECADE NOT LEAST IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. MARK DOWDALL LOOKS AT THE LATEST AI-LED FEATURES OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY SET TO MAKE MACHINERY MORE EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE

ack in the summer of 1983, a young visionary, wearing a white shirt, rolled at the sleeves was giving a speech to a relatively modest-sized audience at an event called the International Design Conference in Aspen (IDCA). He was excitedly imagining a world whereby people would soon “spend more time interacting with personal computers than cars,” and where tools, that would be “possessable by everyone” would be used to distribute vast amounts of intelligence. The speaker on that day was Steve Jobs and what he was referring to was a new digital distribution system that would transform the way people lived and interacted with information. He spoke about soon being able to download software over phone lines but what he was also describing, as we would later realise, was the ability to download apps and software through mobile app stores. Even then, Jobs knew apps were coming, speaking on that day with an almost brass assuredness about how he believed the world would change and knowing that the future would be nothing like it was at that current moment. Indeed, the theme of that year’s

conference was “The Future Isn’t What It Used To Be.” Almost four decades later the change has been even more profound than what the people in that room would have believed and such applications have infiltrated virtually every industry in society today. This has been none the more evident than in the construction industry where a raft of new mobile applications have been introduced since CMME’s first issue ten years ago, not only improving the operation of machinery on site but maximizing safety and job site efficiency. Most major manufacturers now have tools to analyse data; working hours, fuel consumption, location, idling time and other remote diagnostics that help manage the overall health of the machines. Now, through advancements in AI and VR, the capabilities of mobile technology and how it interacts with construction machinery is being stretched even further. Here are some of the industry-disrupting innovations and trends that we are likely to see much more of in the decades to come: Machine Visualisation One of the first things before starting on any jobsite is ensuring that you have the right equipment for the task at hand. Traditionally, this would have have been done by manually analysing space, height and site terrain but not only was this approach labour intensive,

17 Vogele’s RoadScan tool not only allows users to view paving temperatures in real time - the foreman, for example - can see other data such as current pave speed, screed width and paver position.

“Most major manufacturers now have tools to analyse data; working hours, fuel consumption, location, idling time and other remote diagnostics that help manage the overall health of the machines. Now, through advancements in AI and VR, the capabilities of mobile technology and how it interacts with construction machinery is being stretched even further”

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY APRIL 2022

it could cause significant time delays if an incorrect model was brought on site Machine visualization gets rid of the guesswork and allows quick and efficient decisions to be made. The operator does this by placing and moving virtual machines on the actual job site and testing various pieces of equipment to see which one fits best. It is done before any real machine is placed on site, not only reducing the likelihood of renting or purchasing an incorrect machine, therefore preventing downtime but also ensuring that the safest, most practical equipment is chosen for the job. It is a trend we expect to see much more of in the next decade, particularly in the access and handling sector where workat-height jobs require careful precision and choosing the incorrect machine not only compromises the ability to do the job but puts the operator’s safety increasingly at risk. At JLG, for example, machine visualisation is already being used with the JLG Augmented Reality (AR) App on over 40 different boom, scissor and low-level access models. In the coming years this is expected to be rolled out to include Telehandlers, Ultra Booms and Tow Booms, too, so don’t be surprised if this is one innovation that catches on and sees industry-wide growth over the next ten years. Visual Inspection Reports Equipment Inspections are a critical part of maintaining any fleet and can save both time

process of emails and phone calls among dealer staff, technicians and users but documenting the status of machines with photos can encourage a proactive approach to maintenance and repair services. We can already see the benefits of this with Hitachi’s ConSite Shot app which was developed to offer high-quality fast inspection services to its customers. To do this, users can click photos and add captions to document machine status and rather than take a half a day to complete, reports can be generated and shared in minutes. These inspections can report existing faults, potential faults, or highlight best practices but, in any case, for time-conscious dealers, visual inspection reports are going to be one of the must have necessities of mobile app technology over the next decade.

At JLG, machine visualisation is already being used with the JLG Augmented Reality (AR) App on over 40 different boom, scissor and low-level access models.

and money in the long run. Although regular inspections can ensure the equipment is in top shape and can handle the toughest jobs it is vital that any faults are communicated in a thorough and clear way. Expect the use of visual inspection reports to become much more widespread as service engineers, operators and mechanics increasingly use camera phones and mobile applications to conduct machine inspections on the go. Not only can this eliminate the tedious

Remote Machine Control Have you ever watched your construction crews, surrounded by modern equipment, begin a job by pounding a wooden stake into the ground and think, “Isn’t there a better way?” Remote machine control systems that allow 3d design data to be programmed directly into machines, remove the labor-intensive guesswork and are sure to become ever more popular in the construction process, over the next decade. Although, in the Middle East, there tends to be an abundance of cheap labour compared to other regions it is worth noting

LATEST INNOVATION

KOMATSU INTELLIGENT MACHINE CONTROL 2.0 One of the newest innovations taking us into the next ten years is Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control 2.0 (iMC 2.0) which was released at the beginning of 2022. It comes as part of Komatsu’s suite of Smart Construction products, services and digital solutions, and gives contractors the opportunity to take advantage of sophisticated, productivityenhancing automation. Speaking on the announcement, senior product manager at Komatsu Andrew Earing said the latest innovation “aimed to quickly lessen the skill gap between new and experienced operators—and improve the bottom line for contractors. “Our excavators with iMC 2.0

technology can help contractors transform their construction job sites into highly efficient, highly productive operations.” Built on Komatsu’s intelligent machine control platform, and developed with input from leading construction companies, iMC 2.0 offers additional new features on the company’s mid-to largesize construction excavators: the PC290LCi-11, PC360LCi-11 and the PC390LCi-11. Among those features expected to have the biggest impact are the following: Auto tilt bucket control With integrated machine control, auto tilt bucket control assists operators by aligning the bucket parallel with the slope, so that finish grading can be accomplished

without needing to align the machine with the target surface. Perform finish grading using only arm input The new bucket angle hold control helps operators reach finish grade quickly and accurately. It automatically holds the bucket angle to the design surface

during arm operation, enabling operators to perform finish grading using only arm input. According to the manufacturer the new technology is ideally suited to footing excavation, trenching and slope work. It minimises over-excavation and empowers operators to dig straight to grade quickly and accurately, improving overall productivity and on-site efficiency. IMC2.0 is also a part of Komatsu Smart Construction, a system intended to bring the 4th Industrial Revolution to the construction industry. It uses ICT to connect information on people, construction sites and other locations for smart “Future Sites” that increase safe production.

“Expect the use of visual inspection reports to become much more widespread as service engineers, operators and mechanics increasingly use camera phones and mobile applications to conduct machine inspections on the go” that one consequence of this is a high turnover of people moving from machine to machine over a short period of time. With machine-specific operator training sometimes difficult to implement, at short notice, any tool that allows operators with minimal experience to carry out work with the utmost efficiency could no doubt be hugely influential over the next few years. Remote machine control technology may be of most benefit to the earthmoving segment where over excavation can easily happen when tasks are not carried out with complete accuracy. Unlike other machines, work performed by the excavator does not happen directly under the operator but can be anywhere within the boom’s reach making precision often more difficult to achieve. We already see this in Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (IMC) used for both excavators and dozers, where operators use precise data to match the desired grade and dig right the first time. The technology is fully integrated from the factory and suggests that as automation becomes more sophisticated and easier to implement we can expect an increasing number of manufacturers take full ownership of this technology from the very beginning of the manufacturing process. Voice Recognition Up until now, the voice technology industry has predominantly focused

Hitachi’s ConSite Shot app was developed to offer high-quality fast inspection services to its customers. To do this, users can click photos and add captions to document machine status.

on home appliances powered by voicecontrolled virtual assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Through these mobile apps there are a wide array of commands we can give to carry out dayto-day tasks such as turning off the lights, setting an alarm, asking a question or playing some music. We can see this software at use, most notably in the automotive industry where in-car speech recognition systems have become a standard feature for most new vehicles preventing the user from

having to look at their mobile phone. We have also seen advancements in autonomous vehicle technology so in the coming years more on on-site machines than ever will be able perform tasks without human operators. But those vehicles are likely to still require a method of interaction with humans either through data input or remote AI-led navigation. If voice assistants are transforming the way we live, then why wouldn’t we give machine operators a hands-free option when operating heavy machinery? Although recent improvements in speech recognition suggest that a handsfree natural voice-based approach could soon be possible, to achieve this, there are key challenges in the construction industry that will need to be overcome. Workers in the Middle East come from a variety of backgrounds with a diversity of languages and accents, so creating models that can accurately understand all of these different accents will be the challenge of the next decade. Background noise is the second main obstacle as all speech recognition models suffer in the presence of background noise. As the shift to electric machinery happens over time, however, voice-recognition software should thrive in a quieter environment and eventually we can expect a greater shift to this type of technology. Nowadays, the software that a young Jobs talked about being downloaded, in 1983, can be found in-built on big industrial machines and not just the traditional form of a computer that we are all used to. Through these “mobile apps” we are increasingly able to interact with this software and these machines. Despite one of the very first mobile apps coming from the nineties - Nokia’s classic in-built game of Snake - many would argue that, in actual fact, it was 2012 when mobile app technology really took the world by storm. Social Media usage was growing astronomically at the time and some of the world’s most popular platforms – Facebook, Spotify and Instagram each launched their first versions of their own mobile app in that year. Ten years on and the latest statistics, from the JBKnowledge ConTech 2020 report indicates that 92% of construction workers use a smartphone on the job while the number of apps being used continue to increase - 21.7% of respondents using three apps on their smartphones in 2019 and 22% reporting using six or more apps in 2020. Ten years from now, the range and scope of what these apps can do could be far greater that even Jobs had imagined.

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2022

TURNING POINT: TEN YEARS OF HERE WE SHOWCASE THE INNOVATIONS, THE MOVERS & SHAKERS, THE EQUIPMENT THAT SET THE BENCHMARKS AND PUT GCC PROJECTS FIRST PAST THE POST

n ten years of CMME’s construction machinery coverage it is fair to say that the Middle East hasn’t always been the first to receive the latest high-tech wheel loader, the excavator with the shiny autonomous controls and flash telematics system, or even the noise-reducing, emission-free, all electric AWP. What it has had though is the ability to throw manpower at almost any job and rely on an abundance of cheap, plentiful labour in getting even the most demanding of jobs done. In Dubai, for example an array of incredible skyscrapers

suggests, that on the surface, it is an approach well served. So why then the need for change? Well... as an American businessman called William Pollard once said: “Without change there is no innovation, creativity or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the inevitable” For our 10th anniversary issue, we take a look at the region and the manufacturers that have initiated change so we can better manage the inevitable challenges that lay ahead. What is true today may no longer be true tomorrow. Here are our defining moments:

2018

CATERPILLAR MAKE RANGE “EASY TO USE” In 2018, Caterpillar launched their Next Generation Excavator range with a host of new “ease of use” features to tackle two main customer concerns - fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Speaking at the global launch of the excavators at Caterpillar´s Malaga Demonstration and Learning Damien Giraud, vicepresident, Construction and Infrastructure Industries, said the 20-tonne class excavators were set to “transform the excavator industry worldwide.” As part of their shift to the Next Generation Excavator range, the Cat 320 that launched in the Middle East that year was the first Cat excavator in the region to use integrated Cat Connected Technology. This included Cat

2016

GENIE ELECTRIFY MOBILE PLATFORMS Today’s challenges are tomorrow’s defining moments. For Genie, that moment came in 2016 with the launch of the Z-60 DC (all-electric) and Z-60 FE hybrid articulating booms in the Middle East market. The introduction of Genie’s Z-60 DC and FE booms marked a significant advancement in the electrification of personnel lifting equipment. These models could deliver the performance needed on even the most demanding jobsites, while at the same time offering a noor low-emissions, quiet alternative to diesel lifts. More recently, Genie introduced fully electric, brushless and maintenance free AC E-Drive scissor lifts.

Sharbel Kordahi, Managing Director of Terex AWP for the Middle East believes that Genie’s Z-60 DC/FE and E-Drive Scissor Lifts have shown “that when you implement the right technology at the right time, electric and hybrid equipment can perform as well if not better than their diesel counterparts, meeting real-world jobsite needs as regional governments work toward their goals for net zero emissions (UAE Net Zero 2050, Saudi Net Zero 2060, etc.). For this reason, these models have been popular in the region.” We look forward to profiling these new developments, which totally align with the next decade’s outlook.

Grade with 2D system that not only provided guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade through the standard touchscreen monitor, making operators more accurate, but according to the manufacturer, it would increase operating efficiency by up to 45% over traditional grading operations. It enters the list not only because the rebrand paved the way for future 3D operational features in the earthmoving segment but for the message it sent; that “easy to use” technology does not need to be feared or complicated. Creating a culture around the use of technology is sometimes as important as the technology itself as it sets a positive framework for further technological creation and implementation.

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2022

2010

SNORKEL REBRAND THE A38E Although the Snorkel A38E electric articulated boom lift design concept has been available since the 1990’s, the popularity of the Snorkel A38E in the last decade actually grew from Snorkel’s major global rebrand in 2010. The A38E was upgraded over the following years with a new control system, providing on-board diagnostics as well as an enlarged platform with hydraulic platform rotation. The product has since become a mainstay in many rental fleets across the Middle East, and is also commonly found working in shopping malls, retail outlets and factories in the region. In the last decade, the Snorkel A38E has stretched the boundaries of what

2017

JCB TAKE FIRST STEPS IN NEW MARKET It is clear a sector is on the rise when established names in other areas venture whole heartedly into the sector even if it is an area they are traditionally less familiar with. In 2017, British giant JCB made a daring move into the AWP sector on the back of a hefty reputation in machines such as telehandlers, backhoe loaders and the heavy segments. It entered the AWP market with nine electric scissor lift models following a previous announcement it had made that there would be a new JCB access division. It also made plans to have 27 models in its line up across the scissor lift, articulated boom and telescopic boom categories

comprising nine electric and three diesel scissor lifts from 4.6 metres to 13.8 metres, 5 articulating booms 14.9 metres to 24.6 metres, and ten 20.6 metres to 41.6 metres diesel telescopic booms. What is important here is the courage to take risks; to not simply stand by and sit on one’s reputation. In a traditionally conservative region when it comes to manufacturing technology that courage to enact change through technological innovation is exactly what is needed when it comes to facing today’s challenges. A lot can be learned from any move that steps into unchartered territory, so this makes the list of defining moments.

is possible with access handling platforms when it comes to height to weight ratio. Today, due to upgrades that began several years ago it remains unmatched by its competitors, capable of reaching a working height of 13.5m, yet weighing just 3,880kg. For this reason, it has become popular in the Middle East as it provides the operator with the ability to reach up and over obstacles with ease, while maintaining a light overall weight for use in areas where there is sensitive flooring or ground pressure restrictions. Direct electric drive provides sufficient power to handle outdoor applications, while clean battery power has zero emissions and low noise for working indoors.

2020

VOLVO OPENS UPTIME CENTRE IN DUBAI Volvo Group opened its first regional uptime centre, in 2020, together with its exclusive UAE distributor Al Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO). The first Volvo Middle East uptime centre is located at Famco’s premises in Dubai Investment Park from where the local powerhouse supports construction equipment, trucks and buses. The uptime centres are Volvo Group’s technology enabled stations to monitor use of machinery and trucks from Volvo CE and Volvo trucks. To date Volvo has more than a million customer assets connected globally across all its group product lines, including all construction machinery, trucks and buses. The facility features

2016

BOBCAT TARGET REGION FOR LAUNCH In countries where there are significant amounts of infrastructure work taking place, the backhoe is a highly sought-after machine due to its ability to be used for multiple applications. There is no doubt that the Middle East is a vitally strong market for the backhoe, but one year, in particular, stands out. In 2016, with almost all global players present in the sector in the region, the Middle East saw a flurry of activity in the segment. This included a new entrant into the segment as well as new models from some of the existing players. In May of that year one of the biggest brand names in the world Bobcat, at last made an entrance with the launch of its first three

models in its B-series. And as a reflection of the popularity of and demand for the backhoe in the region, it chose Dubai to launch the machines, which were targeted specifically at the Middle East. The backhoe was not even shown at Bauma that year so the manufacturer could show the people of Dubai first before anyone else. Close on the heels of Bobcat making its debut in the segment, Case Construction extended its top-of-the-line 580t and made-in-India 570t models to the region. Designed with the needs of developing markets in mind, the 570t had already proven to be a hit in Africa with its value for money proposition and robustness.

advanced technical bays and trained personnel to ensure efficient servicing and that unplanned repairs are dealt with in an efficient manner. Equipment owners can use the CareTrack advanced telematics service which allows machine problems to be caught before they occur, while also improving technical response time and downtime resolution speed. Expanding Volvo’s presence in the Middle East was not only necessary but it was a real sign of intent that a global powerhouse often at the cutting edge of machinery innovation, wanted to initiate change from within the region. Sometimes to be the best, you need to surround yourself with the best. And this is yet another example of the needle moving forward.

INNOVATION APRIL 2022

Autonomy is rapidly emerging in the mining industry as essential for improving safety and productivity. The 794 AC, equipped with Command for hauling, enables total autonomous operation.

THE MACHINERY METAVERSE

WHAT ARE THE MOST POWERFUL INNOVATIONS SWEEPING THE WORLD OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY? WHAT ARE THE TRENDS LIKELY TO TRANSFORM THE WAY THAT ON-SITE WORK IS DONE AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT’S MECHANISED? CMME EVALUATES SOME OF THE KEY DEVELOPMENTS - BUT BE WARNED, THEY’RE GOING TO TRANSFORM THE INDUSTRY IN THE NOT-TOO-DISTANT FUTURE!

famous 1980s advertisement for the engine additive STP used the strapline ‘Better, Cleaner, Safer, Faster’. These words can equally be used to sum up the enormous improvements in construction machinery over the last decade and as this magazine celebrates its first 10 years in print, it’s quite fitting that we consider the massive strides that have taken place. Yet the reality is, these changes will in all likelihood pale into relative insignificance in the light of the dramatic, technology-powered innovations that we’re set to see in the next 10 years. As the global tech firms create ever-morecapable functions that can deliver not just incremental improvement, but quantum leap transitions, these are already empowering the construction machinery sector. In fact, to say that we are now experiencing a time of rapid innovation would be a massive understatement. Factors like better machine uptime, enhanced machinery lifetime values and bespoke customer solutions are just some

of the benefits; so are more accurate user data, stronger resale prices and cleaner, greener working conditions. Not before time, of course: advances like this were at least arguably present (in some shape or form) in sectors like mining, agriculture and transportation for the last several years, but they’re now being catalysed by the changing demographics in manpower now sweeping across the Construction sector. The big contractors are progressively being required to move away from labour-intensive work styles to technology-led equipment solutions - and manufacturers are proving adept at providing the necessary hardware. What’s what in the next 10 years? Changes in site machinery in the next decade are likely to be led by the following trends; and note that each of these has the power to make exponential changes not only in the style of equipment available to do the job, but in terms of our basic and preferred working styles. Remote control in deep-work settings Deep excavation has always been a priori the most dangerous of all work settings in the Construction universe, posing risks of landslide, cavity fall-in and toppling of

INNOVATION APRIL 2022

machinery. Now, operators are starting to control equipment from remote, digital cockpits well out of harm’s way. These digital cockpits might not even require direct site access or an immediate and clear view instead, visual information can be fed in by remote camera or even by drone. Since operators are kept well away from worksite dangers, training is no longer about ‘survival of the fittest’ and learning in a hazardous setting; instead, training programmes are based around mastering digital controls. This in turn has the added advantage that there’s now much less risk of alienating fresh employees, as a result of the work being obviously dangerous and off-putting. Nano-materials The days when metal is the definitive material for machinery and equipment bodywork are very much numbered. A new generation of nano-materials can be lab-grown, replicating similar properties to carbon fibre but at a fraction of the cost. These materials are superlight, can be rigid or flexible, are immensely durable and exceptionally heat-resistant. Nano-materials are defined by ISO/TS 80004, and have structures where the base particles are between 1nm and 100nm in size. The

RemoteTask, now available on Cat D Series skid steers, compact track and multi-terrain loaders, allows operators to remotely control these machines with precision using a “belly box” control system.

practicality and safety of nano-materials is shown by the fact that aeronautics companies such as Boeing and Airbus are currently planning to introduce a new generation of aircraft with nano-material fuselages and wings by the early 2040s. The Power of Connectivity: machines take on assignments Of course, any number of articles have been saying for years: “one day, we will connect machines through the Internet of Things

“As electric-powered technology evolves, it will surely become the dominant norm rather than a market segment”

(IoT), and they will speak to each other”. Is this now a reality? Well, not, of course, on simple, small sites, where there isn’t any need for complex feedback loops, or to have many different machines and operating rosters. Instead, Connectivity is making its impact on large-scale projects, such as mega-tall towers, multi-use shopping centre/residential developments and power plant installations. IoT lets operators know what has been achieved at what uptime and cost, and can call in round after round of machinery without even having to let the operator know. The network of machines (not people!) can themselves be given project assignments and in reality, they will then decide for themselves how best to go about it, and how to interact with each other to achieve the required objectives. All of which can be done with minimum cost and usage times. The role of Autonomous machines Autonomous machines are already here, but are still in their infancy. In several years, they will dominate every building and construction site - and first in line, testing the technology, will be areas where there is only limited footfall and circulation of pedestrians. Autonomous machines are perfectly suited to closed-site working, and indeed, their success in these settings will in turn herald a large-scale introduction of autonomous vehicles onto public highways. The key factors here are the hugely reduced need for manpower, the concomitant reduction in training coasts, zero driver accidents - and also every likelihood that the job can be completed more quickly and cost-effectively than with humans in the cockpit. The world of Analytics Until recently, what was actually required to happen for any given project to be completed successfully was dependent on the knowledge of experienced site foremen.

27 But now, Predictive Analytics can tell us precisely what needs to happen, and when. Plus, Connected machines not only tell us about what needs to be done in terms of process, but also about the operating status of the machine itself. The knowledge that a machine is about to break down can literally be worth its weight in gold - allowing the equipment to be taken offline and a new item substituted, rather than the whole project grinding unexpectedly to a halt. This data can then in turn be fed back into the loop, allowing manufacturers and rental companies to raise the bar and offer bespoke solutions to key customers. Electric-powered As electric-powered technology evolves, it will surely become the dominant norm rather than a market segment. Electric power saves money and boosts Sustainable working. A 2020 survey organized by Volvo (and conducted in Sweden) showed that electric power brought a 98% reduction in carbon emissions, a 70% reduction in energy cost and a 40% reduction in operator cost. The challenge so far, though, has been to offer the combination of attractive and practical battery life with the immense power demands of heavy machinery. Will this be possible? Undoubtedly, yes, and hybrid machines (not necessarily a ‘halfway house’, but more likely a new genre in their own right) are already a very normal feature on countless GCC building sites.

since put reminders and re-order cycles outline. Meanwhile, software updates can be managed exactly as they are on a laptop, automatically transmitted online at key intervals after purchase or rental. Virtual skills and operator training Training operators through AI isn’t science fiction: it’s an increasingly popular and affordable way to coach key skillsets. No longer confined to elaborate, glamorous activities like pilot training, virtual reality (VR) is capable of providing advanced operator coaching simulations that can drastically improve performance on job sites - in turn preventing accidents and delays. Note, too, that training workers in a virtual world allows operators to be confident that they are working to their optimum capacity when they are out on site, as well as eliminating the fuel costs and wear and tear of real machines when they’re used for training. Don’t forget as well that there’s another key advantage: one of the most appealing factors of electric power is that it enables prolonged working hours (eg, night shifts), since there is almost zero engine noise! The online dealership The days of physical visits to actual, high-street dealerships are numbered. Dealerships can use various levels of AI to give virtual masterclasses in repairs, while parts and service intervals have long

Simulators, such as Serious Labs’ scissor lifts simulator can improve motor skills and understanding of training objectives. Real-time data tracks the trainee’s performance and flags gaps that require improvement.

A world of independent machinery What all of the above factors tend to have in common is that machines are growing away from their operators - they’re taking action on their own, or working via operators who no longer even have to be on-site. This is tantamount to being the greatest change in construction machinery since the invention of the internal combustion engine and the first days of Industrial Revolution 1.0. At CMME, we can’t wait to see what this new era will be like…

“Autonomous machines are perfectly suited to closed-site working, and indeed, their success in these settings will in turn herald a largescale introduction of autonomous vehicles onto public highways”

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

KNOW

CTION CONSTRU RY ME MACHINE AWARDS

30_NEW RELEASES

oting and Full list of v categories nomination w! vote no

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

32_LIFTING TO NEW HEIGHTS Spider Plus installs the biggest revolving doors ever in the Middle East.

38_THE PURSUIT OF POWER Volvo Penta showcase their latest engine offering at Middle East Energy.

40_TADANO SET INNOVATION CHALLENGE Crane manufacturer completes first full-scale innovation competition.

NEW RELEASES APRIL 2022

HYVA ADDS 40TM CRANES TO EDGE LINE RANGE OF HYDRAULIC CRANES WHY GET IT? INCREASED OPERATOR EFFICIENCY, SAFETY AND STABILISATION Hyva has added five 40tm cranes as part of its Edge Line range of hydraulic cranes. The new cranes include three rack and pinion models – HC 401, HC 401K, HC 441 – and two endless slewing models – HC 405e and HC 445e. The 40tm cranes have from two to eight extensions with a maximum outreach of 8.02–20.90m, and jib length of 10m, although, this is not available for K-boom and marine versions. Among the new innovations that increase operator efficiency and safety are Magic Touch (MT) which allows the driver to open the crane from transport position and back, at the touch of a button, and Dynamic Load Diagram (DLD), which improves stabilisation and

allows the driver to verify in advance the crane lifting capacity based on truck stability. There is also a DLD simulator which shows the operator the possible working area for different scenarios of load and stabiliser extension before use. A new cloud feature Connectivity 4.0, which stores data relevant to support crane operation and maintenance is available as an option in dedicated markets. Speaking about these latest additions, Giuseppe Bevacqua, product managercranes, Hyva, said: “High performance levels, together with a wide range of features and variety of accessories and attachments, make these cranes ideally suited to many applications such as construction, logistics, oil and gas, mining, maintenance and rental.” The cranes are produced with the rest of the EDGE Line in a new, dedicated crane assembly line in Poviglio, Italy, and come with the standard performance enhancing features available in the tried and tested Edge range. These include articulated stabiliser feet for better stability, safety, and longer cylinder life; hoses and pipes running inside the stabiliser beams to guarantee a longer lifetime and extra extension speed (EES) to increase the speed of extensions without compromising safety.

MB CRUSHER EXPANDS RANGE WITH SHAFT SCREENING BUCKETS WHY GET IT? CREATES LESS WEAR ON THE MACHINE AND ALLOWS MORE CONTROL DURING THE LOADING OF MATERIALS MB Crusher has expanded its range of hydraulic attachments with two new shaft screening buckets, the MB-HDS207 and the MB-HDS212, aimed at simplifying tasks on urban construction sites. The attachments are suitable or jobs such as aerating packed soil when preparing a gar-den; recycling and separating dirt from demolition debris, stones, or roots; and screening materials to cover pipes and trenches. The MB-HDS207 shaft screening bucket weighs 98 kg and is compatible with mini excavators with operating weight from 1.3 to 2.8 tonnes. It also comes with an optional capacity kit that can increase its load capacity from 50 l to 60 l. The MB-HDS212 weighs 480 kg and can be installed on midi excavators with operating weights between five and ten tonnes, backhoe loaders with operating weights between eight and nine tonnes, and skid steer loaders with operating weights between four and five tonnes. The coupler connection of the shaft screeners is lowered compared to the rest of the structure, creating less wear on the machine and allowing for more control during the loading and processing of materials. The shaft screeners have a fixed cover designed to withstand long-term use by shielding the internal parts of the machine from materials such as dirt and sand. The same cover protects the bolts and side casings, guaranteeing minimal downtime and the ability to continually work.

KLEEMANN BRINGS OUT ENHANCED MOBILE JAW CRUSHER WHY GET IT? FLEXIBLE TO USE IN NATURAL STONE OR RECYCLING WITH EASY TRASNPORTABILITY With the market launch of the new MOBICAT MC 110(i) EVO2, Kleemann has presented a new-generation mobile jaw crushing plant. The further development of the tried and tested predecessor plant offers users innovative technologies for optimising all areas of a typical workday, focusing on economy, operability and sustainability. The new mobile jaw crusher plant has been designed to be used by demolition and building companies, contractor crushers and quarry operators. With an hourly output of up to 400 tonnes, the MOBICAT MC 110(i) EVO2 is “flexible to use in natural stone or recycling” and “meets the requirements in the medium output range,” said Kleeman, in a statement on the release of the specialised mining equipment. During the development of the MC 110(i) EVO2, the development engineers from Kleemann in the main German factory in Göppingen placed the focal point on optimum transportability and a fast start-up, reducing the transport height by 20cm to 3.40m. As a result, relocation is now possible with simplified

transport by means of semi low-loaders. The start-up procedure itself takes only around 10 minutes and includes set-up times for flaps, belts and the feed hopper. A special highlight of the MOBICAT MC 110(i) EVO2 is a new effective two-stage overload system. It effectively prevents blockages and material bridging that can lead to delays and unwanted downtimes. According to the company, “if uncrushable material enters the crushing process, the CSS opens two times faster than with the predecessor plant or, as an option, even up to 40 times faster (which) increases the availability and thus the overall output.” Kleemann added that the digital operating concept – SPECTIVE, has been further developed and “revolutionises plant operation with its extensive features”. The new enhancements include a 12” touch panel which has been optimised to improve user guidance and visualisation, while, new components such as a radio remote control and a small radio remote control have been integrated into the SPECTIVE world. The new digital solution SPECTIVE CONNECT sends all important plant data to the smartphone allowing for operators to receive and share data in real time. In the new MOBICAT MC 110(i) EVO2, Kleemann has integrated a series of new technologies and improvements. The

CFS - Continuous Feed System guarantees continuous crusher utilization for daily outputs up to 10% higher. The independent double-deck prescreen effectively separates fines before they reach the crushing process. which increases the total plant throughput. This increases the total plant throughput whilst being gentle, for example, on downstream cone crushers in the second crushing stage. The extralong articulated crusher jaw guarantees improved feed behavior, whereas the flattened transition to the crusher chamber makes an optimum material flow possible. According to Kleemann, energy efficiency has also been a focal point in all of its latest developments, with the improved diesel-direct drive concept, in particular, minimizing operating costs due to a more economic use of fuel. The output-dependent fan guarantees an increased cooling capacity and operates only when necessary. SPECIFICATIONS

MOBICAT MC 110(I) EVO2 MOBILE JAW CRUSHER Drive concept: Diesel-direct Max. feed size: 990 mm x 620 mm x 370 mm Feed capacity: Up to approx.400 t/h

SITE VISIT APRIL 2022

“We operate worldwide so wherever we are, we will try to use a company like Spider Plus. They specialise in equipment that is small, can access the required areas and are still strong enough to lift the equipment on their cranes and install large, heavy sections of glass”

The two fully glazed doors were the first of their kind in the region and at the time it was the largest piece o f curved glass Spider Plus cranes had ever had to put in place.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

MARK DOWDALL SPEAKS TO SPIDER PLUS ABOUT THE UNIQUE SKILLSETS THAT ENABLED THE MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE TO SET NEW STANDARDS OF INNOVATIVE FINISH AND ACCESS

ine years ago, when construction began on the Museum of the Future, the concept of mini-cranes had yet to fully gain traction in the Middle East. Spider Plus had not yet taken its first steps in the region, through its Dubai office, and would not do so until 2016, so few could have imagined the extensive role the rental specialist would go on to play in implementing the exquisite final touches to Dubai’s newest cultural landmark. The iconic piece of architecture finally opened its doors to the public at the beginning of this year with the words of Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inscribed in Arabic across it’s exterior: “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it… The future does not wait. The future can be designed and built today.” In the years since this project was first imagined, there has been a steady growth in the number of nifty Spider Cranes popping up around the region, each helping to “execute” this vision of a better future and make more elaborate design projects than ever before come to life. This is in large part due to their ability to overcome unique challenges

by squeezing through narrow gaps when folded, spreading out and deploying with their outriggers splayed, and lifting in a space that almost no other crane can reach. Revolving Doors CMME encountered first-hand how these machines enable tricky work to be completed when we visited the Museum of the Future, in late 2020, to see how Spider Plus equipment was successfully used to install, among other things, the “biggest revolving door ever in the Middle East.” At five metres tall with a diameter of 4 metres, the two fully glazed doors were the first of their kind in the region and at the time it was the largest piece of curved glass that Spider Plus cranes had ever had to put in place. Bastiaan Jan Hokse, Project Manager at Bauporte, specialist and supplier of bespoke design entrances explains: “We installed two revolving doors of five metres height and a diameter of 4000mm, fully glazed and next to the revolvers we put four automatic pass doors double glazed with a height of 5000mm and a width of 1750mm. “We operate worldwide so wherever we are, we will try to use a company like Spider Plus. They specialise in equipment that is small, can access the required areas and are still strong enough to lift the equipment on their cranes and install large, heavy sections of glass.”

SITE VISIT APRIL 2022

The two cranes that carried out this significant lifting feat were the URW 547, which has a maximum lift capacity of 400kg and the slightly smaller mid-capacity URW 376 Spider Crane, both of which can be used with or without an optional 400v alternative electric power pack. At the time, the major parts of the museum’s construction were mostly finished. Inside was too confined to bring in a mobile crane, with no more than 10 metres of height to work with; while outside, canopies and overhanging beams, made it a necessity to use something smaller but with exceptional amounts of power. As Hokse puts it: “We needed small equipment that could manage big stuff so this is where Spider Plus came in.” “We are not limited in height as long as we have the glass,” he adds. “Our biggest door at the moment is 7.2 metres high, revolving in Amsterdam. but for us to be able to install it we can’t do it without companies like Spider Plus because they have the equipment or they develop the equipment that can assist us in lifting big doors, big pieces of glass and curve and putting it into place” The critical point of the installation was the handling of the special curved glass that came in large boxes and had to be first lifted out and made straight before then putting it in place. Manually this was impossible because it was too heavy and only a very specialised piece of lifting equipment such as the Hydraulica 1200 vacuum glass lifter, provided by Spider Plus, could take out such fragile material, turn it and keep it in position. The doors consisted of 80% glass and 20%, a steel frame, with one door, alone, weighing 1100kg.

time we worked with Bauporte but it was also the largest entrance way that we’ve ever played a part in installing.” He adds: “As with any project, we’ll assess the area we have to work in - the size, the shape, the style, the finishes and work out what the restrictions are. In this area we had already been working on the project in other areas with other clients so it was easier. We already knew what restrictions we had with floor finishes and what we were and weren’t able do in terms of floor loading. Some sites will not be happy with equipment over a certain weight, some sites will have restrictions based on ground pressures or sometimes both so we’ll assess all of that and determine which equipment will allow for the easiest and safest installation.”

The two cranes that carried out the operation were the URW 547 whcih has a maximum lift capacity of 500kg and the slightly smaller midcapacity URW 376 Spider Crane.

In such a delicate project, there was no room for error. All material had been shipped from Germany so even the slightest mistake could result in long and costly time delays. “This is what we specialize in, operating in tight areas with fairly strict requirements,” says Joe Duffy, executive manager, Spider Plus. “We had to spread the load to a certain amount in order to accommodate the finished flooring at various points. As well as this, precision installation, because we used our own operators so from that perspective it’s what we do. It wasn’t the first

Panoramic Lifts Once inside the Museum of the Future, visitors will be greeted by a monumental atrium, in the centre of which, lies three “super-fast” capsule lifts that ascend through seven floors, passing a range of multi-layered, interactive exhibitions on their way. Grankraft Industries, formerly known as Dubai Metal, were appointed to provide the stainless steel cladding for the panoramic lifts - the first super-fast lifts in the UAE - and they also had to deal with several challenges from working indoors in such confined spaces. “Initially our plan was to use the I-beams on the sixth floor and then from there, use it like a chain hoist to hook the stainlesssteel dome on the I-beam. That is what we had initially planned but later on due to site

NEW RELEASE

SPIDER PLUS DELIVER TWO UNIQUE LIFTING BEAMS Spider Cranes recently delivered two new, purpose-built lifting beams to One Za’beel as part of their overall glass replacement strategy. Both beams had to fit into a weight requirement and were built to overcome very specific challenges in window maintenance that could not be done by more traditional equipment. The first beam has been built to meet very specific weight requirements; in one area up to 300 kg pieces of glass that are going to be needed to be maintained could not be done from lifting directly above and nothing, light enough, was available on the market. Spider Plus has developed the beam to

meet the requirement of having no more than 800kg in total weight including the lifter, the beam and the glass itself. The second beam has been developed to install overhead which is something that was available on the market, yet it still had to fit into a weight limit requirement. The beam had to be done within a 1000 kg total weight limit including the 250300 kg pieces of glass but as the glass was going to be installed above the maintenance winches, which connect to the beams and the glass, a system was needed to lift from below so Spider Plus developed the overhang beam.

Although these are typically called overhang beams because they are used to lift around overhangs, most of them point laterally rather than up. This particular Spider Plus beam also has an integrated vacuum lifter within so the glass

can be raised up and installed. As Joe Duffy, executive manager, Spider Plus points out: “It is not possible to maintain a building in the same way that you’ve built it. You no longer have access to tower cranes anymore or various things like that so the two lifting beams that we developed and built for them were done to fit around what they were going to have or what the end customer would have access to if glass is broken and needs to be replaced. The primary purpose is for it to be used later. Typically for any equipment that is part of a handover package there is some kind of a maintenance strategy at the end of it.”

situation everything had changed. The I-beam methodology was no longer workable because it was in the closing stage of the construction of the museum. We used the Spider Crane to set the domes into position and then later on we made a small hooking point in our dome so we could pick it up directly from the top with a Spider Crane after that.” Grankraft Industries were operating in a confined space, firstly, because they were inside the building and secondly, because of limitations due to overhanging beams

The three panoramic lifts are the first super-fast lifts in the UAE. Spider Plus equipment helped solve the issue of installing lifts indoors with confined overhead space.

on the next level of floors. They had certain criteria for designing the dome structure to comply with a maximum allowed weight limit. There was a stainless-steel dome on top and bottom of the panoramic lifts, which needed to be brought to ground level before these could be installed. “Then the glass, that came from Germany, had be lifted and placed in front and we did that using the same Spider Crane which saved us a lot of time in this regard too.” Now that it’s finally here, the Museum of the Future can become a cornerstone

of Dubai’s iconic architecture for decades to come. In line with the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum this next-generation museum invites people to explore futuristic innovations, discover breakthrough technologies and be a part of shaping the future in the region and beyond. As installations and designs continue to become more elaborate, it can be expected that the necessity of equipment that flourishes in challenging spaces will continue to grow and play a part in creating that vision too.

EVENT PREVIEW APRIL 2022

OF THE E N O E ’R IF YOU ERE’S A H T , S R E N N LUCKY WI EFITS N E B F O T HOS

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84 DINGLI SCISSORS FOR RAPID ACCESS

RAPID ACCESS, THE MARKET LEADER OF POWERED ACCESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, HAVE STARTED TAKING DELIVERY OF THEIR FIRST DINGLI SCISSOR LIFTS

heir first operation opened in the UAE, in 1996, and as one of the pioneers of MEWP rentals in the GCC, Rapid Access are currently operating in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. With the largest and most comprehensive fleet in the region, Rapid Access are now expanding with a further 268 machines, of which 84 are Dingli scissor lifts. This latest order is part of a large expansion programme of their fleet across the region and shows their investment in further continuing as an industry leading rental equipment supplier. Speaking on the announcement, George Majdalany, Finance Director at Rapid Access said: “This is a great investment for Rapid Access and continues to position us as a market leader within the region, offering some of the latest models available in the industry. The additional availability only strengthens our capacity to support our

customers across the region and invest in their specialist needs for their sites.” Martin Newton, Technical Manager at Rapid Access added: “We’ve purchased 84 units varying from 8m electric to 22m diesel models. These new models offer our fleet some great benefits. All the electric scissors feature AC drive which improve efficiency, productivity, and extended runtime per battery charge, while the reduction in hydraulic components minimise the risk of leaks. The diesel scissor features 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steer, selflevelling outriggers, none marking tyres and the ability to drive at full height.” Even though equipment availability is currently a major problem for manufacturers in the region, with long lead times, Dingli’s range of products continued to gather momentum in the Middle East in 2021. With a new warehouse in the Saif-Zone in Sharjah, Dingli has the luxury of being able to offer their customers equipment on demand. On the occasions Dingli does not have the stock available in the warehouse, their current lead time for new orders is 35-40 days on their whole product lines.

“In addition, Dingli now have a capacity to offer regional after sales support, with parts stock being carried in the warehouse and fully trained technicians available to support our customers,” said Peter Ellis, General Manager of Dingli Middle East. He added: “We are very pleased to have received our first order from Rapid Access. 420 Dingli products have already been purchased by Nationwide Platforms, in the UK (both companies are part of the world’s third largest powered access provider, Loxam Group). Based on Nationwide Platform’s positive feedback on performance and reliability, Rapid Access placed what is believed to be the largest single order for scissor lifts in the region.” Paul Rankin, Managing Director at Nationwide Platforms and Chief Operating Officer of Loxam Powered Access Division concluded: “We’re delighted that Rapid Access has decided to follow Nationwide Platforms by making a substantial investment in Dingli machinery. It’s an exciting time for both Loxam divisions as our fleets increase to best service customers worldwide.”

HARD HITTERS GENSETS APRILAUGUS 2022 T 2019

THE PURSUIT OF POWER

MODERN ENGINES CONTINUE TO SHRINK IN SIZE BUT GROW TREMENDOUSLY IN POWER. AT MIDDLE EAST ENERGY VOLVO PENTA SHOWCASED THEIR LATEST ENGINE OFFERING TOGETHER WITH EXCLUSIVE UAE DEALER, AL MASOOD POWER DIVISION

ith a growing global demand for power generation Volvo Penta has been further updating its engine range to deliver even higher performance than ever before yet with a continued focus on reduced emissions. Over the last several years the company has introduced not only the full Stage V range for mobile gensets; the D8, D13, and D16, but also entirely new additions to the Volvo Penta genset family - the compact and powerful D8 engine, and the 500 kVA power node to their D13 genset engine.

Both of these were on display at the recent Middle East Energy 22 (MEE) in Dubai which Volvo Penta attended together with its long-term, exclusive dealer in the UAE, Al Masood Power Division. Not only have Al Masood been a mainstay of the event for the last twelve years, but the family run dealer, has been in partnership with Volvo Penta for most of its 51 years in existence, covering both the UAE and Bahrain. Speaking to CMME at the event, Rasso Bartenschlager, General Manager of Al Masaood’s Power Division, explained that first and foremost, the most important thing when considering the latest additions to their power generation portfolio, was efficiency. “Number one is efficiency which means the emission controls that we can fulfill which is absolutely vital now going towards sustainability. Yes, it is still a diesel engine but the first step towards

sustainability is to have diesel engines which have lower consumption but at the same time higher outputs. And that is exactly what we have here. Both engines have a very high power to weight ratio and even though equipment keeps getting smaller we still have vast amounts of power from these small engines. Whilst this is indirectly linked to sustainability too because you are saving material and using less steel what is most important is the fuel efficiency and the power for its size, and this is where we have an advantage over others. Getting even more power out of these engines will be a trend that will help over the next couple of years as we look to integrate other fuel types such as hydrogen too. The Volvo Penta D8, on display at the event, is an in-line 6-cylinder, 7.7-litre diesel engine using a high-tech fuel injection system with double overhead camshafts, a twin-entry turbo, and supercharger. It is

39 both powerful and economical as a backup power while its flexibility provides a cost-effective option as a primary power generator in areas where energy source is limited. The result is low fuel consumption, and an extremely attractive total cost of ownership, which is a fundamental value of Volvo Penta’s ethos. “We want our customers to know that when they buy Volvo Penta genset engines that they are getting robust and efficient solutions,” said Anders Konradsson, Vice President Global Industrial Sales, Volvo Penta, when announcing their decision to showcase the engine. “As a company, we pride ourselves on the strong relationships we have with our customers – relationships that are formed and strengthened at shows such as Middle East Energy.” Volvo Penta’s other, most recent addition – the D13 500 kVA, is considerably smaller and lighter when compared to previous models resulting in a smaller engine room, smaller alternator, and consequently a fuel saving of four to five percent.

Most notably, it gives full power output the second it starts up – an essential feature for a backup genset particularly for those being used in emergency/ stand-by operations, such as in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or data centres. The biggest issue of course, being faced by dealers such as Al Masood, right now, is trying to match production and availability to the increased demand. “You can hear every day of projects starting up so the demand is much higher than the supply chain is able to deliver which is a problem for everyone,” explained Bartenschlager at Midde East Energy. Even our competitors are struggling to deliver on time and perhaps this will not change for at least another year.” Yet, despite the clear supply chain challenges, Bartenschlager does see light at the end of the tunnel in terms of change and implementing future technologies in the region. “The interesting thing is that ten years is around about the lifespan of a machine so whatever we

are selling today still has many similarities to what was being sold ten years ago. However, the tendency is going more and more towards hybrid and alternative fuels. “I think that in the Middle East, actually, these changes are coming faster than in other places. The region doesn’t yet have the production capacity for it in terms of producing these engines and applications. However, the willingness to spend money right now is high. We, as a company, are working on a hydrogen bolt at the moment. And this will come in a year’s time, in which we will most probably be one of the first ones.” Taking place under the theme, “Guiding you through the energy transition,” Middle East Energy took place at Dubai World Trade Centre, over three days, providing a platform for energy alternatives and solutions, including digitalisation, solar, wind, and hydro. Volvo Penta and Al Masood are likely to again be key participants at the thirteenth installment of the event next year.

“Both engines have a very high power to weight ratio and even though equipment keeps getting smaller we still have vast amounts of power from these small engines”

THE LAST WORD APRIL 2022

OVATION N N I E L A FULL-SC T S EATE R R I C F O ’S T O N D E A IN TAD ERE ASK W S T N A CRANE P I E C T I U T C R E A X P ION, OULD E C T A H T COMPETIT ATIONS I L A U L M O I S R T N N CO OPERATIO A MOTION

E G N E L L A H C N O I T A V O N N I T E S TADANO

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