Construction Machinery ME December 2019

ISSUE 98 2019 DECEMBER

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2019

38

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

14_AL-BAHAR APPLIES TECHNOLOGY Regional Caterpillar dealer introduces new mobile phone App to ease fleet maintenance and reduce downtime for its CSA customers.

16_MINE CRAFT CMME visits the MENA Mining Show and catches up with participants to discuss the state of the regional mining and materials processing sector.

20_AXIOMATIC PROJECTS Swisslog discusses its automated warehousing projects and the machines and solutions reducing work and increasing accuracy

12

in the logistics field.

R E W O RAW P

Twin D TGV cranes put e locomotiv on track

L E A SE S

ery. ion machin f construct o d rl o w e th leases from The latest re

E 32 _ N E W R

12 SPOTTED ANCbEile IN FR emag mo

bly. eets profita achinery fl m g n ti ra e p s for o nsideration Top ten co

EN 36_TOP T

region.

GE R S ines in the N ch A a H m f C o e E rang 38_GA M terpillar GC the new Ca s ce u d o tr Al-Bahar in ACK P RHINE B wn on the river.

E E K O T L WAL a German to wall around 44_BAUER dig a flood p le augers hel Bauer’s trip

20

14

24

16

2

EDITORIAL DECEMBER 2019

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 EDITORIAL EDITOR ANIRBAN BAGCHI anirban.bagchi@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5715 SUB EDITOR AELRED DOYLE

ENDING WITH A BANG

aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com

As the year comes to a close, what stands out for me in the 12 eventful months gone by in the world of construction equipment is the global drive towards incorporating new technology.

Like any Bauma year, 2019 too saw great excitement at the show in Munich in April, where the buzzwords this time definitely were low emissions, electrification, digitisation, automation and the job-site of the future. Of the plethora of new models displayed or introduced, the standouts were those that either used alternative fuel sources or new ICT advancements for cleaner machines and more productivity.

As the Middle East is not really innovation central yet where either of these two concepts are concerned, nor the strictest of emission environments, most of the shiny new kit that wowed visitors at Messestadt West will sadly not be making their journeys here anytime soon. But that does not mean we have not seen some of our own shiny new metal here in the region. And the latest and most significant ones were seen just last month, making for a year that is ending pretty much with a bang here in the GCC. Last month, Mohamed Abdulrahman AlBahar, the Caterpillar dealer in the region, launched a new range of Cat machines that we are unable to call anything but ‘game changers’ – the new GC range, designed and built based on the “voice of the customer” from the Middle East, which was collected by Al-Bahar and acted upon by Cat’s R&D team.

In a nutshell, the GC range is a no-frills, robust, workman-like series of value-driven machines that cater to the Middle East customer who finds a machine loaded with the latest electronics and technology superfluous to his needs. How this scenario differs with the global one can best be illustrated by the way Caterpillar introduced

TOM BROMLEY

its 320 excavators at around this time two years ago, flying in the global press, its important clients, dealers and associates to the salubrious climes of the southern Spanish city of Malaga where it has its EMEA demonstration centre.

There, the company put on a lavish and magnificent show over two consecutive days and introduced its new 320 excavators to the world with much fanfare.

The ceremony that went into the introduction of those machines back in 2017 was a pointer towards how important the new models – for which Cat used the moniker ‘Challengers’ – were to the world’s largest construction equipment company. Senior Cat officials had said then that the machines were going to “change the game” for the company and the sector. But that may have been a little premature as a pronouncement when it came specifically to the Middle East region. Not anymore, though. The two GC series machines that were introduced by Al-Bahar last month have the wherewithal to be the real game changers for this region that they are being billed as.

Unfortunately, though, what the new introductions again brought to the fore was how low down technological innovations still remain in the list of priorities for the Middle East customer. Maybe it’s something that 2020 will begin to rectify.

See you in the New Year!

Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE tom.bromley@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5496 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING MARKETING MANAGER SHEENA SAPSFORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT ABDUL BAEIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PUBLISHED BY

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4

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CONSTRUCTION

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY, DUBAI

Guardian Glass helps Sabic’s Home of Innovation achieve zero net energy balance

SILICON OASIS LAUNCH LAB TO DEVELOP GEOSPATIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

I can’t think of a greater gift from this phase of development in the UAE than proving that we can all build the infrastructure

CONSULTANT

that holds our cities and

Turner & Townsend readies UAE’s largest IKEA for December opening

communities together in the most sustainable way possible. The construction industry in the UAE has

Experts: The company behind Al Wasl Plaza’s dazzling steelwork

always relied on bringing over the best brains of the construction industry

CONSTRUCTION

from across the world.

Riviera Group announces opening of La Riviera Apartments

The legacy of this can be seen in the iconic buildings that push up into the skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Initiatives like this (Dubai Municipality,

Dubai Silicon Oasis launch lab to develop geospatial

CONSULTANT

H+A Global wins design contract for Wellness Village in Jeddah

infrastructure) and the work being done in institutions like Masdar and the universities are proof that the future will be about establishing the country as a centre for innovation for the entire

CONSTRUCTION

L&T Construction wins multiple EPC contracts from JUIDCO

Project profile: The Mall of Oman, a nation’s destination

global industry.

Name withheld by request

HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR

PC210-10M0 Customer voice is our guiding light

At Komatsu, we leverage our tradition of manufacturing excellence and industry-leading technical insights to develop products and services that deliver tangible benefits to customer operation. Our guiding light in this endeavor is customer voice: illuminating the daily conditions that shape their equipment and technology requirements.

Our PC210-10M0, for example, features elements to boost productivity: a large bucket and bold redesign of work equipment. It also provides a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and low maintenance costs – keeping customer bottom line top of mind. The machine’s robust design is fit to perform in the toughest environments, for applications in construction, quarry, forestry and agriculture.

The satisfaction of our customers is what drives us forward.

https://home.komatsu/en/

S W NE 6

NEW MODEL

SDLG LAUNCHES ITS LARGEST WHEEL LOADER

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 NEW PERKINS

SDLG has announced the luanch of

APPOINTMENTS

its biggest wheel loader to date, the

Perkins Engines

L975F. The 24.9t, Stage III machine has

has announced

a focus on durability, fuel efficiency and

the appointment

improving productivity on job-sites, said

of David Nicoll

the Volvo-owned Chinese manufacturer.

(below) as

The L975F can be used for a range

product manager

of tough applications in construction

in its Industrial

quarrying, mines and port terminals.

Large Engine

“We are proud to introduce the

department. Nicoll

L975F to our wheel loader offering,”

will lead global

said Henrik Sjöstrand, SDLG product

strategy, product

manager. “We understand customers’

introductions

demand for equipment that is going

and lifecycle

to maximise the output of any job, no

management for

matter how demanding. We listened

Industrial 9.3-

and our biggest wheel loader is our

18 litre engines

most durable yet, with no compromise

at Perkins’ US

on fuel efficiency or safety.”

operations in

The L975F is designed with robust

Genie opens distribution centre for Middle East

Illinois. Jason

rear and front frames to withstand

Kern has also been

load distribution. Equipped with a

made marketing

large tonnage driving axle and reliable

and channel

braking, the model is fitted with a

development

199kW engine and its transmission

director at the

uses a HTE205C fixed-axis electro-

Global powered access major Genie has opened its first distribution centre in the Middle East in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). The Terex AWP brand said the move aims to support the needs of its aerial access equipment customers in the region.

The new distribution facility, on the premises of third-party logistics provider Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions (WWS), will hold a broad selection of Genie boom lifts and scissor lifts in order to respond quickly to customers’ critical business requirements.

Sharbel Kordahi, MD, Terex Equipment Middle East (TEME), and Genie sales director for Middle East, South Africa, Russia and CIS, Terex AWP, said: “The market is evolving and our customers have been finding that they are increasingly challenged by orders for projects that demand delivery at short notice. Addressing the need to ensure fast deliveries to better

Caterpillar-owned

hydraulic automatic shifting gearbox

engine and power

for flexibility and ease of operation

specialist. He will

— SDLG’s first machine wiht a fully

be responsible for

automatic transmission built by Volvo.

support our customers’ urgent requests, this new facility will help us respond more quickly, getting them the equipment they need when they need it. Customers can also rest assured that this will not change their existing order process.”

Genie added that the new Genie distribution centre will also handle predelivery inspections (PDI) and fitting services to address the specific needs of Middle East customers, just as other Terex AWP facilities around the world do.

“This distribution centre is geared to the specific needs of customers in the Middle East, and as such the main focus will be on considerably speeding up the delivery of critical and one-shot orders. At the same time, our distributors will continue to maintain their own stocks of Genie equipment on their own premises to ensure the best response possible to all customers throughout the region,” said Kordahi.

execution of global

An integrated cooling system

marketing and

uses intelligent technology to

rental strategies

automatically adjust fan speed

and leading the

according to engine temperature

Perkins distributor

- advantageous in hot climates.

excellence

The standard 4.2m³ bucket with eight

programme

bolted-on teeth and two wear plates has

out of Perkins’

a spill guard plate to prevent material

Texas facility.

loss. The maximum dump height, at 3.2m, is supported by a 3.6m boom.

The second stage 93 sand filter on the machine filters over 95% of particles when working in dusty conditions such as mines. SDLG adds that with the same material load, the L975F’s fuel consumption is almost 50% lower than two standard 5-tonne wheel loaders.

Top performance.

Top of the range.

The L975F Wheel Loader

Reliable performance and power, meet the L975F, the newest addition to the SDLG wheel loader line up.

Building on the success and performance of the proven F-series, SDLG is introducing the L975F as the top of the range machine. With an operating weight of 22 900 kg and standard bucket of 4.2 m³, this is the ideal machine choice for rehandling operations. SDLG is one of China’s largest construction machinery suppliers and a member of the Volvo Group, which distributes its machines worldwide.

Take a look online at the range, and talk to your local dealership.

sdlgcm sdlg_machines sdlg emea sdlg-africa.com sdlg-middle-east.com

8

NEWS ROUND-UP DECEMBER 2019

HEAVY LIFT

KUWAIT LANDMARK FOR ALE MEGA JACK 300

Comansa ups capacity with new tower crane

Tower crane manufacturer Comansa has launched a new large-capacity flat-top model, the 21LC1400, which adds to its extensive range of large-capacity flat-tops and is expected to be used mainly in infrastructure and prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) projects. It will also provide enhanced performance on other projects involving lifting very heavy loads, such as in shipyards, mining and other industrial sectors.

According to Comansa, the 21LC1400 features a modular design counter jib to significantly reduce operating radius on small sites. A new single and highly compact trolley-hook has also been designed for the new model, replacing Comansa’s single-double trolley system, standard in its other models. This is because this new crane will work mainly on projects in which maximum load capacity is required for almost every lift, said

the manufacturer.

The 21LC1400 comes in two versions with maximum load capacities of 50t and 66t. It has an 85m jib as standard, extendable up to 90m, and a new cage designed as an extension of the range that includes the latest upgrades of cages previously available only for smaller cranes.

Comansa has also announced the addition of its Quick Set electronic limitation system, exhibited in Bauma this year. The system reduces set-up time of the cranes from three hours to 45 minutes and also reduces the number of staff required during set-up operations.

The 21LC1400 comes with Comansa’s new CUBE cab as standard.

First exhibited at in 2017, it sports an innovative design and a new, comfortable user experience.

BRIAN KING LEAVES POWER TOWERS JLG has announced that Brian King will leave Power Towers, the low-level access

ALE’s Mega Jack 300 has performed its

company he co-

100th jack-up on the Al Zour oil refinery

founded. “It is with

project in Kuwait. The innovative jacking

personal regret

system is currently working on the oil &

and warm wishes

gas complex, expected to become one

that I announce

of the largest refineries in the world. ALE

that Brian King has

is providing the full onshore heavy-

decided to leave

lifting solution for the Fluor Daweoo

Power Towers,

and Hyundai JV module strategy,

effective December

performing the jack-up, transportation

31, 2019,” said

and installation of 188 modules.

Karel Huijser, VP,

Named for its 300t capacity per tower,

EMEAIR region at

the Mega Jack 300 was launched last

JLG, which now

year and is the latest edition to ALE’s

owns the company.

Mega Jack fleet. ALE calls it a cost-

King said he feels

effective jacking solution for any type

“very proud to have

of site condition. Its components are

built Power Towers

easy to handle, being considerably

from scratch to a

more compact and lightweight than

very successful

previous models, so reconfigurations

business”.

can be made quickly on-site.

The Al-Zour refinery is the Mega Jack 300’s debut operation. It commenced work on the project in 2018 and previous lifts have included the longest and highest module ever jacked up and installed in Kuwait.

JCB BREAKS OWN TRACTOR SPEED RECORD W IT FASTRAC TWO H

NEW CEO FOR IPAF UK access industry veteran Peter Douglas will be the International Powered Access Federation’s new CEO. Douglas was MD at Pullman Fleet Services division of UK transport and logistics group Wincanton. He has also previously worked with IPAF in many roles.

JCB has once ag ain stormed into the record book after breaking its s own record for th e world’s fastest tractor with Fastr ac Two, the lates t version of its Fa tractor that held strac the previous reco rd . Piloted by mot racer Guy Martin or cycle , the Fastrac Two reached a speed 217.56km/h at th of e Elvington Airfi eld in York, Engl a feat officially ra and, tified by Guinne ss World Record which presented s, the company wi th a special fram certificate minut ed es after the achi evement. The record-breaking machine, designe d and built by a team of engine ers at JCB’s Staff ordshire facility, bettered JCB’s previous mark by over 50 km/h.

9

Al-Bahar delivers Cat forklifts to Danube Mohamed Abdulrahman AlBahar has delivered 35 units of Cat DP30NT forklifts along with an exclusive support bundle to UAE-based Danube Building Materials to help the company’s warehousing operations in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah.

Danube offers more than 25,000 products and needed versatile warehousing equipment to meet its requirements of handling the large variety of materials in its stock, said Al-Bahar, the Caterpillar dealer for the region, adding that the requirements from the equipment included performance, durability, high-capacity engines and higher lifting heights.

Danube had already been using Cat Lift Trucks for more

than a decade through the Cat Rental Store and this formed the basis of their decision to acquire the new Cat machines, said Al-Bahar. The process included multiple rounds of consultations and considerations, and the transition from rental to newly purchased equipment was smooth since the operators were previously experienced in using the Cat Lift Trucks on rent.

Mamoun Mutair, product manager, Material Handling Equipment, Al-Bahar, said: “Regardless of the application expectation, these compact engine powered models have deservedly acquired a name synonymous with durability.

Of the various material handling equipment we offer, the DP30NT was ideal for Danube’s requirement.

NEW PUMPS NEW HIGHS

POWERED ACCESS SECTOR REPORTS HEADY GROWTH IN CHINESE MARKET

FROM ENERPAC Enerpac has launched a new

“Along with high lifting height and engine capacity, the DP30NT offers a detailed dashboard. It comes with hydrostatic steering for increased productivity.

Moreover, advanced engine powered technology offers the level of performance necessary to meet the requirements of modern business.”

T. Madhusudhan Rao, CEO, Danube, said: “The value of the Cat brand was known to us, as we have been using Cat rental forklifts for over 10 years.

Moreover, we were happy with the excellent dealer support from Al-Bahar, including the availability of parts across the region. Hence, we had no second thoughts when we needed to purchase forklifts for operations across our branches.”

WACKER NEUSON GOES CORDLESS Wacker Neuson has launched a new cordless internal vibrator system for concrete consolidation, which is designed as a backpack with padded shoulder and hip straps.

The system uses a replaceable battery to power the internal vibrator unit and allows operators to walk around freely without any power cables.

Caterpillar updates cold planers

series of E-Pulse The Chinese market for

for the market, with the report

Hydraulic Pumps

powered access products

saying there are more than 50

and a new

expanded by a CAGR of 60%

OEMs active in the Chinese

XC1302SE Cordless

last year with sales in excess

market now. Moreover, China

Dump and Hold

of 40,000 units, exceeding

continues to be one of the

Pump. The E-Pulse

all expectations, said a report

most important manufacturing

Hydraulic Pumps

from Off-Highway Research.

centres for both international

have new Smart

and indigenous brands,

Controls that

low as 6,920 units as recently

resulting in MEWP production

enable the motor to

as 2014, the report said: “The

exceeding 100,000 units

maintain constant

growth in rental investment

in the country last year.

power across the

Citing annual sales figures as

Demand for MEWPS is

pressure range and

developing demand for access

expected to keep growing

provide higher flow

platforms. With the evident

in China for the foreseeable

than traditional

saturation of demand in the

future, through the rate of

0.5hp pumps. The

traditional equipment market,

growth is forecast to slow

0.85hp direct-drive

many distributors have been

down slightly compared

motor has a six-

encouraged to invest in new

to recent years. According

piston block design

business sectors, and there

to Off-Highway Research,

that makes the

is the general belief that

though, the market could

operation of tools

access platform rental offers

reach 125,000 platforms per

smoother.

better returns and a clearer

year by 2023 and the industry

cost structure without the

is also expected to become

need to hire operators.”

more diverse even as electric

has played a pivotal role in

The high demand has also

scissor lifts continue to remain

seen suppliers make a beeline

the highest volume products.

Caterpillar has announced updates to its PM310, PM312 and PM313 cold planers.

The PM300 Series is ideal for small-to-medium job-sites where compact dimensions, optimum manoeuvrability and high production capabilities are required, says Cat. Wheel or track undercarriage designs are available for each model.

The PM300 Series machines e with the Cat C9.3 engine which develops 334hp of power, a 3% increase. The machines have improved visibility features with a sliding operator’s station, optional camera and an auxiliary power

connector for additional lighting. The new sliding station extends beyond the machine frame, approximately 215mm, providing operators with optimal visibility and line of site when following an edge.

The machines can be also equipped with an optional camera that mounts above the cutter box to improve visibility.

The camera can be viewed through an LCD Display in the operator’s station, enabling the operator to make closer cuts next to obstacles.

Servicing the rotor is also now easier with an integrated rotor turning system.

10

NEWS ROUND-UP DECEMBER 2019

ONLINE SOLUTION

NEW HAULOTTE GROUP WEBPAGE FOR USED EQUIPMENT

Snorkel starts making lithium Speed Levels RESTRUCTURING

NEW LOADERS FROM HYUNDAI Hyundai Construction Equipment’s new HL900 A-Series range of wheeled loaders comprise the HL970A, HL955A and HL960A models with Cummins engines. The range sports Hyundai’s Power Smart Mode for fuel savings of up to 5%.

lithium-ion batteries also deliver significantly less job-site noise.

For example, at less than 68dB, the new SL26RTE is 60% quieter than the existing Snorkel SL26SL. Fitted with a 2.5kWh 50A battery charger, the battery packs can be fully charged in less than six hours, at a significantly lower cost than the diesel equivalent. The integrated electric powertrain was developed with Hyperdrive Innovation, a Sunderland, UK-based developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

JEKKO UNVEILS NEW I IN VERSATILE M CRANE

d its o has unveile e maker Jekk an cr ating lty or ia rp ec co Sp ini crane in telescopic m d The ke g. ac tin tr is w ho ne stability and r fo gy ile lo no new tech 280 is a versat the new SPX1 id sa g ny in pa at m er Italian co l advanced op offers severa t over its machine that improvemen g ns and is a bi el has a od m w configuratio X1275. The ne SP e th r, hes so predeces of 8t and reac working load fe sa is um jib im max hydraulic ht when the 26.6m in heig y’ mode the rr Ca & ‘Pick installed. In s of s 360 degree machine offer . ad lo a 2t operation with

on-line release or

a new webpage on

price. It connects users

its group websites

directly to Haulotte

featuring used

subsidiaries’ dedicated

equipment from its

teams for greater

21 subsidiaries.

responsiveness. Delivery

The French powered

is guaranteed

AT MANITEX

access giant said the aim

worldwide, directly on

Manitex

of the new webpage is

customers’ premises

International has

to better meet market

or in one of the

announced that

demands and customers

group’s subsidiaries,

two of its brands -

can now use it to search,

said Haulotte.

PM and Oil & Steel

inspect and buy used

- will operate as

lifting equipment to fit

able to view product

separate divisions

their jobs and budgets.

photos and explore

with different

Global powered access major Snorkel has announced that it has commenced full production of two new lithium-powered Speed Level access platform models at its UK assembly facility.

Snorkel says the maintenance-free lithium-ion battery packs reduce running costs by up to 95% when compared to an engine and are shown to last up to 20 times longer than lead acid batteries. The low voltage system is easily serviced, without the need for specialist high voltage training, and has been tested in climatic chambers between -25°C and +60°C. The zero emission,

Haulotte has launched

The webpage allows

Users will also be

all features and

general managers.

customers to search

specifications at used-

Truck mount and

and filter equipment by

equipment.haulotte.

tracked platform

customisable criteria,

com. The machines

manufacturer

such as category, model,

are inspected and

Oil & Steel and

year of construction

serviced with Haulotte

articulated crane

and registration, current

parts and will undergo

producer PM

location, number of

numerous checks

were part of the

working hours and

before being deemed

PM Group until

mileage, serial number,

“ready to work”.

its acquisition

by Manitex in 2014 and both remained under the same umbrella.

Now, under Steve Filipov, Manitex’s new CEO, the two companies have been separated.

11

New Dubai facility for Johnson Arabia Regional mobile crane and powered access equipment rental heavyweight, Johnson Arabia, has officially inaugurated its new premises in Dubai Industrial City (DIC), where its has relocated from its previous facility in Al Quoz Industrial Area.

The move to the new DIC premises, a 41,800sqm facility, coincides with the celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary. Apart from an equipment yard and repair facilities, the new premises also has the company’s training facilities and head office.

At an event organised in the new premises to mark Johnson Arabia’s milestone and the move to DIC, Mishal Hamed Kanoo, chairman, Kanoo Group, said: “Over the

last two decades, Johnson Arabia has played a major role in construction projects that have been instrumental in the growth of the UAE. We are proud of Johnson Arabia being part of the Kanoo Group and of having grown together with it.

Johnson Arabia’s success owes

tremendously to its team of passionate and knowledgeable professionals who have exerted great effort to drive the business into the future.

We look forward to taking this experience and knowledge to other parts of the world.”

Leendert Jacobus Van

NEW HIGH-POWER NEW AGE POWER

FPT AND MICROVAST PARTNER FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SYSTEMS

CAT ENGINE Caterpillar has introduced a new

Adrighem, director, Van Adrighem Group, and Martin Kirby, MD, Johnson Arabia were also in attendance.

“This is a special year for Johnson Arabia. I’m proud of our team and what we’ve been able to accomplish in the last 20 years. With our new DIC facility, we are equipped for the future of our business with one of the largest and modern rental fleets in the UAE along with improved training and customer support,” said Kirby.

Johnson Arabia’s crane fleet comprises around 250 all-terrain, rough terrain, truck mounted and crawler cranes with lifting capacities from 7-700t. It also has an AWP fleet of 700, with a mix of electric and diesel units with working heights from 4.5–47.7m.

AXALTA ACQUIRES CAPITAL PAINTS Global liquid and powder coatings supplier Axalta has announced the acquisition of Capital Paints LLC, a UAE-based thermosetting powder coatings manufacturer, which will operate as one of three Axalta powder manufacturing facilities in the emerging markets. with the others in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Doosan demonstrates automated job-site

engine to help FPT Industrial, the specialist

targeted partnerships to

companies lower

powertrains arm of the CNH

deliver advanced alternatives

emissions in high-

Industrial group, which owns

to traditional fuels, this

power industrial

brands such as Case and Iveco,

accelerates our journey to

applications.

has signed a memorandum

a sustainable tomorrow.”

The new 78-litre

of understanding foreseeing

Also as part of the deal,

V16 Cat 3516E

an industrial and commercial

FPT Industrial will start a

industrial engine

cooperation with Microvast,

new e-platform to develop

uses a dual SCR-

which will enable FPT

and industrialise complete

only aftertreatment

Industrial to design and

electrified powertrain systems,

to meet the latest

assemble in-house high-

customised and sized for

global emission

voltage battery packs,

specific missions, with the

requirements and

to be offered on CNH

aim to guarantee efficient

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Doosan Infracore has unveiled its ‘Concept-X’ machines at its proving grounds in Boryeong City, Korea, with more than 200 people in attendance, including local and government officials, academics and executives from companies associated with the development of the concepts.

According to Doosan, Concept-X is a comprehensive control solution that can be used to survey worksite topography via 3D drone scanning, establish operational plans based on the topographical data, and operate construction

equipment such as excavators and wheel loaders without human intervention. Concept-X realises the construction site of the future by having all dangerous construction work performed solely by equipment, leaving human personnel free to concentrate on more sophisticated analysis and management tasks.

Doosan said wihle individual unmanned technologies have already been introduced, its unmanned automation technologies apply to the entire construction site operation process and is a world first.

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KIT SPOTTING DECEMBER APRIL 2016 2019

DEMAGS RIGHT ON TRACK WITH TGV LOCO T he French TGVs (Train à Grande Vitesse) are known for a number of things; the most important is their speed. However, precision was far more important than speed for this specific job, as every centimetre counted when moving a 34t TGV locomotive onto a track at the Technicentre SNCF in Romillysur-Seine. This is why crane service provider Mordefroy Levage, which performed the lifts on behalf of French railway company SNCF, decided to use its tried-and-true Demag AC 100-4L and AC 140 duo for the tandem lifts.

Patrick Mordefroy, GM, Mordefroy Levage, explains: “The two

Demag cranes had more than the performance characteristics required for this job, not to mention that they work like a charm together, so it was only natural for us to use them.”

There was another advantage behind the two Demag cranes that became readily apparent during their trip to the work-site: everything that the two cranes needed for the tandem lift fit on a single transportation truck, meaning on-site set-up was completed very quickly. It only took the three-person Mordefroy team an hour to get it done.

When loading the locomotive onto a lowbed trailer, the Mordefroy team was lucky to be working with

ideal conditions and ample space. That changed entirely when unloading the locomotive at the new Technicentre SNCF, as the space conditions there were much tighter. However, the team’s experience and the cranes’ compact design made it possible to overcome this challenge.

To prepare for the lift, the 34t, 22m-long locomotive was first positioned parallel to the track with the lowbed trailer, then slung at the front and rear with spreader beams in order to provide the required controllability during the lift.

The Demag AC 100-4L picked up the front of the locomotive with its hook at a radius of 13m, so that it had

to handle a total weight of 16t, while the AC 140 worked at a radius of 14m and took care of the remaining 18t.

With this configuration, the two cranes lifted the load to a height of 12m and moved it right over the track, perfectly synchronized, then set the locomotives down precisely on the track.

The Mordefroy team needed only eight hours to complete the job, impressive given the required degree of precision.

“We owed a lot of it to the reliability and unrivalled performance characteristics of our two Demag cranes, which is why we really consider them to be invaluable parts of our fleet,” Patrick Mordefroy points out.

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“The two Demag cranes had more than the performance characteristics required for this job, not to mention that they work like a charm together�

14

DEALER FOCUS DECEMBER 2019

A NEW MOBILE PHONE APP IS EASING FLEET MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE, REDUCING DOWNTIME FOR CUSTOMERS OF REGIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT MACHINERY DEALER AL-BAHAR

AL-BAHAR APPLIES TECHNOLOGY

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CC machinery powerhouse Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar has made work easier and more efficient for customers who have a customer support agreement (CSA) with the company, by introducing the Al-Bahar CSA app, designed exclusively for CSA customers.

The dedicated new mobile phone app is optimised for customers who need to track critical assets, including both machines and engines, and require operating data from the field. According to Al-Bahar, it gives them an easy way to monitor their entire CSA fleet, request and schedule maintenance, and connect with the Al-Bahar team from the work-site.

The exact location of all equipment tracked by the app is displayed on the mobile device, along

with its operating hours, health and utilisation data.

This enables operations departments to get the most from their equipment by moving an underutilised asset to precisely where it is needed most.

Discussing the details with CMME, Mohamed Sherif Samy, segment manager, Group Product Support at Al-Bahar, says: “We designed the app to cover all equipment that are under our CSA agreement between Al-Bahar and the customer. The app was developed by a third-party vendor, with all rights owned by Al-Bahar. All data collected by the app comes to Al-Bahar and is securely maintained by us, so customers can have complete peace of mind. In case customers require any help with the app, such as trouble shooting or for any issues, they can reach us directly and/or enquire through our dedicated product support representative. So we also have back-up in place for the app.

“This app will elevate the after-sales support we offer to our CSA customers. It’s a new digital platform

that acts as a support assistant to the customers, helping them with their fleet maintenance and management.

“Downtime is always dreaded in the construction and equipment sphere, especially if it is unplanned.

Only timely and right maintenance can evade it.

However, maintenance can involve multiple calls, messy repair schedules and repeated follow-ups.

“With our CSA customers, though, this is not the case; customers can get customised support options, made with careful planning and continuous attention to help them succeed. With a CSA-covered fleet, our customers get more time to do what they do best – run their business. Trained technicians assist them by maintaining their equipment and driving down operating costs, helping get more work done for less expenditure.”

Detailing the features and parameters of the app, Samy says users will be able to track all their assets covered under the Al-Bahar CSA umbrella

15 and see their progress. Each customer has one log-in credential and the target user profile is the maintenance or fleet manager. They will be able to schedule maintenance using the app and have Al-Bahar technicians visit their job-sites when the unit is due for the maintenance. All maintenance reports will also be available on the app, including Technical Analysis Level I and level II (TA1 & TA2).

The app will also assist in bringing more machines under Al-Bahar CSA coverage by showing upfront quotes and estimates for any asset in the customer’s fleet.

“The app helps in maintenance and fleet management by simplifying the entire process. It gives complete fleet visibility for remote monitoring of your fleet and managing CSA contracts.

Customers can also maintain a comprehensive maintenance calendar with the app and obtain at-a-glance views of the maintenance schedule of their machines with timely reminders,” says Samy.

“With timely checking, monitoring and alerts, that dreaded enemy of the fleet owner or contractor can be kept at bay: unscheduled downtime. With data analytics providing the optimum time for doing maintenance, every machine can be kept in the best running condition possible and the maximum uptime can be extracted from it. And the app users also have the peace of mind that comes from being able to view hassle-free reports from Al-

Bahar and access inspection and SOS intervention reports from the comfort and ease of their mobile device, to be certain that their machines are being well looked after.”

The app is available on both Android and Apple platforms, and Al-Bahar CSA customers can expect newer versions with more features and improvements going forward, Samy concludes.

“The app helps in maintenance and fleet management by simplifying the entire process. It gives complete fleet visibility for remote monitoring of your fleet and managing CSA contracts”

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SHOW REPORT DECEMBER 2019

MINE CRAFT

CMME CATCHES UP WITH PARTICIPANTS AT LAST MONTH’S MINING SHOW IN DUBAI TO KNOW ABOUT THE STATE OF THE MINING AND MATERIALS PROCESSING SECTOR IN THE REGION AND THEIR PERFORMANCE IN IT

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ver since its first edition 12 years ago, the Mining Show has become a fixture in the construction-related event space in the Middle East and North Africa region. With the show in a well-established state, Terrapin Events, the organisers, this year changed its venue from the Dubai World Trade Centre to a new venue.

Last month, the Mining Show 2019 took place at the Dubai Festival Arena with a few thousand visitors and around 175 exhibitors attending the show catering to the mining industries of the Middle East and North Africa regions. The list of exhibitors comprised renowned firms from the construction and mining machinery and automation sectors, with the likes of Epiroc, Dassault Systems, Rockwell Automation, Vermeer and CDE Global in attendance.

“The Mining Show always attracts a lot of people from other than the sand and silica business. A lot of participants are from the African continent - something we’ve been noting since 2016 when we participated in the event for the first time,” says Ruchin Garg, regional manager, MENA, at CDE. “This year is a good one as well, but we will still rate last year a little higher. The change in venue is probably one of the contributing factors behind this, but that’s expected given that this was the first year at a new venue and it will need time to grow here. The organisers are very focused on curating a good mix and providing great content. We appreciate their efforts, which I’m sure will help to keep this event an important

17 CDE Global made its presence felt at the MENA Mining Show with a large pavilion and Ruchin Garg, regional manager, MENA, said the focus was on its new Combo materials processing system.

one. This is more a show where the equipment for the mining and quarrying sectors is specifically discussed.

So that makes it the show for us.”

The most popular CDE equipment in this edition is proving to be the new Combo, and Garg adds: “A lot of discussions are happening around developments in Saudi Arabia, which we see as promising. Phosphate is something on which we have a fair degree of expertise.

Here we met people form Jordan and KSA in this regard. Another specialty of ours is iron ore. People with low grade ore from the region have come to us for material processing and washing solutions”.

Gold mining is another segment from where CDE saw a lot of people, with prospective clients from Africa, where the company has a couple of plants, says Garg, adding: “As a company we always treat waste as a resource and in mining our focus is mainly on the mineral waste. Gold generates a lot of mineral waste.

We go in and tell customers how they can benefit from this waste, that it can now be treated as a product.”

Another exhibitor of note was Epiroc, the Swedish manufacturer of breakers, hammers and other mining and quarrying attachments. Ambe Che, director for the MENA region, says: “It’s a very good platform for us because we have met most of our key customers and discussed pertinent issues. And we also showcased some of our new hammers for the down-the-hole applications in our range, which is impressive. And we are getting into new fields and new markets, especially in Jordan and Saudi. It was great that we could meet with a couple of key players in those markets.

“We are showing off new models at this how.

They are the M6, M7 and M8. So, we are bringing in our M-series to this region for the down-the-hole hammers. Technically, these are our new hammers that offer better performance for our clients. In the next few months we will be promoting this new series here in the GCC and also in the MENA region as a whole.

We see a definite demand for it in this region.”

At specialist heavy mining and drilling equipment maker, Vermeer, infrastructure projects were the focus. Alain Gebran, area manager, Saudi Arabia, explains: “We manufacture heavy equipment mainly for infrastructure projects. It’s a very niche product range; our equipment range in the GCC consists of trenchers used for pipeline construction jobs and horizontal drilling machines which are used when you cannot open cut the ground or road, so you drill beneath it and pull the pipes. Our products find great use in applications such as laying small fibre optic and telecoms cables to electricity and going all the way to water, sewage and oil & gas pipelines - basically all infrastructure projects.

“Our customers are mainly contractors who pick up the government contracts and tenders. Some of the large projects in the GCC region where our machines can be found working are the Riyadh Metro project and installation of water pipelines in the Saudi capital.

In the UAE, the horizontal drilling machine is our most common machine. It is the one that installs pipes and cables without having to dig open the ground. In Saudi and Qatar the trencher is our most important machine.

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SHOW REPORT DECEMBER 2019

CDE COMBO

NEW MATERIAL PROCESSING CONCEPT CDE’s new Combo was among the most talked about plant and machines at the Mining Show. According to Ruchin Garg, a large number of enquiries at the CDE pavilion in the show was about the new Combo, which was launched by the company earlier this year at Bauma.

CDE says the new Combo is a game changer in the wet processing industry.

It is the world’s first all-inone wet processing plant that encompasses five processes - feeding, sizing, sand washing, stockpiling and complete integrated water management, which is a first for the industry and an important innovation to address a challenge faced by all customers of wet processing systems.

Sean Kerr, COO, CDE says: “The Combo is no ordinary machine but rather a technological response to the challenges faced by materials producers. It has been designed with a focus on transferring greater reliability and efficiency benefits to customers. Offering a turnkey solution that delivers unrivalled control of in-spec washed products from a wide range of feed materials the Combo can be used in the construction, C&D waste recycling, industrial sands, mining and environmental sectors.”

CDE says the Combo creates enhanced reliability and efficiency, offering rapid onsite setup, reduced start-up costs, the ability to process a wide range of feed materials both natural

sand and crushed rock, lower power consumption, a smaller footprint and easy accessibility for maintenance.

Pre-tested and pre-wired before dispatch, the Combo arrives on-site in a single unit ready to plug and play either as a standalone plant or as part of a larger turnkey solution. The plant is built for rapid assembly and set up and can start processing material within days of arrival onsite.

Also, as it sits on its own chassis, the Combo requires minimal civil and pipework, so operators can now easily relocate their plant across sites or to remote locations.

Its smaller footprint also makes it ideal for tight quarries in urban settings.

With all essential processes being housed onto one chassis, the Combo system operates as one interconnected and pre-assembled unit which incorporates an integrated control panel with one single point of operation.

Significantly, the Combo wet processing system can produce up to two in-spec products from natural sand or crushed rock turning what is often considered a waste by-product into a product that adds value to the business.

It’s an open cut machine for the installation of pipelines over long distances.”

Automation and digitisation were among the noticeable trends this year in the world of mining and quarrying, as they are in the general construction field. French mine automations provider Dassault Systems and Rockwell Automation were two of the prominent technology companies in attendance. Wael Jaber, senior sales representative, Middle East & Africa at Dassault, says: “We’ve been attending this event for the last five years and our presence in the region is increasing every year. We have a very strong client base in this region. This event for us is a must-attend to showcase our brand. This year was a bit different as the organisers changed the venue, so we find there is a little difference in the footfall and traffic. We met some clients and made some new leads, so it was good overall, but in terms of traffic I would say it was not as good as last year, perhaps due to the new venue or the flow of the event. But I do think it will be better next year once the exhibitors and attendees take this move in their stride.”

Over at Rockwell Automation, Mark Gilles, metals, mining and cement industry lead for EMEA, says he found a lot of variety in this edition of the Mining Show with very interesting topics under discussion.

“If you see how the event has grown compared to the first one, it’s quite fantastic.

So that means there is something happening in the region, and I appreciate coming here and meeting some very important and interesting customers for us. Of course you cannot ignore that there is a bit of a slowdown in the market at the moment, but that is not peculiar to this region, it’s global. We are not worried so much about it as we know that all slowdowns are phases that will pass sooner than later. The important thing is that there is interest in this market and optimism about its long-term prospects. There is knowledge and expertise here and that is making the region interesting as well as providing an indication of its prospects in the long run,” Gilles says.

“For us, product-wise, digitisation is the biggest thing at the moment Another important thing is job-site safety and securing networks. Protection of assets is yet another area in which we are seeing demand for our services and solutions.

For a mining operation, keeping production running continuously is very important. There can be no breakdowns or downtime, and the prevention of this is a prime area where we are seeing interest from prospective customers at this event.”

Continuing with the new technology

trend, Air6 Systems, an Austrian drone maker and surveyance solutions provider, was at the Mining Show displaying its new generation of drones, developed specifically for lighter, laser scanning applications.

“It can lift up to 10kg in the air and flying time is up to an hour. It is a durable and reliable product, and very efficient for its size,” says Alexander Fraess-Ehrfeld, CEO. “Our drones are used mainly in surveying but also in mining and construction, power lines and railway applications, and are among the top products in the market in their categories. We provide customers not only a

19

flying platform but also the sensors and data which can be ultimately used for his business.

“Construction is our most important sector, because wherever there is construction, there is surveying. When this is from the air, we provide the platform for it in terms of photogrammetry or laser scanning. We also have the facility to provide customers with a 3D model of the terrain, building, area or jobsite over the cloud. The customer has a digital twin of the location, buildings or city area which he then can use in any application he wants, such as for planning or for inspection of projects. Also, for monitoring progress at

Clockwise from top left, Rockwell Automation’s Mark Giles; the Dassault Systems team; Alexander FraessEhrfeld, CEO, Air6 Systems; the Epiroc and Vermeer teams, all agree on digitisation and tech aids as the future of mining.

jobs, whether in construction or open cast mining, our drones are extremely useful tools.

We also have ways to automise the monitoring through digital applications with our drones.”

The company sees a lot of potential in the Middle East and “that’s why we are at this event”, he adds. “This is our first participation in the Middle East in an event like this and our main objective is to test the waters. Our technology not only improves the data or the image a customer can generate by using drones, but we are also replacing traditional ways of doing the work. Drones are coming into their own on job-sites and are being introduced as

new technology in a lot of projects. In others they are replacing helicopters. which are very expensive. With a drone that fits into a box that’s 70 cubic centimetres, it’s a very compact solution and very efficient in terms of cost as well as power, because it is 100% battery and electric - an e-mobility device.

“We are displaying a model in this event that can carry 10kg. We also have bigger models with higher capacities, all with the same efficiency and functions. We do find that the mining and construction industry here is at a point where our technology can begin to get accepted and used.”

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LOGISTICS DECEMBER 2019

Swisslog has continued its global succes story in the Middle East with several outstanding warehousing automation solutions and projects, such as for the UAE’s Axiom Telecom recently.

“In the Middle East we are seeing more and more businesses considering or making investments in automated logistics, which is translating into increasingly advanced levels of digitisation and integration… The solution that delivers the necessary flexibility is automated robotics”

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AXIOMATIC PROJECTS

WITH THE MIDDLE EAST’S AUTOMATED MATERIALS HANDLING SECTOR EXPECTED TO REACH $498.5M BY 2023, ANGITHA PRADEEP SPEAKS TO SWISSLOG ABOUT ITS RECENT AUTOMATED WAREHOUSING PROJECTS, AND THE MACHINES AND SOLUTIONS REDUCING WORK TIME AND INCREASING PICKING ACCURACY

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arehouse automation is a hot topic in the Middle East, with the region’s automated materials handling equipment segment growing at a CAGR of 8.6% and expected to reach $498.5m by 2023, across the

full spectrum of industries.

Swisslog, a Swiss subsidiary of German robot manufacturer KUKA, is a well-known innovator in warehousing, intralogistics and supply chain solutions through automation. In the region, Mai Dubai and Almarai are among the first adopters of logistics automation solutions. Bottled water producer Mai Dubai is planning to implement a new six-aisle automated high-bay warehouse, and another high-bay warehouse with 17,560 pallet locations is also in the works, all fitted with Swisslog’s machines.

A few months back, Swisslog celebrated another accomplishment: Axiom Telcom, one of the region’s largest retailers in e-commerce and smartphones, had its new facility fitted with the company’s AutoStore solutions.

Swisslog’s solutions are designed to fulfil Axiom’s requirement of 25,000 deliveries and provide a compelling total cost of ownership.

Keeping this in mind, CMME talks to Alain Kaddoum, GM, Swisslog Middle East, to find

out how the company provided Axiom with an automated warehouse.

“In the Middle East we are seeing more and more businesses considering or making investments in automated logistics, which is translating into increasingly advanced levels of digitisation and integration. Industries like e-commerce, for example, are characterised by high levels of volatility which have caused e-commerce warehouses to think twice about traditional approaches to manage seasonal peaks. The solution that delivers the necessary flexibility is automated robotics,” says Kaddoum.

“Axiom approached us three years ago, when they had to move from their old warehouse to a new facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis; their priority for an automated warehouse included faster picking and denser storage. So we designed a storage solution for them with 12,500 bin locations, which is the storage capacity, nine robots to move the bins, and five ergonomic pick and repair stations.

We also provided them with ten gravity shipping lanes to ensure order consolidation for both store and home delivery.

“The ergonomic stations are connected via a conveyor system, so when the operator picks a box the robot will bring the box to the operator for inventory of goods, and then it will put that into another box, which will be driven on the conveyor belt to the shipping area. So this is a fully integrated storage, picking and sorting system.”

Kaddoum says AutoStore uses robots and bins to quickly process small parts orders and make better use of available space while being energyefficient, using just 0.1kW of energy per hour. That

22

LOGISTICS DECEMBER 2019

“The starting point always has to be the operations, depending on the kind of operations the client is looking for in terms of speed, height, type of systems, safety provisions – based on these decisions, we design the system and the kind of machines required” means six robots use the same amount of energy as a toaster.

He further explains the most important aspect of designing an automated warehouse.

“In my point of view, the starting point always has to be the operations, depending on the kind of operations the client is looking for in terms of speed, height, type of systems, safety provisions – based on these decisions, we design the system and the kind of machines required. By understanding and analysing clients’ data, we can also optimise

Swisslog used its AutoStore solution to design Axiom Telecom’s warehouse in Dubai, meeting the requirements for deliveries and providing a compelling total cost of ownership.

the performance of their operation,s since our solutions include consulting, concept studies, project implementation, customer service, technologies and software. Our portfolio ranges from the design of materials handling systems, through system integration, to comprehensive customer service.”

Kaddoum says that for Mai Dubai’s warehouse, Swisslog was involved at the design phase so that it could build the system – define the height of the machine and the number of machines.

“So the first step is to make the design. For that we do data analysis and then move on to performance calculations, materials flow and its calculations, and once this is done, the customer can award the project. After that we start the engineering phase, where we go into the details of the design, such as the number of sensors, motors, etc we need. This part doesn’t change the size or shape of the warehouse design.

“Once the detailed design is done, we start with production. Since every customer has different needs, we have unique designs but a standard module. Finally, once the design, engineering and production is completed we also have the capability to manage the project manager, the site manager, the commissioning team, the testing team and the installations parties that help us.”

Since it offers turnkey solutions, Swisslog is sometimes approached for consultancy, which includes preparing concept design, planning a project, preparing RFQ documents and being a solutions provider – after which the client will sometimes award the project to a competitor.

“We compete in a fair way and we try to give our best to the customer; however, our expertise is in machine handling. We are not a consultancy company, but we have this capability and that’s what makes us unique, but our core business is machine and logistical design.”

Kaddoum talks about Swisslog’s other automated warehouse solutions.

“One of our modular AGV-based storage and order picking systems is CarryPick,

23 where a swarm of mobile vehicles (KM600) developed by Swisslog and KUKA navigates via a grid to deliver mobile racks to workstations for picking. This reduces the travel path for workers and can fulfil up to 20 orders simultaneously. It is also adaptable to changing customer demands and has the option of expanding flexibly in line with growing volumes, by adding more vehicles.”

In terms of pallet technology, Swisslog has installed Vectura, its high-bay stacker crane system, in over 2,000 customer projects to date (see box). The PowerStore shuttle is another cost-efficient pallet technology system, says Kaddoum.

“Depending on the storage density and throughput requirements of a warehouse, it can handle one, two or more loads in single-, double-, triple- and multi-deep layouts, and is a rising system in pallet technology. A very good solution for the beverage industry, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola and other beverage companies have adopted it for its high density of storage and high throughput.

“For this technology, instead of having a crane drive into the aisle we have a bigger shuttle carrying individual shuttles on each level, so on each aisle there are multiple pallets coming out at the same time instead of one crane bringing one pallet. We have the capability to custom-make designs based on customer requirements.”

Apart from technology, he says Swisslog is also well-equipped to provide 24/7 after-sales service for customers in the Middle East.

“After we deliver the project, we advise the customer to have standard maintenance and

support, where we are available on call to the client 24/7 and have technicians available in the UAE for support. With more complex projects, we offer a systems operations team, where technicians and engineers are stationed on-site for maintenance, troubleshooting and supporting the customer.”

Swisslog also has its own SynQ software to transform big data into smart data, and a modular architecture that allows users to optimise their warehouse operations.

Kaddoum adds, “We have an option

AUTOMATED CRANE LANDMARK

VECTURA COMPLETES FIVE DECADES OF STACKING First built in 1969, Vectura is Swisslog’s automated storage and retrieval stacker crane system. It was introduced with a 10m hydraulic crane designed to store and retrieve pallets. Its fully automated version was released 10 years later, and today it can operate as high as 50m.

Vectura is installed for 575 logistics projects in 35 countries, with a total of 3,870 stacker cranes used by prominent firms such as Walmart, Target, Woolworth, Michelin Nordic, Gries Deco Company and Rewe, as well as leading UAE bottled water supplier Mai Dubai and dairy company Almarai in Saudi Arabia.

The Vectura system has three major core attributes: sustainability, plugand-play capability and reliability. Plugand-play means each Vectura crane is prewired, parameterised and tested prior to delivery, which speeds up installation and

commissioning at the customer site.

Vectura stacker cranes are also extremely energy-efficient, and perform equally well in temperatures as low as -30 degrees or as high as 50 degrees Celsius. They can handle one, two or more loads in single-, double-, triple- and multi-deep layouts, depending on storage density and throughput requirements.

Christian Baur, CEO of Swisslog, says: “In recent years, our company strategy has focused primarily on future-proof data-driven logistics solutions for the light goods sector, as well as robotics. At the same time, our pallet technology continues to play an important role. It’s the backbone of our company, and that won’t change.”

Alain Kaddoum (left), general manager, Swisslog Middle East, and Guy Dunkerley, group supply chain director, Axiom Telecom, with an AutoStore bot at Materials Handling Middle East.

called Condition Monitoring, as part of the SynQ software, where customer data is collected and analysed in our servers and we attack the anomalies. We also do preventive analysis, where we measure the frequency and adversity of the errors and decide if they can be planned for the next maintenance or if they are bottlenecks which need immediate intervention.”

He explains that through data analysis the firm is able to not only break the errors but also enhance the performance of the warehouse, by preventing material flow issues as well as by optimising design. Swisslog has centralised data centres for each region. The data centre for this region is in Switzerland, for accessibility from Europe and the Middle East. “However, locally we have mechanical controls and electrical technicians ready to intervene on-site as well as provide remote support for controls, and we are also backed up by the head office in Europe for any software support,” Kaddoum says.

A key business challenge is that while businesses here are aware of the benefits of automation and are keen to adopt it to improve operational efficiency and processes, less than half of them are actually actioning such a transformation. This is due to a difficult economic environment, compatibility issues and hesitation on account of cost.

However, consumers are setting the expectations for delivery. “Going forward, we will see newer and newer technologies coming into play to support all of the above trends and further disrupt the logistics industry,” Kaddoum signs off.

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SITE VISIT DECEMBER 2019

PRECAST CHALLENGE

CONCRETE SPECIALIST HPBS HELPED BUILD THE ARAB ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MARINE TRANSPORT CAMPUS IN KHORFAKKAN, SHARJAH, WITHIN 120 DAYS, MEETING A TOUGH ASK FOR SPEEDY DELIVERY OF BLOCKS PRE-CAST STRUCTURES TOTALLING 22,000 CUBIC METRES IN 120 DAYS. CMME LEARNS HOW THEY DID IT

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uly 2018 saw the issuing of an Emiri decree by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which established the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The decree stipulated the establishment of an academic institution in the east coast city of Khorfakkan, part of Sharjah. According to an MoU signed between the Sharjah Government and AASTMT, the new branch will qualify graduates specialised in various maritime transport sciences and technologies, in addition to international transport, logistics and maritime law. State-of-the art specialised education programmes will also be provided, a statement from AASTMT adds.

A regional university operated by the Arab League, the AASTMT runs programmes in marine transportation, business and engineering. As per a news report by WAM, the new branch will grant students bachelors’ degrees in applied and theoretical sciences.

Once the decree was issued, work on the development of the campus in Khorfakkan began rapidly, with the MoU stating that

the government of Sharjah will provide an appropriate plot of land and the necessary educational and administrative buildings, equipping them to the latest international standards. For its part, AASTMT will deliver the curricula, teaching materials and educational tools, as well as qualified academic, administrative and technical staff.

Also, part of the MoU was an agreed start date of September 2019, which meant the entire campus needed to be built from scratch and ready for operations within 120 days. This short timeframe didn’t leave the main contractor, UNEC, with many options when it came to getting the project built in time. Therefore, the UAE contractor turned to its long-time partner and supporter on several other projects to help get the job done – HPBS, a subsidiary of ASGC and one of the leading precast companies in the UAE. “To be honest, for us it was a sudden move. When we talked about the project at first, we considered it impossible to be done. To finish this volume of cubic metres of concrete within three months – we’re talking about 22,000 cubic metres – at the first meeting, we said ‘This cannot happen, it’s impossible’,” relates Bashar Abou-Mayaleh, managing director of HPBS. “However, we have a very good relationship with the main contractor, UNEC, a business

25 Initially, the HPBS team deemed the project to be an impossible challenge due to its size, scale and complexity, but made it happen with a redesign of the buildings after studying the plans.

“We had some special trailers for those elements that reached 23m, while there were a lot of hollow-core elements spanning 18m and 550mm thicknesses… We also had a fabrication truck equipped with a lot of new equipment, which was especially for this project due to it having many elements with curves – round columns, arches and so on”

26

SITE VISIT DECEMBER 2019

“It was very challenging. Half the people present at the table for that initial meeting were fascinated by the model itself – they were saying that this could not be done in precast” partnership if I may say. We have completed Instead, we thought about how we could three projects with them, and we currently optimise the project, and that’s how the have another three running. That’s how value engineering started. All the teams shared their comments, we discussed it in good our relationship with them is.

“Without even tendering the project a big workshop, including the production, or asking for quotations, they came to us design and transport limitations, then we directly and said, ‘We know that you are the started the project.”

As Abou-Mayaleh explains, HPBS only precast company that can do this job.

We know we can’t do it cast in-situ, which approached the project as a design and is the conventional method of concreting build contract, given the amount of rework required in order to ensure the company’s and doing buildings and structures’. “[Because of this relationship], we kept factory and production lines could create digging into it. It was very challenging. Half the precast segments as per the client’s the people present at the table for that initial requirements. The initial drawings revealed meeting were fascinated by the model itself several complexities in the design, with cladding over panels, several arches and – they were saying that this could not intricate designs, he says. be done in precast. But we kept “There are a lot of talking about it, discussing it, and after a few days of complexities, which studying the preliminary resulted in the draft of drawings – this was a one drawing for this d e design and build project project taking about c u d HPBS pro f o y il by us as well – we 20 times longer than a d e an averag to redesigned the buildings what a draftsman ts n e 50 elem t c would normally take for themselves,” he reveals. je ro p meet ts an average drawing. The While the architecture n e m e requir details are unbelievable,” he and concepts were kept the says, highlighting the arches same, the structural elements as one example, explaining that on were changed. Abou-Mayaleh explains that larger, thicker elements of the design this project, they’re so complex, they have were taken out, with lightweight and different radiuses.

“For this to be implemented through sustainable parts replacing them.

“The preliminary drawings for the project design and into production was something contained some parts that could not be new for us. These types of arches, you installed. They could not be lifted by our cannot do them in steel moulds, so we cranes, and it would not be feasible to bring had to use a mix between materials for in a 200- or 500-tonne crane for the project. some of the moulds.

50

According to HPBS, all stakeholders were extremely cooperative and collaborative during the construcion process, which was essential to the project’s success.

“We needed to have everything in place for this design. For the structural stability to be there, it’s not easy to do when you have to make everything lighter and with all these different shapes. Everything has to be 100% in place, and you have to think about details like the connections, which have to be hidden.

For other projects, you might not care as much, because you can carry out repairs and modifications, but for this one, everything had to be perfect. Everything required much more steel and much more reinforcement. I

27 think it was about 40% to 60% more than a normal reinforcement would require.

“This resulted in huge problems for us in production. More reinforcement meant more headaches, not only in terms of productivity but also of pouring the concrete and the vibrations that result in lower quality, which is something that’s forbidden for this project. Our design team faced a lot of these issues and really did a good job on this project,” he asserts.

In many ways, the success of HPBS on this project was down to the extensive use of construction technology on the project, Abou-Mayaleh says. Due to the high quality and speed demanded for the project, the company had to use all its technological resources. Not only did this include the use of physical assets, such as an automated Avermann system and a fabrication truck, but it also included the extensive use of BIM throughout the design process.

As Bahaa Ibrahim, GM – Technical, explains, the two main challenges the team faced were around design and time.

In addition to the buildings being extremely ornate and complex, there were also a large number of them – 12 in total – with each one distinctly designed.

“This project actually belongs to the Sharjah government and most of the buildings are related to the Arabic/Islamic style with many arches and huge openings and domes. The floor height is huge, up to seven metres, so everything really was very difficult.

“And we had several buildings, and we’re talking about difficulty in design for each one

of them, as each building is unique. There were design difficulties, untypical elements, and a huge number of elements. Everything was big – the concrete dimensions were huge for each one of them, and at the same time there was a time limitation. We started work in April and had to finish everything before September. Not only that, but we had other commitments and other clients and projects to consider.

“It was also Ramadan and 50% of the working hours were not there – it was half-

The HPBS team made extensive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on the project, which allowed them to eliminate mistakes and achieve an accuracy rate of 99%.

day mostly, and most of the people on-site were fasting. We had to deal with all these difficulties, but we had the full BIM process in the design department,” says Ibrahim.

“We are using REVIT; we have 3D models for each and every building. We could not resolve the design issues we talked about if we didn’t have this facility in the design department. When you have arches, door and window openings and other decorative elements coming in just in one piece, how can one person work on a 2D platform to imagine and realise this?

“The BIM process in the design department helped us a lot to imagine and reduce or eliminate the mistakes. When you have a fast-track job with difficult design, you can end up with several mistakes, which can be a disaster for the work on-site. By using Revit and applying our full BIM procedures, you can say that we eliminated mistakes and that there was a 99% accuracy rate.”

Another major challenge for the HPBS team was that they were the only party involved with the project that used a BIM platform. With the other stakeholders working in a more traditional way, the team had to transfer everything from 3D to 2D in order to communicate with the other project teams, which was a time-consuming process that hindered the pace of progress.

“For every job, you should have coordination between all aspects – architectural, structural, electro-mechanical, steel structure, etc. If you have all these stakeholders, they have to coordinate and sit together before any work is done. That

28

SITE VISIT DECEMBER 2019

was another issue because we had a shortage of time and we had to proceed.

“At the same time, the client sometimes made changes; while we’re going so fast onsite, we don’t even have time to review the drawings. You have to make sure everything is very accurate and correct from the beginning. [On a project like this], you don’t have time to change or to listen to someone who wants to change something, but how do you say no to the client? Irrespective of where the issue comes from, the client’s side or our side, it needs to be rectified. That means you have to stop everything, re-do it and then continue,” he says.

However, despite this drawback, Bashar Abou-Mayaleh praises the level of coordination and collaboration the various project stakeholders showed, with every member of the project displaying flexibility and adaptability in the face of tremendous odds.

“To be honest, UNEC trusted us a lot. They trusted our design team to even handle the coordination with the MEP. We pushed everyone involved with the project because we felt like this was our own project. Our design team pushed the MEP subcontractor, for example. They brought them to our headquarters, taught them how the REVIT system and BIM models work, so that we could all be in sync. This also saved time that we didn’t have. The project was really a learning experience for all of us.

“It’s a fast-track project, and I can tell you that UNEC was fully supportive. Whatever we asked, they would try and accommodate

IN FIGURES

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Total number of buildings: 12 Total precast elements used: 6,279 Total area: 71,350sqm Total duration of project: 120 days Date of handover: September 2019 Date of inauguration: October 2019

The many arches and intricate designs of the project posed significant challenges during the casting process, which were met with new equipment, such as a rolling machine.

and facilitate our requests. Many items were finalised after the project started – whether it was our scope or their scope, they were supportive and collaborative,” he asserts to CMME. This cooperation extended to UNEC providing space for HPBS to establish a stockyard on-site, for the precast manufacturer to create a laydown area that stored the cast elements to be installed, as well as the necessary equipment needed for the project, such as their cranes. In addition, a deployment plan was drawn up and executed for all the materials, machine and manpower used on the project, with the HPBS logistical team playing a crucial role in making sure the requirements of the project didn’t exceed the fleet’s limitations, Abou-Mayaleh adds.

“We had some special trailers for those elements that reached 23m, while there were a lot of hollow-core elements spanning 18m and 550mm thickness. We are the first company to create this, and we even made some modifications to the machines themselves [to create them]. We have become pioneers in the industry in terms of creating this 550mm thickness,” he states.

“We also had a fabrication truck equipped with a lot of new equipment, which was especially for this project due to it having many elements with curves – round columns, arches and so on. We even bought a rolling machine for this project, and the return on investment for this machine was reached and covered within 45 days, due to the complexity of the elements.”

With the AATSMT campus now due to be handed over and the university scheduled to commence classes imminently, AbouMayaleh can look back on a job well done by his team at HPBS. He proudly states that he believes this project is one of the most important ever done in the company’s history, given the scale, complexities and timeframes that had to be contended with.

“We are very happy we have succeeded in this project, and I’m proud of our fabrication teams. When you look at the moulds themselves, they’re pieces of art, honestly.

It’s the best marketing campaign that we have done – and not just for us, we have really elevated the precast industry with this project.

“The timelines and the complexities that have been tackled demonstrate HPBS’ capabilities to take on really complex projects and turn them around within the required timeframes and budgets, and to provide any support that we can give to developers in terms of design and build, with the technology that we have,” he concludes.

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

KNOW

36

32_NEW RELEASES The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

38_GAME CHANGERS Al-Bahar introduces Caterpillar’s new GC range of machines into the Middle East.

TOP 10: LEET TIPS FOR F NS OPERATIO

fleet s from your Boost return le some simp by keeping ps in operating ti mind.

44_RHINE WALL Bauer triple auger helps build wall to keep Rhine waters back.

32

NEW RELEASES DECEMBER 2019

NEW SENNEBOGEN HANDLER WITH ELECTRIC TRAVEL DRIVE WHY GET IT? LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION AND NOISE LEVELS, EFFICIENCY INCREASE OF UP TO 30% Sennebogen has developed a new electric drive version of its diesel hydraulic pick-and-carry material handler. The 735 E, which has been in field testing and was displayed as a prototype at Bauma, is slated to go into production by the end of this year.

Sennebogen’s 7 series machines, in demand globally in timber and allied material handling and pick-and-carry applications, have been designed to run continuously, said the manufacturer.

Electric solutions have not been possible so far, due to the long travelling distances involved in such applications. However, Sennebogen says it has come up with the first machine to fit the application with a new drive concept. All the work processes still operate hydraulically, driven by an efficient diesel engine, while the undercarriage travel drive is electric.

The 735 E was developed as a joint project with Bosch Rexroth, a long-term partner of Sennebogen in drive and application technology for material handlers.

While the two companies collaborated to develop the electric travel drive, the system solution itself is based on Bosch Rexroth components. It is being jointly developed into a marketable product, and will be launched by Sennebogen under the name Green Efficiency Drive. The 735 E pick-and-carry material handler will be the first machine to contain the series production technology for electric travel.

The 735 E can switch continuously between acceleration, braking and driving under load, which also provides options for improving the use of the available energy. The new drive concept consists of two electric drive engines in the undercarriage, supplied with power by a generator operated by a diesel engine.

In addition to the increased efficiency and lower consumption of the design, the development team also managed to achieve a reduction in noise levels, along with improved dynamic drive and braking, in the pilot production. Initial applications saw efficiency increases of up to 30% compared to the previously used dieselhydraulic drive. The machine has already been very convincing in field tests, says Sennebogen, when it was used over a long period in the yard of a Bavarian saw mill.

KATO INTRODUCES NEW RTC WHY GET IT? IMPROVED CABIN AND CONTROLS, ECO MODE TO OPTIMISE ENGINE SPEED FOR ACTIVITY Japanese mobile crane specialist Kato has launched a new rough terrain crane with a 51t capacity at a 2.5m radius. The SR-500LX is ready for delivery with its 42m, fiv- section telescopic boom. It has a telescopic luffing jib of 9.4-13.7m. Called EJib, it can be used with the main boom at any length.

The SR-500LX boasts a capacity of 4.2t with its main boom set at 72 degrees, which gives it a maximum lifting height of 57.1m.

The jib can be offset between 5 and 60 degrees, and the crane’s outriggers can be set at four positions, from a fully retracted 2.48m up to a spread of 7m fully extended.

The crane is powered by a 7.5 litre Mitsubishi 6M60-TL straight six diesel engine with electronically controlled common rail fuel injection. It develops 200kW of maximum power, and maximum torque is 785Nm at 1,400rpm.

According to Kato, the SR-500LX also has improvements in its cab and controls over its previous versions. A touchscreen allows monitoring and adjustment, while an Eco switch function optimises engine speed according to requirements for the crane’s activity. Data logging is included and the new ACS moment limiter keeps capacity within a safety margin, allowing working range limits to be set.

For road travel the SR-500LX is 2.9m wide and 12.76m long, including the boom overhang at the front. Its height is 3.88m and the gross vehicle weight is given as 37.075t.

SPECIFICATIONS

KATO SR-500LX Capacity: 51t Boom length: 42m Max lift height: 57.1m Max torque: 785Nm

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CAT LAUNCHES NEW UNDERGROUND MINING TRUCK WHY GET IT? FUEL-EFFICIENT, IMPROVED EMISSIONS FOR BETTER UNDERGROUND AIR QUALITY, AND THREE-PASS COMPANION TO POPULAR CAT LOADER The new Cat AD45 underground mining truck has a payload of 45t and is designed as a perfect three-pass match to the Cat R1700 underground loader, says Caterpillar.

The manufacturer will start shipping new AD45 trucks to customers in early 2020.

The AD45 is powered by the proven and fuel-efficient Cat C18 engine, which has six cylinders and is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled to produce 589hp in standard configuration and 598hp in EU Stage V compliant form.

The Cat Clean Emissions Module limits both particulate matter and NOx to near zero, and the AD45 is certified to meet the highest emissions requirements for underground mines. The module uses selective catalytic reduction with diesel exhaust fluid injection and a diesel particulate filter. The engine and emissions module are proven in millions of hours of operation, says Cat. Two additional emissions packages are available for the AD45. One has emissions equivalent to Stage IIIA and Tier 3. The second is Caterpillar’s Ventilation Reduction System, which incorporates modified engine hardware and software, as well as the optional use of a flow-through diesel particulate filter for improved underground air quality.

The Cat mechanical drive powertrain and power shift transmission provide superior

operating efficiency and control on steep grades, in poor underfoot conditions, and on haul roads and drives with high rolling resistance. The Cat seven-speed planetary power shift transmission is matched with the direct-injection C18 engine to deliver constant power over a wide range of operating speeds.

The AD45 also features serviceability improvements, which include easy access for cleaning chassis-mounted transmission and hydraulic oil coolers. The emissions control system automatically cleans the particulate filter without affecting machine operation, and the diesel exhaust fluid tank is sized for refill when refuelling.

Two rear-facing cameras feed a display in the cab and effectively expand the operator’s view. The cameras especially aid the operator when positioning the truck for loading. The payload monitoring system features an external display to help the loader operator optimise loads.

SPECIFICATIONS

CAT AD45 Payload: 45t Engine: 6-cylinder, turbo Engine power: 589hp standard Transmission: 7-speed

34

NEW RELEASES DECEMBER 2019

SKYJACK RT SCISSORS RAISE EXPECTATIONS WHY GET IT? INCREASED WORKING HEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES, FASTER FUNCTION SPEEDS AND ROUGH TERRAIN ABILITY Powered access manufacturer Skyjack has introduced a new series of rough terrain scissor lifts, with the SJ9253 RT as its largest scissor lift to date. The model has a working height of 17.98m and is the first model in Skyjack’s new full-size rough terrain range. This new range replaces Skyjack’s existing 88” and 92” models and consists of the SJ9233, SJ9243, SJ9253 and SJ9263 RT.

“The decision to move forward with a new larger rough terrain range is twofold – improve the specifications and performance of our existing models while also mitigating the cost impact of the new ANSI/CSA standards,” says Corey Connolly, product manager at Skyjack. “We’ve enhanced our full size models but kept Skyjack’s philosophy of simple reliability in the design. Features like our AXLDRIVETM four-wheel drive system and easily accessible service components are still standard in our new rough terrain models.

“Similar to what we did with our DC scissor lifts, we looked at what changes needed to happen to meet ANSI compliance, and dug further to see how we can make these more beneficial for our customers,” Connolly says.

“We’re increasing the number of job-sites these machines can be used on, while also lowering our customers’ overall cost of ownership.”

SANDVIK LAUNCHES NEW ROCK BOLTER WHY GET IT? ENHANCED CABIN AND LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP DUE TO MODULAR DESIGN Sandvik has launched its latest rock bolter, the DS512i, for underground mining operations in 5m by 5m headings. The Swedish mining and rock technology giant says the rig was developed based on a modularised concept and designed specifically for tunnelling and mining operations. Among the factors reducing its cost of ownership is a high level of parts commonality with its predecessor, the Sandvik DT922i.

The new DS512i is equipped with a new carrier, a high frequency rock drill, a control

system and an enhanced cabin, giving it improved levels of safety and efficiency, according to Sandvik. The manufacturer also said the new rig offers penetration rates that are 35% higher than on its predecessor, and features an upgraded bolting head with different bolt lengths and an eightrock bolt carousel, allowing the installation of bolts from 1.6cm to 6m in length.

Further enhancing the rock reinforcement process is an automatic resin-shooting and cement-mixing system, while the bolting head movement also sports standard assistive and automatic features. The DS512i can carry a cement silo weighing 1.2t and delivers increased meshing as well as hole angle

measurement and a boom manipulator.

The new DS512i’s cab has full FOPS/ROPS features and reduced noise, vibration and dust levels. It also has up to 55% greater visibility than the previous model. The machine also has a high level of automation with two packages on offer, Silver and Gold.

SPECIFICATIONS

SANDVIK DS512I Bolt capacity: 1.6cm-6m Cement silo weight: 1.2t Improvement in penetration: 35% Visibility improvement: 55%

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TOP TEN DECEMBER 2019

01

DO YOUR HOMEWORK A buying decision needs to be based on thorough research. Be sure the model you’re looking to add to your fleet is the best machine for the application you have in mind. Check out the options, and pay close attention to parts and support availability.

02

BUY USED CAREFULLY An oil test on machines at auctions or sale sites when buying second-hand will reveal whether there is excessive wear and tear of the internal parts.

Second-hand machines should preferably be bought only after checking the service history. A regular service history indicates a well looked-after machine which will have lower overhead costs.

: N E T P TO E L B A T I F O R P R O F TIPS S N O I T A R E P O T E E T A ND E E FL L F R U YO NS FROM T UR EEPING K Y B S BOOST RE S E G BUSIN N I T C A R T MIND N CON I S P I T G RATIN SOME OPE

03

BRAND FOR THE BUCK While it pays to go with a brand that has a track record in the region, you can also benefit from a new and untested one – as long as you negotiate a suitable sales price compensation for a lesserrecognised machine that may not have as high a resale value.

SPARE PARTS Y IT ment AVAILABoIL for equip

ossible, g parts.

Wherever p ility of spare b ila a v a sy vailable, with ea re readily a a s rt a p t a but also Check th distributor e th m o fr y supply not only s. This read e rc u so r e en your from oth wntime wh o d e th e c u nd not will red g for parts a in it a w is e ing used machin . When buy y e n o m g ported earnin it is still sup t a th k c e h kit, c r that it ufacturer o by the man a p neric rts. can use ge

04

37

05

06

BRAND HOMOGENEITY A single brand or model across each segment of machinery offers advantages, such as improved service workshop familiarity with the machine, and helps you more accurately gauge when a major overhaul is needed. Spare parts availability is also easier from a single source. Add the benefit of being able to sell your used fleet and buy in new from one seller under the various buy-back or replacement schemes available, and you see how larger single-brand volumes can be a better deal.

DATA MONITORING Systems that provide data on the condition of your equipment and monitor component performance will flag up any underperforming bits and allow you to replace them before overall operation is affected. Telematics systems and oil tests which reveal the presence of wear are among the ways to provide these timely stitches.

08

MAINTAIN RECORDS Accurate records of service intervals, major overhauls and work hours tell you when a machine is at its next interval and let you calculate the profitability of individual machines. If a machine reports frequent breakdowns or requires replacement of parts often, then it is not pulling its weight and is best jettisoned.

SELL WISELY AYND DEARoLptimum time

ing the to get Understand enables you e in h c a m a e with little to sell it. A machin r fo e lu a v t will not the best left to extrac e lif e c n a arket that perform lue in the m a v d o o g e k. You can get th balance boo icing r u o y st o o can b y serv etter price b also get a b ear or l a f extern w o ir a p re d n a d repainting damage, an g. before sellin

09

NO IDLE TIME Operators sitting in idling machines are a huge drag on fleet efficiency. A telematics system can profile individual operators, who can then be trained to reduce idle time as required.

07 10

SIGN SERVICE CONTRACTS A long-term service contract often ensures smoother operation if up-time and optimal performance are key factors in your fleet’s profitability. A service contract with a recognised provider of technical expertise can reduce on-the-job breakdowns and guarantee continuous operation.

38

COVER STORY DECEMBER 2019

GAME CHANGERS AS AL-BAHAR OFFICIALLY FLAGS OFF CATERPILLAR’S NEW GC MACHINES IN THE MIDDLE EAST MARKET, CMME GETS AN INSIGHT INTO THE THOUGHT THAT WENT BEHIND THE DESIGN AND INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW RANGE AND HOW IT WILL CONSOLIDATE CAT’S POSITION FURTHER IN THE MARKET

I

n a corner of Sharjah in the UAE, an event took place on the premises of Mohamed Abdul Rahman Al-Bahar the Cat dealer in the GCC countries (except KSA) - last month that was low key when it came to being ceremonious but was hugely important in its ramifications: The official launch of Caterpillar’s new GC series of machines in the Middle East region.

While there were no laser and sound and light shows to usher in the new models, basking under the Arabian morning sun were two models – the 330 GC excavator and the 950 GC wheel loader – that can truly said to be “game changers” for Cat in the region.

So what is it that makes the new introductions so important and such game changers? To answer that question was present the Al-Bahar team which led the attendees of the launch event through the presentations and walkarounds of the features and benefits of the new machine. The team comprised Samer Ismail, Product Manager, Earthmoving and Excavation; Mohammad Daas,

39 The first two models in Cat’s new GC range of machines introduced in the Middle East by AlBahar last month are the 330 GC excavator and 950 GC wheel loader.

“The Caterpillar philosophy has always been to look at the long-term for the customer. We are offering him a competitive advantage and the features that add up to this are lower fuel consumption, higher productivity, durability and reliability”

40

COVER STORY DECEMBER 2019

330 GC EXCAVATOR

INNOVATION DIGS DEEP The new Cat 330 GC is a smart choice for operations where high reliability and low-cost-per-hour performance are priorities. It offers the ideal balance of dependable performance, operator productivity features, and reduced costs.

Setting the standards, 330 GC lowers maintenance costs with extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals.

The precise combination of larger hydraulic pumps, an electronic main control valve, and electronically controlled cooling fans in 330 GC allows it to deliver top performance while burning less fuel. Additionally, it is equipped with two modes to help manage fuel

consumption for your specific applications. The new Smart Mode automatically matches engine speed and hydraulic power to demand for the highest fuel efficiency in any application. Other highlights of 330 GC include ISO-Certified Rops Cab, all-around visibility, Touchscreen Monitor, Keyless Push Start, fewer connections, less hose and ground-level daily maintenance.

Taking CMME on a walk around of the machine, Mohammad Daas, segment sales manager, Key Accounts, says: “Safety is one of the most important features both Cat and Al-Bahar consider when designing a new machine. On the new 330GC we have incorporated safety features such as enhanced visibility for the operator from the cab.

Usually, the fuel tank blocks the operator’s view to his right, not only on the

older Cat machines but also on our competitors’.

But due to the fuel tank redesign the right-side visibility, which is very important for the operator in loading operations, has now been enhanced greatly.”

Great attention has also been paid to ease of inspection and maintenance. For any task that requires anyone to climb on top of the machine, every access point is designed so that there are the important three points of contact for safety. Developing the priority on safety further, Cat offers a built-in rear view camera as standard on the 330 GC. “Certain component and design changes have been made that directly lead to a reduction in the maintenance costs in this new model. All systems and functions

that are alike have been consolidated separately in one place. So the entire cooling system can be found by opening one hatch, all the hydraulics are found together elsewhere, the electrical systems and machine fluids are bunched together in another location and the air and other filters are stacked together in their own compartment - this bundling and segregation dramatically improves access for checks, maintenance and service and contributes very significantly to raising productivity, improving machine availability and lowering downtime,” Daas explains.

“Together, the new features make it possible to arrive at the figures that the GC range boasts of: 10% lower fuel consumption and 20% reduction in maintenance costs.

41 Segment Sales Manager, Key Accounts; and Shahul Hameed, Marketing Manager.

To explain the significance of the new GC range, Ismail takes us back to the beginning of the range’s story.

“What we as the Cat-Al-Bahar combination do before we launch or invest in any new product is that we collect the voice of the customer. This is a priority for us. We listen carefully to what our customers would like on the machines they operate. We collect a large amount of data on that, which we deliver to the engineering team at Caterpillar for them to design a machine that can do the job for the customers as per their stated needs.

“In keeping with this philosophy, both the 950 GC and 330 GC are models that have been tailored to customer requirements after we did our research on what those requirements were and obtained the feedback from our customers,” Ismail says.

Explaining the methodology further, he adds: “We collected data on what our customers would like based on their feedback on the changes they wanted to see on our exiting model ranges. Some of those changes that the data indicated were specific bucket capacities and cycle times for the hydraulic systems, a particular power rating for the engines, a need for the machine to have a standard level of durability and reliability that they are used to from Cat, particular undercarriage lengths and machine widths in case of excavators along with stability, and support for a wide range of attachments on the machines.

“The Cat engineering department then got to work to design and build a machine that can achieve the parameters as outlined by our customers.”

Collating the feedback data, it was clear that customers were asking for machines that were easy to own and operate and yet powerful and efficient in the range of light to medium duty applications. And this is the segment that the GC machines have been designed for.

“For the normal Cat machines that we had in our range, customer would have ended up investing a lot more but would not have got to utilise many of the advanced tech features on those machines,” Ismail states.

So, does this mean that the new GC range is merely a stripped-down version of the other technology rich Cat machines?

Not at all, Ismail points out.

“The GC is another separate standard for us in the market. This is because the GC machines do not have any real difference

SPECIFICATIONS

CAT 330 GC EXCAVATOR Weight class: 30t Engine & power: Cat C7.1, 157.8kW Boom reach: 6.15m Stick reach: 3.2m Bucket capacity: 1.60m3 Max digging depth: 7260mm Bucket digging force: 177kN

Samer Ismail, product manager, Earthmoving and Excavation, at Al-Bahar, says the new Cat GC range of machines were designed based on the “voice of the customer” and data collated from it.

from an engineering point of view when compared to Cat’s other models. The GC machines can do all kinds of jobs that the others can and address all sorts of customer needs. Any customer can buy this machine without any complication or restriction,” he says.

“The GC machines’ hallmark is durability, reliability and quality. When opting for the GC machines, customers get the same standard on all the models in the range as in other Caterpillar equipment. The customers’ expectation from the product is that it will last for years and can do their jobs perfectly, as well as with more productivity.”

But even while keeping the core Cat values, features and expectations in mind for the GC range, a focus in its development was lowering cost for the customer. The GC range has been designed to have low ownership and operating costs. And in order to do this, some significant steps have been taken in the design and build.

“One of the ideas that Cat came up with is to standardise the engine on the GC models. For example, in this size class the 950 and 330 - all models have one engine, the Cat C7.1. This will lower the cost of the product range and will also help the customer because he will find it easier to maintain the units as it obviates the need to stock various different parts and find people trained to work on various engine types when it comes to repair and maintenance. Another common aspect in the GC range is the hydraulics. It has the

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same Cat standard hydraulics as on other Caterpillar models,” explains Ismail.

He attributes the ‘Game Changer’ description for these machines to their offering “the opportunity to move more material in less time, at a lower cost per ton, for a faster return on equipment investment”.

He elaborates: “They are simply economical with an attractive total cost of ownership. Built as per the Cat production system standards, they are best-in-class machines and come with the standard Cat brand promise of durability and reliability.

“Bringing along the new standard, the GC machines are ideal for those looking for machines that are simple, durable, fuel competitive and easy to use. Moreover, with the extensive support of Al-Bahar’s network and services with Cat Genuine Parts, the GC models promise new opportunities to optimise businesses. In other words, these machines are easy to own, operate, and service.

“Customer value comes first at AlBahar and Caterpillar. Having considered our customers’ requirements, we found that some of our existing customers wanted simple fuel-efficient machines, which would minimise their owning and operating costs. With the objective of meeting our customers’ expectations, we have introduced the GC range, including machines that offer high performance and are supported by Al-Bahar. Our customers are aware there will be no compromise on the quality and after-sales support.”

SPECIFICATIONS

CAT 950 GC WHEEL LOADER The Cat GC range of machines has been conceptualised to burn less fuel and return higher productivity while also being competitive on price, says Al-Bahar.

Operating weight: 18.6t Engine and power: Cat C7.1, 151kW Bucket capacities: 2.5m3 to 4.4m3 Breakout force: 147kN Gears: 4 forward, 3 reverse Speeds: 34km/h forward, 22km/h reverse Lift arm clearance: 3649mm

Reiterating the Cat brand promise, Shahul Hameed adds: “Cat’s positioning has always been as a brand that can give the best cost per hour to customers. The best owning and operating cost is their foundational pitch. And they’ve always found a way to do this when it comes to technology and R&D implementation.

“When it comes to the technology part of it, not all applications necessarily demand high levels of tech implementation or adaptation. So, with the GC they have introduced a range with a different philosophy compared to machines with the latest tech features while retaining all other aspects of the original classic machines which were always durable and reliable.

They’ve included technology wherever it can contribute towards improving the fuel efficiency and reducing the operating cost but on the other hand they’ve maintained the core performance machines where performance is the prime requirement. In essence, Cat has customised the product to meet the application requirement.”

Summing up the new Cat GC range and the philosophy behind it, Ismail concludes: “The GC range has been conceptualised to still be a step ahead of the competition. It can do the same jobs burning less fuel and returning higher productivity while also being very competitive on price.

“The Caterpillar philosophy has always been to look at the long-term for the customer and make the most positive difference we can to his total cost of ownership. We are offering him a competitive advantage and the features that add up to this are lower fuel consumption, higher productivity, durability and reliability and such others.

We have lots of features in the GC range which put us ahead of the competition in this category.

“The GC range will comprise a full ensemble of products, including wheel loaders, excavators, graders and dozers.

We are starting the roll out of the GC range now with the 330 GC excavator and the 950 GC wheel loader. The plan is to keep adding further models to the range regularly between now and 2023. By then we will have the full GC range available in the market.

“We believe the GC products will help us a lot to gain more market share. Today we are already the market leader in the region in the segments that the GC is designed for, and with the introduction of the range we are now poised to improve that figure further.”

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950 GC WHEEL LOADER

LOADED WITH FEATURES According to Al-Bahar, the Cat 950 GC wheel loader is a complete new design leveraging proven Cat components and technology to meet customer needs. Reliable performance, low fuel consumption and ease of operation are the main attributes of the machine, which is purpose-built for everyday jobs.

The 950 GC comes with performance series buckets, Z-bar linkage for better bucket loading and load sensing hydraulics for better balance. Powered by the Cat C7.1 engine it has an Engine Idle Management System to minimises fuel consumption. Load sensing hydraulics produce flow and pressure for the implement system upon demand and

only in amounts necessary to perform the needed work functions.

Samer Ismail explains: “The 950 GC is the machine of choice for a customer who doesn’t need all the technology and options that goes with the Cat 950L, instead is looking for a easy to use machine with lower acquisition costs. It is a very heavy-duty machine and it works well for applications in our region.

“Designed for quarries, sandand gravel pits, coal operation and construction job-sites, the 950 GC is also an exceptional choice for governmental bids, offering agencies a well-designed, durable machine that fits the budget.”

Explaining the features of the machine, Daas adds: “The bucket is a very important part of this machine. It is Cat’s patented Performance Series bucket, which is at the top of the range among all competitors.

I call this a magic bucket. The Performance Series buckets have three features: a longer floor, contoured and inclined sidebars, and a wider opening.

“The longer floor allows operators to penetrate the material easily and in less time, allowing him to lift more material at one go. The bucket on this machine allows for a 110% fill factor, no matter the operator’s skill levels. Even a new operator will be helped by the bucket’s design to pick up more material and so improve operating efficiency for the customer.

“The sidebars on the bucket help in this aspect, allowing retention of more material. In load-and-carry operations, where the operator has to fill the bucket and move, say, around 20m to dump the material somewhere else, the sidebars again

protect the loaded material from spillage.

There is also a similar guard at the back of the bucket to prevent spillage from the rear.”

Some other noteworthy features improve the machine’s cycle time and therefore its efficiency. The Kick-out option helps the operator to set a bucket height needed to be reached for loading a truck or dumper. Once the height is set, all he needs to do is push the lever in his console only once and the bucket will lift the load to the set height and tip it into the truck.

The Return-to-dig feature operates at the other end of the bucket’s loading arc. With it he can set the lower limit that the bucket will be allowed to come to and when the bucket is lowered it will come to rest at that very position all at the single press of the joystick.

“The GC machines’ hallmark is durability, reliability and quality… customers get the same standard on all the models in the range as in other Caterpillar equipment”

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